Chapter 291: The Power of a Single Slash

"It seems we've become the target of everyone's envy," Lu Qing said, gripping the Benyuan Qi tightly, his expression calm as he faced the crowd of Xian Tian Jing cultivators. Yet beneath the surface, a quiet frustration stirred within him.

This time, the Benyuan Qi had flown to them on its own—something entirely unexpected. He had originally assumed he'd have to fight for the opportunity, vying among rivals to claim it. But now, the chance had come to him without effort.

Yet this unexpected turn brought him into a dilemma.

Ever since the White Vortex appeared, Lu Qing had sensed that the laws of the surrounding world had stabilized—reaching a threshold of balance. And with it, the urge to break through had surged to its peak. He’d been ready to push forward, to break through to the next realm.

But then, the White Vortex had abruptly projected the Benyuan Qi straight into their midst.

Holding the artifact, feeling the immense pull emanating from within, Lu Qing knew that if he absorbed it now, he would lose all control—his cultivation would surge uncontrollably, and he would break through immediately.

At the moment of breakthrough, a Hou Tian Jing cultivator was at their most vulnerable.

And in front of him stood a dozen fierce Xian Tian Jing cultivators—each eyeing him with hunger. They would not let him forge his Xian Tian body without a fight.

"Could this be... a tribulation?" Lu Qing mused, a sudden realization dawning.

In the annals of the Lihuo Sect, it was recorded that during the cultivation era, even the most powerful cultivators often faced divine trials when ascending. These trials came in many forms—natural disasters, human-made calamities, or even inner trials of the Dao heart. Only after enduring such trials could one rightfully bear greater power.

Now, on the brink of breakthrough, he was being threatened by a group of Xian Tian Jing cultivators. Was this not a "human tribulation"?

As Lu Qing's understanding deepened, a moment of clarity washing over him, the Xian Tian Jing across from him had finally regained their composure.

Even if he’s grasped a fragment of Xian Tian Ling Yu Insight, what then? We are many. Even if he’s at the peak of Xian Tian Jing mastery, we can still overpower him. Why should we fear a mere old man?

"Indeed," another sneered. "Old man, hand over the Opportunity with your little disciple now, or we won’t be held responsible!"

Wang Cangyi, the Tai Shang Elder of the Tian Cang Sect, roared, "Enough talk! Attack now!"

Over a dozen Xian Tian Jing stood before them, most of them veterans who had already reached the Xian Tian Jing Small Achievement level. Their combined aura surged forward, pressing down on Lu Qing and his companions like a collapsing mountain. The sheer pressure was enough to make Hu Ze Zhi and Ma Gu grimace in agony.

A single Xian Tian Jing’s pressure was already unbearable for a Hou Tian Jing cultivator. But now, dozens of them had united their might—this was overwhelming.

Yet at that moment, a gentle aura emanated from Old Doctor. It gently deflected all the oppressive force, shielding Ma Gu and Hu Ze Zhi from harm.

"Interesting," one of the Xian Tian Jing muttered, surprised. "But old man, can you really hold us all back with just yourself? Since you’re stubborn, don’t blame us for being ruthless. All of us—attack! Seize the Opportunity first, then divide it!"

They were startled, yes—but too far in to turn back now. And they believed, deep down, that even if Old Doctor was powerful, he couldn’t withstand them all together.

Without hesitation, they charged forward, their combined aura shattering the courtyard walls beneath their feet as they surged toward Lu Qing.

Among them, Wang Cangyi moved the fastest.

As the Tai Shang Elder of the Tian Cang Sect, he had once schemed to take over Cang County—only to be thwarted by Lu Qing and Old Doctor. The betrayal burned in his heart, and he harbored a deep hatred for the two of them.

Now, with the chance to strike, he unleashed every ounce of his speed, determined to be the first to reach Lu Qing.

He knew Old Doctor’s cultivation was formidable. Two years had passed—had the old man grown stronger?

Though Wang Cangyi had broken through to Xian Tian Jing Small Achievement during his two years of seclusion, he still had no confidence in defeating Old Doctor.

But this boy—two years ago, he had barely been Jin Gu Jing. Even if he was gifted, two years couldn’t have made him that strong.

If he killed the boy first, he could avenge himself, and in doing so, shatter Old Doctor’s spirit. A double victory.

The other Xian Tian Jing watched Wang Cangyi’s charge with quiet satisfaction. Let him be the first to take the risk. One less rival to deal with.

So, while Wang Cangyi surged ahead, the rest slowed slightly—giving him a clear path to test the enemy’s strength.

But Wang Cangyi didn’t care.

His enemy was right in front of him. His eyes burned with cruelty. Drawing his sword, he charged forward, Zhen Qi flaring.

"Little brat! Die!"

His plan was flawless.

But just as his sword was about to pierce Lu Qing’s throat, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind.

"Wait… why isn’t he afraid?"

Too late.

A dazzling blade of light erupted before him.

In an instant, Wang Cangyi felt as if his chest had been struck by a battering ram mid-impact. Unstoppable force exploded from his chest.

His torso collapsed inward. Bones shattered. Dozens of them.

He was flung backward at greater speed than he had come, crashing into the man behind him.

"Master!" Zhao Xiong, Wang Cangyi’s senior disciple, cried out in shock. Without thinking, he lunged forward, arms outstretched to catch his master.

But he had severely underestimated the force of Lu Qing’s strike.

