Jiuli Village was bustling with activity at this moment.
Everyone was very excited to learn that Lu Qing was going to treat the whole village to a meal and that he would be cooking spirit rice.
Most of the villagers have visited the two acres of spiritual fields that Lu Qing planted behind the small courtyard halfway up the mountain.
They knew that the spirit grains growing in those two acres of spirit fields were growing very well.
The rice ears that grew from that spirit rice were heavy and were the best-growing rice they had ever seen.
So everyone is very curious about what the rice tastes like when cooked from such high-quality rice.
The Lu family courtyard was now filled with tables and chairs, and each set of tables and chairs was different in appearance.
It was a temporary collection of houses that each family in the village moved from their own homes.
That's how it is when a banquet is held in the countryside. Usually, one family hosts the banquet, and every household contributes their efforts to help.
Lu Qing, with an apron wrapped around her waist, was busy working in front of a makeshift stove in the yard.
Since he's treating us today, I'll naturally have to cook for him myself.
When cooking large meals like this, the kitchen at home isn't big enough, so he simply built a makeshift stove outside.
At this moment, Lu Qing was busy cutting meat.
On the simple cutting board, the knife flashed as Lu Qing quickly cut large pieces of beef, mutton, and pork into chunks or thin slices.
Swish, swish, swish...
With a flick of the blade, Lu Qing gently pressed and turned his palm, and a piece of bright red beef was transformed into a beautiful half-slice of beef.
Each slice of meat looked as if it had been precisely measured with a ruler, perfectly uniform.
Those watching from the sidelines were completely mesmerized.
Only then did they understand why Lu Qing had refused when they offered to help earlier.
Even if they practiced their whole lives, they could never learn this level of knife skill.
Going up to help might just make things worse.
Magu was also watching Lu Qing chop vegetables.
However, unlike the villagers who were just watching the spectacle, he was looking at the profound meaning behind Lu Qing's swordsmanship.
As a swordsman who has also comprehended the realm of swordsmanship, Lu Qing's swordsmanship has long since reached a level of divine skill.
Even just cutting vegetables with a kitchen knife reveals the profound meaning of knife skills, enough to make Ma Gu yearn for it.
Just as everyone was watching Lu Qing chop vegetables, another commotion came from outside the courtyard.
Soon, Xiao Tian brought in several men, carrying a lot of things.
"Young Master Lu, the chicken, duck, and fish you requested have been delivered," Xiao Tian said respectfully.
"Okay, let's leave it there for now," Lu Qing nodded.
"Young Master Lu, is there anything else you need to tell us?" Xiao Tian asked.
"That's all for now. Oh, and Xiaotian, you guys stay too, and grab a bite to eat."
"this......"
Seeing Xiaotian hesitate, Magu came over from the side and gently tapped him on the head.
He glared at her and said, "Just stay when I tell you to! Stop talking nonsense!"
This silly boy, does he even realize what a stroke of luck it is to be able to stay and have a meal like this?
Knowing how precious Lingmi was, Magu felt a sense of disappointment and frustration.
"I understand, Master Ma. Then I'll take my leave of Young Master Lu."
Xiao Tian never dared to disobey Ma Gu's words, so he immediately shrank back and replied in a low voice.
Lu Qing smiled and said, "It's just a casual meal, no need to be nervous."
While Xiao Tian was looking for a place, the other villagers also finally found work they could do.
They went forward and took down the chickens, ducks, fish, and other things that Xiaotian had brought, and then slaughtered them.
They couldn't help Lu Qing with chopping vegetables, but they were capable of killing chickens and ducks.
With the villagers working together, it wasn't long before all the ingredients were ready.
Basins of slaughtered chickens, ducks, and fish, along with beef and mutton cut by Lu Qing, were laid out there.
Before they even started cooking, the villagers were already salivating.
There was no other way; Jiuli Village had always been poor, and such large amounts of fish and meat were only available during festivals or when someone held a banquet.
They rarely get to eat this on ordinary days.
Lu Qing knew that the villagers rarely ate meat, so he specially asked Xiao Tian to help him buy a large amount of meat this time.
The preparation of the ingredients has been completed.
Next, it's time to cook.
Because there were many people, Lu Qing didn't make any fancy dishes this time; she just cooked large pot dishes.
However, he believes that with his abilities, plus the various seasonings he has researched over the years, he can succeed.
Even if it's a large-batch meal, it can't possibly taste bad.
Soon, a large iron pot was set up, and after the firewood had burned brightly enough, Lu Qing scooped in a large chunk of solidified lard.
