Chapter 101: Lu Family Ancestor, Great Fortune Bearer!
by xennovelLu Changsheng followed the Fourth Elder to the deepest part of Qingzhu Valley, to the Lu Family Ancestral Hall.
It was his first time going to the Lu Family Ancestral Hall.
After all, this place is considered a restricted area of the Lu Family, normally off-limits to outsiders.
The Lu Family Ancestral Hall was quite tranquil.
The entire hall wasn’t very large.
It didn’t look very luxurious and was rather simple.
But it exuded a solemn and ancient ambiance.
Upon entering the hall’s main gate, Lu Changsheng saw towering ancient trees and lush, verdant bamboo.
Amidst the solemnity, there was a profound and tranquil simplicity.
However, now the air was pierced by weeping cries, breaking the solemn atmosphere.
“Father, Mother!”
“You’ve left, leaving Yang’er all alone to be bullied by outsiders.”
Lu Changsheng immediately recognized the voice as Lu Miaoyang’s.
For a moment, he couldn’t connect this aggrieved voice with the arrogant demeanor Lu Miaoyang had shown.
“This Lu Miaoyang isn’t brainless; he’s just fearless and overconfident.”
Lu Changsheng mused to himself.
Previously, he thought Lu Miaoyang was just a brainless rich kid.
But from this performance, he realized Lu Miaoyang had confidence, sure that the Lu Family would favor him.
“How disgraceful to be so noisy in the ancestral land!”
The Fourth Elder also heard this voice and looked angry.
Fearing Lu Changsheng might worry, he reassured him, “It’s fine, Changsheng.”
He led Lu Changsheng inside the Lu Family Ancestral Hall.
Inside, Lu Miaoyang’s face was blue and swollen like a pig’s head, wrapped in bandages with a distinct blood mark on his neck.
His appearance was utterly tragic, holding a memorial tablet in his arms and crying aloud.
It was a heart-wrenching sight.
The contrast with how Lu Changsheng had initially seen him was dramatic.
“Miaoyang, don’t worry. We will handle this according to the family rules, and no one will be favored.”
“Yes, let’s talk it out. Stop crying now.”
“Everyone’s here. It’s unbecoming to make such a scene.”
Several elders of the Lu Family were trying to comfort him.
“Alright, Lu Miaoyang, Lu Changsheng is here now.”
“I will handle this matter right in front of your parents!”
At this point, Lu Yuanshan Ding also coughed twice, looking stern and said deeply.
“Thank you, Family Head!”
Hearing this, Lu Miaoyang stopped crying and thanked Lu Yuanshan Ding.
Then he looked at Lu Changsheng with venomous eyes.
Thinking that in all his years in the Lu Family, he’d never been humiliated like this.
“Lu Changsheng, Lu Miaoyang says you came over intending to kill him. Is that true?”
Lu Yuanshan Ding then looked at Lu Changsheng, speaking with authority.
“The matter with Lu Miaoyang arose because of his fault.”
“Coveting my spirit pet and bullying my son, to the point of wanting to harm him is despicable and malicious.”
“Even if he was bitten by my pet beast, it was his own doing!”
“I came back with the intention to settle things peacefully, but he was aggressive, so I taught him a lesson.”
“I didn’t kill him out of consideration for family ties. If I wanted to, he’d be dead by now.”
“Moreover, I used the flying sword because he first thought of killing me.”
Lu Changsheng said seriously.
“Nonsense! You had no intention of reconciliation!”
“Even if I was the first to draw the flying sword, you struck first!”
Lu Miaoyang immediately protested loudly.
After speaking, he pointed to the scratches on his face and the blood mark on his neck, crying out, “Uncle Yuanding, Grandpa Lin, Grandpa Guang, look at my face, here, here, Lu Changsheng did all this!”
“Father, Mother, why have you left me alone, wuwuwu!”
Lu Miaoyang cried out miserably.
Several other elders of the Lu Family and the Fourth Elder couldn’t help but shake their heads.
Lu Changsheng stood with dignity, explaining the situation.
Lu Miaoyang, on the other hand, was throwing a tantrum, making a scene, clearly distinguishing the high ground.
“Lu Miaoyang, be quiet!”
“The family rules will determine this matter. No nonsense!”
Lu Yuanshan Ding reprimanded fiercely.
“Family Head, I don’t wish to argue excessively about the right and wrong in this.”
“Though I am not a son of the Lu Family, after more than seven years here, I consider myself part of it and abide by the family rules.”
