Chapter 148: Shock and Awe, Wei Xinghe's Plan

"There's no need to be alarmed, everyone. I was just practicing this morning and made a slight breakthrough; it wasn't an external threat."

Wei Daguanzhu, the chief steward, and several Silver Moon Guard commanders had rushed over upon sensing the powerful aura emanating from Lu Qing's breakthrough.

"Ah, it was just Young Master Lu practicing his martial arts. Nothing to worry about, you may all stand down," Wei Daguanzhu said upon arriving in the courtyard and hearing Lu Qing's explanation.

"Yes, sir!"

The Silver Moon Guard commanders replied in unison. However, the look in their eyes as they glanced at Lu Qing was one of even greater reverence.

Just the day before, outside the city, Lu Qing had single-handedly defeated a Martial Arts Master at the pinnacle of the Internal Organs realm, right before their very eyes.

And now, he had broken through once more—just how powerful had he become?

What's more, after a whole night of spreading the news, the Silver Moon Guards had come to learn of Lu Qing's identity. Many of them had seen Lu Qing when they went to protect the young master at the halfway point up the mountain months ago.

Back then, he had only been a Qi and Blood realm warrior, and yet in just a short span of time, he had grown strong enough to defeat even a Martial Arts Master. And now, he had broken through yet again.

The Silver Moon Guard commanders were truly astounded by Lu Qing's progress.

Wei Daguanzhu was equally astonished, but he managed to maintain his composure, knowing that Lu Qing had spent time with the Ancestor the day before, studying a precious artifact.

"Young Master Lu is truly a martial arts prodigy. Compared to you, my decades of cultivation are hardly worth mentioning," Wei Daguanzhu said with a smile after the Silver Moon Guard commanders had left.

"You flatter me, Chief Steward Wei. I was just lucky, that's all," Lu Qing replied humbly.

Wei Daguanzhu smiled, understanding that Lu Qing was merely being modest.

"Since Young Master Lu is up, I shall go and have the servants prepare breakfast. Please join us for the morning meal in the dining hall later," Wei Daguanzhu said.

"Of course, thank you, Chief Steward," Lu Qing replied.

After Wei Daguanzhu left, Lu Qing went to wake Xiao Yan and Xiao Li before paying his respects to his master in the adjacent room.

The old doctor was already awake. He had been roused by Lu Qing's breakthrough but had chosen to wait for the others to leave before getting out of bed.

"So, you've broken through?" the old doctor asked with a smile as Lu Qing entered.

He was well aware of his disciple's progress.

"Yes, Master. I had refined my Qi and Blood realm cultivation to its limit, so I decided to push forward and break through," Lu Qing replied.

"Your cultivation speed is truly astonishing, Ah Qing. You're not even sixteen yet, are you?" the old doctor asked.

"I'll be sixteen after the New Year," Lu Qing confirmed.

"Not yet sixteen..."

Even though the old doctor had witnessed Lu Qing's progress first-hand, he still found the youth's age hard to believe.

A sixteen-year-old Internal Organs realm warrior—such an achievement was surely a rarity, even in the bustling and talent-rich Central Plains.

Moreover, he knew that Lu Qing had only started his martial arts journey a few months ago.

And given Lu Qing's talent, the old doctor was certain that the Internal Organs realm would not hold him for long.

It wouldn't be surprising if, in just a few years, Lu Qing broke through the barriers and entered the Innate realm.

By then, he would only be in his early twenties at most.

A twenty-year-old Innate realm grandmaster...

The thought sent shivers down the old doctor's spine.

If Lu Qing could indeed reach that stage, he would undoubtedly be a legend in the history of martial arts.

"Master, Chief Steward Wei mentioned that breakfast is almost ready. He invited us to join them shortly," Lu Qing said, unaware of the old doctor's inner turmoil.

"Alright, I'll be there shortly," the old doctor replied, having regained his composure.

As Lu Qing and the others were freshening up, in another courtyard, Wei Xinghe had just finished hearing a report from the chief steward.

"So, it was indeed Young Master Lu who broke through," Wei Xinghe said, his face filled with awe.

He, too, had sensed Lu Qing's breakthrough earlier and had a hunch that it was Lu Qing. That was why he hadn't gone to investigate.

Now, hearing the chief steward's report, he knew his guess had been correct.

"Ah Hai, if I recall correctly, when you first met Young Master Lu, he was still in the Qi and Blood realm, wasn't he?" Wei Xinghe asked.

"Yes, Lord. When Young Master was injured, I went to protect him. Young Master Lu had only recently entered the Qi and Blood realm at that time," the chief steward replied respectfully.

"And now, in just this short span of time, Young Master Zi'an's health has barely recovered, and Young Master Lu has already broken through to the Internal Organs realm. His combat power is such that even a pinnacle Martial Arts Master is no match for him. Just how is Young Master Lu cultivating?" Wei Xinghe wondered aloud.

