Chapter 256: Omen of Turmoil, the Situation in Zhong Zhou

When Old Doctor brought Lu Qing along the direction indicated by the Jade Token’s faint resonance, they eventually arrived at a certain district of Qinglong City. Inside a towering structure, a black-robed elder, who had been meditating in quiet focus, suddenly stirred. His eyes snapped open, fixed on a jade disc before him, a flicker of surprise flashing in his gaze.

He ran his fingers through a quick calculation, his expression gradually darkening.

After a moment of contemplation, he tugged on a cord beside him.

A soft, melodic chime rang out. Moments later, a middle-aged man in gray cloth robes entered, carrying an abacus in hand. He bowed respectfully.

"Senior, what is your command?"

"There is a distinguished guest arriving. Prepare yourselves. You will accompany me to greet them."

The man blinked in surprise, then quickly replied, "Yes, Senior."

Yet within, his mind buzzed with curiosity. Who could be so important that even this reclusive elder would personally welcome them? Was it one of the great families from the city? Or perhaps a high-ranking official from Cheng Zhu Fu?

As soon as the middle-aged man finished arranging matters, the black-robed elder descended from the upper floor.

"Senior..." the man began, but was cut off by a raised hand.

"The honored guest has arrived. Come with me."

The man fell silent, following the elder out.

Just outside, they found Old Doctor and Lu Qing standing hesitantly at the gate.

"Master, are you certain it's here?" Lu Qing glanced at the unassuming tower—plain, unmarked, with no signboard, hardly resembling the stronghold of a major sect. Only the star pattern carved into the gate seemed to hint at something deeper.

"Shouldn't be wrong. The anomaly detected by the Jade Token originated from within this tower," Old Doctor said.

Before Lu Qing could consider using his abilities to investigate, he noticed the elder and the abacus-carrying middle-aged man emerging from the building.

"Guests from afar—truly a joy to welcome. Old man here, bows to you both."

Before Lu Qing could respond, the black-robed elder had already offered a respectful bow.

"Old Man… you’re…?" Lu Qing frowned slightly, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. Unseen by others, he subtly activated his abilities.

"My name is Xuan Ji Zi. I am currently in charge of this branch of Tian Ji Lou in Qinglong City. I have come to personally welcome you, esteemed guests."

Upon seeing their faces, Xuan Ji Zi’s smile deepened.

Lu Qing, having already confirmed their identities through his abilities, knew they spoke the truth. Yet he kept up the façade of confusion.

"But Master… how did you know we were coming?"

Could Tian Ji Lou’s divination arts truly be this precise—able to predict the movements of both him and his master?

"Old man isn’t quite that powerful," Xuan Ji Zi chuckled, as if reading his thoughts. "I knew you were coming because of the Jade Token in your master’s hand."

Lu Qing looked at the Jade Token in Old Doctor’s grip—then it clicked.

So this Jade Token was two-way. Not only could they locate Tian Ji Lou, but the tower itself could sense their arrival.

No wonder Li Zhi Rui had said, Once you bring the Jade Token to Zhong Zhou, everything will become clear.

"Ah… now I understand," Lu Qing said, bowing slightly. "I am Lu Qing. This is my master, Chen Song Qing. We greet you, Xuan Ji Zi Senior."

"Indeed, the young master and Old Doctor Chen—welcome, welcome! Please, come in."

Lu Qing and Old Doctor exchanged a glance, then stepped forward without hesitation.

Once seated and served tea, Lu Qing sipped it lightly before speaking.

"Xuan Ji Zi Senior, you already knew our names. Was this information left by Zhi Rui Ge Xia?"

"Correct. Zhi Rui, my junior, once left portraits of both of you here, stating you’d likely arrive within a year or two. Though I didn’t expect you to come so late."

"Is Zhi Rui Ge Xia well?" Old Doctor asked, concern in his voice. He held a deep admiration for that composed, exceptional youth.

