Chapter 200

"No wonder this is the provincial capital."

Watching the bustling scene of traffic and crowds before him, Lu Qing couldn't help but sigh again.

Compared to the county town, this place was at least ten times more prosperous.

After marveling for a while, Lu Qing began to wander around.

Of course, his wandering had a purpose.

Soon, after spending a little money to support a few small vendors, he got the information he wanted.

"You mean the Zheng residence? It's over there in the west of the city. The biggest mansions of the most prominent families in the city are all there. Young man, are you also going to pay respects to the second son of the Zheng family and get some reward money?"

A vendor selling candied haws, after Lu Qing bought two sticks, enthusiastically answered his questions.

"Pay respects?" Lu Qing feigned confusion, "No, I just heard that the Zheng family is the biggest family in the provincial capital and wanted to take a look."

"So, you're also a martial artist, young man?" The vendor suddenly understood. "But you're not here at the right time. The second son of the Zheng family was recently killed by a villain, and they are currently holding a funeral. I'm afraid they won't have time to entertain you. However, if you're going to pay respects, you should be able to get in. The funeral of the second son is grand, and the Zheng family has announced that anyone from the city who comes to pay respects and prays for the second son will receive a reward of one hundred coins. I went yesterday, bowed a few times to the second son, and really got the reward."

"Such a good thing? Then I should also go pay my respects." Seeing the vendor's delighted expression, Lu Qing responded with feigned surprise.

After leaving the stall, Lu Qing's expression became calm, a trace of mockery in his eyes.

"Seeking the blessings of the people? That scoundrel is not worthy."

Following the vendor's directions, Lu Qing quickly arrived at the western part of the city.

Immediately, he noticed the difference.

Compared to other bustling areas, this part of the city was much quieter.

However, the buildings here were much grander.

They were mostly large mansions, clearly homes of the truly wealthy.

After a few glances, Lu Qing quickly identified the Zheng residence among the largest mansions.

Only this mansion was adorned with white silk and had mournful music emanating from it.

Lu Qing slowly approached the mansion, observing the surroundings.

On the way, he saw many ordinary people walking away from the Zheng residence, their faces showing traces of joy.

Clearly, these were the city residents who had gone to the Zheng residence to pay respects and get reward money, as the vendor mentioned.

While walking, Lu Qing continued to observe the environment.

Eventually, he noticed a tall tower in the city and glanced at it several times.

"Stop, what are you doing here?"

At the entrance of the Zheng residence, Lu Qing was stopped by a guard.

"My name is Lin An, from Jizhou. I'm traveling to Cangzhou. I heard the second son of the Zheng family was harmed by a villain and felt saddened. I wish to pay my respects. May I?"

Lu Qing easily made up an identity for himself.

"So, you're Young Hero Lin. Since you're here to pay respects to the second son, you may enter. Please come in."

The guards examined Lu Qing, noting that although he appeared ordinary, he had the aura of a martial artist, at least at the peak of the Qi and Blood Realm.

Without any further suspicion, they politely invited him in.

This had happened many times already.

The Zheng family, being a prominent family, was well-known throughout Cangzhou.

Every day, countless people sought to align themselves with the family.

Under normal circumstances, someone like Lu Qing, with his modest cultivation, wouldn't be able to enter the Zheng residence.

However, due to the funeral, the matriarch had decreed that anyone who came to pay respects should not be turned away.

She wanted her son to enjoy the worship and incense offerings of the people, accumulating yin virtue, so that he could enjoy glory even in the afterlife.

The Zheng family did not dare to disobey the matriarch's orders.

To fulfill her wishes, they even offered money to the city residents to come and pay respects.

Thus, Lu Qing easily entered the Zheng residence.

Following the directions of the servants, he arrived at the mourning hall.



At this time, there were many people in the hall, mostly city residents seeking reward money.

While waiting for his turn, Lu Qing quietly observed the mourning hall.

The most eye-catching feature was the large, luxurious coffin in the center, inlaid with gold and jade. Sёarᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Clearly, the Zheng family wanted Zheng Yu to enjoy wealth even in the afterlife.

Near the coffin were several strong auras, obviously guards arranged by the Zheng family to protect it.

However, Lu Qing paid them no mind. What really concerned him was the figure sitting beside the coffin.

An old woman, looking frail and wrinkled like tree bark, sat there with a wooden expression.

Despite her appearance, Lu Qing sensed a formidable power from her.

"This must be the old matriarch."

Silently activating his abilities, Lu Qing discreetly observed her.

Soon, a faint golden light emanated from the old woman, accompanied by a few floating characters.

After reading the characters, Lu Qing lowered his gaze, not wanting to attract attention.

The perception of a Precelestial Realm expert was sharp. Even though he had restrained his aura, staring too long could still get him noticed.

However, remembering the words from the characters, Lu Qing's eyes couldn't help but show coldness.

This old woman was truly someone who deserved to die to quell his anger.

"Here comes the steward of the City Lord's Mansion, Steward Wang!"

Suddenly, an announcement rang out.

The crowd paying respects became restless, and even the old matriarch looked slightly moved, showing a trace of surprise.

Soon, a middle-aged man with a dignified bearing and a square face, dressed in simple clothes, entered, bowing to the old matriarch.

This time, the old matriarch did not remain seated but stood up and slightly bowed in return.

"Old Madam Zheng, I have come on behalf of the City Lord to pay respects to the second son of the Zheng family."

"The City Lord is thoughtful. I will remember this kindness."

The old matriarch replied calmly.

Quickly, someone brought incense, and after the middle-aged man finished his respects, he approached the old matriarch.

"Old Madam Zheng, the City Lord has a few words for you. May we speak in private?"

The old matriarch looked at him quietly for a few moments, then nodded. "Please, Steward Wang, follow me."

"Perfect opportunity!"

Seeing the old matriarch and the steward leave the hall, Lu Qing moved quietly as well.

He came here only to assess the strength and condition of the Zheng family's matriarch and had no intention of genuinely paying respects to Zheng Yu.

Leaving the mourning hall, Lu Qing openly walked out of the Zheng residence.

The guards at the gate did not stop him.

To them, someone like Lu Qing, having the chance to enter the residence and pay respects to the second son, would be too grateful to even think of mischief.

Who would have thought that he merely took a stroll in the mourning hall and then slipped out?

Once outside the Zheng residence, Lu Qing did not linger and headed to the tall tower he had seen earlier.

This tower seemed to be a scenic spot in the city.

At the moment, the tower was closed, locked up, and empty inside.

But that couldn't stop Lu Qing. With a few light movements, he effortlessly reached the top of the tower.

"This place indeed has a splendid view and a perfect location."



Standing atop the dozens of meters high tower, Lu Qing felt he could almost see the entire western part of the city.

More importantly, this tower conveniently faced the Zheng residence a few hundred meters away.

After enjoying the view for a while, Lu Qing's gaze towards the Zheng residence grew cold.

With a thought, a longbow appeared in his hand.

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