CHAPTER 42: CHAPTER 42: OPEN AND ABOVEBOARD, FOND OF MARRIED WOMEN

After Lu Chengfeng and Tan Xiong bid farewell and left, they quickly headed towards Bixiao Peak. Although they had only been married for a short time, there was already a sense of longing.

Every expression and emotion of that woman captivated his thoughts.

However, just as he reached halfway up the mountain, he bumped into Cai Zhang, who was hurriedly coming down from the top. Upon seeing Lu Chengfeng, Cai Zhang’s face immediately revealed a look of surprise and joy.

"Senior Brother, you’re back?"

Lu Chengfeng’s expression changed, his heart thumping twice, "Junior Brother, do you have any news?"

"Indeed." Cai Zhang nodded, "I wasn’t sure when you would return, so I left a message with the granny on the mountain. Didn’t expect to run into you here."

Lu Chengfeng took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement and anxiety, "Junior Brother, what did Lady Qiutong say?"

Cai Zhang smiled, "The lady wants to meet and see if it feels right. From what I see, she’s already interested. With your demeanor, how could she not be moved upon seeing you?"

Lu Chengfeng couldn’t help but feel pleased. If she wasn’t interested, she wouldn’t have arranged to meet. Indeed, there was an interest. He quickly asked, "Did Lady Qiutong say when?"

Cai Zhang replied, "She knows you’re participating in the beast tide extermination. She said to send her a message when you have free time, and then they’ll arrange a time to meet."

Recalling the strength shown by the other four true disciples in the Enchanted Swamp today, Lu Chengfeng couldn’t sit still and said eagerly, "In that case, there’s no time like the present. Let’s meet her now."

"Haha, Senior Brother, you’re truly impatient." Cai Zhang couldn’t hold back his laughter, "You’re already at the doorstep, not taking a moment to change into clean clothes, and you’re planning to meet other ladies in armor..."

Lu Chengfeng then realized, but upon seeing the already dimming sky, if he went back, it would surely be dark by the time he reached Houde Square.

After all, Lady Qiutong is a woman and a widow, meeting a man late at night would surely be inappropriate, inviting gossip. It’s unlikely she’d come out.

But if he goes over now, perhaps he can see her. If he can propose, then it’s a done deal.

Various thoughts flashed through his mind, and Lu Chengfeng immediately made up his mind, grabbed Cai Zhang’s sleeve, and headed down the mountain, "Junior Brother, don’t laugh at me. I’m indeed impatient. If I can get the promise of a beautiful woman, what does it matter to pass by the house without entering?"

"Quick, come with me!"

It’s the first time Cai Zhang had seen his senior brother like this. He found it amusing as he was dragged along, laughing, "So Senior Brother truly is fond of married women. I didn’t believe it before, but now I must. Haha!"

"Is it not normal for a man to like women?" Lu Chengfeng was somewhat embarrassed by his laughter and stubbornly said, "I only like widows, not married women. I’m open and honest..."

"Hahaha!" Cai Zhang suddenly stopped, bent double with laughter, "As expected of my senior brother, a model among men. I’m far inferior to you."

"Openly fond of married women, I admire you!"

Lu Chengfeng’s face darkened, "Enough nonsense, hurry up and follow me. Delay it too long, and if I can’t meet Lady Qiutong, I’ll make you regret it."

Cai Zhang immediately raised his hands in protest, "Senior Brother, you’re already planning to dismantle the bridge before crossing the river? Haven’t even held the lady yet, and you’re thinking of playing tricks on the matchmaker?"

Lu Chengfeng helplessly held his forehead, never realizing his junior brother could be such a chatterbox.

He placed his right hand on Cai Zhang’s arm, exerted force, and pulled him forward quickly. The sudden increase in speed filled Cai Zhang’s mouth with wind as he was talking.

"...Senior...Brother...is this...revenge..."

"Once it’s done, I’ll give you three Jade Wave Pills."

"Really?" Cai Zhang couldn’t help but become excited, widening his eyes, "How can I accept this?"

Jade Wave Pills are superior pills to assist in practicing the Blue Sea and Sky Skill. The materials to concoct a batch cost over a thousand taels of silver. Each batch yields at most nine pills.

The pills are known to be priceless, and only Zhao Changzhen occasionally granted one or two after personally crafting them on Bixiao Peak. Even Lu Chengfeng, after seven years, only received three. It’s even less likely for someone like Cai Zhang, a registered disciple.

Seeing Cai Zhang’s act of wanting but pretending to refuse, Lu Chengfeng almost rolled his eyes, "If you don’t want them, then forget it..."

"I want, want, want. Since Senior Brother gives them, how could I refuse? Many thanks for the generous gift, Senior Brother." He started laughing again.

Lu Chengfeng shook his head; Zhao Changzhen’s relics included twelve Jade Wave Pills. At the time, he shared three each with Zhao Ling’Er, Su Wanqing, and Li Mo, and had never used them.

If he could truly marry Lady Qiutong, what’s three pills compared to that?!

After receiving the benefit, Cai Zhang finally stopped talking and obediently followed Lu Chengfeng to Houde Square.

Once they arrived, the sky had dimmed, leaving only the sunset to dye the horizon red. Occasionally, birds flew across the sky, and the evening breeze stirred the two large willow trees outside Houde Square.

"Senior Brother, wait here for a moment. I carry the Ministry of Affairs token and received Lady Qiutong’s instructions, so I can enter. Other disciples can’t enter without authorization." Cai Zhang informed Lu Chengfeng before rushing into Houde Square.

Lu Chengfeng watched him leave, took two deep breaths to calm his slightly anxious mood, and then stepped aside from the passage, standing under the large willow tree.

He wore a Profound Iron Black Armor, his hair tied with a copper crown, his body stained with blood and mud, with traces of Demon Qi lingering, appearing fierce and imposing.

Now standing with a hand on his sword, handsome and upright, he carried a cold aura that commanded respect and drew the attention of passersby.

Most people coming and going in Houde Square were elders and families of true disciples. Many young boys and girls looked at him with admiration and awe.

"Sister, his armor is so impressive. I also want to be like him when I grow up!"

"That’s Profound Iron Heavy Armor worn by true disciples during demon beast exterminations, not something ordinary people can wear."

"Then I’ll become a true disciple, just like father!"

A brother and sister passed by Lu Chengfeng. The sister appeared fifteen or sixteen, while the brother was seven or eight. Their whispered words floated to Lu Chengfeng’s ears on the evening breeze.

Lu Chengfeng couldn’t help but glance at the girl’s back. Though only fifteen or sixteen, she was already charming, with an alluring figure that caught attention.

Especially when she passed by, she wore a veil but her mysterious, aquamarine eyes were exceptionally striking.

As he watched, he suddenly noticed Cai Zhang running out from the stone square’s gate, his expression changed, and he quickly stepped forward to greet him.