https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-54-Returning-to-Big-Market-the-Noble-Youth-in-Fine-Attire/13688193/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-56-Seeking-to-Acquire-a-War-Blade/13688195/
Chapter 55: The Noble of the City, Ma Gu's Shock
“Ma Gu, what is that? How can people possibly eat such vile meat?”
The noble少年 in fine robes turned pale, pointing at the meat stall with a voice sharp with disgust.
Especially the pig offal displayed on the counter—its faint, pungent scent wafted through the air, making him nearly gag.
Ma Gu followed the boy’s finger, spotting the pork stall, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
At that moment, the entire Big Market was utterly silent.
The meat vendor, a burly man, stood frozen in terror, his sturdy frame trembling slightly, nearly wanting to crawl under the counter in fear.
This noble youth clearly came from the city—someone of high rank.
Even Ma Ye had to bow to him, so how could a mere country butcher hope to withstand such a visitor?
“Wei Shao Ye,” Ma Gu smiled nervously, “this is a humble countryside market. The common folk here can’t afford finer fare.”
“You’re of noble blood—naturally, such filth would be beneath your eyes. Let us move on. I’ve already had the residence prepared. You may settle in at once.”
“Hurry up, please! I’m afraid I’ll faint if we stay here any longer!”
The noble少年 clamped a hand over his nose, face twisted in revulsion, and hurried forward.
Ma Gu hurried after him.
The few guards accompanying the boy said nothing throughout—no expression changed, not even a flicker of emotion.
Only after the noble party had vanished into the distance did the people of the Big Market slowly begin to stir again.
Lu Qing emerged from the crowd, watching the direction the noble had taken.
That young man was clearly a city noble—his aura alone spoke volumes.
This was Lu Qing’s first encounter with such a figure, and indeed, the man carried himself with immense presence.
Even his guards were intimidating—each one radiated strength.
Lu Qing hadn’t used his Abilities to probe their true strength, but he could feel it: every one of them was far stronger than he was.
At least one of them was likely a Jin Gu Jing-level warrior.
He wondered just who this boy was—what kind of family could afford so many Jin Gu Jing bodyguards?
He’d been hoping to make contact with Ma Gu earlier, but now that opportunity had slipped away.
So Lu Qing simply shouldered his bamboo basket and began shopping.
The household’s rice, flour, and meat had nearly run out. Today, he intended to buy extra.
Salt wasn’t an issue—his master had brought back a large bag the last time he’d visited the city. Even with heavy use, it would last until next year.
As Lu Qing happily stocked up, on the other side of town, Ma Gu stepped out of the residence, his face grim.
He hadn’t expected the young master of the Wei family to suddenly appear in this remote village.
And worse—had to greet him with a smile.
If word got back to the clan that he’d failed to properly welcome a Wei heir, he’d be finished.
But the Wei youth was infamous for his arrogance and difficult nature.
If it weren’t absolutely necessary, Ma Gu would’ve avoided such a troublemaker like the plague.
Pleasing him brought no reward. Failing to please him? That meant endless trouble.
And worst of all—if anything happened to the boy while staying under his roof, even the clan wouldn’t be able to protect him.
Still, he had no choice.
All he could do was pray the boy would find what he sought and leave quickly.
The longer he stayed, the more Ma Gu would live in dread.
With a heavy heart, he headed toward the Big Market.
He needed to deal with the situation—those selling chickens, ducks, and pork should be kept away for now.
If the delicate noble youth caught wind of their presence again, who knew what might happen?
Arriving at the market, Ma Gu headed straight for the pork stall.
The fat vendor there had always been respectful to him—this would be a good time to let him rest.
“Little master, take a look—today’s pork is especially good. Pick the cut you like, and I’ll give you a better price,” the vendor called out, already slicing a piece.
Ma Gu paused. That was odd. The man was usually stingy—never gave an extra ounce, never cut more than asked. Why was he offering a discount today?
Then he saw the figure standing before the stall: a young man with a bamboo basket over his shoulder, bent over the meat, selecting carefully.
The silhouette looked familiar, but Ma Gu couldn’t place him.
Just as he was puzzling over it, the boy straightened up and pointed at the largest piece on display.
“Boss, I’ll take that one—the biggest piece.”
That’s when Ma Gu saw the boy’s profile.
Recognition struck like lightning.
It was the same boy from last month—the one who’d claimed to be a disciple of Chen Laodaifu!
Seeing Lu Qing, Ma Gu remembered everything.
Over a month ago, this boy had come to the Big Market, buying up a large amount of goods, claiming he was a student of the famed Chen Laodaifu.
Later, Ma Gu had sent someone to investigate Jiu Li Village—and confirmed the truth.
The boy was indeed a real disciple of Chen Laodaifu.
It had stirred Ma Gu’s curiosity, and he’d even begun planning ways to build a connection with him.
But after that one visit, Lu Qing had vanished—never returning.
All Ma Gu’s preparations had gone to waste.
And with his status, he couldn’t just go knocking on the door of Jiu Li Village.
That would make his intentions obvious.
He’d thought the chance was lost—until now, Lu Qing had returned.
Ma Gu’s heart leapt with hope.
For a moment, the anxiety over the Wei youth vanished.
He stepped forward and said, “Lu Xiao Langjun. Long time no see.”
Lu Qing, having just finished selecting a large piece of fatty pork and watching the butcher slice it, turned around at the voice.
He blinked in surprise.
The man wasn’t supposed to be here—he’d been attending the noble visitor.
But Lu Qing recovered quickly, smiling.
“Ma Ye. Long time no see.”
Now, Ma Gu truly looked at Lu Qing.
And he froze.
The change was enormous.
The last time Lu Qing had come to the market, he’d been gaunt, pale-faced, his clothes patched and threadbare—clearly a poor, ordinary country boy.
That was exactly why Ma Gu had sent someone to verify his identity.
If he were truly a disciple of Chen Laodaifu, he shouldn’t live like that.
But now?
His clothes were unchanged—but his body was transformed.
His frame was no longer thin; his back was straight, his complexion healthy, his eyes sharp and alert.
Most shockingly, Ma Gu felt it—the powerful, surging flow of Qi within him.
Qi Xue Jing cultivator?!
Ma Gu’s mind reeled.
A storm of disbelief and awe erupted inside him.
(End of Chapter)
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