Chapter 336

Chapter 336: The Secret Realm, Desire to Set Up a Formation

“It’s not a major vendetta, just a minor conflict with Xuankong Mountain not long ago, where we beheaded some bald monks.”

Lu Qing spoke calmly, then briefly recounted his grudge against Xuankong Mountain.

This left Yan speechless.

So you’ve even slaughtered a bunch of their disciples? How could that not be considered a major vendetta?

However, he could also discern that the current vendetta was directed at Xuankong Mountain. He

couldn’t help but sigh, “Back in the ancient times, Xuankong Mountain might have acted a bit overbearingly, but it was still considered a righteous sect.

I never expected it to become so despicable now, distorting right and wrong and harboring so much filth.”

Lu Qing smiled, but remained silent.

He hadn’t witnessed Xuankong Mountain in ancient times, so it was difficult to assess its status.

But between Xuankong Mountain and him today, it was destined that only one of them could survive.

Given the behavior of Xuanming Bald Monk and his men back then, Lu Qing was certain that even if he didn’t provoke Xuankong Mountain, they would not let him off.

“But young master, there’s no need to worry. The secret place of Xuankong Mountain is probably just an ordinary secret realm.

Under the changes of heaven and earth, even if the secret realm is stabilized by spiritual tools, the hidden people within will definitely not be too strong.

Otherwise, if the rules of the outside world are sensed and a calamity is brought down, the entire secret realm will suffer.

Even now, the evolution of the rules of heaven and earth has not yet reached the level that allows strong people above the foundation building stage to move freely.

So even if Xuankong Mountain wants to retaliate, the disciples they send out will definitely not be too strong.”

“Yan” comforted.

Lu Qing said: “Let’s put this matter aside for now. Senior just said that there have been many secret realms in this world?”

“Indeed, so-called secret realms are actually miniature universes and spaces that exist and disappear depending on this world.

In the ancient era of immortal cultivation, secret realms appeared and disappeared almost constantly.

However, most secret realms were extremely small and difficult to explore.

Some were so small that they could only accommodate one or two people. Their existence was short-lived, likely appearing for an hour or two before disappearing again.

These tiny secret realms, with extremely short existences and visible ends, are mostly of little value.

If one is not careful, one could be harmed by the secret realm’s annihilating power, or even trapped within, unable to escape.

Therefore, few people venture into micro secret realms.

Generally, only secret realms of small size or larger are worth exploring.

The emergence of medium or large secret realms is even more formidable,

inevitably attracting the coveted and scrambled for by numerous sects and powerful cultivators.

This is because if these secret realms can be occupied and stabilized with magic weapons and formations, they become the best cave dwellings and retreat routes.

Moreover, they often contain rare treasures, which are excellent resources for cultivation.”

Yan narrated the secret realm to Lu Qing one by one.

“The secret realm is born and dies, giving birth to treasures…”

Lu Qing chewed over these two sentences slowly, as if thinking deeply.

“Indeed, in fact, during the middle period of the ancient era of immortal cultivation, secret realms became extremely important.

This was because, after a long period of excavation and plundering, the resources of the entire

immortal cultivation world had become increasingly scarce. Only those secret realms hidden deep in space, constantly surviving and extinguishing, could continuously produce rare treasures.

Therefore, every time a medium-sized or large-sized ownerless secret realm appeared, the immortal cultivation world would inevitably trigger a bloody storm and fierce competition.”

“The Lihuo Sect back then…”

“The Lihuo Sect also controlled a medium-sized secret realm, but you don’t have to worry about it.

In ancient times, ever since the spiritual energy began to decline, the secret realms controlled by the major sects showed signs of collapse.

Unless someone was willing to completely integrate a spiritual weapon-level treasure into the secret realm as I said, it would be possible to prevent its collapse.

But spiritual weapons are so rare that apart from the most top-notch, wealthy and powerful sects, almost no other forces dared to be so extravagant.

The Lihuo Sect only has one spiritual weapon, me, so it is natural that it is the same.

Therefore, that secret realm must have disappeared tens of thousands of years ago.”

“What a pity,”

Lu Qing said with a hint of regret.

If the secret realm still existed, if he could control it, he’d have more confidence.

At least he’d have a way out if he encountered any difficult problems in the future.

“Young Master, there’s no need to feel sorry,” Yan said with a smile.

“Didn’t I just say that secret realms are dependent on this world for their birth and death?

