"It's not exactly a major grudge, it's just that we had a minor conflict with that Suspended Mountain not long ago and killed some bald monks."
Lu Qing spoke calmly, then briefly recounted his grudges with Suspended Mountain.
This left Yan speechless for a moment.
So you've already slaughtered a whole bunch of their disciples, and you still call that not a major feud?
However, he also realized that the cause of this incident was related to the suspended mountain.
He couldn't help but sigh: "Back in the ancient times, although the actions of the Suspended Mountain were somewhat domineering, it was still considered a righteous sect."
I never imagined it would become so despicable, turning black into white and harboring such filth.
Lu Qing smiled but didn't say anything.
He had never seen what the suspended mountains were like in ancient times, so he couldn't comment on them.
But now, between the suspended mountain and him, only one can exist.
Given the way Xuanming the Bald Monk and his gang acted back then, Lu Qing believed that even if he didn't go looking for trouble with Xuan Kong Mountain, they would definitely not let it go.
"However, young master, there is no need to worry. That Suspended Mountain Secret Realm is probably just an ordinary secret realm."
Even if a magical artifact is used to stabilize the secret realm from collapsing amidst the changes in the world, the cultivation level of the person hidden inside will certainly not be too strong.
Otherwise, if it attracts the attention of the external laws of heaven and earth, and brings down calamity and punishment, the entire secret realm will suffer as a result.
Even now, the evolution of the rules of heaven and earth has not yet reached a level that allows powerhouses above the Foundation Establishment stage to move freely.
Therefore, even if Xuankong Mountain wanted to retaliate, the disciples they sent would certainly not be too strong.
"Yan" comforted her.
Lu Qing said, "Let's leave that aside for now. Senior just mentioned that many secret realms have appeared in this world before?"
"That's right. The so-called secret realm is actually a small world and space that depends on this world for its existence and demise."
In the ancient era of cultivation, secret realms were created and destroyed almost every moment.
However, most of these secret realms are very small and difficult to explore.
Some are so small that they can only accommodate one or two people, and they don't exist for long, possibly only for an hour or two before disappearing again.
These miniature secret realms, which exist for a very short time and can be seen at a glance, are mostly of little value.
If you're not careful, you might be injured by the power that obliterates the secret realm, or even trapped inside and never be able to get out.
Therefore, very few people would risk entering a miniature secret realm.
Generally, only small or larger secret realms are worth exploring.
If a medium or large-scale secret realm appears, that would be even more extraordinary.
This will inevitably attract the covetousness and scramble of many sects and powerful cultivators.
Because if these secret realms can be occupied, and the space can be stabilized with magical treasures and formations, they are the best place to live and a way out.
Moreover, they often contain rare treasures, making them excellent resources for cultivation.
Yan recounted the information about the secret realm to Lu Qing in detail.
"Secret realms are born and perish, giving birth to treasures..."
Lu Qing slowly pondered these two sentences, lost in thought.
"That's right. In fact, in the ancient era of cultivation, from the middle period onwards, secret realms became extremely important."
Because the resources of the entire cultivation world have become increasingly scarce after a long period of excavation and plundering.
Only those hidden realms deep within space, where existence and destruction are unpredictable, can continuously give birth to rare treasures.
Therefore, whenever a medium to large-scale unclaimed secret realm appears, it inevitably triggers a bloody storm and fierce competition in the cultivation world.
"Back then, the Li Huo Sect..."
"The Li Huo Sect also possessed a medium-sized secret realm back then, but you don't need to even think about it."
In ancient times, since the spiritual energy began to decline, the secret realms controlled by various sects showed signs of collapse.
Unless someone, as I said, is willing to completely integrate a spiritual artifact into the secret realm, it is impossible to prevent its collapse.
However, spiritual artifacts are extremely rare. Apart from the most prestigious and wealthy sects, almost no other forces dare to be so extravagant.
The Li Huo Sect only has one spiritual artifact, so naturally it is the same.
Therefore, that secret realm must have vanished tens of thousands of years ago.
"That's a pity."
Lu Qing felt somewhat regretful.
If that secret realm still existed, he would have much more confidence if he could control it.
At least in the future, if we encounter any difficult problems, we will have a way out.
“Young master, there’s no need to feel sorry for him,” Yan said with a smile.
"Didn't I just say that the secret realm is dependent on this world for its existence and demise?"
