Chapter 100 The Luo Family's Happy Event?
Chapter 100 The Luo Family's Happy Event?
When Li Qingyi arrived at the gate of Yuqing Mountain, where the Luo family lived, it was an auspicious time. Guests were everywhere, and the sound of gongs and drums filled the air, creating a festive and lively scene.
Compared to the magnificent Zhao family manor in the simulator, the Luo family manor in front of us, though also decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations and covering a large area, is clearly inferior in terms of layout and grandeur.
It leans more towards wealthy local gentry families than true immortal cultivation clans.
However, Li Qingyi didn't care about this.
His purpose in coming here was clear: it was not to congratulate the newlyweds, but to get his hands on that evil cultivator worth two thousand contribution points.
Just as he reached the welcoming point at the mountain gate, a servant dressed in Luo family attire, with a still somewhat youthful face, politely stopped him and bowed, saying:
"Master, please show me your invitation."
Li Qingyi was taken aback. Where did he get an invitation? Just as he was about to subtly release a trace of his mid-stage Qi Refining spiritual pressure to deter this mortal—
"You blind fool!" A shout came from the stone steps above.
A middle-aged man in a brocade robe with a refined appearance rushed down the mountain and came straight to Li Qingyi. He then spoke sternly to the servant:
"The arrival of Master Huanzhu is an honor to our Luo family. What need is there for an invitation? Now, step back!"
The servant was so frightened that he trembled and quickly bowed and stepped aside, not daring to say another word.
Upon hearing this, the guests who were queuing or exchanging pleasantries nearby all turned their gazes to Li Qingyi, their faces revealing surprise, curiosity, and scrutiny.
They had clearly all heard of the name "Huanzhu Louzhu".
The mysterious figure who, according to legend, confronted the infamous Li Qingyi at Wangchun Tower, not only escaped unscathed but even gained a slight advantage.
The visitor was none other than Luo Zhengsi, the fourth brother of the current head of the Luo family.
He had something to do and needed to go down the mountain, but he never expected to witness this scene.
The Luo family naturally sent an invitation to Huanzhulou, but they did not expect that the other party would actually come in person.
He carefully examined the boy before him, secretly marveling at him:
"What a remarkable young man! If my good-for-nothing sons were even half as good as him, how could the Luo family not prosper?"
"I am deeply sorry for not welcoming you properly, sir! Please follow me up the mountain."
Luo Zhengsi put on a warm smile and stepped aside to lead the way.
Li Qingyi remained calm, nodding slightly without saying a word, maintaining the air of the master of Huanzhu Tower as she followed him up the steps.
Once the two figures disappeared into the winding mountain path, the guests at the mountain gate began to whisper among themselves.
"That person just now... was that really Huanzhu Louzhu? He looked so young!"
"Young is more than just young! Didn't you hear what Patriarch Luo said? He didn't even need an invitation; he came in person! He's got quite the influence!"
"What happened at Wangchun Tower a month ago, is it true? He really fought Li Qingyi to a draw?"
"What do you mean, a draw! Although I wasn't there that day, I heard from my cousin's brother-in-law's younger brother that it was Huanzhu Louzhu who used his ingenious methods to force Li Qingyi to retreat!"
"Keep bragging! Li Qingyi is a ruthless person who can defeat a Foundation Establishment cultivator. With a cultivation level of half a Foundation Establishment, if it really comes down to a fight, what makes Huanzhu Louzhu think he can defeat her?"
I think Li Qingyi probably didn't want to reveal too many of her trump cards, so she deliberately retreated to prepare for the ambush of Lu Zhenxuan later.
"That makes sense! But then again, the fact that Huanzhu Louzhu has remained unharmed until now, and that Li Qingyi hasn't bothered him, is quite remarkable."
Perhaps... he's also a half-step Foundation Establishment cultivator?
"Tsk, impossible, right? Such a young person at the half-step Foundation Establishment stage? That's terrifying..."
The crowd was chattering and arguing, some believing the rumors and others offering rational analysis, creating a lively and lively atmosphere.
The young servant who had just been reprimanded had now retreated to a corner in the shadows, staring at the direction Li Qingyi had left, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
……
Hundreds of tables have been set up in the square in front of the main hall of the Luo family, and the place is full of guests, bustling with noise.
Luo Zhengsi led Li Qingyi to the main residence area. After a moment's thought, he beckoned to a beautiful young woman who had been standing by his side.
