Chapter 33 - 32: Li Zhaolin Is Dead

Chapter 33: Chapter 32: Li Zhaolin Is Dead

Two orange entries merged into a single red one.

He had expected this.

But when the brand-new red entry truly manifested,

Lu Jing’an still felt his heart

clutched by an invisible hand,

pounding in his chest,

a mix of irrepressible tension and scorching anticipation.

After all, the last red entry, [Master of Boxing],

had benefited him immensely.

This new red entry,

what kind of surprise would it bestow upon him?

[Ghost Shadow Instant Kill] (Red)

[Note]: A precious red entry, forged and sublimated from two orange entries.

This entry perfectly inherits and integrates all attribute bonuses and performance enhancements of its predecessors.

It also grants an additional 3 permanent agility points.

Furthermore, this entry grants the user the ability to activate [Instant Kill] once.

When activated, the next attack is guaranteed to achieve "Breaking Techniques" and "Defense Break."

Additionally, its force and speed are increased fivefold.

After each use, there is a one-hour cooldown before it can be used again.

After use, all Attributes will be temporarily reduced by eighty percent.

...

Lu Jing’an’s eyes scanned the words one by one.

His breathing unconsciously deepened.

After he finished reading, a scorching wave of excitement surged from the depths of his heart, instantly sweeping through his entire body.

He had anticipated the new entry would be strong, but he never imagined it would be this tyrannical!

Not only did it completely retain the full potential of the two orange entries,

but it also came with the unexpected bonus of 3 permanent agility points.

And that final "Instant Kill" ability

was the true ace up his sleeve—a finishing move.

One hundred percent Breaking Techniques and Defense Break!

This meant that even against an unfathomable opponent like his master, Chen Xuan,

a surprise attack with this move would definitely inflict effective damage.

As for how much damage, that was another matter entirely.

Regardless, ℯℯ𝑙.

this had pried open a door for him to participate in "high-stakes games,"

if only for a moment.

As for the debilitating cost after using it...

The corner of Lu Jing’an’s mouth lifted in a barely perceptible smile.

’This negative effect is practically tailor-made for me.’

In fact, Lu Jing’an felt the reduction could have been even more severe.

’If it could weaken me by ninety percent, it would trigger the replenishment mechanism of [Fighting Bravely].’

’Instantly refilling my stats back to full—that would be ideal.’

Even if that full-stat condition only lasted for an hour, it would be enough.

Whether it was to slay a powerful enemy or flee a thousand miles,

one hour was enough to decide the outcome.

Lu Jing’an was thoroughly satisfied with this brand-new red entry.

After dealing with the new red entry,

Lu Jing’an turned his attention to the Divine Soul he had obtained from the mysterious Great Martial Cultivator.

The Divine Soul of Lawrence had already brought many surprises.

He was filled with anticipation for this new one, an existence of a similar caliber.

He glanced at the sky outside. The first light of dawn was breaking, and the city market was about to awaken.

After lying low for days, the dust had finally settled for now, and his mood brightened considerably.

"Orchid,"

Lu Jing’an turned to the maid standing by his side and instructed,

"Go and get yourself dressed up nicely. Young Master is taking you out for a proper breakfast."

Ever since the assassination attempt on the street, Lu Jing’an had been staying in and avoiding going out.

Even when he did go out later to eavesdrop on Li Jinglin, his trips were always rushed.

Now that the gloom had lifted, it was time to get some fresh air.

Orchid accepted the order, a flash of delight in her eyes. She answered with a cheerful "yes" and withdrew to prepare.

A short while later, the Orchid who reappeared before Lu Jing’an was a completely new sight.

She wasn’t wearing her usual dress.

Instead, she had changed into a well-tailored, modified maid outfit.

The black and white color scheme was simple and sharp.

The knee-length skirt accentuated her nimble figure.

Her hair was carefully tied up, adorned with a plain silver hairpin that added a touch of prettiness.

Especially the rare pair of silk stockings, which seemed to brighten up the entire courtyard.

Lu Jing’an couldn’t help but look her over a few more times, his gaze holding both scrutiny and a hint of surprise.

Being watched by him made Orchid’s cheeks flush slightly. She unconsciously fiddled with the hem of her skirt and spoke in a voice as soft as a mosquito’s buzz:

"Young Master... does this outfit... not look good?"

"It looks good."

Lu Jing’an retracted his gaze, his tone flat but firm.

"Dress like this from now on."

Orchid’s heart leaped with joy. She lowered her head, but the corners of her mouth couldn’t help but curl up.

This outfit was something she had prepared after a casual chat with Cui Jieyi.

She had heard that some fashionable families favored this kind of attire

and had secretly taken note and acquired it.

She never had a chance to wear it, and today she could finally show it off to the Young Master.

Lu Jing’an took Orchid, picked out two capable attendants, and headed towards the manor’s main gate.

However, just as they reached the gate, the gatekeeper looked troubled.

He stepped forward, bowed, and blocked their way.

"Young Master, please wait."

"Hm?" Lu Jing’an raised an eyebrow.

The servant quickly explained:

"If you please, Young Master, the merchants and officials outside seeking an audience with the Old Master

have been blocking the entrance all night and still haven’t left.

