Chapter 34: A New Mission

According to the intelligence they possessed, Lu Qingyun was merely a third-level practitioner in the Physical Cultivation Stage—a strong individual, perhaps even a prodigy, but by no means among the elite.

Lu Qingyun looked at their astonished expressions and spoke calmly, “You think you understand me, but you’re still missing the point. You truly have no idea of my actual cultivation realm.”

“I’ve been away for quite some time—do you really believe I’ve made no progress? Is my talent really so inferior in your eyes?”

Lu Qingyun never boasted about his terrifying potential, but since arriving here, he had already discerned the vast gap between himself and others. Ordinary cultivators simply could not compare.

He had always been modest, never crossing boundaries or acting rashly. Yet when pushed to the limit, people inevitably change. Especially with people like them; if they weren’t taught a lesson, they would never know that there are always greater mountains beyond mountains and stronger people beyond people.

Chu Feiyang now felt deeply ashamed, especially with his comrades standing behind him. He usually considered himself the leader, and they were all very loyal to him.

The Chu family’s strength was formidable, even surpassing the Zhao family. The Zhao family was primarily engaged in business, specializing in refining pills. In contrast, the Chu family was a long-standing lineage with an established place across the entire continent.

For major events, the Chu family always sent representatives, a testament to their immense influence.

Chu Feiyang, humiliated, shouted, “I order you to let go of me immediately. Once you release me, I’ll kill you!”

Lu Qingyun, a stern man who rarely smiled, found this utterly amusing upon hearing it. He even laughed heartily, unable to contain himself.

“Hahaha, I truly don’t know how to face people like you. How exactly should I avoid crossing paths with the likes of you?”

“If I let go and let you hit me, who’s the fool here—me or you? Don’t you usually enjoy making others kneel and confess their mistakes? Maybe I should try that feeling myself.”

His earnest demeanor made it seem as if he truly meant every word. Lu Qingyun shook his head, feeling both speechless and amused, then glanced at the sword restraining him.

After examining it briefly, a smile curved his lips.

“Heh, as expected of a young master from a great family—truly unique. This sword is quite a refined spiritual artifact, isn’t it? Not the finest, but certainly valuable.”

“Since matters have come to this point, there’s nothing more to say. Let me show you what real power looks like.”

With that, Lu Qingyun’s Azure Dragon Martial Soul materialized behind him once more, unleashing a majestic force that instantly overwhelmed everyone present.

Those with weaker cultivation struggled to catch their breath. They stared at Lu Qingyun, unsure of what he would do next.

Then came a sharp cracking sound. To everyone’s shock, Lu Qingyun snapped the refined spiritual sword in two with just two fingers!

The shards clattered to the ground, leaving the crowd dumbfounded. No one could believe Lu Qingyun possessed such terrifying strength.

Chu Feiyang stumbled back half a step, eyes wide with fear, his voice trembling as he stammered, “How… how is this possible?”

Lu Qingyun shook his head slowly, looking at him with a mix of pity and contempt.

“What’s impossible about it? Your strength is what it is—you’re no match for me. I already gave you a chance, but you and your kind are utterly blind.”

“You like to force others to make choices, right? Fine—I’ll give you two clear paths: kneel and apologize now, or later, you’ll pay for all our expenses!”

Lu Qingyun was never one to cause trouble nor to extort others; he always acted with reason and fairness. But even a rabbit will bite when cornered—and Lu Qingyun was far fiercer than any rabbit, more like a tiger.

——

Chu Feiyang’s eyes widened in disbelief, his arrogance unshaken as he retorted, “Are you courting death? You still have a chance to let me go now. If you truly anger me, do you know what will happen to you?”

Lu Qingyun was already accustomed to such brazen attitudes. People like them never thought about consequences before speaking.

He shook his head slowly and said calmly, “Then what else is there to say? I simply won’t let you leave.”

With that, his figure blurred, and the Azure Dragon shadow around him surged as he appeared instantly before Chu Feiyang.

Chu Feiyang’s eyes bulged as he tried to retreat but was too late.

With a whimper, he pleaded, “Don’t come any closer…”

Before he could finish, Lu Qingyun stood before him, not attacking but watching him fall to the ground, looking utterly ridiculous.

A foul stench then wafted over, prompting Lu Qingyun to sneer in disgust.

“Hey, hey, is this necessary? Such a prominent figure, and you’ve wet yourself out of fear? How will you ever face anyone again? Don’t forget, you’re the Chu family’s young master.”

“If the Chu family is so powerful, doesn’t their young master wetting his pants become a laughingstock? Forget it—I have no patience to play with you.”

With that, Lu Qingyun turned and left, unconcerned with what might happen next.

He never cared much about how things unfolded. Whatever the Chu family’s response, he would face it head-on.

Led by a waiter, they arrived at the last remaining private room. Inside, every detail—from the furnishings to the decor—was strikingly exquisite.

The sunlight streaming through the window enhanced one’s appetite. The warm rays felt comforting.

