Chapter 270: Reunion with Zhi Rui, The Unfathomable

“Zhi Rui, what’s so joyful today?” asked an old man with snow-white beard and an ethereal aura, seated across from Lin Zhi Rui.

“Friends come from afar—how could I not be happy?” Lin Zhi Rui pocketed the Jade Compass with a smile.

“Oh? Who’s this distinguished youth?” The elder’s curiosity sparked as he studied the warmth on Lin Zhi Rui’s face. His disciple, though calm and gentle in manner, had an unyielding spirit. Most people barely registered in his eyes. So he couldn’t help but wonder—what kind of being could stir such joy in his most exceptional disciple?

“Master, you’ve heard of him—this is Chen Song Qing, the elder I once mentioned, the one from Cang Zhou.”

“Ah, the one with the Merit Light, the Xian Tian Jing Qiang Zhe?” The old man’s eyes lit up instantly.

“Yes. Over two years ago, I gave him a Jade Token. I thought he’d come to Zhong Zhou within the first few years. But it wasn’t until now that he arrived.”

“Likely he sensed the changes in the heavens and earth,” the elder mused. “Since the Qi of the world has revived, Zhong Zhou has undergone the most drastic transformation. Any Xian Tian Jing with even a shred of insight would naturally not miss such an opportunity.”

“Perhaps. But I do wonder—did his disciple, the young Lu Qing, come with him?”

“The boy who defeated the Wu Dao Zong Shi of Tian Cang Sect with only a Jin Gu Jing body?”

“That’s him. A prodigy of staggering talent. I wonder—after two years, has he reached Xian Tian Jing?”

Lin Zhi Rui’s mind drifted to Lu Qing’s calm face. The boy was one of the most mysterious figures he’d ever encountered. And since taking control of the Sect’s Unique Treasure, he was the only one whose cultivation level remained utterly opaque to him.

“Master, Chen Laodaifu has already arrived nearby. I must go greet him. This game of Go will have to wait.”

“Go ahead. With the city’s situation so tense, it would be a blessing to have such a benevolent strength among us.”

Lin Zhi Rui felt a pang in his chest, remembering recent events in Sheng Cheng. He resolved to inform Old Doctor of the city’s true state—better that he not stumble into danger unknowingly.

“Master, it should be here,” said Lu Qing, gazing at the towering structure before them, its crest bearing the identical seven-star symbol found atop the Tian Ji Lou in Qinglong City.

“Indeed,” Old Doctor nodded. “The Jade Token’s resonance is clearly coming from this place.”

Ma Gu asked, “Shall I deliver a visitation card?”

“No need,” Lu Qing’s expression shifted, a smile forming. “A long-lost friend is coming to meet us.”

Before he finished speaking, a figure in simple cloth robes stepped out from within the tower. Who else could it be but Lin Zhi Rui—someone Lu Qing hadn’t seen in over two years?

“Friends come from afar—how delightful,” Lin Zhi Rui said, his demeanor even more serene than before, stepping forward with a warm smile.

“Chen Laodaifu. Lu Qing, it’s been a long time—how are you both?”

“Long time no see, Zhi Rui.” Old Doctor grinned.

“Thanks to your kindness, Zhi Rui Ge Xia, all is well,” Lu Qing bowed respectfully.

“Greetings, Zhi Rui Ge Xia,” Ma Gu and Wei Zian echoed, bowing deeply. Wei Zian, in particular, was visibly reverent. He knew full well that without Zhi Rui Ge Xia’s intervention back then, the Wei Family might have been wiped out.

“You’re here too, Wei Xiao Gongzi?” Lin Zhi Rui looked surprised. “Is Wei Shanhai Laodaifu in good health?”

“The Ancestor is still strong. He instructed me to convey his regards to you, Zhi Rui Ge Xia,” Wei Zian replied respectfully.

“Such courtesy is unnecessary,” Lin Zhi Rui murmured inwardly, silently appraising Lu Qing and Old Doctor.

Two years had passed. Lu Qing had grown taller, his face now strikingly handsome. Old Doctor, however, remained unchanged—still the same elderly man. But what startled Lin Zhi Rui was that he could not, for the life of him, discern either of their cultivation levels. Even when he secretly activated the power of the Unique Treasure, the result was blank—nothing.

