Chapter 493 Are You Looking Down on Me? !

The man in black robe smiled slightly. "That's why I asked for your opinion. If this situation is true, will you choose to remain silent or take action?"

Lu Yu pondered for a moment, and finally shook his head: "This is not something I should interfere with. I am a soul master, and my responsibility is to strengthen myself and protect the people I want to protect. As for the future of the empire, that is something you powerful people should worry about."

"Strengthen yourself?" the black-robed man repeated, seeming to be thinking about something. "Perhaps, your choice is not wrong. But sometimes, power and responsibility are two sides of the same coin. If you have the ability, you will inevitably have to face the responsibility."

"I won't be your pawn." Lu Yu said coldly.

The black-robed man smiled more deeply. "That's right. No matter what you choose, you must be true to your heart. However, we will meet again soon."

After saying that, the man in black robe turned and left, disappearing in the bustling crowd. Lu Yu stood there, his mind echoing with the words of the man in black robe. He didn't know if all this was a conspiracy or the guidance of fate. But his intuition told him that this matter was not simple at all.

Lu Yu looked up at the advertisement of Blue Tyrant Advanced Soul Master Academy and seemed to have made some kind of decision in his heart. He turned and walked into the city.

The snow was falling heavily, and the sky and the earth were covered in white. The cold wind whistled across the bluestone path, bringing up sharp ice spikes. Lu Yu, wearing a heavy cloak, stood in the pavilion halfway up the mountain, staring at the outline of the city in the distance. His eyes were deep, as if he was hiding endless thoughts.

Footsteps came from behind, making a slight "crunching" sound on the snow. A familiar figure appeared in the snow mist. It was Xue Beng. He looked a little puzzled, but calm: "Uncle Lu Yu, you said you had something important to discuss with me, why did you choose such a cold place?"

Lu Yu turned around and smiled slightly: "Your Highness Xue Beng, some things are only suitable to be said in an environment like this. After all, if some things are heard by someone with ulterior motives, it may cause unnecessary trouble."

Xue Beng frowned slightly, but did not ask any more questions. He shook off the snow on his cloak and stood beside Lu Yu: "Uncle, please be straightforward. Although I am not talented, I will do my best if you need me."

Lu Yu's eyes lingered on Xue Beng's face for a moment, as if he was weighing something. He then slowly spoke, "Your Highness, let me speak frankly. The Tiandou Imperial Family is now facing internal and external troubles. Although the Crown Prince is virtuous, he may not be able to shoulder the responsibility of the entire Tiandou Empire."

Xue Beng was startled when he heard this, but he didn't show it. He just nodded slightly, "Uncle's words are a bit alarmist. My brother is kind and generous, and he is well-respected by the court. Could it be... there are some hidden dangers that I haven't mentioned?"

Lu Yu sighed softly, his tone becoming more serious: "Benevolence and generosity may not be the best way to govern a country. Your Highness Xue Beng, you are a smart person. Think about it. If something happens to the crown prince, what will happen to the entire royal family?"

Xue Beng's expression changed slightly, and a complex expression flashed in his eyes: "Uncle, what do you mean? My brother is in good health, how could anything happen to him?"

Lu Yu shook his head slightly and lowered his voice: "Your Highness, you should understand that the wind starts from the tip of the green ripples. The struggles in the royal family have never been open and aboveboard, but undercurrents. The prince is kind-hearted, which is his advantage, but at some point, it will become a fatal weakness. If he can't hold on to the end, shouldn't you... make some preparations for the future?"

Xue Beng was silent, staring at Lu Yu with a sharp gaze, as if trying to see something from his eyes. However, Lu Yu's eyes were as deep as an ancient well, without any ripples.

After a moment, Xue Beng slowly said, "I understand what uncle said, but... if that's the case, what will His Majesty think? I don't want to be seen as someone who... has evil intentions towards his own brothers."

Lu Yu smiled and said, "Your Highness, you are worrying too much. You have never done anything to harm the prince, so how can you have any ill intentions? I am just advising you to make preparations early. Even if everything goes well for the prince, you can still be the backbone of the royal family; and if something unexpected happens, you can also stand up and turn the tide. Don't you think this is a truly wise move?"

Xue Beng's fists clenched slightly, and the fingers hidden in his sleeves trembled. He looked down at the snow under his feet, and spoke after a while: "Uncle Lu Yu, I will remember what you said today. But... there are some things that I still need time to think about."

Lu Yu nodded: "Of course, Your Highness. I am just an outsider, and I dare not speculate on your decision. However, the Tiandou Empire needs a true successor, and you know this better than anyone else."

