Chapter 127: A Ten-Year Promise, Revenge

The sky was clear without a cloud, a vivid blue expanse.

A Spirit Boat slowly descended from the sky outside Ruyi County City.

Lu Changsheng took out a Communication Talisman and sent messages to Hong Yi and Li Feiyu.

About a quarter of an hour later.

Hong Yi and Li Feiyu hurried out of the city.

“Brother Hong, Feiyu.”

Lu Changsheng greeted them.

Then he introduced Hong Yi to Qu Zhenzhen and the children.

After a brief introduction, Lu Changsheng asked Qu Zhenzhen to take the children into the city by carriage.

“Changsheng, I heard from Brother Hong that the Lu Family destroyed the Red Leaf Valley?”

At that moment, Li Feiyu looked at Lu Changsheng and asked.

He had been following the affairs of Qingzhu Mountain and Red Leaf Valley.

So much time had passed, and he had gathered information about the Lu Family and the Chen Family.

Upon learning that the Lu Family had destroyed the Chen Family of Red Leaf Valley, he was extremely surprised and was unsure what had happened.

“That’s right.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

He did not hide anything.

He explained the matters between the Lu Family and the Chen Family in rough terms.

Then he asked Li Feiyu about his future plans.

Was he going to stay in the mortal world or return to Qingzhu Mountain?

He could see that Li Feiyu’s cultivation was still at the Fourth Layer of Qi Refining.

Even with the small spirit gathering array he’d set up, cultivation in the mortal realm was extremely difficult.

It couldn’t compare to training in a place with spiritual veins like Qingzhu Mountain.

“No, now that the children are much older and have my parents to take care of them, I plan to venture into the immortal world after this year and see if any fortunes await me.”

Li Feiyu said this.

He had never given up on immortal cultivation.

He knew that if he didn’t venture and take risks now, he would never reach Foundation Establishment, let alone Late-Stage Qi Refining.

“Red Leaf Valley being destroyed, the Lu Family, Bai family, Yu Family, and Zheng Family plan to turn Red Leaf Valley into a market town.”

“Once the market is established and everything is thriving, it will be a nice place to visit.”

Lu Changsheng said.

From what he understood, Red Leaf Market Town would be completed within a year or two.

Once completed, to attract itinerant cultivators and businesses, the Four Major Families would offer many favorable policies.

For itinerant cultivators, this stage would be quite good.

If Li Feiyu went to Red Leaf Market Town, he could also offer some help.

After all, exploring Cave Dwellings and secret realms seemed too dangerous to him.

It was practically certain death.

But he knew that for an ordinary itinerant cultivator like Li Feiyu, there was only this path to success in immortal cultivation.

“Alright, I’ll think it over by then.”

Li Feiyu nodded upon hearing this.

“Red Leaf Valley is going to establish a market town?”

Hong Yi was also surprised at the opportunity he saw.

“That’s right, Brother Hong. If you’re interested, you can go and have a look.”

“If you want to buy a shop, I can make the connections for you.”

Lu Changsheng said to Hong Yi.

Now that his wives and children were settled in the mortal world, cared for by the Ruyi Marquis Manor, he was naturally willing to reciprocate favors.

Once Red Leaf Market Town was established, the families would release some shops and residences for sale at a low price.

If Hong Yi wanted, he could arrange an opportunity with the Lu Family.

“Thank you, Brother Lu. I’ll discuss this with my father when I return.”

Upon hearing this, Hong Yi’s face lit up with joy.

He knew that shops and residences in a newly established market town weren’t something you could just buy.

You needed to qualify.

He didn’t expect Lu Changsheng could help make those connections.

This also left him amazed at Lu Changsheng’s status and position in the Lu Family now.

He couldn’t believe that in just ten years, the farm boy he once overlooked had grown to such heights.

He was also thankful that he had quickly changed his mindset back then and built a good relationship with Lu Changsheng.

“Brother Lu, the person who masterminded the murder of your sister-in-law’s family, is now being held in the manor’s dungeon.”

Hong Yi said.

“Alright, thank you for this, Brother Hong.”

Lu Changsheng glanced at the carriage where Qu Zhenzhen was and nodded.

From Hong Yi’s previous messages, he already knew the whole situation.

As he had suspected, the immortal cultivator was a parasite cultivator.

Cultivating a technique involving essence absorption, he served as a Guest Cultivator to a small family.

He relied on absorbing the essence of women to cultivate and had people search for women with Spirit Roots in the mortal world.

Thus, Qu Zhenzhen’s past incident came about.

He brought Qu Zhenzhen over to deal with this.

“Alright, Brother Lu. Just send me a message when you come.”

“My father has always wanted to meet you.”

Hong Yi said, nodding.

Then, the three continued chatting about recent events and the immortal cultivation world.

“By the way, Brother Lu, do you keep in touch with Fellow Xiao, Fellow Zhao, or Fellow Han?”

Hong Yi asked at this point.

“I had exchanged letters with Han Lin a few times but hadn’t had much contact with Fellow Xiao or Fellow Zhao.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head.

