287: Chapter 287 Heavenly Thunder Bamboo!

In Tianxing City, beneath the Sacred Mountain, on the top floor of Liulian Residence.

Inside the Quiet Room, sandalwood incense curled, isolating the noise of the outside world.

Lu Qiu sat cross-legged on a warm jade cushion, his eyes slightly closed. His magic power circulated throughout his body, faintly forming a harmonious resonance with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi as he performed his daily cultivation, polishing his cultivation base and comprehending the Dao.

His Realm at the peak of the Nascent Soul Early Stage was already stable. He seemed to be only one step away from the barrier to the Middle Stage, yet it felt as if a tough, thin membrane separated him from it, requiring an Opportunity or patient, grinding effort to perform a Breakthrough.

Just as he was lost in thought, comprehending an exquisite method regarding the changes of True Fire within the Crimson Sky Burning Heaven Technique, the pale pink Guest Elder token belonging to the Miaoyin Sect, kept in the Storage Pouch hanging at his waist, began to vibrate slightly once more, emitting a soft yet slightly urgent spiritual light and subtle musical fluctuations.

Lu Qiu slowly opened his eyes; his gaze was clear and profound, without a ripple.

With a thought, the jade tablet flew out on its own, hovering before him.

"It is the Miaoyin Sect again... Fairy Ziling?"

Lu Qiu reached out and grasped the warm jade tablet. His Divine Sense swept over the summons information coming from within, which was clearer than the last time. It was still a top-level emergency contact, but it seemed to have a little less desperation and a little more urgency...

After a brief thought, Lu Qiu roughly guessed Fairy Ziling's current thoughts.

The news of Young Master Wu Chou's death had already spread throughout Tianxing City, and the inside story had also been exposed.

As long as Fairy Ziling was not stupid, combining his previous promise, the requirement to act alone, and this perfectly timed result, she likely already had a seven or eight-tenths certainty in her mind.

This summons was mostly to confirm in person, and at the same time, to... resolve the Karma, or perhaps to test his attitude.

"She is indeed a clever woman." A faint arc curved at the corner of Lu Qiu's mouth.

He had never intended to hide that this matter was his doing.

Since he had agreed to avenge her, and now that the enemy was dead, letting her know the result was the proper thing to do.

This could also further solidify the connection between the two parties based on the "Dao Heart Oath," making it clearer to Fairy Ziling where the "debt" she would need to repay in the future originated.

Moreover, he happened to have something he needed to get from Fairy Ziling, or rather, from the Miaoyin Sect.

"It is good to meet. Just as well, I shall ask for the 'root' of that half-section of Gold Thunder Bamboo." Lu Qiu decided in his heart.

Han Li needed Gold Thunder Bamboo to refine his Lifebound Treasure, and he only had a rootless, withered section obtained from Young Master Wu Chou, which was significantly less effective.

If he could obtain the half-section with the root system stored by the Miaoyin Sect, it would be more valuable to trade with Han Li.

This should also be the most valuable "gift of thanks" that Fairy Ziling, or rather the Miaoyin Sect, could offer at the moment.

He no longer hesitated, stood up, changed into a plain green robe, restrained his aura, and quietly left Liulian Residence.

...

It was still that quiet alley, still that small courtyard with elegant palace lanterns hanging and no words on the lintel.

Unlike the miserable wind and rain and the anxiety of the last time, the courtyard today seemed to have a bit more calmness, but the lingering sadness and heaviness had not diminished.

Just as Lu Qiu arrived at the door, the courtyard gate opened silently. The ones opening the door were still the two maids in goose-yellow dresses from last time, only now their Faces had less panic and more respect and faint awe.

Seeing Lu Qiu, the two hurriedly bowed and lowered their voices: "Elder Lu, you have arrived. The Young Lord is already waiting in the main hall. Please follow this Junior."

Lu Qiu nodded slightly and followed the maids through the front courtyard.

The plants in the courtyard remained the same, but there seemed to have been some traces of newly turned soil, as if they had just been transplanted or tidied up.

