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Chapter 272 We can't let those bald monks get away with this.

When my gaze fell upon the hunched figure beneath the large tree...

Lu Yongquan's heart tightened, and he immediately strode forward.

I saw my second uncle, Lu Shihua, sitting cross-legged in the shade of a tree, his eyes closed, seemingly meditating to heal his injuries.

His usual vigorous spirit seemed to have been drained away, and his face was as pale as paper.

He exuded an aura of decay, which was completely out of place with the vibrant environment around him.

Like a leaf gradually withering, it suddenly appears in the midst of a springtime splendor.

Lu Yongquan hurriedly ran over, but slowed down when he got closer, afraid of disturbing his second uncle.

Even with such a slight movement, Lu Shihua still keenly noticed it.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze no longer bright as before, but filled with weariness and a sense of vicissitude.

But when she saw Lu Yongquan, she still managed to force a gentle smile.

"Yongquan, you've arrived."

Lu Shihua's voice was hoarse and deep, as if every word had taken a lot of effort from him.

"Second uncle."

Lu Yongquan responded, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.

I just felt that my second uncle's injuries were a bit too severe and his condition was too unusual.

Lu Shihua stared at Lu Yongquan for a long time before speaking again:
"Our Lu family has gone through many trials and tribulations to get to where we are today, which is already extremely difficult. From now on, the heavy responsibility of the family will fall on your shoulders."

Upon hearing these words, which sounded like he was making his final arrangements, Lu Yongquan panicked and quickly tried to comfort him:
"Second Uncle, please don't say that. You're just tired. You'll be fine after a while. Our Lu family's rejuvenation techniques are unparalleled in the world. They will definitely help you recover to your original state."

"At worst, you can continue your seclusion for a few more years, and I will invite renowned doctors from all over the world to come and heal your injuries just the same."

Lu Shihua slowly shook his head, a bitter smile appearing on his face:

“Silly child, some things cannot be undone by ability or medical skills. I have made a decision and am prepared to sacrifice myself to the ancestral spirits.”

"Second Uncle, have you gone mad?!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yongquan trembled violently.

He blurted out a sentence without considering whether it was impolite, and anxiously tried to dissuade him, but Lu Shihua raised his hand to stop him.

"Yongquan, let me finish what I have to say."

Although Lu Shihua's face was pale, his expression was unusually firm:
"The Ancestral Tree suffered excessive damage during the migration, and the unexpected interruption of the formation earlier only made matters worse. It urgently needs to replenish its nutrients, otherwise it won't be able to survive for long in the new secret realm."

"In that case, all the efforts of our Lu family will be in vain. Although my blood essence alone is far from enough to fully restore its vitality, it can at least prevent it from withering away too soon."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yongquan suddenly stiffened.

He opened his eyes wide and looked down at Lu Shihua.

Only then did they notice that their second uncle's back was covered with countless tiny roots, their color a dark red.

Like an IV drip, it continuously draws vital essence from this already emaciated body.

Lu Yongquan's face was filled with shock, and his lips trembled slightly:

"Second Uncle, we can think of other ways. You've sacrificed so much for the family, we can't just leave it like this..."

As he murmured to himself, it was as if he had grasped a glimmer of hope; his eyes lit up, and he said:

"By the way, we can capture some more gang members and supernatural beings to sacrifice to our ancestral spirits."

"No."

Lu Shihua shook his head again and said in a deep voice, "This kind of thing can only happen once, not twice."

“In the past few years, in order to prolong the secret realm, we had no choice but to use methods to sacrifice some ordinary people, which has already aroused a lot of dissatisfaction from the authorities. If we cross the line again, the Lu family may be surrounded by enemies.”

"Moreover, now that the Ancestral Tree has been transferred and reborn, if we rashly absorb the essence and soul of outsiders, it may pollute the source and cause unpredictable consequences, endangering the continuation of the family bloodline."

"Moreover, I am nearing the end of my life. If I can return to the secret realm after death like my fellow clansmen and merge with the ancestral tree, it will be a blessing for me. I have no complaints."

After Lu Shihua finished speaking, a look of relief appeared on his face, as if he had already taken life and death lightly.

The ancestral tree seemed to sense the solemn atmosphere, and suddenly trembled slightly, its branches and leaves rustling as if in response to his words.

Lu Yongquan's eyes reddened, knowing that his second uncle's mind was made up and that any further persuasion would be futile.

His knees buckled, and he knelt before Lu Shihua.

"Yongquan".

Lu Shihua reached out and patted his shoulder, his voice weary yet full of expectation:
"Our Lu family has a history of nearly two thousand years. During this time, we have faced the crisis of extinction many times. We have faced the covetousness of foreign enemies, internal strife, and turmoil in the secret realm. Each time, our ancestors relied on their indomitable will and extraordinary abilities to survive the desperate situation and establish the illustrious reputation of the Lu family."