Xue Beng did not say anything else, but just looked at Lu Yu deeply, turned around and left along the mountain path. His back was shrouded in wind and snow, and his emotions could not be seen.

Lu Yu stood there, watching the avalanche go away. His expression remained calm, as if everything was under control.

After a long while, he murmured in a low voice: "Your Highness Xue Beng, I hope you won't let me down."

After that, he adjusted his cloak and turned to walk down the mountain. The outline of Tiandou City gradually became clear, and the hustle and bustle of the city could be heard faintly. Lu Yu smiled slightly, his steps were neither fast nor slow, but he was determined.

In the city, the wind and snow had subsided a little, but the cold was still oppressive. When Lu Yu walked into the city gate, the city guard saluted respectfully: "Lord Lu, do you have any instructions?"

Lu Yu waved his hand: "Nothing, you continue patrolling."

He walked slowly along the street, thinking about something in his mind. Although the reaction of the avalanche was expected, he also felt that some details still needed to be considered.

As night fell, the lights in the city lit up one after another. Lu Yu walked into an inconspicuous teahouse. As soon as he stepped through the threshold, a young man in a green shirt came up to him and said, "Master Lu, you are here."

Lu Yu nodded: "Is the room ready?"

The man in green shirt whispered, "It has been arranged already, please follow me."

The two walked all the way to a private room on the second floor. When they pushed the door open, they saw a middle-aged man sitting inside, who looked quite similar to the prince.

"Lord Lu Yu, it's so late and we still have to trouble you to come in person. I'm sorry for not coming to greet you." The middle-aged man stood up and bowed.

Lu Yu waved his hand to signal him to sit down, and said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, there is no time to lose. I have something to discuss with you..."

Inside the room, the conversation continued in low voices. Outside, the snowstorm intensified again, covering up all the sounds. On this snowy night in Tiandou City, a dark tide that would change the future was quietly brewing...

The early winter in the snowy city always brings a bit of bleakness. Fine snow fell on the bluestone streets and melted into spots of water. Lu Yu sat in a quiet little teahouse, quietly sipping a cup of warm tea. The noise from the street outside the window was faintly heard, but it was isolated by the heavy wooden door of this teahouse, making it seem safe and comfortable.

Soon, there were light footsteps at the door. Xue Qinghe, dressed in a white robe, walked in slowly with a gentle smile on his face. His followers quickly stood guard outside the door, leaving him room to talk to Lu Yu alone.

"Brother Lu, long time no see." Xue Qinghe walked over and sat down opposite Lu Yu, his expression as gentle as jade, like a ray of warm sunshine in winter.

Lu Yu put down the teacup, looked up at the other person, and smiled slightly: "Your Highness seems to be busy with affairs, how come you have time to see me today?"

Xue Qinghe smiled gently, with a slightly scrutinizing look in his eyes: "Brother Lu, you are too polite. For a talent like you, no matter how busy I am, I have to find time to ask for advice."

"It's not really a request for advice, Your Highness. Thank you for your compliment." Lu Yu picked up the teacup, took a sip, and spoke in a calm tone.

Xue Qinghe was silent for a moment, then continued: "Brother Lu was already famous when he was in the academy, and now he has suppressed many restless voices in the soul master world with his own strength. Father has also praised Brother Lu many times, and believes that you are a pillar of the empire."

Lu Yu waved his hand and said with a smile: "Your Highness, you are too kind. I am just a wandering spirit master. How dare I bear such a high reputation?"

"Brother Lu, why do you think so little of yourself?" Xue Qinghe's eyes flashed with sincerity, "The empire is in need of talented people right now. If Brother Lu is willing, Qinghe is willing to recommend you to the Emperor and guarantee you a position of honor."

Lu Yu narrowed his eyes and said in a calm tone: "Your Highness, I appreciate your kindness. But I am used to the days of leisure and freedom. If I really serve as an official in the court, I am afraid I will be restricted. It will be difficult for Your Highness."

The smile on Xue Qinghe's face did not diminish at all, but became even softer: "Brother Lu's broad mind is admirable. However, sometimes, no matter how strong a person is, he can't match a team. Brother Lu, don't you want to stand in a higher position and accomplish greater things?"

Lu Yu lowered his eyes and tapped the teacup with his fingertips: "You don't have to be in a high position to achieve great things, what do you think, Your Highness?"

Xue Qinghe's eyes flashed with helplessness, and he obviously expected that Lu Yu would not agree easily. But he did not show any disappointment, instead he picked up the teacup and took a sip: "Brother Lu is really sincere, Qinghe admires you."

At this moment, the door of the teahouse was pushed open again, and a somewhat defiant voice sounded: "Lu Yu, you are so leisurely."

