Chapter 58: A Dark and Windy Night, Perfect for Murder

One day before the great ship was to dock, a tremendous explosion suddenly erupted from Lu Qingyun’s room, followed immediately by a towering pillar of light that shattered through the chamber.

It was important to understand that no one aboard this ship typically cultivated, as cultivation was strictly forbidden during the voyage. The sea’s spiritual energy was thin and sparse, whereas other regions brimmed with dense spiritual power. Any reckless attempt at cultivation risked spiraling into madness. While some dared to take the risk, most failed.

At this moment, everyone was stunned. Despite the absence of any spiritual fluctuations just moments ago, how had Lu Qingyun managed to break through? His current state was nothing short of breathtaking. Every eye was wide with astonishment as they all fixed their gaze on his room.

Suddenly, Meng Tianhai shouted loudly, “Let’s get out of here quickly!”

At his command, everyone rushed outside. Just as they did, a deafening blast resonated, and a wave of force completely overturned Lu Qingyun’s room.

Xu Feng was the first to react, eyes filled with disbelief. “He broke through?”

Those nearby slowly nodded in agreement. Indeed, Lu Qingyun had achieved a breakthrough!

Old Master Hong reacted even faster. With only a day left before they reached Han Sea City, he was determined to prevent any mishaps.

Amidst the ruins, Lu Qingyun stood, utterly astonished as he observed himself. His Azure Dragon Martial Soul swirled ceaselessly around him.

He felt his cultivation level had truly advanced to the Qi Gathering Realm, and not just that—he had instantly ascended to the third stage of this realm. He had only absorbed a portion of the spiritual power from the Grass Wood Pill; no one could predict what heights he might reach once fully absorbed.

Lu Qingyun himself was unclear about the extent of his breakthrough or how far he could go. He had thought reaching the Qi Gathering Realm was already impressive, never imagining he could leap directly to its third stage.

Old Master Hong furrowed his brow, curiosity evident as he inquired, “Your spiritual power was sealed off—how are you able to break through to such a realm now? Do you feel anything unusual?”

Lu Qingyun shook his head slowly. He understood Hong’s concern was well-intentioned, but curiosity was only natural. After all, his meridians had been sealed days ago, and his spiritual power was utterly inaccessible. At that time, he had seemed little more than a crippled man.

His body stored an immense amount of spiritual power, yet it was impossible to use it casually. To enter such a unique state was no small feat.

Calmly, Lu Qingyun said, “I feel incredibly refreshed. There’s no discomfort in my body—never before have I felt this way. The power within me surges endlessly.”

“My perception and other senses have become extraordinarily keen, far more than before. This sensation is immensely gratifying…”

There was not a hint of falsehood in his words. His expression of sheer enjoyment betrayed the joy swelling in his heart.

For a cultivator, the greatest happiness is the advancement of one’s cultivation, reaching heights that inspire envy and satisfy the soul.

After all, why would anyone choose cultivation if not to attain such extraordinary progress?

Though Lu Qingyun had been forced to come here and faced many unforeseen circumstances, Old Master Hong was a man of vast experience. On this ship, he encountered countless people daily.

While some top-tier experts never traveled this way, others chose this path as a form of wandering. Though rare, Hong often conversed with them, benefiting from his profound background to learn about current cultivation methods and techniques.

Yet, someone like Lu Qingyun—who could so terrifyingly elevate his cultivation in such a short time—was beyond anything Hong had ever seen.

Not only had Lu Qingyun broken through, he had skyrocketed to the third stage, a feat few could claim.

Old Master Hong’s eyes brimmed with astonishment as he asked, “Lu Qingyun, how did you achieve this? It truly surprises me. In all these years, I’ve never encountered anyone like you.”

“Your meridians were blocked so badly the other day, it seemed you’d never cultivate normally again. I just can’t fathom how you reached this level…”

Hong did not conceal his feelings; he knew precisely what was in his heart.

Having come to understand Lu Qingyun somewhat, he posed the question directly. Any evasiveness would surely anger him.

Lu Qingyun replied slowly, “After that day, I was disheartened. That’s why I asked you all to meditate in the room—I truly had no other options.”

“I was well aware of my own strength and my condition. If I didn’t try, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself.”

Though he was fabricating this explanation, he could never reveal anything about his system.

He understood his predicament perfectly. Even if he were to reveal everything, what good would it do? He never sought favors or help from others.

