Chapter 275: Traces of Evil, Hu Zezhi's Premonition

Chapter 275: Traces of Evil, Hu Zezhi's Premonition

July 9, 2024

"The heavens move with strength, and the noble man must constantly strive for self-improvement."

Lin Zhirui's entire body trembled as he heard these words, muttering in a daze.

It seemed as if he was completely stunned by this phrase.

After a long while, he came back to his senses, his eyes clearing, and he bowed deeply to Lu Qing.

"Thank you, friend Lu Qing, for your guidance. Otherwise, I would have fallen into the hindrance of knowledge and an unstable cultivation heart."

"You're welcome," Lu Qing smiled. "Zhirui, you were merely confused by your own thoughts. With your wisdom, even without my reminder, you would have eventually realized it yourself."

From the start, he could tell that Lin Zhirui was shaken by the spectacle of the youth in brocade climbing the Heavenly Ladder, causing him to doubt himself.

This could have had serious consequences.

If he had fixated on this and wasn't careful, it might have affected his martial arts heart, leading to a decline from which he might never recover.

That's why Lu Qing offered his guidance, drawing from the ancient wisdom of his past life's ancestors to break through the barriers in Lin Zhirui's heart.

"The heavens move with strength, and the noble man must constantly strive for self-improvement..."

Ma Gu and Wei Zian, who were standing nearby, were also deeply moved by Lu Qing's words.

Having witnessed so many martial arts geniuses in the Holy City, it was impossible for them not to feel a sense of disparity.

The gap between people was just too vast.

That sense of despair could truly make one question the meaning of their own cultivation.

However, Lu Qing's words had dispelled the confusion in their hearts, sweeping away their despondency and reinvigorating them.

As they observed Lu Qing's still calm and relaxed demeanor, Lin Zhirui couldn't help but marvel inwardly.

More than two years ago, when he first met Lu Qing in Cang County, the latter was still a youthful boy.

But now, aside from his slightly youthful appearance, whether it was his bearing or his actions, Lu Qing had already risen to an entirely new level.

Even though he, Lin Zhirui, had already reached the Innate Realm, he still couldn't help but feel a sense of insignificance when facing Lu Qing.

The question of just how far Lu Qing's cultivation had progressed resurfaced in Lin Zhirui's mind.

"Well, are you convinced now?"

Just as Lin Zhirui's thoughts were in turmoil, the youth in brocade on the Heavenly Ladder spoke, his voice carrying a sense of authority.

However, there was silence all around the Heavenly Ladder, and all eyes were on him, filled with reverence.

As for Bai Bufan and the others, their faces were pale, and they looked utterly dejected.

"Big brother, fifth brother still loves to show off."

In the sky, on the back of one of the giant birds, a bright-eyed and white-toothed beautiful girl smiled.

"Fifth brother's temperament..." Another gentle-looking young man on another giant bird shook his head. "If he could change this impulsive side of him, he might have already broken through to the Innate Realm."

"There's nothing wrong with that. If fifth brother didn't like to show off, would he still be fifth brother?

Besides, our Cloud Water Secret Realm has been hidden from the world for too long. Aside from some ancient sects, few people even know of our existence.

With the changes in the world, it's time to make our presence known and awe them. Otherwise, some people might truly believe that they rule this world."

Another youth with a cold and stern face said indifferently.

"Indeed," another chimed in. "Before we left, our master instructed us that this time, we are not only here to compete for opportunities, but also to make our Cloud Water Secret Realm known. Fifth brother's actions are quite appropriate."

"However..." The big brother hesitated but eventually shook his head. "Alright, let's go pay our respects to the three Holy Masters. Let's call fifth brother back."

"I'll do it." The girl heard this and immediately shouted, "Fifth brother, have you had enough fun? Big brother is calling you back!"

Hearing this call, the youth in brocade raised his eyebrows.

He looked down at the people below, who were all silent and looking at him with reverence.

He let out a light laugh, and suddenly, a sharp sound, similar to a bird's cry, escaped from his mouth.

Then, he leaped high into the air and jumped down from the Heavenly Ladder.

At the same time, a clear birdcall sounded in the sky, and the giant bird that had been carrying the youth in brocade flapped its wings, creating strong air currents as it dove towards its master.

Just as the youth in brocade leaped down, the giant bird arrived in time to catch him securely.

