Chapter 123: Investiture as the Prince of Jinyang with Full Fiefdom

"Then you don't need to know!"

"Speak, what is it you want with me this time? Why disturb my seclusion?" Lu Sheng asked, patting Luo Liheng on the shoulder.

In truth, most of the twenty-seven martial arts manuals he had organized were discovered in the hidden layers of the Martial Repository’s records. Because of his clairvoyant ability, Lu Sheng could see through to the most obscure, hidden martial techniques that had escaped the notice of all his predecessors. He had managed to collect twenty-seven ordinary Earth-rank manuals from these hidden gaps alone, not to mention thirty-two even more precious Heaven-rank techniques that could be used for future upgrades.

"Look at me, I almost forgot the important business!" Hearing Lu Sheng’s words, Luo Liheng patted his own head and said, "Word has come from Chief Lu: you must go over immediately! I suspect it’s because your ennoblement has finally been decided. From now on, we shall have to address you as the Prince of Jinyang!"

Luo Liheng chuckled as he spoke. As Lu Sheng’s current aide, he was naturally delighted by his superior’s elevation. It not only signaled an increase in his own status but also allowed him to accompany Lu Sheng to Bingzhou under the pretext of visiting his ancestral home—a prospect he found highly desirable.

"The title is finally coming down," Lu Sheng remarked, his eyes narrowing. He was not surprised; he had known that the decision regarding his title would be finalized within these few days, even though he had used seclusion as an excuse to avoid involving himself directly. After more than two months of political maneuvering, his title and fief had finally been settled.

"Let’s go. To the Chunyuan Pavilion," Lu Sheng said, leading Luo Liheng toward their destination.

***

"Sheng'er, you're here! Come and pay your respects to the Duke of Qian. He has been working tirelessly on your behalf these past few days!"

Inside the Chunyuan Pavilion, Lu Chunyuan was not alone. Seeing Lu Sheng arrive, he gestured toward an elderly man with a head of white hair and an imposing, formidable presence.

Upon hearing the introduction, Lu Sheng stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Duke of Qian. I have been in seclusion recently; I am truly sorry to have troubled you with my affairs."

He performed a formal salute. Although the bulk of the effort to secure his title had come from Lu Chunyuan, the public-facing aspects had been handled by Lu Chunqian and Lu Hongjin. Lu Sheng was genuinely grateful to the father and son.

Lu Chunqian laughed heartily and pulled Lu Sheng up, exclaiming, "You cunning lad, you certainly know how to find peace and quiet, leaving us old fellows to worry ourselves sick for you! If you fail to resolve the blood-evil aura for Hongjin, don't think I’ll let you off lightly!"

He spoke bluntly, making his ulterior motive for helping Lu Sheng clear. Lu Sheng felt no discomfort at this; instead, he smiled and replied, "Rest assured, Duke of Qian. Once I receive my title, I will do everything in my power."

Although it pained him to think of the two million merit points he would have to spend, Lu Sheng knew from the start that this was a transaction. Moreover, he needed to prove his ability to influence fate through Lu Hongjin, which would allow him to secure even more destiny-energy in the future.

"It is good that you understand," Lu Chunqian said, patting him. He sighed with emotion, "To have such composure at such a young age... if you joined the military, you would surely become a Great General one day!"

As a Pillar-State General, Lu Chunqian had petitioned for many titles, but few, if any, possessed the indifference Lu Sheng had shown. While this attitude had occasionally annoyed him, he couldn't help but admire the young man's focus. He did not wait for Lu Sheng to ask, continuing directly:

"Your title has been confirmed today. You are the Prince of Jinyang, with a real fief in Jinyang County, Bingzhou. Like other noble titles, you are also granted a manor and residence in the Central Province. In three days, the Emperor will hold the Great Ceremony to announce it to the ancestors and preside over your investiture."

Even though he had prepared himself for this moment, Lu Sheng could not help but feel a surge of joy. As the congratulations poured in from those around him, he bowed to them all: "Thank you, Teacher! Thank you, Duke of Qian! Thank you, Senior Brother Hongjin, thank you, Lord Hongyuan..."

He thanked everyone gathered in the pavilion one by one. Without these people, it would have been nearly impossible for him to secure such a high position so soon after returning to the Dajing Lu clan. His gratitude was sincere. For a time, the Chunyuan Pavilion was filled with the sounds of congratulations and polite replies.

***

"Enough! Let us stop here," Lu Chunyuan interrupted, silencing the room. "Sheng'er, prepare yourself well. You will accompany me to the palace shortly. The Emperor has some matters he wishes to discuss with you."

Although he kept a low profile in the imperial court, everyone present knew that Lu Chunyuan was the primary force behind Lu Sheng's ennoblement. As he spoke, the voices in the room immediately lowered. Those with tact quickly took their leave, leaving only Lu Chunyuan, Lu Chunqian, Lu Hongjin, and Lu Sheng behind.

"Sheng'er, you surely understand why you were granted this title," Lu Chunyuan said, looking at Lu Sheng solemnly once they were alone. "When we meet the Emperor, you must demonstrate your abilities regarding Hongjin."

Lu Sheng nodded. He had been preparing for this. However, because the karmic burden on Lu Hongjin was so heavy, even with the merit he had recently acquired, there was still a significant gap to bridge.

"The way of destiny is a natural one; it is difficult to force an immediate effect," Lu Sheng explained. "To see tangible results, I estimate it will take at least several months."

"Several months?" Lu Hongjin asked, not impatient, but pleasantly surprised. "You can solve my problem in just a few months? Does that mean I must follow you around for that time?"

"That won't be necessary," Lu Sheng replied. "Once I have obtained the destiny-energy, I will apply it to you, and the changes will occur gradually. In these coming months, you can focus on adjusting your mind and body to prepare for the clarity of your true self. Who knows? You might even use this opportunity to ascend to the rank of Martial Sect—and add another pillar of strength to our Dajing Lu clan!"

As someone who had been at the peak of the Martial Master level for years, Lu Hongjin was already prepared for the transition; he simply lacked the realization of his true self. Lu Sheng believed that if he could relax his mind completely as his karmic burden dissipated, he might well achieve enlightenment and become a Martial Sect in one stroke—which would be the ultimate demonstration of Lu Sheng’s power to influence destiny.