Chapter 73: I Don't Care

"...Why..."

"Must... he... go..."

An ethereal and elusive voice, carrying a chill not of this world, sounded from behind the old man.

The old man slightly turned his face. The wind and snow tousled the white hair at his temples, and he sighed.

"It's not that I'm forcing him to go; he wants to go himself."

"I know my own disciple."

The old man's voice carried a note of helplessness.

"He's a stubborn mule. Once he decides to do something, no amount of persuasion from others is any use."

"Back then, I even told him not to get involved with you. Did he listen?"

The old man tightened his Daoist robe, dampened by the wind and snow, his voice becoming grave.

"My own disciple, I will naturally protect him!"

With these words, he no longer lingered, stepping into the wind and snow. The temple door slammed shut with a heavy "bang" and was sealed with a talisman.

...

In the afternoon, around three or four o'clock.

Fengtian City.

The sky was oppressively gloomy as if about to collapse. A blizzard of goose-feather-like snowflakes blanketed the sky and earth, draping this most prosperous city beyond the Great Wall in a thick layer of silver.

Lanterns along the street shops were lit early, their dim yellow halos flickering in the wind and snow, casting a hazy glow.

Generally speaking, for the first snowfall of the year within the Great Wall, unless it's too heavy, there usually isn't any accumulation.

Because the ground still retains some warmth at that time, snowflakes melt into water the moment they touch the earth.

But beyond the Great Wall, it's different. Even if it doesn't snow beforehand, the daily biting winds have long since frozen the ground solid.

Once snow falls, the fierce, frigid wind freezes it firmly to the ground. In less than half a day, the accumulated snow is already past the ankles.

Outside, the cold wind cut like knives, but inside the Celestial Master's carriage, it was as warm as spring.

In one corner of the carriage compartment, a basin of crimson spirit meat was burning silently.

The heat it emitted warmed the entire space, making it so comfortable it was almost sleep-inducing.

Lu Yuan was exactly like that.

Ever since he climbed into this warm carriage in the morning, his eyelids had been heavy, and he had fallen into a deep sleep.

Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an had also been called into the carriage by Celestial Master He Xun. The two young lads similarly fell asleep the moment they touched their seats.

When they woke up, the daylight had already dimmed.

Pulling aside the carriage window curtain, the world outside was already draped in silver, a vast expanse of white snow.

Inside the spacious carriage, besides Lu Yuan and the other two, were Celestial Master He Xun with his eyes closed in meditation, and his youngest disciple, Song Yan.

As Celestial Master He Xun's youngest disciple, Song Yan was naturally still doted on.

Midway, Celestial Master He Xun had also called Song Yan inside to spare him from freezing outside.

Now the carriage was a bit crowded.

At this moment, Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an were pressed against the carriage window, their eyes full of novelty as they took in the bustling snowy scene outside.

Lu Yuan, meanwhile, got up and respectfully bowed with clasped hands towards Celestial Master He Xun.

Without even lifting his eyelids, Celestial Master He Xun's voice came out flatly:

"You've always been working in the rural areas before, not often coming to Fengtian City, right?"

Lu Yuan's heart stirred, and he nodded seriously.

"Indeed, haven't been here many times. Fengtian City in the snow, this is the first time I've seen it."

Only then did Celestial Master He Xun slowly open his eyes. His gaze swept over Lu Yuan, then landed on the equally curious Song Yan, who was also poking his head out nearby.

"I'm going to meet a few old friends. You don't need to follow."

"Take your junior brothers and have a good stroll around Fengtian City. Find a good place to eat a meal, then find them a place to stay."

"No need to rush back. Just return to Beihua Tower before the hour of Hai."

As soon as the words fell, Celestial Master He Xun reached out and pulled a colorful rope at his side.

A string of crisp, urgent chimes sounded from the silver bell hanging outside the carriage, and the carriage slowly came to a halt.

Hearing that his master was actually letting him go out to play, Song Yan's eyes instantly lit up, and he nodded eagerly.

