Invitation, River God

Zhao Xingtian passed out after just one cup.

The wine and food on the table couldn't be wasted.

Lu Changfeng and Black Ox, master and disciple, ate with great enjoyment.

After everything was settled, Black Ox carried Zhao Xingtian on his back, and the three returned to Wang Manor.

Three days later.

Early morning.

In Lu Changfeng's private courtyard within the Wang Family's Hall of Worship.

After practicing the Heavenly Body Tempering Blade Technique once, Lu Changfeng took the opportunity to pat the shoulder of Zhao Xingtian, who was lounging on a reclining chair soaking up the sun.

He activated his second replication opportunity for the year.

He replicated Zhao Xingtian's Grade A Upper talent.

"What is it?"

Zhao Xingtian turned his head to look at Lu Changfeng, who had interrupted his sunbathing.

The Bone Refining realm was truly comfortable; he could improve his strength just by sitting and basking in the sun.

Although Zhao Xingtian appeared to be living a life of leisure, eating and sleeping comfortably every day, his strength was growing like a beast's.

Generally speaking, upon fully reaching the Jade Bone realm, one's strength would increase by a thousand jin out of nowhere.

In the Iron Bone realm, it would increase by three thousand jin of force.

At that point, even without using internal energy, Zhao Xingtian could easily overpower Lu Changfeng with just his physical strength.

"It's nothing, just that a worshipper mission is coming up."

"Are you coming with me, or staying here?" Lu Changfeng asked.

If this guy accompanied him on the mission, it would truly be foolproof.

"Nonsense, of course I'm staying home to sunbathe. You go ahead, I'll wait for you to come back and practice my sword."

Zhao Xingtian shook his head, flatly refusing Lu Changfeng's invitation.

He doesn't seem too foolish after all.

Lu Changfeng naturally wouldn't force Zhao Xingtian to go with him.

He then began to pack his belongings.

Lu Changfeng changed into a purple worshipper's robe, slung a two-hundred-jin iron greatsword over his back, along with a fine steel longsword, and a Treasure Artifact Autumn Water Sword.

He then headed to the Hall of Worship's management office.

Hall of Worship Management Office.

Lu Changfeng, having received the notification, arrived in a dusty state.

He was met by the Sixth Miss, Wang Yue, who was looking at him with a smile.

"Sixth Miss, were you looking for me?"

Wang Yue nodded. "That's right, I specifically assigned you to this mission."

"Don't you want to?"

Wang Jin, the manager of the Hall of Worship in the distance, turned around, pretending not to see them.

After the previous trip to the Xuanyuan Sword Sect, Wang Yue seemed to have developed some peculiar feelings for Lu Changfeng.

Lu Changfeng, fully prepared, said, "Of course I'm willing. Are we leaving now? Where are we going, Sixth Miss?"

Upon receiving Lu Changfeng's reply, Wang Yue's smile widened. "Nowhere in particular, I just wanted to take a stroll around Fengtian Lake."

"Let's talk as we go."

Lu Changfeng nodded in agreement.

The two headed to the Wang Manor's stables. Wang Yue led a white horse, and Lu Changfeng led a black horse.

They traveled all the way outside the Wang Manor.

"The spring scenery is beautiful today! Let's race to see who's faster!"

Wang Yue mounted her horse and galloped off in the direction of Fengtian Lake.

Lu Changfeng smiled faintly, also mounting his horse and chasing after her.

Thus, after about half an hour.

By the side of Fengtian Lake, two horses stopped one after another.

"I won!" Wang Yue said with a smile as she dismounted and tied her white horse to the side.

Lu Changfeng smiled and shook his head; Wang Yue's equestrian skills were indeed better than his.

He dismounted and said, "I concede."

"Hey, why aren't you competitive at all?" Wang Yue asked.

Lu Changfeng paused slightly, "Why the need to be so competitive?"

"If you're not as skilled as others, just admit it gracefully."

Wang Yue pouted, "You don't seem like a martial artist at all."

After a pause, Wang Yue asked, "That scoundrel from the Xuanyuan Sword Sect, did he bully you?"

