Chapter 134: The Holy Mountain's Decree, Merit and Opportunities, the Old Doctor's Decision

"Your Excellency Zhi Rui, please."

Lu Qing presented a cup of plum blossom tea to the young man in plain clothes.

"Thank you."

The young man in plain clothes took the tea and gently sipped it, his eyes narrowing in delight.

With his eyes closed, he savored the tea quietly for a moment. When he opened his eyes, they were filled with admiration, "What a delightful floral tea! It's so refreshing and aromatic. Truly, it's no wonder it's made from the essence of the heaven and earth's vitality."

"If Zhi Rui enjoys it, feel free to take some with you when you leave."

The old doctor, a tea enthusiast himself, was pleased to hear such high praise for the floral tea he had crafted with care.

"Then I must thank you, Elder Chen," the young man in plain clothes said happily.

Lu Qing went inside and soon returned with a small package of floral tea.

After finishing his cup of tea, the young man in plain clothes set down the cup and his face turned serious.

"I believe Elder Chen is curious as to how I knew about your breakthrough to the Innate Realm."

"Indeed, I'm quite puzzled by that," the old doctor admitted.

On the day of his breakthrough, he hadn't sensed anyone prying on him, and after the breakthrough, he had never displayed his Innate Realm abilities in front of others.

He truly couldn't fathom how this young man had learned about his breakthrough.

"Elder Chen, please don't worry. My knowledge of your breakthrough was purely coincidental and not due to intentional prying."

"However, when you broke through, I happened to be in the county town, carrying a unique treasure of my sect. I was just in time to sense the change in the heaven and earth's vitality from a hundred miles away, and thus, I knew that an expert in the post-innate realm was absorbing the essence of heaven and earth to achieve the Innate Realm."

"But these past few days have been tense in the county town, and I've been unable to leave. It is only today that I've managed to pay you a visit."

The young man in plain clothes explained.

Besides being occupied, he was probably also investigating his master's background.

Lu Qing thought to himself.

However, this explanation made it clear to him how the young man knew so much about his master.

His master frequently traveled to and from the county town, and even the County Master had met him. His identity and residence were known to the nobles there; it was not a secret.

Given the young man's status, it wouldn't be difficult for him to find out such information.

Nonetheless, it was startling that the treasure the young man carried could sense changes in the heaven and earth's vitality from a hundred miles away.

"No wonder, I never expected there to be such a miraculous treasure in this world. It seems I, an old man, still lack knowledge," the old doctor marveled.

"This is a unique treasure of my sect, known to few. Elder Chen, you are a kind soul, dedicated to healing and saving lives. It's understandable if you haven't heard of it," the young man in plain clothes smiled.

"Don't call me a kind soul. I'm just a wandering doctor, doing what I should. I don't deserve such high praise," the old doctor waved his hand.

The young man in plain clothes smiled but didn't argue.

If someone who carried the light of merit wasn't considered a kind soul, then there would be no good people left in this world.

Truth be told, the young man in plain clothes was still awe-struck.

That was the light of merit! Usually, only those who had done countless good deeds and accumulated immense merit would be able to condense such a light.

Although the light of merit on the old doctor was faint, it was still remarkable. It wasn't something easily accumulated.

Even in those few mysterious places, like the Hanging Temple, there weren't many who possessed such a treasure light.

He never expected to see it on a wandering doctor with an unremarkable reputation.

How many illnesses must he have cured, and how many lives must he have saved, to accumulate so much merit!

"Elder Chen, I came here not only to enjoy a cup of your floral tea but also to discuss another matter with you."

"Please, go ahead," the old doctor gestured.

Lu Qing's heart skipped a beat as he knew they were about to get to the main topic.

"Elder Chen, have you ever heard of the Holy Mountain?" the young man in plain clothes asked.

"I'm afraid my knowledge is limited, and I haven't," the old doctor shook his head.

"The Holy Mountain is a mysterious and great place responsible for maintaining order on this continent. Even the Hanging Temple, the Cold Water Palace, and the Green Sheep Abbey acknowledge its status."

"The various major families and sects in the world also hold it in reverence..."

As the young man in plain clothes spoke, the old doctor and Lu Qing began to understand what this Holy Mountain was about.

The Holy Mountain was a unique power.

Unlike ordinary sects.

It was an organization established a thousand years ago by the few mysterious places and numerous sects and families to maintain order on this continent.

In Lu Qing's understanding, it was similar to the United Nations in his previous world.

However, unlike that ineffectual institution, the Holy Mountain possessed immense martial power.

Its might surpassed that of the large sects, with the exception of the other few mysterious places.

The Holy Mountain held a transcendent status and never involved itself in the disputes between various powers.

Chapter: The Mighty Holy Mountain

"Even if war breaks out between nations, it merely observes and does not interfere."

