Chapter 182: Breakthrough

Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint

The night was deep, and Golden Sand Fortress was brightly lit.

Miao Feng sat in the main seat, his expression so gloomy it could drip water.

Sitting across from him was a man about forty years old, precisely his sworn brother Ji Qixuan, who had jointly established Golden Sand Fortress's foundation with him.

Ji Qixuan slowly set down his teacup and shook his head, "Inside and outside the fort, openly and secretly, we've checked everywhere we could. There's not a single clue. Let this matter go."

He looked at Miao Feng, his eyes complex.

According to the information he had learned, the bizarre disappearance of Miao Zhiheng and his attendants, as well as the miserable deaths of those several Earth Origin Sect experts, the scene was clean and efficient, with corpse-dissolving powder used. Such methods were definitely not ordinary.

Although he didn't believe that Five Terraces Sect's Chen Qing had the ability to accomplish this alone, this matter must be connected to Chen Qing, and even his martial uncle Shen Xiuyong.

Provoking a newly advanced True Aura expert with limitless potential was extremely unwise, let alone the Five Terraces Sect behind him.

He deeply understood this sworn brother's pain of losing a son, but he had to prioritize Golden Sand Fortress's foundation.

Miao Feng said in a heavy voice.

Although he had seven sons, Miao Zhiheng was the heir he had devoted the most effort to and placed the greatest hopes in. Now that he was lost, it was like severing his arm. How could his heart be willing?

Seeing his appearance, Ji Qixuan sighed, stood up and walked to his side, patting his shoulder, "Accept my condolences. There are many affairs within the fort that still need you to preside over the overall situation. I've already had people withdraw that assassination bounty."

"Mm." Miao Feng grunted in response.

Ji Qixuan pondered for a moment, lowered his voice, and said meaningfully, "Brother Miao, some matters aren't urgent for the moment. The days are still long. In the future... there may not be no opportunities. Just keep it in your heart."

His words were veiled, but hinted that there might be opportunities for secret revenge in the future.

Hearing his brother's words, Miao Feng took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

The two chatted idly for a few more sentences about the fort's income and expenses, mine guard duties, and other miscellaneous matters. Seeing that Miao Feng's mood remained low, Ji Qixuan took his leave.

The hall returned to silence, leaving only Miao Feng alone.

At this moment he must endure, but the pain of losing his son was like poisonous fire burning his heart.

The pressure from Five Terraces Sect, the veiled warning from Earth Origin Sect, all made him feel incomparably stifled and angry.

"Hah..."

He exhaled a long turbid breath, as if wanting to expel all his unwillingness, "A gentleman's revenge is not too late even after ten years..."

Just as his mind was agitated and he was about to stand up, all the hair on his body suddenly stood on end!

At the hall entrance, at some unknown time, an additional figure had appeared soundlessly.

That person had their back to the cold moonlight outside the door. Their face was hidden in shadow, unclear, only showing a slightly hunched outline, revealing that the visitor was no longer young.

They just stood there quietly, as if they should naturally be there, merged as one with the surrounding shadows.

Miao Feng's pupils instantly contracted to pinpoint size. A chill rushed from his tailbone straight to the crown of his head. His heart pounded wildly, almost jumping out of his chest!

He had True Aura cultivation!

His spiritual awareness was keen. Nothing within several dozen zhang could escape his perception!

Yet this person could silently invade to such a close distance, only being detected by him after revealing themselves?!

What terrifying cultivation was this? What bizarre movement technique?!

"Who are you!?"

Miao Feng abruptly stood up, his True Aura instinctively circulating to protect his entire body.

The visitor seemed to chuckle lightly, appearing especially eerie in the silent night, "Someone asked me to come solve a bit of trouble for him."

The more casual it was, the more chilled Miao Feng felt in his heart and gall.

Having reached his realm, he deeply knew how vast the world was, how many capable and extraordinary people there were. Some old monsters' methods far exceeded ordinary imagination.

This unknown feeling of having his life and death easily controlled made him feel a trace of fear.

"Your Excellency... Senior..."

Miao Feng forcefully suppressed his nearly out-of-control heartbeat, his throat dry, "Are... are you an assassin from One Blade Nunnery?"

The first thing he thought of was that mysterious and unfathomable One Blade Nunnery.

"No." The visitor's answer was very simple.

"Then... who is Senior?"

Miao Feng tried to see the other party's face clearly.

"Who I am, all of this isn't important." The visitor slightly shook their head and stepped forward.

Just this one step, an invisible yet heavy as a mountain pressure instantly enveloped the entire hall. The air seemed to freeze.

Miao Feng only felt his breath catch. His body-protecting True Aura was actually pressed by this pressure until it flickered uncertainly!

