This Incense Golden Body Technique sounds quite imposing.
But as the Young Lord of the Lu Clan, he knew its true quality all too well.
Back then, the Old Ancestor of the Lu Clan relied on this technique to enjoy a period of glory, reigning supreme over the southern region of the Great Marsh and commanding the land.
But what was the result?
Once one left the territory where they received the incense, their power would drop by seventy to eighty percent.
Not to mention that later, someone found a flaw and cut off the source of incense, nearly causing the Lu Clan's extermination.
If it hadn't been for the subsequent generations of family heads making the tough decision to pivot toward an orthodox path, even being willing to serve as dogs just to cling to the great tree of Qingcheng Mountain...
The Lu Clan would likely have vanished from the world long ago.
The current Lu Clan views the Way of Incense as a scourge and avoids it at all costs.
As for the so-called Incomplete Manual of the Golden Body Technique, if the Lu Clan hadn't kept it as a memento, it probably would have been thrown into the stove to start a fire long ago.
Although Lu Changfeng thought this, his face showed none of it.
He slowly picked up his teacup and took a small sip.
When he looked up again...
His face was solemn.
"You have a keen eye, miss. This Golden Body Technique is the foundation of my Lu Clan and a secret not to be shared."
"Contained within this technique is the true meaning of the Great Dao of becoming a god through incense; it is incredibly precious."
Jiang Yuechu's expression remained calm, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Seeing that she didn't take the bait, Lu Changfeng wasn't embarrassed and continued, "Although my Lu Clan has changed its ways and no longer practices the Way of Incense... this is, after all, something passed down by our ancestors. If it were easily given to an outsider..."
He shook his head and sighed.
"I, Lu Changfeng, would likely be branded an unfilial descendant and would have no face to meet my ancestors after death."
Jiang Yuechu nodded slightly.
Indeed.
This Golden Body Technique was the foundation upon which the Lu Clan once built its existence.
If it were her, and someone came to her door empty-handed asking for her family's ultimate secret technique, she would probably have struck them down with a blade.
Since it's a business deal, it's about an equal exchange.
But in that case... what should she trade for it?
Could it be she really had to resort to robbery?
It wasn't that she didn't dare to steal it.
It's just that Qingcheng Mountain stood behind the Lu Clan. If they fought, and the elders came after the juniors were beaten, it would be a hassle.
Just as she was thinking this...
Lu Changfeng continued, "It's not that it can't be traded."
"I don't lack gold, silver, or mundane items, and Heaven And Earth Treasures aren't exactly scarce on Qingcheng Mountain."
"However..."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three of them almost imperceptibly.
Jiang Yuechu remained expressionless.
"I don't have any valuable treasures."
If the other party intended to demand an exorbitant price, she could only say sorry and then raise her hand to say, "Brother, you still need more practice..." "Uh..."
Lu Changfeng was slightly stunned, feeling somewhat helpless.
Such a confidently poor person was rare.
You dare come without money?
Do you intend to rob me?
But he still shook his head with a laugh: "Miss, you worry too much. The Golden Body Technique can be given. In fact, if you need it, the Lu Clan can even offer our insights into the Way of Incense with both hands."
"But there is one small request."
"As long as you agree to one thing..."
Just as expected!
Wang Ziyu's heart skipped a beat.
His fingers, hidden in his sleeves, clenched tightly.
This beast.
His target really was Jiang Yuechu.
After such a long detour, it was still just lust; he wanted to use the Golden Body Technique as a pretext for his illicit designs.
This Lu Clan truly had no good people from top to bottom.
Jiang Yuechu's expression was calm.
"Speak."
As long as it wasn't too much, as long as it didn't go against her conscience... For the Great Tang, for that Golden Body Technique...
Lu Changfeng stood up and straightened his collar.
On his handsome, jade-like face, a rare look of solemnity appeared.
There was even a hint of bashfulness.
"It's very simple... it's..."
"Could this little brother beside you grace me with his presence for a private meal..."
"Miss Li, you must not agree!"
Wang Ziyu's voice exploded almost simultaneously.
His small face was flushed red, full of indignation.
Just as he was about to step forward and denounce this lecher...
He heard the last part.
He froze on the spot.
"..."
Inside the pavilion.
The air suddenly froze.
Jiang Yuechu turned her head, her gaze a bit strange.
Running Ox's eyes widened even further... no matter how slow its brain was, it could sense something was wrong now.
Feeling Lu Changfeng's burning and somewhat expectant gaze landing on him...
Wang Ziyu felt completely unwell.
His delicate, small face instantly turned the color of pig liver.
No!
Why the hell are you blushing like a teapot?!
Dammit!
I thought this Lu guy was after Jiang Yuechu.
Who would have thought... he's after me?!
I'm just a child!
Are you even human?!
Jiang Yuechu narrowed her eyes.
She had thought he would demand an exorbitant price or some hard-to-find Heaven And Earth Treasure.
She had even prepared to go out and sharpen her blade if negotiations failed.
And yet... this was it?
If it were any other request, she might have had to weigh it.
But if it was this... the girl's expression turned strange as she slowly spoke.
"Is that all?"
Lu Changfeng smiled slightly: "That is all."
"I have enjoyed making friends with young talents since I was a child. Seeing this little brother fills my heart with joy, so I wish to share some wine and have a heart-to-heart talk. There are no other intentions."
Having received a definitive answer, Jiang Yuechu waved her hand, her sleeves fluttering, and said decisively:
"How is that difficult?! He..."
Before she could finish.
A shrill roar erupted beside her.
"Li Guyue! How dare you? Do you have no conscience?!"
The boy was filled with grief and indignation.
He was the direct disciple of Xuanzhen Grotto-Heaven; if word of today's event got out, he wouldn't need his Master to do anything—he'd find a piece of tofu to bash his head against and die.
Jiang Yuechu remained expressionless.
She simply reached out a hand and, like picking up a chick, grabbed Wang Ziyu by the back of his neck.
No matter how the boy struggled or kicked his limbs, that hand remained as steady as iron pincers.
The girl turned her head and gave an apologetic smile to Lu Changfeng, who was looking bewildered but also vaguely excited behind the desk.
"Young Lord Lu, please wait a moment... He's a bit shy. Give me a little time to have a few words with him."
Hearing this, the joy in Lu Changfeng's eyes grew even more pronounced.
He quickly put down his teacup and waved his hand generously.
"Of course, of course..."
"I am not one to force others. Please persuade him well, miss, and do not frighten the little brother."
"I have good wine and food waiting here. No rush, no rush."
Jiang Yuechu nodded slightly.
Then, carrying the still-cursing Wang Ziyu, she strode out of the pavilion.
Running Ox looked at the beaming Lu Changfeng, then looked outside the door.
It shuddered and quickly followed them out with its head down.