The Mirror Master

Upon hearing this, Lu Bai said nothing.

The atmosphere turned cold.

Chen Tieshan waited for a good while. Seeing that Lu Bai offered no reply, but instead sat with his gaze lowered like an old monk in Meditation, he grew impatient.

In contrast, Chen Xiaofeng and Chen Qianqian, one in front of the other, were getting very anxious.

Chen Tieshan frowned to himself. ’What is this kid trying to do?’

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Tieshan could no longer restrain himself. He cleared his throat and said, "Qianqian will soon be heading to Bluestone Academy to pursue the Martial Dao. I’m afraid it will be difficult for you two to see each other again. Since you’re willing to return the marriage contract, this works out for the best for everyone."

"In the future, once you’ve made a name for yourself, I can help you find another good match."

"Thank you, Hall Master Chen."

Lu Bai offered his thanks and fell silent once more.

Chen Tieshan said thoughtfully, "Since you’re the one offering to return the marriage contract, and considering the friendship I shared with your father, if you’ve run into any trouble, why not tell me about it?"

Lu Bai said, "There is indeed one thing I need to ask of you."

’So that’s what he was waiting for!’

Chen Tieshan thought to himself, then asked, "What is it?"

Lu Bai asked, "I was wondering if Hall Master Chen has any Profound Tier Martial Techniques, or perhaps ones of an even higher grade. Could you lend them to me to have a look?"

’There are still two masses of Soul Light in the Ancient Mirror I haven’t used. I just want to see if I can get a better Martial Technique.’

Here in Liuxi Town, the only place one might find Profound Tier Martial Arts was the Chen Martial Arts Hall.

"Hah..."

Chen Xiaofeng couldn’t help but sneer. "You think Profound Tier Martial Techniques are like cabbages that you can just pick up anywhere?"

Chen Tieshan was also taken aback for a moment before chuckling. Instead of answering, he posed a question of his own: "Lu Bai, the Five-Step Fist I taught you—what level have you reached in your training?"

"Minor Success."

Lu Bai answered truthfully.

"Heh heh."

Chen Tieshan smiled. "My famous Mountain-Opening Palm is only a Yellow Tier Martial Technique. But after all these years, cultivating it to the level of Perfection has been enough for me to make a name for myself and open a hall to teach students."

Lu Bai asked, "So you don’t have any, Hall Master Chen?"

Chen Tieshan shook his head. "It’s not just me. The entire town of Liuxi has no Profound Tier Martial Technique."

"The only Profound Tier Technique here is the Fierce Tiger Stance, which I’ve already taught you. Have you managed to master it?"

Lu Bai fell silent.

Chen Tieshan shook his head to himself. "Lu Bai, you’re still young. You must avoid biting off more than you can chew!"

After a moment’s pause, seeing Lu Bai fall silent again, Chen Tieshan said, "I truly can’t help you with that. If you have any other problems, feel free to bring them up."

Lu Bai said, "My family has run out of money recently..."

"Say no more!"

Before Lu Bai could finish, Chen Tieshan waved his hand dismissively. "I’ll have a servant fetch you fifty silver taels later. Take it and use it as you see fit."

’So he’s just short on money. That’s an easy fix.’

"We’re not family, so it wouldn’t be right for me to take Hall Master Chen’s silver for free. It goes against reason."

Lu Bai shook his head. "Since I’m returning the marriage contract to dissolve our engagement, it’s only right that I take back the betrothal gifts my family provided."

"Huh?"

Chen Xiaofeng’s eyes widened.

Listening from behind, Chen Qianqian didn’t know whether to laugh or be angry.

’The betrothal gifts have already been given. Who comes asking for them back?’

’No family could afford such a loss of face!’

Chen Tieshan thought to himself, ’So, this kid beat around the bush all this time just to ask for the betrothal gifts back. It seems he really is desperate for money.’

Chen Xiaofeng couldn’t hold back. "Lu Bai, if our family were the ones to break the engagement, it would make some sense for you to ask for the betrothal gifts back."

"But now, you’re the one returning the marriage contract, yet you still want the gifts back? Have you no shame?"

Lu Bai, perfectly composed, said, "I want the money."

"..."

Chen Xiaofeng nearly choked.

Such blatant honesty left him speechless.

Chen Tieshan didn’t rush to give his opinion.

To be frank, the betrothal gifts added up to several hundred silver taels.

He was loath to give away money that was already in his possession.

But from Lu Bai’s stance, it was clear that if the betrothal gifts weren’t returned, he might not hand over the marriage contract.

Dragging this matter out would ultimately become a nuisance.

As long as Qianqian carried the title of a Lu Family fiancée, it was bad for her reputation.

If she were to meet a young master from a prominent family in Bluestone County in the future, this would only hinder her prospects.

By not kicking the Lu Family while they were down, by returning the gifts and settling the debt, the Chen Family could also earn a good name for themselves.