"Zhi Rui has made progress in cultivation last year. He’s returned to the Zhong Zhou central hall to refine his arts. Judging by timing, he should be nearing the end of his cultivation retreat."

"Oh? Has Zhi Rui Ge Xia broken through to Xian Tian Jing?" Lu Qing’s eyes widened.

He remembered meeting the man years ago—already a Wu Dao Zong Shi, having forged his Spirit Soul Power, ranked higher than him on the Qian Long Bang. If he’d advanced further, only one path remained: stepping into Xian Tian Jing.

"Indeed. Zhi Rui has always possessed remarkable talent. Among our Tian Ji Lou generation, he is one of the most outstanding. His breakthrough was inevitable."

"Remarkable," Lu Qing murmured.

Xuan Ji Zi studied Lu Qing carefully. He recalled the boy had once ranked highly on the Qian Long Bang two years ago—causing quite a stir. Now, two years later… how far had he advanced?

But when Xuan Ji Zi tried to sense Lu Qing’s cultivation level, his spiritual awareness hit a wall. The boy’s inner realm was veiled in thick mist, utterly opaque. No trace of his true strength could be discerned.

Xuan Ji Zi felt a ripple of surprise. This could only mean one of two things: either Lu Qing had mastered a secret technique capable of perfectly concealing his aura, or he carried a unique treasure that shielded his presence from spiritual sensing.

The latter seemed far more likely. Lu Qing was still too young—no matter how skilled, his mastery of secret arts would be shallow. And according to Tian Ji Lou’s records, Lu Qing had only reached Nei Fu Jing two years ago. Even with accelerated progress, he shouldn’t be able to hide from a seasoned Xian Tian Jing cultivator at such close range.

With that thought, Xuan Ji Zi turned his attention to Old Doctor.

The moment he did, his eyes widened.

Old Doctor’s spiritual aura was not hidden—rather, it was utterly calm, like that of an ordinary elder, completely unremarkable.

Yet Xuan Ji Zi knew better. Zhi Rui had made it clear: this Old Doctor was not just a high-level Xian Tian Jing cultivator—he possessed the Merit Light, a rare spiritual aura far more extraordinary than an average Xian Tian Jing warrior.

"This one’s cultivation has advanced greatly in these two years. No wonder… only someone of such virtue and merit could possess the Merit Light."

Xuan Ji Zi was deeply impressed. Just from the first meeting, this master and disciple duo had already left a strong impression.

No wonder Zhi Rui had insisted he treat them with the utmost care.

Lu Qing, of course, sensed Xuan Ji Zi’s probing gaze. But he remained calm, adopting a humble expression.

"Xuan Ji Zi Senior, my master and I have come with a matter we wish to consult you on."

"Consult? I’m honored, but please, tell me what troubles you."

"We’d like to know the current state of the world. And specifically, what’s happening in Zhong Zhou. To be honest, our journey here has been filled with troubling events. We encountered sects openly defying the Holy Decree—some Xian Tian Jing Tai Shang Elders, in their pursuit of evil cultivation methods, even set up forbidden arrays, sacrificing living warriors, consuming their bones and blood as fuel for their cultivation."

"Such abominable acts—yet not a single reprimand from Sheng Shan. My master and I are deeply puzzled. We’d appreciate your guidance."

Lu Qing spoke with a grave expression.

"What? Xian Tian Jing cultivators already using living beings as offerings, practicing evil cultivation?" Xuan Ji Zi blurted, stunned.

"Indeed. The sect responsible is Liu Yun Zong from Yun Zhou. The signs of chaos are spreading across the nine provinces. If Sheng Shan and the major sects of Zhong Zhou remain silent, this unrest may spiral beyond control."

Xuan Ji Zi fell silent, then sighed deeply.

"…I never thought things had reached this point. Unfortunately, even Sheng Shan may be powerless to stop it now."

Lu Qing and Old Doctor exchanged a glance.

"Senior, why is that?"

