Chapter 265: The Resonance of Heaven and Earth Returns, Essence of the Moon

Chapter 265: The Resonance of Heaven and Earth Returns, Essence of the Moon

June 29, 2024

"This is..."

"The Resonance of Heaven and Earth?"

Lu Qing and the old doctor, who were just about to examine the poisonous blood, paused as they sensed the vast fluctuations in the world around them. Their faces betrayed their astonishment.

The reason for their reaction was that they realized that this fluctuation was identical to the Resonance of Heaven and Earth that had occurred when the rules of the world had changed before.

Without hesitation, they both forgot about their research on the poisonous blood and hastily left the room, their gazes turning upward.

"Big brother!"

Xiao Yan rushed out of the room, carrying Xiao Li in her arms.

Apparently, she and Xiao Li had also heard the Resonance of Heaven and Earth.

"Mr. Lu!" At that moment, Hu Zezhi also hobbled out of her room, a trace of panic still on her face. "What is that sound?"

"I'll explain later. Let's head to the roof first."

Lu Qing's expression was solemn as he held Xiao Yan with one arm and supported Hu Zezhi with the other. With a few leaps, they arrived on the inn's roof.

As for the old doctor, he ascended to the roof with casual ease, his steps graceful and light.

His effortless display caused Hu Zezhi's eyes to widen in surprise.

Only then did she realize that the kindly old doctor was also a martial arts master beyond her imagination.

The inn's roof was quite spacious, and Lu Qing asked Hu Zezhi to sit down before looking up at the sky.

Hum...

At that moment, another invisible resonance of Heaven and Earth sounded, reverberating through the heavens and the earth.

"Mr. Lu, this..."

Only then did Hu Zezhi realize that the sound she had heard earlier was coming from high up in the sky, and her mouth fell open in astonishment.

"Silence."

However, Lu Qing had no time to explain things to her at the moment.

He was observing the situation in the sky.

Today was the night of a full moon.

But it was only now that he noticed how exceptionally clear and bright the moon was in the night sky, and it gave off an indescribable sense of oppression.

Seeing this, Hu Zezhi suppressed her questions and looked up at the sky as well.

Hum...

Another resonance of Heaven and Earth sounded.

In this manner, the group remained silent on the roof, listening to the heart-stirring resonance that echoed through the heavens and earth, one after another.

Finally, after the ninth resonance sounded, the world returned to calm.

However, the expressions on Lu Qing and the old doctor's faces did not relax.

They faintly felt that the oppressive atmosphere in the world was becoming heavier.

The bright moon in the sky seemed to grow even rounder and larger.

It appeared as if something was being conceived within it, ready to break free from its shell.

Lu Qing stared intently at the moon, trying to discern something from it.

But this time, his extraordinary ability failed him for the first time.

Although he could see the moon, he didn't know if it was because of the distance or the moon's exceptionally high existence level.

He stared for a long time, but no information appeared in his field of vision.

However, although his ability couldn't probe any useful information, Lu Qing could sense that something was brewing in the world.

"Woof~"

As the strange aura in the air grew, Xiao Li in Xiao Yan's arms began to fidget restlessly.

"Xiao Li, what's wrong?" Xiao Yan soothed it by stroking its head.

Lu Qing's heart stirred, and he was about to ask a question when he heard their two high-grade horses in the inn's stable whinnying excitedly.

Faintly, they could also hear the howls of numerous wild beasts in the mountains near Yunlai Town.

Before Lu Qing could figure out what was going on, he suddenly turned his head and looked up at the sky.

At the same time, the old doctor exclaimed, "Qing, it's coming!"

As the old doctor's words fell, the strange aura in the world seemed to reach its peak. The bright moon high in the sky suddenly released a dazzling radiance.

Immediately after, Lu Qing saw countless moonlights transform into stardust, like shooting stars, descending towards the earth.

"This is..."

Witnessing such a breathtaking scene, Lu Qing's eyes widened in shock as he recalled a legend recorded in the Li Huo Sect's heritage.

"Woof!"

Upon seeing the moonlights raining down from the sky, Xiao Li became ecstatic.

It leaped towards the sky.

It could sense that these moonlights would bring it tremendous benefits.

Xiao Li's leap was incredibly fast, shooting over a dozen meters into the sky.

However, although the moonlights appeared close, they were still extremely far away.

Therefore, as expected, Xiao Li missed and gently flipped in the air before landing back on the roof.

"Xiao Li, don't rush. Wait a little longer," Lu Qing said as he pulled Xiao Li back when he saw it trying to pounce again.

