Chapter 307: The Saint's Invitation, Departure

Chapter 307: The Saint's Invitation, Departure

August 11, 2024

In the early morning, Lu Qing sat in the courtyard, holding a jade tablet in his left hand and a carving knife in his right, meticulously engraving.

After a while, Hu Zezhi walked out of the room, still looking a bit sleepy.

Seeing Lu Qing in the courtyard, she immediately became alert.

She quietly straightened herself up before approaching Lu Qing.

"Master Lu, you're up early."

"Yes, I am." Lu Qing looked up and smiled, not pausing in his work.

"What are you carving, Master Lu?" Hu Zezhi asked curiously.

"A jade talisman."

As Lu Qing finished the final strokes, the jade tablet in his hand suddenly emitted a white light before slowly fading away.

"Perfect timing. Come and try it to see if it works."

Lu Qing handed the jade talisman to Hu Zezhi.

"Me?" Hu Zezhi took the talisman with a puzzled look. "How do I test it?"

"Just drip a drop of blood on it." Lu Qing took out a silver needle. "I'll prick your finger; don't worry, it won't hurt."

"Oh."

Hu Zezhi trusted Lu Qing implicitly and obediently held out her palm.

Lu Qing gently pricked her finger and squeezed out a drop of blood onto the jade talisman.

Strangely, as soon as the drop of blood touched the talisman, it was absorbed as if it had never existed.

Soon, a faint red glow appeared on the entire jade talisman.

What surprised Hu Zezhi even more was that she felt a mysterious connection with the talisman, as if it were a part of her.

"Do you feel it?" Lu Qing smiled at her expression. "Try to focus your mental energy and sense the talisman.

This talisman has the ability to conceal your aura. With your mental energy, you can activate it to hide your presence from others."

Following Lu Qing's instructions, Hu Zezhi attempted to sense the talisman through the subtle connection she felt.

Soon, she felt a strange power envelop her, concealing her aura and presence.

"Master Lu, what is this?" Hu Zezhi looked at Lu Qing with wonder.

"This is a jade talisman I engraved for you and Xiao Yan.

You both possess a strand of Primordial Qi, but with your current cultivation, you can't actively refine it yet.

You'll have to rely on time for the Primordial Qi to gradually merge with your bodies.

During this process, the Primordial Qi will still emit fluctuations, which may attract unwanted attention.

This talisman will help conceal that aura."

Lu Qing explained.

Only then did Hu Zezhi understand that this jade talisman was specially made for her by Lu Qing.

She immediately stood up and bowed to him. "Thank you, Master Lu."

"It's nothing, just a trivial matter. Remember to keep the talisman on at all times.

I've also inscribed a defensive spell in the talisman. In times of danger, it should be able to protect you."

Hearing this, Hu Zezhi realized the true value of the jade talisman in her hand.

She held it tightly, her gratitude toward Lu Qing deepening.

As Hu Zezhi admired the talisman, Lu Qing picked up the second jade tablet and began engraving it.

After reaching the Innate Realm, his spiritual power had not only increased but also undergone a qualitative change.

In the past, engraving an array required great care and concentration.

Now, it was as easy as breathing.

It didn't take long for him to finish engraving the second talisman, which was even smaller and more delicate than Hu Zezhi's.

It was just the right size for Xiao Yan to wear.

Just as he finished engraving the talisman, the old doctor and the others also woke up.

Lu Qing went into the room, woke Xiao Yan up, and helped her put on the talisman.

After a busy morning, everyone sat down to eat breakfast.

"Master, now that we've obtained the opportunity, should we head back?"

Lu Qing picked up a piece of vegetable with his chopsticks and ate slowly as he asked.

The old doctor pondered for a moment before nodding. "Yes, now that our business here is concluded, and we understand the situation in the world, it's time to return."

"Are you leaving, Master Lu?" Hu Zezhi asked in surprise.

"Yes, we've accomplished what we set out to do in Zhongzhou, and there's no need to stay any longer.

As for you, Miss Hu, what are your plans? Will you return with us or stay in the Holy City?"

"I'll go back with you!" Hu Zezhi immediately replied.

The Holy City was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, strong cultivators beyond count.

She was just a small fry at the Qi and Blood Realm, and she also possessed the Primordial Qi, a rare opportunity.