The cold, sweet fragrance in the air seemed to have faded, replaced by a faint scent similar to a mixture of sandalwood and herbs, as if some kind of sacrifice or purification was being performed.

The door to the main hall was open. Lu Qiu stepped inside and saw that the furnishings in the hall were even simpler than last time. Some of the original decorative ornaments were gone, and only a portrait of a woman hung on the wall behind the main seat facing the door.

The woman in the portrait looked five or six parts similar to Fairy Ziling, with a gentle temperament and smiling eyes; it was indeed the late Miaoyin Sect Mistress Zhou.

In front of the portrait was an incense table, offering fresh spiritual fruits and a stick of Soul-Soothing Incense that had just been lit, with blue smoke curling up.

Fairy Ziling, dressed in plain white mourning clothes and wearing no makeup, stood quietly beside the incense table.

Hearing footsteps, she turned around.

It was still that stunningly beautiful Face that could topple cities and evoke pity, but compared to their last meeting, she seemed to have lost some weight, and her complexion was paler. Only those clear, autumn-water eyes were no longer filled with helpless tears and despair.

Instead, they had settled into a complex light, a mixture of sadness, hatred, realization, and an indescribable trace of inquiry and awe.

The purple Qi she used to conceal her Face had been withdrawn, revealing her true appearance. Perhaps it was because she was before her mother's spirit, or perhaps because... in front of the person before her, there was no longer any need for concealment.

"Elder Lu, you have arrived."

Fairy Ziling stepped forward a few paces and bowed gracefully to Lu Qiu. Her posture was more respectful than last time, even carrying a trace of imperceptible restraint.

She led Lu Qiu to sit in the guest seat, personally took tea leaves from an ancient-looking pottery jar, boiled spiritual spring water with spiritual power, skillfully brewed two cups of clear tea, and gently placed one in front of Lu Qiu on the small table.

The tea was clear and fragrant, with a hint of slight bitterness and a sweet aftertaste; it was excellent "Calming Tea".

"Fairy Ziling, please accept my condolences."

Lu Qiu took the teacup, his gaze sweeping over Sect Mistress Zhou's portrait, and said a polite phrase in a peaceful tone.

Fairy Ziling sat down opposite him, holding the slightly hot teacup with both hands, as if trying to draw a little warmth from it.

She did not immediately exchange pleasantries, nor was she in a hurry to ask questions; she just quietly watched the tea leaves unfurling in the cup. The hall fell into silence for a moment, with only the subtle sound of the Soul-Soothing Incense burning.

After a long time, Fairy Ziling seemed to have made up her mind. She slowly raised her head, her clear but bloodshot eyes staring straight at Lu Qiu. Her voice was very soft, yet exceptionally clear, as if every word took all her strength:

"Elder Lu... it is rumored far and wide outside, about the death of Young Master Wu Chou, about the conspiracy of Jiyin Island... Fairy Ziling would like to boldly ask the Elder one question..."

She paused, took a breath, as if trying to suppress the tremor in her voice, and asked, word by word:

"Was that Young Master Wu Chou... killed by the Elder's hand?"

When she asked this, her heart beat violently. Her gaze was locked tightly on Lu Qiu's Face, not missing any slight change in expression.

Although she already had a guess in her heart, when she truly asked it, she still felt an indescribable tension and anticipation.

She needed confirmation; she needed to hear that answer from the mouth of this mysterious and powerful Elder.

Lu Qiu held the teacup, gently blew away the foam, his expression calm and unruffled, as if what the other party asked was just an ordinary question.

He took a sip of the clear tea, letting the slightly bitter tea fragrance dissolve in his mouth, then set down the teacup. His gaze met Fairy Ziling's eyes, which were filled with tension and anticipation. Without any evasion or pretense, he simply and affirmatively uttered two words:

"It was me."

The voice was not loud, but it exploded like a thunderclap in Fairy Ziling's ears!

Although she was prepared, and although she already had seven or eight-tenths certainty in her heart, when she heard Lu Qiu admit it so decisively and calmly with her own ears, Fairy Ziling still felt a wave of intense dizziness and unbelievable shock!