After mulling it over, Chen Tieshan said in a deep voice, "Lu Bai, some of the silks, satins, and medicinal herbs your father sent have already been used. However, the five hundred silver taels that were left have not been touched. I can return that to you."

"That will do."

Lu Bai agreed.

Chen Tieshan motioned for Chen Xiaofeng to fetch five hundred taels in silver notes and place them on the table beside Lu Bai.

Lu Bai took out the marriage contract and handed it over.

Chen Tieshan said, "Lu Bai, this matter is now concluded. From this day forward, you and Qianqian have nothing to do with each other."

"Of course."

Lu Bai nodded, tucking the five hundred taels in silver notes into his robes.

There was no dramatic "never bully a youth for being poor" scene. Everything went rather smoothly, and both parties acted with decorum.

From behind the main hall, Chen Qianqian let out a soft sigh of relief.

The matter had troubled her for many days, leaving her agitated and with no heart for her martial arts training. It had even made her monthly cycle irregular.

Now that it was finally resolved, a great weight had been lifted from her mind.

Having just given away five hundred silver taels, Chen Xiaofeng was in a foul mood and found the sight of Lu Bai increasingly irritating.

’If that five hundred taels had been given to me,’ he thought, ’I could have had so much fun in Bluestone County.’

"You’ve taken the money, why aren’t you leaving?"

Seeing Lu Bai still sitting there motionless, Chen Xiaofeng bluntly told him to leave, his tone anything but polite.

Lu Bai didn’t even deign to look at him, instead addressing Chen Tieshan, "Apart from this, there is actually one more thing I’d like to discuss with Hall Master Chen."

"Lu Bai, don’t push your luck!"

Chen Xiaofeng snapped.

Chen Tieshan, a smile on his face, asked, "What is it? Go on."

’The matter of Qianqian’s engagement is resolved,’ he thought. ’The ball is in my court now.’

’Whatever it is, whether it happens or not is entirely up to me.’

’As for the Lu Family, I’ve already done more than enough.’

Lu Bai said, "With my father and older brother gone, my family is left with four pharmacies. I’m looking to sell them, and it occurs to me that here in Liuxi Town, only the Chen Martial Arts Hall has the means to take on all four."

"Besides, our families do have some history. Selling the pharmacies to you, Hall Master Chen, would put my mind at ease."

Chen Xiaofeng’s eyes darted around. "Your family’s four pharmacies have all gone under. They’re nothing but empty storefronts. If you want to sell them, they won’t be worth much."

Lu Bai said, "I don’t mind selling them cheap."

"Then let’s say seventy percent of the market price."

Seeing his father’s displeased expression, Chen Xiaofeng quickly corrected himself, "Fifty percent!"

In truth, he was trying to be clever.

’The "market price" can be high or low. Depending on how things go, I can keep pushing it down.’

However, when Chen Xiaofeng glanced at his father, he saw that Chen Tieshan was still displeased and even shot him a fierce glare.

Chen Xiaofeng began to wonder.

’Did I not push the price down hard enough?’

Chen Tieshan studied the placid expression on Lu Bai’s face and thought, ’This boy’s schemes run deep. He’s not at all the simpleton people say he is! Compared to him, Xiaofeng is a step behind.’

’If I were to be tempted by the petty profit from these four pharmacies, I’d fall right into his trap.’

Chen Tieshan said with a faint, unreadable smile, "From what I understand, although those four pharmacies are in your name right now, they’re set to change hands in a few days, aren’t they?"

"What makes you say that?"

Lu Bai retorted.

Chen Tieshan smiled. "I heard that you made an agreement with your uncle’s family. After the seventh-day mourning ritual, you would transfer the four pharmacies to them."

"Liuxi Town isn’t large. It’s easy to hear about such things."

Only then did it dawn on Chen Xiaofeng.

If Lu Bai sold the four pharmacies to their family now, they would be the ones left to argue with Lu Ziyuan’s family.

Lu Ziyuan’s family on its own wasn’t much of a threat.

But Lu Yao’s husband is Zhou Yu, a member of the Zhou Family.

The Zhou Family is a major power in Liuxi Town, boasting an Inner Family Master. If this wasn’t handled properly, it would be easy to turn them into an enemy.

Lu Bai was trying to drag their family into this mess!

"Lu Bai, you’re a sneaky bastard!"

Chen Xiaofeng’s eyes widened in anger, and he subconsciously clenched his fists.

Lu Bai’s expression remained calm. "Hall Master Chen, you’re overthinking things. I have already arranged to meet with my uncle’s family tonight to discuss this matter, and we will have a resolution. If the four pharmacies do change hands, then you simply don’t have to buy them, Hall Master Chen."

"If Hall Master Chen is free around dusk, you are welcome to come to the Lu residence for a simple meal and act as a witness."

"Heh heh."

Chen Tieshan chuckled, his voice laced with meaning. "This is a private matter for your Lu Family. It would be inappropriate for me to get involved."

"I will wait here for the good news. If the four pharmacies remain in your name, it will not be too late to discuss the sale then."

