Chapter 213

Chapter 213 Return, Aftermath

“Old Doctor, what was that just now?”

Wei Shanhai looked at Old Doctor Chen in shock.

The two had been sitting under a plum tree, drinking tea, when they were suddenly struck by the sudden tremors of heaven and earth.

Wei Shanhai was confused and could only ask the old doctor.

He knew the old doctor’s realm was far more advanced than his own and should be able to discern something.

The old doctor’s expression was calm. After carefully sensing the situation, he sighed.

“I’m afraid the legendary transformation of heaven and earth is about to begin.”

“You mean the great transformation of heaven and earth that the Tianji Tower spoke of is about to begin?!” Wei Shanhai was shocked.

“I’m afraid so. That tremor just now was caused by heaven and earth. I can vaguely sense that some subtle changes have already occurred in heaven and earth, but they are not yet obvious and difficult to detect.” The old doctor nodded.

“So, what exactly is this change in heaven and earth?” Wei Shanhai was still a little confused.

“I don’t know,” the old doctor shook his head. “But since the heavens and the earth have already revealed signs, it’s clear that it won’t be long before we can see the true nature of the changes.”

The old doctor did have some idea.

If the speculation in the essay Lu Qing had shown him was correct,

then the so-called spiritual energy revival was likely about to begin.

But that was just a guess from an ancient book, and without confirmation, the old doctor couldn’t guarantee its authenticity.

“If the heavens and the earth are truly about to change, it seems a time of great trouble is truly approaching,”

Wei Shanhai sighed.

The old doctor also fell silent.

In fact, he had sensed something else in the sounds of heaven and earth just now,

but he couldn’t express it clearly.

“Grandpa Chen, what happened just now? It seemed so noisy outside.”

At this moment, Xiaoyan came out of the room, holding Xiaoli, rubbing her eyes, and looked sleepy.

It turned out that she and Xiaoli had been taking a nap in the room when they were suddenly awakened.

But her words startled both the old doctor and Wei Shanhai.

“Xiaoyan, could you hear that noise just now?”

Wei Shanhai asked impatiently.

“Yes, it was so loud, how could I not hear it? Grandpa Wei, who’s demolishing their house?” Xiaoyan asked, confused.

Then Wei Shanhai’s mouth dropped open, staring at Xiaoyan in disbelief.

The old doctor understood his surprise.

The sound of heaven and earth that had just occurred was the fluctuations manifested by the shifting laws of heaven and earth. It was no ordinary sound, inaudible to the n*ked ear.

Logically, only martial arts masters who had forged the power of the soul and those who had reached the innate realm could perceive that vast sound.

But Xiaoyan, a child, could hear it in her sleep. How could Wei Shanhai not be astonished?

But the old doctor knew something.

He knew that Lu Qing had once given Xiaoyan Earth Spirit Liquid, and he had personally experienced its miraculous properties.

Not only could it greatly enhance a person’s aptitude, but with luck, it could even unleash certain special talents.

It was clear that Xiaoyan, after consuming the earth vein spirit fluid, had gained some special ability, allowing her to “hear” the sounds of heaven and earth that had previously been heard.

“Old Doctor, it seems Xiaoyan’s talent is quite extraordinary.”

At this point, Wei Shanhai finally realized what was happening.

He gazed at Xiaoyan with a curious gaze, as if he were looking at some rare treasure.

Previously, he had only thought Xiaoyan was bright and clever, with a lovely and spiritual appearance, much more clever and well-behaved than the average child.

But then he thought about her being Lu Qing’s younger sister, and how she was favored by the old doctor.

Given the cultivation and knowledge of these two, and influenced by them, it was only natural that Xiaoyan would be more capable than an average child.

Now, it seemed there was more to the story.

With no cultivation at all, yet able to “hear” the Dao sounds of the changing laws of heaven and earth, it was clear that Xiaoyan must possess some special talent.

It made sense. Lu Qing was a once-in-a-millennium genius, a child of destiny.

How could Xiaoyan, born of the same mother, be ordinary?

It’s simply that she’s still young and hasn’t yet revealed her talent.

The more Wei Shanhai thought about it, the more he felt that this was true, and his gaze towards Xiaoyan naturally grew more intense.

“Old Doctor, Xiaoyan is over seven now, isn’t she? I wonder why she hasn’t become your disciple and studied martial arts?”

The more Wei Shanhai looked at Xiaoyan, the more fond she became of her. He turned and asked.

The old doctor knew at a glance that he had something on his mind.

