Chapter 280: Chapter 229: 3 Years, Mine Trifles, Green-eyed Fox

Half a day later, Lu Zhao’s figure appeared in the sky above Broken River Castle. He retracted his Spirit Light and floated down gracefully, landing within the familiar castle walls.

As he sensed the Spiritual Qi in the air—far richer and purer than at the mine—Lu Zhao couldn’t help but marvel. ’Three months to get there, but only half a day to return. The difference between Cultivators and mortals, the chasm separating the celestial from the mundane... it’s as vast as the heavens and earth, even just in terms of speed.’

After this moment of reflection, he instinctively went to summon Zhao Xiaoshu to inquire about the current situation in the castle.

The thought had just surfaced when he suddenly remembered that Zhao Xiaoshu was currently stationed far away at the Sharp Pattern Copper Mine.

After a moment’s thought, he stirred his Divine Sense and sent a Transmission Sound to summon Xu Wei, who was busy with administrative tasks.

Upon receiving the summons, Xu Wei immediately dropped what he was doing and hurried over, bowing respectfully before Lu Zhao. "Elder Lu, you’ve returned."

Lu Zhao gave a slight nod, his calm gaze sweeping over Xu Wei.

’This man is quite reliable. During Zhao Xiaoshu’s absence, he’s managed the castle’s affairs methodically. While he hasn’t achieved any Great Merits, he also hasn’t made any blunders.’

"Mm," Lu Zhao said, his voice flat and even. "I have returned to enter secluded cultivation for a while. You will continue to temporarily handle all affairs in the castle. Just follow the established procedures."

"You will also continue to be in charge of liaising with Wang Hui’s merchant caravan. If anything important comes up, you may send a message to my cave’s Restriction. Do not disturb me unless it is an emergency."

Hearing this, Xu Wei’s heart leaped, and an indescribable wave of excitement surged through him! He had thought he was only temporarily filling in for Zhao Xiaoshu, and would have to hand back his authority once Zhao Xiaoshu returned.

But Elder Lu’s words seemed to imply that he was to formally take over some of Zhao Xiaoshu’s responsibilities! For him, this was undoubtedly a sign of immense trust and a massive opportunity!

He forcefully suppressed the ecstasy in his heart, struggling to maintain a respectful and composed expression. He bowed deeply, his voice trembling almost imperceptibly. "Thank you for your trust, Elder Lu! I will do my absolute best and not disappoint you."

"I will ensure that the castle’s affairs and the liaison with Wang Hui’s caravan are handled properly!"

Lu Zhao took in his excitement but showed no emotion on his face, merely responding faintly, "Mm. You may go."

"Yes. I will take my leave," Xu Wei said with another bow. Filled with exhilaration, he turned and walked away, a new spring in his step.

Once Xu Wei’s figure vanished at the end of the corridor, Lu Zhao delayed no further and returned to his cave residence within Broken River Castle.

The stone door slowly closed behind him, shutting out all disturbances from the outside world.

He sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, his eyes slightly closed. The Heart Method of the True Water Spirit Transformation Skill began to circulate slowly as the aura around him grew still, and he soon entered a deep state of Meditation.

Inside the cave residence, rich Spiritual Qi gathered as if tangible. In wisps and threads, it poured ceaselessly into Lu Zhao’s body, nourishing the sixty-two drops of pure, condensed Liquid Magical Power within his Dantian Qi Sea.

Time flowed by silently amidst his cultivation. Suns rose and moons set; seasons came and went.

「Three years passed in the blink of an eye.」

On this day, deep within the cave residence, Lu Zhao’s tightly shut eyes suddenly snapped open.

In that instant, an aura far more powerful than what he possessed three years prior erupted from his body, only to be instantly retracted and concealed by his formidable Divine Sense.

He looked inward at his Dantian and saw seventy-two drops of Liquid Magical Power hovering there quietly, each one perfectly round and full.

A genuine smile touched Lu Zhao’s lips. After three years of arduous cultivation, he had finally advanced his Cultivation, bringing him ever closer to the Perfection of the Early-stage Foundation Establishment realm.

’Three years in seclusion... time to get out and stretch my bones.’ Lu Zhao rose to his feet, and a series of soft pops echoed from his skeleton. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes and was gone.

He pushed open the stone door and summoned Xu Wei. "Elder Lu!" Seeing Lu Zhao emerge from seclusion, Xu Wei hurried forward to bow. His demeanor was noticeably calmer and more capable than it had been three years prior.

Lu Zhao’s gaze swept over him. He nodded slightly, quite satisfied with Xu Wei’s performance over the past three years.

He gave a few concise instructions regarding the castle’s future affairs, emphasizing the need to maintain the status quo and pay attention to any news.

"Yes, I understand," Xu Wei replied respectfully, committing each of Lu Zhao’s instructions to memory.

With his instructions given, Lu Zhao did not linger. His figure flickered, transforming into a streak of pale blue Escape Light that shot into the sky and sped off in the direction of the Sharp Pattern Copper Mine.

Half a day later, a small town appeared in Lu Zhao’s view.

The once-empty clearing had been completely transformed. Stone walls dozens of feet high had been erected around the perimeter of the forest, and a simple Guard Array was set upon them.

Within the walls, houses stood in orderly rows along crisscrossing streets. While not exactly bustling, it had certainly grown into a town of considerable size.

Figures bustled about. Martial Artists in uniform gray outfits patrolled the area, while Qi Cultivators in various Daoist Robes hurried to and fro. From the mine entrance in the distance, the faint CLANGING of pickaxes and low work chants could be heard, painting a picture of a busy settlement.

As soon as Lu Zhao’s Escape Light drew near, there was an immediate reaction from the town below.

A familiar figure emerged briskly from a rather impressive-looking stone house in the center of town—it was Zhao Xiaoshu, who had been left in charge.

He looked up, and upon seeing the familiar figure in the sky, his face lit up with excitement. He quickly formed a hand seal to open the Array and flew up to welcome him.

"Elder Lu! You’re here!" Zhao Xiaoshu landed before Lu Zhao and bowed respectfully, his voice filled with unconcealable joy.

Lu Zhao nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the sizable town below. A flash of approval appeared in his eyes. "Mm. It seems you’ve done a good job these past three years."

"It is all thanks to your great fortune, Elder Lu, and the help of the Puppets and Array you left behind," Zhao Xiaoshu said, not daring to take the credit. He quickly stepped aside to lead the way. "Please, Elder Lu. Let’s speak inside."

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