"Father! I have many cultivation techniques here. Would you like to choose one or two to study?" Qin Mu asked, looking up. He had suddenly acquired too many good things and was eager to share them with others. Wealth should not be flaunted, so he had to keep it hidden, and his family was the most suitable people to share with.
"Forget it! I suffered too many injuries in my early years, and my qi and blood are deficient. If I continue to practice, it may harm my health." Qin Qiong hesitated for a moment and then shook his head.
"What! Father, are you alright?" Qin Mu stood up in surprise and asked.
In another world, records state that Qin Qiong was a valiant warrior, often charging into enemy lines alone to capture and kill enemy generals. However, this also resulted in numerous injuries, depleting his vital energy. By middle age, he was already plagued by illness and died in his early forties. Qin Mu originally thought that this was a world of cultivation, and Qin Qiong certainly wouldn't be like that. Seeing that he was in good spirits recently, he didn't think in that direction.
But after hearing what he said, Qin Mu looked closely and indeed found something was wrong. Qin Qiong's skin was yellower than normal, and his lips were slightly darker. It was not noticeable without careful comparison.
"It's not a big problem, it's just that your strength will never improve in your lifetime," Qin Qiong said with a smile, trying to comfort you.
"That's good, that's good, you scared me." Qin Mu breathed a sigh of relief.
"Haha! You silly boy." Seeing his son's concern for him, Qin Qiong laughed heartily.
"It's alright, Father. I have some elixirs from my sect that can help improve my health. In addition, our sect has several cultivation techniques that can not only improve health but also prolong life," Qin Mu said, patting his chest.
"Mu'er, you're very kind. That's your sect's tradition. Don't break the rules because of your father," Qin Qiong said with great comfort.
"It doesn't matter. My master didn't say that it couldn't be passed on to others. Besides, I have a responsibility to carry forward the Ghost Valley School. I can decide for myself who to pass it on to," Qin Mu said, shaking his head.
"Alright, Dad will listen to you. I'll practice whatever you want." Not wanting to disappoint his son, Qin Qiong smiled and agreed.
"Okay, I'll tell you, Dad, once I've practiced it properly."
"What are you and your son doing? You've been locked inside since early morning, not even coming out for breakfast," Lu Ce's voice rang out from outside.
The father and son exchanged a smile, then left.
"Uncle Lu!"
"Brother Lu!"
"Shubao, Huaidao!"
Lu Ce was Luo Yi's personal guard and had known Qin Qiong for a long time, so they greeted each other very familiarly.
"Your cousin sent you, didn't he? Honestly, even his own people don't like to talk." Qin Qiong shook his head and said.
Lu Ce smiled but remained silent. After all, Luo Cheng was his master, and Qin Qiong was a relative, so he could speak freely. However, he knew that Luo Cheng wasn't averse to talking; it was just that he was talkative with most people. If someone was to his liking, he would be more talkative than anyone else. For example, Qin Mu, who was next to Qin Qiong.
The three of them went out again, and sure enough, Luo Cheng was already waiting. When he saw them arrive, he buried his head and started eating.
"Huai Dao, what are you planning to do today?" After finishing his meal, Luo Cheng wiped his mouth and asked in a serious tone.
"We're going to the Qin family later, Uncle, do you want to come?"
"I'm not going. I don't know if the orcs have retreated yet. I'll go check later." Taking advantage of Qin Qiong's inattention, Luo Cheng rolled his eyes at him and then shook his head at Qin Mu.
Luo Cheng rolled his eyes and didn't hide it from Qin Mu. Although he spoke in a serious tone, Qin Mu could still tell that Luo Cheng originally wanted to take him to see the orcs, and perhaps even find some fun.
Originally, because of Luo Tong, the two had gradually become more and more intimate. In addition, he always thought that the second half of the Youzhou Hunting section was written for him, so he liked to drag Qin Mu along whenever he had something to do. As for going to the Qin family, which involved meeting so many people and exchanging greetings and formalities, Luo Cheng naturally avoided it like the plague.
"Because of the sudden attack by the orcs, Elder Qin's birthday celebration could not be held. Once the orcs leave, we should also leave. Mu'er, please take care of anything that needs to be done as soon as possible," Qin Qiong instructed.
Birthdays can only be celebrated in advance, not postponed, as this symbolizes good things arriving early. Now that the date has passed, the birthday banquet naturally cannot be held. Qin Mu understood this principle, so he nodded and replied, "Okay."
"Then I'll go to the Qin family first."
"Go ahead, Brother Lu. I'll trouble you to take the two brothers with you. It's not convenient for me to show myself," Qin Qiong said, cupping his hands in greeting.
It's inconvenient for Qin Qiong to go, because if he did, it would be seen as supporting Qin Mu and putting pressure on the Qin family. Sending Lu Ce to protect Qin Mu is the best option; it avoids gossip and prevents Qin Mu from being bullied.
"I understand! Don't worry, Uncle Bao," Lu Ce said solemnly, clasping his hands in a fist salute.
"Thank you, Uncle Lu!"
"Why is Huai Dao still being so polite to me?"
"It's never wrong to be overly polite!"
“You scholars are so well-mannered, unlike my little brat, who loves to play with knives and guns and is a constant source of worry.” As the two walked out together, Lu Ce shook his head and sighed.
The little brat Lu Ce was referring to was his youngest son, Lu Zhengchuan, who was twelve years old. He was a chubby-faced boy who sometimes followed Luo Tong to Qin Mu's place.
Children these days mature earlier; even in their early teens, they can help with many chores around the house. It's perfectly normal for children from ordinary families to do what they can in the fields. Lu Ce's youngest son was Luo Tong's personal bodyguard.
Of course! The close protection I'm referring to isn't about protecting against enemies, but rather preventing falls and other dangerous situations. Don't underestimate this job; many people would kill for it. Growing up alongside the young master of the main family greatly increases the chances of him becoming a trusted confidant. Even if he doesn't become a confidant, he'll learn a great deal, which will be very helpful for his future life.
The education of the elite is completely different from that of ordinary people, mainly due to the vast difference in teachers. It's a world that values status and position; if you don't have that status, how can a teacher possibly teach you? And the best learning resources are controlled by them, thus the education received by ordinary people is far inferior. They're completely disadvantaged from the very beginning.
"Zhengchuan is a down-to-earth and hardworking kid. Although he lacks a bit of intelligence, it doesn't overshadow his strengths."
“Huaidao, you know a lot. If you have the chance in the future, please give him more guidance.”
"No problem."
The two chatted and laughed as they went out. Lu Ce then called two more acquaintances of Qin Yao's, namely Ren Xing and He Cheng.
Horseback riding was forbidden inside the pass during peacetime, so the four of them walked for the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn before arriving at Qin Yao's residence at the front of Juyong Pass. The guards must have been notified beforehand, because they welcomed them in directly.
Qin Mu deliberately stood and looked around. He really didn't want to kneel there obediently before even seeing anyone. Even though his physical strength had increased a lot, kneeling was still not a pleasant thing.
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