Chapter 148: Taking the Beautiful Aunts Home to Meet Qingwan

The fourth day, a little past eight in the evening.

The snowstorm that had shrouded Fengtian City for several days finally stopped this afternoon.

The streets were piled with a thick layer of snow, moonlight like quicksilver spilling across the ground, illuminating the entire city in a dazzling, bright white.

Outside the gate of the Zhao Residence, over a dozen carriages had already been hitched by the guards, lined up from the main gate all the way to the end of the street, stretching as far as the eye could see.

Lu Yuan stood at the main gate, turning his head to call back into the brightly lit courtyard.

"Aunt Qin, Aunt Qiao'er, are you ready yet?"

"Everything's ready over here!"

As soon as the words fell, two tall, voluptuous, and graceful figures emerged in response.

Both were draped in thick, pitch-black cloaks, a departure from their usual bright and bewitching style, dressed instead as noble and elegant noblewomen.

Perhaps to cater to Lu Yuan on ordinary days, the two usually wore heavy, glamorous, and provocative makeup.

But now that they were returning to the temple, it naturally wouldn't do to wear such makeup.

Today's simple, elegant, and fresh appearance actually made Lu Yuan's eyes suddenly light up, and his heart skipped a beat.

Truly, if a person is good-looking, they look good no matter how they dress.

"Coming, coming~"

Their tender voices carried a hint of lazy laughter as they moved with light, graceful steps, elegantly walking to stand before Lu Yuan.

Although their makeup had changed, that deeply ingrained charm in their bones had not diminished in the slightest.

Aunt Qiao'er's eyes sparkled as she gave Lu Yuan a light wink, her voice lowered and seductive:

"How is it, do we look good?"

Lu Yuan's Adam's apple bobbed. He nodded solemnly, praising sincerely:

"Truly beautiful."

Hearing this, the two beautiful aunts exchanged a smile. Aunt Qin raised her hand to smooth the stray hairs at her temples, her voice coquettish:

"It's been so long since I wore such light makeup, my hands are out of practice."

"Let's get in the carriage quickly, it's cold."

Lu Yuan nodded, finally turning to look back at the gate of the Zhao Residence.

Once gone, it would likely be a long time before he could return.

The old man had definitely gone to find the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family.

With the old man gone, Lu Yuan had to return to Zhenlong Temple to take a look.

He didn't know when the old man would be back, or rather...

Even if the old man returned, Lu Yuan definitely couldn't stay living in Fengtian City forever.

It was only because of the recent Luotian Assembly and the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony being in Fengtian City that Lu Yuan had been staying here.

Once these two events were over, as a proper, legitimate Taoist priest, Lu Yuan would naturally live at Zhenlong Temple.

What, could he really just live in Fengtian City forever and settle down?

Including this time, taking his two wives back to Zhenlong Temple, neither Aunt Qiao'er nor Aunt Qin would be staying at Zhenlong Temple permanently.

Especially Aunt Qiao'er, as the chairwoman of the White Deer Chamber of Commerce, she had a lot of business every day.

If she were to live at Zhenlong Temple in the future, would she just abandon the number one chamber of commerce beyond the Great Wall?

Aunt Qin, on the other hand, didn't have major affairs and could live with Lu Yuan at Zhenlong Temple often.

But then again, if Aunt Qin lived at Zhenlong Temple permanently, firstly, it wouldn't be good to leave Aunt Qiao'er alone in Fengtian City.

Secondly, it would also be inconvenient for Aunt Qin to live at Zhenlong Temple all the time.

And not only inconvenient, but Qixia Mountain, where Zhenlong Temple was located, was also too remote.

For a young lady like Aunt Qin who grew up in the city, she definitely wouldn't be used to living there.

So, this time, the two would only stay at Zhenlong Temple for about seven or eight days, then return together.

In the future, whoever had time each month would visit the other.

When Lu Yuan had time, he would go to Fengtian City to visit; when Aunt Qin and Aunt Qiao'er had time, they would come stay at Zhenlong Temple for a couple of days.

It didn't look much like a proper, settled life, but...

Being a Taoist priest, you gain some, you lose some.

Especially since whether it's Lu Yuan, Aunt Qin, or Aunt Qiao'er, they are all at an age where they are busy.

