Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1746 - 937: Han Lin Obtains the Pearl, Zhang Xusheng Acquires the Jade (2)

In a short period, the substantial wound that had marred Han Lin’s chest miraculously healed at an accelerated pace. His previously pallid complexion swiftly regained its healthy rosiness.

Several hours later, Han Lin’s eyes snapped open, a flicker of astonishment and happiness gracing his features.

Quite recently, the formidable barrier that had obstructed him for an extended duration suddenly yielded, and in a single, decisive movement, he achieved a breakthrough, advancing to the Sixth Level of Qi Refining.

Even more astonishing was a subtle enhancement in his innate potential, particularly concerning his Water Spirit Root.

As an individual possessing the lowest-grade Five Spirits Roots, Han Lin had depleted his family’s accumulated resources and dedicated thirty years to strenuous cultivation, managing only to reach the Fifth Level of Qi Refining.

Yet, in less than half a year since his prior advancement, he had inexplicably ascended once more to the Sixth Level of Qi Refining.

Han Lin found himself both taken aback and profoundly perplexed.

"Hmm? My injuries... wait, what is this?"

Just as Han Lin registered the sudden mending of his wounds, he simultaneously detected an unusual sensation emanating from the area beneath him.

Extending his hand, he encountered a spherical object concealed under his grasp.

Bringing it closer to his vision, he discerned it to be a grayish-white Stone Bead, exceeding an inch in diameter, adorned with nine white cloud patterns on its surface.

Eight of these clouds appeared faint, but one stood out remarkably bright and distinct, radiating an alluring luminescence.

Han Lin, his gaze clouded with uncertainty, meticulously scrutinized the Stone Bead in his palm, soon uncovering a further revelation.

Upon the brightly illuminated cloud, a clear, crystalline droplet of water was gradually taking form, emanating the most pristine Water Element Spirit Qi.

Such purity was unlike anything Han Lin had ever witnessed in his entire existence!

"Could this be some unknown Heaven and Earth Spirit Water?!" Han Lin vocalized his thoughts aloud, instinctively drawing the droplet of water into his mouth.

The moment it touched his tongue, an overwhelming torrent of exceptionally pure Water Element Spirit Qi erupted.

Han Lin’s face flushed as he swiftly activated his Cultivation Technique, directing the Water Element Spirit Qi through his meridians and diligently transforming it into his personal Spiritual Power.

In a mere thirty minutes, not only had his cultivation base seen significant enhancement, but even the lingering, old internal injuries within his body were completely eradicated.

A treasure!

Truly a remarkable treasure!

Upon regaining full awareness, Han Lin clutched the Treasure Bead firmly, his heart swelling with elation. He understood he had chanced upon an exceptionally rare find.

At that precise juncture, a violent agitation originated from beneath him. The surrounding intestinal walls convulsed inward forcefully, as if endeavoring to expel the "foreign object" contained within.

Han Lin’s expression turned grim; he immediately formed a hand seal, and a faint blue membrane of water materialized as if from thin air, completely encasing him.

Hmm?!

He swiftly ascertained that the casting of this spell was unusually effortless this time, as if the mere intention had been formed, and the Water Wall Skill had instantly taken shape.

As Han Lin's thoughts raced, a sudden realization dawned upon him: he had underestimated the true value of the Treasure Bead held within his hand.

The reason for the Water Wall Skill's instantaneous conjuration was, most likely, attributable to the enigmatic gray-white Stone Bead.

Meanwhile, in the frigid, biting depths of the river far beyond, a colossal black fish, measuring nearly six zhang in length and entirely iron-black in hue, was steadily navigating towards the more profound, darker currents, causing the surrounding aquatic life to scatter and flee from this ferocious and dominant Second-Order Demon Fish.

Unbeknownst to Han Lin, this particular Second-Order Demon Fish had traveled over three hundred li before finally descending into a submerged cavern at the river's bed.

...

Two blossoms herald a new beginning, a branching path unfolds!

Concurrent with Han Lin's discovery of the bead, far to the southwest of the Jingguang Continent, the vibrant lantern festival was underway in the bustling metropolis of Chaozhou City.

As darkness enveloped the land, Chaozhou City was already spectacularly adorned with lanterns, their colorful luminescence suspended high before countless dwellings, while the thoroughfares teemed with jubilant crowds, their cheers and the cries of vendors echoing incessantly.

