bookbashuk Chapter 192 Entrusting the Orphan with a Ribbon
Chapter 192 Entrusting the Orphan with a Ribbon
Chapter 192 Entrusting the Orphan with a Ribbon
"Yes, the Zhang family is no pushover. They have been my family's sworn enemy for many years and have been plotting to devour us all. These things are beyond the reach of even the most powerful cultivators."
Zhao Rushou sighed sadly.
"If it were before, it would have been fine if both of my families had True Persons, but now my family has no True Persons, not even an outstanding Half-Step Foundation Establishment cultivator, and no one who can establish the family's authority."
The more Zhao Rushou spoke, the more sorrowful she felt.
Once a prestigious and renowned family, they are now reduced to living in such a small and insignificant clan, even having to depend on an outsider for survival.
How could he not be saddened by this?
Lu Qingyun wanted to say something to comfort her, but in the end, her lips parted slightly and she didn't say anything.
Given his current status, even if he is Zhao Qingxuan's nominal godfather, revealing it would likely cause Zhao Rushou even more sadness.
Lu Qingyun sighed: "Senior is in his prime. Even though the times are difficult, now that you have discovered Zhao Ruchan's treacherous intentions and tracked down the traitors around him, you should no longer worry about this."
"Given the profound and subtle techniques of the 'Heavenly Profound Elixir Manual,' even if I cannot break through to the Foundation Establishment stage within ten years, I should be able to reach the half-step Foundation Establishment stage without worry. If you can break through to the Foundation Establishment stage by then, wouldn't the Zhao family's crisis be easily resolved?"
"Easy to solve? I already know Qingyun's intentions."
Zhao Rushou smiled, a smile that held both relief and sorrow.
"But even if Zhao Ruchan hadn't sent anyone to carry out this sneak attack, my death was already inevitable."
Zhao Rushou sighed sadly.
"You may wonder why, even in my Zhao clan's current state, there are still True Immortals willing to intervene and protect our clan's lives, allowing us to enjoy continued wealth and prosperity even without the protection of Foundation Establishment cultivators."
"This is not for any other reason than that among those who cultivate higher realms, there are those who have attained that state of enlightenment, and they feed on us."
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"We, the Zhao family, are born with the destiny of alchemy. If we can break through to the half-step Foundation Establishment stage, it will be an excellent medicine for those cultivators who practice the [Danlu] path. Even if we cannot break through to a higher realm after taking it, our supernatural abilities will improve a lot."
"Therefore, how could they possibly allow us to be exterminated, just for a mere struggle between the lower classes?"
After speaking, Zhao Rushou calmed down slightly.
"This is the fate I deserve, the price my Zhao family has paid for enjoying centuries of wealth and honor. I will die within two years, or at least one year."
"You must remember that there are countless True Persons in the Cloud Mist Sect, but the True Persons who are in charge of the world at this time are the three positions of [City Wall Soil], [Array Frost], and [Celestial Register]. Among them, the two from Sword Peak and Array Peak are in charge of the first two positions respectively. If you see that these two positions are important in the future, you must leave immediately and never go against the will of the True Person."
"As for the [Danlu] rank, there are two True Persons above it: one is the master of the Inner Sect's Dan Peak, and the other is the current master of the Zhang Clan."
"After I die, you can tell Qingxuan that there is no need to avenge me. Everything was my choice. After those two devour me, although their clan's spiritual energy will make things difficult for me, those two will no longer interfere in the affairs of my clan."
"At the same time, if someone in my clan establishes a foundation at this time, they will not stop them, or they will regard it as resources. If you want to establish a foundation, then the next hundred years will be your best choice. As for after that, once the legacy is gone, I don't know what those True Immortals are thinking."
"I will keep your words in mind."
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Lu Qingyun sighed and cupped his hands in greeting.
Now I finally understand why Zhao Qingxuan was able to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage in her previous life, while Niu Gao and the others could not. I finally understand why Zhao Rushou suddenly died, but the Zhang family did not pursue her to the death.
All of this had nothing to do with him, but Lu Qingyun still couldn't help but feel sad.
Lu Qingyun asked some more questions, which Zhao Rushou answered one by one, without reservation. As the sun gradually set, Zhao Rushou finally sighed and said, "Alright, I'm tired. You may go now. From now on, you may read any of the Zhao family's scriptures yourself, whether they are cultivation techniques or alchemy books, without any restrictions. As for spirit stones and spiritual herbs, if you need them, you can go to Qingxuan, and she will find them for you."
"If it weren't for the survival of the family, the elders of the Zhao clan wouldn't have interfered in the affairs of the various branches. You don't need to worry about this matter. I only hope that you can truly fulfill your promise and protect Qingxuan. That would be my last wish as a father."
Lu Qingyun was about to express his gratitude.
However, Zhao Rushou waved his hand and pushed him out of the hall with a force, leaving him alone in the hall, sitting there for a long time without saying a word.
Lu Qingyun was in a daze and unknowingly left the South Cliff, heading back towards the cave.