"Both of you are exceptionally gifted. Have you felt the nine divine echoes that rang across the heavens recently?"

"Yes. That’s precisely why we came—to investigate the truth behind those sounds."

"Those nine echoes marked the beginning of the Heaven and Earth Transformation. Qi is returning. The ancient era of demons and chaos is awakening. Do you know what this means?"

Lu Qing hesitated, then said, "I’m eager to hear your explanation."

"In recent years, rumors have spread across the land—about the world changing. But this is no rumor. It’s fact. The recent celestial resonance signaled the true beginning of Heaven and Earth Transformation. The legendary Qi is returning."

Old Doctor nodded. "We’ve both sensed it. The air itself carries a strange, unfamiliar energy."

"That energy—the Qi—is said to be the key. If a Xian Tian cultivator can refine and absorb it, they can break through their current limit. Tell me, if such a possibility were real, how would the Xian Tian Jing masters react?"

"Of course they’d be thrilled," Lu Qing said. "We’re all striving to grow stronger. If a breakthrough is possible, every cultivator would pursue it."

"Exactly. We all seek power. When Qi first returned, many Xian Tian masters were overjoyed. But soon, they realized—absorbing Qi isn’t easy. Only the oldest, most obscure cultivation methods can achieve it. And such techniques are rare. Even in Zhong Zhou, only a few sects possess them."

He paused.

"Can you guess what happened next?"

Lu Qing considered. "It’s not about scarcity. It’s about fairness. Those with ancient techniques now hold the key to breakthrough. The rest—those without—will feel the injustice. They’ll become targets."

"Exactly—not the lack of resources, but the lack of fairness." Xuan Ji Zi’s eyes lit up. "Lu Xiao Langjun, you’re truly a prodigy. You’ve grasped the core issue in just a few words."

"Senior, you flatter me," Lu Qing said modestly. "What happened after?"

"As you predicted, the stagnant Xian Tian masters couldn’t let go of the chance. When Qi first returned, sects began attacking one another, stealing ancient cultivation methods. Even Tai Shang Elders—Xian Tian masters—fought. Blood flowed rivers. Countless lives were lost."

"Such brutality?" Lu Qing and Old Doctor stared in shock. They never imagined such a battle could erupt within Zhong Zhou itself.

"It wasn’t just about the techniques. These two sects were bitter enemies—enemies for hundreds of years. Though Sheng Shan had kept them in check, their feud had simmered beneath the surface. The two sides rarely clashed directly, so casualties remained low."

"But now, with the return of Qi, both sides felt they could no longer wait. The moment the opportunity arose, their long-standing hatred boiled over. And so, the bloodshed began."

"I see," Lu Qing murmured. "Two sworn enemies, driven by desperation and opportunity—this battle was inevitable."

"Indeed. The sects that hold the ancient methods now control the initiative. If even one Tai Shang Elder breaks through, they could surpass even Sheng Shan. The other side can’t afford to sit idle. They must strike first."

"So… is Zhong Zhou already in chaos?" Lu Qing asked, unable to imagine the scale of destruction.

"Not yet that bad," Xuan Ji Zi said.

"After the battle, Sheng Shan immediately intervened. They issued a Holy Decree forbidding further internal fighting. Three Holy Lords themselves stepped forth, traveling to each major sect to enforce order. That’s how the situation was stabilized."

Holy Lords?

Lu Qing pondered the title. These were clearly legendary figures—powerful enough to quell rebellious sects with ease.

Yet he doubted this was enough. A temporary truce wasn’t true peace.

"But Senior… isn’t this just treating symptoms, not the root cause? The sects without ancient methods won’t surrender so easily."

Qi would grow stronger with time. The longer it lasted, the more advantage the sects with ancient arts would gain.

Lu Qing had no doubt the others would resist.

"Your insight is correct," Xuan Ji Zi admitted. "They won’t give in easily. So, to calm their fears, Sheng Shan made a crucial decision."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end