Chapter 308: Divine Soul Shock, Leaving the City

Chapter 308: Divine Soul Shock, Leaving the City

August 12, 2024

The jade bottle in the hands of the Master of Tianji Tower was carved with intricate and mystical runes, emanating a peculiar aura that hinted at the extraordinary nature of its contents.

Lin Zhirui noticed the uniqueness of the jade bottle and asked, "Master, what is inside this bottle?"

The Master of Tianji Tower opened the bottle, and a profound essence permeated the air. The master and disciple's expressions changed simultaneously.

"This is..."

Lin Zhirui felt the powerful attraction, his eyes widening in surprise.

The Master of Tianji Tower closed the bottle and looked in the direction where Lu Qing and the others had left. "The gift that Young Master Lu left is a bit too extravagant."

The horse-drawn carriage clattered along the streets as it exited the premises of Tianji Tower, immediately attracting the attention of numerous spies.

At present, Tianji Tower could be said to be the most watched sect in the entire Sacred City.

After all, the first youth to trigger a tribulation cloud and transcend the tribulation since the changes in the heavens and the revival of spiritual energy was residing in Tianji Tower.

This was someone who could effortlessly slay multiple monks from the Xuankong Mountain sect and even defeat the Third Holy Master.

No force would dare to underestimate the existence of such a terrifying powerhouse.

Therefore, outside Tianji Tower, spies from various major forces were already keeping a close eye on everything happening within.

When they saw a carriage emerging from Tianji Tower, all the spies immediately became alert.

"Someone's coming out!"

"The one with the jade horn and extraordinary divine steed, it's definitely his carriage!"

"Where is he going so early in the morning?"

"Could they be leaving the Sacred City?"

...

After the battle yesterday, the various forces in the city immediately launched an investigation into Lu Qing's background.

A night had passed, but they were still unable to confirm his exact origins.

However, they couldn't hide their movements since entering the city.

So, the various forces knew that when Lu Qing and his group entered the city, they were riding in a peculiar carriage.

Especially the two steeds pulling the carriage—they had unusual appearances and were exceptionally divine and rare beasts.

Seeing the carriage associated with that figure emerge from Tianji Tower, the spies began to speculate.

However, no matter how curious they were, none dared to peek inside the carriage.

They didn't even dare to approach and could only observe from a distance, quickly relaying the information to their respective forces.

Lu Qing and the old doctor naturally sensed that they were being watched.

But they didn't pay it any mind and continued their leisurely chat.

"Qing, I noticed that the patterns on the jade bottle you gave to the Master of Tianji Tower seemed familiar. It resembles the one you refined in Yunlai Town," the old doctor said.

"Yes, it's the one I refined in Yunlai Town," Lu Qing nodded. "The gift I gave to the Master of Tianji Tower is a bit special and required a unique container."

"If it can't be held by ordinary items, could it be..."

The old doctor recalled the strange aura he had sensed earlier.

"I gave Master Lou a strand of Primordial Qi," Lu Qing said.

The old doctor was not surprised. He had already guessed as much when he sensed the unusual aura emanating from the jade bottle earlier.

However, he was still astonished by his disciple's generosity.

He was well aware of the value of Primordial Qi, especially after experiencing its effects firsthand during his own refinement.

Many of the Precelestial Realm cultivators in the city had fought desperately yesterday but failed to obtain even a wisp of it.

Yet, Lu Qing was giving it away so casually.

Lu Qing sensed his master's surprise but didn't offer any further explanation.

He had given a strand of Primordial Qi after careful consideration.

After refining multiple strands of Primordial Qi and pushing his physical body to a state where it emanated a treasure-like glow, he still had five strands left.

Through his refinement of so many strands of Primordial Qi, Lu Qing had also gained a new understanding.

Typically, most cultivators could only refine and accommodate a single strand of Primordial Qi.

It was only because his physical body had undergone the tempering of heavenly tribulation, far surpassing ordinary cultivators, that he was capable of refining and containing multiple strands.

Therefore, his master and Xiao Yan didn't require any more Primordial Qi.

He could freely dispose of the five strands he had in his possession.

He gave one strand to the Master of Tianji Tower as a token of gratitude for their hospitality during their stay at Tianji Tower.

Especially before, if it weren't for the Master of Tianji Tower's timely notification and help in guarding the courtyard, looking after Xiao Yan and the others, he would have had to worry about their safety.

Otherwise, not only would his master have been forcibly converted into a puppet, but Xiao Yan and the others might also have been in danger.

Furthermore, when Lu Qing underwent his tribulation, he also destroyed a significant amount of Tianji Tower's property.