"Master, this is my daughter, Luo Huanhuan," Luo Zhengsi introduced, then turned to his daughter, his tone somewhat solemn.
"Huanhuan, this is the owner of Huanzhulou. We are honored to have such a guest. Please treat him well and do not neglect him."
Luo Huanhuan looked to be about eighteen or nineteen years old. She was wearing a pale yellow ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with fair skin, gentle features, and a delicate and refined air reminiscent of a young lady from a Jiangnan water town in her previous life.
Upon hearing this, she curiously glanced at Li Qingyi. Seeing that although he appeared to be a young man, he possessed a composed demeanor and handsome features. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she gave a graceful bow, replying softly:
"Yes, Father. Huanhuan greets the Lord of the Tower."
Li Qingyi's lips twitched. "Using this to test cadres?"
After Luo Zhengsi finished giving his instructions, he apologized to Li Qingyi, saying that he still needed to attend to other important guests, and then hurriedly left, leaving the space to the young man.
"Please follow Huanhuan, OP." Luo Huanhuan said softly, gesturing for them to come.
Li Qingyi said calmly:
"I've heard that the Luo Family Manor has beautiful scenery; could you show me around?"
He needed to use his divine sense to investigate the entire Luo family as soon as possible and find that evil cultivator.
"As you wish, Master." Luo Huanhuan readily agreed and led Li Qingyi on a stroll through the Luo family manor.
Pavilions, terraces, rockeries, flowing water, gardens, and winding corridors...
As she softly described the various sights, she couldn't help but steal glances at the boy beside her.
And so, under Luo Huanhuan's guidance, Li Qingyi began to tour the Luo family's estate.
He spread his divine sense, scanning every corner of the Luo family's residence.
However, the time it takes for an incense stick to burn has passed.
Li Qingyi explored almost every place openly accessible to the Luo family, yet his divine sense failed to detect any unusual aura belonging to a heretical cultivator at the eighth level of Qi Refining.
"Has this guy already left?"
Luo Huanhuan, standing to the side, had no mind on the tour.
She stole glances at Li Qingyi's handsome profile, and the more she looked, the more her heart fluttered.
"This lord is not only of noble status and highly skilled, but also so handsome... If only, if only..." Two blushes rose on her face, and she quickly shook her head, suppressing the romantic thoughts in her heart.
"What am I thinking...? A person like him is far beyond my reach. Cultivators have long lifespans, and their partners are usually female cultivators of similar cultivation..."
But upon further reflection, a sliver of resentment and hope quietly began to grow:
"If...if I could become his concubine, that wouldn't be bad?"
Seeing that Li Qingyi seemed to have finished her tour and was pausing to ponder, Luo Huanhuan mustered her courage and spoke softly:
"The poster has been browsing for a long time and must be a little tired."
The banquet will last for some time, so perhaps... we should go with Huanhuan to the guest room to rest for a while?
Li Qingyi was pondering how to proceed with the search when she heard this and nodded.
"Very well, since we're already here, we should at least have a taste of the wedding feast and see how things go. Perhaps that evil cultivator is mixed in with the guests?"
Upon seeing Li Qingyi agree, a hint of joy flashed in Luo Huanhuan's eyes.
"A golden opportunity! I must seize it! If this succeeds, the family may rise to even greater heights."
She silently encouraged herself and led Li Qingyi toward the private courtyard prepared for VIPs.
However, just as she was passing through a wide corridor connecting the front yard and the guest yard, Li Qingyi's divine sense stirred slightly and caught sight of a somewhat unexpected figure.
He paused, his gaze shifting to a pavilion not far from the covered walkway.
Inside the pavilion, a group of people were surrounding a ruddy-faced, spirited middle-aged man in a brocade robe, frequently offering him drinks, creating a lively atmosphere.
Who else could that middle-aged man, surrounded by admirers, be but Yue Chi?
Yue Chi was seen holding a wine cup in one hand and waving the other with an air of importance, talking loudly and clearly already somewhat intoxicated.
"...Thank you all for your kind words! I owe my success today entirely to the guidance of the host! Of course, I myself have also had a slightly better eye for talent, hahaha!"
"Vice-Master Yue, you are too modest! You are truly an exceptional person, destined for greatness!"
"Come on, everyone, let's raise another glass to Vice-Master Yue!"