"Alright, Master!!"

Lu Yuan and the other two got out of the carriage. A corner of the thick cotton carriage curtain was lifted.

Celestial Master He Xun sat upright inside the carriage, his gaze falling on the excited Song Yan, the corner of his mouth quirking.

"Just look at the shabby appearance of these three; you can tell they don't have much money on them."

"Take these three little country bumpkins and let them properly see the wealth of Fengtian City, let them enjoy themselves."

"Put the spending on my account. Don't let your junior brothers pay; it would shame my Tianlong Temple's face!"

Lu Yuan: "..."

Tsk!

He was clearly saying something nice, why did he have to phrase it so unpleasantly!

This Celestial Master He Xun's temperament really is awkward.

Song Yan, however, seemed accustomed to it. He patted his chest and responded loudly:

"Of course, Master!"

"When has our Tianlong Temple ever fallen short in handling matters!"

Celestial Master He Xun gave a satisfied hum. The carriage curtain fell, and the magnificent carriage gradually disappeared into the wind and snow.

Once the carriage left, Lu Yuan thought Song Yan would change his demeanor.

Unexpectedly, when he turned around, his face broke into a brilliant, familiar smile.

"Junior Brother, I really owe you one today!"

"My master rarely gives me half a day off. Come on, Senior Brother will take you three for a proper tour of Fengtian City!"

He raised his chin proudly.

"Your senior brother is a local of Fengtian City!"

Song Yan's appearance truly took Lu Yuan by surprise.

The speed of this attitude change, while not exactly fawning after previously being arrogant, was completely different from his earlier demeanor of wanting to compete.

Could it be that this guy has some ulterior motive?

Just as Lu Yuan was pondering this in his heart, Song Yan suddenly widened his eyes and leaned in.

"Hey!"

"Junior Brother, you're not thinking that your senior brother is plotting something bad to harm you, are you?"

Having his thoughts exposed so bluntly, Lu Yuan's expression remained unchanged, but a trace of embarrassment rose in his heart.

Before he could speak, Song Yan had already waved his hand dismissively, his face full of matter-of-factness.

"Earlier, your senior brother was unconvinced, but that was because I didn't know the depth of your cultivation!"

"This morning's display, your senior brother saw it clearly and understood it well."

"My meager cultivation can't even catch up if I whip the horse."

"Since I can't catch up no matter how hard I try, then I just won't try!"

Well.

Lu Yuan saw it now.

This method of teaching disciples by Celestial Master He Xun.

It shared the same essence as his own old man's theory of "if you're unhappy, then screw it."

The Dao follows nature, act according to your heart.

They really were taught by the same master!

Uh...

Actually, it's quite good. Disciples taught by this kind of master, no matter what, definitely won't have twisted personalities.

"Alright, Junior Brother, stop overthinking."

Song Yan waved his hand grandly.

"Let's go!"

"Senior Brother will take you to have some fun!"

He then turned back and shouted to Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an: "You two little ones, keep up! Don't get lost in the city!"

With that, Song Yan took the lead, turning to guide the way.

He wasn't pretending; these were his true thoughts.

This Song Yan fellow was shrewd.

If the two of them were evenly matched, or if Lu Yuan was only slightly stronger than Song Yan, then Song Yan would definitely see Lu Yuan as a rival.

Even if he couldn't surpass him openly, Song Yan could still scheme against Lu Yuan behind his back.

From yesterday's incident where Song Yan tried to chase Lu Yuan away, one could tell Song Yan had a bit of a sneaky, underhanded side.

But now, the gap between them was so large, they weren't even on the same level.

Song Yan wasn't an idiot.

Knowing the gap was this huge, why would he still go out of his way to provoke Lu Yuan?

That would be purely having a screw loose.

They came from the same sect. In the future, if Lu Yuan became successful, wouldn't that also benefit Song Yan?

Treating a junior brother to a meal today, tomorrow the junior brother might give him a house!

...

