novellhall Chapter 35 [Earthly Fiend Tribulation] Two Barriers Broken Simultaneously, Storm is Brewing
Chapter 35 [Earthly Fiend Tribulation] Two Barriers Broken Simultaneously, Storm is Brewing
The cold night wind, carrying with it the hustle and bustle and the stench of blood from the south of the city, was left far behind by Lu Qingfeng.
His figure moved silently and swiftly between the rooftops. His Cloud-Stepping Technique became increasingly elusive and agile as he continued his journey. Each time he used a lever, he landed precisely in the darkest shadow, accurately concealing his presence.
[The first phase of the main storyline quest in the dungeon has been completed]
[Rewards have been issued]
You have successfully uncovered part of the truth behind the incident.
[Phase rewards have been distributed]
[Task Rewards: 1000 Experience Points, 500 Disaster Coins]
[Task Rewards: 500 Experience Points, 200 Disaster Coins]
[Random green item draw in progress...]
The notifications from the network kept ringing in his mind, which was like heavenly music to Lu Qingfeng, who lacked a sense of security!
The online broadcasts continued unabated, and Lu Qingfeng's steps did not stop either. His figure moved through the intricate dark alleys of Jiangzhou City, like an ink droplet dissolving into the night.
You experienced a unique realization.
[The Cloud Step technique gains a significant boost (massive proficiency)]
[Level Up!]
[The Cloud Step technique has been upgraded to LV10 (cannot be upgraded further)]
[You've gained a new feature: Cloud Access!]
[Cloud Departure: When you use footwork, your speed increases by 10%]
Everything went smoothly, and the network connection notification sound continued to ring:
You have obtained a random green item: Cloak of Invisibility.
[Obtained: Cloak of Shadows (Green)]
[Type: Equipment (Cloak)]
[Effect: Significantly reduces one's presence when worn, weakens the detection effect of mid-level and lower-level spells, and greatly enhances stealth ability in shadows (requires a small amount of spiritual power to maintain)]
[Description: Like a veil woven from the night, once draped over you, you become part of the shadows.]
"A cloak of invisibility?"
We've come at the perfect time!
This is simply a godsend for stealth reconnaissance, especially in Jiangzhou City where the enemy is in the dark and we are in the light.
He didn't take it out immediately, but only confirmed its existence, which put his mind at ease.
Afterwards, Lu Qingfeng wandered around the western part of the city like a ghost for half an hour, checking for various auras.
After confirming that there were no tails to follow and having figured out several secluded alleys and possible escape routes nearby, he quietly returned to the window of that inconspicuous little inn.
The knuckles tapped the agreed-upon signal on the window frame, three long and two short.
A slight sound came from inside the room, and the door latch was gently pulled open.
Xuan Ji's pale and anxious face appeared behind the door. When he saw that it was Lu Qingfeng, he breathed a long sigh of relief, quickly stepped aside to let him in, and then quickly bolted the door shut.
"Senior brother! Are you...are you alright?"
Xuan Ji lowered his voice and eagerly looked Lu Qingfeng up and down. He seemed to smell a faint scent of blood, and his face turned even paler.
"fine."
Lu Qingfeng gave a brief reply, walked to the table, sat down, and poured himself a glass of ice-cold coarse tea.
The bitter tea instantly extinguished the dryness in my throat.
He scanned the room, confirming that the simple concealment barrier he had set up had not been activated and that Xuan Ji was safe and sound.
Only then did I feel relieved.
"How is it going?"
Xuanji pressed for answers anxiously and sat down next to the table.
"Hu San is dead."
"We got some information out of them. The mastermind is called Yin Luodao. They're the ones manipulating the Black Fang Gang to ambush us, and their target is the token. They have an inside agent within the Zhenxie Division."
"The Yin Luo Path? An inside man?!"
Xuan Ji gasped, his fists clenching instinctively. "Then... Master..."
"Master has limited time, so we can't take the path of the Evil Suppression Division for the time being."
Lu Qingfeng interrupted him, his eyes sharp, "We need power, but we need even more accurate intelligence. Directly storming the Zhenxie Division, or rashly searching for the Yinluo Path, is suicide."
"You protect me here for a moment. When I killed that pig and dog just now, I had another epiphany."
"Ah... okay, senior brother."
Although Xuanji was puzzled as to why his senior brother was making such rapid progress, his senior brother had always been the person he trusted most, and he would do whatever his senior brother said.
So he fell silent and stood guard.
At this moment, Lu Qingfeng focused his mind on the integrated network panel.
The 1300 points of general experience I just gained are a timely help.
Adding the 100 experience points I had already accumulated, I now have a total of 1400.
Because the power from his previous life has not been fully unsealed, Lu Qingfeng cannot use the resources from his previous life.
But now, the accumulation of this life is enough.
[Do you wish to spend 400 Universal Experience Points to upgrade your Alchemist class to level 3?]
【Yes! 】
A pure and vast warm current instantly washed over my limbs and bones!
