Chapter 214: A Celestial Warning and the Elder's Decision
Hearing about the Zheng family's ultimate fate from Wei Shanhai, Lu Qing felt quite satisfied.
It seemed that the City Lord was indeed just in his dealings.
After lunch, Wei Shanhai bid farewell and returned to the other courtyard.
Elder Chen's expression, however, turned solemn.
"Qing'er, come with me for a moment."
Sensing the change in his master's demeanor, Lu Qing's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately followed him to the study.
"Qing'er, did you hear the nine celestial sounds not long ago?" Elder Chen asked.
Lu Qing nodded, "Yes, I sensed that celestial fluctuation as soon as I emerged from my seclusion."
"It seems that the revival of spiritual energy is truly upon us, and the legendary path of immortality is indeed real." Elder Chen sighed.
"Master, is something amiss?" Lu Qing asked, sensing his master's concern despite the seemingly good news of the spiritual energy revival for cultivators like them.
"When the celestial fluctuation occurred, I felt a subtle omen in my heart." Elder Chen explained.
"What kind of omen?" Lu Qing's curiosity was piqued.
He thought of the merit light that his master possessed, an extraordinary phenomenon. It was said that those with the merit light were blessed by the heavens, able to turn bad luck into good and possess profound fortune.
Could the omen his master sensed be a guidance or warning from the heavens itself?
"I'm not entirely sure of the specifics, but I know that there will be great upheaval in the world. It's not just a change in the celestial rules, but also a shift in the hearts of people and the world's situation.
Disasters may arise, bringing suffering to countless lives, and pure lands may no longer exist."
Elder Chen's expression turned grave, a seriousness unlike any Lu Qing had seen before.
When he had first sensed this omen, he was greatly shaken, but he had forced himself to remain calm, not wanting to cause undue panic with Wei Shanhai present.
"Is it that serious?" Lu Qing's heart trembled at the implications. If his master's premonition was correct, the waves caused by the revival of spiritual energy would be even greater than he had imagined.
"So, I've made a decision."
Lu Qing was taken aback, "Master, what decision?"
"I intend to go to Zhongzhou."
"Zhongzhou?" Lu Qing was surprised, but quickly realized, "Master, do you plan to visit the Sacred Mountain?"
"Yes, since the coming chaos is inevitable, we can only strive to enhance our foundation. Only then will we have the strength to protect ourselves and preserve a region from the coming turmoil."
Determination shone on Elder Chen's face. With his compassionate nature, he could not bear to see others suffer.
Although he disliked conflict, he understood that in turbulent times, only overwhelming power could safeguard the people and things one held dear.
"Qing'er, do you wish to continue your secluded cultivation in the village or accompany me to Zhongzhou?" Elder Chen asked.
"I will naturally follow you, Master, and serve by your side." Lu Qing replied without hesitation.
He knew that his master was going to the Sacred Mountain in Zhongzhou to obtain the opportunity that Zhi Rui had mentioned, enhancing their strength.
He was also curious about Zhongzhou, the most prosperous state in this world, and saw no harm in going to take a look.
After all, with the celestial changes and revival of spiritual energy, the transformations there would likely be the most significant.
"Master, when do you plan to depart?"
"The sooner, the better. Perhaps in a day or two."
...
Wei Shanhai soon learned of Elder Chen's plan to go to Zhongzhou.
He immediately came to the halfway courtyard.
"Elder Chen, you and Young Master Lu intend to go to Zhongzhou?"
"Yes, so during our absence, I hope your family will help look after Jiu Li Village." Elder Chen nodded.
While he didn't need to inform others of their trip, it was only right to let Wei Shanhai know, especially with the impending chaos in the world. The villagers of Jiu Li Village were what concerned them the most.
"Of course," Wei Shanhai readily agreed. "The people of Jiu Li Village are honest and kind, and I've grown fond of this place as well. I won't let anyone bully them."
He had been staying at the other courtyard frequently these past two years and had developed a soft spot for the peaceful little village.
"However, Elder Chen, since you and Young Master Lu are going to Zhongzhou, I have a request that I'm not sure I should make."
"Please speak freely, Old Man Wei."
