Lu Ding raised his eyes toward the far edge of the sea of clouds. His expression grew grave, and he lowered his voice, deep concern beneath his words.
"The Mother-Child Demon Embryos and the Southern Region Sub-Altar you saw were merely pieces the Mahayana Evil Cult placed in plain sight—omens of the chaos to come. The true undercurrents lie within the orthodox path, hidden inside its great sects."
"The Profound Truth Sect throws its weight around, interferes in Alliance affairs, and secretly colludes with those undercurrents. The Orthodox Alliance appears to unite the world's sects fairly, but it is riddled with factions and private ambitions. The storms brewing in this world are a hundred times more dangerous than anything you saw in your bloody battle at the Demon Altar."
He slowly raised a hand. A tiny cluster of crimson flame flickered quietly in his palm. Though faint and gentle, it held not a trace of murderous violence. Instead, it carried a strange resonance that cleansed karmic burdens and purified evil.
"Everyone knows the Flame Vajra Fire-Control Alchemy Art can refine pills, wield flame, and nurture vajra energy. No one knows it is a Soul-Refining Calamity-Crossing Secret Art left from antiquity. When the coming chaos arrives, karmic burdens will fill the skies, evil will engulf the world, and calamities of the soul will arise everywhere. This art will be your foundation for protecting yourself, crossing calamities, and preserving your Dao heart and soul."
"The time has not yet come. I cannot tell you too many of these secrets for now. Focus on your cultivation and solidify your foundation."
With that, Lu Ding withdrew the flame and turned his gaze back to Cheng Heng. His voice grew earnest as he warned him solemnly.
"You made your name in a single battle today.