"Let's go eat something good first. After that, Senior Brother will treat you to Fengtian's number one bathhouse, Huiquan Pool, to properly scrub away the fatigue!"

Song Yan walked ahead, shaking his head as he finished speaking, then suddenly turned back with a mischievous grin.

"After that, Senior Brother will take you to Milk Mansion to pick a few girls to loosen up your muscles, bones, and skin~"

At this point, his expression suddenly turned serious, looking extremely grave at Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an.

"But let's be clear, only massage, nothing else!"

"Especially you two! Right now is the golden time for cultivating while maintaining your virginity; you absolutely must not break your foundation!"

"Let those flirty women give you a massage, that's it!"

He then turned to look at Lu Yuan, pondered for a moment, and said with equal seriousness:

"You can't do it either, Junior Brother!"

"You still have to go and brave that dangerous Nurturing Malevolence Site next. If you get your energy drained and your legs go weak, that could be a matter of life and death!"

"You absolutely must listen to your senior brother!!"

"Later, you'll share a room with me. Your senior brother will keep an eye on you; no fooling around!"

Lu Yuan: "..."

This senior brother of his really knew a lot of things.

In response, Lu Yuan immediately gave a helpless smile and said:

"No need, Senior Brother. We'll just eat a meal and take a bath."

"Forget the rest. You can go by yourself, Senior Brother."

As soon as Lu Yuan finished speaking, Song Yan immediately raised his thumb, dragging out his praise in a long tone:

"Gooooooood~~~~~~~~"

"Junior Brother indeed maintains his purity! Then we won't go either!"

"Actually, your senior brother isn't someone who enjoys frequenting that kind of place either. I only go occasionally for a massage to loosen up the muscles and bones. Your senior brother is still a virgin, you know!"

Lu Yuan: "..."

This senior brother of his, really... before getting to know him, he seemed rather aloof.

Once familiar, he chatters endlessly.

The four of them walked on the thick snow, listening to Song Yan's introductions about Fengtian City's scenery and customs, ranging far and wide.

Song Yan came from a well-off family, a major dealer in spirit meat in Fengtian City. Naturally, he was well-traveled and knowledgeable, speaking authoritatively about stories and history.

Soon, they arrived at Fengtian City's most bustling main street.

Even with the heavy snow falling, the street was still bustling with traffic and crowds, exceptionally lively.

"Look, that three-story building ahead is Fengtian City's best restaurant, Songtao Pavilion!"

Song Yan pointed into the distance. Carriages and horses gathered like a dragon in front of the building, looking exceptionally imposing.

"This restaurant's predecessor was called Dehai Hall. It was opened by the old eunuch Wang Dehai, who used to be the head chef in the Qing demon general's mansion, after he left the palace. Later, it was renamed Songtao Pavilion."

He smacked his lips, a look of yearning appearing on his face.

"The most famous dish here is the 'One Pot Stew'!"

"Sea cucumbers from Lushun Port, deer tendons from Jilin, flying dragon birds from the Taiyin Mountains, hazel mushrooms from Fushun, all stewed together in an old broth."

"The flavor, tsk tsk, anyone who eats it would say, 'I wouldn't trade it for being an immortal'!"

Song Yan described it so vividly that Wang Cheng'an and Xu Erxiao beside him gulped, secretly swallowing their saliva.

Yet, their faces remained stiff, trying hard not to show the look of unsophisticated craving.

Can't embarrass Brother Lu!

Oblivious, Song Yan continued introducing proudly:

"This Songtao Pavilion, the first floor is called Baishan Hall, serving walk-in customers. The second floor is called Heishui Pavilion, only receiving distinguished guests."

At this point, he mysteriously turned back.

"You three guess, what kind of big shots have been entertained in this Heishui Pavilion?"

Lu Yuan and the other two all shook their heads.

After all, the three of them combined hadn't been to Fengtian City many times.

Song Yan immediately raised his head, counting off on his fingers proudly.

"There have been so many!"