Lu Yu turned his head and saw Xue Beng, wearing a luxurious brocade robe, striding in. He had a flamboyant smile on his face, which was completely different from Xue Qinghe's, and he was holding a jar of wine in his hand.

"Your Highness the Second Prince?" Lu Yu stood up, bowed slightly, and spoke in a calm tone.

"Brother Lu, don't be so polite!" Xue Beng laughed, walked up to the two of them and sat down, casually placing the wine jar on the table, "I've wanted to treat you to a drink for a long time, and you can't refuse this time."

Lu Yu raised his eyebrows slightly and glanced at the wine jar on the table: "Your Highness is thoughtful, but I don't drink a drop of alcohol, I'm afraid I will disappoint your kindness."

Xue Beng waved his hand and glanced at Xue Qinghe without disguising, "Don't listen to his high-sounding words. I'm not like some people who like to beat around the bush. Lu Yu, I'm asking you directly, are you willing to follow me? As long as you nod, I promise that when I inherit the throne, you will be my right-hand man."

Xue Qinghe's expression remained gentle when he heard this, but a hint of coldness appeared in his eyes: "Second brother, you are too straightforward. Brother Lu is such a person, how can he be moved by just a few words from you?"

"Hmph!" Xue Beng snorted coldly, "Brother, don't try to play tricks on me. I don't like beating around the bush. Lu Yu is a smart guy. Can't we just say what we want to say?"

Lu Yu was sandwiched between the two, frowning slightly, but with a hint of helplessness in his heart. Xue Beng's straightforwardness and Xue Qinghe's implicitness were just means, each for their own benefit.

"Your Highnesses, I am really overwhelmed by your kindness." He stood up and slowly bowed to the two of them. "But I am really not good at getting involved in these power struggles. No matter who inherits the throne, I am only willing to do my best for the empire. For other matters, please forgive me."

Xue Beng was stunned for a moment, then he slammed the table and stood up: "Are you looking down on me?!"

Xue Qinghe sighed softly, stood up and said soothingly: "Second brother, Brother Lu didn't mean that. He just doesn't want to be involved in the dispute. We might as well respect his wishes."

Upon hearing this, Xue Beng looked at Xue Qinghe coldly and said, "You are good at pretending to be a good person." After saying that, he turned and left, his steps filled with anger.

Xue Qinghe looked at his back, still with a gentle smile on his face: "Second brother has a straightforward personality, don't mind it, Brother Lu."

Lu Yu smiled faintly: "Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness, but I am used to it. Thank you for your kindness today, Your Highness. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave first."

Xue Qinghe did not stop him. He just watched Lu Yu leave. His eyes became deeper and the smile on his lips was ambiguous.

The snow outside the window was falling more and more heavily, as if the conflict in this imperial city had never stopped.

In Tiandou City, the winter wind howled, pedestrians hurried past, and street vendors shrunk their necks and hawked in low voices. Lu Yu, wearing an ordinary gray cloak, walked through the crowd. He looked solemn and determined, and walked straight towards the Tiandou auction house.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door of the auction house, a warm atmosphere hit me. Although the auction house was not as lively as before, it was still bustling with people. Lu Yu glanced around and quickly locked onto the white-haired old man sitting in the corner. That was the clue he had been looking for for a long time.

He walked over steadily and sat down opposite the old man. The old man looked up at him with a scrutinizing look in his eyes.

"Are you Lu Yu?" The old man's voice was hoarse and a little doubtful.

"That's right. You are Mr. Robert, right?" Lu Yu nodded slightly, his tone calm.

The old man nodded: "Yes. I heard that you have been looking for your family?"

Lu Yu's eyes tightened slightly, and he whispered, "Yes. My parents and sister came to Tiandou City two months ago. I got the news that they had been here before, but then there was no news."

Robert sighed, picked up the teacup and took a sip, then slowly said, "Your family did come here. I saw them enter a yard in the north of the city with my own eyes. However, a few days later, everyone in that yard suddenly disappeared, including your family."

Lu Yu frowned: "Disappeared? Do you know where they went?"

"I don't know exactly where he went. But..." Robert put down his teacup and lowered his voice, "I heard that the yard was recently targeted by a group of suspicious people. Those people... might be from the Spirit Hall."

A cold light flashed in Lu Yu's eyes: "Spirit Hall?"

The old man nodded and said, "I just heard about it. In recent years, Tiandou City has been in constant turmoil, and ordinary people can only try to stay away from trouble. If you really want to find your family, I'm afraid you will have to spend more effort."

Lu Yu was silent for a moment, and then whispered, "Thank you for your information. If you have any further clues, please let me know."

The old man shook his head: "May you find your family soon. But...be careful."