Chapter 292: Star of Destruction — Opportunity or Catastrophe?

As the words fell, a figure landed between Lu Qing and the gathered Xian Tian Jing.

The newcomer was completely white-haired and bearded, exuding an ethereal aura — none other than Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou, the master of the Tian Ji Lou.

Yet even he, usually calm and composed, now wore a visibly unsettled expression.

Only now, standing face-to-face with Lu Qing, did he truly grasp the sheer depth of the killing intent radiating from the young man.

Even with his formidable cultivation, he felt his skin prickle with unease, his spirit trembling. A desperate urge to flee surged within him — but he knew he couldn’t.

If Lu Qing were to slaughter all these Xian Tian Jing from various factions, the repercussions would be massive. Not only would the sects they belonged to never accept it quietly, but even the Three Holy Lords would be forced to intervene.

And if that happened, even the Tian Ji Lou itself might not survive the fallout.

"Lu Xiao Langjun," Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou bowed deeply, his voice earnest. "Please grant an old man this favor — spare these fellow cultivators."

Lu Qing remained silent, his gaze fixed on the elder. The killing aura around him did not waver.

"Lu Xiao Langjun, do not act rashly!" Lin Zhi Rui appeared at the courtyard entrance, his face tense.

If Lu Qing unleashed his fury here, the consequences would be dire beyond imagination.

But Lu Qing paid no heed to the warning.

"A Qing, heed the elder’s words," came Old Doctor’s voice.

Slowly, Lu Qing withdrew the oppressive killing intent from his body.

The Xian Tian Jing, who had been paralyzed by fear, exhaled in relief, beads of sweat trickling down their brows.

But before they could fully relax, Lu Qing raised his long blade, pointing it forward.

"Very well, elder. I’ll honor your request. But even if I spare them all, this one must die."

His blade now aimed at the slender Xian Tian Jing who had threatened Xiao Yan and the others earlier.

The man paled instantly, sensing the deadly aura emanating from Lu Qing.

His two companions, without a word, subtly stepped back two paces.

Realizing the others had been terrified into abandoning him, the skinny cultivator frantically forced a smile onto his face and bowed.

"Sir, please don’t misunderstand! I was merely joking — there was no real threat! I deeply apologize. If you’ll forgive this humble man, I promise, from now on, I’ll obey your every command without hesitation!"

Watching the once-proud man grovel in servility, the other Xian Tian Jing were stunned.

This man had always been arrogant — even toward peers of equal rank, he’d looked down on anyone beneath him in cultivation.

They’d never seen him so humbled.

Yet, remembering the terror of just moments before — the overwhelming, soul-chilling killing intent — they fell silent.

In the face of death, pride was meaningless. Only survival mattered.

One by one, they silently congratulated themselves. Thank the heavens we didn’t threaten Lu Qing’s companions. Otherwise, we’d be the ones begging for mercy now.

But Lu Qing’s expression remained cold.

"Too late," he said flatly. "Your fate was sealed the moment you spoke those words."

The skinny Xian Tian Jing’s heart sank. Without hesitation, he summoned his energy and launched into a retreat — but before he could even move, an invisible force seized him, yanking him back and pinning him to the ground.

"What is this?!" he cried in panic.

He could feel the force restraining him — not the same as the earlier spiritual terror, but something real, tangible. Like a spider’s web, binding him completely. His limbs felt heavy, immovable.

He could still breathe, but movement was impossible.

"What kind of technique is this?!" the other Xian Tian Jing gasped in shock.

They watched in horror as the man, who had already begun to retreat, was violently pulled back — frozen in place, utterly helpless.

Even Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou’s expression darkened.

He knew the danger. He knew that if he intervened again, he might break whatever fragile trust still existed between him and Lu Qing.

And the rest of the Xian Tian Jing? They were too terrified to even consider stepping in.

With measured steps, Lu Qing advanced toward the trapped man, blade raised.

"Please… I beg you—"

The plea died mid-sentence.

A flash of steel.

The man’s head flew into the air.

Swish!

Only when the body collapsed did Lu Qing draw another slash — a blade of energy — toward Wang Cangyi, who still lay unconscious.

Wang Cangyi’s body jolted violently. His already faint breath ceased entirely. Life faded from his frame.

"Master!" Zhao Xiong roared, eyes blazing with fury. He lunged forward — but before he could even rise, a blade of light filled his vision.

Swish!

Zhao Xiong’s massive body split cleanly in two.

The remaining Xian Tian Jing flinched, their hearts freezing. This youth was merciless. They had truly encountered a star of destruction.

Even Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou was struck by the cold efficiency of the killing.

He had heard Zhi Rui say Lu Qing was inherently bloodthirsty, but he’d doubted it. After all, Lu Qing had always been calm, courteous.

Now, seeing him dispatch three Xian Tian Jing without a flicker of emotion, he finally believed it.

After finishing Zhao Xiong, Lu Qing turned his gaze to the last remaining Tian Cang Sect Tai Shang Elder.

The elder trembled, pleading, "Young master, I swear — I knew nothing of Wang Cangyi’s conflict with your family. This has nothing to do with me!"

Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou added, "Indeed, Lu Xiao Langjun. From my investigation, Wang Cangyi’s siege of the Wei Family was his own private decision."