After the initial three-year agreement, they had another set a ten-year agreement.

But ten years is too long.

Friendships from back then might not last.

Lu Changsheng wasn’t the type who enjoyed mingling with people.

Therefore, he’d only exchanged letters with Han Lin a few times over the years.

He knew the other became an equipment refiner.

He also learned Xiao Xiyue was accepted as a disciple by a True Person of Golden Core Formation.

Lu Changsheng wrote a letter congratulating Xiao Xiyue and received a brief reply.

“I often keep in contact with the three of them.”

Hong Yi said.

He was different from Lu Changsheng.

After returning to the mortal world, he often networked with people.

He went to great lengths to maintain these connections.

He talked about the three’s recent activities.

Xiao Xiyue, accepted as a disciple by a True Person of Golden Core Formation, had already surpassed Late-Stage Qi Refining with hopes to reach Foundation Establishment.

Zhao Qingqing, a Sixth-Tier Spirit Root, became a medicine master.

But recently, in his correspondence with Han Lin, he learned Zhao Qingqing awakened a Wood Spirit Body.

This Spirit Body didn’t enhance cultivation but was excellent for nurturing spiritual herbs and healing.

The outer sect elder, responsible for the herb gardens, took notice and accepted her as a disciple.

“Friend Han became an equipment refiner. Now Brother Lu is a High-Tier Talisman Master. Only Li and I still wander the secular world.”

Hong Yi said with a sigh.

Initially, among the six of them, his status and family were the best.

Though he fared relatively well, his peers grew far ahead.

He barely outshone Li Feiyu.

“Alas.”

Beside them, Li Feiyu sighed without speaking.

In the original three-year agreement, he fared the worst.

Seven more years passed, and he still lagged behind.

The gap with others grew wider.

Thus, he contemplated venturing into the immortal world for a chance.

“Feiyu.”

Seeing his close friend like this, Lu Changsheng patted his shoulder.

“I’m fine, just feeling sentimental seeing you all succeed.”

Li Feiyu shook his head with a bitter smile.

“There’s only two and a half years until our ten-year promise.”

“I’ll write to Fellow Xiao to see if we can gather.”

Hong Yi continued.

“I’m fine with anything.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

He wished to maintain this friendship if possible.

But he wasn’t eager to force it, choosing to let it be.

With the System, he didn’t need to network like Hong Yi.

Li Feiyu also nodded slightly.

Though he felt no need to rely on others,

he knew maintaining this network was beneficial.

With strong ties to Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi, he gained resources and information easily.

While they chatted, the carriage arrived at the Lu mansion gate.

Lu Lanshu, Lu Zi’er, Lu Qing’er, and Xia Zhiyue stood outside with the children,

knowing Lu Changsheng was coming and waiting at the door.

“Brother Lu, I have business to attend to and won’t disturb your family reunion.”

Hong Yi stood up and took his leave.

“Alright, see you tomorrow.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, then turned to his wives and children.

“Husband, Dad, Zhenzhen, Aunt Qu!”

His wives and children ran to him in joy after such a long time apart.

Lu Wuyou and Lu Xile rushed over to hug him.

“Hahaha! Did you miss Dad?”

Lu Changsheng held his children, ruffling their hair, smiling.

“Yes!”

It had been over a year, and the children had grown quite a bit.

Their movements hinted at a foundation in martial arts.

Their small martial advancements benefited Lu Changsheng too.

Yet, the benefits were minuscule for someone cultivating the Hundred Refined Body Technique.

Practically insignificant.

“Lanshu, thank you for your hard work these days.”

Lu Changsheng looked at his wives.

“Husband, it’s not hard.”

His wives shook their heads, eyes full of affection.

“Let’s go inside.”

Lu Changsheng led them inside, not lingering at the gate.

He patted his eldest son, Lu Ping’an, guiding his family into the mansion.

Since his last visit, the Lu mansion had changed significantly.

Many guards, martial artists, servants, and maids had been added.

Lu Lanshu had instructed everyone to greet Lu Changsheng as the family head.

“Haha.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled softly.

He hadn’t adapted to being called the master of the house yet.

But it was normal to be called master after settling down in the mortal world.

At twenty-eight, he wasn’t that young.

After settling his children, Lu Changsheng had a lively meal with his family.

That night.

“Lanshu, Zi’er, Qing’er, would you like to return to Qingzhu Mountain?”

Lu Changsheng held his wives close and asked.

Sending them to the mortal world was both for the children’s care and as a plan to escape if necessary.

Now stable, he could take them back to Qingzhu Mountain if they wished.

“Husband, we’ll stay here with the children.”

All three shook their heads.

Not that they didn’t want to go back to Qingzhu Mountain.

But they knew Lu Changsheng was busy and staying was better.

Also, knowing their children wouldn’t return, they couldn’t bear to leave.

“Alright, I’ll visit whenever I can.”

Lu Changsheng said warmly.

He felt quite close to his initial three wives.

Then he showed his affection through actions.

The next day.

