Chapter 119: Change Is Imminent
Dinghu Sect, Artifact Pavilion.
An imposing qi mechanism emanated from within the mountains at the island's center, swirling the winds above, causing ripples on the surrounding lake, sometimes obscuring the sunlight, making the sky alternate between cloudy and clear.
Ever since over a year ago, when Elder Yaoguang Breaking Army of the Seventh Hall returned to his loyal Dinghu Sect and took charge of the Artifact Pavilion, powerful qi mechanisms frequently surfaced on the island, causing disturbances around.
Initially, some artifact refiners struggled with these interruptions, but over time they gradually adapted, with some even sensing the qi and achieving breakthroughs in their cultivation techniques.
However, in recent days, the aura grew even more powerful and magnificent, leading to louder movements, leaving even those who had adapted somewhat unsettled.
As Qi Changsheng walked along the mountain path, the celestial winds and clouds underwent several changes—sometimes serene and clear, at other times tumultuous, obscuring the sunlight, causing the island's weather to alternately change.
'Elder Jiang's power is becoming increasingly unfathomable.'
The thought brought him both shock and delight, knowing this was an immense pillar of support, naturally stronger the better.
During the Liangzhou war, the revolver Qi Changsheng invented proved highly successful, earning merits surpassing those actively engaged in battle, even though he never entered the battlefield. Afterwards, Jiang Luo, Jiang Yang, and others were appointed as officials in the Sikong Mansion at the Divine Capital, whereas Qi Changsheng returned to the sect, continuing to rely on Jiang Li, enjoying a prosperous life.
'Forming an alliance with Elder Jiang back then was truly the wisest decision of my life.'
Thinking this, his footsteps became lighter, soon reaching a stone house.
There lay an old man on a recliner, leisurely waving a fan, appearing to bask in the sun, quite incongruous with the atmosphere of the Artifact Pavilion.
In the scorching environment of the pavilion, other artifact refiners only stayed during refining. Such a sight like the old man's was rare.
"Master."
Qi Changsheng greeted the old man respectfully.
This elder was Elder Yun, who often guided him during his time as an outer disciple. Despite his current accomplishments, Qi Changsheng remained courteous towards him.
"I've told you many times, I just casually advised you a few times, no need to call me master."
Stopping his fan, Elder Yun looked at Qi Changsheng somewhat helplessly, saying, "Moreover, even if that's the case, you still don't have a master? With Jiang Xiao's current status, it wouldn't be a problem for you to be accepted by some old folks in the Cave Heaven as a disciple, so why keep running to me? I don't take disciples."
Outer elders aren't qualified to accept disciples.
Qi Changsheng, smiling, moved behind Elder Yun and began massaging his shoulders, speaking carefreely, "As you said, Elder Jiang holds high status now; with him as my backing, it doesn't matter if I have a master."
"In that case, it's better to not take on a master. Besides, I plan to stay dedicated to serving you in your old age."
"Heh," Elder Yun chuckled lightly, "No need, I'm far from needing anyone's care."
Furthermore, this generation's master-disciple relationships in Dinghu Sect aren't great—Ling Wujue set traps for his master, Feng Ziyang left, and the sect leader manipulated his own disciple.
Though Tianxuan and his three disciples seemed the best on the surface, in reality, it was a mess, with the disciples constantly challenging their master.
Elder Yun felt he honestly couldn't accept Qi Changsheng's sincerity.
'Not to mention, this kid is essentially Jiang Li's confidant, coming to serve me? Must be Jiang Li assigning him to keep an eye on me.'
Elder Yun glanced at the sky, secretly pondering.
From his vantage point, the mountain housing the Heaven and Earth Furnace and the sky above were fully visible. Using his perspective as the Great Venerable's incarnation, he could estimate Jiang Li's power based on the changes in qi mechanisms.
'His power has increased by at least forty percent compared to before, even surpassing Jiang Tao at the third grade. Perhaps Jiang's "Qi Tomb" may reach its peak in his hands during this era.'
Elder Yun's left eye seemed to have another pupil overlapping, clearly reflecting the fluctuations in qi mechanisms and assessing them.
Among the Three Tombs, "Qi Tomb" is undoubtedly the most affected by the Five Turbid Evil World. Its true power resides in wielding infinite qi effortlessly; however, now in this evil world, spiritual mechanism is absent, and cultivators can only rely on their own power.
Thus, the so-called infinite qi becomes impractical and limited, rendering mastery of "Qi Tomb" unattainable.
In comparison, "Form Tomb" and "Mountain Tomb" are also significantly affected but not as severely as "Qi Tomb." In the three clans' period, the Jiang family was considered the weakest.
This is why, although the two clans founded Great Zhou, the Ji Family became the royal family.
Now, Jiang Li seemingly shows potential for mastering "Qi Tomb," possibly elevating the Jiang family to new heights under his leadership.
"Winds and clouds are stirring; change is imminent," Elder Yun remarked leisurely.
"Huh? What?" Qi Changsheng, still massaging his shoulders, asked, puzzled.
"Nothing, just noting that our Elder Yaoguang seems to be on the brink of a breakthrough; these shifting winds and clouds may merely be a prelude," Elder Yun replied.
Qi Changsheng nodded in agreement, saying, "Fellow disciples in the Artifact Pavilion are somewhat worried, fearing interference with Elder Jiang's qi mechanism during refining, leading to failure, so they asked me. Yet I know not much, hence came to consult you, teacher."
"Consult——"
Elder Yun repeated the words with a chuckle, then suddenly sprang up, "What's there to consult, just avoid, ah. Stay off the island for the next few days until Jiang Xiao completes his breakthrough."
Having said this, he began hastily packing to return indoors, leaving Qi Changsheng shocked.
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"Seems like this time, the Great Venerable doesn't plan to intervene,"
Within the intense mountain, Jiang Li suddenly spoke, "He's already given his response."
His gaze pierced through the thick mountain wall, landing directly on the old man packing his things; Jiang Li clearly discerned the elder's intentions.
"Next is the Heavenly Monarch. The Heavenly Monarch considers the Xuanyuan Sword a threat, naturally paying extra attention to it. Surely, he's aware of the changes here. I wonder if he'll interfere this time."
Over a year's time, even if the Heavenly Monarch's injuries aren't entirely healed, they've likely reached a manageable state.
"Qi Tomb" excels at healing, compounded by the Heavenly Monarch stealing the Divine Farmer's appearance; the injuries left by the Heavenly Incarnation likely pose him little challenge.
Once his wounds are healed, will the Heavenly Monarch attempt to further probe the heavens?