"As heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement."
Upon hearing these words, Lin Zhirui was greatly shocked and murmured to himself.
They seemed completely stunned by that statement.
After a long while, he came to his senses, his eyes clear, and he bowed deeply to Lu Qing.
"Thank you for your guidance, young friend Lu Qing. Otherwise, I would have fallen into the trap of limited knowledge and my mind would have been unstable in my cultivation."
"No need to be so polite, Your Excellency Zhi Rui. You're just too caught up in the situation to see clearly. With your intelligence, you would have come to your senses sooner or later even without my reminder," Lu Qing said with a smile.
He could tell at a glance that Lin Zhirui was stunned by the young man in brocade robes' performance in climbing the ladder to heaven and was now in a state of self-doubt.
This kind of thing can be a big deal or a small deal.
If one gets stuck on a single point, a slight misstep could destabilize their martial arts spirit, leading to a permanent decline in their abilities.
That's why Lu Qing offered guidance, using the ancient wisdom of his ancestors to clear up the obstacles in his heart.
"As heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement..."
Ma Gu, Wei Zian, and the others standing nearby were also shaken when they heard Lu Qing's words.
It's impossible for them not to be moved when they came to the Holy City and saw so many martial arts geniuses.
The differences between people are simply too great.
That feeling of despair can really make one doubt the meaning of their spiritual practice.
But Lu Qing's words just now dispelled their confusion, sweeping away their sense of dejection and rekindling their spirits.
Seeing Lu Qing's calm and collected demeanor, Lin Zhirui sighed inwardly.
More than two years ago, when he first met Lu Qing in Cang County, the other party was still a naive young boy.
But now, apart from his still somewhat youthful appearance, Lu Qing has completely reached a different level in terms of both demeanor and conduct.
Even though he was already at the Innate Realm, he still unconsciously felt a sense of insignificance when facing Lu Qing.
Just how far has young friend Lu Qing's cultivation reached?
The same thought popped into Lin Zhirui's mind again.
"So, are you convinced now?"
Just as Lin Zhirui's heart was surging with emotion, the young man in brocade robes on the Heavenly Ladder spoke loudly.
But both the top and bottom of the ladder were completely silent.
Everyone looked at the young man in brocade robes with awe.
As for Bai Bufan and the others, they were even paler and their faces were filled with dejection.
"Eldest brother, fifth brother still loves to show off."
Above in the sky, on the backs of those giant flying birds, a beautiful young girl with bright eyes and white teeth chuckled softly.
“The fifth brother’s personality...” On the back of another giant bird, a gentle young man shook his head. “If he could get rid of this impetuousness, he might have already broken through to the Innate Realm.”
"There's nothing wrong with it. This is just one of Fifth Junior Brother's hobbies. If he doesn't like to show off, would he still be called Fifth Junior Brother?"
Moreover, our Cloud and Water Secret Realm has been hidden from the world for too long. Apart from some ancient sects, few people probably know of our existence.
Now that the world has changed so drastically, it's time to give them a stern warning, lest some people truly believe they are the masters of this world.
Another young man with a cold expression said calmly.
"Indeed, before we left, Master instructed us that the purpose of sending us out was not only to compete for opportunities, but also to make a name for our Cloud and Water Secret Realm. Fifth Junior Brother has done a good job."
“But...” the eldest brother hesitated for a moment, but he shook his head in the end and said, “Alright, we still need to pay our respects to the three Holy Lords. Let’s call the fifth brother back.”
"I'll call him." Upon hearing this, the girl immediately raised her voice and shouted, "Fifth Senior Brother, have you had enough fun? Eldest Senior Brother wants you to come back!"
Upon hearing this shout, the young man in brocade raised an eyebrow.
He looked at the people below, none of them speaking, only looking at him with awe.
He chuckled softly, then suddenly let out a sharp cry that sounded like a bird's call.
Then he leaped high into the air and jumped down from the ladder.
At the same time, a clear bird song rang out in the sky. The giant bird that had been carrying the young man in brocade robes flapped its wings, creating a powerful gust of air, and swooped down to fly quickly toward its master.
Just as the young man in brocade leaped out and began to fall, it arrived just in time to catch him steadily.
Then it flapped its wings and flew high, returning to its fellow disciples.
Let's go.
The eldest brother glanced at the crowd below, who were staring at them in disbelief, and gave a soft command. A flock of giant birds flapped their wings and flew off in another direction from the sacred mountain.
