Chapter 363: Merit Robe – Taking the Initiative

"Who would have thought... these two techniques are truly remarkable."

After Lu Qing finished comprehending the two methods bestowed by the Demon Cultivator, his eyes sparkled with surprise. Both techniques were indeed centered around the application of Merit Light.

One was called Merit Robe—a combat technique. The other was a method for refining Merit Treasures. Though both focused on harnessing Merit Light, their applications were distinct. Even someone unfamiliar with Buddhist or Daoist combat arts could master them. That meant Lu Qing, despite his unconventional path, could still cultivate them.

Yet when it came time to choose, Lu Qing hesitated.

He had survived Zhou Fu Cheng’s trial, earning the favor of Heaven and Earth, and as a result, received a significant amount of Merit Light. Still, it wasn’t enough to master both techniques simultaneously. He could only select one to cultivate.

He began weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Merit Robe allowed one to condense their accumulated Merit Light into a spiritual garment through a unique method. Once formed, the robe could repel misfortune, ward off evil spirits, and protect the soul. It was especially effective against attacks targeting the spirit and soul. A defensive technique of rare power, it could evolve with increasing Merit Light. At its peak, it could transform into the Gongde Tianyi—a celestial robe so powerful that even Demon Lords and Demon Generals would fear it.

Of course, achieving such a state required an astronomical amount of Merit Light—far beyond what Lu Qing currently possessed in his Brow Qi Cavity. Moreover, the Demon Cultivator had only mentioned the Gongde Tianyi in passing, offering no detailed cultivation method.

As for the technique to refine Merit Treasures, it fell short in comparison. It primarily taught how to infuse Merit Light into artifacts, creating Merit Treasures capable of defeating Demon Cultivators and other malevolent beings. But in Lu Qing’s eyes, the method lacked the profound depth and elegance of Merit Robe.

After careful consideration, Lu Qing ultimately decided to pursue Merit Robe.

No choice was truly available—its potential was simply too great. Even if he’d never obtain more Merit Light in the future, merely mastering the basic form of the robe would grant him formidable spiritual defense. And he estimated that the Merit Light in his Brow Qi Cavity was just enough to reach the initial stage.

With his decision made, Lu Qing activated his abilities and plunged into full immersion, studying the Merit Robe technique.

Not long afterward, a gentle warmth emanated from his body. After half a time, a faint golden glow began to rise from him. The light wove together, forming a simple, elegant robe that settled over his frame.

"Is this... Merit Robe?" Lu Qing opened his eyes, staring at the garment with quiet astonishment. Though it appeared light and delicate, he could feel the profound, otherworldly power flowing through it. It protected his spirit, shielding him from spiritual corruption.

"Little Master, what is this...?"

Yan, sensing the change, manifested as a translucent image within the Lihuo Ding, gazing in awe at the robe.

It could feel the overwhelming density of Merit Power woven into the fabric.

"I received this technique from the Demon Cultivator—a method to utilize Merit Light. I just tried it, and it worked instantly," Lu Qing explained.

Yan remained silent.

It wasn’t surprised that Lu Qing had obtained a technique from the Demon Cultivator. After all, that being was now bound to his spirit soul, utterly subservient. What truly stunned it was the speed at which Lu Qing had mastered it.

The aura of the robe was unmistakably profound. Yet, Lu Qing had achieved it without fanfare, as if it were second nature.

Though Yan had witnessed Lu Qing’s extraordinary talent before, it still couldn’t help but be amazed.

After a moment of silent contemplation, Lu Qing withdrew the Merit Robe back into his body. Once completed, the robe would automatically protect him, requiring no further mental effort—truly a marvel.

"If Master returns, I’ll pass this technique on to him. Let’s see if he can cultivate a Merit Robe too."

With the technique now in his possession, Lu Qing felt a sense of confidence. Master had spent decades healing others, his heart filled with compassion. Over time, he had accumulated substantial Merit Light. If he could form a Merit Robe, it would greatly benefit him.

