My Martial Dao Has No Bottlenecks

Liang Cheng's expression was calm. "We're friends. You're going back to honor your ancestors. I'll wait outside—I'll keep you company."

...

「The next morning, at the Lu Mansion.」

Vermilion gates, high walls, and imposing stone lions.

The gatekeeper saw Lu Qingzhou's carriage arrive and trotted forward. "Eldest Young Master, you've arrived. The masters are already at the ancestral hall. Should I carry you there on my back?"

"There's no need."

With Liang Cheng's help, Lu Qingzhou stepped out of the carriage. "Brother Liang will accompany me; that's all I need."

The gatekeeper's gaze swept over Liang Cheng. He seemed about to speak, but ultimately held his tongue and didn't dare to block their path.

The two then entered the mansion. Along the way, servants still bowed respectfully, but their eyes held a different sort of expression—the subtle look one gives a failure.

As they reached the second courtyard, a group of people approached them.

Leading them was a young man in silken robes. His features were arrogant, and his aura was not yet fully contained. True Qi faintly circulated around his body.

It was none other than Lu Qingfeng, who had just broken through to the True Qi Realm.

He was surrounded by several young disciples of the Lu Family, all fawning over him like stars revolving around the moon.

"Elder Brother."

Lu Qingfeng stopped when he saw Lu Qingzhou. With a smile, he cupped his fists. "I heard you ascended the Ascension Platform yesterday. Truly courageous... what a shame..."

He let his words hang, deliberately shaking his head and sighing.

Lu Qingzhou remained impassive. "Congratulations on reaching the True Qi Realm, Third Brother. We should head to the ancestral hall. The elders must be getting impatient."

Lu Qingfeng nodded, his gaze shifting to Liang Cheng as a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "This must be True Inheritor Liang from the Martial Arts Academy, I presume? I've heard so much about you. The Qilin Banquet is in three days. I hope True Inheritor Liang will grace us with your presence."

Liang Cheng replied coolly, "I will."

As they passed each other, one of the side-branch disciples behind Lu Qingfeng muttered under his breath, "Coming to the ancestral worship when he's so badly injured. Who does he think he's fooling, putting on such airs..."

His voice wasn't loud, but everyone present was a Martial Artist, and they all heard him loud and clear.

Lu Qingzhou's body went rigid.

Liang Cheng stopped and turned to face the young man who had spoken. "What did you just say?"

The young man's face paled. He stammered, "I... I didn't say anything..."

"The Lu Family is holding their ancestral rites. The eldest grandson of the direct line attends despite his severe injuries. That shows filial piety. That shows a sense of duty."

Liang Cheng's voice was calm, yet it carried clearly across the courtyard. "Since when does a side-branch disciple have the right to gossip about such matters? Are these the rules of the Lu Family?"

The courtyard fell silent.

Lu Qingfeng's expression faltered. He shot the young man a glare before quickly turning back to Liang Cheng with an apologetic smile. "True Inheritor Liang, please don't be angry. He doesn't know any better..."

"If he's ignorant, then teach him until he understands. Lest others say the Lu Family lacks proper discipline."

Without giving them another glance, Liang Cheng turned to Lu Qingzhou. "Brother Lu, let's go."

The two of them continued on their way.

Behind them, Lu Qingfeng stared at Liang Cheng's departing back, his expression dark and sullen.

As for the young man who had spoken, his face was ashen.

If Liang Cheng's words got out, his future would be utterly ruined.

...

The Lu Family's ancestral hall was located deep in the rear courtyard, shaded by ancient trees, a structure of green brick and black tile.

The doors to the hall were open, and incense smoke wafted out. Vague figures could be seen within. The Lu Family's elders and the heads of every branch were nearly all present.

"Brother Liang, please wait here."

Lu Qingzhou straightened his robes before stepping through the doorway.

Liang Cheng stood under an ancient tree outside the hall, his eyes closed in meditation.

The sound of ceremonial chanting drifted from within the hall, mingling with the thick scent of incense. After about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, the ceremony concluded, and members of the Lu Family began to file out.

The first to emerge were several clan elders. A fleeting look of surprise crossed their faces upon seeing Liang Cheng, but they simply gave him a slight nod of acknowledgement. They were followed by the heads of the various family branches, each with a different expression.

Lu Qingfeng emerged with the members of the third branch. He hesitated for a moment as he passed Liang Cheng, but ultimately said nothing and hurried away.

Lu Qingzhou and his father were the last to come out.

The Lu Family Patriarch, Lu Mingyuan, was a stern-faced, middle-aged man who bore a strong resemblance to Lu Qingzhou. Supporting his son, he walked over to Liang Cheng.

"True Inheritor Liang."

Lu Mingyuan cupped his fists. "Thank you for looking after Qingzhou."

Liang Cheng returned the gesture. "Uncle Lu, you're too kind. Brother Lu and I are friends. It's only right that I help."

Lu Mingyuan nodded, clapped his son on the shoulder, and then turned and left.

Lu Qingzhou finally let out a sigh of relief and gave a wry smile. "Brother Liang, thank you for speaking up for me back there. If you hadn't been here, I'm afraid I would have faced far more scorn today."

"It was nothing."

Liang Cheng steadied him. "Your injuries are still severe. You should conserve your energy. Let me take you back to rest."

"Wait."

Lu Qingzhou took a Jade Pendant from within his robes and handed it to Liang Cheng. "My father secretly gave this to me just now. With this token, you can command resources from any Lu Family enterprise and receive the same treatment as a direct heir."

Liang Cheng accepted the Jade Pendant. It was warm and smooth to the touch. The front was engraved with the character for 'Lu,' and the back bore a cloud pattern.

"Your father..."

Lu Qingzhou whispered, "He's paving the way for my future. The main branch of the family is in decline, so he has to make plans. I know you don't want to be drawn into the conflicts of the Noble Families, so don't worry. This won't involve you. Just think of it as an extra source of income."

"Alright. Since I came with you, I won't abandon you halfway." Liang Cheng put away the Jade Pendant. "Let's go. First, you need to go back and heal. In three days, at the Qilin Banquet, I'll be there with you."

The sun was already high in the sky by the time the two of them left the Lu Mansion.

The gatekeeper bowed as he saw them off, his attitude even more respectful than when they had arrived. Clearly, word of Liang Cheng's speech in the courtyard had already spread throughout the Lu Mansion.

As the carriage pulled away from the Lu Mansion, Lu Qingzhou leaned back against the carriage wall and suddenly said, "Brother Liang, I finally understood something today."

"What?"

"When you lack strength, even your own family will look down on you."

Lu Qingzhou closed his eyes. "But if you have someone standing behind you, those who look down on you will at least show some restraint."

Liang Cheng gazed out the window at the bustling streets of Lin Wu City, as lively as ever.

"That's why you need to recover quickly."

"Then, you must break through to the True Qi Realm, fair and square. When that time comes, you won't need anyone standing behind you. You will be your own strength."

Lu Qingzhou's eyes snapped open, and he replied with conviction:

"Yes!"

The carriage headed toward the Martial Arts Academy, leaving the turmoil of the Lu Mansion behind them for now.

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