CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34: ONLY FOND OF MARRIED WOMEN

Cai Zhang couldn’t help but laugh seeing Lu Chengfeng’s impatience, "Senior brother, why rush? Although that woman is the widow of an elder, she was just a concubine, and didn’t bear any children."

"These years she’s had a tough time in the sect. Although the Ministry of Affairs supports her, she only barely gets by, having no worry for food and clothing. But to expect luxury, that’s out of the question."

"There are people in the sect who have taken an interest in her, but since she is the widow of an elder, everyone is mindful of their reputation."

"If it’s just a fling, it might be overlooked, but marrying her, even as a concubine, no one is willing to, fearing it might affect their own prospects within the sect."

At this point, Cai Zhang’s tone became slightly solemn, "Senior Brother, your talent in swordsmanship is extraordinary. Even at the age of twenty, you have mastered swordsmanship beyond the Tenth Layer, and slain Xue Dulong with a single stroke, gaining fame across Yun Cang."

"I am proud of you, and even the stewards in the hall show me more respect, knowing our relationship."

"Senior Brother, you have a bright future ahead. What kind of woman would you not be able to pursue? Why seek out such misfortune? Although she may have some beauty, if you truly attain her, you will inevitably attract gossip, with many whispering behind your back."

"Please, Senior Brother, reconsider the implications of this!"

Lu Chengfeng knew his words were sincere, albeit with some personal interest, but truly for his well-being.

Unfortunately, no one understood that due to his unique talent, he must marry this woman to progress with unmatched speed.

There were other widows of both Outer Peak and Inner Peak Elders, but first, the strength of Outer Peak Elders was ultimately limited, and marrying them might only increase a variety of skills, complicating things.

Secondly, the secret Sword Scripture of other Inner Peaks would bring him trouble if the sect discovered he’d learned them.

Thus, for Lu Chengfeng, the best choice was the widow of an Inner Peak Elder from the Profound Crane Lineage. This way, he could rightfully showcase his progress in the Profound Crane Thousand Shadows Ghostly Sword Technique.

With a decision made, he sighed and, brazenly, said, "Junior Brother, I am ashamed to say I have no other passion, except for a fondness for mature women. If I can’t have one, I can’t sleep at night, and even practicing swordsmanship becomes meaningless."

"If I could marry one, and experience it, I would be elated, and practicing swordsmanship would be much more exhilarating."

"This Elder’s widow you mentioned had my heart racing once I heard of her, and I indeed have intentions to pluck such a flower. I hope you can bridge the connection; I would be endlessly grateful."

Cai Zhang, hearing this, was speechless. He stared wide-eyed at the handsome, poised senior brother before him, having never known this side despite years of brotherhood.

Lu Chengfeng, also feeling embarrassed by such scrutiny, but determined to advance in martial arts, could only act the part of a lustful man.

Seeing Cai Zhang nonresponsive for a while, he couldn’t help but cough and ask, "Junior Brother, is there something troubling you?"

Cai Zhang came back to his senses and quickly shook his head, "No, no, I was just contemplating how to introduce you to the Elder’s widow."

"The place where the Inner Peak Elder’s widow resides is called Houde Square, where families of disciples who have met unfortunate fates in the Inner Peak reside."

"Although it is not a forbidden area, outsiders are not allowed to enter without reason to prevent harm to the sect members’ families."

"I have only been there a few times after receiving tasks from the Ministry of Affairs."

Lu Chengfeng thought and said, "This can be done easily. I could write a letter expressing my admiration, promise her a position as a concubine, and leave a token to see if she is interested. What do you think?"

Cai Zhang didn’t find this abrupt. After all, the Elder’s widow was thirty-six or thirty-seven years old, not an innocent young girl. Having experienced many ups and downs in the sect over the years, she sees many things clearly.

One must be direct with such people; otherwise, misunderstandings could arise, especially if she suspects ulterior motives, making things more troublesome.

"That’s sensible. Ensure the letter is earnest and not frivolous to avoid disrespecting her."

"I’ll be careful with that." Lu Chengfeng called for a waiter, and shortly a waiter from upstairs came running in to ask, "What can I do for you, gentlemen?"

Lu Chengfeng said, "Please prepare some brush, ink, paper, and inkstone for me. An envelope would be excellent, but if not, I’d appreciate it if you could run an errand. I will pay you extra silver for these items."

As he spoke, he retrieved some silver fragments from his sleeve and handed them over. The waiter quickly accepted the silver with a beaming smile, "Sir, please wait, I’ll be back shortly."

In about a quarter of an hour, the waiter returned with a tray, carrying all the necessary writing materials, placing them on the table.

"Sir, here are the items you requested. Do you need anything else?"

Lu Chengfeng glanced over. The writing materials were ordinary, nothing of upper grade. But since the letter’s content was essential, there was no need to demand more, so he dismissed the waiter.

"Junior Brother, do you know the woman’s name?"

Cai Zhang replied, "Her exact given name is unknown; she’s simply referred to as Lady Qiutong."

"Qiutong, indeed a beautiful name."

Lu Chengfeng personally ground the ink, slowly gathering his thoughts. Soon, he had an idea, spread a piece of Xuan paper, and with his right hand picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and began writing fluently in the ’small seal script’ on the white paper.

The script of this world is called ’seal script,’ with major and minor types. Major seal scripts are used for rituals, inscriptions, plaques, while minor seal scripts serve daily correspondence and writing.

Lu Chengfeng had minor achievements in internal and external skills, with precise control over power, naturally leading to good calligraphy. His handwriting exuded a sense of exuberance and freedom, indicating the writer was a young man.

After filling a page, Lu Chengfeng stopped, waited for the ink to dry, then carefully folded the letter and sealed it in an envelope.

The waiter thoughtfully prepared a seal, and Lu Chengfeng sealed it with his fingerprint, then detached a jade buckle from his sword’s grip and handed it over to Cai Zhang.

"Junior Brother, I entrust this matter to you," Lu Chengfeng said seriously. "If Lady Qiutong has any questions or seeks news about me, feel free to tell her the truth, no need to hide anything."

"If possible, meeting her in person to express my admiration would be even better."

Cai Zhang, seeing his eagerness yet careful approach, secretly sighed but could do nothing but accept the letter and jade buckle. "Rest assured, Senior Brother. As soon as I’m back in the hall, I’ll take on a task for Houde Square. It shouldn’t be long before there’s a response."

"However, please don’t hold your hopes too high; it’s normal if it doesn’t work out, as she might have her concerns being the widow of an elder."

Lu Chengfeng simply said, "Please do your best, Junior Brother. If the lady refuses, please find a way for me to meet her once; I’d be endlessly grateful."

"True that even heroes can’t resist the charm of women!" Cai Zhang sighed, bowed, and took his leave, "Rest assured, Senior Brother, I will handle this matter."