“So I ask the family to judge justly on this matter!”
Lu Changsheng spoke sternly.
He wasn’t willing to continue arguing.
Especially since Lu Miaoyang’s antics left nothing worth contesting.
The other side was clearly just trying to cause a fuss.
He couldn’t just start crying about how he’s been at the Lu Family for so many years, could he?
“Very well, since that’s the case.”
“I will determine this matter by the family rules!”
Lu Yuanshan Ding nodded but didn’t immediately announce the verdict.
Instead, he looked at the Fourth Elder and several elders.
Clearly, they were communicating via sound transmission on how to decide.
In the process, Lu Yuanshan Ding and several elders seemed shocked by some astounding news.
“Regarding the matter between Lu Miaoyang and Lu Changsheng, I proclaim the verdict!”
Family Head Lu Yuanshan Ding spoke with authority.
“Lu Family disciple Lu Miaoyang sought conflict in Qingzhu Valley and fought with Lu Changsheng, fined a year’s income, and forbidden from leaving home for three years to meditate on his actions!”
“Lu Changsheng is fined three hundred Spirit Stones for his pet biting Lu Miaoyang and for participating in the fight, and is to labor for three years.”
“However, since he didn’t initiate the trouble and must continue managing family business and drawing talismans, the three years of labor is commuted to a deduction of three years’ salary!”
“Are you satisfied with this?”
Lu Yuanshan Ding asked with seriousness.
“Family Head, I am not satisfied!”
“My parents bled and contributed to the family and ultimately sacrificed for it. Yet now you favor Lu Changsheng, an outsider!”
However, as soon as the verdict was delivered, Lu Miaoyang immediately protested.
“Lu Miaoyang!”
Lu Yuanshan Ding and the Fourth Elder shouted in disapproval.
“Lu Changsheng is standing right here yet you call him an outsider.”
“You must know that Lu Changsheng is not only a son-in-law of the Lu Family but also a High-Tier Talisman Master!”
Lu Yuanshan Ding spoke with reproof.
“I refuse to accept it! I am not convinced! If it weren’t for the Lu Family taking him in, Lu Changsheng would never be here today!”
“Now that he’s injured me severely and nearly killed me, the family still sides with him over its own!”
“Ancestor, I want to see the Ancestor! Wuwuwu, if the Ancestor knew you were helping outsiders to bully your own!”
Lu Miaoyang, ignoring the reprimand, continued to shout loudly.
“Lu Miaoyang, Miaoyang.”
Seeing this, several elders stepped in to drag him away.
But Lu Miaoyang hugged two memorial tablets tightly, making it difficult for the elders to force him.
Lu Changsheng found himself speechless watching the scene.
Thinking that the Lu Family was exceptionally tolerant.
For if his family had a member like this, they would have slapped them already.
“No, I won’t go! You’re favoring an outsider over me!”
“Father, Mother, why have you left me alone, wuwuwu! I want to see the Ancestor! Let the Ancestor judge!”
Lu Miaoyang was being dragged away, shouting loudly.
However.
At this moment, suddenly.
“You disgraceful thing!”
A powerful, bell-like voice suddenly echoed through the air from the void.
Immediately.
Lu Miaoyang was sent flying away.
The two memorial tablets in his hands gently landed among the array of memorial tablets at the ancestral hall.
“Ancestor! Ancestor!”
“Greetings, Ancestor!”
“Greetings, Ancestor!”
Upon hearing this voice, everyone in the hall, including Lu Yuanshan Ding and the Fourth Elder, saluted respectfully.
“The Lu Family Ancestor!”
Lu Changsheng heard it and felt a shock in his heart.
He turned his head to see.
An old man in a green bamboo robe, with white hair and youthful face, full of majesty, walked in.
He quickly saluted.
It was his first time seeing the Lu Family Ancestor.
Even when he married Lu Miaoyun, only elders attendd, not the Ancestor.
He never expected such an incident would lead the Ancestor to appear.
“Disgraceful! Is the ancestral hall a place for your nonsense?”
The Lu Family Ancestor glared at Lu Miaoyang, directly reprimanding him.
“Ancestor, I.”
Faced with the Ancestor, Lu Miaoyang was scared, not daring to make a scene.
After all, the Lu Family Ancestor was the sky of Qingzhu Mountain Lu Family.
He dared to make a scene because of the Ancestor’s affections and guilt towards his parents.
Now that the Ancestor had appeared, how could he dare to continue being unreasonable.