The Holy Mountain maintains order in matters that affect the human race as a whole.

For example, the order between Innate Realm practitioners and ordinary warriors, or even common folk.

Those in the Innate Realm are too powerful. Once a martial artist steps into the Innate Realm and refines the vital essence of heaven and earth, their strength increases rapidly.

Ordinary warriors are no different from commoners when faced with such might.

The Innate Realm's combat methods are no longer limited to physical strikes, but they can also project sword energy and blade auras that can easily slay dozens or even hundreds of people.

More powerful Innate Realm experts can slaughter an entire city's population in a short time.

If such formidable strength is not kept in check, the consequences would be disastrous.

History has recorded more than one instance where Innate Realm experts, due to some dispute or argument in a city, engaged in combat.

By the time they determined a victor, they had reduced the city to ruins, leaving countless casualties in their wake.

As such incidents became more frequent, the various major families and sects realized that the situation could not continue.

While Innate Realm practitioners are indeed lofty and powerful, ordinary people are also the foundation of humanity, and they should not be needlessly slaughtered.

Thus, after much discussion, the Holy Mountain issued an edict.

It decreed that Innate Realm warriors are forbidden from wantonly attacking those below the Innate Realm and are prohibited from engaging in Innate-level battles within cities.

Those who violate this edict will be imprisoned by the Holy Mountain for reflection; more severe cases will result in immediate execution!

"Elder Chen, I know you have always disliked conflict, but now that you've reached the Innate Realm, this edict applies to you as well," the young man in plain clothes said. "I came here to inform you of this matter."

"I never expected there to be such an edict. Rest assured, it is a noble cause, and I will abide by it," the old doctor said, stroking his beard as he readily agreed.

Seeing the old doctor's agreement, a smile appeared on the young man's face.

"Of course, the edict states that Innate Realm practitioners must not attack those below their level, but Grandmasters cannot be insulted. If an Innate Realm expert is provoked and kills the offender, they will not be punished."

Lu Qing nodded.

That's only reasonable. After all, the strong rule in this world.

How could a martial artist who has reached the Innate Realm possibly endure insults from someone far weaker? What would be the point of cultivating to such a high level if one could not defend their honor?

If that were the case, this so-called edict would never gain the recognition of the major powers.

"Moreover, the Holy Mountain will not let Innate Realm experts obey this edict without any benefit," the young man in plain clothes continued.

"Every newly advanced Innate Realm practitioner who agrees to abide by this edict can gain an opportunity to cultivate for three days in the Holy Mountain's sacred pond during their lifetime. This opportunity is always valid."

"Elder Chen, this is a valuable opportunity for you."

"Oh? How so?" the old doctor asked.

"The Holy Mountain is a mysterious and mighty place, filled with countless opportunities and wonders. One of its greatest attractions is the sacred pond at its peak."

"The sacred pond is profound and wondrous, possessing an incredible ability to aid in enlightenment and breaking through bottlenecks. It is truly miraculous."

"Even the most dull-witted warrior, if given the chance to cultivate within it, can achieve rapid progress and extraordinary advancements."

Hearing the young man's words, even the old doctor couldn't help but feel a sense of longing.

"This world is indeed vast and full of wonders. What you've told me, Zhi Rui, is something I've never heard of or seen before. This time, I've truly broadened my horizons," the old doctor marveled.

"Elder Chen, this jade token is proof of the Holy Mountain's recognition. I will inform my sect of your information and pass it on to the Holy Mountain. When the time comes, you can use this token to inquire about the location of the Holy Mountain at Tianji Tower in Zhongzhou."

The young man in plain clothes handed a small jade token to the old doctor.

The old doctor took the token, his heart stirring slightly.

The quality of the jade in this token was similar to the jade used in the inheritance jade slip that Lu Qing had given him before.

After presenting the token, the young man in plain clothes stood up. "Elder Chen, my main purpose in coming here was to inform you about the edict. Now that I've accomplished that, I should take my leave."

"Zhi Rui, won't you stay for a simple meal?" the old doctor asked, trying to keep him a bit longer.

"I'm afraid I can't. The situation in the county seat is still tense, and I shouldn't stay away for too long. I need to return," the young man in plain clothes refused politely.

"Speaking of which, I've also heard about the troubles in the county seat. May I ask, Zhi Rui, when will the danger to the Wei Estate be resolved?" the old doctor inquired.

However, the young man in plain clothes shook his head. "I'm afraid the Wei Estate's troubles will be difficult to resolve."

It seemed he had anticipated that the old doctor would ask about this.

The old doctor was taken aback. "Why do you say that?"

"The Wei family's ancestor has indeed returned, but his heart meridian was injured by Elder Wang Cangyi of the Tiancang Sect. The sword energy is deeply rooted, and it's challenging to dispel. If it remains in his heart meridian, I'm afraid he won't be able to last more than a year, even with his cultivation," the young man explained.

