C15 King Wei's Treasure

Having repelled Liu Bao without taking his life, Lu Yu had likely sent a strong message of intimidation to the rabble.

Withdrawing the Knife Qi from his fingertips, Lu Yu's demeanor shifted, akin to a treasured saber sliding back into its sheath—his murderous aura concealed, he once again looked unassuming.

"Little Yu, how did you become so—" Lu Lengshuang started to ask but hesitated, her gaze fixed on her brother, who now seemed like a stranger to her.

The shock Lu Yu had delivered since she awoke was indescribable. The sight of the Pre-Sky Realm experts' lifeless bodies and the palace worshippers with pierced foreheads had left her reeling.

Most astonishing was that Lu Yu had managed to drive back Liu Bao, the formidable East Military Factory's Inspector. Lu Lengshuang, who had served in the palace for years, knew all too well his ruthless tactics. Yet, she had never imagined that her own brother would be the one to best him.

"Sister, I was once lost in foolishness. But today, I've come to my senses, and I promise not to be a cause for concern anymore," Lu Yu reassured Lu Lengshuang, echoing the words he had shared with their mother.

Lu Lengshuang looked at her brother, her expression a mix of skepticism and surprise. She felt a strange new distance from him—as if the boy she knew had been replaced by a sovereign commanding respect from all.

It was hard to reconcile these two disparate images of him.

Sensing something, Lu Yu spoke up, "Sister, please wait here for me a moment."

Lu Lengshuang nodded, watching as Lu Yu strode toward the wooden structure nearby.

The bamboo grove was part of the prince's estate's off-limits area, where even the prince's guards dared not tread lightly.

It seemed that Lu Yu had already dispatched any protectors of this place, as he encountered no resistance on his approach.

The three-story wooden building stood enigmatic, its main door firmly closed and its windows obscured by dark cloth.

Ignoring the iron locks that barred the door, Lu Yu stepped forward and delivered a powerful kick to the wooden barrier.

Clang!

The wooden door wobbled precariously before crashing down with a thunderous bang.

From within, a chorus of women's gasps and cries echoed as light flooded the dusty interior, revealing several figures huddled against the walls.

Their faces were ashen, and as they caught sight of Lu Yu bursting in, a flicker of fear passed through their eyes.

"King Wei and his lackeys are dead. You're free now. Go home," Lu Yu stated calmly.

The women exchanged glances, too frightened to move.

Lu Yu sighed inwardly, sensing their lingering terror.

Clearing his throat, he spoke firmly, "King Wei's body is right there. If you doubt my words, come and see for yourselves."

After a moment's hesitation, one brave soul stepped forward, followed by the others. They found King Wei's body, lifeless and beyond doubt, on the ground.

Joyous shouts and cries of relief rang out through the bamboo forest as more women emerged from the building. Lu Yu's heart ached at the sight of them.

Clearly, they had been confined in this prison-like place for far too long. Some were so pale and frail they needed the support of others just to stand.

"That son of a bitch," Lu Yu muttered under his breath, his eyes flashing with a cold fury.

The women quickly surrounded Lu Yu, their eyes brimming with gratitude. "Our savior, we cannot thank you enough. Had you not arrived, we might have perished under their cruelty."

Though Lu Yu hadn't admitted to being their avenger, the women had pieced it together.

He dismissed the notion with a wave of his hand. "I did what anyone would have done. Now, we must leave before any pursuers arrive."

The women nodded to each other, and one stepped forward, emboldened. "We have no way to repay your great kindness, young master. But we can share the location of King Wei's treasure with you."

With that, she approached the chair King Wei had occupied, twisted the handle in a precise sequence, and the ground began to shake.

The chair slid aside, slowly revealing a pitch-black passageway.