“Yuanlong was a hero in life, yet he raised such an unambitious scoundrel!”
“If not for the sake of Yuanlong, I would slap you to death.”
The Lu Family Ancestor spoke in disappointment.
“Take this embarrassment away.”
“As Yuanding said, let him stay home quietly and reflect. If he causes trouble again, punish him severely!”
The Lu Family Ancestor directly ordered.
“Yes, Ancestor!”
Lu Yuanshan Ding immediately nodded respectfully.
“Yes, Ancestor!”
Two nearby elders also came forward to escort Lu Miaoyang out of the hall.
“Your name is Lu Changsheng, right?”
The Ancestor then turned to Lu Changsheng.
“Lu Changsheng greets the Ancestor.”
Lu Changsheng saw the white-haired elder in front of him, unsure why he was suddenly being addressed, and quickly saluted.
The Lu Family Ancestor, although serene, exuded an unfathomable presence.
Not at all like Yu Ningrong mentioned, as someone with no more than ten years left.
Furthermore.
Before the Ancestor, he felt a pricking sensation on his back.
As if being thoroughly seen through.
At this moment, Lu Changsheng was unsure whether the jade pendant given by the Colorful Dress Woman was working.
He wondered if his cultivation, aura, and condition were revealed to the Ancestor.
After all, the Ancestor was a great cultivator of the Foundation Establishment realm.
“Foundation Establishment Ancestor, terrifying!”
“If discovered, if it gets dangerous, I wonder if I can call for help in time.”
Lu Changsheng thought nervously.
He dared to act against Lu Miaoyang because he had some strength and confidence.
He felt there was no need to keep retreating and could be slightly assertive.
But he hadn’t expected this would draw out the Ancestor.
Facing the Ancestor, he couldn’t help but feel anxious.
His confidence was sourced from second-tier talismans and puppets.
But the power of second-tier talismans wasn’t more than an early Foundation Establishment cultivator’s casual blow.
His puppets couldn’t match a Foundation Establishment master.
As for activating the jade pendant to summon the Colorful Dress Woman for help.
Against such a great cultivator, he wasn’t sure if it was timely.
“Hmm, very promising young man.”
“Since you’re a son-in-law of the Lu Family, consider this your home.”
The Ancestor’s elderly face showed a faint smile.
His dry hand gently reached out to pat Lu Changsheng’s head.
This gesture left Lu Changsheng slightly stunned.
He wasn’t sure what the Ancestor meant.
He composed himself, pursed his lips, and nodded, “Yes, Ancestor.”
“I’ve always considered this my home.”
Lu Changsheng said earnestly.
“Well, that’s good.”
The Ancestor chuckled, withdrew his rough hand, and left.
“Farewell, Ancestor!”
“Farewell, Ancestor!”
“Farewell, Ancestor!”
Everyone present saluted respectfully.
“Whew!”
Seeing the Ancestor leave, Lu Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief.
In that brief moment, his back was covered in cold sweat.
“What’s the situation with this Lu Family Ancestor?”
“Did he see something from me?”
Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but ponder.
He truly couldn’t understand why the Ancestor would pay attention to him.
“Changsheng, it’s okay now.”
The Fourth Elder smiled at Lu Changsheng.
Then said softly, “When the family fines you those Spirit Stones, grandma will take care of it for you.”
“No need, grandma.”
Lu Changsheng calmed his heart and gently shook his head.
He could sense that the verdict actually favored him.
He guessed the Fourth Elder might have informed Lu Yuanshan Ding of his advancement to High-Tier Talisman Master.
“It’s necessary, these Spirit Stones mean little to grandma.”
The Fourth Elder waved her hand and said warmly.
“Thank you, grandma.”
Seeing this, Lu Changsheng didn’t insist.
Acknowledging it as a gesture of goodwill.
“Alright, it’s not early anymore. You hurried back, have been busy all day, rest early.”
“If there’s anything, just come to grandma.”
The Fourth Elder said as she left the ancestral hall with Lu Changsheng.
“Yes, grandma.”
Lu Changsheng nodded slightly and walked home.
Still contemplating the Ancestor’s attention towards him.
Wondering if he saw anything on him.
“Forget it, for now, the Ancestor bears no ill will towards me.”
Lu Changsheng thought.
Deciding not to dwell on it, he quickly walked home.
Since he couldn’t change anything by worrying about this.
“Even if a Foundation Establishment master harbored malice, there’s nothing I could do.”
