Chapter 24: More Than Just Draining Water
"Open Heaven's Gate!"
Lin Qingzhi shouted softly, executing the highest level of the Soaring Cloud Sword Technique. The Green Abyss Sword shone with intense green light, its fierce Sword Qi carrying an unstoppable momentum as it collided with the slash from the Skywave Sword in mid-air.
Boom!
Sword Qi streams crisscrossed chaotically, the solid giant timber used in the Martial Arts Platform scattered like paper, and even wooden pillars were completely pulverized!
Lin Qingzhi and Chen Yao both staggered.
The onlooking Mount Shu Elders and Disciples could not help but be shocked.
Originally, they thought Lin Qingzhi would fall under the sword of Chen Yao, who was at the third level of the Golden Core Realm, but unexpectedly Lin Qingzhi staunchly blocked Chen Yao's astonishing sword momentum!
"Lin Qingzhi has attained the Golden Core Realm!"
"This is his true cultivation level!"
"Elder Lu, you're not being fair, having always told your Disciple to suppress his cultivation level until now, only revealing his true level under Chen Yao's pressure."
"How did Elder Lu manage to train a disciple of mediocre aptitude from the Foundation Establishment Realm to the Golden Core Realm within three years?"
Many Mount Shu Elders looked towards Lu Changsheng again, their eyes filled with shock, admiration, and confusion.
Inconceivable!
If Lin Qingzhi were a genius, it might not be so surprising for others that he advanced from the Foundation Establishment Realm to the Golden Core Realm in three years.
But Lin Qingzhi's aptitudes were all lower grade.
"This disciple of mine, at best, has reached the second layer of the Golden Core Realm."
Lu Changsheng sighed.
"Three years, from the first level of the Foundation Establishment to the second level of the Golden Core Realm? Could it be that this child is a genius, and our Mount Shu's Immortal Artifact 'Gallbladder Mirror' was mistaken?"
"If that's really the case, then Elder Lu has picked up a huge bargain this time."
"Golden Core Realm Second Layer, although still not as good as Chen Yao at the Golden Core Realm Third Layer, is already very impressive."
"Congratulations to Elder Lu."
Many Mount Shu Elders expressed their admiration without end.
" How is that possible…!"
Xiao Xiangdao, who followed Li Changye, was heavily shaken upon seeing Lin Qingzhi's cultivation reach the second layer of the Golden Core Realm.
Three years ago, Xiao Xiangdao was at the third layer of the Qi Transformation Realm. After cultivating alongside Li Changye for three years, Xiao Xiangdao's cultivation level improved to the fourth layer of the Golden Core Realm.
Xiao Xiangdao's cultivation level was higher than Lin Qingzhi's displayed level, but he still felt something was amiss.
The leap from the first layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm to the second layer of the Golden Core Realm, compared to going from the third layer of the Qi Transformation Realm to the fourth layer of the Golden Core Realm, was more shocking.
"Regardless, during this Disciple Conference, the one who will rank first must be me, Xiao Xiangdao!"
Xiao Xiangdao clenched his fists, his eyes resolute.
On the Martial Arts Platform, the fierce battle raged on, with Sword Qi whistling through the air and explosive sounds like thunderclaps shaking the earth, reducing the Martial Arts Platform to ruins from the combat between the two!
Although Lin Qingzhi suppressed his cultivation level by four minor realms, still one minor realm below Chen Yao at the Golden Core Realm Third Layer, and his magical treasure was not as good as Chen Yao's Skywave Sword, Lin Qingzhi, after all, possessed the consciousness of the Golden Core Realm Sixth Layer, enabling him to fight Chen Yao on equal grounds with great difficulty.
"A strong opponent, that's good."
Each time Lin Qingzhi's Green Abyss Sword collided with Chen Yao's Skywave Sword, his Zodiac Meridians trembled violently. He quickly circulated his Taxuan Skills to suppress the surging blood and the chaotic Spiritual Energy.
In battling Chen Yao, Lin Qingzhi was accumulating combat experience.
After all, this was a brand new opponent, and Lin Qingzhi knew almost nothing about her, making it more akin to a real battle.
On the other hand, Chen Yao was also secretly astonished.
Lin Qingzhi, who seemed unremarkable in appearance and whose cultivation level seemed not very high, had actually managed to block her magical weapon.
Even though Chen Yao appeared to have the upper hand, if a third-level Golden Core Realm Disciple could not defeat a
"second-level Golden Core Realm" Disciple, then in reality, it was she who had lost.
No, I can't disgrace my master.
Chen Yao bit her silver teeth, her green clothes fluttered, and the Skywave Sword returned to her hand.
"Junior brother, I don't want to hurt you. When I use that move, you should admit defeat," she said.
"Unity of Person and Sword!"
Chen Yao reminded Lin Qingzhi as the Skywave Sword emitted a myriad of blue lights, engulfing her. At that moment, it was as if she and the sword became one, transforming into an azure streak of light that shot up into the sky!
Boom-
Dark clouds hovered over the city, lightning flashed, and thunder roared. Chen Yao, holding the sword, stood in midair, the fierce wind howling, her green robe snapping in the wind, as numerous bolts of lightning were absorbed by the sharp edge of the Skywave Sword, resembling a massive whirlpool!
"You won't be able to block this sword!"
"Supreme Thunder Command!"
Chen Yao's lovely face turned red, and the autumn water-like divine sword, with its overwhelming and dazzling light, slashed towards Lin Qingzhi.
Into this sword, Chen Yao had poured all her spiritual energy and divine sense; to her, the world around seemed to quiet down.
Faced with this sword, she believed Lin Qingzhi would surely retreat.
However, Lin Qingzhi did not back down, and on the brink of life and death, he decided to give it a try.
"You'll lose your life… No, that's not right, your aura…"
In Chen Yao's eyes, Lin Qingzhi was the only one left, and she was startled to see that his momentum had suddenly increased several fold in that instant!
At the moment of life and death, Lin Qingzhi's instincts led him to release his true cultivation level, and Chen Yao, who had her attention solely on him, caught it.
"Enough is enough."
Boom!
A figure interposed between Lin Qingzhi and Chen Yao; with a wave of his Daoist robe, an invisible current, like a dragon drawing water, absorbed all the immense sword energy of the Skywave Sword and dissipated it into nothingness.
This person was Lu Changsheng.
On the other side, Lu Changsheng also suppressed Lin Qingzhi's cultivation level.
It was a close call, his disciple nearly revealed his sixth-level Golden Core Realm cultivation.
Not only that, the stance of the two had already reached a life-and-death struggle.
Chen Yao's cultivation technique exceeded her current realm; if Lin Qingzhi had used all his cultivation to clash with her, the exhausted Chen Yao would definitely have suffered a backlash and most likely would have perished, while Lin Qingzhi might have been injured by her as well.
"You're being too reckless; this is just a sparring match, no need to go so far. Being too stubborn could easily lead to inner demons," Elder Lu admonished the Mount Shu disciple across from him.
"Thankyou, senior, for your guidance. I have learned my lesson," Chen Yao said, snapping back to reality and breaking out in a cold sweat, realizing she had indeed been too Impulsive and used a technique she had not fully mastered.
"If it hadn't been for my master blocking sister's sword, I would have faced disaster. I admit defeat," Lin Qingzhi actively sheathed the Green Abyss Sword, not minding winning or losing.
Many elders and disciples of Mount Shu were astounded and did not see Lin Qingzhi's voluntary admission of defeat as a dishonorable act.
The technique that Chen Yao used last had already surpassed the third level of the Golden Core Realm.
"Senior, your disciple… was holding back, wasn't he?" Chen Yao said to Elder Lu through a voice transmission as he was leaving with Lin Qingzhi.
In that instant, Chen Yao had sensed that Lin Qingzhi might have been concealing his true cultivation level.
Lu Changsheng could not deny it and smiled, acknowledging that it was not just holding back; it was more like a floodgate.
"Elder Lu, your disciple… his cultivation is not just this," Fairy Xia of the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion secretly sent a voice transmission to Elder Lu.
Chapter 25: Go Comfort Her
Xia Ningxue took the initiative to send a telepathic message to herself, and Lu Changsheng was slightly surprised.
Xia Ningxue was the Holy Maiden of Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, usually as cold as frost, and he hadn't expected her to proactively send a message.
"My disciple is of mediocre talent and has achieved his current cultivation level only through dedicated focus and undivided attention," said Lu Changsheng indifferently.
Even though Lu Changsheng boosted Lin Qingzhi by using the power-infusing initiation, Lin Qingzhi's progress in cultivation was so swift because he possessed the Heart of the Innocent.
"Hmm. The six Orthodox Sects will soon convene the Six Dao Conference."
Without asking further, Xia Ningxue simply mentioned it.
The Six Dao Conference?
Lu Changsheng knew that once Xia State was in turmoil, the six Orthodox Sects including Mount Shu, Inquiry Immortal Pavilion, Martial Alliance, Hidden Dragon Temple, Refinement Sect, and Immeasurable Temple, would convene the Six Dao Conference to discuss how to deal with the catastrophe.
At the same time, the Sect Leaders and Elders of the six Orthodox Sects might compete at the Six Dao Conference, displaying their strength to elevate their sect's status.
Within the six Orthodox Sects, there are internal rankings as well.
The higher the rank, the greater the influence.
Although Mount Shu has been at the top for many years, it has not always been first.