"Famous opera stars from the Pear Garden, great literati from the south, influential wealthy merchants and tycoons from beyond the Great Wall."

"Even... several Celestial Masters from our Daoist sect have been here!"

He lowered his voice in a showy manner.

"On the second floor, there are three 'Heaven' private rooms and six 'Earth' private rooms."

"Your senior brother here has been to both Heaven and Earth rooms. I went to an Earth room with my dad, and to a Heaven private room with my master!"

"Hey, they were so magnificent, so dazzlingly golden, they almost blinded me!"

He then shifted the topic, sighing with some regret.

"Unfortunately, Master isn't here today, so the second floor is out of the question."

"But it's fine. Senior Brother will take you to experience the first-floor Baishan Hall; it's just as good!"

With that, Song Yan puffed out his chest and strode confidently towards the main entrance of Songtao Pavilion, with Lu Yuan and the other two following behind.

"Sir, the restaurant is full today. Please try another place."

A martial artist at the entrance of Songtao Pavilion waved his hand in refusal.

This martial artist's face was expressionless as he waved his hand again, his voice cold and stiff.

Song Yan, who was about to step over the threshold, froze mid-step, the proud smile on his face instantly solidifying.

Song Yan: "..."

"Find a way to make some space, we've come from far away!"

The martial artist at the entrance of Songtao Pavilion remained expressionless, coldly refusing again:

"Really no seats left!"

Under the public gaze, Song Yan's cheeks instantly flushed red, a surge of anger rushing to his head.

"Hey! Don't be so rude!!"

"Do you know who I am? My dad is from Fengtian..."

Before Song Yan could finish his sentence, the martial artist interrupted him impatiently.

"Oh dear, sir, please don't announce your family background!"

"No matter who you are, we can't afford to offend you!"

"Right now, all the Daoist masters from beyond the Great Wall have gathered in Fengtian for the Luotian Grand Offering. You are a sir, but everyone inside is also a sir."

After saying this, the martial artist raised his chin, his voice carrying a sense of confidence.

"But our Songtao Pavilion has many sirs inside; we don't cause trouble, but we're not afraid of it either!"

Song Yan: "..."

A breath of air stuck in Song Yan's chest, neither rising nor falling.

As a native young master of Fengtian City, he naturally knew whose business Songtao Pavilion was behind.

But right now, he really couldn't back down with grace...

But...

At this moment, a curious voice sounded from behind.

"Fuquan?"

"What are you doing here?"

Lu Yuan looked at the stern-faced martial artist before him, blinking curiously.

This was Aunt Qin's man.

But he remembered that Songtao Pavilion was a White Deer Chamber of Commerce property, Aunt Qiao'er's territory.

Why was Aunt Qin's man standing guard here?

The martial artist who had been standing guard at the entrance with a cold face followed the voice.

The moment he saw Lu Yuan clearly, that icy face instantly melted, his eyes shining brightly, his voice booming like a gong!

"OH MY!!!!!"

"Nephew Young Master!!! When did you arrive!!!"

"Come in, come in quickly!!"

While speaking, Fuquan hurriedly pulled Lu Yuan inside, turning his head to shout towards the interior:

"Quick, bring a duster!"

Song Yan: "???"

Soon, a waiter trotted over with a brand-new feather duster.

Fuquan, while diligently dusting the snow off Lu Yuan's shoulders with great enthusiasm, quickly explained:

"It's because Fengtian is hosting the Luotian Grand Offering. People from all over beyond the Great Wall are flooding into Fengtian."

"All those shops of the White Deer Chamber of Commerce are packed full. Manpower is a bit short, so we came to help cover the shifts."

This Fuquan was a guard from Aunt Qin's household. Lu Yuan was very familiar with Aunt Qin's people.

Aunt Qin's people were also very familiar with Lu Yuan, after all, Lu Yuan had stayed at Aunt Qin's house for over half a month before.

From Fuquan's constant use of "Nephew Young Master," one could tell the relationship was close.

