Chapter 156 Trying to Take Credit?

A quarter of an hour later, Lei Lingyin arrived on the rooftop, panting heavily. She carried a large cardboard box, sweat covering her forehead. She set the box down, wiped the sweat from her face, and said helplessly:

“Leader, this is really too urgent. I’ve brought over everything that Master Wei and I have produced.”

Miao Yunyou bent down and lifted the lid of the box with her fingertips. A faint cold metallic sheen greeted her. Inside the box were densely packed hidden weapons of all kinds, crammed together with almost no space left.

There were also some improved hidden weapons incorporating modern technology—novel designs, exquisite craftsmanship, and a wide variety of types. It was overwhelming at a glance.

One look was enough to tell that none of them were legal.

Miao Yunyou: “…Give me an introduction?”

Lei Lingyin casually picked up what looked like an ordinary wooden hairpin from the box, her tone carrying a hint of pride:

“Leader, take a look at this. This hairpin looks plain, but the pattern at the tip is actually the switch. With a light press, it can fire three bullets. At close range, it’s extremely accurate—there’s basically no time to defend against it. And this flute is actually an improved version of the ‘Barrage Pear Blossom Needles.’ With a gentle press, it can shoot out hundreds of silver needles in all directions.”

She then bent down and picked up an ancient-looking inkstone. The material was fine and smooth, with a warm luster—appearing like an ordinary item used by scholars. Lei Lingyin ran her fingers along its edge and continued:

“And this inkstone—it looks like a standard scholarly item, but in reality it’s a small explosive device. If you throw it into fire, or rub the groove at the bottom with a hard object to generate heat through friction, it will ignite the explosives inside. Its power is enough to injure three to four people.”

Finally, she picked up a seemingly ordinary writing brush. The handle was made of ebony, and the bristles were soft and smooth. Lei Lingyin gently shook it, her tone growing even more proud:

“And this brush is also a concealed weapon. There’s a mechanism hidden inside the shaft. With a light press on the cap, it can fire five poisoned needles at once. The poison on the needles is lethal upon contact with blood. Moreover, the bristles aren’t ordinary wool—if you pluck them and place them in water, the poison powder inside will dissolve, making the water colorless and odorless, completely impossible to guard against.”

Looking at these seemingly ordinary yet actually deadly hidden weapons, Miao Yunyou’s mouth twitched. Her eyes were filled with speechlessness as she rubbed her forehead helplessly:

“…If I ever end up in trouble one day, it’ll definitely be because of you two.”

Lei Lingyin murmured softly:

“We were just researching them for fun, we never actually used them… If you hadn’t asked this time, we would have kept them locked away in a cabinet.”

Technology is innocent!

Miao Yunyou then looked at Lu Cheng’an:

“Lord Lu? Pick a few?”

Lu Cheng’an, standing nearby, had remained silent the entire time. His gaze was fixed on the hidden weapons inside the box, completely stunned.

He had lived this long and had never seen such novel yet lethal concealed weapons—compact and lightweight, yet immensely powerful. For a moment, he stood frozen, unable to speak, feeling as though everything before him was a dream.

Seeing this, Miao Yunyou didn’t bother further. She picked up the writing brush, the hairpin, and the flute, and handed them to Lu Cheng’an:

“I can’t think that far ahead for what comes next. All I know is this—right now, anyone who tries to kill you, you kill them back!”

After bidding farewell to everyone, Lu Cheng’an entrusted Lu Yunxiao and Li Mancang to Miao Yunyou’s care. He then returned to the ancient world carrying a package of hidden weapons combined with modern technology.

After a brief rest, he summoned people, prepared a carriage, and set off.

His destination this time was his superior—the prefect. It was said that the prefect had connections within the palace and could directly contact people inside the imperial court, making him the most suitable person to pass on the prescription.

The prefectural yamen stood with its imposing vermilion gates, solemn and dignified. On both sides of the entrance stood two tall guards, their expressions stern, maintaining strict vigilance.

Lu Cheng’an presented his official seal before being allowed entry into the residence. Guided by the guards, he went straight to the prefect’s study.

Inside the study, Lu Cheng’an respectfully handed over the prescription prepared by Chu Ningshuang, his tone serious:

“My lord, this is a prescription that can cure smallpox. I obtained it by chance. I humbly request that you send this prescription to the capital and also save the children who are about to be used in the sacrificial ceremony.”

The prefect took the prescription and examined it carefully for a moment. A flash of sharp light appeared in his eyes.

“Where did you obtain this prescription?” he asked.

Lu Cheng’an could only repeat the prepared explanation:

“In our county lies Xuanwu Mountain, which was once the site of the Medicine King Sect. It was later occupied by the Demon Sect. Now that area is uninhabited. I led my subordinates up the mountain to search and accidentally found some books among them, including this prescription.”

This explanation was somewhat far-fetched, but there was no better alternative.

However, the prefect clearly believed him.

The scrutiny in his eyes gradually faded, and a faint, imperceptible cold smile appeared at the corner of his lips. He nodded lightly and said indifferently:

“So that’s how it is. Quite a coincidence.”

Lu Cheng’an felt a slight sense of relief and was about to further urge the prefect to send the prescription to the capital as soon as possible—when suddenly, the prefect spread the prescription flat across the desk and quickly scanned the writing on it. Murmuring under his breath, he began to memorize it.

His speech was rapid, his gaze focused. In just a short moment, he had completely memorized the entire prescription.

Lu Cheng’an was completely stunned, his face filled with shock. He subconsciously spoke:

“My lord, you—”

Before he could finish, the prefect picked up the prescription and moved it directly toward the oil lamp on the desk.

Flames instantly surged up, licking at the yellowed paper. Wisps of black smoke rose, carrying a faint burnt odor. In the blink of an eye, the prescription—one that could save lives and stop the sacrificial ceremony—was reduced to ashes, scattering into the corners of the study with the wind.

Lu Cheng’an’s pupils contracted sharply. His entire body stiffened, his face full of disbelief. He instinctively wanted to step forward to stop it, but was halted by the prefect’s cold gaze.

The prefect brushed off the ash from his hands, his expression calm and indifferent. He looked at Lu Cheng’an with icy eyes, his tone carrying a hint of warning:

“Lu Cheng’an, you have never been to this official’s study today, nor have you ever mentioned any prescription to this official. You have also never seen any prescription for treating smallpox. Do you understand?”

Lu Cheng’an froze for a moment before finally realizing the prefect’s intent—

He wanted to take credit!

He should have seen it coming. This prefect had always been known for corruption and opportunism, extorting and embezzling at every turn. Even during times of famine, he had withheld relief funds. Now, upon learning of such a monumental achievement, his first instinct was naturally to claim it for himself!

Not only did he want to appropriate the prescription, but he also intended to completely erase Lu Cheng’an’s involvement in the matter!

After a brief moment of daze, Lu Cheng’an suddenly felt a surge of wild joy—

There could be such a fortunate turn of events!