Every so often, an unparalleled genius emerges among the other five Orthodox Sects.
Twenty thousand years ago, an extraordinary genius appeared out of nowhere, surpassing Mount Shu's Sect Leader at the time, and founded what is now known as Inquiry Immortal Pavilion.
The Six Dao Conference, such an important event, determines the ranking of the six Orthodox Sects as well as their response to the catastrophe.
"This time, the Six Dao Conference is to be prepared by Inquiry Immortal Pavilion."
"Only those of Elder rank are qualified to attend the Six Dao Conference."
"Changsheng, you will accompany me when the time comes."
Sect Leader Li Changye sent a telepathic message to Lu Changsheng.
With a cultivation level in the Dao Palace Realm, Lu Changsheng was fully qualified to participate in the Six Dao Conference.
"Hmm."
Lu Changsheng also longed for the Six Dao Conference.
The Six Dao Conference, with the attendance of Sect Leaders and Elders from the six Orthodox Sects, mostly well-known figures, is undoubtedly the grandest event in Xia State.
While Sect Leaders and some Elders leave for the Six Dao Conference, the safety of Mount Shu is entrusted to the Supreme Elders, which is not a concern.
"Lian, intentionally lose to Xiao Xiangdao. I'll initiate power-infusing initiation foryou afterwards."
The disciples' assembly at Mount Shu was still underway, and Lu Changsheng sent a telepathic message to his junior disciple Lian, instructing her to deliberately lose to Xiao Xiangdao.
Lian, who had been fighting empty-handed from the start, was at a slight disadvantage against the sword-wielding Xiao Xiangdao.
Lian nodded her head and, after a fierce hand-to-hand battle with Xiao Xiangdao, pretended to be overpowered and stepped off the Martial Arts Platform.
"Hmph, I don't want to fight you."
Lian pouted and ran back to Lu Changsheng's side.
Xiao Xiangdao sheathed his Longsword, his brows tightly furrowed.
He always felt that his opponent had not gone all out, as if she had treated the match as a joke.
But since Lian was just a little girl, even if she really did treat it as a joke, Xiao Xiangdao couldn't very well lose his temper.
At the end, it came down to Supreme Elder's disciple Chen Yao and Sect Leader's disciple Xiao Xiangdao.
Chen Yao had the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Physique with a cultivation level at the third layer of the Golden Core Realm.
Xiao Xiangdao possessed the Spirit Sword Physique, at the fourth layer of the Golden Core Realm.
Both were among the most outstanding of Mount Shu's new generation, their Sword Qi wreaking havoc in the Martial Arts Platform once again.
In the end, because Chen Yao had expended a great deal of Spiritual Energy dueling Lin Qingzhi, she lost to Xiao Xiangdao, leaving him the victor.
Li Changye simply nodded in acknowledgment.
Li Changye also knew that if Lian, who had the Martial King Divine Physique, had fought at full strength, his disciple might not have won.
Even Chen Yao, a disciple of the Supreme Elders, might not have lost to Xiao Xiangdao had she not been drained of considerable Spiritual Energy by Lin Qingzhi.
Moreover, the seemingly mediocre Lin Qingzhi's true cultivation might not be just at the second layer of the Golden Core Realm.
One can only say that this generation's Mount Shu disciples are too extraordinarily gifted.
Li Changye felt greatly gratified.
With disciples such as Xiao Xiangdao, Lin Qingzhi, Chen Yao, Lian and other geniuses; Mount Shu's future is promising.
"I've lost…"
Defeated, Chen Yao carried the Skywave Sword on her back, her eyes red- rimmed as she vanished forlornly into the crowd.
She had hoped to earn some honor for her master, yet she did not expect to lose to Xiao Xiangdao, who possessed the Spirit Sword Physique.
"Qingzhi, go and console Chen Yao."
Lu Changsheng noticed Chen Yao's desolate departure. He always thought that the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Physique was exceptional, especially since Chen Yao's master was one of Mount Shu's mysterious Supreme Elders. It wouldn't be a bad thing to seek her goodwill.
"What should I do?"
Lin Qingzhi was completely puzzled.
He was clueless.
Lu Changsheng rolled his eyes; this disciple was too honest,
"Just say some comforting words."
"As you command, master."
Following orders, Lin Qingzhi went after her.
In the bamboo grove on the back mountain, Chen Yao looked at the swaying green bamboo, her blue garments fluttering in the wind, with crystal clear tears occasionally dropping, glinting like silver.
Missing first place by just one step was, to her youthful disposition, inevitably regretful.
"Who's there?"
Despite her upset, Chen Yao still sensed someone approaching.
"Senior sister, I mean no harm."
"Is it you?"
Chen Yao looked up to see the newcomer, Lin Qingzhi, who had intentionally lost to her before.
"Are you crying?"
"I am not!"
Chen Yao hastily wiped her reddened eyes with her sleeve, unwilling to admit it. Lin Qingzhi scratched his head, and not knowing what to say, he recalled his master's words and spoke,
"Actually, with senior sister's strength, had you not expended too much spiritual energy in the fight against me, brother Xiao would probably not be your match. So, in my view, senior sister is the real first place."
"Really… Hmph, you don't need to say such comforting words. It's not like they make me feel any better…"
"But I am telling the truth. Also, our master said that as cultivators, we should be humble, not be competitive and overambitious. If senior sister can understand this principle, perhaps one day you might reach master's realm."
"Are you lecturing me? Is this howyou comfort someone? You really are a blockhead." Chen Yao turned around, her black hair dancing in the wind among the bamboo, her eyes still tearful but smiling,
"Regardless, thank you. Let's go back now."
By the time Chen Yao returned to the assembly with Lin Qingzhi, her mood had improved significantly.
Following the conclusion of Mount Shu disciples' assembly, the new generation of Mount Shu disciples had to complete their first sect trial mission.
The trial mission required them to descend the mountain.
Leaving the protection of Mount Shu to venture into the martial arts world could lead to encounters with Demon Sects' disciples or even extremely cruel loose cultivators and members of the Demon Race.
Thus, casualties were inevitable with each trial mission, an unavoidable occurrence.
The path of cultivation is fraught with danger, a matter of life and death.
It's not just the newly initiated disciples; even Mount Shu's Elders could fall upon leaving the shelter of Mount Shu.
Lu Changsheng himself once narrowly escaped death at the hands of a loose cultivator, the Black Tiger Daoist of Huang State.
All disciples drew lots to form teams, with every five individuals making up a small squad, led by either a seasoned disciple who had achieved great accomplishment in the Golden Core Realm or an Elder in the Nascent Soul Realm.
The trial mission was not only a matter of life and death but also a means to build the disciples' teamwork capabilities.
After all, cultivators do not necessarily have to fight their battles alone.
Lian, due to her unique status, couldn't leave Mount Shu; otherwise, it could alert the four Great Demon Sects and the Demon Race of Huang State, and the difficulty of this trial mission could instantly escalate ten thousand fold…
Moreover, with Lin Qingzhi going out for the trial, Lu Changsheng needed to leave a disciple behind. How else could he exploit the system for more benefits?
"We're on the same team?"
Chen Yao, who drew number eight for the team, found herself in the same squad as Lin Qingzhi, a disciple of Lu Changsheng.
Chapter 26: My Master Can Tell Fortunes (Please Follow)
Lin Qingzhi and Chen Yao were in a squad led by an Inner Sect Disciple of the Golden Core Realm at the ninth level.
This Inner Sect Disciple had cultivated in Mount Shu for sixty years, not a novice by any means, with rich worldly experience, thus he was qualified to lead new disciples on their formative expeditions.
Normally, as long as one didn't encounter an Elder of the Demon Sects or a Great Demon, being at the ninth level of the Golden Core Realm meant one could traverse Xia State with impunity.
"The disciples of this generation in Mount Shu have boundless prospects."
"Two years from now, we shall meet again at the Inquiry Immortal Pavilion." Following the conclusion of the Mount Shu Disciples' Conference, the Elders of the five Righteous Dao Sects held a covert meeting with Li Changye before taking to the skies on their swords and departing.
"Changsheng, have you noticed? Xia Ningxue, the newly accepted disciple of the Fairy Pavilion Master, possesses exceptionally high talent."
Senior Brother Li Changye watched the departing crowd and communicated telepathically with Lu Changsheng.
"Despite her young age, her cultivation has already reached the Dao Palace Realm, indeed formidable."
"During the Six Dao Conference, it's likely that the Fairy Pavilion Master will send this girl to challenge the rank of our young generation Elders in Mount Shu. Although I'm confident in defeating her, having cultivated for five hundred years, a victory over her would hardly be honorable."
"One thousand five hundred years ago, the Six Dao Conference was held at our Mount Shu, and Inquiry Immortal Pavilion challenged our position as number one. The Pavilion Master fought our Sect Leader and was defeated in all three battles, losing face completely. As a result, Inquiry Immortal Pavilion's status fell to fifth place. I reckon the Fairy Pavilion Master still remembers this."
"You are the last direct disciple accepted by our Sect Leader. For this Six Dao Conference, we can only hope you will defeat Xia Ningxue."
Li Changye spoke with a heavy heart as he patted Lu Changsheng's shoulder.