Her delicate body swayed imperceptibly, and her fingers gripping the teacup tightened suddenly, turning her knuckles white.

It was really him!

This Elder Lu, who looked gentle, peaceful, and unfathomable, had actually killed the notorious Young Master Wu Chou of Jiyin Island with thunderous means!

Moreover, judging by his tone, it seemed as if he had only done a trivial little thing!

What kind of powerful strength did this require?

What kind of astonishing courage?

One had to know that Young Master Wu Chou was not alone; behind him stood the ferociously powerful Old Ancestor Jiyin and the entire Demonic Path force of Jiyin Island!

Killing Young Master Wu Chou was no different from forging an irreconcilable blood feud with Old Ancestor Jiyin!

This Elder Lu dared to act like this, and could still be so calm and composed afterwards...

The shock in Fairy Ziling's heart was soon replaced by a huge, indescribable sense of gratitude and lingering fear.

She was grateful that Elder Lu had truly fulfilled his promise, avenged her mother in such a powerful way, exposed the conspiracy, and cleared her mother and the Miaoyin Sect of all blame.

She was terrified that if it weren't for Elder Lu's superior strength, his ability to see through the conspiracy, and his decisive action, she would have followed her original plan to take the remaining forces of the sect and the "helpers" she had invited to Shuixin Island, and she would likely have already become a wronged soul under Young Master Wu Chou's conspiracy, and the Miaoyin Sect would have been completely destroyed!

"Elder..."

Fairy Ziling's voice choked with sobs, and her eyes instantly misted over. She stood up, and like a mountain of gold toppling and a pillar of jade collapsing, she bowed deeply to Lu Qiu, her forehead touching the cold ground: "Fairy Ziling, on behalf of my late mother and the Disciples of the Miaoyin Sect who died tragically, thanks the Elder for avenging us, exposing the conspiracy, and saving our sect from total destruction! This kindness and virtue, Fairy Ziling will never forget!"

This kowtow was more solemn and more heartfelt than the last one.

Lu Qiu did not immediately let her rise; he simply accepted her bow in silence.

When Fairy Ziling lifted her head again, her eyes streaming with tears but filled with an unprecedented resolve, he finally spoke slowly:

"Fairy Ziling, there is no need for this. Since This Lu accepted your request and received payment, I naturally did my best. Now that Young Master Wu Chou is dead, Sect Mistress Zhou's great vengeance has been avenged, and the conspiracy of Jiyin Island has been exposed, this matter can be considered concluded."

His tone was indifferent, dismissing a revenge that could have ignited the monstrous rage of a Nascent Soul Old Monster as merely a transaction of "fulfilling a request and being faithful to the task." This appeared nonchalant while also clarifying the relationship between the two parties.

It was just a transaction.

Upon hearing this, Fairy Ziling understood, and at the same time, felt even more solemn.

This Elder Lu was clear about gratitude and grudges, acted with propriety, and was definitely not one of those vulgar people who bestowed favors expecting returns or used favors to hold others hostage.

Dealing with such a person, it was even more necessary to be cautious and keep one's promises.

"Yes, Ziling understands. Elder, your kindness is etched in my heart; I will never dare to forget it."

Fairy Ziling wiped away her tears and sat back in her seat. Her expression returned to calm, but the look she gave Lu Qiu was filled with even deeper awe.

Lu Qiu looked at her, and his tone suddenly shifted as he asked: "Fairy Ziling, when Young Master Wu Chou intercepted Sect Mistress Zhou and seized the cargo, was the object he was after a spiritual item known as 'heavenly lightning bamboo'?"

Fairy Ziling was slightly stunned, then nodded: "Elder, your insight is sharp. Among my mother's cargo, there was indeed a piece of 'heavenly lightning bamboo' obtained by chance. It is a top-tier spiritual material for refining evil-warding Magic Treasure. However, that piece of heavenly lightning bamboo was aged, its Spiritual Qi had dissipated severely, it was nearly dead, and it lacked a root system, making it difficult to cultivate. My mother originally intended to sell it to exchange for resources urgently needed by the School... I did not expect that this would bring about such a disaster."