He then turned to his master: "Master, this moonlight essence is a great opportunity for Xiao Li. I need to think of a way to collect as much of it as possible. Please help me protect him."

"Good!"

The old doctor didn't ask any further questions and nodded in agreement.

Seeing his master's consent, Lu Qing immediately sat cross-legged on the roof.

With time being of the essence, he didn't bother with subtleties and reached into his pocket, pulling out a jade bottle that was the size of a palm.

He then placed the bottle in front of him.

In the next moment, he turned his thoughts inward, and from the center of his brow, a divine soul talisman that had been hidden within the Earth Spirit Pearl emerged.

Responding to his will, it grew rapidly, transforming into a massive talisman that exuded a powerful and majestic aura, pushing the Earth Spirit Pearl downward and reclaiming the central position within his brow point.

As the divine soul talisman unleashed its power, Lu Qing's body began to emanate soul fluctuations that even left the old doctor astonished.

For the first time, the old doctor truly realized just how formidable the soul power within his disciple's body was.

However, Lu Qing had no time to concern himself with such trivial matters at the moment.

After activating the divine soul talisman, he began to swiftly form intricate hand seals.

Soon, a faint glimmer of light appeared between his hands, hovering in mid-air.

As this light emerged, the old doctor felt the surrounding spiritual energy stir and converge towards Lu Qing.

Drawn by the light between his hands, the spiritual energy rushed towards it from all directions.

As a large amount of spiritual energy was absorbed, the faint light rapidly expanded until, with a sudden surge, it transformed into a radiant talisman that emanated a mysterious aura.

"Go!"

Without hesitation, Lu Qing pointed a finger at the radiant talisman, sending it forward to land on the white jade bottle he had placed in front of him.

As the talisman merged with the bottle, it trembled violently, and then a brilliant light flashed before subsiding, revealing intricate and profound patterns that had appeared on its surface.

Upon closer inspection, one could see that these patterns were identical to the talisman Lu Qing had previously condensed.

After imprinting the bottle with the talisman, Lu Qing didn't stop. He quickly continued his efforts and, in rapid succession, condensed two more talismans, infusing them into the white jade bottle.

Only then did he pause, wiping the sweat from his forehead and looking up at the sky with a smile. "Just in time."

Fortunately, his soul power had been progressing well lately, nourished by the Earth Spirit Pearl.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to condense three spiritual energy talismans in such a short time.

At that moment, everything fell silent.

Everyone was stunned by Lu Qing's display of crafting the jade bottle, especially Hu Zezhi, who was left dumbfounded and wide-eyed, her mind blank as she witnessed his seemingly divine and incredible prowess.

Lu Qing picked up the white jade bottle and sensed it with his soul power.

"Not bad. Although it's a bit rough, it should be usable."

"Woof! Woof!"

At that moment, Xiao Li jumped onto Lu Qing's shoulder, pointing excitedly at the sky.

The moonlight essence that had been descending from the high heavens was finally about to reach the earth.

"Don't worry, I'll start collecting it now."

Lu Qing gently soothed Xiao Li and then threw the jade bottle into the air, directing it with his soul power. "Go!"

The jade bottle gently landed on the highest point of the roof, and a soft glow emanated from it.

Then, a strange scene unfolded.

Within a radius of several li, the moonlight essence that had been about to scatter and descend to the earth was suddenly influenced by a mysterious force.

It changed direction and converged towards Lu Qing and his companions.

"As expected, it works!"

Lu Qing was delighted by this turn of events.

He had initially approached this with a trial-and-error mindset, unsure if it would succeed.

Without hesitation, he fully channeled his soul power to activate the talisman on the jade bottle.

In response, the jade bottle glowed brightly, and the attractive force it exerted intensified.

The moonlight essence in the sky shifted direction more rapidly, gathering above the inn like birds returning to their nest, and fell into the bottle.

"Woof! Woof!"

Xiao Li, witnessing the abundant moonlight essence being absorbed into the jade bottle, jumped up and down excitedly, his ears twitching.

The moonlight essence in the sky came swiftly and departed swiftly.

Soon, the sky returned to its tranquil state, and the dazzlingly bright moon resumed its usual appearance.

However, Lu Qing sensed that the moon now carried a subtle, indescribable quality.

Of course, this wasn't the time to dwell on such matters.

As the moonlight essence finished descending, Lu Qing quickly performed a hand seal, causing the jade bottle's radiance to fade as it flew back into his hand.

He then took out a jade stopper and sealed the bottle.

"Woof!"

