Chapter 99: Ambush |
Time flew by, and eight months passed in the blink of an eye.
The misty waters of Dingbo Lake quietly flowed past as time moved from early summer to early spring.
In the quiet room, Chen Qing sat cross-legged with breath condensed like a deep ancient well.
Deep in his dantian, that martial dao spark ignited by the "Qingmu Longevity Formula" had now grown robust like a jade-green bean, brimming with vitality.
Each pulse drew the qi and blood in his body to surge like great rivers, repeatedly striking against that invisible barrier.
The breakthrough seemed only separated by a thin layer of paper, within reach.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]
[Qingmu Longevity Formula: First Layer (969/1000)]
[Mountain Suppressing Prison Spear: Major Achievement (588/2000)]
[Eight Extremes Vajra: Solid Rock (2/3000)]
[Nine Revolutions Flowing Gold Formula First Layer (526/1000)]
During these eight months, he had focused single-mindedly, pouring almost all his energy into cultivation.
Three Qi Nourishing Pills per month without fail, and if that wasn't enough, he would supplement with expensive purchases from the sect steward's office. The "Qingmu Longevity Formula" was just one step away from the second layer.
Both "Mountain Suppressing Prison Spear" and "Floating Light Passing Shadow Hand" had entered the major achievement realm, their power multiplied.
The greatest improvement was in "Eight Extremes Vajra Body," advancing from Steel Bones to the more profound and mysterious Solid Rock realm, taking his physical strength to another level.
His privately cultivated "Nine Revolutions Flowing Gold Formula" was also progressing steadily.
"Whoosh!"
Chen Qing exhaled a long breath of turbid air, his gaze sweeping over the calendar on the wall, "Today is the day of examination."
A few days ago, all disciples of Qingmu Courtyard, whether embracing elixir or transforming strength, had received notice.
Master Li would personally conduct an examination of the disciples' progress.
This was an unprecedented event in Qingmu Courtyard, known for its usual laxity.
However, for most disciples, this examination was not a good thing.
Chen Qing simply tidied up and came to the martial arts training ground in the core area of Qingmu Courtyard.
He saw the ground was already crowded with people, thirty to forty in number.
Qingmu Courtyard had always been crowned with the most disciples among the five courtyards.
Chen Qing's gaze swept over and found many unfamiliar young faces, well-dressed, with either the excitement of new initiates or the reserve of clan offspring in their expressions.
Master Li had not yet arrived, and the courtyard disciples gathered in small groups, discussing recent major events.
"Did you hear? In Xuanjia Gate's territory, the Wu family of Liuhe Town who depended on them was found to have connections with the Limitless Demon Sect. The entire family was uprooted overnight, not even chickens and dogs were spared!"
"More than that! I heard that on Hanyu Valley's side, some small merchant associations and escort agencies were also affected, with extremely cruel methods. On the surface it's cleaning house, but underneath..."
"Shush! Keep quiet! How dare you speak carelessly about such things? Be careful of disaster coming from your mouth!"
"Sigh, these times are becoming more and more unsettled. The Limitless Demon Sect remnants are becoming increasingly rampant, and all sects have lost quite a few masters."
"Indeed, a few days ago several more mummified corpses were found at Golden Light Peak, with strange death conditions, causing quite an uproar..."
In the disciples' whispered conversations, seven or eight out of ten sentences couldn't escape those four words: Limitless Demon Sect.
Chen Qing listened silently, showing no change of expression on his face.
Just as the discussion was growing louder, the tightly closed courtyard gate in the depths of the training ground creaked open.
Li Baichuan emerged, dressed in a deep blue-green dao robe, with white hair but a youthful face yet indifferent eyes.
The ground instantly fell silent, with all disciples straightening their backs and holding their breath.
Many disciples became nervous inside.
Master Li's examinations were never simply about testing cultivation levels.
Inner courtyard resources were limited, yet disciples kept flowing in continuously.
Master Li needed to constantly eliminate those old disciples whose potential was exhausted, making room to absorb new blood that could bring "value."
This was an unspoken rule in Qingmu Courtyard.
Especially those disciples whose cultivation had stagnated for years were even more anxious, walking on thin ice.
Li Baichuan's gaze was calm as an ancient well as he slowly swept over all the disciples on the ground.
"Everyone's here, so this old man won't waste words. Today we examine cultivation. Those whose names are called step forward and demonstrate your current realm and the operation of your primary technique's energy. Embracing elixir disciples go first."
The examination began with a process so simple it was almost perfunctory.
Luo Xinya demonstrated first, her robust figure stepping forward.
Blue-green true qi surrounded her body, condensing into stronger or weaker air currents in front of her, causing the air to ripple slightly.
"Qingmu true qi!?"
Seeing this, many transforming strength disciples showed traces of envy in their eyes.
Upon reaching embracing elixir strength, one could condense true qi, and what Luo Qingya condensed was indeed Qingmu true qi.
Qingmu true qi belonged to the wood element. In terms of explosive power it wasn't as domineering as Lihuo true qi, and in defense it wasn't as solid as Kunti true qi, but its recovery speed was unparalleled, and its ability to heal injuries was incomparable to other elemental true qi.
