C24 Returning to a Low Profile
"Qi Transformation Stage!"
After Wei Ying's thorough explanation, Wei Lulin gained some insight into the Qi Transformation Stage. Though the information was scant, it was enough to deeply intrigue Wei Lulin.
Determined, Wei Lulin resolved to diligently pursue his cultivation, aiming to reach the Qi Transformation Realm at the earliest opportunity. Once there, he could soar the skies on his own merit.
The Purple Golden Eagle, a Middle Rank Grade Nine Magical Beast, boasted formidable strength and breathtaking speed, capable of flying at nearly two hundred kilometers per hour.
It took the Purple Golden Eagle just over five hours to cover the several thousand kilometers from Lindorin Town to Looh City.
Gazing down at Looh City, where he had spent over a decade, Wei Lulin was struck by an unexpected serenity. His heart remained undisturbed, a reaction that puzzled him.
Before his return, he had imagined various emotional responses to his triumphant return to Looh City as a prodigy. Would he feel a surge of excitement? Would elation grip him? Or would he be unable to suppress a triumphant laugh?
Yet upon arrival, all those imagined reactions gave way to a profound calm. Perhaps the trials of the past year had truly seasoned him.
Looh City, the capital of Yao Country, strictly forbade flying within its limits. Even the Wei family, one of the three major families, had to comply. Thus, a kilometer from the city gates, Wei Ying instructed the Purple Golden Eagle to descend.
The Wei family servants, who had been eagerly awaiting their arrival, rushed to greet them. They first paid their respects to Wei Ying with a bow, then turned and collectively greeted Wei Lulin with, "Young Master Lulin!"
At the dinner table before their return to Looh City, Wei Ying had briefed Wei Lulin on the privileges he would receive from the Wei family. Wei Lulin was to be accorded the highest treatment among the direct disciples, a status on par with the leader of the direct disciples. Such a position and the associated privileges placed him within the top three of the Wei family's younger generation.
Wei Ying led the way as the seven other experts formed a protective circle around Wei Lulin, and together they approached the city gate.
"Elder Wei!" Despite being subordinates of the royal family, the city gate guards did not dare to show any disrespect to the elders of the Wei Family, greeting them with due reverence.
The Wei Family, one of the three most prominent families in Yao Country, boasted unparalleled wealth and influence. One might assume that the Wei residence would be centrally located in the city, near the palace.
However, the Wei Family, renowned for their Pill-making, had unique requirements for their living environment. As such, their headquarters were not situated in the inner city but rather in the southwest of the outer city, within an expansive mansion.
This estate was vast, likely exceeding 10,000 acres. The interconnected courtyards featured artificial mountains and ponds, with a long corridor every five miles and a pavilion every ten. Willow trees and several more courtyards adorned the property.
Upon Wei Lulin's return, the Wei Family refrained from any ostentatious welcome. Aside from the patriarch Wei Bochen and a few elders, his arrival was kept discreet.
The once unparalleled prodigy had made his comeback. Their reticence was not for lack of desire to celebrate such an impactful event, but rather due to recent complications that made it imprudent for the Wei Family to draw attention.
Wei Ying remained tight-lipped about these issues, and Wei Lulin did not probe further. Still, Wei Lulin had his suspicions, which likely involved the three Sun Opening Fruits the family had acquired a month earlier.
After accompanying Wei Ying back to the clan, Wei Lulin met with Patriarch Wei Bochen and several elders. They had previously encountered one another during Wei Lulin's talent assessment and were already acquainted. Wei Lulin quickly assimilated into the fold.
Despite this, Wei Bochen and the elders were preoccupied with pressing affairs. After showing their concern and valuing Wei Lulin, they presented him with Spirit Stones, Pills to enhance strength, cultivation aids, and a splendid courtyard before departing swiftly.
Watching Wei Bochen and his companions hastily depart, Wei Lulin couldn't help but think that the Wei family must truly be facing some trouble this time. Otherwise, Wei Bochen, who always valued mentoring the family's younger members, would have surely stayed to offer him some guidance.
Feeling a tinge of disappointment at missing out on advice from Wei Bochen, a Peak Expert at the pinnacle of the Body Refining Stage, Wei Lulin quickly shifted his mindset and planned his upcoming cultivation routine.
As he had done in Lindorin Town, Wei Lulin dedicated half of his time to absorbing spiritual energy to enhance his cultivation level. The remainder of his time was spent honing his blade skills to bolster his strength.
Silent Elegance Pavilion!
Nestled on the eastern side of the Wei family estate, the pavilion was a serene, picturesque courtyard reminiscent of a celestial paradise.
This courtyard was among the many rewards bestowed upon Wei Lulin upon his return to the family. In truth, Silent Elegance Pavilion was rightfully his from the start. A year earlier, when Wei Lulin's talents were assessed, he was awarded the Grand Profound Heart Sutra, Spirit Stones, Pills, and this very pavilion.
However, when his meridians were damaged and he could no longer cultivate, everything but the Grand Profound Heart Sutra was reclaimed by the Wei family. Now, it was simply a matter of restoring the property to its rightful owner.
Initially, when Wei Lulin received the courtyard, he intended to move in, but subsequent events led him to postpone those plans, and he never set foot in the courtyard that was meant to be his.
The courtyard featured a quaint bridge, an artificial mountain, and a pond, complemented by several palace willows. It was a truly idyllic setting, tranquil and secluded. Upon entering Silent Elegance Pavilion, Wei Lulin instantly took a liking to the place.
The enchanting scenery was soothing, and the peaceful atmosphere allowed for profound tranquility. Cultivating in such an environment could potentially multiply one's efficiency several times over.
"Young Master Lulin, hello!" While Wei Lulin was admiring the courtyard's beauty, nine individuals emerged from a side building to the west.
The group consisted of five robust men, each bearing Divine Weapons and Sharp Artifacts, exuding the air of formidable warriors. Accompanying them were four women of stunning beauty, their allure captivating and irresistible.
The Wei family's butler had previously briefed Wei Lulin on the origins of these nine individuals. The four women, named Chunfang, Xiafang, Qiufang, and Dongfang, were tasked with attending to his daily needs.
The five men were experts covertly trained by the Wei family, charged with ensuring the security of the compound and serving as his sparring partners whenever necessary.
As Wei Lulin gazed upon the four stunning women before him, with their snow-like complexions, his heart skipped a beat.
He was no longer the Wei Lulin of old but rather the Wei Lulin who had crossed over from another world. Influenced by the internet era and as a seasoned homebody, he had his fair share of romantic escapades. It was only natural for him to be smitten by the four graceful and understanding beauties before him.
Taking a deep breath, he managed to quell the surge of desire that had momentarily arisen within him. With a wave of his hand, Wei Lulin signaled for the women to step out for the time being.