Chapter 166: Huang Li
"You can remain in seclusion as you still need rest, and don't worry about the war for now. I will send a person to inform you if your help is needed. This time is very important for your training. If you can reach the second stage through Qi as well, your power will rise up again," Lu Ming said without skipping a beat.
"And the second-stage martial beast meat is quite abundant right now, so I can only give you ten kilos. Is that fine with you?"
"Thank you, ancestor." Lu Zhen bowed as he expressed gratitude. With his "Devour" skill, almost no energy was wasted. This meant that although the quantity of the meat was not substantial, the quality would make up for it. He then returned to his place to commence his seclusion and recovery.
….
"Young master, you have arrived," Little Lily exclaimed, excitedly running towards Lu Zhen as she bowed.
Lu Zhen's eyes lit up upon seeing Lily. Her aura seemed to have changed significantly, giving her a more heroic appearance. Sharp eyebrows emitted a faint, sharp aura, and she now wore a purple dress that, while fully covering her skin, was rather tight, accentuating all her curves.
Previously resembling a cute, friendly neighbour girl, Lily now appeared more heroic and strong.
"You have become a third-stage martial artist already?" he said, showing a hint of surprise.
"Yes, young master," Lily replied, her eyes gleaming with sparkles.
Lu Zhen nodded with satisfaction; however, he was caught off guard as Lily came right up and hugged him.
"I can finally be useful to you, young master," she declared, her tone tinged with reverence and worship.
Lu Zhen was stunned by her words, feeling the softness of Lily's embrace. He revealed a bitter expression.
"I guess she has become like a yandere from my world," he thought to himself as he distanced himself.
Lily immediately let go; however, her face bore a clear image of reluctance.
"Go prepare a new training room for me."
"Yes, young master," she bowed, quickly going to work.
Meanwhile, Lu Zhen headed towards Huang Li's room.
….
Huang Li sat in a meditative position, deeply engrossed in her cultivation.
She was fully ignorant of the ongoing war, as the Lu family had attacked in secrecy, and news had barely leaked to the common people. Even with the commotion Lu Zhen caused, news took some time to travel.
Abruptly, she heard footsteps approaching, causing her to stop her cultivation and look towards her door.
"Who is it?" she said with a frown. "If it is food, leave it outside the room."
However, the footsteps didn't cease.
Bang!
The door shattered, revealing a handsome man with red eyes and long black hair. His lean physique exuded an intimidating aura, as if everyone else was nothing more than insects in his presence.
"Lu Zhen," Huang Li's eyes widened in shock.
"What, can't I come to my palace?"
"You can, however, breaking your own door is rather pathetic." Huang Li immediately retorted with an amused smile.
Lu Zhen was momentarily stunned, but he chuckled, saying, "What a smart girl," with a smile on his face.
"Humph." Huang Li just shook her head and turned away from Lu Zhen. Despite her dismissive gesture, her face was entirely red, a reaction to the compliment he had given her.
Lu Zhen's expression turned serious as he spoke.
"You can leave for the Huang family if you want. This is your last chance. If you don't, be prepared to face the consequences," he said in a cold tone. While the Lu family was currently in conflict with the Xia family, it was undoubted that the Huang family would also join the fray. In such a situation, it was inevitable that they would support the Xia family unless they were foolish.
Huang Li being in the Lu Manor could potentially cause trouble. Even if Lu Zhen didn't take any action, other members of the Huang family might try something, considering his status.
There were no bounds to a person's stupidity!
Huang Li's face morphed into a frown as she looked at the serious expression on Lu Zhen's face. She sensed that his words held a hidden meaning that she didn't fully grasp.
"Why is that?"
"War," Lu Zhen simply uttered the word, causing Huang Li's eyes to widen as she gazed at him with a serious expression, piecing together the meaning behind his words.
Her eyes narrowed to a slit when she finally comprehended Lu Zhen's implication.
"Do you mean that…?"
"Yes. So, do you want to leave right now or not?" Lu Zhen spoke in simple words.
"What will happen if I leave?" Huang Li asked with resigned eyes, as if she had already accepted her fate.
"If you leave, we will become strangers and enemies. If I find you on the battlefield, I will kill you," Lu Zhen stated in a chilling tone, faintly revealing a killing intent that instantly dissipated.
A cold shiver ran down her spine as Huang Li's back went cold. She knew that Lu Zhen wasn't making an idle threat, he was exactly speaking the truth.
"How heartless," she grumbled, "then what if I stay with you?"
"You will become one of my concubines or one of the captains in my army that I am forming, if you have enough strength, that is," he said with his eyes glinting. "So, what will it be?"
"I…" She wanted to return to her family, but her instincts seemed to scream at her to stay with Lu Zhen, making her decision difficult.
With her eyes closed, she stood there for a long time before sighing. Huang Li looked at the man in front of her and finally said, "I will…"