C8 Tang Mansion

In River City, within the Tang Mansion, Lu Chen abruptly opened his eyes as he lay on the bed. A searing pain coursed through his body, causing his brows to furrow tightly. A quick glance revealed he was in an opulent room, and the memories from before he lost consciousness came flooding back.

After a moment, a blood-red hue tinged Lu Chen's eyes, and his voice, hoarse and laced with unbridled malice, vowed vengeance. "Lu family, I will repay this debt twofold in the days to come."

Gritting his teeth, Lu Chen assessed his wounds. "The injuries are severe, but thankfully they're superficial. Given my current condition, a few days' rest should suffice for recovery." He breathed a sigh of relief, threw back the covers, and stepped out of bed.

Just then, the door creaked open, and a slender young woman entered. She appeared to be in her mid-teens, dressed in an emerald gown that subtly revealed her pristine collarbone. Her long, bare legs and exquisitely featured face added to her allure, but it was her peach blossom eyes, brimming with charm, that truly captivated.

"Brother Lu Chen, you're awake," Tang Mei'er exclaimed with delight, her stunning face lighting up with happiness. "Oh no! You shouldn't be moving around with your injuries."

Her voice tinged with concern, Tang Mei'er quickly set down a bowl of meat porridge she had been carrying and approached Lu Chen, extending her hand to help him. A breeze wafted through, carrying a faint, pleasant scent.

Lu Chen cleared his throat and stepped back, gesturing dismissively, "No need, I can manage on my own." Despite his grave injuries, he could still walk.

Tang Mei'er's eyes held a touch of wistfulness as she reluctantly withdrew her hand. Lu Chen, ignoring the subtle look of disappointment, surveyed the room before inquiring, "Where am I?"

"You're at the Tang Mansion," Tang Mei'er replied cheerfully. "Brother Lu Chen, do you remember me, Mei'er?"

At her words, Lu Chen scrutinized the young woman before him. After a pause, he asked with uncertainty, "You're Mei'er?"

Tang Mei'er beamed, "So, Brother Lu Chen still remembers Mei'er."

Lu Chen offered a smile tinged with a hint of sadness. He and Tang Mei'er had been acquainted since childhood.

Back then, he was a legitimate heir of the Lu family, and his father was still present. Tang Mei'er would spend her days at the Lu residence, clinging to him like a shadow, affectionately calling him "Brother Lu Chen" just as she did now.

However, ever since his father's mysterious disappearance six years ago, and his subsequent expulsion from the family, Tang Mei'er had stopped seeking him out, severing their connection.

That break had lasted six years.

"By the way, how is Uncle Mo doing?" Lu Chen pushed aside the bitterness welling up inside him and quickly inquired.

Tang Mei'er replied with a melodious voice, "Brother Lu Chen, rest assured. Uncle Mo is doing well. There's no longer any danger to his life, and he's recuperating in the courtyard next door."

The door creaked open at that moment, and a middle-aged man dressed in blue entered.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Tang Mei'er exclaimed with a crisp voice, "Father, you've arrived."

Lu Chen turned his gaze to the man, taking in his appearance.

Clad in a finely tailored sky-blue robe adorned with silver-threaded ancient patterns, the man appeared to be in his forties, exuding an aura of authority softened by a touch of warmth.

As Lu Chen's eyes met his, Tang Ming's lips curved into a gentle smile.

Tang Ming gave Tang Mei'er a slight nod before turning to Lu Chen with a warm smile, "Is your injury serious, Nephew Lu Chen?"

Lu Chen shook his head and bowed respectfully to Tang Ming, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you for saving my life, Uncle Tang. I will forever hold this kindness in my heart."

Tang Ming dismissed the formality with a wave of his hand and chuckled, "You're making too much of it, Nephew. If it hadn't been for your father saving my life all those years ago, I would've perished in the wilderness."

"Well, now that you're awake, I'm relieved. I won't interrupt you two any longer."

His final words carried an undertone of implication.

"Father, what do you mean by that?" Tang Mei'er's cheeks flushed as she spoke with a hint of bashfulness.

"Haha... Mei'er," Tang Ming chuckled heartily. After leaving her with a brief instruction, he turned and walked away.

Subsequently, at Tang Mei'er's insistence, she helped Lu Chen to the bed and personally fed him porridge...

...

Three days flew by in an instant.

"Huff, huff..."

In the Tang Residence's garden, the sound of hurried breathing echoed. Zooming in, one could see a youth in black practicing his punches on an open patch of ground.

His boxing technique was straightforward, devoid of any peculiarities, yet it was impressive how each of his punches set off a muffled boom in the air.

His clothes, drenched in sweat, clung to his body, highlighting his robust and well-defined muscles, exuding a raw sense of power.

On the other side of the clearing sat a red-clad girl with a slender figure and exquisite features, her long, pale legs bare for all to see.

Watching the young man's martial arts practice, her peach blossom eyes betrayed a hint of boredom.

In that moment, Lu Chen straightened up as a faint crackling sound emanated from within him. Simultaneously, his aura transformed, becoming forceful and unstoppable. He stepped forward and his clenched fist shot out like a spear.

Boom! Leaves scattered in all directions!

Startled by the noise, Tang Mei'er quickly turned her gaze, only to be met with a flicker of disappointment.

"Crack!"

Just then, a sharp sound rang out as a fissure spread across a massive tree, which finally split and toppled with a thud!

"So strong!"

Tang Mei'er's lips parted slightly, her eyes wide with disbelief as they rested on Lu Chen in the center of the clearing.

"Hu!"

Lu Chen, looking at the fallen tree, smiled contentedly.

Having Tang Mei'er there, he had held back, using only half his strength.

"My injuries are healed. It's time to confront the Lu family, but first, I'll make a trip to the Cang Yuan Mountain Range."

Lu Chen wiped the sweat from his brow and smiled at Tang Mei'er, who was looking on. She beamed back at him, her face alight with admiration, and called out, "Brother Lu Chen, you're incredibly powerful!"

As he spoke, he grabbed a dry towel from nearby and approached Lu Chen to wipe the sweat from his brow.

Tang Mei'er, at the tender age of fifteen or sixteen, already boasted a mature figure, with curves in all the right places. As she wiped the sweat away, her ample chest inadvertently brushed against Lu Chen's chest from time to time.

While tending to Lu Chen, she inquired in a soft voice, "Brother Lu Chen, I heard from my dad that Uncle Lu once found a piece..."

Her words were abruptly cut off by Lu Chen's cough, "Ahem, ahem..."

The accidental contact made Lu Chen visibly uncomfortable. He put some space between himself and Tang Mei'er, then took the towel from her, smiling, "Mei'er, I've got this!"

"Oh, Mei'er, what were you saying?" Lu Chen suddenly looked up and asked.

"It's, it's nothing!" Tang Mei'er bit her lip, a hint of barely noticeable irritation in her voice.

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