Return, Aftermath

"Old Doctor, what was that just now?"

Wei Shanhai looked at Old Doctor Chen with a shocked expression.

The two were sitting under the Plum Tree drinking tea when they were suddenly stunned by the tremors of the heavens and earth.

Wei Shanhai was puzzled and could only ask his Old Doctor.

He knew that the Old Doctor's understanding was far superior to his own and that he should be able to see through the truth.

The Old Doctor remained calm and, after carefully sensing the surroundings, sighed.

"It seems that the legendary Heaven and Earth Transformation is about to begin."

"You mean the cataclysmic change that Heaven's Secret Pavilion spoke of is about to begin?!" Wei Shanhai was shocked.

"I'm afraid so. The fluctuations just now were caused by the heavens and earth. I can vaguely sense that some subtle changes have occurred in the world, but these changes are not obvious and difficult to detect." The Old Doctor nodded.

"So where exactly has this Heaven and Earth Transformation occurred?" Wei Shanhai was still somewhat bewildered.

"I don't know either," the Old Doctor shook his head. "But since the heavens and earth have already shown signs, it will obviously not be long before we see what the changes are."

Actually, the Old Doctor does know a little bit.

If the speculation in the notebook that Lu Qing showed him back then was correct.

It seems that the so-called Spiritual Qi Revival is about to truly begin.

But it was just a guess from an ancient book, and the Old Doctor couldn't be sure if it was true until it was confirmed.

"If the world is truly about to change, it seems that a turbulent time is indeed coming."

Wei Shanhai sighed.

The Old Doctor also fell silent.

In fact, he sensed something else in the Heaven and Earth Sound just now.

However, it's not appropriate to say it explicitly here.

"Grandpa Chen, what happened just now? It sounded really noisy outside."

At this moment, Xiao Yan, holding Xiao Li, rubbed her eyes and walked out of the house, still sleepy.

It turned out that she and Xiao Li were taking a nap in the room when they were suddenly woken up.

But her words shocked both the Old Doctor and Wei Shanhai.

"Xiao Yan, could you hear that noise just now?"

Wei Shanhai asked impatiently.

"Yes, it's so loud, how could we not hear it? Grandpa Wei, is someone demolishing a house?" Xiao Yan asked, confused.

Then Wei Shanhai stared at Xiaoyan with his mouth slightly open, looking at Xiao Yan incredulously.

The Old Doctor knew why he was so surprised.

The Heaven and Earth Sound and earth that existed before were fluctuations manifested by the changes in the rules of heaven and earth; they were not ordinary sounds, and were difficult for the naked ear to hear.

Logically speaking, only Martial Dao Grandmaster have honed their Divine Soul Power and experts at the Innate Realm should be able to perceive that vast sound.

But how could Wei Shanhai not be surprised that Xiao Yan, a child, could hear it even in her sleep?

But the Old Doctor knew some of the inside story.

He knew that Lu Qing had given Xiao Yan the Earth Vein Spirit Liquid, and he had personally experienced its Spiritual Fluid effects.

Not only can it greatly improve a person's aptitude, but if you're lucky, it can even stimulate certain special talents.

Clearly, after consuming the Earth Vein Spirit Liquid, Xiao Yan must have gained some special ability that allowed her to "hear" the previous Heaven and Earth Sound.

"Old Doctor, it seems that Xiao Yan's talent is also quite extraordinary."

At this moment, Wei Shanhai also realized what was happening.

The way he looked at Xiao Yan was strange, as if he were looking at some rare treasure.

Previously, he only thought that Xiao Yan was smart and clever, and very cute and spirited, much more well-behaved and quick-witted than the average child.

But considering that she was Lu Qing's younger sister and was favored by the Old Doctor.

Given the cultivation and experience of these two individuals, it's quite normal for Xiao Yan to be stronger than ordinary children due to the influence she has had.

Now it seems things are far more complicated than they appear.

Despite having no cultivation whatsoever, Xiao Yan was able to "hear" the Dao sounds of the changing rules of heaven and earth. Clearly, she must possess some special talent.

That makes sense, considering that Lu Qing is a once-in-a-millennium genius, Child of Destiny.

How could Xiao Yan, who shared the same mother and was bound by blood with him, be ordinary?

It's just that she's still young and hasn't shown her talent yet.

The more Wei Shanhai thought about it, the more convinced he became, and his gaze toward Xiao Yan grew increasingly intense.

"Old Doctor, Xiao Yan is over seven years old now, isn't she? I wonder why she hasn't become your disciple and started learning martial arts?"

The more Wei Shanhai looked at Xiao Yan, the more he liked her, and then he turned to ask.