It then flapped its wings and soared back to its companions.

"Let's go."

The big brother glanced at the crowd below, who were staring at them in awe, and said softly. The group of giant birds flapped their wings and flew towards another direction of the Holy Mountain.

As they watched the giant birds gradually disappear, turning a corner and vanishing from view, the silent crowd finally erupted into a frenzy.

"Who can tell me, what is the background of these people?"

"He was just playing around? That young man in brocade climbed two hundred steps of the Heavenly Ladder, and it was just a game to him?"

"It was just a game. Look at how casual he was. I think the two hundred steps were not even his limit. If he wanted to, he could have climbed even higher."

"Now, Bai Bufan and the others have really lost face. Who would have thought that their attempt to show off would be upstaged by a stranger who appeared out of nowhere and stole all the limelight."

...

"They just left like that?"

Lu Qing was surprised to see the people from the Cloud Water Secret Realm depart on their giant birds.

"They should be going to pay their respects to the three Holy Masters. When people from the four great secret realms come, they usually stay directly on Holy Mountain and don't lodge in the Holy City," Lin Zhirui explained.

"I see."

Lu Qing nodded. He recalled the information he had discerned with his abilities and a solemn expression appeared on his face.

"I didn't expect to gain such insight. What kind of opportunity could it be that even the people from the Cloud Water Secret Realm value so highly? Is it the same as the opportunity I sensed through that mysterious connection?"

Ever since arriving in the Holy City, Lu Qing had confirmed that the strange connection drawing him and his master here originated from Holy Mountain.

Even now, standing before the mountain, he still couldn't pinpoint what exactly was attracting them.

"Is the opportunity hidden too deeply, or is it simply not the right time yet?" Lu Qing pondered silently.

However, the appearance of the Cloud Water Secret Realm had made him cautious.

If their target was the same as the opportunity he sensed through the mysterious connection, the competition for it would not be easy.

Moreover, since the Cloud Water Secret Realm had arrived, the other three secret realms would surely not be far behind.

"It seems that if Master and I want to seize this opportunity, we'll need to plan carefully."

With these thoughts, Lu Qing said, "Zhirui, since we've seen the excitement, should we head back? We haven't found a place to stay yet."

"You haven't found accommodations yet? Well, it just so happens that there's an empty courtyard next to where I'm staying. If you don't mind, you can stay there for the time being."

"How could we impose on you like that... Well, if you insist, then we gratefully accept your offer."

Lu Qing initially wanted to decline, but then he reconsidered. Inns tended to be crowded and chaotic, and with Little Yan and Hu Zezhi, who was an unpredictable factor, he thought it would be more troublesome to stay in an inn. So, he nodded in agreement.

"In that case, I'll send someone to make the arrangements right away!"

Seeing Lu Qing's agreement, Lin Zhirui was delighted.

He added, "To be honest, with martial artists from all over the world gathering in the Holy City, the inns are packed. It won't be easy for you to find a place to stay.

Staying with us at Tianji Tower will not only be safer, but it will also be quieter and less likely to be disturbed."

"Since Zhirui has been so kind as to offer, we'll gladly accept." Lu Qing smiled.

With that, the group began walking back into the city, as the excitement they had come to witness was now over.

As for what happened next with Bai Bufan and the others, they had lost interest.

"Hmm?"

As they walked into the city, Lu Qing's heart stirred with a sense of foreboding. He suddenly turned his gaze towards a particular corner.

However, by the time his eyes landed on the spot, all he saw was a corner of a black garment disappearing around an alley, with no one in sight.

But that brief glimpse was enough to ease Lu Qing's mind somewhat.

A smile played at the corners of his mouth as he thought, "So, someone is indeed keeping an eye on us. Is it because of Hu Zezhi's bad luck, or are they after us?

Well, you've managed to stay hidden until now, but now that you've shown your hand, everything will be much easier."

Since it was only a guess, Lu Qing didn't voice his thoughts aloud. Instead, he continued on the path towards Tianji Tower.

In another corner of the city, some distance away, a figure clad in a black robe stood trembling with shock.

"What just happened? How did that kid sense me? Was it a coincidence, or did he truly discover something?"

The black-robed figure recalled the earlier events, feeling fortunate.

If he hadn't reacted quickly enough, his cover would have been blown.

However, amidst the relief, he also felt baffled.

