CHAPTER 440 (1)

Yan Canghai's expression froze, leaving the finely dressed young man momentarily stunned. Before he could process the situation, Lu Qing spoke:

“What’s wrong? If you’re unwilling to take it, then I invite you to step inside yourselves.”

The next moment, the young man watched in terror as the small Li Huo Cauldron in Lu Qing's hand expanded abruptly, transforming into a massive object that surged toward them.

His vision darkened, and he knew nothing more.

After capturing the young man and his guards, Lu Qing put away the Li Huo Cauldron and turned his gaze to Yan Canghai and Wei Dazongguan. Both were already frozen in shock.

Never before had they witnessed such celestial means. The small cauldron could grow into a colossal artifact in the blink of an eye and swallow people whole. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

It wasn’t until Lu Qing looked over that Yan Canghai shuddered and returned to his senses. He quickly spoke:

“Lu Xiaolangjun, that man is my seventh younger brother. I beg you to show mercy!”

Though Yan Canghai bore little affection for his so-called seventh brother, if something were to happen to him under his watch, the family would surely hold him accountable. Furthermore, the loss of the Precelestial Realm guards, painstakingly cultivated by the clan, would be a significant blow to their resources.

“Oh? The same seventh brother who set a trap to disgrace you and exile you to this remote county? And you still plead for him?” Lu Qing's tone was calm yet cutting.

Yan Canghai realized Lu Qing must have overheard their earlier conversation. Smiling bitterly, he said:

“To be honest, Lu Xiaolangjun, I don’t care much for that brother of mine. But we are, after all, bound by blood. I hope you can spare him on my account.”

“You hold no sway here.”

Lu Qing's response left Yan Canghai momentarily speechless.

“You mentioned Li Weitian earlier. He and I share some connections. County Magistrate Yan, if you want your seventh brother to live, it’s simple. Whether by messenger pigeon or swift horse, I require two things:

“First, your Yan family must deliver Li Weitian’s descendants to this county within half a month. Second, the Hundred Thousand Mountains will henceforth be under my control, no longer subject to the rule of ‘Yan Kingdom.’

“If you can fulfill these two conditions to my satisfaction, I might consider sparing your seventh brother.”

Yan Canghai was startled by Lu Qing's mention of a connection with Li Weitian. He quickly understood that Lu Qing had already shown restraint. If it had been another formidable figure, his seventh brother would likely have been slain outright.

However, when he heard Lu Qing's second demand, Yan Canghai’s expression grew troubled.

“Lu Xiaolangjun, relocating the descendants of Senior Li Weitian is manageable. But claiming the Hundred Thousand Mountains as your territory would be difficult to explain to my clan. The royal family surely wouldn’t approve either.”

Though remote and perilous, the mountains were a rich source of herbs and pelts vital to the Yan Kingdom. Handing them over would inevitably provoke resistance from the royal court.

“County Magistrate Yan, you seem to be under a misunderstanding,” Lu Qing replied coolly. “I am not seeking your Yan Kingdom’s approval. I am informing you: the Hundred Thousand Mountains now belong to me.

“If your royal family has objections, I could always pay a visit to the capital. At that point, whether the Yan Kingdom still belongs to the Yan family remains to be seen.”

Lu Qing’s calm demeanor sent a chill through Yan Canghai’s heart. He recalled Lin Zhirui’s previous warning about Lu Qing's temperament: this seemingly gentle young man was, in truth, exceedingly ruthless.

Remembering the near-supernatural methods Lu Qing had just displayed, Yan Canghai’s fear deepened. He instinctively sensed that allowing Lu Qing to enter the capital would lead to uncontrollable disaster.

Hurriedly, he said: “Lu Xiaolangjun, please remain calm. I will immediately send word to my clan and ensure that Senior Li Weitian’s descendants are brought to Cang County as swiftly as possible. As for the Hundred Thousand Mountains, if you desire it, it’s yours. That region, after all, is of little consequence to the Yan Kingdom.”

Yan Canghai wasn’t sure how the clan would react, but he knew he had to pacify Lu Qing for now. Allowing him to march on the capital was simply unthinkable.

“Good. Remember, I am giving you half a month at most. Wei Dazongguan, let us go.”

Lu Qing nodded slightly and turned to leave.

“Yes, young master,” Wei Dazongguan responded respectfully, giving Yan Canghai a slight bow before following Lu Qing.

Outwardly composed, Wei Dazongguan was inwardly elated. The seventh prince, bolstered by his guards, had humiliated him earlier with his oppressive demeanor. Although Wei Dazongguan endured it at the time, intending to consult his family for countermeasures later, he hadn’t expected Lu Qing’s sudden arrival to so thoroughly upend the situation.

Lu Qing’s actions were domineering beyond compare. Without giving the Seventh Prince any chance to speak further, he captured him and locked him away.

Even the powerful Precelestial Realm experts accompanying the prince had no ability to resist.

This made Wei Dazongguan feel immensely satisfied, while his respect for Lu Qing's incredible abilities deepened further.

“Lu Xiaolangjun, would you like to rest at the Wei Manor?” Wei Dazongguan asked respectfully after they left the tavern.

“No need. I plan to return to the village,” Lu Qing declined plainly. There wasn’t much reason to visit the Wei Manor anyway.

The Wei couple, Wei Shanhai and Wei Xinghe, as well as Wei Zihao, now mostly resided in the secondary residence in Jiuli Village. In the county city, only Wei Dazongguan and some stewards managed the family’s affairs.

“Don’t worry about today’s events, Wei Dazongguan. Once I’m back in the village, I’ll inform Wei Lao Qianbei and the others,” Lu Qing said.

“Yes,” Wei Dazongguan responded respectfully.

“And here, take these.”

Lu Qing produced a piece of jade and lightly moved his finger over it. Mysterious runes emerged in the air, embedding themselves into the jade. In the span of a few breaths, he had crafted a jade talisman.

He then took out a jade bottle and handed it along with the talisman to Wei Dazongguan.

“From what I see, you’re already at the Peak Internal Organs Realm and on the verge of becoming a Martial Grandmaster with Soul Force abilities. The pills in this jade bottle should help solidify your foundation, accelerating your progress into the Precelestial Realm.

“Additionally, wearing this jade talisman will protect you in situations like today. As long as the other party isn’t stronger than me, their aura will have no effect on you.”

“Xiaolangjun, this…” Wei Dazongguan hesitated as he looked at the items in Lu Qing’s hand.

“Take them. They’re trivial to me and of no use to me personally. Don’t think too much of it.”