Many things he had learned in his previous life now connected with Zhao Rushou's words. He pondered for a moment and thought to himself, "No matter what, I should continue on this path. If I were to give up because of such a minor setback, I would only be ridiculed by those immortals."
"If I have such an opportunity but do not have the desire to attain enlightenment, then even if I reincarnate a hundred times, it will all be in vain."
Lu Qingyun's gaze was firm: "Even if there are countless schemes hidden behind it, there will always be a time when I can see through them, and there will always be a time when I can break free from this predicament."
"The current plan should not be changed. Now that I know the foundation-building method of the Heavenly Profound Elixir Manual, I should continue to try it."
"At least break through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining and then to the late-stage of Qi Refining. As for the half-step Foundation Establishment and Foundation Establishment, those can be pursued gradually."
"In any case, in my next life, I will at least not have to cripple my cultivation again, and I should at least start as a half-step Foundation Establishment cultivator, while knowing so many secrets and having more choices."
"Moreover, I also know about the upcoming war between good and evil, at which time I will be able to seize countless opportunities."
Lu Qingyun, having settled his thoughts, had unknowingly returned to the outside of Danfeng Cave.
Although it was only half a day, it still gave him a feeling of being in another world.
Just as they were about to walk along the path to the cave, a richly dressed young man appeared in front of them. His eyes were indifferent, as if revealing unparalleled confidence.
Beside him was a muscular old man who looked more like a martial artist than a monk.
Zhang Tianlie?
Lu Qingyun frowned.
He recognized the person as Zhang Tianlie, the sixth young master of Danfeng, whom he had met at Lingzhi Peak in his previous life. To be honest, this man was quite a remarkable person.
He once went to great lengths to win me over and make me one of his inner courtiers.
Unfortunately, our positions are different now, and it will be difficult for us to get to know each other again as we used to.
Zhang Tianlie stepped forward with a smile in his eyes and stopped Lu Qingyun with his hand: "Brother Lu, don't go. I am Zhang Tianlie of the Zhang family of Danfeng. I have been waiting for you for a long time."
Old Biao stood to one side, giving a warning.
Lu Qingyun asked calmly, showing no particular attitude towards him just because they were old acquaintances: "Brother Zhang, what brings you here?"
"If there is nothing else, I need to return to my residence to cultivate, so I will not say more to Brother Zhang here. When I have time, I will definitely come to apologize."
"Brother Lu, why are you so hostile towards me?"
Zhang Tianlie smiled and said, "Since you know that I am a member of the Zhang family, you should know that my Zhang family now has a Foundation Establishment True Person. The Zhao family is about to be defeated. If you join the Zhao family at this time, it is no different from a mantis trying to stop a chariot, and you will only bring about your own destruction."
"I heard from my father that you have remarkable attainments in alchemy, so I specially requested to come and persuade you to join my ranks. When I achieve great things and become the head of the Zhang family, you will be supported by me, just like Elder Biao, and you will achieve half-step Foundation Establishment."
"These words of mine come from the bottom of my heart. I hope Brother Lu will consider them carefully."
Lu Qingyun smiled.
Just like in his previous life, Zhang Tianlie was still naive and confident.
However, when he thought about the ending of his previous life, Lu Qingyun couldn't help but reminisce.
In his previous life, Zhang Tianlie was indeed as he said. Despite being the sixth young master of the Zhang family, he stood out from the many outstanding figures in the Zhang family and eventually became the head of the Zhang family.
But in the end, he suddenly died one night.
Lu Qingyun didn't know the reason at first.
Now that Lu Qingyun has obtained so much inside information from Zhao Rushou, he finally understands that Zhang Tianlie was not as lucky as he had imagined.
Lu Qingyun became a resource, Zhao Rushou became a resource, and Zhang Tianlie also failed to escape, becoming a resource for the upper cultivator.
Even the one who devoured him was none other than their Zhang clan's immortal.
Even Zhang Tianlie's rise to become the head of the Zhang clan was entirely his doing, orchestrated and promoted by him.
Lu Qingyun smiled and said, "If I remember correctly, your Zhang family cultivates the supreme method of alchemy, known as the 'Danmiao Zaohua Jing' which directly points to the Golden Elixir Path, while you cultivate another technique called the 'Tianyun Hengming Jue'?"
"So what if it is?"
Zhang Tianlie frowned. He had obtained this technique by chance in a secret place on Danfeng when he was ten years old. His elders personally appraised it, and even a master appraised it, telling him that it was a good technique.
For him, it was even more suitable than the obscure and difficult-to-understand "Danmiao Zaohua Jing".
Zhang Tianlie continuously accumulated his foundation and diligently studied Taoist texts. Half a year ago, he began to draw Qi into his body, and now, in just half a year, he has already reached the initial stage of Qi Refining perfection.
The elders all placed great expectations on him, regarding him as a strong candidate for the next head of the Zhang family. When he traveled, many cultivators came to him, willing to serve him as their master.
But now Lu Qingyun was looking at him with such pity.
Lu Qingyun shook his head: "We each have our own paths. I am grateful that you have invited me as a member of the Zhang family. However, since Senior Ru Shou has already made the marriage agreement between me and Qingxuan, I cannot submit to Brother Zhang's wishes. Please go back."
