13: Wang Family of Fucheng

He couldn't afford a single one.

Lin Chuping felt ashamed of his poverty, silently closed the System store, and decided that out of sight was out of mind.

Blessing, Thunder Punishment, and Rain Summoning Technique all had a small plus sign next to them, indicating they could be upgraded.

Lin Chuping didn't upgrade immediately.

Since acquiring these divine techniques, he had only used Enter Dream and Thunder Punishment; the other two he hadn't tried yet.

Lin Chuping planned to find a secluded place to secretly experiment with them after nightfall to see if an upgrade was necessary.

For example, with the Rain Summoning Technique, a light drizzle is rain, and a torrential downpour is also rain. If he used it and found that it couldn't even wet the ground, that would be quite the joke.

*

The next morning, in the backyard of Steward Wang's residence in Prefecture City.

Although Wang Desheng was only the Family's steward, he was deeply trusted by Master Wang, and both of his sons were Martial Artists serving alongside the Young Master of the Wang Family.

Wang Desheng's status in the Family naturally went without saying, and he certainly wasn't short on money.

He had specially bought a large, five-courtyard mansion near the Wang Family residence, decorated with extreme luxury.

*

At this moment, in a side room in the West Courtyard, a young maid was serving the newly appointed Concubine Lian as she washed and dressed.

"Concubine, your hair is truly soft and smooth, even softer than the finest silk!"

The young maid, Chun Tao, carefully held the jade comb, gently styling Concubine Lian's dark hair, not forgetting to flatter her obsequiously.

Lian Ruyue slightly turned her head, smiling as she looked at her reflection in the bronze mirror.

In the mirror, the person's moth-like eyebrows curved like willow leaves, her pair of sparkling almond eyes were as clear and captivating as autumn water, and her unrouged cherry lips turned slightly upwards, revealing a charming smile.

Looking at her skin, like congealed fat, so delicate it seemed a light touch could make water drip from it. With such beauty, it was no wonder she had earned the Master's favor.

She didn't resemble a wild girl raised in the countryside at all, which was also the confidence her father had in sending her to curry favor with the Wang Family.

"You mischievous girl, your mouth is getting sweeter and sweeter! How dare you tease your mistress?"

Lian Ruyue chided Chun Tao with a playful glare, but there was no hint of blame in her eyes; instead, they were full of joy and affection.

As the two spoke, a loud "bang" echoed, and the door was kicked open without warning, splinters flying and raising a cloud of dust.

The two who were conversing were instantly startled, their gazes simultaneously sweeping towards the doorway.

A middle-aged man in a dark brocade robe strode into the room.

The man was tall and well-built, with a distinct facial contour, and his thick eyebrows were slightly furrowed, revealing a shrewdness and authority between them.

However, at this moment, his normally calm and composed face was contorted with rage, and his eyes seemed to burn with fierce flames.

Chun Tao was so frightened by the sudden turn of events that her legs went weak, and she plopped to the ground, her body trembling uncontrollably.

Concubine Lian, sitting by the bed, was even more flustered, scrambling to stand up and greet him.

But before she could steady herself, a crisp, loud slap landed heavily on her delicate cheek.

The immense impact sent her stumbling backward, crashing into the dressing table behind her.

With a series of "clatter, clatter" sounds, the exquisite bottles and jars on the dressing table tumbled to the floor.

Wang Desheng angrily stepped forward, reaching out a hand to tightly grip Concubine Lian's chin, forcing her face upwards.

He gritted his teeth and demanded, "You hussy! What on earth did Da Li Village provoke? Why is the second-grade Martial Artist I sent still missing without a trace!"

Facing the Master's interrogation, Concubine Lian was already pale with fear, tears welling in her eyes, and she stammered in reply, "Ma... Master, this concubine truly doesn't know..."

Lian Ruyue was choked by Wang Desheng's grip, barely able to breathe, her cheek stinging painfully, tears welling in her eyes, yet she dared not let them fall.

She spoke with a trembling voice, barely managing to squeeze out a few words: "Master... this concubine truly doesn't know..."

Wang Desheng snorted coldly, his grip not loosening in the slightest.

His gaze was chilling, as if trying to see through Lian Ruyue's heart: "Don't know? You came from Da Li Village; how could you not know what's happening in the village?"

A large Family like the Wang Family had countless first and second-grade Martial Artists under its command; only Martial Artists who advanced to the third grade and above would truly catch the Master's eye.

Logically speaking, the death of a second-grade Martial Artist shouldn't be a big deal, but with such matters, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Lian Ruyue's mind was a blank; ever since she entered Steward Wang's backyard, she had lost contact with her maiden Family and had no idea what had happened.

"Master, although this concubine comes from Da Li Village, ever since I entered the manor, I have devoted myself wholeheartedly to serving you. News from the village has long been cut off."

Her voice trembled, but she tried to remain calm, "Master, you said a second-grade Martial Artist died, what about my parents?"

Wang Desheng narrowed his eyes, staring at Lian Ruyue somewhat strangely, her expression suggested she was telling the truth.

"I've already sent people to Da Li Village to investigate the situation. You'd better genuinely know nothing!"

Wang Desheng turned and left, leaving Lian Ruyue and Chun Tao to exchange bewildered glances.

*

Lian Ruyue slumped to the ground, the pain on her cheek still lingering, but her heart was already in turmoil.

She clutched her clothes tightly, her fingertips slightly white, Wang Desheng's words replaying in her mind.

"Da Li Village... what on earth happened?"

Chun Tao cautiously crawled to her side, asking carefully, "Concubine, are you alright? Master... why was he so angry?"

Lian Ruyue shook her head, forcing a faint smile: "I'm fine. You go on ahead. I want to be alone for a bit."

Chun Tao hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded, quietly retreating.

Only Lian Ruyue remained in the room. She slowly stood up, walked to the bronze mirror, and looked at her swollen face in the reflection, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

"Da Li Village... Mother and Father... are you well?"

She murmured softly, her heart aching faintly.

Ever since she entered the Wang Family's door, she had never returned to her maiden home.

"Could it be... something really happened in the village?"

She thought uneasily, the figures of her parents and familiar villagers appearing in her mind.

As she thought, she began to cry softly.

*

Meanwhile, Wang Desheng angrily walked out of Lian Ruyue's courtyard, his expression changing, and headed straight for Master Wang's study.

Master Wang was a prominent figure in Prefecture City, usually living in seclusion and rarely concerning himself with the trivial matters of the manor.

But today, Wang Desheng had no choice but to see him personally.

In the study, Master Wang was sitting at his desk, holding an ancient book, his brow slightly furrowed, seemingly deep in thought.

Wang Desheng stood at the doorway and respectfully bowed: "Master, your subordinate has an important matter to report."

Master Wang looked up at him and said indifferently: "Come in."

Wang Desheng entered the study, closed the door, and whispered: "Master, there's a problem in Da Li Village."

"Oh?"

Master Wang put down his book, his eyebrows slightly raised, "What problem?"

"The second-grade Martial Artist your subordinate sent to Da Li Village is still missing without a trace. I'm afraid he has met with an accident."

"A second-grade Martial Artist? A mere village, yet it can cause a second-grade Martial Artist to disappear?"

Wang Desheng nodded, not daring to conceal anything: "Your subordinate suspects that Da Li Village may have provoked something it shouldn't have. Furthermore, Concubine Lian seems to be completely unaware of this matter."

Master Wang pondered for a moment: "Concubine Lian is an ordinary person; if she is unaware, it is understandable. However, this matter cannot be taken lightly. Send more people to investigate and make sure to find out what exactly happened."

"Yes, Master." Wang Desheng respectfully replied.