Chapter 213: Return, The Aftermath

"Old Doctor, what just happened?"

Wei Shanhai looked at Old Doctor Chen in shock.

The two men had been sitting under the plum tree, sipping tea, when they were suddenly startled by an unexpected disturbance that seemed to come from the very heavens and earth themselves.

Perplexed, Wei Shanhai could only turn to the old doctor for answers. Though he knew the old doctor's cultivation was far deeper than his own, perhaps he could shed some light on what just occurred.

Old Doctor Chen's expression remained calm as he carefully sensed the aftermath of the disturbance. Finally, he sighed.

"I fear that the legendary upheaval of the heavens and earth is about to begin."

"You mean the great change foretold by the Tianji Pavilion is upon us?" Wei Shanhai exclaimed, his body trembling.

"Most likely," Old Doctor Chen nodded. "The disturbance we just felt emanated from the very fabric of the world, and I faintly sense that subtle changes have already begun, though they are not yet noticeable."

"So, what exactly will change in this upheaval of the heavens and earth?" Wei Shanhai still felt a bit bewildered.

"I do not know," Old Doctor Chen shook his head. "But since the heavens and earth have already shown signs, it won't be long before we witness the true nature of this transformation."

In truth, Old Doctor Chen had a slight inkling.

If the ancient tome that Lu Qing had shown him was correct in its speculations, then the so-called revival of spiritual energy was about to truly commence.

However, it was just a theory from an ancient text, and until it was proven, the old doctor couldn't be certain.

"If the heavens and earth are truly about to undergo a transformation, it seems that a tumultuous time lies ahead."

Wei Shanhai sighed.

Old Doctor Chen also fell silent, his mind turning over the implications.

In fact, amidst the disturbance, he had sensed something else—something he couldn't quite put into words.

"Grandpa Chen, what happened just now? It was so noisy outside."

At that moment, Xiaoyan, carrying Xiaoli, walked out of the house, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

Apparently, she had been taking a nap with Xiaoli and had been abruptly woken up by the commotion.

But her words caused both Old Doctor Chen and Wei Shanhai to stiffen.

"Xiaoyan, could you hear that noise just now?" Wei Shanhai asked eagerly.

"Of course, it was so loud. How could I not hear it? Grandpa Wei, was someone demolishing a house?" Xiaoyan asked innocently, still half-asleep.

Wei Shanhai stood there with his mouth slightly agape, looking at Xiaoyan in disbelief.

Old Doctor Chen understood his astonishment.

The sound they had heard was not a mere noise but a vibration caused by a shift in the rules of the world—something that should have been imperceptible to mortal ears.

Only Martial Arts Masters who had tempered their souls and those at the Innate Realm and above should have been able to sense that vast sound.

Yet Xiaoyan, a mere child, had heard it in her sleep. No wonder Wei Shanhai was so shocked.

However, Old Doctor Chen had an inkling as to why.

He knew that Lu Qing had given Xiaoyan the Earth Vein Spirit Liquid, and he himself had witnessed its miraculous effects.

Not only could it greatly enhance one's aptitude, but it might also awaken certain special talents.

Clearly, after consuming the spirit liquid, Xiaoyan had gained some sort of extraordinary ability that allowed her to "hear" the sound of the shifting world.

"Old Doctor, it seems that Xiaoyan's talent is also quite extraordinary," Wei Shanhai said, realization dawning on him.

His eyes shone with a strange light as he looked at Xiaoyan, as if she were some kind of rare treasure.

Previously, he had only thought her to be a clever and adorable child, more well-behaved and quick-witted than most.

But considering that she was Lu Qing's sister and deeply favored by Old Doctor Chen, it made sense that she would be exceptional, having been influenced by their advanced cultivation and knowledge.

Now it seemed that there was more to it than that.

Despite having no cultivation base, she could "hear" the sound of the world's rules changing. It was evident that Xiaoyan possessed some kind of unique talent.

It made sense, given that Lu Qing was a once-in-a-millennium genius, a child of destiny.

How could Xiaoyan, his sister, born of the same mother, be ordinary?

She was still young, and her talents had yet to fully manifest.

The more Wei Shanhai thought about it, the more convinced he became. The look in his eyes as he gazed at Xiaoyan grew increasingly fervent.

"Old Doctor, Xiaoyan is already seven years old. I'm curious why she hasn't become your disciple and started her training in martial arts?" Wei Shanhai asked, his interest in Xiaoyan growing by the minute.

Old Doctor Chen knew what he was getting at.

