https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-214-The-Warning-of-Heaven-and-Earth-Old-Doctor-s-Decision/13688393/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-216-The-Nameless-Taoist-Temple-Heaven-Toppling-Rain/13688395/
Chapter 215: A Narrow Escape
“This is the village where that Lu Qing fellow is hiding?”
“This place is utterly unremarkable—how could it produce such a prodigious genius? The Way of Heaven’s Fortune truly is mysterious, beyond comprehension.”
The disheveled figure stared at the tranquil mountain village ahead, his eyes glinting with an odd light.
For several days, he had poured great effort into tracking down Lu Qing’s whereabouts—only to arrive without delay. Yet, he sensed no trace of powerful spiritual energy within the village.
“Is he out?” he murmured to himself.
He didn’t rush in. Rumor had it that Lu Qing’s master was a mysterious Xian Tian Jing—someone who had once defeated Wang Cangyi of the Tian Cang Sect with a single move. No one knew just how strong he truly was.
At his current level, facing even a Xian Tian Initiate would be a challenge. Higher realms? Impossible. There was no reason to provoke a confrontation.
Deciding to bide his time, the figure resolved to hide just outside the village, waiting for the right opportunity.
After all, with his skill, he could conceal his presence so completely that even a Xian Tian Jing would struggle to detect him.
Just as he was about to slip into the nearby hillside to take cover, he paused—his body tensed.
A faint exchange of words drifted toward him.
“Ming Sheng, do you think A Qing and Old Doctor have left Cang Zhou yet?”
“How could they? Cang Zhou’s no small place. The carriage they’re riding in doesn’t look like it moves fast. In just a few days, they couldn’t have gotten far.”
“A Qing’s heading to Zhong Zhou. I wonder how far that place even is. How long will it take?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never left Cang Zhou in my life. I’ve only been to the County Town a few times. But I’ve heard the elders say Zhong Zhou is very far—this journey could take them a year or more.”
“Really? I hope Xiao Yan doesn’t cry on the road. Traveling alone isn’t easy. Why on earth are Old Doctor and A Qing going so far?”
“Old Doctor and A Qing are martial experts—big figures. What they’re doing is beyond our understanding. Haven’t you seen the Wei Family’s Young Master An going with them? There must be something important.”
The disheveled man turned, spotting two village women stepping out of the village, baskets slung over their arms, chatting as they walked.
His mind stirred.
His expression instantly shifted—his body slumped, his clothes tattered and worn, giving him the appearance of a pitiful old beggar.
“Two kind aunts,” he croaked, limping forward and blocking their path. “An old man has a question.”
The women stopped, surprised to see an elderly man blocking their way.
“What is it, sir?”
“I’ve heard there’s a divine physician here—someone with a heart of mercy, capable of curing any illness. I’ve traveled for days just to seek his help. Could you tell me where he lives?”
His voice trembled, his frame seeming frail, as if weighed down by sickness.
“You’re looking for Chen Laodaifu?” one woman replied, startled. “You’re too late. He and his apprentice left two days ago—on a long journey.”
“Impossible,” the man groaned, face falling. “Where did they go? When will they return? Might I wait here for them?”
“That’s unlikely,” she said, pity in her voice. “They went to Zhong Zhou—very far away. It’ll probably take a year or more before they come back.”
“Ah… how unfortunate,” the man sighed, his voice heavy with disappointment. He slowly turned, as if ready to leave—yet his eyes flickered with a cold, cruel glint.
“Wait a moment, old man!”
One of the women called out. Then, from her basket, she pulled out two rice balls and handed them to him.
“You’ve come all this way—must be hungry. These were meant for my husband working in the fields. Take them with you, for the road.”
The other woman also took out two vegetable dumplings. “I’ve got some food too. If you don’t mind, please take it.”
Seeing the man hesitate, they didn’t wait. They pressed the food into his hands and hurried off.
“Be careful on your way back, old man. We’ve got chores to do.”
With that, they vanished down the path toward the fields.
The disheveled man remained still, silently watching them go—until their figures disappeared beyond the village boundary.
Only then did he look down at the food in his hands.
With a sneer, he tossed the rice balls and dumplings into the nearby ditch.
Lowly scraps like these? He’d never deign to eat them.
“Consider them your ransom,” he muttered, a cold chuckle slipping through his lips. “After all, the lives of creatures like you are worth no more than these rotten little food parcels.”
He turned and walked away, vanishing into the distance beyond the village.
Normally, he’d have killed anyone who saw him. But these two village women? Harmless. No threat. Letting them live was fine.
Besides, he’d sensed a powerful presence emanating from a secluded villa nearby—something formidable. If he made a move here, he might draw its attention. He still had Lu Qing to hunt. Not the time to stir trouble.
“Is that Wei Family’s Xian Tian Jing? Not bad. His cultivation is barely a step away from Xian Tian Small Achievement.”
A flicker of interest crossed his eyes.
“But why leave at a time like this? Coincidence… or is the unseen Qi Yun protecting you?”
A dark smile curled his lips.
“Indeed, you are Qi Yun’s chosen one—your very survival proves it. When danger looms, fortune shields you, allowing you to evade disaster.”
“But the more you’re protected… the more extraordinary you must be.”
“If I devour you, my body’s foundation will undergo a transformation never before seen.”
Lu Qing, he thought, voice dripping with malice. You won’t escape my grasp. You’re destined to become my sustenance. Not even the heavens’ Qi Yun can protect you forever. When I finally consume you, even your fortune will be mine…
With a series of cold laughs, the figure faded into the mist beyond Jiuli Village.
At the village entrance, the discarded rice balls and dumplings lay untouched in the ditch—silent, forgotten.
No one knew a monstrous fiend had passed through.
And the villagers? They had no idea they had just narrowly escaped a fate far worse than death.
(End of Chapter)
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