https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-193-A-Cunning-Plan-to-Win-Hearts-and-Minds/12619264/
Chapter 194: Traces of Evil
Early in the morning, Lu Qing, along with Xiao Yan and Xiao Li, arrived at the courtyard on the mountainside.
Coincidentally, they saw that Elder Wei and Old Doctor Chen were also present, with the latter brewing tea under the plum tree.
"Greetings, Elder Wei," Lu Qing said politely.
"Good morning, Grandpa Wei," Xiao Yan greeted respectfully.
"Good morning, good morning," Wei Shanhai replied with a beaming smile. "By the way, young master Lu, regarding the materials you asked me to help you find some time ago, I've gathered them all and placed them inside. Feel free to check if anything is missing."
"You've found all the materials?" Lu Qing asked, pleasantly surprised.
After stepping inside to confirm that the materials were indeed complete, he hurried out and expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, Elder Wei. Please let me know how much it cost to gather these materials, and I will compensate you accordingly."
"You're too kind, young master Lu. It's just some materials, no need to mention it. Your kindness to our Wei family far outweighs the value of these items," Wei Shanhai said with a smile.
Lu Qing tried to decline again, but seeing Wei Shanhai's insistence, he could only give in.
"Then I'll gladly accept your generosity."
"That's more like it. However, I am quite curious, young master Lu. Some of the materials you requested are rather unusual. May I ask what you intend to use them for?" Wei Shanhai inquired.
"I plan to experiment with something, but as for the specifics, please allow me to keep it a surprise for now. Once I achieve success, I will seek your guidance and feedback," Lu Qing replied.
"Haha, then I shall eagerly await the results," Wei Shanhai said, not at all bothered by Lu Qing's secrecy. In fact, his curiosity and anticipation grew.
The last time Lu Qing requested their help in gathering materials, he had created an extraordinary fiery liquid, which he used to forge a rare and powerful weapon.
This time, the materials Lu Qing sought were even more unusual, suggesting that his upcoming experiment would be even more remarkable.
Thus, Wei Shanhai was filled with eager anticipation.
"Come, Elder Wei, have some tea," Old Doctor Chen invited, as his tea was also ready.
Xiao Yan took the initiative to lead Xiao Li to the study to read.
Lu Qing sat down and joined the two elders in conversation.
"What a fine tea!" Wei Shanhai exclaimed after taking a sip, savoring the lingering fragrance in his mouth. "Doctor Chen, each time I drink your plum tea, it's a unique experience. Your tea-brewing skills are truly exceptional."
"It's mostly due to these unique plum blossoms. As for my tea-brewing skills, they're quite ordinary," Old Doctor Chen said humbly.
Although Wei Shanhai knew he was being modest, he nodded in agreement. He glanced at the plum tree behind Old Doctor Chen, a hint of envy in his eyes.
That plum tree had been nourished by the essence of heaven and earth, undergoing a transformation that made it a rare and precious treasure.
Wei Shanhai felt a twinge of regret. When he had broken through to the Innate Realm, he hadn't thought of doing something similar.
If he had found a fine tea tree to aid his breakthrough, he could have possessed a treasure like this plum tree as well.
However, Wei Shanhai was aware that such thoughts were pointless.
Back then, when he had caught a glimpse of the opportunity to break through, he had been overjoyed and focused solely on seizing that chance, afraid that he would miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
He hadn't had the presence of mind to think so far ahead and make such elaborate preparations.
After a few cups of tea, the three of them were in high spirits and deep in conversation.
"By the way, young master Lu, a significant portion of the materials you needed this time were purchased from the provincial capital. Yesterday, the steward who brought the materials from my mansion also brought news of some recent major events in the world," Wei Shanhai said.
"Oh? What interesting things have happened lately?" Lu Qing asked with keen interest. With the impending changes in the world, he paid close attention to any developments.
"The first major event concerns Jizhou. Over the past few months, a powerful demon has appeared there. This demon enjoys hunting down cultivated martial arts experts.
No one knows what kind of demonic art this demon cultivates, but it can absorb the blood, qi, and marrow of its victims, making it extremely domineering and terrifying.