This was no small matter. Lin Zhi Rui, now a full Xian Tian Jing cultivator, had reached the peak of the Early Stage, mere steps from the Small Achievement realm. And over the past two years, through relentless cultivation and daily refinement, he had fully mastered the Unique Treasure bestowed by his sect.

Yet he could not fathom Lu Qing and Old Doctor’s true strength.

Were their levels beyond his comprehension? Or did they each possess a Unique Treasure of their own, capable of completely blocking his divination?

A storm raged in Lin Zhi Rui’s mind. But on the surface, he remained composed, continuing to chat casually.

After exchanging pleasantries, Lin Zhi Rui suddenly slapped his forehead. “My apologies—I’ve been so excited, I forgot my manners. Please, follow me.”

He motioned for them to enter the tower.

“Zhi Rui Ge Xia, what about our carriage?” Ma Gu asked.

“No need to worry,” Lin Zhi Rui began, but then froze as he laid eyes on the carriage.

“Chen Laodaifu… your horses…”

“On the way here, a few nights ago, a celestial phenomenon occurred. Countless Moonlight beams descended from the sky. These two beasts were fortunate enough to absorb two of them—and transformed like this,” Lu Qing said, half-serious, half-joking.

“The celestial anomaly from a few nights ago?” Lin Zhi Rui’s gaze sharpened.

“Exactly. These two horses absorbed the Moonlight that night. No one knows why, but by morning, they looked like this. Their temper hasn’t changed, and their strength has increased dramatically—our journey was much faster than expected.”

“An extraordinary fortune,” Lin Zhi Rui said, regaining his composure. “Don’t worry. I’ll have a disciple arrange for them. They won’t be mistreated.”

As Lin Zhi Rui issued orders, a Tian Ji Lou disciple stepped forward to help lead the horses.

“Wait—there’s still an injured person inside,” Lu Qing said, approaching the carriage and knocking on the door. “Xiao Yan, help Hu Sister down.”

“Xiao Yan’s here too?” Lin Zhi Rui exclaimed, even more surprised.

But when he saw Hu Ze Zhi step down from the carriage, his expression instantly darkened.

“Lu Qing Xiao Gongzi… this young lady…”

“Zhi Rui Ge Xia noticed?” Lu Qing’s voice turned grave.

Lin Zhi Rui studied Hu Ze Zhi’s brow, then locked eyes with Lu Qing. But he said nothing. Only his face grew solemn.

“Come inside,” he said quietly. “Let us talk.”

Lu Qing and the others followed Lin Zhi Rui into the Tian Ji Lou, but they didn’t stop there. At a distance of over a hundred meters behind them, a figure in a black robe lingered in a shadowed alley. Two pupils glowed in his eyes, emitting an eerie light.

A person with great Qi Yun! Xuan Yin Zhi Ti! And… Merit Light?

How is it possible? A mere carriage carries so many rare talents! Could this truly be fate aiding me?

The black-robed figure’s eyes burned with fanaticism.

If he could consume those people ahead, his demonic body would undergo a transformation beyond imagination. Then, not even the city’s array could contain him—and the old monsters atop Sheng Shan would no longer intimidate him.

This must be done carefully. Once I devour them all, my supreme demonic foundation will take its first step.

Though his voice was filled with madness, his mind remained chillingly clear.

He scoffed at the city’s defenses—but had to admit, he was still not strong enough to act openly. The elders within Tian Ji Lou alone might be more than he could handle. And the ancient beings atop Sheng Shan? Even less likely.

So everything had to be done in secret. Slowly. Steadily.

With one final, hungry glance at the Tian Ji Lou, the figure melted into the shadows.

…

Inside the tower, Lin Zhi Rui led them not upward, but through the structure and into a sprawling complex of buildings. They finally stopped at a quiet, secluded courtyard.

“Chen Laodaifu, this is my humble residence. It’s simple, I know—but please, don’t mind.”

“Simple? If this is humble, then my own home must be nothing but a broken shack,” Old Doctor chuckled.

“Nonsense,” Lin Zhi Rui shook his head. “Your residence, with its Plum Blossom Tea tree, surpasses any luxurious mansion.”

“You remember the tea,” Old Doctor said with a smile. “Good. I brought a generous supply this time. We can brew a cup.”

He pulled out a small pouch of pre-packed Plum Blossom Tea.

“Only a true friend understands me,” Lin Zhi Rui said, his face brightening as he caught the faint, delicate fragrance. The moment he inhaled it, he felt a deep sense of joy.

