210: Reactions from all sides shatter the tranquility of the lake! [Explosive Update]

Number One Estate Under Heaven recruits talented individuals, but it also needs to know their backgrounds, especially when such a peerless master suddenly appears; she couldn't help but be cautious.

"A person from the mountains, who accidentally obtained an Opportunity, learned on my own, it's not worth mentioning."

Lu Jiuyuan's tone was calm, lightly brushing aside her probing, "A name is merely an embellishment; strength is the foundation. What does the Estate Master think?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Shangguan Haitang's eyes, and she nodded with a smile, "Young Master's words are absolutely correct.

Number One Estate Under Heaven values true talent and practical skills.

Young Master's Qinggong has already convinced the masters in the Estate, and the title of 'Number One Qinggong Under Heaven' is well-deserved.

However..."

She subtly shifted her topic, asking casually, "Young Master, this time you've emerged from seclusion and joined Number One Estate Under Heaven, do you wish to achieve something? Or do you have any aspirations?

Number One Estate Under Heaven, or even Dragon Guard Manor, might be able to assist Young Master."

Lu Jiuyuan naturally heard the implied recruitment from Dragon Guard Manor in her words, and he smiled faintly, "I'm accustomed to being a free spirit, like a wild crane, and dislike restrictions.

This time, I just didn't have a place to stay, so I came here to find a place to settle down and enjoy free food and drink for a while.

As for joining or not, we'll see what fate brings."

These words could be described as utterly arrogant, treating the 'Number One Under Heaven' title, which countless people yearned for, as a mere plaything.

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Haitang's delicate brows furrowed slightly, but then relaxed.

She had a keen eye for people and knew that such eccentric and extraordinary individuals were often arrogant by nature and could not be judged by common sense.

The more he acted this way, the more it revealed his confidence and value.

"Young Master is straightforward, and Haitang admires that."

Shangguan Haitang's smile remained unchanged, "Since that is the case, Number One Estate Under Heaven will certainly treat you with respect.

Young Master can freely use the resources within the Estate, and if you have any needs, you can also inform me."

Her words were extremely well-spoken, expressing both respect and an intention to build a connection, without showing any anger due to his arrogance, fully displaying her diplomatic skills.

"No problem," Lu Jiuyuan nodded slightly, developing a bit more appreciation for this intelligent and astute "Estate Master."

"Effective immediately, Young Master Lu is recognized by my Number One Estate Under Heaven as the 'Number One Qinggong Under Heaven'!

Shangguan Haitang officially announced, then instructed, "Someone, prepare the highest-grade guest room and courtyard for Young Master Lu, and ensure all his treatment meets the highest standards; there must be no slightest neglect!"

"Yes, Estate Master!" The attendant outside the door respectfully responded.

"Young Master Lu, please follow me; I'll first familiarize you with the Estate's environment."

Shangguan Haitang personally led the way, her attitude warm and thoughtful, maintaining her status as Estate Master while also showing him great courtesy.

Lu Jiuyuan nodded and followed her.

Along the way, Shangguan Haitang introduced him to the various unique sights and special places of Number One Estate Under Heaven, as well as the eccentric 'Number One Under Heaven' figures.

Her conversation was witty and her knowledge extensive, subtly probing for more information.

After settling Lu Jiuyuan into an extremely luxurious and tranquil private courtyard, Shangguan Haitang excused herself, citing busy Estate affairs, and departed.

As soon as she left the courtyard, her expression became solemn. She hurried to her study, preparing to write a detailed report of today's events to Iron Courageous Marquis Zhu Wushi of Dragon Guard Manor.

She also ordered her secret agents to fully gather information on Lu Jiuyuan.

Dragon Guard Manor.

Iron Courageous Marquis Zhu Wushi sat upright on the Dragon throne, his brows slightly furrowed. He had just finished reading the urgent secret report sent by Shangguan Haitang.

"Lu Jiuyuan..."

Zhu Wushi's fingers lightly tapped the armrest, his voice echoing in the vast hall, "Appearing out of nowhere, with peerless Qinggong, killing Wu Wan Lixiu, saving the Empress Dowager from danger, and directly clashing with Cao Zhengchun, only slightly at a disadvantage... When did such a person appear in the world?"

His eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and his mind rapidly sifted through information on all known major Schools and masters, yet none matched the description in the secret report.