"Since Young Master Lu and you are heading to Zhongzhou, I wonder if you could bring Zi'an and his disciple along?"
"You mean Young Master Wei and Master Ma?" Lu Qing asked, surprised.
"Indeed. Zi'an is no longer young, and it's time for him to venture out and gain some experience. The journey to Zhongzhou is long and arduous, and even if Zi'an just helps with carrying luggage, it will be a blessing for him."
Lu Qing understood Wei Shanhai's intentions.
The Wei family wanted Wei Zi'an to gain experience, but they were also concerned about his safety, hence their request for him to travel with them.
After all, Wei Zi'an had once faced an assassination attempt.
Who knew if the mastermind behind that incident had given up or was still plotting something?
Accompanying Lu Qing and the others was the safest option.
Lu Qing and Elder Chen had no objections to this proposal.
They would be bringing Xiao Yan along on their journey anyway, and having Wei Zi'an and Master Ma with them would mean two more pairs of hands to help look after Xiao Yan in case of any unexpected situations.
"There's no need to be so polite. Since Young Master Wei and Master Ma also wish to travel, let's journey together," Elder Chen said with a laugh.
"Since Elder Chen has agreed, I'll go back and have Zi'an and the others prepare," Wei Shanhai said happily before taking his leave.
For the next two days, Lu Qing and his companions prepared for their departure.
It wasn't until just before their departure that the villagers of Jiu Li Village found out about their journey.
"Lu Qing, I know your abilities have grown immensely, but as your elder, I must still offer some words of advice. Be cautious and prudent during your travels, listen to Elder Chen, and refrain from acting impulsively."
At the village entrance, Old Man Zhang held Lu Qing's hand and offered his earnest advice.
Behind him, many villagers of Jiu Li Village had gathered to see them off.
Two years had passed, and Old Man Zhang's health had not only improved but seemed to have gotten stronger, thanks to Lu Qing's frequent acupuncture treatments.
In fact, in these two years, Lu Qing's medical skills had progressed as rapidly as his martial arts cultivation.
The most noticeable effect was the improved health of the village elders, who regularly received acupuncture treatments from him.
"I will keep your words in mind, Grandfather Zhang," Lu Qing said solemnly.
"Xiao Yan, listen to your brother and Grandfather Chen when you're outside the village. Don't be naughty or wander off on your own, understand?"
On the other side, several aunties from the village were also giving Xiao Yan a send-off with their words of advice.
"Yes, I will be a good girl!" Xiao Yan replied loudly.
"Lu Qing, it's time to depart."
After bidding farewell to the villagers, the moment to leave had finally arrived, and Elder Chen called out.
"Understood," Lu Qing said as he picked up Xiao Yan, bowed slightly to the villagers, and said, "Grandfather Zheng and everyone, Xiao Yan and I will take our leave now."
With that, he walked toward the carriage, carrying Xiao Yan in his arms.
The carriage had been prepared by the Wei family.
Given the long journey to Zhongzhou and the presence of Xiao Yan, it was inappropriate to travel on foot.
Thus, the Wei family provided a spacious carriage that could comfortably accommodate Lu Qing and his companions.
"Giddyup!"
As Lu Qing and Xiao Yan settled into the carriage, Ma Gu, acting as the coachman, cracked the whip, and the carriage began its journey, slowly rolling out of the village.
The villagers, including Old Man Zhang, stood at the village entrance, reluctant to part with their friends.
It was only after the carriage had disappeared from view that Old Man Zhang suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, did they tie the red strings?"
"Yes, Father. As soon as Lu Qing came out, I tied the red strings to the Faith Tree for them," his eldest son replied.
"Good, good. I'm relieved to hear that," Old Man Zhang said, breathing a sigh of relief. He still couldn't help but worry, so he turned to the village youths and added, "You youngsters should pay attention to those red strings from time to time. Lu Qing and the others are going to Zhongzhou, and who knows how long it will take for them to return—it could be a year or more. Make sure the wind and rain don't blow the red strings away."
"We will!" the youths replied in unison.
Lu Qing's departure did not cause much of a stir in Jiu Li Village.
The villagers were saddened for only half a day before returning to their usual routines.
Two days later, a disheveled figure appeared outside Jiu Li Village.
(End of Chapter)
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