Chapter 101: A Major Turning Point – The Wei Family's Sudden Crisis, A Small Act of Favor

"Who would have thought... a tiny scrap of silver, with its intricate patterns, could hold so much meaning." Lu Qing murmured, his eyes alight with wonder.

Just moments ago, he had finally deciphered every curve and line etched onto the silver piece in his hand—uncovering the subtle connection between its design and the Metal Element Seals detailed in the Divine Seal Sect Heritage General Outline.

Of course, this didn’t mean he had mastered Script Dao. It was merely a single spark of insight—a fragile thread of understanding. He was still far from truly stepping into the realm.

But as the saying goes: the hardest part is always the first step.

Any breakthrough from nothing to something is the most difficult. Now that Lu Qing had taken that first step, the path ahead would be much clearer. With this newfound awareness, unraveling the patterns in other things would become far easier.

He was certain—true entry into Script Dao was no longer a distant dream.

Slipping the silver back into his chest, Lu Qing felt an unusually bright mood rise within him.

Today truly was a fortunate day. Not only had his martial cultivation reached the peak of Qi Xue Jing, but his progress in Script Dao had also taken a major leap forward.

After tidying up his belongings, he stepped out of the bamboo grove and headed back toward his village.

As soon as he returned, he spotted someone waiting at the entrance of his courtyard—pacing nervously, peering out every few seconds.

"Xiao Tian brother?" Lu Qing recognized the figure and called out, surprised.

"Lu Xiao Langjun! You’ve finally returned!" Xiao Tian’s face lit up with relief.

"Come on in, why are you standing out here? I’ve invited you in, haven’t I?" Lu Qing asked.

"I knocked, but no one answered," Xiao Tian said, slightly embarrassed. "The young master wasn’t home."

Lu Qing remembered then—today, Xiao Yan and Xiao Li had gone to visit their master.

"My apologies. Please come in," Lu Qing said, opening the bamboo gate.

"No need, Lu Xiao Langjun," Xiao Tian replied quickly. "I’ve come on urgent business."

"Oh? What is it?" Lu Qing asked, recalling the anxious look on Xiao Tian’s face earlier.

"I don’t know the full details," Xiao Tian said, pulling a sealed letter from his robes, its wax seal still intact. "This is from Ma Ye. He told me to give it to you personally. You’ll understand once you read it."

Lu Qing took the letter, broke the seal, and unfolded the parchment. His eyes scanned the words swiftly—then grew increasingly serious.

The letter was indeed written by Ma Gu. His handwriting was unmistakable.

The message was simple, yet terrifying.

The Wei Family had fallen into crisis.

Days earlier, a group of mysterious figures had appeared before the Wei Family’s residence in the county town, shouting loudly in public.

The scene instantly drew the attention of every major power in the city.

After all, the Wei Family had always held an unmatched status in the county. Even the county magistrate had to show them respect—no one dared provoke them.

Now, someone had openly challenged them.

How dared they?

The city’s powers assumed the intruders would be crushed instantly.

And indeed, the Wei Family’s elite guard, the Yin Yue Wei, had swiftly mobilized—sending a full squad to confront the intruders.

But to everyone’s shock, the Yin Yue Wei, though formidable in the eyes of the common folk, were no match.

They were pushed back, hard and fast—forced into retreat. Only when the Wei Family’s Grand Manager stepped in personally did the tide turn, barely holding the line.

Yet even then, the intruders showed no sign of fear.

With arrogant confidence, they declared:

"If the Wei Family’s Xian Tian elder is truly dead, then there’s no reason to cling to that sacred treasure. Hand it over now—wisely. Otherwise, holding on to it will only bring down your entire clan in ruin."

With that threat, they withdrew—leaving behind a storm of dread.

But their words had already shaken the city to its core.

First, the city’s factions learned the truth: the Wei Family had long harbored a Xian Tian-level elder.

Then came the shock—this elder was now dead.

The intruders weren’t just powerful. They were fearless. They showed no fear of the Wei Family’s might.

It was incomprehensible.

But none knew this was only the beginning.

For days afterward, new faces kept appearing in the city.

