Chapter 326

Words : 2499 Updated : Oct 5th, 2025

Chapter 326"Great Cauldron?" Wei Shanhai was initially taken aback, then expressed some surprise, "How did Young Master Lu know that the large cauldron in my residence has grown even larger again?" "As expected," Lu Qing was not surprised. When he first returned to Cangzhou, he had already noticed that the concentration of spiritual energy in Cangzhou, although still far from matching that of Zhongzhou, had become quite substantial. It had increased by more than tenfold compared to when they had left. He believed that it wouldn’t take long before Cangzhou could rival the current Zhongzhou. "I believe you have also sensed that the speed at which spiritual energy is reviving has been gradually accelerating recently," Lu Qing said. "Spiritual energy? Young Master refers to that peculiar energy that appeared between heaven and earth not long ago?" Wei Shanhai nodded, "Indeed, shortly after you left, that strange energy began to intensify, even causing some unusual changes in the Ten Thousand Mountains beyond Jiuli Village." "The Ten Thousand Mountains have mutated, so Jiuli Village..." Lu Qing's expression turned anxious at the news. The old doctor’s face also showed concern. "Young Master need not worry, everything in Jiuli Village is still well. I sensed the changes in the mountains and have been meditating there ever since to prevent any accidents," Wei Shanhai said with a smile. Lu Qing finally felt relieved, "That is truly considerate of you, senior. On behalf of everyone in the village, I thank you for your protection." "Young Master is too kind. Given the kindness you and Dr. Chen have shown my Wei family, this small matter is nothing," Wei Shanhai shook his head. "By the way, Young Master, you mentioned spiritual energy..." "Senior, you are correct. What we call spiritual energy is indeed that peculiar energy you spoke of, which emerged after the changes in the heavens and the earth. Its origins are vast..." Lu Qing then briefly explained the information regarding spiritual energy and the ancient Immortal Cultivation era. Wei Shanhai listened in stunned silence. "Spiritual energy revival, the path of Immortal Cultivation reappearing in the world... So, there truly is a path of Immortal Cultivation in this world?" After a long pause, Wei Shanhai murmured. No wonder he had been trying to refine that newly emerged peculiar energy in heaven and earth recently but had been unable to gain any entry. It turned out that it was spiritual energy, something that only ancient cultivators could refine. "Indeed, senior, the mysterious small cauldron you acquired back then should actually be a treasure left over from the last Immortal Cultivation era. It was damaged, which is why it initially appeared so ordinary and inconspicuous. The reason it has been gradually growing larger, especially recently, is because of the revival of spiritual energy. It has been nourished by the spiritual energy and is slowly recovering," Lu Qing explained. "I see," Wei Shanhai suddenly realized. After all, only a legendary Immortal treasure could possess such miraculous abilities. "However, senior, the restoration of that cauldron may not necessarily be a good thing for your Wei family," Lu Qing continued. "Oh? What do you mean by that?" Wei Shanhai was puzzled. "Because treasures have spirits, and that cauldron is extremely extraordinary. It can change size at will and should have been a very rare spiritual artifact even in the Immortal Cultivation era. There is a spirit within it that can control the power of the treasure. Now that the spirit has not fully recovered, but once its power is fully restored, it may not be willing to remain confined. Given the danger of such a spiritual artifact, it could bring disaster not only to the Wei residence but even to the entire county," Lu Qing was not exaggerating. Ancient spiritual artifacts were all extremely proud and would not easily submit to others. Even in the previous Immortal Cultivation era, those who could gain the recognition of a spiritual artifact were very rare. He was sure that if the spirit within the Li Huo Cauldron were to fully awaken and recover, it would undoubtedly try to escape. At that time, even a slight release of its power could bring disaster to the Wei residence and even the people of Cang County. This was a concern Lu Qing had only realized after encountering the Plague Gourd. The Li Huo Cauldron might not be an evil spiritual artifact, but given its age and mindset, it probably wouldn’t care much about ordinary people. "So serious? What should we do then?" Wei Shanhai was startled and quickly asked. He didn’t think Lu Qing would deceive him because there was no need for that. "There are two ways to avoid such a situation. The first is to move the cauldron out of the underground chamber." "I'm afraid that's