"This time will be no exception. In order for the family to continue and not become cattle to be raised and slaughtered, everyone in the Lu family can sacrifice themselves. Why can't my crippled body do the same?"

His words were almost cold and ruthless, and his gaze seemed to travel through time, tracing back the Lu family's thousand-year journey through trials and tribulations.

Ultimately, the focus shifted back to the chosen successor:

"As the head of the Lu family, you absolutely cannot be weak. The road ahead is even more difficult than mine."

"The Ancestral Tree can last for at most fifty years. During this time, you must find a way to repair the damage to the roots and continue the family's legacy. This is your mission."

Lu Shihua stared intently at Lu Yongquan and gave him his instructions, word by word.

Hearing this, Lu Yongquan suppressed his grief and nodded, his voice choked with emotion.

"Remember?"

Lu Shihua frowned, and his voice suddenly rose.

"Second Uncle, I've got it. I will definitely find a way to fix the root cause!"

Lu Yongquan raised his hand to wipe the corner of his eye, his expression becoming resolute.

"Okay, you go out."

Lu Shihua closed his eyes slightly and leaned against the towering tree behind him, as if trying to gather more strength.

"Don't reveal my affairs for now. After the storm has passed, I will hold a family meeting and inform all the family members that you have become the head of the family."

Stepping out of the secret realm, Lu Yongquan took a deep breath and tried to compose himself.

His face had returned to normal, revealing no trace of the turmoil within.

"Young Master, how is the Second Elder?"

Lu Tao quickly stepped forward, his eyes revealing a hint of anxiety and worry.

"The Second Elder plans to stay in the secret realm to recuperate, so I will be in charge of the Lu family affairs for the foreseeable future."

Lu Yongquan spoke calmly and slowly, subtly displaying an air of authority.

Upon hearing this, Lu Tao's face lit up with joy, his eyes sparkled, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up.

He knew perfectly well what those words meant.

Lu Yongquan's father had been ill for many years and was bedridden. In reality, Lu Shihua had been acting as the head of the family and secretly handling all important affairs.

Lu Shihua has not passed the temporary leadership position to his son, but to his nephew Lu Yongquan, which shows that he has high expectations for Lu Yongquan.

In this way, wouldn't he, Lu Shihua's trusted subordinate, be able to rise to prominence and achieve great success?
Lu Tao even fantasized that if the eldest young master remembered their past relationship and included him in the Lu family genealogy, making him a direct descendant.

If one's own children can also inherit from the ancestral tree and be fortunate enough to awaken their abilities, that would truly be a meteoric rise!

Not to mention Lu Tao's own plans.

On the other hand, Lu Yongquan had other thoughts in mind.

He did not reveal the truth for the time being that Lu Shihua was already exhausted and had prepared to use himself to nourish the ancestral tree.

The fact that my second uncle has reappeared is probably already known to the special investigation team. Given their character, it won't be long before the news spreads like wildfire among the aristocratic circles.

It should be noted that although Lu Shihua is powerful, he has also made many enemies.

He has been in seclusion in the secret realm for many years, partly to heal his injuries and seek a breakthrough, and partly to conceal his whereabouts and deliberately create an air of mystery so that the outside world cannot figure out his true identity. No one knows whether he is alive or dead, thus avoiding a lot of trouble and struggle to a certain extent.

The current situation is delicate, and the family is at a critical juncture in the power transition. Any slight movement could trigger a huge uproar.

Fortunately, Lu Shihua can at least stay in the secret realm for another six months.

In the past six months, externally, he could use his second uncle's reputation to deter enemies from other powerful families, preventing them from easily attacking. Internally, with his second uncle's support and endorsement, he was able to quickly establish his authority, gain a firm foothold, smoothly take over the Lu family's affairs, and achieve a stable transition.

Lu Yongquan clenched his fists tightly, his gaze piercing through the ruins and looking towards the distant night.

It was as if he could already see the day when the Lu family would regain its former glory in his hands.

That was the mission he shouldered, and also his promise to his second uncle.

"besides……"

Suddenly, several bald men in black appeared in Lu Yongquan's mind. His eyes sharpened instantly, and he muttered to himself:

"Black cult, Roger, how dare you offend my Lu family! I will make you pay the price!"

He then turned to the head guard standing to the side and asked in a cold, hard voice:
How much do you know about Lingquan Temple?

Lu Tao lowered his head slightly, a thoughtful expression on his face, and replied:
"I don't know much about it, I only know that the Second Elder has a grudge against that Black Cult Master."

Then he leaned closer and whispered tentatively:
"We want to..."

"Don't act rashly for now. Just send someone to investigate their specific situation first."

Lu Yongquan decisively waved his hand in rejection, secretly pondering the matter.

At present, what is most important to him is to concentrate his efforts on taking control of the Lu family and stabilizing the turbulent situation.

As the new head of the family, he must remain calm and composed, and will not act on emotion or easily make powerful enemies.