Each night, the sounds of battle echoed from the Wei Family residence.

By morning, bodies were found being carried out—clear signs of violent conflict.

Yet still, the allure of the Wei Family’s mysterious treasure drew more and more martial artists to the city.

In the letter’s final words, Ma Gu warned Lu Qing gravely:

“Right now, the county is swarming with martial cultivators—tensions are rising like storm clouds. Though the Wei Family still holds firm, no one knows how long that can last.

In such chaos, they won’t have the time or strength to deal with minor matters like the Black Wolf Gang.

Moreover, I’ve heard the Black Wolf Gang has recently aligned themselves with a powerful martial cultivator—they’re growing bold again.

There’s no telling if they’ll come looking for trouble in Kuai Hua Village once more.”

He urged Lu Qing: Stay indoors. Avoid going out. You don’t need unnecessary trouble.

Lu Qing closed the letter. His expression darkened.

Ma Gu’s warning was serious—truly vital.

He hadn’t expected the Wei Family to possess a Xian Tian elder.

No wonder they’d risen so swiftly from a minor county family into a powerful lineage spanning provinces, with ties all the way to the imperial capital.

Their strength had always been rooted in that elder.

But now—what had once been their strength had become their downfall.

With the elder gone, every predator in the land had come rushing in.

Could the Wei Family survive this storm?

Lu Qing pondered.

He held a good impression of the Wei Family.

Not just for the Grand Manager, who had once gifted him secret cultivation manuals and pills.

But for the time they had shielded Kuai Hua Village from the Black Wolf Gang—protecting him when he was still weak.

He remembered that debt.

Yet despite the gratitude, he could do nothing.

As Ma Gu had written, the city now teemed with cultivators—most at the Jin Gu Jing realm, some even at Nei Fu Jing.

In such a world, a mere Qi Xue Jing cultivator like Lu Qing was powerless.

All he could do was pray that the Wei Family’s deep roots would hold firm against the storm.

"Still... the Black Wolf Gang?" Lu Qing murmured, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Their debt was far from settled.

If those scum dared stir up trouble again, he wouldn’t hesitate to give them a lesson they’d never forget.

Xiao Tian, standing beside him, shivered involuntarily at the coldness in Lu Qing’s gaze.

He couldn’t help but recall that night—Lu Qing standing alone in the midst of a roaring crowd, utterly terrifying.

A memory he would never forget.

"Lu Xiao Langjun," Xiao Tian said, "the city’s situation is complicated. My master has returned to the city to help maintain order. For now, the Big Market will be under my management. If you need anything, just say the word—I’ll do my best to get it for you."

Lu Qing occasionally visited the Big Market. Xiao Tian knew he often needed supplies.

"Thank you," Lu Qing nodded. Then, as he looked at Xiao Tian, an idea struck him.

"Xiao Tian brother... have you been stuck at the threshold of Qi Xue Jing for a long time?"

Xiao Tian blinked, then bowed respectfully. "I’m just too dull-witted, Lu Xiao Langjun. I’m sorry to disappoint you."

There was sorrow in his voice. He’d served under Ma Ye for years, often receiving his personal guidance. His physical conditioning had long reached the peak of ordinary men.

But for some reason, he couldn’t take that final step—couldn’t grasp the secret of linking his Qi and blood, as Ma Ye had taught.

Thus, he remained stuck.

Seeing the disappointment in Xiao Tian’s eyes, Lu Qing smiled.

He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a single pill, offering it.

"Ever since you’ve been running errands for me, I’ve been meaning to give you a small token. This pill should help you finally break through into Qi Xue Jing."

Xiao Tian took it with trembling hands, stunned. "Lu Xiao Langjun… what is this pill?"

"It’s called the Blood Nourishing and Qi Invigorating Pill."

Xiao Tian froze.

He’d heard Ma Ye speak of it before.

It was said to be one of the finest auxiliary pills for cultivators at the Qi Xue Jing stage.

One pill could cost a fortune.

He still remembered Ma Ye’s tone when he’d mentioned it—regretful, almost wistful.

Even Ma Ye, with all his family’s support, had only received three of these pills during his Qi Xue Jing cultivation.

