"A Nascent Soul cultivator was killed?" The Sect Master's eyes widened in disbelief. A Nascent Soul cultivator was an invaluable asset, a rarity even among the prominent families and sects, let alone within the Seven Sects, where none possessed such a powerful figure. How terrifying must the individual be to achieve such a feat?
"Do you think it's possible that this person stole the Divine Farmer's Cauldron?"
"It's not impossible!" Lu Qing nodded slowly, his demeanor betraying no hint of deception. After all, it was the truth. They, the three of them, had jointly killed Feng Mo Ran and had infiltrated the forbidden grounds to steal the Divine Farmer's Cauldron. This was a secret they could never reveal to the Sect Master, lest he unleash his fury upon them.
"Do you know the identity of that person?"
Lu Qing shook his head. "The opponent was clad in black robes and wore a mask, their features completely obscured. Not only is their own strength formidable enough to kill a Nascent Soul cultivator, but the backing force behind them is likely not to be underestimated."
"However, the Divine Farmer's Cauldron is tied to..." The Sect Master hesitated before continuing, "No, I must inform the other sects. They must safeguard their most prized treasures. If more are stolen..."
A fine layer of cold sweat beaded on the Sect Master's forehead. "The Demon Race is highly likely to return. If the fiends of the Land of No Return are unleashed, this world will descend into chaos!"
"Sect Master, the Seven Sects are no longer united. Once the news of the Divine Farmer's Cauldron's loss spreads, do you think the other sects will hesitate to add insult to injury to the Hundred Herbs Hall?"
The Sect Master was in a quandary. Keeping silent would preserve the Hundred Herbs Hall for now, but revealing the truth might hasten its demise. Reluctantly, he decided to subtly warn the other sects to be vigilant against the resurgence of the Demon Race.
Lu Qing returned to his courtyard. With no one around, his legs gave out, and he slumped into a chair, wiping the sweat from his brow. It was the first time he had tried to shift blame, and he had almost been exposed.
"Great Uncle-Master," Xiao Man suddenly appeared, startling Lu Qing to the point of falling to the ground. Seeing it was Xiao Man, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Why haven't you left yet?"
"I've decided to enter the Trial Grounds." Xiao Man produced a collection of bottles and jars. "These are elixirs I've refined. Please keep them safe for me and deliver them to their rightful recipients."
Lu Qing picked himself up and examined one of the bottles. "Foundation Establishment Pills. The quality has improved again. And so many... Have you found the reason for your previous furnace explosions?"
Xiao Man nodded.
"Excellent! With your talent, you are destined to become a top alchemist on this continent. Your only weakness was furnace explosions. Once that's resolved, coupled with your control over the Nine Nether Fire, even in the Heavenly Spirit Sect, there will be few alchemists superior to you."
Lu Qing picked up another bottle. When he saw that it contained Void Comprehension Pills, his expression turned to shock. "Void Comprehension Pills! This quality... these are third-grade elixirs!"
"The Divine Farmer's Cauldron combined with the Nine Nether Fire has improved the quality of the elixirs. With the furnace explosion issue resolved, I can refine up to second-grade elixirs, though their stability is not yet consistent." Xiao Man said with a smile. "I've also prepared a gift for you, Great Uncle-Master."
Lu Qing took the box from Xiao Man. Inside lay a pill. He opened it to reveal a Shape Condensing Pill, an elixir needed to form a Nascent Soul, perfect for him. He had been stuck in the late stage of the Golden Core for a long time, unable to find the opportunity to break through. With this Shape Condensing Pill, he might be able to achieve the Nascent Soul stage in one go.
"Young Master..."
"Great Uncle-Master, the Heavenly Spirit Sect has many powerful cultivators. If you are to go there, you must not be underestimated. If you advance to the Nascent Soul stage and join the Heavenly Spirit Sect, you will surely secure a position. With a higher status, you will have access to more resources." Xiao Man's voice was exceptionally gentle, but the implication was clear: Xiao Man was casting a net, and the fish she intended to catch was no small fry!
"This subordinate understands." Lu Qing accepted the elixir. "I will accept this elixir. However, I cannot accompany you to the Trial Grounds."
"It's alright. You have your own mission. There should still be remnants of the Qin family, people who have changed their names and are hidden among the populace. We must let them know that one day, this Cang Xuan Continent will have a sky where they can live openly under the sun, no longer needing to hide." Xiao Man's eyes gleamed with a light that inspired unwavering belief.
Lu Qing smiled. "Young Master, in that case, this subordinate will take my leave and await you at the Heavenly Spirit Sect."
"Very well. If you encounter my people at the Heavenly Spirit Sect, I would trouble you to look after them."
"Rest assured, Young Master, I will."
Xiao Man turned and departed swiftly, attracting no attention.
Zhai Ge had intended to seek out Lu Qing to inquire about the Divine Farmer's Cauldron but unexpectedly spotted Xiao Man. He grew suspicious. Why was she returning to the sect and acting so furtively?
As Zhai Ge was about to follow, someone called out to him.
"Zhai Ge."
Zhai Ge stopped and turned to face Lu Qing. "Martial Uncle, the person who just left was..."
"What?" Lu Qing's expression was cold, a dark glint in his eyes. "What did you see?"
A chill ran down Zhai Ge's spine, making him tremble. "I saw... I saw..."
"Saw what?"
"I... I saw nothing..." Under Lu Qing's oppressive gaze, Zhai Ge changed his tune. "Martial Uncle, I came to ask about the forbidden grounds..."
"I know nothing about the forbidden grounds. If you have questions, it would be best to ask the Sect Master." Lu Qing said indifferently. "After all, the Sect Master knows the truth of what transpired within the forbidden grounds. Others are entirely unaware of the real story."
Zhai Ge desperately wanted to retort, but Lu Qing's overwhelming presence, combined with his reputation as a meticulous and uncompromising individual, had already unnerved him.
"Martial Uncle, Xiao Qin..."
"Xiao Qin will participate in the Trial Grounds." Lu Qing said calmly. "However, after the Trial Grounds conclude, she will embark on a journey, and her return date is uncertain."
"Xiao Qin is leaving..." Zhai Ge shivered. "Does Junior Sister know?"
"She should," Lu Qing turned and walked towards his room. Zhai Ge followed, his brow furrowed in confusion as he watched Lu Qing pack his belongings.
"Martial Uncle, are you also going out?"
"Not going out, but leaving." Lu Qing said unhurriedly. "I have decided to leave this place."
"What?" Zhai Ge was astonished. The Hundred Herbs Hall owed its current standing largely to Lu Qing's presence. Lu Qing was a third-grade alchemist with exceptional talent, and coupled with his near-Nascent Soul cultivation, even if the disciples of the Hundred Herbs Hall were not highly cultivated, other sects would not dare to provoke them lightly when they were out and about. But if Lu Qing were to leave, the status of the Hundred Herbs Hall would likely plummet.