Li Changye had been present to protect Lu Changsheng during his breakthrough to the Dao Palace Realm, witnessing the heavenly phenomena induced by Lu Changsheng. Believing that Lu Changsheng's talent was no less than his own, he hoped that Lu Changsheng could stand against Xia Ningxue and uphold Mount Shu's dignity.
To battle Xia Ningxue?
"Senior Brother, if I defeat Xia Ningxue when the time comes, you'll have my back, right?"
Lu Changsheng wasn't afraid of Xia Ningxue, but he was concerned about the Fairy Pavilion Master supporting her from behind.
How would he face it if the Fairy Pavilion Master, after finally finding an opportunity to disgrace the Mount Shu Sect Leader, decided to personally draw a sword and pursue him if he ruined it?
"Hahaha, both Master and I will have your back."
Understanding Lu Changsheng's implication, Li Changye reassured him.
It seems his Senior Brother also enjoys stirring up a bit of chaos.
Before his disciples set off for their trials, Lu Changsheng summoned Lin Qingzhi and performed a Power-infusing Initiation on him.
[Ding, you have imparted 300 days of Heavenly Cultivation to your disciple
"Lin Qingzhi," and Lin Qingzhi has actually gained sixty days of cultivation.] [Ding, you have received an eighty-fold return reward for your teaching: 4.800 days of cultivation.]
[Ding, the number of Power-infusing Initiation you can perform today -1, the remaining count for initiating today is 1.]
Due to Lu Changsheng's realm advancement, Lin Qingzhi only gained sixty days of his cultivation, but his Qi Sea was now brimming with spiritual energy. Lu Changsheng obtained over ten years of cultivation return, further solidifying his Dao Palace.
"Disciple, your master has foreseen through calculation that one year from now, on your way back to Mount Shu after completing your trials, you will encounter a tribulation."
"Master can tell fortunes?"
Lin Qingzhi's eyes widened.
To mysteriously calculate the ways of heaven, even the Temple Master of the Hidden Dragon Temple would not dare claim to accurately predict events a year in advance.
Yet, his master had outright stated that he would experience a tribulation in a year's time.
"I know a thing or two."
"How should your disciple face this tribulation?"
"When the time comes, you needn't worry, keep calm and handle it. If you truly cannot overcome, your master will appear and assist you in crossing the tribulation."
"Thankyou, Master. Your disciple takes the liberty to ask."
"Goon."
"Is Master… an Immortal?"
"Do I look like an Immortal to you?"
"Yes, very much so."
Lin Qingzhi was convinced that Lu Changsheng was an Immortal hidden away, cultivating in Mount Shu.
Otherwise, how could Lu Changsheng bestow limitless Power-infusing Initiation? How could he foresee the future and be so prescient?
"To me, an Immortal is nothing more than a cultivator with a much higher level of cultivation."
"Before you depart, as a reward, I'll bestow upon you some Elixir Pills for your survival during your trials."
Lu Changsheng casually handed over a bag of Elixir Pills.
With Lin Qingzhi's current realm, Elixir Pills below the third grade were more than sufficient; higher-grade Elixir Pills might risk causing his body to explode from their potent power.
Over the past three years, Lu Changsheng diligently exploited the system benefits every day, amassing hundreds of advanced Elixir Pills, including an eight-grade Elixir Pill that returned a ten-thousand-fold reward.
The power of an eighth-grade elixir pill is so strong that even those in the Dao Palace Realm cannot withstand it.
Lu Changsheng need only take out a few fifth-grade elixir pills to trade for a stack of third-grade or lower elixir pills at Mount Shu's Elixir Pavilion, never fearing a lack of elixir pills to reward his disciples.
As for high-grade elixir pills, Lu Changsheng uses them for body tempering himself and his young apprentice.
The higher the grade of the elixir pill, the better the body tempering effect, and the stronger the physique.
Of course, if the power of the elixir is too strong, it could easily result in the body exploding and death.
"Thank you, Master. Qingzhi has been away from Mount Shu for a year and couldn't serve by the Master's side. I hope the Master will forgive me,"
Lin Qingzhi bowed deeply, then respectfully took his leave.
"Master, Lian also wants to go down the mountain and play! Please- "
Lian clung to Lu Changsheng's arm, coquettishly pleading to descend the mountain for trials.
"No, you may not. Here in Mount Shu, you have the protection of your master, Sect Leader, eldest senior brother, and the Supreme Elders. If you leave, your presence could alarm the four Great Demon Sects and the demons of Huang State. Do you want to be devoured by a Great Demon?"
"Alright then…"
Lian, remembering being chased by the Black Tiger Daoist and Reincarnation Hall three years ago, reluctantly gave up the idea of leaving the mountain.
"So when can Lian leave the mountain?"
"You must at least reach the Dao Palace Realm, with your Martial King Divine Physique becoming somewhat established,"
Lu Changsheng pondered for a while and, considering his young apprentice's monstrous talent, realized that once she had somewhat established her Martial King Divine Physique, she would have no problem blowing apart Great Demons of the calibre of the Black Tiger Daoist with her bare hands.
"That's too long."
Lian pouted but continued to cultivate under Lu Changsheng's guidance.
For a peerless genius like Lian, who could reach the Dao Palace Realm in her twenties, such a period of cultivation was indeed insignificant.
In the Qi Transformation Realm, one's lifespan is 150 years.
In the Golden Core Realm, it is 300 years.
In the Nascent Soul Realm, it is 500 years.
In the Dao Palace Realm, it is a thousand years.
A dozen or so years, to a cultivator of the Dao Palace Realm, is no more than a year or two for a common mortal.
Lu Changsheng still wanted to linger in Mount Shu for a while longer.
Without being invincible, Lu Changsheng always felt the world of cultivation was fraught with danger.
Staying in Mount Shu was wonderful, with the protection of the Sect Leader and the Supreme Elders, and the abundant nature's spiritual energy to use when breaking through – it was truly a Holy Land for cultivation.
Only if the spiritual energy of Mount Shu was no longer sufficient would Lu Changsheng consider relocating.
Lian continued cultivating with Lu Changsheng on Qingyun Peak, while his eldest disciple, Lin Qingzhi, began his year-long trial as a disciple.
Lin Qingzhi's team was led by a senior disciple at the ninth layer of the Golden Core Realm; it also included Chen Yao at the third layer of the Golden Core Realm, a disciple at the ninth layer of Qi Transformation Realm, one at the sixth layer, and one at the fourth layer, totaling six members.
"The Master has predicted that I will face a trial in a year's time; I must be especially cautious,"
Lin Qingzhi trusted his master, Lu Changsheng, wholeheartedly without a trace of doubt.
"Silly boy, what are you brooding over?"
Chen Yao carried the Skywave Sword on her back and, seeing Lin Qingzhi frown in thought, she approached him.
"My master said that in a year, our team will face a dire calamity; you should be careful too."
"I thought you were honest and simple, yet you want to deceive me. Do you think your master is the Temple Master of the Hidden Dragon Temple, known for his incredible predictions?"
Chen Yao was skeptical.
The Time Law is among the most difficult in all of nature.
To predict the workings of fate may also invite backlash.
Not even the Temple Master of the Hidden Dragon Temple can necessarily foresee events a year in advance.
Lin Qingzhi promised with conviction,
"I swear, my master will not be wrong."
"How about we make a bet? Whoever loses has to agree to do one thing for the other."
"The Master said the martial world is perilous, and we must not bet lightly with others."
"So you do not have confidence in your master's prediction?"
"The Master won't be wrong… Alright, I'll bet with you,"
Lin Qingzhi scratched his head.
What a fool, getting twisted into making a bet by me.
Chen Yao found it amusing, but what she didn't know was that Lu Changsheng had already used the system to simulate Lin Qingzhi's life beforehand; in the end, she was actually the one lured into the trap.
Chapter 27: Returning the Disciple, Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking
"Today, I shall impart to you the secret technique for tracking," Lu Changsheng said.
Lu Changsheng took out a Profound Rank low-grade cultivation technique.
Although this was just a Profound Rank technique, it had no small use.
To track an enemy's breath and utterly exterminate them, eliminate all future troubles.
Lu Changsheng detached a wisp of spiritual energy and attached it to a Spirit Ape that he
"invited" over, and Lian did the same, detaching his own wisp of spiritual energy.
"Recite the mnemonic verse of the tracking technique in your mind, maintain a sense of this wisp of spiritual energy, and no matter where the Spirit Ape has gone, you will be aware of it."
"Go," he ordered.
Guided by Lu Changsheng's directions, the Spirit Ape left the cave dwelling.
Being able to serve as a "teaching tool" for Dao Palace realm's Lu Changsheng was a great fortune for it.
Many spirit beasts in Mount Shu attained enlightenment, not just because the spiritual energy of Mount Shu was rich, but also because occasionally they could receive advice from the Mount Shu elders.
"Master, I can feel it; the Spirit Ape has reached the mountainside!"
Lian recited the mnemonic verse silently and then clearly sensed the location of the Spirit Ape.
"This is the simplest form of the tracking technique."
"Next, I will teach you the second layer of the tracking technique, which can search for enemies within a hundred miles by their scent."
"But you need to understand one thing, the tracking technique is not entirely reliable; the opponent can use different scents to mask their own, and by holding their breath and concentrating their mind, they can evade tracking. Even more formidable are those who use magic formations to conceal their existence and merge with nature."
"At this time, strategy is essential. You might launch a surprise counterattack or draw the snake out of the hole."
