Chapter 94

In the middle, sitting calmly, was an old man with white hair, gray eyebrows that spread like an eagle's wings.

To his right were three people: the closest one was slightly plump, in his early fifties, with a touch of gray at his temples, a three-inch beard, and a refined demeanor; the second was a middle-aged man dressed in white, with a sorrowful face and a lack of spirit; the third, around the same age as the second, in his early forties, had features that most resembled the old man in the middle.

On the old man's left, there was only one person, a young and handsome man dressed in a purple robe, standing there with a sense of isolation, exuding a cold and distant aura. This one person gave Lu Buqi the feeling that his presence was even more powerful than the three on the opposite side.

The old man in the middle, dressed in a silver robe with eagle-like eyebrows, was undoubtedly the first person in Hongshan County, a prominent figure in Longyuan Island and even in Yunze Kingdom, known as "Eagle Owl" Lu Hongshan.

The moment the hall door opened, Lu Hongshan's sharp gaze immediately locked onto Lu Buqi, as if he had already known Lu Buqi's position even before the door was opened.

When Lu Buqi met Lu Hongshan's gaze, he felt as if he was instantly seen through, and his sensitive heart, like that of a wild animal, naturally sensed a hint of danger.

"The first person on Lu Hongshan's right must be 'Daddy,' both in age and demeanor, he fits the role. The one on the left must be Ninth Uncle, a strong and aloof person, probably not easy to get along with, which explains why Lu Puxin and others were somewhat surprised."

"As for the middle-aged man with a sorrowful face, he must be Fourth Uncle, and the one next to him is clearly Fifth Uncle. They seem quite close, so their relationship must be very close."

Lu Buqi quickly analyzed in his mind, a skill he had from his previous life. In any unfamiliar environment, when meeting unfamiliar people, he must analyze as quickly as possible to gather useful information.

"Sir, I have brought the person!" Lu Ying respectfully bowed to Lu Hongshan and, without waiting for a response, retreated and closed the door.

Lu Puxin and Lu Shaohui stepped forward to greet, calling out "Uncle" all the way, but without any sense of servility. The status of Blood Heat Realm martial artists in such a family was clearly still quite high.

"Are you Buqi?" Lu Hongshan stared intently at Lu Buqi.

Those in a position of power would ask such a simple question for two reasons: one, out of a sense of ease and courtesy, and two, to observe a person's details.

Lu Buqi calmly bowed slightly: "Buqi greets Grandfather Lu. I have heard of your reputation in Yangze, and it is a great honor to meet you today."

Just the right amount of flattery, absolutely the foundation of speaking to elders. Even Lu Buqi, who didn't like to be insincere, would naturally pay attention to this at such times.

Lu Hongshan's expression remained stern, not softened by Lu Buqi's polite flattery: "You said you want to ask me for a favor?"

"Yes..." Lu Buqi nodded, about to respond, but the hall was interrupted by noisy voices from outside.

"… Don't stop me, I want to see Grandpa!"

"Second Young Master, Sir is receiving guests…"

"Uncle, move aside for me…" With a loud bang, the hall door was pushed open, and a young man with a broad back and narrow waist, dressed in military attire, stormed in with a scowl on his face!

Everyone in the hall, except for Lu Buqi, Lu Hongshan, and Ninth Uncle, showed a change in expression, though their reactions varied. Lu Shaohui and Fourth Uncle had the most significant changes; the former's face became even more sullen, while the latter looked as if he had found a support, overjoyed.

"Zhang, how dare you barge in and make such a commotion! What kind of decorum is this!" Lu Hongshan's thoughtful gaze swept over Lu Buqi's calm face and landed on the young man with a bronze complexion, exuding a strong military aura.

This person was none other than Lu Zhang, the son of Fourth Uncle Lu An, and the second in line among the third generation of the Lu family. He scanned the hall with a scowl, finally landing on Lu Shaohui. His face suddenly hardened, and he strode over, punching Lu Shaohui to the ground: "You bastard, why didn't you protect my sister properly?"

