Chapter 133: A Strange Guest Arrives, Unique Treasure

Hearing that the Master had never heard of those two mysterious factions, Lu Qing wasn’t surprised.

Though the Master had once achieved the peak of Nei Fu Jing cultivation, he had always considered himself a healer, never a martial artist. For most of his life, he had wandered through the countryside, healing the sick and tending to the wounded—uninterested in the power struggles among martial cultivators. It made sense, then, that he would be unaware of such elite forces.

Still, the fact that an edict existed forbidding the use of Xian Tian Jing cultivation in the region was something to take seriously. Now that the Master himself had ascended to Xian Tian Jing, this restriction could no longer be ignored.

Lu Qing shared his thoughts with the Old Doctor, who merely waved a hand dismissively.

"The old man’s not one for fighting. Let the edict be. It just means fewer disturbances—perfect for peace and quiet."

Lu Qing nodded. The Master truly was a man of gentle heart and kind nature. He’d often soothe patients even when they shouted at him in anger, rarely ever losing his temper. To ask him to fight was like asking him to abandon a dying man—something utterly impossible.

For others, the edict might be a chain. But for the Master, it might as well not exist at all.

With that thought, Lu Qing felt his worry melt away.

"Master," he added, "there’s one more matter I wish to consult you about. Now that Wei Family’s Xian Tian Jing Lao Zu Zong has returned, should I escort The Lady of the Wei Family and her son back to the county town?"

Lu Qing hadn’t hidden the fact that the Wei family had been relocated deep into the mountains. The Old Doctor pondered for a moment.

"Wait a few more days. The situation in the county is still unclear. It’s best we don’t get involved."

"Indeed," Lu Qing agreed. "They’re safe where they are. There’s no rush."

As Xiao Tian had explained, Wang Cangyi still hadn’t given up on Wei Family’s treasure. He was still lurking in the county, waiting for an opening. If The Lady and her son returned now, they’d walk straight into his trap—becoming liabilities, dragging down Wei Family’s efforts.

Still, even if they couldn’t return yet, they should be informed.

Lu Qing stayed with the Master for half a morning, completing his day’s training, then set off with Xiao Li toward the mountains.

As for Xiao Yan, her reading skills had improved remarkably. She could now recognize simple sentences, albeit haltingly. The Master was delighted. Knowing that Lu Qing frequently ventured into the mountains for cultivation, he offered to take over Xiao Yan’s lessons. Since then, the girl’s studies had become quite rigorous.

With Xiao Li in tow, Lu Qing reached the cave where Ma Gu and the others were hiding. He found Wei Zian practicing his staff technique.

Lu Qing watched closely. The form was already fluid and precise—quite impressive. He gave a satisfied nod.

As Ma Gu had said, Wei Zian truly did possess a natural talent for martial cultivation. Over the past few days, Lu Qing had taught him the entire simplified Yi Qi Gun Fa—what remained after his own refinement. And it was clear Wei Zian had been training diligently in secret.

"Good! Excellent!"

Once Wei Zian finished the routine, Lu Qing finally spoke with approval.

"Master Lu!" Wei Zian turned, his face lighting up with joy.

From another cave, The Lady of the Wei Family emerged, startled.

"Lu Xiao Langjun? Why are you here so soon?"

She had expected him only once every three or four days.

But this time, just one day had passed since his last visit.

"There’s something I need to discuss," Lu Qing said casually. "Where’s Ma Ye?"

"He’s out," Ma Gu replied, returning with two wild rabbits in hand. "Said he’d see if he could catch some game to improve our meals."

Lu Qing nodded. The danger from the mysterious faction had faded. With no sign of pursuit, the group’s tension had eased. Their movements were no longer confined to the cave.

After a moment, Ma Gu entered, both surprised and relieved to see Lu Qing.

"Alright, now that everyone’s here," Lu Qing said, "I have some news to share."

The moment he spoke, Ma Gu and The Lady of the Wei Family exchanged glances—both hearts tightening.

Indeed, Lu Qing’s sudden arrival meant something had happened.

