Chapter 15: A Warning Before the Dragon Spell Awakens

The banquet lasted for about an hour. After it concluded, Wu Shanlong was invited by Madam Lu to have some tea at the Hou residence. Xue Shiwei also received an invitation from Madam Lu but politely declined, leaving together with Lu Fu. Naturally, Lu Xiao did not stay either; once the banquet ended, he left Meixiang Garden and returned to his small abode.

The highlight of today’s banquet, according to Lu Xiao, was that he ate quite well. The usual fare was not only unappetizing but also insufficient to satisfy his hunger. It had been a long time since he felt so full. Another reason was likely the improvement in his physique, which had significantly increased his appetite.

Recently, it had rained at night, leaving the paths around his small house muddy. Lu Xiao gathered some gravel and scattered it on the road to avoid getting his shoes dirty while walking. Late autumn was no longer very humid, but the house he stayed in was somewhat prone to water seepage, making the interior damp during the season.

Thinking over this, Lu Xiao got up to inspect the roof of his small cottage. For the problematic wooden planks, he concentrated and refined them. The faded gray characters on the planks indicated their mediocre quality. After refining, the wood improved by one grade, completely transforming its quality. It even gained a slight sheen and waterproof properties. Though it consumed much of his energy, it saved him considerable trouble. Living comfortably greatly aided the recovery of his strength and spirit.

After finishing the repairs, Lu Xiao prepared to rest and carefully study the cultivation method Wu Shanlong had given him. At that moment, a light figure approached from nearby—Xue Shiwei. Lu Xiao had already learned her name during the banquet. He assumed she had lost her way and stepped forward to greet her.

“Miss Xue, the courtyard of Lu Yun is on the southwest side of the Hou residence. You can’t get through this way; the path ends here,” he said, ready to guide her.

“Actually, I came looking for you. Lu Yun had some matters to attend to with Madam Lu, and after thinking it over, there are some things I wish to discuss with you,” Xue Shiwei replied.

Lu Xiao was a bit surprised. The precious granddaughter of Duke Xue was treated courteously even by Madam Lu, yet she sought him out? He did not entertain any unrealistic notions. If Xue Shiwei came to him, it must be for a serious reason.

“Since Miss Xue has come, please have a seat by my house,” Lu Xiao invited her to sit at the stone table in front of his cottage. He then brought a cup of plain water to serve her. His pockets were currently empty, so he could not afford tea.

“Pardon me for not having proper tea prepared,” he apologized softly. Xue Shiwei was unconcerned and waved off the apology with a smile. She glanced at the stone bench—not the finest quality but at least clean.

After exchanging a few polite words, Xue Shiwei began the main topic. “Young Master, do you know the mysteries within the ‘Dragon Blood Body Cleansing Technique’ you received today?”

Hearing this, Lu Xiao frowned slightly. He was not well-versed in the subtleties of cultivation methods, but he was certain this technique might not benefit him. In fact, it might be useless or even harmful to others in the Lu family. Otherwise, the madam and second madam would have tried to seize it rather than letting it fall into his hands.

Seeing that Lu Xiao remained silent, Xue Shiwei continued, “Without a dragon body, one should not practice the Dragon Technique. The cultivation methods from Dragon King Mountain are not suitable for everyone.”

Only then did Lu Xiao understand her good intentions. This fairy-like lady had come to warn him.

“So, Miss Xue means this ‘Dragon Blood Body Cleansing Technique’ is harmful rather than helpful to me?” he asked.

Xue Shiwei hesitated briefly, then nodded. “The methods of Dragon King Mountain demand an extremely high constitution. Without undergoing their special training, ordinary people practicing the method seldom gain benefits. At first, there may be noticeable effects, but within two years, the foundation of the body will be severely damaged. At that point, whether or not you possess a spiritual bone, you will be unable to continue cultivating...”

Looking at Xue Shiwei, Lu Xiao was somewhat taken aback. He had little contact with her, and Lu Yun, who was friendly with Xue Shiwei, had an even more distant relationship with him.

After a moment’s hesitation, Lu Xiao cupped his hands in thanks. “Thank you, Miss Xue, for your warning. I will carefully discern its merits.”

Reflecting deeply, he realized he held nothing that others coveted at the moment. Xue Shiwei’s caution must be purely out of goodwill; he could think of no other reason.

“Though the Martial Sect Academy’s requirements are not high, at your age, Young Master, you must at least reach the level of Complete Stone Moving Realm. Many, even at that level, fail the academy’s assessments,” she added.

“Indeed, Young Master should not have accepted Madam Lu’s wager...” Xue Shiwei’s words prompted a wry smile from Lu Xiao. Aside from his elder brother Lu Zheng, she was the second person to kindly warn him.

“If you refuse Madam Lu’s wager, there will be wagers from the madam and second madam. If they want your spiritual bone, they will not rely on just one method,” she fell silent for a moment.

Lu Xiao’s current predicament left him little room for bargaining. Securing even one wager was already a hopeful outcome.

“Lord Lu is currently facing difficulties in the army and urgently needs the assistance of Duke Meng. Thus, the entire Lu family hopes you, Young Master, will contribute yourself,” Xue Shiwei said softly. Lu Xiao was well aware of this situation. Apart from his elder brother Lu Zheng, everyone else in the Hou residence held this view.

“Moreover, your younger siblings... Meng Xincheng and Meng Xinxue are indeed exceptionally talented. Meng Xincheng has already reached the Spirit Embryo Realm and last year represented Great Xia in the Twelve Kingdoms Grand Competition, performing extraordinarily. Even the prodigy of Liang Kingdom, Qin Yijun, could not defeat him. The news reached the emperor, who specially issued an edict praising him. Meng Xinxue is two years younger but has also attained the Complete Transformation of the Sea Realm. They are both outstanding...”

Without mentioning Meng Xincheng, Meng Xinxue was only fifteen but already surpassed Lu family’s second young master Lu Zhi in martial prowess.

“No wonder those at the Hou residence say the spiritual bone within me would be more valuable if taken away. But whether it truly has value, they have never stood in my position to consider,” Lu Xiao said without feeling disheartened. He looked up at Xue Shiwei and bowed in gratitude.

“Thank you, Miss Xue, for your warning. I will choose carefully.”

Xue Shiwei nodded, then, after some thought, voiced a concern she harbored. “Young Master, given your current situation, the only way to escape this predicament may be to leave the Hou residence.”

She stopped there, hinting the message clearly. She knew Lu Xiao understood her perfectly. Though their conversation was brief, Xue Shiwei sensed that Lu Xiao was no fool.