Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family Chapter 2206: 595: Xiao Xiyue: So You Really Have Something Going On With Master!
Previously on Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family...
Not long after, Xiao Xiyue, accompanied by Lu Wangshu, arrived at the Lu Family Mansion.
"Changsheng."
The sight of Lu Changsheng caused Xiao Xiyue's heart to thaw like ice and snow; a torrent of words welled up within her.
However, due to the presence of her sister and master, and the public setting, she restrained her emotions for the moment, her gentle greeting reminiscent of the serene and celestial Guanghan Fairy.
Observing her mother's demeanor, Lu Wangshu lifted her chin slightly, casting a proud glance at her father before addressing him casually as 'Dad.'
"Xi Yue, Wangshu."
Unperturbed, Lu Changsheng naturally stepped forward, his eyes filled with deep affection, taking Xiao Xiyue's hand and affectionately ruffling his daughter's lustrous black hair.
"Dad, you messed up my hair again," Lu Wangshu playfully chided, feigning annoyance and intending to ignore her father momentarily.
"Sister!"
Lu Linghe, who shared a close bond with Lu Wangshu, called out to her directly as 'sister.' Upon seeing her, she rushed forward with evident affection, eager to share tales of their recent harvests and experiences.Lu Wangshu, dismissing her father, turned to converse with Lu Linghe and Lu Baixi. She then curiously inspected the Golden-Winged Heavenly Peng, her mind briefly wondering if it was another sibling.
At this juncture, Lu Miaohuan entered the hall, escorting her daughter, Lu Qingqi.
"Husband."
Upon seeing Lu Changsheng, the pent-up longing and grievances within Lu Miaohuan surged like an overwhelming tide.
She yearned to understand the reason for his prolonged absence.
In recent years, not only had Sister Lu Miaoge been deployed to the front lines in Yue Country, but she had also received dispatches detailing an ambush where her son, Lu Qingshan, was gravely wounded by a Core Formation Cultivator.
Faced with such dire circumstances, she felt utterly helpless, confined to Bi Lake Mountain without recourse, her heart filled with profound distress.
Gazing at his wife, whose emotions were a palpable mix of longing and grievance, Lu Changsheng inwardly sighed and moved to offer comfort.
Responding to her words, Lu Changsheng immediately reassured her, "Huanhuan, do not worry. Sister Miaoge, Qingshan, and Little Bamboo will not face significant peril."
Having returned to Great Dream Immortal City and familiarized himself with the family's current standing, he had divined the fortunes of his wife and children amidst the Liangyue War.
Although the war's origins had cast a veil of chaos and obscurity over heavenly secrets, his calculations as a Fourth Rank Divination Master indicated no mortal dangers for his wife and children.
Nevertheless, acknowledging the inherent risks of conflict, he intended to journey to Yue Country once his present obligations were fulfilled.
As Xia Zhizue, Lu Ping’an, and others subsequently arrived, Lu Changsheng extended his care and greetings to each one.
"You must be Shouzheng?"
Lu Changsheng, setting aside further pleasantries with his wife for a later occasion, turned his attention to the young boy accompanying Lu Ping’an.
The boy, no older than ten, was clad in a blue and white tunic with narrow sleeves. He possessed striking handsomeness, a prominent nose bridge, and eyes like cold stars, inheriting the refined features of both Lu Changsheng and Chu Qingyi. A three-inch wooden sword, its hilt adorned with ice-blue tassels, hung at his waist.
"Are you my father?"
The boy tilted his head upwards, his star-like eyes fixed upon the man in the flowing green robe—a figure of profound handsomeness and transcendence. His inquiry was uttered with a calm, unpretentious tone.
"Hm!?"
The boy's startling question drew the collective gaze of everyone present in the hall.
Even Lu Ping’an exhibited a flicker of surprise, caught off guard by Lu Shouzheng's unconventional address. He moved to intercede on the boy's behalf.
However, Lu Changsheng gestured for him to desist, responding with a gentle smile, "Indeed, I am your father, the Lord of Bi Lake Mountain, Lu Changsheng."
The boy offered a simple nod. "Mother told me."
He then executed a formal clasp-hands bow. "This child, Lu Shouzheng, pays respects to Father."
Yet, his demeanor remained one of unflappable calm, devoid of any discernible reverence, as though he were acknowledging a mere acquaintance.
Lu Changsheng regarded the handsome yet youthful boy before him, a quiet sigh escaping his lips.
He had anticipated such a reaction, having prepared himself mentally for this eventuality.
Chu Qingyi had conceived without his awareness.
She had given birth in his absence, and he had only received notification through the system.
During this child's formative years, he had been absent, and now, after a span of nine years, their first encounter was taking place.
Under such circumstances, how could a genuine father-son bond possibly be forged?
Especially considering this child was raised by Chu Qingyi, who, four years prior, had departed for the Yue Country front lines, leading to their separation and his temporary charge of Bi Lake Mountain.
"Do you have an affinity for the sword?"
Lu Changsheng's gaze fell upon the wooden sword at the boy's waist, and he inquired softly.
"Mother bestowed this upon me. She practices the sword, so naturally, I do as well."
The boy responded with characteristic calmness.
A subtle ache resonated within Lu Changsheng's heart, a distinct discomfort prickling him. "Have you not yet cultivated any sword techniques?" he probed.
He noticed that the boy was currently practicing a cultivation technique devoid of any elemental attribute.
"Mother has not yet instructed me in sword techniques,"
the boy stated matter-of-factly.
Even though Chu Qingyi held the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Scripture, she kept its teachings to herself.
Lu Ping’an had inquired about this previously, even offering to impart the Five Luminaries Star Life and Death Sword Scripture. He was refused, however, with the intention of waiting for his mother's return to discuss the matter. For the time being, he would start with non-attribute cultivation, allowing for easier transitions to other techniques later on.
"Your mother practices the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Scripture, but she hasn’t taught it to you. She intended for me to teach you. Since that's the case, I will impart this sword technique to you in a few days."
Lu Changsheng remained uncertain if his child would be more adept at sword techniques or other cultivation methods.
However, since the boy expressed a desire to learn swordsmanship, he resolved to fulfill that wish.
"Thank you, Father. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave now."
Lu Shouzheng offered his thanks with a bow, maintaining his composure.
He then bowed to everyone present in the hall, preparing to return to his own quarters.
"Dad, Shouzheng's personality is quite independent. I'll go check on him,"
Lu Ping’an observed this and immediately informed his father, expressing his intent to keep an eye on Lu Shouzheng.
"Perhaps it's because neither you nor Master Aunt are present. Shouzheng is usually reluctant to interact much; he prefers to read or cultivate..."
Lu Wangshu, witnessing the interaction, also spoke to her father.
Upon learning that Lu Shouzheng was the child of her father and Master Aunt Chu Qingyi, she was profoundly astonished.
She had never imagined that her father would father a child with her mother’s sister, Qingyi True Master.