As an embracing elixir strength mid-stage expert, Luo Xinya's true qi was deep and flowing like a babbling brook, full of vitality, revealing an artistic conception of endless life and continuity in its circulation.
She quickly finished her demonstration.
Next, Li Danian, Hong Liangcai, Ji Yilan and other seven embracing elixir disciples stepped forward to demonstrate in turn.
Li Baichuan merely glanced casually a few times before nodding slightly.
Embracing elixir strength was the foundation for Qingmu Courtyard to maintain a certain status. As long as they weren't too poor, they usually wouldn't be asked to leave.
Next came the transforming strength disciples.
Those in front were several veteran disciples who had been initiated for three or four years. They tried their best to operate their techniques, but their ignited sparks flickered unsteadily and their external energy release seemed sluggish.
Li Baichuan's gaze lingered on them slightly longer.
"Wang Tao, transforming strength major achievement, primary cultivation 'Qingmu Longevity Formula,' weak spark foundation, slow progress."
Li Baichuan didn't even lift his eyelids, yet this made the disciple named Wang Tao's face instantly turn pale.
"Li Yu'er, transforming strength major achievement, primary cultivation 'Qingmu Longevity Formula,' mixed and impure energy..."
"Zhang Quan, transforming strength major achievement, 'Qingmu Longevity Formula' first layer stagnant for four years..."
Those veteran disciples already looked ashen.
They understood that Master Li's words were a verdict.
When it was Chen Qing's turn, he stepped forward and calmly operated the "Qingmu Longevity Formula."
The exceptionally refined spark phantom in his dantian seemed to emerge through his body, with vigorous flame momentum.
This was precisely the mark of transforming strength major achievement.
Li Baichuan merely nodded faintly.
"Chen Qing, one year since initiation, transforming strength major achievement."
Chen Qing knew in his heart that compared to the previous senior brothers, his initiation time was still short, so he was very safe.
The examination quickly ended.
Luo Xinya announced the results loudly. As expected, those few disciples who had performed mediocrely and had been initiated for a considerable time had their names prominently listed.
The disciples whose names were called reacted differently: some were devastated and lost their souls, some were full of unwillingness with clenched fists, and others seemed to have anticipated it, merely sighing deeply while looking around with complex expressions at this place that had once held their hopes.
After Luo Xinya finished the announcement, Li Baichuan indifferently turned around and walked back to his small courtyard without looking back.
The atmosphere in the courtyard was somewhat oppressive.
Most of the disciples whose names weren't called breathed sighs of relief and quickly dispersed with some sense of fortune.
The dismissed disciples gathered together in gloom.
"Senior Brother Wang, Senior Sister Li, what are your... plans?" Zhao Shi walked to those familiar veteran disciples, his tone carrying concern and a trace of melancholy from fellow sufferers.
Though he hadn't been dismissed, seeing these familiar faces leave made his heart inevitably heavy.
"What else can we do?" Wang Tao smiled bitterly with a face full of bitterness, "My family spent everything to send me to Five Terraces Sect, and now... I have no face to return. I heard Five Terraces Sect has influence in the prefectural army, so I plan to join the military."
His eyes carried a last trace of unwilling struggle.
The Five Terraces Army was an elite force. If he could break through to embracing elixir strength in the military, there might yet be hope for a turnaround.
Li Yu'er appeared much calmer, "Four years, and still haven't broken through to embracing elixir strength. After enduring all these years, it's come to an end. My family still has some property in a small city, so I'll live comfortably for the rest of my life."
She tried to sound carefree, but that barely concealed disappointment in her eyes betrayed her unwillingness.
After all, she was just one step away!
"Senior Sister Li sees it clearly!" Another dismissed senior brother named Sun Li joined in, "My uncle opened a sizable escort agency in Linjiang City and is short-handed. With our transforming strength cultivation, escorting goods and guarding homes is more than adequate! It's better than looking at people's faces in the courtyard! Senior Brother Wang, Senior Sister Li, do you want to do it together? With us senior brothers and sisters joining forces, with our reputation from Five Terraces Sect, we can make it in the martial world!"
Wang Tao politely declined, "I've already decided to join the Five Terraces Army."
He preferred joining the Five Terraces Army where opportunities were greater.
Li Yu'er remained silent without speaking.
"Junior Brother Zhang, Junior Brother Zhao, Junior Brother Chen?" Sun Li said half-jokingly, half-seriously, "You can come find me at the escort agency later, we can discuss the treatment."
Hearing this, Zhao Shi's face clearly showed a trace of interest.
Leaving the sect's protection, being able to join a familiar circle and band together for warmth was indeed a good choice.
Though he hadn't been asked to leave by Master Li now, he still needed to plan for the future.
Thinking this, Zhao Shi subconsciously looked at Chen Qing.
Chen Qing remained calm and cupped his hands, "Thank you for Senior Brother Sun's kind intention. This matter can wait for later discussion."
