Chapter 135

Chapter 135: Peace before departure, the dragon emerges from the abyss

“Young Master Lu, what exactly happened? Can you tell me now?”

Madam Wei, who was being carried on Lu Qing’s back in the forest, asked.

A hint of nervousness crossed her face.

Just now, Lu Qing had suddenly arrived, telling everyone to pack up and leave the mountains immediately.

Everyone was confused, but out of trust in Lu Qing, despite their nervousness, they obeyed.

Now, walking in the forest, Madam Wei could no longer contain her doubts.

“This morning, a young man in plain clothes, the one I told you about yesterday, the disciple of Tianji Tower who stopped your ancestor from fighting the mysterious Xiantian Realm, came to visit our master and brought some bad news.”

“Your Wei family’s Xiantian Realm ancestor, who was ambushed by the mysterious Xiantian Realm, was struck in the heart by the Xiantian sword energy. The injury is severe and difficult to heal. If the sword wound is not healed in time, he will only have a year to live,”

Lu Qing explained slowly.

“How could this be?”

Madam Wei and the others were shocked.

“This is what the disciple of Tianji Tower named Zhirui said. Judging from his performance in the county a few days ago, there is no need for him to deceive us on this matter, so this should be true.”

Madam Wei and the others were immediately in a state of panic. They

had thought that after the old ancestor returned, the mansion would be settled and they could wait for the day to return home with peace of mind.

Unexpectedly, the old ancestor’s injury posed such a serious hidden danger.

After a while, Madam Wei calmed down and continued to ask, “Then why did Young Master Lu ask us to come out of seclusion this time…”

Even if the old ancestor was seriously injured, they, mother and son, had limited abilities and could not help at all. It seemed that there was no reason for them to come out of seclusion.

“After hearing about your ancestor’s injuries, my master intended to travel to the county town to see if he could heal them.

But Madam, you know the situation in the county town is complicated right now. Your family is probably on edge, wary of outsiders.

If we, master and disciple, were to visit alone, we wouldn’t be able to gain your trust and might even cause misunderstandings.

That’s why we thought of asking Madam and Master to come out of seclusion and return to the county town with us.”

“Master, are you sure you can heal our ancestor?” Madam Wei was overjoyed.

“Of course I’m not completely sure. Without personally examining your ancestor’s injuries, it’s hard to make any judgments, but we have to give it a try, right?” Lu Qing didn’t promise anything.

But Madam Wei sensed a hint of meaning in Lu Qing’s words.

If the old doctor wasn’t confident, why would he take such a risk and travel to the county town?

A glimmer of hope ignited in her heart: “Then, on behalf of our Wei family, I would like to thank Young Master Lu and Master for their generous assistance.”

Madam Wei was filled with gratitude.

Given the Wei family’s current situation, most people would avoid them and wouldn’t dare have anything to do with them.

Being able to avoid adding insult to injury was already something to be thankful for.

She didn’t know how to express her gratitude to people like Lu Qing, who had repeatedly lent a helping hand, saving her and her son, and even the entire Wei family.

They walked through the mountains, and when they emerged, they came directly to a small courtyard halfway up the mountain.

The old doctor was already waiting in the courtyard.

Seeing everyone return, she smiled: “Are you all back?”

Mrs. Wei had already dismounted from Lu Qing’s back and bowed.

“Ningyan greets old doctor. You once saved my son from life and death. Ningyan is truly ashamed that she hasn’t been able to come and thank you in person.”

“Haha, it’s just a small matter, don’t worry about it,”

the old doctor said, stroking his beard.

“Greetings, old doctor.”

At this time, Wei Zi’an also stepped forward and saluted.

The old doctor took a look at his face and nodded. “You’ve recovered well and become much stronger.”

“Yes, I’ve been training with Master and Doctor Lu lately, and I’m feeling much better!”

Wei Zi’an said happily, gripping the wooden stick in his hand.

“Good, very good.”

