Chapter 275: Clues of the Demon's Trail — Hu Ze Zhi's Premonition

"Heaven's Movement is vigorous; thus the noble person strives unceasingly."

Upon hearing those words, Lin Zhi Rui’s entire body trembled. He murmured them over and over, as if utterly stunned by their weight.

After a long moment, he finally snapped back to himself, his eyes clear and focused. With deep respect, he bowed low to Lu Qing.

"Thank you, Lu Qing Xiao You, for your guidance. Had it not been for your words, I might have fallen into the trap of fixed views, and my cultivation resolve would have wavered."

"Please, no need for formality," Lu Qing smiled. "You were simply caught in the moment—caught in your own perspective. With your wisdom, you would have awakened on your own, sooner or later."

He had sensed immediately that Lin Zhi Rui had been shaken by the sight of the Brocade-Clothed Youth scaling Tian Ti. The display had struck a deep chord in him, plunging him into self-doubt.

This kind of crisis could be minor or devastating. If one let it fester, a single misstep could shatter one’s martial resolve forever.

That was why Lu Qing had spoken—drawing upon the ancient wisdom of his past life, he had pierced through the veil of Lin Zhi Rui’s inner turmoil.

"Heaven's Movement is vigorous; thus the noble person strives unceasingly..."

At the side, Ma Gu and Wei Zian exchanged glances, their hearts stirred.

To come to Sheng Cheng and witness so many martial geniuses in one place—how could they remain untouched?

The gap between man and man was staggering. That sense of despair, the crushing weight of insignificance—it could make even the strongest question the meaning of their own cultivation.

But Lu Qing’s words had cut through that fog. The flicker of despair vanished. Hope returned.

Watching Lu Qing remain so calm and composed, Lin Zhi Rui could only marvel.

Two years ago, in Cang County, he had first met Lu Qing—a boy still soft with youth.

Now, though his face still bore the traces of youth, Lu Qing’s bearing and demeanor had ascended to an entirely different realm.

Even as a Xian Tian Jing cultivator, Lin Zhi Rui felt, in Lu Qing’s presence, a deep sense of smallness.

Just how far had Lu Qing Xiao You advanced?

The thought echoed once more in his mind.

"Alright, are you all convinced now?" The Brocade-Clothed Youth’s voice rang out from Tian Ti, bold and triumphant.

Silence fell across the entire scene.

All eyes were fixed on him, filled with awe and reverence.

Bai Bufan and the others stood pale, their expressions grim with defeat.

"Senior Brother, Fifth Senior Brother still loves to show off," a beautiful girl with bright eyes and fair skin chuckled from atop one of the giant birds in the sky.

"Old Five’s temperament..." A gentle-mannered youth on another bird shook his head. "If only he could shed this restlessness, he might have broken through to Xian Tian Jing long ago."

"There’s nothing wrong with it," replied a grim-faced youth. "That’s just Fifth Junior Brother’s nature. If he didn’t seek attention, would he still be Fifth Junior Brother? Besides, we’ve hidden within Yun Shui Mi Jing for too long. Outside our ancient heritage sects, few even remember our existence. With the world changing, it’s time to make our name known. Let them know we are not to be trifled with."

"Indeed," another said. "Before we left, our Master instructed us: this journey isn’t just about claiming opportunities. We must also spread our name. Fifth Junior Brother’s actions were perfectly appropriate."

"But…" The senior brother hesitated, then sighed. "Alright. We still need to pay respects to the Three Holy Lords. Let’s go bring Old Five back."

"I’ll do it," the girl said immediately, drawing in breath and calling out, "Fifth Senior Brother! Playtime’s over! Senior Brother says it’s time to come back!"

Hearing the call, the Brocade-Clothed Youth raised an eyebrow.

He looked down at the crowd below—silent, stunned, all gazing up at him with reverence.

A light laugh escaped him. Then, without warning, he let out a sharp, bird-like cry.

