Chapter 289: The Old Still Strong: Lu Maoxian

Duan Shaohong stormed into Duan Shaoxia's presence holding a newspaper, slamming it onto the table: "What's the meaning of this? Why did you leak the news?"

Duan Shaoxia glanced at the newspaper—the headline read: "The Lu Family's Downfall: Zhang Bochu Wears the Green Hat to Pursue Wealth."

Duan Shaohong pointed at the paper and shouted: "How disgusting is that wording? How are we supposed to hold our heads up after this?"

Duan Shaoxia looked at the paper and advised Duan Shaohong: "Why bother with this nonsense? Besides, this news was bound to come out eventually—your banquet is just days away; are you still worried people won't know?"

Duan Shaohong shoved Duan Shaoxia aside: "Once it's done, I don't care what people say—but it's not done yet…"

As they spoke, Qiu the Monkey entered the hall. Duan Shaohong glared at him: "Qiu the Steward, you didn't leak this, did you?"

Qiu Zhiheng blinked: "What news?"

Duan Shaohong threw the newspaper at Qiu the Monkey: "Look for yourself!"

"'Ye Lai Xiang'?" Qiu Zhiheng looked bewildered. "I've never even heard of this paper."

"You've never heard of it? This paper's sold out all over Lüshui City—look at how they've painted our family!"

Qiu Zhiheng shook his head: "I had no knowledge of this."

"You didn't know? Who else could it be?"

Qiu the Monkey fell silent.

Duan Shaohong shivered, lowered her head, and said nothing more.

These past few days, she'd been so caught up in the thought of her son becoming Lu family patriarch that she'd forgotten her own place.

In Lüshui City, even Lu family members must speak politely to Qiu the Monkey.

Duan Shaoxia smoothed things over: "Let's set this aside for now. Xiao Qiu, hurry up with the banquet arrangements—the date is fast approaching."

Qiu the Monkey replied with a nod and left the estate.

He hadn't arranged the banquet because it was impossible to hold.

…

Lu Maoxian ate lunch at the estate, then read the newspaper article.

"Even cats and dogs dare reach for the Lu family," Lu Maoxian called over a branch guard. "Take some men, teach Zhang Bochu a lesson—don't kill him, but humiliate him thoroughly."

The branch guard said: "Master, Zhang Bochu has already lost all shame by doing this—what's the point of humiliating him? Just kill him."

Lu Maoxian stared at the guard: "Fool! Do you think I'm humiliating Zhang Bochu? I'm humiliating Qiu the Monkey! He claims he's throwing a banquet—let's see how he dares send invitations to anyone."

No sooner had the branch guard left than the steward arrived: "Master, the film 'Blood Blade Detective' is releasing its fourth installment."

Lu Maoxian nodded: "Have the Ghost Hands act. Tell them: the more they take, the more they earn—no upper limit."

…

In the Three Institutes of Yuezhou, He Haisheng left the ward and went downstairs to smoke.

He'd smoke at least a pack—He Haisheng was a smoke cultivator; this was fundamental to his practice.

Seizing this rare moment, He Jiaqing pressed his chest button.

Today was the premiere of "Blood Blade Detective IV," and he wanted to ask about the film—but Ling Miaoying beat him to it: "Jiaqing, the Lu family matter is growing worse."

He Jiaqing had already heard about Lu Yuanshan and Lu Yuanhai—this was already huge; he couldn't imagine anything bigger.

Ling Miaoying continued: "Duan Shaoxia brought her nephew Zhang Huaiyi home, saying she wants him to change his surname, be formally recognized, and throw a banquet."

"Zhang Huaiyi? As far as I know, he's Lu Dongliang's son—but his status is illegitimate; the Lu family would never acknowledge him. Who's behind this? Qiu the Monkey? He's not that foolish."

Ling Miaoying said: "I think it's Duan Shaoxia's idea—she's desperate. Jiaqing, should we intervene?"

He Jiaqing smiled: "Why bother? Let them tear each other apart—I want to see who wins. How's the film going?"

Ling Miaoying had tried to divert the conversation from the film—but failed.

"Jiaqing, our film reels were stolen."

