My cultivation techniques can be infinitely fused.

Xiao Ling, of course, also saw the scene in front of her at this moment.

Moreover, the place where the Black Ice Platform and the Hundred Knights were fighting happened to block the road.

Therefore, he had no choice but to ride forward and say to Lu Zheng, "Just teach them a lesson and let them go. I have guests to go in."

Lu Zheng chuckled twice and said to his men, "Throw all these Black Ice Guards out of the city."

After he spoke, the Hundred Cavalrymen did not hesitate. They stepped forward, grabbed the disheveled Black Ice Guard, and dragged him toward the city gate.

By this time, most of the guards from the Black Ice Guard had been knocked to the ground.

Some people tried to struggle, but after being hit by the short hammer and breaking several ribs, they immediately became obedient.

Others simply pretended to faint, not daring to resist, lest they suffer further physical pain.

As for the imposing Yu Huanong, because he was the strongest, he was the one who received the most attention and was beaten so badly that his original appearance was no longer recognizable.

Xiao Ling looked at him and said helplessly, "The Black Ice Guard is notoriously ruthless. You've offended them this time, so you won't have a good time."

Lu Zheng waved his hand and said, "I'm not going to beat them up. They've been making such a big splash lately, the Black Ice Guard won't let me off easy. Besides, you're here for me."

With the eldest daughter of the Xiao family here, who dares to do anything to me? At worst, you can confront them as the eldest daughter of the Xiao family. Even if the Black Ice Platform's supervisor comes, he'll have to give you some face.

Anyway, I'm one of yours, you can't just stand by and watch me die.

Although his words were somewhat rash and lacked the respectfulness of the past, he made a clear point: his relationship with Xiao Ling would not change much, even though they were no longer in a superior-subordinate relationship, and Lu Zheng was even half a rank higher than Xiao Ling.

But he was still willing to cooperate with Xiao Ling.

After all, it seems that Xiao Ling is indeed worth cooperating with. Moreover, without someone to protect them, they would be hesitant and timid in many things. Rather than looking for someone else, it would be better to find Xiao Ling.

The commander of a hundred cavalry may look imposing, but if he really faced the huge murky waters of the imperial court, he would be lucky not to be torn to shreds.

When Xiao Ling heard Lu Zheng's casual remark, she was not angry at all, but rather delighted, because she had seen Lu Zheng's abilities firsthand.

Its future prospects are limitless, making it absolutely worthwhile to invest in.

What she was most worried about these past few days was that Lu Zheng was young and, after suddenly rising to a high position, might forget their past friendship.

"You know I'll cover for you if anything goes wrong, so just avoid causing trouble." Xiao Ling agreed.

As the legitimate daughter of the Xiao family, the troubles she worried about were never external.

It's from within the family.

Just as Lu Zheng said, if she really didn't want the identity of the Hundred Cavalry Division and appeared as the legitimate daughter of the Xiao family, she wouldn't be afraid even if she were the supervisor of the Black Ice Platform.

However, he then lowered his voice and said, "Don't do anything reckless these next few days, and don't let the caravans leave the city. Some important people are coming, so be careful."

Then, he turned and went to the carriage, said a few words to the people inside, and went straight to the Hundred Cavalry Commandery's garrison.

Actually, even if Lu Zheng really let the caravan continue to leave the city, nothing would happen. At most, she would just give a heads-up. It's just that Xiao Ling is quite concerned about saving face.

If my cousin finds out, she'll definitely laugh at me.

  

And in a city, this kind of thing can't be kept secret.

Upon hearing Xiao Ling's warning, Lu Zheng was taken aback, not expecting that such an important figure would come here. He then returned to his official residence without saying anything more.

After settling Xiao Zun in, Lu Zheng arrived at the front yard.

Zhao Xin walked in, having already received news that Lu Zheng had been promoted again.

Looking at Lu Zheng, she couldn't hide the amazement on her face: "Ah Zheng, come on, let's go home and sit for a while. After I knew you were coming back, I had someone prepare a feast. Your second uncle also came over a few days ago."

Lu Zheng naturally couldn't refuse Zhao Xin's invitation.

Therefore, after tidying up, they followed the other party towards the Zhao family's residence.