Miao Feng's soul fled in terror. His survival instinct overwhelmed everything as he urgently said, "Senior! That person... that person who hired you, what price did they offer? I, Miao Feng, can equally afford it! Double! No, triple! I only ask Senior to show mercy!"

"Oh?"

The visitor's steps paused, seemingly interested, "Show me your sincerity."

Miao Feng seemed to grasp a life-saving straw and hurriedly said, "Yes! Yes! Golden Sand Fortress's accumulation over many years, I dare not say we're as wealthy as a kingdom, but we have some treasures! Superior medicinal herbs, rare ores, and... and a treasure weapon passed down in my Miao family! All are... all in the hidden compartment in my study! As long as Senior spares my life, feel free to take them all!"

He knew that exchanging money for his life was his greatest possibility of survival.

"Good. I understand."

The visitor's tone remained flat, nodding with satisfaction but this tone made Miao Feng's heart suddenly sink, instantly falling into an icy abyss!

The other party had no intention of negotiating terms at all!

Miao Feng's heart turned vicious. He suddenly roared sharply, his left hand that had been hidden in his sleeve forcefully flung out!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Three longan-sized, pitch-black spheres shot toward the visitor in a triangular formation. These were precisely Golden Sand Fortress's secret poison evil thunders, extremely vicious!

At the same time, his figure was like a sharp arrow shot from a powerful bow. The True Aura within his body erupted without reservation as he crashed toward the window leading to the inner chamber at the side rear!

That was his only possible escape route!

He was fast, but the visitor was faster!

Those three poison evil thunders that could make even True Aura experts wary had only flown halfway, not even having time to explode, when the visitor merely casually flicked a sleeve.

An invisible aura instantly enveloped those three poison evil thunders, as if an invisible large hand gently grasped them. Without even a trace of sound, that violent aura was forcibly suppressed and annihilated into nothingness!

And Miao Feng's figure was just about to crash through the window frame when...

A withered hand, as if it had been waiting there all along, seemingly slow but soundlessly and tracelessly pressed on the Baihui acupoint atop Miao Feng's head.

Miao Feng's forward momentum abruptly stopped. The relief of escaping death on his face instantly froze, replaced by extreme terror. The light in his eyes rapidly dimmed like a candle blown out by a gale.

"Eh..."

A soft sound came from within his skull.

The surging True Aura throughout his body suddenly dissipated like a punctured air bag. His body swayed, then softly collapsed to the ground, making no more sound.

After destroying the body and eliminating traces, the visitor muttered to himself, "Rushing thousands of li for just this little benefit... this time it was a losing deal. Next time I must earn back the principal with interest from that brat."

Saying this, his figure flickered and went straight toward the direction of Miao Feng's study.

Half a month passed in a flash. Chen Qing's Qingmu Longevity Formula progressed daily, getting closer and closer to the fifth layer.

This day, he was concentrating on cultivation in his courtyard when suddenly a knocking sound rang out.

A steward respectfully said outside, "Chief Disciple Chen, Elder Sang requests you go to the Internal Affairs Hall conference room."

Chen Qing withdrew his cultivation and opened the door, asking, "Did Elder Sang say what it's about?"

The steward replied, "The specific matter isn't very clear. I only know it's to summon all disciples at late-stage embracing elixir strength within the sect."

Chen Qing nodded, straightened his robes, and followed the steward to the Internal Affairs Hall.

When he entered the conference room, Li Wang and Li Lei were already seated. Behind them were three more disciples, one from Lihuo Courtyard and two from Kunti Courtyard, all at late-stage embracing elixir cultivation.

"Junior Brother Chen."

Seeing Chen Qing, Li Wang waved to indicate.

Chen Qing inquired, "Two Senior Brothers, do you know why Elder Sang summoned us?"

Li Lei shook his head, indicating he didn't know.

Li Wang spread his hands even more, completely confused.

Soon, Yan Yaoyang and Nie Shanshan also arrived successively. Behind them were also four disciples at late-stage embracing elixir strength.

Yan and Nie's auras were round and full, clearly having reached embracing elixir perfection for some time, currently in the critical stage of refining their foundations and preparing to attack True Aura.

"Everyone's here."

At this time, Elder Sang's voice came from the back hall. He was seen walking out slowly, with three more elders following behind him.

Chen Qing recognized these three people. They were Yue Cheng, Zhou Yi, and Fan Yan, all senior elders within the sect at embracing elixir perfection who had repeatedly attempted to break through to True Aura over many years and had rich experience.

What surprised Chen Qing slightly was that Shen Xiuyong was also among them.

"We pay respects to Elder Sang and all the elders!"

All the disciples in the hall clasped their fists in salute together.

"No need for ceremony."

