Chapter 313

Lu Qing glanced over and noticed a group of people gathered a short distance away, chatting casually. Judging by their attire, they were clearly traveling merchants. Though he was surprised that news of the events at Sheng Cheng had spread so quickly across Zhong Zhou, he soon understood when he recalled the Jade Token Lin Zhi Rui had given to the Master. As Qi began to recover, many cultivation techniques were gradually reemerging. Items like transmission talismans must be in the possession of numerous major sects. Even if not, there were likely rare flying creatures capable of swift long-distance messaging. The White Vortex atop Sheng Shan had been so enormous and awe-inspiring that its news spreading across Zhong Zhou in such a short time was entirely plausible.

After a moment’s thought, Lu Qing walked forward.

"Good day, gentlemen. I offer my respects."

The lively chatter abruptly halted at the sound of a voice as smooth and clear as jade. All heads turned, and upon seeing Lu Qing, their expressions froze in astonishment.

At this moment, Lu Qing had passed through the thunder tribulation and entered the Xian Tian Jing realm. Having also cultivated the body refinement path, he was now a true cultivator. Though he had suppressed all traces of his aura, the indomitable, otherworldly aura of a cultivator could not be fully concealed. The merchants were instantly struck by a sense of awe.

Seeing Lu Qing’s refined bearing, they immediately realized his identity must be extraordinary—either a direct heir of a great family or a disciple of a sect. They quickly bowed in return.

"Please, no need for such formalities, young master. We are honored to greet you."

"Thank you, gentlemen. I overheard your conversation about the strange phenomena at Sheng Cheng, and the tales of the White Wolf and White Elephant. I’m quite intrigued. Might I ask for a more detailed account?"

"Of course, young master, please be seated."

One merchant immediately offered his small stool. Lu Qing accepted without protest and sat down.

"What would you like to know?"

"Regarding Sheng Cheng, I’ve heard something during my journey. But the stories of the White Wolf and the White Elephant—those are entirely new to me. Could you two kindly enlighten me?"

"Ah, so you’re interested in the tales of rare beasts?"

"Yes, I’ve always been fascinated by unusual events across the realm."

"Well, the White Wolf… now that’s something truly remarkable…"

The merchant, naturally gregarious and fond of showing off, felt a surge of pride at being asked for information by such a distinguished young man. He launched into a vivid tale.

"Recently, it was said a White Wolf appeared in the northern reaches of Zhong Zhou. It stood over ten feet tall, its entire body pure white with not a single speck of color. It moved like the wind, incredibly fast, and could command entire packs of wolves with perfect coordination—like a military force. Not long ago, it led its pack to attack a small city in Gui Yuan Zong’s territory. The sect dispatched several elders and elite disciples to hunt it down. But they failed utterly. Not only did they fail to capture the beast, but several elders were wounded, and it escaped effortlessly."

Though he’d heard a brief version earlier, hearing the full account now still left the listeners stunned.

"As for the White Elephant," the merchant from the south added, "I heard it from villagers in a remote town."

"The people there claimed that a massive white elephant had appeared in the mountains. It was enormous—nearly half the size of a small mountain. Some swore they saw it lift a boulder the size of a hill with its trunk and shatter it effortlessly. Fortunately, the beast wasn’t violent. It didn’t harm anyone, so the villagers managed to survive."

"Half the size of a mountain? How tall would that even be?!" The listeners gasped in disbelief.

They struggled to imagine the sheer scale of such a creature.

Lu Qing, however, fell into deep thought.

If both accounts were true, it meant the changes across the world since the recovery of Qi were even greater than he’d imagined. The White Wolf and the White Elephant were clearly creatures born of Tian Di Bian Hua. But were they naturally born Spirit Beasts like Xiao Li, or had they undergone some sudden transformation due to an extraordinary opportunity?

At that thought, Lu Qing smiled.

"Thank you both for your kind instruction. By the way, I noticed your leg seems a bit impaired, sir."

He was referring to the merchant who had spoken of the White Elephant—a middle-aged man with streaks of gray in his hair. The man blinked in surprise, then looked up with wonder.

"How did you know? Yes, I did sustain an injury recently. While traveling in the wild, I was caught in a sudden downpour that lasted for days. In my haste, I kept walking in the rain for two days straight. Since then, my legs have been troubling me. Pain flares up at night, but eases during the day. I’ve seen doctors, but none could help. The only reason I can still work is because I can manage during daylight. If I couldn’t, my trade would be over."

"You were struck by cold poison when you were caught in the rain. It lodged deep in your lower limbs, unable to dissipate. That’s why the pain worsens at night—because the cold energy is strongest then, resonating with the poison within your body."

Lu Qing explained with calm precision.

He also realized that the storm the man described was likely the very same Han Sha Rain they’d encountered after leaving Jiu Li Village.

"Does the young master know medical arts?" the merchant asked, eyes lighting up.

"A little. If you don’t mind, I’d be happy to treat you. It would be my way of returning your kindness."

"Of course, go ahead! Even if you make it worse, I won’t blame you!" the merchant insisted.

"Making it worse? I’ve never failed to heal someone yet," Lu Qing chuckled, drawing a small Zhen Nang from his sleeve.

"Please remove your shoes and roll up your pant legs."

The merchant quickly obeyed, pulling off his shoes and socks. As he did, the others in the group inhaled sharply in shock.