The scoundrel from the Xuanyuan Sword Sect? Lu Changfeng blinked, then realized Wang Yue was referring to Zhao Xingtian.

"It's nothing. The Young Sect Master is Old Luo's disciple, after all. He was just too naive before and got used by others," Lu Changfeng said.

Wang Yue showed a disgusted expression, "Not at all! That guy isn't naive at all, he's purely evil. I know he was at the Wang Manor, and I asked Father to kick him out several times. But Father must have been bewitched by something, insisting on letting him stay."

Lu Changfeng felt a warmth spread through his heart, understanding that Wang Yue was worried about his safety, which was why she went to find Wang Shou.

"Thank you, Sixth Miss," Lu Changfeng said.

Wang Yue suddenly turned around, "Worshipper Lu, shall we rent a small boat and take a stroll on the lake?"

Lu Changfeng nodded, "There's no reason why not."

Turning around, Lu Changfeng went to a nearby fishing shed and found a fisherman.

He casually gave the old man, who was over sixty, a piece of broken silver, and the old man happily agreed to take them for a tour on the lake.

The fishing boat slowly drifted to the shore, and Lu Changfeng and Wang Yue stepped onto it one after another.

The old man steered, his oars moving slowly but steadily.

Soon, the fishing boat swayed and arrived at the center of the lake.

The sky was a brilliant blue, and the lake's surface sparkled with light, creating a pleasant scenery.

The small fishing boat was not as luxurious as a pleasure boat, but sitting at the bow offered a unique kind of enjoyment.

The lake water was within reach, and large fish could be vaguely seen swimming beneath the surface.

Wang Yue took off her boots, revealing a pair of fair, white feet, and with a splash, put them into the lake.

This attracted schools of wild fish to swarm over. Lu Changfeng thought to himself, This girl even knows about fish therapy.

"Young lady, it's early spring, and the weather is cold. Be careful of the cold seeping into your body!" the old man warned.

Lu Changfeng replied, "Don't worry, old man. Sixth Miss is a martial artist. Mere cold is just scraps for tempering the body."

Hearing this, the old man said no more.

Wang Yue turned back and gave Lu Changfeng a glare, "You really don't know how to cherish a woman!"

Lu Changfeng chuckled softly and stood beside Wang Yue.

In the center of the lake, one stood and one sat. The man's figure was like a mountain, his face as handsome as the stars. The woman was beautiful, her expression a mix of annoyance and amusement, as if she had stepped out of a painting.

The old man sighed softly, "Truly a perfect couple."

Martial artists' senses are incredibly sharp, so Lu Changfeng and Wang Yue naturally heard him.

Wang Yue's earlobes turned slightly red, "Worshipper Lu..."

Just as Wang Yue was about to say something, Suddenly, a dark shadow lunged from beneath the lake.

Lu Changfeng's senses were extremely sharp. He grabbed Wang Yue's shoulder, pulled her up, and threw her into the boat's cabin.

The dark shadow's momentum did not decrease. It slammed into Lu Changfeng, knocking him into the lake.

The early spring lake water was icy cold, but for Lu Changfeng, who was at the sixth level of Blood Tempering, it wasn't enough to extinguish the heat in his body.

However, the force of this dark shadow was truly terrifying!

It bit down on Lu Changfeng's waist and began to drag him rapidly down into the water.

"Worshipper Lu!"

Wang Yue leaned over the cabin opening, shouting anxiously.

Then, a stream of bubbles rose to the surface, and it returned to calm.

"The Lake God! The Lake God has appeared!" the old man knelt on the ground, repeatedly kowtowing towards the lake.

Wang Yue went over, grabbed the old man's collar, lifted him with one hand, and asked fiercely, "What is that thing?"

"What did it do to my friend?"

The old man was already terrified and panicked, "It's the Lake God! The Lake God of Fengtian Lake! People often anger it and get dragged into the water. No one has ever returned! Your friend has probably been eaten by the Lake God!"

Lake God my ass!

Bang! Wang Yue directly punched the mentally disturbed old man, knocking him unconscious.

This was to prevent him from escaping and sailing the boat back.

Wang Yue shed her outer clothes and weapons. Holding a dagger in one hand, she leaped into the lake.