He remembered Lu Qing’s words and shook his head.

“Ah Qing once said that Xiaoyan’s path of cultivation is rather unique and shouldn’t be rushed. We have to wait until the time is right, and then he can personally arrange it, so it’s not easy for me to interfere.”

Over the past two years, the old doctor had also asked Lu Qing if he wanted Xiaoyan to practice martial arts.

But Lu Qing always said the time wasn’t right, so until now, Xiaoyan hadn’t officially begun training.

“So Young Master Lu already had that arranged.”

Upon hearing this, Wei Shanhai knew his chances of taking Xiaoyan on as his disciple were over.

In his mind, Lu Qing was far more mysterious than even the old doctor.

Since he had already made arrangements, it was obviously impossible for Xiaoyan to become his disciple casually.

“Grandpa Chen, why hasn’t my brother come back yet? How long will he stay in the mountains? Xiaoyan misses him.”

Upon hearing the old doctor and the others mention Lu Qing, Xiaoyan’s lips pursed, a hint of grievance.

She hadn’t seen her brother in days.

“Yes, old doctor, why has Young Master Lu been in seclusion for so long this time?” Wei Shanhai asked.

Lu Qing had previously sparred with him, claiming to have gained some insights, and had gone into seclusion. Seven days had already passed.

Lu Qing had rarely retreated for such a long time before. Could he be planning a breakthrough to the Xiantian realm?

The thought of this terrified Wei Shanhai.

If that were true, it would be truly extraordinary.

Lu Qing was only a few years old. If he truly reached the Xiantian realm, word of it would spread like wildfire, even shocking the four great secret places.

“I don’t know. Ah Qing only said he was in seclusion for a while, but didn’t specify how long.”

The old doctor was also puzzled.

He knew Lu Qing must be in seclusion deep in the mountains, in that mysterious place he and Xiao Li had discovered, the place that produced the Earth Vein Spirit Fluid.

But because of Xiaoyan, he rarely stayed in seclusion for such a long time.

This time, it was indeed a bit unusual.

Unfortunately, he had never been to that mysterious place.

Xiao Li was always by Xiao Yan’s side. Apart from Lu Qing and Xiao Yan, no one else could control it, not even him.

Otherwise, they could go and see what was going on.

Whoosh!

Just as the old doctor and the others were thinking about

Lu Qing, Xiao Li, who had been held by Xiao Yan, suddenly jumped out of her arms and rushed out.

The old doctor and the others were stunned at first, but then they reacted and hurriedly looked outside.

Then they saw a figure standing at the gate of the courtyard. Xiao Li was standing on its shoulder, rubbing his head against it. Who else could it be but Lu Qing?

“Brother!”

Xiao Yan saw Lu Qing and immediately ran forward with her arms open. Before she reached Lu Qing, she jumped up and threw herself at Lu Qing.

Afraid that she would fall, Lu Qing had to reach out and catch her.

Seeing the little girl burying her head in his arms, as if she was about to cry, he rubbed her hair lovingly.

“I’m sorry, it’s my fault this time. I’ve been in seclusion for so long, keeping Xiaoyan waiting.”

Fortunately, Xiaoyan’s moods came and went quickly, making her easy to soothe.

Soon, with Lu Qing’s comfort, she was laughing and joking again.

After soothing Xiaoyan, Lu Qing put her down and went to the old doctor and the other two. He

first greeted Wei Shanhai, then said to the old doctor, “Master, I’m back.”

“Yes, I’m glad you’re back,”

the old doctor nodded, not asking why Lu Qing’s retreat was longer than usual.

Instead, Wei Shanhai couldn’t suppress his curiosity.

“Young Master Lu, have you reached the Xiantian Realm during this retreat?”

Wei Shanhai’s eyes were filled with anticipation.

Although he hadn’t sensed the Xiantian aura unique to the Xiantian Realm from Lu Qing,

he had long since become completely unable to discern Lu Qing’s true intentions.

So, even if Lu Qing had a secret method to conceal his own Xiantian aura, he wasn’t surprised at all.

“Not yet,” Lu Qing shook his head. “Although I’ve gained something from this retreat, it’s only strengthened my foundation. I haven’t yet reached the Xiantian realm.”

“I see,” Wei Shanhai, though somewhat disappointed, consoled him. “Young Master Lu, don’t be discouraged. The Xiantian realm is profound, but with your aptitude, reaching it is only a matter of time. I believe that with a little more time, you’ll naturally achieve a breakthrough.”

