Chapter 512: Sword Dao Mystic Art, the End is Near
Chapter 512: Sword Dao Mystic Art, the End is Near
"Brother, the next strike will be my strongest. Be careful."
High above, Xiao Yan stood in mid-air, her long sword emitting a half-foot blade of light.
The sharpness emanating from it made Xiao Li and Wu Xing, who were watching from a distance, feel a chill in their hearts.
"No problem, just do your best."
Lu Qing stood with his hands behind his back, showing no concern.
The Primordial Magnetic Field around him surged, layer upon layer.
In the next moment, Xiao Yan swung her long sword.
A dazzling sword light, with the momentum to cut through everything, slashed toward Lu Qing.
As it passed, even space seemed to ripple.
The powerful sword light cut through Lu Qing's field, breaking through multiple layers of defense with ease.
It only stopped three feet in front of Lu Qing.
"Remarkable!"
Lu Qing reached out and grabbed the sword light, his eyes showing surprise.
"If you were to use this strike against an ordinary Golden Core Realm cultivator, even one at the third transformation, they might not be able to withstand it."
Lu Qing was genuinely impressed.
Although the field he had set up was only in its most basic form, with many variations yet to be used, Xiao Yan's ability to reach three feet from him with a single strike was indeed unexpected.
To say that, with this strike's power, apart from him and his Master, as well as Xiao Li and Wu Xing, there might be no other Golden Core Realm cultivator who could withstand it, would not be an exaggeration.
Even the three Sage Masters on Holy Mountain would have to avoid its sharp edge. A slight mistake could lead to their downfall!
And Xiao Yan, who had just stabilized her cultivation and had yet to formally enter the first Golden Core Transformation, had delivered this strike.
"Is this the effect of the mystic art you gained after transcending the tribulation?" Lu Qing asked.
After Xiao Yan successfully transcended the tribulation, she had also received a minor mystic art from the Raid Cloud Vortex.
Just now, Lu Qing had sensed the power of mystic art flowing from her.
"Yes, Brother. The mystic art I received is called 'Edge of Razor.' It is a minor Sword Dao mystic art. When used, it greatly enhances my sword qi, making it unmatched in sharpness", Xiao Yan replied.
"An excellent mystic art, and it suits you well", Lu Qing nodded. "In the future, you should thoroughly study this mystic art. If you can master it, your Sword Dao cultivation will be unrivaled, with no one able to match you except for Master."
"I will, Brother!" Xiao Yan responded earnestly.
"Alright, our sparring is over. Let's head back. Since you just finished stabilizing your cultivation today, I made some delicious food for you", Lu Qing smiled.
"Delicious food! Brother, what did you make?"
Xiao Yan's eyes lit up at the mention of food.
"Wait and see when we get back."
Lu Qing found her bright eyes somewhat amusing. Even though she was now a Golden Core Realm cultivator, she was still so fond of food.
The two of them, along with the two spirit beasts, began flying back to the village.
However, upon returning, they saw a man pacing back and forth in front of their courtyard, looking anxious.
"Uncle Zhang, what's wrong?"
Lu Qing landed in front of the courtyard and asked.
It turned out to be the eldest son of their neighbor, Old Zhang.
"Ah Qing, you're back. My father suddenly fainted just now. The old doctor came to check and said he might not make it!"
"How could this happen? Old Zhang has always been in good health."
Lu Qing's expression changed drastically, and he quickly headed toward the Zhang family's house.
"What happened to Old Zhang?"
Xiao Yan was also deeply worried and followed closely behind her brother.
When they arrived at the Zhang family's house, Lu Qing saw that his Master was standing by the bed.
Old Zhang, with his white hair, lay on the bed, his eyes closed, his face calm, and his breathing steady, seemingly without any issues.
But Lu Qing immediately sensed something was wrong.
He could feel that the Vital Energy within Old Zhang was almost imperceptible, like a flickering candle in the wind, ready to go out at any moment.
"You're back?" the old doctor said.
"Master, why has Grandpa Zhang suddenly become like this?" Lu Qing asked immediately.
"Grandpa Zhang’s lifespan is nearly over; he’s at the end of his rope, and time is running out", the old doctor sighed.
"How can this be!"
Lu Qing immediately activated his ability and looked at Grandpa Zhang lying in bed.
