Free Web NovelChapter 392: Chapter 182: Breakthrough
This substance had a miraculous effect on consolidating one’s foundation and assisting in breakthroughs. It was a rare sight for ordinary disciples.
Elder Sang said, "The Sect’s resources have not been abundant in recent years. This substance was originally reserved for disciples on the verge of a breakthrough. However, the Sect Leader believes you are all the future hope of the Sect and has specially approved a grant of three drops to each of you. For those who have already reached Perfection, it can aid in your breakthrough. For those who have not, you may use it to consolidate your Cultivation and deepen your foundation. I hope you will all use it well, cultivate diligently, and not disappoint the Sect’s high hopes for you."
"Thank you, Sect Leader! Thank you, Elder Sang! Thank you to the Sect!"
The disciples all bowed, excitedly stepping forward to receive their share of the Earth Core Milk.
Chen Qing also stepped forward to receive a Jade Bottle, closing his hand around it. ’Three drops aren’t much, but it’s a token of the Sect’s goodwill. It’s better than nothing.’
Once everyone had received their portion, they took their leave one by one, all eager to return and assimilate what they had gained that day.
"Chen Qing, stay for a moment."
Elder Sang suddenly spoke.
Chen Qing paused, feeling a little puzzled.
Yan Yaoyang, Nie Shanshan, and the others glanced at him but didn’t ask any questions before leaving one after another.
In the blink of an eye, only Elder Sang, Shen Xiuyong, and Chen Qing remained in the hall.
Elder Sang’s expression grew somewhat grim. "Regarding the matter with Yu River of the Earth Element Sect," he began, "the Sect has already sent them a formal inquiry."
He paused, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "The Earth Element Sect replied, insisting that Elder Yu River was merely ’inviting’ you for tea and some questions. They claim he made no substantive threats and caused no harm. In fact, they emphasized that Elder Yu River severely wounded the Demon Sect expert, Jiangchuan Bridge, and thus protected you..."
Chen Qing scoffed internally. ’Some "invitation." Some "minor inappropriate conduct." To think they’d dismiss it so lightly.’
Shen Xiuyong chimed in from the side, "Those old coots from the Earth Element Sect are notorious for protecting their own. It’s a miracle they even agreed to give you some compensation. After all, Lin’an Prefecture is their territory. It’s very difficult for our Wutai Sect to extend its reach that far and apply greater pressure."
Chen Qing nodded. He understood that this involved a balance of power between factions; obtaining any tangible benefit was already the best possible outcome.
He said in a low voice, "I understand. Thank you, Elder Sang and Martial Uncle, for negotiating on my behalf."
"It’s good that you understand."
Elder Sang nodded. His expression then grew more serious, and he lowered his voice. "There is another, even stranger matter. Word has come from Lin’an Prefecture that the Fortress Master of Golden Sand Castle, Miao Feng, and his sworn brother, Vice Fortress Master Ji Qixuan, have both disappeared!"
"Disappeared?"
Chen Qing’s heart skipped a beat, and it wasn’t an act.
He instantly thought of Li Lao Deng.
’So efficient. And the methods... so clean and decisive!?’
’And after a two-month delay, no less. It makes connecting the two incidents almost impossible, foiling any speculation or investigation.’
"Precisely!"
Elder Sang’s voice was heavy. "They have been missing for several days. At first, no one noticed anything amiss, not until chaos erupted within Golden Sand Castle from being leaderless. Only after various factions began investigating did they discover that these two Astral Force masters had vanished as if into thin air. No sign of them, dead or alive! This incident has already caused a huge uproar in Lin’an Prefecture. The Earth Element Sect and the Haisa Sect are now taking the opportunity to carve up the territory and businesses left behind by Golden Sand Castle. The news hasn’t spread to Yunlin yet, but I imagine it will soon."
The vast majority of those who go missing are never heard from again, like a stone sinking into the ocean. ƒrēewebnovel.com
By convention, anyone who hasn’t been heard from for a long time is presumed dead.
This was especially true for the helmsmen of a regional power like Golden Sand Castle.
Shen Xiuyong added from the side, his brow deeply furrowed, "According to my friend in the Haisa Sect, Qiao Hongyun, the whole affair is extremely bizarre. Miao Feng was at the Mid-stage of Astral Force, and Ji Qixuan was at the Early Stage. Their strength was considerable, and they were inside the heavily guarded Golden Sand Castle."
"To make them both disappear without a trace, the assailant’s strength... is likely at least at the Great Success stage of Astral Force, perhaps even higher. And it was most likely a sneak attack or assassination."
The Early and Middle Stages of Astral Force are known as the Inner Astral Realm.
When True Astral first forms, its power far exceeds True Qi. It can leave the body for attack and defense, but it primarily resides within the practitioner. The connection with heaven and earth is shallow, the range of Primordial Qi that can be mobilized is limited, and its power has yet to reach its apex.
The Late Stage and Perfection, on the other hand, are known as the Outer Astral Realm. In this realm, True Astral can harm enemies from a great distance, and its power is far greater.
He paused, his tone growing solemn. "And above the Inner Astral is an even more profound realm: the Outer Astral. To reach it, one must refine their Inner Astral to an incomparable purity. With a mere thought, True Astral can emerge from the body and resonate intensely with the surrounding Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi, moving as an extension of one’s own limbs. It can be shaped for Body Protection or used to attack enemies from afar. Its power is immense and truly extraordinary."
Elder Sang said gravely, "Anyone capable of this is no ordinary expert. I wonder which reclusive master Golden Sand Castle managed to offend."
Shen Xiuyong then turned to Chen Qing and smiled. "However, this is actually good news for you. Miao Feng always suspected you were the one who killed Miao Zhicheng. Now, that major threat has eliminated itself."
Chen Qing’s expression remained placid as he nodded. "It certainly saves me a lot of trouble."
After exchanging a few more words with Elder Sang and Shen Xiuyong, Chen Qing took his leave.
As he walked out of the Council Hall, the turmoil in his heart was slow to subside.
Master Li’s methods far exceeded his imagination.
’Two Astral Force masters, vanished just like that. His strength is likely far greater than the Outer Astral Realm Elder Sang speculated. It’s highly possible... he’s already beyond the Astral Realm!’ frёewebηovel.cѳm
’After a while, I must pay Master Li another visit,’ Chen Qing mused.
The incident had just concluded; it wasn’t a good time to visit right away.
He returned to his small courtyard, cleared his mind of distractions, and consumed the three drops of Centennial Earth Core Milk, once again immersing himself in his Cultivation.
Time slipped by in arduous Cultivation.
「In the blink of an eye, another twenty days had passed.」
[Heaven Rewards Diligence]
[Cyan Wood Eternal Spring Technique Fourth Layer (4999/5000)]
On this day, the last trace of blockage in the twelfth of Chen Qing’s Orthodox Meridians was completely blasted open by an incomparably majestic True Qi. The meridians throughout his body were now unobstructed, his True Qi surging like a great river, cycling endlessly, full of everlasting life!
Embracing Pill Realm Perfection!
He slowly opened his eyes, which shone with a brilliant light. He had no intention of stopping.
"Today, I’ll do it all in one go."
Chen Qing took a deep breath. "I will refine my True Astral and break through to the Astral Realm!"
......