Lu Qing’s eyes flickered, then he slowly turned away, returning to his original position. His gaze swept over the remaining dozen or so Xian Tian Jing.

"Well? Are you all staying for another round of sparring?"

The words sent shockwaves through them.

"Thank you, young master, for your forgiveness!"

"Grateful for your magnanimity!"

"We’ve caused you trouble — we’ll take our leave!"

With a flurry of flattery, the survivors vanished in an instant, their speed far greater than when they arrived.

The three corpses were left untouched, lying where they fell.

"Lu Xiao Langjun," Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou sighed, "you acted too impulsively. Killing these three will bring trouble in the future."

Lu Qing replied coldly, "I couldn’t help it. You wouldn’t let me kill them all."

"I don’t oppose you out of malice," Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou said. "Among those who came, several were high-ranking figures from major sects. If you killed them all, their sects would surely raise a ruckus. The Three Holy Lords would intervene — and no matter the outcome, it would be disastrous for you."

Lu Qing fell silent.

He had considered the consequences. Killing over a dozen Xian Tian Jing would draw massive attention.

Sheng Shan would almost certainly send investigators.

And while the others might be manageable, the Three Holy Lords — those enigmatic, transcendent beings — were another matter entirely.

He had always feared them.

That was why, at first, he hadn’t killed the others — only Wang Cangyi. It was only when the skinny Xian Tian Jing threatened Xiao Yan that his resolve broke, and he’d intended to slaughter them all without hesitation.

But now, the aftermath loomed.

If Sheng Shan came after them, could they even escape Zhong Zhou?

Even with a Spirit Artifact, he wasn’t sure he could face them. And the Qiankun Yiqi Dai — though long nurtured — still only held one powerful strike. After using it, it would take time to recharge.

It all comes down to my own weakness.

Realizing this, Lu Qing bowed deeply to Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou.

"Thank you, elder. I admit — I was rash."

Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou smiled. "Good. You held back. Killing those three wasn’t unjust. Wang Cangyi and his disciple had a grudge against you, and they attacked first. You acted in self-defense — fair and reasonable.

As for Leng Tao — yes, he’s trouble. But he was the one who threatened your family first. Even if it goes to Sheng Shan, it’s merely a dispute — nothing that will truly harm you."

Lu Qing nodded. A sense of clarity dawned.

So the Three Holy Lords didn’t meddle in petty feuds — only in matters that threatened the balance of the world.

"By the way, elder," Lu Qing said, holding up the glowing light. "Just now, as the White Vortex above Sheng Shan opened, countless glowing lights descended. Several landed in our hands. Do you know why?"

He wasn’t worried Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou would steal the Benyuan Qi. Not only did he sense no greed in the elder, but he had absolute confidence — only a true master at the Xian Tian圆满 level could take it from him.

Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou examined the light, his eyes widening — but no greed stirred in his heart.

"Opportunity is ordained by fate," he said with a gentle smile. "If these lights flew to you of their own accord, the heavens themselves must believe you are worthy. This is destiny, young master. You need not fear."

Lu Qing frowned. "I saw others receiving these lights too — not just here. Were there conflicts elsewhere?"

Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou’s expression turned solemn.

"Truth be told, I’ve just returned. You’re right — many places erupted in violence. Lives were lost."

That was why he hadn’t arrived sooner. He’d been caught in the chaos.

Lu Qing understood. Of course.

With so many powerful figures vying for power, and so many lights appearing, it was inevitable.

Seeing the elder’s sorrowful face, Lu Qing realized — Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou wasn’t just a master of a sect. He cared deeply for the world’s balance.

But Lu Qing said nothing. With his limited experience, he had no right to comfort such a wise elder.

He thought instead: the city was in turmoil. Who knew what would happen next?

For now, the only priority was strengthening himself.

"Master," he said to Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou, "my master and I have obtained this Opportunity. We must refine it quickly — or its aura will attract others. More trouble would follow."

"Indeed," Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou agreed. "Hurry. I’ll stand guard with Zhi Rui."

He knew: if another threat arrived and stirred Lu Qing’s fury again, even he might not be able to stop the massacre.

So Tian Ji Lou Zhu Lou and Lin Zhi Rui sat outside the courtyard, meditating.

Ma Gu and his disciples stood guard at the perimeter.

Inside, Lu Qing led Old Doctor, Xiao Yan, Xiao Li, and Hu Ze Zhi into the house.

"Master, Xiao Li — begin refining the Benyuan Qi. I’ll guard you."

Though the elders were outside, Lu Qing remained cautious. He wouldn’t risk his safety on strangers.

"Alright," Old Doctor nodded, and absorbed the glowing light into his body, beginning the refinement.

Xiao Li, meanwhile, had already fallen into her usual deep sleep.

"Lu Gongzi," Hu Ze Zhi asked, voice trembling, "what about us?"

She still hadn’t recovered from the terror of moments ago. She’d never imagined she’d be targeted by so many Xian Tian Jing.

"You and Xiao Yan are still too weak to refine this energy," Lu Qing explained. "You’ll have to wait. Eventually, it will merge with your bodies naturally. When I have time, I’ll craft two talismans to mask your presence."

"Thank you, Lu Gongzi," she breathed, relieved.

At that moment, Old Doctor suddenly emitted a surge of overwhelming power.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end