Starting as The Young Master of A Pharmacy, He Trained Swordsmanship in Seclusion For Twenty Years - Chapter 8

Just as the city gate guard was still puzzled, the carriage curtain was lifted from inside.

A tall, handsome young man sat imposingly within, dressed in a sleek black brocade robe, his sharp features exuding an air of quiet authority.

His deep, almost shadowed eyes carried an inexplicable sense of intimidation.

Lu Xuan’s appearance instantly made the guard straighten up.

So this is the young master of the Lu Family Apothecary?

No wonder he’s the heir of such a prestigious family—his presence alone is extraordinary, even oppressive.

Even as someone who had seen countless people come and go, the guard was deeply shaken by Lu Xuan’s remarkable bearing.

His appearance alone dispelled any lingering doubts.

There was no question—this had to be the Lu family’s young master.

No ordinary household could produce a young man with such an imposing aura.

So without further hesitation, the guard gave the carriage a quick inspection, confirming nothing suspicious was hidden inside.

Then, after a perfunctory glance at the token, he handed it back to Li San with both hands.

Still, he couldn’t help but voice his concern:

“Why is the Lu Family Apothecary traveling with so few men? The roads outside the county have been restless lately.”

“You’d best not venture too far. Some refugees from other regions have turned to banditry, ambushing travelers along the main roads.”

“The authorities have sent troops to crack down on them, but the bandits always escape into the deep mountains whenever soldiers approach.”

Li San accepted the token and tucked it back into his robe.

Hearing the guard’s well-meaning warning, he smiled gratefully and clasped his hands in salute.

“Many thanks for the warning, officer. My young master is only traveling a short distance outside the city—we shouldn’t run into any trouble.”

“Mm, good. You may pass then.”

“You’re too kind, Brother Li. If you have the chance, send my regards to the Lu family patriarch.”

The guard returned the gesture, his courtesy stemming from the old master’s past medical kindness to him.

Li San nodded. “Of course, of course.”

With that, he motioned to the burly driver, and the carriage rolled steadily out of the city gates.

Only after they had left the county town behind did Li San cautiously speak up again:

“Young Master, since they say bandits have been active on the roads lately, should we…?”

“No need.”

A calm, dismissive voice from inside the carriage cut him off.

The journey from the county town to Willow Ditch Village would take about two days—and that was with them traveling light.

Before long, the fading glow of sunset painted the sky, casting golden light over the dirt road ahead.

In the distance, the outlines of buildings came into view—signs of human habitation.

“Young Master, up ahead is a resting stop called Ten-Mile Town. It’s a common waypoint for travelers heading to and from the county. Most stop here to rest.”

……

“We’ve arrived, Young Master.”

Lu Xuan had been meditating with his eyes closed throughout the trip. Only at Li San’s reminder did he open them, push aside the curtain, and step out of the carriage.

Before him stood a sizable inn, its interior sparsely occupied by a few scattered tables of guests.

“Drunken Immortal Inn.”

Lu Xuan swept his gaze impassively over the surroundings—and immediately sensed the presence of numerous martial artists.

There were plenty at the Skin-Tempering Realm like Li San, if not more.

Of course. Those who travel these roads must have some skill—otherwise, they’d die without even knowing how.

Li San led the way inside while Lu Xuan followed silently, hands clasped behind his back.

The moment he stepped through the inn’s doors, Lu Xuan’s brow furrowed slightly.

He could feel eyes on him from all directions.

It was inevitable—his tall, imposing stature and striking, aristocratic features made him stand out like a beacon among common folk.

His gaze shifted toward a corner of the inn, where three figures sat at a table, surrounded by over a dozen guards.

Two of them were middle-aged men with weary, weathered faces, while the third was a slender young woman.

Her face, however, was hidden behind a thick white veil.

When she noticed Lu Xuan’s attention, she immediately averted her eyes.

Two Bone-Forging Realm martial artists. The rest are mostly at the Skin-Tempering Realm, with five or six at the peak of Muscle-Tempering.

Lu Xuan studied them for a moment, thoughtful. He had already gauged their strength.

Such an escort—including two Bone-Forging experts—means this woman’s status is far from ordinary.

“Innkeeper! A fine room for my master, and another near the stables!”

Li San called out, and soon a man hurried over—short, slightly rotund, dressed in fine silk, and wearing an ingratiating smile.

The innkeeper was unusually enthusiastic, his eyes repeatedly darting toward Lu Xuan.

With years of experience, he recognized extraordinary individuals at a glance.

“Right away, right away! Please, honored guests, come in!”

The fine room was naturally for Lu Xuan alone, while the one near the stables would house Li San and the simple-minded driver.

Though the inn had stable hands to watch over the horses, travelers usually stationed their own men nearby to prevent tampering.

Thus, Li San and the burly man would take turns guarding the carriage—hence the choice of lodging close to the stables.

Lu Xuan had no intention of lingering in the common area. He had no desire to be gawked at like some spectacle.

Without a word, he strode past the inn’s patrons and followed the waiter upstairs.

Once he was gone, the brief stir he had caused settled back into the usual hum of activity.

Still, a few continued to watch the direction he had left in—including the veiled woman at the corner table.

“Uncle Chen, Uncle Huang… did you notice that young man just now?”

Her voice was so soft only the two men across from her could hear.

“Yes, young mistress. I observed him.”

“That youth’s bearing was extraordinary—definitely no ordinary person.”

“Indeed. His presence rivals even the elite young talents we’ve seen in the prefecture city.”

“Who would’ve thought we’d encounter such a figure on our way back to Qingyun County?”