Chapter 270: Chapter 270: 252: Brother Xu

After Li Tan had left, life once again returned to calm.

Lin Jing continued his cultivation practice as usual, methodical and steady.

In these past few days, Li Qingqing was still immersed in sorrow, unable to walk out of it.

And Huang Qingling, whenever there was nothing significant to attend to, accompanied her.

Zhang Yuan had also thrown himself back into cultivation.

Apart from Li Qingqing, the lives of the others seemed to have returned to normality.

…

…

Just as everything was settling down for Lin Jing,

At that moment, on the back mountain of Qingyuan Sword Sect.

Atop an undisclosed peak, there lay a hidden cave dwelling.

Inside the cave, a disciple of the Qingyuan Sword Sect, who appeared to be in his thirties, was cultivating.

The aura emanating from this disciple was profound; the fluctuations of spiritual power that surrounded him during his practice made it evident that his strength was out of the ordinary.

In front of this individual rested a purple box made of an unknown material, odd in shape—round on top and square at the base.

A strange pattern adorned the dome of the box, which upon closer inspection revealed the character for “Lin” at the center.

This character “Lin” was seamlessly integrated into the design of the box, virtually indistinguishable without close examination.

Such exquisite craftsmanship suggested that the creator of this box was no ordinary person.

At that moment,

A voice came from outside the cave dwelling.

“Senior Xu…”

The young cultivator inside, who was meditating, abruptly opened his eyes, his gaze cold and indifferent.

Then he closed his eyes again, slowly calming the aura about him.

Only after fully quieting his aura did he reopen his eyes.

He formed a hand seal and pointed into the void towards the cave entrance; the formation that had been guarding the entrance gradually dissipated.

Only then did he speak,

“Come in…”

As the words of this person fell, another, younger disciple of the Qingyuan Sword Sect entered.

If Lin Jing had been there, he would have recognized him.

The person who walked in was none other than Chen Xing, who was on good terms with Senior Han.

Chen Xing approached this individual and gave a fist-and-palm salute, saying,

“Senior Xu…”

The man raised his head, his gaze calm, took a look at Chen Xing, and then nodded slightly.

“How’s the matter I asked you to handle?”

“Senior Xu, I have learned of Lin Jing’s whereabouts,” Chen Xing began.

Senior Xu opened his mouth and uttered a word,

“Speak!”

Chen Xing then saluted and said to Senior Xu,

“Lin Jing is currently living in the Immortal City below the mountain. However, ever since Nanshan Market was rebuilt as Nanshan Immortal City, it’s been under strict management. It might not be appropriate to make a move within the city…”

Senior Xu pondered for a moment, then spoke firmly,

“Then find a way to lure him out, can you do that?”

Chen Xing thought for a moment, then nodded,

“No problem. I’ve had dealings with him. If I use Han Jing’s name, it shouldn’t be difficult to lure him out of the Immortal City…”

“Hmm!” Senior Xu gave a slight nod of approval.

“By the way, Senior Xu, why are you suddenly so interested in Lin Jing, who was expelled from the sect?”

“Before, hadn’t you arranged…”

At this, Chen Xing stopped himself, not continuing further.

Senior Xu looked at Chen Xing with a slight frown creasing his brow.

Seeing this, Chen Xing quickly added,

“Senior Xu, if this matter is classified, then forget I asked. It’s just that I was a bit curious…”

Senior Xu’s frown then eased, and he said to Chen Xing,

“It’s not classified, there’s no harm in telling you.”

He then explained to Chen Xing,

“This box in front of me, I obtained it from Lin Yue…”

Chen Xing looked up, his gaze landing on the purple box in front of Senior Xu.

Senior Xu, seemingly unconcerned, continued,

“I’ve studied this box for several years and even consulted numerous ancient texts. It’s only recently that I’ve come to understand…”

“This box is a bloodline inheritance lockbox, which can only be opened with the fresh blood of a descendant with the matching bloodline.”

“As it happens, I must thank Han Jing. If not for him, Lin Jing might have already descended to the Yellow Springs, and I probably would have never been able to open this box in my lifetime.”

“So that’s it…”

Chen Xing suddenly exclaimed.

“So, Senior Xu…”

“When do you plan to make a move against Lin Jing?”

“I’ll need to arrange things in advance…”

Senior Xu frowned in thought for a while before saying:

“I remember you mentioned last time that the Disciple Martial Arts Competition was postponed by three months, right?”

Chen Xing replied:

“That’s right.”

“And what about Han Jing? What has he been up to recently?” Senior Xu asked, addressing Chen Xing.

“Han Jing has been in closed-door cultivation recently.”

“You can rest assured, Senior Xu, with Han Jing’s current progress, even when the competition starts, he definitely won’t be able to break through to the ninth level of Foundation Establishment.”

“He definitely won’t be a match for you…”

“In this competition, aside from Senior Yan, no one will pose a threat to you. If nothing unexpected happens, you will definitely rank in the top three this time.”

As soon as Chen Xing finished speaking, Senior Xu immediately retorted:

“Top three?”

“No!”

“That Yan with the cultivation technique that I counter is certainly not my rival, and I have never considered him a threat.”

“What I aim for is the first place.”

Chen Xing hastily complimented:

“Then I’ll take this opportunity to congratulate you in advance, Senior Xu.”

Senior Xu shook his head and said:

“It’s still early. Although Han Jing’s cultivation isn’t as advanced as mine, his strength is not to be underestimated. There are still uncertainties in this matter.”

“Let’s not rush. Let Lin Jing enjoy himself a little longer.”

“Right before the Martial Arts Competition begins, I’ll use Lin Jing’s head to present Han Jing with a grand gift.”

“As long as he is greatly disturbed by this…”

Senior Xu stopped speaking and laughed, but his laughter carried a sinister undertone.

“Han Jing, what can you use to contend with me…”

Afterward, Senior Xu packed away the secret box in front of him.

He then said to Chen Xing:

“Alright, you can go now.”

“Remember to keep an eye on Han Jing’s every move for me. Should there be any unusual action, come and inform me immediately.”

“As long as you get this done for me, I will not let you down.”

“Once I become a Core Disciple, I will use my connections to help you become one as well.”

Chen Xing instantly became fervent and then said:

“Many thanks, Senior Xu!”

Afterward, Chen Xing exited the cave dwelling.

After Chen Xing had left, Senior Xu in the cave dwelling looked towards the doorway and scoffed.

“Hmph…!”

“You, worthy?”

……

Four hours later, Chen Xing appeared inside another cave dwelling.

And inside this cave dwelling was none other than Han Jing.

Seeing Chen Xing enter, Han Jing rose to greet him.

“Chen Xing, what’s the situation?”

“That Xu is indeed planning to make a move against Junior Brother Lin.”

“Moreover, Senior Han, you were right, that secret box is indeed in Xu’s hands.”

“He’s planning to lure Junior Brother Lin out of Immortal City in your name and then strike…”

After hearing this, Han Jing’s brow furrowed.

Then Chen Xing continued to add:

“And he plans to use Junior Brother Lin’s death to throw you into turmoil, affecting your performance.”

After listening to Chen Xing’s account, Han Jing furrowed his brows even more, feeling a surge of anger rising in his heart.

Seeing this, Chen Xing hurriedly inquired:

“Senior Han, what should we do next?”

“Do we need to act preemptively?”

After pondering for a moment, Han Jing calmed down and then said:

“No…”

“Acting preemptively carries some risks. We’ll turn his plan against him. You should follow through with what he told you to do…”

“However, it’s best if we don’t bother Lin Jing with this matter.”