"Please don’t be alarmed, Lady," Lu Qing said with a warm smile. "This is actually good news."

The Lady exhaled, her expression softening.

"Good news? What is it?"

"Early this morning, Xiao Tian—Ma Ye’s trusted messenger—came to me. He reported a major event that occurred in the county two days ago. Your family’s Ancestor has returned… safely."

Lu Qing slowly recounted what Xiao Tian had told him.

The Lady and Wei Zian listened, eyes widening with each passing word. By the end, they were both trembling with joy.

"…So the crisis is over," Lu Qing concluded. "You may now rest easy, Lady, and you, young master. The danger has passed."

"Mother!" Wei Zian blurted out, thrilled. "Does that mean we can go home?"

"No," The Lady replied, though her voice trembled with excitement. "Not yet. As the young master said, those villains haven’t given up on our family’s treasure. Returning now would be too dangerous."

"Exactly right," Lu Qing nodded in approval.

The Lady might not understand martial cultivation, but in the face of such a miracle, she remained remarkably level-headed—fitting for a family matriarch.

"Those mysterious forces sent so many people to hunt us. They won’t leave so easily. They’re likely still watching the entire county. If we return now, we’d be walking straight into their trap—before we even reach the city gates. That would only cause more trouble for your husband and the rest of the family."

"But what should we do, Mother?" Wei Zian asked, his voice now earnest. He’d matured these past days, understanding that his mother saw things more clearly.

"Wait," The Lady said firmly. "Since the family is now safe, that’s already a great blessing. We mustn’t burden your father with more worry. Our priority now is to stay safe, hidden here in the mountains. I don’t believe they’ll stay forever. The day they leave… is the day we return."

She smiled, then added with a spark in her eyes:

"And you’ve been training under Master Lu’s guidance, haven’t you? Use this time to master the staff technique. When you return, you’ll surprise your father—make him proud."

Wei Zian’s body surged with fire. He yearned for his father’s approval.

"Mother, don’t worry!" he declared. "I’ll train harder than ever! I’ll start right now!"

Watching the boy’s sudden burst of determination—stoked so easily by his mother’s words—Lu Qing and Ma Gu exchanged amused glances.

Such was the heart of youth—so easily stirred.

Lu Qing had originally planned to wait a while longer before escorting them back.

But the next day, an unexpected visitor shattered those plans completely.

Returning from the mountains the following morning, Lu Qing brought Xiao Yan and Xiao Li to the Half Mountain Small Courtyard as usual.

Xiao Yan stayed inside with the Master for her morning lessons. Lu Qing worked in the courtyard, spreading herbs to dry.

Then, a soft, calm voice rang out from outside the gate.

"Is anyone home?"

"Come in," Lu Qing replied without looking up. "Are you here for a consultation?"

He assumed it was another villager seeking medicine—something that happened almost daily.

But soon, something felt off.

The visitor stepped in, and instead of asking about illness, he immediately praised the courtyard.

"The plum blossoms, nourished by Heavenly and Earthly Qi—perfect for tea. May I be so bold as to request a cup?"

Lu Qing froze. His head snapped up.

There, at the entrance, stood a young man in plain, unremarkable clothes—ordinary-looking, yet somehow… different.

He smiled at Lu Qing.

"Such youth, and yet your bones and sinews are already complete. No wonder you’re a disciple of the Xian Tian Zong Shi."

"Who are you?" Lu Qing asked quietly, his heart pounding.

Even without using his abilities, he couldn’t fathom the man’s cultivation level. A veil of mist seemed to cloak his aura—making him appear utterly ordinary. But Lu Qing knew better.

No ordinary man could identify the source of the plum blossoms’ bloom, nor could he so easily read Lu Qing’s cultivation stage.

Worse—Xiao Li, usually alert to any presence, had not sensed him at all.

Lu Qing activated his abilities instantly.

In his vision, a flood of crimson light surged, threaded with a single streak of gold.

[Lin Zhi Rui: Direct disciple of Tian Ji Lou, temperament calm and calculating, highly intelligent.]

