Chapter 33: Setting Out on a Long Journey, Escorting Master Liu

"Huh?"

"Senior Brother, this isn't right."

"Isn't a graduation gift supposed to be something the apprentice gives the master as a token of gratitude?"

"Why are you giving it to me?"

"This doesn't follow the rules."

"It's too valuable; I can't accept it."

The hands of 'I Love a Stick' trembled as he held the gift.

It was far too precious.

The graduation gift Lu Yuan had given him was, incredibly, the deed to a shop. Not a lease, but the actual deed of ownership. It contained all the details, such as the location and square footage.

Lu Yuan had gifted him a shop. A fully furnished blacksmith shop in an excellent location.

It was too much. If sold on the open market, a property of this size and location would easily fetch hundreds, perhaps even thousands of taels.

More importantly, the tradition dictated that a graduation gift should come from the apprentice to the master. Although 'I Love a Stick' was a modern person, he wasn't so young as to be ignorant of the customs regarding apprenticeship. He felt hesitant to accept such a gift.

"Rules?"

"Whose rules are you talking about?"

"In this Wangyou County, my rules are the only rules."

"Others' graduation gifts are from apprentice to master, but in the Lu family, the graduation gift is from the master to the apprentice."

"That is my rule."

Lu Yuan’s tone was overbearing, carrying the distinct air of a domineering CEO. For the first time, 'I Love a Stick' experienced what it felt like to be the protagonist in a romance novel. To be honest, it felt amazing. He found himself wishing for more of this "domineering CEO" type of senior brother.

"You can also think of it as a thank-you gift from me," Lu Yuan said with a smile. "Thank you for accompanying the old man all this time. It’s just a small token of my appreciation."

Lu Yuan knew 'I Love a Stick' was a good person; he deserved this gift.

"Xiao Jin, just accept it," Old Man Lu urged. "Xiao Yuan isn't short on money. Besides, how will you hone your craft if you don't have a shop? The way of the blacksmith requires time and practice to improve. I’ll come visit you when I have time, so make sure you don't slack off."

"Thank you, Master. Thank you, Senior Brother. Thank you, thank you," 'I Love a Stick' couldn't find more words; he simply knelt and kowtowed repeatedly.

In that moment, he finally felt a glimmer of warmth from this game world. To him, this place had become a reality. The NPCs were no longer hollow data, but real people of flesh, blood, and emotion.

"Alright, alright, stop acting like a sissy," Lu Yuan chided. "It’s just a shop, no need to make such a fuss. When you have time, clean yourself up; your hair is unwashed, you don't bathe, and you smell. Get yourself together—don't embarrass the old man when the official ceremony comes around."

"Also, stop giving Yiyi so many candied haws. Her teeth are rotting, and Chen Haohao has complained to me several times. Be more careful. If you must give her some, do it secretly so no one else sees, understand?"

"Understood, Senior Brother. I’ll be more careful from now on."

"Good. Old Lu, I’m going on a long trip tomorrow. I’ll likely be gone for a month or two."

"A long trip? Where to? Won't you be here for the graduation ceremony?" Old Lu frowned.

"I won't be back in time. It’s urgent. I have to go to Hangzhou," Lu Yuan explained.

"So far away? What kind of emergency requires you to travel that far?" Old Lu was puzzled. What could be so urgent, and what did matters in Hangzhou have to do with their Wangyou County? Why did Lu Yuan need to go in person?

"Remember the Black Mountain Stronghold from last month?"

"Yes, I remember."

"The chieftain of that stronghold was a remnant of the Demon Yin Sect. I reported it to the imperial court some time ago, and the Emperor was furious. He ordered a strict investigation, tasking the Six Fan School and the Imperial Guards with the matter. A few days ago, they summoned various righteous and demonic factions to Hangzhou. Since the chieftain died by my hand, I have to go to Hangzhou to handle the handover of information."

"Don't worry, it doesn't have much to do with me. I'll return as soon as I've finished the handover," Lu Yuan reassured him.

This was a conflict between the Demon Yin Sect, the imperial court, and the martial arts world; it had nothing to do with him, and he had no intention of getting involved. Of course, this was on the condition that the remnants of the Demon Yin Sect didn't try to implicate him because of the chieftain's death. If they insisted on dragging him into it, he wouldn't hesitate to be ruthless. Lu Yuan hated trouble above all else.

"The Demon Yin Sect… that is indeed trouble," Old Lu sighed. "Be careful. Don't let your guard down. Even though you are powerful, those people are tricky and their methods are devious. It’s easy to fall into their traps. You must be careful, careful, and careful again."

Even though Old Lu knew Lu Yuan was strong, he couldn't help but worry. A father’s concern for his son is universal.

"Stay calm," Lu Yuan said, unperturbed. "I am strong."

Lu Yuan was calm; he didn't even take the Demon Yin Sect seriously. No matter how strong they were, how many they had, or how insidious their methods, they were a joke in the face of his absolute power. There was nothing he couldn't solve with a single punch. If there was, he would use two. Or three. Or countless punches, until his opponent was crushed, shattered, and scattered into nothingness. He had the strength to do so.

The next morning, Lu Yuan arrived at the yamen early, only to find the staff already waiting for him. Liu Yuanwai, bound securely, was being led into the prison wagon by Constable Sun and the others.

"Chief Constable, the prisoner is ready. We can depart at any time."

Lu Yuan looked at them and nodded. "Alright, let's go. Let's get there and back as soon as possible. And, Old Sun, keep an eye on the prisoner. Don't let him die."

Lu Yuan pointed at the deathly pale Liu Yuanwai. He should have been executed long ago, but because of his connection to the Demon Yin Sect, he couldn't be allowed to die so easily. The authorities needed to interrogate him personally. They had to transport him to Hangzhou and hand him over to the Six Fan School and the Imperial Guards. His family, logically, should have been sent along as well, but the county magistrate, Chen Ke, had shown mercy by selling them off early to avoid their involvement. It had essentially saved their lives, for once someone fell into the hands of the Imperial Guards, there was no hope of coming out alive.

"Chief Constable, rest assured, I won't die," Liu Yuanwai opened his eyes and offered a miserable smile. "I won't die before we reach Hangzhou."

He knew his situation well. If he died early, his family would certainly be doomed; the Imperial Guards would not let them go. Only by staying alive until he reached Hangzhou could his family have a chance at life.

"As long as you know that."

"Chief Constable?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."