Chapter 28: To Become a Concubine

With Zhou Tong as his escort, Lu Chengfeng returned to Bixiao Peak, where a minor landslide had occurred, blocking the main mountain path with large boulders. The two used their lightness techniques and took several detours to finally reach the peak.

To his relief, he quickly spotted everyone gathered on an open ground on the peak. Luo Suyi was among them, unharmed, and her presence instantly put him at ease.

The entire Bixiao Peak was made up of about seven or eight disciples, ten or so servants, and three primary people of note—Su Wanning, Li Mo, and Luo Suyi. This was the current sum of Bixiao Peak's population.

Upon seeing Lu Chengfeng's arrival, smiles of joy and relief spread across everyone's faces.

"Husband!"

"Senior Brother!"

As the group began calling out to him, Luo Suyi lifted her skirt slightly and hurried over to him, her fair face brimming with delight.

"Husband, you're back at last. The landslide happened so suddenly, and then there was the roar from the inner peaks. I was worried for you."

Lu Chengfeng took her delicate hand in his, his tone concerned. "Suyi, are you alright? Were you hurt?"

She looked up at him, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on his face. "I'm fine, but you… are you okay?"

Their interaction, so tender and private, left the people nearby feeling a mix of reactions—some envious, some jealous, and others simply amused. While most kept their thoughts to themselves, Zhou Tong couldn't help but shake his head at being the third wheel, muttering with an eye-roll, "You two make such a devoted pair. I'd almost envy you if I didn't already feel stuffed."

Hearing Zhou Tong's remark, Lu Chengfeng came to his senses, still holding Luo Suyi's hand. Turning slightly, he gestured towards Zhou Tong. "Suyi, this is my senior brother, Zhou Tong. You can just call him Brother Zhou."

As Luo Suyi began to perform a respectful lady's bow, she found herself restricted by Lu Chengfeng's firm grip on her hand, leaving her cheeks flushed as she softly greeted him. "Brother Zhou."

Watching their open display of affection, Zhou Tong had the distinct feeling that if he stayed any longer, he might actually get indigestion from all the sweetness. "Lu Chengfeng, you…!" he started, letting out a half-exasperated laugh. "Forget it; I won't argue with you. But with the situation in the sect as it is, and seeing what we came across on our way back…"

Remembering Lu Chengfeng's instructions to avoid mentioning his earlier encounter with Elder Xiao in Luo Suyi's presence, Zhou Tong quickly changed the topic. "I saw that many people were injured."

"Bixiao Peak may not be entirely safe now either. Do you have a plan, Junior Brother?"

Lu Chengfeng hesitated, considering his options. He'd spent a lot of time thinking about how to protect the people here. With the inner peaks in turmoil and Elder Xiao clearly targeting him, his disciples at Bixiao Peak—especially Luo Suyi, who had no training in martial arts—were potential vulnerabilities.

Should Elder Xiao choose to act through her, she could become his Achilles' heel. The thought of anyone hurting her filled him with cold dread.

Yet, beyond Bixiao Peak, only Jade Immortal Peak seemed a viable refuge…

Though Lady Zhu Yuxian's motives were elusive and hard to read, the fact that she was a woman offered him some reassurance. If Suyi fell into the hands of another man, the consequences would be too disturbing to contemplate.

However, residing at Jade Immortal Peak would bring its own complications, with many secrets becoming harder to conceal. "Wait… maybe this is the perfect opportunity…" Lu Chengfeng suddenly realized he'd been looking at it wrong. "While I've stayed on Bixiao Peak, these traitors have likely suspected me of inheriting Zhao Changzhen's legacy or holding some hidden knowledge. But if I live under Lady Zhu's nose, she'll be able to see all of my actions. As long as I don't reveal my cultivation of Six Suns Devouring Yin or Soul Crushing Claw, it might actually clear me of suspicion."

Filled with newfound resolve, he turned to Zhou Tong. "Senior Brother, with everything happening in the sect, I can't feel at ease leaving Suyi here alone."

"Would it be possible for her, myself, and a few others to take shelter at Jade Immortal Peak?"

Zhou Tong nodded. "I've thought the same. However, you know how Master values her solitude; she dislikes being disturbed. Just you two might be alright, but if you're planning to bring everyone…" He trailed off, shaking his head.

Hearing this, Li Mo spoke up, "Senior Brother, I'm staying right here on Bixiao Peak."

Su Wanning sighed quietly, her expression somewhat gloomy. "Senior Brother, all these years I've trained here, but I've made no progress. My family has already expressed their wish for me to return home."

She'd only half-spoken the truth. Her family had sent her to the Yun Cang Sword Sect to gather intelligence and seek a certain treasure. Years had passed with nothing to show, and the clan elders felt she was no longer needed here, deciding to send someone else in her place.

Returning to her clan meant only one thing—a politically arranged marriage.

But Su Wanning was unwilling to go back as a pawn. She didn't want to be manipulated by her family's plans or married off to a stranger.

If she were wed into the family, it would likely be to someone powerful, as was tradition. However, as an illegitimate daughter, her standing was lower; her options would be either marrying an old man as a second wife or… becoming a concubine.

The very thought of it left her filled with resentment.

She had, in fact, considered other options. Lu Chengfeng was a rare talent, and marrying him might have allowed her to evade her family's plans. But who could have foreseen that he'd marry so quickly?

Watching Lu Chengfeng holding Luo Suyi's hand so affectionately, Su Wanning felt a bitter, unspoken sorrow gnaw at her heart.

At that moment, Lu Chengfeng was deep in thought. While Jade Immortal Peak might offer a temporary refuge, it wasn't a long-term solution. Bixiao Peak, with its scenic seclusion and his familiarity, would make an ideal stronghold—especially if he were to solidify his place within the sect.

Having reached a decision, he took a breath and projected his voice with his Bibo inner energy

, clear and strong. "Fellow disciples, if I may have your attention!"

-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there 

patreon.com/LegendaryTL

Thanks!