Chapter 321: Qi Jia's Fourth, Old Doctor's Kill Intent!

As Lu Qing condensed the Ling Fu—radiating a faint golden light—Ji San Gongzi’s Heart Meridian suddenly flared with a surge of panic. The Zhang Qi Yin Ji trapped within him sensed an invisible threat and began to writhe violently.

But it was too late. Ji San Gongzi’s Heart Meridian had already been sealed long before by Lu Qing’s spiritual needles. No matter how fiercely the corruption struggled, it could not escape. It could only be guided by Lu Qing’s control, slowly descending toward the boy’s chest.

The moment the Ling Fu touched Ji San Gongzi’s body, the Zhang Qi Yin Ji reacted with renewed terror. It writhed desperately, releasing thick, sickly gray vapor in an attempt to resist. But the golden light of the Ling Fu was relentless. The gray mist evaporated instantly upon contact—like snow under a scorching sun—dissolving without a trace.

Lu Qing’s expression softened into a faint smile. This golden Ling Fu was no ordinary spell. It was known as Tian Jing Fu—a sacred seal specifically designed to neutralize and suppress toxic miasma. A high-grade artifact, even in ancient cultivation times, only those at the Zhu Ji Qi realm could craft it.

Yet Lu Qing, wielding the mysterious Divine Seal Sect Heritage and having survived the Heavenly Tribulation, had achieved Yang Fu level in his Spirit Soul Power. His inner strength far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators. So while the Tian Jing Fu was no small feat, it wasn’t beyond his reach.

Still, the battle between the Ling Fu and the Zhang Qi Yin Ji intensified. Ji San Gongzi’s face twisted in agony, his body trembling uncontrollably. If not for the Ling Fu Lu Qing had embedded earlier to sustain his life force, he would have already died from the pain.

The Zhang Qi Yin Ji continued to emit thick gray vapor, some of which escaped into the air, spreading outward like poison. But before it could contaminate anything, the outer Array Light Screen intercepted it—purifying it instantly.

Lu Qing wasn’t surprised. He had deliberately set up the array for this very reason. He could withstand the miasma, but the villagers couldn’t. If the poison escaped, the Zhang Qi Yin Ji might transfer to another host. Then he’d have to start all over again.

Seeing the vapor contained, Lu Qing relaxed. With a subtle thought, he accelerated the descent of the Tian Jing Fu. The golden light flared, engulfing the Zhang Qi Yin Ji, beginning its slow, methodical dissolution.

The corruption screamed—a hideous, monstrous wail that sent chills through everyone present. Even Ji Jia Zhu, standing nearby, paled with fury and horror. He could barely imagine the torment his son had endured, harboring such a creature inside him.

But despite its desperate struggle, the Tian Jing Fu proved its superiority. Under the purifying golden light, the Zhang Qi Yin Ji shrank, its form eroding bit by bit.

Just as it had dwindled to the size of a fingernail—on the verge of total annihilation—a sudden flash of gray light shot from outside, streaking toward Lu Qing like a bullet.

It tore toward the Array Light Screen, but was instantly intercepted by a streak of white Sword Qi, which shattered it midair.

Then, an invisible ripple passed through the air. At that instant, the Zhang Qi Yin Ji in Ji San Gongzi’s Heart Meridian surged—growing once more, writhing with renewed strength.

Lu Qing tightened his focus, pushing harder to maintain the dissolution.

“Who?” The sudden attack stunned everyone. Ji Jia Zhu’s face darkened with rage, eyes blazing as he locked onto the direction the gray light had come from.

They all understood—Lu Qing was nearly finished purging the curse. Now, someone was trying to kill Ji San Gongzi.

That was unforgivable.

“Not bad,” came a cold, mocking voice. “I see why you dared touch my chosen furnace.”

A figure appeared atop a thatched-roof hut nearby. Dressed in gray robes, his face pale as death, he bore a massive gray gourd on his back—an eerie, unnatural sight.

At the sight of him, Old Doctor’s pupils narrowed.

