Chapter 504 - 218: Probing (Part 2)
In his hand, the Diancang Spear moved like a thunderclap from the highest heavens—a swift, explosive force that tore through the sky with a piercing CRACKLE.
He was repeatedly refining the Mountain-Splitting Thunder Shock Spear.
The progress bar on his status panel grew steadily each day.
His Dantian was already brimming with Five Elements True Astral, and he was on the verge of reaching the Mid-stage Astral Force Realm.
After two months of arduous cultivation, a sudden change occurred as Chen Qing executed the Mountain-Splitting Thunder Shock Spear one last time.
The moment the Diancang Spear thrust forward, its power was no longer a matter of simple speed and force. A wisp of intensely condensed, dazzlingly bright thunderlight materialized at its tip!
This thunderlight wasn’t real lightning but a strange phenomenon born from highly condensed True Astral. It pulsed with an oppressive aura of tearing, destruction, and unstoppable force.
KRRACK—!
The spear tip tore through the air, unleashing a sharp crack that sounded like a true thunderclap.
Chen Qing stood with his spear, invisible arcs of electricity crackling faintly around him. His hair stirred, though there was no wind.
He slowly closed his eyes, savoring the feeling of that last thrust.
[Mountain-Splitting Thunder Shock Spear’s Extreme Realm]
A profound understanding washed over him.
’The Thunderous Momentum... I’ve achieved it!’
Moreover, at the very instant he grasped the Thunderous Momentum, his understanding of the Mountainous Momentum also surfaced in his mind.
The two completely different types of Momentum didn’t repel each other.
The Mountainous Momentum was heavy, stable, and suppressive.
The Thunderous Momentum was swift, explosive, and destructive.
Now, under Chen Qing’s guidance, the two types of Momentum fused together perfectly.
He brandished the Diancang Spear again, and its Spear Momentum changed in a flash!
A single thrust carried the suffocating weight of a collapsing mountain, yet also possessed the swift, explosive force of a thousand thunderbolts.
The perfect fusion of profound weight and explosive force resulted in a qualitative leap in the Spear Technique’s power!
BOOM!
He slammed the spear down. The specially-made bluestone paving the courtyard instantly exploded, leaving a deep crater. Rubble flew, dust billowed, and the crater’s edge was left with faint scorch marks and traces of tearing Strong Qi.
Chen Qing retracted his spear and let out a long, turbid breath, feeling utterly exhilarated.
"Mountain Thunder Momentum... it really does multiply my power!"
His heart swelled with joy.
With this trump card, his combat prowess was once again enhanced.
’My Cultivation bottleneck has loosened, too. I’ll break through to the Mid-stage Astral Force in two or three days at the soonest, five or six at the latest!’
Chen Qing thought to himself, feeling the True Astral surging within his Dantian, on the verge of eruption.
When that happened, another breakthrough in his Five Elements True Astral, combined with his new Mountain Thunder Momentum, would grant him a major, all-around boost in strength.
He was now certain to secure a more advantageous position in the final six-month rankings.
However, his joy over the breakthrough was short-lived.
The following afternoon, a piece of news reached him.
Kong Yian of the Bitaomen Sect... had fallen.
Chen Qing’s brow furrowed when he heard the news. It was completely unexpected.
He had some memory of Kong Yian. The man had ranked in the middle of the pack during the selection. While his disposition was a bit cold, he wasn’t arrogant, and he had been polite enough during their few encounters.
He had even seen him team up with Zhu Yu and others on the outskirts of Luoxing Slope before.
According to the reports, Kong Yian and a few others from Xu Wang Mountain had accepted a Sect mission to eliminate a Demon Sect stronghold outside the city. They were ambushed and Kong Yian died fighting. Zhu Yu was also gravely wounded.
Since the news was confirmed by the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect itself, it had to be true.
Chen Qing fell silent for a moment. It was a shame; after all, Kong Yian was a genius whom the Bitaomen Sect had poured all its resources into cultivating.
Now, only ninety-four names remained on the ranking stele at Xu Wang Mountain.
This meant that in less than half a year, six of the geniuses selected from the Hundred Sects had already perished.
They might have died on missions, in private duels, or in some unknown, perilous land.
The Celestial Treasure Upper Sect’s resources were abundant and alluring, but the competition and danger that came with them were just as cruel and real.
Chen Qing focused his mind and returned to his Cultivation.
The Mid-stage Astral Force Realm was within his grasp. The Five Elements True Astral surged ceaselessly through his body like five roaring Flood Dragons, constantly colliding, merging, and growing within his Dantian Sea of Qi. With every cycle, the barrier to the next Realm loosened a little more.
He trained day and night, free from all distractions.
[Fifth Layer of Five Elements True Astral: (9987/10000)]
He was just one final step away!
One day, a knock came from the courtyard gate.
Chen Qing frowned slightly and slowly brought his practice to a halt. The surging True Astral in his body gradually calmed.
’Who could that be at a time like this?’
He rose and opened the gate. A young disciple stood outside, his sleeves embroidered with a flowing cloud pattern. His aura was deep and composed, and his Cultivation was surprisingly at the Embracing Pill Perfection Realm. He carried himself with an air that was neither humble nor arrogant.
"Might you be Brother Chen Qing?" the disciple asked with a cupped-fist salute. Though his tone was polite, it held a hint of restrained pride.
"I am. And you are?" Chen Qing nodded, growing wary. The disciple’s attire was not that of an ordinary Outer Sect or Xu Wang Mountain disciple.
"I am a Servant Disciple from Nine Heavens Peak. I have come on the order of Elder Luo Ziming to invite Brother Chen for a meeting at the peak," the disciple announced.
’The Nine Heavens Lineage!? Luo Ziming!?’
Chen Qing’s brow furrowed.
’The Nine Heavens Vein, one of the four great Inner Sect lineages of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect!’
’Elder Luo Ziming? The head disciple of Vein Master Li Yu-jun?’
’Why would he suddenly summon a newly-promoted Inner Sect Disciple like me?’
Though his thoughts were racing, Chen Qing’s expression betrayed nothing. He only feigned slight surprise. "Elder Luo has summoned me? May I ask what it is concerning?"
The disciple’s tone was impassive. "How could a mere disciple like myself presume to guess an Elder’s intentions? Brother Chen will find out upon his arrival. Please, follow me."
A summons from an Elder could not be refused.
Chen Qing took a deep breath, suppressing his many speculations, and nodded. "Then I’ll trouble you to lead the way."