"Please don't be nervous, everyone. I just made a slight breakthrough during my morning exercise. It was not due to an invasion by foreign enemies."
Sensing the powerful aura of Lu Qing's breakthrough, Chief Steward Wei and several Silver Moon Guard commanders rushed over.
When the others arrived in the courtyard, Lu Qing explained.
"So it was Young Master Lu cultivating. Then all is well, you may leave now," said Chief Steward Wei.
"yes!"
Several Silver Moon Guard commanders responded.
However, the look in his eyes when he looked at Lu Qing was filled with even greater awe.
Yesterday outside the city, Lu Qing had already personally defeated a martial arts master at the peak of the Inner Vessel Realm right in front of them.
Now that there's another breakthrough, just how powerful will it become?
More importantly, after a night of fermentation, the Silver Moon Guards basically all knew Lu Qing's identity.
After all, when they went to the hillside courtyard to protect the young master, many of the guards had seen Lu Qing.
I knew that just two or three months ago, he was only a Qi and Blood Realm martial artist.
In a short period of time, he has grown from a Qi and Blood Realm martial artist to someone who is no match for even a martial arts grandmaster, and now he has made another breakthrough.
The Silver Moon Guard commanders were truly shocked beyond words.
Chief Steward Wei was equally surprised.
However, knowing that Lu Qing had gone to study that treasure with the ancestor yesterday, he was still able to remain calm.
"Young Master Lu is truly a martial arts prodigy. Compared to you, my decades of cultivation are really nothing."
After the Silver Moon Guard commanders left, Chief Steward Wei smiled.
"You flatter me, Chief Steward. I was just a bit lucky," Lu Qing said modestly.
Chief Steward Wei smiled, knowing that this was just Lu Qing's modesty.
"Now that Young Master Lu is up, I should have the servants prepare breakfast. I would also like to invite Young Master Lu and Doctor Chen to the dining hall for a meal later."
"Alright, thank you for your trouble, Chief Steward."
After Chief Steward Wei left, Lu Qing first went to wake up Xiao Yan and Xiao Li, and then went to the next room to pay his respects to his master.
The old doctor has also gotten up.
He had already woken up the moment Lu Qing broke through.
However, after sensing the presence of Chief Steward Wei and the others, he simply waited until they left before getting up.
"You broke through?"
Upon seeing Lu Qing enter, the old doctor asked with a smile.
He knew something about the accumulation of knowledge among his disciples.
"Yes, I have already reached the limit in the Bone and Tendon Realm and there is no way to advance further, so I will take this opportunity to break through."
"Your cultivation speed is truly incredible, Ah Qing. You're not even sixteen yet, are you?"
"I'll be sixteen after the New Year."
"Under sixteen years old..."
Even though the old doctor had watched Lu Qing make progress and breakthroughs all along, he still found it incredible that he was so young.
For a martial artist under the age of sixteen to achieve such a level of martial arts prowess is probably rare even in the prosperous and resource-rich Central Plains.
Moreover, he also knew that Lu Qing had only been practicing martial arts for a few months.
Moreover, given Lu Qing's talent, even the Inner Vessel Realm wouldn't be able to restrain him.
It's likely that in a few years, he will be able to overcome the obstacles and enter the Innate Realm.
By then, he will be no more than twenty years old.
A twenty-year-old Grandmaster of Innate Realm...
Thinking of this, the old doctor's heart couldn't help but tremble.
If Lu Qing can really reach that level, he would probably be considered an unprecedented figure in the entire history of martial arts.
"Master, Chief Steward Wei just said that breakfast is almost ready and invited us to come and eat later."
Lu Qing did not notice the shock in his master's eyes.
In his heart, his master was the real martial arts genius, while he was merely using his supernatural abilities to take shortcuts.
In terms of talent for cultivation, he is far inferior to his master.
"Okay, I understand."
The old doctor composed himself and nodded.
While Lu Qing and the others were washing up, in another small courtyard, Wei Xinghe had just finished listening to the chief steward's report.
"As expected, Young Master Lu has broken through."
Wei Xinghe sighed with emotion.
He had naturally sensed Lu Qing's aura when he broke through earlier.
It was precisely because he sensed that the aura seemed to belong to Lu Qing that he did not go over.
Now, hearing the chief steward's report, he knew his guess was correct.
“Ah Hai, I remember you said before that when you first met Lu Xiaolangjun, he was only a Qi and Blood Realm martial artist, right?”
"Yes, sir. When the young master was injured, I went to protect him. Judging from Lu Xiaolangjun's qi and blood at the time, he had only recently entered the Qi and Blood Realm," Chief Steward Wei said respectfully.
