Chapter 170: Qi Sha Ling, the Storm Gathers

Seeing Lu Qing’s unwavering calm in the face of the possible assassination from Qi Sha Lou, even the Cloth-Clothed Youth felt a surge of admiration in his heart.

At this moment, he could no longer deny the truth in the final words of the late Tian Gu.

Lu Qing truly might be the extraordinary prodigy born at the dawn of the Da Zheng Zhi Shi’s arrival—someone destined by fate, blessed with Qi Yun beyond compare.

“Lu Xiao Langjun,” the Cloth-Clothed Youth mused with a wry smile, “perhaps this is, in fact, a rare opportunity for you.”

“Oh? What do you mean by that?” Lu Qing raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

“Qi Sha Lou is a mysterious sect with an ancient heritage, one that still upholds certain time-honored rules. Within its ranks, assassination orders are issued under the name Qi Sha Ling. Once activated, you will be hunted by the entire Qi Sha Lou—but this pursuit is not endless.

According to the rules of Qi Sha Ling, there can be no more than seven assassinations. If you survive all seven, and remain alive, Qi Sha Lou will cease the hunt. They will then treat you as a guest of honor, pledge to never accept any assassination missions involving you, and publicly declare you as one of their own.

Should any other assassination organization dare target you afterward, it would be seen as a direct challenge to Qi Sha Lou itself—and they would face the full wrath of the entire sect in retaliation.

Moreover, it is said that Qi Sha Lou bestows a secret opportunity upon those who survive Qi Sha Ling. But what this opportunity truly is… no one has ever known.”

The Cloth-Clothed Youth’s explanation left everyone stunned.

They had no idea the assassination system of Qi Sha Lou carried such intricate rules.

“Zhi Rui Ge Xia,” Wei Xinghe asked, “does that mean anyone who survives Qi Sha Ling will automatically gain Qi Sha Lou’s protection?”

“Precisely,” the Cloth-Clothed Youth nodded.

Lu Qing narrowed his eyes. “Then, may I ask, has anyone ever survived Qi Sha Ling?”

“Yes,” the Cloth-Clothed Youth replied without hesitation.

“Qi Sha Ling is rarely issued, but according to records from Tian Ji Lou, over the past ten thousand years, Qi Sha Lou has issued at least hundreds of such orders. Though ancient deeds are hard to verify, within the last thousand years, exactly three individuals have survived the seven assassinations unscathed. The most recent was over three centuries ago.

And indeed, as legend claims, each of them was granted protection by Qi Sha Lou. Afterward, they never faced another assassination attempt.

One such man was once targeted by a newly risen assassin guild. But as soon as the bounty was posted, before anyone could even accept the mission, that entire organization was wiped out overnight—eradicated without a trace.

It is precisely these events that prove Qi Sha Lou truly adheres to the rules of Qi Sha Ling.”

Only three people in a thousand years had survived Qi Sha Ling!

Hearing this, the audience finally grasped just how impossible the odds truly were.

This wasn’t merely a matter of “nine chances out of ten” or even “one in ten.” It was closer to ten deaths with no chance of survival.

No wonder Qi Sha Lou made such a solemn promise—surviving their seven assassinations was a feat so rare that it occurred only once every few centuries.

Anyone who could endure it was undoubtedly a genius of unparalleled talent, a true prodigy blessed with vast Qi Yun.

For Qi Sha Lou, such a figure was too valuable to destroy. It made sense to retreat and preserve such a rare talent—rather than risk losing a potential ally.

A few sharp-witted guests, after a moment’s reflection, realized the deeper logic.

The rule wasn’t a trap—it was a lifeline. A way for Qi Sha Lou to protect themselves from the very danger they might one day become.

“So, Lu Xiao Langjun,” the Cloth-Clothed Youth concluded, “you need not fear that Qi Sha Lou will break their promise. This is a sacred, ancient rule of their heritage. They cannot defy it.”

Lu Qing remained unmoved.

“I never place my life in the hands of another’s promise,” he said coolly.