Once the door was closed, the waiter spoke softly, “Gentlemen, I saw what happened just now. Whatever unfolds later, I will be honest with you.”

Lu Qingyun understood the waiter’s meaning instantly. He casually tossed several dozen spirit jade coins to the waiter, who thanked him profusely.

Lu Qingyun smiled and said, “It’s our first time here. Don’t hesitate to serve your best. As for other matters, no need to explain; we understand perfectly.”

“Just do your job well. You understand, right?”

The waiter seemed exceptionally clever. In another city, his intelligence would easily have brought him great success.

Lu Qingyun didn’t need to explain further; he understood immediately.

After a nod, the waiter quickly left.

Watching him go, Li Changfeng spoke earnestly, “The Chu family is not to be trifled with. Their status is indeed very high. You angering them today… I can hardly imagine the consequences.”

“We should be careful from now on. Once we finish eating, let’s leave immediately. They will surely take action.”

Lu Qingyun nodded slowly. He wasn’t reckless; he knew well how a great family insulted like this would respond.

But he was no stranger to such matters—whether before or now, these things always happened. How to handle them depended on the situation.

There was no need to act unnecessarily; doing so would be pointless. Lu Qingyun smiled and said,

“I know what you’re thinking. Don’t worry. For now, we just enjoy the moment. Even if we grovel like beggars today, they still won’t let us off.”

No one could argue with that; everyone agreed wholeheartedly.

Having decided, they relaxed. Soon, a feast of exquisite dishes and fine wine appeared on the table, whetting their appetites as they happily indulged.

Everyone felt unusually joyful, more relaxed than ever before.

This restaurant truly lived up to its continent-wide reputation; everyone felt they were being pampered.

After several rounds of wine and a variety of flavors, they were satisfied. As they prepared to leave, the waiter suddenly knocked on the private room door.

He appeared apologetic as he said,

“Young Master Lu, forgive the intrusion. Our proprietor wishes to see you…”

“If it’s inconvenient, he can wait. He wants to meet you, and we will cover all your expenses here at the restaurant.”

Lu Qingyun was somewhat puzzled, but seeing the waiter’s nervousness, he said nothing. There was no need to pry.

He nodded slowly and said softly, “Wait for me here. It shouldn’t take long; I’ll be back soon.”

With that, Lu Qingyun followed the waiter, heading to the upper floors.

They reached the topmost level, and at the innermost room, the waiter gently knocked and respectfully said,

“Proprietor, I’ve brought the guest.”

A deep voice replied from inside, “Good. Let him in.”

The waiter nodded at Lu Qingyun, who pushed open the door and entered.

Inside, the room was filled with a soothing scent of agarwood, refreshing and invigorating.

The aroma suggested many restorative herbs benefitting both physical and spiritual energy had been burned, creating this special effect.

Lu Qingyun thought it was only natural for such a grand restaurant’s proprietor to use such luxurious items.

He looked up to see a middle-aged man dressed in an ornate golden-embroidered robe, smiling warmly at him.

“Come, come, the finest tea is ready, just waiting for you to enjoy.”

Although slightly perplexed, Lu Qingyun strode forward.

The proprietor’s face was broad and rosy, radiating wealth and prosperity.

Lu Qingyun smiled as he sat down and said cheerfully,

“You’re truly young and promising. That Chu brat is outrageously arrogant but not very capable—always causing trouble outside.”

“If it weren’t for the Chu family’s deep roots, he would have been disciplined many times over. He simply needs to be taught a lesson.”

Lu Qingyun knew everything he had done was already known to them; the waiter must have reported every detail.

Everything was under their control, and this did not surprise him.

He sipped the tea. It was sweet and smooth with no bitterness.

Smiling, he said,

“Excellent tea. I’m merely doing what I feel is right. No one should be trampled upon in life, right? We all live to uphold our dignity.”

“So, why did the proprietor summon me here?”

Lu Qingyun was keenly aware this was no casual invitation to chat over tea. There was a purpose.

The proprietor kept his composure, still smiling, and said,

“Heh, I’ve long heard of you but never had the chance to meet. I enjoy conversing with young talents like yourself.”

“Many see me as a man of glory, but I understand my true standing—not only because of the one I serve.”

“I’ve brought you here because I have a proposition. It’s a difficult matter, but I’ll offer you an extremely generous reward.”

Lu Qingyun was not surprised. He nodded slowly and said,

“Seems the proprietor already knows where I’m headed next. It must be about that city. Your reward is undoubtedly higher than others’.”

“I’m at a critical stage of growth and need every advantage I can get. But first, I must complete the city lord’s task. These two won’t conflict, will they?”

The proprietor smiled broadly, eyes shining with delight. Such a simple statement and he understood perfectly. Who wouldn’t like such a young man?

Suddenly, the proprietor’s expression turned serious as he said earnestly,

“Young man, this task isn’t easy. Are you sure you want to help me?”