When all these favors were added up, giving away an extra strand of Primordial Qi was not a big deal.

It was just unknown how the Master of Tianji Tower would handle that strand of Primordial Qi.

Would he refine it himself or bestow it upon his disciples?

The horse-drawn carriage slowly made its way through the streets of the Sacred City.

Many of the major forces, having received messages from their spies, hurried towards that direction.

On both sides of the street, an increasing number of powerful cultivators gathered.

However, without exception, everyone merely stared at the carriage without daring to stop it.

Sensing the formidable auras that were subtly emerging from the sidelines, Mag, who had only cultivated to the Post-Natal Realm, suddenly felt pressured. His heart pounded, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

Even the two Dragonblood Warhorses became restless.

"Hmph!"

At that moment, a cold hmpf sounded from within the carriage, like a heavy hammer striking the minds of everyone present.

Those with profound cultivation merely felt a piercing pain in their brow chakra, accompanied by a brief bout of dizziness.

However, those with weaker cultivation in the Pre-Natal Realm experienced a spinning world, excruciating pain in their souls, and a chaotic disruption in their qi.

Some even vomited blood, having suffered severe internal injuries.

This development terrified all the powerful cultivators.

They no longer dared to be reckless and quickly restrained their auras, not daring to leak even a bit.

As the oppressive pressure around him dissipated, Mag felt much relief, and his mind relaxed.

At the same time, he felt a sense of pride.

As expected of Brother Lu Qing, with just a cold snort, he intimidated all the powerful cultivators in the Sacred City, preventing any rash actions.

Such authority, who else in the world could achieve this?

After giving a soul-shaking warning, Lu Qing did not continue his attack.

With his current cultivation, ordinary Pre-Natal Realm cultivators were not worth his attention.

Only those elusive and rarely seen Pre-Natal Realm cultivators who had comprehended the pinnacle of the Pre-Natal Realm or those like his master, who had comprehended a domain, could slightly pique his interest.

However, whether it was a Pre-Natal Realm cultivator who had reached the pinnacle or one who had comprehended a domain, they were extremely rare, akin to phoenix feathers and qilin horns.

Especially those at the pinnacle of the Pre-Natal Realm, once they reached this level, they would usually seclude themselves to cultivate, striving to break through to higher realms, rarely appearing in the outside world.

Just like this time, despite the numerous Pre-Natal Realm cultivators in the Sacred City, aside from the Third Holy Master, Lu Qing hadn't encountered any other Pre-Natal Realm cultivators at the pinnacle.

The highest realm he had sensed was merely the Pre-Natal Realm's Great Perfection.

Moreover, even the Third Holy Master was not a true Pre-Natal Realm cultivator at the pinnacle; he had only reached this level by using his powerful soul to take control of a puppet body.

Compared to a genuine Pre-Natal Realm cultivator at the pinnacle, there was still a noticeable gap.

"Mag, pick up the pace. No need to go so slowly," Lu Qing said indifferently after intimidating the surrounding Pre-Natal Realm cultivators.

"Yes, young master," Mag replied.

He snapped the reins, and the two Dragonblood Warhorses began to trot, their hooves clopping rhythmically.

They quickly left the group of Pre-Natal Realm cultivators behind.

After the carriage disappeared from view, the Pre-Natal Realm cultivators exchanged bitter smiles, still feeling lingering fear.

"We were too rash. I never expected him to have such a temper," one of them said.

"I told you to be more cautious. He dared to slaughter the monks from Xuankong Mountain like cutting grass and slicing melons.

Yet, you dared to release your aura in front of him. Do you want to die?" another cultivator chided.

"Who knew he would be so unreasonable? I didn't offend him in any way," a third cultivator defended himself.

"In front of a true powerhouse, one must be cautious in words and deeds, or you will suffer grave consequences eventually," the second cultivator advised.

"So, are we still following them?" the first cultivator asked.

"Follow them? Are you tired of living? If we provoke him further, he might just draw his blade and cut us down without hesitation," the second cultivator replied.

...

The carriage continued at a trot, and before long, it reached the city gate.

This area was also filled with spies from various major forces.

Upon seeing the carriage approaching, they tacitly moved to the side, afraid of blocking its path.

Mag paid them no heed and waited until the carriage had completely exited the city gate before snapping the reins sharply.

Whip-cracking sounds filled the air.

The two Dragonblood Warhorses neighed excitedly, eager to stretch their legs after being cooped up in the city for so long.

They galloped forward with vigor, their hooves pounding the ground.

Simultaneously, a green qi flowed out from the carriage, enveloping the horses and the vehicle.