Hearing this, Lu Yuan stopped walking and asked curiously:

"You all came out to cover shifts?"

"What about Aunt Qin's side?"

Speaking of this, Fuquan grinned, his face beaming with a bright smile.

"Ah!"

"Madam isn't staying at home now; she's been staying at the Zhao residence all along. Doesn't need us, so she sent us all out to help."

Hearing this, Lu Yuan couldn't help but be taken aback:

"Aunt Qin is still staying at the Zhao residence?"

Lu Yuan knew about Aunt Qin staying at Aunt Qiao'er's house.

At that time, Lu Yuan was going to stay at Aunt Qiao'er's house to brew some medicine for her.

Of course, in the end, he didn't get to brew it.

First, he slept for a day, then went shopping the next day, and left directly on the third day.

However, Aunt Qin was a bit unhappy about Lu Yuan staying at Aunt Qiao'er's house back then.

Lu Yuan couldn't run back and forth, so Aunt Qin simply moved into the Zhao residence to stay together.

At that time, the two beautiful aunts lived in the main room of the backyard, while Lu Yuan stayed in the east wing room of the backyard.

Lu Yuan thought that once he left, Aunt Qin would return to her own home.

So, she still hasn't gone home until now?

Fuquan nodded vigorously, his tone certain:

"Yeah! That's exactly it!"

"Madam never left; she's been staying at the Zhao residence the whole time, never even mentioned going home."

Although puzzled, Lu Yuan could only nod for now.

"Alright."

"Is there still space inside? Just find us a small corner. We haven't eaten all day, really hungry."

Hearing Lu Yuan say this, Fuquan slapped his thigh.

"Oh dear!!!"

"Nephew Young Master, how can you say such a thing!!!"

"You saying this is like slapping me in the face!"

"No matter who else might not have a place, you must have a place when you come!"

Seeing Fuquan's exaggerated manner, Lu Yuan felt somewhat embarrassed instead, grinning sheepishly.

"It's not that exaggerated, really not necessary."

"If it's not too much trouble, just find us a spot. We'll leave after eating."

"If there really is no space, it's fine. We can go somewhere else."

As soon as Lu Yuan said this, Fuquan, looking flustered, quickly grabbed Lu Yuan's arm, afraid he might run away.

"Oh my god!!!"

"Nephew Young Master, you mustn't say that!!!"

"If I dare not let you in today, Madam will dare to twist my head off tomorrow!"

"Let's not talk anymore. Come in, come in quickly."

While pulling Lu Yuan inside, Fuquan turned his head and shouted towards the upstairs:

"Hurry up, someone come down! Our Nephew Young Master is here. Quickly, someone come down to lead the way!"

Fuquan's loud shout made many people in the first-floor hall turn to look.

Making Lu Yuan extremely awkward.

Fortunately, at that moment, someone came down from the second floor. Upon seeing Lu Yuan, his face broke into a wide smile, and he hurried over, calling out:

"Oh, Nephew Young Master!!"

"Come, come quickly!!"

Looking at this person, Lu Yuan couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, then smiled:

"Dequan?"

"You're here too?"

The guard named Dequan nodded repeatedly, grinning from ear to ear.

"Yeah! Nephew Young Master!"

Immediately, Lu Yuan said nothing more. Too many people in the hall were looking over. He immediately lifted his foot and followed Dequan upstairs.

At the entrance, Fuquan picked up the duster and carefully dusted the snow off Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an, who had followed.

When it was Song Yan's turn, Fuquan looked at him with a helpless grin, saying:

"My goodness, we almost offended a member of our own family."

"I say, sir, you too. If you're a friend of our Nephew Young Master, just say so directly!"

"Making such a big detour, talking about your dad, coming from far away, what's the point of all that!"

"Here, even the Emperor of Heaven himself isn't as useful as our Nephew Young Master!"

"Come on, come on in quickly. Don't freeze outside!"

Song Yan: "..."

No...

This... this is fucking Songtao Pavilion!!