"How long has it been? Zi'an's body has only just recovered, and he has already broken through to the Inner Organ Realm. His combat strength is even greater than that of a Grandmaster at the peak of the Acquired Realm. How exactly did this young master Lu cultivate?"
Wei Xinghe said incredulously.
“A prodigy like Young Master Lu cannot be judged by common sense. Just like those renowned young talents in Zhongzhou, they are also incomprehensible to others, aren’t they?” said Chief Steward Wei.
"The problem is, even those young talents in Zhongzhou are like fireflies compared to the sun in front of Young Master Lu, utterly insignificant," Wei Xinghe sighed.
Chief Steward Wei remained silent for a moment.
Indeed, those young geniuses in Zhongzhou who are praised by the world are truly extraordinary.
But compared to Lu Qing, the gap is enormous.
At the age of sixteen, this expert at the Inner Organ Realm was able to defeat a true martial arts master with his bare hands, even when he was only at the Bone and Tendon Realm.
Such an achievement is truly awe-inspiring.
"And that old doctor Chen is equally unfathomable. You know, after he finished comprehending that treasure yesterday, the old ancestor seemed somewhat dazed. When I went to pay my respects, I learned that he had been shocked by old doctor Chen, saying that although they were both at the Innate Realm, the gap between him and the old doctor was simply too great."
"Dr. Chen and his apprentice, Young Master Lu, are truly exceptional individuals!"
After sighing, Wei Xinghe fell silent.
The master and servant quietly savored the profound shock within their hearts.
"Dad, you're awake!"
Just then, a cheerful voice broke the silence.
Wei Xinghe turned his head, somewhat surprised: "Zi'an, it's rare to see you up so early."
"I've been getting up this early to practice martial arts lately, didn't Dad and Mom tell you?"
Wei Zian was dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, his face was ruddy, and there was some sweat on his forehead, clearly indicating that he had just finished exercising.
Wei Xinghe's mind raced, and he smiled, "Your mother did mention some of the interesting things that happened to you in the mountains last night. She said you've been practicing your martial arts very diligently lately, getting up early every day to practice as Master Ma instructed, is that right?"
"Hmm!" Wei Zian nodded vigorously, somewhat eager to try it out. "Besides, I recently learned a set of staff techniques from Doctor Lu. How about I practice them now and get your pointers?"
"Oh, is it the staff technique taught by Young Master Lu?" Wei Xinghe recalled what his wife had said last night and his interest was piqued. "Then you should try it out."
"Young master, would you mind if this old servant also took a look?"
Chief Steward Wei was also very interested.
"No problem at all, Uncle Hai is so skilled, he can also help me check if I've practiced anything wrong," Wei Zian said excitedly.
Wei Xinghe and the chief steward exchanged a glance.
They all noticed that Wei Zian's personality seemed to have changed quite a bit.
He wasn't always this cheerful, nor was he as polite to people as he is now.
"Father, I'll begin now."
Wei Zian, dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, stood in the center of the courtyard, holding a long stick in his backhand.
The long staff was a weapon kept in the mansion, and the one he brought back from the mountains had been carefully preserved by him.
Although the wooden stick was rough, it held special significance for him and could not be discarded casually.
"good."
Wei Xinghe looked at his energetic youngest son, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
Wei Zian took a deep breath, adjusted his breathing, and then the long staff in his hand suddenly transformed into a blur of staff shadows, and a set of staff techniques was executed by him in a smooth and flowing manner.
Wei Xinghe initially watched with a smile.
As he looked around, a look of surprise couldn't help but appear in his eyes.
Chief Steward Wei, who was standing to the side, did the same.
Soon, Wei Zian finished demonstrating a set of staff techniques. He held the staff horizontally, motionless, his breathing steady, and slowly finished the movement.
That serious and solemn expression made Wei Xinghe feel a little dazed.
This was the first time he had ever seen his youngest son practice martial arts so diligently.
"Father, Uncle Hai, how's my staff technique going?"
After calming his breathing, Wei Zian asked impatiently.
“Excellent, very excellent, An’er, you really surprised your father this time.”
Wei Xinghe's words were not meant to please his son.
Rather, it was the staff technique that Wei Zian had just demonstrated that was indeed very well-structured, with skillful moves and precise power, clearly showing that he had put in a lot of hard work.
"Your staff skills are superb, and your moves are exquisite. Young master, even among those at the Qi and Blood Realm, your staff skills are truly exceptional," Chief Steward Wei exclaimed.
"Thank you for the compliment, Dad and Uncle Hai!" Wei Zian immediately beamed with joy.
