Chapter 146: Lu Hanqing’s Wedding

The three people sitting opposite Lu Yang all reacted almost simultaneously.

Their breathing became slightly quicker, and Zheng Hui’s eyes widened a little. For a moment, he seemed unable to process the significance of those words.

The Qi Transformation Heart-Protecting Pill!

Although he did not know its exact purpose or the circumstances under which it was used, he was familiar with its name. It was a precious pill associated with cultivators attempting to reach the Essence Gathering Realm.

After all, Zheng Hui had spent over a decade dealing with merchants, cultivators, and various cultivation related transactions. Even if his knowledge was limited, he understood that certain treasures were far beyond the reach of ordinary Spirit Awakening cultivators.

Yet, the senior before him had specifically instructed him to search for it.

What did that mean?

It meant that Lu Yang was probably preparing to break through to the Essence Gathering Realm!

Or perhaps someone extremely close to him was about to undergo such a breakthrough!

Either possibility was astonishing.

An Essence Gathering cultivator!

Throughout Great Qian, such existences were already considered genuine powerhouses.

They could establish cultivation factions, occupy territories, and pass down their inheritances for centuries. Even the officials governing various prefectures had to treat them with considerable respect.

Although the Imperial Court possessed the strength to suppress most independent cultivators, it was still impossible to disregard the influence of an Essence Gathering Realm expert.

To ordinary mortals, such people were practically no different from the Emperors and Gods described in ancient legends.

And now, it seemed that the senior who had supported their family for nearly twenty years was about to become one of them!

Zheng Hui hurriedly stood up and cupped his fists.

"Senior, please rest assured. I will do everything within my power to accomplish this matter!"

His voice carried a hint of excitement that he could not entirely conceal.

Even his two children looked somewhat dazed.

They had always known that their family’s benefactor was an extraordinary cultivator, but they had never imagined that he might be approaching the Essence Gathering Realm.

If that were true, the significance of their relationship with him was beyond measure.

Lu Yang naturally understood what they were thinking. However, he did not bother explaining anything.

There was no reason to conceal his intentions. Besides, even if they misunderstood the situation slightly, it would not affect his plans.

He just nodded at Zheng Hui.

"Then I’ll leave it to you."

After giving Zheng Hui a few more instructions, Lu Yang did not stay for long.

Leaving the residence, Lu Yang travelled towards Canglan Prefecture.

After entering the city, he headed directly towards the government district.

The residence of the Prefect was located near the heart of the district, occupying a spacious compound with several courtyards and carefully maintained gardens.

It was not particularly extravagant compared to the residences of certain wealthy cultivation families, but it was sufficiently impressive for a high ranking official.

After all, Lu Shishui had become the Prefect of Canglan Prefecture several years ago. His position was already among the most influential within the province.

Upon arriving at the residence, Lu Yang revealed his identity and was quickly welcomed inside.

The servants were very familiar with him. Although he rarely visited, everyone knew that he was the eldest son of the Prefect and an official serving in the Imperial Capital.

Most importantly, he was also a cultivator who had reached the absolute pinnacle of the Body Tempering Realm and was expected to reach the Spirit Awakening Realm under thirty-five.

Naturally, no one dared to neglect him.

"Young Master, please wait here. I will inform Madam and Second Young Master."

A servant respectfully led him into the main courtyard.

Lu Yang nodded and followed him inside.

He had not come here to meet his father specifically. His primary purpose was to attend the upcoming wedding.

His younger half brother, Lu Hanqing, was getting married in a month’s time.

Since he had already arranged an extended leave from the Imperial Prison, there was no need to rush back, and he intended to stay here until the wedding was over.

After the servant departed, Lu Yang sat down and casually examined the courtyard.

Two years had passed since his last visit. The residence did not change very much, although a few new decorations and plants had appeared.

Before long, footsteps approached from outside.

"Big brother!"

A familiar voice sounded from outside.

Lu Yang turned his head and saw a young man walking towards him.

It was none other than Lu Hanqing.

At twenty-five years old, his appearance had matured considerably. He wore a clean, elegant robe, and his movements carried the composure of someone who had been raised in a great family.

However, the excitement on his face was unmistakable.

"You’re finally here!"

Lu Hanqing approached and greeted him.

Lu Yang nodded, looking at his younger brother.

"How have you been?"

"Very well. Father and mother have been taking care of everything, and the wedding preparations are almost complete."

Lu Hanqing smiled.

"Although there are still quite a few things to arrange, most of them have already been handled."

"That’s good."

Lu Yang responded casually.

At this moment, another figure appeared behind Lu Hanqing.

"Yang’er."

It was Chen Yuruo.

Compared to their last meeting, she appeared to have aged slightly. The corners of her eyes carried faint wrinkles, although her complexion remained relatively good.

Her cultivation had also increased, reaching the Eighth Stage of Body Tempering Realm, but the passage of time was still something she could not easily resist.

Nevertheless, her expression brightened upon seeing Lu Yang.

"You’ve travelled a long way. Have you eaten anything yet?"

"Not yet, mother." Lu Yang replied.

Chen Yuruo immediately instructed the servants to prepare a meal.

"Then stay here and rest for a while. Your father is still at the prefectural office handling some affairs and should return shortly."

Lu Yang nodded, having already expected as much.

Lu Shishui was currently responsible for an entire prefecture. Even though he was given great freedom by the Imperial Court for his cultivation, there were still countless administrative matters requiring his attention.

It was not unusual for him to remain at the prefectural office until late in the day.

"Since the wedding is only a month away, I’ll stay here until then."

Hearing this, Chen Yuruo smiled.

"That’s wonderful. Your father will certainly be happy to hear that."

Lu Hanqing also looked pleased.

"Big brother, there are quite a few things I wanted to discuss with you. Since you’re staying for a month, we’ll have plenty of time."

Lu Yang glanced at him, "Then we’ll talk slowly."

He had no particular objection. After all, this was one of the few occasions when he could spend an extended period with his family.

Besides, he had already made the necessary arrangements in the Imperial Prison before departing.

For the next month, there was no need to concern himself with official duties.

Lu Yang leaned back slightly, listening as Lu Hanqing began talking about the wedding preparations.