There's plenty of time in the future.

When they're older, there will still be time to settle down.

Lu Yuan helped the two into the carriage. The carriage started, its wheels crushing the snow, making a "creak, crunch" sound as they headed south.

Once out of Fengtian City, outside was a vast expanse of white wilderness.

Moonlight fell on the snow, reflecting a gleaming white light. From afar, it looked like a layer of crushed silver had been spread.

Inside the carriage, it grew quiet.

Lu Yuan leaned against the soft pillow, listening to the sound of hooves trampling snow outside. His chaotic thoughts, instead, gradually calmed down.

Yesterday, upon learning the old man had already left the temple, that burning desire to immediately grab the Celestial Master robe and return to show off his prize had also cooled considerably.

That was fine too. It was good to use this day to tidy up loose ends in Fengtian City and properly purchase some things to take back.

After a busy day, everyone prepared to return to Zhenlong Temple after dinner.

Actually, Lu Yuan had originally planned to visit Shen Jizhou again.

From a public standpoint, Lu Yuan bore no deep-seated hatred for Shen Jizhou, and Wuqing Temple was still the undisputed number one Taoist temple beyond the Great Wall.

Whether they became friends or not didn't matter, but they couldn't become mortal enemies.

This incident could be considered Lu Yuan having schemed against Shen Jizhou.

He should have taken some gifts, gone to his door, and said a few words...

From a private standpoint, there was also the layer of Shen Shulan's relationship between the two.

So, both publicly and privately, it wasn't good for Lu Yuan to just leave directly.

As for whether this was going to his door to apologize...

That wasn't it either. Lu Yuan didn't think he was wrong.

So, since this wasn't a visit to apologize, after thinking it over, Lu Yuan decided it was better not to go for now.

He'd wait until some time had passed.

Otherwise, going to his door now without apologizing would seem like some kind of show of force.

However, although Lu Yuan wasn't going to visit now, at the end of today's formal investiture ceremony, Lu Yuan had given Shen Shulan a top-grade ritual tool.

He asked Shen Shulan to pass it on to Shen Jizhou.

The wording was the same old routine: This junior is dull-witted and cannot comprehend the mysteries within. Please, Celestial Master Shen, help take a look and offer your insight.

Shen Jizhou wasn't stupid; he naturally understood this was a step down.

Anyway, after giving that top-grade ritual tool to Shen Shulan, by the time Lu Yuan's family set off back to Zhenlong Temple in the evening, Shen Jizhou hadn't sent it back.

Presumably, he had taken the offered step down.

Of course, it was also possible Shen Shulan had mediated in between.

Although this whole incident happened with Shen Jizhou, Lu Yuan's relationship with Shen Shulan hadn't really changed.

Shen Shulan still called him "Martial Uncle" every time.

Lu Yuan also called her "Martial Sister" every time.

Shen Shulan knew what had caused the rift between Lu Yuan and Shen Jizhou.

And she also knew why Lu Yuan had done what he did.

More than anyone else, Shen Shulan could understand Lu Yuan.

Their respective paths, from a certain perspective, were similar.

Even though in the "Questioning Heaven Challenge," Lu Yuan didn't follow martial virtue and directly pulled out the Mauser pistol.

But Lu Yuan was also very mindful not to shoot at Shen Jizhou's vital areas, or even key parts.

He didn't injure Shen Jizhou's bones or tendons.

At the time, he just wanted Shen Jizhou not to use his full strength, to really push the Human Emperor Seal back.

Thus, the matter of the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony was perfectly concluded.

Lu Yuan today also received on behalf of the old man the Celestial Master robe and Celestial Master Sword.

And once the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony ended, it was bound to be talked about throughout the entire region beyond the Great Wall...

No, even within the Great Wall, it would be a topic of conversation over tea and meals.

The old man outside would definitely hear about it.

What a pity, he couldn't personally see what expression the old man would have upon hearing the news.

Thinking of this, Lu Yuan couldn't help but grumble internally.

Damn it!

Couldn't he wait those few days?!

Couldn't he leave after the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony was completely over?!

Then, the old man could personally ascend the high platform for the investiture. How impressive would that be!