“Zhenzhen, maybe you should stay at home, and I’ll go by myself.”

Lu Changsheng suggested to Qu Zhenzhen.

Although he was bringing Qu Zhenzhen for revenge,

she was scared of killing, let alone killing for revenge.

He could see she had tried to let go of her grudge after all these years.

Seeing her enemy might cause painful memories to resurface.

“Husband.”

Qu Zhenzhen looked at Lu Changsheng, lips pursed, eyes determined; she clearly wanted to go.

“Alright, let’s go.”

Lu Changsheng held her hand silently.

He brought her to the Ruyi Marquis Manor.

Upon learning of Lu Changsheng’s visit, the butler hurried to report.

Not only did Hong Yi come to greet them.

Hong Yi’s father, the Marquis of Ruyi, also personally came to welcome them.

The Marquis appeared to be in his fifties.

But Lu Changsheng learned from Hong Yi he was over seventy with more than forty children.

“Seventh Layer of Qi Refining.”

Lu Changsheng instantly discerned the Marquis’s cultivation level.

This cultivation level was considerable in the mortal world.

“Spirit Gathering Array, small spiritual land?”

Inside the manor, Lu Changsheng felt a spiritual vein beneath it.

Similar to Niutou Mountain’s poor-quality spiritual vein.

But in the mortal realm, that was impressive.

After introducing himself to the Marquis, Lu Changsheng followed Hong Yi to the underground palace.

“Young Master Yi.”

Two martial arts experts, guarding the entrance, greeted Hong Yi.

“Open it.”

Hong Yi ordered.

Entering, with a tunnel, it was a dungeon.

A musty, damp smell filled the air, imprisoning many.

“Any martial arts experts or rogue cultivators causing trouble in Ruyi County are dealt with by the manor.”

“Gongsun Hong is held deeper inside.”

Hong Yi explained.

Gongsun Hong was the immortal cultivator who orchestrated Qu Zhenzhen’s family’s murder.

Lu Changsheng nodded, holding Qu Zhenzhen’s hand, as they followed Hong Yi into the depths.

Many cells were empty, some held criminals.

Bound tight, chains passed through collarbones, tendons cut, limbs in shackles.

Only those with strong capabilities were imprisoned here.

If not a cultivator, they were at least martial masters.

At the sound of footsteps, many opened their eyes.

Upon seeing Hong Yi, they reacted violently, as if seeing a sworn enemy.

Qu Zhenzhen felt fear gripping Lu Changsheng’s arm.

She was a Third Layer Qi Refining cultivator but still gentle in demeanor.

“It’s okay.”

Lu Changsheng comforted his wife, holding her close.

Even he found the sight unsettling.

The slaughter at Red Leaf Valley hadn’t prepared him for this.

It was a truly horrifying sight.

“Brother Lu, Sister-in-law, this is Gongsun Hong.”

Hong Yi stopped at a cell, pointing.

Inside was an old man in his sixties, with graying hair, pale face, lips tinged purple.

Bound tight, chains passed through collarbones, tendons cut, limbs in shackles, barely alive.

“Gongsun Hong.”

Qu Zhenzhen knew the mastermind of her family’s murder.

Hate and anger surged within her.

But sadness surfaced, recalling her parents died for her.

“Zhenzhen, let me handle this.”

Noticing her state, Lu Changsheng sighed slightly.

He understood Qu Zhenzhen’s nature.

Even with the culprit before her, she was sad, aimless.

Anger, hatred, or satisfaction in revenge came hard.

Her nature.

Also, years diluted her resentment.

Qu Zhenzhen, eyes red, nodded slightly.

In the dungeon, she was uncomfortable.

She even felt queasy.

Killing for revenge was truly unknown.

Whoosh!

Lu Changsheng flicked his fingers.

A white light sword gleam flashed, ending Gongsun Hong’s life and severing his head.

When he rescued Qu Zhenzhen, he feared the mastermind would come.

Now, seven years later, killing him was effortless.

“Husband.”

Seeing Gongsun Hong dead, Qu Zhenzhen shook, tears flowing, clinging to Lu Changsheng.

Her relief in revenge mixed with emptiness and sorrow.

Knowing her family was gone forever.

“Sigh.”

Lu Changsheng held his wife, gently soothing.

Though to give her closure,

and she insisted on coming, he wouldn’t have brought her here.

After avenging, Lu Changsheng departed with little delay.

He collected Gongsun Hong’s head, bidding farewell to Hong Yi.

With Qu Zhenzhen, they rode the Iron Feather Eagle to Dongyang County, Zhoushan Manor.

One day later.

They arrived at Zhoushan Manor.

“Dad, Mom.”

Seeing the desolate, overgrown courtyard, Qu Zhenzhen couldn’t help but cry.

Lu Changsheng sighed.

Comforting his wife, he erected a tombstone for her parents.

Also, he hired someone to restore the manor and guard it long-term.

So in future visits, she wouldn’t feel as sad.

Also, hoping her brother who followed a demonic path would know she’s alive, with someone trustworthy.