Chapter 307

In the early morning, Lu Qing sat in the courtyard.

His left hand held a jade token, while his right hand gripped a carving knife, meticulously engraving.

After a while, Hu Zezhi, still somewhat drowsy, emerged from the room.

Seeing Lu Qing in the courtyard, he instantly became alert.

After quickly tidying up his appearance, he approached Lu Qing.

“Master Lu, you're up so early?”

“Good morning.” Lu Qing looked up and smiled.

His hands never stopped moving.

“Master Lu, what are you carving?” Hu Zezhi asked curiously.

“A jade talisman.”

As Lu Qing finished the last few strokes, the jade token in his hand suddenly emitted a white light, which gradually dimmed.

“Perfect timing, try it out and see if it works.”

Lu Qing handed the jade token to Hu Zezhi.

“Me? Try it?” Hu Zezhi accepted the jade token, puzzled. “How do I test it?”

“Just drip a drop of blood on it.” Lu Qing took out a silver needle. “I'll prick you. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt.”

“Oh.”

Hu Zezhi trusted Lu Qing, so he obediently extended his hand.

Lu Qing gently pricked his index finger, squeezing out a drop of blood onto the jade token.

It was quite miraculous—once the blood touched the jade token, it was absorbed instantly, like a drop of water into the sea.

Soon, a faint red hue surfaced on the jade token.

What surprised Hu Zezhi even more was that she felt a mysterious connection with the jade token.

“Can you feel it?” Lu Qing noticed her expression and smiled. “Try sensing it with your mind.

This jade talisman has the ability to conceal your aura. As long as you focus, it can effectively hide your presence from others.”

Following Lu Qing’s instructions, Hu Zezhi tried to sense the connection with the jade token.

Soon, she felt a peculiar force enveloping her, suppressing her aura entirely.

“Master Lu, this is...” Hu Zezhi looked at Lu Qing.

“This is the jade talisman I carved for you and Xiaoyan.

You both received a trace of World Origin Qi, but with your current cultivation level, you can't actively refine it yet.

You have to rely on time for the World Origin Qi to gradually merge with your body.

During this process, the World Origin Qi will still emit fluctuations, which could easily attract others' attention.

This jade talisman can help you conceal that aura.”

Only then did Hu Zezhi realize that this jade talisman was specifically crafted for her by Lu Qing.

She immediately stood up and bowed to Lu Qing. “Thank you, Master Lu.”

“No need to thank me. It was just a small task. Remember not to remove this jade talisman during this period.

I’ve also inscribed a defensive spell into the jade talisman. If you encounter danger in the future, it should help protect you in critical moments.”

Hearing this, Hu Zezhi realized how valuable the jade token was.

She tightly gripped the jade token, feeling increasingly grateful to Lu Qing.

As Hu Zezhi was fondly examining the jade talisman, Lu Qing picked up a second jade token and began engraving it.

After reaching the Precelestial Realm, his Soul Power not only increased but also transformed in quality.

Previously, carving formations required him to be extremely cautious and fully focused.

But now, he could do it with ease, as if it were second nature.

It didn't take long for him to finish engraving the second jade talisman.

This second jade talisman was even smaller than Hu Zezhi’s, making it perfect for Xiaoyan.

Just as Lu Qing completed the jade talisman, the old doctor and the others also got up.

Lu Qing went into the room, woke Xiaoyan, and helped her wear the jade talisman.

After everyone had finished their morning tasks, they began to eat breakfast.

“Master, now that we’ve obtained the opportunity, should we start our return journey?”

Lu Qing picked up a small dish with his chopsticks, eating slowly as he asked.

The old doctor pondered for a moment and nodded. “Indeed, now that everything is settled, and we understand the situation of the world, it’s time to return.” ṙã𐌽ổᛒËṦ

“Master Lu, are you all returning?” Hu Zezhi asked in surprise.

“Yes, the purpose of our trip to Zhongzhou was to allow my master to gain insights from the Sacred Pool.

However, we didn’t expect so many events to occur.

Now that we’ve offended Xuankong Mountain, we don't know when they might seek revenge.

So, it’s best to leave early.”

Hu Zezhi nodded, not surprised. “Then after breakfast, let's bid farewell to the Tower Master and Master Zhirui.”

When Lin Zhirui heard that Lu Qing and his group were leaving, he hurried over, only to find them already packing.

