The First Venerable of All Paths

The forbidden area behind the Lu family's mountain.

When Fang Xuan arrived, he found that many members of the Lu family had already arrived.

Lu Fa and Lu Ren were also present.

Lu Fa is another story; Fang Xuan has dealt with him twice and is relatively familiar with him.

As for Lu Ren, Fang Xuan had once killed one of his avatars.

Although he wasn't as familiar as Lu Fa, Fang Xuan recognized him at a glance from his appearance and demeanor.

At this moment, Lu Fa was talking quietly with several elders of the Lu family, chatting and laughing.

He was handsome and refined, and always had a warm smile on his face.

However, those naturally smiling eyes concealed an eternal shadow and coldness.

This is a ruthless person who is laughing and talking to you one moment, but can snap your neck the next.

Fang Xuan's vigilance towards Lu Ren immediately increased several degrees.

"That is Lu Ren."

Lu Zhao whispered, "Brother Fang Xuan, you must not underestimate him. He... is not simple at all."

Fang Xuan nodded silently.

Following behind Lu Zhao, they walked towards Lu Ren and the others.

"Greetings, Master!"

"Greetings, Chairman!"

As soon as Lu Zhao arrived, all the elders immediately spoke up.

These people's faces either wore fake smiles, were expressionless, or showed worry and anxiety.

There are many different ones, and they are all different.

No matter who greeted him, Lu Zhao would nod politely, without being arrogant or impatient.

"Nephew greets Aunt!"

At this moment, Lu Ren also stepped forward and bowed to Lu Zhao.

The smile on his face was more intense than before, yet it carried an indescribable meaning.

Fang Xuan sighed inwardly, realizing that appearances can be deceiving.

If Lu Zhao hadn't told him that Lu Ren had certain inappropriate thoughts about Lu Zhao, he really wouldn't have realized that Lu Ren could be so perverted.

Lu Zhao nodded indifferently to Lu Ren's greeting, only a fleeting look of disgust flashing in his eyes.

She said in a cold voice, "Is everyone here?"

"Auntie, everyone has arrived."

Lu Ren smiled and said, "As long as Auntie nods, the blood pool can be opened."

Lu Zhao looked at Granny Yin, handed her a key, and said softly, "Granny, you can get ready now."

"Yes, Miss!"

Grandma Yin responded and walked to the side.

Among the Lu family, several elderly men also emerged, appearing quite frail.

These people looked like they were on their deathbeds, and Fang Xuan was afraid they would fall down as they walked.

"These few elders know how to open the Blood Pool."

Lu Zhao explained softly to Fang Xuan, "If even one person is missing, the Blood Pool cannot be opened."

Fang Xuan knew.

Gathering the group is only one of the conditions; the key is also the key that Lu Zhao just gave you.

"This must be Daoist Xuantian, right?"

As Fang Xuan observed the old men standing in a special position, preparing to form a formation, Lu Ren took the initiative to walk towards him, wearing his signature hypocritical smile.

"This humble Taoist, Xuantian, greets Young Master Lu."

Fang Xuan was still dressed as Xuan Tian. Hearing this, he smiled calmly, revealing no flaw whatsoever.

"You're too kind, Taoist priest."

Lu Ren asked, "I wonder when you first met my aunt, Daoist?"

There was even a hint of hostility in his tone.

This left Fang Xuan feeling utterly helpless.

Lu Ren's mind has become twisted and abnormal, hasn't it?

"Lu Ren, you're being rather rude!"

Before Fang Xuan could speak, Lu Zhao said coldly, "Do I need your permission to associate with whomever I want?"

"Auntie is right to reprimand me; it was I who was impolite."

Lu Ren immediately looked terrified, clasped his hands in a fist and said in a low voice, "Nephew was just worried that Aunt would be deceived, that's why..."

"Alright."

Lu Zhaoyu waved her hand and said, "Mind your own business. It's none of your business to interfere in my affairs."

"besides!"

Lu Zhao stared at Lu Ren, his tone carrying a warning and reminder: "Master Xuantian is an honored guest I invited. Anyone who dares to neglect him will be met with rudeness!"

These words were not only spoken to Lu Ren, but also to others.

"Did you hear what Auntie said?"

Lu Ren smiled again and said, "However, Aunt, this blood pool belongs to the Lu family. Only members of the Lu family are allowed to enter. Isn't it a bit against the rules to let an outsider in this time?"

"The Lu family's blood pool does not prohibit outsiders from entering; it simply requires the patriarch's approval."

Lu Zhao said, "I'm still in charge of the Lu family. I'll hire a protector for Manman to ensure her safety in the blood pool. Any problems?"

Upon hearing this, many elders frowned, but none of them said anything more.

"The patriarch's good intentions are certainly appreciated, no problem."

Lu Fa, however, said bluntly, "But with so many talented young men in my Lu family, any one of them could protect Miss's safety. Why... trouble outsiders?"

He spoke politely because he guessed that the Taoist Master Xuantian in front of him might be a Taoist master.

"Oh?"

Lu Zhao looked at Lu Fa and said expressionlessly, "Does the Grand Elder mean that what I did was wrong?"

His words seemed calm, yet Lu Zhao exuded a powerful aura.

That wasn't the imposing aura of a martial arts master, but rather the unique charisma of someone who had long held a high position.

With just a glance or a question, everyone felt a special kind of pressure.

As expected of the president of the chamber of commerce, his aura is simply unbeatable.

Fang Xuan sighed inwardly, gaining a clearer understanding of Lu Zhao's status in the clan.

"this......"

Faced with Lu Zhao's question, Lu Fa's tone faltered.

