Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 624 Words that Shock the Audience

Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and more and more people from all over came to congratulate Huai Jun on his birthday.

The entire demon city seemed crowded as all sorts of congratulatory gifts were delivered to Green Locust Mountain.

Lu Zheng could see that demon forces were sending cartloads of human cultivators or demons as gifts, ostentatiously making their way through the area.

The locals were used to it, and some even gathered around to discuss where these slaves came from.

On the day of the birthday banquet, guests began to register and go up the mountain one after another.

Lu Zheng arrived at the foot of a mountain, where some of Huai Jun's subordinates were receiving guests.

Originally, he had been thinking of following Lu Zheng to join in the fun, but Lu Zheng didn't want him to get too close, otherwise he wouldn't be able to use his skills later.

So, after painstakingly changing his appearance, he chose to travel with Yunhe and went up the mountain before Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng arrived at the reception desk and showed his invitation.

When one of Huai Jun's confidants saw the invitation that Lu Zheng had taken out, his eyes lit up. This was another distinguished guest!

The confidant quickly took the invitation with both hands to check and register it, then paused slightly in surprise.

This invitation was supposed to be for a big shot from the snowfield, but the person who came was not any of those three.

The confidant couldn't help but ask, "Didn't Master Cibei and the others come?"

Lu Zheng calmly said, "They really couldn't come, so I came on behalf of Xueyuan."

The confidant was puzzled upon hearing this. What important matter could those three great demons have that they couldn't send any of them and instead sent such a young man?

If the three demons of Great Compassion were to come, they would naturally have been given seats in advance so that they could dine with Lord Huai in the same hall.

He couldn't easily probe the young man's cultivation level, and for a moment he didn't know what to do.

Just then, a sweet laugh rang out, making everyone's hearts flutter and also giving them a jolt.

A glamorous figure gracefully approached. "Oh, what a coincidence! Young Master Lu is also going up the mountain to celebrate Lord Huai's birthday. We're on the same road..."

Hu Qing floated lightly to Lu Zheng's side, and when she saw the invitation Lu Zheng had taken out, a hint of surprise flashed in her beautiful eyes.

She had previously suspected that Lu Zheng's visit wasn't just for a birthday celebration, but had some other purpose.

It's unexpected that Lu Zheng could receive such an invitation; it seems his relationship with Huai Jun is quite special...

This puzzled Hu Qing, who wondered if she was overthinking things.

When the people and demons at the reception desk saw Hu Qing arrive, their expressions changed. They dared not look at her and secretly circulated their magic to avoid being affected by the invisible charm emanating from her.

When Lu Zheng saw Hu Qing coming over, he said, "It's quite a coincidence. I thought you were already on the mountain."

Hu Qing smiled but remained silent. She had been to Qinghuai Mountain many times and knew it very well. There was nothing interesting to do on the mountain.

She did see a few acquaintances on the mountain these past two days, but she didn't find it very enjoyable, and wandered around the mountain several times.

Hu Qing had originally intended to inquire about Lu Zheng and the other person's situation, but she couldn't find them. Only now did she realize that Lu Zheng was going to the mountain to celebrate a birthday, and hadn't disappeared.

Those around them, hearing Lu Zheng's address to the woman of desire, were unsure whether the young man was unaware of Hu Qing's identity or what was going on.

Hu Qing smiled and said, "Young Master Lu, is this your first time visiting Qinghuai Mountain? Would you like me to show you around?"

Lu Zheng nodded and said, "Okay."

Hu Qing added, "Speaking of which, the scenery in our Yu Sect is not bad either. Why don't you come visit us sometime?"

Hu Qing has no idea that she will soon regret saying those words.

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "I'll definitely go if I have the chance."

Even the most foolish of Huai Jun's confidants, who were examining the invitations, could tell that Lu Zheng was unusual.

How could an ordinary person remain so calm and talk so amiably in front of Hu Qing?
Upon seeing this, he arranged for someone to take Lu Zheng and Hu Qing up the mountain.

The mountain path is wide with bluestone slabs, and tall, lush locust trees line both sides.

Each locust tree exudes a strong demonic aura; it is said that these trees are all branches transformed from the original body of the Locust Lord.

This Green Locust Mountain is covered with demonic trees, and it can be said that this entire mountain range belongs to Lord Locust.

Lu Zheng turned his gaze to the side and looked at the roots of those trees.

With just a little exploration, he could sense that there were bones piled up beneath the ground, and he didn't know how many humans and demons were buried here, becoming nourishment for these trees.

In some places, piles of white bones are even clearly visible on the ground.

The area was filled with eerie atmosphere, giving people a chilling feeling even in broad daylight.

Seeing Lu Zheng calmly observing the surrounding scenery, Hu Qing couldn't help but ask, "What does Young Master Lu think of this place?"

Lu Zheng said indifferently, "I don't like this kind of place."

Hu Qing smiled and said, "I understand, I understand, after all you are a human cultivator."

Let alone Lu Zheng being a human, even Hu Qing, who practices Buddhist methods, has an aura that repels the demonic energy here, making her feel uneasy about the place.

However, as a powerful demon in the vicinity and a neighbor of the Desire Sect, Huai Jun would naturally not openly say that this place was not good in order to maintain a stable relationship.

Hu Qing changed the subject, saying, "Hey, speaking of which, why didn't that master travel with you?"

Lu Zhengdao: "It's inconvenient for him."

"Inconvenient?" Hu Qing asked, puzzled.

Those who came to celebrate Huai Jun's birthday included not only the surrounding forces, but also representatives from several demon kingdoms, and even some families and Buddhist forces from the border of Wei Kingdom.