"When tracking an enemy, you also need to consider the most likely direction they would flee or the most likely place they would hide to find them the fastest."
"Ingenuity is also a part of strength."
"Using ingenuity is the highest realm of the tracking technique."
Lu Changsheng began to impart the second and third layers of understanding for the tracking technique.
Lu Changsheng took out a small twig from a bird's nest on Qingyun Peak, and then had Lian use the scent on the twig, covering Qingyun Peak with his divine sense to find the exact location of the bird's nest.
At first, Lian was not proficient and it took him half an hour to find the bird's nest on a crooked tree at the mountain's peak.
Once proficient, Lu Changsheng took out a pinecone, and this time, it took Lian less than a quarter of an hour to find the location of the Spirit Squirrel.
[Ding, you have bestowed your disciple
"Lian" with the Profound Rank low- grade cultivation technique
"Tracking Technique," and have received a five hundred times return reward for teaching: Heaven Rank low-grade cultivation technique
"Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking."]
[Ding, the number of bestowal opportunities today -1.]
Out of nowhere, a Heaven Rank low-grade cultivation technique appeared in Lu Changsheng's arms.
"Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking," with just a faint wisp of scent, could track an enemy thousands of miles away, and at the highest level of cultivation, one could even see the scenes surrounding the person being tracked from thousands of miles away.
Isn't this just like having clairvoyance?
Lu Changsheng was elated.
If he could cultivate
"Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking" to the highest level, then even without leaving Mount Shu, he would be able to use the tracking secret technique to see what his disciple was doing.
This was one of its uses.
The most significant use of
"Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking" was for chasing down enemies.
"If you don't remove the roots, the spring breeze will bring them back to life."
By mastering this secret technique, it would be extremely difficult for the enemy to escape.
As a Heaven Rank technique, Lian was not yet able to comprehend it, so Lu Changsheng began to cultivate
"Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking" first.
Three months later, Lu Changsheng split a strand of his divine sense and, following the aura of his eldest disciple Lin Qingzhi, left Mount Shu to track Lin Qjngzhi's whereabouts.
"The Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking uses the Space Law, which is extremely difficult to comprehend."
Lu Changsheng guided this inconsequential strand of divine sense, tracking for thousands of li.
Three days and nights passed, and Lu Changsheng's strand of divine sense entered a feudal kingdom known as Ji Country.
The group of Mount Shu disciples that Lin Qingzhi was part of, under the guise of loose cultivators, traveled while slaying demons and promoting righteousness and was currently in Ji Country.
Lu Changsheng's divine sense, through the use of a secret technique, searched for Lin Qingzhi's exact location in Ji Country.
"Found you!"
Another day passed, and Lu Changsheng, using the Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking, finally located his eldest disciple's position.
"Condense!"
Inside the cave dwelling on Qingyun Peak, Lu Changsheng's real body continuously changed hand signs, forcibly condensing the scenery thousands of li away.
"I see it."
Lu Changsheng peered across ten thousand li and vaguely saw the Mount Shu group where Lin Qingzhi was located.
In Ji Country, at Vast Wilderness Marsh, several hundred loose cultivators had responded to the local government's recruitment and gathered at the local military camp.
The military camp stretched for tens of li, with flags fluttering in the wind, and two hundred thousand mortal soldiers assembled.
A general with cultivation at the fifth layer of the Golden Core Realm, his demeanor imposing, said to the several hundred loose cultivators with a fist salute,
"I am Chu Yu, the Great General of Ji Country! This time we are campaigning against the bandits in Vast Wilderness Marsh. I must trouble all the Daoist masters present to lend their aid. The bandit leader Sima Kuang is a heretic cultivator at the sixth layer of the Golden Core Realm, who has rallied eight hundred highly skilled bandits, entrenched in the miasma-filled Vast Wilderness Marsh, and frequently raids various cities, engaging in arson, murder, and looting."
"The court has long sought to eradicate this bandit. However, each time we send troops against them, these eight hundred bandits would hide within the Vast Wilderness Marsh, elusive as spirits and ghosts, causing the grand army to return without success."
"Therefore, the court is sparing no expense this time, recruiting all the Daoist masters and dispatching an army of two hundred thousand, determined to exterminate these bandits."
"Tomorrow, the two hundred thousand-strong army will attack Vast Wilderness Marsh. All the Daoist masters need only to slay the bandit leader Sima Kuang. Leave the rest of the bandits to us."
"As long as the Daoist masters contribute to the victory, our Ji Country will surely reward you handsomely."
"Whoever slays the bandit leader Sima Kuang will be rewarded with a fifthgrade elixir pill!"
Chu Yu announced the contents of the bounty mission to the assembled loose cultivators.
Upon hearing about the fifth-grade elixir pill, all the loose cultivators present went wild with desire.
Such a pill was worth a fortune!
Especially for the loose cultivators presented, whose cultivation levels were mostly within the Qi Transformation Realm and Golden Core Realm, some might never even see a fourth-grade elixir pill in their entire lifetime, let alone a fifth-grade one.
Just a fifth-grade elixir pill…
Lu Changsheng, observing the crowd through the Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking and seeing them go crazy over a single fifth-grade elixir pill, couldn't help but mutter to himself.
Because he consistently exploited the system for its benefits, Lu Changsheng had a mountainous pile of fourth-grade, fifth-grade, and sixth-grade elixir pills in his possession, and even a precious eighth-grade elixir pill that could shake the six Righteous Dao sects and the four Great Demon Sects.
It seemed that aiding Ji Country in the elimination of the eight hundred bandits in Vast Wilderness Marsh was the most important task for Lin Qingzhi and the Mount Shu group during this excursion.
The leader of the eight hundred bandits, Sima Kuang, a heretic cultivator at the sixth layer of the Golden Core Realm, was of a lower realm than the leading Mount Shu disciple at the ninth layer of the Golden Core Realm. The task appeared not to be a difficult one for this training mission.
However, Lu Changsheng knew there was something unusual about heretic cultivators.
Heretic cultivators practiced crooked and perverse Daoist techniques, often catching their adversaries off guard.
The Black Tiger Daoist Lu Changsheng encountered in Huang State had such a technique called
"Black Tiger Heart Devouring" that could attack the soul of an enemy, causing their soul to scatter and disperse.
"I have a feeling that Master seems to be watching over us."
Lin Qingzhi, amidst the loose cultivators, suddenly had a realization; in the depths of his soul, it felt as if his master was paying attention to this training mission.
Chapter 28: This Disciple Might Just Be an Unparalleled Genius (Please Follow)
"Junior Brother, what nonsense are you talking about? Elder Lu is thousands of miles away in Mount Shu, how could he be here?"
Chen Yao felt that Lin Qingzhi must have gone mad upon hearing him talk to himself.
"Perhaps I am overthinking it."
Lin Qingzhi also found it unbelievable.
How could his master be meditating on Qingyun Peak at this time and still be aware of events occurring thousands of miles away?
The Great General of Ji Country, Chu Yu, continued to describe the situation of the mission:
"We will break camp tomorrow, so I ask all Daoist priests to rest well tonight in preparation for the major battle."
"Hold on a moment."
Just as everyone was about to go rest, Lin Qingzhi suddenly spoke up.
The surrounding Loose Cultivators, Ji Country's commanders, and even the disciples of Mount Shu who had come with Lin Qingzhi were all greatly surprised.
The unremarkable Lin Qingzhi actually stood up at this moment.
Lu Changsheng, who was observing this cultivation trial from thousands of miles away, also showed a hint of surprise, even more curious about what this usually low-profile disciple was going to do next.
"Ji Country has marshaled two hundred thousand troops and spared no expense in recruiting extraordinary individuals, all to exterminate the eight hundred bandits of Vast Wilderness Marsh. Since Sima Kuang has managed to escape the encirclement multiple times, his nature must be cunning and ruthless. Such a grandiose operation by Ji Country must have already alarmed Sima Kuang. If I were Sima Kuang, I would definitely send loyal subordinates to infiltrate our group of Loose Cultivators."
"In this way, every move we make would be in Sima Kuang's grasp. Two hundred thousand troops marching into Vast Wilderness Marsh would be nothing but a death sentence."
Lin Qingzhi's analysis was incisive, causing even the Great General of Ji Country to change color upon hearing it.
The Loose Cultivators present were in an uproar.
Upon careful consideration, they realized that what Lin Qingzhi described was highly probable.
One of the eight hundred bandits had already infiltrated their ranks!
"I've been sensing everyone's aura with Spiritual Energy just now. I noticed someone whose aura changed drastically after my analysis. If I'm not wrong, you are the inside agent sent by Sima Kuang."
Lin Qingzhi swiftly turned his gaze toward a Qi Transformation Realm seventh-layer Loose Cultivator, who was already sweating profusely.
"Damnit!"
This Loose Cultivator, exposed by Lin Qingzhi, attempted to draw his Flying Sword and fight to the death.
"Bandit, meet your end!"
A Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator acted first, a sword to the throat, killing the inside agent.
The inside agent's eyes were lifeless, as he fell to the ground.
A Qi Transformation Realm seventh-layer cultivator, when facing a Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator, had almost no chance of fighting back.
The Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator wiped the sweat from his forehead and gave a toothy grin, saying to Lin Qingzhi,
"Little Daoist priest, you truly have a natural eye for detail to be able to detect the inside agent sent by Sima Kuang. May I ask who is your master?"
This Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator inquired almost flatteringly.
However, Lin Qingzhi's expression was icy:
"May I ask this fellow Daoist, why did you not attempt to capture the inside agent sent by Sima Kuang alive and have him lead us into Vast Wilderness Marsh, instead of immediately silencing him?"
Whoosh.
With Lin Qingzhi's reminder, the eyes of everyone present suddenly focused on the Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator.
This Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator certainly had a problem!
Had it not been for Lin Qingzhi's reminder, they might not have realized what was off.
This Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator, who was in a hurry to kill and silence, and sweating profusely, could very well be one of the eight hundred bandits!
"You bastard…" As expected, the exposed Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator became frantic, his expression twisting into a snarl,
"F**kit all, I'm not hiding anymore! Yes, I am an inside agent of the eight hundred bandits. You dare to provoke us, you will have no grave to be buried in!"
A Loose Cultivator of the Golden Core Realm summoned a Flying Sword, and rode the sword to the sky.
"Hmph, tryingto escape?!"
Chu Yu, who was at the fifth level of the Golden Core Realm, immediately pursued into the sky, clenching his five fingers into a fist, carrying an unstoppable domineering aura, and smashed toward the insider!
Where the power of the fist went, the air exploded!
Lin Qingzhi, Chen Yao, and other Loose Cultivators of the Golden Core Realm took action at the same time, surrounding and attacking the unfortunate insider with their swords.
The insider at the Golden Core Realm was only at the second level of cultivation, and once exposed, he couldn't fend off the attacks from all sides, quickly getting beaten black and blue, and ultimately captured alive.
"This young Taoist is truly a remarkable person, with meticulous thoughts, actually able to root out Sima Kuang's insider among us."
Chu Yu, having captured alive the insider sent by Sima Kuang, couldn't stop praising Lin Qingzhi.
Even he had not noticed that every single one of his moves was under Sima Kuang's surveillance.
"Great General, Vast Wilderness Marsh is Sima Kuang's territory, filled with miasma and teeming with traps. An army of two hundred thousand marching into Vast Wilderness Marsh would surely suffer heavy casualties. Instead, using the insider's identity, we send false intelligence to Sima Kuang and lure the snake out of its hole."
"My senior sister is skilled in the Dao Array and can conceal everyone's Spiritual Energy. We can set an ambush along the way."
"Once Sima Kuang enters the ambush, the Great General can lead the troops in a counterattack, while we Loose Cultivators take care of executing Sima Kuang. Compared to a direct assault on Vast Wilderness Marsh, this might reduce the number of casualties."
After Lin Qingzhi offered his insights, the eyes of Ji Country's Great General, Chu Yu, shone even brighter.
"Brilliant plan! What a brilliant plan!" Chu Yu expressed his immense admiration,
"Young Taoist is proficient in military strategy; if you could join us in Ji Country, my position as Great General could be yours in the future. How do you feel about that proposal, Young Taoist?"
"I am not that talented; it is all because of my master's good teaching. After this matter is resolved, I still have to return to serve at my master's side. My cultivation is far behind that of my master."
Lin Qingzhi calmly shook his head, declining Chu Yu's offer.
"If Young Taoist is already so capable, then your master must indeed be an unmatched hermit expert hidden from the world. Come to think of it, how could Young Taoist possibly care for the position of a Great General in our small country? Someone, proceed according to Young Taoist's plans!"
Chu Yu was filled with regret, always feeling that Lin Qingzhi was a superior military talent.
"Junior brother, you've gained my newfound respect."
Chen Yao put away her previous contempt for Lin Qingzhi and actually felt that a serious Lin Qingzhi had a certain charm.
"Really?"
Lin Qingzhi scratched his head; he simply had taken an interest in chess and military strategy due to the influence of the man who had adopted him, the Naval Commander of Liang Country.
"But just a little bit."
Chen Yao still didn't want to admit it.
"Hahaha, once we get rid of the bandit Sima Kuang, I must personally host a grand feast to treat all the Taoists, especially the two young Taoists!"
The Great General of Ji Country, seeing the conversation between Lin Qingzhi and Chen Yao, always felt that the two had extraordinary backgrounds, hence he laughed heartily, intentionally mentioning the two of them.
At that moment, Elder Lu, who was observing in secret, felt a storm surge within him.
He had never expected that his disciple was feigning foolishness with great wisdom!
Aside from practicing, Lin Qingzhi usually either played chess or studied military tactics.
It appeared that his disciple, seemingly dull and silly at ordinary times, had his talents concentrated on focus, Go, and military strategy.
With undivided attention, one could achieve success in any path, and without a heart demon to trouble him, a clear and open journey awaits.
This was the terrifying aspect of having a Heart of the Innocent.
This disciple might well be an exceptional genius.
Chapter 29: You concealed your cultivation level? So did I.
"Boss, our inside man has successfully poisoned them; the Great General of Ji Country and a bunch of Loose Cultivators are poisoned, gasping for air and resting in Mysterious Valley. Now is the perfect time for us to launch a surprise attack!"
"Once we annihilate Ji Country's two hundred thousand troops, how about leading our brothers to storm Ji Country's imperial city, seize the emperor's throne, and become the emperor ourselves, boss? With your sixth layer cultivation in the Golden Core Realm, playing emperor wouldn't be too bad."
"Hahaha, I don't want to be any damn emperor. I would rather be a bandit, it's far more thrilling!"
Sima Kuang led eight hundred bandits on a rapid march, heading for an assault on Mysterious Valley.
The eight hundred bandits didn't detect any murderous intent along the way and entered Mysterious Valley without incident.
Inside Mysterious Valley, the encampment of two hundred thousand Ji Country soldiers was eerily silent.
"Boss, something seems off here."
"Damn it, we've been tricked!"
Having roamed the jianghu for many years, Sima Kuang was vicious and cunning and immediately realized they had fallen into a trap.
" Sima Kuang, you and your eight hundred bandits have done countless evil deeds, it's timeyou were brought to justice!"
From both sides of the valley, within the forest, hundreds of Loose Cultivators and two hundred thousand mortal soldiers burst out from magic formations, swarming forward in a dark mass and encircling the eight hundred bandits.
Five Mount Shu disciples, mingled with the hundreds of Loose Cultivators, sealed off all directions to prevent Sima Kuang's escape.
"Damn it, you used a magic formation to maskyour presence!"
Sima Kuang's expression grew darker by the moment.
"Indeed, the eight hundred of you bandits have sacked and pillaged, with no fewer than a hundred thousand lives on your hands. Your sins are as high as the heavens—you must be executed!"
Chen Yao gestured with her right hand, and the Skywave Sword at her back shone with a brilliant azure light.
The disciples of Mount Shu, righteous and chivalrous, were filled with righteous indignation upon encountering a ruthless villain like Sima Kuang.
"I've traversed the jianghu for eighty years, starting as an ordinary mountain bandit, struggling and surviving numerous brushes with death, to achieve my current level of cultivation. And you think you can kill me just like that?"
Sima Kuang drew a Demon Blade, his eyes fierce. Surrounded by countless troops and many Loose Cultivators, he remained arrogant.
Each of the eight hundred bandits had blood on their hands and dared not surrender, so they fought desperately.
These eight hundred bandits were Loose Cultivators and warriors with cultivation, which was why Ji Country had to mobilize two hundred thousand soldiers to exterminate them.
" Sima Kuang, good and evil will always be repaid in the end. This Mysterious Valley shall be your grave!"
Ji Country's Great General Chu Yu brandished a long spear, joining forces with the Mount Shu disciples and other Loose Cultivators, to besiege Sima Kuang and the Golden Core Realm bandits and warriors among the eight hundred bandits.
Two hundred thousand mortal soldiers simultaneously unleashed volleys of arrows, blades flashing and swords clashing, tasked with suppressing the bandits of the Foundation Establishment Realm and Qi Transformation Realm.
The leading Golden Core Realm ninth-layer disciple transmitted a message to the five Mount Shu disciples including Lin Qingzhi:
"During this sect mission, I will only intervene in critical situations. You should try to complete the tasks on your own."
"Understood!"
Lin Qingzhi and Lian, two Golden Core Realm Mount Shu disciples, teamed up with Chu Yu, a fifth-layer Golden Core Realm cultivator, to besiege the sixthlayer Golden Core Realm Sima Kuang, theoretically gaining the upper hand.
The leading experienced Mount Shu disciple's mission was to protect the trainee disciples in dangerous situations and to record everyone's performance during the assessment. Unless absolutely necessary, issues had to be resolved by the newly initiated disciples themselves.
"Aaah!!"
A first-layer Golden Core Realm Loose Cultivator was bisected at the waist by Sima Kuang's Blood Demon Blade in the midst of battle, his blood spraying across the sky, emitting a piercing scream.
The faces of the Mount Shu disciples on the training mission turned pale.
Unlike friendly sparring that stops at a light touch, during jianghu training against a cold-blooded Loose Cultivator like Sima Kuang, one could easily meet an untimely death.
"Slash!"
With a flick of her two fingers, Chen Yao's Skywave Sword, radiating a dazzling azure glow, slashed towards Sima Kuang!
"Blood Demon Blade Skills!"
Sima Kuang didn't dodge; instead, his Demon Blade, engulfed in a massive surge of blood, audaciously met Chen Yao's attack!
