https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-153-Finally-Acquires-the-Spirit-Artifact-Qiankun-Yiqi-Dai/13688321/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-155-The-Cultivation-Genius-Abandoned-by-His-Era/13688323/
Chapter 154: Royal Bloodline, the Cloth-Clothed Youth's Warning
"Master Yan Canghai respectfully greets Lu Xiao Langjun."
The middle-aged man with Dan Feng Yan eyes stepped forward, a smile on his face, yet immediately revealed Lu Qing’s identity with a single sentence.
At that moment, Lu Qing’s vision shimmered with incoming information.
Amid a thick red glow, several lines of text appeared before him:
【Yan Canghai: Cang County Magistrate, Royal Bloodline, temperament carefree and unruly, indifferent to trivialities, intensely curious.】
【Cultivation: Full Post-Natal Internal Organs Stage, Master of Multiple Secret Techniques, especially skilled in swordsmanship.】
【Formerly a royal scion, exiled from the capital after prying into forbidden matters due to excessive curiosity.】
So this was the de facto ruler of the county town.
After reading the details, Lu Qing understood.
He hadn’t expected the man’s background to be so layered—indeed, a member of the royal family.
"Is it because of the ruffians on Market Street that you came looking for me?" Lu Qing asked, unfazed by the man’s knowledge of his whereabouts.
As the county magistrate, if he lacked even basic intelligence-gathering ability, he’d be utterly useless.
"No, that Chen Wen Cai has been abusing his position on Market Street, extorting the people. I’ve already verified the facts. There’s no need for Lu Xiao Langjun to worry," Yan Canghai replied.
"Oh? Then how did the County Magistrate deal with him?" Lu Qing asked curiously.
"Imprisonment for one year, confiscation of all property, and expulsion from the city upon release."
Lu Qing nodded. He wasn’t familiar with the laws of this world, so he couldn’t judge whether the punishment was severe or not—so he said nothing.
"But I’ve heard," Lu Qing continued, "that Chen Wen Cai was able to act with such impunity on Market Street only because of his younger brother-in-law, Wang Yi, who serves in the County Magistrate’s Residence and shielded him. What did you do about him?"
Yan Canghai hesitated slightly before answering:
"Wang Yi has served faithfully for years, has earned his keep through diligent work. He was unaware of Chen Wen Cai’s crimes—using his name to defraud the people. Given his long service and lack of intent, I only deducted three months’ salary as a warning."
Lu Qing smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
He didn’t comment on whether the punishment was fair.
"Since you’ve already uncovered the truth, I assume there’s no further matter between us. I’ll take my leave now."
Lu Qing bowed slightly, preparing to leave with Xiao Yan in his arms.
Yan Canghai quickly called out:
"Lu Xiao Langjun, I’ve prepared a meal at Yan Feng Lou—would you care to grace me with your presence?"
Yan Feng Lou—the most luxurious and prestigious inn in the county town.
"Thank you for the kind invitation, but I’ve already eaten, and I’ve been out quite long. I wouldn’t want my Master to worry. I must return to pay my respects. I regretfully decline," Lu Qing said, politely refusing.
He turned and walked slowly toward the Wei Family Residence, holding Xiao Yan close.
Only Yan Canghai remained behind, expression tinged with disappointment.
"Zhi Rui," he suddenly said once Lu Qing’s figure vanished down the street, "why did he refuse my invitation?"
A figure materialized beside him—calm-faced, composed—the Cloth-Clothed Youth.
"Because he dislikes you."
"Dislike me? I haven’t offended him in any way," Yan Canghai said, surprised.
"He already lost respect for you the moment he heard how you handled Wang Yi," the Cloth-Clothed Youth replied flatly.
"What’s wrong with my decision?"
"Yan Canghai, ask yourself—do you truly believe Wang Yi’s claim? That he genuinely didn’t know Chen Wen Cai was using his name to cheat people?"
The Cloth-Clothed Youth looked at him with faint mockery:
"If you actually believe that, then you’ve regressed in the years since your exile."
Yan Canghai fell silent.
After a long pause, he said:
"Wang Yi is talented. With only a basic combat technique from the Magistrate’s Residence, he reached Qi Xue Jing Full in just a few years. Given more resources, he might one day achieve complete bone and flesh refinement, even enter the Nei Fu Jing."
"I know," Yan Canghai admitted, "I have no one else to rely on."
"So you’re pretending ignorance to give him a chance?" The Cloth-Clothed Youth shook his head. "Yan Canghai, you’ve truly disappointed me."
"I thought being exiled to this remote Cang County would sober you up. Instead, you’ve grown even more delusional."
"A mere Qi Xue Jing Full cultivator—enough to make you abandon your own principles? If this is your mindset, how dare you dream of returning to the capital, reclaiming what was yours?"
"Yan Canghai, when did your resolve become so narrow?"
Hearing this, Yan Canghai shuddered. His face paled instantly.
The Cloth-Clothed Youth watched, disappointment deepening.
He turned away.
"If Lu Xiao Langjun dislikes you, I advise you to stay clear of him. Don’t be fooled by his gentle face. I can tell—he carries a killer’s intent. Cross him, and you may not walk away."
Lu Qing had no idea what had passed after he left.
As he returned to the Wei Family Residence with Xiao Yan and Xiao Li, he saw Wei Xinghe and Wei Fu Ren stepping out from the courtyard.
"Lu Xiao Langjun, Xiao Yan, you’re back! Did you have a good time?" Wei Fu Ren greeted them with delight.
"Decent," Lu Qing smiled. "The city is indeed very different from our village. So many sights, so much to see."
"Auntie! We went everywhere, ate so many things, and bought books!" Xiao Yan chimed in, beaming.
Lu Qing had warned her earlier not to mention anything about Market Street.
"Did you buy books, Lu Xiao Langjun?" Wei Xinghe noticed the stack of books in Lu Qing’s hand.
"Yes. In our village, books are rare. I usually teach Xiao Yan and the others to read using Master’s medical texts. Since we were in town, I thought it’d be good to get some books back—broaden their horizons."
"Xiao Yan’s learning to read?" Wei Fu Ren looked surprised.
"Yes! I know lots of words!" Xiao Yan proudly declared. "Not just me—Xiao Li knows them too!"
Wei Xinghe and Wei Fu Ren were stunned.
Their gazes shifted to Xiao Li—now lying on Lu Qing’s shoulder, eyes still closed.
A Black Little Beast who could read?
But Xiao Li, ever reserved toward strangers, didn’t even open her eyes. It simply curled up and pretended to sleep.
Wei Xinghe masked his astonishment, then said to Lu Qing:
"Since you’re so fond of books, our family does have a modest collection. If you’re interested, feel free to browse our study. See if there’s anything you’d like."
Lu Qing’s heart stirred.
Books preserved by the Wei Family Residence wouldn’t be ordinary. They might even contain the very information he sought.
He nodded with gratitude:
"Then I thank the Home Master for your generosity."
They chatted a while longer. Lu Qing learned that Wei Da Zong Guan was still at Ma’s house, and Master had been invited by Wei Shanhai to discuss insights into Xian Tian Martial Arts.
Wei Fu Ren also invited Xiao Yan and Xiao Li to play in the backyard.
With nothing pressing, Lu Qing excused himself and returned to his room.
Once inside, he closed the door behind him, then finally pulled out the items he’d gathered today.
(End of Chapter)
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