Chapter 339: Pretending to Be a Couple with Fu Yue

"It's indeed a family invitation, sister—this is troublesome."

"In the small lounge on the top floor of the Lu Clan Mansion, Fu Xue saw the invitation sent by the Fu family."

"Beside her, Fu Yue frowned."

"She hadn't expected that Old Master Fu, celebrating his 200th birthday this time, would actually invite Lu Xun."

"Given the Fu family's strength and influence, the number of people attending Old Master Fu's birthday this time is huge."

"The high-ranking officials from the East and West, as well as many great clans above the Six Realms, will attend."

"In such a setting,"

"Old Master Fu invited Lu Xun over, and if he happened to be pleased, he might say, 'This is our Fu family's son-in-law.'"

"Then she and Lu Xun would be unable to clear their names even if they jumped into the Yellow River."

"\"Why don't you go see Grandfather now and say you've broken up? \""

"Fu Xue came up with an idea."

"\"Lu Xun has already accepted the invitation; that excuse probably won't work. \""

"Fu Yue had a headache."

"How could she have imagined that Old Master Fu would send Lu Xun an invitation?"

"If she had known earlier, she could have had Lu Xun use this opportunity to refuse the Fu family, saying they had already broken up."

"But now, Lu Xun has already accepted the invitation."

"Using that excuse again would definitely be inappropriate."

"Who breaks up and still accepts an invitation?"

"\"If it really won't work, I suppose I can only tell Grandfather the truth. \""

"Fu Xue said."

"\"That's all we can do. \""

"Fu Yue thought it over, but there wasn't really a better solution."

"Lu Xun has already accepted the invitation—what can we do?"

"\"I'll go see Grandfather. \""

"She decided to steel herself and go see Grandfather to tell the truth."

"As long as Father doesn't find out about this, it'll be fine."

"After saying that, Fu Yue got up and left the Lu Clan Mansion."

"Fu Xue stayed behind."

"\"Master wants me to spar with you in sword practice? \""

"\"Hmm, your sword intent is extremely sharp; it might help me break through to the Annihilation level. \""

"Fu Xue wanted Lu Xun to accompany her in sword practice, and also to test the results of his cultivation over the past year."

"\"Master, hasn't your sword intent broken through to the Annihilation level yet? \""

"Lu Xun couldn't help but ask."

"Fu Xue has already broken through to the Seventh Realm—does her sword intent only count as Destruction level?"

"\"Breaking through in sword intent isn't that easy; I've spent all my time on cultivation, with little chance to practice swordplay. \""

"Being asked that by Lu Xun made Fu Xue a bit embarrassed."

"Although she is a genius, compared to Lu Xun she hardly seems one."

"This student Lu Xun is enough to make all the geniuses of Lan Xing pale in comparison."

"Naturally, that includes her as well."

"However, Fu Xue's mindset is not like Liu Xinghe's."

"She is happy to see Lu Xun become even stronger."

"The stronger he gets, the happier she becomes."

"\"Oh, that's right—Master broke through to the Seventh Realm at such a young age; given time, his sword intent will surely improve. \""

"Lu Xun expressed understanding."

"\"Young? Do you know how old I am? \""

"Fu Xue raised her eyebrows, half-smiling."

"\"Eighteen. \""

"\"Pfft~\""

"Fu Xue was made to laugh."

"That smile was like pear blossoms just opening on a March branch—pure and exquisite, impossible to look away from."

"\"I'm serious—Master is more beautiful than an eighteen‑year‑old girl. \""

"Lu Xun wore a serious expression."

"That's the truth."

"Fu Xue's physical condition is truly better than that of an eighteen‑year‑old girl."

"Her skin is as tender as a baby's."

"For cultivators, as long as strength keeps growing, age is no problem."

"But there is also a pattern."

"Namely, the more talented a cultivator is, the younger they appear."

"Because when young, their strength surges rapidly, so their appearance changes little."

"If they are late bloomers, however, they will look somewhat older."

Besides, female cultivators generally pay more attention to their appearance than male cultivators, and will deliberately maintain their physical condition.

Some male cultivators, on the contrary, will retain the traces of time.

After experiencing a lot, one's state of mind also changes; many male cultivators feel that keeping a face of twenty-something at tens or even a hundred years old feels somewhat incongruous.

Female cultivators have no such reservations.

"I am fifty-one this year."

Fu Xue said she did not hide her age.

"So young?"

