Chapter 259: Body and Spirit Soul Reaches Perfection, Emerges from Seclusion

"My body and Spirit Soul Power have finally reached perfection once more—reaching their ultimate limit," Lu Qing thought, a surge of joy swelling within him.

He had expected it would take several more days before his body and Spirit Soul Power achieved this state of completion. Yet here he was, having surpassed his own expectations by several days. It was clear that the insights he’d gained last night had proven immensely beneficial.

The process of refining the Soil Spirit Pearl had accelerated as well, enhancing its nourishing effect on his body and spirit even further. What should have taken days now completed ahead of schedule.

He clenched his fist—no Qi, no blood energy, just raw physical strength—and a faint crack echoed from the center of his palm.

"At my current level, even without activating the talismans in my Brow Qi Cavity or the Soil Spirit Pearl, my bare strength alone would be enough to defeat Mo Zhen in his Blood Demon Body form. I could crush someone like Zheng Jia Lao Tai Po with a single punch. And my cultivation path is perfectly harmonious—each aspect reinforcing the other. Now that my Spirit Soul Power has reached its peak, the refinement of the Soil Spirit Pearl proceeds even faster. Not long from now, I’ll fully master this earth-element treasure. When that happens, my strength will soar once more."

Lu Qing basked in the feeling of his body and spirit, now fully harmonized and overflowing with power. All the years of restraint—holding back his Jingjie for so long, resisting the temptation of the Xian Tian Jing’s power—had finally paid off. The reward was more than worth it.

"Now that both body and Spirit Soul Power have reached the Hou Tian Limit, it’s time to prepare for the next breakthrough."

Since listening to Xuan Ji Zi’s account of the situation in Zhong Zhou, a sense of urgency had taken root in Lu Qing’s heart. Though Zhong Zhou now appeared to be under the firm control of the three masters of Sheng Shan, he knew this was only temporary. Once the other great sects mastered the ancient cultivation methods, and their disciples ascended to new Jingjie, the balance would shatter, triggering chaos once more.

Thus, he had decided: once they entered Zhong Zhou, if he still couldn’t sense any sign of the mysterious opportunity, he would immediately seek out a place rich in Qi, enter seclusion, and attempt the breakthrough into Xian Tian Jing.

He believed that with his current foundation—though he wouldn’t claim to be without precedent—few, if any, in the world could match his depth of cultivation. With such accumulated strength, stepping into Xian Tian Jing would bring an extraordinary transformation. Add to that his many hidden advantages, and even the most formidable Xian Tian Jing Wan Man-level masters would no longer intimidate him.

The early completion of his body and Spirit Soul Power’s perfection filled Lu Qing with uncontainable joy. Even Ma Gu noticed the smile on his face during breakfast.

"A Qing, what’s happened? You’re in such high spirits," Old Doctor asked curiously.

"Nothing much—just a few new insights in my cultivation," Lu Qing replied with a smile. "By the way, Master, last night I pondered the Essence hidden within the City Gate Inscription. I discovered something quite interesting."

"Oh? What is it?" Old Doctor leaned in.

"I’ll tell you when we’re on the road," Lu Qing said, not wanting to speak openly yet.

Old Doctor glanced around and understood immediately. The inn was crowded—two nearby tables were filled with travelers. The City Gate Inscription was no ordinary artifact. Discussing it here could draw unwanted attention.

"Then let’s finish breakfast and get ready to leave," Old Doctor said. "Ma Gu already asked the innkeeper. Qinglong Pass opens once every seven days, always at Chen hour. Today is the day. We’ve only half an hour left until opening."

Hearing that, Lu Qing and the others hastened their meal. Once done, they returned to their rooms to gather their belongings. Soon, everything was packed. As Lu Qing went to settle the bill, Ma Gu had already hitched the carriage.

"Let’s go."

Inside Qinglong City, riding horses was forbidden. Ma Gu had to lead the carriage on foot. Old Doctor and the others chose to walk, enjoying the grandeur of the mighty city along the way.

The gate to Zhong Zhou lay to the west. As they strolled leisurely, admiring the city’s beauty, they arrived at the western gate just as it was about to open.

"This is the Qinglong Pass?" Lu Qing and the others stood frozen in awe at the sight of the legendary pass.

Qinglong City was built along a river, and this western side bordered the great river. Faint sounds of rushing water drifted through the air. Before them stood a massive city gate—over ten zhang wide and thirty to forty zhang tall. Carved into its archway were the three grand characters: Qinglong Pass.

The characters were weathered, their edges eroded by centuries of wind and rain, bearing the weight of ancient history. Though no martial spirit was inscribed upon them, the sheer age and solemn aura they exuded surpassed even the heroic marks left by the Wu Sheng at the eastern gate.

"This western gate is far more imposing than the eastern entrance," Lu Qing breathed in wonder.

"Indeed," Ma Gu agreed. "It feels more like the main gate."

"Look at all these people trying to pass through!" Wei Zian glanced around. At least a thousand people had gathered, mostly in groups—some small, some as large as a hundred. They were clearly merchant caravans, their carts parked unobtrusively.

It suited Lu Qing perfectly. Their carriage bore hidden arrays, even if he had deactivated them. But the faint inscriptions still visible on the wood—careful observers might notice. If an expert happened to be present, suspicion could arise. Though they had nothing to fear, with the gate so close, discretion was best.

"Gate’s opening!" A sudden shout rang out from the crowd, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

Lu Qing turned toward the gate.

"Hah!" A chorus of deep, unified roars echoed as twenty or so bare-chested men on each side gripped massive winches, their bodies tensing, veins bulging, faces flushed as they strained to turn the wheels.

Boom... boom... boom...

