Book 2 : The Masked Strength of the Sect's Trash Chapter 109

Xiao Chuang snorted, “So, what exactly has this scoundrel done for you?”

Xiao Yi shook her head and replied earnestly, “You wouldn’t know, Uncle. But Second Brother has actually been very good to me.”

She thought back to all the guidance Lu Shaoqing had given her. In her heart, he was more than just a senior brother; he was like an older brother and a mentor, deeply caring for her.

Xiao Chuang felt even more displeased, muttering, “I can’t believe whatever he’s been feeding you has made you so loyal to him. I still don’t believe he’s taught you anything worthwhile.”

Lu Shaoqing, unable to let the comment pass, interrupted, “Uncle Xiao, are you saying my influence is worthless?”

Xiao Chuang glared back at him, fuming. “With your personality, following you around would only lead her astray!”

At this point, Sect Master Yu Chang entered the room, and everyone immediately turned their attention to him. Xiao Yi quickly recognized him from the respectful words she’d heard about him but had never seen him in person. She gave a polite bow. "Disciple Xiao Yi greets the Sect Master."

Yu Chang laughed warmly, “No need for such formalities.”

His demeanor was kind and approachable, and Xiao Yi felt her initial nervousness start to ease. She’d heard stories of his straightforward character and openness, and now she could see for herself why others spoke so highly of him.

Yu Chang’s gaze swept the room before landing on Xiao Yi. “Earlier, I sensed a new Sword Intent here. Whose was it?”

Xiao Chuang sighed, slightly deflated, and replied, “It was Xiao Yi’s, Sect Master.”

Though proud, he couldn't help feeling a bit let down. He’d hoped his niece would rival the likes of Ji Yan, but upon learning how she attained her Sword Intent, his high hopes had been tempered with reality.

Yu Chang’s eyes brightened, “Could it be that our sect has gained another sword prodigy?”

But when he learned the exact way Xiao Yi had attained her Sword Intent, his expression shifted slightly. While it was still impressive, it didn’t quite reach the caliber of Ji Yan’s natural talent. A part of him felt wistful; another prodigy like Ji Yan would have truly guaranteed the sect’s rise.

Yu Chang glanced at Lu Shaoqing, recalling how remarkable his potential was—if only he weren’t so lazy. Still, he thought it worth acknowledging his help to his junior sister.

With a rare, approving smile, Yu Chang said to Lu Shaoqing, “Shaoqing, you’ve done well.”

Everyone around him was stunned, especially Xiao Chuang and Shao Cheng. They had never seen the Sect Master speak so kindly to Lu Shaoqing. Usually, whenever the two met, Yu Chang was quick to scold him. So, what was going on?

Lu Shaoqing, however, only smiled and nodded in response, seeming oddly at peace.

Yu Chang decided to continue, “Though you may have a bit of a lazy streak, showing such care for your junior sister is commendable.”

Xiao Chuang and Shao Cheng exchanged bewildered glances. Could this really be their Sect Master speaking?

Even Shao Cheng couldn’t hold back his confusion. “Sect Master… are you alright?”

Yu Chang looked at him, somewhat offended. “What’s the matter? Just because I’m praising Shaoqing for once, you think I’m unwell?”

Shao Cheng nodded bluntly, “Yes.”

Yu Chang shrugged, turning back to Lu Shaoqing. “True, I do get frustrated seeing such talent spent on sleeping in. If you put in even a fraction of Ji Yan’s diligence, your achievements would be astounding.”

Shao Cheng, despite his own frustrations with Lu Shaoqing’s laziness, responded with pride, “Sect Master, Lu Shaoqing is already one of the best in his generation—second only to Ji Yan.”

Yu Chang had to concede to that truth. In fact, Lu Shaoqing’s potential was immense, rivaling Ji Yan’s, but his lack of discipline remained a sore spot.

With a hint of hope, Yu Chang added, “Well, it seems you’re finally taking your responsibilities seriously, Shaoqing. Good. Keep this up and try to curb the laziness a bit.”

Yet Lu Shaoqing simply kept smiling and nodding in response, as if not really engaging. Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow—something didn’t seem quite right with her Second Brother’s behavior.

Shao Cheng and Xiao Chuang exchanged puzzled looks, with Xiao Chuang muttering, “What is he up to?”

“Shaoqing,” Shao Cheng called out, “what are you doing?”

Lu Shaoqing continued his silent smile and nod.

Yu Chang’s warm smile began to fade. He called out again, “Shaoqing, are you listening?”

Still, Lu Shaoqing just smiled and nodded.

Yu Chang’s eyes narrowed. “Are you even hearing a word I’m saying?”

Smile. Nod.

Finally, Yu Chang’s expression darkened. “You little scoundrel!” he roared, his usual stern demeanor crashing back into place.