With a single leap, he launched himself from Tian Ti, plummeting downward.

At that moment, a clear, piercing birdcall echoed through the sky. The giant bird that had carried him surged forward, wings flaring wide, slicing through the air as it dove to meet him.

Just as he began to fall, the bird arrived, catching him effortlessly in mid-air.

With a powerful beat of its wings, it soared back to its companions.

"Let’s go," the senior brother said softly, glancing at the dazed crowd below. The flock of giant birds flapped their wings and flew off toward another side of Sheng Shan.

Watching them vanish around the mountain’s far edge, the once-still crowd erupted.

"Who the hell were those people?!"

"Was that really just play? That Brocade-Clothed Youth climbed two hundred steps on Tian Ti—and it was just a game?"

"Exactly. Look at how relaxed he was. I’d wager two hundred steps wasn’t even his limit. If he wanted, he could’ve gone much higher."

"Now Bai Bufan and the others really look foolish. Who’d have thought their grand competition would be upstaged by some unknown stranger?"

"…They just left like that?" Lu Qing watched the sky, surprised.

"Most likely, they’re going to pay respects to the Three Holy Lords," Lin Zhi Rui explained. "When the Four Secret Places send emissaries, they always stay on Sheng Shan itself. They don’t rest in Sheng Cheng."

"Ah, I see."

Lu Qing nodded, a flicker of seriousness in his eyes.

He recalled the information he’d uncovered with his Abilities Probe earlier—his expression darkened.

"Who knew we’d gain such insight? The opportunity that draws even the Four Secret Places so deeply… Could it be the same one I’ve been sensing in my heart? The same one that draws me and Master together?"

Since arriving in Sheng Cheng, Lu Qing had been certain: the mysterious force that had linked him and Master was rooted in Sheng Shan.

Yet even now, standing before the mountain, he could not pinpoint what it was.

Was it hidden too deeply? Or was the time not yet ripe?

Still, the arrival of the Yun Shui Mi Jing disciples had sparked a warning in him.

If their goal was the same elusive opportunity… the competition would be fierce.

And if they had come, the others from the three other secret places could not be far behind.

"Looks like Master and I will need to plan carefully if we’re to claim it."

He turned to Lin Zhi Rui. "Zhi Rui Ge Xia, the spectacle’s over. Should we head back? We came in haste—haven’t even found a place to stay."

"Still haven’t found lodging?" Lin Zhi Rui raised an eyebrow. "Good thing—I have an empty courtyard next to my residence. If you don’t mind, you’re welcome to stay there."

"Really? That’s too much trouble…" Lu Qing hesitated, then reconsidered.

The thought of staying at a common inn was risky. With Xiao Yan and Hu Ze Zhi—especially the latter, an unpredictable element—hostels were too chaotic, too exposed.

He nodded. "Alright, then we’ll accept your kind offer."

"Right away!" Lin Zhi Rui beamed. "Truthfully, Sheng Cheng is packed with martial cultivators from all over. All the inns are full. Staying at Tian Ji Lou is far safer, far quieter. No one will disturb you."

"Since you’ve said it so kindly, we’ll gladly accept," Lu Qing smiled.

They began walking toward the city. The spectacle was over. As for Bai Bufan and the others—Lu Qing had little interest in their fate.

"Hmm?"

As they entered the city, a sudden chill prickled Lu Qing’s spine. His head snapped toward a shadowed alley.

But when he looked, there was only a flicker of black fabric vanishing into the corner. No one there.

Yet that single glance brought a strange sense of relief.

A faint smile touched his lips.

"So someone’s been watching us, huh? Is it Hu Gu Niang’s trial—or is it meant for us? But you’re safer not showing yourself. Now that you’ve slipped up, it’s much easier to deal with."

He didn’t speak the thought aloud—only a hunch, not proof.

He continued toward Tian Ji Lou.