A few moments later, his body trembled.
The information revealed by his ability showed the same thing: Grandpa Zhang was at the end of his lifespan, his life force almost entirely depleted.
In this state, ordinary medicines and remedies would be of little use.
It was a sign of approaching the natural limit, a manifestation of the cosmic rules, something that ordinary medicines could not resolve.
In this world, those in the Postnatal Realm generally have a maximum lifespan of 120 years.
Even martial arts grandmasters who have cultivated their physical bodies to the peak of the Postnatal Realm cannot break this lifespan limit.
Only those who have entered the Prenatal Realm, where their life essence undergoes a transformation, can extend their lifespan to 200 years.
Grandpa Zhang was already over 90 years old, and by all accounts, he hadn’t yet reached his lifespan limit.
However, in his youth, to support his family, he worked tirelessly day and night, depleting much of his life force.
The fact that he hadn’t fallen ill from overwork was a testament to his physical strength.
Over the years, Lu Qing had often helped him maintain his health, and the spiritual energy in Nine Mile Village had kept him in good condition.
But the life force he had lost in his youth could not be fully replenished.
Moreover, without cultivation, the amount of life force his body could contain was limited.
So, despite still looking healthy, he was nearing the end of his natural lifespan.
"Ah Qing, is my father really beyond saving, even for you?"
Hearing the conversation between master and apprentice, Grandpa Zhang’s eldest son asked anxiously.
"Yes, Grandpa Zhang’s lifespan is at its end. Even I cannot reverse it", Lu Qing nodded.
Upon hearing this, Grandpa Zhang’s children and their spouses all showed signs of despair.
In their hearts, Lu Qing was a sage; if even he said he couldn’t save him, it meant their father was truly in his final moments.
Seeing the expressions on Grandpa Zhang’s family, Lu Qing fell silent.
In fact, there was still a way to save Grandpa Zhang.
If they could find a life-prolonging elixir and have him take it, there might still be hope.
However, such an elixir that could break the cosmic rules was incredibly precious.
Even a Golden Core True Human or an Essence Spirit Great Power would vie for such a supreme elixir.
Since the world’s revival, no such elixir has ever appeared.
So this method was not feasible.
At this moment, the old doctor said, "Grandpa Zhang is now in a deep sleep, but if he continues to sleep, he will pass away within a day.
If there’s anything you want to say to him, I can use the golden needle technique to wake him up.
But after waking up, he will only be conscious for half an hour.
Whether to use this method is up to you to decide."
Hearing this, Grandpa Zhang’s children and their spouses exchanged glances.
But no one could make a decision right away.
Finally, Grandpa Zhang’s eldest son looked at Lu Qing, "Ah Qing, what do you think we should do?"
"You are the eldest son, and it’s up to you to decide. Whatever you choose, I believe Grandpa Zhang will not blame you", Lu Qing said slowly.
Seeing Lu Qing’s words, Grandpa Zhang’s eldest son struggled for a moment before making up his mind.
"Father collapsed suddenly and has many things left unsaid. Please, Doctor, wake him up. Let’s see if he has any final words for us."
"Alright."
The old doctor didn’t hesitate and immediately used the golden needle technique, inserting a few needles into Grandpa Zhang’s body.
Soon, under the stimulation of the golden needles, Grandpa Zhang’s complexion gradually became rosy, and he slowly opened his eyes.
"Father, you’re awake?"
Grandpa Zhang’s children and their spouses quickly approached.
"What happened? Why are all of you here, and Ah Qing too?"
Grandpa Zhang looked around the room, somewhat confused.
"Father, it’s like this. You suddenly fainted just now..."
The eldest son stepped forward and quickly explained the situation, including the words of the old doctor and Lu Qing.
"So that’s how it is. I’m about to join your mother, then."
Grandpa Zhang understood after listening.
He didn’t panic but instead looked relieved, accepting his fate calmly.
"My children, I have been remiss. The doctor said you could let me pass away peacefully in my sleep, but I was afraid you might have something important to say. So I asked the doctor to wake you up", the eldest son said, tears in his eyes.
"It’s alright. You did well. I do have some things to tell you." Grandpa Zhang shook his head and said, "Bring out the wooden chest from under the bed."
