Urban Romantic Divine Doctor Chapter 1676 - 1673: A New Era
Previously on Urban Romantic Divine Doctor...
The Lingxu Taoist let out a cold scoff, his voice sharp like a biting wind, laced with absolute disdain. "A dying man, blind and without insight, why should he need to know so much?"
With that pronouncement, he casually lifted his simple hand and motioned with a gentle wave.
Instantly, a formidable Nascent Soul Force, akin to an overwhelming black tide, irresistible and potent, surged into Wu Zan's body.
As this force coursed through him, the meridians within Wu Zan's frame felt like fragile gossamer, shattering into countless fragments. His vitality, like a flickering candle in a gale, rapidly ebbed away.
In but a fleeting moment, Wu Zan's body convulsed violently. A geyser of fresh blood erupted, signifying his abrupt and final demise!
"Infinite Venerable!" The Lingxu Taoist inclined his head slightly, his countenance as serene as placid water, murmuring the title softly. Within his profound eyes, resembling an unfathomable pool, not a ripple of emotion or disturbance could be perceived.
Then, with a mere flicker of thought, a beam of spiritual light emanated from his palm, instantaneously drawing Wu Zan's lifeless form into his own enigmatic storage treasure.
Following this, with a flourish of his long sleeves, several incantations were uttered. The glaring bloodstains that marred the ground vanished as if swept away by an unseen, colossal hand, leaving no trace of the brutal conflict that had transpired.
With all traces of the event meticulously erased, the Lingxu Taoist turned, the haughtiness that once adorned his features long since evaporated, replaced entirely by profound reverence and unwavering devotion.
Directly meeting Xu Wendong's gaze, he offered a deep, sincere bow. "Please forgive my many transgressions and disrespect from before, Immortal."
"To atone for this monumental error, I pledge to serve with utmost diligence, to follow the Immortal tirelessly through any hardship, and to remain eternally devoted!"
He recalled his earlier skepticism when Xu Wendong, merely at the Foundation Establishment Stage, had spoken of the Mystic Spirit Pavilion. His dismissal and scornful words then now seemed utterly foolish.
Yet, having witnessed Xu Wendong's extraordinary prowess and mystical abilities firsthand during his confrontation with Wu Zan, Lingxu's doubts had been utterly obliterated, supplanted by an unshakeable faith and a deep, abiding awe.
He understood with absolute certainty that this cultivator, appearing so young with a seemingly low cultivation level, must harbor extraordinary secrets and possess a formidable backing.
It was for this very reason that he unhesitatingly humbled himself, offering an apology to Xu Wendong, all in the hope of securing an opportunity to tread the path alongside him.
Xu Wendong offered a slight, knowing smirk, his tone casual as he spoke, "Hmph, do not assume I am ignorant of your true intentions. Do you genuinely seek to serve me faithfully as a mere attendant?"
"It is plain to see you covet some potential fortune that surrounds me, hoping to glean benefits from it."
Upon hearing Xu Wendong's pointed words, the Lingxu Taoist's expression remained perfectly composed. Maintaining his posture of utmost respect, he bowed deeply once more. "Immortal, your perception is keen. While I may lack innate talent, I comprehend that opportunities are bestowed by fate, and good fortune is exceedingly rare."
"If you perceive any ill intentions within me, it is a grave misunderstanding."
"I am genuinely in awe of your capabilities, firmly believing that you are destined for greatness, far beyond your current station."
"In this vast world, for a cultivator as lost as I, to be able to follow such an Immortal, to receive your guidance, and to bask in your magnificent presence is the greatest blessing imaginable. How could I possibly harbor desires for anything more?"
Observing the unfeigned sincerity and earnestness etched upon his face, Xu Wendong let out a soft sigh and declared, "In that case, you may remain at the Mystic Spirit Pavilion for the time being!"
The Lingxu Taoist was beside himself with joy, his hurried expression of gratitude effusive. "Thank you, Immortal, for your acceptance. I shall dedicate myself entirely to repaying your trust."
Xu Wendong poured two cups of tea, his demeanor relaxed as he inquired, "Tell me about the Cultivation World. I confess, I know little of the outside."
The Lingxu Taoist's face was a picture of respect. He leaned forward slightly, his voice measured as he began his narration. "Replying to the Young Master, cultivators began appearing widely throughout the world sixteen years ago."
"At that juncture, it was as if the entire world underwent a seismic transformation, much like a spring rain invigorating all living things, thus it became known as the era of Spiritual Revival."
"During that time, opportunities surfaced with astonishing suddenness, like a constellation of brilliant stars, dazzling and plentiful."
"There were fortunate souls who stumbled upon a Spirit Fruit in some remote, desolate mountain. The fruit appeared ordinary, yet it held within it the boundless spiritual energy of nature and an enigmatic Daoist charm."
"This individual, possessing both boldness and caution, resolutely consumed the fruit."
"In an instant, spiritual power surged like tidal waves within him, shattering numerous internal barriers. This transformative event successfully altered his very being, leading to the swift formation of a precious Golden Core, thus setting him upon the path to becoming a renowned and powerful cultivator, celebrated across the land."
"There were also sagacious individuals, who, upon encountering a downpour, perceived arcane revelations within each falling raindrop."
"This particular person chose to meditate amidst the deluge, wholly absorbed, as if becoming one with the cosmos. Under the rain's purifying veil, he experienced a sudden awakening to a long-forgotten, ancient Secret Technique."
"This technique proved exceptionally profound. Post-cultivation, his Cultivation Realm experienced a meteoric rise, making him the envy of many and a prominent figure in the Cultivation World."
"Others possessed extraordinary innate abilities and, through sheer serendipity, managed to comprehend and master the Divine Flying Skill."
"Witnessing his movements, one could see him traversing the skies as if an Immortal gracing the mortal realm, unbound and at ease. His aerial maneuvers were either as rapid as a comet blazing through the heavens or as languid as leisurely drifting clouds."
"Such a breathtaking spectacle naturally garnered innumerable gazes filled with awe and astonishment."
"Instances like these are legion, their sheer number rivaling the grains of sand in a vast river, making a complete account an impossible feat."
"Among these myriad opportunities, ancient immortal ruins have progressively surfaced across the land."
"These ruins function as enigmatic treasure troves, preserving millennia of memories and immeasurable riches."
"Within the Secret Technique Manuals found there, one might discover potent methods for cultivation or crucial insights for breaking through existing realms."
"Those potent elixirs were meticulously refined by Ancient Immortals from invaluable Heaven and Earth Treasures. Ingesting them offered recuperation, enhanced Cultivation, and extended lifespans."
"Furthermore, rare medicinal herbs, each radiating potent spiritual energy, were also present, indispensable for concocting superior elixirs."
"The appearance of these ruins unequivocally presented a pathway to unparalleled glory for cultivators, drawing throngs of eager aspirants."
"Since the dawn of the Spiritual Revival, cultivators have emerged en masse throughout the world."
"As of this moment, preliminary figures suggest that the cultivator population within our nation surpasses twenty million."
"Yet, the identity of the most formidable among them remains an enigma, unknown to all."
"It is conceivable that supreme masters are concealed within secluded mountain caves, engaging in solitary Cultivation; or perhaps formidable figures are living amongst ordinary folk, awaiting their opportune moment."
Xu Wendong fell into deep contemplation before turning to the Taoist Lingxu, inquiring, "Could I trouble you for a favor?"