“Senior Chen, Young Master Lu, you’re leaving so soon?”

“Yes, Lord Zhirui, our original intention in coming to Zhongzhou was merely for my master to gain insights from the Sacred Pool.

We never expected so many incidents to occur.

Now that we’ve offended Xuankong Mountain, we don’t know when they will come for revenge.

So it’s better to leave as soon as possible.”

Lin Zhirui paused, unable to find the words to persuade them to stay.

Lu Qing’s words were indeed reasonable. He had killed Xuanming and his group, taking their opportunities and treasures.

Xuankong Mountain would undoubtedly be furious.

As one of the Four Great Secret Realms, Xuankong Mountain had existed for countless millennia and was an incredibly powerful force.

No one knew the full extent of their resources.

If they decided to seek revenge, it would be unimaginably devastating.

Moreover, it’s easier to guard against an open attack than a hidden one.

Even though Lu Qing and the old doctor were strong, it was hard to say if they could withstand such an assault.

Thinking of this, Lin Zhirui swallowed the words he had intended to say.

However, he quickly remembered the purpose of his visit and hurriedly said, “But just last night, my master received a Sacred Order from Sacred Mountain. The three Sacred Lords have arranged a banquet and wish to invite Young Master Lu and Senior Chen to visit the mountain.”

“The three Sacred Lords wish to invite my master and me to the mountain?” Lu Qing was taken aback.

“Indeed. The Sacred Order was received last night, but it was too late then, so my master intended to invite you today.”

But who would have thought that early in the morning, he would hear that Lu Qing and his group were leaving?

Lu Qing thought for a moment and then shook his head. “Lord Zhirui, please forgive my rudeness, but I fear I cannot accept the Sacred Lords’ kindness.”

“You intend to refuse the Sacred Lords’ invitation?” Lin Zhirui was surprised.

“Yes. To be frank, Lord Zhirui, you witnessed the conflict I had with the Third Sacred Lord yesterday, where I offended him.

Now, the Sacred Lords wish to invite my master and me to a banquet. To be honest, I’m afraid to go.”

Lin Zhirui didn’t expect Lu Qing to be so candid.

He hesitated for a moment and said, “The three Sacred Lords are known for their magnanimity. I doubt they would hold yesterday's incident against you.”

But then he saw Lu Qing looking at him with a faint smile.

Lin Zhirui’s face reddened, realizing how naive his words had sounded.

“Whether the three Sacred Lords will hold a grudge for yesterday’s incident, I do not know.

But I’ve never been one to place my safety in the hands of others’ magnanimity.

So, Lord Zhirui, please convey to the Tower Master that my master and I will not be attending the Sacred Lords’ banquet.”

Lin Zhirui opened his mouth, but no words came out.

If he were in Lu Qing’s position, he wouldn’t want to place his safety in the hands of another’s mercy either.

So, in the end, he could only say, “Then I will report to my master and see what he has to say.”

Watching Lin Zhirui leave, Lu Qing shook his head again.

During the battle with the Third Sacred Lord, he had discovered a significant secret.

The three Sacred Lords of Sacred Mountain had been recognized by the mountain’s will.

Their cultivation levels were now at the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm, far beyond his current strength.

However, they were bound by restrictions, unable to leave the mountain in their true bodies, and could only operate through puppet incarnations.

If he and his master went to Sacred Mountain, their lives would indeed be at the mercy of the Sacred Lords.

Given their cultivation and the mountain’s will, even if Lu Qing used the Spatial Qi Bag, he would have no chance of victory.

After all, although he had advanced to the Precelestial Realm, he could only utilize a fraction of the spiritual weapon’s power.

How much use that fraction of power would be in Sacred Mountain was uncertain.

Faced with such unpredictable danger, Lu Qing could not possibly agree.

As long as they didn’t go to the mountain, the Sacred Lords, unable to leave the mountain, could do nothing to him with their puppet incarnations.

So, not going to the mountain was the safest choice.

After Lu Qing and his group finished packing, the Tower Master arrived at the small courtyard.

He even brought their carriage with him.

Seeing Lu Qing and his group, the Tower Master made no mention of the Sacred Lords’ invitation.

Instead, he expressed his regret for not hosting them better during their stay.

Seeing this, Lu Qing understood the Tower Master’s stance.