The eldest son quickly retrieved the wooden chest from under the bed.
Lu Qing and the others stepped out of the room, giving the Zhang family some privacy.
Grandpa Zhang gestured for his son to open the chest, which contained some land deeds and money.
Grandpa Zhang reached in and took out the land deeds.
"These past years, I've always urged you two to divide the household, but you've always been unwilling. Now, I'm about to join your mother in the afterlife. After I'm gone, you must divide the household."
"These land deeds are the deeds to our family's land. The two of you should split them equally."
"As for this money, it's what I've saved up over the years. You should divide it as well..."
After slowly explaining the family matters, Zhang Daye continued, "These are the things I need to entrust to you. Remember, after I'm gone, the two of you must stay united and support each other. Do not quarrel."
"Father, we will remember."
The two sons held back their grief as they responded.
"Should any problem arise that you cannot solve, you can seek Ah Qing's help. But don't disturb him with trivial matters. Ah Qing is an immortal, and he deals with immortal matters. Don't trouble him with such trivialities." Zhang Daye instructed again.
"We understand, Father."
"Good. Now, go and bring Ah Qing and Xiao Yan in. I have something to say to them."
Lu Qing stood in the courtyard, lost in thought, gazing at the floating clouds in the sky.
Zhang Daye's eldest son came out of the house: "Ah Qing, Father says he has something to discuss with you and Xiao Yan."
Lu Qing snapped out of his reverie and nodded slightly, "Alright."
Inside the house, Zhang Daye's face lit up with a smile when he saw Lu Qing and Xiao Yan enter, his complexion becoming even rosier.
"Everyone, please leave. I need to speak with Ah Qing and Xiao Yan alone."
Once everyone had left, Xiao Yan could no longer hold back her emotions and started to sob, "Grandpa Zhang..."
Lu Qing also looked at the old man with a sad expression.
Zhang Daye's face was rosy and healthy, not at all like that of a dying person.
But he knew that this was just a false appearance, a last burst of vitality before the end.
The life force that should have lasted another day was now concentrated in this brief moment.
"Child, don't cry", Zhang Daye reached out and stroked Xiao Yan's head. "You can fly and traverse the heavens now, so why are you still shedding tears?"
"But, Grandpa Zhang..."
Xiao Yan wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.
As a Core Formation Realm cultivator, she could sense the condition of Zhang Daye's body.
"Don't be sad. I've lived for over ninety years and will pass away without illness. That's better than most people. It's a good thing, and you should be happy for me. My old friends didn't live as long as I did, and I'm ready to meet them."
Zhang Daye smiled and comforted Xiao Yan.
Once Xiao Yan's emotions had calmed, Zhang Daye turned to Lu Qing.
"Ah Qing, I must thank you. If it weren't for the array you set up in the village, we old folks wouldn't have had such a peaceful and easy life in our later years."
"It's what I should do", Lu Qing said softly.
Over the years, many elderly villagers had passed away, and most of Zhang Daye's contemporaries were no longer around.
Fortunately, with the nourishment of the village's spiritual energy, these elders had all passed away peacefully and without pain.
It was a contribution Lu Qing had made to the village.
"Both you and Xiao Yan are good children. It's a pity that we couldn't protect your parents back then and let them meet such a fate. Even now, I still feel guilty about it", Zhang Daye sighed.
"Grandpa Zhang, there's no need to say that. The Black Wolf Gang was at fault, and I've already avenged my parents."
"But ultimately, it was we, the elders, who failed to dissuade your parents in time."
"But it's for the best. I'll be seeing them soon."
"When I meet them, I can tell them how powerful you and Xiao Yan have become, that you are both immortals..."
Zhang Daye held Lu Qing's hand and spoke at length.
As his breath grew weaker, he finally let go, a smile on his face, and quietly closed his eyes.
"Grandpa Zhang!" Xiao Yan cried out, unable to hold back her tears.
Hearing the commotion, people outside rushed in, and the room filled with sobs.
Lu Qing slowly walked out of the house and into the courtyard, his gaze fixed on the distant mountains.
His mind was filled with memories of the old man's kindness to him and his sister when they first arrived in this world.
Those scenes, though over twenty years old, were still vivid in his mind, as if they had happened yesterday.
(End of Chapter)
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