Regarding this matter of becoming a Celestial Master, if you asked Lu Yuan, when was it most satisfying?

Of course, it was the first time ascending the platform after being selected!

It's like opening a can of cola; the first sip is the best!

Of course, Lu Yuan also understood that the old man suddenly leaving Zhenlong Temple wasn't because he couldn't wait those few days.

He must have received some news that couldn't wait.

...

The next day, early morning.

At the foot of Qixia Mountain, the clamor of voices was booming, as lively as a market day.

Lu Yuan lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, took one look, and sucked in a sharp breath.

Good heavens!

From the mountain foot to halfway up the slope, both sides of the winding mountain path were densely packed with all kinds of carriages, mule carts, and donkey carts, stretching as far as the eye could see.

Coachmen gathered in small groups of three or five. Some squatted by the roadside smoking dry tobacco, some leaned against the cart shafts cracking melon seeds.

A few others huddled together, loudly discussing something.

Naturally, inside and out, it was all about Zhenlong Temple's newly promoted Celestial Master.

Listening to those exaggerated discussions, Lu Yuan grinned, then let the curtain fall.

After dropping the curtain, he turned back to look at Song Meiqin and Zhao Qiao'er:

"We're here."

Zhao Qiao'er was tidying her hair bun with a small bronze mirror. Hearing this, she looked up, glanced outside through the gap in the curtain, and couldn't help but say softly:

"So many people..."

Song Meiqin didn't speak, just took a light breath and tightened her grip on the handkerchief in her hand.

Both were actually quite nervous. Don't think Aunt Qin had been to Zhenlong Temple a few times before.

But those times, she came quietly and left quietly.

Now, returning with such fanfare, and as Lu Yuan's wife...

In their hearts, it really did feel like a young maiden meeting her in-laws for the first time.

The carriage slowly stopped at the mountain foot.

But voices from Zhenlong Temple disciples were already coming from outside:

"Eldest Senior Brother is back!"

"Hurry, hurry, tell people to come out!"

Lu Yuan lifted the carriage curtain and jumped down.

His feet had just touched the ground when he saw several familiar faces rushing up, all disciples from the temple.

Each one was beaming with joy, their eyes shining brightly.

At the very front were Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an.

It really had been a while since he'd seen these two lads.

Looking at the one fat and one thin pair before him, Lu Yuan couldn't help but grin:

"Didn't I give you two a vacation? Why are you still here?"

After returning from Luo Yan Slope last time, he had given these two lads a month-long holiday.

Counting the days, it hadn't been a month yet.

In response to Lu Yuan's words, Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an loudly replied:

"Brother Lu, what are you saying?!"

"With such a huge happy event at the temple, of course we had to come back to welcome you!"

Lu Yuan smiled and patted their shoulders, then turned around, extending his hand toward the carriage.

Song Meiqin was the first to get down.

Song Meiqin stepped down from the carriage first.

A moon-white padded jacket and skirt, covered by a pitch-black cloak, her hair bun dignified, silver hairpins simple and plain.

After standing steady, she lifted her gaze to look at the familiar mountain gate, her beautiful eyes blinking lightly.

Before, she was a guest, but now... it was completely different...

Immediately after, Zhao Qiao'er also took Lu Yuan's hand and descended gracefully.

A deep red cotton dress accentuated her snow-white skin and outstanding grace.

As soon as she appeared, the surrounding noisy discussions instantly halted.

Despite wearing extremely simple makeup, that stunningly beautiful face seemed to possess a certain magic.

Everyone's gaze glued to her.

At the mountain foot, the various groups of people who had come to visit were still guessing the identities of these two peerless beauties.

Wang Cheng'an and Xu Erxiao, however, reacted extremely quickly. The two of them bowed in unison, using all their strength to shout out loudly:

"Greetings, Sisters-in-law!!"

Their commotion was earth-shattering, loud and clear, like the leaders of a regular family's wedding procession.

This sudden shout startled Aunt Qiao'er and Aunt Qin.

However, when they saw it was the familiar Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an, the slight awkwardness and nervousness in their hearts immediately vanished without a trace.

The two beautiful aunts exchanged a smile, their eyes sparkling with charm.

