219: The summons of the Xuan Tian Turtle

The retreat of the Xuantian Turtle's vast aura did not restore tranquility to the Bamboo Rhyme Residence.

Before Qin Feng and the others could fully calm down from the shock and lingering fear, steady footsteps sounded from outside the courtyard. Valley Master Li Changqing and Vice Valley Master Sikong Ye had already appeared at the entrance. The faces of these two Late Stage Martial Emperors also bore an unusual gravity and a trace of bewilderment.

Li Changqing's gaze swiftly swept over the people in the courtyard, lingering for a moment on Xiao Chun, who had just broken through and whose aura had not yet fully settled, a flash of indescribable complexity in his eyes. He glanced at Chu Tianhe, gave a slight nod, then addressed Qin Feng and Xiao Chun: "You must have sensed the commotion just now."

It was not a question, but a statement.

Qin Feng and the others bowed in greeting: "Valley Master, Vice Valley Master."

Li Changqing waved his hand, indicating they need not stand on ceremony. His brow slightly furrowed as his gaze seemed to pierce through the layers of halls and pavilions, looking towards the depths of the back mountain Forbidden Ground. His tone held a mixture of confusion and reverence: "It was the aura of the valley's guardian Sacred Beast, the Xuantian Turtle Old Ancestor... The venerable one has been in slumber for over sixty years. Logically, for this seclusion to attempt a Breakthrough to a higher Realm, it should take at least another decade to awaken naturally... Why has it awakened early?"

He seemed to be talking to himself, yet also inquiring of Sikong Ye beside him.

Sikong Ye's expression was equally solemn as he slowly shook his head: "The thoughts of a Sacred Beast are beyond our comprehension. However, this awakening... its aura seemed to carry a sense of inquiry, not warning or anger..." His gaze also fell upon Xiao Chun, pensive.

At that moment, an ancient, low, and profound will, as if originating directly from the earth's pulse, flowed gently yet irresistibly into the minds of Li Changqing, Sikong Ye, Qin Feng, and Xiao Chun simultaneously:

"Li Changqing, Sikong Ye, bring that girl over... and the young man beside her as well."

This will was peaceful, yet carried the vicissitudes of eons and an unquestionable authority. It was undoubtedly the Xuantian Turtle!

Li Changqing's body trembled almost imperceptibly, and an expression of utmost reverence immediately appeared on his face. He promptly faced the direction of the Forbidden Ground, bowed deeply, and respectfully responded with his will: "We obey the Old Ancestor's decree. However..." He couldn't help but glance at Xiao Chun and Qin Feng, cautiously inquiring with his will: "Old Ancestor, this sudden summons for these two Juniors... is there an important matter? Do we need to prepare anything in advance?"

"Just do as instructed... For now, it is not convenient to speak with you further." The Xuantian Turtle's willful response remained calm, yet carried a tone that brooked no further inquiry.

Li Changqing and Sikong Ye exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and doubt in the other's eyes. The Old Ancestor's awakening was already abnormal. Now, it specifically demanded to see these two Juniors and was unwilling to explain the reason... There must be some crucial, unknown significance to this. However, the Old Ancestor's command was the highest decree within the Medicine King Valley, not to be disobeyed.

Li Changqing collected his thoughts and turned to Qin Feng and Xiao Chun. His expression had returned to its usual gentleness, but his eyes were exceptionally serious: "Young Friend Qin, Xiao Chun girl. Just now, it was the guardian Sacred Beast, the Xuantian Turtle Old Ancestor, who transmitted its will, specifically summoning the two of you. You are to follow the Vice Valley Master and me to the Forbidden Ground immediately to have an audience with the Old Ancestor."

"An audience... with the Sacred Beast Old Ancestor?" Xiao Chun instinctively hugged the earth-red little beast in her arms tighter, her face showing nervousness and bewilderment. The little creature in her arms also seemed to sense something, stirring slightly and burying its head deeper into the crook of her arm.

Qin Feng's internal alarms were also blaring. The Xuantian Turtle's sudden awakening, and its specific summons for Xiao Chun—who had just broken through and harbored the secret of the Myriad Medicine Body—and himself... What was the purpose? Was it related to Xiao Chun's Physique, or... had it detected the secret of that egg? His mind raced, but he maintained a calm facade, cupping his hands and saying, "This Junior obeys."

"Father..." Xiao Chun looked towards Chu Tianhe.

Chu Tianhe's eyes were filled with deep concern, but he well understood the significance of a Sacred Beast's summons and that there was no room for refusal at this moment. He stepped forward, gently pressing his daughter's shoulder, and said in a low voice, "Do not be afraid. The Valley Master and Vice Valley Master are with you. The Old Ancestor is our Medicine King Valley's guardian deity, benevolent and majestic. It will not trouble Juniors without reason. Just... be cautious in your responses."

He glanced at Qin Feng again, his gaze carrying an entrustment. Qin Feng gave a slight nod, indicating he understood.

Though Xia Ya and Ji Ruxue were filled with worry, they also knew this matter was of extraordinary importance and could only watch them leave.

