Li Zhaolin is Dead [Seeking Follow-up Reads]

Two orange Affixes fused into one red Affix.

Though he had anticipated it, when that brand-new red Affix truly materialized, Lu Jing'an still felt his heart

clutched by an invisible hand, thumping wildly, a mixture of irrepressible tension and burning anticipation.

After all, the previous red Affix, [Fist Master], had brought him immense benefits.

What kind of surprise would this newly born red Affix

bestow upon him?

[Ghost Shadow Instant Kill] (Red)

[Note]: A red treasure forged and sublimated from two orange Affixes.

The Affix perfectly inherits and fuses all attribute bonuses and efficiency boosts of its predecessors.

It additionally grants 3 points of permanent Agility.

Furthermore, the Affix grants the user the ability to launch one [Instant Kill].

Upon activation, the next strike is guaranteed to achieve "Break Stance" and "Break Defense."

Moreover, force and speed receive a fivefold amplification.

After each use, there is a one-hour cooldown before it can be used again.

Once the effect ends, all attributes will temporarily decay by 80%.

Lu Jing'an's gaze swept over every word.

His breathing unconsciously deepened.

After reading, a scorching sense of excitement surged from the bottom of his heart, instantly sweeping through his entire body.

He had expected the new Affix to be strong, but he had not anticipated it would be this tyrannical!

It not only fully retained the entire foundation of the two orange Affixes, but also provided the unexpected joy of 3 points of permanent Agility.

And that final "Instant Kill" trait

was truly a trump card worthy of the name.

One hundred percent Break Stance and Break Defense!

This meant that even when facing an unfathomable opponent like his master, Chen Xuan, a surprise attack with this move would definitely inflict effective damage.

As for the depth of that damage, that was a separate matter.

Regardless, this pried open a crack in the door for him to participate in "high-end matches,"

even if only for a fleeting moment.

As for the cost of weakness after use, the corners of Lu Jing'an's mouth curled up imperceptibly.

This negative effect was practically tailor-made.

Lu Jing'an even felt that the decay magnitude could have been even harsher.

If it could directly weaken him by 90%, it would trigger the replenishment mechanism of [Battle-Hardened].

Instantly refilling his state—that would be the best outcome.

Even if the full state could only be maintained for an hour, it would be enough.

Whether it was slaying a powerful enemy or fleeing a thousand miles away, one hour was enough to settle the outcome.

Lu Jing'an was thoroughly satisfied with this brand-new red Affix.

Having finished dealing with the new red Affix, Lu Jing'an turned his attention to the soul

obtained from the mysterious Martial Cultivator.

The soul of Lawrence had already brought many surprises.

As for this existence of the same level, Lu Jing'an was also filled with anticipation.

He raised his eyes to look at the sky outside the window; the morning light was faint, and the streets were about to wake.

After lying low for many days, the dust had finally settled today, and his mood felt suddenly expansive.

"Lanhua,"

Lu Jing'an turned his head to instruct the maid standing by his side, "Go and dress yourself up properly; Young Master is taking you out for a decent breakfast."

Ever since the assassination attempt on the street, Lu Jing'an had rarely ventured out.

Even later, when he went out to monitor Li Jinglin, it was mostly a hurried trip back and forth.

Now that the gloom had dispersed, it was time to get some fresh air.

Lanhua accepted the order, a flash of joy in her eyes, and she responded lightly before withdrawing to prepare.

Before long, Lanhua reappeared before Lu Jing'an, looking completely refreshed.

She was not wearing her usual dress.

Instead, she had changed into a well-tailored, modified maid outfit.

The black and white color scheme was simple and sharp.

The skirt reached her knees, accentuating her nimble figure.

Her hair was carefully pinned up with a plain silver hairpin, adding a touch of prettiness.

In particular, the rare pair of silk stockings made the entire courtyard seem a bit brighter.

Lu Jing'an couldn't help but look her over a few more times, his gaze filled with scrutiny and a hint of surprise.

Lanhua felt her cheeks flush under his gaze, her fingers twisting the hem of her skirt unconsciously, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum:

"Young Master... is this outfit not good-looking?"

"It looks good."

Lu Jing'an withdrew his gaze, his tone flat but certain, "Wear it like this from now on."

Lanhua's heart leaped with joy; she lowered her head, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl upward.

This outfit was something she had heard about while chatting with Cui Jieyi.

She had heard that some fashionable families liked this kind of attire.

So she had secretly kept it in mind and had it prepared.

She had never had the chance to wear it, but today, she had finally been able to show it off before the Young Master.

Lu Jing'an took Lanhua, along with two capable attendants, and headed toward the main gate of the mansion.

However, just as they reached the gate, the gatekeeper showed a troubled expression.

He stepped forward and bowed to block their path.

"Young Master, please stay your steps."

"Hmm?" Lu Jing'an raised an eyebrow.

The gatekeeper hurriedly explained:

"Please forgive me, Young Master, but those merchants and officials outside seeking an audience with the Master.

They have been blocking the way for an entire night and have yet to disperse.

If you go out through the main gate now, I fear you will be surrounded immediately, which would only ruin your mood for no reason."

Hearing this, Lu Jing'an glanced through the crack in the gate.

