Chapter 242: Chapter 147: Refining Yin Qi
"That’s only natural."
"Vice Envoy Sun..."
While Lu Canghai, the Manor Master of Luoyun Manor, exchanged pleasantries with the highest echelons of Ning’an Prefecture’s elite, Lu Maozhi was doing the same with the other young guests.
They were all of the same generation and knew one another. Besides, since it was his big day, it was only natural for him to be the one to greet them.
Today, Lu Maozhi showed none of the pathetic figure he had cut back at the Song Family’s estate. Dressed in a tailored red robe with a golden coronet set atop his ornamental hairpiece, he looked every bit the part.
He was the very picture of a scion from a Noble Family.
His face was wreathed in smiles, radiating an air of smug satisfaction.
Chen Sheng—the man who had utterly humiliated him and brought him endless shame—was now, thanks to his arrangements, cowering inside the Jingwu Bureau, not daring to accept Li Xuance’s challenge.
It was a cathartic release, allowing him to vent all his pent-up frustration.
In fact, he was the one behind the scenes, fanning the flames of criticism against Chen Sheng. And even though he wasn’t the one who had issued the challenge, he was more than satisfied with the outcome.
Once his elder brother returned, he had even more plans in store for Chen Sheng.
On top of that, he was finally about to be engaged to Wang Zilan, the woman he had yearned for, which made him almost unable to contain his joy. She wasn’t just the girl he had admired most in his youth.
She also possessed a strand of Profound Yin Qi.
Once they were married, he could refine it, and his Cultivation would skyrocket in a short time. It was also perfectly compatible with his Cultivation Technique. By then, he might not even need his brother to intervene.
He would be powerful enough to wash away the shame Chen Sheng had dealt him all by himself.
Seeing Lu Maozhi looking so pleased with himself, some of the other young elites present felt a pang of resentment and spoke up with veiled sarcasm:
"Lu, you certainly cut a heroic figure today. A far cry from your time at the Song Family’s estate."
"But of course. Wang Zilan is the pearl of the Wang Family. I just never expected you to be the one to win her, Lu."
Lu Maozhi shot a glance at the first person who spoke. But it was his big day, and he couldn’t afford to lose his composure. He simply offered a placid smile.
"Zhilan and I are deeply in love, childhood sweethearts. That’s not something you can attain through envy, Gu."
"Ah, Lu," someone else chimed in, "I hear that Chen Sheng’s strength is extraordinary. Could you tell us what happened when you two fought? I feel the rumors out there must be inaccurate. With your level of power, Lu, how could you possibly have lost to him?"
"Yes, do tell!"
Others, who loved nothing more than a good spectacle, chimed in as well.
Lu Maozhi’s expression darkened, but he let out a short, dry laugh.
"I was careless in that battle, which led to my unfortunate defeat. In truth, Chen Sheng is nothing special. Look at how he’s cowering now that Li has challenged him. It’s obvious he also suffered grievous injuries in our fight.
"In a little while, I will personally challenge Chen Sheng again to settle the score."
"Oh, so that’s how it was! I knew it," a young man said, a knowing, mocking smile playing on his lips. "How could the great Lu possibly be defeated in a mere hundred breaths?"
"Lu, congratulations on your big day."
Just as Lu Maozhi found himself in an awkward bind, Li Xuance spoke up, successfully diverting everyone’s attention. Upon seeing him, the other young elites all had solemn expressions flash across their eyes.
The status of the Iron Sword Sect’s chief disciple was clearly higher than Lu Maozhi’s.
Lu Maozhi was overjoyed to see him.
"Li, your presence makes me even happier."
Lu Maozhi was genuinely delighted to see Li Xuance. It was Li Xuance’s challenge, after all, that had branded Chen Sheng a coward who dared not fight, which in turn had indirectly washed away much of his own shame.
He had already ordered his men to spread rumors, spinning the story of the battle at the Song Family’s estate into one where he and Chen Sheng had fought to a mutual, grievous draw.
"If you’re that happy, then we’ll have to have a few more drinks later,"
Li Xuance said with a calm smile.
Lu Maozhi waved his hand grandly and roared with laughter.
"Drinks it is! We’ll drink until you’re completely satisfied!"
.....
"Are you satisfied now?"
Inside a luxurious carriage, Wang Zilan tugged at her collar, leaning against the wall and gasping for breath. Her beautiful eyes held a complex gaze as she looked at Chen Sheng before her.
It was clear that their recent bout had left her severely wounded.
Even now, the wounds to her Great Dao had not yet healed.
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