Chapter 18: Fate, Moonlit Cold Pool
Upon hearing the guard's words, the head of the Lu family burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! Truly the destined prodigy of the Lu family!”
“Our rise is within reach!”
After his joy, his expression darkened slightly as he muttered, “Hmph! I wonder how that useless Lu Changfeng is doing now! Next time I see him, I’ll be sure to finish him off!”
…
At the Dao Yan Sect, outside a thatched cottage atop Moon Cold Peak.
“Master! Why have you summoned me?” Lu Changfeng stood outside, his expression calm as he looked at the woman before him, clad in a flowing glazed skirt.
Moon Qingshuang, standing in front of Lu Changfeng, had an elegant figure that her delicate gauze dress could not conceal. She held an ancient tome in her hands. Hearing Lu Changfeng’s question, she slowly raised her head and replied indifferently:
“To see how your cultivation is progressing.”
As she spoke, a cool breeze carrying the scent of gardenia drifted toward Lu Changfeng.
He stood still, making no move.
He knew his provisional master, although only at the Dao Palace realm, was far more complex than she appeared. His cultivation was completely transparent to her eyes.
“Channeling… level eight?!” Moon Qingshuang’s indifferent eyes flickered with surprise and doubt as she spoke.
“Yes,” Lu Changfeng nodded slightly.
Upon receiving confirmation, Moon Qingshuang’s eyes sparkled. Though she knew her disciple had extraordinary talent, and with her teaching of the spiritual aperture technique to accelerate cultivation, reaching level eight channeling in just over two months was still incredible.
“I recall… even with the clan’s support,” she murmured, “it took me eight months to advance from level one to eight channeling!”
Her surprise deepened.
It should be noted that her own talent was considered exceptional, and she had the backing of her clan. But Lu Changfeng, aside from the spiritual aperture cultivation technique she provided, had relied solely on himself to reach this realm!
Lu Changfeng’s heart stirred slightly as he said calmly, “It’s all thanks to Master’s spiritual aperture technique. Without it, I fear I could only have reached level five in this short time.”
Moon Qingshuang fell silent.
After a moment, she waved her hand and said, “I called you here today to inform you of something in advance.”
Lu Changfeng nodded slightly in response.
Moon Qingshuang continued, “In five days, the Moon Cold Pool will open.”
“The Moon Cold Pool?” Lu Changfeng’s curiosity piqued as he looked toward his provisional master. “What is that place?”
Moon Qingshuang did not hesitate to explain, “At the summit of Moon Cold Peak lies a pool of water. The abundant spiritual energy of Moon Cold Peak stems from this very pool.”
“This pool is a geographical marvel, able to strengthen the body of cultivators and temper the spiritual energy within them. This is a well-known secret of Moon Cold Peak.”
She paused briefly before adding, “This is why I can guarantee that you will reach the Nascent Core stage within a year of entering.”
“From what I see now, the Moon Cold Pool is merely a bonus for you.”
Lu Changfeng cupped his hands respectfully, “Then may I enter…”
Before he could finish, Moon Qingshuang waved her hand lightly and said, “Of course you may enter!”
“However, many disciples in the past were injured because their bodies were too weak.”
“This time, I have prepared many pills to temper the body for you.”
“When you leave, go directly to the Divine Pill Pavilion to collect them.”
Lu Changfeng nodded slightly upon hearing this.
He saw Moon Qingshuang’s eyes close and respectfully bowed before withdrawing from the thatched cottage.
“Disciple takes his leave.”
After Lu Changfeng left, Moon Qingshuang slowly opened her eyes and watched his retreating figure, her gaze shimmering with a radiant light.
“Just over two months…”
“The nine-star alignment talent is the pinnacle of Dao Yan Sect, but it may not be your limit.”
“I look forward to your future achievements.”
…
On his way back, Lu Changfeng did not return directly to his own cave dwelling.
Instead, he took a detour to find Zhou Xuantong.
Not long ago, Zhou Xuantong’s cultivation had risen from level three to level four channeling!
Such speed was nothing to Lu Changfeng, but within Dao Yan Sect, it was considered quite rapid.
“Senior Brother! What brings you here today?” Zhou Xuantong smiled and invited Lu Changfeng into his cave dwelling.
Since reaching level four channeling, he had refrained from disturbing Lu Changfeng’s cultivation and had been consolidating his own realm in solitude.
After his advancement, Zhou Xuantong’s attitude toward Lu Changfeng grew even more respectful, for he understood that the spiritual energy in Lu Changfeng’s cave was not boundless.
Using that energy for his own cultivation would mean depriving Lu Changfeng of vital resources.
This gratefulness filled the burly young man’s heart.
“Senior Brother!”
Zhou Xuantong’s eyes widened as he sensed the fluctuations of Lu Changfeng’s cultivation.
“You… you…” he stammered.
“What?” Lu Changfeng asked calmly.
Without hesitation, Zhou Xuantong blurted out, “Senior Brother, you’re truly a monster! In just over two months, you’ve leapt from level one to level eight channeling!”
Previously satisfied with his own progress, Zhou Xuantong now felt like a waste.
Lu Changfeng shook his head slightly and said calmly, “Enough. I came to see you on business.”
Hearing this, Zhou Xuantong straightened his expression and cupped his hands respectfully.
“Please speak, Senior Brother.”
“I want to know everything about the Moon Cold Pool,” Lu Changfeng said directly.
Zhou Xuantong was momentarily stunned but then suddenly recalled.
“That’s right…”
“The Moon Cold Pool is indeed about to open!”
“Now that you’ve reached level eight channeling, you naturally have to compete for it.”
Lu Changfeng nodded calmly.
“No need to compete. Master has already reserved a spot for me.”
“Tell me all the details about the Moon Cold Pool.”
Hearing this, Zhou Xuantong was momentarily speechless.
After a long pause, he looked at Lu Changfeng with envy, his mouth agape.
“Of course…”
“You’re the direct disciple! Naturally, you don’t have to fight for that spot!”
Lu Changfeng’s expression remained indifferent, offering no reply.
Zhou Xuantong took a deep breath and began to organize his thoughts.
“The reason Moon Cold Peak is so rich in spiritual energy is because of the Moon Cold Pool.”
“Every year at this time, there is a grand competition. Only the top ten disciples can obtain this opportunity!”
“The most immediate effect is that those who enter the Moon Cold Pool see a significant boost in cultivation.”
“Moreover, their bodies are greatly enhanced as well.”
He paused briefly before continuing, “Because of this opportunity, even though the peak master is not very involved, disciples keep coming and going.”
“Most come solely for the pool’s power.”