In the next moment, the carriage transformed into a green light, speeding down the road and leaving the Sacred City far behind as it raced towards the distant horizon.

"What is that...?"

Everyone who witnessed this scene at the city gate was astounded.

"An Air-Riding Chariot? The carriage he's riding in is actually the legendary Air-Riding Chariot?"

On top of the city gate, several powerful figures were equally shocked as they watched this unfold.

"This young man, Lu Qing, is truly an enigmatic figure. Not only is his background a mystery, but he also possesses the ancient Air-Riding Chariot."

Inside Tianji Tower, Lin Zhirui examined the jade plaque in his hand and said, "Master, Lu Qing and his companions have left the city."

"Mmm." The Master of Tianji Tower nodded and handed the jade bottle to him, saying, "Zhirui, you should be the one to refine this opportunity."

"Me?" Lin Zhirui was taken aback for a moment before quickly waving his hands in refusal. "Master, how can I accept this? This opportunity was given to you by Young Master Lu. If you refine it, you might be able to reach the pinnacle of the Precelestial Realm."

"I understand Young Master Lu's intentions. He wants to give this to you, but he knows that you might not accept it directly, so he gave it to me as a compromise. Ultimately, this belongs to you." The Master of Tianji Tower smiled.

He understood his disciple's personality well and knew that when it came to friendship, he valued sincerity and disliked any hint of ulterior motives. It seemed that Young Master Lu was also aware of Zhirui's character, which was why he chose this indirect approach. Despite his young age, Lu Qing's thoughtfulness was truly remarkable.

Lin Zhirui stared at the jade bottle in his hand, his intelligent mind quickly grasping his master's intention. However, after a moment of hesitation, he firmly shook his head and said, "Master, you should be the one to refine it. With the chaos looming over the world and the uncertain situation in the Sacred City, we don't know when the storm will break. If you refine this opportunity, you will surely be able to reach the pinnacle of the Precelestial Realm, and Tianji Tower will be better equipped to deal with any eventuality."

"Hehe, you don't have to worry about that. I don't need this to reach the pinnacle of the Precelestial Realm." The Master of Tianji Tower chuckled.

Lin Zhirui was taken aback, "Master, what do you mean?"

"Yesterday, when I witnessed Young Master Lu's tribulation, I gained a profound insight into the intricacies of tribulation energy. It sparked a new understanding in my calculations, and I believe it won't be long before I take that crucial step forward." The Master of Tianji Tower shared news that delighted Lin Zhirui.

"So, you're close to breaking through?"

"Indeed, so do you want this opportunity or not?"

Lin Zhirui looked at the jade bottle in his master's hand, hesitated for a moment, and then seemed to recall something. His expression became determined as he said, "Master, I think I should be the one to refine it. After all, you've already helped me refine a strand of Primordial Qi before, and I've benefited greatly from it. This time, I want to try refining it myself and experience the process firsthand."

"If that's what you wish, then go ahead." The Master of Tianji Tower smiled and handed the jade bottle to Lin Zhirui.

...

As the Master and disciple of Tianji Tower discussed the Primordial Qi, on a mysterious site atop the Sacred Mountain, three ethereal figures sat in meditation. One of them was the Third Holy Master, who had fought with Lu Qing.

"That young man has left the Sacred City," said a gray-robed figure.

"I told you, Brother, that your actions were futile," the Third Holy Master said indifferently. "That young man is cautious and wouldn't easily take the bait to come up the mountain."

"But according to what you said yesterday, he's only at the initial stage of the Precelestial Realm, yet he dared to challenge you. Doesn't that contradict his cautious nature?" The gray-robed figure asked, puzzled.

"He dared to fight me because he had absolute confidence in himself. And as it turned out, he defeated me," the Third Holy Master admitted.

"But that doesn't mean he's rash. Throughout our encounter, I didn't see a hint of panic on his face, not even when I used the power of heaven and earth. It was as if he had seen through my identity and knew my strength. I even suspect that he realized my puppet body wasn't my true self." The Third Holy Master recalled his battle with Lu Qing, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt something was amiss.

Lu Qing had been incredibly calm from start to finish, displaying a level of composure that belied his youth. It was as if he had seen through the Third Holy Master's puppet body, understanding that it wasn't his true form.

"How is that possible? The puppet body can't be seen through even by those at the pinnacle of the Precelestial Realm, yet he's only at the initial stage. How could he possess such insight?" The gray-robed figure shook his head in disbelief.

"The puppet body may be invisible to those at the pinnacle, but he's no ordinary cultivator at the initial stage of the Precelestial Realm. There's more to him than meets the eye," the Third Holy Master said, his eyes narrowing slightly.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end