https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-148-Shock-After-Shock-Wei-Xinghe-s-Plans/13688316/
Chapter 149: Wei Zian's Request, Scaling the Wall
“An Er… you’re saying the Wei Family wants to hold a grand initiation ceremony for you?” Ma Gu stammered, stunned.
“That’s right, Master,” Wei Zian nodded vigorously. “My father said the initiation ceremony back in the mountains was too simple—no proper Initiation Gift even! It was far too undignified for you, Master. So he’s determined to give you a proper ceremony, to make up for it!”
“This… this… what kind of honor is this for me, Ma Gu?” Ma Gu was utterly flabbergasted. He never expected the Wei Family to go this far.
To be honest, ever since returning to the County Town, he’d been wrestling with how to handle his relationship with Wei Zian. He knew his own limits. Honestly, he didn’t believe he had the qualifications to be Wei Zian’s true Master. The Wei Family boasted numerous martial masters—any one of them would far surpass his current Jin Gu Jing level.
How could he, Ma Gu, possibly be the Master of Young Master An of the Wei Family? The idea would be laughed out of town.
Beyond the fear of being accused of seeking fame, what truly worried him was the risk of holding back Wei Zian’s martial progress. He knew full well he could teach the boy very little. With Wei Zian’s prodigious talent, it wouldn’t take long before he caught up—perhaps even surpassed—him. Then, Ma Gu would be even less fit to be his Master.
Yet ever since arriving at the Wei Family Residence, everyone had treated him with utmost respect, fully recognizing him as Wei Zian’s Master. He’d never found the chance to speak up.
Now, hearing Wei Zian say the Wei Family intended to hold a grand ceremony in his honor only deepened Ma Gu’s unease.
“An Er… maybe you should talk to the Head of the Wei Family and tell them not to hold the ceremony after all?” After long hesitation, Ma Gu finally said.
“Why, Master?” Wei Zian looked genuinely confused.
“The main reason is that your Master’s cultivation level is too low to carry such a grand event. I’m afraid it would only embarrass you in front of everyone,” Ma Gu sighed. “I truly feel unworthy. There are many people in the family far stronger than me—far more deserving to be your Master.”
Given the Wei Family’s prestige in the County Town, a grand ceremony would inevitably invite important guests from other powerful families. The thought of so many martial experts attending made Ma Gu’s heart sink.
“But I only want you as my Master!” Wei Zian said earnestly. “Master, it was only when you first reprimanded me that I truly began to understand things.”
“I know you meant well, Master. I understand the Yin Yue Wei commanders are powerful, but they’re too focused on my status. They only praise me, never truly guide me. They never point out my flaws—just keep me satisfied. In the past, I might’ve enjoyed that. I always thought martial training was hard, and their leniency suited me just fine.
“But after everything we’ve been through, I’ve come to realize something: in this world, everything can be faked—only strength cannot. Without power, you’re at the mercy of others. You can’t even protect the people you care about.
“I know I’m naturally lazy and easily distracted. To truly achieve something, I need someone strict, someone who’ll push me. The commanders can’t do that. Only you, Master, truly care for me. You never let me slack off. So please… don’t abandon me. Please continue to guide and train me.”
Wei Zian was naturally sharp-witted. It was only the overwhelming protection of the Wei Family’s status that had made him complacent—until now. The attack by the Tian Cang Sect shattered that illusion. He’d learned, firsthand, that even the most powerful family could be reduced to dust before true strength.
The past days of flight and survival had opened his eyes to truths he’d never considered. At the city gate, he’d witnessed Lu Qing’s clash with the Kuiwu Dahan, felt the overwhelming aura of the Ancestor meeting Wang Cangyi, and seen Old Doctor’s single decisive move that turned the tide.
He’d been shaken to his core. From that moment, he’d made a vow: he wanted power—real, personal power. Even if he could never reach the level of Lu Qing or the others, he just wanted to come close.
Looking at Wei Zian’s solemn expression, Ma Gu felt a strange daze. He never imagined his once-arrogant, feared Young Master An would say such words. The boy who once terrified everyone in the County Town… had truly grown.
“Master… please say yes,” Wei Zian pleaded again, his eyes filled with quiet desperation.
