98: The final exploration!

The City Lord's Mansion, west side.

An elegant courtyard was sectioned off exclusively.

With pavilions, towers, small bridges, and flowing water, the environment was tranquil, and the Spiritual Qi was much denser than outside.

This was the residence City Lord Zhuang Bai had specially arranged for Li Qing.

The Listening Bamboo Cottage.

At this moment, Li Qing was sitting on a stone stool in the courtyard, sipping the fragrant tea brought by a maid.

He had been staying here for a day.

It must be said that the treatment provided by the City Lord's Mansion was truly extraordinary.

Not only were there dedicated maids to attend to his daily needs, but a fixed amount of qi nurturing pills were also delivered daily for him to Cultivate.

City Lord Zhuang Bai could be said to have done his utmost for him, sparing no effort in his training.

Of course, what Li Qing would give back in the future would far exceed what he could give now.

"Young Master, the City Lord sent word that he is hosting a banquet tonight within the mansion to celebrate your success. He earnestly requests your presence."

A maid walked over respectfully and spoke softly.

"I understand. Thank the City Lord for me."

Li Qing nodded.

He still had to deal with the necessary social occasions.

This was also part of his plan.

The more normal he acted and the more he integrated into the City Lord's Mansion, the less suspicion would fall upon him.

After the maid retreated, Li Qing stood up and began to "stroll" around the courtyard.

The excuse was that he was familiarizing himself with the environment.

In reality, his consciousness had long since sunk into the ground.

[Earth Vein Sensing]!

Full power activation!

Living inside the City Lord's Mansion made his subterranean perception clearer than ever before.

It was like upgrading a blurry satellite map to a high-definition, real-time navigation system.

His Mental Energy, like an invisible net, silently enveloped the entire area where the Treasury was located.

The external structure of the Treasury, the distribution of mechanisms, the patrol routes of the guards... all information was presented in his mind with unprecedented detail.

"Hmm?"

Just then, Li Qing's "gaze" focused on the Treasury's heavy metal door.

He discovered a slight anomaly.

Behind the large door, an even stronger Energy Fluctuation seemed to be hidden.

This fluctuation had been very vague when sensed remotely from the Secret Chamber before, due to the distance and obstruction by metal walls and the earth.

But now, being so close, he could see it clearly!

"It's a Formation!"

Li Qing's heart tightened.

It was a Defensive Formation constructed using dozens of Low-Grade Spirit Stones as its energy core!

The Formation was integrated with the entire Treasury, emitting a heavy and dangerous aura.

As soon as someone tried to force their way through the large door, the Formation would be triggered instantly.

At that time, it would not only unleash a powerful Attack Power but also immediately alert all the masters in the entire City Lord's Mansion!

"Good heavens, he's truly cautious."

Li Qing secretly clicked his tongue in amazement.

This City Lord Zhuang Bai really went all out for his little Private Vault.

Fortunately, he discovered this beforehand.

Otherwise, if he rashly had the Clone break through the wall from the front, the Formation would probably detect it the moment it started.

However... a faint smile appeared at the corner of Li Qing's mouth.

Although the Formation was powerful, it only protected the surrounding walls of the Treasury and the large door.

Who would have thought that the enemy would appear from beneath their feet?

Every Formation has its Coverage Area.

This Defensive Formation obviously did not include the area directly beneath the Treasury.

After all, who had the ability to dig a Tunnel from deep underground without alerting anyone?

To ordinary people, this was simply a Pipe Dream!

But Li Qing could do exactly that!

"The final Loophole has also been confirmed."

Li Qing felt completely reassured.

He concentrated his Mental Energy and performed the final, most detailed scan of the Geological Structure directly beneath the Treasury.

He determined the thickness of the soil layer, the hardness of the rock, and the most suitable point for a Breakthrough.

Everything was ready.

He issued an Instruction to the Clone underground.

"Stand by."

At the end of that deep, dark Tunnel beneath the Qiu River.

The massive Profound Water Overlord quietly lay dormant in the darkness.

Less than ten meters above its head was the solid Foundation of the City Lord's Mansion Treasury.

It was like the most patient hunter, concealing all its aura, waiting for the moment to deliver the fatal blow.

Li Qing withdrew his consciousness, and his expression returned to a calm, undisturbed state.

He looked up at the sky.

The sun had begun to set in the west; the time for the dinner banquet was approaching.

Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.

For certain people, it would be an unforgettable night of "surprises."

He tidied his clothes and leisurely walked toward the Banquet Hall.

His composed demeanor made it seem as if he were genuinely going to attend a Celebratory Banquet held in his honor.

The City Lord's Mansion was brightly lit.

Inside the Banquet Hall, cups clinked and the atmosphere was extremely lively.

To celebrate Li Qing's success, City Lord Zhuang Bai had invited almost all the prominent figures in the city.

The heads of the major Martial Arts Halls, the wealthy merchants and gentry of Jinling City, and the high-ranking officials within the City Lord's Mansion... Of course, the official reason was that his own skill had slightly improved!

Everyone's gaze, intentionally or unintentionally, focused on the young man seated beside the main seat.

Li Qing!

This name was now known by everyone in Jinling City.

A Body Refining Peak easily defeated a Condensing Yuan Peak!

Fighting Above His Level was as simple as drinking water.

Those heads of Martial Arts Halls who had previously been dissatisfied with his "pre-selected" spot.

Now had faces full of humble and flattering smiles, constantly stepping forward to offer toasts and say various complimentary things.

"Young Master Li is truly a Young Hero, a Heaven-Sent Genius!"

"Indeed, indeed! It is our fortune that Jinling City could produce a person like Young Master Li!"

"We hope Young Master Li will look favorably upon us in the future!"

Facing the flattery of these people, Li Qing merely nodded faintly in response, his expression unchanged.

His heart was no longer here.

He was waiting.

Waiting for the dead of night, waiting for the best moment to act.

City Lord Zhuang Bai sat in the main seat, watching Li Qing, who was being treated like the moon surrounded by stars, his face full of smug smiles, as if he were the one being flattered.

He raised his wine cup and spoke loudly.

"Gentlemen! Today, my strength has slightly increased, which is a joyous occasion!"

"I propose that we all drink this cup together, and also wish Li Qing success in the upcoming Great Xia Martial Selection, bringing further glory to our Jinling City!"

"To Young Master Li! To the City Lord!"

Everyone rose and drained their cups.

The atmosphere was pushed to a climax.

However, amidst this harmonious and festive atmosphere, an untimely voice suddenly rang out.

"Father, aren't you celebrating a bit too early?"

The voice wasn't loud, but it clearly echoed throughout the entire Banquet Hall.

Everyone's smiles froze on their faces.

Everyone looked towards the sound, only to see a young Young Master dressed in luxurious clothes standing at the entrance of the Banquet Hall.

His features were handsome, but there was an air of persistent arrogance and gloom between his brows.

Seeing this person, City Lord Zhuang Bai's expression brightened.

"Fei'er? Weren't you studying in the Royal Capital?"

"When did you return?"