29: Chapter 29 Undercurrents and Conspiracy

Nangong Family.

Nangong Waner's mood at this moment, however, was like being shrouded in dark clouds.

In her mind, she kept seeing the scene from three days ago above the Ling Family mansion, where golden clouds vaguely gathered. Although they dissipated quickly, that aura, so pure it made her heart palpitate, was deeply etched into the bottom of her heart.

"Ling Hao..." Nangong Waner slowly opened her eyes, cold light flickering in her pupils.

That trash.

That Mortal who was supposed to kneel at her feet and look up to her for his entire life.

After breaking off the engagement, he had changed into a completely different person.

The battle at the mine, crippling Wang Teng, and forcing back the Golden Core Clone of the Ancestor of the Wang Family.

The information sent back by the Family's secret agents made her even more shocked: Ling Hao seemed to have mastered a power completely different from Spiritual Root cultivation, one that could allow those without Spiritual Roots to possess combat power comparable to a Cultivator in a short time.

This was no longer just a simple case of "trash turning the tables."

This was a challenge to the existing cultivation system, an insult to a "Genius" like her, and even more... a threat.

If Ling Hao were allowed to continue growing, if he really had carved out a path of cultivation that did not rely on Spiritual Roots, then what would she, Nangong Waner, be? What would her Profound Rank Water Spiritual Root, which she was so proud of, be?

"He must be eliminated." Nangong Waner whispered to herself, her voice cold as a blade.

But how to eliminate him?

The combat power Ling Hao currently displayed was already enough to go head-to-head with the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment. Moreover, the Ling Family was clearly supporting him with all their might; Ling Xiao had achieved a Breakthrough to the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, and the Ling Shadow Guards had undergone a mysterious transformation...

Heavenly Dao Palace!

Nangong Waner's heart jolted. Yes, she could use the Heavenly Dao Palace.

That was a power even more ancient and mysterious than the Qingyang Sect. It was rumored that the Cultivators of the Heavenly Dao Palace did not Cultivate spiritual power, did not form a Golden Core, and followed a completely different "path of the Heavenly Dao." They rarely walked in the world, but every time they appeared, it would stir up blood and slaughter.

More importantly—the purpose of the Heavenly Dao Palace was to "maintain the order of the Heavenly Dao and clear away heresy."

And Ling Hao's way of cultivation that did not rely on Spiritual Roots, in the eyes of the Heavenly Dao Palace, was likely the greatest "heresy."

The night was like ink; Nangong Waner arrived at the secret chamber of a stronghold of the Heavenly Dao Palace.

The secret chamber was not large; the four walls were inlaid with black jade that blocked Divine Sense, and the floor was engraved with complex breath-concealing array patterns. A bronze lamp hung in the center, its flame ghostly green, casting flickering shadows in the room.

Sitting opposite her were two people.

Both were wearing black cloaks with their hoods pulled very low, their faces hidden in the shadows. But that innate indifference, that cold aura that viewed all living beings as straw dogs—they were indeed envoys of the Heavenly Dao Palace.

The one on the left was slightly taller, the edge of his cloak embroidered with a scale in dark gold thread. He spoke slowly, his voice like two pieces of ice rubbing together: "Young Miss Nangong, you invited us privately; what is this for?"

His tone was flat, yet carried a condescending scrutiny.

"I just want to tell you all that Ling Hao of the Ling Family is practicing heresy, and he is ruthless in extracting people's Spiritual Roots. The purpose of the Heavenly Dao Palace is to 'maintain the order of the Heavenly Dao and clear away heresy'!"

"So, you want to borrow the hand of the Heavenly Dao Palace to eliminate Ling Hao?" The other envoy of the Heavenly Dao Palace asked indifferently.

"Clearing away heresy is the purpose of the Heavenly Dao Palace. I can provide you with some Medicinal Pills and Spiritual Artifacts," Nangong Waner said.

"What do you want?" The envoy on the left finally spoke, his tone returning to ice.

"I want nothing. Once Ling Hao is dead, as for the resources of the Ling Family, they will be yours." A cold light flashed in Nangong Waner's eyes.

The two envoys looked at each other, seeing the temptation in each other's eyes. They nodded slightly.

"We will take action when the timing is right regarding Ling Hao." The envoy on the right said indifferently.

"Thank you, Envoys." Nangong Waner bowed.

"No need." The envoy on the left stood up, his cloak moving without wind, "We each take what we need."

As the words fell, the two figures rippled like water and disappeared silently from the secret chamber.

The flame of the bronze lamp returned to normal.

It's done.

Ling Hao, you cannot escape.

Your life, everything you have... will become the stepping stone for me, Nangong Waner, to reach the Peak.

