Chapter 44

After this period of cultivation, especially during the "rebirth" process, the enormous energy required for "rebirth" caused a significant internal consumption of the accumulated essence. After the "rebirth" process, the essence in the twelve meridians had been consumed by about thirty to forty percent.

Qingxuan diligently practiced the "Complete Heart Technique" and the "Kunwu Primordial Jade Technique" every day. With the support of the vast essence in his meridians, his internal strength cultivation could be described as advancing by leaps and bounds.

One must eat one bite at a time and take one step at a time. Eating too much can cause a drooping stomach, and taking too large a step can strain the testicles.

Even though his martial arts cultivation had rapidly improved, Qingxuan did not dare to slack off in the slightest.

He knew deeply that the only way to succeed in this world was through diligence. There are countless geniuses in this world, and those with roots and foundations number in the thousands. However, those who ultimately achieve success can be counted on one hand, and all of them are people with strong wills.

Qingxuan had always practiced martial arts and cultivated without anyone to guide him, and only through strict self-discipline could he avoid becoming lax.

Qingxuan, who lived a fulfilling and happy life, after practicing the "Tai Chi Essence Cultivation Technique" that he did every day, picked up a wooden sword and prepared to start practicing the "Thirty-Six Swords of Qingyun."

However, a thin and weak figure suddenly intruded, disrupting his focused cultivation plan.

Inside the "Hall of Tranquil Thought," Lingxu Zhenren sat in a chair, while Qingyan Daoist stood beside him with his hands hanging down.

At this moment, Lingxu Zhenren's youthful face, which usually looked like that of a transcendent immortal, had lost its usual calmness and was replaced by an expression of disbelief.

After a long moment of contemplation, he slowly asked:

"Have you confirmed that the assassin organization involved in our sect's calamity is indeed related to that sect?"

"Yes, Master, I am eighty percent certain. I received information that disciples from other sects also died from the same technique. Following the trail, I discovered that this organization is not just a common assassin group but has a significant background. After extensive investigation, I found that the most important assassinations carried out by this organization over the years were all aimed at martial arts experts who had differing opinions from that righteous sect. If my guess is correct, this assassin organization is actually set up by that major sect specifically to eliminate righteous people who offend them. They root it in the underworld to cover their tracks and frame the underworld martial arts world. I never imagined that a sect with such a noble and transcendent status would act so despicably... Master, what do you think?"

Lingxu Zhenren's expression was inscrutable, and he waved his hand to stop his second disciple's words.

Lingxu Zhenren's expression was filled with doubt and showed his extreme inner turmoil.

After a moment, Lingxu Zhenren's expression turned serious, and he made a decision, speaking in a solemn voice: "No matter how powerful that force is, how can we, as descendants of the sect, not avenge the massacre of our sect? Even if their power can cover the sky, as long as we still have a breath left, we must have the determination to defy the heavens. If they represent the heavens, I will overturn the heavens."

Thinking of the tragic massacre of his fellow disciples, Lingxu Zhenren's heart was filled with sorrow and anger. He struck the wooden table beside him, and although the table did not move, the force of his palm left a deep handprint on the stone floor.

"Master, calm down!" Qingyan was greatly alarmed, having never seen his master so angry, and stepped forward to comfort him.

Seeing his disciple's concern, Lingxu Zhenren felt a warmth in his heart and said gently, "My disciple, you have worked hard. The matter here is settled. In the future, do not get involved in this matter."

"Why, Master?" Qingyan asked in confusion.

"Ah, this great enmity of the sect is my personal enmity. Although you and your fellow disciples were raised by me, this grudge has nothing to do with you. This blood feud is extremely dangerous, and once a confrontation occurs, it can easily result in death. I have the right to ask you to act for me, but I do not have the right to ask you to die for me... You, ah, should not get involved in this matter..."

"Master—" Qingyan knelt down and knocked his head on the ground several times, "Master, do not say such things. We were raised by you, and you treated us like parents. Without you, we would have been homeless and might have already turned to dust... Now that our parents are in trouble, how can we, as children, stand idly by? Master's blood feud is our blood feud, and the blood debt of the sect's destruction is our blood debt... Please allow us to act in secret, use ruthless means, and avenge the countless fellow disciples who died unjustly!"

Ah— Lingxu Zhenren sighed deeply and lifted Qingyan from the ground with one hand.

"I understand your sincerity, my disciple. As for your involvement in the sect's blood feud, I need to consider it carefully. However, you must not act rashly."

Lingxu Zhenren looked at his disciple with a sense of satisfaction. These disciples were all raised by him, and although he initially had the intention of cultivating their strength, over time, genuine affection grew. He treated them as if they were his own children.

The hearts of parents are the same.

They do not wish for their children to achieve great success but hope for their children to live a peaceful and safe life. Lingxu Zhenren knew well the dangers of the enmity he faced and would not let his disciples risk their lives.

Now that his second disciple was so sincerely offering to share his burden, how could Lingxu Zhenren not be moved? The old Taoist, with his youthful face, held back his tears, circulated his technique, and suppressed his emotions. On the surface, he appeared calm, but inside, his heart was like a turbulent sea.

Perhaps I am really old. After decades of secret actions and hiding, he had developed the composure to remain calm even if Mount Tai were to collapse before him. Yet, recently, he had been feeling a mix of emotions and his mood had been fluctuating.

Could it be that my destiny is approaching, and my lifespan is about to end?

Lingxu Zhenren was greatly shaken and carefully calculated. He realized that he was already 143 years old and had been stuck at the seventh level of the Earth Essence Realm for over forty years. After careful consideration, he realized that his lifespan was coming to an end. Even if he had some time left, it would not exceed two or three years, and his departure was imminent.

Thinking about his limited lifespan, Lingxu Zhenren was calm, but the impending resolution of the sect's tragic case was a great concern.

"Master?" Qingyan, seeing his master's changing expression, asked with some worry.

"Oh—oh, I am fine."

Life and death are predetermined, and he had long been prepared for his departure. Moreover, his most important recent concern had been resolved. Thinking of that young but cunning face and the strange technique he had just obtained, Lingxu Zhenren could not help but smile. He thought to himself: This young disciple, Xuan'er, is truly a blessing to our sect. With this technique, his meridians can be expanded again, and with his heart knot resolved, his long-stagnant cultivation level showed signs of loosening. If he could successfully break through, he could gain another sixty years of life, and there was even a chance to reach the innate realm. At that time, he would have enough time to arrange his affairs or avenge the sect.

Thinking of this, Lingxu Zhenren's mind relaxed. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "The enemy's power is formidable. Even without my direct involvement, using their surrounding forces, they could easily crush our sect like crushing ants.

Moreover, the villains falsely claim to be righteous sects and are very concerned about their reputation. Even if we accuse them, without sufficient evidence, martial artists would not easily believe us, and we might be framed by the villains... At that time, no matter how vast the world is, there would be no place for us to hide.

Therefore, we must be very cautious and not easily provoke a conflict, exposing ourselves. Although our deaths are not to be regretted, if we cut off the lineage of the Kunwu Sect, we would be unable to atone for our sins and would feel even more guilty to the spirits of our ancestors.

For now, the priority is to keep it secret. What we discussed today must not be revealed to anyone else, not even to your fellow disciples, to avoid leaks and potential harm."

Qingyan nodded in agreement.

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