At the Prefectural Commandant’s manor in Mountain-Edge City.
Prefectural Commandant Cheng Xingba, once a high-ranking Fourth Grade official of the imperial court, now lived out his retirement as one of the most influential figures in the region. The Cheng Family’s prestige cast a long shadow across Mountain-Edge City.
By the time Lu Sheng, Chen Ying, Ouyang Ningzhi, and Elder Wang arrived, evening had already settled over the manor. Lanterns glowed along the entrance, bathing the courtyard in warm, rippling light. Servants stood in neat rows by the main doors, their posture rigid, awaiting the guests’ arrival.
Standing among them was a rotund military officer, broad-shouldered despite the belly pushing against his armor. One hand rested atop the hilt of the saber at his waist as he waited with forced patience. The moment the Crimson Whale Sect’s carriage rolled up to the gates, he hurried forward.
“Sect Master Chen, External Head Lu; Elder Wang, Internal Head Ouyang—you are all here,” he greeted, stretching a stiff smile across his face. The reluctance beneath that expression was almost palpable. Word had already spread through the city: the Crimson Whale Sect was floundering, and few wished to be openly associated with them now.
Chen Ying’s reply came in a hushed tone. “Prefectural Commandant Cheng, you’re too kind. Have the other honored guests arrived? Also, External Head Lu has already succeeded as our sect’s official Sect Master.”
Cheng Xingba blinked in surprise before quickly recovering, forcing a second smile onto his round face. He cupped his hands toward Lu Sheng, his expression caught somewhere between awe and uncertainty.
“My apologies, my apologies—my mistake. Sect Master Lu is a remarkable young man, gifted beyond compare. A thousand men couldn’t match your courage. It is only natural that you now lead the Sect.” He straightened slightly. “The other guests have already arrived. We were merely waiting for Crimson Whale Sect’s delegation.”
Lu Sheng gave a brief nod. “Mm. Let’s go in then.”
His arrival was no coincidence. He had already seen to it that word spread through Mountain-Edge City’s intelligence networks: the Crimson Whale Sect was seeking a new backer. And that message had been aimed squarely at the ears of the Intelligence Agency.
Indeed, it did not take long for the Intelligence Agency to arrange a discreet gathering at the Prefectural Commandant’s Manor. Invitations had been sent to the Crimson Whale Sect’s representatives, along with several highly regarded spokespeople from various factions.
Chen Ying led the group as they stepped inside the manor grounds. According to their earlier arrangement, he would handle the conversations upfront while Lu Sheng remained behind him, silent and observant—a buffer for the negotiations to come.
After passing through a narrow corridor, they reached a small pavilion tucked beside the courtyard. There, the representatives of each faction were already gathered, chatting leisurely over tea. The octagonal pavilion, draped in black cloth, had its curtains lifted in their direction, revealing four figures seated within.
To Lu Sheng’s mild surprise, Taoist Bai Feng was among them. The other three were strangers: one man and two women, each carrying distinct airs of authority.
Lu Sheng followed behind Chen Ying and halted outside the pavilion.
“Sect Master Lu, please take a seat,” Taoist Bai Feng greeted. His tone was far gentler than before, and a polite smile curved his lips. “Your duel with the Scarlet District expert was truly remarkable. A sight worthy of admiration.”
A flicker crossed Lu Sheng’s eyes—his identity had clearly been uncovered. As Chen Ying opened his mouth to respond, Lu Sheng lifted a hand to stop him. He gestured for Chen Ying and the others to withdraw, waiting until servants guided them away.
Only then did he step forward.
“Taoist Bai Feng, it seems your intelligence network is as sharp as ever,” he said, glancing at the empty seat prepared inside. Understanding the gesture, he entered without hesitation and sat down with the ease of someone who belonged at the head of the table.
“We of the Crimson Whale Sect have come with sincerity. Since all of you are here in person, I take it your factions have already made up your minds?”
Aside from Taoist Bai Feng, the others seated in the pavilion were the appointed representatives of their respective powers.
One of the guests was a fair, plump man who looked every bit the amiable squire. A hundred-fold fan rested in his hand, and atop his head sat a white hat bearing a single bold character—“Joy.” His round features and gentle expression made him instantly approachable.
The other two presented stark contrasts. One was a white-browed woman wearing a tall black hat, her attire reminiscent of ancient Confucians—stern, refined, and steeped in tradition. The last was a striking beauty whose long hair cascaded like a waterfall, her face concealed behind a delicate green jade mask that lent her an air of cold mystery.