I didn't see those people trying to hide anything or causing any inconvenience.

Seeing that Lu Zheng did not elaborate, Hu Qing asked again, "I wonder what gift Young Master Lu has prepared to celebrate Huai Jun's birthday this time?"

Lu Zhengdao said, "It's a generous gift. I will personally deliver it to him when I meet him."

"Really?"

Hu Qing immediately became curious, "I'd like to know what gift Young Master Lu brought?"

Lu Zheng said, "You'll find out later." After visiting several places on Qinghuai Mountain, Lu Zheng and his party headed to the venue for the birthday banquet.

A magnificent palace halfway up the mountain was bustling with activity.

There were already many seats set up in the square outside the palace, and people were coming and going, with many guests already seated.

Lu Zheng glanced around and saw all sorts of people, including all kinds of demons and monsters.

Lu Zheng and Hu Qing were considered honored guests and were led directly to a luxurious palace.

Inside the palace, some people were already seated.

Each one was dressed in luxurious clothes, with an extraordinary temperament, and whether human or demon, they all exuded a unique aura.

As Lu Zheng and Hu Qing entered the main hall, some people cast their gazes at them.

Seeing that many of the faces were familiar, Hu Qing greeted them with a smile.

Those people responded one by one, but none of them thought of getting close to this demoness from the Desire Sect.

Some people, seeing Lu Zheng and Hu Qing getting close, assumed that Hu Qing had captured a human cultivator from somewhere.

However, Lu Zheng quickly took a seat alone, dispelling everyone's thoughts.

Hu Qing even swapped seats with an acquaintance and sat next to Lu Zheng, clearly indicating her desire to get closer to him.

Of course, Hu Qing did this for a simple reason: she was very curious about Lu Zheng's identity and background, and she also developed a competitive spirit towards this young man who showed no emotion towards her.

She didn't believe that her charm had no effect on Lu Zheng.

Others kept their distance from her, but she naturally disdained them.

Lu Zheng, being the kind of person she was, naturally piqued Hu Qing's interest. After their previous interactions, she even suspected that Lu Zheng might be practicing some kind of ruthless path, as he seemed to have no emotions whatsoever.

On Lu Zheng's other side, a handsome young man smiled and said, "I am Lu Jing of the Lu clan of Bai Ze Kingdom. May I ask your honorable name, sir?"

Bai Ze Kingdom is one of the most renowned demon kingdoms in the Northern Region.

Legend has it that the royal family that founded this country had the bloodline of the divine beast Bai Ze, and the country was inhabited by many beast-like demons, while humans also made up a portion of the population.

The Lu clan was a prominent family in the Baize Kingdom.

The deer came on behalf of the family to celebrate Huai Jun's birthday.

In fact, the Lu clan and Huai Jun lived not far apart, and their relationship was not very close.

It's just that it's Mr. Huai's birthday, so we have to give him some face and go through the proper social interactions.

The Lu clan was quite powerful, with several experts at the Tongxuan level within the family. Therefore, the representative they sent was given a seat in the main hall.

Seeing that someone was asking, Lu Zheng said, "Lu Zheng is a scholar."

Lu Jing blinked and asked curiously, "A scholar? Or a Confucian or Taoist practitioner?"

Judging from Lu Zheng's appearance and demeanor, he didn't seem like a Buddhist monk, so he thought of a Confucian scholar.

Lu Zhengdao: "I read all kinds of books."

Lu Jing couldn't help but say, "Oh, then I suppose you are very learned, brother."

"Not really," Lu Zheng said calmly.

Seeing Lu Zheng's indifferent demeanor, Lu Jing wisely refrained from continuing the conversation, sensing that something was amiss with this young man.

Why do you seem so serious when you come to wish someone a happy birthday?
Hu Qing, used to this, smiled and said, "Young Master Lu has read Buddhist scriptures, so you must have some knowledge of Buddhism. I wonder what you think of our Desire Sect?"

Lu Zheng said frankly, "That's trivial."

Hu Qing raised an eyebrow. "Tsk, what does Young Master consider the Great Way?"

Lu Zhengdao: "Between heaven and earth, there are all things and all living beings."

Hu Qing blinked, somewhat confused. "What do you mean?"

Lu Zheng said calmly, "You'll understand later."

Hu Qing's eyes flickered, thinking to herself, "You're a young man, and you're even playing dumb."

Hu Qing said quietly, "Is this how you scholars always talk? You always make people guess..."

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng did not offer any further explanation, but instead turned to look towards the main hall.

A group of people stepped into the main hall.

The leader was dressed in a blue robe, tall and robust, and looked like a middle-aged man.

She was followed by a group of beautiful servants who came in a throng.

Upon seeing the newcomer, all the guests rose to their feet and bowed.

"Lotus Prince!"

"Greetings, Lord Huai..."

"Congratulations on your birthday, Huai Jun! May you soon attain enlightenment..."

……

Huai Jun smiled and nodded slightly in response to everyone.

"Very well, it is my honor that distinguished guests have come from afar. Please have a seat!"

Upon hearing this, everyone took their seats, except for one person who stood motionless at his seat.

Hu Qing looked at Lu Zheng with a strange expression. She had seen Lu Zheng stand up earlier but not offer any greetings or blessings. Now he wasn't sitting down either. What was he going to do?
Huai Jun quickly noticed Lu Zheng, thinking he was a young representative sent by some family.

Facing Huai Jun's turned gaze, Lu Zheng spoke slowly.

"I, Lu, have come here today to challenge Lord Huai, to determine who is superior and to decide life or death."

Upon hearing this, the entire room paled.

(End of this chapter)