But Master had gone into the mountains to gather herbs. It was uncertain when he’d return. Until then, Lu Qing couldn’t pass on the technique.

Just as he was pondering, a sudden stir stirred within his heart.

Moments later, a voice rang out from the courtyard outside.

"Lu Xiao Langjun, are you there?"

"Enter, Wei Family Head."

Wei Xinghe soon appeared in the courtyard, his expression unusually serious.

"What has happened, Wei Family Head?" Lu Qing asked.

"A report just arrived from the Wei Family’s spy network," Wei Xinghe said. "A group of powerful monks has appeared in Xi Zhou. In a remarkably short time, they’ve subdued numerous sects, unified the region, and now, under the name of Xuan Kong Shan, are constructing grand temples on a massive scale."

"Ah… So Xuan Kong Shan has finally decided to emerge?"

Lu Qing raised an eyebrow. Yet he wasn’t surprised.

He had already learned from assassins of Wu Jian Lou that the Xuan Kong Shan Mi Jing was located in Xi Zhou. With the fourth resonance of the Heavenly and Earthly Dao Yin, and the further evolution of the Heavenly and Earthly Laws, it was only natural that the hidden sanctuaries would begin to reveal themselves.

If they didn’t act now, they’d miss the opportunity to claim the Qi Lu Fu Su—the primordial fortune of cultivation.

"Are similar events occurring elsewhere?" Lu Qing asked.

"You’re truly perceptive, Lu Xiao Langjun. Indeed, several other major regions have seen the same phenomenon. Mysterious experts suddenly appeared, swept through entire provinces, and established their dominance."

Wei Xinghe named several provinces. Lu Qing’s expression darkened.

None of them were within Zhong Zhou.

He couldn’t help but wonder—had the central realm suffered the most during the ancient era of Qi depletion and the decline of the world? Was that why no hidden sanctuaries remained in Zhong Zhou? Or was there another reason?

"Understood," Lu Qing said. "With the Heavenly and Earthly Transformation intensifying, even the Four Secret Places can no longer remain hidden. It’s clear the outside world will grow increasingly chaotic. For now, it’s best for everyone to stay within the village and focus on cultivation."

"Very well. I’ll personally remind Zi Hao and Zi An."

Wei Xinghe didn’t need further instructions. The very fact that even legendary hidden sanctuaries were now vying for territory spoke volumes. The world was on the brink of upheaval.

In such times, only fools would risk wandering the world.

Moreover, ever since Lu Qing had set up the formation, the Qi in Jiu Li Village had grown increasingly dense, beginning to take on the aura of a blessed land. Wei Xinghe could feel it—the cultivation progress was rapid, and his spirit remained calm, free from the risk of spiritual deviation.

Knowing all this was due to Lu Qing, he had no intention of wasting this opportunity.

After Wei Xinghe left, Lu Qing fell into deep thought.

The emergence of the Four Secret Places at this moment was no surprise. The Heavenly and Earthly Dao Yin had resonated four times. The Heavenly and Earthly Laws had evolved to the point where even Zhu Ji Qi cultivators could move freely.

According to Yan, the evolution of the laws would continue, bringing even greater changes to the world. Perhaps rare treasures of legendary origin were about to appear. Even the long-lost Secret Realm Space might soon reawaken.

In such a climate, the secret sanctuaries would need to act early—securing their positions before others could claim the opportunities.

Lu Qing considered whether he should take advantage of this chaos and strike first—heading to Xi Zhou and giving Xuan Kong Shan a surprise.

They had only just emerged. Though they’d unified Xi Zhou, the region was likely still unstable. If he struck now, he could deal them a devastating blow.

After pondering, he decided: it was worth the risk.

The feud between him and Xuan Kong Shan was irreconcilable. Waiting for them to solidify their power would only give them the advantage. Better to take the initiative—hit them hard, before they could even organize.

Even if he couldn’t destroy them, he could cripple them, throw their plans into disarray, and force them to focus on defense rather than hunting him.

With that resolve, Lu Qing began preparing.