The blood-red light engulfed the sword qi, and surged back towards Chen Yao.
Chen Yao hastily dodged, but within the blood light, there was a nauseating, disgusting aura mixed in, various negative emotions surged to her mind, causing confusion and turmoil within her spirit.
"Senior sister, be careful!"
Seeing Chen Yao momentarily stunned, Lin Qingzhi stepped in front of her and used the Green Abyss Sword to block Sima Kuang's next slash with his blood blade.
The clash of blade and sword resonated like thunder in the sky, a vast and invisible shockwave emanated from the duo, rapidly expanding in all directions.
Throughout his training, Lin Qingzhi had always kept his realm suppressed at the second layer of the Golden Core Realm. Now outmatched by Sima Kuang, his body involuntarily flew backward.
Suddenly, warmth came from behind him as the revived Chen Yao caught him, stabilizing his form.
Chen Yao, with her special constitution and being a direct disciple of the Supreme Elders of Mount Shu, quickly adjusted despite the influence of the blood blade.
"How are you not affected by my Blood Demon Blade Skills?"
Sima Kuang was astounded.
His Blood Demon Blade Skills could awaken the inner demons deep within a person's heart, tormenting the opponent with unbearable pain, rendering them incapable of fighting. With this technique, Sima Kuang had roamed the martial world for many years, killing many powerful adversaries.
However, Lin Qingzhi possessed the Heart of the Innocent, free from inner demons.
In other words, the effectiveness of Sima Kuang's Blood Demon Blade Skills was greatly reduced against Lin Qingzhi.
"Sima Kuang, don't forget you're also fighting me! Our realms only differ by one layer, and I am aided by so many fellow cultivators. Your death is certain!"
Chu Yu attacked from behind, his lance trembling, turning into thousands of spear shadows, enveloping Sima Kuang!
Sima Kuang turned to counter with his blade, engaging in a fierce fight with Chu Yu!
Both moved with extreme speed, their forms flickering like phantoms, swiftly colliding.
"You think my true cultivation is only at the sixth layer of the Golden Core Realm? I've roamed the martial world for years, not only because of my decisive killing but also my patience! Now, let me show you my true cultivation!"
The aura around Sima Kuang surged as his cultivation level skyrocketed. Astonishingly, he ascended two levels, reaching the eighth layer of the Golden Core Realm!
"What?!"
Chu Yu was shocked and dismayed.
If Sima Kuang was only at the sixth layer of the Golden Core Realm, then Chu Yu, being at the fifth layer, could have still fought.
But now, a gap of three minor realms stood between them!
True to his reputation, Sima Kuang, who had roamed the martial world for years, was indeed ruthless, never easily revealing his true power!
The people who had seen Sima Kuang's true power were all dead!
Sima Kuang launched another slash, its power greatly magnified; the Great General of Ji Country, unable to withstand Sima Kuang's strength, had his armor cleaved open, a bloody gash appearing on his chest.
The leading disciple of Mount Shu frowned, as Sima Kuang's realm far exceeded his predictions and was now beyond the capability of any new disciple who had joined the sect within the last ten years.
Just as he was about to intervene, Lin Qingzhi, with the Green Abyss Sword in hand and a determined expression, employed the Soaring Cloud Sword Technique and attacked Sima Kuang from behind.
"Little runt, don't you know my cultivation is at the eighth layer of Golden Core Realm now? What makes you, a mere second-layer Golden Core Realm brat, think you can oppose me!"
Sima Kuang mocked, ignoring Lin Qingzhi's sneak attack, intending first to slay the Great General of Ji Country, whom he perceived as a greater threat.
To kill the Great General would also demoralize the two-hundred-thousand- strong army of Ji Country, providing relief for the eight hundred bandits.
"You're not the only one who has hidden their cultivation!"
"Open Heaven's Gate!"
Lin Qingzhi furiously channeled the Taxuan Skills, the Spiritual Energy in his Dantian overflowing into the Zodiac Meridians, his aura swelling, he suddenly reached the seventh layer of the Golden Core Realm!
During the Mount Shu disciples' grand assembly, Lin Qingzhi's real realm was still at the sixth layer of the Golden Core Realm. Before descending the mountain, Lu Changsheng performed another Power-infusing Initiation on Lin Qingzhi. After three months of refining Spiritual Energy and training, his cultivation had reached the seventh layer of the Golden Core Realm.
"No, impossible!"
Sima Kuang, realizing Lin Qingzhi's true power was only a minor realm below his own, was too late to defend fully.
Chapter 30: Disciple has a small request (please follow)
Lin Qingzhi's Green Abyss Sword pierced through Sima Kuang's chest, and the fierce Sword Qi tore through Sima Kuang's meridians, causing blood to spill.
"Who would've thought that after roaming the jianghu for so many years, I would actually be plotted against, plotted against by a youngster like you…" As Sima Kuang neared death, he glared with eyes wide open, unable to close them in peace.
He never expected Lin Qingzhi, who was so young, to have reached the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm and had all along concealed his abilities.
A single misstep in the game had marked the difference between life and death.
The Loose Cultivators from Ji Country who surrounded Sima Kuang all stood frozen in place, and their gazes toward Lin Qingzhi were as if they were looking at a monster.
The vile and deeply scheming Sima Kuang, died under the sword of an unknown junior.
"I never would have guessed that young friend is actually an elusive expert, my apologies, my apologies!"
Ji Country's Great General Chu Yu, upon seeing Sima Kuang killed, was greatly shocked.
Lin Qingzhi's cultivation was higher than his, which made him respect Lin Qingzhi involuntarily.
Not only that, but considering Lin Qingzhi's young age and his level of cultivation, Chu Yu firmly believed that there must be an exceptional expert guiding him, or he wouldn't believe it even if he were beaten to death.
"So this is your true cultivation, the seventh level of the Golden Core Realm… you were indeed holding back against me before…"
Chen Yao, too, was astonished by Lin Qingzhi's true display of cultivation.
What was most rare was Lin Qingzhi's temperament.
Despite having such cultivation, he could have completely defeated her and Xiao Xiangdao in the Mount Shu disciples' conference and taken first place, but he chose to withdraw halfway through.
With the death of Sima Kuang, the highest cultivation bandit among the eight hundred, the other bandits were subsequently exterminated by the Ji Country's army and numerous Loose Cultivators.
Lu Changsheng, observing secretly, saw his disciple kill Sima Kuang with a concealed ability and a single sword strike, knowing that the following battle would have no suspense, thus he discontinued the Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking.
Though the Technique of Ten Thousand Li Tracking was mysterious and allowed one to observe scenes from ten thousand li away, it required a vast amount of Spiritual Energy.
With Lu Changsheng's current state, he could not sustain it for a very long time.
"My disciple's tribulations are still several months away. When the time comes, I will descend the mountain to help him through the dangers."
Lu Changsheng saw Lin Qingzhi making great progress during his trials and was very pleased, so he continued to cultivate the Taiqing Wuji Technique.
The Taiqing Wuji Technique was profoundly mysterious, and even for Lu Changsheng, who possessed the Innate Taoist Body, the fifth level of the technique was exceedingly difficult.
" I wonder what level of cultivation one must attain to comprehend the ninth level of the Taiqing Wuji Technique. The creator of this technique, Nameless True Person, was indeed extraordinary."
Lu Changsheng meditated in seclusion for three days and three nights and only then grasped a small part of the fifth level. To fully comprehend the fifth layer of the Taiqing Wuji Technique was still far off.
Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, having already heard Lian's footsteps.
Sure enough, a girl in practice clothes bounced into the cave, her features fine and delicate, her big eyes watery and full of life, adding to her spirited look, each side of her face adorned with small dimples, winning people's affection.
However, upon seeing his disciple enter, Lu Changsheng slightly furrowed his brows.
This little ancestor was a bona fide wrecking force.
Three years ago, when Lian's cultivation was not high, she couldn't stir up much trouble, but as Lian's cultivation improved, she was almost tearing down Qingyun Peak.
Once her Martial King Divine Physique was slightly accomplished, it was likely that the whole Mount Shu would be turned upside down in chaos.
"Master, Lian has already Refining the Spiritual Energy from the last technique you taught me, and as instructed by master, I've come to receive the Powerinfusing Initiation-"
Lian sat on the cushion, chatting while sizing up what fun Spiritual Artifacts there might be in her master's cave.
Last time Lian took Lu Changsheng's Innate Spirit Treasure
"Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword" out to play, she couldn't control the power of the Innate Treasure, and with one strike she chopped off the top of a hillock on Qingyun Peak, scaring all kinds of Spirit Beasts there.
Ever since that incident, Lu Changsheng simply placed the Nine Heavens Imperial Thunder Sword into his own Dao Palace to prevent Lian from taking it out again, completely destroying his cultivation retreat.
[Ding, you've transferred 500 days of Heavenly Cultivation to your disciple
"Lian", who has actually received 100 days of Heavenly Cultivation.]
[Ding, you have received a seventyfold return reward from teaching your disciple: 7000 days of Heavenly Cultivation. ]
[Ding, you have bestowed upon your disciple
"Lian" a second-grade Elixir Pill
"Detoxification Pill", and you have received a four hundredfold return: a fifthgrade Elixir Pill
"All-Poison Immunity Pill".]