With the world changing and spiritual energy revived, new secret realms will surely appear when the spiritual energy becomes rich enough.
With your abilities, young master, seizing one or two secret realms shouldn't be difficult.
"Let's talk about the future later."
Lu Qing, however, was not swayed by this promise and shook his head.
Who knows when this world will evolve into a hidden realm?
If we have to wait hundreds or thousands of years, then thinking about these things is too early.
However, Lu Qing still gained a lot from Yan's words.
At least he now knows the true nature of the Suspended Mountain; it's not as terrifying as he imagined.
If a large group of ancient monsters who have lived for tens of thousands of years are really lurking in the secret place of the suspended mountain, then he really needs to consider how to escape.
Then Lu Qing learned more from "Yan" about other things in the ancient cultivation world, which greatly broadened his horizons.
Only then did he put away the Fire Cauldron and prepare to return to the village.
However, this time, the relationship with "Yan" has improved considerably.
Lu Qing did not continue to block its senses, allowing it to perceive the movements of the outside world.
"I never imagined that there would be a stronghold of the Divine Talisman Sect in this remote place. It seems that many major events have occurred in the cultivation world since I went into slumber."
Upon exiting the valley, "Yan" sensed the surroundings and sighed with emotion.
"Was the Divine Talisman Sect really that remarkable in ancient times?" Lu Qing asked.
"Of course they are extraordinary. Although the Divine Talisman Sect has few disciples, each one of them can be considered a peerless genius."
Even the core disciples of other top sects are often overshadowed.
This sect is extremely mysterious, adhering to the cultivation philosophy of taking all things in heaven and earth as teachers.
They are particularly skilled in talismans and formations; the same talismans and formations often become much more powerful when used by them.
Therefore, the Divine Talisman Sect was once considered one of the most powerful forces in the cultivation world, and few sects were willing to provoke it.
I heard from "Yan" that the disciples of the Divine Talisman Sect use talismanic techniques and formations with greater power than other cultivators.
Lu Qing immediately thought of the soul talisman in the acupoint between his eyebrows.
He knew that the root cause lay there.
The Divine Soul Talisman is incredibly powerful, and it has a strong enhancement effect on talismanic arts and formations.
The power it unleashes will naturally be even greater.
However, he did not say this, but changed the subject.
“Senior Yan, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you again when we get back. I’m planning to refine some artifacts for setting up formations...”
When Lu Qing returned to Jiuli Village and arrived at the courtyard halfway up the mountain.
Another unexpected surprise awaited him.
Suddenly, a black figure emerged from the courtyard, pounced into his arms, and rubbed its head against his chest.
"Xiao Li, you're awake?"
Lu Qing held Xiao Li, overjoyed.
"Yes, I woke up this morning. Xiao Li slept so well."
Xiao Li's sweet, coquettish voice echoed in Lu Qing's mind.
"You slept so comfortably, I wonder if Xiaoyan was worried about you," Lu Qing said with a laugh.
"Huh, a Nightshade Fox?"
At this moment, Yan's surprised voice rang in Lu Qing's mind.
Lu Qing's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't ask directly.
Instead, he carried Xiao Li and walked into the courtyard.
Sure enough, Xiaoyan was doing her homework there, while the old doctor and Wei Shanhai were playing chess at a stone table nearby.
As Xiaoyan gets older, her studies have become more demanding, and she has a lot of homework.
"Brother, you're back!" Xiao Yan's face lit up with joy when she saw Lu Qing. "I knew it was you when Xiao Li suddenly ran out."
"Yes, I just got back."
Lu Qing nodded, then bowed to his master and the others: "Master, I'm back. Greetings, Senior Wei."
"So, what did you find on this trip into the mountains?"
The old doctor stopped playing chess and asked.
He knew that Lu Qing had gone into the mountains to check on the situation there.
“There have been quite a few changes in the mountains.” Lu Qing’s expression became more serious.
"Master, all the creatures in the mountains have undergone varying degrees of mutation."
Especially those venomous insects and snakes, their venom is greatly enhanced; even an ordinary martial artist would likely not be able to withstand a single bite.
"Is it that serious?" The old doctor's expression also turned serious. "This is not a good thing for the villagers in the surrounding mountains."
In the surrounding area, many villages, like Jiuli Village, rely on farming for a living.
However, many people make a living by going into the mountains to collect herbs and hunt.
If the situation in the mountains is truly as dire as Lu Qing described, it would be a disaster for the villagers.