The old doctor also noticed that Wei Zi’an’s temperament seemed to have changed quite a bit, and he was very satisfied.

As for Ma Gu, since he had often come here and was already an acquaintance, there was no need to exchange pleasantries, simply bowing to the old doctor.

“Old Doctor, when do we leave?”

Madam Wei asked after the greetings.

Ever since she learned of the old man’s injury, she had been feeling uneasy.

“There’s no rush. You just came out of the mountains. Go wash up, have lunch, and rest up before we set off,” the old doctor said.

Ma Gu and his companions had been living in the cave. While they had enough food and drink, other things were definitely inconvenient.

So they all looked dusty and rather disheveled.

Mrs. Wei also knew that their current appearance was really a bit rude, and she also knew that it was useless to rush to save the Wei family.

So she did not object to the old doctor’s arrangement and went to wash up.

The old doctor had already boiled hot water for them. When Mrs. Wei and the others came out after washing up, they saw Lu Qing busy in the kitchen. The aroma of food was wafting out from inside.

“Sister, you look so beautiful!”

At this time, Mrs. Wei heard a sweet and innocent voice.

She lowered her head and saw a little girl standing in front of her, tilting her head and looking at her curiously.

Looking at the delicate and elf-like girl in front of her, Mrs. Wei loved her very much.

She bent down, picked up Xiaoyan, and asked, “Little one, what’s your name?”

“My name is Lu Xiaoyan. Who are you, sister?” Xiaoyan asked happily.

“So it’s Xiaoyan. I’m not sister, call me aunt. I’m your brother’s friend. My last name is Li.”

Mrs. Wei knew immediately that this little girl was Lu Qing’s sister, the one An’er and the others had talked about.

She hadn’t expected Xiaoyan to be so pretty.

Even the girls in the city couldn’t compare to her beauty and loveliness.

“Aunt?” Xiaoyan compared herself to the other aunts in the village, a little puzzled. “But none of the aunts look as young as you?”

“Little one, you’re so adorable.”

Every woman wouldn’t want to be told they’re young, and Mrs. Wei beamed at these innocent words.

She held the sweet, soft Xiaoyan in her arms, and she didn’t want to let go.

Xiaoyan also liked this pretty and kind aunt, finding her very kind.

So, the two of them chatted happily.

Their cheerful expressions left Wei Zian, standing beside them, a little stunned.

It was the first time since fleeing that he had seen such a genuine smile on his mother’s face.

“Xiaoyan, the meal is almost ready. Set the table and prepare to eat.”

Just as the two were happily chatting, Lu Qing’s voice rang from the kitchen.

“It’s time to eat, Auntie. Please sit here while I help my brother!”

Xiaoyan immediately jumped out of Madam Wei’s arms and ran to the kitchen.

“Let me help you too,” Madam Wei followed.

She then saw Xiaoyan retrieving a bowl from the cupboard.

In the kitchen, many dishes were already prepared.

Several vegetarian dishes were placed on a small table nearby. A covered pot was steaming, and it was unclear what was cooking.

In a nearby clay pot, soup was simmering, and in a nearby casserole, a bright red meat stew was bubbling.

Looking at these dishes and smelling the rich aroma, Madam Wei couldn’t help but swallow her saliva.

Hiding in the mountains these days, while there was no shortage of food, it was clearly not good.

Suddenly, seeing so many dishes that looked so delicious, even with her refined taste, she felt a little greedy.

“Madam, why are you here? The kitchen is so smoky, don’t let it get in your eyes,”

Lu Qing, who was working the fire, said hurriedly when he saw Madam Wei.

“I came to see if I can help,” Madam Wei said.

“No, the dishes are almost ready. Madam, just take these vegetarian dishes out. Once I steam the fish, we can eat,” Lu Qing said with a smile.

“Okay.”

After Madam Wei had taken the dishes out, Xiaoyan also walked out of the kitchen steadily, carrying a pile of bowls.