Speaking of this, a flash of hatred appeared in her eyes again.

"Is that piece of heavenly lightning bamboo in your possession now?" Lu Qiu pressed.

Fairy Ziling shook her head, saying gloomily: "It is not. That cargo, along with the heavenly lightning bamboo, must have been seized by Young Master Wu Chou. Now that Young Master Wu Chou is dead, his remaining items..."

Before she could finish, she saw Lu Qiu flip his wrist, and a box carved from Yin Jade appeared in his palm.

The lid opened, and inside lay a withered bamboo branch several inches long, as thick as a thumb, entirely withered yellow, and covered in cracks.

It was exactly the half-section of rootless Gold Thunder Bamboo he had obtained from Young Master Wu Chou's Storage Pouch.

"Is it this?" Lu Qiu pushed the jade box toward Fairy Ziling.

Fairy Ziling stared at it, and after a moment, nodded affirmatively: "It is! The characteristics of this item are exactly the same as those recorded in the School! I did not expect... it would be in the Elder's hands."

She looked at the withered bamboo with complex eyes, containing both sorrow for her mother's keepsake and hatred for Young Master Wu Chou, as well as a trace of confusion.

What did Elder Lu mean by taking this out?

Lu Qiu closed the lid, took back the jade box, looked at Fairy Ziling, and said slowly: "This item was obtained from Young Master Wu Chou's belongings. As far as This Lu knows, the heavenly lightning bamboo obtained by the Miaoyin Sect back then should have been split into two. One section is this rootless withered bamboo, and the other section... should have some root system, which you have been carefully storing, is that correct?"

Fairy Ziling was shocked; she had not expected Elder Lu to know so much about this matter.

She hesitated slightly, then nodded: "The Elder is correct. The other section of heavenly lightning bamboo, which has some residual roots, was indeed sealed by the School using secret methods and placed in a specially made wooden box, hoping to delay the dissipation of its vitality and wait for an Opportunity. This matter is the highest secret of the School and is absolutely unknown to outsiders."

"Is that rooted heavenly lightning bamboo available now?" Lu Qiu asked directly. Although his tone was indifferent, it carried an unquestionable implication.

Fairy Ziling was silent for a moment.

She understood Lu Qiu's meaning.

The other party had killed Young Master Wu Chou, avenged her mother, exposed the conspiracy, and saved the Miaoyin Sect. Now... he had come to collect his "reward."

And the reward the other party had his eye on was clearly the only remaining piece of rooted heavenly lightning bamboo in the School, which might still contain a trace of vitality.

In normal times, she would never easily hand over such a supreme treasure that concerned the School's Legacy and future hope.

But now... the Miaoyin Sect had suffered such a disaster and was teetering on the brink. Although her mother's great vengeance had been avenged, Jiyin Island still existed, the traitors had not been eliminated, and the future of the School was uncertain.

This Elder Lu before her had unfathomable strength and had bestowed the grace of rebirth upon her and the Miaoyin Sect.

More importantly, she had sworn an oath upon her Dao Heart that she would unconditionally do one thing for the other party in the future.

Now that the other party was only asking for a withered bamboo with slim hopes, she had no room to refuse in terms of emotion, reason, or the sworn agreement.

Moreover, given the strength and mystery Elder Lu had displayed, perhaps that heavenly lightning bamboo could truly exert unexpected effects in his hands, which was better than letting it gather dust in the increasingly declining Miaoyin Sect.

Her thoughts raced, finally turning into a barely audible sigh.

Fairy Ziling rose again, walked to the incense table, and from a hidden compartment, took out a narrow wooden box about a foot long, carved entirely from a warm, blue-gray spiritual wood, with natural wood grain covering the surface and faint fluctuations of Spiritual Qi.

The wooden box was heavy in the hand and warm to the touch; it was indeed a container made from rare spiritual wood, which had the effect of nourishing the vitality of spiritual items.