Elder Sang waved his hand. His gaze swept across each elite disciple present as he said in a heavy voice, "I summoned you here only because you are all pillars of the sect's future, all having hope of attacking the True Aura realm in the short term. This time, Elder Yue, Elder Zhou, Elder Fan, as well as the newly advanced True Aura expert Elder Shen will share some experiences and techniques from the breakthrough process with you, hoping to help you avoid detours in the future."

As soon as these words came out, a slight commotion immediately rippled through the hall.

Yan Yaoyang, Nie Shanshan, Li Wang, Li Lei, and the others all had a flash of light burst forth in their eyes.

Breaking through to True Aura was extremely difficult. Any predecessor's experience was invaluable.

Although Chen Qing was confident that with Heaven Rewards Diligence's assistance, breaking through wasn't difficult, his face still showed an earnestly expectant appearance, not appearing special in the slightest.

"Good, let's start with Elder Yue then."

Elder Sang indicated.

Elder Yue Cheng spoke first, narrating the lessons from his multiple failed attempts to attack True Aura, summarizing the dangers and key points when true qi underwent qualitative transformation, emphasizing the importance of a stable state of mind and solid foundation.

Elders Zhou Yi and Fan Yan subsequently supplemented, mentioning personal insights. Some even mentioned that breaking through bottlenecks was closely related to one's root bone aptitude. Those with superior root bones, if fully prepared, naturally had higher success rates. Otherwise, obstacles were numerous.

These words made everyone below have different thoughts. Some were confident, while others secretly weighed their chances.

Finally, it was Shen Xiuyong's turn.

He laughed heartily, his tone relaxing somewhat, "I'm not one for all those twists and turns. True qi overflowing, meridians all opened, mental state clear, drawing heaven and earth qi into the body, compressing and refining, after a hundred kinds of suffering, True Aura forms naturally, as if it naturally follows its course..."

He narrated his breakthrough experience in detail with concise words.

Yan Yaoyang, Nie Shanshan, and the others listened very seriously. Especially those two who had already reached perfection realm fell into contemplation, clearly benefiting greatly.

Elder Sang finally summarized, "The great Dao is simple, yet practicing it is difficult. You must remember, accumulating strength gradually is the proper path. Never rashly advance for merit, nor underestimate yourselves."

Having finished speaking, a steward behind him came forward holding a cold jade tray. On the tray were placed several exquisite jade bottles. Within the bottles could faintly be seen swirling flowing light.

Chen Qing recognized at a glance that it was Hundred-Year Earth Heart Milk.

"Hundred-Year Earth Heart Milk!" Some disciples exclaimed in low voices.

The breathing of those several disciples who weren't chief disciples instantly became rapid, their eyes full of fervor.

This item had miraculous effects for consolidating foundations and assisting breakthroughs. Ordinary disciples rarely saw it.

Elder Sang said, "The sect's resources have also been tight in recent years. This item was originally exclusively for disciples about to break through. However, the Sect Master believes you are all the sect's future hope, so specially approved that each person be granted three drops. Those who have already reached perfection can use it as assistance for breakthrough. Those who haven't yet reached perfection can also use it to consolidate cultivation and deepen foundations. I hope you all use it well, cultivate diligently, and don't disappoint the sect's high hopes."

"Thank you Sect Master! Thank you Elder Sang! Thank you sect!"

All the disciples bowed in salute, excitedly stepping forward to receive their share of Earth Heart Milk.

Chen Qing also stepped forward to receive the jade bottle, holding it in his palm. Though three drops weren't much, it was still the sect's goodwill, better than nothing.

After everyone finished receiving theirs, they took their leave one after another, all eager to return and digest today's gains.

"Chen Qing, please stay a moment."

Elder Sang suddenly spoke.

Chen Qing's steps paused, slightly curious.

Yan Yaoyang, Nie Shanshan, and the others glanced at him but didn't ask much, leaving successively.

In the blink of an eye, only Elder Sang, Shen Xiuyong, and Chen Qing remained in the hall.

Elder Sang's expression appeared somewhat grave as he spoke, "Regarding the matter of Earth Origin Sect's Yu He, the sect has already sent them stern inquiries."

He paused, his tone carrying a trace of helplessness, "Earth Origin Sect replied, firmly insisting that Elder Yu He only 'invited' you to go for tea and questions, without any substantive threatening actions, and caused no harm. Instead, they emphasized that Elder Yu He severely injured the Demon Sect expert Jiang Chuanqiao, actually protecting you..."

Chen Qing sneered inwardly. What a fine word "invited," what fine "some slightly inappropriate words and actions," actually described so lightly.

Shen Xiuyong interjected from the side, "Those several old fellows from Earth Origin Sect are famously protective. That they can loosen their mouths and agree to give you some compensation is already rare. After all, Lin'an Prefecture is their territory. Our Five Terraces Sect's hand truly finds it hard to reach over and apply greater pressure."

