Chapter 379

“Is there a visitor?”

The old doctor was startled at first.

Still immersed in the joy of his recent breakthrough, he hadn’t noticed the commotion outside the village.

Upon hearing this, he extended his senses, perceiving the presence, and a smile surfaced on his face as well. “Indeed, we have an honored guest.”

At the entrance of Jiuli Village, a young man was looking around in awe at the scene before him.

He could hardly believe this was the same village he’d visited twice before.

Veiled in mist, dense with spiritual energy, the place radiated vibrant life.

Even the large tree at the village entrance looked transformed, bearing an unusual and remarkable aura.

What’s more, he faintly sensed an invisible force guarding the village.

If he hadn’t been sure he hadn’t lost his way, he might have doubted whether he’d arrived at some immortal’s blessed land.

Having sensed the protective presence around the village, the young man didn’t rush in as before but instead waited quietly at the entrance.

He knew that with the skills of those two, they would quickly sense his arrival.

As expected, just before he finished admiring the mystic aura of the large tree, a hearty laugh echoed.

“A friend from afar—what a pleasure! Zhirui, I didn’t expect you’d have the time to visit our remote little village.”

As the mist parted, Lu Qing and the old doctor emerged.

Indeed, the young man at the village entrance was none other than Lin Zhirui, a disciple of Tianji Tower.

“Lu Xiaolangjun, Elder Chen, it’s been a long time. I’ve come to ask for another cup or two of plum tea,” Lin Zhirui said with a smile upon seeing Lu Qing and the old doctor.

“Haha, Zhirui, if you want tea, that’s easily done. Come on in,” the old doctor chuckled.

Soon, the three made their way back to the half-mountain courtyard.

“Brother Zhirui.”

Xiao Yan saw Lin Zhirui and approached to greet him with a polite smile.

“It’s been a while, Xiao Yan; you’re looking more and more beautiful. Hm?”

Lin Zhirui was genuinely happy to see Xiao Yan again.

However, as he sensed the aura around her, a look of astonishment flickered in his eyes.

“Lu Xiaolangjun, am I mistaken, or has Xiao Yan…?”

Meeting Lin Zhirui’s gaze, Lu Qing smiled and nodded. “Xiao Yan recently made progress in her Qi Refinement, managing to reach the Precelestial Realm.” ⱤÄƝȱ𝐛Ɛ§

“Ah!”

Lin Zhirui couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yan in amazement.

The Precelestial Realm!

A level many martial artists dream of, training day and night, but struggle to attain.

Yet, here was a little girl who had managed to break through!

If he remembered correctly, Xiao Yan was only about seven or eight years old.

To reach the Precelestial Realm before even turning ten…

Lin Zhirui was at a loss for words to describe just how astonished he felt.

“Zhirui, don’t misunderstand. Xiao Yan’s cultivation method is rather unique, making it relatively easy for her to break through to the Precelestial Realm,” Lu Qing explained, seeing the shock on Lin Zhirui’s face.

“She only has the realm; her actual strength is far below that of other Precelestial Realm practitioners.”

“But it’s still the Precelestial Realm!” Lin Zhirui exhaled deeply, only gradually calming himself.

That Xiao Yan’s strength wasn’t formidable didn’t bother him.

Who would expect a little girl to engage in life-or-death combat?

The most crucial benefit of the Precelestial Realm lay in the transformation it brought to the body and soul, greatly extending one’s lifespan.

As for strength, once someone reached the Precelestial Realm, it would only naturally increase over time.

With genuine Precelestial True Qi, her strength couldn’t fall short.

And with both Lu Qing and the old doctor as mentors, it was evident Xiao Yan’s future cultivation achievements would be limitless.

Reflecting on this, Lin Zhirui turned his attention back to Lu Qing and the old doctor.

Just like back in Zhongzhou, he still couldn’t discern their true strength.

He knew that, despite his recent progress in cultivation, he remained leagues away from these two.

He remembered something he’d heard a month ago about events in the Western State.

A sense of unease lingered in his heart.

After this brief interlude, the group finally settled in the courtyard.

The old doctor began brewing plum tea.

“Zhirui, what brings you to Cangzhou?” Lu Qing asked.

He was a bit puzzled. Zhongzhou was the center of this world, and now that the Heavenly Dao Sounds had rung for the fourth time, the spiritual energy there must be even denser, making it a coveted training ground for cultivators.

Why had Lin Zhirui chosen this time to venture out?

Unexpectedly, Lin Zhirui sighed upon hearing this question.

“To be honest, I’m here to escape,” he admitted.

Lu Qing was taken aback. “Escape? Is something wrong with your sect?”

“No, no, Lu Xiaolangjun, you misunderstand. There’s nothing wrong with Tianji Tower. It’s just that the situation in Zhongzhou has become so chaotic that I left to avoid the turmoil,” Lin Zhirui explained quickly.

“I see,” Lu Qing said, feeling relieved.

He had a favorable impression of Tianji Tower and didn’t want any misfortune to befall the sect.

But still…

“Zhirui, is Zhongzhou’s situation that chaotic now?”

“It’s beyond chaotic,” Lin Zhirui sighed. “You may not know this, but since you left, Zhongzhou’s spiritual energy has been steadily increasing.

“Gradually, many Precelestial Realm practitioners with deep reserves began to uncover profound mysteries and grasp the essence of refining spiritual energy, cultivating it into Spiritual Force.

“On its own, this wouldn’t have thrown Zhongzhou into chaos.

“After all, those Precelestial practitioners who have just grasped the essence of refining spiritual energy are fully focused on cultivation, aiming to advance further and don’t have time for anything else.

“But recently, the Heavenly Dao Sounds rang again.

“Not only did this increase Zhongzhou’s spiritual energy even more, but strange occurrences also began to appear in certain famous mountains and secluded places.

“Among them, some natural treasures were born, and traces of ancient cave mansions were even discovered.

“The news spread, and Zhongzhou plunged into turmoil.

“The secrets of the ancient cultivation era are no longer hidden.

“Most sects and factions in Zhongzhou are already aware of it.

“They know that in ancient times, there was indeed a path to immortality.

“And the emergence of these ancient cave mansions confirms this.

“Once they realized that these cave mansions might contain methods for cultivation and immortal artifacts, the factions in Zhongzhou couldn’t sit still.

“They immediately sent disciples to seize the opportunities, and even those who have comprehended the mysteries of Spiritual Force and cultivated it couldn’t stay behind.

“They all emerged from seclusion, eager to claim these treasures.

“Now, in Zhongzhou, battles have already erupted among factions fighting for the treasures hidden within these cave mansions.

“Some factions have even formed alliances to divide up the cave mansions within their territories, preventing others from intruding.

“Tianji Tower, too, has been approached by various sects for alliances. Even our master has been troubled by it all.

“Ultimately, he decided to send us out on a journey to avoid the situation.”

Unhurriedly, Lin Zhirui recounted recent events in Zhongzhou.