Ma Gu stared at him, lost in thought. After a long silence, he suddenly smiled, a light and easy expression.
“Alright. If you’ve made up your mind this firmly, then I’d be unkind to refuse.”
“You’ll accept? I’ll go tell Mother right away—she’ll help me prepare my Initiation Gift!” Wei Zian’s face lit up. Bowing hastily to Ma Gu, he dashed toward the door.
Ma Gu nearly called out, but the words stuck in his throat. His hand hovered mid-air for a moment before he finally chuckled and shook his head.
Fine. A man of honor keeps his word. What was one ceremony compared to the danger of being chased through the mountains?
Once he’d settled his mind, Ma Gu relaxed. So when Wei Xinghe brought up the matter during breakfast, he responded with calm composure.
“Leave the decision to you, Head of the Wei Family. But since this is a major matter, I’ll need to inform my own clan first.”
“Of course. I’ll send someone with a formal invitation to visit them personally,” Wei Xinghe said.
“No, no—absolutely not,” Ma Gu quickly objected. “Your status is too high. If you personally visit, it will cause unnecessary speculation throughout the city.”
Wei Xinghe was no ordinary man. If he showed up at someone’s door, the County Magistrate’s Residence might interpret it as a provocation. Unlike the Wei Family, they were cautious around the mysterious County Magistrate. They had to consider how he might react.
Wei Xinghe paused, then nodded. “Then let A Hai carry the invitation. He can represent me.”
“Perfect,” Ma Gu said, finally letting out a breath of relief. It was ideal—Wei Da Zong Guan was the family’s most visible representative.
“Ma Ye, are you leaving?” Lu Qing suddenly spoke up while eating.
“Lu Xiao Langjun is also going out?” Wei Xinghe asked.
“Yes. It’s rare to be in the County Town. I’d like to take Xiao Yan around, see what the city has to offer.”
Lu Qing had long been curious about the world beyond the mountains. Now that he was here, he wanted to explore—perhaps uncover some information he needed.
“I’ll have someone show you around the city,” Wei Xinghe offered immediately.
“No need,” Lu Qing smiled. “I’ll just take Xiao Yan and Xiao Li for a walk. I prefer to see things on my own. Having someone following us would only make it feel awkward.”
Wei Xinghe opened his mouth to protest, but then paused. Lu Qing’s strength was beyond question. No one in the city could threaten him—no one could stop him even if he wanted to storm the County Magistrate’s Residence. So he let it go.
Wei Zian had wanted to join, but a sharp glare from Wei Fu Ren silenced him.
By the time breakfast ended, Lu Qing was ready to leave. He had Xiao Yan in his arms and Xiao Li perched on his shoulder.
Old Doctor, however, wasn’t interested in wandering. When he heard Wei Xinghe mention rare medical classics in the family’s library, his eyes lit up instantly. He immediately asked to borrow them.
“Lu Xiao Langjun, this is The Lady of the Wei Family’s gift—some silver for your expenses in the city. If it runs short, just mention the Wei Family Residence. Someone will settle the bill. No need to worry.”
Before leaving, Wei Da Zong Guan handed Lu Qing a small pouch.
Lu Qing glanced inside. It contained several gold ingots, loose silver coins, and several Silver Vouchers. The total was substantial.
He smiled and accepted it without hesitation. “I understand. Please thank The Lady of the Wei Family for me.”
“Ma Ye, I’m off,” Lu Qing said, waving as he stepped out.
He’d originally planned to go with Ma Gu, but when he saw the dozens of servants carrying massive crates—no doubt filled with gifts and preparations—he decided it was too much trouble. He’d rather go on his own.
Outside the courtyard, Lu Qing didn’t head straight for the main gate. He knew full well the entire Wei Family Residence was under constant surveillance. That was one of the reasons he’d avoided going with Ma Gu.
He didn’t want to stroll through the city like a spectacle—like a show for the eyes of the curious.
Instead, he found a quiet, secluded stretch of wall within the estate. After signaling subtly to a nearby Yin Yue Wei guard, he leapt over with effortless grace.
The guard stared, expressionless. After a long moment of silence, he finally snapped to attention and hurried off to report to the Grand Manager.
(End of Chapter)
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