The newly formed spiritual energy vortex within his dantian suddenly accelerated its rotation, more than doubling in size and becoming even more condensed.
The spiritual energy flowed like a trickle into a river, surging and surging.
[The Qi Refiner has been upgraded to level 3]
[Spiritual Power: 8/8 → 15/15]
[Enhanced Aura Cyclone Effect of the Profession: Significantly enhanced efficiency of aura circulation and a slight increase in aura recovery speed]
[Breath Control Effect Improved: Recovery Amount Increased to 4 Points]
[You have acquired new class spells: Lightness Spell (slightly increases movement speed and evasion ability) and Tranquility Spell (slightly increases mental resistance and stabilizes the mind)]
Your base vitals (maximum health, base saving throws, etc.) have been increased again!
[Constitution +1!]
You have gained a new career trait: Insightful Path Selection.
[Choose Your Path (Profession Branch): You will choose one of "Alchemy Cultivation," "Talisman Cultivation," or "Weapon Cultivation," and will receive basic branch bonuses.]
Three options floated in his mind, each emanating a distinct aura:
Danxiu: Slightly enhances spiritual energy perception (grants additional bonuses to plant and mineral essences), and slightly enhances the effect of spiritual energy on self-recovery/strengthening.
Talisman Cultivation: Improves the precision and stability of spiritual power manipulation, and slightly enhances the efficiency and power of drawing/activating talismans.
Weapon Repair: Slightly enhances the attachment, conduction, and amplification effects of spiritual energy on weapons, and slightly improves the perception of weapon structure and spiritual energy circulation.
Lu Qingfeng looked at the three options and hesitated for a long time.
Mr. Lu has difficulty making choices; if you ask him to choose, it's almost impossible for him to come to a decision.
If we compare the advantages and disadvantages: Pill cultivation increases combat endurance, talisman cultivation increases combat special attack, and weapon cultivation increases damage.
However, alchemy and talismanic arts cannot be immediately converted into combat power.
And the way of tools...
Whether it was Chongyue in his past life or Qingfeng in this life, they were both his capable assistants!
This was yet another boost for him, who desperately needed strength.
The so-called instrument is an extension of his will and a carrier of his power!
"Then we'll repair the equipment."
Once you've made up your mind, you won't regret your choice.
Repair equipment, start it!
hum!
Within his dantian, the swirling vortex of energy suddenly solidified, as if struck by an invisible hammer and anvil, becoming even more solid and resilient, its rotation carrying a faint metallic sound.
A sharp and incomparable intention merged into it, blending seamlessly with the flowing spiritual energy.
He could clearly feel that his control over the Qingfeng Sword had reached a completely new level.
The sword is no longer a mere inanimate object, but rather an extension of the arm. With a thought, spiritual power can flow more smoothly and powerfully into the sword, unleashing a stronger edge.
You have selected the "Weapon Repair" branch!
[Gain basic weapon crafting bonuses: +10% effect of spiritual energy attaching to/conducting to/amplifying weapons; slightly improved perception of weapon structure/spiritual energy circulation.]
[Gain exclusive ability for your profession branch: Artifact Containment (Beginner)]
[Weapon Nurturing (Initial Stage): Consumes spiritual energy to slowly nurture the weapon bound to it, slightly increasing its sharpness, toughness, and affinity with spiritual energy. Long-term nurturing has a chance to unlock the weapon's potential or special characteristics.]
[Do you wish to bind the Qingfeng Sword as your primary weapon?]
【Yes! 】
"call……"
Lu Qingfeng slowly opened his eyes, his aura becoming slightly more concentrated and sharper than before.
He subconsciously flicked the blade of the Qingfeng sword resting on his lap.
"Zheng—"
A clear and melodious sword cry rang out in the small guest room, carrying a touch of agility and penetrating power that was never seen before.
Xuan Ji, who was standing nearby, was startled by the sudden commotion.
"Senior brother..."
"It's nothing, just an occasional improvement. Stay vigilant."
"oh!"
Knowing that it was his senior brother who made the commotion, Xuanji didn't ask any further questions and dutifully went to keep watch.
"That's not enough!"
"How can such a weak force bring peace of mind?"
"Break through the entire network!"
[Do you wish to spend 800 Universal Experience Points to upgrade your Alchemist class to level 4?]
"yes!"
[The Qi Refiner has been upgraded to level 4]
[Spiritual Power: 15/15 → 30/30]
[You have undergone a profound professional transformation, significantly boosting your base vitality (maximum health, base saving throws, etc.)!]
[Enhanced Aura Formation Effect: Significantly increases the efficiency of aura circulation and moderately increases the speed of aura recovery]
[Breath Control Effect Improved: Recovery Amount Increased to 6 Points]
[You have acquired a new class spell: Protective Aura (When activated, it forms a continuous damage absorption shield; its strength increases with the amount of spirit power consumed)]
You have acquired a new class trait: Nourishing Vitality and Strengthening the Foundation.
[All attributes +1, Constitution increased]
You have acquired a new class trait: Initial Manifestation of Divine Sense (Able to probe the interior of objects)
[Power Unleashing Progress: 75%!]
