Chapter 214: The Warning of Heaven and Earth — Old Doctor's Decision
After hearing from Wei Shanhai about the final fate of the Zheng Family, Lu Qing felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
It seemed the City Lord had still upheld justice.
After lunch, Wei Shanhai took his leave to return to his private courtyard.
Yet Old Doctor’s expression grew increasingly solemn.
“A Qing, come with me for a moment.”
Lu Qing sensed the shift in his Master’s demeanor and instinctively stilled his heart. He followed without hesitation into the study.
“A Qing, did you hear those nine sounds of Heaven and Earth not long ago?” Old Doctor asked.
Lu Qing nodded. “Yes. I felt the tremor in the world just as I emerged from my cultivation retreat.”
“So it seems… your earlier words were true. The revival of spiritual energy is indeed coming. The legendary Dao of the Immortals… it truly exists.” Old Doctor sighed deeply.
“Master, is something amiss?”
On the surface, the return of spiritual energy should have been a blessing for cultivators like them.
Yet Lu Qing saw clear worry etched upon his Master’s face, and he couldn’t help but ask.
“Before the tremor, I felt a faint premonition in my heart,” Old Doctor said.
“What kind of premonition?” Lu Qing’s pulse quickened.
He thought of the Merit Light upon his Master’s body.
That light was said to be miraculous — a sign that one would avoid calamity, be protected by heaven, and possess profound spiritual vitality.
Could this premonition be a warning — or a guiding sign — from the heavens themselves?
“I cannot be certain of the exact meaning,” Old Doctor admitted. “But I know this: great changes are coming. Not just in the laws of the world, but in human hearts and the balance of power across the land. When that time comes, disasters will rise like waves, and no place will remain untouched. The world will no longer have any sanctuary.”
His voice was grave, his expression more serious than Lu Qing had ever seen.
He had felt the premonition deeply, but had suppressed it when Wei Shanhai was present — not wanting to spread fear.
“Is it really that dire?” Lu Qing’s heart sank.
If his Master’s intuition was correct, then the upheaval caused by the spiritual revival would be far greater than he had imagined.
“So I have made a decision,” Old Doctor said.
Lu Qing blinked. “Master, what decision?”
“I intend to travel to Zhong Zhou.”
“Zhong Zhou?” Lu Qing was stunned, but quickly recovered. “You mean to go to Sheng Shan?”
“Yes. If the chaos across the world is unavoidable, then we must strengthen our foundation as much as possible. Only with greater power can we protect ourselves — and safeguard a corner of this world.”
A firm resolve shone in Old Doctor’s eyes.
Though a man of compassion, he had long refused to see others suffer.
Though he disliked conflict, he now understood: in times of turmoil, only strength could shield what one held dear.
“A Qing, do you wish to continue cultivating quietly here in the village… or will you come with me to Zhong Zhou?”
“Of course I will follow my Master,” Lu Qing replied without hesitation.
He knew Old Doctor’s journey was to Sheng Shan — to claim the fated opportunity spoken of by Zhi Rui Ge Xia, in order to enhance their strength.
And he, too, was curious about Zhong Zhou — the most prosperous region in this world.
With the coming spiritual revival, it would surely undergo the greatest transformation.
“Master, when do we depart?”
“Better to leave as soon as possible. In the next one or two days.”
…
Old Doctor’s plan to journey to Zhong Zhou was quickly known to Wei Shanhai.
He arrived at the Half Mountain Courtyard without delay.
“Chen Laodaifu, you and Lu Xiao Langjun are planning to go to Zhong Zhou?”
“That’s correct. While we are away, I ask that your household keep an eye on Jiu Li Village.” Old Doctor nodded.
He and Lu Qing were leaving, and while others might not need to know, Wei Shanhai was someone they had to inform.
After all, with the world teetering on chaos, the one thing they cared most about was the safety of the villagers.
“Of course,” Wei Shanhai said readily. “The people of Jiu Li Village are simple and kind — I’ve grown fond of this place. No one will dare trouble them.”