Had he had more, he might have reached Jin Gu Jing far sooner.

And now—here was one, handed to him, a mere servant.

Xiao Tian was overwhelmed.

He wasn’t questioning the pill’s authenticity. Lu Qing’s status and cultivation were beyond any need to deceive.

He simply felt unworthy—this rare treasure wasn’t for someone like him.

"Lu Xiao Langjun… I can’t accept such a precious pill," Xiao Tian insisted quickly.

"It’s fine. Take it," Lu Qing said calmly. "Ma Ye won’t be back for a while. You’re now in charge of the Big Market. With your current strength, you won’t be able to command respect. Getting into Qi Xue Jing will let you handle the responsibilities properly."

Xiao Tian was skilled, yes—but managing a bustling market like the Big Market required more than martial prowess.

His peers might not follow him.

And even common bandits—strong, reckless, and unscrupulous—could overwhelm him if he couldn’t defend himself.

Lu Qing rarely left the village, except to gather herbs. The Big Market was his lifeline for supplies. He couldn’t afford for it to descend into chaos.

So for Lu Qing, having Xiao Tian capable and strong was ideal.

Besides, he himself had already reached the peak of Qi Xue Jing. The pill was useless to him now.

Giving one as a favor? That was no trouble at all.

"Lu Xiao Langjun…" Xiao Tian hesitated, unsure what to say.

"Enough,” Lu Qing chuckled. “I’m a cultivator too. I know how hard it is. This is your chance. Don’t refuse."

Xiao Tian paused.

If even someone like Lu Qing found cultivation difficult… then what were people like him supposed to be?

But he also knew Lu Qing was firm-minded, decisive, and unyielding.

Refusing now would be a clear insult.

And Xiao Tian? He didn’t dare.

So he bowed deeply. "Then… thank you, Lu Xiao Langjun."

Watching Xiao Tian carefully tuck the pill into his robes, Lu Qing shook his head.

He finally understood why Xiao Tian had never broken through.

Though young, Xiao Tian had spent too long serving others—his every action cautious, humble, even fearful.

It wasn’t a flaw, exactly.

But a martial cultivator needed more than obedience.

He needed courage. The fire of blood, the will to push forward no matter the odds.

Xiao Tian lacked that spark—so he could never grasp the secret of Qi-blood connection.

Then, suddenly, Lu Qing spoke.

"Xiao Tian brother… don’t hide the pill. Swallow it here. Now."

"Here? Right now?" Xiao Tian gasped.

"Yes. I have time. I’ll guard you while you take it."

Xiao Tian hesitated.

To him, such a precious pill deserved preparation—ritual, purification, perfect breath control, perfect body state—only then could it be consumed with full effect.

But he couldn’t defy Lu Qing.

After a moment, he opened his mouth and swallowed the pill.

Almost instantly, a surge of power erupted within him.

It was overwhelming—thick, intense, far beyond anything he’d expected.

He staggered, overwhelmed, unsure what to do.

Then, Lu Qing barked: "Stop hesitating—start cultivating! Burn through the energy!"

Xiao Tian snapped back to focus.

He immediately assumed a stance and began performing a Qi Xue Jing boxing form—taught to him by Ma Ye, one he’d practiced for years.

Lu Qing watched for a moment, nodding slightly in approval.

It wasn’t as refined as the Nourish Body Fist, but Xiao Tian’s movements were smooth, practiced.

He should break through soon.

But the world, as always, had a way of defying expectations.

Lu Qing had expected the pill’s power to surge through Xiao Tian, guiding him effortlessly into Qi Xue Jing.

But time passed.

Xiao Tian continued his form—sweat poured from his body, heat radiated from his skin—but he remained stuck.

If this continued, the pill’s energy would be wasted, and Xiao Tian would collapse from exhaustion.

Without hesitation, Lu Qing drew his War Blade.

A wave of killing intent surged toward Xiao Tian—cold, sharp, merciless.

Then, with a single stroke, he slashed downward.

"Xiao Tian! Watch the blade!"

Xiao Tian’s eyes snapped open—his body reacted instinctively, turning, dodging.

But his mind was still reeling.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end