Chapter 154

Lu Fang nodded Tandangdi and said, "Originally, I only had a slight fondness for Li Yu. After you warned me that she might like me, some things happened, and I may have grown to like her too."

He paused, then continued:

"But just now, I asked my heart: whether it's Ling'er or Li Yu, I can't imagine either of you marrying someone else."

Liu Yifeng frowned: "Are you saying you want to marry both of them?"

The Great Zhou did have the custom of three wives and four concubines, and many nobles kept one wife with multiple concubines—but such cases were extremely rare.

So upon hearing Lu Fang's words, Liu Yifeng instinctively felt displeased.

He had always held Lu Fang in high regard, but he was still Lu Ling's father—who could possibly like seeing his own daughter become a concubine?

Zhao Qingzhu looked at Lu Fang and sighed, "Though we've spent little time together, I can feel you truly care for Ling'er, so I believe what you say is genuine."

"As for matters of the heart, even as parents, we're outsiders. We leave it to you two to decide."

"But whatever Ling'er decides, I support her."

She smiled fondly at Lu Ling.

Lu Fang nodded, "I respect Ling'er's choice, but I hope she will become my lawful wife. I swear here and now that I will treat her well for the rest of my life."

"Ah!" Lu Ling gasped, her cheeks flushed crimson. She glanced at Lu Fang, felt the heat in his eyes, and her neck turned red too.

She had never imagined her parents would ask Lu Fang these questions right before her, nor that he would confess so directly.

Her mind was now blank—she felt nothing but heat spreading through her body, growing dizzy.

Before, unaware of her true identity, she had pushed Lu Fang away, telling him Li Yu was a good person, a suitable match for marriage.

After learning her true origins—that they weren't siblings—she had pondered their relationship.

This question was incredibly difficult. She thought about it for a long time but could never decide how to handle things between her and Lu Fang.

In the end, she simply let fate take its course.

Afterward, Lu Ling witnessed firsthand how much Lu Fang cared for her—she was deeply moved. After his confession just now, she finally understood clearly.

No matter what, she wanted to marry Lu Fang.

But because of her biological parents' presence, Lu Ling had many words she wanted to say—yet not one could escape her lips. She could only timidly steal glances at Lu Fang.

Liu Yifeng shook his head, "Fine. You young people sort out your own feelings. But Lu Fang, I warn you: don't let my Ling'er get hurt."

Lu Fang nodded happily—he could tell Liu Yifeng still approved of him.

He was about to speak when Liu Yifeng cut him off: "Enough. Come on, let's go drink. Let Qingzhu and Ling'er talk."

Lu Fang glanced worriedly at Lu Ling, saw her head bowed, avoiding his gaze. Though reluctant, he followed Liu Yifeng off to drink.

Zhao Qingzhu sighed faintly, pulled Lu Ling into the room, and spoke to her—no one knew what was said—but afterward, Lu Ling became noticeably more at ease around Lu Fang.

She cared for him more than before, yet always avoided any questions about their feelings. If he pressed too hard, she'd simply reply: "Let things take their natural course—it's best that way."

…

After exiting the Trial Grounds, Lu Fang finished his affairs and planned to meet Li Yu. He arrived at the Buddhist Kingdom's reception lodge, only to be told the Great Zhou delegation had already departed as a group.

"Young Master, your expression seems troubled—are you alright?"

Fang Chun asked cautiously.

Lu Fang did not answer; his frown deepened. Earlier, his full attention had been on Lu Ling's biological parents. Now that he'd temporarily settled everything, he suddenly recalled a dangerous matter he'd overlooked.

The Divine Spirit was a very clever being.

In the Trial Grounds, he and the Divine Spirit had already openly broken ties.

Thinking it over, the Divine Spirit likely dared not return to the Imperial Capital—Lu Fang's power and network there made it deeply wary.

Such a being, Lu Fang did not believe it would take unnecessary risks.

But only Lu Fang knew that the Divine Spirit had been possessed by some other entity—no one else was aware. Perhaps before leaving, the Divine Spirit might do something harmful to him.

Like targeting Li Yu…

Lu Fang had intended to find Li Yu and talk with her—but he never expected the group to depart so quickly.

They left a day ago.

He should have come sooner.

With anxious heart, Lu Fang sent Li Yu another message talisman—he'd already sent one before, and still received no reply.

He hoped she simply hadn't noticed it, rather than something terrible had happened.

The more he thought, the more terrified he became. His voice grew hoarse:

"Fourth Senior Sister, take me east. I need to confirm something. Fang Chun, find out which route the Great Zhou delegation took when they left—then send me a message."

"Yes." Fang Chun replied.

Though she didn't know exactly what had happened, she sensed something major had occurred.

For the first time, she saw Lu Fang—always calm and composed—pale-faced, his body trembling uncontrollably.

Zhou Yiyi grabbed Lu Fang's arm and vanished with him from the spot.

"Ling'er, I have urgent business to attend to. I've already told Fang Chun. If anything happens, go to her directly. Don't leave the Buddhist Capital until I return."

"Also, for your safety, I've asked Fang Chun to take you to stay with Princess Jin Hong for a while. I'll return as soon as possible."

After sending the message, Lu Fang focused all his attention on finding Li Yu.

His intuition told him: on the journey back, the Divine Spirit would act against Li Yu. Because he and she were close, the Divine Spirit only needed to ask around to learn of her.

Then it could use her to threaten him.

The Divine Spirit would never miss such an opportunity.

"Fourth Senior Sister, can you sense Li Yu's aura?" Lu Fang asked urgently—this was already the three hundredth time he'd asked since leaving the Buddhist Capital.

Zhou Yiyi didn't find it annoying; she frowned slightly and said, "I can't sense her aura. She must be too far away."

"Mm." Lu Fang murmured, his spirits sinking. His message to Li Yu had still received no reply.

This confirmed it: Li Yu was in grave danger. He had to find her quickly.