If you go out the main gate now, I’m afraid you’ll be immediately surrounded, which would spoil your mood."

Hearing this, Lu Jing’an glanced through the crack in the gate.

He could vaguely make out a crowd of figures.

He wasn’t afraid of shooing away these flies,

but just as the gatekeeper said, it would certainly ruin his mood.

"Forget it."

Lu Jing’an waved his hand and turned around, saying,

"We’ll just eat at home. You two,"

he pointed to the two attendants,

"go to Tongxing Building, buy a few steamers of crab roe buns, and bring back a few refreshing side dishes."

Tongxing Building was the foremost restaurant in Yin Mountain County, and its crab roe buns, with their fragrant and searing hot broth, were considered a delicacy second to none.

The two attendants gave their assent and were about to turn away.

But the gatekeeper’s eyes lit up, and he leaned in to whisper:

"Young Master, why trouble them with an errand?

The Shopkeeper of Tongxing Building is waiting outside right now.

I’ll go call him.

We can have him bring his chefs, along with all their equipment, to the manor.

Wouldn’t it be better to have them cook it fresh here for you to eat?"

Lu Jing’an thought for a moment, then nodded. "Very well, you arrange it."

"Yes, sir!" The gatekeeper responded and deftly slipped out the side of the gate to negotiate.

Lu Jing’an, meanwhile, led Orchid back to the small hall in his own courtyard to wait.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the gatekeeper returned, leading five or six chefs wearing white hats.

The masters, dressed in clean, short work clothes, filed in one after another.

Following behind them were young assistants carrying chests and boxes of various sizes.

Inside were knives, ingredients, and seasonings—everything they needed.

"Young Master, I’ve brought all the masters from Tongxing Building," the gatekeeper reported respectfully.

The chefs, clearly aware of the young man’s distinguished status, bowed in unison. "Greetings, Young Master Lu."

The convenience brought by power and money was on full display at this moment.

Lu Jing’an just gave a slight nod. "Thank you for your trouble. If you need anything, just tell the servants."

"Thank you, Young Master. We wouldn’t dare trouble you."

The head chef clasped his hands, then turned and began giving quiet orders.

Washing, cutting, chopping, mixing, rolling dough, and preparing fillings—the once-quiet side wing of the courtyard

was instantly filled with the rhythmic sounds of cooking.

The air of a bustling kitchen and the faint aroma of food began to spread.

During the wait, Lu Jing’an sipped his tea and asked Orchid, who stood by his side:

"Has my master returned to the manor yet?"

Orchid answered softly, "Master Chen went out last night and hasn’t returned. Does the Young Master wish to find him?"

Lu Jing’an shook his head.

"No need.

Right now, although the Lin Family and the Qian Family have been dealt with, the aftershocks haven’t settled.

There are many matters that still require Master to oversee them.

Let him be busy."

Time passed in a flurry of organized activity.

Soon, a special multi-layered steamer was carefully brought over by an assistant.

The moment the lid was lifted, a rich and savory steam billowed out,

carrying the enticing aroma of crab roe and meat filling mixed together.

Within the translucent skin of the buns, a glistening golden broth could be seen sloshing around.

Several plates of seasonal stir-fried dishes were also served, looking and smelling delicious.

Lu Jing’an picked one up and carefully bit through the thin skin.

The scalding, savory broth instantly filled his mouth.

Lu Jing’an savored it carefully and nodded.

"Indeed, food like this must be cooked and eaten fresh to get the true flavor.

Your craftsmanship is excellent. A reward of ten silver coins for each of you."

Hearing this, all the chefs beamed and thanked him repeatedly.

The head chef even took a step forward, smiling obsequiously.

"Our shopkeeper specially instructed before I came that from now on, whenever Young Master Lu wishes to have a taste,

you just have to say the word, and we will come to your door to serve you at any time.

We would never dare to spoil your good mood."

This flattery was direct and blatant, but Lu Jing’an felt no displeasure hearing it.

He had risked his life to earn this leisure and honor; it was only natural that he should enjoy it.

After finishing the pleasant breakfast, Lu Jing’an began his unshakeable daily routine:

Practicing Boxing, Posture Stance.

As sweat flew, the thunderous sound of his Tendons and Bones could be faintly heard, and his aura grew more condensed.

The sun climbed higher, and it was nearly noon.

Lu Jing’an had just sat down at the table and had yet to pick up his chopsticks.

A servant in green robes hurried over from the corridor.

He came close, his eyes lowered deferentially, and his voice kept extremely low:

"Young Master, the Master requests your presence in the study immediately. He said there is an urgent matter to discuss."

Lu Jing’an’s movements paused slightly. He glanced at the servant’s expression, put down his chopsticks, and slowly rose.

"Understood."

Lu Jing’an straightened his clothes, his gaze turning towards the main courtyard’s study.

His heart stirred, but his face revealed nothing.

He strode towards that core location where the family’s direction was decided.

When he arrived at the study, Lu Jing’an found that his Second Uncle and Third Uncle were also there.

’This must be serious,’ he thought.

After exchanging greetings,

Lu Huaiqian frowned and spoke to Lu Jing’an, "Li Zhaolin is dead."