https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-81-Heart-Nature-Transformation-Qi-Xue-Fullness-Realm/13688235/
Chapter 82: Return
"Grandpa, Grandpa! A Qing’s back!"
As soon as Wang Da An entered the village, he dashed forward with breathless speed, shouting toward the bright, open hall of the ancestral temple.
"What? A Qing’s back?"
"A Qing’s safe?!"
"Damn it, are you sure you’re not mistaken?!"
The cry sent waves of commotion through the temple. Dozens of villagers spilled out in alarm.
"I didn’t make a mistake! Look—there he is!" Wang Da An protested, pointing behind him.
The crowd followed his gesture. Under the soft glow of the moon, a figure approached slowly. The familiar outline of the face—eyes and brows just barely visible—could only belong to Lu Qing.
"It really is A Qing!"
The villagers erupted in relief.
"I’m sorry for making you all worry," Lu Qing said, stepping forward and bowing slightly to the crowd.
"Welcome back. Just welcome back," Zhang Da Ye said with a heartfelt smile.
"Yes, as long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters," others chimed in.
The entire day had been one of dread. They’d feared Lu Qing might never return. They’d dreaded the arrival of the Black Wolf Gang’s brutal enforcers, the kind who left blood and ruin in their wake. Now, seeing him alive and standing before them, the heavy weight in their hearts finally lifted.
"Zhang Ye Ye, where’s Xiao Yan?" Lu Qing scanned the group, noticing her absence.
"She’s asleep inside. You didn’t come back all day, and this afternoon, she kept crying for her brother. She wouldn’t eat dinner. Chen Laodaifu gave her two acupuncture points, and she finally fell asleep."
"Is the old doctor inside too?" Lu Qing asked.
"Yes. When you didn’t return, Chen Laodaifu brought Xiao Yan down from the mountain himself."
Lu Qing fell silent.
He knew his master’s reason for coming down wasn’t just worry over him—it was also to protect the villagers of Jiu Li Village.
"Zhang Ye Ye, I’ll go inside first to apologize to the master. I’ve caused him such concern. It was truly unforgivable."
"Of course, of course. Don’t mind if Old Doctor hasn’t said anything—he’s worried too, you know. We can all see it in his eyes," Zhang Da Ye replied quickly.
Lu Qing stepped into the temple courtyard. There, beneath a tree, he saw his master sitting on a stone, cradling Xiao Yan in his arms.
"You’re back," Chen Laodaifu said, finally relaxing his expression.
"I was reckless, master. I’ve caused you worry. I deserve your punishment," Lu Qing said, head bowed.
"As long as you’re safe, that’s enough," Chen Laodaifu sighed.
Though he thought Lu Qing’s decision that morning had been impulsive, he also understood—how could any son remain calm upon learning of his parents’ tragic fate? That was precisely why he had taught Lu Qing martial arts in the first place. He’d feared such a moment might come.
"Is it all settled?" Old Doctor asked, glancing at Lu Qing’s clothes. His sharp eye caught faint traces of dried blood. Yet there was no sign of injury on his body.
"Yes. For now, it’s settled. No one should trouble the village for a while."
"Really? What did you do?" Chen Laodaifu asked, surprised.
Earlier that day, he’d heard the villagers’ report: the ones who’d come to cause chaos in the morning were members of the Black Wolf Gang. As someone who often traveled to the city, Chen Laodaifu knew exactly what that meant.
Knowing the gang’s ruthless reputation, he’d come down from the mountain himself, determined to defend the villagers. Now, to hear Lu Qing claim the matter was resolved—how could he not be stunned?
But Lu Qing didn’t answer right away. Instead, he asked, "Master, do you know of a place called Kuai Hua Village?"
"Kuai Hua Village?" Chen Laodaifu paused, then shook his head. "Never heard of it."
Lu Qing fell silent. But then he remembered—his master spent most of his time treating patients and studying medical arts. He rarely cared about affairs beyond the village. Not knowing the name wasn’t surprising.
"Kuai Hua Village lies about fifty or sixty li away," Lu Qing explained. "It was a gambling den and entertainment district run by one of the Black Wolf Gang’s deputies."
"My father was lured into a trap by them. He was forced to take on massive debts."
"They tried to seize our farmland and force my mother to sell herself into the camp. When my parents refused, they drowned themselves."
"Ah… now I understand," Chen Laodaifu said, finally grasping why Lu Qing had brought up that name.
The villagers outside also now learned the truth—how Lu Ming and his wife had truly died.
"So what’s become of Kuai Hua Village now?" Chen Laodaifu asked.
"Kuai Hua Village no longer exists," Lu Qing said calmly. "I killed every last one of them. I avenged my parents."
"... " Chen Laodaifu paused, then nodded slowly. "A place that preys on the innocent—better it’s gone."
He’d assumed Lu Qing had killed the leader, disbanded the gang. Though he himself disliked violence, he couldn’t fault a son for seeking justice for his parents. Even he couldn’t argue with that.
He had no idea, however, that his disciple had slaughtered nearly a hundred people in one night—every man, woman, and child in the village, save for the captive girls.
Lu Qing didn’t mention the number. He only felt relief when his master showed no anger.
But the villagers, hearing his words, turned pale with shock.
Yes, they’d seen Lu Qing’s strength earlier—his martial prowess was undeniable. But to destroy an entire mountain stronghold alone? That was beyond anything they could have imagined.
Lu Qing noticed their expressions. After a moment, he said, "Zhang Ye Ye, though I’ve destroyed the village that wronged my parents, please don’t speak of it outside. The gang behind it is powerful—there may be people sent to investigate. For now, keep to the village. Don’t go out, not even to the Big Market."
He believed Ma Gu would handle the aftermath of Kuai Hua Village. Still, he felt it was his duty to warn them.
"Exactly! Everyone listen up! Outside, don’t say a word about A Qing! And for now—no one leaves the village except to work the fields. Not even the Big Market! Do you understand?" Zhang Da Ye quickly shouted, finally grasping the danger.
"Yes, sir!" The gathered villagers, mostly steady elders, nodded solemnly. They knew full well how serious this was.
"Alright then. Since A Qing’s back, that’s enough for today. You’ve all been worried all day, didn’t eat dinner, and are tired. Let’s rest. We’ll talk tomorrow," Zhang Da Ye said.
(End of Chapter)
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