This time, Zhao Xin was even more polite, not only showing concern for Lu Zheng's well-being but also practically treating him like royalty.

A sixteen-year-old inspector of a thousand households—the prestige of that title speaks for itself.

The meal was a pleasant one for both the host and guests.

They didn't disperse until late at night.

Lu Kun then followed Lu Zheng back to his official residence.

After all, it wasn't appropriate for him to stay at his daughter's house indefinitely, let alone spend the New Year there. Although Zhao Xin was trying his best to persuade him to stay, he still went to Lu Zheng's place.

The uncle and nephew didn't get bored in the following days.

Besides practicing his martial arts every day, Lu Zheng would have someone take him to check if there were any estates for sale outside the city.

Life was quite pleasant.

More than ten days passed in the blink of an eye, and just as the New Year was approaching, a guest came to Lu Zheng's residence.

He was dressed in fine clothes and exuded a faint air of officialdom.

According to him, he was sent by Fu Qing, the Vice Minister of War of the current dynasty.

Upon hearing this name, a glint flashed in Lu Zheng's eyes. He naturally knew Fu Qing; he was the person his mother had saved back then, the dean of Lingyuan Academy, and the one who gave his family the admission plaque.

Back when Lu Yun went to register, Lu Zheng still harbored a sliver of hope.

She thought that Fu Qing might send someone to find her out of gratitude for her mother saving her life.

However, when he learned that Lu Yun had already enrolled in the school, he understood everything.

Fu Qing had no real intention of repaying the debt of gratitude.

It's just that I don't want to break the contract.

So he forgot about this person, but he never expected that Fu Qing would send someone to find him.

Lu Zheng looked at the middle-aged man sitting in the living room and said softly, "I wonder what brings you here, sir?"

"Commander Lu, I serve as the Prefectural Commandant in Xuanfu. Lord Fu Qing sent me here on his behalf, hoping to repay your mother's life-saving grace and take you as his apprentice..."

"My lord, I, Lu Zheng, do not know any Fu Qing. Since my mother saved him, if he wants to repay her, he can just give her more silver. I have no interest in becoming anyone's disciple. Besides, my younger brother has already successfully entered Lingyuan Academy. I'm sure you know about this, so why come to me at this time? Your purpose is too obvious."

"If you have nothing else to say, I won't see you off." Lu Zheng said expressionlessly.

The man's expression froze; he hadn't expected Lu Zheng to refuse before he could even finish speaking.

Just as he was about to argue again, two imperial guards walked in, staring at the person opposite him with grim expressions.

This forced the envoy sent by Fu Qing to leave.

However, after leaving Lu Zheng's residence, this person did not immediately leave the city. Instead, he went into the inn room he had booked in advance and released the carrier pigeons from the cage through the window.

Lu Zheng and Fu Qing sent people, but Lu Zheng didn't pay them any mind. He returned to the backyard and looked at Xiao Zun, whose injuries had almost healed, and said, "Come on, let's have a spar. I healed your injuries and protected you in front of the Black Ice Guards. Is it alright for you to practice martial arts with me?"

That's right. Now that Xiao Zun's injuries have almost healed, Lu Zheng is naturally going to take advantage of him.

With such a powerful figure by my side, I might as well take advantage of him.

Xiao Zun looked at Lu Zheng, his lips twitching involuntarily, but he still obediently picked up his weapon and stood opposite him.

Seeing this, Lu Zheng's face lit up with excitement.

After all this investment, we're finally about to see a return on our investment.

Thinking of this, he didn't hesitate and immediately charged forward with his knife.

"Ding!" Xiao Zun easily blocked the attack.

Then, Lu Zheng's sword strikes became even more ferocious.

The system's voice began to ring in his mind.

[Congratulations, host! You have fought against a master of the Innate Realm. Your proficiency in the Heavenly Demon Dragon Elephant Technique has increased by 100.]

[Congratulations, host! You have fought against a master of the Innate Realm. Your proficiency in the Heavenly Demon Dragon Elephant Technique has increased by 100.]

......

Hearing the system's voice, Lu Zheng decided that he would spend the rest of his time practicing at home and not go anywhere else.