"I never expected that these would be the two methods."
After Lu Qing finished comprehending the two methods given by the demonic cultivator, a look of surprise appeared in his eyes.
Both of these methods are indeed about the application of the light of merit.
One of them is called the 【Clothes of Merit】, which is a cultivation technique.
The other is a method for condensing the treasure of merit.
Both methods emphasize the application of the light of merit, and it has no effect even if one does not understand Buddhist or Taoist practices.
Therefore, even Lu Qing can cultivate.
However, when it came time to make a choice, Lu Qing was at a loss.
He averted the calamity in the prefectural city, and was thus moved by the divine intervention, receiving a blessing in return.
Although he received a considerable amount of merit, it was not enough for him to cultivate both disciplines simultaneously.
Therefore, he can only choose one of the methods to cultivate at most.
Lu Qing began to ponder the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods.
The 【Garment of Merit】 is a garment made by condensing the light of one's own merits into clothing using a unique method.
Once the 【Garment of Merit】 is completed, it can bring good fortune and ward off misfortune, deter evil spirits and villains, and protect one's mind.
It is especially effective in defending against attacks that target the soul.
It is a unique technique that focuses on the defense of the soul.
Furthermore, as the amount of merit increases, the 【Garment of Merit】 can be upgraded.
It can eventually transform into the 【Heavenly Robe of Merit】, whose power is so great that all evils would retreat, and even demon lords and demon generals would be wary of it.
Of course, the amount of merit light required to condense the 【Heavenly Robe of Merit】 is enormous.
The power of this power was far beyond what the small wisp of merit light in Lu Qing's brow acupoint could achieve.
Moreover, the cultivation method passed down by the demonic cultivators only mentioned the 【Heavenly Robe of Merit】 briefly, without providing any specific condensation techniques.
As for the method of refining the treasure of merit.
Frankly speaking, this method is somewhat inferior to the 【Garland of Merit】.
The main topic is how to integrate the light of merit into magical artifacts.
The treasures of merit, once refined, are remarkably effective against demonic cultivators, evil cultivators, and other malevolent entities.
However, in Lu Qing's view, its refining method was not as profound as that of the 【Clothes of Merit】.
After thinking for a while, Lu Qing finally decided to cultivate the 【Clothes of Merit】.
There was no way around it; the upper limit of this technique was too high, making Lu Qing yearn for it.
Although he will likely find it difficult to obtain the Light of Merit again in the future, even the Soul Defense effect of the Merit Robe, which is only at the beginning of cultivation, is enough to make Lu Qing envious.
Just in time, he estimated that the ball of merit light in the space between his eyebrows should be just enough to help him master the basics of this technique.
After making his decision, Lu Qing activated his special ability and began to wholeheartedly study the 【Clothes of Merit】 technique.
Before long, a warm aura emanated from Lu Qing.
Another half hour passed, and a faint golden light emanated from his body.
The golden light intertwined, forming a simple robe that draped over Lu Qing's body.
"This is the 【Garment of Merit】?"
Lu Qing opened his eyes and looked at the robes he was wearing with some surprise.
The robe looked thin, but he could sense that it contained a very mysterious power.
It can effectively protect his mind and prevent evil spirits from invading.
"Young master, what's wrong with you...?"
Sensing the changes in Lu Qing, "Yan" manifested a phantom from the Li Huo Cauldron, staring blankly at the Merit Robe on Lu Qing's body.
It could sense that this robe possessed a very rich power of merit.
"I obtained a technique from a demonic cultivator that utilizes the light of merit. I just tried practicing it, and I didn't expect to succeed so quickly," Lu Qing explained.
"inflammation":......
It was not surprising that Lu Qing was able to obtain cultivation techniques from demonic cultivators.
After all, that demonic cultivator had been enslaved by Lu Qing's soul and could not disobey Lu Qing's will.
What surprised it was the speed at which Lu Qing cultivated his techniques.
Judging from the aura emanating from Lu Qing's robes, one can tell that this cultivation technique must be extremely profound.
Yet, he still managed to cultivate it successfully without anyone noticing.
Despite having witnessed Lu Qing's comprehension more than once, "Yan" couldn't help but be surprised again.
Lu Qing sensed the profound mystery of the Robe of Merit for a while, then withdrew it back into his body.
Once the Robe of Merit is crafted, it will automatically protect its owner without requiring any further effort; it is truly wondrous.
"When Master returns, we can pass on this technique to him and see if he can also condense the Robe of Merit in the future."
Having experienced the profound mystery of the Robe of Merit, Lu Qing felt more confident.
My master has always been a compassionate healer. He has practiced medicine for decades, and the merit he has accumulated is not weak.