If she stayed here alone, who knew if she would be ripped apart and her opportunity stolen as soon as Lu Qing and the others left?

Lu Qing nodded, not at all surprised. "Then after we finish eating, let's bid farewell to Lord Lou and Zhi Rui."

When Lin Zhi Rui learned that Lu Qing and the others were leaving, he rushed over, only to find them already packing their luggage.

"Elder Chen, Young Master Lu, are you leaving so soon?"

"Indeed, Zhi Rui. Our original purpose in coming to Zhongzhou was for Master Chen to gain insight from the Saintly Pool.

But who would have thought that so many things would happen in between.

Now that we've offended Xuankong Mountain, we don't know when they'll come for revenge.

So it's best to leave as soon as possible."

Lin Zhi Rui paused, unable to find the right words to persuade them to stay.

Lu Qing's words made sense; after killing Xuan Ming and taking their opportunities and treasures, it was only a matter of time before Xuankong Mountain sought retribution.

As one of the Four Secret Lands, Xuankong Mountain was an ancient and formidable power, its depth of resources unknown.

Who knew how they would strike back?

Even with Lu Qing and the old doctor's strength, it would be difficult to predict and defend against such an attack.

Considering these risks, Lin Zhi Rui couldn't bring himself to argue further.

However, he quickly remembered the purpose of his visit.

"But last night, my master received a sacred decree from the Holy Mountain. The three Holy Masters wish to invite Young Master Lu and Elder Chen to a banquet on the mountain."

"The three Holy Masters want to invite me and Master Chen to a banquet?" Lu Qing was taken aback.

"Yes, we received the decree last night, but it was already late, so my master planned to extend the invitation this morning."

But now, he had heard that Lu Qing and his companions were planning to leave.

Lu Qing thought for a moment and then shook his head. "Zhi Rui, please forgive me for my rudeness, but I fear I cannot accept the Holy Masters' kind invitation."

"Young Master Lu, do you intend to refuse the Holy Masters' invitation?" Lin Zhi Rui was surprised.

"Indeed, I speak plainly. As you saw, I had a conflict with the Third Holy Master yesterday and embarrassed him.

Now, the Holy Masters want to invite me and Master Chen to a banquet, but to be honest, I dare not go."

Lin Zhi Rui hadn't expected Lu Qing to be so forthright.

He hesitated for a moment before saying, "The three Holy Masters are always magnanimous and will surely not hold yesterday's matter against you."

Then he saw Lu Qing looking at him with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.

His face reddened as he realized how naive his words sounded.

"Whether or not the Holy Masters will hold yesterday's matter against me is unknown.

However, I would never gamble my safety on the magnanimity of others.

So, Zhi Rui, please convey my apologies to Lord Lou.

I'm afraid I cannot accept the Holy Masters' invitation."

Lin Zhi Rui was at a loss for words, his mouth opening and closing without sound.

If he were in Lu Qing's position, he wouldn't want to stake his safety on someone else's whim either.

So, he could only say, "Then I'll go back and inform my master of your decision. Let's see what he has to say."

As Lin Zhi Rui left, Lu Qing shook his head again.

During his battle with the Third Holy Master, he had discovered a great secret about him.

The three Holy Masters of the Holy Mountain had gained the recognition of the Holy Mountain's will.

Now, they were all at the peak of the Golden Core realm or above, far surpassing Lu Qing's current strength.

However, they were bound to the Holy Mountain, unable to leave with their true bodies, and could only act through puppet avatars outside.

If he and Master Chen went to the Holy Mountain, their lives would truly be at the mercy of the Holy Masters.

With their cultivation, bolstered by the will of the Holy Mountain, Lu Qing doubted he could win even with the power of the Qiankun Bag.

After all, despite reaching the Precelestial Realm, he could only harness a fraction of the bag's power.

How useful that fraction would be against the Holy Mountain was anyone's guess.

Faced with such an unpredictable danger, Lu Qing had no choice but to decline.

As long as he didn't go to the Holy Mountain, the Holy Masters' puppet avatars couldn't do much to him in his current state.

So, not going was the safest option.

As Lu Qing and the others finished packing, the Master of Tianji Tower arrived at the courtyard with their carriage.

He expressed his apologies for not treating them better during their stay.

Seeing this, Lu Qing understood the Master of Tianji Tower's stance.

