Chapter 6: Forcibly Seizing the Spirit Bone in Pursuit of the Hidden Secret

The matriarch of the Lu family seemed to grow ever more verbose as she spoke.

“Lu Zheng, you cultivate the way of literature and law, studying the words of the sages. As the elder brother, your affection for your younger siblings is understandable. But consider this—what is wrong with the marquis’ household’s arrangements? They have provided him with so much care; is it wrong for him to give something back in return? Furthermore, he wishes to prove himself by entering the military household, and no one has hindered that. The current arrangement is a form of tempering for him. Enduring such trials only benefits the refinement of his cultivation and power.”

Hearing the old lady’s words, Lu Zheng’s anger flared even more.

“From childhood until now, the fourth younger brother has earned everything he has—his clothing, food, shelter, and daily needs. The marquis’ household servants have their needs fully met, receiving three taels of silver monthly for expenses. But what about the fourth younger brother? He does more menial tasks than most servants. Grandmother says the marquis’ household has done much for him, but I have seen none of it. And if these are meant to be trials, why have the second brother and third sister not undergone such tests? As for cultivation, grandmother, have you ever given the fourth younger brother a chance?”

“Impertinent!” The matriarch slammed her palm onto the table before Lu Zheng could finish. The nearby servants immediately knelt.

“Have you read all those sage books only to speak thus disrespectfully to your elders? Today, pack your belongings and return to your academy. Do not stay in the household to anger this old lady. Furthermore, it was his mother, Jiang Yuerou, who insisted that Lu Xiao remove his spiritual bone—not us forcing him.”

When the matriarch mentioned this, Lu Zheng clearly wanted to respond, but she waved dismissively, signaling others to take him away.

“Young master, the old lady wishes to rest. Recently, she has had poor rest at night. As a junior, you should show understanding and leave for now.”

The maid Dong He, standing nearby, was very tactful. With only a few words, she compelled Lu Zheng to leave. Any longer, and she feared he would be accused of unfilial behavior. After hesitating briefly, Lu Zheng bowed and then departed from the northern courtyard pavilion.

In the vibrant spring, the Lu family’s marquis estate was teeming with life. Buds sprouted from branches, preparing for new growth. Now, in early autumn, those buds had withered into barren twigs. Lu Zheng gazed at the scene, momentarily lost in thought. After a while, he picked up a fallen leaf.

“I wonder if the fourth younger brother can endure these hardships. After late autumn comes the harsh winter. Only by surviving this can one await the splendid spring. I hope that after the cold winter, it is truly spring that arrives—not greater troubles or more perilous crises…”

Shaking his head, Lu Zheng returned to his room to pack and head back to the academy. Beside him, Er Niu busied himself with organizing.

“You were quite clever today, Er Niu. The matriarch did not press for any information, but she surely won’t let this rest. It’s better to return the silver than to hand over the ‘Spirit Wind Steps’ manual.”

Er Niu smiled, pleased by the praise. Then, his expression turned somewhat serious as he looked at Lu Zheng.

“Young master, it seems the fourth young master is not well regarded in the household…”

Er Niu had been holding this back for a long time. He had wanted to ask before but never found a suitable moment. Besides, he wasn’t close to other servants in the marquis’ household and hadn’t inquired. Now, he felt he could ask.

Lu Zheng continued packing silently for a time before answering gently.

“The fourth younger brother’s mother is named Jiang Yuerou. In the Xia Kingdom, she was once the most renowned fairy—top in both talent and beauty. Back then, Jiang Yuerou and the sole son of the Duke of Meng were a perfect match, a couple made in heaven. But later, for reasons unknown, they quarreled. Three months later, Jiang Yuerou married the third young master.”

The old marquis had three sons, and no one believed Lu Jinghong could marry Jiang Yuerou. After all, Jiang Yuerou came from a sect with considerable power.

“At that time, the third young master was riding high, having won the beauty’s hand. But a year later, after giving birth to the fourth younger brother, Jiang Yuerou left the marquis’ estate and reunited with the Duke of Meng’s son. The Lu family and the Duke of Meng’s family were already on poor terms, and Jiang Yuerou’s actions further deepened the frost…”

By now, Er Niu understood the situation. Jiang Yuerou’s deeds had brought disgrace upon the entire Lu family. Their daughter-in-law had run off to be with the Duke’s son.

“The third young master was deeply devoted to Jiang Yuerou. After she left, he wandered far from home and rarely returned for years. Naturally, the matriarch vented all her resentment on the fourth younger brother. The other siblings were also influenced by their elders and treated the fourth younger brother harshly.”

Er Niu frowned, finally grasping why Lu Xiao was treated so poorly.

In fact, the sins Jiang Yuerou committed ultimately fell upon Lu Xiao’s shoulders. She herself enjoyed an exalted life at the Duke of Meng’s estate. And now, she even wanted Lu Xiao to sacrifice his spiritual bone for her other two children…

There was not much to pack, and it took only half an hour to finish. Yet Er Niu still had questions. Seeing his hesitation, Lu Zheng decided to tell him more.

“Ask whatever you want.”

“I want to know about this spiritual bone matter that you mentioned before. It seems that the spiritual bone can’t just be forcibly taken.”

Lu Zheng nodded.

“The spiritual bone isn’t something that can be casually removed and used. Most people’s constitutions are unsuitable for refining another’s spiritual bone to enhance themselves; if they acquire such bones, they’re useless. Even for those with the right constitution, the bone must come from a compatible blood relative. Not just any relative’s spiritual bone will work. Before the bone can be extracted, the person must cooperate by practicing the ‘Heart Condensation Technique.’”

Lu Zheng’s explanation was fairly clear, but Er Niu still seemed confused. Taking advantage of the break, Lu Zheng detailed it further.

The spiritual bone cannot be forcibly taken. For example, if someone wants Lu Xiao to sacrifice himself and offer his spiritual bone, first Lu Xiao must cultivate the ‘Heart Condensation Technique,’ condensing his essence into the spiritual bone. Only then is it valuable to remove.

“No wonder the elders in the household still talk and negotiate with the fourth young master. Otherwise, they’d have acted against him directly.”

Er Niu’s words made Lu Zheng sigh.

As a junior member of the marquis’ household, his influence was limited. Lu Zheng himself was born out of wedlock; his mother was a servant who had passed away. It was only through his achievements in literary and legal cultivation that he had secured his position. His ability to help Lu Xiao was limited.

“Master, with ten taels of silver deducted each month, we might be a bit short…”

“It’s fine. I’ll paint a few landscapes later. That should cover living expenses.”

Er Niu nodded, then glanced toward the western courtyard.

“Before leaving, shall we go greet the fourth young master?”

Lu Zheng hesitated, then shook his head.

“No. Better not. Otherwise, grandmother will think I gave him silver. If she searches his room, she might find the ‘Spirit Wind Steps’ manual.”