He was confident that his ability to conceal his presence was unparalleled, if not the best in the world.

He even believed that a peak Innate Realm master would struggle to detect his presence if he didn't want to be found.

Yet, that kid had almost discovered him with his sharp senses right at the start of his surveillance.

"But according to my senses, that young man was clearly only a post-innate realm warrior."

"Could it be that the young man possesses a treasure that can alert him to others' tracking?"

Suddenly, the black-robed figure thought of a possibility.

He knew that tens of thousands of years ago, this world had flourished with the practice of cultivating immortality and had witnessed the rise and fall of the Xian civilization. Eventually, with the decline of spiritual energy, it faded into obscurity.

However, while the cultivators may have disappeared, some of their magical treasures and artifacts remained.

Now, as the world undergoes changes and spiritual energy recovers, those ancient treasures, nourished by the revitalized energy, might also regain their power.

"Could it be that the young man possesses one of those ancient treasures? The more I think about it, the more likely it seems."

Otherwise, he couldn't understand how a mere post-innate realm cultivator could sense his hidden presence, a technique he believed to be unparalleled, if not the best in the world.

"If it really is a treasure, then that's wonderful. I never expected to gain such a windfall.

And those disciples from the Cloud Water Secret Realm... Decades ago, I searched high and low but couldn't find the entrance to the four great secret realms.

I never expected you to reveal yourselves. As long as I devour you, my demonic body will be truly perfected.

At that time, this world will be mine to control!"

As he murmured, the black-robed figure's eyes shone with a sinister dark light.

"However, the first step is to devour that girl with the abundant fortune and the old man with the virtuous light.

By absorbing their fortune and virtue, the foundation of my supreme demonic body will truly be established.

When righteousness and evil converge within me, and I can transform at will, even the will of the heavens won't be able to do anything to me!"

With those whispered words, the black-robed figure vanished into the corner, leaving only a wisp of black mist lingering in the air.

After Lu Qing and his group returned to Tianji Tower, Lin Zhirui immediately arranged for a courtyard next to his own to be prepared for their stay.

Once the courtyard was ready, Lu Qing and the others moved in.

Only then did Lin Zhirui take his leave, as he had many other matters to attend to, such as arranging a time for the old doctor to contemplate the sacred pool.

"Master, I discovered something strange on our way back just now, and it may be related to Miss Hu's calamity."

After Lin Zhirui left, Lu Qing spoke with a serious expression.

"What is it?" The old doctor's expression turned solemn.

The others also looked at Lu Qing, especially Hu Zezhi, who appeared tense.

"When we were entering the city just now, at a certain intersection, I noticed someone secretly following and watching us.

Unfortunately, he was very alert. As soon as he realized I had detected his presence, he left immediately, and I couldn't see his face."

Lu Qing couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed as he continued, "Since I couldn't see his appearance, I can't be completely sure. But the aura he briefly revealed felt somewhat similar to the calamity aura on Miss Hu's face, so I suspect they might be connected."

"I see." The old doctor nodded. "Then it's very likely that he is indeed the source of Miss Hu's calamity."

"But who is he, and why is he targeting me? I've lived in Qinglong City since I was young, and I've never made any enemies. I really can't understand why someone would want to harm me." Hu Zezhi asked, puzzled.

She couldn't fathom why such a formidable figure, one who had almost gone unnoticed by Lu Qing, would want to harm her.

Why?

The old doctor and Lu Qing exchanged a glance, understanding each other's thoughts.

The most distinctive thing about Hu Zezhi was the dense fortune she possessed.

For such a formidable figure to target her, their intentions were clear.

They were after Hu Zezhi because of her extraordinary fortune.

"No matter what, this is still a breakthrough." Lu Qing chose not to explicitly state this point but instead comforted Hu Zezhi. "Since we now know that the one plotting against you is a person, everything will be much easier.

Miss Hu, since he doesn't dare to act rashly, he must have his concerns.

As long as you stay close to us, you shouldn't be in any danger."

"Okay, I understand."

Indeed, knowing that the source of her calamity was a person eased Hu Zezhi's anxiety.

With a lighter heart, she suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, Mr. Lu and Master Chen, there's something I've been wanting to tell you both. Earlier, when we were approaching the Holy Mountain, I felt as if something on the mountain was calling out to me."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end