Chapter 14: A Parting Gift at the Banquet Concealing a Hidden Secret

Lu Xiao’s demonstration was swift, as there were only a few moves, so it didn’t take much time. However, the techniques he showed were the fist moves from the “Gangqi Heart Method,” which failed to arouse much interest among the audience. Even though it was brief, no one was eager to watch such martial arts. The three matriarchs—the Old Madam Lu, the First Madam, and the Second Madam—were somewhat satisfied with this outcome. Although they did not practice martial arts themselves, their distinguished backgrounds had exposed them to many warriors from a young age. After marrying into the Lu family marquis estate, their understanding of martial arts deepened. What Lu Xiao demonstrated was something only children in the Lu household would learn for play. Attempting to enter any of the martial academies in Great Xia with this level of skill was impossible. Lu Xiao’s performance confirmed that their previous efforts had some effect.

According to the wager between Lu Xiao and the Old Madam, if he failed to enter a martial academy, he would have to obediently offer up his spiritual bone. Today served as a preliminary assessment of this progress.

“Shanlong, you should give the boy some guidance,” the Old Madam said. “If he goes to the martial academy assessment with his current strength, he will surely blame us. Give him some advice, so that if he fails, he will understand it’s his own fault and not blame us elders.”

Her words made it seem as though she were the one at a disadvantage, as if Lu Xiao was unfairly blaming her for his lack of success. She interfered with his training in various ways, yet in her words, it was as if none of that had happened.

“Fourth Young Master is polite and humble; how could he blame his own elders? Every generation has its own fate, and their achievements ultimately depend on themselves. Success or failure is their own doing. Even if they do not excel in cultivation, contributing to the realm of Great Xia is still commendable,” Wu Shanlong spoke, smoothing over the situation. Although it sounded like he was defending Lu Xiao, there was a subtle undertone in his words.

The Old Madam Lu, hearing this, waved her hand with a hint of helplessness. “Shanlong, don’t be fooled by how quiet this boy is. His thoughts run deep. The marquis estate has raised him for so many years, and getting him to contribute is harder than reaching the heavens. If he doesn’t put in effort and fails to enter the martial academy, the blame will surely fall on us elders. Let’s clarify this now so that later he won’t blame us for everything.” She glanced at Lu Xiao with her old eyes as she spoke.

Lu Xiao, however, showed no great reaction to these words and did not respond. Sitting beside Xue Shiwei, Lu Yun leaned in and whispered, “Shiwei, did you see that? Lu Xiao’s character is so despicable, no one likes him. He’s selfish and self-centered. Just calling him ‘Fourth Brother’ makes me uncomfortable.”

Xue Shiwei said nothing in response. She knew little about the Lu family’s inner workings and did not want to judge so hastily. She was uncertain what kind of person Lu Xiao truly was. The family claimed he was selfish, but from what she had seen, Lu Xiao had not acted selfishly. He had sacrificed himself for the family, even to the point of losing his spiritual bone. If that were her, she would not be willing to do the same. Moreover, the Lu marquis estate had not treated Lu Xiao well, and his biological mother, Jiang Yuerou, had offered him little support. Under such circumstances, Lu Xiao had no reason to sacrifice himself. Xue Shiwei felt sympathy rather than disdain toward him. More than sympathy, she was curious. She sensed that Lu Xiao’s “Gangqi Heart Method” was different, especially today—it seemed to carry a unique aura and depth. She refrained from further comment to Lu Yun, knowing her own bias might cause her to dismiss any praise of Lu Xiao.

Wu Shanlong, seated in a place of authority, listened to the Old Madam’s words and then began to offer Lu Xiao some advice. “From Fourth Young Master’s performance just now, it seems his exposure to martial arts is insufficient. At this age, just beginning his cultivation, he must work hard and catch up quickly.” His tone was polite, but his critique was candid.

“My advice is to study and practice more diligently. You must put more effort into your cultivation. Also, the ‘Gangqi Heart Method’ alone will not meet your current needs. I have here a manual called the ‘Dragon Blood Body Soaking Technique.’ Its primary function is to strengthen the body and provide protection in combat. Take it; it will benefit you.”

Lu Xiao was momentarily stunned. Wu Shanlong was offering him a martial manual, and openly in front of the Old Madam no less.

“Shanlong, this is too precious. This is a technique from Dragon King Mountain. Giving it to this boy might be inappropriate,” the Old Madam began to decline on Lu Xiao’s behalf.

But Wu Shanlong was insistent. “We are fated to meet today. What harm is there in gifting a manual? As a member of Dragon King Mountain, I have the right to decide how to act. I have already offered it; there is no reason to take it back.”

Hearing this, the Old Madam turned to Lu Xiao with a helpless gesture. “Since Shanlong insists, how can I refuse? Lu Xiao, accept this technique. If you still fail to enter the martial academy, do not blame us elders.”

Hearing the Old Madam’s words, Lu Xiao stepped forward and took the “Dragon Blood Body Soaking Technique” manual from Wu Shanlong. “Thank you, Senior Shanlong, for the gift. I will cultivate diligently and live up to your expectations,” he said respectfully before returning to his seat.

Along the way, Lu Xiao glanced at the expressions of his siblings. Lu Yun was visibly agitated, several times nearly rising to speak but stopped by a glare from the Second Madam. She could not accept, nor agree with, giving the manual to Lu Xiao. His second brother, Lu Zhi, and third sister, Lu Qiao, remained calm.

Back at the table, the banquet continued with mostly polite chatter, lacking any significant content. Lu Xiao did not immediately open the manual he had received.

Throughout the banquet, everything proceeded according to custom. Lu Xiao behaved with cautious propriety, unused to wielding any status in the marquis estate and careful not to give others any reason to find fault with him.

During the latter half of the feast, Xue Shiwei’s gaze often flickered toward Lu Xiao. She seemed to want to speak with him but hesitated, finding no opportunity to do so in that setting.