[Ding, you have granted your disciple
"Lian" a high-grade Spiritual Artifact
"Purple Brilliance Battle Clothes", and you have received a three hundredfold return: a high-grade Acquired Spirit Treasure
"Phoenix Feather Universe Clothes".]
[Ding, the number of times you can perform Power-infusing Initiation today -1, the number of times you can give rewards today -2.]
Following his usual routine, Lu Changsheng performed Power-infusing Initiation for Lian and also bestowed Elixir Pills and treasures, exploiting the system for his benefit.
The battle clothes given to Lian were a treasure used by female cultivators, and the item returned was also a high-grade treasure of the same type, albeit useless to Lu Changsheng.
Soon after, Lu Changsheng waved his sleeve, and a wooden barrel appeared. Inside was a Body Refinement Elixir concocted from second-grade, third- grade, and even fourth-grade Elixir Pills.
Lian's Martial King Divine Physique required a great amount of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to achieve minor accomplishment, and Lu Changsheng did not hesitate to use fourth-grade Elixir Pills to concoct the Body Refinement Elixir. In the future, he might even use fifth-grade, or possibly even sixth-grade Elixir Pills.
The more domineering the physique, the more Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures it requires. Ordinary sects truly can't afford to raise a disciple like Lian.
After Lu Changsheng left, Lian removed her clothes and soaked in the wooden barrel, meditating according to the Ten Thousand Phenomena Body Refining Skills. Her flawlessly white Martial King Divine Physique absorbed the medicinal strength from the barrel, repeatedly reforging her body.
Lu Changsheng went to another part of the cave dwelling and began to practice the Nine Dragons Refinement Technique.
While cultivating the Taiqing Wuji Technique, Lu Changsheng was also engaging in Body Refinement to strengthen his own physique.
The Nine Dragons Refinement Technique was a Heaven Rank mid-grade Body Refinement Method that, when cultivated to the highest realm, could pack the force of nine flood dragons in a single punch.
Lu Changsheng, having an Innate Taoist Body, focused primarily on cultivation and secondarily on Body Refinement.
There are benefits to Body Refinement; if one's physical strength could match that of an Innate Spirit Treasure, one wouldn't be easily injured even if struck by an Innate Spirit Treasure.
Three days passed, and both Lu Changsheng and Lian finished their Body Refinement, having almost completely absorbed the medicinal strength.
"Master, your disciple would like to ask you for a small favor, could I?"
Lian shook Lu Changsheng's arm and blinked her eyes, evidently coming up with some mischievous idea.
"Speak."
"Lian wants to go out of the mountain to play… no, to train, just like the senior brothers."
"Not possible."
"Then, can Lian go and play on the other peaks of Mount Shu? Lian has grown tired of staying at Qingyun Peak. Please- – Master- -"
"Fine."
"That's great! I knew Master would agree! You are so good to Lian–"
"But you must not be reckless, and you are forbidden from going to the back mountain. The back mountain houses the dwellings of the Sect Leader and the Supreme Elders. If you stir up trouble, your master won't be able to protect you."
"Moreover, do not neglect your cultivation due to playing too much."
Lu Changsheng appeared troubled on the surface, but his heart was blooming with joy.
This energetic little ancestor causing trouble for the other elders of Mount Shu was better than wreaking havoc on Qingyun Peak, right?
"Heehee, Lian will remember," Lian made a face and left the cave dwelling in high spirits.
"My fellow senior brothers, fend for yourselves…"
Lu Changsheng murmured to himself, then continued his cultivation of the Taiqing Wuji Technique.
Chapter 31: Your Disciple Has Caused Trouble
Zhiyue Peak, Elder Zhao Wuyan of Mount Shu's cave abode, where Zhao Wuyan was meditating and cultivating.
Zhao Wuyan, an Elder of the fifth layer of the Dao Palace Realm, held an extremely high status among the Elders of Mount Shu.
Elders of the Dao Palace Realm were the bedrock of Mount Shu, and what's more, Zhao Wuyan had long been famous, ranking among the strong within the Elders of the Dao Palace Realm.
"What's with all the hustle and bustle outside the cave abode?"
Zhao Wuyan frowned, his heart and mind restless, unable to continue meditating and cultivating.
"Enough, I'll go out and see what has happened."
His Zhiyue Peak had always been a haven of tranquil years, peaceful and uneventful.
When Zhao Wuyan stepped out of the cave abode, the scene before his eyes left him dumbstruck.
The Immortal Cranes of Zhiyue Peak had all been plucked of their feathers, and the Spirit Apes were like startled birds, screeching incessantly.
Many Zhiyue Peak disciples had been defeated, lying haphazardly on the ground, gasping for air, bruised and swollen.
"What has happened here while your teacher was in closed-door cultivation?"
Zhao Wuyan' s face turned dark.
His Zhiyue Peak looked as if it had been raided by disciples of the Demon Sects.
But this was Mount Shu, how dare the Demon Sects' disciples run wild here?
A disciple struggled to his feet, his face as bitter as a gourd,
"Master, the junior disciples from Qingyun Peak barged into our Zhiyue Peak, insisting on sparring with the disciples. We were no match and got beaten down, even our Spirit Beasts from Zhiyue Peak weren't spared."
"Qingyun Peak is bullying our Zhiyue Peak too much! Although Lu Changsheng's disciple is freakishly talented, there's no need to show off like this all the time. I am, after all, his senior brother!"
Zhao Wuyan too was a direct disciple of Taiyuan, the Sect Leader of Mount Shu, with seniority lower than big brother Li Changye, and higher than junior brother Lu Changsheng.
That his junior brother Lu Changsheng's disciple would bully his way to Zhao Wuyan's Zhiyue Peak, Zhao Wuyan thought Lu Changsheng had intentionally sent Lian to Zhiyue Peak to stir up trouble.
"I will find him for an explanation!"
With a thought, Zhao Wuyan's Flying Sword left its sheath, as he took flight on his sword, heading to Zhiyue Peak.
Cangshan Peak, an Elder of Mount Shu in the Nascent Soul Realm was meditating in silence, when suddenly he smelled something burning.
He was shocked and opened his eyes, only to find his white beard catching fire.
"Who dares to make fun of me!"
The Cangshan Peak Elder hurriedly put out the fire, his once immortal qi-filled beard now singed and blackened.
Xiaozhu Peak, Dao Palace Realm's Fairy QJngru, clad in a moon-white Daoist robe, graceful and elegant, was calm and collected until she saw the spiritual medicine she had planted for a hundred years—used to maintain her youthful appearance—had vanished, causing her to lose all composure.
Without that spiritual medicine, should a wrinkle appear on her face, it would be disastrous.
Shuiyun Peak, the ancient pine bonsai of Elder Tian Song was transplanted to the back mountain.
Sanqing Peak…
For a moment, Mount Shu was in a state of utter chaos.
Mount Shu's Scripture Pavilion, a sly and ghostly figure flitted across the eaves, approaching the fifth level which only the Sect Leader and Supreme Elders were permitted to enter.
"Who dares to intrude into the fifth level of the Scripture Pavilion!"
"Seize them!"
Mount Shu's Scripture Pavilion contained the various cultivation techniques and texts that Mount Shu had accrued over tens of thousands of years. At the fifth level, there were Dao Palace Realm Elders guarding it to prevent anyone from the Demon Sects from trespassing.
"Not good, I've been discovered!"
"Encase in a Prison of Drawing!"
The surrounding space was sealed off, but it was a girl with delicate features.
"This seems to be a disciple of Elder Lu from Qingyun Peak."
"So it's her."
"How should we handle this?"
"The Sect Leader and the eldest senior brother have ordered that this girl must not be harmed. I think she was just being playful when she trespassed into the Scripture Pavilion on the back mountain, so a reprimand would suffice, followed by letting her go and forbidding her from returning."
Four elders from the Dao Palace realm who were guarding the Scripture Pavilion appeared and, after some discussion, did not punish the Qingyun Peak disciple too harshly because the Taiyuan Sect Leader and Li Changye had forewarned.
"I won't dare to do it again…"
Lian stuck out her tongue, genuinely surprised that the impressive pavilion on the back mountain was guarded by four Dao Palace realm elders.
Even if Lian was still naive, she now understood that this was an important area.
No wonder her master had specifically instructed her not to trespass into Mount Shu's back mountain.
The back mountain was where the true foundation of Mount Shu lay, with dragons hidden among its tigers.
"You should leave quickly."
"Unless one day you become the Sect Leader or one of the Supreme Elders of our Shu Sect, you will not be permitted to enter the fifth level of the Scripture Pavilion."
The four Dao Palace realm elders of Mount Shu waved their hands, signaling Lian to leave the vital area promptly.
"Thank you, elders, for showing mercy."
Lian was also sensible and left quickly.
With the presence of four Dao Palace realm elders, she could not cause any ruckus at her current level of cultivation.
"There is a familiar aura, how nostalgic."
On the first level of the Scripture Pavilion, a janitor elder felt a familiar aura leave the Scripture Pavilion, his murky eyes seemingly recalling the past as his movements unconsciously slowed down.
The surrounding Mount Shu disciples found nothing strange.
Mount Shu had not only a group of elders and disciples but also a large number of servants. These servants were villagers from nearby Mount Shu who received a monthly stipend for doing various chores for the sect.
At Qingyun Peak, the place was bustling.
Never before had so many Mount Shu elders visited Qingyun Peak.