“Whether Qi Sha Ling’s rules are real or not, I care not. If Qi Sha Lou truly intends to assassinate me, then they must be prepared to become my enemy. When that time comes, who stops the killing—will no longer be their choice.”

Lu Qing was not one to cower.

If Qi Sha Lou came for him, the hunt might just end with them as the hunted.

The chill in his words sent a shiver through the Cloth-Clothed Youth’s heart.

He finally remembered—this young man was far from the gentle, unassuming figure he appeared to be.

The other guests felt an instinctive coldness in their bones.

Especially Ma Gu, whose mind involuntarily conjured up the image from Kuai Hua Village: Lu Qing, standing in a sea of fire, sword in hand, heads rolling, bodies scattered, blood pooling beneath him.

Due to Tian Gu’s assassination, the Wei Family’s Initiation Ceremony had to be cut short.

But aside from the Qian family, the other guests felt no disappointment.

The experience had been worth far more than a mere ceremony.

They had witnessed a clash between martial arts masters, and uncovered secrets long hidden from the public.

Particularly the perceptive among them had sensed something vital in the conversation between the Cloth-Clothed Youth and the assassin.

Among them, the disciples of Qingyun Jian Ge.

“In the small courtyard, a group of Qingyun Jian Ge disciples gathered in hushed tones.

“What does ‘Wan Nian Bian Ju’ mean?”

“I don’t know. But Tian Ji Lou is always shrouded in mystery, privy to countless secrets. Qi Sha Lou, too, is an ancient sect with a heritage spanning millennia. If both take this so seriously, it must be of immense importance.”

“We must report this to the sect immediately. If the world is truly on the brink of upheaval, Qingyun Jian Ge must prepare.”

“Seventh Brother, I’ll write a letter now. You’ll leave at once, returning to the sect to deliver this news in full.”

“Yes.”

After finalizing their plan, they turned to other matters.

“Honestly… that Lu Xiao Langjun is terrifying. Even Qi Sha Lou’s top twelve Heavenly Assassins couldn’t land a single blow on him—let alone escape.”

One disciple recalled the morning’s events, still awestruck.

The Twelve Heavenly Assassins of Qi Sha Lou were legendary within the sect’s records—rumored to possess the ability to assassinate Wu Dao Zong Shi.

And the rumors were true.

The moment “Tian Gu” unleashed his aura, it was not only terrifying, but carried a haunting effect—paralyzing the mind, freezing thought.

Even Wei Family’s patriarch, a Wu Dao Zong Shi, had seemed momentarily slowed.

Yet, in the face of Lu Qing, that terrifying assassin had been crushed instantly—no chance to flee, no chance to resist.

It was beyond belief.

“Indeed. Who would’ve thought that in a backwater county like Cang County, such a prodigy could exist? Even our inner sect’s top disciples—those ranked among the best—might not match his talent. The elders were right all along: there are always those beyond our understanding.”

Another disciple sighed. “We thought the people here were narrow-minded, easily swayed by rumors. But in truth… we were the ones living in the well. The real fools were us.”

The others fell silent.

Lu Qing’s impact had been overwhelming.

A mere teenager—yet his martial prowess defied belief.

And not only that—he was also a master of Medical Skills, effortlessly neutralizing Qi Sha Lou’s infamous Xuè Sha Zhi Dú.

His mastery of Medical Skills was on par with his martial strength.

A youth excelling in both fields—such a phenomenon left the disciples stunned and bewildered.

In truth, they were also secretly relieved.

Thankfully, during the banquet, when they heard the country gentlemen mock Lu Qing, they had remained silent—despite their inner skepticism.

Had they spoken ill, they would have been humiliated in front of all, their pride shattered.

Now, they understood the elders’ teachings—no matter where you go, humility is essential.

Pride leads to downfall.

This experience had taught them, more deeply than any lecture, the wisdom of the elders.

Perhaps this was the true purpose of sending disciples out into the world—to learn, to grow, to be humbled.

