Chapter 606 - 436: The Prominent Tree in the Forest Will Be Toppled by the Wind (Part 2)

Clearly,

Wan Qianren was not of the Human Race. He belonged to a special race Xu Qing had never heard of: the Black Scale Race. The Black Scale Race was also a native species of the Unique True Realm.

Moreover,

the Black Scale Race was no weaker than the Blue Skin Race.

"Fine."

Wan Qianren had initially considered testing Xu Qing’s Cultivation himself. But on second thought, he decided against it. He was afraid that if he discovered Xu Qing was lying, he might slap him to death on the spot.

Besides,

if he really did kill Xu Qing, it would be difficult to explain things to Elder Zhen.

Therefore,

Wan Qianren decided to summon Elder Zhen and let him see for himself what kind of disciple he had found. It was a perfect opportunity to watch Elder Zhen make a fool of himself.

Given Elder Zhen’s status and Realm,

opportunities to see him embarrassed were few and far between—practically nonexistent.

"Xu Qing."

Wan Qianren nodded, his tone calm. "Since you wish to see Elder Zhen, I can help you contact him. But I’ll ask you one last time: are you sure you want to see Elder Zhen?"

"Yes."

Xu Qing nodded.

"Very well."

Wan Qianren sighed inwardly. ’I was trying to give you one last chance, but you refuse to take it. In that case, you have only yourself to blame.’

With that thought,

Wan Qianren hesitated no longer.

VMM! VMM!

Wan Qianren performed a series of hand signs, forming a special Seal Formula. In the unseen world, he sensed Elder Zhen’s location and established a connection.

WHOOSH!

Instantly,

like a video call,

a projection appeared before Wan Qianren, showing the image of Elder Zhen.

"Wan Qianren, why have you sought me out?"

Elder Zhen’s tone was calm.

"Elder Zhen."

Wan Qianren bowed and said, "It is not I who has business with you, but rather that Registered Disciple of yours."

"Oh."

Elder Zhen naturally recalled that he had indeed taken on a Registered Disciple from the Sea of Chaos not long ago. ’Only a month has passed. Why is he looking for me?’

’Could something have happened?’

"Has something happened to Xu Qing?"

Elder Zhen asked.

"..."

Wan Qianren shrugged and said with a smile, "Why don’t you ask him yourself?"

WHOOSH!

With a wave of his right hand,

the projection appeared before Xu Qing.

"Your disciple, Xu Qing, pays his respects to Master!"

Xu Qing bowed deeply.

"Ah, Xu Qing."

Elder Zhen nodded. "What is it?"

Evidently,

Elder Zhen truly did not know that Xu Qing had already broken through.

"Speak."

Wan Qianren’s expression was indifferent.

"Master."

Xu Qing’s expression was serene as he said, "Your disciple has already stepped into True Perfection and has condensed more than ninety-five Black Annual Rings."

"Because I have no further Cultivation Technique to follow, and since Master did not come to find me, your disciple had no choice but to seek help from the Tower Lord."

"What did you just say?"

Elder Zhen’s expression was one of astonishment.

At that moment,

Elder Zhen looked toward Wan Qianren, who was standing beside them.

Sure enough,

Wan Qianren wore a faint, unreadable smile.

"Huuu..."

Elder Zhen took a deep breath. His gaze sharpened, and he stared intently at Xu Qing. In a heavy voice, he said, "Xu Qing, tell me again."

"Yes."

Xu Qing nodded. "Your disciple has reached True Perfection and has condensed more than ninety-five Black Annual Rings. That is why I have come to find you, Master."

"Good."

Elder Zhen’s expression remained unchanged. He said, "I am coming over now."

VMM!

The next moment,

Xu Qing’s eyes widened as he watched Elder Zhen step directly out of the video projection, right in front of him and Wan Qianren.

He had literally crossed over through the projection.

"Elder Zhen."

Wan Qianren immediately bowed.

"Your disciple, Xu Qing, pays his respects to Master."

Xu Qing bowed again.

"Mm."

Elder Zhen’s expression was still unreadable. He glanced at Wan Qianren and naturally understood the meaning behind his look.

Indeed.

It had only been about a month since Xu Qing received the First Volume of the Dimensional True Skill, yet now he was claiming to have reached True Perfection.

