Facing Zhang Jingqing's question, Gojo took a deep breath and spoke slowly,
"Master, what about the magistrate's other subordinates?"
From the piles of bones in the prison, it was obvious that five men alone could not have killed so many strong men.
Which meant—
The magistrate must have had other accomplices aiding him.
What puzzled Gojo was this:
After leaving the prison, they hadn't seen a single one of those subordinates.
"Junior Brother Su, take a look at this yamen—does anything feel different?"
Zhang Zhiwei casually slung an arm around Gojo's shoulders, pointing ahead with a grin.
"Different?"
Gojo examined the place carefully, comparing it to how it had looked in his memory.
After a moment, he said,
"This yamen… looks like it's been scorched."
Indeed—
The floors, walls, and even the eaves bore dark, charred marks, as if struck by lightning.
"Exactly."
Zhang Zhiwei grinned.
"Every last one of the magistrate's men—Master struck them all down with Thunder Arts."
"I see."
Gojo immediately understood.
With the magistrate dead, his lackeys eliminated, and the overwhelming display of heavenly lightning—
This town wouldn't see such horrors again for at least a few years.
"By the way, Junior Brother Su—since when did you master Thunder Arts to this level?"
Zhang Zhiwei's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"How about we spar a bit?"
…Fight Zhang Zhiwei?
Gojo froze for a moment.
After carefully considering the gap between them, he shook his head.
"Well…"
"Senior Brother Zhiwei, we're still out training right now."
He spoke calmly,
"How about we wait until we return to Longhu Mountain, and then spar?"
Even if he couldn't beat Zhang Zhiwei now—
That might not be the case later.
After all—
He now possessed ninefold talent.
Given enough time, he was confident he could push both the Golden Light Spell and Yang Five Thunder to even greater heights—
Perhaps even develop stronger techniques.
At that point—
He refused to believe he'd still lose!
"Back at Longhu Mountain?"
"Sure, that works."
Zhang Zhiwei nodded, not pressing the issue.
After all, the two had a good relationship—he wouldn't take offense over something like this.
"Let's move."
Zhang Jingqing spoke lightly and strode out of the county.
—
After a long journey—
Gojo and his group finally arrived within the territory of the Lu Family.
As one of the Four Great Families in the world of cultivators, the Lu Family held immense prestige.
Thus, the moment they stepped into Lu territory—
Someone immediately approached them with a warm smile.
"Celestial Master Zhang!"
"Our Patriarch has been waiting for you!"
A tall, robed middle-aged man stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
"Thank you for the trouble."
Zhang Jingqing returned the courtesy with Gojo and Zhang Zhiwei.
Under the man's guidance, they boarded a carriage and headed toward the Lu ancestral estate.
Inside the carriage, Gojo lifted the curtain and glanced outside.
The Lu Family's driver was exceptionally skilled—
The ride was so smooth it felt as if they were gliding over flat ground.
"The Lu Family really spares no expense—sending a carriage just to receive us."
Zhang Zhiwei leaned back against the cushions, sighing in admiration.
"Seems like Master's reputation carries quite some weight."
Gojo chuckled in agreement.
"You two rascals…"
Zhang Jingqing laughed as he scolded them.
With his easygoing nature, the atmosphere within Tianshi Mansion had always been relaxed.
Even in conversation, they often joked freely—never rigid or overly formal.
"By the way, Master—aside from Tianshi Mansion, who else has the Lu Family invited this time?"
Gojo asked.
"This banquet has quite the guest list."
"First, the other three of the Four Great Families."
"In addition—San Yi Sect, Quanzhen Sect, Wudang Sect, Shaolin Temple, Shuzi Sect, Shangqing Sect, Huode Sect…"
"And several other long-established families and factions."
Zhang Jingqing explained calmly.
"After all, this isn't just Elder Lu's seventieth birthday."
"It's also the ceremony where he passes the position of family head to the younger generation—Lu Xuan."
"And since there hasn't been any major warfare this year, everyone is taking this opportunity to gather."
"The Lu Family truly has influence—to gather so many people."
Gojo couldn't help but marvel.
This event had practically brought together every major force in the cultivator world.
Just then—
The carriage came to a stop.
"Celestial Master Zhang, Daoist sirs—we've arrived."
"Thank you."
The three stepped out and looked ahead.
The scene before them was lively beyond words—
Lanterns hung everywhere, drums and gongs thundered, and red decorations stretched across the entire street.
Even the night sky seemed dyed crimson.
At the Lu residence gates—
Firecrackers exploded, gongs rang, and children's laughter filled the air.
Servants bustled back and forth, carrying items in and out through side entrances.
The entire place radiated celebration.
At that moment—
An elderly man in his seventies or eighties hurried out from the main gate, heading straight toward them.
Behind him followed a large group of people.
Recognizing him, Zhang Jingqing's face lit up with a bright smile.
"Brother Lu! It's been a long time!"
Clearly—
This elderly man was the current head of the Lu Family—Old Master Lu.
As longtime friends and close confidants, their reunion was naturally warm.
Old Master Lu clasped his hands and laughed heartily.
"The Celestial Master honors us with his presence—the Lu Family is truly blessed!"
"Since you're here, you must stay a few more days and allow us to show proper hospitality!"
The middle-aged man behind him quickly added,
"Yes, please stay for a few days, Celestial Master."
Zhang Jingqing returned the gesture with a smile.
"Haha, then we'll trouble you for the next few days, Brother Lu."
Behind him, Gojo and Zhang Zhiwei also stepped forward and paid their respects.
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