Chapter 64 Part 1

Sheng Xu had no intention of paying any attention to Jia Qin, and Lu Wuqi felt the same. They quickly settled into the driver’s seat and started the car.

After driving out of the neighborhood, Lu Wuqi finally spoke up. “Xuxu, if you need it, I can go with you tomorrow. It would be a good chance to discuss the great demon with your father.”

Sheng Xu didn’t refuse and softly hummed in agreement.

“But why were Sheng Gan and Jia Qin there? I remember the Sheng Family and Mystic Gate shouldn’t have the authority to access ordinary people’s information files.” A hint of contemplation appeared between Sheng Xu’s brows as she spoke.

Lu Wuqi drove steadily as she began to speculate reasonably. “Probably some people in the Action Bureau have defected to Mystic Gate. After all, the Action Bureau has low entry requirements. As long as someone is a level 2 celestial master or above, they allow that person to become a formal member.”

“Such rules can recruit disciples from smaller sects, but they also give Mystic Gate the chance to insert their own people.” Lu Wuqi paused for a moment as she continued. “Mystic Gate likely has people in the Action Bureau too. Mutual infiltration is a more accurate way to put it.”

Sheng Xu nodded in strong agreement. Just take the Sheng Family for example—among the disciples they raised, plenty must have been bought off.

–

After smoothly returning to the official villa that evening, Sheng Xu received a call from her father.

The Jia Family was coming with sincerity, and the Sheng Family couldn’t refuse. So, they asked Sheng Xu to arrive home before 9 AM tomorrow and receive the Jia Family together at 9:30.

Sheng Xu didn’t refuse. But after catching Lu Wuqi’s meaningful wink, a trace of amusement flickered in her eyes. “Father, Wuqi wants to visit the Sheng Family tomorrow too. She has some new findings she’d like to share with you.”

Sheng Tuo was clearly stunned by this. After a long pause, he finally asked, “Has the Young Sect Master discovered the great demon’s trail?”

“Maybe. It’s not convenient to discuss over the phone. Why not have her meet you tomorrow?” Sheng Xu said, following Lu Wuqi’s instructions.

“Alright, I understand. I’ll… prepare a proper welcome for the Young Sect Master.” Sheng Tuo agreed, though he sounded a bit hesitant. Since it was official business, there shouldn’t be any major issues, right?

“Xuxu, the Uncle-Masters.” Lu Wuqi reminded her from the side. The Jia Family definitely wouldn’t come alone—they couldn’t afford to lose face either.

A faint mix of helplessness and indulgence flashed in Sheng Xu’s eyes. Following Lu Wuqi’s reminder, she informed her father that Yin Bufu and Yin Budai would be coming along too.

Sheng Tuo agreed much more readily this time. The Young Sect Master arriving with two elders felt far more like a proper discussion of business than Lu Wuqi coming solo.

The timeline Sheng Tuo gave was already tight. The Jia Family would arrive at 9:30, and he only required Sheng Xu to be there by 9.

The next day—without any late-night antics—the pair rose before 8 AM, finished breakfast, bid farewell to the two Uncle-Masters, and set off in separate cars toward the Sheng Family ancestral home.

This marked Lu Wuqi’s third visit to the Sheng Family ancestral home, but the reception this time was worlds apart from the previous two.

Not only was there a welcoming party at the gate, but Lu Wuqi didn’t even need to park. Someone proactively opened the car door for her.

“Young Sect Master, I’m Sheng Yu. It’s an honor to receive you personally.” Sheng Yu said politely.

Sheng Yu was nothing like Sheng Gan. As Sheng Yuan’s only child, he was the Sheng Family’s confirmed heir. Beyond looks, his cultivation and poise far outshone Sheng Gan’s.

“I’m glad to meet you too.” Don’t hit a smiling face—Lu Wuqi shook Sheng Yu’s hand amicably, then took Sheng Xu’s hand with her other and headed inside.

Since Lu Wuqi was there to discuss serious matters, she was promptly escorted to the second-floor tea room, where Sheng Tuo was already preparing tea.

Sheng Xu parted from her at the stairs and went first to her own room. She stuffed all the valuables she’d hidden there into the two qiankun bags Lu Wuqi had given her.

Though each qiankun bag held only one cubic meter, it was plenty for Sheng Xu to sort things: one bag for refining-related items, the other for non-cultivation goods.

Once she’d packed everything, Sheng Xu joined them in the tea room. Her excuse was straightforward—she’d investigated the great demon’s movements alongside Lu Wuqi, so she needed to take part in the discussion.

Meanwhile, Yin Bufu and Yin Budai chatted with Sheng Family Head Sheng Yuan and his son Sheng Yu downstairs. They appeared like old friends catching up, but their words subtly probed each other’s stances on certain issues.

By 9:30, the Jia Family Head arrived with his son Jia Qin.