Chapter: A Father's Surprise

"Incredible!" Wei Xinghe exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"A genius like Young Master Lu cannot be judged by conventional standards," Wei Daguanzhu said. "Take those renowned young talents from Zhongzhou, for example; even they are incomprehensible to others, are they not?"

"But the problem is, even those young talents from Zhongzhou would pale in comparison to Lu Xiao Langjun, like fireflies before the sun. They wouldn't be worth mentioning," Wei Xinghe marveled.

Wei Daguanzhu fell silent for a moment. Indeed, those celebrated young geniuses from Zhongzhou were extraordinary.

Yet, compared to Lu Qing, the gap was more than significant.

A sixteen-year-old Internal Organs realm warrior, who could defeat a true Martial Arts Master with his bare hands while still in the Muscle and Bone realm—such an achievement was truly breathtaking.

"Furthermore, that Chen Lao Da Xianshi (Old Doctor Chen) is equally unfathomable. You know, after he examined that treasure yesterday, the Ancestor's countenance turned somewhat hazy. It was only when I went to pay my respects that I discovered he had been awed by the old doctor's skill. He said that even though both of them were at the Innate realm, the disparity between them was astronomical," Wei Daguanzhu carried on.

"Old Doctor Chen and Lu Xiao Langjun, master and disciple, are both true prodigies!" Wei Xinghe exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.

After his exclamation, Wei Xinghe, too, fell into a thoughtful silence, both master and servant quietly savoring the impact of Lu Qing's achievements.

"Father, you're awake!" Just then, a cheerful voice broke the silence.

Wei Xinghe turned his head, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Zi'an, it's unusual to see you up so early."

"I've been getting up early to practice lately. Didn't Mother tell you?" Wei Zi'an replied, dressed in exercise attire, his face flushed and forehead glistening with sweat, clear signs that he had just finished a rigorous training session.

A spark of warmth lit up Wei Xinghe's eyes as he smiled and said, "Your mother did mention something last night about your recent adventures in the mountains. She said you've been diligent in your training, following Master Ma's instructions to practice early each morning, isn't that right?"

"Yes!" Wei Zi'an nodded vigorously, a hint of eagerness in his voice as he added, "And I recently learned a new staff technique from Lu Xiaodai Fu (Little Doctor Lu). Want to see me practice it now?"

"Oh, is it the staff technique taught by Lu Xiao Langjun?" Wei Xinghe's interest was piqued as he recalled what his wife had shared the night before. "Then, by all means, show me."

"Young Master, would you mind if I observed as well?" Wei Daguanzhu asked, his curiosity equally piqued.

"Not at all, not at all, Uncle Hai. Your skills are so impressive; you can help me see if I'm doing anything wrong," Wei Zi'an said excitedly.

Wei Xinghe and Wei Daguanzhu exchanged a glance, both having noticed a distinct change in Wei Zi'an's demeanor. The young man before them was much more cheerful and polite than he used to be.

"Father, I'll begin now," Wei Zi'an announced, gripping a long staff in his hand and taking a stance in the center of the courtyard.

The staff was one of the many weapons stored in the mansion, and the simple wooden staff he had brought back from the mountains was now carefully stowed away, cherished for its special significance.

"Very well," Wei Xinghe said, his eyes shining with satisfaction as he beheld his youngest son, vibrant and full of life.

Wei Zi'an took a deep breath, adjusting his breath before suddenly unleashing a flurry of staff strikes, each movement fluid and graceful, forming a beautiful and intricate routine.

Initially, Wei Xinghe watched with a smile, but as the routine progressed, a look of surprise crept into his eyes, a sentiment shared by Wei Daguanzhu standing beside him.

Before long, Wei Zi'an reached the conclusion of the routine, his staff held steady, his body motionless, his breathing calm as he gradually settled his posture.

The solemn expression on his face caused Wei Xinghe to stare at him in a daze; it was the first time he had seen his youngest son approach martial arts with such seriousness.

"Father, Uncle Hai, how was it? How did I do with the staff technique?" Wei Zi'an asked eagerly, his eyes shining with anticipation as he waited for their assessment.

"It was excellent, truly excellent, Zi'an. You've genuinely surprised me this time," Wei Xinghe said, his words carrying a sincerity that went beyond mere paternal encouragement.

The staff technique Wei Zi'an had just demonstrated was indeed impressive—the routine was well-structured, the moves were executed with precision, and the strength behind each strike was evident, a testament to the young man's dedicated practice.

"The technique is superb, and the moves are exquisite, Young Master. Your staff technique is exceptional, even among those in the Qi and Blood realm. You are a rare talent," Wei Daguanzhu praised, his eyes reflecting his admiration.

"Thank you, Father and Uncle Hai, for your compliments!" Wei Zi'an beamed, his face alight with joy. All his diligent training had been leading up to this moment—to earn his father's approval.