One of the reasons he's been working so hard at his cultivation lately is to gain his father's approval.
Now that he has actually done it, his heart is filled with a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
"An'er, you said this staff technique was taught to you by Young Master Lu, what's its name?" Wei Xinghe asked.
"This staff technique is called the 【One Qi Staff Technique】, but Doctor Lu said that this staff technique is a simplified version he specially made. The real 【One Qi Staff Technique】 can only be learned after I reach the Tendon and Bone Realm," Wei Zian replied.
"Simplified?"
Wei Xinghe and Chief Steward Wei were taken aback.
The staff technique that Wei Zian just demonstrated was a continuous series of moves, combining offense and defense with almost no flaws. It can be described as a very complete staff martial art.
If not told otherwise, they would have no idea that this was a simplified version of martial arts.
Wei Xinghe and Chief Steward Wei exchanged another glance, both looking surprised.
The 【One Qi Staff Technique】 is merely a martial art at the Qi and Blood Realm, not particularly profound, and naturally, it wouldn't be taken seriously by these two Inner Strength Realm martial artists.
However, the level of Lu Qing's martial arts skill revealed by this staff technique was something none of them could fathom.
Wei Xinghe suddenly sensed what his ancestor was feeling.
Both being at the Innate Realm, the Ancestor could not see through the Old Doctor's martial arts level and was deeply frustrated.
Right now, he also couldn't discern Lu Qing's martial arts level, even though they were both at the Inner Strength Realm.
It's really hard not to be discouraged when you encounter such a genius.
Looking at his happy youngest son, Wei Xinghe's heart stirred slightly.
He then smiled and asked, "An'er, did you go to pay your respects to Master Ma today?"
“I’ve gone. I came to see you, Father, after I paid my respects to my master,” Wei Zian said quickly.
Wei Xinghe's smile widened even more: "Very good. Since you have become a disciple, and a master is like a father, then you must be filial and respectful to Master Ma, understand?"
"I understand, Father. Mother taught me all of this." Wei Zian nodded earnestly.
“It’s good that you’ve remembered this.” Wei Xinghe was increasingly satisfied with his youngest son’s change. “However, now that you’ve taken a master, this is no small matter for our Wei family. We can’t treat it lightly.”
"Father, I don't understand what you mean." Wei Zian scratched his head.
“What I mean is that the apprenticeship ceremony you held in the mountains that day was a bit too simple. Our Wei family didn’t even offer a proper apprenticeship gift, which is too unfair to Master Ma,” Wei Xinghe said.
“Master Ma is not only your master, but also your and your mother’s savior. Our Wei family cannot treat him so rudely.”
"So I've decided to pick a good day and hold a grand apprenticeship ceremony for you, to make up for all the proper etiquette. What do you think?"
"Great idea!" Wei Zian exclaimed excitedly. "Father, that's a good idea! I'll go tell Master right away!"
After saying that, he hurriedly ran outside.
"Master, the young master has really changed."
Looking at Wei Zian's happy figure, Chief Steward Wei sighed.
"Yes, the attack by the Tiancang Sect was a calamity for our Wei family, but An'er was able to grow up because of it, so it can be considered a blessing in disguise." Wei Xinghe said with a look of satisfaction.
"But sir, do you really want the young master to become Ma Gu's disciple?" Chief Steward Wei hesitated. "His cultivation level is ultimately a bit too low."
Wei Xinghe nodded: "Of course, Master Ma's cultivation level is a bit low, but An'er is unusually obedient to him. In the past, I hired teachers for him who were highly skilled, but An'er was unwilling to listen to them, so what was the use?"
"Moreover, Master Ma has excellent character. He was able to step forward and save Madam and the others in that situation. With such character, he is more than qualified to be An'er's master."
"As for cultivation methods, our Wei family has plenty of techniques and pills. As long as An'er is willing to work hard, are we worried about not having the resources to improve his cultivation?"
“For An’er, a master who can keep him in line is more suitable than a master with great skills.”
After thinking about it for a moment, Chief Steward Wei realized that what the patriarch said made a lot of sense.
Moreover, he knew there was one more thing the patriarch hadn't directly mentioned.
That is, Ma Gu and Lu Qing have a very good relationship, and that alone is enough for them to take it seriously.
After all, those two are truly unpredictable.
Even the Wei family wouldn't dare to offend such a terrifying existence easily.
"Alright, it's settled then. You're in charge of the preparations, and make sure it looks good," Wei Xinghe said finally.
"Yes, this old servant understands."
Just as Chief Steward Wei was preparing to arrange the apprenticeship ceremony.
On the other side, Magu was stunned when he heard Wei Zian's words.