Watching the flock of giant birds gradually fly away, eventually turning a corner and disappearing on the other side of the sacred mountain.
The previously quiet crowd suddenly erupted into a huge commotion.
"Can anyone tell me, what is the background of these people?"
"Just playing around? That young man in brocade robes climbed two hundred steps of the Heavenly Ladder, and he was just playing around?"
"It's just playing around. Look how relaxed he was just now. I think two hundred levels is not even his limit. If he wanted to, he could climb even higher."
"Now, Bai Bufan and his group are in a very awkward position. Who would have thought that they would be so full of confidence during the competition, only to have their limelight stolen by an unknown figure who suddenly appeared?"
...
"They just left like that?"
Lu Qing was somewhat surprised to see the people from the Cloud and Water Secret Realm leaving on flying birds.
"They must have gone to visit the three Holy Lords. People from the four secret realms always stay directly on the Holy Mountain when they come; they never stay overnight in the Holy City," Lin Zhirui explained.
"I see."
Lu Qing nodded, recalling some information he had gleaned using his special abilities, and a serious expression appeared in his eyes.
"I never expected to have such a gain. What kind of opportunity is this that the people of the four secret realms value so much? Is it the same kind of opportunity that I sensed in my mind?"
Since arriving in the Holy City, Lu Qing had already made up his mind.
The mysterious force that drew him and his master together came from the sacred mountain.
However, even now, standing before the sacred mountain, he still cannot be sure what exactly attracts him and his master.
"Is the opportunity hidden too deeply, or is the time simply not right yet?" Lu Qing pondered to himself.
However, the appearance of people from the Cloud and Water Secret Realm made him a little wary.
If their goal is also some kind of predestined opportunity, then the struggle for it will probably not be easy.
Moreover, since the people from the Cloud and Water Secret Realm have all arrived, the people from the other three secret realms must not be too far away either.
"It seems that if my master and I want to compete for this opportunity, we will have to plan carefully."
Thinking of this, Lu Qing said, "Your Excellency Zhi Rui, now that we've seen the excitement, shouldn't we head back? We arrived in such a hurry that we haven't yet found an inn to stay at."
"You haven't found a place to stay yet? That's perfect. There's an empty courtyard next to where I live. If you don't mind, you can stay there for now."
"I can't accept this... But it's fine, then I'll trouble you, Your Excellency Zhi Rui."
Lu Qing initially wanted to decline, but then he thought that the inn was a mixed bag, and now he not only had Xiao Yan with him, but also Hu Zezhi, an unstable factor.
Staying at an inn would probably be a bit too much trouble, so he nodded in agreement.
"Then I'll send someone to make arrangements as soon as I get back!"
Seeing that Lu Qing had agreed, Lin Zhirui was immediately overjoyed.
He added, "To be honest, now that all the martial artists from all over the world have gathered in the Holy City, all the inns are already full. It will be difficult for you to find a place to stay."
Staying at our Tianji Building is not only safe, but also quiet, and you won't easily be disturbed.
"Since Your Excellency Zhi Rui has said so, then we shall respectfully comply," Lu Qing said with a smile.
Immediately, the group started walking into the city, having already seen all the excitement here.
As for what happened to Bai Bufan and the others afterward, they were already interested in finding out.
"Um?"
As Lu Qing entered the city, a sudden sense of unease arose in his heart, and he abruptly looked towards a corner to the side.
However, when he turned his gaze, he only saw a corner of black clothing disappear into an alleyway, and there was no one there.
But that one glance made Lu Qing feel a little relieved.
A slight smile appeared on his lips: "So someone is indeed watching us. Is it Miss Hu's calamity, or is it aimed at us?"
However, it would have been better if you hadn't shown up at all. Now that you've given yourself away, everything will be much easier to handle.
Since it was still just a guess, Lu Qing didn't say it directly, but continued towards the Tianji Tower.
Meanwhile, in a corner of another street quite far from them, a figure dressed in a black robe was feeling a chill run down his spine.
"What's going on? How did that kid notice me? Was it a coincidence, or did he really discover something?"
The figure in black robes felt somewhat relieved as he recalled what had just happened.
If he hadn't reacted quickly enough, his whereabouts would probably have been exposed by now.
However, while feeling fortunate, he was also extremely puzzled.
He asked himself if his method of concealing his presence was, if not unparalleled, then almost the best in the world.
He was even confident that even a powerful expert at the peak of the Innate Realm might not be able to detect his gaze when he was watching them.