Meanwhile, in the County Magistrate’s Residence, on a quiet tower within a secluded courtyard…

The Cloth-Clothed Youth sat at a desk, penning words with a jade brush.

Before him lay a scroll of Dan Shu Yu Juan.

As he wrote, the brush tip glowed with faint light, and each character dissolved into the scroll, vanishing into the paper.

After half a day of writing, he finished recording the events of the past few days—sending the report to his sect.

Only then did he set the brush down, rise from his seat, and walk to the balcony, gazing into the distant sky.

“A Wan Nian Bian Ju is approaching. The tides of fate are shifting. The forces of darkness stir. What will become of the human race’s Qi Yun?”

The conversation with Tian Gu had confirmed his suspicions: the coming upheaval was no longer a secret among the great powers.

And the recent findings from Tian Ji Lou only deepened his dread.

He feared the chaos to come—the bloodshed, the suffering, the countless lives lost.

He worried not only for the people, but for Tian Ji Lou itself—whether they could survive the storm, whether they could ride the tide, rather than drown in it.

And then he thought of Lu Qing.

This mysterious youth—still a mystery to him.

Even with the sect’s Unique Treasure, he could not pierce the veil of Lu Qing’s presence.

It was as if an eternal mist cloaked the boy, hiding every trace of his true nature, shielding his destiny from all forms of divination.

Yet despite this, a deep instinct warned him: Lu Qing was terrifyingly powerful.

Even he—trained in the highest arts—might not be his equal.

And considering Lu Qing’s age… and Tian Gu’s dying words…

The Cloth-Clothed Youth found himself reluctantly agreeing with the late assassin.

Perhaps Lu Qing truly was the prodigy born before the great change—a chosen one, blessed with Qi Yun.

Only such a being could defy the sect’s Unique Treasure, conceal his fate, and remain hidden from fate’s gaze.

But then… could a prodigy truly be this terrifying?

He recalled the ancient records from his sect.

According to them, when the world turns, many heroes rise—countless geniuses born of destiny, vying for Qi Yun.

If all these prodigies were as formidable as Lu Qing…

What would the sky look like under such a storm of brilliance?

And how could Tian Ji Lou hope to guide the tide, when so many titans walked the earth?

The thought sent a chill through him.

He felt the weight of the sect’s founding oath pressing down on his soul.

Was the sect’s founding ancestor too delusional?

“Zhi Rui, are you in?”

A knock came at the door.

The Cloth-Clothed Youth paused, then replied, “Come in.”

The door opened, and County Magistrate Yan Canghai stepped in, carrying wine, food, and a go board.

“What is it?” the Cloth-Clothed Youth asked.

“Come to drink, to play go.” Yan Canghai set down the tray and arranged the board.

“You already drank plenty at the Wei Family this morning. Again?” The Cloth-Clothed Youth sighed. He noticed his friend’s increasing reliance on wine.

“Hardly enough to count. The Qi Sha Lou assassin scared me half to death.” Yan Canghai chuckled as he poured wine.

“Come, you seem burdened. Join me for a few drinks.”

After a moment’s hesitation, the Cloth-Clothed Youth sat down.

A few sips. A few moves.

Then Yan Canghai asked, “Are you troubled by what the Qi Sha Lou assassin said—about the Wan Nian Bian Ju?”

The Cloth-Clothed Youth’s hand stilled.

“That’s none of your concern. Don’t ask. Haven’t you learned from the past?”

For once, Yan Canghai didn’t back down. He smiled.

“Then it’s true. The world really is changing.”

The Cloth-Clothed Youth remained silent.

After a long pause, he spoke.

“Yes. The world is changing. But not as you imagine.

Yan Canghai, put away your ambitions. This is not a matter for you.

Interfere, and it won’t just destroy you. Even Tian Ji Lou—yes, even Sheng Shan—could be shattered, erased, never to rise again.

Do you want your Yan family wiped out?”

Hearing this, Yan Canghai’s face turned pale.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end