Chapter: The Return

Wei Shanhai recalled Lu Qing's words from the past and shook his head.

"Al Qing once said that Xiaoyan's path of cultivation is unique and should not be rushed. We must wait until the time is right for him to make the necessary arrangements personally."

Over the past two years, Old Doctor Chen had also asked Lu Qing if he wanted Xiaoyan to practice martial arts.

But Lu Qing had always said that the time was not yet right, so until now, Xiaoyan had not yet started her formal training.

"So, Young Master Lu has already made plans," Wei Shanhai said, realizing that his hopes of taking Xiaoyan as his disciple were dashed.

In his heart, Lu Qing was far more mysterious than Old Doctor Chen.

Since Lu Qing had already made arrangements, it was clear that Xiaoyan would not be allowed to take on a master casually.

"Grandpa Chen, when is Gege coming back? How long will he stay in the mountains? Xiaoyan misses him," Xiaoyan pouted, looking a little aggrieved.

It had been many days since she had last seen her brother.

"Indeed, Old Doctor, why has Young Master Lu been in seclusion for so long this time?" Wei Shanhai asked.

Previously, Lu Qing had mentioned that he had gained some insight and would be going into seclusion. Seven days had passed since then.

Usually, Lu Qing didn't seclude himself for this long. Could it be that he was trying to break through to the Innate Realm?

The thought sent a shiver down Wei Shanhai's spine.

If that were the case, it would be a truly momentous event.

How old was Lu Qing now? If he truly stepped into the Innate Realm, it would surely cause a sensation throughout the world, even shaking the four secret lands.

"I don't know," Old Doctor Chen replied, equally puzzled. "Al Qing only said he would be in seclusion for a while, but he didn't specify how long."

He knew that Lu Qing had likely gone to the mystical place deep in the mountains, the same place where he and Xiaoli had discovered the Earth Vein Spirit Liquid, to seclude himself.

However, because of Xiaoyan, Lu Qing rarely secluded himself for this long.

This time, something seemed different.

Unfortunately, Old Doctor Chen had never been to that mystical place himself.

And Xiaoli was always by Xiaoyan's side, allowing no one but Lu Qing and Xiaoyan to command it, not even the old doctor.

Otherwise, he could have gone to take a look.

Swoosh!

Just as Old Doctor Chen and Wei Shanhai were deep in thought about Lu Qing, Xiaoli suddenly leaped out of Xiaoyan's embrace and darted outside.

The two men were initially startled but quickly reacted and looked toward the courtyard entrance.

There, they saw a familiar figure standing with Xiaoli perched on his shoulder, rubbing its head against him—it could be none other than Lu Qing.

"Gege!"

Xiaoyan immediately ran toward Lu Qing with open arms. Even before she reached him, she started jumping, trying to launch herself into his embrace.

Fearing that she might fall, Lu Qing caught her and gently rubbed her hair as she buried her head in his chest, looking like she might cry.

"I'm sorry, little one. It was Gege's fault for keeping you waiting so long during my seclusion," Lu Qing said affectionately.

Thankfully, Xiaoyan's emotions came and went quickly, and she was easily comforted.

Soon, with Lu Qing's reassurance, she was back to her cheerful self.

After soothing Xiaoyan, Lu Qing put her down and approached Old Doctor Chen and Wei Shanhai.

He greeted Wei Shanhai first before turning to Old Doctor Chen and saying, "Master, I'm back."

"Good, it's good that you're back," Old Doctor Chen nodded, not questioning Lu Qing about the unusually long seclusion.

On the other hand, Wei Shanhai couldn't contain his curiosity any longer.

"Young Master Lu, did you break through to the Innate Realm during your seclusion?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Although he couldn't sense the unique innate essence that was characteristic of the Innate Realm from Lu Qing, it had been a long time since he could see through Lu Qing's true strength.

So, it wouldn't surprise him if Lu Qing possessed a secret art that could conceal his innate essence.

"No, I haven't," Lu Qing shook his head. "This time, I did make some progress, but it only served to strengthen my foundation further. I have not yet reached the Innate Realm."

"I see," Wei Shanhai said, a hint of disappointment in his voice, but he quickly added, "Young Master Lu, you mustn't be discouraged. Although the Innate Realm is profound, with your talent, entering that realm is only a matter of time. I'm sure that with more time to consolidate your cultivation, you will naturally break through."

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Wei," Lu Qing bowed politely.

"Master, have you and Elder Wei eaten lunch yet?" Lu Qing asked after a brief chat.

"Not yet."