The man’s aura was weak—only at the Xian Tian Jing Mastery stage—but Old Doctor sensed an overwhelming danger. This man was far more than he appeared.

Ji Jia Zhu, however, was less perceptive. He stared, stunned. “Qi Changfeng…? Is that really you?”

“Who else?” The gray-robed man smirked. “Ji Jia Zhu. Long time no see.”

He hadn’t expected to meet Ji Jia here. But despite the surprise, he remained calm. He had changed. No longer the weakling he once was. Even if the Qinglong City Lord himself stood before him, he would not flinch.

“You!” Ji Jia Zhu’s voice turned icy. “You’re responsible for the plague in Feng Zhou. And now you dare use an evil cultivation method on my son? You’re already dead, Qi Changfeng!”

Ji Jia Zhu’s eyes narrowed. He had heard every word. The boy’s curse—this abomination—was clearly the work of Qi Changfeng.

“How do you know about Feng Zhou?” Qi Changfeng’s voice wavered. That event had been kept secret. No one should know it was the Qi Jia family’s doing.

Could the furnace have betrayed them?

“If you want silence, you must keep your deeds hidden,” Ji Jia Zhu sneered. “But the world has no secrets. The truth will always come out. The Qi Jia’s crimes in Feng Zhou have been exposed. Your elder brother, your fifth brother—they’re both dead. And your own son? I killed him with a single palm. Now the City Lord is leading troops to burn down your family estate. You’re finished, Qi Changfeng.”

Ji Jia Zhu spoke slowly, each word like a dagger.

“That’s impossible!” Qi Changfeng staggered, his face pale. A flicker of panic flashed in his eyes.

But he quickly composed himself, then laughed coldly. “You have no Sheng Shan Decree. You have no authority to raid my family! Don’t think you can break my spirit with empty threats!”

“Go back to Qinglong City and see for yourself,” Ji Jia Zhu shot back. “But first—can you even survive the journey?”

With that, he drew a long sword. Like an arrow released from a bow, he launched forward—Heavenly and Earthly Qi surging around him as he drove the blade toward Qi Changfeng.

Old Doctor reacted instantly. “Ji Jia Zhu, don’t act rashly! He’s dangerous!”

Too late.

The speed of Xian Tian Jing Mastery was beyond comprehension. Before Old Doctor could finish speaking, Ji Jia Zhu was already upon Qi Changfeng.

His sword struck—sharp, powerful, a blade forged by several Zong Shi-level artisans over years. A divine weapon, sharp enough to cut through iron.

Yet Qi Changfeng didn’t even flinch.

A cold smile remained on his face. As the sword neared, several thick, nearly solid gray chains of vapor erupted from his body, wrapping around the blade and holding it fast.

The chains burned. The moment they touched the sword, the blade began to corrode—patches forming, metal eroding like flesh under acid.

“What?!” Ji Jia Zhu’s face twisted in disbelief. This sword was his pride—invincible, unbreakable. And yet, in mere seconds, it was being eaten away.

The chains slithered up the blade like venomous serpents, creeping toward his hand.

He had no choice. Reluctantly, he let go—abandoning his beloved sword—and leapt back.

“Can you really run?” Qi Changfeng’s eyes gleamed with cold amusement.

He raised his hand. From the massive gourd on his back, a streak of gray light shot forth—flying straight toward Ji Jia Zhu in midair.

Ji Jia Zhu’s eyes widened. He felt death approaching. He had no way to dodge.

This is it… I’m going to die.

Just as the gray light struck—puff!—a white Sword Qi erupted from behind him, intercepting it midair. The two energies collided with a muffled boom, then vanished in a burst of light.

“Now!” Ji Jia Zhu’s eyes lit up with hope. He twisted midair, executed a hawk’s turn, landed on the ground, and immediately kicked off, retreating at lightning speed.

“Again?!” Qi Changfeng’s face darkened. That same Sword Qi had blocked his earlier attack.

