CHAPTER 419: CHAPTER 419: I HAVE A FRIEND NAMED LU LUO COMING (SORRY FOR BEING BUSY, 6K WORDS)

"Captain, what are you looking at?"

"That woman is quite beautiful."

The one referred to as the captain pointed to Bai Yuetong on the surveillance screen, revealing a knowing smile that any man would understand.

However, what they didn’t notice was that while they were appraising Bai Yuetong, she suddenly looked towards the surveillance camera.

Her calm gaze seemed as if it could penetrate space, seeing the watchers on the other side of the screen.

"Hey, Bai Yuetong, what are you looking at? Aren’t we leaving?"

Bai Yuetong withdrew her gaze and smiled.

"Alright, let’s go."

No matter who was secretly watching them, now was not the time to cause trouble for Lu Luo. Keeping a low profile would do.

Bai Yuetong pressed down the brim of her hat, trying her best to keep her face and hair from being exposed.

After getting into Gu Fangyi’s car, the group began moving away from the noisy and tense station.

"The Coal Capital, huh? This is just our first stop upon entering the Empire."

Gu Fangyi glanced at the murmuring Bai Yuetong beside him but said nothing.

He was a man of few words to begin with, and even if he sensed something strange about Bai Yuetong, he wouldn’t say much.

His task was simple: to protect Bai Yuetong’s safety during this period.

With Gu Fangyi’s strength and the 80 guards, this job was actually not very difficult.

"Let’s go to the hotel where Qi Xinzhu is staying now."

"Okay!"

「...」

In the hotel where the Cain Secret Cultivator Society was based, Qi Xinzhu, dressed in a black robe adorned with skulls, was practicing her swordsmanship.

Recently, she had few chances to meet with Lu Luo.

Plus, knowing that Lu Luo was with Bai Yuetong, she simply chose not to return.

She decided to take this time to improve her swordsmanship, to increase her strength in preparation for the upcoming society meeting—that was the real issue she should focus on. Although her strength was formidable, it was certainly not at Lu Luo’s overwhelming level. In Lu Luo’s presence, their role could only be regarded as supportive, and sometimes not even that.

"Working so hard!"

Watching the sweat-drenched Qi Xinzhu, Sola spoke in a soft, respectful voice.

"I must strive hard, or I’ll never catch up to him."

Sola nodded; she knew Qi Xinzhu was referring to Lu Luo, but she didn’t have a clear concept of his strength.

All she knew was that the collapse of the Sunset Association had much to do with Lu Luo.

However, the Sunset Association didn’t reveal Lu Luo’s strength, and Lu Luo himself hadn’t said anything, so that matter had fizzled out.

"Do you need me to get you something to eat?"

"Yes, please. Thank you, Miss Sola."

Qi Xinzhu was hungry and thirsty. She had been practicing for a long time, so when Sola suggested having a meal, naturally, she wouldn’t refuse.

Just then, a member came to report at the door.

"Lady Qi Xinzhu, Lady Sola, Miss Wang Jia and Mr. Wang Yu invite you to the central restaurant for a meal. They said that people from the Sunset Association’s headquarters are also here, to discuss the resource distribution for this society meeting."

Sola frowned slightly at her subordinate’s words. Wang Jia and Wang Yu were members of the Cain Secret Cultivator Society’s headquarters.

Their father was the current acting chairman of the Cain Secret Cultivator Society, Wang Gang.

Why acting chairman? Because his position was not rightfully obtained!

"Miss Sola, shall we go now?"

Qi Xinzhu, being a new addition, held a high status granted by Sola, but she was still unfamiliar with the internal environment of the Cain Secret Cultivator Society. In the unfamiliar Coal Capital, she naturally needed to ask Sola.

"They are the local faction of the Cain Secret Cultivator Society in the Coal Capital, almost like local emperors. But their position is unlawfully obtained, and they always want to be the Sunset Association’s lapdogs. Such an invitation probably doesn’t have good intentions. Do you want to go? If you don’t want to see them, I can refuse."