It seemed that the wise man had no intention of forcing the issue after realizing Lu Qing's stance.

This eased Lu Qing's mind, as he had no desire to create conflict with the elder.

The two Dragonblood Warhorses neighed happily upon seeing Lu Qing and his companions.

"You two rascals have been well-fed and taken care of."

Lu Qing noticed that the two horses' coats were sleek and shiny, and they even seemed to have gained some weight. It was clear that they had been well-cared for by the Tianji Tower disciples.

"These two horses are of a unique breed, not only possessing exceptional speed but also an understanding of human nature. The disciple in charge of their care grew fond of them and couldn't help but feed them extra rations." The Master of Tianji Tower explained with a hint of embarrassment.

Horses needed to maintain a lean physique for optimal performance, and these two seemed to have gained a noticeable amount of weight. It was clear that the disciple responsible for their care had been overindulging them.

"Master Lu, please don't worry about it. These two gluttons are always hungry, and if we don't control their intake, they would eat nonstop. Your disciples didn't understand their nature and must have been afraid they were going hungry. Please don't take it to heart. With a little extra exercise on your journey back, they'll be back in shape in no time." Lu Qing waved it off, not wanting to make a big deal out of it.

Indeed, ever since the two horses underwent their bloodline transformation, they had become quite the gourmands. However, their increased appetite was matched by their endurance, and they could run for extended periods without tiring. A little extra weight wouldn't affect their performance for long.

"By the way, Master Lu, please accept this small gift as a token of our appreciation for your stay." Lu Qing took out a small jade bottle and presented it to the Master of Tianji Tower.

The Master of Tianji Tower was taken aback for a moment before declining with a wave of his hand. "Young Master Lu, what are you saying? It has been our honor to host you and Elder Chen. How could we accept a gift from you?"

"Please accept it, Master. During our stay, we have caused quite a disturbance and even damaged some of your facilities yesterday. This gift is the least we can do to express our gratitude and ease our conscience." Lu Qing insisted, his tone sincere and firm.

Seeing Lu Qing's determination, the Master of Tianji Tower hesitated for a moment before relenting. "Very well, then I shall accept your kind gift."

Lu Qing smiled upon seeing the Master of Tianji Tower take the jade bottle. He then turned to Lin Zhi Rui and handed him a cloth bag. "Zhi Rui, this bag contains some plum blossom tea that my master prepared for you. Please accept it."

Lin Zhi Rui's eyes lit up as he took the bag and thanked the old doctor with a bow. "Thank you, Elder Chen. I thought I wouldn't be able to drink this tea again."

The old doctor chuckled. "Once you finish this batch, if you still crave the tea, you can come to my place to pick some more."

"Then I shall thank you in advance, Elder Chen." Lin Zhi Rui was delighted and readily agreed.

He had been sensing the increasingly tense atmosphere in the Holy City, and the opportunity to escape to the outside world was most welcome.

After bidding farewell, Lu Qing and his companions began loading their luggage onto the carriage. Once everything was in place and everyone was seated, Lu Qing cupped his hands toward the Master of Tianji Tower and Lin Zhi Rui. "Farewell, my friends. May our paths cross again in the future."

"Take care on your journey," the Master of Tianji Tower replied.

Ma Gu snapped the reins, and the carriage began to move slowly out of the courtyard.

Lin Zhi Rui watched as the carriage gradually disappeared from view, a worried expression on his face. "Master, now that Lu Qing and the others have declined the invitation, how should we report this to the three Holy Masters?"

"We can only report the truth," the Master of Tianji Tower replied calmly. "Given Lu Qing's strength, if he doesn't want to go, no one can force him. I believe the Holy Masters will understand the situation."

Lin Zhi Rui nodded in agreement. Lu Qing's strength was formidable, and he had even defeated the Third Holy Master. If he didn't want to go, there was little anyone could do to compel him.

The Master of Tianji Tower's gaze turned distant as he harbored a slight concern about the three Holy Masters' invitation. He preferred Lu Qing's departure, as he didn't want to see any further conflict between Lu Qing and the Holy Masters. He had a feeling that if such a conflict were to escalate, something terrifying might occur.

Thus, Lu Qing's departure was for the best.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, the Master of Tianji Tower's gaze fell upon the jade bottle in his hand.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end