Fairy Ziling held the wooden box, returned to Lu Qiu, and offered it with both hands, her voice calm but carrying a trace of resolve: "Elder Lu, what is contained in this box is the other section of heavenly lightning bamboo with some residual roots stored by the School. Today, on behalf of the Miaoyin Sect, Ziling presents it to you as a small token of gratitude. I sincerely hope the Elder will not refuse."

She did not say "exchange," nor did she say "reward," only "gift." She lowered her posture significantly, giving Elder Lu plenty of Face.

Lu Qiu took the wooden box, feeling a slight weight. He opened a crack and probed with his Divine Sense.

Inside the box, he saw a layer of soft, faintly fragrant "Spirit-Nourishing Cotton." Resting quietly on the cotton was a section slightly longer than the previous half, about the length of a forearm, also withered yellow in color. However, near the fracture at the bottom, one could faintly see a few extremely fine, pale golden rootlets that looked as if they might break at any moment!

Although its vitality was equally weak, the existence of this trace of residual roots meant entirely different possibilities!

The Spiritual Qi inside the box was abundant; clearly, this soul nurturing wood box indeed had a miraculous effect on delaying the dissipation of its vitality.

"Not bad, this is exactly it." Lu Qiu closed the wooden box, nodded with satisfaction, and put it away.

In this way, both sections of Gold Thunder Bamboo were in hand. Although both were nearly dead, having one with roots provided a slim hope for cultivation, making its value far exceed that of the rootless bamboo.

As a bargaining chip for trading with Han Li, it was sufficient.

"Fairy Ziling, This Lu accepts this item," Lu Qiu said, looking at Fairy Ziling.

Lu Qiu stood up, preparing to leave.

When he reached the door of the hall, he suddenly stopped, did not turn back, and said indifferently:

"Fairy Ziling, do not forget the agreement between you and me. One day, This Lu might truly have a matter that requires your assistance."

Fairy Ziling's delicate body trembled slightly. She lifted her head, looking at Lu Qiu's tall, straight back. An expression of extreme solemnity appeared on her stunningly beautiful Face, and her voice was clear and firm:

"Elder, rest assured! Ziling swears upon her Dao Heart and will never dare to forget! In the future, whatever the Elder commands, as long as it does not violate my Dao Heart and does not harm my life, Ziling will do her utmost to accomplish it for the Elder!"

Lu Qiu nodded slightly, said no more, and with a flicker of his figure, he vanished outside the door, as if merging into the air.

Fairy Ziling stood alone in the empty main hall, gazing in the direction where Lu Qiu had disappeared, then turned back to look at the portrait of her mother, Sect Mistress Zhou. Her eyes were complex and difficult to fathom.

There was sorrow, hatred, relief, and confusion about the future, as well as a trace of a strange sense of security and expectation that had vaguely emerged—which she herself had not even noticed—due to having established a closer connection with this mysterious and powerful Elder Lu.

"Elder Lu..."

She whispered softly, her jade hand gently caressing the spot where the cold wooden box had once been placed.

The future of the Miaoyin Sect and her own path of Dao seemed to have quietly deviated from their originally desperate trajectory because of today's meeting and the unfulfilled "agreement."

...

Leaving the small courtyard where the Miaoyin Sect was located, Lu Qiu did not return directly to the Liulian Residence.

He found a quiet corner in the city at random and took out a specially made Sound Transmission Talisman that matched the one he had left for Han Li.

Probing with his Divine Sense, he left a brief message inside:

"Junior Brother Han, this Elder brother has obtained an item by chance. Observing it, it seems to have an origin related to the Cultivation Technique you practice and might be beneficial for refining your Lifebound Treasure. If you have leisure, you may come to the 'Star-Moon Pavilion,' Heaven Room No. 3, at noon three days from now to have a talk. Lu Qiu."

The message was sent, and the Sound Transmission Talisman turned into a faint glimmer of light, flying toward the general area of Han Li's Immortal Cave in the direction of the Holy Mountain.

Lu Qiu toyed with the soul nurturing wood box in his hand, which contained the rooted Gold Thunder Bamboo, a flash of shrewd amusement in his eyes.

"Junior Brother Han, this time, you are going to have to bleed quite a bit."