Sola straightforwardly informed Qi Xinzhu of the potential situations. After pondering for a while, Qi Xinzhu then asked, "How strong are they?"

"They have Fourth Tier, even Fifth Tier experts, and probably more than three of them."

Upon hearing this, Qi Xinzhu’s attractive brows raised slightly.

"Go? Why wouldn’t we? I’m hungry, and since someone is inviting us for a meal, naturally, we should accept."

For some reason, Qi Xinzhu seemed to be exhibiting a bit of Lu Luo’s signature casual demeanor at that moment. Perhaps it was due to spending so much time with him.

"Alright, I’ll arrange it right now."

「...」

In the hotel’s central hall, Wang Yu was discussing the society meeting with his father, Wang Gang.

However, as their conversation neared its end, Wang Yu started to talk about the personnel situation of the Dong’an City branch of the Cain Secret Cultivator Society.

Specifically, about Qi Xinzhu and Sola.

"Dad, I heard that Sola has brought a genius with her this time, a woman."

"What? Are you afraid of competing with others?" Wang Gang said indifferently.

"How could that be? I mean, I heard this woman is very beautiful, named Qi Xinzhu. The Sunset Association is currently seeking a suitable spouse for their most outstanding disciple, Luo Muqing, the Hall Master of their headquarters. I think this could be our opportunity. Since this woman Qi Xinzhu has become a member of the Cain Secret Cultivator Society, naturally, she should work for the Cain Secret Cultivator Society. Marrying Luo Muqing would be an excellent choice; it wouldn’t be considered unfair to her, and it would be a great service to the society. This way, we can form a marriage alliance with the Sunset Association, killing two birds with one stone."

Wang Yu spoke animatedly, his face brimming with pride.

Wang Gang, the acting president of the Cain Secret Cultivator Society, also fell into slight contemplation.

He knew his son was no good, but this proposal of an arranged marriage did sound quite appealing. And he was right; after joining the Cain Secret Cultivator Society, one naturally had to work for the society. Joining with someone as talented as Luo Muqing wouldn’t be a disgrace to her. Indeed, it seemed like killing two birds with one stone.

"Luo Muqing is arriving soon, and his potential is truly of Imperial Capital level. This matter... indeed can be considered..."

"Psh, how do you know she will agree? Making decisions for others at this time, what if she refuses? Can you handle the embarrassment?"

At this moment, his daughter Wang Jia disrupted the two men’s plans.

It not only made her brother Wang Yu feel humiliated, but also caused their father Wang Gang’s face to look somewhat unpleasant.

"Wang Jia, how can you speak like that?"

"How I speak, is it any of your business?"

"You..."

Wang Jia was defiant, but she had reasons to be; just a few nights before, she had broken through to the Fourth Tier.

Breaking through to the Fourth Tier at the age of 24 was definitely a one-in-ten-thousand talent. Even compared to Luo Muqing from the Sunset Association, she was hardly inferior.

In fact, Wang Gang and Wang Yu had previously considered arranging a marriage for Wang Jia, but her temperament was too fiery.

Such a personality, if revealed, would not only fail to serve the purpose of an arranged marriage but might also bring trouble to the Cain Secret Cultivator Society and the family.

Moreover, keeping Wang Jia at home was partly due to the family’s selfish motives.

A Fourth Tier was already an excellent combat force.

And a young Fourth Tier was an even greater potential asset for the family. It would be too wasteful to let such potential go in an arranged marriage. Wouldn’t it be better to keep her at home and bring in a son-in-law?

"Little sister, do you feel uncomfortable if you don’t contradict me every day?"

"Because you never do what a Transcendent should do, always resorting to despicable and shameless means. You spend your days either plotting schemes or chasing women. Is it any wonder I look down on you? Are you feeling wronged?"

Wang Jia’s words were harsh, but Wang Yu couldn’t refute them.

He had tried to argue before, but Wang Jia would beat him up every time.

If he could actually beat her, things wouldn’t have reached this point.

"Dad, control her! Look at what she has become."

"Wang Jia!"