Reaching True Perfection was one thing,

but to also claim he had condensed more than ninety-five Black Annual Rings...

Never mind Wan Qianren—

even Elder Zhen himself didn’t believe it.

Among the Nine Great Forces of the Unique True Realm,

not even that figure who had condensed one hundred and seven rings at the True Realm had accomplished such a feat.

To be honest,

Elder Zhen did not think Xu Qing could have done it.

"Alright."

Elder Zhen looked at Xu Qing. "Give me your hand."

"Yes."

Xu Qing was perfectly calm, his expression unrippled. Following Elder Zhen’s command, he slowly extended his hand. "Master."

"Mm."

Elder Zhen was just as calm, his thoughts completely hidden. As he touched Xu Qing’s right hand, an invisible Power probed Xu Qing’s body.

The next moment,

Elder Zhen’s body stiffened slightly.

Involuntarily,

even he nearly lost control of his aura.

"!!!"

’This—!’ Elder Zhen was horrified. Shock sent tempestuous waves crashing through his mind. He stared at Xu Qing, wanting to say something.

But,

he suppressed it all.

Because,

here,

it wasn’t just him and Xu Qing. Wan Qianren was here too.

"Insolence!"

Elder Zhen snorted coldly, seemingly enraged.

VMM!

The next instant,

Elder Zhen and Xu Qing vanished into thin air, leaving a slightly stunned Wan Qianren behind. When he finally reacted,

"Hahaha..."

Wan Qianren burst out laughing.

Obviously,

Wan Qianren assumed that Elder Zhen had discovered Xu Qing hadn’t condensed more than ninety-five Black Annual Rings at all. That must be why he was so angry and had left without a word.

"Tsk, tsk..."

Wan Qianren shook his head. ’I never thought even a figure like Elder Zhen could misjudge someone so badly. I wonder if he’ll kill Xu Qing in a fit of rage.’

’Probably not.’

’He’ll most likely just expel him.’

Then,

Wan Qianren put the matter out of his mind.

VMM!

Wan Qianren departed.

Soon,

the room where Lou Ke Seal was located returned to normal.

"This..."

Lou Ke Seal’s eyes were wide. He had been trapped in a state of frozen time from beginning to end. Only after Wan Qianren left did he return to normal.

"Tower Lord..."

Lou Ke Seal looked around, but he saw nothing.

"Huh?"

Then,

Lou Ke Seal froze again for a moment.

Because,

Xu Qing was gone too.

"This..."

Lou Ke Seal’s mouth hung open, his face a mask of bewilderment. "Where did they go?"

「The scene changed.」

After leaving Wan Qianren’s Domain, Elder Zhen brought Xu Qing into his own. It was a similar space of endless darkness.

An old man and a young man stood there.

"Xu Qing."

Only now did Elder Zhen finally reveal an expression of utter ecstasy and profound shock. He sized Xu Qing up and down as if he had discovered a priceless, world-altering treasure.

"Master."

Xu Qing took a deep breath and said, "Your disciple truly did condense more than ninety-five Black Annual Rings."

"I know, I know," Elder Zhen said. "I only acted that way because Wan Qianren was present. The goal was to avoid exposing you."

"But..."

Xu Qing asked, "Why?"

"Because of you."

Elder Zhen took several deep breaths before he slowly calmed down. He looked at Xu Qing and said, "One hundred and eight Black Annual Rings."

"Since the dawn of time, since the beginning of recorded history, this has never happened. The Extreme of one hundred and eight Black Annual Rings is a legend that exists only in theory."

"No being has ever truly achieved it."

"But..."

"You did it!"

Elder Zhen said in a low voice, "Do you know what this means?"

"..."

Xu Qing was silent for a moment before replying, "A tree that stands out from the forest will be destroyed by the wind."

"Exactly."

Elder Zhen nodded. "Your existence proves the theory is correct—that one hundred and eight Black Annual Rings are achievable. Countless forces and powerful beings will come looking for you, perhaps even to study your secrets."

"With your current Power, do you think you could fend them off?"

"I could not."

Xu Qing shook his head.

"Therefore, this matter must be kept secret."

Elder Zhen stated, "It must be known only to you and me."