"Right, right, right." Sun Li nodded repeatedly, "Later discussion is fine."
Zhang Quan was a taciturn disciple who rarely communicated with other courtyard disciples.
Now being dismissed, his eyes were filled with confusion and uncertainty about the future.
Chen Qing chatted casually with them for a few sentences before taking his leave, "Senior brothers and sisters, I have matters to attend to, so I'll leave first."
"Junior Brother Chen, until we meet again." Sun Li, Li Yu'er and others also cupped their hands.
Chen Qing returned the gesture and disappeared from Qingmu Courtyard.
Zhao Shi also exchanged pleasantries before leaving.
The vast training ground suddenly became sparsely populated, quiet and somewhat desolate compared to the earlier bustle.
Wang Tao, Li Yu'er, Sun Li, Zhang Quan and others faced each other silently without speaking.
The smile on Sun Li's face gradually disappeared.
A great sense of loss and uncertainty about the future weighed heavily on their hearts.
Chen Qing hadn't walked far from Qingmu Courtyard when he saw Yang Zhicheng's old servant already waiting at the intersection.
"Master Chen." The old servant bowed respectfully, "Master sent this old slave to report that the matter you asked him to keep an eye on some days ago has leads! Master says the kind of handy long spear you're looking for, Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion just received a batch of new goods, among which there seems to be something to your liking. Master is already waiting at Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion and has prepared a carriage, requesting you to come take a look."
Chen Qing's heart stirred slightly.
Though he and Yang Zhicheng were both in the prefectural city, each was busy with their own affairs and didn't meet often.
He had mentioned in a previous letter wanting to find a more suitable long spear. He hadn't expected the other party to keep it in mind and have news so quickly.
"Thank you for your trouble." Chen Qing nodded, "I'll tidy up briefly and go."
"The carriage is already waiting at the alley entrance. Please take your time, Master Chen." Old Zhou bowed and stepped back.
Chen Qing returned to change into clean, neat dark blue-green training attire, bringing along the silver notes Wu Manqing had given him and the bundle obtained from the River-Overturning Five Dragons.
Only then did he come to the door and board the carriage.
At the same time, in the western suburbs of Yunlin Prefecture City, inside an abandoned River God Temple.
The cold, damp air was thick with the heavy smell of blood.
Four figures sat around a campfire, the leaping flames illuminating their either fierce or sinister faces.
They were the second brother Sun Kui, fourth brother Li Xiao, fifth brother Qian Tong, and sixth brother Hu Sifang of the Seven Sinister Tigers.
"Second brother, the news is confirmed! That Chen bastard left Five Terraces Sect and took a carriage toward Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion in the city!" Li Xiao's eyes flashed with cold light.
The Seven Sinister Tigers had sworn brotherhood for decades, close as blood brothers.
In the battle at North Marsh Fishing Ground No. 3, they lost two brothers, all perishing at Chen Qing's hands.
Blood vengeance couldn't coexist under the same sky. They had long wanted to tear him to pieces, but hadn't found the right opportunity.
"Big brother went to discuss important matters and won't be back for a while," Sun Kui said in a low voice.
Dark qi swirled around his body, his aura even more condensed and heavy than at North Marsh Fishing Ground, clearly having broken through to early embracing elixir strength!
However, that aura carried a violent quality, obviously caused by forcibly devouring others' true qi.
"That Qingmu Courtyard bastard, Chen Qing!" Fifth brother Qian Tong gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with bone-deep hatred, "Third and seventh brothers' lives must be paid for with his blood! This vengeance, I can't wait another day!"
"Fifth brother is right!" Sixth brother Hu Sifang's eyes were cold as a viper's, "That little beast only has transforming strength cultivation. Even if he could kill those River-Overturning Five Dragons wastes, how strong could he be? We brothers have greatly improved in strength, especially second brother who broke through to embracing elixir strength. Killing him is like slaughtering a dog!"
Fourth brother Li Xiao, tall and thin, added sinisterly, "News came that the kid went to the Liu family's Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. Yunlin City has many people and mixed eyes, not good for action. When he finishes his business and returns to Five Terraces Sect... the desolate countryside is the perfect place to send him to his death!"
Sun Kui's eyes flashed with murderous light. Reason told him he should follow big brother Tu Gang's instructions and temporarily avoid trouble.
However, under the stimulation of the Black Fiend True Qi, his viciousness and killing intent grew increasingly intense, eroding his mind like poison.
"Good!" Sun Kui slapped his thigh forcefully, causing even the campfire to flicker, "We'll do as fourth brother says! I'm now at embracing elixir strength, plus you three at transforming strength major achievement. Even with three heads and six arms, he can't escape! We'll ambush him on the road he must take back to Five Terraces Sect! Remember, quick battle and decisive victory, leave no survivors! After killing him, drain his true qi and throw the body into Qianchuan Marsh to feed the fish!"
"Yes!" Li Xiao, Qian Tong, and Hu Sifang responded in unison, their eyes all gleaming with bloodthirsty light.
In the abandoned River God Temple, killing intent overflowed.
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