Wang Gang’s tone grew stern, but Wang Jia didn’t seem to care at all. Her gaze had already shifted toward the elevator.

The moment the elevator doors opened, Wang Jia’s eyes sharpened immediately.

"This woman..."

Looking at Qi Xinzhu, she couldn’t even utter the words "so strong."

Because the feeling Qi Xinzhu gave her was not one of strength, but of gentleness and healing. It made people involuntarily want to draw close.

Charm? Or some sort of enticing ability?

Wang Jia began to doubt her own senses. How could she have a positive feeling about another woman? This was too unreasonable!

"Oh, is the acting president dealing with family affairs? It seems we have come at an inopportune time."

As the representative from Dong’an City, Sola naturally had to show her stance at this moment.

It was a declaration of status, as well as protection for Qi Xinzhu.

Moreover, she was not particularly afraid of Wang Gang. Wang Gang’s strength was only at the Fifth Tier level, and the old man was past his prime, no longer as powerful as he once was.

Even if she couldn’t defeat Wang Gang, escaping was still no problem. Since she could escape, she had nothing to fear.

The title of "acting president" sounded particularly harsh. Wang Gang knew Sola was mocking him, but he did not react at that moment.

He had taken to heart the proposal his son Wang Yu had just made.

Looking at the beautiful and charming Qi Xinzhu, Wang Gang suddenly felt that Wang Yu’s suggestion was absolutely right.

With such beauty, Luo Muqing would definitely be extremely satisfied.

"Preacher Sola, you really have a sense of humor. I’ve heard you’ve recently recruited a truly outstanding talent. Presumably, this must be her. Hello Miss Qi Xinzhu, I’m Wang Gang, the current president of the Cain Secret Cultivator Society."

Qi Xinzhu glanced at the hand Wang Gang extended and shook her head slightly.

"Sorry, I prefer not to have contact with men other than my husband. And my husband has a bit of a temper; I need to be mindful of his feelings."

How to avoid harassment from the opposite sex? Actually, it’s quite simple: just make it clear that you’re married and have a partner. Usually, this approach can ward off over 80% of harassment from the opposite sex. Sensible people generally don’t bother a married woman who explicitly mentions her husband. While it’s not absolute, many times women are harassed because they haven’t properly presented their status and situation. The saying, ’Flies don’t swarm an egg without a crack,’ while blunt, often holds a sliver of truth.

After Qi Xinzhu clearly stated that she had a husband and that she cared about him, the perceptions of the people in front of her immediately changed.

Wang Gang: ...A pity!

Wang Yu: This... Is there a way to make her get a divorce?

Wang Jia: ???

Sola watched the silent trio with a faint smile.

Exactly the effect she wanted. Lu Luo didn’t even care about the Sunset Association, let alone this bunch from the Cain Secret Cultivator Society.

"What’s wrong, acting president? I’ve met Lady Qi Xinzhu’s husband. He’s a very outstanding young man."

Lady Qi Xinzhu?

The three members of the Wang Family sensed something amiss in Sola’s words.

Though Sola was somewhat neurotic, she had managed to become a preacher for the Cain Secret Cultivator Society. She indeed had some capabilities.

Her actions were very much in line with the demands of the old president; it was just unfortunate that the old president had gone missing.

Since then, Sola had become a semi-marginal figure within the Cain Secret Cultivator Society, possessing status but stripped of real power by the Wang Family.

"Sola, you just referred to Miss Qi Xinzhu as... Lady?"

"What’s the matter? ’The skilled take precedence.’ Is there a problem with how I address Lady Qi Xinzhu?"

Sola’s words instantly revealed several pieces of information.

’The skilled take precedence?’ Had Qi Xinzhu surpassed Sola in some aspects? Philosophy? Faith? Or strength?

The three looked at Qi Xinzhu’s appearance; she was so young, probably a few years younger than Wang Jia.

At such an age, how could she be stronger than Sola?

"Sola, some jokes are not funny."

"Oh, why does the acting president think I’m joking? Do you truly understand Lady Qi Xinzhu’s strength?"