But that kid was so perceptive that he was almost discovered as soon as he started following him.
But in his perception, that kid was clearly only a martial artist at the Acquired Realm.
"Could it be that that kid possesses a rare treasure that can warn of being followed?"
Suddenly, the figure in black robes thought of a possibility.
He knew that tens of thousands of years ago, the cultivation of immortality was prevalent in this world, and a civilization of immortals had emerged. Later, as the spiritual energy diminished, it gradually declined and disappeared.
However, although the cultivators disappeared, some of their magical treasures and artifacts have survived.
With the changes in the world and the revival of spiritual energy, those ancient magical artifacts, nourished by this energy, will likely gradually regain their power.
Could it be that that kid happens to possess a detection-type magical artifact?
The figure in black robes pondered this in his mind, and the more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
Otherwise, he simply couldn't understand why his method of concealing his inner demons would be detected by a mere post-natal realm youth.
"If it really is a magic weapon, that would be wonderful. I never expected to have such a gain."
And those disciples of the Cloud and Water Secret Realm—decades ago, I dug three feet into the ground, but I still couldn't find the entrance to the four great secret realms.
I didn't expect you to come out on your own. Once I consume you, my demonic body will be fully formed.
Then, this world will truly be mine!
The figure in black robes spoke with excitement, his eyes flashing with a dark, menacing light.
"However, the first step is still to devour that girl with great fortune and that old man with the light of merit."
Only by absorbing their fortune and merits could the foundation of my supreme demonic body be truly established.
"At that time, with both righteous and demonic forces united in one body, I can change at will, and even the will of Heaven cannot harm me!"
Accompanied by whispers, the figure in black robes disappeared into the corner.
Only a wisp of black smoke remained, drifting in the air.
After Lu Qing and the others returned to Tianji Tower, Lin Zhirui immediately ordered them to tidy up the small courtyard next to his.
After the courtyard was cleaned up, Lu Qing and the others moved in.
Lin Zhirui then took his leave, as he still had many things to do, such as applying for time to study the Sacred Pool with the old doctor.
“Master, on the way back just now, I discovered some strange things, which may be related to Miss Hu’s tribulation.”
After Lin Zhirui left, Lu Qing said somewhat seriously.
"What is it?" The old doctor's expression turned serious.
Everyone else looked at Lu Qing, especially Hu Zezhi, who looked particularly nervous.
"Just now, when we entered the city, at a certain intersection, I discovered that someone was secretly following and watching us."
Unfortunately, the man was very alert. Once he realized I had noticed him, he immediately left, and I didn't get a clear look at him.
At this point, Lu Qing also felt a little regretful.
If that person hadn't reacted so quickly, and if he had been stared at for a while longer, and used his supernatural abilities to discover the information, then the whole truth would have been revealed.
"Since you couldn't see his face clearly, how did you determine that he was related to Miss Hu's calamity?" the old doctor asked.
"I can't be completely sure, but the aura he exuded at the time was quite similar to the murderous aura on Miss Hu's face, which is why I made this guess."
"I see." The old doctor nodded. "Then it's very likely that this is indeed Miss Hu's fate."
"But who exactly is that person? I have no grudge against him, so why is he targeting me?" Hu Zezhi asked, puzzled.
She had lived in Qinglong City since childhood and had never made enemies with anyone. She couldn't understand why anyone would want to harm her.
Moreover, he was a terrifying figure who almost fooled even Young Master Lu.
Why?
The old doctor and Lu Qing exchanged a glance, and they knew the answer in their hearts.
What's most special about Hu Zezhi is her abundant good fortune.
The fact that someone like that has been targeted suggests that their intentions are quite obvious.
He came because of Hu Zezhi's status as a person of good fortune.
"No matter what, this is still a breakthrough." Lu Qing didn't point this out, but instead comforted Hu Zezhi, "Now that we know that what's going to harm you is people, everything is much easier to handle."
Miss Hu, since that person didn't dare to act rashly, he must have some reservations.
"As long as you don't stray too far from us, you should be safe."
"Okay, I understand."
Indeed, Hu Zezhi felt much more relieved when she learned that the one who wanted to bring her misfortune was alone.
After feeling relieved, she suddenly remembered something.
"By the way, Young Master Lu, Senior Chen, there's something I've been wanting to tell you. When I was approaching the Holy Mountain earlier, I seemed to vaguely sense something on the mountain calling to me."
