Above Jiuli Village, a black vortex suddenly appeared.
From within emerged a somewhat battered silver flying boat.
Lu Qing and Xiao Yan stepped off the flying boat before he stored it away. His aura was slightly unstable.
In this world, there was a speed limit. Approaching it would provoke a warning from the Will of Heaven. However, traversing the void came with no such restrictions.
Still, activating a void flying boat to travel through the void consumed immense amounts of spiritual power.
Even though Lu Qing's cultivation had recently advanced significantly to the pinnacle of the First Turn Golden Core Realm, using this ability remained taxing.
"Big Brother, are we really back in Jiuli Village?"
Xiao Yan stared in a daze at the familiar village below.
Similarly, Xiao Li and Wuxing were utterly stunned.
The sheer speed was terrifying.
None of the three had ever experienced riding a void flying boat or traversing the void before. They were understandably awestruck.
"Yes, it’s thanks to the artifact. Let’s return to the village first," Lu Qing explained vaguely.
Spreading his divine sense, he sensed his master’s aura in the Half-Mountain Courtyard. The village was peaceful, with no signs of chaos. His heart relaxed. The worst he had feared had not come to pass.
He led Xiao Yan and the others down toward the village.
As they landed at the Half-Mountain Courtyard, they saw his master walking out of the house, a smile on his face.
"I figured you’d be back around this time," Doctor Chen said.
Xiao Yan hadn’t seen the elder doctor for over six months. She dashed forward to greet him.
Lu Qing, however, wore a look of guilt. "Master, I apologize. I was in seclusion and did not check my communication talisman. It was only after leaving seclusion today that I saw your messages."
"You only left seclusion today? But you’ve already returned..." Doctor Chen was taken aback. He knew that six months ago, Lu Qing had informed him he would be cultivating at the Everlasting Regret Mountain, several states away.
How could he return so quickly after exiting seclusion? ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel·fıre·net
"I possess an artifact that enables void traversal, crossing thousands of miles in an instant. However, it is quite energy-consuming and cannot be used frequently," Lu Qing explained.
"Such a miraculous artifact!"
Doctor Chen was astonished. No wonder Lu Qing had promised that he would quickly return if needed. He had assumed it would take Lu Qing several days to travel back. Who would have thought that "quickly" meant this instantaneous arrival?
An artifact truly meant the entire world was within reach.
"Master, you mentioned in your communication talisman that you are preparing to transcend your tribulation?" Lu Qing asked.
"Yes, the opportunity feels imminent. It should happen within a few days," Doctor Chen nodded. "I can sense the breakthrough approaching stronger than ever before."
"It’s fortunate I returned in time to assist you."
Relieved, Lu Qing retrieved a red and a white pearl from his Heaven and Earth One Qi Bag.
"Master, with your tribulation so close, I cannot do much, but during my travels, I came across these two pearls. They are a water-element and fire-element artifact, respectively, which perfectly suit your cultivation path of water and fire.
Refining them will fortify your foundation and better prepare you for the tribulation."
The treasures Lu Qing presented were the supreme-grade water-element artifact, Ten Thousand Arts Pearl, and the superior-grade fire-element artifact, Fire Essence Pearl.
Doctor Chen's spiritual energy stirred uncontrollably upon seeing the pearls. He immediately sensed their immense compatibility with him.
"It seems these artifacts were destined for you," Lu Qing observed, smiling. He handed the pearls to his master.
"Master, the white pearl is the supreme-grade water-element artifact, Ten Thousand Arts Pearl, while the red pearl is the superior-grade fire-element artifact, Fire Essence Pearl. Their functions and grades are not identical.
After refining them, you’ll need to temper and adapt them over time to fully integrate them into your cultivation."
Although the artifacts were unmatched in their elemental purity, Lu Qing had initially considered using the Li Huo Cauldron to refine them further. However, with his master’s tribulation approaching, it was better to provide immediate support.
High-grade artifacts, when properly nurtured, could grow stronger alongside their user. Once Doctor Chen achieved the Golden Core Realm, he would have ample time to refine and perfect these treasures.
Moreover, artifacts refined and nurtured by one’s self aligned better with their wielder's mind and spirit, achieving seamless synergy.
"Supreme and superior-grade artifacts..."
Doctor Chen marveled at the pearls in his hands. Artifacts at these grades were exceedingly rare and valuable.
Silently, he put them away. There was no need for excessive words between them as master and disciple.
"By the way, Master, you mentioned that the Tower Master of Tianji Tower had an important matter to discuss. What was it?" Lu Qing asked.
Doctor Chen’s expression turned solemn.
"It is indeed a grave matter. The Tower Master came on behalf of the three Holy Lords of Sacred Mountain.
They have observed the growing chaos in the world and wish to re-establish order and issue a decree. However, they believe that with so many rising talents and contenders, their authority alone may no longer be enough to command the world's respect.
Thus, they hope you will join them in bringing stability to the land for the sake of all.".