With a sizzle, the lard melted, releasing a fragrant aroma.
Once the oil was hot enough to thoroughly lubricate the wok, Lu Qing added a piece of sugar and cooked it until it caramelized.
A large plate of pork belly, cut into cubes and blanched beforehand, was poured in.
A crackling sound rang out, and under the intense heat, the rich aroma of meat quickly filled the entire courtyard.
The villagers who were helping around them couldn't help but sniffle.
Especially the little kids, they couldn't help but drool.
There's no way around it, the aroma of this meat is just too tempting.
The rich aroma of meat made everyone even more excited for today's feast.
Lu Qing cooked the meat chunks until they were almost caramelized, then added water and various spices, and let it simmer slowly.
While he was cooking, he set up another pot and started cooking other dishes.
Just as Lu Qing was distracted and multitasking, cooking several dishes at the same time.
The Wei family villa was suddenly filled with joy.
"Ah Hai, what did you say? You found Zihao?"
Wei Xinghe looked at Chief Steward Wei with a face full of surprise.
Madam Wei was also startled and trembled slightly.
"Uncle Hai, is what you said true? You found my brother?" Wei Zian was equally overjoyed.
More than two months ago, news came from Jeju Island.
It is said that Qingyun Sword Pavilion has offended some enemy and was uprooted overnight.
Not only were eight or nine out of ten disciples of the sect wiped out, but even the mountain gate was burned to the ground.
Only a few disciples who were outside managed to escape the calamity.
Upon receiving this news, the Wei family was naturally very anxious.
Because the eldest young master of the manor, Wei Zihao, is a disciple of the Qingyun Sword Pavilion.
Wei Xinghe immediately ordered a full-scale search for Wei Zihao's whereabouts, demanding to see him alive or dead.
However, more than two months have passed, and they have not found any trace of Wei Zihao.
Just when Wei Shanhai and the others were about to think that Wei Zihao had died in the calamity at Qingyun Sword Pavilion.
Unexpectedly, Chief Steward Wei brought news that Wei Zihao had been found.
"Yes, sir and madam, a couple of days ago, our spies spotted the eldest young master in the prefectural capital."
"As soon as I received this news, I rushed over to inform you," Chief Steward Wei said respectfully.
"Hao'er is in the prefecture, so why doesn't he just go home?" Wei Xinghe wondered.
"According to the reports from the spies in the manor, the eldest young master seems to be with several of his fellow disciples from the Qingyun Sword Pavilion."
Moreover, they looked very flustered, as if they were hiding from or afraid of something.
The spies were puzzled and dared not show themselves to disturb the young master.
They were simply observing and protecting him from the shadows.
"Is Hao'er afraid of or avoiding someone?" Wei Xinghe had already realized, "That's right, the Qingyun Sword Pavilion was destroyed overnight."
To this day, no one knows who did it.
Hao'er must know something, or perhaps he's afraid of implicating his family.
That's why he didn't return home or contact his family, but instead hid in the prefectural capital.
They were able to silently annihilate a powerful sect like the Qingyun Sword Pavilion overnight.
Those who take action must be extremely powerful forces or cultivators.
Neither of them are people the Wei family can afford to offend.
Perhaps it was for this reason that Wei Zihao stayed hidden outside and did not escape back to the Wei family.
However, how could Wei Xinghe possibly stand idly by and watch his son fall into danger?
He immediately said that he would go to the state capital to bring Wei Zihao back.
"Dad, wait a minute!"
However, at that moment, Wei Zian spoke up to stop his father.
"This matter is of great importance. Let's consult with Doctor Lu Qing first before making any plans."
Despite being equally concerned for his brother's safety, Wei Zian instinctively sensed a hint of danger after hearing Uncle Hai's words.
Wei Zian would not underestimate his intuition.
Over the past few months, the primordial energy of the world within him has completely merged into his body.
This caused a complete transformation in his body.
Not only did his aptitude increase significantly, but his intuition also became extremely sharp.
Therefore, upon sensing the ominous aura of danger, he immediately dared not be careless.
"May I ask Young Master Lu for advice..." Wei Xinghe hesitated for a moment, "But Young Master Lu is hosting a banquet for the villagers of Jiuli Village today."
They're probably busy right now; wouldn't it be a bad idea to disturb them?
Wei Xinghe held Lu Qing in high esteem.
He was quite reserved when he saw Lu Qing on ordinary days.
Their relationship was nowhere near as close as that between Wei Zian and Lu Qing.