Sola confronted Wang Gang without backing down.

Strength is confidence, and now Sola had the confidence to confront the Wang Family. With her own strength added to that of Qi Xinzhu, they wouldn’t be at a disadvantage here. Not to mention, they had Lu Luo supporting them from behind.

"Dad, this woman... is indeed very... special."

As Wang Gang was feeling somewhat unsure, his daughter Wang Jia spoke.

Wang Gang was surprised. "Special?"

"Do I need to spell it out for you?"

Wang Gang nodded. He knew his daughter was highly proud. Her acknowledgment of the other’s specialness already said a lot.

At the very least, the other party was on par with his talented daughter in terms of strength, perhaps even putting pressure on her.

But why couldn’t he sense it himself? This woman before him...

"Ladies and gentlemen, what a lively crowd! Have I disturbed you?"

A somewhat deep yet very polite voice came from the doorway.

Hearing the voice, everyone, including Qi Xinzhu, turned towards the entrance.

The Sunset Association emblem, the yellowish attire, let the others recognize the identity of the newcomer.

Luo Muqing of the Sunset Association headquarters.

"Hall Master Luo, your presence truly brings honor to this humble place."

Wang Gang had always harbored the thought of forming an alliance with the Sunset Association. Having Luo Muqing present, he naturally lavished praise.

Watching the fawning Wang Gang, Luo Muqing simply nodded politely.

He had experienced such flattery and sycophancy many times within the Sunset Association.

Geniuses varied. Though he and Wang Jia were both Fourth Tier, and he, at twenty-five, was a year older than her, Luo Muqing was at the peak of Fourth Tier, almost on par with Qi Xinzhu (when not considering her physical Sequence). His growth had been steady and witnessed by all; a future of high achievement was certain for him. Wang Jia, however, was different; she had benefited from certain opportunities. Not to say opportunities were bad, but growth through opportunities felt different from growth achieved through step-by-step cultivation.

After Luo Muqing finished greeting Wang Gang, his gaze settled on Qi Xinzhu and wouldn’t move away.

He looked at her for five solid minutes.

In such a meeting, staring blankly at a woman for five minutes was extremely impolite.

Luo Muqing focused all his attention on Qi Xinzhu, making Wang Gang, who stood beside him, extremely awkward.

He had gone to great lengths to invite Luo Muqing, yet Luo Muqing was now completely ignoring them, showing no intention of even conversing.

Moreover, his attention was fixed on a new, somewhat problematic recruit. All these unfolding events made Wang Gang feel that today’s meeting was slipping beyond his control.

"Um, Hall Master Luo?"

Luo Muqing still didn’t respond to Wang Gang. He looked at Qi Xinzhu with a complex state of mind.

Luo Muqing had always been a studious and diligent learner since childhood, cultivating with all his might as he grew. The title of prodigy wasn’t just for show. For most of his adult life, Luo Muqing seldom paid attention to women. He generally felt that men and women weren’t much different—just a collection of walking corpses in the grand scheme of cultivation. But the Qi Xinzhu before him gave him an entirely different impression. This was a woman, truly a woman!

This woman... she’s so beautiful.

Qi Xinzhu frowned slightly and glanced at Sola, who signaled that she could sit down.

"Let’s eat. Didn’t you come here for food?"

Sola paid no attention to Luo Muqing, even though she knew his identity might not be simple.

She was truly clear-headed, knowing who her real backer was.

Qi Xinzhu nodded. Since Sola said there was no problem, then naturally there wasn’t.

Time to eat!

Because of her cultivation, Qi Xinzhu was quite hungry at the moment.

Therefore, she ate with considerable gusto.

Luo Muqing, sitting beside her, watched the engrossed Qi Xinzhu, lost in a daze.

In this world, there really was such a perfect woman!

"Hall Master Luo, Hall Master Luo? Please, sit down and join us for the meal."

"Eh? Join for the meal? Okay, okay, let’s eat together."

Luo Muqing finally realized his own lapse in composure, but he seemed like a young boy experiencing the first throes of love.