Far away, in another alley, a black-robed figure shivered.

"What… what was that? How did he sense me? Coincidence? Or did he truly see through me?"

The figure trembled, heart pounding.

Had he not reacted so fast, he’d have been exposed.

But even as relief washed over him, confusion followed.

His concealment technique—his Mind Demon Concealment Method—was near perfection. He’d even believed it could hide from a Xian Tian Jing master.

Yet this boy—just a Hou Tian Jing cultivator—had sensed him the moment he began trailing.

"Could he be carrying a Unique Treasure? A relic that warns of pursuit?"

A possibility struck him.

He knew the world had once flourished with immortal cultivation, with a true immortal civilization. But as Qi diminished, that age faded into legend.

Yet some ancient relics had survived. Now, with Qi returning, those artifacts might be regaining their power.

Could this boy possess a detection relic?

The thought took root—and grew stronger.

"If so… then it’s perfect. I never expected such a prize. And now, the Yun Shui Mi Jing disciples have come out on their own. Decades ago, I dug through the earth, searching for the entrance to the Four Secret Places. Nothing. But now, they’re appearing like moths to flame."

His voice dropped to a whisper, eyes glowing with dark, hungry light.

"Once I consume them, my Supreme Demon Body will be complete. Then, the entire world will be mine."

He paused, then added, "First, though—take the girl with the great Qi Yun, and the old man with the Merit Light. Absorbing their Qi and merit will solidify my foundation. Then, when the forces of good and evil unite within me, I shall become unstoppable—even the Will of Heaven cannot stop me!"

With a low chuckle, the black-robed figure vanished into the shadows.

Only a faint thread of Hei Qi lingered in the air.

Once back at Tian Ji Lou, Lin Zhi Rui immediately sent servants to prepare the courtyard.

When the space was ready and the group settled in, he bowed and took his leave—there were still many matters to attend to, such as arranging time for Old Doctor to meditate on the Sheng Chi.

"Master," Lu Qing said quietly once Lin Zhi Rui had left, his tone serious. "On our way back, I noticed something strange. I think it might be tied to Hu Gu Niang’s trial."

"What?" Old Doctor’s expression sharpened instantly.

All eyes turned to Lu Qing—especially Hu Ze Zhi, who looked tense.

"Earlier, as we entered the city, I sensed someone watching us from a side street. But they were alert—once they realized I’d noticed, they vanished. I couldn’t see their face."

Lu Qing sighed, regret in his voice.

"If only they’d been slower. If I’d had time to track them longer, I could’ve used my Abilities Probe to confirm everything."

"But if you didn’t see them, how can you be sure this has anything to do with Hu Gu Niang’s trial?" Old Doctor asked.

"I can’t be certain. But the faint aura they left behind—it was strikingly similar to the Jie Qi on Hu Gu Niang’s face. That’s why I suspect a connection."

"Ah… I see," Old Doctor nodded. "Then it’s likely, indeed, that this is her trial."

"But who could it be?" Hu Ze Zhi frowned. "I’ve never done anything to offend anyone. I’ve lived my whole life in Qinglong City. Why would someone want to harm me? And someone so skilled, even nearly fooling Lu Qing?"

Old Doctor and Lu Qing exchanged a glance. The answer was clear.

Hu Ze Zhi’s most unique trait was her dense Qi Yun—something that drew attention from the most dangerous beings.

This wasn’t random. The target was her.

"Regardless," Lu Qing said gently, "at least we know it’s a human threat. That makes it manageable. Hu Gu Niang, as long as you stay close to us, you should be safe. He won’t dare attack openly."

"I understand," Hu Ze Zhi replied, her shoulders relaxing.

The relief was real.

Then, suddenly, a memory surfaced.

"Ah! Lu Qing, Master—there’s something I forgot to mention earlier. When we were nearing Sheng Shan, I… I thought I sensed something on the mountain. Like it was calling out to me."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end