He immediately fetched the tea set.

As he laid out the tools, Lu Qing took over the brewing process—the task he knew too well. He moved swiftly, heating water, pouring tea, and perfecting each step.

Soon, a pot of flawless Plum Blossom Tea was ready.

Lin Zhi Rui lifted a cup, sipped slowly, and closed his eyes in delight.

After a long silence, he sighed. “Over the past few years, I’ve traveled across the world, tasted countless rare teas. But nothing compares to the Plum Blossom Tea from your hands, Chen Laodaifu.”

“Zhi Rui Ge Xia, you once said you’d grow your own Plum Blossom Tea tree once you broke through to Xian Tian Jing. Did you fail?” Lu Qing asked, curious.

The Plum Blossom Tea Tree in Half Mountain’s small courtyard had been cultivated accidentally by Old Doctor when he first entered Xian Tian Jing, stirred by the Heavenly and Earthly Qi.

When Lin Zhi Rui learned of its origin, he’d expressed his desire to emulate it—once he reached Xian Tian Jing, he’d use Heavenly and Earthly Qi to grow his own. Now that he had, Lu Qing couldn’t help but ask.

Lin Zhi Rui hesitated. “I broke through during my travels, unexpectedly. The moment I felt it, I didn’t hesitate. I simply… went through with it. I never had time to find a plum tree.”

For most cultivators, the breakthrough to Xian Tian Jing was a rare, fleeting moment—once missed, never returned. Lin Zhi Rui was no different. When the chance arose, he seized it without delay. Only afterward did he remember the tea tree—but by then, it was too late.

“That’s a pity,” Lu Qing said regretfully.

He knew just how much Lin Zhi Rui loved tea.

“Fate is unpredictable,” Lin Zhi Rui said with a shake of his head. “It simply means I didn’t have that chance.”

“Indeed,” Old Doctor nodded in approval. “That’s a wise perspective. I’ve always admired your calm heart.”

“Chen Laodaifu flatters me,” Lin Zhi Rui smiled. “But tell me—why have you only just come to Zhong Zhou? I thought you’d arrive years ago.”

“Truth be told, I’ve been lazy,” Old Doctor admitted with a chuckle. “After living a carefree life in the countryside, I just couldn’t summon the will to travel again. It’s only now that I’ve finally stirred.”

“Now you’re joking,” Lin Zhi Rui said. “But I think you’re being honest. I believe you never truly valued the so-called ‘fate’ opportunities. And if I’m not mistaken, your arrival here wasn’t just for the Sheng Shan chance, was it?”

Though he’d only known Old Doctor for a short time, Lin Zhi Rui understood him well—this was a man of boundless kindness. The fact that he’d delayed coming to Sheng Shan for two years showed he didn’t place much value on such rewards.

Now, out of nowhere, he appeared—there had to be another reason.

But Lin Zhi Rui had tried to divine it earlier. Nothing came through.

“I’m not that detached,” Old Doctor said with a smile. “But yes, besides the Sheng Shan opportunity, I do have another matter I wish to investigate.”

“Is it about this young lady?” Lin Zhi Rui glanced at Hu Ze Zhi.

The pretty young girl, who had been listening intently, blinked in surprise. Why had the conversation turned to her?

“It’s one of them,” Old Doctor said. “But the most urgent. Zhi Rui, you must have noticed something about Hu Gu Niang, haven’t you?”

“Her brow is wrapped in invisible Hei Qi—persistent, unyielding. It’s a sign of imminent great peril. In the near future, she will face something worse than death,” Lin Zhi Rui said gravely.

“Precisely,” Old Doctor nodded. “A Qing and I both sensed the danger, but we can’t pinpoint its source. Zhi Rui—can you use your divination arts to uncover any clue?”

He knew Tian Ji Lou was renowned for divination. If anyone could see through this mystery, it would be Lin Zhi Rui.

But what Old Doctor didn’t expect was the firm, quiet shake of the head.

“Can’t be done. I tried the moment I saw her. The Heavenly Path was shrouded in gray mist—completely obscured. I couldn’t read anything.”

“Even you can’t read it?” Old Doctor frowned deeply.

“Chen Laodaifu, Zhi Rui Ge Xia… what are you talking about? I don’t understand,” Hu Ze Zhi finally spoke, her voice trembling.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end