In the Jianghu, there aren't many first- or second-rate forces above that; it's just one Estate, four families, five gates, seven Gangs, eight Schools, and two Lords Protector.

One Estate: Number One Estate Under Heaven.

Four Families: The four great Martial Forest families.

Five Gates: Tang Sect, Thief Gate, Taiping Gate, and two others.

Seven Gangs: Beggar's Gang and six other major Gangs.

Eight Schools: The eight major Schools of the Righteous Path.

Two Lords Protector: Iron Valiant Divine Marquis and Dragon Guard Manor, and Lord Zhuge and Six Doors.

However, after going through all the masters in his mind, this person seemed to have sprung out of a rock, with no traceable background.

"Three-Part Yuan Qi..." He muttered the name of this unfamiliar martial art, "A kind of fierce and powerful True Qi that also contains the extremes of ice and fire, able to directly confront Cao Zhengchun's Heavenly Dipper Primordial Energy.

Interesting, truly interesting."

Zhu Wushi slowly stood up and walked to the palace window, looking in the direction of Number One Estate Under Heaven.

"Is he an enemy? A friend? Or... a chess piece that can be utilized?"

"Haitang." He didn't turn around, yet he seemed to know that Shangguan Haitang was already waiting outside, "Come in and speak."

Shangguan Haitang responded and entered, still dressed in men's attire, her expression respectful with a hint of solemnity: "Godfather."

"What do you think of this person?" Zhu Wushi asked.

"Unfathomable." Shangguan Haitang replied without hesitation, "His Qinggong is almost beyond human capability, and his Internal Energy harmonizes ice and fire; I've only heard of it, never seen it.

He appears arrogant, disdainful of fame and fortune in his words, but I believe he is not someone who speaks without reason; he truly is like that."

Zhu Wushi was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Continue to treat him with courtesy, fulfill all his requests. If he can be recruited, that's best; if not, do not offend him."

"Yes, Godfather!" Shangguan Haitang accepted the order.

After Shangguan Haitang withdrew, a cold, sharp glint flashed in Zhu Wushi's eyes.

"Lu Jiuyuan... No matter why you've come, if you can be used by this Lord Protector, eliminating Cao Zhengchun will gain me a great Sharp Weapon.

If you harbor ulterior motives... Hmph, in this world, there is no one or anything that this Lord Protector cannot control!"

...East Factory, Director's Grand Hall.

Cao Zhengchun's face was so gloomy it looked like water could drip from it. Kneeling before him were several trembling section chiefs.

"Useless! A bunch of good-for-nothings!" Cao Zhengchun's shrill voice rose with anger:

"A day has passed! And all you've found is a name? Lu Jiuyuan? This Director wants to know where he came from! Who his master is! What his purpose is!"

"Di... Director, calm your anger!" One section chief kowtowed like pounding garlic, "This person... this person seems to have appeared out of thin air... His household registration, travel permit, and past experiences are completely untraceable! There has never been such a figure in the Jianghu..."

"Untraceable?" Cao Zhengchun slammed the table, and the fine pear wood desk instantly became covered in cracks.

"What about Number One Estate Under Heaven? How did he end up in Zhu Tie Dan's territory?"

Another section chief quickly reported, "Reporting to the Director, according to our spies, this person went to Number One Estate Under Heaven this morning, and with his unfathomable Qinggong, he easily defeated 'Chasing Wind for a Thousand Miles' and 'Crane in the Clouds,'

He was personally welcomed into the Estate by Shangguan Haitang, bestowed with the title and seal of 'Number One Qinggong Under Heaven,' and is now treated as an honored guest.

But as for the exact reason, why he went, it's truly untraceable, Director!"

"Nonsense!"

He had already suspected this person was Zhu Wushi's secret weapon, and now the other party had thrown himself into the embrace of Dragon Guard Manor?

Could everything from last night, including saving the Empress Dowager, have been a play orchestrated by Zhu Wushi himself, with the aim of undermining the prestige of his East Factory,

and conveniently introducing this master to the Empress Dowager's attention? With the grace of saving her life, how could the Empress Dowager not hold this person in high regard?

The more he thought about it, the more he felt it was possible! Zhu Wushi, your calculations are truly deep!

"Good! What a Iron Valiant Divine Marquis! What a Lu Jiuyuan!"