If he could condense a robe of merit, it would be of great benefit to him.
However, Master has gone into the mountains to gather herbs these past few days, and we don't know when he will return.
Lu Qing will only be able to teach him the techniques after he returns.
Just as Lu Qing was pondering this, a thought suddenly struck him.
After about ten breaths, a voice rang out from outside the courtyard.
"Young Master Lu, are you there?"
"Master Wei, please come in."
Soon, Wei Xinghe appeared in the courtyard.
"Patriarch Wei, what has happened this time?"
Seeing the serious look on Wei Xinghe's face, Lu Qing asked.
"It's like this, Young Master Lu, I just received a message from the spies in the manor."
It is said that a powerful group of monks appeared in Xizhou and subdued many sects in a very short time, unifying Xizhou.
Immediately following, under the name of the Suspended Mountain, a large-scale construction project was launched, including the building of temples—a truly momentous undertaking.
"Oh, so the Hanging Mountain finally couldn't resist making its debut?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Qing raised an eyebrow.
However, I wasn't too surprised.
He had already learned from the assassins of the Wujianlou that the Suspended Mountain Secret Realm was located in Xizhou.
Now that the Daoist voice of Heaven and Earth has resounded for the fourth time, and the rules of Heaven and Earth have evolved further, it is time for the major secret realms to emerge.
If we don't come out soon, we might miss the opportunity to take the lead in the revival of spiritual energy.
"Have similar situations occurred in other places?" Lu Qing asked.
"Young Master Lu is indeed a prophet. In fact, there are several other major states that are experiencing similar situations to Xizhou."
"It was all because a group of mysterious experts suddenly appeared, swept across a state, and established their own dominant positions."
"Which major states are included?"
Wei Xinghe then named several major states, which surprised Lu Qing.
Because he discovered that none of the major secret locations were actually within the territory of Zhongzhou.
It's unclear whether it was because in ancient times, when spiritual energy was depleted and the world was in decline, the changes in Zhongzhou were the most drastic, leaving no secret realms to survive, or if there were other reasons.
"Alright, I understand, Patriarch Wei. The changes in the world are becoming more drastic, and even the four great secret lands are unable to hold back from emerging."
It is foreseeable that the outside world will become even more chaotic in the days to come.
Therefore, it's best for everyone to refrain from going out for the time being and focus on quiet meditation.
"Okay, I'll give Zihao and Zian a good talking-to when I get back."
Without Lu Qing needing to tell him what to do, Wei Xinghe already knew what to do.
Even the four legendary secret lands have now emerged and are vying for territory.
The world is probably about to descend into chaos.
Only a fool would choose to venture out into the world in a situation like this.
Moreover, since Lu Qing set up the formation, the spiritual energy in Jiuli Village has become increasingly abundant, and it is gradually showing signs of evolving into a blessed land.
Wei Xinghe could feel that cultivating in the courtyard not only increased his cultivation level rapidly, but also brought him great peace of mind.
There is absolutely no need to worry about the risk of going astray in cultivation.
Knowing that all these changes were due to Lu Qing, Wei Xinghe was even less likely to waste this opportunity.
After Wei Xinghe left, Lu Qing fell into deep thought.
The emergence of the four secret realms at this time was not unexpected for him.
The Daoist voice of Heaven and Earth has resounded for the fourth time, and the rules of Heaven and Earth have evolved to the point where Foundation Establishment cultivators can move around freely.
According to "Yan", as the rules of heaven and earth continue to evolve, even more changes will occur in the world.
For example, some rare and precious treasures may be about to be born.
Even that legendary secret realm might re-emerge before long.
Under such circumstances, the four secret locations naturally need to emerge as soon as possible to make arrangements.
This is to prepare for the various opportunities that will arise in the future.
Lu Qing was thinking about whether he should take this opportunity to go to Xizhou and give Xuankong Mountain a surprise.
After all, the Suspended Mountain has only just emerged, and although it is now part of the unified Western Region, it is certainly not yet stable.
If he takes this opportunity to go to Xizhou, he might be able to give them a big surprise.
After thinking for a while, Lu Qing finally decided that it was worth a try.
The enmity between Suspended Mountain and him can never be eliminated.
Rather than waiting for the other party to gain a foothold before dealing with you.
It would be better for him to take the initiative and give it a good blow first.
Even if we can't destroy it, we can at least hurt it and cripple it!
This threw them into disarray, leaving them no time to deal with him.
With this in mind, Lu Qing immediately began preparations.
Then, a day later, the master returned from gathering herbs in the mountains, and the great formation was then presided over by someone.
He then took Xiao Li with him and quietly left Jiuli Village, heading towards Xizhou.