She stood up and walked out of the secret chamber.

---

Qingyun Mountain Range, Ling Family.

Bamboo forest behind the mountain, Youth Battalion training ground.

"Hah!"

"Ha!"

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Ten children were shirtless, throwing punches in the cold wind. Their fist wind howled, and with every punch thrown, ripples vaguely appeared in the air—that was a sign that the power of the Physical Body had reached a certain level and was shaking the air.

In just seven days, the progress of the Youth Battalion could be called terrifying.

Ling Shi stood at the very front, earth-yellow light flowing around his body. He was practicing the "Thick Earth Chapter" from the Origin Foundation Establishment Method, focusing on defense and strength. At this moment, every punch he threw was as heavy as a mountain, and shallow pits were being stepped into the bluestone floor beneath his feet.

Peak of the first layer of Body Refining.

Only one step away from the second layer.

Ling Yu, beside him, was completely different. Her figure was as agile as a swallow, her fist technique ethereal like water; sometimes soft and boneless, sometimes fierce and violent. The Origin of Water flowed within her, allowing her to control her strength with delicate precision.

Also at the Peak of the first layer of Body Refining.

Although Ling Feng was deaf and mute, his perception was exceptionally keen. He was practicing the "Wind Listening Chapter," focusing on speed and perception. At this moment, he had his eyes closed, judging the position, movements, and even... emotions of everyone around him solely by the flow of the air.

Late Stage of the first layer of Body Refining.

Ling Huo had the most explosive temper, and the "Burning Fire Chapter" he practiced was the most overbearing. Every punch he threw carried a scorching aura, his skin faintly reddish, as if there was a fire burning inside his body.

Late Stage of the first layer of Body Refining.

Of the ten children, the lowest was at the Middle Stage of the first layer of Body Refining.

This speed, if it got out, would be enough to shake the entire Qingyun City.

One must know that an ordinary Body Cultivator needed at least three years of hard work to go from a Mortal to the first layer of Body Refining. But these ten "trash" without Spiritual Roots had only used seven days.

"Stop."

Ling You walked out from the shadows, his voice calm.

The ten children immediately retracted their punches and stood straight, their eyes full of awe.

For these seven days, Ling You had been their instructor.

The Young Lord was in seclusion consolidating his cultivation, Ling Xiao was responsible for Family defense, so the task of teaching the Youth Battalion fell to Ling You. And Ling You did not let the Young Lord down—he imparted the combat techniques, concealment methods, and assassination essentials he had comprehended from the Shadow Origin to these children without reservation.

"That's all for this morning's training." Ling You's gaze swept over the ten people, "In the afternoon, live combat practice. Ling Shi against Ling Huo, Ling Yu against Ling Feng, Ling Shan against Ling Lin, Ling Jin against Ling Shui, Ling Tu against Ling Lei."

"Yes!" The ten answered in unison.

His eyes suddenly became sharp: "You must all Breakthrough to the second layer of Body Refining within this period. Can you do it?"

"We can!" The ten roared, the sound causing bamboo leaves to rustle down.

Ling You nodded, just about to say something more, when he suddenly frowned and turned to look into the depths of the bamboo forest.

A black shadow appeared silently and knelt on one knee: "Lord You, urgent report from the Shadow Guard."

"Speak."

"The Spiritual Qi fluctuations in the stone chamber where the Ancestor of the Wang Family is in seclusion are becoming more and more intense. Our informants judge that he will definitely come out of seclusion in seven days at most."

"Seven days..." Ling You's eyes darkened slightly, "Understood, continue monitoring. If there is any unusual movement, report back immediately."

"Yes." The black shadow merged into the shadows and disappeared.

Ling You turned around and looked at the ten children: "Did you all hear that?"

The ten looked solemn and nodded.

"When the Ancestor of the Wang Family comes out of seclusion, his first action will definitely be to retaliate against the Young Lord and the Ling Family." Ling You's voice was cold, "By then, you will be the Family's first line of defense. The second layer of Body Refining is the bottom line. If you can't even do that—"

He didn't continue, but the meaning was clear.

If they couldn't do it, they were not worthy of remaining in the Youth Battalion.

Not worthy of following the Young Lord.

"Don't worry, Instructor!" Ling Shi gritted his teeth, "Within seven days, I will definitely break through to the second layer!"

"Me too!"

"Me too!"

The ten children's eyes were burning with fire.

That was the bloodiness being ignited, the desperate fight after being given hope.

They used to be trash, burdens, and marginalized people forgotten by the Family.

But now, the Young Lord had given them power and a future.

Then, it was their turn to fight for the Young Lord.