The moment his hands touched his master’s body, a crushing power surged through him. Even with his Xian Tian Jing Early Stage cultivation, he couldn’t hold it. His arms cracked—broken.

Wang Cangyi slammed into him. The two tumbled like a pair of rolling barrels, rolling backward over ten paces before finally stopping.

"What?!"

The sudden turn of events froze the other Xian Tian Jing in their tracks. They stared, stunned, at the crumpled forms of Wang Cangyi and Zhao Xiong.

Wang Cangyi’s chest was completely caved in. Blood poured from his mouth and nose. His breaths were shallow, ragged—only a few remaining.

Zhao Xiong was barely better—arms broken, bleeding from the nose and mouth, his internal organs clearly damaged.

"Still relying on Internal Armor, Wang Cangyi? You and your disciples really do fear death. Always wrapped in steel."

Lu Qing, slightly surprised, frowned. He hadn’t killed Wang Cangyi outright.

He remembered his battle against Tong Cang Lang—how that man’s armor had hindered him. Now, it seemed Wang Cangyi had inherited the same habit. The man wore a full set of Internal Armor—strong enough to resist even the Divine Weapon War Blade.

"You’ve grown… far too fast," Wang Cangyi gasped, his eyes wide with disbelief. He stared at Lu Qing, unable to comprehend how a boy he’d once considered a bug beneath his feet could now, in a single stroke, reduce him to this state.

Had it not been for his own breakthroughs and the protective armor he’d obtained through a rare encounter, he would have been split in two.

Fear crept into his heart—alongside disbelief. How could Lu Qing have achieved such power in just two years?

Zhao Xiong stared at Lu Qing in utter disbelief. Was this really the same boy who had fought him to a standstill two years ago?

In just two years… how could he have grown so terrifying?

But Lu Qing didn’t even deign to answer.

He turned his gaze toward the others, his voice calm, cold.

"Who else wants to come and take the Opportunity?"

The Xian Tian Jing froze.

They wanted to speak boldly—but seeing Wang Cangyi’s broken form, the words died in their throats.

That single slash had been terrifying. Not only had Wang Cangyi been caught off guard, but none of them had even seen how Lu Qing had drawn his blade.

That meant one thing: Lu Qing’s sword mastery was far beyond theirs.

Wang Cangyi was no weakling. As a Xian Tian Jing Small Achievement cultivator, he was among the strongest in their group. And yet, he had been felled in an instant.

If they stepped forward, they’d likely meet the same fate.

Yet, to leave now… they couldn’t bear it.

They had waited long. Other Glowing Lights had already faded. To chase after them now would be useless.

And the tremors coming from the Glowing Lights—those heart-stopping waves of power—must be the remains of something beyond imagination. A treasure beyond price.

To miss it… would be a regret that would haunt them for life.

So their gazes hardened once more.

"I see," Lu Qing said, reading their expressions. "You still refuse to give up."

"Five Glowing Lights in your hands—only five," one powerful Xian Tian Jing declared. "You’re taking too much. Heavenly Gift, The Virtuous Shall Possess It. This opportunity is meant for the worthy. You can’t hoard it. We ask for only two. Then we’ll leave."

The man spoke with authority. Though others hesitated, none opposed.

Lu Qing chuckled softly. "Ah, 'The Virtuous Shall Possess It'—how ironic. You think yourselves worthy? You’ve already shown your greed. Fine. I’ll stop pretending."

He raised his blade, and with a single motion, slashed the ground. A straight, deep crack split the earth.

"This line," he said, voice ice-cold, "is the Line of Life and Death. Step over it, and you die."

The Xian Tian Jing all paled.

The first speaker stepped forward. "You’re being unreasonable. This Opportunity was given by Heaven. It’s unclaimed. We’re asking for just two. It’s not much. Why be so selfish? Think of the friendships you could make. If you let go of two, we’ll be grateful."

Lu Qing looked at him, then replied with a single word:

"Leave."

"Boy, don’t make it worse," one of them growled. "Your sword skills are impressive. But if we all attack together, you won’t win. And behind you? Just Hou Tian Jing cultivators. Even if you’re good with a blade, can you stop us all? If we unite, how many of your companions do you think will survive?"

"Are you threatening me?" Lu Qing lifted his eyes, locking onto the speaker.

The man flinched under his gaze. But he forced himself to hold his ground, smirking.

"Not a threat. Just a warning. We may not match you in one-on-one combat. But if we all strike together, you and your master may not be able to protect everyone. If tragedy strikes, you’ll regret it."

The words had barely left his mouth when a wave of icy dread surged through his heart.

Then, Lu Qing’s voice cut through the air—cold, final.

"I was still willing to let you go. But you’ve forced my hand. You all deserve to die."

As the words fell, a ripple of killing intent erupted in the courtyard—silent, yet utterly terrifying.

The Xian Tian Jing felt as if they’d plunged into an abyss. A soul-deep chill gripped them. Fear, absolute and primal, froze their blood.

Even their bodies were paralyzed, unable to move.

Wang Cangyi, already mortally wounded, was struck by the killing intent. His wounds reopened. Blood sprayed from his mouth. He collapsed unconscious, barely breathing.

But no one cared.

All eyes were locked on Lu Qing.

For they felt it—the terrifying killing intent, pulsing from him.

Just as Lu Qing’s hand reached for the Qiankun Yiqi Dai at his waist, ready to unleash his ultimate secret and annihilate them all…

A voice rang out.

"Lu Xiao Langjun, I beg you—show mercy."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end