“I couldn’t just use the Curse of the Demon book to curse the Ancestor dead tonight, could I?”
When Lu Changsheng returned home, he saw his wives waiting for him in the courtyard.
“Husband, how did it go?”
Lu Miaoyun and the others steped forward, their eyes full of concern.
“It’s settled and resolved.”
Lu Changsheng waved his hand and told Lu Miaoyun the outcome.
“The fault wasn’t ours.”
“Besides, now that husband is a High-Tier Talisman Master, the family would also consider husband!”
Lu Miaoyun held Lu Changsheng’ arm.
“Thank you for your hard work, husband.”
“Congratulations on becoming a High-Tier Talisman Master!”
“Yes, congratulations on becoming a High-Tier Talisman Master!”
“Congratulations, husband!”
“May your path to immortality take another step!”
The other wives also congratulated him.
“Alright, we should celebrate tonight!”
Lu Changsheng declared with a wave of his hand.
After all, becoming a High-Tier Talisman Master was worth celebrating.
Yet, seeing his wives smiling made their faces flush slightly.
In the depths of Qingzhu Valley, in a courtyard full of spiritual energy and nature.
The Lu Family Ancestor rested on a recliner, listening to Lu Yuanshan Ding report on the family situation.
Several Lu Family elders were also present.
“Fight back against the Chen Family if necessary.”
“Otherwise, they’ll think I’m dying soon; we need to maintain our prestige to avoid trouble.”
The Lu Family Ancestor said calmly.
“Yes, Ancestor.”
Lu Yuanshan Ding nodded in agreement.
“Oh, and tell me more about Lu Changsheng’s details.”
The Lu Family Ancestor seemed to recall something.
Everyone was surprised that the Ancestor asked about Lu Changsheng.
Quickly, Lu Yuanshan Ding relayed details about Lu Changsheng.
Then the Fourth Elder added more.
“It seems this boy has great fortune and significant opportunities.”
The Lu Family Ancestor said thoughtfully.
Today, a feeling drove him to the ancestral hall.
Yet upon seeing Lu Changsheng, he found it impossible to perceive him fully.
This intrigued him greatly and he took a few more looks.
He realized the young man carried significant secrets and opportunities.
This made him more curious about Lu Changsheng.
Hearing Lu Yuanshan Ding and the Fourth Elder, it seemed certain that Lu Changsheng was a person of great fortune.
“A person of great fortune!”
Everyone was shocked on hearing the Ancestor’s assessment.
Fortune is a mysterious concept.
But it truly exists in the cultivation world.
Some people’s lives are filled with disasters and trials.
While others succeed effortlessly and find opportunities everywhere.
People who consistently find fortuitous encounters are called people of great fortune.
Such people, even without great aptitude, can rise due to fortune.
Or, in the cultivation world, anyone of notable renown is considered a person of great fortune.
“If this boy truly has great fortune, he will undoubtedly achieve great things in the future.”
“If he can fully integrate with the Lu Family, he could help us tremendously.”
The Lu Family Ancestor said calmly.
Sighing, he added, “But you must quickly seize time, I can’t protect you for many more years.”
“If you don’t produce another Foundation Establishment cultivator soon, abandon Qingzhu Mountain and split the family while you can.”
“Ancestor!”
“Ancestor, you are in your prime!”
“Yes, Ancestor!”
Everyone immediately spoke.
But in their hearts, a layer of sadness covered.
They were aware of the Ancestor’s situation.
Although his injuries healed, his lifespan was limited.
That night.
Afterwards—
“Husband, today you asked if I would choose to follow if you left.”
“Since I married you, if you decide to leave the Lu Family, I will go with you.”
Lu Miaoyun lay in Lu Changshen’s arms, her beautiful eyes full of affection, panting softly.
“I was merely asking, not planning to leave.”
“Even if I left, where could I go? Don’t worry about it.”
Lu Changsheng knew he had unsettled Lu Miaoyun by asking earlier.
“In truth, I didn’t expect the decision to be so straightforward, for you to immediately choose to leave with me.”
“If people were that easy to take, the Lu Family marrying their daughters to me would have been in vain.”
“Unnecessarily adding a bond.”
After all, cultivation family clans like the Lu Family instill the idea of prioritizing family interests.
These ideals are not easily changed.
“Mn.”
Lu Miaoyun responded softly, ten ohed slightly as she whispered, “No more, husband, go find the other… sisters.”
Her words were cut off, turning into breathless murmurs.