Chapter 49: The Helian Family’s Sincerity
Inside the private room, Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow as he drank. He swirled his wine cup, a playful look on his face.
Old Huang and the others beside him all stopped and looked his way.
’For the Helian Family to show up now, they must be here to poach him.’ Zhou He pursed his lips, a hint of worry in his eyes.
After a moment, Lu Yuan said, "A visitor is a guest. Come in."
Outside, a look of delight flashed across Helian Heihu’s face before he stepped inside.
He pushed open the door and took in the scene.
Bowing to Lu Yuan, he said, "Lord Lu, enjoying your evening, I see."
He then took a box from within his robes and presented it.
"This is a gift from our Lord Captain to congratulate you on your resounding victory."
Lu Yuan took the box and casually opened it. Inside lay a jet-black fruit that gave off a rich aroma.
"This is a Profound Tendon Fruit. It’s most effective for experts at the Muscle Refining Realm."
Although the people in the room had never seen one, they had heard of the Profound Tendon Fruit. It was said to be the best medicine for Tendon Refining, and normally only a Noble Disciple would have the chance to consume it.
It couldn’t be bought with ordinary silver. A single fruit cost eight thousand Merit Points.
This was an absolutely extravagant gesture.
Then, Helian Heihu continued, "Lord Lu, my Captain is preparing to assemble an elite force on par with the Silent Riders. We are currently lacking a suitable Centurion. If you are willing, you can head to Yellow Sand City and assume the position immediately. Furthermore, we guarantee your promotion to Thousand Men Commander within a year.
The Helian family will devote all its efforts to nurturing you. All resources will be prioritized for you."
When he finished, he looked up at Lu Yuan, his eyes filled with sincere expectation.
Had this been any other Centurion, the Housekeeper of the Captain’s Mansion wouldn’t have been so deferential; he likely wouldn’t have even given them a second glance.
After all, he bore the double-character surname Helian and had the bloodline of a General’s Mansion. Even if he wasn’t of the direct lineage, he was far beyond the station of some low-level officer to provoke.
And he was the housekeeper of the Captain’s Mansion, no less.
Even a typical Thousand Men Commander would treat him with respect.
He was, without a doubt, a major figure in Sai City.
But Lu Yuan was different. First, he had annihilated the Manyan Tribe’s Elite Cavalry, and now he had wiped out an entire unit of Silver-armed Iron Kites. These were tangible military merits. What’s more, the man had even caught the eye of the Marquis. Helian Heihu didn’t dare underestimate such a figure in the slightest.
Especially now, when the Helian Family was dead set on poaching him.
If he truly offended Lu Yuan and sabotaged the plan through his own arrogance, the consequences would be dire.
At this moment, Lu Yuan’s men kept their heads down, saying nothing. Even the relatively reckless Wei Yong simply focused on his drink.
’Wherever Lu Yuan goes, we go.’ That was their consensus.
Only Zhou He’s worry grew deeper. He was a member of the Zhou Family. If Lu Yuan really left, he definitely couldn’t follow.
Going somewhere else might be one thing, but the Helian Family was completely out of the question.
But the offer was truly tempting. ’If it were me,’ he thought, ’I’m not sure I could resist.’
A single Profound Tendon Fruit was enough to allow any expert in the Muscle Refining Realm to solidify their foundation at the Perfection stage before attempting a breakthrough.
Then there was the promise of becoming a Thousand Men Commander within a year. This essentially meant the Helian family would funnel its cultivation resources to him, guaranteeing a breakthrough to the Organ Refining Realm within that time.
As for forming an elite unit, the implications were even greater. It meant Lu Yuan’s power would continue to grow, and military merits would be easily within his grasp.
In a few short years, he could reach heights that were currently unimaginable.
The message was clear: the Helian family intended to elevate Lu Yuan with all their might.
How could he not be worried?
"I appreciate Captain Helian’s kind intentions, but I, Lu Yuan, rose from obscurity. Without the Zhou Family, it would have been impossible for me to achieve what I have. For me to switch my allegiance now would be unjustifiable."
"Lord Lu..."
"Housekeeper Helian, there’s no need to say more. My mind is made up." Lu Yuan’s resolute words made Zhou He’s eyes redden, his heart deeply moved.
"In that case, I shall take my leave and not disturb you further, Lord Lu." The housekeeper turned to depart.
Lu Yuan picked up the box from the table. "Housekeeper Helian, take this back with you. I cannot accept a reward I have not earned."
After speaking, he placed the Profound Tendon Fruit into Helian Heihu’s hands.
The man took it back, opening his mouth as if to protest, but upon meeting Lu Yuan’s determined gaze, he could only depart with a sense of helplessness.
After he left, the atmosphere in the room became lively once more.
The girls who had been waiting outside all swarmed in.
When Lu Yuan realized that Helian Heihu had already paid the bill, he didn’t say much. There was no need to fuss over such a small matter.
This did, however, allow Wei Yong and the others to enjoy themselves to the fullest. It wasn’t until late into the night that they finally went their separate ways, heading home.
But after Zhou He left, he did not go straight home.
After hesitating for a moment, he started walking toward the City Defense Camp.
’I have to tell my uncle about this as soon as possible. The Helian Family has made their move; the Zhou Family can’t let Lu Yuan be short-changed!’
Although he couldn’t make the decision, the Lord Captain needed to be aware of the situation. They couldn’t let Lu Yuan’s heart grow cold.
He had no way to see Zhou Hongling directly, so this was a matter for his uncle to handle.
With this in mind, he paid no heed to the late hour.
Meanwhile, Lu Yuan was unaware of Zhou He’s thoughts. After entering an alley, he prepared to head home.
But just as he was passing Xiao Hua’s front door, a crisp, clear voice called out from inside. "Yuan, you’re back?"
’What’s this girl doing up so late?’ The voice surprised Lu Yuan.
Still, he stopped and replied, "Yeah, I’m back. I just went out for a few drinks."
CREAK!
The courtyard gate was pushed open, and a head peeked out. Her pale skin seemed to glow under the moonlight, and her small, cherry-like lips were slightly parted, as if she wanted to speak but hesitated.
Seeing her hesitation, Lu Yuan smiled. "Is something wrong?"
Xiao Hua twisted the hem of her clothes, mustering her courage. "Yuan, from now on, why don’t you come to my place to eat when you get back? It’s not good to go to places like the Spring Breeze Building too often."
"Haha, so you heard me talking with Old Huang and the others. I just went for drinks, what were you thinking? You stayed up this late just to tell me this? Hurry back and get some rest.
And don’t just open the door for anyone at night. It’s too dangerous."
"I only opened the door because I knew it was you. Well, I’m going back in." Hearing that Lu Yuan had only been out drinking, Xiao Hua seemed to sigh in relief before closing the courtyard gate.
In the moonlight, a blush crept onto her cheeks.
’You were all shouting so loud about going to the Spring Breeze Building,’ she complained inwardly, ’it would have been difficult *not* to hear.’
Lu Yuan simply shook his head, opened his own courtyard gate, and went inside to rest.
Meanwhile, inside the Captain’s Mansion, a banquet had just concluded. Zhou Hongling was preparing to retire for the night.
A Guard hurried over.
"My Lady, Centurion Zhou Xiong requests an audience."
Zhou Hongling was puzzled. ’What is he doing here at this hour?’
But he was a member of her clan, after all. "Have him wait in the front hall," she said.
After speaking, she watched the Guard depart, then made her own way toward the front hall of the Captain’s Mansion.