The air seemed to freeze instantly inside the small guest room of the inn.
Lu Qingfeng sat cross-legged on the simple bed, his eyes closed.
An unprecedented sense of clarity washed over his soul, as if a dusty mirror had been suddenly polished.
Divine consciousness begins to manifest...
This characteristic symbolizes a significant enhancement in Lu Qingfeng's perception and penetration.
The human body is not an object!
Feeling the surging power and abundant spiritual energy within his body, Lu Qingfeng exhaled a long breath.
These abilities finally gave him the confidence to stand firm in this perilous dungeon.
"Senior brother...! You've completed your breakthrough?"
Sensing the oppressive atmosphere in the air, Xuan Ji's joyful exclamation came from the side.
"Um."
Lu Qingfeng replied softly.
His gaze swept over Xuan Ji, and with a slight movement of his divine sense, he immediately saw the state of the other's blood and qi circulation, and could even sense the accelerated heartbeat caused by his nervousness.
"Divine consciousness has begun to manifest...truly wondrous."
He thought to himself that this ability was far superior to simple qi sensing in terms of detection and control.
"However... I need to be more careful next time; I can't judge a person by their qi and blood first."
"How does it feel?"
Xuanji took a step closer, his face full of curiosity and concern.
"Better than ever before."
Lu Qingfeng stood up, stretched his limbs, and his joints emitted a series of soft popping sounds.
He then spoke up and made the following arrangements:
"I'll go outside and gather some intelligence."
"Xuan Ji, you... stay at the inn."
Xuan Ji was taken aback, then said urgently, "Senior Brother, you're going out? It's too dangerous! They have spies everywhere in the city! Besides, you just broke through and need to consolidate your strength..."
"It is precisely because we have just broken through that we need to go out."
Lu Qingfeng interrupted him, saying that he was not a traditional Qi cultivator and that fighting was the right path.
He took out the newly acquired [Shadow Cloak (Green)] from his inventory.
As he donned the cloak, his aura quickly faded, as if he had blended into the shadows of the room, his figure becoming blurred and his presence diminishing dramatically.
"This is……"
Xuanji opened his eyes wide in surprise.
"The Cloak of Invisibility allows one to hide."
Lu Qingfeng explained simply, "You stay here and maintain the concealment barrier I set up. This is of utmost importance!"
His tone suddenly turned serious, "If I haven't returned by dawn..."
"Destroy that black token immediately, then find a way to escape Jiangzhou City on your own! The token must never fall into the hands of Yinluo Dao or anyone else, understand?"
"Destroy the token? Escape alone?"
Xuan Ji's face turned deathly pale instantly, his lips trembling, "Then Master..."
"The time our master gained wasn't meant for us to die with!"
"Only by living can we have a future! Remember your master's words, and remember mine! This is an order!"
Seeing his senior brother's unyielding gaze, Xuan Ji's words of dissuasion stuck in his throat.
He nodded vigorously, his voice trembling slightly, "I...I remember, senior brother! You...you must be careful!"
Lu Qingfeng said no more.
He focused his mind into his sea of consciousness, and the ability of [Initial Manifestation of Divine Consciousness] was silently activated!
An invisible ripple spread out from him like water, instantly penetrating the wooden walls of the inn and covering an area of several dozen feet in radius.
There were no unusual energy fluctuations, and no obvious signs of a monitor.
At least for now, it's safe around this little inn.
But this calm appearance only made Lu Qingfeng more certain that the real eye of the storm must be in the possible strongholds of Yinluodao, or near the Zhenxie Division!
"Activate your protective inner energy!"
With a slight thought, a thin yet exceptionally resilient invisible air membrane instantly covered Lu Qingfeng's entire body, as if he were wearing an invisible armor.
The protective aura was activated, providing the most needed safety guarantee at this moment.
He moved with lightning speed, like a wisp of smoke blending into the night, silently slipping out of the inn's back window.
……
Meanwhile, in an unknown place.
A massive magic circle was flashing with an ominous dark purple light.
The array patterns were not drawn with cinnabar or spirit jade, but were outlined with thick, ink-like filthy blood, which seemed to contain some kind of wriggling black substance.
At each of the eight points of the magic circle, a tattered black banner was planted, with twisted and painful human faces embroidered on the banners, and eerie green soul flames flickering in the empty eye sockets.
Beside the magic circle, two people in black robes were exchanging words, seemingly positioned one above the other.
"Your Excellency, those two young Taoist priests may have escaped. Should I send more men...?"
"It's alright, these two ignorant little brats won't be able to cause any big trouble."
"Tell me, what's the point of their old, immortal master keeping these two little bastards?"
"Hahaha!!!"
"Your subordinate is terrified and dares not answer."
The man in the black robes was quite dissatisfied with his subordinates' uninteresting answers, but he didn't do anything about it.
"Let's go prepare for what's next..."
"Hehehe..."
Soon, only the strange cries of the black-robed man remained in this secluded place.