He Jiaqing's face darkened: "How many?"

"Six."

Six reels stolen on premiere night meant six theaters wouldn't screen "Blood Blade Detective."

He Jiaqing fell silent for a moment, then asked in a relatively calm tone: "Who stole them?"

If Ling Miaoying said she didn't know, the situation would turn dangerous.

Fortunately, he'd found some leads: "It was probably the Ghost Hands."

"The Ghost Hands? Why steal film reels?"

"They were definitely ordered to."

"Who ordered them?"

Ling Miaoying paused a long while: "I'm still investigating."

He Jiaqing fell silent again; Ling Miaoying's sweat dripped steadily.

After a while, He Jiaqing finally spoke: "I'll write you a letter. Deliver it to Ghost Hands' Sect Master Xie Juncong yourself—make him tell you who's behind this."

Ling Miaoying wiped his sweat: "The Ghost Hands take money and keep secrets—they won't easily reveal their employer. Xie Juncong's cultivation is high—if I force him…"

"No need to force him. He'll tell you the moment he reads the letter."

…

That night, someone delivered the letter to Ling Miaoying. He didn't delay—he went straight to the old mansion east of Hou Tang Chenghuang Temple, knocked three times, and waited for a response.

The gatekeeper called out: "Who is it?"

Ling Miaoying answered honestly: "Ling's third son, here to pay respects to Master Xie."

Hearing a Ling had come, the mansion grew tense. Ling Miaoying heard clearly from outside: "Don't worry—I'm not here to cause trouble. I only want to deliver a letter to Master Xie."

The gatekeeper quickly informed Xie Juncong. The old man had just fallen asleep, but upon hearing Ling Miaoying had come with a letter, he took two magic treasures and placed them on his person, then ordered his disciples to bring Ling Miaoying in.

They met. Xie Juncong bowed: "Master Ling, what can I do for you?"

He assumed Ling Miaoying had come to demand accountability for the stolen reels.

Accountability didn't scare him—he'd faced this before. Without proof, he'd never admit guilt. If Ling Miaoying came with force, Xie Juncong could handle it.

But he hadn't expected Ling Miaoying to truly be here just to deliver a letter.

Xie Juncong took the letter, unfolded it, and immediately sweat broke out on his forehead.

With his experience and cultivation, few things could make him sweat.

Ling Miaoying was curious what the letter contained—but Xie Juncong first motioned for Ling Miaoying to sit, then bowed deeply: "Master Ling, we took the wrong job—we've offended you.

The reels we stole, we've burned as ordered by the employer. We've delayed your project—we're willing to pay compensation. Name your price."

He admitted it?

Xie Juncong had confessed voluntarily?

What trick had He Jiaqing used?

Even Ling Miaoying was now confused.

"The film reels matter is settled. But I've come to ask: who was your employer?"

Xie Juncong's face darkened—he didn't want to answer; it violated Ghost Hands' code.

But after long hesitation, he spoke: "It was Lu Maoxian, the Lu family's old patriarch."

…

"Lu Maoxian?" He Jiaqing received the news, his anger flaring. "Why is this old ghost stirring trouble with us?"

Ling Miaoying said: "We've always had good relations with Old Master Lu—but lately, things are unclear.

A few days ago, he hired several writers to publish articles in the papers, hinting that some films were morally corrupt. When I inquired, Lu Maoxian claimed he meant others, not us.

Later, many theaters pulled our films. When I investigated, it was again Lu Maoxian behind it."

He Jiaqing frowned: "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Ling Miaoying replied: "Jiaqing, you haven't contacted me these past days, and you told me not to reach out—I had no chance to speak."

"Lu Maoxian has always wanted to be Lu family patriarch. We've helped him plenty before—why turn against us now?" He Jiaqing was also puzzled.

Ling Miaoying said nothing—he was equally confused.

After a moment's thought, He Jiaqing smiled: "This old man's turned his business against us."

Ling Miaoying asked: "What do you mean?"

He Jiaqing said: "The Lu brothers' downfall must involve Lu Maoxian—but alone, he couldn't pull it off.

He must have found a patron who helped him—but that patron wouldn't help for free. The payment must come from us."

