Chapter 48: The People of Luhun

"Are you a descendant of the Luhun clan?"

Just as Lu Sheng was pondering whether he needed to change his appearance once more, he suddenly sensed someone following him. Turning around, he saw a slightly plump middle-aged man hurrying toward him, posing this question.

"What if I am? What if I am not?"

Lu Sheng did not answer directly, but instead responded with a question.

With a chuckle, the middle-aged man replied, "I am Guan Yingfan, the steward of the Four Seas Trading Company here—"

"I sincerely invite you to visit the Four Seas Trading Hall for a conversation!"

Just moments ago, he had been with the people from the Snow Eagle branch of the Fire God Sect, preparing to welcome their divine son and daughter. However, on the way there, having mastered the art of listening, he overheard Murong Yu and Duanmu Yun’s conversation—

From their words, he deduced that the man before him might be a descendant of Murong Quan.

Therefore, he quickly delegated his duties to others and quietly caught up to Lu Sheng, inviting him to the Four Seas Trading Hall.

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"The Four Seas Trading Company!"

Lu Sheng was already quite familiar with this name from Blackstone Island. Moreover, from the memories of Eri Dun and others, he knew even better what the Four Seas Trading Company represented in Snow Eagle City—

If the Fire God Sect was the nominal ruler of Snow Eagle City, then the Four Seas Trading Company was its true power.

In terms of influence and strength, it surpassed even the Fire God Sect here!

"Behind the Four Seas Trading Company stands the Lu clan of Great Jing. The Luhun clan branches from the Lu clan of Bingzhou—"

"Perhaps they are tasked by the Great Jing Lu clan to investigate the Luhun clan;"

"But more likely, there are other reasons!"

Although the Luhun clan originated from the Lu clan of Bingzhou, it had long ceased to be recognized by the Great Jing Lu clan.

As for the supposed imperial heritage, that was hardly worth mentioning.

Over the millennia, the Great Jing dynasty had survived many hardships, yet always endured.

The Lu clan, as the imperial family, continued to thrive—

By now, the descendants of the Great Jing Lu clan with established lineage numbered in the hundreds of thousands.

Those who, for various reasons, had scattered across the land and were descended from the emperor were likely several times more.

It could even be said that anyone bearing the surname Lu, even if not a direct descendant of the emperor, usually had some connection.

"Five hundred years ago, we were all one family"—for others, this phrase might be mere courtesy, but for those surnamed Lu across the land, it was no joke!

Though the Four Seas Trading Company had ties to the Great Jing Lu clan, it could not possibly pay heed to every suspected Lu clan descendant.

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"Steward Guan, we are all martial artists here; let’s dispense with pleasantries—"

"Why did you seek me out?"

Not understanding the other's purpose, Lu Sheng cut straight to the point.

Guan Yingfan, as the steward of the Four Seas Trading Company in Snow Eagle City, was also a martial artist with the rank of master—

Otherwise, he would not have dared to pursue Lu Sheng alone!

At this moment, hearing Lu Sheng’s words, Guan Yingfan maintained his gentle smile and said, "I imagine you’ve been cultivating in the snowy mountains these past years?"

"Did you know, in the martial world, a clansman of yours has already made quite a name for himself!"

Though Lu Sheng had not admitted to being a descendant of the Luhun clan, after carefully observing his features and comparing them to portraits of Murong Quan—or rather, Luhun Quan—Guan Yingfan had reached his own conclusion—

This man before him was, in all likelihood, a descendant of Luhun Quan.

He might soon achieve great success here.

"A clansman?"

Indeed, under Guan Yingfan’s gaze, Lu Sheng seemed to tacitly acknowledge his heritage, frowning as he asked, "Who do you refer to?"

As far as Lu Sheng knew, aside from his own great-grandfather, members of the Luhun clan had been slaughtered over a century ago; how could there be any other clansmen?

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"That man’s name is Lu Sheng. He is currently ranked eleventh on the List of Heroes!"

Locking his gaze on Lu Sheng, Guan Yingfan revealed this information.

"Lu Sheng! Eleventh on the List of Heroes!"

Expecting to hear news of another, Lu Sheng was taken aback to hear his own name. His expression was one of shock, and he felt a strange sensation within:

"I never imagined I’d be ranked eleventh on the List of Heroes—"

"Could it be someone else with the same name?"

With this thought, Lu Sheng quickly pressed, "Are you certain? Is this Lu Sheng truly a descendant of the Luhun clan?"

Seeing Lu Sheng’s reaction, Guan Yingfan felt even more confident in his suspicions, his smile returning as he replied, "Of course I am certain. The list is updated personally by the Spring and Autumn Pavilion."

"Two years ago, this person was ranked eleventh, rumored to possess the strength of a Grand Martial Master!"

"Rumored? What does that mean?"

Catching the nuance, Lu Sheng asked further.

Without answering, Guan Yingfan smiled, gesturing toward Lu Sheng: "This is not the place for such a conversation. If you have time, please join me at the Four Seas Trading Hall!"

Frowning, Lu Sheng studied him for a moment, then reluctantly nodded, accompanying him toward the hall—

He was curious to see what schemes this steward of the Four Seas Trading Company might be brewing.

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"You haven’t left the snowy mountains in the past two years, have you?"

"Did you discover anything up there?"

Inside a reception room of the Four Seas Trading Hall, Guan Yingfan dismissed his attendants, personally brewing tea as he casually inquired.

"The List of Heroes from the Spring and Autumn Pavilion—you must have a copy here, Steward Guan?"

"Which edition contains information about Lu Sheng?"

The Spring and Autumn Pavilion was a sect devoted to history, closely tied to the Great Jing court.

After Lu Wanshan settled in Central Province, the Four Seas Trading Company followed. Now, most publications from the Spring and Autumn Pavilion were distributed through them.

As the steward in Snow Eagle City, and a martial master himself, Guan Yingfan surely possessed the relevant books if he knew of Lu Sheng’s deeds.

"Now that you’re here, there’s no need to rush!"

Smiling as he poured tea for Lu Sheng, Guan Yingfan continued:

"There’s news of a fugitive named Shi Yin Jian who escaped to this city—"

"You’ve probably heard of it, haven’t you?"

"Shi Yin Jian?" Recalling the news he heard at the city gates and the portrait, Lu Sheng replied, "Yes, I’ve heard."

"What, is the Four Seas Trading Company interested in him as well?"

"No!" Guan Yingfan denied, sipping his tea. "We have no interest in him—"

"We’re simply curious about something atop the snowy mountains!"

As he spoke, Guan Yingfan’s tone grew more mysterious. "Do you know why Shi Yin Jian came here?"

"Why did he come here?" Lu Sheng frowned. "How should I know? Shouldn’t you ask the Fire God Sect?"

"Let’s stop discussing irrelevant matters. Tell me about Lu Sheng—"

"If he truly ranks eleventh on the List of Heroes, I can surely find out by asking around!"

"Haha!"

With a hearty laugh, Guan Yingfan pointed at Lu Sheng and said, "Brother, you’re too impatient. Let me finish—"

"This matter could have implications for the entire Western Region!"

"What implications? It has nothing to do with me!" Lu Sheng said, growing increasingly impatient. "Speak plainly, and stop weaving connections!"

"Brother, must I spell it out?"

Having been pressed repeatedly, Guan Yingfan’s expression cooled, and he stated his purpose directly:

"The secret your ancestors left behind—does it not relate to the lotus atop the snowy mountain?"