Both men couldn’t hide their stunned expressions upon seeing Yin Bufu and Yin Budai. The contempt in their eyes swiftly vanished, replaced by flawless, amicable smiles.

“I never expected to see Imprint Moon Sect’s two elders at the Sheng Family. What a delightful surprise.” The Jia Family Head said with a laugh.

“Junior Jia Qin pays respects to the two seniors.” Jia Qin performed the proper junior courtesies, seeming exceedingly polite.

Yin Budai and Yin Bufu nodded, exchanging pleasantries with the Jia visitors.

“The Young Sect Master is currently discussing important matters with Fellow Daoist Sheng and can’t meet the Jia Family Head just yet. Please pardon the delay.” Yin Budai said with a smile.

Though the Jia Family Head was a level 7 celestial master, in a real fight, Yin Budai would hold the advantage.

One relied on their own spiritual power for attacks, while the other used minimal spiritual power to activate talismans. In a no-holds-barred battle, the talisman user’s combat prowess would prove superior.

Hearing this, the Jia Family Head immediately played the gracious host. “Of course, business comes first. Meeting us later is no issue at all.”

And so, Sheng Yuan and Sheng Yu, the Jia Family Head and Jia Qin—along with Yin Bufu and Yin Budai—six in total—chatted freely.

Sheng Gan had no place in such a gathering. These were all elders, family heads, or heirs. Sheng Gan was merely collateral kin, Sheng Xu’s cousin rather than her blood sibling.

At lunchtime, Sheng Tuo could no longer use the “discussion” excuse to keep Sheng Xu away. They all met at the table.

“Sheng Xu, we meet again.” Jia Qin said with a squinting smile. “Got plans tonight? I’d like to make good on that meal I owe you.”

“No need—you don’t owe me anything. It was just polite chatter back then.” Sheng Xu replied. In front of the elders, she toned down the displeasure on her face.

“Sorry, but Xuxu’s evening is already mine.” Lu Wuqi narrowed her eyes, clear displeasure shining through. “Fellow Daoist Jia Qin, are you trying to steal Xuxu’s time from me?”

“Is it? Yesterday during dinner plans, didn’t Fellow Daoist Lu already claim Sheng Xu once? By the rules, it should be my turn now.” Jia Qin kept his trademark smile. “Fellow Daoist Lu, fair’s fair—back and forth.”

“Watch it—I took Xuxu’s time, not Xuxu herself. Mind your words.” Lu Wuqi set down her bowl and chopsticks. “If you can’t speak properly, feel free to sit at another table.”

“Young Sect Master, don’t you think that’s a bit much?” The Jia Family Head’s face soured. “This is the Sheng Family, not your Imprint Moon Sect turf.”

“I’ve heard tales of Imprint Moon Sect’s Young Sect Master being young and hot-headed. I dismissed them as rumors, but your recklessness proves otherwise.” The Jia Family Head lectured, adopting elder airs.

“Jia Family Head, eat whatever you like, but some words can’t be tossed around lightly. Only our Sect Master has the right to guide Imprint Moon Sect’s Young Sect Master. No one else gets to judge her conduct.” Yin Bufu stated firmly.

“Our Sect Master adores the Young Sect Master’s vibrant energy and believes she’ll lead Imprint Moon Sect to glory.” Yin Budai chimed in, his tone even firmer than his junior brother’s.

“I hope the Jia Family Head stays out of Imprint Moon Sect’s internal affairs and doesn’t casually critique our future Sect Master.” Yin Budai snorted. “You lack the standing, Jia Family Head.”

Their words made the Jia Family Head struggle to keep a straight face. The Sheng Family members were equally shocked. They knew the Young Sect Master represented Imprint Moon Sect to some degree, but they hadn’t expected two level 6 celestial master elders to defend Lu Wuqi so fiercely.

The Jia Family Head was nominally the equal of Imprint Moon Sect’s Master. Even with slightly lower cultivation, he was a major family head—even the Mystic Gate Great Elder would show him respect.

Beyond shock, a flicker of contemplation crossed Jia Qin’s eyes.

Imprint Moon Sect must be scheming something behind the scenes, using Lu Wuqi as bait to draw all eyes.

“Everyone, let’s calm down. Perhaps it’s a misunderstanding. The Jia Family Head meant to praise the Young Sect Master as young and promising—just worded poorly.” Sheng Yuan, as Sheng Family Head, had no choice but to mediate the tense atmosphere.

“It had better be a misunderstanding. Not just anyone can critique our Young Sect Master.” Yin Budai reiterated.

This was the first Young Sect Master endorsed by the ancestor in over three centuries—he had to match that with his attitude.

Before departing, the Sect Master had spelled it out: Treat the Young Sect Master as paramount. No offenses, no grievances allowed!

The Jia Family Head’s expression turned rather unpleasant. Clearly, he hadn’t foreseen this.

“Ahem, Father was praising the Young Sect Master for her youthful promise—my own inspiration.” Jia Qin’s smile remained fixed. “Allow me to toast the Young Sect Master.”