Lu Xun was somewhat surprised.

He had always thought Fu Xue was at least seventy or eighty years old, but who knew she was only fifty-one.

Wait a moment.

In that case, doesn't Fu Xue break through to the Seven Realms at fifty?

Fu Yue is even more formidable.

She broke through to the Seven Realms several years ago.

A Seven Realm cultivator in her forties.

This pair of twins is truly impressive.

Upon careful thought, it seems normal for them as well.

They come from the Fu Family, and from childhood they have enjoyed the best resources.

Dark Energy and heavenly-earthly spiritual substances are abundant, medicinal pills are never lacking, and cultivation methods are the best.

Like the top genius of the White Elephant Kingdom, who is at the peak of the Five Realms at thirty-six; if he wishes, breaking through to the Six Realms should not be difficult either.

Breaking through to the Six Realms at thirty-six, then spending a dozen years to assault the Seven Realms, if everything goes smoothly, it is feasible.

A true peerless genius cannot be measured by common sense.

During Lan Xing's ascension, it itself also underwent drastic changes; all living beings upon it have enjoyed the intangible benefits provided by Lan Xing itself.

The cultivation speed is unknown how much faster than that of the ancient powerhouses who walked the ancient starry road alone.

In ancient times, even the most monstrous genius, breaking through to the Five Realms by fifty was already not bad; the Six Realms were difficult, let alone the Seven Realms.

Of course, the cultivation methods back then differed considerably from those of today.

The division of realms also differed somewhat.

"Young? If it were the old era, this age would be old enough to be a grandmother."

Fu Xue gazed at the clouds outside the window, feeling somewhat emotional.

"Teacher, you also mentioned the old era; how could the old era compare to the present? Back then, the longest-lived person was only over a hundred years old."

Lu Xun said.

"Alright, let's not talk about that. Attack me with your sword, so I can see if you've made any progress this year."

Fu Xue took the initiative to end the age topic.

"Teacher, pardon my offense."

Lu Xun waved his wooden sword and launched an attack.

"What, you and Lu Xun are fake?"

"Yes, grandfather; back then I had to tell that lie in order to ask my father to intervene."

On the other side.

Inside Xuanji City, deep within an extremely vast manor, Fu Yue saw her grandfather.

This manor is so huge that, though called a manor, it actually contains mountains, water, and even a lake.

It covers an area of nearly ten square kilometers.

Here lies the Fu Family's clan land in Xuanji City.

The clan land sits on an independent module; if circumstances change, the Fu Family's clan land can also fly out on its own.

The purpose of building Xuanji City is to preserve the fire seed for humanity.

During its design, a puzzle-like approach was adopted.

That is, when needed, the entirety of Xuanji City can be separated into countless independent spacecraft.

The Fu Family exclusively occupies one of them.

"Really absurd!"

Old Master Fu heard Fu Yue say that, his face flushed with anger, his white beard trembling.

He had still thought the Fu Family would reap a dragon-son-in-law.

After meeting, Old Master Fu was also especially pleased with Lu Xun.

Only then did he specially invite Lu Xun to come for his own two-hundredth birthday celebration.

Now,

the invitations have all been sent out.

Who would have known they were fake.

How could this not make Old Master Fu angry.

"Grandfather, at that time Lu Xun left to save us; I had no choice but to do this..."

Fu Yue had no choice but to steel herself and recount the situation at that time.

"This matter, after all, cannot be blamed on you."

After she finished speaking, Old Master Fu's anger finally subsided.

Don't look at his age; he is not unreasonable.

It's all Tian Ze's fault; his human warmth is fading more and more. Ah, having such a son, I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse.

Old Master Fu sighed.

Tian Ze.

That is, the father of Fu Yue and Fu Xue.

Grandfather, since you've already invited Lu Xun, what do you think of this? After a month Lu Xun will still come, but you must never tell anyone that Lu Xun is our Fu family's son-in-law.

Fu Yue spoke her plan.

Her plan was to tell the truth to grandfather, then keep it hidden from her own father.

There's no way; their father is too peculiar, emotionally indifferent. Once he finds out she deceived him, he will likely become even colder.

This is something neither Fu Yue nor Old Master Fu wants to see.

I'm afraid it's a bit troublesome.

Old Master Fu frowned.

What's wrong, grandfather?

Fu Yue felt uneasy.

I already said it.

Old Master Fu lifted his teacup and took a sip.