impossible," Wei Shanhai smiled bitterly, "Young Master might not know, but in recent days, as the spiritual energy has increased, the cauldron has grown several times larger than before. It’s now much larger than the passage leading to the underground chamber. Not to mention that its current weight is so great that even I can hardly move it. Even if we could lift it together, we wouldn’t be able to take it out." "Then the second method is the only option," Lu Qing nodded, not surprised, "Refine it. As long as the cauldron is refined and recognizes its master, it won’t go out of control again." "Refine it? But as an ancient treasure, it must be extremely difficult to refine, right?" Wei Shanhai had tried countless ways to explore the cauldron's mysteries over the years. But the results had been almost fruitless. Moreover, ever since the cauldron absorbed the Fire Elemental Energy in the underground chamber and underwent changes, his soul force could no longer enter the cauldron. Recently, as the spiritual energy revived and the cauldron expanded again, his soul force didn’t even dare to approach the cauldron. Otherwise, it would risk being burned and causing severe damage to his mind. "Indeed, the cauldron has already recovered some of its power. Refining it is not something an ordinary person can do. One must have extremely strong soul force and know the method of refining, using a slow and steady approach to tame it," Lu Qing explained slowly. Wei Shanhai felt a chill at the thought. Not long ago, he received a message from the residence saying that the cauldron had changed, so he returned once. The result was that his soul force was burned just by coming into contact with the cauldron. It took him several days of rest and recuperation to recover. Now, hearing Lu Qing say that he would need to use his soul force to slowly refine the cauldron, Wei Shanhai knew immediately that he was not capable of it. Based on his previous experience, if he forced the refinement, his soul force would be burned out within a quarter of an hour, leading to his death. So, Wei Shanhai shook his head immediately, "Young Master, I'm afraid I am powerless to refine the cauldron." "That’s what I wanted to discuss with you, senior," Lu Qing said directly after explaining the pros and cons, "Senior Wei, I would like to make a deal with you." "Is it about the cauldron?" Wei Shanhai suddenly understood. "Indeed. To be honest, I want to try refining the cauldron myself. Of course, as part of the deal, I am willing to offer compensation. If you agree..." Lu Qing reached into his robe and, when he took his hand out, he held a jade bottle and a jade slip. "Senior Wei, these two items are what I obtained during my recent trip to Zhongzhou. The jade bottle contains a strand of World Origin Qi, which is a great opportunity that descended from the phenomenon on Sacred Mountain when the Nine Sounds of Dao echoed, and the laws of heaven and earth were first established. This World Origin Qi can harness the creation power of heaven and earth, recreating the universe. Even a person with the most ordinary aptitude can transform into an unparalleled genius and a prodigy in cultivation by integrating this into their body. As for the jade slip, it contains a complete Immortal Cultivation method. At its highest level, it can help one achieve the Golden Core stage and enter the Nascent Soul stage. I wish to trade these two items with you for that cauldron." "World Origin Qi, Immortal Cultivation method..." When Lu Qing finished describing the items, Wei Shanhai was stunned. Either of these items was unimaginable treasure to him. Not to mention the World Origin Qi, just hearing its name indicated it was an incredible opportunity and treasure. The Immortal Cultivation method made Wei Shanhai’s heart race. After all, according to Lu Qing's earlier words, the changes in heaven and earth were reviving spiritual energy, and the Immortal path would soon reappear. If he could obtain an Immortal Cultivation method and step onto the path of Immortal Cultivation, even if he didn’t achieve immortality, he could at least greatly extend his lifespan and live freely for several more centuries. Thinking about these possibilities, Wei Shanhai’s breathing became rapid. He stared blankly at the items in Lu Qing’s hands for a long time before calming down somewhat. With a bitter smile, he said, "Young Master Lu, you truly have offered me an irresistible temptation." "Then, senior, do you agree to the deal?" Lu Qing asked with a smile. "I do, of course I do," Wei Shanhai nodded without hesitation. "I have had that cauldron for nearly a century but have never been able to uncover its mysteries. Over the years, aside from the peculiar aura on the cauldron that has somewhat helped with our cultivation, it hasn’t brought many other benefits. Since that’s the case, trading it