Vague shadows of people could be seen moving about.

He wasn't afraid of shooing away these flies.

But as the gatekeeper said, it would surely ruin his mood.

"Forget it."

Lu Jing'an waved his hand and turned around, saying, "We'll just eat at home. You two,"

He pointed to the two attendants, "Go to Tongxing Restaurant, buy a few baskets of crab roe buns, and order a few refreshing side dishes to bring back."

Tongxing Restaurant was the premier restaurant in Yinshan County, and its crab roe buns, with their fresh, fragrant, and piping-hot juices, were considered a masterpiece.

The two attendants acknowledged the order and were about to turn away.

However, the gatekeeper's eyes lit up, and he leaned in to whisper:

"Young Master, why go to the trouble of running errands?"

The manager of Tongxing Restaurant is waiting outside the door right now.

I shall go out and summon him.

Tell him to bring the kitchen masters along with all their tools to the manor.

Wouldn't it be even better to have it freshly made and served on the spot?

Lu Jing'an pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Very well, go make the arrangements."

"Yes!" The gatekeeper replied, nimbly turning to step out and negotiate.

Lu Jing'an took Lanhua and strolled leisurely back to the small parlor in his courtyard to wait.

In less time than it takes to brew a pot of tea, the gatekeeper led in five or six masters wearing white caps.

They were dressed in clean, short-sleeved work clothes and filed in one after another.

The young assistants following behind carried large and small trunks.

Inside, knives, ingredients, and seasonings were all fully stocked.

"Young Master, the masters from Tongxing Restaurant have all been invited." The gatekeeper reported respectfully.

The masters clearly knew the young man before them held a noble status, and they bowed in unison: "Greetings, Young Master Lu."

The convenience brought by power and money was fully manifested at this moment.

Lu Jing'an only gave a slight nod: "I have troubled you all. If you need anything, just tell the servants."

"Thank you, Young Master, we dare not cause any trouble."

The head master cupped his hands, then turned and began giving low-voiced instructions.

Washing, cutting, chopping, mixing, rolling dough, and seasoning fillings—the once-quiet side room of the small courtyard.

Immediately resonated with the rhythmic sounds of cooking.

The scent of hearth fire and the faint aroma of food gradually began to permeate the air.

In the interval of waiting, Lu Jing'an sipped his tea and asked Lanhua, who was standing by his side:

"Has Master Chen not returned to the manor yet?"

Lanhua answered softly: "Master Chen went out last night and has not returned since. Does the Young Master wish to find him?"

Lu Jing'an shook his head:

"No need.

Although the Lin Family and Qian Family have been eliminated, the aftershocks have yet to settle.

Many matters still require Master to oversee them.

Let him be busy."

Time slipped away amidst the orderly bustle.

Before long, the specially made multi-layered steamer was carefully brought up by the assistants.

The moment the lid was lifted, a rich, savory steam billowed out.

It carried the alluring fragrance of crab roe blended with meat filling.

Inside the translucent bun skins, the shimmering golden soup could be vaguely seen sloshing about.

Several plates of fresh stir-fried dishes were also served, all excellent in color and aroma.

Lu Jing'an picked one up and carefully bit through the thin skin.

The piping hot, rich, and mellow soup instantly filled his mouth.

Lu Jing'an savored it carefully and nodded:

"Indeed, for food like this, it must be freshly made and eaten immediately to capture the true flavor.

Your craftsmanship is excellent; reward each of you with ten silver dollars."

Upon hearing this, the cooks were all beaming with joy and thanked him repeatedly.

The head master even stepped forward, smiling obsequiously:

"Our manager specifically instructed us before we came that whenever Young Master Lu wishes to have a taste of this in the future.

Just give the word, and we will come to serve you at any time.

We would never dare to delay your pleasure, Young Master."

This flattery was blunt and overt, yet Lu Jing'an felt no displeasure upon hearing it.

The leisure and honor earned through life-and-death struggles were, naturally, his to enjoy as a matter of course.

After finishing this pleasant breakfast, Lu Jing'an began his daily routine as steadfastly as ever:

Practicing boxing and standing in the horse stance.

As sweat was shed, the faint sound of thunder echoed from his muscles and bones, and his breath became increasingly steady and condensed.

The sun climbed higher, and it was nearing noon.

Lu Jing'an had just sat down at the table, his chopsticks barely lifted.

A servant in green robes approached from the veranda with slightly hurried steps.

Upon reaching him, the servant lowered his head and kept his eyes down, his voice hushed:

"Young Master, the Master requests your immediate presence in the study. He says there is an urgent matter to discuss."

Lu Jing'an paused for a moment, glanced at the servant's expression, set down his chopsticks, and rose slowly.

"Understood."

Lu Jing'an straightened his robes and cast his gaze toward the direction of the main courtyard's study.

A ripple stirred in his heart, yet his face remained perfectly composed.

He stepped forward, heading toward that core location where the family's future was decided.

Upon arriving at the study, Lu Jing'an discovered that his second and third uncles had also arrived.

It seemed this matter was of no small consequence.

After exchanging greetings.

Lu Huaiqian frowned and spoke to Lu Jing'an, saying, "Li Zhaolin is dead."