Li Changqing and Sikong Ye personally led the way, taking Qin Feng and Xiao Chun away from the Bamboo Rhyme Residence, passing through layers of halls and pavilions, heading towards the deepest part of the Medicine King Valley—the back mountain Forbidden Ground where ordinary Disciples were absolutely forbidden to approach.

Along the way, there were layer upon layer of Formations and Restrictions, creating an imposing and solemn atmosphere. The deeper they went, the denser the Spiritual Qi became, even condensing into a faint mist. However, an intangible, ancient, and heavy pressure also became increasingly palpable, making one involuntarily feel awe and breathe more lightly.

Finally, they arrived at the entrance to a valley shrouded in hazy white mist. At the valley mouth stood an ancient stele, neither metal nor jade, covered in natural Dao patterns, inscribed with two archaic characters: "Xuantian."

Li Changqing and Sikong Ye stopped before the stele, straightened their attire, their expressions filled with utmost reverence. Li Changqing turned to Qin Feng and Xiao Chun and said, "Ahead lies the 'Xuantian Valley,' where the Old Ancestor cultivates in seclusion. Once inside, stay close to us. Do not wander or gaze about randomly. Answer the Old Ancestor's questions truthfully and respectfully."

"Yes," Qin Feng and Xiao Chun responded.

Only then did Li Changqing and Sikong Ye activate specially made tokens in their hands. A clear light enveloped the four of them. The white mist parted automatically to both sides, revealing a narrow path only wide enough for a few people to walk abreast. The path wound its way into the depths of the mist.

Stepping into the valley felt like entering another world. All sound from the outside vanished, leaving only the gurgling of a stream beneath their feet and the rustling of wind through unknown ancient trees. The Spiritual Qi was so dense it was almost liquid, refreshing their spirits with every breath. The surrounding scenery was faintly discernible within the spiritual mist; rare flowers and exotic grasses were everywhere, their age shockingly ancient. Many were even spiritual species long extinct in the outside world.

At the end of the path was a vast, calm, and motionless deep pool. The water was dark and unfathomably deep. Smooth boulders were scattered around the pool's edge, and the air was filled with a rich water-attributed Spiritual Qi and an indescribable ancient charm.

And in the center of the deep pool, a colossal shadow lay prostrate, difficult to describe in words.

Most of the shadow was submerged in the dark pool water, with only a small part exposed above the surface—a corner of a turtle shell larger than a house, covered in dark green moss and profound natural patterns. Just this single corner emanated an aura as heavy, ancient, and boundless as if it bore the entire earth. The source of the earlier pressure that had enveloped the entire valley was here.

The Xuantian Turtle!

In contrast to this vast aura was the extreme tranquility surrounding the deep pool, as if time itself flowed more slowly here.

Li Changqing and Sikong Ye were the first to face the direction of the deep pool and perform a deep bow of respect: "Disciples Li Changqing (Sikong Ye) pay our respects to the Old Ancestor. By the Old Ancestor's decree, we have brought Qin Feng and Su Yuchun."

Qin Feng and Xiao Chun also hurriedly followed suit, bowing deeply: "Juniors Qin Feng (Su Yuchun) pay our respects to the Xuantian Turtle Old Ancestor."

After a long while, that ancient, peaceful will once again sounded directly in the minds of the four, this time seemingly directed only at Qin Feng and Xiao Chun:

"Do not be nervous... there are no outsiders here."

Following this will, the surface of the deep pool rippled slightly. At the edge of the massive exposed turtle shell, two points of gentle, profound, and ancient light, as if containing endless years and wisdom, slowly brightened. They were like two ancient gazes piercing through the mist, falling upon Xiao Chun and Qin Feng.

The gaze was not sharp, yet it seemed capable of perceiving the deepest secrets of the Soul.

Qin Feng felt as if he were being examined from head to toe, from the inside out. His Sword Heart, Sword Bone, Hunyuan True Qi, and even the faint, otherworldly mark deep within his Soul were laid bare under this gaze, yet he strangely felt no sense of violation.

And that gaze lingered longer on Xiao Chun. The Xuantian Turtle's will carried a trace of an almost imperceptible sigh, as if confirming some long-sealed legend, and slowly sounded, directly asking the secret that Qin Feng and the others had tried so hard to conceal:

"Young girl..."

"You... possess the 'Myriad Medicine Body,' long lost and only existing in the legends of the ancient Medicine Gods, do you not?"

As these words were spoken, Li Changqing and Sikong Ye abruptly raised their heads, their faces instantly filled with utter disbelief and shock, their gazes snapping towards the seemingly delicate and timid girl in green!

Xiao Chun's body stiffened. She instinctively hugged the earth-red little beast in her arms tighter, her face paling slightly as she looked towards Qin Feng beside her with a plea for help.

Qin Feng's heart sank. The thing he feared most had still happened. Before this Sacred Beast who had lived for who knows how many tens of thousands of years, their meager concealment methods were utterly transparent.