The Old Doctor could tell at a glance that he had something on his mind.

He shook his head, remembering what Lu Qing had said before.

"A Qing once said that Xiao Yan's path of cultivation is rather special and should not be rushed. He said that he would arrange it himself when the time was right, so I shouldn't interfere."

In the past two years, the Old Doctor had also asked Lu Qing whether he wanted Xiao Yan to learn martial arts.

However, Lu Qing has always said that the time is not right, so Xiao Yan has not yet started formal cultivation.

"It turns out that Young Master Lu had already made arrangements."

Upon hearing this, Wei Shanhai knew that his plan to take Xiao Yan as his apprentice was doomed.

In his mind, Lu Qing was far more mysterious than the Old Doctor.

Since he had made arrangements in advance, it was clear that he would not allow Xiao Yan to become an apprentice at will.

"Grandpa Chen, why hasn't my brother come back yet? How long will he stay in the mountains? Xiao Yan misses him."

Hearing the Old Doctor mention Lu Qing, Xiao Yan pouted, looking somewhat aggrieved.

She hadn't seen her brother for many days.

"Indeed, Old Doctor, why has Young Master Lu been in seclusion for so long this time?" Wei Shanhai asked.

After Lu Qing sparred with him, he said he had gained some insights and went into seclusion. Seven days have passed since then.

Lu Qing rarely secluded himself for such a long time in the past. Could it be that he is about to break through to the Innate Realm directly?

Thinking of this, Wei Shanhai felt a jolt in his heart.

If that's the case, then it's truly no small matter.

Lu Qing is only a few years old now. If he really steps into the Innate Realm, it will probably cause a sensation throughout the world, and even the Four Great Secret Realms will be shaken.

"I don't know either. A Qing only said that he would go into seclusion for a while, but he didn't say exactly how long."

The Old Doctor was also a little puzzled.

He knew that Lu Qing must have gone into seclusion in the deep mountains, to that mystical place that he and Xiao Li had discovered together, a place that could produce Earth Vein Spirit Liquid.

But because of Xiao Yan, he rarely goes into seclusion for so long.

This time, it was indeed a bit unusual.

Unfortunately, he never went to that mystical place.

Xiao Li is inseparable from Xiao Yan. Apart from Lu Qing and Xiao Yan, no one else can command it, not even him.

Otherwise, we could go and see for ourselves.

Whoosh! Just as the Old Doctor and the others were thinking about Lu Qing.

Xiao Li, who was being held by Xiao Yan, suddenly jumped out of Xiao Yan's arms and darted away.

The Old Doctor were taken aback at first, but then they realized what was happening and quickly looked outside.

Then they saw a figure standing at the entrance of the courtyard, with Xiao Li perched on his shoulder, nuzzling him with her head. Who else could it be but Lu Qing?

"Elder brother!"

When Xiao Yan saw Lu Qing, she immediately opened her arms and ran forward. Before she even reached him, she started jumping up and down, pouncing on Lu Qing.

Fearing she might fall, Lu Qing could only reach out and catch her.

Seeing the little one burying her head in his arms, looking like she was about to cry, he affectionately ruffled her hair.

"I'm sorry, it was my fault this time. I've been in seclusion for so long and made Xiao Yan wait."

Fortunately, Xiao Yan's emotions came and went quickly, and she was easy to appease.

Soon, with Lu Qing's comforting words, they started laughing and joking again.

After calming Xiao Yan down, Lu Qing put her down and went to the Old Doctor and the other man.

He first greeted Wei Shanhai, and then said to the Old Doctor, "Master, I'm back."

"Yes, it's good that you're back."

The Old Doctor nodded, without asking why Lu Qing's seclusion this time was longer than usual.

On the contrary, Wei Shanhai couldn't suppress his curiosity.

"Young Master Lu, have you already entered the Innate Realm during your seclusion this time?"

Wei Shanhai's eyes were full of anticipation.

Although he was unable to sense the unique Innate Realm essence of the Innate Realm from Lu Qing.

But long ago, he had already completely lost sight of Lu Qing's true intentions.

Therefore, even if Lu Qing had a secret method to conceal his Innate Realm potential, he was not surprised at all.

"No." Lu Qing shook his head. "Although I gained something from this seclusion, it only made my foundation more solid. I haven't been able to step into the Innate Realm yet."

"I see." Wei Shanhai was somewhat disappointed upon hearing this, but still comforted him, "Young Master Lu, there's no need to be discouraged. Although the Innate Realm is mysterious, with your talent, it's only a matter of time before you step into that realm. I'm sure that as long as you settle down and mature a bit more, you'll naturally break through."