Ling Miaoying asked: "Who is this patron?"

He Jiaqing replied calmly: "The patron is a major figure. My encounter with Green Flower might be connected to him.

Lu Maoxian's old bones need a good beating—he once caused me to lose a hand, and now he's bothering us again.

This time, we must hurt him—hard—and strike him right on the face. Then we'll see how he responds—and uncover his patron."

…

Two days remained until the first day of the seventh month. Lu Maoxian had rented Zui Xian Pavilion and invited many from across the Lu family branches.

After three rounds of wine, Lu Maoxian arranged an entertainment act.

He ordered Zhang Huaiyi's father—Zhang Bochu—brought before the guests, tied by a rope, and made to walk around.

Once everyone had seen him, two branch guards forced Zhang Bochu to kneel at Lu Maoxian's feet.

Lu Maoxian looked at Zhang Bochu with a benevolent smile: "You wanted to reach into the Lu family?"

Zhang Bochu wept: "No, I dare not."

His speech was slurred—he'd lost his teeth.

Lu Maoxian asked again: "Your son wants to be Lu family patriarch?"

"No, no…" Zhang Bochu was weeping uncontrollably.

Lu Mao patted Zhang Bochu's face and smiled sweetly: "Take your wife and son and get out of Green Water City today, or I'll make your whole family leave together."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire Zui Xian Pavilion erupted in cheers.

"Old Master is terrifying!"

"Our Lu family's face is all held up by Old Master!"

"Zhang, take your whole family and scram! As long as our Old Master lives, you won't dare touch a single hair of the Lu family!"

Zhang Bochu was thrown out the front door of Zui Xian Pavilion and crawled home, rolling and scrambling all the way.

Lu Mao continued eating and drinking. After the banquet, he invited several top performers from Green Water City to take turns singing.

After three operas, Lu Mao wasn't satisfied. He summoned the opera troupe's manager and ordered him to switch to more lively plays.

As the manager was coordinating with his crew to change the plays, an invisible wall trapped everyone backstage.

The manager panicked, unsure what had happened, thinking he'd angered Old Master Lu by moving too slowly.

A while later, several men in white shirts and gray vests unfurled a screen on stage, and suddenly, a shadow play began projecting onto it.

Lu Mao froze, then called out to Zhi Guai to go ask the opera house manager what was going on.

The Lu family didn't know what was happening—they assumed it was Old Master's doing.

The shadow play got straight to the point: it opened with a beautiful young woman.

The woman had a conscience, and she placed it boldly right on the screen.

The Lu family watched with delight, praising: "Our Old Master really knows how to keep up with trends—this is even better than Blood Spear Detective! How did he know we'd love this?"

After a while, Lu Mao appeared on the screen himself.

The Lu family marveled: "Our Old Master is extraordinary—he's even starring in his own movie!"

A little later, Lu Mao slapped the woman's conscience and stepped onto the scene.

The Lu family was stunned for a moment, then resumed their praise: "Is this real? Our Old Master's strength is incredible—he's this old and still has this kind of stamina!"

A short while after, Lu Mao wiped his sweat and ended his battle.

The Lu family thought for a moment, then continued praising: "Our Old Master truly is terrifying—even if it was brief, it was still terrifying."

Someone beside them asked: "You mean the duration was short?"

"It's not just the duration… that thing—anyway, it's still terrifying!"

Lu Mao gritted his teeth but dared not move.

Ling Miaoying stood behind him and whispered low: "Old Master Lu, how was today's performance?"

Lu Mao replied: "You want to kill me? If we truly fought here, you might not get the chance."

With so many Lu family members present, and Lu Mao himself at the seventh level of cultivation, Ling Miaoying might have the advantage of surprise—but she certainly couldn't guarantee killing him.

Ling Miaoying smiled: "Old Master, to die over something like this isn't worth it."

"It's just a shadow play. Why get so angry?"

"If you're unhappy with the performance, I have plenty more good material."

"Tomorrow, I'll edit you a film and send it to the cinema—call it 'The Vigorous Old Man: Lu Mao.' Would that suit you?"

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(End of Chapter)