Chapter 171 Shen Ying Arrives Just in Time
Lu Zheng returned home, thinking that this matter would not be easily resolved.
The other party was an old demon who had taken a liking to Liu Qingyan, holding the old matriarch of the fox demon family hostage, forcing the fox demon to go out and search for Liu Qingyan, unable to return home without finding her.
The fox demon family was not a match for the wolf demon and could only comply with its demands. There were currently only two choices: either never return home or bring Liu Qingyan back.
Of course, judging by their words, it seemed they had also considered secretly rescuing the old matriarch, but the opponent was guarded too strictly for them to succeed.
Moreover, judging by Liu Qingyan's reaction, it was evident that the wolf demon was definitely a childhood trauma for her, as she was so panicked at the mention of it.
So... merely avoiding isn't the solution. There would always be a thorn in her heart. Therefore, with Lu Zheng's cultivation speed, he would definitely take the initiative at some point to resolve the matter.
However... since Huangfu Xu had already found his way here, unavoidable unexpected events might occur. Hence, Lu Zheng placed half of the talismans and a Brocade Spring Saber in his modern home, and the other half in his ancient home, in case of need.
"Do I really have to go to Eastern Europe or the Middle East to get some big weapons?" Lu Zheng frowned.
Lu Zheng had considered this before, but firstly, he was previously weaker and only wanted to live well in the modern era, rather than causing trouble all the time. After all, the country's big data isn't just for show; every trace is left behind. If he really went to war-torn areas to purchase various weapons and engage in underground activities, what if he were discovered? How could he freely enjoy life within the country as a dangerous element?
He didn't carry any blood feud, and on top of that, he had parents who worried about him. Before he could fly and flee or pluck stars and easily seize the moon, there was no need to show off to the world and make everyone his enemy.
Secondly, since he could freely traverse through time in the ancient world, he never felt any sense of crisis. He had never actively provoked trouble before, nor encountered any life-threatening danger. As his cultivation increased, he felt even less need for this.
Now he had over a hundred years of Dao practice, with a Golden Light Curse and Blood Qi Body Protection. Comparing himself to martial artists and demons, such strength could be injured by weapons because the opponent was also extraordinary. But in terms of pure physical power, ordinary firearms or grenades couldn't handle it anymore.
At least, something like a Gatling gun or RPG would be needed.
"I'll inquire again tomorrow. If the opponent only has a Dao practice of around two hundred years, I can handle it myself, at worst asking Senior Yuan Jing for help." Lu Zheng shook his head, "If it can be safely delayed, then there's even less of a problem."
...
The next day, the sky was clear and cloudless.
Elder Liu still went to the clinic as usual, while Lu Zheng accompanied Liu Qingyan and Huangfu Xu for a walk in the county, chatting about each other's experiences since they parted last year.
Lu Zheng naturally also probed Huangfu Xu about Leng Jian's cultivation.
Over two hundred years of Dao practice, though whether it's just over two hundred or close to three hundred is unknown.
"Actually, if we could get grandma out, we could set up a manor near Tonglin County, and our family could live together, wouldn't that be nice?" Liu Qingyan said. "Isn't cousin smart? Can you think of a way to get grandma out?"
"Cousin doesn't know that there's a yellow-skinned demon living in the house now. If we get within two miles of the manor, he will sniff us out." Huangfu Xu sighed, "When we leave, we've agreed to meet in Lishui Town every three months. There's still more than a month until the next time, let's see then if anyone has any ideas."
Liu Qingyan could only nod helplessly, and Lu Zheng naturally had no objections.
...
In the evening, Lu Zheng didn't join the Liu Family's excitement, letting them have their private conversations. He headed to Peach Blossom Plain instead, to discuss the issues facing the Liu Family with Shen Ying.
"It's just a mere demon with two or three hundred years of Dao practice. If that wolf demon dares to come, we'll team up and keep him here!" Shen Ying said with a fierce glint in her eyes.
Lu Zheng slapped his forehead, realizing he had been thinking of going to Wanfu County to resolve the issue but had forgotten about Shen Ying's crucial combat power. Now, with the incense in Taohua Temple thriving and Tonglin County Underworld stabilized at Yelan Mountain with this extra incense income, defeating the invading demons from the Netherworld has been a firm battle.
With Shen Ying earning half of the profits, she was naturally even more formidable, her exact strength unknown, but she was certainly more powerful than Lu Zheng in terms of Dao practice.
This was quite impressive!
"Hmm?!"
The two were in tender conversation when Shen Ying suddenly furrowed her brow.
"What's wrong?"
"There's a demon invading, heading straight for the county!" Shen Ying's expression turned stern, "Black wind rolls in, not of the benevolent kind!"
"It's the wolf demon!" Lu Zheng stood up, eyes solemn, "He must have cast spells on Huangfu Xu, that's why he confidently let them go search without fearing any tricks!"
With that, his figure leapt forward, rushing out of Taohua Village, straight towards Tonglin County.
Moments later, a fragrant breeze arrived as Shen Ying caught up with Lu Zheng, accompanying him.
"Hm?"
Lu Zheng looked baffled, glancing back at the increasingly distant Peach Blossom Plain.
"My divine soul has now purified, allowing me to detach from the old peach tree." Shen Ying laughed lightly, covering her mouth, "Though I can't go far, moving within a hundred miles around Tonglin County isn't a problem now."
"Good!" Lu Zheng was delighted but knew it wasn't the time for conversation.
...
The pair was conversing as they arrived within Tonglin County. Ahead, they saw black Qi enveloping the Liu Family residence, and a raspy voice echoed, "I knew your family couldn't be trusted, but I had already placed a moonlight shadow on you – within a yard around you, everything is within my grasp."
"Leng Jian!"
"Ha ha—" Leng Jian sneered, reached out to grab Liu Qingyan, "Qingyan, I've missed you so much. Hurry and come back to marry me!"
"Stop!" Shen Ying arrived just in time, sternly shouting as she waved her hand, summoning a sky full of peach blossom illusions to obstruct the opponent.
"Huh?!"
Leng Jian scattered the peach blossom evil before him and glanced at the approaching Shen Ying, his brow furrowing, "Who are you? What grudge is there between us? Why do you thwart my actions?"
The wolf demon's face was cold, eyes fierce, surrounded by rolling black smoke, with an impressive aura, indeed looking like an expert.
But Shen Ying did not fear him and coldly said, "Qingyan is my sister, how dare you act wildly!"
"Sister Shen!" Liu Qingyan exclaimed with both surprise and joy, also feeling fear.
The Liu Family was also apprehensive, not expecting Leng Jian to strike the very day after Huangfu Xu arrived. Lu Zheng hadn't appeared, clearly having gone out again tonight. If Shen Ying had not arrived in time, Liu Qingyan would likely have been abducted, and the Liu Family faced grave danger.