60: My Nascent Soul Master

"Hahahaha, my Formation has finally taken shape! Today, I will surely torture you until you wish you were dead!"

He looked at Qin Dong, unable to help but feel secretly smug in his heart, thinking that this person was truly foolish to the extreme, actually not dodging or avoiding, giving him such a golden opportunity.

But just as he was preparing to activate the Formation, brewing the impending slaughter, Qin Dong unexpectedly moved.

Qin Dong slowly took a step forward.

The scrawny Disciple's originally relaxed and composed face instantly turned deathly pale.

A wave of unease and fear surged in his heart, simply because Qin Dong's foot had landed accurately and without error on the eye of this Formation.

The eye of the Formation was no ordinary place; it was guarded by powerful blocking Formation patterns, and he did not know how the other party had managed to take that step.

"If you don't step back, I will activate the killing Formation immediately!"

The scrawny Disciple tried to hide his inner panic, feigning great anger, wanting to use words to coerce the other party into backing away.

However, facing his threat, Qin Dong acted as if he completely ignored it, steadily taking another step forward.

"Step..."

This sound seemed to make time freeze in that moment; following his pace, the Formation shattered with a boom.

Amidst the interweaving light and shadow, seven Formation Flags rose from the ground one after another, flying like lightning toward the surroundings of the scrawny Disciple.

The next moment, the Formation instantly took shape.

"What is going on? No!"

"I was wrong."

From within the hazy light curtain of the Formation, the scrawny Disciple's heart-wrenching pleas for mercy could be heard.

After doing all this, Qin Dong couldn't be bothered to pay attention to anyone else, merely summoning his Flying Sword.

Amidst the astonished and shocked gazes of many Disciples, he stepped onto his Flying Sword and flew toward the peak of Liexing Peak, leaving behind only his lonely silhouette for everyone to see.

Not long after, a team of Disciples wearing Law Enforcement Hall uniforms arrived, and they arduously rescued the half-crippled scrawny Disciple.

"Still not fast enough! Quickly take that guy down!"

His voice was weak, yet it was filled with hatred.

After the scrawny Disciple finished speaking, he immediately passed out.

The Law Enforcement Hall Disciples couldn't help but smile bitterly; if it weren't for the fact that the other party was a distant cousin of that Senior Brother Gu from the Inner Sect, they wouldn't even have bothered to rescue him.

There was no need to even think about it; those capable of ignoring the restrictions of the Sect's no-fly Formation, apart from the elusive Holy Sons and Holy Maidens, were only the twelve dignified True Disciples and the two hundred Core Disciples.

There was no need to mention the Holy Sons and Holy Maidens; such figures were people they could only look up to, so how could they possibly see them?

As for those twelve True Disciples, they had all successively gone into seclusion, preparing to Breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm.

And most of the veteran Core Disciples had already entered the Foundation Establishment, so it stood to reason that this person could only be one of the newly promoted Core Disciples.

"Strange, among the newly promoted Core Disciples, there doesn't seem to be anyone named Hong Lin."

The Law Enforcement Hall Disciple frowned and pondered, yet at this moment, he dared not go up to the peak to verify.

Such a matter could ultimately only be left unsettled.

It seemed that this newly promoted Core Disciple had no intention of pursuing the matter.

Otherwise, given the other party's status, with just one word, there would naturally be plenty of people willing to take action.

"Let this matter be dropped here."

"Everyone keep your mouths shut; if you offend this person because of some words, then just pray for your own good fortune."

After the Law Enforcement Hall Disciples sternly warned the surrounding Disciples and Zhuang Fan and the others, they immediately carried the scrawny Disciple and the others away, disappearing from sight.

"He is actually a Core Disciple."

In Zhuang Fan's heart, shock, envy, confusion, relief, and endless longing surged.

He looked toward the direction where Qin Dong had long since departed, his fists slightly clenched.

Flying to the top of Liexing Peak, Qin Dong landed lightly, without raising a speck of dust.

During this process, he wholeheartedly activated his breath-concealing Cultivation Technique and secret arts, suppressing his cultivation aura to the level of having just succeeded in Foundation Establishment.

Otherwise, if that cheap Revered Master sensed that he was about to condense a Golden Core, he would probably be so scared that his eyeballs would fall out.

Not only that, but he also restored his appearance to his true form.

The top of Liexing Peak was as desolate as a paradise away from the world, as if time had stopped here, freezing the bustle of prosperity.

Completely different from the luxurious fantasies Qin Dong had constructed in his mind, the scene before him appeared exceptionally plain and unadorned.

Solitarily, only a small pavilion stood quietly.

On this wide peak, apart from that simple pavilion, the surroundings were so empty that it made one feel a hint of loneliness.

As a Golden Core Level Formation Master, Qin Dong did not perceive any traces of any Formation here.

Such an arrangement made Qin Dong feel astonished.

However, thinking about it again, those high-level experts were inherently eccentric, and it was precisely this kind of decoration and layout that could reflect their extraordinary temperament.