Those young ladies who typically remained secluded within their chambers had donned their most dazzling attire, and under the cloak of night and the gentle radiance of the lanterns, they boldly ventured into the streets, engaging in lively revelry and admiration of the lantern displays.

At this hour, Chaozhou City could be fittingly described by a poetic fragment: "The night's east wind brings forth a thousand blooming trees, with countless more, like stars, showering the ground. Horses and ornate carriages perfume the air. The flute's melody stirs, the jade goblet turns, the fish and dragon dance throughout the night."

Amidst the blossoming fireworks and the mesmerizing glow of the lanterns, a sudden outburst of laughter and exclamation erupted from the far end of the street. Regardless of whether they were youthful beauties or aged women with silver hair, all eyes turned intently toward the source of the commotion.

Shortly thereafter, the dense throng spontaneously parted, creating a passage as a scholar clad in elegant white robes slowly emerged from the distance.

Possessing features as refined as jade carved by skilled hands, his form was elegant, reminiscent of a blossoming yushu swaying gently in the wind. Even though his simple attire was bathed in the twilight hues cast by the lantern's glow, it could not hold a candle to his striking appearance.

While the poetic description of 'brows like distant mountains, eyes like tranquil autumn waters' is typically reserved for women, it perfectly befit this distinguished man.

As the scholar proceeded along his path, his mere presence ignited a wave of excitement.

The young women, utterly captivated, cast aside their lanterns, their fans held halfway to their faces, their gazes solely fixed upon him. A few of the more daring among them, casting aside all decorum, cried out loudly, desperately seeking to capture the scholar's attention.

"Young Master Zhang, Young Master Zhang, please glance this way!"

"Ah, is there truly such breathtaking beauty in this world! If only I could spend my days by his side, I would gladly..."

"Sister, look, isn't that the renowned 'master of poetry, literature, and painting,' Young Master Zhang Xu Sheng? Could he possibly be a banished immortal, reborn into this world, so exceptionally handsome and refined?"

"What an extraordinary individual, I wonder if he has yet to be betrothed..."

From the ornate pavilions lining the street, numerous young ladies within their secluded chambers peered out with sparkling eyes, showering him with a cascade of silken scarves and vibrantly embroidered ribbons.

Zhang Xu Sheng continued his journey, maintaining an air of serene composure, entirely unfazed by the dazzling array of beauties clamoring for notice along the thoroughfare.

With the upcoming competition demanding his attention, he ought to have been immersed in diligent study at home. However, a personal summons from his revered mentor necessitated his departure from seclusion today to attend the magistrate's lantern festival banquet at Mingyu Pavilion.

Despite having braced himself mentally before venturing out, he had still underestimated the sheer impact of his unparalleled looks.

Upon his arrival, he not only ensnared the attention of every woman present but also found many men mesmerized by his presence.

Zhang Xu Sheng was acutely aware of the countless gazes fixed upon him.

Gifted with exceptionally acute seven senses from birth, he could discern the nuanced emotions within those gazes—ranging from ardent admiration and wistful envy to sharp jealousy and outright malice...

An increasing sense of irritation washed over Zhang Xu Sheng as the atmosphere grew palpably heavy, almost difficult to breathe.

Acting on pure instinct, he quickened his steps, repeatedly brushing away the scarves and handkerchiefs that landed upon him.

Suddenly, a fragment of Broken Jade descended from the night sky, striking Zhang Xu Sheng squarely on the head.

Zhang Xu Sheng's body gave a violent shudder, and he instantly crumpled to the ground, losing consciousness.

Ah, ah!

As he collapsed, a significant number of young women gasped, their eyes widening in unison as horrified screams erupted.

Zhang Xu Sheng's abrupt collapse was so astonishingly unexpected that no one registered the presence of the falling Broken Jade.

Shortly thereafter, Zhang Xu Sheng was transported to the most esteemed medical establishment in Chaozhou City, where the acclaimed physician Ping Yizhi personally examined his condition.

However, before Dr. Ping Yizhi could complete his thorough diagnosis, Zhang Xu Sheng regained consciousness.

"I am well now, thank you, Doctor Ping, for your care, and my gratitude to all of you gentlemen for your assistance." Zhang Xu Sheng sat up from the bed, offering a graceful cupped-hand salute to those nearby as a token of his appreciation.

"Hmph, why didn't he just die?"

A voice suddenly pierced his awareness, causing Zhang Xu Sheng's entire body to tremble uncontrollably.