[Cultivation: Post-Natal Internal Organs Stage Wan Man.]

[Holding a Unique Treasure—capable of masking one’s aura and fate, rendering them undetectable by divination.]

[Possesses multiple Secret Techniques, enhanced by the Unique Treasure—capable of defending against ordinary Xian Tian Jing cultivators.]

It was him.

The one who had stepped in between Wang Cangyi and the Wei Family’s Ancestor during their battle in the county.

And yet… he wasn’t even a Xian Tian Jing cultivator.

Yet he stood unshaken against a Xian Tian Jing-level warrior.

Impossible.

No wonder Xiao Li hadn’t sensed him—his Unique Treasure had concealed his presence entirely.

"Respectfully, I am Zhi Rui, disciple of Tian Ji Lou. I’ve come to pay my respects to the newly ascended Xian Tian Jing master—Chen Song Qing, Old Doctor."

He bowed deeply.

Lu Qing’s breath caught.

The man knew the Master’s full name.

No one outside of Lu Qing and Xiao Yan knew it. Even the villagers called him Chen Laodaifu—never his true name.

And yet this stranger, whom Lu Qing had never met before, knew it perfectly.

And he knew the Master had achieved Xian Tian Jing.

Tian Ji Lou… truly terrifying.

Lu Qing’s mind raced. The power and reach of these hidden factions were beyond comprehension.

He stared at the young man for a long moment—then said, "Please wait here. I’ll inform my master."

The Old Doctor had already heard the commotion. As Lu Qing entered, he frowned.

"A Qing, is this the young man you spoke of yesterday?"

"Yes, Master. This is Zhi Rui, claiming to be a disciple of Tian Ji Lou. And… he seems to know you’ve ascended to Xian Tian Jing."

Lu Qing’s confusion grew. According to Xiao Tian, Lin Zhi Rui had been in the county for days. The distance between the county and here was over a hundred li. The Master’s breakthrough hadn’t been particularly loud. How could he have known?

The Old Doctor, however, remained calm. A lifetime spent healing, never doing a wrong thing—his conscience was clear. He had nothing to fear.

"From what you said, he appears to be a righteous cultivator. I’ll meet him."

He left Xiao Yan inside, then stepped outside with Lu Qing.

The young man stood beneath the plum tree, gazing at the blossoms.

When he heard footsteps, he turned. His eyes locked immediately onto the Old Doctor.

A strange spiritual pressure flared from his gaze.

Then—his entire body trembled.

In an instant, respect flooded his face. He bowed deeply.

"Latecomer Zhi Rui of Tian Ji Lou, pays respects to Elder Chen."

"No need for such formality," the Old Doctor said with a kind smile. "Please, have a seat."

"Impossible, Elder Chen—please, you take the seat first."

They exchanged polite words, the young man insisting the Master sit first. Eventually, the Old Doctor relented with a chuckle.

Lu Qing stood silently nearby, as a disciple should.

"Master," the Old Doctor asked, once seated, "what brings you here?"

"I came," Lin Zhi Rui said, with a smile, "to ask for a cup of your Plum Blossom Tea."

He didn’t rush to his purpose. He circled around it.

"Simple enough," the Old Doctor said. "A Qing, bring my teaware and some of the dried plum blossoms from last month."

"Right away, Master."

Lu Qing returned swiftly with the tea set and the fragrant dried flowers. He lit the stove and waited as the water boiled.

The Old Doctor carefully placed a few blossoms into the cup, poured in the hot water, and a sweet, otherworldly fragrance rose into the air.

It was no coincidence—the plum tree had bloomed the very day the Old Doctor ascended to Xian Tian Jing. Even now, long after, the blossoms continued to bloom, never fully falling.

Every visitor who came to seek treatment was amazed.

The Old Doctor had discovered something remarkable: the blossoms, nourished by the Heavenly and Earthly Qi from his breakthrough, had gained special properties—cooling the body, nourishing the spirit, quenching thirst, and restoring vitality.

So he collected the fallen petals, dried them, and made tea.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end