Starting as The Young Master of A Pharmacy, He Trained Swordsmanship in Seclusion For Twenty Years

“Magistrate Zeng!”

One of the servants guarding the Shen residence’s gate recognized Zeng Fan and cried out in surprise.

“Hmm!”

Zeng Fan responded with a tone of satisfaction, pleased by their alarmed reaction.

When the patriarch of the Shen family celebrated his grand birthday, Magistrate Zeng Fan had been among the invited guests. Thus, most of the Shen family’s servants were familiar with his appearance.

Inside the courtyard, Lu Xuan watched as the featureless robed spectral shadow was completely consumed by crimson flames.

Then, with a thought, a panel materialized before his mind’s eye.

Host: Lu Xuan
Realm: Inner Qi Realm (Mastery)
Cultivation Techniques: Crimson Flame Blade Art 4/9 (Can Be Upgraded), Gale Chasing Steps 2/9 (Can Be Upgraded)
Points: 443
Host, please confirm if you wish to spend 60 points to upgrade Gale Chasing Steps.
Host, please confirm if you wish to spend 100 points to upgrade Crimson Flame Blade Art.

“What?!”

Lu Xuan’s previously calm expression shifted to one of shock as he saw the points displayed on the system panel.

Just last night, his points had been a mere 43. Now, they had skyrocketed to 443.

In other words, vanquishing the Face Specter had earned him a full 400 system points.

If a mere Wraith-class supernatural entity could yield hundreds of points, what about a Calamity-class? Or a Disaster-class?

Wouldn’t that mean thousands of points right from the start? The thought made Lu Xuan’s excitement palpable.

“Xiao Xuan!”

A voice called from beyond the courtyard gate. It was Shen Yunwei.

Seeing Lu Xuan suddenly dash away, Shen Yunwei had followed from the side hall of the Shen residence, chasing after him.

However, Lu Xuan’s speed was too great; Shen Yunwei couldn’t even catch a glimpse of his back.

Fortunately, while in pursuit, Shen Yunwei encountered Shen Yuan and the others.

Shen Yuan appeared panicked, clutching a bewildered Lu Qingqing in his arms.

It wasn’t until Shen Yuan anxiously uttered the words “Master Liu” that Shen Yunwei’s expression changed dramatically. He rushed toward Shen Yuan’s courtyard at full speed, leaving the others far behind.

Without a second thought, Shen Yunwei strode quickly into the courtyard.

Inside, the plants and trees were in disarray, and the once tidy ground was now scattered with clumps of soil.

On the other side of the courtyard, a large hole gaped in the wall, surrounded by piles of scorched black stones.

Even now, the pungent smell of burning hung heavily in the air.

Shen Yunwei hurried to Lu Xuan’s side and asked urgently, “Xiao Xuan, what happened? Yuan’er told me—”

“Elder, it’s nothing serious. Just encountered a minor nuisance, but I’ve already taken care of it,” Lu Xuan replied calmly.

This time, he made no attempt to hide the truth from Shen Yunwei, speaking openly and directly.

To Lu Xuan’s surprise, however, Shen Yunwei’s reaction was not as shocked as he had anticipated.

The old man’s weathered face showed a trace of solemn understanding, as if the mention of such “nuisances” was not entirely unheard of.

“So it really was Old Liu?” Shen Yunwei sighed. “What a tragedy.”

“I never imagined such foul beings existed right here in Dengfeng County.”

Shen Yunwei had heard tales of such creatures in his youth.

But he never expected they would one day appear within his own home.

He thought of Master Liu’s family, all tragically killed by such a entity.

Had it not been for Lu Qingqing’s elder brother, Lu Xuan, arriving just in time, the fate of the Shen family might have been equally grim.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

In the next moment, two more figures rushed into the courtyard.

It was Zhao Sheng and Qian Hao.

Upon seeing Lu Xuan, they immediately clasped their hands in respect.

“Senior!”

Then, Zhao Sheng scanned the courtyard, sensing no lingering sinister energy, and spoke again.

“Senior, please forgive our intrusion.”

“Brother Qian and I detected unusual activity within the residence, which is why we barged in so recklessly.”

“Who are you?” Shen Yunwei asked, puzzled. “Xiao Xuan, do you know them?”

Such powerful auras!

Zhao Sheng and Qian Hao had not concealed their presence when they entered.

Huh?

Upon hearing Shen Yunwei’s words, Zhao Sheng and Qian Hao nearly gaped in astonishment.

Xiao Xuan?

This elderly man actually addressed the expert they revered as “Xiao Xuan.”

Could it be that they had misjudged? Was this senior actually a young man?

Gasp!

The possibility dawned on them simultaneously, and they exchanged a look filled with awe.

This senior appeared to be only around twenty years old!

Tsk, tsk. To possess strength surpassing theirs at such a young age—truly terrifying!

Then, Zhao Sheng stepped forward humbly and addressed Shen Yunwei, “Elder, we have had the honor of meeting the senior once before. We are here to ask a favor of him.”

Seeing Zhao Sheng’s respectful demeanor and hearing his explanation, Shen Yunwei relaxed.

“Oh, I see!”

He had initially worried these two unfamiliar martial artists had barged into the Shen residence with ill intentions.

Once things were clarified, Zhao Sheng promptly said to Lu Xuan, “Senior, we shall take our leave now.”

“Brother Qian and I will continue to monitor that entity. Once it appears, we will notify you immediately!”

Even knowing Lu Xuan’s true age, Zhao Sheng dared not be disrespectful.

In the world of martial artists, strength commanded respect!

Since the other party was stronger than both of them, he was their senior.

“Unnecessary.”

Lu Xuan finally spoke.

“That entity has already been dealt with. There’s no need for you to inform me in the future.”

“Huh?”

Lu Xuan’s sudden statement left Zhao Sheng and Qian Hao stunned.

After a few moments, they grasped his meaning, and joy spread across their faces.

“Senior, do you mean…?”

“The Face Specter… you’ve already eliminated it?”

“Was it you who took action just now to destroy the Face Specter?”

Lu Xuan silently regarded the two men, then nodded in confirmation.

“Senior, your power is vast, and your compassion knows no bounds. On behalf of the people of Dengfeng County, we thank you for your aid!”

Zhao Sheng and Qian Hao, upon receiving confirmation, clasped their fists and bowed deeply at a perfect 180-degree angle, offering their utmost respect.

However, when they straightened up, they found Lu Xuan still watching them.

Meeting his deep, inscrutable gaze, Zhao Sheng and Qian Hao felt a twinge of unease.

Lu Xuan’s look reminded them of a hungry wolf eyeing two plump sheep.

A friendly smile touched Lu Xuan’s lips as he spoke gently, “There’s no need for thanks. However, I do have a small difficulty and require your assistance.”

As it happened, Lu Xuan had exhausted his supply of potent medicinal herbs.