It seemed this wise man, upon understanding Lu Qing’s intentions

, had decided not to press the matter.

This eased Lu Qing’s mind.

If possible, he didn’t want to conflict with this elder.

As soon as the two Dragonblood Horses saw Lu Qing’s group, they happily neighed.

“You two gluttons have been well-fed recently.”

Looking at the two well-groomed horses, their coats gleaming and even slightly fatter, Lu Qing could tell they had been well taken care of at Tianji Tower.

“These two steeds are not only majestic but also highly intelligent. The disciple in charge of them was very fond of them and couldn’t resist feeding them a bit more.”

Seeing this, the Tower Master felt slightly embarrassed and quickly explained.

Horses, due to their need for speed, shouldn’t be too fat, or they would slow down.

But in just a short period, these two horses had visibly gained weight, showing how much the disciple had fed them.

“Tower Master, there’s no need to worry. These two gluttons are always greedy, and if not controlled, they would eat non-stop.

Your disciple, not knowing this, probably didn’t want them to go hungry.

It’s not a problem. We’ll have them run a bit more on the way back, and they’ll slim down quickly.”

Lu Qing was unconcerned.

Since their bloodline transformation, these two gluttons had become much more voracious.

But the more they ate, the longer they could run.

Given their speed, this slight gain in weight would soon be shed.

“By the way, Tower Master, thank you for your care during our stay.

This small gift in the jade bottle is a token of our gratitude.”

Lu Qing took out a small jade bottle and handed it to the Tower Master.

The Tower Master was momentarily stunned, then waved his hand. “Young Master Lu, what are you saying? It was our honor to host you and Senior Chen at Tianji Tower.

How could we accept a gift for that?”

“Please, Tower Master, accept it. We received much care from your sect during our stay, and we also caused some damage yesterday.

If you don’t accept this, I’ll feel uneasy.”

Seeing Lu Qing’s sincerity and determination, the Tower Master hesitated briefly before finally saying, “In that case, I will humbly accept it.”

Seeing the Tower Master accept the jade bottle, Lu Qing smiled.

Then he turned to Lin Zhirui, handing him a cloth bag. “Lord Zhirui, inside is some plum blossom tea from my master. Please accept it.”

Lin Zhirui’s eyes lit up as he received the cloth bag and thanked the old doctor. “Thank you, Senior Chen. I thought I would never get to taste this plum blossom tea again.”

The old doctor chuckled. “If you finish this tea and still crave more, feel free to visit me for more.”

“Then I thank you in advance.”

Lin Zhirui was delighted and readily agreed.

After all, he had also sensed the increasing tension in Sacred City.

If given the chance, escaping to the outside to avoid the storm was a good option.

After bidding farewell, Lu Qing and his group began loading their luggage onto the carriage.

Once everything was packed, and everyone was seated in the carriage, Lu Qing cupped his hands toward the Tower Master and Lin Zhirui. “It’s said that no matter how far one travels together, they must part ways eventually. Tower Master, Lord Zhirui, we won’t trouble you to see us off.

The green hills remain, the waters flow long; if fate allows, we’ll meet again someday.”

“Take care on your journey,” the Tower Master said.

Mago cracked the whip, and the carriage slowly began to move away.

Lin Zhirui watched the carriage gradually disappear into the distance, finally expressing his concern:

“Master, if Young Master Lu refuses to go to Sacred Mountain, how should we report this to the three Sacred Lords?”

“What else can we do? Just report the truth.” The Tower Master’s expression was calm. “Given Young Master Lu’s current strength, if he doesn’t want to go, who can force him?

I believe the Sacred Lords will understand.”

Lin Zhirui nodded.

Indeed, Lu Qing’s strength was now unfathomable, even defeating the Third Sacred Lord.

If he didn’t want to go, no one could compel him, unless the other two Sacred Lords acted, but even then, it was uncertain.

The Tower Master’s gaze was distant. He also had doubts about the Sacred Lords inviting Lu Qing to the mountain.

Now that Lu Qing refused to go, it was just as he wished.

In his heart, the Tower Master didn’t want Lu Qing and the Sacred Lords to clash again.

Otherwise, he had a foreboding sense that something terrifying might happen.

So, allowing Lu Qing to leave like this was the best outcome.

With this thought, the Tower Master’s gaze fell on the jade bottle in his hand.

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