Their distinct appearances created three utterly different silhouettes—an eclectic assembly that left a vivid impression at first glance.
“A round of introductions,” Taoist Bai Feng announced. He motioned first to the plump squire. “This is Xiao Hongye, Squire Xiao.”
He shifted his gesture toward the white-browed woman. “This is Shangyang Jiuli of the Shangyang Family.”
Finally, he indicated the masked woman. “This is Young Miss Xu Feihong of the Xu Family.”
Lu Sheng’s eyes narrowed slightly. Aside from the plump Xiao Hongye, the other two represented the Shangyang and Xu Families. Though he did not know the specifics of either household, the mere fact that their surnames were spoken so openly was enough—these were undoubtedly Noble Families. And for them to wade into such turbulent waters now meant they possessed formidable strength of their own.
He cupped his hands and offered a loud, steady greeting. “Greetings to the three of you.”
Xiao Hongye smiled, his voice warm despite the probing intent behind it. “We have all witnessed Sect Master Lu’s battle with the Deputy District Mistress of Scarlet District. Truly impressive. We are merely curious… to which family do you belong?”
Lu Sheng raised an eyebrow. “I’m but a brute with an ordinary background. Haven’t you all already investigated as much?”
“Sect Master Lu is refreshingly straightforward,” Xiao Hongye chuckled. “But if you were truly a man of no foundation, how could you rise to such heights in so short a time? Well, if Sect Master prefers to keep it undisclosed, we shall let the matter rest. Let us instead discuss the relegation of the Crimson Whale Sect.”
“Since all of us are seated here, we naturally come with our own terms. We are all willing parties—”
“The Shangyang Family requires only a seventy-percent annual tribute and will station a representative here permanently,” Shangyang Jiuli cut in sharply, her white brows casting a stern shadow across her expression.
“The Xu Family requests a ninety-percent tribute,” Xu Feihong said in a soft, elegant tone, “but we can guarantee absolute safety along the two trade routes leading to the Central Plains. However, we cannot station anyone here permanently.”
To station a representative meant assigning a Nobleman to remain within the sect indefinitely, handling any emergent issues. The Xu Family’s offer demanded twenty percent more than the Shangyang Family, yet the protection of two major trade routes was no trivial benefit. In truth, the advantages they promised far outweighed the difference in tribute.
The percentages themselves referred to the portion of wealth and resources collected from Crimson Whale Sect’s territories—spoils that would be surrendered to whichever Noble Family became their backer.
Lu Sheng shifted his gaze toward the plump Xiao Hongye.
Xiao Hongye immediately waved both hands. “We wouldn’t dare compete with the two great Noble Families. Don’t look at me, don’t look at me. This old brother is satisfied just chatting with them.”
Lu Sheng’s eyes narrowed. For all the fatso’s jovial warmth, something about him felt off—too smooth, too harmless. A smiling predator, perhaps, disguised behind that friendly exterior.
Both representatives from the Shangyang and Xu Families were women, yet their demeanors could not have been more different. Understanding their intentions—or the depths behind their veiled expressions—was no easy task.
After a moment of consideration, Lu Sheng spoke calmly. “Speaking of which, I am still unfamiliar with both Families. Perhaps you could give me a brief introduction?”
“With pleasure, with pleasure! This Taoist knows a little about such matters,” Taoist Bai Feng said with a genial smile. “Sect Master Lu is a promising young man—it is only natural you may not be familiar.”
He glanced toward the two women. Neither reacted nor objected, so he continued.
“The Shangyang Family is one of the nine Noble Families of the Central Plains. Their influence stretches far and wide, earning them the title of ‘Iron Stroke and Silver Brush.’ Their principal trades revolve around medicinal herbs, shipping, and banking.”
Shangyang Jiuli did not even spare him a glance. Her eyes remained shut, as though she were lost in meditation.
Taoist Bai Feng then gestured toward Xu Feihong.
“The Xu Family, on the other hand, is the royal lineage of Ju Rong Nation. Their dealings focus primarily on precious stones, and they bear the title ‘Noble Family of the Jade Talisman.’ Their strength is comparable to that of the Zhen Family—perhaps even surpassing it. Sect Master Lu need not worry about power.”
Lu Sheng nodded lightly.
“Many thanks, Chief Bai Feng.” His gaze shifted to Shangyang Jiuli. “May I be so bold as to ask, Young Miss Shangyang: if I were to choose the Shangyang Family, how would you handle the matter of the Scarlet District?”
