Chapter 33: World Clan

Joining the world clan Lu? This choice was never within Chu Danqing’s consideration.

But now it’s different—he saved a Lu daughter, giving him a distinct advantage over joining the government or the Taiping Dao.

As for the reasons Lu Qiaoyun gave, Chu Danqing didn’t care much.

It was almost certainly just following along with his words.

After washing and drying their clothes in the washing machine, the two set off together toward Yangxian County.

On the way, Chu Danqing inquired about Yangxian County’s situation; a heavy snowfall had added many more refugees.

The government provided relief, the Taiping Dao distributed talisman water, yet people still died daily.

Only someone like Lu Qiaoyun, from a world clan, remained untouched.

Chu Danqing pondered how he might offer even a small amount of help.

But after surveying what he had on hand, he realized he was powerless—easily doing more harm than good while dragging himself into trouble.

So he gave up for now and decided to wait and observe.

Upon entering Yangxian County, they were safely delivered to the Lu family’s gate.

“Sister, where have you been wandering? I’ve been waiting here a long time.”

From behind the gate, a voice came—soft, and somewhat weak.

A servant pushed a plain cart—a wheelchair.

Seated on it was a frail-looking youth, clad in thick brocade robes and a fur-lined coat, warming his hands over a small brazier.

He had clearly been waiting for some time.

His gaze first settled on Lu Qiaoyun, then shifted to Chu Danqing and Da Bao.

“Yin, why are you here?” Lu Qiaoyun frowned. “Your body is weak—what if the winter wind and snow injure you?”

“It’s nothing,” the youth replied indifferently. “I’ve been exposed to it before.”

“I’m just curious—why did you leave so early this morning?”

Lu Qiaoyun’s eyes flickered as she gave her excuse: “I heard a remarkable person has come to Yangxian County—I rose early to court him.”

As she spoke, her gaze unconsciously darted toward Chu Danqing—she was lying.

“So this must be the gentleman,” the youth smoothly turned the topic to Chu Danqing. “I am Lu Yin. Thank you for escorting my sister home.”

Lu Qiaoyun didn’t catch the implication, but Chu Danqing did.

“Merely a small favor—no thanks are needed,” Chu Danqing replied, sensing Lu Yin was no ordinary man.

The youth clearly knew about Lu Qiaoyun’s elopement.

“Taming such a beast—your reputation as a remarkable person is well-deserved. My sister rarely shows such discernment.”

“Having you join the Lu household is a blessing for us,” Lu Yin said, unaware of Chu Danqing’s true situation—but since he was here, he must have agreed.

Chu Danqing’s eye twitched—these two were indeed siblings, both trying to bind him.

After careful thought, he decided to speak plainly: “I came to Yangxian County intending to join the government for a meal and to seek rare treasures to compensate for Da Bao’s innate deficiencies.”

“I was going to refuse your invitation, but then I thought—having someone on the inside helps.”

“So let’s be practical first, then honorable—if I serve the Lu family, what benefits can I expect?”

Standing beside Lu Yin, Lu Qiaoyun pointed at Da Bao. “He is Da Bao—he’s a person, not an animal.”

Lu Yin heard this and decided Chu Danqing was an honest man.

“Though my sister is not the eldest daughter, my father has only one.”

“You are a man of true ability—if you join the Lu household, you will be treated well.”

“The Lu family’s prospects may not rival the government’s, but the government is riddled with factions. Getting a meal there is easy for you—but finding rare treasures? Far easier with us.”

Hearing this, Chu Danqing didn’t know if it was true—he stole a glance at Da Bao.

Da Bao gave a slight nod—he saw no problem.

“Then I look forward to your guidance,” Chu Danqing said, directly choosing to join the world clan Lu.

Lu Yin was right: joining the government is easy, but climbing higher is not.

Promotion is incredibly difficult.

As for the Taiping Dao—it’s always an outsider.

The Lu family offers better advancement; Chu Danqing had no reason to refuse.

【You joined the world clan Lu faction】

【Task completed. You received: Paradise Points ×500】

【Next task phase activated】

【Trial Task: Become a Lu household retainer within seven days】

【Trial Difficulty: D-rank (Normal）】

【Trial Reward: Paradise Points ×1000, Attribute Points +1】

【Trial Failure: Paradise Points -2000】

A D-rank trial task gives Attribute Points? Is that reasonable?

That makes no sense—a rank A task only gives two Attribute Points. It’s outright absurd.

But he quickly realized: as a reserve-level Dimensional Adept, even a C-rank task could serve as a credential.

If trials didn’t grant Attribute Points, most Adepts would have no way to gain them at all.

The Paradise was truly generous.

【The most valuable part of the settlement is the rating itself—not the Paradise Points or Attribute Points.】 Chu Danqing understood the reason.

Even so, completing a D-rank task was no easy feat for an Adept.

“Sir, don’t stand outside in the cold—come inside,” Lu Yin said, then turned to Lu Qiaoyun. “Mother just called for you—go now, it’s not too late.”

Lu Qiaoyun gasped, told Lu Yin to properly host Chu Danqing, then entered the compound ahead.

Lu Yin showed no disrespect—he led Chu Danqing inside, explaining much along the way.

“Your righteousness regarding my sister’s affair will not be forgotten by the Lu family—but you are a man of compassion.”

“The Lu family has already cleaned up the aftermath for you,” Lu Yin suddenly said.

Chu Danqing wasn’t surprised Lu Yin knew these things—but he had a question: “Lu Qiaoyun is your sister—how could you just watch her be deceived?”

“A blade is sharpened on stone; a man is forged through trials,” Lu Yin said. “If my sister doesn’t suffer this once, she’ll be deceived again.”

“Please don’t speak of this—it’s over,” Lu Yin added, warning Chu Danqing.

“Don’t worry—I’m no gossip,” Chu Danqing replied. He wouldn’t risk damaging their reputation.

“You’ve traveled far—rest for now. I’ll secure you a retainer position,” Lu Yin said, offering tangible benefits after Chu Danqing’s words.

Chu Danqing hadn’t expected the second trial task to be completed so easily.

All that remained was waiting for time to pass.

“Thank you, Young Master Lu,” Chu Danqing said. He didn’t know the requirements to become a Lu retainer, but since the other man was skipping the middle steps, his advantage would be greater.

“No thanks needed—it’s I who should thank you,” Lu Yin said, having arranged everything, then left immediately.

But he didn’t leave Chu Danqing alone—he left two maidservants to attend him; Chu Danqing could give them any orders.

(End of Chapter)