"The situation in the mountains is alright. It's a remote place, so as long as you don't venture too far in, there shouldn't be any major problems."
What I fear is that if, after some time, these poisonous insects and snakes become more sentient and begin to migrate outwards, then things will truly be dire.”
The old doctor was startled, realizing that what Lu Qing said was not impossible.
If the venom of those poisonous insects and snakes is merely more potent, it is not actually a cause for concern.
Because, according to the instincts of these poisonous creatures, they will not easily leave their territory.
But the real danger is that if these poisonous creatures, nourished by spiritual energy, were to develop sentience, then anything could happen.
"Then what do you intend to do, Ah Qing?"
The old doctor asked.
He knew that Lu Qing was more knowledgeable about matters involving spiritual energy.
"This disciple plans to set up a formation around the village for vigilance and defense, to prevent problems before they occur."
"So that we won't be completely unaware when those poisonous insects and snakes emerge from the mountains."
Lu Qing then revealed his plans.
"Set up an array? Are you confident in your ability?"
The old doctor was slightly surprised.
He is no longer a novice in cultivation. After reading the jade slip that Lu Qing gave him, he has learned a lot about the common knowledge of the path of cultivation.
It is known that setting up a formation that can surround the entire Jiuli Village is not a simple matter.
"This disciple dares not say that I have absolute certainty, but let's give it a try." Lu Qing did not make his statement completely.
"However, I'm afraid we'll have to ask Senior Wei for help with this matter."
"Oh, I wonder what favor Young Master Lu would like me to do?"
Wei Shanhai was already very interested when he heard Lu Qing say that he was going to set up an array.
Hearing that he needed to be used, he quickly replied.
"This junior needs a batch of refined iron and jade, and also..."
Lu Qing read out all the materials he needed.
He then casually pulled out a sheet of paper from Xiaoyan's homework and wrote a list on it.
"If possible, I hope that you can gather the materials as soon as possible."
Lu Qing handed the list to Wei Shanhai.
"Don't worry, young master Lu, I'll have all the items ready for you within three days!"
Wei Shanhai immediately assured him.
The things Lu Qing needed weren't particularly valuable.
In other words, the required quantity is larger, which may require a considerable amount of money.
But what does money matter to Wei Shanhai?
We are currently in a period of great change, with the world undergoing transformations and spiritual energy resurfacing. No one knows what the future holds.
Although the Wei family currently has two people at the Innate Realm.
Wei Shanhai knew, however, that was far from enough.
To gain a foothold in this ever-changing era, one must learn to curry favor with powerful figures.
And Lu Qing was the most powerful and influential man he knew.
These past two days, while he was at home, he learned in detail from Wei Zian about their trip to Zhongzhou, especially what happened in the Holy City.
Only then did they realize that their journey had been incredibly eventful and epic.
In particular, Lu Qing actually used his physical body to overcome the Heavenly Tribulation in the Holy City and broke through to the Innate Realm.
After that, he single-handedly killed many masters of the Suspended Mountain.
Even the Third Holy Lord on the Holy Mountain was defeated by him.
No one in the entire holy city dared to utter a sound.
Even now, thinking back on such an astonishing feat still makes Wei Shanhai feel a tremor in his heart.
Naturally, he would try every means to curry favor with and maintain a relationship with such a powerful figure as Lu Qing.
After Wei Shanhai left, he ordered his clansmen to help Lu Qing collect materials.
Lu Qing then turned his attention to Xiao Li.
When the little guy woke up from his deep sleep this time, he didn't seem to have changed much, but he could keenly sense that his life force had undergone a fundamental transformation.
However, just as Lu Qing was about to activate his supernatural ability to check Xiao Li's current information.
Yan's voice rang in his mind again: "I never thought you would be so lucky, young man, that you could even subdue a spirit beast like the Black Night Spirit Fox."
"Senior Yan, do you know Xiao Li's background?"
Lu Qing also spoke using the power of his divine soul.
"Is Xiao Li the name of this Black Night Spirit Fox? It's a good name. Black Night Spirit Foxes are inherently fire-oriented, so the character 'Li' is quite fitting."
"Yan" first praised it, then said, "As for its origin, if I'm not mistaken, it should be a descendant of the King of Night, one of the twelve demon kings under the supreme demon emperor in the ancient era of cultivation."
"King of the Night?"
Lu Qing felt a slight jolt in his heart.