Xiao Li couldn't contain his impatience any longer and jumped onto Lu Qing's shoulder, looking at him expectantly.

"Not yet. If you consume it now, you'll probably fall into a deep sleep again. I need to study it first before giving it to you."

"Lu Qing's expression turned solemn. He wasn't sure if the contents of the bottle were what he suspected, and he couldn't give it to Xiao Li rashly.

Hearing this, Xiao Li was anxious, but it also knew that it had to listen to its two-legged companion. So, despite its reluctance, it reluctantly agreed and returned to Xiao Yan's side, its tail drooping dejectedly.

"Alright, now can you explain what just happened?" The old doctor asked.

"Master, I'm afraid our previous prediction is coming true," Lu Qing sighed.

"You mean...?"

"Tonight's Resonance of Heaven and Earth indicates that the rules of the world have evolved to another stage and are about to undergo new changes.

This change will have an even greater impact, affecting all living beings.

If I'm not mistaken, the moonlight just now was the Essence of the Moon.

This Essence of the Moon has the effect of awakening intelligence and purifying bloodlines for all living creatures.

Even plants and stones, if they are destined to absorb and refine enough of it, may one day become sprites and gain sentience.

Tonight, the Essence of Moonlight, descending from the high heavens, blanketed the earth in its radiance.

Who knows how many creatures will be blessed with this opportunity and undergo a metamorphosis?

From this day forward, strange and wondrous beasts and spirit herbs will likely begin to appear all over the world."

Hu Zezhi listened to Lu Qing's words, her face reflecting her confusion.

The old doctor, however, wore a thoughtful expression.

"Are you saying that the Essence of Moonlight from earlier was a gift from Heaven and Earth, a chance for all living creatures?"

"Indeed, the most important effect of this Essence of Moonlight is to awaken the intelligence of all things. For us humans, who are born with sentience, the impact may not be as significant." Lu Qing replied.

"As expected, Heaven and Earth are fair, bestowing opportunities not only for the benefit of humankind but also for other living creatures, treating them with equal benevolence."

The old doctor nodded in agreement, feeling no regret.

"Master, with the second Resonance of Heaven and Earth, I believe the rules of the world have evolved to a certain extent. There will likely be even more changes to come."

"You're right, I can sense that the rules of the world have become more refined." The old doctor nodded.

As a powerful cultivator, he was more attuned to the subtle changes in the world's rules.

"Disciple has a feeling that something big is about to happen at the Sacred Mountain soon. We should probably head there as soon as possible."

After the second Resonance of Heaven and Earth, Lu Qing noticed that the attractive force he had been sensing had grown stronger. He had a premonition that if the great opportunity he had been sensing was indeed there, it wouldn't be long before it revealed itself.

"We'll set off first thing in the morning."

Sharing a similar premonition, the old doctor agreed without hesitation.

"Also, Miss Hu."

Seeing his master's agreement, Lu Qing turned to Hu Zezhi, who was still in a daze.

"Huh? What is it?" Hu Zezhi snapped out of her stupor, her expression still bewildered.

It was understandable, as the events of the evening had been too shocking for her to process all at once.

"Miss Hu, I originally intended to heal your leg and then send you to the Xuanxin Sect. But now, with the situation being so urgent, we must make our way to the Sacred Mountain as soon as possible, and we won't have time to detour to the sect."

"You're going to the Sacred Mountain?" Hu Zezhi exclaimed in surprise.

She had, of course, heard of the Sacred Mountain, the most sacred site in the region. However, prior to this, Lu Qing and the others hadn't mentioned it as their destination, and they hadn't brought it up during the day either.

"That's right. So, please forgive me, Miss Hu. I find Yunlai Town rather peaceful, and the townsfolk are kind. It would be best for you to stay here and recuperate from your injury. We'll come back for you once we've taken care of matters at the Sacred Mountain.

Of course, you need not worry about funds, as we will make the necessary arrangements for you."

Lu Qing had originally wanted to spend more time with this young woman favored by fate and observe her to understand what made her so special. However, he no longer had the luxury of indulging in such thoughts.

Upon hearing Lu Qing's words, Hu Zezhi's mind fell into turmoil.

To be fair, staying in Yunlai Town to recover from her injury was a sensible option. After all, she had overheard Lu Qing and the old doctor's conversation, and it seemed their journey to the Sacred Mountain would be fraught with danger.

But for some reason, she didn't want to stay behind.

After a internal struggle, Hu Zezhi plucked up her courage and looked at Lu Qing, saying, "Mr. Lu, can I come with you to the Sacred Mountain?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end