Ah?

Fu Yue blinked in surprise.

Cough...

Old Master Fu cleared his throat uncomfortably, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the rim of the teacup: 'The other day Yang Hong that old coot brought his son-in-law to show off, you didn't see how smug he was...'

He paused, his old face slightly red: 'I couldn't hold back my anger, so I blurted out the matter of Lu Xun and you. Now that it's out, I can't lose face in front of those old buddies.'

Grandfather, you...

Fu Yue laughed and cried at once.

Even though Old Master Fu is up there in age, he's still so vigorous.

There's one more problem: Tian Ze is about to undergo his tribulation.

Old Master Fu's expression turned serious as he spoke of the matter at hand.

Father... is he about to undergo the tribulation?

Mm!

Old Master Fu nodded solemnly.

Going through the tribulation is a hurdle; how one overcomes it determines one's future state of mind. If he succeeds, he might truly embark on the path of ruthlessness, and then he would likely choose to leave the Fu family.

Old Master Fu's voice was grave.

As a father, his perspective on things differs from that of the two daughters.

Although Fu Tian Ze is a reincarnation of an ancient powerhouse, this is a rebirth, not a possession; as long as he remains in the Fu family, Old Master Fu acknowledges him as his son.

He does not want Fu Tian Ze to leave the Fu family.

Grandfather, what should we do?

Fu Yue had some worries.

Her resistance to her father is not as great as Fu Xue's.

I've noticed that recently his emotions have been recovering; you two are ultimately his daughters. If he sees you dating and marrying, his emotions might further recover. So this must not be exposed; on his birthday, even if you're pretending, you must act as a couple!

Old Master Fu spelled out the plan, word by word.

Pretend to be a couple!

All right, grandfather.

After a few seconds of silence, Fu Yue agreed.

Grandfather wants you to pretend to be a couple with Lu Xun?

A few hours later, Fu Yue returned to the Lu clan mansion.

Well, this is the only way. Lu Xun, I'll explain things to Youqing and the others; you don't have to worry about being misunderstood.

Fu Yue looked at Lu Xun and said.

All right, teacher.

Lu Xun nodded.

This card contains ten thousand cubic units of Dark Energy; it's from grandfather for you to prepare a gift. He said even if it's just for show, make it convincing—your gift must be sufficiently grand, preferably the most extravagant among the guests. If you don't use it all, the leftover Dark Energy can be your hard-earned fee.

Fu Yue then handed Lu Xun another Dark Energy card.

Ten thousand cubic units of Dark Energy!

Quite the fellow.

The Fu family is indeed rich and powerful.

Just giving Lu Xun that much Dark Energy, to have him prepare a gift.

Doing this is probably because, knowing that Lu Xun and Fu Yue's relationship is fake, Old Master Fu doesn't want Lu Xun to spend money.

Teacher, actually there's no need for this; both teachers have been so good to me. I'll prepare grandfather's gift properly—how could I use his money to give him a present?

Lu Xun did not accept it.

Lu Xun...

Teacher, no need to say more; if you're not at ease, I'll let you review it once I'm ready.

Fu Yue still wanted to say more, but Lu Xun's attitude was very firm.

All right.

Seeing Lu Xun insist on not accepting, Fu Yue had no choice but to put away the Dark Energy card.

However, she also had her own plan, preparing to get some congratulatory gifts herself, and then have Lu Xun present them later.

Fu Yue understands Old Master Fu's thoughts.

She has already told a few old buddies.

If Lu Xun's congratulatory gift isn't grand enough, won't those old buddies end up mocking him?

Otherwise, how could Old Master Fu be so generous, pulling out ten thousand cubic Dark Energy all at once?

Actually, if Lu Xun and Fu Yue were truly together, Old Master Fu would be pleased no matter what Lu Xun gave as a gift.

But the problem is, they are pretending.

Since it's fake, Old Master Fu might as well go all out, earn enough face; anyway, the congratulatory gifts bought with this Dark Energy will eventually return to the Fu family.

Ten thousand cubic Dark Energy is, for an ordinary great clan, naturally an astronomical figure.

For most Seven Realms families, wanting to produce this much Dark Energy is extremely difficult.

For the Fu family, which possesses Eight or Nine Realms, however, it's nothing much.

Therefore, for the coming month, she prepares to carefully select some congratulatory gifts, so that on Old Master Fu's birthday, after Lu Xun presents them, she can earn him enough face.