Chapter 244: Chapter 148: Showdown
In truth, Nie Xuanfeng was also secretly worried.
After all, he had no idea what was happening with Chen Sheng.
He could only offer a vague response.
Revealing the whole truth was out of the question. If Sun Yuzhi got angry and left, that would be a disaster.
"Hmph. Needlessly mysterious."
Sun Yuzhi scoffed and stopped pressing the issue, but her gaze swept across the crowd with even greater intensity.
During the banquet, the man named Wan, who had repeatedly tried to stir up trouble, saw the lively atmosphere and couldn’t hold himself back. Swirling his wine cup, he said with a grin:
"Ah, Lu, what a joyous occasion. I wonder, did you send an invitation to that ’man of the hour,’ Deputy Captain Chen of the Jingwu Bureau? In my opinion, you absolutely had to send one.
After all, this is the perfect opportunity for you, Lu, to avenge your past humiliation and finally hold your head high."
The moment he spoke, the surrounding tables fell silent. Some guests murmured in agreement, while others wore knowing smirks, waiting to see how Lu Maozhi would respond.
A cold glint flashed in Lu Maozhi’s eyes, but his smile never wavered. He announced loudly:
"Wan, you jest. The invitation was sent to the Jingwu Bureau long ago. It’s just that... perhaps Deputy Captain Chen is swamped with official duties, or maybe he felt it would be awkward to attend. He never responded.
Then, his tone shifted. "Besides, Li is here today. If Chen Sheng had come, I’m afraid he couldn’t have ducked Li’s challenge to a spar again."
Lu Maozhi had cleverly deflected the topic onto Li Xuanche while also subtly mocking Chen Sheng for his cowardice.
Hearing this, Li Xuanche, who was drinking alone nearby, merely lifted his eyes and shot Lu Maozhi a cool glance. He said nothing, but his invisible, stern aura made those around him subconsciously wipe the smiles from their faces.
"What Lu said makes sense."
"With Li here, that Captain Chen probably really doesn’t dare show up and ask for trouble."
The crowd laughed, and the topic was dropped.
Just then—
"DONG! DONG! DONG!"
The solemn, festive sound of drums and music drifted from far beyond the manor gates. Its distinct rhythm instantly drowned out the din inside.
"They’re here."
"The Wang Family’s procession has arrived."
"The auspicious hour is near."
The guests’ spirits lifted. They rose to their feet, all eyes turning toward the manor entrance.
The smile on Lu Maozhi’s face widened. He straightened his new brocade robe and, surrounded by the crowd, strode toward the main gate to welcome his "fiancée."
Lu Canghai and Wangqingshan exchanged a smile and rose, ready to preside over the ceremony.
Sun Yuzhi and Nie Xuanfeng exchanged a look. Nie Xuanfeng gave an imperceptible nod.
The manor’s main gate swung wide open, the sound of drums and music growing louder and more stirring.
In the distance, a lavishly decorated procession approached slowly, the gilded carriage at its head shimmering in the sunlight.
Lu Maozhi stood at the forefront, hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the sharpening silhouette of the carriage. The frustration that had festered in his heart for days seemed to be swept away by the festive music.
’So what if Wang Zilan was unwilling?’
’In the end, she couldn’t defy the power of her family.’
’And once the engagement is made today, it will be set in stone.’
’He had all the time and means in the world to slowly win her over.’
"Congratulations, Lu!"
"The pearl of the Wang Family now belongs to the Lu Family."
"A talented man and a beautiful woman—a match made in heaven."
A new tide of compliments washed over him. Smug and satisfied, Lu Maozhi clasped his hands in thanks, feeling as if the world had opened up before him, his future as bright as could be.
...
「Inside the gilded carriage.」
As the silhouette of Luoyun Manor grew sharper and the festive music pierced the carriage walls, Wang Zilan’s heart began to race. She instinctively glanced at Chen Sheng, who was still meditating beside her with his eyes closed. Her voice held a trace of barely concealed tension:
"Chen Sheng... are you all right? We’re almost there."
Wang Zilan knew exactly what kind of storm would erupt the moment the carriage door opened.
At this moment, all her hopes, fears, and the desperation of this all-or-nothing gamble rested on the man beside her.
Hearing her, Chen Sheng slowly lowered his palms, resting them over his Dantian. The boiling True Qi surging through his body was forcibly brought under control.
A faint Golden Light could be seen flowing beneath his skin. Then, he exhaled a long, tangible stream of white vapor that shot out like an arrow and struck the carriage wall.
With a light HISS, it left a small pit in the wood. The violent, chaotic aura inside the carriage instantly vanished.
Slowly opening his eyes, a strange golden-red light flashed in Chen Sheng’s pupils before fading back to a calm stillness. He had temporarily suppressed the power of the Profound Yin Qi, but that immense force still surged through his Dantian and Meridians, desperately needing an outlet.
"I’m fine."
Chen Sheng’s voice was low and raspy, but exceptionally steady.
His gaze then swept over his own torn clothes. He asked:
"Do you have any robes?"
Wang Zilan glanced at his powerful torso, her face flushing slightly. After a moment’s hesitation, she looked away, rose, and walked to the side of the carriage, where she opened an exquisite sandalwood chest.
Inside, neatly folded, was a man’s wedding robe in a brilliant red, its fabric exquisite and its embroidery intricate.
This was the ceremonial robe the Wang Family had custom-made for the "groom-to-be," Lu Maozhi, as was tradition. It was meant to be worn only at the actual wedding ceremony.
Biting her lip, Wang Zilan took out the wedding robe and handed it to Chen Sheng.
"Wear this."
Chen Sheng took the dazzling red robe. It felt silky and cool to the touch.
He instantly recognized the style of the robe and its significance. The corners of his mouth curled into a smirk that was both playful and cold.
’Wear Lu Maozhi’s wedding robe to go ruin his engagement banquet?’
’How... interesting.’
But Chen Sheng didn’t hesitate. With a flick of his arms, he draped the bright red wedding robe over his shoulders.
The robe fit him perfectly, as if it had been made for him all along.
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