Though he said this aloud, Chen Tieshan couldn’t help but admire Lu Bai in his heart.

’For Lu Bai to hold onto the four pharmacies by himself would be impossible.’

’Only by borrowing external power does he stand a chance.’

’After all, Lu Ziyuan’s family has the Zhou Family backing them.’

’And in Liuxi Town, the only power that can stand up to the Zhou Family is my Chen Martial Arts Hall.’

’Returning the marriage contract, demanding the betrothal gifts back... all of it was likely just a smokescreen.’

’His true purpose for coming here today must have been to drag me into this affair!’

’It’s remarkable that the boy could even come up with such a plan.’

’Unfortunately for him, while this little scheme might fool Xiaofeng, it couldn’t fool me.’

"I see."

Lu Bai’s face showed a hint of regret. He stood up and said, "Then I suppose we’ll have to wait. We can discuss it again when another opportunity arises."

"Xiaofeng, see our guest out."

Chen Tieshan waved his hand lightly.

"Let’s go!"

Chen Xiaofeng urged impatiently.

’The thought that he had almost fallen for Lu Bai’s ploy filled him with another wave of disgust.’

"By the way."

Lu Bai suddenly asked, "Hall Master Chen, the hall has been rather quiet recently. Has anything unusual been happening?"

Chen Tieshan frowned slightly. A thought occurred to him, and he guessed what Lu Bai was getting at. "Some of the disciples have fallen ill. Since you’ve clearly already heard about it, why bother asking?"

"And Hall Master Chen, have you encountered any problems with your own cultivation?"

Lu Bai asked again.

"What nonsense are you talking about!"

Chen Xiaofeng barked, "You haven’t even reached the First Level of the Root Bone Stage. What gives you the right to discuss cultivation with my father?"

But upon hearing this, Chen Tieshan’s expression darkened.

’News about the martial arts hall is easy to come by.’

’But the recent setback in my cultivation... I haven’t mentioned that to anyone!’

’How could Lu Bai possibly know?’

"Then perhaps I was mistaken."

Lu Bai said ambiguously, then cupped his fists. "Hall Master Chen, I’ll take my leave."

With that, Lu Bai turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Chen Tieshan stood up and called out to stop him.

"Is there something else, Hall Master Chen?"

Lu Bai stopped, feigning confusion as he turned around. "Is there?"

Chen Tieshan asked in a low voice, "What did you mean by what you just said?"

"It’s nothing."

Lu Bai said, "It’s just that with the recent series of disasters befalling my family, I’ve started to pay more attention to certain things. I thought I noticed something amiss in the hall earlier... but, it’s nothing. I must have been mistaken."

With that, Lu Bai turned to leave again.

"Ah, Nephew Lu, please wait!"

Chen Tieshan hurried over to stop Lu Bai, a smile spreading across his face. "Xiaofeng, go prepare a pot of tea. Nephew Lu, why don’t you stay a while longer so we can discuss this?"

As he got closer to Lu Bai, Chen Tieshan noticed that the boy had grown quite a bit. He was now almost as tall as Chen Tieshan himself.

’How did he shoot up so quickly?’

"This matter is too strange. Even if I were to explain, Hall Master Chen might not believe me."

Lu Bai glanced toward the door. "Besides, it’s getting late. I have to get back to prepare dinner and wait for my uncle’s family to arrive."

"If Hall Master Chen wishes to know the details, I suggest you come to my residence around dusk. The truth will be revealed then."

"Very well. I will be sure to pay you a visit at dusk!"

After a brief hesitation, Chen Tieshan readily agreed.

He hadn’t wanted to get involved.

But this was something he couldn’t afford to ignore.

He had, in fact, been having problems with his cultivation, and the hall had been experiencing some abnormalities recently as well.

Lu Bai seemed to have identified the root of the problem, yet his words were vague and unclear.

He couldn’t help but connect this to the misfortunes that had befallen the Lu Family.

If he didn’t take this seriously, the next to suffer the Lu Family’s fate could be his own Chen Family!

"I will await your esteemed visit, Hall Master Chen."

Lu Bai cupped his fists and departed.

"Dad, what were you two talking about?"

Chen Xiaofeng was completely baffled.

Chen Qianqian also emerged from behind the main hall. "He’s just putting on an act. Dad, don’t let him fool you."

Chen Tieshan stared at Lu Bai’s retreating figure, lost in thought.

’Just now, it felt less like I was dealing with a seventeen-year-old boy and more like an old, unfathomable fox.’

’From start to finish, he had been leading me by the nose.’

"There’s something more to this Lu Bai. I misjudged him."

Chen Tieshan murmured softly.

"Dad, more to him? What is it? I don’t see anything," Chen Xiaofeng said. "He’s just a little clever, that’s all. To make your way in the Jianghu, you have to rely on your own strength and the sharp sword in your hand."

"That is true."

Chen Tieshan nodded. "He hasn’t applied that cleverness to the Righteous Dao. When it comes to Martial Arts Cultivation, he is still far, far behind you."

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