The man’s legs below the knees were completely blackened, a deep, sickly blue-black. Even above the knees, faint traces of the discoloration lingered—visually terrifying.

Even Lu Qing was momentarily startled—not by the sight, but by the sheer intensity of the cold poison. Most people would have been unable to walk at all. Yet this man, merely an ordinary man with slightly stronger constitution—no martial artist even—had endured such suffering with only mild discomfort. Lu Qing felt a rare respect for his resilience.

"Sir, I’ll use acupuncture to draw out the cold poison. It may be uncomfortable, but please bear with it."

"No problem, young master. I’ve endured worse pain than this at night. As long as you don’t cut off my legs, do whatever you like."

His casual tone shocked everyone. They couldn’t imagine the agony he must have endured to speak so lightly.

Lu Qing nodded, then carefully withdrew several Yin Zhen from the Zhen Nang. His movements were slow, deliberate, yet flowing like water.

Even those unfamiliar with medicine could sense the profound mastery behind his technique.

The merchant, having braced himself for pain, was ready to grit his teeth and endure. But when the needles pierced his flesh, he felt only a brief, mild sting—nothing compared to the constant agony he’d lived with for days. It was like a feather against a storm.

Lu Qing’s precision was flawless. Within moments, he had planted eighteen Yin Zhen on each leg.

Once all needles were in place, he gently brushed his spirit force through the air. Instantly, the thirty-six needles began to vibrate, humming softly as they emitted a brilliant silver light.

The merchant’s eyes widened in astonishment. A wave of intense heaviness, tingling, and heat surged through his legs—like countless currents of fire flowing beneath his skin. He barely managed to keep from screaming, biting down hard on his teeth.

To the onlookers, the sight was even more astonishing. As the silver light pulsed, they watched in awe as the black discoloration slowly retreated from the legs, gathering downward until it formed two small, dark, swollen bumps at the tips of his big toes.

At that moment, Lu Qing drew a single needle, swiftly piercing each bump.

Hiss. Hiss.

Two streams of black blood shot out, splattering onto the ground. The liquid sizzled faintly, releasing a noxious greenish mist that vanished in the sunlight.

As the black blood drained, the merchant’s face relaxed instantly. His expression softened completely, free of pain at last.

Seeing the black discoloration entirely gone, Lu Qing began withdrawing the needles. This time, he did so with swift, effortless motion. In the blink of an eye, all needles were back in the Zhen Nang.

"Try standing and walking, sir. See if you feel any discomfort."

Without hesitation, the merchant stood up, barefoot on the ground. He took a few steps—then his face lit up with pure joy.

His legs felt light, warm, and utterly free. The only sensation was a faint sting at the two wounds on his toes. Compared to the agony he’d endured, it was nothing.

He dropped to his knees immediately, bowing deeply to Lu Qing.

"Thank you, young master—my life is saved!"

Lu Qing was startled and quickly pulled him up.

"Please, sir, you’re overdoing it. I only treated a minor ailment. No need for such reverence."

With his strength, the merchant couldn’t resist. Lu Qing lifted him gently, but the man’s gratitude remained unwavering. Tears welled in his eyes as he spoke.

"Little master, you don’t know how unbearable it’s been. Every night, the pain starts. It grows worse with each passing hour. By midnight, it’s unbearable—my teeth ache so much I want to bite through them. I’ve even thought of cutting off my leg to end it. But I’ve seen so many doctors, none could help. Some even said only a Xian Tian Jing cultivator could heal me. But I’m just a common merchant—how could I ever afford the help of such mighty cultivators? So I’ve given up. I planned to return home and prepare for death. No more suffering, no more pain."

Hearing his words, the others were filled with sorrow—and dread. They couldn’t fathom how terrible the pain must have been. A man of such spirit, yet driven to despair.

"So yes," the merchant said, tears streaming, "you truly saved my life."

He tried to kneel again, but Lu Qing was ready this time. He gently stopped him.

"I’m merely doing what any healer should. There’s no need for such thanks."

The merchant, now realizing Lu Qing was no ordinary man—certainly not just a common youth—reached into his pouch.

"Ah, young master, here’s my fee."

"No, sir," Lu Qing smiled, shaking his head. "Consider it repayment for your stories about the White Elephant. We’re all travelers, each struggling in our own way. I used no herbs or medicine—no cost at all. Besides, the city gate is about to open. My companions are waiting. I must go."

He didn’t wait for a reply. With a flicker of motion, he slipped out of the crowd and strode toward the carriage.

The onlookers watched, awestruck by his graceful, effortless movement.

"Brother," Xiao Yan asked softly once Lu Qing returned, "were you treating that man’s leg?"

"Yes," Lu Qing nodded. "I went to gather information. I noticed his leg seemed troubled, so I offered a quick remedy."

Hu Ze Zhi looked at him with pure admiration. To her, Lu Qing was always this kind, selfless, and noble—someone she could never hope to match.

Old Doctor, meanwhile, regarded him with quiet pride. He was deeply moved that Lu Qing had not forgotten the heart of a healer.

"Master," Lu Qing said, turning to the elder, "you heard what those merchants said, didn’t you?"

Old Doctor’s expression grew solemn.

"Yes. I did. I never expected such strange beasts to appear beyond the walls."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end