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Wei." Lu Qing bowed and expressed his gratitude.

"Master, have you had lunch yet?"

After chatting for a while, Lu Qing asked.

Not yet.

"That's perfect. I've been in seclusion for a while and I'm feeling a bit hungry. I'll make some side dishes to fill my stomach now."

Lu Qing hadn't expected that refining the Earth Spirit Pearl would take so long without him realizing it.

If it weren't for his profound cultivation and strong blood and qi, his body probably wouldn't have been able to withstand it long ago.

"Yes, go ahead." The Old Doctor naturally had no objections.

"Senior Wei, please stay for dinner," Lu Qing invited.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony," Wei Shanhai said with a smile. "Young Master Lu, the food you cook has a unique flavor. Even Ning Yan and Zi An often reminisce about it. Today, I am truly fortunate to have such a delicious meal."

Over the past two years, Wei Shanhai has tasted Lu Qing's cooking several times.

And I must say, it was truly unique, even surprising someone like him who wasn't particularly attached to food.

Now that he heard Lu Qing was going to cook again, he was actually looking forward to it.

"It's just some ordinary home-cooked food. Madam Wei and the others are too kind."

Lu Qing went into the kitchen and spent half an hour preparing some food.

Having not eaten Lu Qing's cooking for many days, Xiao Yan and Xiao Li were especially happy with their meal.

The Old Doctor and Wei Shanhai naturally enjoyed their meal quite well.

At the dinner table, Lu Qing also began to subtly inquire about matters concerning the State Prefecture City.

He hadn't expected that six or seven days would pass by while he was refining the Earth Spirit Pearl in the Jade Cave Chamber.

He didn't know how the situation in the State Prefecture City had developed since he left, so he could only inquire with Wei Shanhai.

Believe it or not, Wei Shanhai actually knew.

After all, many of the Wei Clan's businesses had already been moved to the State Prefecture City several years ago.

So the information over there is still very well-informed.

Lu Qing caused such a huge incident in the State Prefecture City, even killing a Innate Realm cultivator. Such a serious matter could not possibly be covered up.

The day after the incident, Wei Clan's spies in the State Prefecture City relayed the news back.

As a result, the Wei Clan kept a close eye on the State Prefecture City in the days that followed.

"Young Master Lu, you don't know that the Zheng Family Old Woman had already secretly performed Live Sacrifice ritual many years ago when her eldest son died."

On that day, the city lord of the State Prefecture City invited the leaders of the major forces in the city to open the tomb for inspection. They discovered dozens of clay figurines left behind after that evil ritual was performed. One can imagine how depraved that Zheng Family Old Woman was! No wonder she provoked that mysterious expert to take action and kill her in anger.

To be honest, if I knew about this, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to resist taking action and teaching that old woman a lesson.

The mysterious powerful figure was ruthless in his killing; not only did he slay the old woman, but he also destroyed the graves and coffins of her most cherished son and grandson. He also killed her second son with a single arrow—a truly gratifying sight!

After recounting the events that occurred in the State Prefecture City to Lu Qing, Wei Shanhai sighed again.

"Is this really true? Who is that mysterious expert? Does anyone know?" Lu Qing asked in surprise.

The Old Doctor had obviously heard about these things before, so he didn't show any surprise.

"That's the strangest thing. That mysterious expert seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. No one could find out his origins, yet his strength was extremely astonishing."

It is said that he killed the Zheng Family Old Woman in just a dozen or so breaths.

It should be noted that although the Zheng Family Old Woman did not have much Lifespan, she was still a powerful expert at the Innate Initial Realm Peak. Yet she was killed before she could even last for a dozen breaths.

It's easy to imagine the power of that mysterious expert; many speculate that he's likely a terrifyingly strong individual, perhaps even at the level of Innate Lesser Completion.

Lu Qing:...

The rumors were indeed getting more and more exaggerated. How could he not know that he was already Innate Lesser Completion?

"... What happened to the Zheng Family after such Great Calamity?" Lu Qing asked after a moment of silence.

"What else can we do? The State Prefecture City is a prosperous place, but every inch of land is extremely valuable. Countless people are eyeing every piece of land there."

The Zheng Family lost its most important support, the Innate Realm expert, and even the patriarch was dead. They also committed the grave taboo of secretly performing Live Sacrifice. Their fate was sealed.

In the past few days, the entire direct line of the Zheng Family has been captured by the city lord, imprisoned, and awaiting trial. The remaining collateral branches of the family have also had their property confiscated and been expelled from the city. For three generations, they are forbidden from setting foot in the city, and those who disobey will be executed.

It can be said that the Zheng Family is gone, completely vanished.