Chapter: A Father's Surprise

"Incredible!" Wei Xinghe exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with delight.

"A genius like Young Master Lu cannot be judged by conventional standards," Wei Daguanzhu said. "Take those renowned young talents from Zhongzhou, for example. Even they are incomprehensible to others, are they not?"

"But the problem is, even those young talents from Zhongzhou would pale in comparison to Lu Qing, like fireflies before the sun. They wouldn't be worth mentioning," Wei Xinghe marveled.

Wei Daguanzhu fell silent for a moment, acknowledging the truth in his master's words. Indeed, those celebrated young geniuses from Zhongzhou were extraordinary, but compared to Lu Qing, the gap was significant.

A sixteen-year-old Internal Organs realm warrior, capable of defeating a true Martial Arts Master with his bare hands while still in the Muscle and Bone realm—such an achievement defied belief.

"Furthermore, that Chen Lao Da Xianshi (Old Doctor Chen) is equally unfathomable. After examining that treasure yesterday, the Ancestor was left awe-struck. It was only when I paid my respects that I learned he had been impressed by the old doctor's skill. He said that despite both of them being at the Innate realm, the disparity between their strengths was astronomical," Wei Daguanzhu continued.

"Old Doctor Chen and Lu Qing, master and disciple, are both true prodigies!" Wei Xinghe exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.

After a moment of stunned silence, Wei Xinghe fell into deep thought, both master and servant quietly contemplating the full extent of Lu Qing's achievements.

"Father, you're awake!" A cheerful voice suddenly broke the silence.

Wei Xinghe turned his head, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Zi'an, it's unusual to see you up so early."

"I've been getting up early for practice lately. Didn't Mother tell you?" Wei Zi'an replied, dressed in exercise attire, his face flushed and forehead glistening with sweat—clear signs that he had just finished a rigorous training session.

A spark of warmth lit up Wei Xinghe's eyes as he smiled and said, "Your mother did mention last night that you've been adventuring in the mountains lately. She said you've been diligent in your training, following Master Ma's instructions to practice early each morning, isn't that right?"

"Yes!" Wei Zi'an nodded vigorously, a hint of eagerness in his voice as he added, "And I recently learned a new staff technique from Lu Qing. Want to see me practice it now?"

"Oh, is it the staff technique taught by Lu Qing?" Wei Xinghe's interest was piqued as he recalled what his wife had shared the night before. "Then, by all means, show me."

"Young Master, would you mind if I observed as well?" Wei Daguanzhu asked, his curiosity equally aroused.

"Not at all, Uncle Hai. Your skills are impressive; you can help me see if I'm doing anything wrong," Wei Zi'an said excitedly.

Wei Xinghe and Wei Daguanzhu exchanged a glance, both noticing a distinct change in Wei Zi'an's demeanor. The young man before them was much more cheerful and respectful than he used to be.

"Father, I'll begin now," Wei Zi'an announced, gripping a long staff in his hand and taking a stance in the center of the courtyard.

The staff was one of the many weapons stored in the mansion, and the simple wooden staff he had brought back from the mountains was now carefully stowed away, cherished for its special significance.

"Very well," Wei Xinghe said, his eyes shining with satisfaction as he beheld his youngest son, vibrant and full of life.

Wei Zi'an took a deep breath, adjusting his breath before suddenly unleashing a flurry of staff strikes. Each movement was fluid and graceful, forming a beautiful and intricate routine.

Initially, Wei Xinghe watched with a smile, but as the routine progressed, a look of surprise crept into his eyes—a sentiment shared by Wei Daguanzhu, who stood beside him.

Before long, Wei Zi'an reached the conclusion of the routine, his staff held steady, his body motionless, and his breathing calm as he gradually settled his posture.

The solemn expression on his face caused Wei Xinghe to stare at him in a daze; it was the first time he had seen his youngest son approach martial arts with such seriousness.

"Father, Uncle Hai, how was it? How did I do with the staff technique?" Wei Zi'an asked eagerly, his eyes shining with anticipation as he waited for their assessment.

"It was excellent, truly excellent, Zi'an. You've genuinely surprised me this time," Wei Xinghe said, his words carrying a sincerity that went beyond mere paternal encouragement.

The staff technique Wei Zi'an had just demonstrated was impressive—the routine was well-structured, the moves were executed with precision, and the strength behind each strike was evident, a testament to the young man's dedicated practice.

"The technique is superb, and the moves are exquisite, Young Master. Your staff technique is exceptional, even among those in the Qi and Blood realm. You are a rare talent," Wei Daguanzhu praised, his eyes reflecting his admiration.

"Thank you, Father and Uncle Hai, for your compliments!" Wei Zi'an beamed, his face alight with joy. All his diligent training had been leading up to this moment—to earn his father's approval.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end