"Vice-Master Yue, I'll drink it. Please do as you please!"
Li Qingyi's lips twitched slightly as she watched.
"Vice-Master Yue certainly knows how to enjoy life, coming all the way here to put on airs."
He walked over quietly and came up behind Yue Chi.
Yue Chi was surrounded by a group of people toasting him, completely unaware. Li Qingyi reached out and gently patted his shoulder.
"Vice Pavilion Master Yue, did you enjoy yourself today?" Li Qingyi's voice was calm, but carried a hint of barely perceptible amusement.
Just as Yue Chi was feeling tipsy and smug, someone patted him on the shoulder from behind, which made him very unhappy. The person's tone seemed to be mocking, which made him even angrier.
Without turning his head, he grabbed the hand resting on his shoulder and said gruffly:
"Where did this brat come from! Can't you see that I, the Vice Master, am conversing with fellow Daoists? How rude of you! Considering the Luo family's joyous occasion today, and my good mood, I'll punish you with twenty cups of wine to liven things up!"
"Did you hear that? Kid, Vice Master Yue has spoken. Drink up!"
"That's right, fill it up quickly!"
A group of people around them, also intoxicated and busy flattering, immediately joined in the commotion.
Li Qingyi found it somewhat amusing, and feigned a stern tone, saying:
"Vice-Master Yue certainly has quite the air of authority!"
Upon hearing the sound, Yue Chi, who was initially feeling somewhat dizzy, suddenly jolted awake.
That voice...that tone...
No, no, it can't be...
He turned his head stiffly, and his pupils contracted sharply when his gaze fell on the slender, fair hand with distinct knuckles that he was holding.
Further up, you'll be met with Li Qingyi's face, which has a half-smile.
Yue Chi jumped up from his chair as if he'd been burned. The flush on his face vanished quickly, replaced by a smile that looked more like a grimace.
"OP, OP?! You... what are you doing here?!"
"OP?!"
The pavilion, which had been noisy just moments before, fell completely silent.
All the people who were toasting Yue Chi froze, their eyes scanning back and forth between Li Qingyi and Yue Chi with suspicion and uncertainty.
Li Qingyi calmly withdrew her hand and said slowly and deliberately:
"Where's the wine? Wasn't Vice Master Yue going to punish me with twenty cups?"
"Your subordinate wouldn't dare! Your subordinate wouldn't dare!" Yue Chi said with a forced smile.
"Your subordinate spoke recklessly and offended you, Master! I will immediately punish myself with twenty jugs of wine! Please forgive me, Master."
Li Qingyi was speechless. "If you want to drink, just say so..."
He sent a telepathic message to Yue Chi, "Alright, watch your image, don't embarrass Huanzhulou."
Upon hearing this, Yue Chi nodded repeatedly, like a chick pecking at rice.
Seeing Li Qingyi leave, he finally breathed a sigh of relief, and the alcohol had completely worn off.
He forced a smile at the various expressions on the faces of the guests around him:
"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding! Everyone, keep drinking! Today is a joyous occasion for the Luo family; let's drink until we're completely drunk!"
With Li Qingyi gone, the crowd finally came alive again.
In the corridor, Luo Huanhuan, who had been silently following behind Li Qingyi, now looked at Li Qingyi with a strange glint in her eyes.
She hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly:
"OP, you don't seem as imposing as the rumors suggest."
Li Qingyi paused slightly, speechless.
What exactly has been said about my reputation? A vicious, ruthless monster?
Li Qingyi chuckled twice. "It's just a rumor."
Upon hearing this, Luo Huanhuan covered her mouth with her sleeve and chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with shyness and admiration.
This little incident passed quickly.
Luo Huanhuan led Li Qingyi to the best guest room courtyard in the Luo family.
The courtyard is quiet and secluded. As soon as you push open the door, a light and pleasant fragrance wafts towards you.
The room was elegantly furnished with rosewood tables and chairs, exquisite porcelain, and brocade covering a soft couch by the window.
A wisp of smoke was rising from the bronze incense burner in the corner.
"Master," Luo Huanhuan glanced at Li Qingyi secretly and said softly, "Huanhuan has admired you for a long time."
She turned her face away shyly, then gently pulled down the ribbon around her waist, revealing her fair and delicate shoulders.
"Please let Huanhuan serve you..."
Li Qingyi: "???"
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