“Xiaoyan, let me help you,” Madam

Wei said hurriedly, looking terrified.

“No, Auntie, Xiaoyan can do it!” The little girl refused.

Xiaoyan had consumed the Earth Vein Spirit Fluid and absorbed the white mist of vital energy condensed from the laws of heaven and earth when the old doctor broke through. Her physical fitness was excellent.

In terms of strength alone, many teenagers in the village might not be as strong as her.

So, picking up a few bowls was a simple matter.

By the time the dishes were set, Lu Qing’s fish had also been steamed.

Soon, a large table full of dishes was neatly laid out.

“Okay, time to eat,”

Lu Qing said, clapping his hands as he placed the freshly steamed fish in the center of the table.

As for Xiao Li, he was already in a corner outside, feasting on a pot of fish.

“Ah Qing’s cooking is getting better and better,”

the old doctor, seated at the main table, said with a smile.

“Yes, brother’s cooking is the best!”

Xiao Yan, sitting on her little stool, looked proud.

As for Ma Gu and the others, their eyes widened at the sight of the vast table full of delicious dishes.

Steamed fish, chicken soup, braised rabbit, fried fish, stir-fried vegetables—how long had it been since they had tasted these hot dishes?

“Brother Lu Qing, what is this?”

Ma Gu asked, pointing to the shiny red, steaming meat in the casserole.

“This is braised pork, it tastes pretty good,” Lu Qing replied.

“Okay, don’t be polite, let’s eat,”

the old doctor said, picking up a fried fish first.

Seeing the old doctor start eating, the others picked up their chopsticks.

Ma Gu and Wei Zian were the first to reach for the braised pork in the casserole.

There was no way, the trembling, shiny pieces of meat were just too tempting.

They each took a piece of the braised pork and put it in their mouths. Feeling the texture that melted in their mouths with a light sip, and the aroma of meat in their mouths, both of them couldn’t help but open their eyes wide.

They had never eaten such fragrant meat before.

“Doctor Lu, what kind of meat is this made of, and why is it so fragrant?”

Wei Zian couldn’t help asking.

“This is pork. I bought it from the butcher in the next village this morning.” Lu Qing smiled.

“Is pork so delicious?” Wei Zian couldn’t believe it.

After this period of training, he was no longer the pampered young master who felt nauseous when he heard about pork.

But he still couldn’t believe that the meat from the dirty-looking pig could be so fragrant.

“Ordinary pork naturally can’t be cooked to such a rich aroma, but this braised pork, after some special treatment I’ve done, tastes even better than regular pork.”

These days, Lu Qing often wanders the mountains, occasionally using his supernatural powers to explore. He’s discovered several plants that can replace certain seasonings from his past life.

This has allowed him to further enhance his culinary skills.

Now, he can make this braised pork taste 80% to 90% of what he did in his previous life.

Seeing her son enjoying the meal so much, Mrs. Wei, who had initially been unimpressed by the greasy meat, couldn’t help but take a small piece to taste.

She was also amazed.

The braised pork looked greasy, but it wasn’t at all fatty. Instead, it was incredibly fragrant and delicious, perfectly complementing rice.

They tried several other dishes and were even more amazed.

The chicken soup was delicious, the steamed fish was savory and sweet, the fried fish was crispy and fragrant, and even the vegetables were incredibly flavorful.

The flavors of each dish exceeded their expectations.

The meal was a satisfying and hearty one, with not a single piece left over.

Even the last bit of the braised pork broth was used by Ma Gu and Wei Zi’an to mix with their rice.

Even the well-mannered Mrs. Wei, after she’d finished her meal, couldn’t resist an extra bowl of chicken soup.

“Brother Lu Qing, I’m really regretting more and more that I never stayed for dinner with you before. I’ve missed out on so many delicious dishes!”

After eating and drinking to my heart’s content, Ma Gu’s face was filled with regret.

