Chapter 135 If Fang Lansheng doesn't have feelings for Lu Qing...
If Fang Lansheng had no designs on Lu Qing, then the Fang clan chief's suggestion would indeed be a good option given the Fang family's current predicament.
However, whether it was due to Luo Heyi's instigation, Lu Qing's repeated disregard that wounded his pride, or his competitive spirit to rival Wu Chen, Fang Lansheng had already decided he was determined to have Lu Qing. Therefore, a peaceful coexistence between him and Wu Chen was impossible. For Fang Lansheng, the path of becoming the clan chief was absolutely unfeasible.
Fang Lansheng smiled and said, “Uncle, Wu Chen may still have some sense of reason, but those people at Zhan Yantai never do anything reasonable.”
With just one sentence, Chief Fang's idea was completely dispelled. "Then you should hurry up and take action; we can't wait any longer."
"I'll take care of it right away." After taking his leave, Fang Lansheng made some arrangements and went to the guest courtyard where Lu Qing was sitting. "Is Madam Wu here?"
Qi Ying and Lao Hei had already returned, and the four of them were discussing something in the house. Seeing him come in, Lao Hei smiled and said, "It's been a few days, and Young Master Fang looks even better than before."
Old Hei's opening remarks were enough to leave everyone speechless.
Fang Lansheng could only pretend not to hear. "Madam Wu, I have good news."
"Oh!" Lu Qing looked up at him with surprise: If you could really find me a cousin out of thin air, that would be truly amazing.
The four of them looked at him, but none of them offered him a seat. Fang Lansheng had no choice but to find a seat himself. “According to the information you provided, I sent my subordinates to inquire in various villages and towns, and there are indeed several women who match the information you gave. However, they absolutely refuse to come with my subordinates. Would it be convenient for you to go and take a look?”
Lu Qing really wanted to say, "Why won't you come? If there really were someone like that, you'd pay for their travel expenses and give them some money, and they'd be eager to come and have a trip with their parents." But if she really said that, it wouldn't seem like she was desperate to find someone.
Lu Qing nodded, "Then let's go."
Fang Lansheng said, "This young lady is still recovering from serious injuries, so she should stay in the manor to rest and recuperate."
Old Hei winked at him and sighed, "Lying down alone isn't so bad, it's just a bit lonely and boring."
Fang Lansheng chuckled dryly, "Then I'll have the maids come over to keep you company." Before Lao Hei could speak, he stood up and said, "I'll go make the arrangements right away and wait for you all at the gate."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Old Hei scoffed and sat up.
Lu Qing winked at her, "Take good care of yourself and recover from your injuries."
Old Hei immediately understood. He lay back down on the bed, left some hair as a gesture, and then crawled into Lu Qing's sleeve.
Lu Qing set off with Qi Ying and Qi Fu. The Fang family had prepared several fine horses, and Fang Lansheng, dressed in a close-fitting outfit, was waiting at the gate. Upon seeing Lu Qing and the others emerge, there were no further words; everyone mounted their horses and set off.
It was already late in the day. The group rode their horses for a long time until it was completely dark, and then they stopped to rest at a dilapidated temple.
In front of Qi Ying and Qi Fu, Fang Lansheng remained polite and reserved, saying nothing and glancing at them without giving them a second glance. After a simple meal to fill their stomachs, everyone went to rest.
Fang Lansheng chose to meditate by the fire. Lu Qing only needed to look up to see his handsome profile. So, adhering to the principle of "why not look if you can't take it," Lu Qing looked him over and over without hesitation, making a detailed comparison with Wu Chen. The conclusion was that, regardless of whether beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Wu Chen's appearance and bone structure were absolutely perfect. With such a strikingly handsome husband, it would be quite difficult to switch allegiances.
She yawned and sat cross-legged, resting her chin on her hand. Just as she was half-asleep, the peace bell on her wrist moved slightly. Lu Qing didn't open her eyes; she simply flicked her sleeve, and Lao Hei silently disappeared into the darkness.
Suddenly, one of the Fang family's guards screamed and was dragged away by something. Everyone woke up with a start. Fang Lansheng shouted, "Everyone, be careful!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than another Fang family guard on night duty outside let out a scream, and then fell silent.
Lu Qing glanced at Qi Ying, "You and Qi Fu go out together, and come back after you've resolved this."
Qi Ying and his companion clasped their hands in a fist salute and said, "Yes, sir." Then they immediately drew their swords and went out.
In the darkness, an indistinct creature loomed, accompanied by a foul stench. Qi Ying and Qi Fu glanced at the ground; the vegetation showed signs of being crushed by a massive object, and the trail continued forward. They exchanged a look and immediately gave chase.
Only Fang Lansheng, Lu Qing, and a few Fang family guards remained in the broken-face room.
Fang Lansheng said with some surprise, "Madam Wu trusts me so much."
Lu Qing glanced at him, remaining seated. "What do you mean?"
"I thought that Madam Wu would harbor resentment towards me and wouldn't stay behind alone."