"Every one of the martial artists he has harmed had their qi, blood, and marrow completely drained, leaving them like dried-up corpses. It's truly horrifying."
"It seems this demon specifically targets young, talented martial artists who have already made a name for themselves."
"So far, dozens of young martial artists have fallen victim to him, many of them disciples of sects in Jizhou, and some were even Internal Organs Realm martial arts masters."
"This matter has caused quite an uproar in Jizhou. The major sects have dispatched their experts to hunt down and kill this demon to avenge their fallen disciples."
"Is that so?"
Both Old Doctor Chen and Lu Qing were taken aback.
Especially Lu Qing, who was reminded of certain unpleasant possibilities by the way Wei Shanhai described the condition of the slain martial artists.
"This is absolutely true," Wei Shanhai said solemnly. "Now, many young martial artists in Jizhou are fearful and dare not venture out, worried that they might encounter that demon and become his prey."
Lu Qing's eyes narrowed slightly. "Elder Wei, if I recall correctly, isn't your esteemed young master studying in Jizhou? What if..."
"There's no need to worry about that," Wei Shanhai said, a hint of relief in his voice. "Half a year ago, Wei Zihuo set out on a journey to the Central Plains with several of his fellow disciples. He's not in Jizhou."
When it came to his grandson's safety, Wei Shanhai couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that he wasn't in the path of this demon's rampage.
Old Doctor Chen furrowed his brows and asked, "Could it be that this demon, who can suck out people's bones and blood, is a Demon Path master of the Innate Realm?"
"I'm not sure about that," Wei Shanhai shook his head. "But I don't think so."
"Ever since the Holy Mountain was established a thousand years ago, the Demon Path has been in decline, and no Innate Realm demon has appeared in a long time. If this demon were an Innate Realm master, the Holy Mountain would surely have taken action by now."
"So, the Holy Mountain won't intervene unless it's an Innate Realm demon?" Lu Qing inquired.
"That's right," Wei Shanhai affirmed. "The Holy Mountain holds an exalted position and naturally can't involve itself in every matter. Aside from some fundamental prohibitions, it generally doesn't interfere in conflicts between martial artists below the Innate Realm. Even in wars between counties and kingdoms that affect the lives of hundreds of thousands, it merely observes without taking action. If this demon hasn't reached the Innate Realm, the Holy Mountain will most likely remain uninvolved."
Lu Qing pondered Wei Shanhai's words, gaining a deeper understanding of the Holy Mountain's stance.
"If this demon were only wreaking havoc in Jizhou, that would be one thing," Wei Shanhai continued. "But now, the major sects in Jizhou have sent out their experts to surround and exterminate him. I fear that if he senses the danger and flees to our Cangzhou, we'll be in trouble."
A grave expression crossed Wei Shanhai's face as he turned to Lu Qing. "For instance, you, young master Lu, must be extra cautious. This demon seems to have a penchant for targeting young, talented martial artists, and he may very well come after you. The Demon Path is full of strange and unpredictable arts, very different from the martial arts we cultivate. You must be vigilant."
Old Doctor Chen echoed his concern. "Yes, Lu Qing, you must be careful. You are on the Hidden Dragon Ranking; you are a true genius."
Lu Qing was indeed a genius, but he was not arrogant enough to believe that there was no one in the world who could challenge him. Given Wei Shanhai's description of the demon's habits, if it fled to Cangzhou, their worries were not unfounded.
"I will be careful," Lu Qing promised solemnly. While he was confident in his abilities, he also recognized that there might be threats out there that he couldn't handle alone.
Based on Wei Shanhai's description of the demon's possible cultivation method, he knew that he couldn't afford to be complacent.
"Aside from the situation in Jizhou, there's another significant event that has occurred," Wei Shanhai said, seeing that Lu Qing was taking his words to heart.
"Oh? What else has happened?" Lu Qing asked, his interest piqued. With the impending changes in the world, he was keen to stay informed about any developments, especially those concerning Cangzhou.
"This incident took place right here in Cangzhou, and it happened just a couple of days ago," Wei Shanhai replied, a somber tone creeping into his voice.
(End of Chapter)
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