Lu Qing maintained a calm expression, but inwardly he felt awkward. He had assumed that the ancestor had killed all three men with lightning, and now realized that such a thought was deeply disrespectful. Would the ancestor be offended by his baseless assumptions?

He coughed twice to clear his embarrassment. “This is not a place to linger. Xingyao, help your grandfather leave.”

Lu Xingyao glanced around the room, feeling something was off. “Grandfather, it seems like there are fewer things in here than before.”

Lu Qing: “?”

Lu Xingyao rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I remember there were two strings of copper coins hanging by the bed, and there were some porcelain ornaments on the shelf in the corner.”

Gu Xingzhao, who had stuffed two strings of copper coins in her pockets and was holding an assortment of valuable ornaments, pursed her lips tightly. She stared at Lu Xingyao, her mind racing. This kid’s memory is surprisingly sharp.

Lu Xingyao continued, “And on the table, I distinctly remember there were two jade paperweights and a purple clay inkstone, but now they’re missing!”

Lu Qing scanned the room and realized that his grandson was right. Many valuable items were indeed gone. However, he hadn’t been paying close attention earlier, so he assumed someone might have packed them away.

Lowering his voice, Lu Xingyao asked, “Grandfather, do you think… could the ancestor have taken them?”

“Ridiculous!” Lu Qing cut him off, scolding in a stern tone. “Our Lu family ancestor is a being of immense virtue and righteousness! Why would such a figure stoop to petty theft, taking trivial items like these?”

He frowned, clearly displeased with his grandson’s wild speculation. How could such a revered figure do something so low?

Gu Xingzhao glanced down at the treasure she was holding and silently cringed. Why do I feel so guilty all of a sudden?

Lu Xingyao furrowed his brow. “But I swear those things were here just a moment ago…”

If only my hands weren’t full of loot, Gu Xingzhao thought, I’d give this kid a little zap. This isn’t your house—why are you so observant?

Lu Qing tapped his cane on the ground twice, only to find it had cracked. The cane was nearly broken in half, so he motioned for his grandson to help him walk.

Lu Xingyao finally let go of his curiosity about the missing items and moved forward to support his grandfather. As they headed out, Lu Qing happened to notice the two bodyguards’ swords, which had been lying on the floor, were also gone.

Wait… Could Xingyao have been right? Lu Qing thought. No, no, the ancestor wouldn’t need such things—there must be a reason!

He recalled a time when the ancestor had taken a piece of Lu Xingyan’s clothing, after which Lu Xingyan’s health had improved significantly. Clearly, the ancestor has a higher purpose in mind. Mortals like us could never understand such mysteries.

Gu Xingzhao tightened her hold on the items she had collected, her sense of guilt growing stronger by the minute. She was itching to leave—Lu Qing’s reverence for her was making her feel increasingly uncomfortable.

---

Outside, the strange weather had cleared, but the townspeople still crowded around the Yu residence, reluctant to leave. Only when the authorities arrived to disperse them did they begin to go, though many did so reluctantly.

Du Hangwu, who had just gotten up, rubbed his aching knees. Adjusting the sword at his waist, he looked up to see the Lu family grandfather and grandson. His attitude had completely changed—no longer the arrogance he had displayed earlier.

On the road, after much hesitation, Lu Qing finally spoke. “Lord Du, it is not safe to remain in Laiyuan Town. I believe we should take advantage of the clear weather tonight to continue our journey.”

According to what Yu Heng had said, Prince Su was on his way to the town. If they left now, they could avoid crossing paths with him.

However, Lu Qing couldn’t reveal this to Du Hangwu. Today, Du had sent him to Yu Heng because of Yu’s connections. If Du knew that Prince Su was involved, there was no telling if he might try to curry favor by delivering Lu to the prince himself.

Lu Qing fully expected Du Hangwu to resist the idea of leaving town so suddenly, and he had already prepared his arguments. Yet to his surprise, Du Hangwu didn’t ask any questions. Instead, he readily agreed, even helping Lu Qing step over a stone as they walked.

After seeing Lu Qing off, Du Hangwu immediately ordered his men to pack up and prepare to leave that night. Meanwhile, Lu Qing’s cane had finally broken, and Lu Xingyao helped his grandfather back to their earlier lodging to await departure.

Lu Qing patted his grandson’s hand. “We’ve been gone all day. Your father and mother must be terribly worried. Be sure to explain everything to them.”

Lu Xingyao nodded. “I will, Grandfather. I’ll tell them all that happened today.”

The family was already aware of the ancestor’s involvement. Some believed it, others were skeptical, but based on Du Hangwu’s reaction, it was clear that he had been convinced the Lu family was indeed under divine protection.

Lu Qing thought that, from now on, the Lu family might not need to be as secretive as before. Whether that was a good or bad thing remained to be seen.

He sighed slightly, thinking of his sons and their families. The thought of reuniting with them warmed his heart. Despite the difficulties, the fact that the family was still together was a blessing.

But the moment the door opened, his smile froze.

Inside, his second son and daughter-in-law were playing with their granddaughter, his eldest son and daughter-in-law were chatting and laughing, and his third son was resting with his eyes closed. The whole room was filled with a festive atmosphere, as if they were celebrating the new year.

The elderly man’s heart sank.

Lu Xingyao was equally stunned. He turned to his grandfather. It doesn’t look like they were too worried about us…

Lu Qing cleared his throat. “Ahem—”

Upon hearing the noise, everyone in the room turned toward the door. Mrs Song was the first to stand up, smiling brightly. “Father, you’re back!”

The couple quickly rushed over—one supporting the old man, the other pulling Lu Xingyao into the room.

The rest of the family gathered around, their faces full of joy. Surrounded by their warmth, Lu Qing’s heart finally began to thaw. He smiled and stroked his beard, his tone gentle. “There’s much to discuss about what happened today, but Xingyao will fill you all in…”

Lu Zhou exchanged a glance with Mrs Song, smiling as he interrupted. “Father, if it’s not urgent, we can discuss it later. Right now, I have some important news to share with you.”

Lu Qing and Lu Xingyao exchanged a look of confusion. What could have possibly happened here?

Lu Zhou pulled three slips of paper from his sleeve and handed them to his father one by one. “When you didn’t return earlier, we were preparing to come and find you. But then the ancestor came—and knocked out Second Brother!”

Lu Qing was shocked. Lu Xingyao exclaimed, “The ancestor was here?!”

Mrs Song nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, and they left us some food and these three notes!”

Lu Qing read the notes, feeling touched. The ancestor even cared enough to leave food for the family, yet didn’t mention a word to me.

“Did you give thanks to the ancestor?”

“Of course. We performed the three-kneeling, nine-bowing ceremony to show our gratitude.”

Lu Qing nodded, pleased.

But Lu Xingyao sensed something odd. He asked, “Father, why did the ancestor knock out Second Uncle?”

Everyone fell silent.