“Doctor Lu Qing won’t mind,” Wei Zian said. “Father, the Qingyun Sword Sect was one of the most powerful sects in Jizhou, but it was wiped out overnight.”
The murderer must be an extremely terrifying person, more powerful than we can imagine.
Father, if you rashly go to the prefectural capital, what if you accidentally expose yourself and are discovered by the murderer?
Therefore, this matter needs to be considered carefully. It would be best to consult with Doctor Lu and Senior Chen first.
At the very least, we should consult our ancestors first.
Wei Zian analyzed the situation for his father step by step and offered him advice.
In Wei Zian's mind, Lu Qing and the old doctor's knowledge and abilities were incredibly powerful.
Therefore, it is best to consult them first if you have any questions.
However, seeing Wei Zian talking so eloquently...
This left Wei Xinghe and his wife, as well as Chief Steward Wei, completely stunned.
It seemed somewhat unbelievable that the words just now could have come from the once pampered and naive young master.
“Master, An’er is right. We should discuss this matter with Young Master Lu and the others.”
Madam Wei then spoke up.
"Alright, I'll listen to An'er. I was just too impatient."
Wei Xinghe realized that he had indeed been too concerned and confused, and that An'er was much more insightful.
Thinking of this, he looked at his youngest son with satisfaction: "An'er, you've really grown up. Now you're more composed than your father when things happen."
Wei Zian blushed: "Thank you for the praise, Father. I know that you are only concerned about my elder brother's safety."
Seeing him like this, Wei Xinghe's face showed even greater relief.
At the same time, I felt incredibly fortunate.
His decision to allow his youngest son to go out and train with Lu Qing and the others was one of the best decisions he ever made.
After Zi'an returned from his training in Zhongzhou, he was completely transformed.
Not only has his cultivation level increased significantly, but he has now reached the initial stage of the Inner Strength Realm and is not far from the minor completion stage. He can be considered one of the top experts in the manor.
Most importantly, he has matured and become much more composed, and is fully capable of standing on his own.
The words of advice Zi'an had just given him would never have come out of his mouth six months ago.
“Zi’an, you’re right. We should consult with Young Master Lu and the others about this matter first.”
However, since Young Master Lu is hosting a banquet today, we shouldn't spoil his fun.
Let's ask him for advice after the banquet."
“But Father, if we do that, what about my brother...” Wei Zian said hesitantly.
"More than two months have passed, so there's no rush."
Since your brother chose to hide in the prefecture, he obviously had some idea of his own safety.
You were right earlier. If I were to rush to meet him, it might not be a good thing.
"Let's go. Young Master Lu has hosted a banquet today, and he's invited us too. It's time to go."
When Wei Xinghe and the others arrived at the Lu family's residence, Lu Qing had just finished preparing all the dishes.
"Young Master Lu".
"Patriarch Wei, you've arrived. Please sit down; the feast will begin soon."
"Xiao Yan, take Patriarch Wei and the others to Master." Lu Qing called out.
Then Xiaoyan ran out of the house: "Auntie, let's go inside. Grandpa Chen and Grandpa Wei are inside."
"The ancestor is here too?"
Wei Xinghe was somewhat surprised.
Since Wei Shanhai received the cultivation inheritance from Lu Qing, he has rarely appeared at home.
He is often elusive, appearing only in secluded courtyards halfway up the mountain or somewhere unknown where he goes to cultivate immortality.
Even Wei Xinghe rarely gets to see him.
I never expected that he would have time to come to the banquet today.
However, this is also a good thing. Thinking about Wei Zihao's matter and with the ancestor around, Wei Xinghe felt more at ease.
At least, after the banquet, he won't be unable to find his ancestor.
Once Wei Xinghe and the others entered the house, Lu Qing began to formally start serving the dishes.
He first lifted the lid of the pot that had been simmering with chunks of meat.
Instantly, an incredibly rich aroma of meat wafted from the pot, quickly filling the entire courtyard.
"It smells so good!"
For a moment, everyone in the courtyard couldn't °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° help but sniff.
All eyes were on Lu Qing.
Then they saw Lu Qing scoop large bowls of bright red meat from the big iron pot, which were then delivered to various tables by the villagers responsible for serving the dishes.
When the piece of meat was placed on the table, it trembled slightly, exhibiting excellent elasticity and a rich, oily appearance.
Even someone like Wei Xinghe, who is used to seeing delicious food and eating big fish and meat, suddenly felt a little hungry when he saw it.