Zhang Tianlie sneered, "If you follow me, what woman can't you have? Why bury your path for a mere woman? Do you think the favors my Zhang family has bestowed upon you are less than those of the Zhao family?"
Lu Qingyun chuckled lightly: "I have no intention of being enemies with Brother Zhang, but things in this world are rarely as one wishes. Sometimes, what seems beautiful often hides danger. Nothing in this world comes without a price."
"If I had the chance, I would love to share a drink with Brother Zhang, but for now I can only express my gratitude for your kindness. Brother Zhang, please go back now."
Lu Qingyun had no intention of breaking ties with Zhang Tianlie. To put it bluntly, they were all just ants trying to survive under the rule of a true master.
Even if the competition is fierce, like Zhang Tianlie's elder brother, who in his previous life ambushed four half-step Foundation Establishment cultivators outside the ancestral hall, just to kill Zhang Tianlie and the critically ill Zhang family head in one fell swoop.
Who would have thought that the immortal would unleash a single magical power from the sky, turning his scheme into ashes?
He ended up dying and his spirit vanishing, with no other way out.
Just like this matter, the outcome of the Zhang-Zhao affair was almost predetermined by the true people.
Therefore, Zhang Tianlie's claim of the Zhao family's demise is impossible, and his promises are also impossible. After all, even he himself will eventually become a source of sustenance for the dead.
Therefore, why waste words?
"I understand Brother Lu's intentions."
Zhang Tianlie was taken aback. He naturally couldn't discern the pity and implication in Lu Qingyun's words, taking it as gratitude for the Zhao family's kindness. Therefore, he solemnly said, "Now that we are each serving our own masters, I don't blame you."
"But when I destroy the Zhao family in the future, I will spare your life. I hope that you, who are free and unrestrained at that time, can truly join my ranks."
Lu Qingyun shook his head and walked back to his cave.
Did Zhang Tianlie understand? In the end, he still didn't.
Thinking of him, Lu Qingyun recalled his previous life's arduous cultivation of the "Ancient Wood Longevity Technique," which ultimately led to his becoming the Green Wood True Man.
He had no choice but to recklessly self-destruct, dying in the secret realm.
They were all so powerless to control their own lives.
Moved by the scene, Lu Qingyun opened his mouth as if to offer Zhang Tianlie a few words of advice.
But considering that he was probably already being watched by the True Person and controlled by the True Person of the Zhang family at all times, he ultimately remained silent and returned to his cave.
"Old Biao, let's go."
Zhang Tianlie watched Lu Qingyun's retreating figure, took a deep breath, clenched his fists tightly, and couldn't relax his furrowed brows.
In the distance, Zhao Ruchan's figure silently disappeared. He said hatefully to the person beside him, "It seems we have to wait a little longer. I didn't expect that the young master of the Zhang family would come to see Lu Qingyun this time. No wonder the Zhang family did not respond when we informed them."
"It turns out they had planned this all along, but judging from the current situation, the Zhang family's negotiations with this young man have broken down."
"Even so, we cannot place all our hopes on the Zhang family. We can wait for the next time he leaves the cave alone and then seize the opportunity to kill him."
"In that case, even if the Zhang family questions us, we will have a satisfactory explanation."
Inside the cave, Lu Qingyun frowned slightly.
His senses told him that someone was watching him, and since he didn't want to get entangled with Zhang Tianlie any longer, he immediately returned to his cave.
When he secretly scanned the figure with his divine sense, he discovered that the figure seemed to resemble Zhao Ruchan somewhat.
"What's Zhao Ruchan doing here? Could it be that he's also eyeing me?"
Lu Qingyun pondered to himself.
"It seems I need to improve my cultivation level immediately and prepare some self-defense measures."
"Fortunately, this time, all the spiritual herbs have been found. Once the pills are successfully refined, I can begin to break through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining perfection."
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"With the help of talismans, even if we face Zhao Ruchan, we may not be able to defeat him, but we may also be able to escape."
My thoughts settled.
Lu Qingyun immediately activated his magic power, unleashing a spiritual fire, and simultaneously activated the [Azure Wood Seal], throwing out several [items] from his storage bag.
Ten medicinal herbs.
At this moment, his understanding of the Heavenly Fruit Positions has deepened, and his comprehension of the "Heavenly Profound Pill Technique" has advanced further. Although he is preparing high-grade spiritual medicine, Lu Qingyun is more at ease than before.
In no time at all, the medicinal herbs needed to make a top-grade [Rejuvenation Pill] were prepared.
Its medicinal properties were arranged in the air according to yin and yang, emptiness and fullness, and Lu Qingyun skillfully placed it into the alchemy furnace.
After the spiritual fire rose for a full forty-nine quarters, a wisp of fragrant pill energy suddenly emerged from the furnace, its aroma enticing.
Lu Qingyun opened it and took a look.
Seven pills immediately floated in his hand.
And unsurprisingly, they were all top-grade, and one of them even had a pill pattern!