[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-122":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Lord of the Proles",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2290420,4478,"Chapter 122: Step Without a Trace","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-122",122,"\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang, the eldest son of the Lu family, ascended alone to the third floor of Qianyue Restaurant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the gaze of all present, Lu Dongliang took off his suit and gestured with a finger toward Qiu Zhiheng, signaling him to come forward and take it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter didn’t truly require Qiu Zhiheng’s involvement, but since Lu Dongliang had signaled him, Qiu Zhiheng could not refuse—he quickly stepped forward and took the suit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, Qiu Zhiheng still hadn’t recovered his wits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None of those present had recovered their wits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had no idea where Lu Dongliang had come from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang’s lawful wife, Duan Shaoxia, rose to her feet, tears in her eyes: “Dongliang, you’ve returned—you’ve come back…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang pressed his palm downward, signaling her not to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duan Shaoxia noticed Lu Dongliang was missing a tooth and bore scars on his wrist, yet she asked no questions—before outsiders, she guarded his dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang fixed his gaze on He Yuxiu’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuxiu looked at Lu Dongliang and said: “You’re still alive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang smiled: “You’re that eager for me to die? Too bad your skills aren’t good enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuxiu’s eyebrows snapped up: “Explain clearly—it was your brother’s skill that failed, and he was the one who tried to kill you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re shameless,” Lu Dongliang spat. “If Dongjun hadn’t been there that night, I’d have died in your hands, He Yuxiu—I never thought you’d be this cruel, colluding with Zhuo Yuling to ambush me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone present was stunned—this contradicted every rumor they’d heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Cunshou, the patriarch of the He family and He Yuxiu’s fourth uncle, stirred slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a seventh-layer De Xiu—he had activated his technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone lying before him would suffer severe injury—even Lu Dongliang, a ninth-layer cultivator, would be wounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuxiu stood and said: “Lu Dongliang, explain clearly—who the hell colluded with Zhuo Yuling? Who ambushed you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That night at my home, weren’t you and Zhuo Yuling the first to strike?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the words left his mouth, He Cunshou did not trigger his technique—Lu Dongliang spoke the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Cunshou turned his gaze to He Yuxiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuxiu nodded: “I did strike you—but I never intended to kill you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was also true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang nodded: “You didn’t intend to kill—but Zhuo Yuling did!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was also true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuxiu growled: “I don’t know what they were thinking—I’m not like them. I didn’t go for the kill!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They traded accusations back and forth; He Yuxiu repeatedly insisted she never meant to kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang repeatedly insisted she had struck first that night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both spoke the truth, and after arguing for a long time, the old patriarch could no longer endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man was over seventy; his seventh-layer technique had been active the entire time, listening to their shouting—he was drenched in cold sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough,” He Cunshou said. “Let me speak. He Yuxiu,” he turned to her first, “tell me honestly—did you strike Dongliang that night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I did,” He Yuxiu admitted without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Cunshou frowned, then turned to Lu Dongliang: “Dongliang, our Jiaqing was injured by your daughter. You promised the He family an explanation—where is Lu Xiaolan now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang replied: “I don’t know where she is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having asked the two critical questions, He Cunshou deactivated his technique, wiped his sweat, and said to He Yuxiu: “Xiu, you went to someone’s home and injured them—that’s your fault. Apologize to Dongliang first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuxiu snapped: “I didn’t strike first—I acted in self-defense—it’s not my fault!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You child!” He Cunshou frowned. “Dongliang, Yuxiu’s temper is like this—don’t take it personally. But we must settle Jiaqing’s matter—when will you give us an explanation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang looked at He Yuxiu and sneered: “Ask your own eldest daughter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuxiu roared: “Bullshit! Why ask me? I’ve had no contact with Zhuo Yuling or Lu Xiaolan!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they began arguing again, He Cunshou sighed: “I’m old now—I can’t control these young ones. Lu Elder, what do you say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lu family had also sent an elder—Lu Maoxian, Lu Dongliang’s elder brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Maoxian was over eighty, barely able to open his eyes, and muttered vaguely: “Let the children decide. Let the children decide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, He Cunshou fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang scanned the room: “I will continue searching for Zhuo Yuling and Lu Xiaolan. This matter will eventually be settled with the He family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During my absence, I entrust household affairs to Dongjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone who dares harm Dongjun again—I will show no mercy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang snatched his suit from Qiu Zhiheng’s hands and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duan Shaoxia, the principal wife, rose and hurried after him: “Dongliang, where are you going? I’ll go with you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang spun around and shoved her away: “Don’t follow me. None of you follow me—I trust no one now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duan Shaoxia froze. She never imagined Lu Dongliang would say such a thing to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hatred stirred in her heart; a thread of blood red appeared in her pupils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang did not notice. He swept his gaze over the room and walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone in the room stood stunned. He Yuxiu cursed loudly; Duan Shaoxia burst into tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Cunshou sensed something was wrong, but in this setting, he could not ask further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several key Lu family members also sensed something was off—they exchanged glances but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuxiu muttered under her breath: “Is this really Lu Dongliang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than one person doubted—but no one spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lu family stayed silent—because if they were wrong, trouble would follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The He family stayed silent too—they simply watched, quietly enjoying the show. Why rush?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Dongliang” returned to Lu Dongjun’s estate and slipped silently into his bedroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the mirror, he peeled off the false skin from his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He believed his performance had been flawless—he smiled with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He removed the false tooth from the lion’s mouth and placed it into his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, his cheeks began to twitch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the next three days, he would suffer constant toothache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the cost of using the lion’s power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a hospital room at the Yuezhou Three Institutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing could not smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar voice reached his ear: “Lu Dongliang went to Qianyue Restaurant to confront your aunt face-to-face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Dongliang just came back as if nothing had happened?