Chen Qing nodded, understanding that this involved balancing power between forces. Being able to get some practical benefits was already the best result.

He said in a heavy voice, "This disciple understands. Thank you Elder Sang and Martial Uncle for mediating on this disciple's behalf."

"As long as you understand."

Elder Sang nodded, then his expression became even more serious as he lowered his voice, "There's another matter that's even more strange. News came from Lin'an Prefecture that Golden Sand Fortress's Fort Master Miao Feng and his sworn brother, Deputy Fort Master Ji Qixuan, have both disappeared!"

"Disappeared?"

Chen Qing's heart skipped a beat. This wasn't feigned.

He instantly thought of Old Man Li.

Such high efficiency, such... clean and efficient methods!?

And it was also two months later, ensuring the two matters had no necessary connection and were difficult to speculate about and investigate.

"Precisely!"

Elder Sang's tone was heavy, "They've been missing for several days. Initially no one noticed anything amiss. It wasn't until Golden Sand Fortress's interior fell into chaos from being leaderless that various parties investigating discovered these two True Aura experts had actually vanished like smoke, neither their living forms nor corpses to be found! This matter has already stirred up huge waves in Lin'an Prefecture. Now Earth Origin Sect and Sea Sand Sect are taking the opportunity to massively divide up the territory and industries Golden Sand Fortress left behind. It hasn't spread in Yunlin yet, but presumably people will know soon."

The vast majority of missing persons ultimately sink like stones in the ocean, never to be traced again.

Therefore by convention, those long without news were mostly treated as deceased.

Much less the helmsmen of a powerful force like Golden Sand Fortress.

Shen Xiuyong supplemented from the side, his brows tightly furrowed, "According to news from my good friend Qiao Hongyun at Sea Sand Sect, this matter is extremely strange. Miao Feng was at mid-stage True Aura, Ji Qixuan was also at initial-stage True Aura. Both had considerable strength and were inside the heavily guarded Golden Sand Fortress."

"To make them both disappear soundlessly, the other party's strength... I fear they must at least be True Aura great achievement realm, or even higher level figures who acted, and very likely through sneak attack and assassination."

Initial and mid-stage True Aura were called Internal Aura realm.

True Aura newly formed had power far exceeding true qi, could leave the body for attack and defense, but mainly coiled within the body. Communication with heaven and earth was shallow, the range for mobilizing elemental qi was limited, and power hadn't reached its peak.

Whereas late-stage and perfection True Aura were called External Aura realm. True Aura could leave the body at long distances to harm enemies with even greater power.

He paused, his tone carrying a trace of solemnity, "Above Internal Aura, there's an even more mysterious realm, which is External Aura. One must refine Internal Aura to extreme purity so that at a thought True Aura penetrates the body, producing strong resonance with surrounding heaven and earth elemental qi. It moves like one's arm, can take form to protect the body, and can also remotely attack enemies with vast power and extraordinary mystery."

Elder Sang said in a heavy voice, "Those who can do this are definitely not ordinary. I don't know what hidden expert Golden Sand Fortress offended."

Shen Xiuyong turned to look at Chen Qing and smiled, "However, for you this is actually good news. Miao Feng always suspected you killed Miao Zhiheng. Now this greatest hidden danger has eliminated itself."

Chen Qing's face remained impassive as he nodded, "It does save much trouble."

After conversing a few more sentences with Elder Sang and Shen Xiuyong, Chen Qing took his leave.

Walking out of the conference hall, the waves in his heart were difficult to calm for a long time.

Master Li's methods far exceeded his imagination.

Two True Aura experts disappeared just like that. His strength was probably definitely not as simple as the "External Aura realm" Elder Sang speculated, very possibly... already above True Aura!

"After some time, I must visit Master Li again." Chen Qing thought silently.

Right now the matter had just concluded. It wasn't suitable to visit immediately.

He returned to his small courtyard, eliminated distracting thoughts, took those three drops of Hundred-Year Earth Heart Milk, and once again immersed himself in cultivation.

Time quietly passed in bitter cultivation. In the blink of an eye, another twenty days went by.

[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed]

[Qingmu Longevity Formula: Fourth Layer (4999/5000)]

This day, the last trace of sluggishness in the twelfth primary meridian within Chen Qing's body was completely broken through by incomparably vigorous true qi. The meridians throughout his body were unobstructed. True qi flowed like a great river, circulating repeatedly, endless and inexhaustible!

Embracing elixir realm perfection!

He slowly opened his eyes, brilliant light shining in his pupils, without the slightest intention to pause.

"Today I'll push through in one go."

Chen Qing took a deep breath, "Refine True Aura, break through to True Aura!"