Elder Zhao Wuyan from Zhiyue Peak, Fairy Qingru from Xiaozhu Peak, Fei Ying Elder from Cangshan Peak, Tian Song Elder from Shuiyun Peak, Lingyue Fairy from Sanqing Peak…
Approximately more than a dozen elders had come to inquire and reproach.
Among them were five Dao Palace realm elders, with the rest being Nascent Soul realm elders.
Now, the master of Qingyun Peak, Lu Changsheng, was an elder of the Dao Palace realm and the direct disciple of the Sect Leader Taiyuan. The Nascent Soul realm elders still didn't dare to question Lu Changsheng, but with five of their peers from the Dao Palace realm taking the lead, they were no longer afraid.
Moreover, leading them was Elder Zhao Wuyan of Zhiyue Peak, another direct disciple of Taiyuan and one of Lu Changsheng's senior brothers.
"Why isn't there anyone to receive us?"
Zhao Wuyan frowned.
There were only two disciples on Qingyun Peak, one was away on an excursion, and the other was always causing trouble—neither was present on Qingyun Peak right now, leaving only a bunch of servants.
These servants dared not receive a group of furious Mount Shu elders.
"Fellow seniors and elders, your visit to my Qingyun Peak truly graces this place with your presence."
Lu Changsheng came out of his cave dwelling, radiating an aura of Immortal Qi, his expression warm and cordial, completely unbothered by the fact that he was being questioned by a group of Mount Shu elders.
"Junior brother, are you aware that your little disciple has caused trouble?"
Zhao Wuyan held back his anger. He was interested to see how Lu Changsheng would explain this.
Lu Changsheng's gaze passed over those present and landed on the elder from Cangshan Peak whose beard had been singed. He could not help but smile.
Without a doubt, this had to be the handiwork of his own disciple.
It seemed not all disciples were as worry-free as his eldest disciple, Lin Qingzhi.
Lian, with the constitution of the Martial King Divine Physique, was full of energy, which if not expended, would be detrimental to cultivation.
As for how to appease the wrath of the many Mount Shu elders, Lu Changsheng already had a plan.
Chapter 32: But he gave too much
"Your disciple, under the pretext of sparring, injured many of our Zhiyue Peak disciples, causing chaos among us with chickens flying and dogs jumping, and numerous spirit beasts living in constant fear."
"Your disciple burned my beard, a magnificent beard that I had grown for fifty
Years."
"Your disciple destroyed the spiritual herbs I had cultivated for a hundred
Years."
"Your disciple scribbled all over the portrait of this elder and also injured my
Disciples."
A group of Mount Shu elders were filled with righteous indignation.
Lu Changsheng's disciple was truly too much trouble.
"Alas, my disciple is overly lively, and I am helpless in this regard, I hope the elders and fairies will be more accommodating on my behalf."
"Lu, how you deal with your disciple is your business, even if she tears down Qingyun Peak, it has nothing to do with our Zhiyue Peak. From now on, you must discipline your disciple and not let her leave Qingyun Peak."
Zhao Wuyan knew the special identity of Lian, and Lu Changsheng was also his junior fellow, and considering the damage Lian had caused was not that great, as long as Lu Changsheng admitted his mistake and disciplined his disciple from this point forward, Zhao would not pursue it further.
"Indeed, the elders of each peak must discipline their own disciples and kin.
"Elder Zhao's words are very true; I hope Elder Lu will strictly discipline his
Own disciples."
The other Mount Shu elders echoed one after another.
"Ahem, elders, your words are too premature. I cannot suppress my disciple's nature, for that could easily lead to inner demons, which is detrimental to cultivation. I, Lu Changsheng, will not treat the elders unjustly. This is a fifthgrade elixir pill, a token of my apology; I hope the elders will be more accommodating in the future."
Lu Changsheng took out more than a dozen small jade bottles, each containing
A fifth-grade elixir pill.
With a thought, Lu Changsheng sent these small jade bottles into the hands of
The various elders.
Fairy Qingru opened a small jade bottle, and the potent strength of the medicine wafted out, undoubtedly a fifth-grade elixir pill!
"It really is a fifth-grade elixir pill… But such compensation is too generous, I
Feel ashamed to accept it…"
"Elder Lu, how, how can we accept this?"
Initially, these Mount Shu elders wanted to scold Lu Changsheng loudly, but what he had given was too much…
It was so much that the Mount Shu elders actually started to feel guilty.
Despite the chaos Lian caused, it was ultimately a trifling matter that did not cause significant damage to the peaks, and yet Lu Changsheng had given each elder a fifth-grade elixir pill.
What could they say?
"My disciple is naturally playful, if the damage she causes in the future exceeds the value of this fifth-grade elixir pill, I will compensate the elders separately.
Lu Changsheng was generous with high-level elixir pills to win over the many Mount Shu elders, making them feel indebted to him.
"What are you talking about, Lu? We'll look after your little disciple from now
On."
"As long as there's no loss of life, everything is negotiable."
Even Zhao Wuyan's expression softened.
Lian's exceptional natural talent was well known; if Mount Shu raised her, she would surely protect Mount Shu in the future. So, letting her wreak a little havoc now seemed like an investment.
Moreover, Lu Changsheng had promised to compensate for all the damage caused.
"Then I thank all the elders and fairies very much."
"Lu, you're too good to your disciple, willing to use a fifth-grade elixir pill as compensation to maintain her natural disposition."
"She is indeed fortunate to have you as her master in her three lifetimes of cultivation."
"Brother Lu, we shall take our leave."
Having received the fifth-grade elixir pills, the Mount Shu elders' anger was quelled, and after expressing their feelings, they left satisfied.
"Fortunately, five-grade elixir pills are not a big deal for me.
Lu Changsheng used some five-grade elixir pills to get on good terms with many Mount Shu elders, so in the future, even if his disciples caused trouble everywhere, the elders wouldn't have much to say.
"Master, Lian is back, so tired."
Covered in dirt, Lian ran back to Qingyun Peak, stretched languidly, as the abundant energy of the Martial King Divine Physique finally gave out.
"Very good."
Lu Changsheng nodded with satisfaction.
The reason he let this disciple cause trouble everywhere was also very important—the more exhausted the Martial King Divine Physique became, the better the effects of the next Body Refinement would be.
It seemed that training this disciple really did cost money.
"Go wash your face and change into clean clothes."
"Yes!"
Lian then ran to the stream on Qingyun Peak to wash his face.
The daily routine of cultivating at Qingyun Peak was just like this, nothing out of the ordinary.
Several months later, Lin Qingzhi and Chen Yao's Mount Shu squad had left Ji Country and arrived at Chen Country, all the while performing acts of chivalry and accumulating merit.
In Chen Country, at a Mountain God Temple, on a night dark and stormy, a Golden Core Realm ninth layer Mount Shu disciple led the team to hunt down the bandits within the temple.
The group of bandits consisted of raper with high cultivation levels practicing evil techniques, who had harmed many virtuous women and were on the wanted list by the Chen Country officials.
There were three Mount Shu disciples in the Golden Core Realm, and three more in the Qi Transformation Realm, unleashing Flying Swords and sending Sword Qi slashing through the air.
About a dozen bandits inside the Mountain God Temple were caught off guard by the sudden attack from the Mount Shu squad and were quickly killed. After a tough fight, all bandits were subdued except for one who escaped using Earth Escape Skills, having been injured before fleeing and unlikely to live for long.
"One escaped."
"He was already wounded before escaping, he probably won't live long."
"Even if he manages to survive, the Chen Country's royal court will surely capture him."
"Now that this matter is done, we should return to Mount Shu.
After dealing with the bandits at the Mountain God Temple, the Mount Shu disciples gathered around the campfire to discuss the journey back to Mount Shu.
After one year of training, the Mount Shu disciples had grown a lot, not just in cultivation but also in experience.
Chen Yao sat nearby, hugging her knees, chewing on dry food while casting sidelong glances at her junior brother, Lin Qingzhi.
Lin Qingzhi was meditating, seizing every chance to cultivate.
"This blockhead…"
Eight hundred miles away, at a concealed entrance, the escaped raper, badly injured, knelt before a sinister-looking elder:
"Master, your disciples were ambushed by a group of Loose Cultivators. All but me were killed, please avenge us, Master!"
The sinister elder flew into a rage:
"Who dares to provoke our Joyous Union Sect, one of the four Great Demon Sects? They must be tired of living!"
"This, I don't know where they came from, but the highest realm among the ambushers is just the ninth layer of the Golden Core Realm."
"A mere Golden Core Realm dares to mess with our Joyous Union Sect, inform all disciples, follow your teacher to hunt them down!"
The realm of this Joyous Union Sect elder was at the second layer of the Nascent Soul Realm, and in the Joyous Union Sect, he was among the elders with the least power. But the Nascent Soul Realm was after all the Nascent Soul Realm and was not something for the ninth layer Golden Core Realm Mount Shu disciples to compare.
In his opinion, leading dozens of disciples to hunt down several Golden Core Realm and Qi Transformation Realm Loose Cultivators was as easy as capturing them by hand.
At the command of the Joyous Union Sect elder, dozens of Golden Core Realm and Qi Transformation Realm Joyous Union Sect disciples gathered, fierce and menacing.
Meanwhile, on Mount Shu's Qingyun Peak, Lu Changsheng, who was meditating, opened his eyes:
"It's time to descend the mountain and help my disciple with his Tribulation."