Lu Shaohui was a Blood Heat Second Stage martial artist. If he had decided to fight back, even with Lu Zhang's strength, he wouldn't have been able to knock him down with one punch.

Clearly, Lu Zhang loved his sister Lu Ning very much, and with his fiery temper, he was frustrated. In front of Lu Hongshan and others, he started beating people.

However, when Lu Zhang was about to kick again, a purple figure flashed, and he was thrown out of the hall. Lu Buqi's face changed completely, as this purple figure was none other than Ninth Uncle Lu Tai.

Lu Buqi's face changed because the speed at which Ninth Uncle had moved was incredibly fast. A distance of three zhang, and he was there in a flash. Moreover, Lu Zhang was clearly not weak, yet he was thrown out without any resistance.

"When did the Lu family produce such a disrespectful brat?" Lu Tai glared at the hall entrance: "Doesn't my father's word count?"

Lu An's face changed: "Ninth Brother, don't be so harsh. When you call my Zhang a brat, you are insulting the Lu family!"

Lu Tai sneered: "Even the offspring of a dragon can be a snake! If a son is not taught, it is the father's fault. Lu An, don't make me insult you as well."

Lu An wanted to say more, but Lu Hongshan already spoke sternly: "All of you, be quiet. Do you want to make a fool of yourselves in front of outsiders? Shaohui, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Second Young Master held back and didn't use his full strength!" Lu Shaohui stood up, wiping the blood from his mouth. Though he said he was fine, he was inwardly frustrated. He had been scolded by Lu An last night and now had to endure a punch from Lu Zhang.

"Good, children can be rash. Don't take it to heart!" Lu Hongshan looked at Lu Shaohui indifferently, and the latter quickly shook his head: "I dare not, Sir."

Lu Hongshan nodded, his gaze sweeping over Lu Buqi again, but this time it landed on the hall entrance: "Zhang, don't look at your Ninth Uncle like that. If you have the ability to throw him out, you can be the master of this family!"

Lu Zhang glared at Lu Tai angrily, then took a deep breath and bowed slightly: "Ninth Uncle…"

"Come in, apologize to Shaohui." Lu Tai slowly returned to his seat. Lu Buqi, who had been low-key, followed his steps with his eyes, still marveling at Lu Tai's strength.

Lu Zhang walked back in, but after looking at Lu Shaohui, he still didn't say the words of apology. Instead, he looked at Lu Hongshan again: "Grandpa, my sister Ning is so well-behaved and has already reached the Bone Roar Realm at such a young age. She is undoubtedly the most outstanding girl in the third generation of our Lu family. How can you not be enraged by her death? As the captain of the Blue Eagle Team, how can Shaohui gloss over it so easily?"

"Of course, I am heartbroken to lose my child. But the Eagle Guard is a team trained to be the most elite force for our Lu family, not a peaceful backyard. Some casualties are normal and cannot be blamed entirely on Shaohui," Lu Hongshan said with authority.

He paused and continued: "Moreover, the situation was critical. They encountered a Seventh Stage Spirit Beast, the Pan Mountain Python. Shaohui bravely took on the pressure and held out until the Blue Eagle Team's rescue, saving the other team members. This is a significant effort. Furthermore, he and Puxin have brought in several excellent talents for our Lu family, which is a fortunate event amidst the misfortune. So stop making a fuss."

"What kind of talent can compare to my sister?" Lu Zhang's face was full of disdain, his gaze landing on Lu Buqi: "This kid?"

Finding himself involved in the family's affairs, Lu Buqi could only sigh inwardly. He couldn't remain aloof and was inevitably drawn into the situation.

"He is called Buqi, not yet twenty years old, and hasn't broken through to the Blood Heat Realm, but he has strength comparable to yours. If this isn't a good seed, my dear nephew, wouldn't you be embarrassed?" Lu Tai responded, his gaze carrying a hint of playful indifference.

Lu Zhang's expression turned cold: "Ninth Uncle, you are mistaken. I broke through to the Blood Heat Realm at the beginning of the year. Although I am only at the First Stage, even a Ninth Stage Bone Roar Realm martial artist can't withstand my three moves."