He occasionally let his eyes stray back to Qi Xinzhu, who was eating heartily.

"Although she’s wearing the robe of the Cain Secret Cultivator Society, her shirt and pants are white; she must like simple and elegant colors. Her hair is very neat, and her makeup meticulous, showing that she is a very conscientious girl. Her skin is delicate, and the airflow around her body naturally repels dust. This is a display of power; her strength must be very great. In terms of energy, she should be able to match me. Really... she is too outstanding! How should I greet her?"

First, such a woman must have high standards because they are exquisite and strong themselves. Only someone equally refined and powerful can resonate with her. Furthermore, underneath her casual appearance often lies a very proud heart. This pride stems from being a genius. Fortunately, I should still meet her criteria at the moment. So... how should I begin?

Luo Muqing thought:

"Hello, my name is Luo Muqing. It’s a pleasure to meet you?"

No, that won’t do. That’s not good, too blunt.

"Hello, beautiful lady. May I ask for your name?"

That isn’t good either, too ingratiating. A woman like her probably wouldn’t like such sycophantic behavior.

Just as Luo Muqing was thinking about how to greet Qi Xinzhu, she suddenly received a phone call.

Looking at the phone number, her eyes lit up with joy and a hint of allure.

This expression, combined with her naturally tranquil appearance, made Luo Muqing’s heart thump even more.

"Lu Luo? I’m currently in the lobby of XXX Hotel. Are you coming over? ...Then I’ll ask."

Although Qi Xinzhu’s eyes were full of delight, she still politely turned to Sola.

When Sola heard Lu Luo was coming, her grin nearly split her face.

She glanced thoughtfully at Luo Muqing and at Wang Gang, who kept fawning over Luo Muqing, a mischievous idea suddenly striking her.

"Sure, guests are always welcome. Since our Cain Secret Cultivator Society is here in the Coal Capital for the society meeting, we naturally should display the magnanimity of a major society. Don’t you think so, Acting President?"

Sola’s words left Wang Gang somewhat bewildered.

Since Qi Xinzhu hadn’t mentioned that her husband was Lu Luo, they weren’t entirely sure who this Lu Luo she spoke of was.

However, seeing Qi Xinzhu’s joyful expression, the three members of the Wang Family already had their suspicions.

Wang Gang looked at Luo Muqing, his expression growing even more troubled.

"We’re currently in a private meeting. Isn’t it a bit improper to invite an unfamiliar outsider over?"

"We can’t let outsiders come? That makes things difficult. Mr. Luo Muqing here isn’t a member of our society, is he? Is the Acting President planning to send him away?"

"Of course not! Hall Master Luo is obviously different."

"Different how? Does he have an extra nose and eyes, or an extra leg?"

"How vulgar, Sola! Is that how you speak?"

The two seemed on the verge of a confrontation, but Luo Muqing belatedly realized they were talking about him. Since someone was coming, he naturally couldn’t say much.

To show his humility and generosity, he felt even more obliged to warmly welcome the newcomer.

"If a guest is coming, why all this concern about me? Besides, isn’t the person this lady’s friend? Since they’re friends, let’s invite them to join. Surely Senior Wang Gang wouldn’t mind one more person at the meal, right?"

Although Luo Muqing spoke very politely and seemed quite modest, Wang Gang looked at him with an expression tinged with pity and sorrow.

This kid, so naive. That person could be Qi Xinzhu’s husband! You’re... just handing them a victory right from the start, aren’t you?

Wang Gang didn’t know how to explain to Luo Muqing. Although he suspected the visitor was Qi Xinzhu’s husband, he wasn’t sure.

He couldn’t just tell Luo Muqing, "The visitor might be Qi Xinzhu’s husband, so don’t embarrass yourself," could he?

"Um, that... might not be too appropriate, right?"

"What’s not appropriate about it? If not, then this meal is on me."

Luo Muqing, with a grand wave of his hand, addressed Qi Xinzhu, "Miss, please invite your friend over."

Qi Xinzhu looked at the confident Luo Muqing before her and chuckled. "Okay!"