Lu Tianming studied Lu Feng carefully for a while before speaking. "Mm, sit down first."
Lu Feng casually took a seat below him, then asked, "Uncle, what did you want to see me about?"
"Heh, it's nothing major. I just haven't seen you in a long time and wanted to check in on you." Lu Tianming smiled faintly. "Besides, your father has been gone for a year now. As your uncle, I ought to show some concern for you, wouldn't you say?"
Though there was nothing wrong with what he said, Lu Feng couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
"Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I can take care of myself."
Seeing him say this, Lu Tianming spoke again. "Feng'er, as your second uncle's only son, you naturally have a duty to carry on the family line. You're no longer a child; it's time to start a family!"
He paused, then continued, "So I've found you a match. Her family may not be a family of scholars or some grand household, but she's still worthy of you."
At this, Lu Feng raised an eyebrow slightly. Had his uncle called him over to arrange a marriage?
But in the original owner's memories, his uncle had never treated him this kindly.
"Thank you for thinking of me, Uncle, but I have no plans to marry just yet," Lu Feng said slowly.
Lu Tianming studied him for a few more moments. Given the original owner's personality, he would have jumped at the chance to marry.
But now he was refusing, which took Lu Tianming by surprise.
Hearing Lu Feng's answer, Lu Tianming first frowned, then said with a dark expression, "Feng'er, are you trying to defy your elders?"
"I wouldn't dare, Uncle. I just want to wait a little longer before discussing marriage."
"Hmph! Marriage is decided by one's parents and arranged by the matchmaker. Your father is gone, and as your uncle, I can't just leave you to your own devices. You'll agree to this marriage whether you want to or not!" Lu Tianming snorted.
Before Lu Feng could speak, Lu Tianming continued, "And I've already put down a hundred taels of silver for your betrothal gifts. I know you can't afford them, so just hand your Constable post over to your cousin. That'll settle the hundred taels."
At last, Lu Feng understood why his uncle had called him over.
The whole family had their eyes on his Constable post.
The post at the yamen had been secured for him by his father. It wasn't some high-ranking position, but it was a steady job.
His uncle's family wasn't short of money, so they weren't after the Constable's monthly salary. What they wanted was the unique nature of the post itself.
Lu Feng's expression darkened. He stood and said, "Uncle, I'll decide my own marriage. You may be my elder, but you have no right to interfere in my private affairs. And my Constable post was passed down to me by my father. Are you trying to steal it from me?"
At this, Lu Tianming's face turned ugly. "Insolent! How dare you, a junior, slander your elder? You've got some nerve!"
Lu Feng couldn't be bothered to entertain him. He turned and started to leave.
Just then, Lu Qiming suddenly blocked his way. "Cousin, you'd better agree to my father's terms. Otherwise, you won't even end up with a wife."
Seeing the eldest uncle's family bare their fangs, Lu Feng sneered. "Heh, you've actually set your sights on your own nephew. What wonderful family you are—you're a fine uncle and cousin indeed!"
Lu Qiming heard his reply and immediately snapped, "Y-you'd better not refuse kindness only to get punished!"
Lu Feng couldn't be bothered to waste words with the father and son. He snorted. "Hmph, a good dog doesn't block the road! Get out of my way!"
Lu Qiming was instantly furious. "Lu Feng! You dare insult me? I'll teach you a good lesson today and show you what I can do!"
Lu Qiming was a Fifth-Rank Martial Artist, while Lu Feng was only a Third-Rank Martial Artist. Naturally, he was no match for his cousin.
Seeing that Lu Qiming was about to make a move, Lu Feng said coldly, "What?! You're going to assault an official?"
Lu Qiming froze slightly. Then Lu Tianming's voice came from behind them. "Enough! Since you won't listen to me, don't come to me for help the next time you run into trouble!"
Lu Feng merely gave a scornful smile.
It would be one thing if he went to Lu Tianming for help; it was enough if this father and son would just stop causing him trouble.
At this point, the two families had well and truly severed ties.
Lu Feng looked at Lu Qiming. "What? Still not moving? Do you want me to stay for dinner?"
Lu Qiming's eyes blazed with anger, but he still stepped aside and let Lu Feng leave.
After leaving his uncle's home, Lu Feng suspected that the attack last night might have had something to do with the father and son.
But he still needed to investigate further to find out for sure.
Afterward, Lu Feng stopped at a noodle shop to fill his stomach, then headed straight home.
His strength was still far too weak. If he were strong enough, his cousin wouldn't have been able to block his way.
Thinking about it filled Lu Feng with a sense of danger.
"This won't do. I have to raise my strength as quickly as possible!"
The fastest way to improve his strength was to increase his Cloud-Dispelling Palm proficiency.
So Lu Feng began practicing the Cloud-Dispelling Palm in the courtyard.
As he launched one sequence after another, prompts appeared on the Proficiency Panel.
[You used Cloud-Dispelling Palm once. Proficiency +1] [You used Cloud-Dispelling Palm once. Proficiency +1]
Using Cloud-Dispelling Palm consumed his internal force. With the strength he had now, he could only perform about twenty palms in a row.
Once his internal force ran out, he had to rest for half an hour to recover. That meant it would take even longer to raise Cloud-Dispelling Palm to Lesser Completion.
But there was no helping it. His Martial Realm was too low, and he had no Internal Cultivation Method to support him.
Just like that, two hours passed. It was now a quarter past the hour of Wei.
"Phew! Time to head to the yamen for my shift!"
After two hours of training, Lu Feng was drenched in sweat. He wiped himself down with some water, changed his clothes, and prepared to head to the County Yamen.
Before leaving, he opened the Proficiency Panel with a thought and checked it.
[Name: Lu Feng] [Age: 19/50] [Realm: Third-Rank Martial Artist] [Cultivation Method: None] [Martial Skill: Cloud-Dispelling Palm (High-Grade, Lower-Tier, Beginner 95/100)]
"Hmm, just five more proficiency points and I'll break through. I can wait until I get back tonight."
With that, he closed the panel and set off for the County Yamen.
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