Without opening her eyes, Shangyang Jiuli responded in a cool, level tone. “The Scarlet District’s District Mistress is away. There is no need to concern yourself with the situation for now. When she returns, I shall visit personally.”
Lu Sheng’s heart gave a faint jolt at her casual confidence.
His attention then moved to Xu Feihong. Even with most of her face hidden behind the jade mask, her beauty was unmistakable—evident in the soft glow of her eyes and the grace of her posture. Dressed in layered pink robes, she seemed almost enveloped in silk, her smooth jade-like arms emerging like lotus roots from beneath the sleeves.
Seeing Lu Sheng look her way, she offered a gentle smile.
“Peace is the most valued virtue under the heavens. As for the Scarlet District, I can visit them and make peace directly.”
Lu Sheng lowered his head in thought. After a brief moment of silence, he lifted his gaze toward Shangyang Jiuli once more.
“It seems I’ll have to trouble Young Miss Jiuli with this matter.”
With those words, his choice of the Shangyang Family became clear.
Xu Feihong’s expression remained calm, unchanged from start to finish. She offered a polite nod to the others, gave Lu Sheng a final gentle smile, and rose gracefully to leave.
Only then did Shangyang Jiuli open her eyes, regarding Lu Sheng with a faint look of surprise.
She had not held high expectations for this trip. Her attitude had been indifferent from the start, and the Shangyang Family’s offer paled considerably compared to what the Xu Family had placed on the table. The Xu Family had even promised not to station a permanent representative—a clear sign they would not meddle in the Sect’s internal affairs.
Yet despite the disparity in benefits, Lu Sheng had chosen her.
She had assumed this journey would be little more than a dull formality.
“Hohohoho! Congratulations to the both of you!” Xiao Hongye laughed behind his fan, his voice oddly playful. “The Crimson Whale Sect is the Number One Sect in the North, and the Shangyang Family is one of the nine great Noble Families of the Central Plains. Such a union will surely bring stability to the Northern lands.”
Shangyang Jiuli studied Lu Sheng with newfound approval. “Not bad. You’re not too bad at all.”5Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAizLlm6CW
She had set out only to pass the time, never expecting to complete any meaningful task—yet here she was, accomplishing her goal without lifting a finger.
Lu Sheng spoke directly. “May I know when Young Miss Jiuli will handle the Scarlet District matter?”
His straightforwardness carried the weight of someone who had proven himself—in strength, in strategy, and in choice. Without his overwhelming performance, Crimson Whale Sect would have had no voice at all. Based on Hong Mingzi’s earlier words, they would have been forced to sit and watch the Shangyang and Xu Families compete over them, powerless to influence the outcome.
Shangyang Jiuli gave a swift, almost dismissive nod. “That’s simple. Tonight will be fine.”5Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65c8MnHVv3
Efficient and decisive—she already held a favorable view of Lu Sheng, and she had no patience for petty entanglements.
Lu Sheng cupped his fists in sincere gratitude. “Many thanks, Young Miss Jiuli!”
“Since you have both reached a decision, why don’t we enjoy a round of drinks here at the Prefectural Commandant’s Manor?” Xiao Hongye suggested cheerfully. “It’s a rare chance—the key figures of the Northern Lands are all gathered today. An opportunity not to be missed.” His plump face stretched into a broad, eager smile.
“I’m not free,” Shangyang Jiuli replied instantly, her tone flat and unyielding. Rising to her feet, she flicked a stone medallion toward Lu Sheng with casual precision. “This is the Shangyang Family’s communication medallion. Activate it with fire. As long as I’m within a thousand li, I will sense its signal.”
Lu Sheng caught the medallion and examined it closely. The white trapezoid stone bore a line of unfamiliar script—characters so vivid and fluid they seemed to move, soaring like dragons and phoenixes across the surface. It was unmistakably the work of a master calligrapher.
“I’m heading to the Scarlet District first.” Without waiting for a single reply, Shangyang Jiuli stepped out of the pavilion, her figure flickering once—then vanishing entirely.
Lu Sheng lowered the medallion, only to find that she had already disappeared without a trace.
Xiao Hongye chuckled softly. “Sect Master Lu is indeed extraordinary. To choose so wisely without any insider information—your judgment is admirable.”
Lu Sheng arched an eyebrow. “Oh? Why does Squire Xiao say so?”
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