ATPnovel Chapter 30 This is what a seasoned veteran is all about.
Chapter 30 This is what a seasoned veteran is all about.
Suddenly, a powerful aura surged forth from Xu Changqing's body, spreading in all directions like a raging tide. The rubble and dust were scattered, and the air itself seemed to be compressed into a muffled hum.
He slowly raised his hands, feeling the surging magical power within his body. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, which then turned into deep joy.
"Tsk, I originally thought that rebuilding a physical body would take a lot of effort. Even with the demons of Black Wind Ridge, the best outcome would be to recover my cultivation and refine it to the late stage of Qi Refining." He muttered to himself, then paused, "I didn't expect that by taking advantage of this slaughter feast, I would actually be pushed to the half-step Foundation Establishment stage."
He paused, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.
"Hehe, I've made a fortune!"
Upon introspection, the dantian was filled with qi, which had transformed into killing qi. The magical power, like mercury or syrup, surged and circulated in the meridians, each cycle affecting the muscles, bones, and flesh, causing a series of slight tremors and strengthening sensations.
Xu Changqing stroked his chin, his eyes thoughtful: "It must be because of that Qianlong. A mere thought of its has such a miraculous effect; if one were to swallow it whole..."
He slurped his saliva, then shook his head to himself: "Forget it, one should be content. Taking too big a step can lead to trouble."
In fact, if one hadn't been so greedy at the final moment of the ritual and had thoroughly integrated most of what was gained from it into one's physical body, one's cultivation level might have risen even further, and one might even have directly opened the door to Foundation Establishment.
"Hiss, no, no." Xu Changqing immediately shook his head, suppressing the tempting thought. "Forget it, as a person... no, as a cultivator, one must be content. Taking too big a step can easily lead to trouble. Besides..."
"Moreover, the physical body that was reborn with the power of this heavenly ritual has completely resolved the hidden danger of disharmony in the physical body. From now on, this physical body is my own, as easy to use as my own arm, without any hindrance." Xu Changqing nodded in satisfaction, then revealed a strange smile, "I also got a clone for free... Heh, it's worth it, really worth it."
He spared a sliver of his consciousness to probe the malevolent dragon coiled around him. The dragon, its entire body condensed from black and red malevolent energy, its scales menacing, lay silently coiled, its eyes slightly closed. Its aura originated from the same source as his own, yet carried a fierce and malevolent quality. With a slight thought, the demonic dragon raised its head and roared, its power capable of stirring up wind and clouds emanating from its body.
"Not bad, not bad." Xu Changqing regained his composure and looked around.
At this moment, Black Wind Mountain's main peak has collapsed, leaving behind a shocking giant crater. Broken rocks are scattered everywhere, scorched earth is spreading, and a faint smell of blood and evil aura still lingers in the air.
But the foul and eerie atmosphere that had permeated the mountains and fields and made people uncomfortable had now completely disappeared.
The mountain breeze swept through the ruins, bringing with it the scent of distant, untouched forests, crisp and refreshing with the fragrance of grass, trees, and earth.
Sunlight streamed down, illuminating the exposed rocks and the few remaining patches of moss, creating a serene and beautiful scene.
"Not bad, not bad," Xu Changqing praised again, his tone relaxed. "The demonic aura has vanished, the malevolent energy has settled, this is the true color of the mountains and rivers. Pure, truly pure."
As he was admiring his masterpiece after violently transforming Black Wind Mountain, a lazy, slightly mocking voice suddenly came from his side and behind him.
"Alright, kid, I know your new body is pretty cool, and your cultivation has increased so much that it makes people envious. But don't get too carried away yet."
Xu Changqing felt a chill run down his spine, but remained outwardly calm as he slowly turned around.
On a precipice a few dozen feet away, a disheveled old Taoist priest sat down. His robe was tattered, his beard and hair were gray and tangled, and a red gourd hung from his waist. He was taking a swig, and with his cloudy old eyes squinting, he looked at him with a half-smile.
"That old mudfish from the Zhen family," the old Taoist priest said slowly, wiping the wine stains from the corner of his mouth with his dirty sleeve, "has left quite a few marks on you."
He chuckled and pointed a withered finger at Xu Changqing from a distance: "That guy clearly cultivates the Dragon Scripture, but he acts like a dog, pissing everywhere. If you don't deal with him quickly, hehe..."
He paused deliberately, watching Xu Changqing's face darken, before continuing, "Who knows, one day, that old mudfish might use these marks to sense things and break through the air to come here. He'll grab you, extract your soul, and turn you into that thing of his, the Dragon-like Lustful Beast, squeezing out all your secrets bit by bit. Just thinking about that scene makes me feel miserable."
"Damn it..." Xu Changqing was silent for a moment, then couldn't help but curse under his breath, his face somewhat ugly. "The world is going to the dogs, and people's hearts are no longer what they used to be. How could the dignified ancestor of the former dynasty act so despicably? They're all old schemers, too cunning."
He took a deep breath, suppressed his agitation, and solemnly cupped his hands towards the disheveled old Taoist priest on the cliff, his tone sincere.
"I am a humble Taoist, thank you for your guidance, senior. May I ask your esteemed name? Just now... was you by my side the whole time?"
He remembered that this old Taoist priest had appeared before, insulting Qianlong and acting arrogantly. However, at that time, he was focused on the upcoming ceremony and the killing feast, and had no time to pay attention to anything else. Later, he saw that the old Taoist priest, sensing that things were not going well, fled at an incredible speed, like a frightened bird, leaving without any hesitation.
Thinking of this, Xu Changqing's expression shifted slightly, and he thought to himself, "I'm still too young. I need to learn from these older folks. Knowing when to be firm and when to slip away, striking the right balance—that's what a seasoned veteran is all about."
"I am Chi Mingzi of the Pure Yang Dao." The old Daoist was unaware of the rumors Xu Changqing had about him. He waved his hand casually, not caring at all, and then tilted his head back to take a swig of wine. His Adam's apple bobbed, and a few drops of wine dripped down his white beard.
"Bystander? You could say that. With the commotion you caused, it was impossible not to see it."
His cloudy eyes darted around, landing on Xu Changqing. Suddenly, he grinned, revealing a few yellow teeth, and his tone carried a subtle hint of seduction: "You know the Pure Yang Sect, right? The number one sect in swordsmanship, very powerful."
With that, he flicked his fingers, and a crimson sword light suddenly appeared, tearing through the void before disappearing.
Xu Changqing felt a slight chill. This single move revealed the other party's unfathomable cultivation and knowledge. Furthermore, judging from his tone, he showed little reverence for the Zhen family patriarch, instead displaying a mocking, almost amusement-like attitude. For now, it seemed this person had ulterior motives, but at least for the time being, he was a friend, not an enemy.
He felt a slight sense of relief and bowed.
"So it's Senior Chi Mingzi. Senior's insight is truly remarkable, I admire you greatly. However, this mark is strangely hidden, and my cultivation is too shallow. Even after scanning my entire body with my spiritual senses, I cannot detect it. I really don't know how to remove it. I wonder if Senior could offer some guidance or remove this hidden danger for me?"
He paused briefly, looked up at the old Taoist priest, and said with increasing sincerity, "I am deeply grateful and will repay you handsomely in the future."
Xu Changqing, a modern-day workhorse worn down by life, has long since learned to be flexible and adaptable. As for any generous reward, that's a matter for later; we'll talk about it then.
If this old Taoist priest has ulterior motives, then I'm afraid I won't have much power to resist. I can only try to survive cautiously. If all else fails, I'll just knock out a mouthful of his teeth.