https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-199-Power-Assessment-First-Arrival-at-Zhou-Fu-Cheng/13688375/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-201-One-Arrow-Shatters-the-Coffin-Drives-Her-Mad/13688377/
Chapter 200: Sacrifice Brings Reward, Desire to Enjoy the Blessings of Ten Thousand People
"Not bad for a Zhou Fu Cheng."
Lu Qing couldn't help but sigh in admiration as he took in the bustling scene before him—endless streams of people, the air thick with energy and noise. Compared to a mere county town, this city was not just ten times more prosperous—it was in a league of its own.
After a moment of awe, Lu Qing began to stroll, though his aim was far from aimless.
After spending a few copper coins to support a few small vendors, he soon gathered the information he sought.
"You mean Zheng Fu?" the candied hawthorn seller asked cheerfully after Lu Qing bought two skewers. "It’s in the western district—right where the biggest noble families live. Young man, you’re here to pay respects to Zheng Er Gongzi for the reward money, aren’t you?"
"Paying respects?" Lu Qing feigned confusion. "No, no. I just heard Zheng Family is the greatest clan in Zhou Fu Cheng. I came to see it for myself."
"So you’re a cultivator, then?" the vendor suddenly realized. "But you’re not in luck—Zheng Er Gongzi was murdered by villains just a few days ago. The funeral’s still ongoing. They won’t have time to entertain visitors. But if you’re here to mourn, you’re welcome to enter. Zheng Fu has declared that anyone from the city who comes to pay respects and pray for Zheng Er Gongzi will receive one hundred cash in Shang Yin. I went yesterday—knelt a few times, and they handed me the money right there."
"Such a generous reward? Then I’ll join them too."
Seeing the vendor’s beaming face, Lu Qing feigned delight.
Once he left the stall, however, his expression grew cold. A faint smirk curled at the corner of his lips.
"Let ten thousand people pray for him? That scum doesn’t even deserve such honor."
Following the vendor’s directions, Lu Qing arrived at the western district in no time.
The moment he stepped into the area, he noticed the difference.
While other parts of the city buzzed with life, this quarter was quiet—almost solemn. Yet the buildings were far grander, their scale immense. Massive estates, each sprawling across acres, clearly the homes of true aristocrats.
After a quick glance, Lu Qing identified Zheng Fu instantly.
Only one residence bore the heavy curtains of white mourning, and from within came the mournful sound of funeral chants.
He approached slowly, observing as he walked.
Along the way, he passed many ordinary citizens leaving Zheng Fu, their faces bright with quiet joy—clearly those who had just received their Shang Yin.
As he moved, Lu Qing studied the surroundings.
Finally, his gaze settled on a tall, towering structure rising in the heart of the city.
"Stop right there. What’s your business?"
At the gates of Zheng Fu, two guards blocked his path.
"I am Lin An, from Ji Zhou, traveling through Cang Zhou. I heard of Zheng Er Gongzi’s tragic death and was deeply moved. I wish to pay my respects inside. May I enter?"
Lu Qing spoke smoothly, crafting an identity on the spot.
"Ahh, the young hero Lin An! Since you’ve come to mourn the second master, you’re welcome to enter."
The guards scanned him up and down. Though his face was unremarkable, he could feel the faint pulse of Qi energy—clearly a Qi Cultivation Master at the peak of his cultivation.
They had no reason to doubt him.
After all, this had happened countless times before.
Zheng Family was a household name across Cang Zhou.
Dozens, even hundreds, came daily hoping to gain favor.
Normally, someone of Lu Qing’s low cultivation wouldn’t be allowed in.
But these days, the Ancestor had issued a decree: No one who comes to mourn shall be turned away.
She wanted her Yu Er to be honored by the masses, to be bathed in blessings, to gather virtue—so that even in death, she might enjoy endless glory.
And so Zheng Family obeyed without hesitation.
To make sure the people came, they even offered coin to encourage participation.
Thus, Lu Qing passed through the gates without resistance.
Following the guidance of a servant, he reached the Ling Tang—the hall of mourning.
Inside, a long line of people stood, waiting to pay their respects. Most wore simple clothes—clearly commoners, all here for the reward.
While waiting his turn, Lu Qing casually observed the scene.
The most striking feature was the enormous coffin placed at the center.
Made of some exotic wood, inlaid with gold and jade, it was a spectacle of extravagance.
It was clear Zheng Family wanted Zheng Yu to enjoy wealth even in the afterlife.
Near the coffin, several powerful auras hovered in the shadows—guards, no doubt, posted to protect it.
But Lu Qing wasn’t focused on them.
His gaze was locked on the figure seated beside the coffin.
An old woman, her body frail, skin wrinkled like ancient bark, sitting motionless with a blank expression.
She looked weak, almost fragile.
Yet Lu Qing sensed something beneath—something vast and terrifying.
That must be the Zheng Lao Tai Po, he thought silently.
Without a sound, he activated his Abilities, discreetly probing her.
A faint golden glow shimmered from her body, and several words floated into the air.
Lu Qing read them silently.
Then, his eyelids lowered. He stopped watching.
The presence of a Xian Tian Jing-level cultivator was unmistakable—even with his Qi concealed, lingering too long on her would have given him away.
But as he lowered his head, the words lingered in his mind.
His eyes flickered with cold fury.
This old hag… deserves nothing less than death.
"Cheng Zhu Fu, Wang Zong Guan arrives!"
Just then, a voice rang out through the hall.
The mourners stirred. Even the old woman—her expressionless face—twitched slightly. Her eyes flickered with surprise.
Moments later, a middle-aged man in plain cloth robes stepped forward.
His face was square, his posture straight, radiating calm authority.
He bowed deeply before the old woman.
"Zheng Lao Tai, I come on behalf of the City Lord, representing Cheng Zhu Fu, to pay my respects to Zheng Er Gongzi."
"Thank you, City Lord. Your kindness is remembered."
The old woman spoke softly.
A servant brought forward the incense. The man bowed, lit the incense, and placed it into the stand.
Then he stepped forward again and bowed.
"Zheng Lao Tai, the City Lord has a few words for you. May I speak with you in private?"
The old woman studied him for several breaths.
Then, slowly, she nodded.
"Very well. Come with me."
Now’s my chance.
Lu Qing’s heart stirred.
As the old woman and the man left the Ling Tang, he quietly slipped out.
He had come only to verify Zheng Lao Tai Po’s strength and condition.
He had no intention of honoring Zheng Yu—no, not even in spirit.
Outside, Lu Qing walked openly toward the gate.
The guards didn’t stop him.
To them, someone like Lu Qing was lucky just to be allowed inside.
They couldn’t imagine he’d only circled the hall and slipped out.
Stepping beyond the gates, he didn’t stop.
He walked straight to the tall tower he had spotted earlier.
The tower, a scenic landmark of Zhou Fu Cheng, stood closed and locked.
No one was inside.
But that posed no obstacle to Lu Qing.
With a slight shift of his feet, he leapt lightly—three, four, five quick bounds—until he stood atop the tower’s peak.
"Ah, the view is magnificent. Perfect vantage point."
Standing at over thirty meters high, the entire western district unfolded beneath him like a map.
Even more conveniently, the tower faced Zheng Fu—just a few hundred meters away.
After admiring the view, Lu Qing’s gaze returned to the mansion.
His expression hardened.
With a subtle motion of his mind, a long bow materialized in his hands.
(End of Chapter)
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