“Thank you, Senior Wei, for your guidance,” Lu Qing said with a bow.

“Master, have you had lunch yet?”

Lu Qing asked after a brief chat.

“Not yet.”

“That’s perfect. I’ve been in retreat these days and feel a bit hungry. I’ll go make some side dishes to fill my stomach.”

Lu Qing hadn’t expected that refining the Earth Spirit Pearl would take so long without him realizing it.

If it weren’t for his profound cultivation and powerful Qi and blood, his body would have easily collapsed.

“Well, go ahead,” the old doctor agreed.

“Senior Wei, please stay for lunch,” Lu Qing invited.

“Then I won’t hold back,” Wei Shanhai said with a smile. “Young Master Lu, your cooking has a unique flavor. Even Ningyan and Zi’an often miss it. Today, I, too, am in for a treat.”

Over the past two years, Wei Shanhai had tasted Lu Qing’s cooking several times.

It was truly extraordinary, and even he, a man not particularly obsessed with food, was amazed.

Hearing that Lu Qing was going to cook again, he was actually looking forward to it.

“It’s just some homely fare. Madam Wei and the others are too kind.”

Lu Qing entered the kitchen and spent half an hour preparing some food.

Xiaoyan and Xiaoli, having not tasted Lu Qing’s cooking for many days, were particularly delighted.

The old doctor and Wei Shanhai naturally enjoyed their meals as well.

At the table, Lu Qing began to subtly inquire about the goings-on in the provincial capital.

He hadn’t anticipated that six or seven days had passed while he was refining the Earth Spirit Pearl in the Jade Transformation Cavern.

He didn’t know what the situation in the prefectural capital had become since he left, so he could only ask Wei Shanhai.

It was surprising that Wei Shanhai actually knew.

After all, many of the Wei family’s businesses had been moved to the prefectural capital a few years ago.

So he was well-informed about the news there.

Lu Qing had caused such a big incident in the prefectural capital, even killing a Xiantian realm cultivator. Such a big incident could not be covered up.

On the second day after the incident, the Wei family’s spies in the prefectural capital passed the news back.

In the days that followed, the Wei family kept an eye on the developments in the prefectural capital.

“Young Master Lu, you didn’t know that the old woman of the Zheng family had secretly performed a ritual of human sacrifice when her eldest son died many years ago.

That day, the mayor of the provincial capital invited the leaders of all the major forces in the city to open the tomb for inspection. They unexpectedly discovered dozens of clay figurines left behind after the evil ritual. You can imagine how mad the old woman of the Zheng family truly was!

No wonder she provoked that mysterious master to attack her and behead her in anger.

Honestly, if I knew about this, I would have been unable to resist and taught that woman a lesson.

But that mysterious master was ruthless, not only beheading the old woman, but also destroying the tomb and coffin of her sons and grandson, which she cherished most. He also shot her second son dead with a single arrow. It was truly a delight!”

After Wei Shanhai recounted to Lu Qing what had transpired that day in the provincial capital, he sighed again.

“So this is happening? Does anyone know who that mysterious expert is?” Lu Qing asked, surprised.

The old doctor had clearly heard all this before, but he didn’t seem surprised.

“That’s the strangest thing. That mysterious expert seemed to appear out of nowhere, and no one could trace his origins. Yet, his strength is incredibly astonishing.

It’s said that he slew the old woman from the Zheng family in just a dozen breaths.

You know, while the old woman had a short lifespan, she was at least a peak Xiantian Elementary Realm expert. Yet, she couldn’t even survive a dozen breaths before being slain. You

can imagine how powerful that mysterious expert was. Many speculated that he was perhaps a formidable expert at the Xiantian Minor Success stage or higher.”

Lu Qing: “…

Rumors are getting more and more exaggerated. How could he not know that he was already a Xiantian Minor Success stage expert?

” “…What will become of the Zheng family after such a devastating disaster?” Lu Qing asked after a pause.

“What else can we do? The provincial capital, while prosperous, is also incredibly expensive. Every plot of land is eagerly awaited.

The Zheng family has lost their most important Xiantian-level supporter, their head of household is dead, and they’ve committed the gravest taboo of secretly performing human sacrifices. Their fate is inevitable.

In the past few days, the entire lineage of the Zheng family has been apprehended by the city lord and imprisoned, awaiting trial. The remaining collateral branches have had their property confiscated and expelled from the city. For three generations, they are forbidden from even setting foot inside the city walls. Violators will be executed.

It can be said that the Zheng family is gone, completely vanished.”

(End of Chapter)