"Young master, are you really going to Xizhou?"
On the way, "Yan" communicated with Lu Qing through telepathic communication within the Li Huo Cauldron.
"Yes, I have a deep grudge against Suspended Mountain. If they take complete control of Xizhou, they will probably target me."
Lu Qing himself wasn't afraid of being targeted, but Xiao Yan and the villagers of Jiuli Village might not be so.
The fact that the Suspended Mountain has been passed down from the ancient era of cultivation to the present day suggests that it possesses profound cultural heritage and many hidden strengths.
The formation he set up was a simplified version, and it's hard to say whether it could completely defend against the retaliation from this ancient secret place.
Therefore, instead of waiting to be passively attacked, it is better to take the initiative and strike first.
"If that Suspended Mountain Secret Realm is really the Suspended Mountain from the ancient era of cultivation, young man, you'd better be careful."
"Yan" reminded from inside the Li Huo Cauldron: "Those monks are extraordinary. Even in the ancient era of cultivation, they were one of the top forces."
Having survived tens of thousands of years of spiritual energy depletion, those who have passed down their knowledge likely possess numerous methods and techniques.
"I know, don't worry, senior, I'll be careful," Lu Qing replied.
"It's good that you know what's going on."
Seeing that Lu Qing wasn't acting rashly or impulsively, Yan felt much more at ease.
If it were when Lu Qing had just taken control of the Li Huo Cauldron, "Yan" would never have had such emotions.
At that time, it was threatened with losing control of the Fire Cauldron and wished Lu Qing would die immediately, so how could it possibly advise him?
However, after witnessing Lu Qing's terrifyingly high cultivation aptitude and comprehension over the past few days, Yan's mindset has long since changed.
It knew that with Lu Qing's cultivation aptitude, as long as he didn't perish halfway, his future achievements would be unimaginable.
Even compared to those powerful beings who stood at the very top of the cultivation world during the ancient era of cultivation, they are probably no less formidable.
If it wants to escape its cage in the future, the only person it can rely on is Lu Qing.
So it was genuinely thinking of Lu Qing's best interests and didn't want him to have any surprises.
Lu Qing could naturally sense the change in Yan's attitude, but he didn't point it out.
Instead, they took Xiao Li and continued heading towards Xizhou.
Xizhou is not very close to Cangzhou.
There were two large states in between, and even with the blessing of the talisman, Lu Qing traveled day and night, but it still took him two full days to reach the edge of Xizhou.
Upon arriving in Xizhou, Lu Qing did not rush to enter.
Instead, he spent another half day regulating his breathing and replenishing his diet, adjusting himself to his peak condition before preparing to take action.
With his powerful physical control, he used the transformation and disguise techniques he had obtained from the assassins of the Seven Kill Tower.
The muscles and bones in his face were transformed into a completely different appearance.
Then he took out a ghost face mask from the Qiankun Yiqi Bag and put it on.
Finally, the talisman in the brow acupoint underwent a transformation.
Lu Qing's physical appearance and spiritual aura have completely changed.
He was confident that even if his master were right in front of him, he might not be able to recognize him.
"I never imagined that mortals' methods of disguise and transformation could be so unique."
"Yan" exclaimed in amazement as he looked at Lu Qing, who had changed completely.
From Lu Qing's words, it learned that he was using a secret technique created by a mortal martial artist, and it was surprised.
At the same time, he understood that Lu Qing had indeed come prepared this time, which made him feel even more at ease.
"During periods of spiritual energy depletion, martial artists can only cultivate up to the Innate Realm at most. Beyond that, they cannot break through due to the limitations imposed by the rules of heaven and earth."
Many martial artists who had given up hope of breaking through their limits by force turned to studying various exquisite martial arts techniques and secret methods.
That's why this method of change came into being.
Lu Qing explained with a smile.
As his understanding of cultivation increased, he gradually figured out how martial arts had evolved and developed over the tens of thousands of years since spiritual energy had been depleted.
"Indeed, the wisdom of your human race is boundless."
Upon hearing this, Yan praised it once again.
In the ancient era of cultivation, the human race was known for its exceptional comprehension.
Despite being born weak, he possesses unimaginable comprehension and creativity, enabling him to comprehend and master numerous powerful techniques, thus strengthening himself.
They suppressed the demon race and the sea race, occupying the Central Continent and other continents where spiritual energy was most abundant.
As a spirit of an artifact, "Yan" does not possess this spirituality.
This is also one of the reasons why it dreams of one day breaking free from its cage and becoming a true living being.
"Alright, Xiao Li, let's go."
After exchanging a few words with "Yan", Lu Qing, now fully disguised, picked up Xiao Li and began heading into the interior of Xizhou.