Lu Yongquan had no complaints about the treasure hunters who were deliberately lured by the Lu family.

His hatred was entirely directed at the culprit behind the complications—the Black Cult.

"Hmph, don't think that breaking the golden jar will solve everything."

"They can run away, but they can't hide. As long as we're still in Dongdu, we've got plenty of ways to annoy these bald monks!"

Thinking of this, his eyes flickered slightly as he looked at the spatial rift that still shimmered with mysterious light in the darkness.

"Lu Tao".

Lu Yongquan spoke again in a deep voice.

"The little one is here."

Lu Tao immediately responded, standing even straighter.

"Next, you will lead the team to reorganize the manor, especially to guard the entrance and exit of the secret realm. Build a hidden and sturdy building here as quickly as possible; this is crucial for the safety of the family..."

Lu Yongquan scanned his surroundings and issued a series of orders.

His words and actions exuded an unquestionable authority, fully embodying the role of the family head and displaying the demeanor of the leader of the Lu family.

"Yes!"

Lu Tao accepted the order, his voice booming, his heart filled with loyalty and enthusiasm for the new family head.

It was as if they were shouting slogans, ready to make a big splash at any moment, and dedicate themselves to the resurgence of the Lu family until their dying breath.

....................................

early morning.

A ray of golden sunlight pierced through the gaps in the thick curtains, casting a golden glow on the hotel room floor.

He slowly opened his eyes and stared straight at the ceiling.

The exquisitely designed crystal chandelier came into view.

Fang Cheng was momentarily dazed.

The thrilling moments of last night's carnage in the Misty Mountains and soaring through the sky still lingered in my mind.

The air still seemed to be filled with shouts of battle and the sounds of gunfire and explosions, deafening and close at hand.

He shook his head and then turned his gaze to the screen of the sports watch on the bedside table.

It shows 8:53.

It's almost time for normal work hours.

"I slept really well that night..."

Fang Cheng muttered something, got out of bed, and walked towards the bathroom.

After returning to Yuehu Hotel at around 2 a.m., he quickly took a hot shower and then lay down on the bed and fell asleep immediately.

Because he absorbed the blood rain, this fierce battle did not take much to his physical exertion.

My spirit seemed to have been drained, and for some unknown reason, I felt unusually tired and sleepy.

Fortunately, after catching up on sleep, I recovered quite a bit; at least my head wasn't as foggy as before.

Fang Cheng quickly washed up, stretched his arms and legs, and walked to the French windows.

Gently part the curtains and peek out through the gap.

Downstairs at the hotel, there were no suspicious people loitering at the entrance, nor were there any police cars speeding past with sirens blaring.

It seems that what happened at Misty Mountain last night did not have as great an impact on the outside world as expected.

One reason for this is the unique isolation effect inherent in the inner world.

On the other hand, the Lu family must have been secretly working to cover up the truth.

Fang Cheng withdrew his gaze, quickly dressed, and prepared to go to the restaurant for a hearty meal.

He has to go back to Jiangbei this afternoon, and he plans to come here as little as possible in the next few days. Even if he does come, he absolutely cannot go to the lakeside for morning exercise, so as not to attract the attention of certain people with ulterior motives.

With that in mind, Fang Cheng packed his clothes and luggage.

The two murder weapons, a gun and a dagger, were hidden in a combination lock box.

The clothes I picked in the woods last night were also packed into the box, to be taken back and destroyed, to eliminate any potential hazards.

After dealing with all this, Fang Cheng breathed a slight sigh of relief, but he still couldn't stop thinking about his uncle.

He didn't come back last night, which inevitably makes people a little worried.

Fang Cheng then took out his phone and made a call to his uncle and Lin Chuqiao.

There was only a busy tone on the other end of the phone, and neither of them answered.

I vaguely remember that when we said goodbye in the Misty Mountains, the professor told us to remain silent for a while.

Fang Cheng speculated that they must have deliberately turned off their phones to avoid being tracked.

So he didn't make any more calls and decided to wait a few days.

Based on the situation at the time, the professor's team members should have been able to evacuate successfully.

As for Lao Lang, Bao Ye, Xiao Bei, and others.

When Fang Cheng returned to the hotel last night, he made a point of going to their room to meet with them and find out what had happened.

After they came out of the underground vault, they waited patiently outside.

When the surging black fog enveloped them, they managed to retreat into the manor in time, thus escaping disaster.

He was fortunate enough to absorb the blood rain and reunited with the professor and others.

So basically nothing went wrong, and everyone returned safely, without missing an arm or a leg.

Today, they probably plan to flee to another city to avoid the limelight and wait for things to calm down.

Fang Cheng was pondering this when he was about to put down his phone.

Jingle Bell--

With the vibration, a series of urgent ringing sounds suddenly rang out.

Just then, a phone call came in.

Fang Cheng was slightly taken aback, his gaze sweeping across the screen. The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number.

(End of this chapter)