The Masked Strength of the Sect's Trash chapter 17

Chapter 17 Master begged me to be his disciple

Lu Shaoqing led Xiao Yi to the Ju Xian Restaurant once again. As they entered, Wang Yao greeted them warmly.

"Senior Brother Lu!"

Noticing the respect the restaurant staff showed Wang Yao, Lu Shaoqing gave him a once-over. "Got a promotion?"

Wang Yao scratched his head, slightly embarrassed. "I'm not too sure myself. The boss sent Steward Zhang back to the Fang family and promoted me to be in charge of the restaurant."

Lu Shaoqing patted his shoulder. "Not bad."

"By the way, what's the biggest discount you can offer now that you're in charge?"

"Young Master Lu, your meals at Ju Xian Restaurant are on the house."

Just then, Fang Xiao approached them with a respectful bow. "Greetings, Young Master Lu and Miss Xiao."

Lu Shaoqing looked at Fang Xiao and asked, "Boss, what did you just say?"

Fang Xiao smiled. "I’ll cover all your expenses at Ju Xian Restaurant."

Lu Shaoqing immediately grew suspicious. "What are you up to, boss? I'm not selling myself, you know."

Fang Xiao nearly choked. Who the hell wants your body? Though... it wouldn’t be the worst idea.

Fang Xiao gave Lu Shaoqing a once-over. He was undeniably handsome, with sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, and a chiseled face full of youthful vigor. If he were to participate in a marriage competition, he’d undoubtedly be a hit with the ladies.

Fang Xiao laughed helplessly. "Young Master Lu, you’re a direct disciple of Ling Xiao Sect, Junior Brother to Ji Yan, and your master, Shao Cheng, is a formidable Nascent Soul cultivator. With these credentials, many would seek to curry favor with you."

"But more importantly," Fang Xiao thought to herself, "is your potential."

Recalling that night, Fang Xiao couldn't help but tremble. The invincible sword intent, the meticulous planning, and the decisive actions—all pointed to Lu Shaoqing being far more dangerous than he appeared.

If not for the protective item her father had given her, Lu Shaoqing might have discovered her that night. Her father was a Nascent Soul cultivator, and yet Lu Shaoqing, still in the Core Formation stage, had nearly detected her. His capabilities were terrifying.

Naturally, Fang Xiao wanted to strengthen their relationship. A good connection with him could bring immense benefits.

Hearing this, Lu Shaoqing gave Fang Xiao a long, thoughtful look. When he first came here, Fang Xiao must have already known about his background. So why didn’t she offer him free meals then?

But Lu Shaoqing had no intention of accepting her offer. As much as he was short on money, he wasn’t desperate enough to take every freebie thrown his way. He didn't want to owe anyone favors for a mere meal.

"You're too kind, boss, but that won't be necessary. You already offered me a 50% discount, which is more than enough."

Fang Xiao was stunned, her estimation of Lu Shaoqing rising even higher. His vigilance was impressive.

"Young Master Lu, please don’t be so polite. Let’s just be friends. Unless… you think little of me because I’m just a weak woman?"

"How could I?" Lu Shaoqing shook his head. "I just don't want to take advantage of you, especially since it must be hard for a young woman like you to run this restaurant."

Fang Xiao gazed at him, now more convinced than ever that he was no ordinary person. Even a small favor was something he refused to accept lightly.

Lu Shaoqing then said, "Boss, you should get back to work. No need to waste your time with us. Wang Yao can show us to a private room."

Wang Yao glanced at Fang Xiao, who nodded, giving her approval.

"This way, Senior Brother Lu, Senior Sister Xiao," Wang Yao said, leading them to their room.

Fang Xiao remained where she was, deep in thought.

Once again, Lu Shaoqing ordered a table full of dishes. Xiao Yi, however, slumped over the table, too tired to have much of an appetite.

After a month of rigorous training, most cultivators wouldn't feel this exhausted. Even if they trained for a year, it wouldn’t be this bad. But with Ji Yan personally overseeing her training, Xiao Yi had been under tremendous pressure, leaving her mentally drained and physically exhausted.

"Senior Brother, I'm so tired," Xiao Yi mumbled, her head resting on the table as Xiao Hong pecked at the food in front of her.

"You'll get used to it," Lu Shaoqing said, fully aware of why Xiao Yi was so worn out. "Even Master almost broke under the pressure. You'll adapt."

"Really?" Xiao Yi looked up at him, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"Of course. Otherwise, how do you think Master managed to break through from Core Formation to Nascent Soul in just ten years? Half of the credit goes to Senior Brother."

"That's terrifying!" Xiao Yi exclaimed.

"So what about you? Has Senior Brother ever treated you the same way?"

Lu Shaoqing smirked. "Nope. Your Second Senior Brother is a prodigy. Senior Brother pales in comparison, so he wouldn’t dare try to supervise me."

Xiao Yi didn't believe him for a second. "I don't buy it. Everyone says Senior Brother has the best talent. You can't possibly be better than him. You must be so lazy that even Senior Brother couldn’t do anything about it."

Lu Shaoqing just smiled and stayed silent.

Xiao Yi, now more curious than ever, sat up straight, her eyes gleaming with gossip. "Senior Brother, can you tell me how Master ended up taking you and Senior Brother as disciples?"

After all, Ji Yan and Lu Shaoqing were almost complete opposites. It was strange that they became fellow disciples under Shao Cheng. Xiao Yi was dying to know how these two very different people ended up as disciples of Tianyu Peak’s master.

Lu Shaoqing began, "When Senior Brother first came to Ling Xiao Sect to find a master, he arrogantly claimed that whoever took him in as a disciple would be lucky. He even promised to take the master to ascend to immortality one day."

Xiao Yi’s eyes widened. "Senior Brother was that cocky?"

"Yep. He almost got himself killed for it."

"And our master, while he’s the peak lord, isn't exactly known for his strength. Nobody really wanted to be his disciple. But when he saw Senior Brother in trouble, he saved him and seized the opportunity to take him as his disciple. That's how they became a pair of like-minded troublemakers."

Xiao Yi giggled. "What kind of description is that?"

"So what about you? How did you become Master's disciple?"

Lu Shaoqing grinned. "When Master saw me, he was so amazed that he begged me to be his disciple. You know me—I’m too soft-hearted to turn people down. After much pleading from Master, I reluctantly agreed."