No one expected that Lu Zhenxing would set foot in the Demon Sect’s headquarters for the second time in his life to see his recently born great-grandson and granddaughter.
He was far more famous than Lu Chengsha. His reputation in the Zhengyi Sect was comparable to that of a heretical demon god, extremely terrifying. Despite his advanced age, everyone still regarded him as an old monster.
Of course, Lu Chengsha was also considered a young monster, but since he had already joined their Holy Maiden, his past was forgiven.
Xie Yingxian hurried over upon hearing the news. He still wore a smile on his face, “I did not know that the old master Lu would come. I apologize for not welcoming you from afar.” However, his tone was somewhat frivolous, and he was accompanied by a large group of people.
Lu Zhenxing came alone.
As soon as the two sides met, the atmosphere became instantly tense.
Even Lu Chengsha unconsciously tightened his arm.
Hua Yan, frantically trying to soothe the crying child, complained, “…Can you guys stop causing trouble? You’re scaring the child so much I can’t calm him down!”
Upon hearing this, both Xie Yingxian and Lu Zhenxing looked over.
Xie Yingxian, with his hands in his sleeves, walked over. He extended his hand and pulled out a flower from his sleeve. With his other hand, he produced a hollowed-out hidden weapon ball, activated the hidden mechanism, and locked the flower stem and petals inside the ball. He then tossed it high and swiftly turned to catch it, like performing a magic trick, and placed it into the crying infant’s hand. The baby, captivated, stared wide-eyed and forgot to cry, clutching the small metallic ball in his chubby hand, stunned.
Hua Yan breathed a sigh of relief, and so did Lu Chengsha, although he still watched Xie Yingxian with slight wariness.
Only Lu Zhenxing snorted coldly, “Tricks and gimmicks, how can a child know only to play?”
Xie Yingxian wasn’t angry; instead, he stepped aside and said, “Why don’t you try comforting him?”
The other child was still crying.
Lu Zhenxing’s gaze was icy as he walked forward, but before he could do much, the infant cried even louder. Lu Zhenxing’s face stiffened, and he tried hard to appear more amiable, but having been stern for so many years, it wasn’t something he could change overnight.
In fact, he hadn’t really taken care of children before. Back when Lu Huaixian and Lu Huaitian were young, their mother mostly took care of them. By the time he managed Lu Chengsha, he was already old enough to understand and not cry.
Now…
Lu Zhenxing, with a stiff face, met the infant’s gaze and was suddenly stunned.
The one crying now was the younger daughter. Although it was hard to tell the gender of an infant, the little girl’s features were more delicate. Lu Zhenxing, staring at the faintly familiar face of the baby, suddenly recalled his own daughter. She had once been this small, with a good temperament even as an infant, easily amused and coaxed into laughter.
His eyes reddened slightly as he tried to lower his voice to soothe the little pink bundle… Unexpectedly, the infant seemed to sense something, and soon stopped crying. Not only did she stop crying, but she also blinked her big, shiny eyes at him and suddenly, inexplicably, began to laugh.
Lu Zhenxing felt a surge of emotion, and he reached out, wanting to hold the child.
Hua Yan exclaimed, “…Wait!”
But Lu Zhenxing ignored her and went ahead to hold the baby.
…He really came to steal the child, didn’t he!
***
Subsequent events seemed to confirm this. Lu Zhenxing stayed for a while, and his words and actions all hinted that he wanted to take the child away. He subtly suggested that the Demon Sect couldn’t raise a good child, implying that it would be better to raise the child at Tingjian Manor to ensure their future success.
These words might have fooled the former Hua Yan, but not now. She firmly believed that a child’s upbringing depended on their nature and that good education could be provided anywhere.
Thus, Hua Yan remained vigilant every day, fearing that the children’s great-grandfather might sneak off with them when she wasn’t looking.
“What’s wrong with Tingjian Manor?” Lu Zhenxing asked angrily.
Hua Yan retorted, “You can’t turn our children into weapons too!”