for two great opportunities is naturally a good deal." More importantly, ever since his soul force was burned by the cauldron last time, Wei Shanhai had felt the danger hidden within the cauldron. The cauldron had absorbed too much of heaven and earth's elemental energy, and if it ever exploded, he couldn’t imagine the terrifying consequences. But he was sure that if Lu Qing could resolve it, it would be a great benefit to the Wei family. "Then, senior, these two items are yours," Lu Qing smiled, handing the items to Wei Shanhai. Wei Shanhai accepted them without inspecting them, then said, "Young Master Lu, follow me. To be honest, the power emanating from that cauldron lately has been alarming even for me. If we can resolve this hidden danger soon, I can finally relax." "Aren’t you going to check the items first, senior?" Lu Qing raised an eyebrow. Searᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Haha, you must be joking, Young Master. My life and the lives of the entire Wei family were saved by you and Dr. Chen. In fact, considering the kindness you've shown my Wei family, you should have just taken the cauldron without compensation. By accepting these two items, I am already being greedy and shameless," Wei Shanhai replied, somewhat embarrassed. "It’s not as simple as that. Ancient treasures are hard to come by. If I were to take the cauldron without offering something in return, I wouldn't feel at ease," Lu Qing shook his head. Only he knew how precious the Li Huo Cauldron truly was. Not only was it a high-level spiritual artifact, but it also contained a significant portion of the ancient Li Huo Sect’s legacy. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that half of his current achievements were due to the legacy he received from the Li Huo Cauldron. So, in terms of both emotion and reason, Lu Qing felt that the Wei family deserved compensation. A quarter of an hour later, Lu Qing and the old doctor followed Wei Shanhai into the underground chamber of the Wei residence. Upon returning to this underground chamber, Lu Qing and the old doctor noticed significant changes. Not only was the temperature much hotter than it had been the last time they were here, but the Fire Elemental Energy inside had also become much more intense. Especially the Li Huo Cauldron, which had grown seven or eight times larger, nearly touching the ceiling of the chamber. "Young Master Lu, Dr. Chen, you can see the cauldron’s drastic changes. If you hadn’t returned, a serious disaster might have occurred," Wei Shanhai said, feeling a bit fearful as he sensed the cauldron’s power. The cauldron had grown significantly larger since he had last left, and its aura had become much more terrifying. "No need to worry, let me try to refine it," Lu Qing was also surprised by the changes in the Li Huo Cauldron. It seemed that the cauldron’s recovery was progressing even faster than he had anticipated in this Fire Elemental chamber. He immediately sat down cross-legged, focusing his mind, and in the next moment, his soul force surged from the brow acupoint, heading toward the Li Huo Cauldron. As he sensed the soul force emanating from Lu Qing, Wei Shanhai was shocked. Lu Qing's soul force was incredibly strong. Compared to it, Wei Shanhai’s soul force was like a small water tank beside a large lake, completely incomparable. "No wonder Young Master Lu is confident in refining the cauldron. His soul force is this strong... Is he really just stepping into the Precelestial Realm?" Wei Shanhai was filled with endless amazement. At the same time, his confidence in Lu Qing’s ability to refine the cauldron increased significantly. If even someone as powerful as Lu Qing couldn't refine the cauldron, it was hard to imagine anyone else being able to subdue it. However, what Wei Shanhai didn’t expect was that Lu Qing, whom he placed such high hopes on, was encountering some difficulties. As his soul force surged from the brow acupoint, Lu Qing felt a wave of heat from his heart. The dense Fire Elemental Energy in the chamber seemed to want to burn his soul force. Especially the fiery power emanating from the Li Huo Cauldron, which seemed to want to completely incinerate his soul force. Fortunately, when Lu Qing had crossed the Thunder Tribulation, his soul force had undergone a qualitative change from yin to yang, reaching the Yang Talisman stage. This heat couldn’t cause any substantial harm to his soul force. And as he turned his thoughts, utilizing the unique refining method passed down by the Li Huo Sect, the initial resistance of the Li Huo Cauldron vanished, allowing his soul force to easily penetrate it. However, just as Lu Qing was about to feel relieved, his soul force had just entered the cauldron when a majestic voice thundered in his mind. "Who dares to trespass upon my domain?!" Table of content

Chapter 326

Comments (0)