"Don't misunderstand." Lu Qing stretched her shoulders. "I'm just still sleepy and too lazy to move."
Fang Lansheng felt a tickle in his heart at her arrogant attitude. "Don't worry, Madam Wu, as long as I'm here, I'll hold up the sky even if it falls down. I won't let you get hurt in the slightest."
Lu Qing didn't say anything, took out a water bottle from her sleeve, took a sip, then closed her eyes and continued resting. She didn't pay any attention to the commotion at all.
Fang Lansheng gave the guards a wink. One of the guards immediately whispered, "Young master, let's go out and see what's going on."
Fang Lansheng said gently, "It's better to be careful."
The guards then left. Only Fang Lansheng and Lu Qing remained by the fire. At that moment, several screams suddenly came from outside. Fang Lansheng immediately stepped in front of Lu Qing, looking around warily.
Lu Qing then opened her eyes, glanced at him, and said lazily, "Behind."
"What?" Fang Lansheng didn't react.
“I’ll say what comes after.” Lu Qing repeated slowly and clearly.
Fang Lansheng turned around, and a huge black shadow pounced on him, completely entangling him. It was something he couldn't tell what it was—cold and supple, like the belly of a venomous snake, or perhaps the unknown limb of a demon—that wrapped around his body layer by layer, slowly crawling along his skin. Fang Lansheng's scalp tingled from the eerie sensation. He roared, his cultivated spiritual energy exploding on his body, tearing the strange thing to shreds. Then, a burst of sword energy followed, ensuring that whatever was entangled with him would be pulverized.
However, these two moves were Fang Lansheng's signature techniques, which he would never use lightly except in an emergency, and he indeed had no intention of using them lightly. Because the sudden attack from the strange creature was not part of his plan at all.
Fang Lansheng was breathing heavily, and now he was truly on guard, his eyes darting around. Then he noticed that Lu Qing was still sitting there, not even changing the hand that was supporting her chin, but now she had a twig in her other hand, slowly stirring the campfire, trying to make it burn brighter.
"Madam Witch?" Fang Lansheng asked incredulously, but before he could finish, Lu Qing added, "Behind her!"
Fang Lansheng flicked his sword again, sending it flying with a flourish. The strange creature, which he hadn't even seen clearly yet, was once again shattered into pieces, scattering in the night wind. "Madam Witch, could it be that you did this?" Fang Lansheng's suspicions grew, and he asked directly.
Lu Qing said casually, "My husband cherishes me like a treasure. If there were no protection, how could he let me go out? Don't worry, I have something to ward off evil spirits. Ordinary demons won't dare to approach me. You just need to protect yourself."
Fang Lansheng gritted his teeth and forced a smile, "Then I'm relieved..."
"Behind!" Lu Qing called out again.
Enraged, Fang Lansheng unleashed his full power, his sword strike hitting the mark squarely with astonishing effect.
A piercing scream nearly shattered Lu Qing's eardrums. Lu Qing frowned, covered her ears with her hands, tilted her head, and carefully examined the unfortunate demon that had been struck.
It was a giant, fiery red python. Its scales shimmered like jewels in the moonlight, reflecting a faint, eerie glow.
"A red-banded snake?!" Lu Qing murmured, "So beautiful!"
Unfortunately, Fang Lansheng had cleaved the beautiful red-banded snake in two, leaving it with a bloody head. Its head was now held high in the air, swinging wildly in agony.
Fang Lansheng was dumbfounded. This was the one he had arranged, but he thought it was the strange creature from before, which was why he had gone all out. The charade had become real, and Fang Lansheng had no choice but to shout, "What kind of monster is this, causing trouble again and again?"
The red-chained snake let out another shriek, raised its tail, and lashed out at Fang Lansheng.
Fang Lansheng tried to dodge but failed and was sent flying, crashing into an earthen wall.
The red-chained snake wanted to attack again, but Fang Lansheng's sword strike had seriously injured it. It coiled up and spewed a mouthful of poison gas at Lu Qing.
Lu Qing was hesitating whether to back away or close her eyes and pretend to faint! At this moment, Fang Lansheng grabbed her and flew into the air on his sword, avoiding the poisonous gas of the red-chained snake.
Fortunately, Fang Lansheng was holding onto the back of her dress, and Lu Qing forced herself to endure the pain. Fang Lansheng flew for a short while before entering the water. They were enveloped in a cloud of air and sank rapidly. Finally, in a completely dark place, they landed.
Fang Lansheng lit a tinderbox and handed it to Lu Qing. "Madam Wu, don't be afraid... Pfft..." A mouthful of blood spurted out, and then Fang Lansheng closed his eyes and fell towards Lu Qing.
With a light step, Lu Qing perfectly dodged Fang Lansheng, causing him to crash face down onto the ground.
With a solid, heavy thud, Fang Lansheng must have really fainted. He didn't struggle at all and just collapsed to the ground.
Lu Qing reached out and felt his pulse, and was quite satisfied with his severe injuries.
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