With that, Jia Qin downed his cup in one go, proving his sincerity.

“You’re too kind.” Lu Wuqi raised her cup and took a light sip, accepting the gesture.

Seeing no trace of upset on Jia Qin’s face, Lu Wuqi heightened her inner vigilance.

People who hid their anger so well were the real threats. You never knew when they’d strike with a smile—constant wariness was key.

Of course, to Lu Wuqi, it was no big deal. Jia Qin’s schemes couldn’t overcome his mere level 4 celestial master cultivation.

The tense lunch wrapped up in under half an hour. Only Sheng Yuan worked to keep things lively, chatting about recent events to fend off silence.

–

“Sheng Family Head, I’ve covered the matter’s progress with Fellow Daoist Sheng. If nothing else, I’ll head out now and leave you to your other guests.” After a brief post-meal respite, Lu Wuqi announced her departure.

Sheng Yuan just wanted to avoid a clash between Jia Family and Imprint Moon Sect at his home. He agreed at once and personally escorted them out.

“Sheng Family Head, I need Xuxu for the great demon investigation. Unless it’s urgent, she might not return.” Lu Wuqi turned to Sheng Yuan before getting in the car.

“Understood. But the Exchange Meeting is just over ten days away. Shouldn’t Xuxu come home then to represent the Sheng Family?” Sheng Yuan asked, subtly eyeing his niece’s reaction.

“Uncle, Wuqi will bring me. Send the invitation over—we’ll attend together when it’s time.” Sheng Xu replied. “I remember what you said, and I know my family name is Sheng.”

Sheng Xu knew full well Sheng Yuan wasn’t asking about her return, but whether she’d join the Exchange Meeting and accept the Sheng Family’s arranged fiancé.

She’d endured for years—no point stirring trouble now, in the final stretch.

Satisfied with Sheng Xu’s response, Sheng Yuan stepped back with a smile.

As long as she didn’t reject the alliance, all was well. If Jia Family was out, the Great Elder or Heavenly Profound Sect loomed larger—no issue either way.

Through the right rearview mirror, Sheng Xu caught Sheng Yuan’s smile, guessed his thoughts, and curved her lips in response.

It seemed like everyone thought they would obediently go through with the marriage. This year’s Exchange Meeting was bound to be very exciting.

–

Lu Wuqi and Sheng Xu did not pursue the great demon too closely. After confirming it harbored no major hostility toward them, they focused on secluded cultivation.

For ordinary people, more than ten days might only allow them to consolidate their cultivation. But for prodigies like Lu Wuqi and Sheng Xu, it was enough to push their strength to the next level.

The Exchange Meeting was finally set for October 11th. Whether aligned with the official side or not, anyone from the Mystic Gate could attend.

Since the Exchange Meeting was held annually, prestigious seniors rarely showed up casually. At most, they would send an elder as the team leader.

By some unspoken agreement, the protagonists of the Exchange Meeting were always the younger generation—Celestial Masters under thirty-five years old.

In addition to resource exchanges and sharing insights among the factions, the third day featured a friendly sparring segment. Any Celestial Master under thirty-five could sign up, and the champion would receive two thousand points prepared by the officials, plus two magic artifacts from the Mystic Gate.

“My father told me that Zhang Bufan, Jia Qin, and Xuan Lang will decide who marries me based on their rankings in the sparring matches,” Sheng Xu said in a lowered voice. She had appeared directly in the Imprint Moon Sect’s group.

“Whoever gets first place gets to marry you?” Lu Wuqi raised an eyebrow.

Sheng Xu fell silent for a moment before shaking her head. “They don’t seem confident about taking first. They just said the one with the highest ranking gets to marry me.”

“…” Lu Wuqi couldn’t help but fall silent too. “Well, at least they know their own limits.”

Sheng Xu let out a chuckle. “Yeah, it’s probably because of Xiaoshi. She broke through to Level 5 Celestial Master during the National Day holiday. The others are all at Level 4 Celestial Master, so they don’t have a shot at winning.”

“Xiaoshi—Shi Siyuan?” Lu Wuqi asked. This wasn’t the first time she had heard that name from Sheng Xu.

Due to various circumstances, the two had never met formally. They had only heard of each other through Sheng Xu’s words.

“Yes, Xiaoshi is right over there.” Sheng Xu pointed helpfully toward Shi Siyuan’s position.

The Shi Family, where Shi Siyuan was from, was a considerable force in its own right. Plus, Shi Siyuan was a direct disciple of an elder from the Myriad Laws Sect, making her one of the more notable young talents.

Of course, if Shi Siyuan had been born male, her presence would carry even more weight. She might even qualify as a marriage candidate for Sheng Xu.

Lu Wuqi looked in the direction Sheng Xu indicated. Shi Siyuan seemed to sense it and glanced toward the Imprint Moon Sect group. Their gazes met in midair.