If anyone else dared to speak to him like that, Lu Fa would have slapped them to death long ago.

Not to mention an ordinary woman with no cultivation whatsoever.

But Lu Zhao is different.

She was the head of the family appointed by the old patriarch and also held the lifeline of the Lu family in her hands.

She even transformed the small Lu family into a large chamber of commerce that spanned Qingzhou.

If it weren't for her daughter being diagnosed with a terminal illness at a young age, preventing her from cultivating, and Lu Zhao spending too much time and energy seeking renowned doctors for her, which allowed someone to take advantage of the situation and seize some of his power.

Even Lu Fa couldn't help but shudder at the thought of the consequences of this woman's anger.

Lu Zhao was indeed an ordinary person with no cultivation.

However, the power she wields is something that Lu Fa fears and dreads.

"I wouldn't dare!"

Lu Fa quickly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I was only concerned about Miss, I was afraid..."

"If you're scared, then shut your mouth."

Lu Zhao showed no politeness whatsoever, saying coldly, "My daughter is none of your business."

In the past, Lu Zhao might have chosen to continue to endure.

But things are different now.

These old fogies, in order to prevent Manman from entering the blood pool, did not hesitate to change time and force themselves to compromise.

What a despicable thing!

In addition, Manman was secretly harmed by Lu Ren and had her spiritual meridians sealed. Lu Zhao wished he could tear them to pieces.

I have no time to bother with their pretense.

"Master, your words are rather hurtful."

Lu Fa was reprimanded in public, and he was somewhat embarrassed.

His eyelids drooped, and he said in a deep voice, "We're all family, after all, we..."

"Elder, are you serious?"

Lu Zhao scoffed, "Since you know we're family, have you completely forgotten the rules of the Lu family?"

These words were tantamount to slapping Lu Fa in the face in public.

Lu Zhao was reminding him that the head of the Lu family was Lu Zhao, not Lu Ren.

The others also looked rather grim.

They had secretly pledged allegiance to Lu Ren long ago, but Lu Zhao's words were tantamount to tearing off all pretense of civility.

"The patriarch's reprimand is correct."

Lu Fa gave a cold laugh and said, "I'll remember that."

"If you remember it, then don't forget it."

Lu Zhao glanced around, a sharp glint flashing in his phoenix eyes.

"I hope you all remember this clearly: the Lu family only needs one voice."

Everyone lowered their heads silently, not daring to meet Lu Zhao's gaze.

Although Lu Ren still had a smile on his face, it was clearly a little stiff.

His hands kept clenching and unclenching.

"Sister Lu Zhao, aren't you being a bit too hasty?"

Witnessing this scene, Fang Xuan transmitted his voice, "Aren't you afraid they'll fight to the death and attack directly?"

"They wouldn't dare!"

Lu Zhao said softly, "Since we've already torn off all pretenses, there's no need to worry about saving face. As long as you accomplish that, they're just a bunch of clowns!"

"I'll try!"

Fang Xuan nodded and said, "But you have to be careful out there. I'm afraid they might do something desperate."

"it is good."

Lu Zhao squatted down, straightened Manman's clothes, and instructed, "Manman, once we're inside, you must listen to Master Xuantian in everything, understand?"

"Yes, Mother."

Manman replied crisply, then said to Fang Xuan, "Brother Xuantian, Manman will be obedient and won't cause you any trouble."

"it is good."

Fang Xuan nodded with a smile.

"Master, aren't you trusting him far too much?"

At this moment, the woman who had been standing silently behind Manman suddenly said indifferently, "He's only at the Qi Condensation Realm, not even at the Divine Intent Realm. How could he possibly protect Miss?"

Fang Xuan was not angered by the sharp retort.

He simply smiled calmly, not bothering to argue with the other party at all.

Seeing this, the woman thought that Fang Xuan had been right, and immediately said, "Patriarch, if you ask me, why not ask my elder brother? Although he is injured, he is still at the Divine Intent Realm. He is at least more reliable than an outsider."

Fang Xuan then realized what was happening.

It turns out that the woman's elder brother was the one Lu Zhao mentioned who was injured a few days ago.

"Lu Ling!"

Lu Zhao's tone turned cold as he said, "If you have any issues with Daoist Xuantian, I can replace him."

"Master, I..."

Just as Lu Ling was about to defend herself, she suddenly saw Lu Zhao's icy expression and quickly lowered her head.

"Master, I was wrong."

"remember."

Lu Zhao said, "Once inside, you must listen to Master Xuantian in everything. If you neglect our duties, don't blame me for being impolite!"

"yes!"

Lu Ling quickly agreed, but secretly raised her eyelids and glanced at Fang Xuan, her eyes showing a hint of resentment.

"Don't mind it."

Lu Zhao said helplessly to Fang Xuan, "I've spoiled this little girl, but she has some talent, so I plan to let her go in and gain some experience."

Fang Xuan nodded, indicating that he had no objection.

"But if she doesn't listen, she should be taught a lesson, without worrying about my feelings."

Lu Zhao said earnestly, "Everything is for your and Manman's safety."

"clear."

Meanwhile, Lu Ren also transmitted his voice to Lu Fa, saying, "Elder, after I go in, I'll leave the matters outside to you."

"I don't want that woman to still be alive when I get out!"

Lu Famo nodded silently and replied telepathically, "Young Master, rest assured, everything is ready. As soon as you succeed inside, we will immediately launch the plan!"

Lu Ren smiled proudly.

"Just wait for my good news."

Just then, spiritual energy surged, and a blood-red vortex suddenly appeared in mid-air.

"The Blood Pool has been activated!"