The business of the number one chamber of commerce beyond the Great Wall, the White Deer Chamber of Commerce...

This junior brother of mine...

Nephew Young Master?

What the hell is that?!

Just what kind of background does he have?!

Hey!!

I didn't manage to treat him to a meal, but a house from my junior brother is coming first??

In the end, a bewildered Song Yan followed Lu Yuan and the others upstairs.

...

Downstairs, Dequan soon hurried down again.

Fuquan looked at the descending Dequan, his face full of question marks.

"Why aren't you staying upstairs to serve the Nephew Young Master? What are you doing down here!"

Dequan pulled him into a corner, lowered his voice, his eyes shining as he scolded:

"You blockhead, don't I know I should serve the young master?"

"I came down to tell you, I just found out, the Nephew Young Master just entered the city!"

Fuquan was even more confused.

"Well, obviously?"

"He left a couple of days ago, came back today. What's so special about that?"

Dequan slapped his thigh in frustration, looking at him as if he were an idiot.

"Tsk!!!"

"You're so stupid!!"

"The two Madams at home have been eagerly waiting for the Nephew Young Master to return!!"

"You go to the Zhao residence right now to report the good news. If the two Madams are pleased, won't they give a big reward?"

After hearing this, Fuquan slapped his forehead hard, looking at Dequan.

"Oh my god!!"

"You're so sharp!"

"Why didn't I think of that!"

Immediately, Dequan glared and said:

"Stop this useless chatter, get a move on!"

"I have to hurry back to the second floor to serve the Nephew Young Master. You split the reward money with me half and half later!"

Before the words finished, Dequan had already turned and trotted upstairs.

Fuquan quickly found someone to cover his post. The next second, his figure shot into the wind and snow like an arrow from a bowstring.

...

Fengtian City, Zhao Residence.

Backyard, in the magnificent, warm main room that felt like spring all year round.

Zhao Qiao'er was lazily reclining on a soft couch, wearing a form-fitting, bright red silk nightgown.

Her whole person resembled a ripe red peach, as if a light pinch would make sweet juice overflow.

The bright red silk nightgown was short, barely covering her plump, ample bottom, completely revealing those straight, slender, and voluptuous beautiful legs.

Of course, also those pink, delicate jade feet that Lu Yuan loved the most, which were practically food-grade, painted with red nail polish.

The remaining expanse of fair, beautiful flesh appeared exceptionally eye-catching against the backdrop of the red silk nightgown.

At this moment, Zhao Qiao'er half-lay on the soft couch, lightly parting her red lips to eat the Japanese mandarin oranges handed to her by the maids.

On another soft couch to the side, Song Meiqin was in a similarly lazy posture.

She wore a silk dress of the same style, but in a bewitching purple color.

Her fair, beautiful flesh was just as sexy and voluptuous as Zhao Qiao'er's!

At this moment, Aunt Qin's jade hand, painted with purple nail polish, was holding a dark, frozen pear.

Those full, tempting red lips gently enveloped the tip of the frozen pear. She exerted a slight force with her small mouth, lightly sucking the ice-cold, sweet juice.

For a moment, the room was filled only with the faint, tantalizing, heart-itching sound of sucking.

If an ordinary man entered this room, forget looking, forget listening.

"I say, when are you going back?"

"What are you doing staying at my house all the time?"

Zhao Qiao'er swallowed the sweetness in her mouth, raised her delicate eyebrows, and looked at Song Meiqin opposite her, her voice carrying a hint of lazy provocation.

Hearing this, Song Meiqin's intelligent yet seductive beautiful eyes gave her a cold glance. She casually put down the frozen pear and responded lazily:

"We're both thousand-year-old foxes; don't play this game."

"Get straight to the point."

"I don't care."

Song Meiqin's gaze became frank and fervent.

"I truly love him to death; I can't live without him."

"Not just you, even if he takes a fancy to some whore from Milk Mansion, I can buy her out and keep her at home!!"

"If it's you, I care even less."

"And you?"

"What do you think?"