NOVEL WEB Chapter 771: Evil Within the Village? (Part 2)
The room was simply furnished, yet it exuded a warm atmosphere.
"You should sleep first, I'll take the night watch." Qing Shuang volunteered, his eyes revealing a hint of undeniable determination.
Luo Chen and Hong Ling didn't refuse; they understood Qing Shuang's persistence and knew it was for everyone's safety.
The night was deep, and Luo Chen lay on the bed, unable to sleep.
His thoughts drifted afar, recalling the original intention of cultivating the "Silver Moon Ice Blade" secret technique.
He wanted to become stronger to protect everything he cherished.
The adventure that night made him more convinced of his path.
In another room, Hong Ling gazed at the moonlight outside the window, her heart filled with longing for the future.
She knew that her journey with Luo Chen and Qing Shuang had just begun, with countless unknowns awaiting them ahead.
The next morning, Luo Chen and Hong Ling were awakened by the chirping of birds.
After washing up, they went with Qing Shuang to the altar.
"Look, the runes on the altar have completely dimmed." Hong Ling pointed excitedly at the altar.
Luo Chen examined it carefully, confirming there was no anomaly, "It seems our efforts weren't in vain; the seal is very stable."
Qing Shuang nodded, but his expression remained serious, "We should still leave some warnings to prevent anyone from accidentally destroying the seal."
Thus, the three of them began setting warning signs around the altar and informed the village chief to also protect the area.
Once everything was arranged, they departed from the place.
...
After several days of intermittent travel, the trio returned to the workshop where cultivators gathered.
They glanced around and then headed toward the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.
The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion still stood at the center of the workshop, its tall tower reaching into the clouds, seemingly showcasing the supreme majesty of cultivators to the world.
Luo Chen, Qing Shuang, and Hong Ling walked slowly through the grand doors of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, knowing this would be the starting point for their next journey.
"You're back." A gentle voice sounded behind them.
Turning around, they saw it was Elder Xuan Ji Zi of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.
"Yes, Elder." Luo Chen replied respectfully, "The crisis in the village has been resolved."
Elder Xuan Ji Zi nodded, a look of approval in his eyes, "You did well, but the path of cultivation is long and perilous; you must continue to train."
Qing Shuang nodded slightly, "We understand, Elder. This experience has been very rewarding for us."
Xuan Ji Zi smiled gently and pulled out three jade slips from his sleeve, "These are your rewards, containing some advanced cultivation methods that I hope will be helpful to you."
The three of them accepted the jade slips and thanked him sincerely, then each found a place to study them.
Luo Chen sat cross-legged, placing the jade slip on his forehead, as a stream of information surged into his mind.
He carefully savored the mysteries within, deepening his understanding of the "Silver Moon Ice Blade" secret technique.
Meanwhile, in a quiet courtyard, Hong Ling placed her jade slip in her palm, closing her eyes to feel the flow of spiritual energy within.
A joyful smile appeared on her face, as if she had found the key to enhancing her swordsmanship.
Qing Shuang, on the other hand, was in the Library Pavilion, meticulously flipping through ancient tomes, searching for clues related to the "Heavenly Mechanism Lock" secret technique.
His brow occasionally furrowed and relaxed, clearly contemplating some profound problem.
As the sun set and the moon rose, the three were immersed in their own worlds until night fell silent, when they slowly finished their work and exchanged smiles.
"Luo Chen, what do you think about the content in the jade slip?" Hong Ling asked curiously.
Luo Chen pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, "The jade slip's content is incredibly profound, and I still need time to digest it.
However, I feel as if my cultivation has achieved a new breakthrough."
Qing Shuang nodded, "I feel the same, and the knowledge in the jade slip has given me a deeper understanding of the 'Heavenly Mechanism Lock;' I think I can utilize it better now."
Hong Ling's eyes sparkled with excitement, "Me too! I've found a knack for improving my swordsmanship, and I believe that soon my swordsmanship will reach a new level."
The three shared a laugh, knowing that this was just a small episode on their path to becoming immortal cultivators, with countless challenges still lying ahead of them.
The next day, Luo Chen and the others decided to visit a reclusive elder in the mountains, who was said to have unique insights into the "Heavenly Mechanism Lock" secret technique.
They traversed dense forests and crossed mountain streams, eventually arriving at a tranquil valley.
In the valley stood a simple little hut, in front of which an elderly white-haired man was leisurely enjoying tea.
"Senior, we are disciples of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, here to seek your guidance." Luo Chen respectfully bowed before him.
The old man smiled gently, indicating for them to sit, "I have been waiting for you; I might be able to answer some of your questions."
In turn, Luo Chen, Qing Shuang, and Hong Ling asked the elder about the difficulties they faced in cultivation.
The elder patiently listened to them and then provided answers one by one.
"The way of cultivation values persistence and understanding." The elder said slowly, "Each of you has talent, and if you keep trying, you will surely achieve something."
After listening, the three of them felt enlightened, gaining a deeper comprehension of the path of cultivation.
Bidding farewell to the elder, Luo Chen and the others set off again on their journey.
They knew the path of cultivation was long and lonely, but as long as they walked together, nothing was impossible.
...
Leaving the place, they returned to the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion once more.
Luo Chen and his companions decided to devote some time to closed-door cultivation.
Recently, they had been preoccupied with other matters.
This had left Luo Chen and the others feeling somewhat fatigued.
In a secluded corner of the quiet room at the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, Luo Chen, Qing Shuang, and Hong Ling prepared to start their closed-door cultivation.
For them, closed-door cultivation was the perfect opportunity to enhance their cultivation level and consolidate what they had learned.
They each found a mat, sat cross-legged, and began a long period of meditation and cultivation.
In the silence, time passed slowly, and Luo Chen's consciousness gradually sank into the ocean of cultivation.
He felt the spiritual energy within him flowing like a river, with the secret technique 'Silver Moon Ice Blade' continuously evolving in his mind, each session deepening his comprehension.
He began to attempt merging the Silver Moon Ice Blade with his Sword Intent, each attempt sharpening and chilling his Sword Qi even further.
Hong Ling, on the other hand, kept trying to integrate her newly-gleaned swordsmanship into her sword moves during cultivation.
Her swordsmanship, known for its agility, now bore new changes, making her sword moves even more elusive.
She seemed to transform into a red shadow, dancing in the quiet room, her Sword Light flickering, like the brightest star in the night sky.
Qing Shuang was investigating the mysteries of the Heavenly Mechanism Lock secret technique.
He discovered that the Heavenly Mechanism Lock was not merely a defensive measure but also a method for perceiving opportunities.
He began trying to combine the Heavenly Mechanism Lock with his Spiritual Sense, each attempt enhancing his perception of the surrounding environment.
He seemed able to predict impending events, a capability that allowed him to cultivate with calm composure.
In this way, day after day, Luo Chen, Qing Shuang, and Hong Ling continued their cultivation in the quiet room, gradually advancing their cultivation levels.
Their tacit understanding also deepened with each session, their collaboration increasingly seamless.
Finally, after one session, the three of them opened their eyes simultaneously, their eyes gleaming with excitement.
They realized it was time to conclude this bout of closed-door cultivation.
"This session of closed-door cultivation was truly fruitful." Luo Chen sighed.
"Indeed, I feel my swordsmanship has reached a new realm." Hong Ling replied with a smile.
Qing Shuang nodded, saying, "The Heavenly Mechanism Lock secret technique also achieved a breakthrough; I can feel my Spiritual Sense is now more acute than before."
The three of them shared a smile, understanding that this session not only enhanced their cultivation levels but also deepened their friendship.