C8 Please Invite Young Master Lo Chen to Return Home!!(1)

Yu Qiulian's eyes brimmed with tears as she embraced Lo Chen, overwhelmed with emotion.

Initially, when she learned of Lo Chen's mental impairment, she couldn't believe it, thinking he was just a bit simpler than most. Despite being expelled from the Lo family, she never gave up on her son, her own flesh and blood; she couldn't stand the thought of abandoning him to fend for himself.

Years had passed, and their hardships had finally turned to joy, yet worry crept back into her heart. Lo Wushuang, a general with numerous wives and children, was steeped in intrigue that rivaled even the royal court.

Lo Chen, perceiving Yu Qiulian's concern, took her hand and reassured her, "Mother, don't worry. I've got this!"

"Okay," Yu Qiulian nodded in agreement.

As they stepped out the door, Yu Qiulian was stunned by the spectacle before them. Hundreds of people, dressed in vibrant colors, filled the narrow street, presenting a scene more majestic than any noble's wedding.

Lo Gaang approached and asked, "Young Master Lo Chen, how do you find my preparations?"

"It's passable," Lo Chen replied with a nod. Though impressive, this display was minor compared to what he was accustomed to on Blue Star.

"Mother, let's head home to the Lo family!"

"Okay."

With another nod, Yu Qiulian leaned on Lo Chen's arm as they ascended the grand sedan chair. Accompanied by the Lo family band's lively music, they made their way to the Lo family estate with great fanfare.

Meanwhile, the Lo family was abuzz with activity, as if struck by an earthquake. The news of Lo Chen and his mother's return was met with disbelief. To them, Lo Chen, despite his Innate Holy Bone, was nothing more than an incapable individual not worth their concern. But now, rumors of Lo Chen's newfound intelligence and status as a martial artist were spreading like wildfire.

And Lo Gaang's personal involvement in the grand welcome only confirmed the truth of the matter. Among the family members, Lo Yuv was particularly displeased. As a key insider, he bore a deep-seated grudge against Lo Chen.

He approached Lo Ding, a favorite of Lo Wushuang, and said, "Fourth brother, I didn't deceive you, did I? Lo Chen is soon to return to our family. With his talent of the Innate Holy Bone, if you don't keep it in check, he will become your greatest adversary in the contest for the title of Prince! I fear that even if you and our second brother join forces, you may not stand a chance against Lo Chen!"

Lo Ding was well aware of Lo Chen's reputation for possessing the Innate Holy Bone, yet his own talent was also at the Spirit Condensation Stage.

Though not on par with the Holy Bone, he had been training in martial arts since childhood and had nearly twenty years of cultivation under his belt. His cultivation had reached the fifth level of the Spirit Condensation Stage. He wasn't quite at Lo Hao's peak level, but he was certainly a prodigy in his own right.

After pondering for a moment, Lo Ding responded, "Understood, I'll go and meet him shortly!"

Soon after, the Lo family members assembled in the front courtyard.

Outside the gates of the Lo family estate.

Lo Gaang entered and commanded that the gates be opened.

"Welcome home, Young Master Lo Chen!"

He called out, and Lo Chen, accompanied by Yu Qiulian, stepped down from the palanquin.

Seeing Lo Wushuang's extensive family, Lo Chen felt a tingling sensation on his scalp.

Lo Wushuang had indeed built a formidable legacy, a sight to behold.

Yu Qiulian clutched Lo Chen's hand tightly, her nerves on edge. She had been with the Lo family for quite some time but had never witnessed such an impressive gathering.

"Mother, hold your head high and stand tall, let's go inside!" encouraged Lo Chen.

With Lo Chen's support, Yu Qiulian's confidence grew.

As they were about to cross the threshold of the Lo family home,

A young boy, about seven or eight years old, ran up to Lo Chen and challenged him, "Are you the good-for-nothing that my mother always talks about? I've heard you were born with the Innate Holy Bone, but also with a feeble mind. After angering father, you were expelled from the Lo family. How do you have the audacity to return?"

The boy's comment sparked laughter among the onlookers.

They began murmuring among themselves.

"Indeed, how can someone who was cast out of the Lo family show their face here again?"

"I heard Lo Chen once ran around the courtyard with a chamber pot at the age of ten. It was utterly embarrassing."

...

Lo Chen was momentarily taken aback, yet he didn't get angry.

He turned to the group that was whispering among themselves and said with a laugh, "Who's the mother of this child? I'd like to pay my respects!"

Everyone thought Lo Chen's words were fine, but they also felt he was insulting someone.

Seeing that no one responded, Lo Chen pressed, "I'm asking about his mother. Did none of you hear me?"

It was clear to everyone that he was swearing at them. Their looks could kill, yet no one engaged with him.

"Not going to tell me? Alright, then I'll find out myself!"

Lo Chen turned to the little boy and delivered a resounding slap.

