Chapter 387

"Ah, so that's how it is."

The old physician nodded in realization after hearing Lu Qing’s explanation.

Although he didn’t know how long it would take for someone who had just broken through to the Golden Core Realm to stabilize their cultivation, judging by Lu Qing’s demeanor, it was clear he already had a plan.

“So, Master, there’s no need to worry. Even if Xuankong Mountain truly has someone breaking through to the Golden Core Realm, it doesn’t mean we’ll necessarily fear them.”

Lu Qing smiled faintly, his tone carrying a resolute confidence that could reassure anyone.

“As long as you have it under control, Ah Qing.”

The old physician didn’t doubt Lu Qing’s words because he knew his disciple never acted without certainty.

Although the Golden Core Realm was undoubtedly powerful, if Lu Qing claimed he had no fear, then he must have his reasons.

After his master left, Lu Qing continued to perceive the evolving rules of heaven and earth around him.

Previously, his low cultivation level had left him with only a rudimentary understanding of these rules. Now that he had reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, although his understanding was still shallow, he could begin to grasp a faint trace of their essence.

...

“Young Master, are you truly unconcerned that the elders of Xuankong Mountain might break through to the Precelestial Realm and come after you?”

The figure of Yan appeared by Lu Qing’s side.

“What’s this? Even you, Senior Yan, are starting to worry? As a venerable artifact spirit who’s encountered numerous Nascent Soul Realm cultivators, how could you possibly be concerned about mere Golden Core cultivators?”

Lu Qing teased.

However, to his surprise, Yan’s expression turned serious.

“I know you possess unparalleled talent and are practically invincible among your peers, but the Golden Core Realm is different. Those who have transformed their spiritual energy into magical power wield a strength that is beyond what the Foundation Establishment Realm can comprehend.

The same technique, when driven by spiritual energy versus magical power, results in a qualitative difference in power. So, Young Master, you must never underestimate any Golden Core cultivator.”

Seeing Yan’s grave expression, Lu Qing adopted a more solemn attitude.

“Thank you for the warning, Senior Yan. Rest assured, I hold the power of the Golden Core Realm in great respect. Unless absolutely necessary, I won’t take the risk of provoking them.”

Yan observed Lu Qing for a moment. Sensing that he wasn’t joking, the artifact spirit finally nodded.

“As long as you are aware. The Li Huo Cauldron and the Heaven and Earth One Qi Bag may be formidable, but your current cultivation level is still too low to fully unleash their potential.

Even with two spiritual artifacts in hand, it would still be difficult to prevail against a true Golden Core cultivator.”

“I understand.”

Yan said no more.

Although it had accompanied Lu Qing for a long time, there was still an air of mystery about him that even Yan couldn’t fully discern.

Since Lu Qing seemed so confident, Yan suspected he had some hidden trump card.

...

The days that followed were peaceful. Lu Qing continued to delve into the evolution of the rules of heaven and earth, gradually uncovering their intricacies. ℝ₳Ꞑò฿ЕŞ

One day, during his meditative comprehension, a sudden inspiration struck him. A profound understanding surged forth from within, and an enigmatic aura emerged around him.

“At last, I’ve achieved minor mastery of the [Great Strength] Minor Divine Ability.

With my current strength, I might not be far off from the body cultivators of the Golden Core Realm.”

Lu Qing felt the overwhelming power coursing through his body, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

He could sense that, with his current strength, even a casual vibration of his power might be enough to completely destroy the bamboo forest behind the mountain.

Such strength already surpassed the limits of the Foundation Establishment Realm and was on par with that of the Golden Core Realm.

“Young Master, what is this?!”

Yan’s illusory figure manifested beside Lu Qing, shock evident on its spectral face. The aura emanating from Lu Qing made Yan, who had yet to recover its peak strength, feel a sense of unease.

This was far beyond the power of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

“Senior Yan, there’s no need to panic. It’s merely a secret technique I’ve been cultivating that has now borne some fruit.” Lu Qing explained.

“A secret technique?”

The shock on Yan’s face did not diminish.

It could hardly believe what sort of secret technique could elevate Lu Qing’s power to such a level.

At least, back in the days of the Li Huo Sect, there had been no such terrifying secret technique.

Yan’s thoughts stirred, and a trace of worry appeared on its face.

“Young Master, some secret techniques may grant immense power in the short term, but if they deplete your potential in the process, the cost would be far too great.”

Lu Qing was momentarily stunned before realizing what Yan meant.

“Do you think I’ve been practicing some demonic secret technique?” he asked with a laugh.

Yan didn’t respond, but its silence spoke volumes.

Especially since there was a mysterious demonic cultivator’s soul imprisoned in the Li Huo Cauldron, bound to Lu Qing through a soul enslavement imprint.

Could it be that this demonic cultivator had influenced Lu Qing?

“Young Master, demonic cultivators are notoriously deceitful and cunning. Their words are filled with lies and traps. You must be vigilant and not trust them lightly.”

“It seems you’ve misunderstood me, Senior Yan.”

Hearing this, Lu Qing immediately understood what Yan was implying.

It believed he had been influenced by the demonic cultivator and had started practicing some harmful demonic techniques.

However, Yan’s concern warmed Lu Qing’s heart. At least this ancient artifact spirit genuinely cared for him.

“So, Young Master, you haven’t been practicing the secret techniques of that demonic cultivator?”

“Of course not. I’ve been cultivating the

Five Elements Body Refining Technique

all along. How could I possibly switch to demonic techniques that harm my foundation?” Lu Qing shook his head.

“Then how do you explain your current strength?”

It wasn’t that Yan doubted Lu Qing’s words, but the sudden surge in his power was simply too extraordinary.

Other than demonic techniques that sacrifice potential for strength, Yan couldn’t imagine what else could yield such results in such a short time.

Lu Qing smiled faintly.

“Senior Yan, have you ever heard of the path of divine abilities?”

“Divine abilities?”

Yan was stunned for a moment, then its eyes widened. “Young Master, are you talking about divine abilities?!”

Even its voice sharpened with astonishment.

“Indeed.”

Lu Qing withdrew the power of his divine ability, and the aura around him gradually dissipated.

“When I underwent tribulation back then, I was fortunate enough to receive the Heavenly Dao’s gift of a secret divine ability. What you sensed earlier was simply the result of my progress in cultivating it.”

“A divine ability…”

Yan’s gaze was filled with awe.

As an artifact spirit that had lived for tens of thousands of years, Yan knew full well what a divine ability represented.

Divine abilities were exceedingly rare, even during the ancient cultivation era. Only a few exceptionally fortunate cultivators ever acquired one.

And those cultivators, if they grew successfully, almost always became titans of their era, standing at the pinnacle of the cultivation world.

Now, Lu Qing had a divine ability as well?