Chapter: A Dire Situation

"If Wang Cangyi had been more patient and waited a year, until the day of the Wei family's ancestor's death, it would likely have been the end of the Wei family."

"Can't you do something to stop it, Zhi Rui?" The old doctor asked anxiously.

The young man in plain clothes shook his head. "The Celestial Tower has its principles and does not interfere in the disputes of other powers, unless Wang Cangyi takes action himself. Otherwise, I have no reason to get involved."

The old doctor fell silent upon hearing this.

Noticing the old doctor's silence, the young man in plain clothes hinted, "Now, the key to the Wei family's survival lies with their injured ancestor. If he can recover from his injuries, the Wei family will be safe. But if he passes away, the Wei family will be in peril."

The old doctor's heart stirred, and he fell into deep thought.

Seeing that the old doctor understood his implication, the young man in plain clothes smiled.

He nodded to Lu Qing, picked up the small bag of plum blossom tea from the table, and gracefully walked out of the courtyard, heading downhill.

Only after confirming that the young man had left did Lu Qing ask, "Master, what should we do now?"

Although he didn't specify, the old doctor knew that Lu Qing was referring to the Wei family's situation.

The old doctor sighed. "It seems I can't avoid getting involved this time."

"Are you planning to go to the Wei residence to treat their injured ancestor, Master?"

"From what Zhi Rui said, it seems only I can heal the Wei family ancestor's injury. That day, we met the Wei family, and they didn't seem like bad people. I can't bear to stand by and watch them being slaughtered," the old doctor said, his face heavy with concern.

Seeing the weight on his master's face, Lu Qing knew that if his master didn't go, he would regret it for the rest of his life.

If he hadn't known about the Wei family ancestor's injury, it would have been fine, but now that he did, he couldn't deceive himself.

There was no helping it; his master was just a kind-hearted soul.

Thinking back, it seemed that the young man in plain clothes had anticipated his master's character and deliberately said those words before leaving.

"Since Master wants to go, let's do it. I support your decision," Lu Qing said. "But how do you plan to get to the Wei residence? Will you sneak in?"

"I'm afraid that won't work," the old doctor shook his head. "The Wei family ancestor's injury is in his heart meridian, a vital area. How could they possibly trust a strange Innate Realm cultivator who suddenly shows up to treat such a critical injury?"

"Moreover, after cultivating to the Innate Realm, we constantly use our spiritual power to merge with the vital energy of heaven and earth, drawing it into our bodies and refining it into our own Innate True Qi."

"Over time, our bodies will be imbued with a trace of the energy of heaven and earth. While this energy is imperceptible to Post-Innate warriors, it won't escape the notice of another Innate Realm cultivator."

"If I sneak into the Wei residence and the Wei family ancestor misinterprets my intentions, it could spark a conflict, and I would be unable to explain myself."

The old doctor might not understand other things, but when it came to dealing with difficult patients, he was an expert.

Lu Qing recalled the young man's previous words, and if a conflict of the Innate level were to break out in the city because of this, it would be truly unfortunate.

"So, we need someone from the Wei family to vouch for us to avoid any unnecessary conflict," Lu Qing said, his eyes lighting up. "Wei Furen and Wei Xiaogongzi!"

"That's a good idea, but it might put them at risk," the old doctor said.

"We're doing this to save the Wei family, and I believe Wei Furen will understand," Lu Qing replied.

Based on his understanding of Wei Furen, she would probably be even more anxious than they were if she knew the reason for their visit.

"Alright, then go and bring them down from the mountain. We'll set off for the county town this afternoon," the old doctor nodded.

So Lu Qing and Xiao Li set off toward the mountain cave where Ma Gu and the others were hiding.

After the young man in plain clothes had visited, Lu Qing had specifically instructed Xiao Li to hide, so he hadn't met him.

After all, the young man's treasure was incredibly perceptive, able to sense changes in the vital energy of heaven and earth from a hundred miles away.

Although he wasn't sure if hiding would help, it was better to avoid a meeting if possible.

However, it seemed that the young man hadn't discovered that he had cultivated his spiritual power.

This showed that his treasure wasn't all-knowing. It couldn't uncover all information.

It was a pity that the young man hadn't displayed his treasure, so Lu Qing's ability hadn't been of much use, and he couldn't discern what kind of treasure it was.

Lu Qing and Xiao Li rushed to the mountain cave, and fortunately, Ma Gu and the others were all there.

"Brother Lu Qing, what brings you back so soon?"

Seeing Lu Qing, the three of them were astonished. They never expected him to return so soon after leaving yesterday.

"I'll explain on the way. Pack your things; we're leaving the mountain," Lu Qing said.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end