Now that the world is changing and the spiritual energy is resurrecting, when the spiritual energy reaches a certain level of richness, new secret realms will surely appear.

With your ability, it shouldn’t be difficult for you to seize one or two secret realms then.”

“We’ll talk about the future later.”

Lu Qing, unfazed by this promise, shook his head.

Who knows when this world will evolve to the point where secret realms will appear?

If it takes hundreds or thousands of years, then it’s too early to even think about it.

However, Yan’s words still gave Lu Qing a lot of insights.

At least, he knew the true nature of Hanging Mountain, and it wasn’t as terrifying as he had imagined.

If there really were a large group of ancient monsters living for tens of thousands of years lurking in the secret land of Xuankong Mountain, then he would really have to consider how to escape.

Lu Qing then asked Yan for more information about the ancient world of immortal cultivation, which greatly broadened his horizons.

Only then did he put away the Lihuo Ding and prepare to return to the village.

However, this time, given that relations with “Yan” had eased considerably,

Lu Qing didn’t continue to block its senses, allowing it to sense movements outside.

“I never thought a stronghold of the Divine Talisman Sect could exist in this remote place. It seems a lot of major events have occurred in the world of immortal cultivation since I fell into slumber.”

Emerging from the valley, “Yan” sensed the surroundings and sighed.

“Was the Divine Talisman Sect truly formidable in ancient times?” Lu Qing asked.

“Of course they were. Although the Divine Talisman Sect had few disciples, each one was a truly exceptional genius.

Even the core disciples of other top sects were often surpassed.

This sect is incredibly mysterious, embracing the philosophy of learning from the universe.

They are particularly adept at talismans and formations. The same talismans and formations, when executed by them, are often far more powerful.

Therefore, the Divine Talisman Sect was considered one of the most powerful forces in the world of immortal cultivation, and few sects were willing to provoke them.”

“Yan” had said that the talismans and formations cast by Divine Talisman Sect disciples were more powerful than those of other practitioners.

Lu Qing immediately thought of the soul talisman in the acupoint between his eyebrows.

He knew that the fundamental reason was here.

The soul talisman was extremely magical and had a strong blessing power for talismans and formations.

The power exerted would naturally be even stronger.

However, he did not say this, but changed the subject.

“Senior Yan, I’m afraid I will have to trouble you again after I go back. Recently, I plan to refine some tools for setting up formations…”

When Lu Qing returned to Jiuli Village and came to the small courtyard halfway up the mountain.

Another unexpected surprise was waiting for him.

A black figure suddenly came out of the yard, threw himself into his arms, and rubbed his chest with his head.

“Xiao Li, are you awake?”

Lu Qing hugged Xiao Li, overjoyed.

“Well, I woke up this morning. Xiao Li slept so comfortably.”

Xiao Li’s sweet voice rang in Lu Qing’s mind.

“You slept so comfortably. I wonder if Xiao Yan was worried about you.” Lu Qing scolded with a smile.

“Huh, the Night Lizard?”

At this time, “Yan’s” surprised voice rang in Lu Qing’s mind.

Lu Qing’s heart moved, but he did not ask directly.

Instead, he hugged Xiao Li and walked to the yard.

Sure enough, he saw Xiao Yan doing homework there, while the old doctor and Wei Shanhai were playing chess at the stone table beside them.

As she grew older, Xiao Yan’s studies became heavier and she had a lot of homework.

“Brother, you’re back!” Xiaoyan’s face lit up when she saw Lu Qing. “Xiao Li suddenly ran out, so I knew it was you.”

“Yes, I just got back.”

Lu Qing nodded, then bowed to his master and the others. “Master, I’m back. Hello, Senior Wei.”

“How’s it going? What have you found this time in the mountains?”

the old doctor asked, stopping his chess game.

He knew Lu Qing had gone into the mountains to investigate.

“There have been significant changes there,” Lu Qing’s expression grew more serious.

“Master, the creatures in the mountains have all undergone varying degrees of changes.

Especially the poisonous insects and snakes. Their toxicity has increased significantly. Even an ordinary warrior wouldn’t be able to withstand a bite.” “

Is it that serious?” The old doctor’s face grew serious. “This isn’t good news for the nearby mountain people.”

Many villages in the surrounding area, like Jiuli Village, rely on farming.

But many also rely on gathering herbs and hunting.