In the center of that open space, a middle-aged man dressed in a brown embroidered Daoist robe stood quietly, seemingly having waited here for a long time.

He had his back to Qin Dong, his gaze cast toward the endless mountain peaks in the distance, seemingly admiring the beautiful scenery.

The distance between Qin Dong and him was not too far, nor too close.

If Qin Dong guessed correctly, the guy in front of him was the cheap Revered Master the Sect had arranged for him.

He looked no different from an ordinary Loose Cultivator.

"He doesn't look like much, just a mere Golden Core Realm; I'll Breakthrough it in minutes."

"Let me circulate my detection Cultivation Technique and find out the truth."

Qin Dong moved his mind and circulated his probing Cultivation Technique.

Deep within his eyes, colorful light gradually lit up, as if stars were gathering in his eyes, dazzling and brilliant.

Over a dozen high-level probing Cultivation Techniques circulated within his body, and tiny threads of True Yuan rippled slowly outward, permeating toward that middle-aged man.

Just at this moment, that middle-aged man seemed to have perceived something and slowly turned around.

In the instant their eyes met, time seemed to freeze.

Yet in this very gaze, Qin Dong's pupils instantly constricted, and his heart jolted.

The other party's thick and deep aura was like a vast, boundless blue ocean, surging with waves, and at times like a storm about to rise.

The detection result shocked Qin Dong—his cheap Revered Master had actually already advanced to the Nascent Soul True Lord Realm!

Examining him carefully, he realized that this middle-aged man's sharp-angled face exuded twelve parts of majesty and decisiveness.

Beneath the Daoist robe, there must be solid muscles and a strong Physique.

He stood here, looking heroic and spirited, like a refined general commanding an army, which really made Qin Dong feel a heartfelt admiration.

"Oh my God!" Qin Dong shouted wildly in his heart, "Isn't this the best candidate for my Revered Master?"

Thank the heavens for granting me a Nascent Soul True Lord as a Revered Master.

"Disciple Qin Dong pays respects to Revered Master."

"Ever since the Sect designated Revered Master to teach me, although I have been filled with anticipation, I have never seen Revered Master once, tossing and turning every night, sighing endlessly, with endless longing in my heart."

"Today, having finally seen Revered Master's true face, I now know what a hero in this world looks like."

Qin Dong resolutely became respectful, while flattering him, he respectfully performed a standard Disciple's grand salute.

That respectful attitude and solemn expression made Lin Ce freeze, a hint of surprise welling up in his heart.

Just now, when Qin Dong was sizing up Lin Ce with torch-like eyes, Lin Ce was also carefully scrutinizing him.

That sudden look of astonishment, as well as his act of circulating the probing Cultivation Technique, were all completely exposed to Lin Ce's perception.

However, Lin Ce did not believe that the other party could see through his true cultivation.

With the other party's Realm of just entering the Foundation Establishment, how could he discern the strength of my Nascent Soul True Lord?

Could he?

Could he?

At most, he just thinks that I am still staying in the Golden Core Realm.

One must know, breaking through from a Golden Core Cultivator to a Nascent Soul True Lord is fraught with difficulties and is no small matter.

If it weren't for that strange treasure the Young Miss bestowed upon him, he would probably have to stay in the Golden Core Realm for another twenty years before achieving the position of True Lord.

This kid is even more handsome than what I saw in the portrait; no wonder the Young Miss mentions him repeatedly.

He actually made me lose focus for a moment just now; he does have half the demeanor I had when I was young.

Hmph, it's just appearance; the true principle of the Cultivation World lies in strength and means.

After a slight pause, Lin Ce spoke slowly, his tone containing a hint of banter.

"You were having quite a lot of fun just now."

"Replying to Revered Master, everything just now was because those few people provoked me first."

"Although this Disciple hid my identity and cultivation, I did not cause any impact on anyone throughout the whole process."

Qin Dong replied immediately, his expression still respectful.

"Those four people were arrogant and relied on others' power; this Disciple cannot tolerate sand in my eyes, so I taught them a lesson or two, never having thought of harming their lives."

"After all, we are fellow Disciples; why should we harm each other?"

"Please Revered Master, be the judge." Qin Dong bowed again, his attitude becoming even more humble.

Seeing the other party's such respectful posture, Lin Ce's eyes also became a bit softer.

Originally, Lin Ce thought that Qin Dong had a mischievous personality and would need some effort to knock him into shape.

However, seeing him so sensible now, the concern in his heart gradually dissipated.

Who wouldn't like a Disciple who is humble, sensible, obedient, has strong talent, and also possesses a special Physique?

Lin Ce looked at the respectful and humble Qin Dong before him, a look of satisfaction surging in the depths of his eyes.

"Get up." His voice was gentle yet did not lack majesty.

"This matter is not your fault."

He slightly raised his hand, and a gentle breeze blew past, lifting Qin Dong's body up.

"You have heard about the Sect's arrangement, right? Calling you here this time is also mainly for this matter."

"You and I, Revered Master and Disciple, are meeting for the first time, so as your Revered Master, I cannot be stingy; I will give you a little meeting gift."