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was Lu Dongliang truly alive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice on the other end asked: “Can you see anything? How did Lu Dongliang come back to life?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing shook his head: “I can’t see anything—it’s all blurred, as if some immense power blocked it. Are you certain this is Lu Dongliang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll investigate,” came the reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t go—you can’t expose yourself yet. If this man truly is Lu Dongliang, be extremely cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t report this yet—wait for my message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deliver this letter for me—I’ll find someone to investigate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nurse beside him was asleep. He Jiaqing sat up; his body flickered on the bed, and in his hand appeared a pen, an envelope, and a sheet of paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had taken them from the stationery shop downstairs—the shopkeeper had seen no one and knew nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly wrote a letter, slipped it into the envelope, sealed it with saliva, stuck on a stamp, and rubbed it in his palm for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gust of wind blew—and the envelope vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nurse jolted awake, looked up at He Jiaqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing lay motionless on the bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Lu family estate, Monkey Qiu sat alone in a small pavilion in the front courtyard, silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he was a notable figure in the Lu household, Qiu Zhiheng was still a servant—yet he had his own private pavilion within the estate, something unimaginable in other great families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Qiu Zhiheng enjoyed this privilege—he had followed Lu Dongliang since age ten, and now, twenty-eight years later, he held a status higher than many Lu family members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that status now seemed lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking Lu Dongliang’s suit in front of others wasn’t a big deal—it was the steward’s duty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lu Dongliang showed him not a shred of trust—no word for days, no warning of his return, and now, as he left, he forbade Qiu Zhiheng from following. This Qiu Zhiheng could not accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap. Tap. Tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A knock came. Qiu Zhiheng answered, and Zuo Wugang entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief Qiu, I brought a jar of wine. Let’s have a drink.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng froze, studying Zuo Wugang’s expression—he understood: “You’re leaving?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Wugang nodded: “Whether I can leave depends on your word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why leave? Afraid the Master will blame you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Wugang put down the wine jar and sat across from Qiu Zhiheng: “If you’re asking if I was afraid, I was—just a little. If the Master had just died like that, I’d be to blame.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today the Master returned, and I met him at the gate. Not only did he not blame me, he didn’t even look at me. That alone made it clear to me: the Lu family no longer has room for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Head, since the incident, I haven’t complained. I’m only telling you this—this isn’t my fault. Not from start to finish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not your fault either. I truly can’t understand what the Master meant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m leaving. With our cultivation, we can find food anywhere. Qiu Head, if you want to go, let’s leave together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng fell silent for a long while, then shook his head: “I can’t leave. My life belongs to the Lu family. Take care of yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Wugang said no more. He rose to take his leave, and at the door, noticed a letter tucked in the crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qiu Head, there’s a letter here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng blinked: “You wrote me a letter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Wugang waved his hand: “I can’t even read a few characters—why would I write a letter? Besides, I’m still right here. What can’t I say to you face to face?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He handed the letter to Qiu Zhiheng and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng opened the envelope and glanced at it—then froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The writer claimed to be Lu Xiaolan—and the handwriting was indeed hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The letter read:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lu Dongliang you see is fake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He used my necklace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wrist bears scars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone who has worn that necklace bears scars on their wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng went to the new land to fetch clay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way, Li Banfeng asked: “Brother Ma, have you ever seen a Traveling Cultivator of the second level?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu nodded: “I have.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What techniques do second-level Traveling Cultivators use?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You shouldn’t ask me—you’re a Traveling Cultivator yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng’s expression turned serious: “I’m a first-level Traveling Cultivator. Of course I don’t know second-level techniques.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu said: “The technique of second-level Traveling Cultivators is called ‘Step Without Trace.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng blinked: “Is that a lightness skill?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not a lightness skill. A Traveling Cultivator can steal a single step mid-movement. Two opponents start three steps apart; the Traveling Cultivator might suddenly close one step—or open one—during combat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That step takes almost no time. Even a Watcher’s eyes can’t detect the step of a same-level Traveling Cultivator. It often catches the opponent completely off guard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng recalled the second-level Traveling Cultivator Huang Guangshi, who had been killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Guangshi could move instantly, gaining every advantage in combat with Li Banfeng. Li Banfeng didn’t know his cultivation level and assumed he was using an extremely high-level technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The method was powerful—but how did one use it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu thought for a long while: “I once heard a Traveling Cultivator say that the mechanics of Traveling Cultivator techniques aren’t hard—it’s controlling the timing that’s difficult.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Step Without Trace’ seems to use intent to guide the footstep. The user must firmly believe they can take that step—and desperately want to take it—for it to work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng frowned: “So the technique isn’t something you can just activate at will? If you hesitate at a critical moment, it might fail?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu nodded: “Exactly as you say, Brother Li. I once heard of a third-level Traveling Cultivator who, in battle, intended to step back—but in his panic, stepped forward instead, right into his opponent’s blade. He died.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Lu Dongliang used ‘Step Without Trace’ in his battle with He Yuxiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2048,"2026-06-20T03:43:13.043Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4db446f5257706f1f0c06a20ab7969efdee85b6da50c14f6402632f30180c81b","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-123","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-121",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]