Lu Zhenxing was momentarily at a loss for words, then responded in a low voice, “Of course, that won’t happen again. His other brothers aren’t…”
Hua Yan interrupted, “Raising them to be like Lu Chengzhao is also not acceptable!”
Lu Zhenxing sighed, “Naturally, that won’t happen either.”
For the sake of the children, Lu Zhenxing endured the humiliation and didn’t argue with her. He probably had never been so humble in his life.
However, Hua Yan was still not satisfied. Finally, she bluntly told Lu Chengsha to quickly get his grandfather to leave.
Lu Chengsha was also quite helpless.
Since becoming a father, his days had been increasingly filled with helplessness. Although there were people to help, the children were ultimately their responsibility.
Hua Yan could rest and recuperate, but he had to observe closely. However, Lu Chengsha was not very adept at taking care of children. When they cried, he panicked and didn’t know what to do. Even when they laughed, he was nervous, afraid they would start crying the next moment. Dealing with one was already challenging enough, let alone two.
Back then, he had only learned how to take care of a pregnant woman and had little understanding of how to care for children.
He himself had never been taken care of. Lu Chengsha didn’t even remember if he had cried as a child. From as far back as he could remember, he only knew how to become stronger and survive.
Later, there were Lu Zhenxing’s earnest teachings, half of which were martial arts training, and the other half teaching him how to kill.
After sending Lu Zhenxing away, Lu Chengsha went to discuss things with Hua Yan.
However, to his surprise, Hua Yan was much more relaxed about it than he was. She said, “They’re still so young. Why worry so much? Here in our sect, they have food, drinks, and companions. Let them grow up a bit more before learning to read and practice martial arts naturally…”
Lu Chengsha thought about it and agreed.
There were still some crumbs of snacks on the corner of Hua Yan’s mouth. Lu Chengsha casually wiped them away. Hua Yan gave him a sidelong glance, her eyes filled with natural charm, the corners slightly upturned with a tender gleam. “Just like this…?”
Lu Chengsha was momentarily stunned. Seeing no one around, he wrapped his arm around her waist and gently kissed the corner of her lips.
It tasted slightly sweet, probably from some pastry.
Hua Yan enjoyed Lu Chengsha’s meticulous kiss, waiting for the next step, but then he released her and stepped aside.
It wasn’t the first time. It made sense when she was in confinement, but now so much time had passed, why was he still like this?
Hua Yan immediately raised her eyebrows, but Lu Chengsha pretended not to notice.
It puzzled Hua Yan so much that she looked at herself in the mirror, confirming that her beauty remained as captivating as ever. Was it possible that she had gained weight? But it couldn’t be that bad; she would have noticed!
Maybe Lu Chengsha had lost interest after being together for so long.
Hua Yan pondered this for several nights without figuring it out. Finally, emboldened, she climbed onto Lu Chengsha while they were sleeping, arms crossed, and with a serious expression, demanded, “What do you mean by this?”
Lu Chengsha was startled and propped himself up.
Hua Yan poked his chest with her finger. “I’ve had the baby.”
Lu Chengsha, distracted by her touch, immediately grabbed her hand and said hoarsely, “I know.” The scent on her body had subtly changed, from the light fragrance of morning dew flowers to the rich aroma of flowers in full bloom at dusk, more captivating than ever.
“Then why…”
Since she asked, Lu Chengsha answered directly, “You’ll get pregnant.”
“…Ah!” Hua Yan was stunned.
“Doing that will make you pregnant,” Lu Chengsha said, releasing her hand and carefully touching her cheek. “It will hurt you… I promised not to make you go through that again.”
Hua Yan paused for a moment, feeling both touched and amused. “Are you silly? There are ways to prevent pregnancy.”
Lu Chengsha, having read medical books, shook his head. “They’re not good for a woman’s body.”
Hua Yan poked his face and said, “That’s for ordinary people. Our sect has a contraception gu. It’s planted along the bloodline and has no side effects.”
Lu Chengsha finally seemed convinced, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he raised his dark eyes to look at her. “Really?”