They smiled and nodded lightly, pulling out the large red envelopes they had prepared in advance from their personal bags, handing one to each.

Lu Yuan had personally seen the weight of these red envelopes; each contained at least six dollars!

Wang Cheng'an and Xu Erxiao took the hefty red envelopes, grinning as they crisply shouted again:

"Thank you, Sisters-in-law!"

With them taking the lead, the still somewhat dazed Zhenlong Temple disciples nearby immediately caught on. A chorus of "Sisters-in-law" rang out one after another.

Aunt Qin and Aunt Qiao'er smiled like flowers, handing out red envelopes while distributing wedding candies.

That little bit of initial nervousness was completely washed away by these enthusiastic calls.

The onlooking devotees around also joined in the excitement, crowding forward to offer auspicious words.

The two beautiful aunts were also generous; anyone who spoke up to congratulate them received a red packet.

The several hundred red envelopes prepared by the Zhao Residence were now put to good use.

It was incredibly lively at the mountain foot. The people on the mountain were also alerted, a large group of Taoist priests swarming down.

Leading them was the temple's receptionist, Elder Zhou, a Taoist priest past fifty who handled arrivals and departures daily, known for his sharp eyes and quick mind.

He quickly walked up to Lu Yuan, his face wreathed in smiles, giving a deep bow:

"Senior Brother, you've returned!"

"We've been waiting anxiously!"

That's right, Lu Yuan's seniority in the temple was exceptionally high; this fifty-something-year-old Taoist priest still had to properly address him as Senior Brother.

Lu Yuan smiled and waved his hand.

"Let's skip the formalities for now. Help get the people and things up the mountain."

This return was no small affair.

Not only were there Zhenlong Temple personnel from Fengtian City, but Aunt Qiao'er and Aunt Qin had also brought guards, maidservants, and over a dozen carts of purchased supplies.

Many of these were gifts the two beautiful aunts had prepared for the temple disciples as meeting presents.

Currently, the mountain path was completely blocked; carriages couldn't go up, so they could only rely on manpower to carry things up the mountain.

Elder Zhou straightened up, nodding repeatedly, but his gaze couldn't help but flicker toward the two peerless beauties behind Lu Yuan before quickly looking away.

He recognized one of them; it was Song Meiqin, who had visited a few times.

But the other, with a taller figure and more stunningly beautiful grace, was an unfamiliar face.

"Senior Brother, these two are..."

Lu Yuan turned his head, looked at Song Meiqin and Zhao Qiao'er beside him, grinned, and said in a voice neither too loud nor too soft:

"My wives."

He said it frankly, his voice clear enough for the surrounding people to hear.

Elder Zhou was visibly stunned for a moment, then his old face broke into a smile like a chrysanthemum, quickly giving another deep bow:

"Ah, so it's the two Sisters-in-law!"

"My apologies, my apologies!"

Hearing Elder Zhou's words, Lu Yuan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow:

"Hey!"

"What apologies? We're all family!"

Elder Zhou was taken aback, then also couldn't help but grin:

"I'm just used to saying it..."

After saying this, Elder Zhou immediately continued:

"Then let's go up first."

After speaking, his gaze swept over the two stunningly beautiful, top-tier mature women, and he quickly understood. Following proper etiquette, he asked Lu Yuan:

"Later, after entering, should we first pay respects to the Patriarch?"

Lu Yuan nodded and said:

"No rush. We've been busy all day returning, covered in dust. First, boil some water. The three of us will cleanse ourselves and burn incense before offering incense to the Patriarch."

Elder Zhou immediately nodded:

"Of course!"

Soon, the large group made their way back to Zhenlong Temple.

Many disciples had already been waiting at the temple for a long time.

As soon as Lu Yuan led everyone up, they all loudly greeted him in unison.

Aunt Qin and Aunt Qiao'er immediately stepped forward with smiles, distributing red envelopes to everyone.

Lu Yuan lingered at the back, saying to Elder Zhou:

"Put the ledgers and such in the meditation room. I'll take a look after we're done."

The so-called ledgers referred to Zhenlong Temple's account books, items, medicines, routes for temple disciples going down the mountain for work, and so on.

Once Lu Yuan entered Zhenlong Temple's gate, he had already entered the state of the old man not being home.