The next day, after Master returned from the mountains and the formation was secured, Lu Qing took Xiao Li and quietly departed Jiu Li Village, heading toward Xi Zhou.

"Little Master, are you really going to Xi Zhou?"

Along the way, Yan communicated with Lu Qing through spirit soul transmission from within the Lihuo Ding.

"Yes. Xuan Kong Shan and I have a deep grudge. If they fully establish control over Xi Zhou, they’ll surely target me," Lu Qing replied.

He wasn’t afraid—himself, he could handle it. But Xiao Yan and the villagers of Jiu Li Village weren’t so fortunate.

Xuan Kong Shan had endured since the Ancient Cultivation Era. Their depth of power was immense—surely they still held many hidden cards. Lu Qing’s formation was simplified, and he couldn’t be certain it could withstand a full-scale retaliation from such an ancient sanctuary.

Better to strike first than wait to be struck.

"If Xuan Kong Shan is truly the same as the ancient Xuan Kong Shan, be careful," Yan warned. "Those monks are formidable. Even in the Ancient Cultivation Era, they were among the top-tier powers. Surviving the millennia of Qi depletion… they must have retained many secrets."

"I know. Don’t worry, I’ll be cautious," Lu Qing assured.

"Good. I’m glad you’re not acting recklessly," Yan said, relieved.

It was a far cry from how it had felt when it first submitted to Lu Qing. Back then, it had wanted him dead. But over time, having witnessed Lu Qing’s unprecedented talent and insight, Yan had changed.

It now believed that if Lu Qing survived, his future would be beyond imagination—perhaps even rivaling the greatest masters of the Ancient Cultivation Era.

And for Yan to ever break free from its prison, the only hope lay in Lu Qing.

So its concern was genuine.

Lu Qing sensed the shift in Yan’s attitude, but said nothing. He simply continued forward, carrying Xiao Li.

Xi Zhou was not close to Cang Zhou. Two major regions lay between them. Even with Ling Fu enhancing his speed, and traveling day and night, it still took two full days to reach the border of Xi Zhou.

Upon arrival, Lu Qing didn’t rush in. Instead, he spent half a day restoring his energy, replenishing his body, and bringing himself to peak condition.

Then, using his mastery of physical control, he activated the Transformation Disguise Technique he’d acquired from a killer of Qi Sha Lou. He reshaped his facial muscles and bones into another form.

From the Qiankun Yiqi Dai, he took out a ghostly mask and placed it on his face.

Finally, he altered the essence of his spirit soul within his Brow Qi Cavity.

Now, his appearance, posture, and spiritual aura were completely different.

He was confident—Master himself might not recognize him.

"Remarkable. The art of disguise among ordinary mortals is truly ingenious."

Yan watched in wonder as Lu Qing transformed.

It learned from Lu Qing that this was a technique created by mortal warriors. Astonished, it realized Lu Qing had come prepared—further easing its mind.

"In the era of Qi depletion, warriors could only reach the Xian Tian Jing. Beyond that, the Heavenly and Earthly Laws barred further advancement. Many, unable to break through, turned instead to refining extraordinary martial arts and secret techniques. That’s how these methods of transformation arose."

Lu Qing explained with a smile.

As his understanding of cultivation deepened, he had begun to piece together how martial arts had evolved over the past tens of thousands of years.

"Indeed, human ingenuity is boundless," Yan murmured, genuinely impressed.

In the Ancient Cultivation Era, humanity’s wisdom had been legendary. Despite the weakness of the Xian Tian stage, their unmatched insight and creativity allowed them to craft countless powerful combat techniques—surpassing even the demons and sea tribes, dominating the most spiritually rich lands like Zhong Zhou and the other realms.

Yan, as an artifact spirit, lacked that spiritual awareness. It was one of the reasons it longed to one day break free and become a true living being.

"Alright, Xiao Li. Let’s go."

After a few more words with Yan, Lu Qing, now fully disguised, held Xiao Li close and moved deeper into Xi Zhou.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end