He had stayed in the private courtyard for two years now, and had grown genuinely attached to the peaceful, humble little village.
“But, Chen Laodaifu… I have a request — though I’m not sure if I should bring it up.”
“Speak freely, Wei Lao Zhang.”
“Would it be possible… for you and Lu Xiao Langjun to take Zi An and Ma Gu along with you?”
“Wei Xiao Gongzi and Ma Ye?” Lu Qing was surprised.
“Yes. Zi An is no longer a child. It’s time he went out into the world, to gain experience. Zhong Zhou is far away, and the journey is arduous. Even if he only carries luggage for you, it would be a great honor for him.”
Lu Qing understood.
The Wei Family wanted to send Wei Zian out to train — but they were deeply concerned for his safety.
After all, he had once been the target of an assassination.
Who knew if the shadow behind it had truly given up?
Travelling with them would be the safest path.
Lu Qing and Old Doctor had no objections.
After all, they planned to bring Xiao Yan along anyway.
With Wei Zian and Ma Gu in tow, they’d have extra hands to watch over her should any danger arise.
“Why so formal?” Old Doctor chuckled. “If Wei Xiao Gongzi and Ma Ye also wish to travel, then let’s all go together as companions.”
“Old Doctor agrees? Then I’ll go back and have them prepare.”
Wei Shanhai’s face lit up. He bowed and quickly took his leave.
For the next two days, Lu Qing and the others made final preparations.
And only when departure drew near did the villagers learn of their journey.
“A Qing, I know you’ve grown strong, but I must say this — be careful out there. Listen to Old Doctor, don’t act rashly, and always think before you act.”
At the village gate, Zhang Da Ye held Lu Qing’s hand tightly, his words heavy with concern.
Behind him, the villagers of Jiu Li had gathered to see them off.
Two years had passed, and Zhang Da Ye showed no signs of aging — if anything, he was stronger than before.
That was thanks to Lu Qing’s constant care and acupuncture treatments.
In truth, Lu Qing’s medical skills had advanced dramatically over the past two years — just as his martial cultivation had surged.
The most obvious change was in the elders of the village — their health had improved greatly under his regular treatments.
“Zhang Ye Ye, I won’t forget,” Lu Qing said earnestly, bowing his head.
“Xiao Yan, when you’re out there, you must listen to your brother and Chen Ye Ye. Don’t be disobedient, and don’t wander off alone, okay?”
The village women gathered around, hugging Xiao Yan as they warned her.
“Okay! I’ll be good!” Xiao Yan declared proudly.
“A Qing, it’s time to leave.”
After farewells, the moment arrived.
Old Doctor called out.
“Got it!” Lu Qing lifted Xiao Yan into his arms, bowed slightly to the crowd, and said, “Zhang Ye Ye, everyone — we’re off.”
With that, he stepped into the carriage, followed by Xiao Yan.
The carriage had been prepared by the Wei Family.
The journey to Zhong Zhou was long, and carrying a child made walking impractical.
So they had arranged a spacious, comfortable carriage — more than enough room for all of them.
“Giddyup!”
Once inside, Ma Gu, acting as driver, cracked the whip. The horses stepped forward, their hooves clattering against the path as the carriage began to roll out of the village.
Zhang Da Ye and the villagers stood at the gate, watching the carriage grow smaller in the distance — until it vanished beyond the trees.
Only then did Zhang Da Ye remember something.
“Wait — did A Qing tie the Red Rope?”
“Tied it, Dad,” his eldest son replied. “A Qing wrapped it around the Sign Tree the moment he left.”
“Good. Good.” Zhang Da Ye exhaled. But still, he worried. He turned to the younger villagers.
“Keep watch on those red ropes every day. They’re going to Zhong Zhou — no one knows how far it is. It could be a year or more before they return. Don’t let the wind or rain break them.”
“Got it!” The young people chorused.
Lu Qing’s departure didn’t disrupt life in Jiu Li Village much.
After a brief moment of sadness, everyone returned to their ordinary routines.
Two days later, a disheveled figure appeared at the edge of Jiu Li Village.
(End of Chapter)
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