Often, keeping oneself hidden was the wisest course—not to feign mystery, but never to reveal one’s hand recklessly.

Hong nodded slowly at his words. He had witnessed countless miracles in this young man. Nothing seemed impossible for him.

Hong pondered deeply, then spoke carefully, “Alright, there is one thing I must tell you in advance. You caused damage here, so you’ll need to make some compensation. Otherwise, I cannot answer for it.”

Lu Qingyun was in high spirits and didn’t value the spiritual jade much. He didn’t rely on rare treasures for cultivation; such artifacts held little meaning for him. His Azure Dragon Martial Soul was simply too powerful—no one could compare.

Looking at the room, now a ruin, he said sheepishly, “I never expected it to come to this. The power just overwhelmed me—I couldn’t control it, or this wouldn’t have happened.”

“Tell me how many jade pieces you want; I will compensate at full price with no objections.”

Hong smiled and nodded seriously. “I don’t know how much it’ll cost yet, but compensation is non-negotiable. The family I answer to is very powerful…”

Suddenly, Hong’s expression changed as if he had thought of something. He turned to Lu Qingyun solemnly.

“I just thought of something—you don’t have to pay now. When they come looking for you, you can settle then.”

“The family is incredibly strong. Otherwise, they wouldn’t control this shipping route. Even the Cui family’s strength pales in comparison.”

Lu Qingyun realized Hong was trying to help him—more obvious than he had expected.

To think that in this situation, Hong would choose to aid him was truly touching.

Though Lu Qingyun’s journey had been perilous, he had received little help. Now that someone offered assistance, he naturally wanted to accept.

To refuse help now would be unthinkable.

He smiled and said, “Thank you very much. I’ll do as you say.”

After speaking, Hong noticed the crowd growing and quickly left. His position was special; revealing too much would attract unwanted attention and cause him trouble.

After his departure, the crowd thinned but many remained, curious and whispering about Lu Qingyun.

“Hey, isn’t this the hero who saved us from that big mess? I heard he used up all his spiritual power that day and can’t cultivate anymore.”

“That’s nonsense. Look at him now—he shows no signs of depletion. How could he have run out of spiritual power?”

“His strength is terrifying! To break through so quickly—I remember he was just at the ninth level of Body Refining Realm before, right?”

Among the cultivators present, some were quite strong and could clearly see that he had reached the third stage of the Qi Gathering Realm.

Such talent inspired deep envy. Every cultivator dreamt of such gifts and unmatched levels, though few were so fortunate.

In just three or four days, he had broken through a great realm and advanced three minor stages. How old was he? How could he achieve such terrifying progress?

Listening to their praise, Lu Qingyun felt a bit embarrassed. He turned to his friends and said, “Looks like we’ll have to sleep outside tonight…”

Everyone gathered around, thrilled beyond measure.

They had thought Lu Qingyun had given up cultivation and become useless, shutting himself away, doing nothing.

But he had not given up—he had created a miracle.

How many in this world could match his speed of cultivation?

Xu Feng hurried over seriously. “I always thought you had exceptional talent, but I never imagined it was this terrifying. You’ve hidden it well.”

Meng Li’s eyes reddened, her voice choked with emotion. “You nearly scared us to death; we thought you’d never cultivate again. If that had happened…”

She fell silent. Though a strong, experienced lady, she never cried easily. Yet recent events had subtly changed their bonds.

Though they were not lovers, friends might still worry.

Seeing her tearful face, Lu Qingyun smiled. “Heh heh, Miss Meng, when did you become like this? You were never like this before…”

It was a relief that nothing bad had happened to him.

Among the crowd, Cui Jue’s anger was impossible to hide. Watching Lu Qingyun’s rise with fury and resentment, he believed he alone deserved all attention and respect.

But unexpectedly, Lu Qingyun had stolen his thunder completely.

Cui Jue left with his followers, expressionless. Once inside his room, he ground his teeth and muttered, “That damn guy shouldn’t be allowed to live any longer. I want to strike him down now, so he never sets foot in Han Sea City again!”

An elder nearby spoke slowly, “He just broke through; there must be many flaws. His spiritual power is likely in a vulnerable state. Now is the best time to strike.”

“If you’ve decided, I’ll deal with him tonight. But if those two old men find out, you’ll have to bear the consequences.”

Cui Jue’s eyes burned with murderous intent. “I don’t want to wait another moment…”

“Tonight, I’ll take his life!”