“Of course, why would I lie to you…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Lu Chengsha blocked her lips with his own. There was a ripping sound; he had probably intended to untie her sash, but with too much force, the fine silk dress tore like paper. Hua Yan felt a chill as Lu Chengsha impatiently covered her with his body, his eyes changing from calm to intense desire at a ridiculous speed.
Hmm? So you’ve been holding back for a long time too?
Hua Yan had just thought this when, under his ministrations, she let out a silent sob. Soon, she could think of nothing else, as Lu Chengsha’s actions took her to another world.
The next day, as Hua Yan felt the ache in her waist and legs, she thought, Hmm, he really has been holding back for a long time!
***
The children grew every day. Their sect had always been relaxed and casual in raising children. They would teach what was necessary but rarely forced anything.
Hua Yan taught them to read, write, and learn about poisons and gu techniques, while Lu Chengsha trained them in swordsmanship and martial arts. However, Hua Yan couldn’t stay idle, and once the children were a bit older, she took them on trips.
Lu Chengsha couldn’t always stay away from Tingjian Manor, so he would occasionally return. Traveling alone, he was quick and didn’t waste much time.
But Lu Zhenxing was always a bit displeased to see him come alone, subtly suggesting that he should bring his wife and children.
Lu Chengsha had no choice but to pretend to comply for the first time in his life.
The two children didn’t inherit Hua Yan’s liveliness; instead, they were very calm, like their father, especially the little daughter, who also resembled him in appearance. But Lu Chengsha’s cold and stern demeanor, when translated to his daughter’s features, made her look otherworldly and ethereal, like a fairy from the Moon Palace. They eventually gave her a fitting name, Hua Weiling.
As for their elder son, Lu Wuyou, he was a bit peculiar. He was mischievous as a child, with a lively personality. One day, he accidentally wandered into Hua Yan’s father’s study and became fascinated with the books there, spending an entire afternoon and evening engrossed, almost forgetting to eat. Hua Yan initially thought he was reading the martial arts tales her father had left behind, which wouldn’t have surprised her as she had loved them as a child. But when she took a closer look, she was shocked to find him reading books on history, strategy, and ancient warfare.
Lu Wuyou said earnestly, “These are more interesting than the martial arts stories you recommended, Mother.”
After that, he was even more reluctant to go out, preferring to stay in and read. Hua Yan and Lu Chengsha decided to only take Hua Weiling on their outings, leaving Lu Wuyou in the sect, where he could seek out his uncle, Xie Yingxian, if needed.
Hua Weiling grew increasingly beautiful and adorable, quiet and well-behaved, loved by everyone in the sect.
But Hua Yan suddenly found herself worrying like her mother did years ago… How could someone so gentle become a demonic sect witch! What if she gets bullied in the future? So, she doubled down on urging Lu Chengsha to teach her more martial arts. If not the best in the world, she had to be among the top few to ensure she wouldn’t be bullied.
Hua Weiling, much more obedient than Hua Yan had been at her age, never complained despite the hardships of martial training.
Later, Hua Yan even considered taking the children to Tingjian Manor, despite the risk of Lu Zhenxing possibly trying to steal them, to let their great-grandfather see them. However, no one expected Lu Zhenxing to almost burst into tears at the first sight of Hua Weiling.
Both Hua Yan and Lu Chengsha were shocked.
Little Hua Weiling, having seen much of the world with her parents, was early to understand and be considerate. Seeing the old man tearfully sad, she asked, “Grandpa, why are you crying?” As she spoke, she took a small handkerchief from her pocket and handed it to him, saying with innocent sincerity, “Don’t cry, use this to wipe your tears.”
Lu Zhenxing, with tears streaming down his face, didn’t dare touch the little girl in front of him. He was careful and pitiful.
Even Hua Yan couldn’t help but feel a bit sympathetic.
Perhaps becoming parents had softened Hua Yan’s heart. She couldn’t imagine what she would do if one day some rogue kidnapped Hua Weiling and brought her to a tragic end. Eventually, she put aside her prejudices and occasionally brought the children to visit.
However, she didn’t expect that after spending a lot of time with Xie Yingxian, Lu Wuyou not only read a lot but also developed an interest in political strategy.