"That's perfect. After being in seclusion for so long, I'm feeling a bit peckish. I'll go prepare a little something to fill our stomachs."

Lu Qing hadn't realized that his refinement of the Earth Spirit Pearl had unknowingly taken so long.

If not for his deep cultivation and robust qi and blood, his body might not have been able to withstand the process.

"Hmm, go ahead." Old Doctor Chen naturally had no objections.

"Elder Wei, please stay and join us for lunch as well," Lu Qing invited.

"Then I won't be polite." Wei Shanhai smiled. "Your cooking, Young Master Lu, has a unique flavor to it. Even Ning Yan and Zi'an often reminisce about it. Today, I consider myself fortunate to partake in this feast."

Over the past two years, Wei Shanhai had tasted Lu Qing's cooking on several occasions.

It was indeed unique and impressive, captivating even someone like him who wasn't particularly indulgent when it came to food.

Now that he heard Lu Qing was cooking again, he couldn't help but look forward to it.

"It's just some simple home-cooked meals. Madam Wei and the others are too kind with their praise," Lu Qing said humbly.

Lu Qing entered the kitchen and spent half an hour preparing a variety of dishes.

Having not tasted Lu Qing's cooking in a while, Xiaoyan and Xiaoli were especially delighted and enjoyed their meal immensely.

Old Doctor Chen and Wei Shanhai, of course, also found the food exceptionally delightful.

During the meal, Lu Qing casually began inquiring about the situation in the provincial city, skillfully steering the conversation in that direction.

He hadn't expected that his refinement of the Earth Spirit Pearl in the Jade Transformation Cave would take six or seven days.

He had no idea how the situation in the provincial city had developed since he left, so he could only ask Wei Shanhai for information.

As it turned out, Wei Shanhai was indeed well-informed.

After all, many of the Wei family's businesses had been relocated to the provincial city years ago.

Consequently, they had a very well-established network of informants in that area.

Lu Qing had created quite a stir in the provincial city by killing even a Precelestial Realm cultivator. Such a major event couldn't be covered up.

On the very next day after the incident, the Wei family's informants in the provincial city had sent back news about what had transpired.

Ever since then, the Wei family had been closely monitoring the situation in the provincial city.

"Young Master Lu, you probably don't know this, but that old hag from the Zheng family had secretly performed the human sacrifice ritual many years ago when her eldest son died.

Back then, the city lord of the provincial city invited the leaders of the major powers in the city to open the tomb for inspection, and they discovered dozens of clay figurines left behind after the ritual. One can only imagine how insane that old hag was! No wonder she provoked that mysterious expert to take action and kill her.

To be honest, if I had known about this, I would have also been unable to resist teaching that old hag a lesson.

That mysterious expert was decisive in his actions. Not only did he kill the old hag, but he also destroyed the tombs and coffins of her most valued son and grandson. He even shot and killed her second son. It was truly a satisfying outcome!"

After recounting the events that took place in the provincial city that day, Wei Shanhai couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"There was such a thing? Who was that mysterious expert? Does anyone know his identity?" Lu Qing asked in surprise.

Old Doctor Chen had apparently already heard about these events and didn't show any signs of astonishment.

"That's the strangest part. That mysterious expert seemed to have appeared out of thin air, and no one could trace his origins. Yet, his strength was extraordinarily formidable.

It is said that he killed the old hag from the Zheng family in just a dozen or so breaths.

You must know that although the old hag didn't have much lifespan left, she was still a peak early Precelestial Realm cultivator. Yet, she couldn't even last a dozen breaths before being slain.

This gives you an idea of how powerful that mysterious expert is. Many people speculate that he's probably a terrifying cultivator at the initial Small Success Stage of the Precelestial Realm or higher."

Lu Qing: ...

Rumors indeed became more and more exaggerated as they spread. How could he not know that he had already reached the Small Success Stage of the Precelestial Realm?

"...What happened to the Zheng family after such a catastrophe?" Lu Qing asked after a moment of silence.

"What else could happen? In the provincial city, although it's prosperous, land is extremely valuable, and every plot of land is coveted by countless people.

Without the support of a Precelestial Realm cultivator and with the family head dead, coupled with the fact that they committed the major taboo of secretly performing human sacrifices, their fate was sealed.

In these past few days, the direct descendants of the Zheng family have all been arrested by the city lord and thrown into prison, awaiting punishment. The rest of the clan members have had their property confiscated and have been expelled from the city. For three generations, none of them will be allowed to set foot in the city, on pain of death.

You could say that the Zheng family is finished; they've completely fallen apart."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end