“Haha, it’s never too late to go back later. It’s just a matter of using an extra pair of chopsticks,” Lu Qing said with a smile.

“Of course, even if you don’t invite me in, I’ll shamelessly stay and eat for free,” Ma Gu joked.

Wei Zi’an, watching from the side, looked envious.

If his family weren’t in the city, he’d also like to come and eat more often.

But then he thought, Ma Gu was his master now.

As a disciple, it was only natural for him to visit his master frequently, right?

And if he happened to come over to Little Doctor Lu’s place and eat for free, wouldn’t it be normal too?

Wei Zi’an couldn’t help but feel happy about his own cleverness.

Even Madam Wei was almost tempted by this.

Unfortunately, she knew that with her status, it would be difficult to escape once she returned home.

For a moment, the meal relaxed everyone’s spirits, seemingly forgetting their upcoming trip to the county town.

But things still had to be faced.

After dinner, there was a moment of silence before the old doctor finally spoke, “Ah Qing, go get ready. We’re ready to leave.”

“Yes, Master,”

Lu Qing nodded, and immediately went out to make preparations.

Because of the presence of the Tiancang Sect, they couldn’t go to the county town openly.

Disguises were necessary.

So Lu Qing went to the village and borrowed clothes for Madam Wei and Wei Zi’an. He

then went to the neighboring house of Mr. Zhang and borrowed his docile ox and cart, loading it with some medicinal herbs.

Once everything was ready, Lu Qing, carrying his sword and a covered bamboo basket, carried Xiaoyan onto the cart.

Yes, this time, he decided to bring Xiaoyan along.

This trip to the county town was quite dangerous, and neither he nor his master knew what would happen.

Xiao Li would also be accompanying them, and he was worried about leaving Xiao Yan alone in the village.

They, brother and sister, had always depended on each other.

So, this time, they should set off together.

After all, he and his master would never let anyone harm Xiao Yan until they fell.

“Brother, where are we going?”

Xiao Yan said excitedly, sitting on the ox cart.

“We’re going to the county town. Haven’t you always wanted to visit the city? This is it?”

“The city? Great!”

Xiao Yan was instantly delighted.

She had never been to the city before.

“Madam Wei, please help take care of Xiao Yan along the way,” Lu Qing said to Madam Wei, who was also sitting on the ox cart.

“I will!”

Madam Wei, now dressed like a village woman, hugged Xiao Yan tightly.

She hadn’t expected Lu Qing to bring Xiao Yan along.

But she sensed Lu Qing’s determination and knew that persuasion was futile.

She could only make a secret decision: unless she died, she would never let Xiao Yan come to harm.

After everything was ready, the old doctor drove the cart in front, shouted, and the wheels of the oxcart rolled, slowly heading out of the village.

Lu Qing, Ma Gu, and Wei Zi’an followed alongside.

The villagers had no idea what Lu Qing and his companions were going to do, let alone the identities of Madam Wei and her son. They

simply assumed they were all heading to the city with the old doctor.

So, when they saw Lu Qing and his companions leave, apart from a few instructions,

they showed no emotion. Lu Qing was now powerful, so they weren’t worried.

The cart arrived at the village entrance, and the old doctor stopped.

Lu Qing walked forward, retrieved three red ropes from under the stone slab beneath the letter tree, and wrapped them around the tree.

“Young Master Lu, what are you doing?”

Madam Wei asked when Lu Qing returned.

“This is the custom in our village. Everyone who leaves the village must wrap their things with red ropes…”

Lu Qing explained briefly.

However, these simple words made Madam Wei’s heart tremble suddenly,

and her grip on Xiaoyan tightened.

Ma Gu and Wei Zi’an, standing by, also had a more determined look on their faces.

They secretly made a decision.

With a crack of the whip, the oxcart started up again, slowly moving forward.

As the oxcart passed through the woods, a flock of startled birds suddenly took flight in front of them.

(End of this chapter)