With each rotation, a crack split the gate’s center, and the two massive gates slowly swung outward.

"Amazing. Even the gate-keepers are Jin Gu Jing Great Achievement-level cultivators. No wonder Qinglong Pass opens only once every seven days," Lu Qing murmured, raising an eyebrow.

Not a single one of the men was below Jin Gu Jing Great Achievement. The strongest among them had nearly perfected their Qi—only a hair’s breadth from Nei Fu Jing.

In any ordinary city, such strength would be enough to command a small sect and live comfortably. Yet here, they were mere laborers, opening gates for the masses.

The depth of this great city’s foundation was undeniable.

Still, the gate was enormous. He couldn’t help but wonder how many lives and resources had been spent building it.

With grunts and effort, the massive gates slowly parted. As the opening widened, a wave of moist air surged in, carrying with it the thunderous roar of rushing water.

"This..." Lu Qing’s eyes widened slightly.

He sensed an overwhelming concentration of Qi in the humid air.

Half a moment later, the gate stood fully open. The laborers collapsed, gasping for breath, their faces drained.

It was clear how much effort it took to open just one gate.

"Gate is open! All who wish to pass through, line up, pay the gate fee, and proceed!" A booming voice rang out.

Instantly, the crowd formed an orderly queue. In a city like Qinglong, no one dared cause trouble. Everyone followed the rules.

Lu Qing and the others led their carriage into the line.

With so many people, they waited nearly an hour before reaching the gate.

"Sir," Ma Gu stepped forward, bowing politely to the stern-looking guard seated at a table, scribbling in a ledger. "Five people, plus one carriage."

The guard glanced up, his gaze lingering briefly on Xiao Yan, then sweeping over the carriage before returning to his work. "Five taels per person. Children free. Carriage, one tael. Total: twenty-one silver coins."

"Yes, sir. Here is the payment." Ma Gu handed over a pouch.

The guard took it, paused for a moment, weighed it, then opened it. Two bright silver ingots tumbled out. He then pulled out a third, bit off a corner, and slid the damaged coin back into the pouch before tossing it back.

"I always maintain a strict separation between public duty and private gain. I do not accept extra funds. The remainder is yours to keep."

Ma Gu took the pouch, his face slightly flushed. He dared not protest, only bowed respectfully and tucked the pouch away.

Lu Qing watched the exchange, his eyes flickering with quiet awareness. He didn’t speak, but his gaze lingered on the guard for a few breaths.

After paying the fee, they began to exit the city.

As they stepped through the gate and into the open air, their eyes widened once more.

Before them lay a vast platform capable of holding ten thousand people. Beneath it surged a mighty, roaring river. Spanning the river was a colossal, level bridge—dozens of zhang wide—stretching into the distance like a dragon coiled across the water.

Looking down at the churning, turbulent river, and the majestic bridge above it, Lu Qing could only marvel.

No wonder Qinglong Pass was known as the number one gate under heaven. Just this spectacle alone made the journey worthwhile.

Old Doctor and the others were equally stunned, their expressions filled with awe. It took several moments before they regained their composure.

"Truly, the world is vast. I thought I’d seen much in my life, but now I realize I was just a frog in a well," Old Doctor sighed.

Ma Gu and Wei Zian were even more exhilarated. If not for Lu Qing, they’d never have witnessed such a breathtaking sight.

"Master, let’s go," Lu Qing said, noticing most people had already begun crossing the bridge.

Old Doctor nodded. They began walking forward.

Such a magnificent view deserved to be savored. They decided to walk the entire length of the bridge.

Ma Gu continued leading the carriage. Lu Qing carried Xiao Yan in his arms, while Xiao Li—always averse to water—had already burrowed into his chest.

"Xiao Lian," Lu Qing said gently. "Once we reach Xuan Xin Zong, remember to train hard. If you become a disciple there, it’ll be like leaping straight to the top. This time, Ji Jia San Gongzi helped me gather the funds early. I bought you a spot—don’t waste it."

"But Father... the disciple exams at Xuan Xin Zong are notoriously difficult. I’ve only just reached Qi Xue Jing Full. How could I possibly pass?"

"If you fail, go to your Uncle. He’s an outer sect elder there. He’ll find a way."

"But Uncle always hated us. Why would he help?"

"Even if he dislikes us, you’re still his niece. And remember—had it not been for him, your mother wouldn’t have died. If he refuses to help, I’ll bring your mother’s spirit tablet and confront him myself!"

Just as they were about to step onto the bridge, Lu Qing overheard this conversation.

The voice was familiar. He turned back and saw a group of people standing a short distance away. A middle-aged man with streaks of gray in his hair was earnestly speaking to a beautiful young woman.

That man—his face, his posture—was none other than Hu Lao San, the city guard they’d seen upon entering the city the previous day.

Seeing his daughter hesitate, Hu Lao San’s expression darkened. He lowered his voice, sharp and firm: "Listen. This time, you must try to enter Xuan Xin Zong. If you don’t, I’ll disown you!"

"Father, don’t be angry! I promise—I’ll try. If I fail, I’ll go ask Uncle."

The girl, flustered, quickly agreed.

"Good," Hu Lao San said, his face relaxing. He turned to the others standing beside him. "Zheng Ge Da, Liu Ge Da, Wang Gu Niang, I entrust you with Xiao Lian’s safety. She’s been pampered at home. If she acts up on the road, please bear with her."

"Rest easy, Brother Hu," one of them replied. "Since Ji Jia San Gongzi vouched for her, and we’re going the same way, we’ll see her safely to Xuan Xin Zong."

As they walked away, the roar of the river drowned out the rest of the words.

Lu Qing didn’t care. He simply continued walking forward, holding Xiao Yan close.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end