Speaking of which, it was like this even when the old man was home before.

Temple affairs were generally managed by Lu Yuan.

What the hell did his old man know about running Zhenlong Temple?!

Elder Zhou beside him immediately nodded:

"It's been prepared long ago. As soon as the temple master left, it was ready."

Lu Yuan nodded, while ahead, Aunt Qiao'er and Aunt Qin were almost finished distributing the red envelopes.

Both now turned to look back at Lu Yuan, their eyes carrying inquiry: Was it time to go pay respects to the Patriarch now?

On the way back yesterday, the two had really clung to Lu Yuan's arm, asking a whole bunch of questions.

Since their man was a Taoist priest, there were bound to be many rules and customs inside. They were afraid of doing something wrong and breaking the rules.

Looking at these two fully mature, top-tier beautiful aunts, Lu Yuan grinned and said:

"No hurry to see the Patriarch first. I'll take you two to meet Qingwan."

On the way back, Lu Yuan had naturally told his two wives who Qingwan was.

He also told them all about his previous experiences with Qingwan, how Qingwan had saved him, helped him.

Aunt Qin and Aunt Qiao'er listened and nodded repeatedly, but when it really came time to meet her, they couldn't help but feel nervous.

After all...

She was a major evil spirit.

And from what their man said, she was a major evil spirit of unimaginable power.

Soon, Lu Yuan led the two to a side hall in the backyard.

The door of this side hall was pasted with talismans.

These talismans weren't to prevent Qingwan from leaving, but to prevent temple disciples from accidentally entering.

Lu Yuan stepped forward, tore off the talisman on the door, then pushed it open and walked in.

As the side hall door was pushed open, a chilling aura rushed toward them.

Even though it was high noon with the sun blazing, the inside of this hall felt like another world.

The light was dim, the air stagnant, even the dust seemed suspended in mid-air, motionless.

Song Meiqin's fingertips instantly tightened on Lu Yuan's sleeve.

Zhao Qiao'er also stopped walking. Those beautiful eyes, always brimming with affection, looked deep into the hall, revealing for the first time a fear born of biological instinct.

Lu Yuan, however, remained calm as usual.

Everything inside the hall was as before. In the middle was a huge coffin.

The coffin was tightly sealed, with a talisman pasted on top. But it wasn't the kind used to suppress evil spirits... it was one to seal and preserve energy.

Song Meiqin and Zhao Qiao'er stood behind Lu Yuan, looking at that coffin, their hearts tightening a bit.

Lu Yuan walked to the side of the coffin, knocked on it, then said softly:

"Qingwan, I'm back."

As soon as the words fell, the aura inside the hall suddenly changed.

The previously stagnant air began to flow, but it wasn't wind blowing in from the door; it was from... the direction of the coffin.

Above the coffin, strands of black-red mist materialized out of thin air.

The mist seeped out from the cracks of the coffin lid, thread by thread, gathering more and more, but not dispersing. Instead, it slowly swirled above the coffin.

Like a vortex taking shape.

The black-red mist grew thicker and denser, gradually coalescing into a human form.

Then, that human form opened its eyes.

Song Meiqin and Zhao Qiao'er both held their breath.

She appeared to be only around twenty years old, with peerlessly beautiful features, yet her brows and eyes carried an indescribable majesty and aloofness.

She wore a set of moon-white clothes, the fabric light and thin, fluttering slightly with the mist—the very outfit Lu Yuan had given her last time.

She floated suspended in mid-air, surrounded by faint, indistinct black-red mist.

It made her face appear even paler, and also more... not of this world.

She floated there quietly, looking down at Lu Yuan, then at the two people behind him.

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Then, she spoke.

"You're back."

Her voice was clear and cold, piercing the deathly silence of the hall, yet the tail end of her tone softened in a strangely wonderful way.

Looking at Gu Qingwan suspended in mid-air, Lu Yuan grinned:

"Yes, just got back."

He had just turned around, preparing to introduce both parties.

But he saw Aunt Qin behind him, blinking her captivating peach-blossom eyes, gazing mesmerized at Gu Qingwan in mid-air, exclaiming with full admiration:

"Oh my goodness~"

"How can she be so pretty~"

"Truly beautiful~"