If the situation in the mountains was as bad as Lu Qing described, it would be a disaster for the villagers.

“The situation in the mountains is not so bad. It’s rarely visited, and as long as we don’t venture too deep, there won’t be any serious problems. What

I’m afraid of is that after a few days, if the spiritual power of these venomous insects and snakes increases and they migrate out, then that would be really bad.”

The old doctor was shocked, knowing that what Lu Qing said was not impossible.

If the venom of those venomous insects and snakes only increased in toxicity, it would not be a big deal.

Because according to the instincts of these venomous creatures, they will not easily leave their territory.

But the fear is that if these venomous creatures, nourished by spiritual energy, develop spiritual intelligence, then everything will be hard to say.

“Then what do you think, Ah Qing?”

the old doctor asked.

He knew that Lu Qing was more knowledgeable about matters involving spiritual energy.

“I plan to set up a formation around the village to provide vigilance and defense, to prevent any future dangers.

This will prevent us from being caught unaware by the chance that those venomous insects and snakes should emerge from the mountains.”

Lu Qing outlined his plan.

“Set up a formation? Are you sure?”

The old doctor was slightly surprised.

He was no longer a novice cultivator. After reading the jade slip Lu Qing had given him, he had gained a considerable understanding of the fundamental principles of cultivation.

He knew that setting up a formation capable of encircling the entire Jiuli Village would be no simple task.

“I can’t claim to be absolutely certain, but let’s give it a try,” Lu Qing said, not quite concluding.

“However, I’m afraid I’ll need Elder Wei’s assistance in this matter.”

“Oh, I wonder what Young Master Lu wants me to do?”

Wei Shanhai had already been intrigued by Lu Qing’s suggestion of setting up a formation.

Now that he knew he would be needed, he quickly offered.

“I need a batch of refined iron and jade, and…”

Lu Qing recited the materials he needed.

He then took a piece of paper from Xiaoyan’s homework and wrote a list on it.

“If possible, I hope you can gather the materials as soon as possible,”

Lu Qing handed the list to Wei Shanhai.

“Don’t worry, Young Master Lu, I’ll have everything ready for you within three days!”

Wei Shanhai assured him immediately.

The items Lu Qing needed weren’t particularly valuable. They were

just in large quantities, which might require a considerable amount of money.

But for Wei Shanhai, money was nothing.

These were turbulent times, with the world shifting and spiritual energy resurfacing. No one knew what the future would hold.

While the Wei family currently had two Xiantian Realm masters,

Wei Shanhai knew this was far from enough.

To survive in these turbulent times, one had to rely on powerful influences.

And Lu Qing was the strongest influence he knew. Over

the past two days at the mansion, he had learned from Wei Zian the details of their trip to Zhongzhou, especially what had happened in the Holy City.

Only then did they realize how eventful their journey had been.

Lu Qing, in particular, had forged a celestial tribulation within the Holy City with his own mortal body, breaking through to the Xiantian realm.

He then single-handedly slew numerous masters of Xuankong Mountain.

Even the Third Saint Lord of the Holy Mountain had fallen to his hand.

Throughout the Holy City, no one dared to utter a single word.

Even now, thinking of such an astonishing feat, Wei Shanhai still felt a tremor in his heart.

Naturally, he would do everything in his power to curry favor with and maintain a close relationship with a powerful Lu Qing.

After Wei Shanhai left and ordered his clansmen to help Lu Qing gather materials,

Lu Qing finally turned his attention to Xiao Li.

The little creature had seemingly remained unchanged since waking from his slumber, but he keenly sensed that its life force had undergone a fundamental transformation.

However, just as Lu Qing was about to activate his supernatural powers to investigate Xiao Li’s current situation,

Yan’s voice echoed in his mind again: “I can’t believe you, young master, are so lucky to have tamed a spirit beast like the Night Spirit Raccoon.”

“Senior Yan, do you know Xiao Li’s origins?”

Lu Qing spoke with the same spiritual power.

“Xiao Li is the name of this Night Lizard, isn’t it? Well chosen. Night Lizards tend to be fire-like, so the character ‘Li’ is quite fitting.”

“Yan” praised him first, then said, “As for its origins, if my guess is correct, it should be a descendant of the Night King, one of the twelve demon kings under the Supreme Demon Emperor in the ancient times of immortal cultivation.”

“Night King?”

Lu Qing was slightly shocked.

(End of this chapter)