Due to Xie Yingxian’s longstanding efforts, their Zhengyi Sect had gradually become like any other ordinary sect in the martial world, lacking neither money nor resources. Yu Ye had reclaimed Yufeng Hall, and there was even a collaboration with Dongfeng Buye Tower . Hua Yan suspected that Xie Yingxian’s grand efforts to overthrow Lu Zhusheng were not only to rehabilitate the Zhengyi Sect’s reputation but also because he had long coveted Dongfeng Buye Tower’s wealth.
Influenced by Xie Yingxian, Lu Wuyou seemed to have grown in a skewed direction. The most outrageous moment was when asked about his future aspirations, Hua Weiling still naively wished for everyone’s happiness and health, while Lu Wuyou, with his small but already handsome face stern, clenched his tiny fist and declared, “I want to hold great power.”
Hua Yan: “…”
Lu Chengsha: “…”
Having a son with such grand ambitions could also be exasperating.
Hua Yan asked, “…But have you been diligently practicing martial arts?”
Lu Wuyou was momentarily stunned, “Uh…”
Hua Yan, hands on her hips, eyes fierce, said, “You’ve been reading again, haven’t you! You’re almost losing to your sister! Does that make any sense?”
“Wait, Mother, don’t—”
Afterward, Hua Yan discussed her worries with Lu Chengsha more anxiously, suggesting they send the children to Qingzhou for their studies.
***
And so, the chaos continued until the festival season.
The family went to Tingjian Manor for a family feast. Lu Chengzhao also returned, bringing along his newly wedded wife, who turned out to be Qin Muyan. Surprisingly, Lu Chengzhao was utterly subservient to her, taking orders like a servant, while his mother, Qin Suyu, watched. Lu Chengzhao didn’t dare to utter a word against Qin Muyan’s cold commands.
Hua Yan was curious to find out what was going on but didn’t get the chance.
Unexpectedly, halfway through the Lu family banquet, Xie Yingxian arrived. The entire Tingjian Manor was on high alert. Xie Yingxian, oblivious to the tension, entered with two maidservants, smiling and claiming he was visiting as an in-law.
When Hua Yan mentioned to him that she was going to Tingjian Manor for the New Year, he hadn’t said he would come. It seemed he decided on a whim, finding it amusing to watch the Lu family squirm.
Everyone, including Lu Zhenxing and Lu Huaitian’s families, and even Lu Chengsha, looked coldly at him — the relationship between the two brothers was still strained.
The two children, unaware of the old grudges, greeted Xie Yingxian politely, “Hello, Uncle.”
Xie Yingxian, with a sly smile, pulled red envelopes from his sleeves and handed them to the children.
Lu Zhenxing couldn’t lose his temper in front of the children, and with him silent, no one else could ask Xie Yingxian to leave. So, they added three more sets of chopsticks.
Jiang Lan remained courteous, while Ning Yin, already holding chopsticks, casually asked the servants, “Is there any wine?”
The Lu family ate in silence, but the Zhengyi Sect had no such rule.
Everyone ate the meal with their hearts pounding, fearing a fight might break out any moment.
Fortunately, the anticipated conflict didn’t happen, likely because the New Year was approaching.
At midnight, the sound of firecrackers burst outside. Amid the crackling sounds, a new year began.
Hua Yan, full and satisfied, rubbed her belly and couldn’t help but laugh at the sound of firecrackers. Feeling unprecedentedly relaxed, she pulled Lu Chengsha close, wanting to say something auspicious.
But when she saw his face, she forgot what she was going to say.
Lu Chengsha quietly watched her. Despite the passing years, his dark eyes remained pure, reflecting her image just like when they first met.
Unable to resist, she leaned in and asked, “When do you think you started liking me?”
Lu Chengsha was momentarily stunned.
He couldn’t say he had felt a slight stir at first sight, though at that time, he didn’t understand what it was. He hadn’t known how important that noisy little girl would become in his heart.
So, he could only, in her radiant smile, softly say, “It was… a long, long time ago.”
A full moon shone in the sky, symbolizing their lasting bond.