He turned toward the source—only to freeze.

Old Doctor stood there, face expressionless. But his features were unfamiliar. Qi Changfeng had never seen him before.

“Family Head, are you alright?” One of the Ji Jia Xian Tian rushed forward, concerned. The fight had been too fast for them to react.

“I’m fine. Thank you, elder,” Ji Jia Zhu said, bowing deeply. He knew—aside from Lu Qing, only Old Doctor had the power to save him.

“This man is dangerous,” Old Doctor said, his eyes locked on Qi Changfeng. More precisely, on the massive gourd at his back. “Don’t provoke him.”

Qi Changfeng’s aura was weak—only at the Xian Tian Jing Mastery level. But that gourd… it radiated a palpable, deadly presence. Old Doctor recognized it instantly. It was exactly what A Qing had once warned him about: a Treasure Artifact.

“Master,” Lu Qing’s voice echoed in Old Doctor’s mind. “I need a little more time. I’m almost done purging Ji San Gongzi’s Zhang Qi Yin Ji. Hold him off.”

“Go ahead,” Old Doctor replied through Spirit Soul Transmission. “Focus on the cure.”

“Old man,” Qi Changfeng narrowed his eyes. “You’re not in the Qinglong City records. Who are you?”

Old Doctor stared back. “I’m just passing through.”

He tilted his head slightly. “That gourd of yours… it reeks of ill omen. I suspect it’s the source of the Feng Zhou plague.”

Qi Changfeng blinked—then laughed. “Not bad, old man. You’ve got some insight. Want to try my gourd for yourself?”

“You caused the Feng Zhou plague,” Old Doctor said, his voice cold. “Ten thousand souls dead. You’re not leaving this place alive.”

His expression hardened. The thought of so many lives lost—unthinkable. Even he, a man of peace, felt the stir of kill intent.

A man who committed such a crime deserved to die a thousand deaths.

His hand closed around his sword hilt. He rarely drew weapons—but this man was too dangerous. Just Sword Qi wouldn’t be enough.

As he slowly drew the blade, a chilling aura spread from him, making the air thicken. Everyone present shivered.

“That sword aura…” The Ji Jia Xian Tian stared in awe. The purity, the depth—this was not just cultivation. This was art. Even they, at the Xian Tian Jing Mastery level, felt crushed beneath its weight.

Ji Jia Zhu, a cultivator of the sword, felt his soul tremble. The sword aura before him was infinite—his own small understanding of the path was nothing in comparison.

“Fierce…” Qi Changfeng muttered, his face pale. Not just because of the aura—but because his Plague Gourd screamed in warning.

This old man wasn’t just strong. He was a threat.

A cold realization settled in Qi Changfeng’s heart. He didn’t need to die for a furnace. He had the gourd. He could grow stronger, limitless. He wasn’t worth dying for a little gain.

“Fine,” Qi Changfeng whispered. “I’m leaving.”

With a thought, the gourd on his back exhaled thick, swirling gray vapor—shrouding him in mist. The fog spread rapidly, enveloping the ground, threatening to choke everyone.

In the haze, Qi Changfeng retreated—fast, silent, disappearing into the shadows.

He knew Old Doctor’s type. The kind who’d choose to save lives over killing. He wanted to see—would the old man save the boy, or stop him?

“Think you can escape?” Old Doctor’s eyes snapped open.

He had already seen through the man’s mind.

With a single thought, a wave of arcane energy erupted from him—expanding in an instant, engulfing the entire area. The gray vapor was trapped.

Then, countless fine threads of white Sword Qi materialized from nowhere—swirling, cutting, tearing through the mist like a storm.

Domain Manifest. Sword Qi Born.

Old Doctor’s Sword Qi Domain activated. The gray vapor recoiled, collapsing under the onslaught.

Next, he shot forward—Jian Qi Chao Xi surging like a tidal wave—rushing toward the fleeing Qi Changfeng.

“What…?!” Qi Changfeng’s eyes bulged. Terror flashed across his face.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end