Crack!

The slap echoed loudly, and everyone present heard it distinctly.

The boy burst into tears from the pain.

At that moment, a woman in her twenties emerged from the crowd. She angrily pointed at Lo Chen and scolded, "You worthless thing! How dare you hit my child! Have you grown tired of living?!"

"Sorry, but I'm still young and have plenty of good years ahead of me. I'm far from tired of living," Lo Chen retorted.

"You, hmph!"

Wang Yueling was livid, her cheeks flushed with rage. She saw her son weeping in pain and felt as if her heart was being torn apart. She quickly went to him and cradled him in her arms to soothe him.

Once the child's cries subsided, she pointed at Lo Chen with fury and said, "Lo Chen, you'll regret this. When the master returns, I'll reveal your misdeeds to him!"

Lo Chen remained nonchalant and replied, "As his elder brother, I'm merely teaching him life's lessons. He has the audacity to speak to me, his elder, with such disrespect. What will become of him when he's older?"

"You, you..."

Wang Yueling was at a loss for words, realizing she was in the wrong. Holding her child, she left the scene without looking back.

Lo Chen glanced at all the siblings present, unbothered, and then said to Lo Gaang, "Housekeeper Lo, please take me and my mother to the Lo family's separate residence. Once we're settled, we'll visit each of my siblings in turn."

"Right this way!" Lo Gaang called out, leading the way ahead.

Everyone present couldn't help but show their surprise at Lo Gaang's friendly demeanor toward Lo Chen. In the Lo family, aside from Lo Wushuang, Lo Gaang had never shown such deference.

Now, he was displaying such a submissive attitude in front of Lo Chen. Could this mean that Lo Chen's status was now equal to that of Lo Wushuang?

Moreover, considering how Lo Chen had treated Lo Yu, the fifteenth son of the Lo family, and the fact that Housekeeper Lo hadn't uttered a single word in reprimand, it gave everyone something to think about.

Lo Yuv glanced at Lo Ding, noting his expression changing unpredictably, clearly deep in thought.

Lo Ding was in turmoil. He had assumed that even if Lo Chen had become more astute, he would retain some of his original timid and honest traits. But Lo Chen's actions today had completely blindsided him. He had never imagined Lo Chen would be so bold.

Not only had he publicly chastised the Lo family members, but he had also resorted to violence.

What surprised him even more was that Lo Gaang, who was usually fair, had acted out of character today by condoning Lo Chen's behavior without any reprimand.

Was this all because of the Innate Holy Bone? Was it truly so coveted?

"Fourth brother, fourth brother?"

"What is it?" Lo Ding asked, visibly annoyed by Lo Yuv's interruption.

Lo Yuv sensed a chilling presence and instinctively felt a wave of fear.

"Fourth brother, that kid Lo Chen didn't even acknowledge you. And today, upon his return to the Lo family, he's already throwing his weight around. He's clearly up to no good!"

"I'm well aware, no need to remind me! What's your point?"

"Fourth brother, we can't let that kid grow stronger. Right now, he's only at the fourth level of the Body Tempering Stage, but with the Innate Holy Bone, it's only a matter of time before his power surges. We need to hold back this potential threat!"

Lo Ding pondered and realized the truth in those words. He was already locked in a stalemate with his second brother, Lo Hao, and the emergence of another formidable rival would significantly diminish his own chances of success.

"Alright, I've got it. Lo Yuv, keep a close watch on Lo Chen for me. If anything happens, report back immediately!"

"Yes, sir!"

...

After a long absence, Lo Chen and Yu Qiulian returned to the Lo family's courtyard. It wasn't particularly grand, but it exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere.

"Mother, I'm off to practice my cultivation!"

"Alright, go on!"

Yu Qiulian, having returned to a place she dearly missed, felt a surge of happiness and began wandering around the courtyard.

Back in his room, Lo Chen recalled the request he had made to Lo Gaang. As he surveyed the boxes of herbs arranged around him, he couldn't help but acknowledge Lo Gaang's efficiency.

Currently in the Body Tempering Stage, Lo Chen's need for elixirs was minimal. He primarily relied on medicinal baths to enhance his constitution and purge impurities.

However, once he reached the Qi Condensation Stage, he would require certain pills to aid in boosting his strength.

Then there was the matter of choosing three items from the Lo Family Treasure Pavilion.

Given his current level, he might not even be able to utilize what he obtained, so he decided to set that opportunity aside for the time being.

As the days went by, Lo Chen dedicated his days to gathering Spiritual Energy and targeting his acupoints, while his nights were spent soaking in medicinal baths to fortify his physique. In less than a fortnight, he had advanced to the ninth level of the Body Tempering Stage.

Yet, his ability to comprehend remained stagnant, which left him somewhat baffled.

His attribute points had now reached a total of 88, with each progression in level granting him an additional ten points.