When the three words "meeting gift" were spoken from Lin Ce's mouth, the corners of Qin Dong's mouth rose uncontrollably, even harder to suppress than an AK47.

"This seat has heard that you seem to like studying various Cultivation Techniques."

"This seat is also quite proficient in various attribute Cultivation Techniques; since that is the case, I will grant you a choice of a few Cultivation Techniques."

"Speak, which kinds of Cultivation Techniques do you want."

"Whether it is sword techniques, axe skills, or movement secret arts, there is nothing I cannot grant."

Lin Ce stroked his beard, his voice revealing a bit of pride; this kid in front of him liking to study various Cultivation Techniques suited his taste very well, because he also liked to Cultivate various Cultivation Techniques.

Right now was the opportunity for Lin Ce to show his foundation of Cultivation Techniques in front of his Disciple.

"Ah? Cultivation Techniques?"

Hearing this, Qin Dong suddenly felt a lack of interest.

As for Cultivation Techniques, if it were over a year ago, he would definitely be lacking them.

However, now, the Cultivation Techniques he has mastered are simply too many.

And now, what he lacks is resources, Spirit Stones.

Lin Ce's gaze was sharp, and he detected Qin Dong's slight disappointment.

A hint of displeasure swept through his heart, because he suddenly had a feeling that it seemed his Cultivation Techniques were being looked down upon.

However, he still patiently recommended to the other party.

"This seat has a Profound Rank High Grade Cultivation Technique here, called Great Prisoner Demonic Seal."

"After mastering it, the power is not inferior to a Profound Rank top-grade Cultivation Technique; when I had just reached Foundation Establishment, it was precisely by relying on this Great Prisoner Demonic Seal that I established a great reputation..."

Hearing this, a trace of longing gradually emerged in Qin Dong's eyes.

Lin Ce was tirelessly promoting his set of Cultivation Techniques; although Qin Dong seemed extremely excited on the surface, there was a hint of disdain in the depths of his eyes, and this subtle emotion was keenly captured by Lin Ce.

Lin Ce was displeased in his heart, thinking to himself: You, a kid who has just succeeded in Foundation Establishment, are actually so ambitious and unrealistic.

"Fine, since that's the case, I will give you, this kid, some of my bottom-of-the-box good stuff."

He pondered in his heart, deciding to take out some of the bottom-of-the-box Cultivation Techniques from his Foundation Establishment period.

"If you want it, nod; if you don't want it, shake your head; I will not mind such a small matter."

"Do you understand?"

Qin Dong nodded, indicating understanding.

"Since that is the case, I will teach you a Profound Rank High Grade movement technique, Storm Thunder Steps; this movement technique..."

Before the words fell, Qin Dong shook his head.

"Since that is the case, I will teach you a Profound Rank top-grade sword technique, Cold Moon Six Hundred Slashes!"

Qin Dong still shook his head, refusing without hesitation.

"Since that is the case, then I will impart to you an Earth-Tier Techniques sword technique..."

However, Qin Dong still shook his head.

"Then I will teach you an Earth Rank Body Refining Cultivation Technique, called Heavenly Net Muscle and Bone Canon; after mastering it, you can..."

"I see that you were able to easily break open the Formation just now; you should also have an interest in the path of Formations."

"I will teach you the essentials of Foundation Establishment Realm Formations, and then impart to you three special Foundation Establishment killing Formations, how about that?"

But Qin Dong still shook his head, and Lin Ce was so angry his lungs were about to explode.

"Not learning this, not learning that, it infuriates me!" Lin Ce's heart was burning with anger.

In this small Donglin Prefecture, Earth-Tier Techniques of various large and small forces are few and far between, certainly not exceeding two hundred, are you really not tempted?

Lin Ce took a deep breath and mobilized his Internal Energy.

He casually cast a sound-insulating Formation, stepped forward slightly, and said in a deep voice:

"If you really want them, I still have over a dozen Evil Arts and Demonic Techniques here."

This sentence was like a stone stirring up a thousand waves; Qin Dong was so scared that his heart churned.

His Revered Master was really going all out, actually being able to take out even Evil Arts and Demonic Techniques; was he really not afraid of corrupting someone?

In Donglin Prefecture, Evil Arts and Demonic Techniques, as well as Soul-Searching and Corpse-Refining arts, have always been key targets of the Nine Sects, and very few circulate in the market.

However, the moment Lin Ce's words fell, he seemed to realize his impropriety and coughed a few times.

"Ahem, ahem, I just wanted to test your Dao Heart just now."

"I don't have any Evil Arts or Demonic Techniques; you had better not touch that kind of stuff, do you understand?"

"Yes, Revered Master."

Qin Dong quickly responded.

"Then... the matter of the meeting gift..."

"Easy to say, easy to say; I have a Profound Rank top-grade Magical Artifact here, which is..."

Before he finished speaking, he saw Qin Dong's face again revealing a lack of interest, so Lin Ce simply closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"You tell me, what on earth do you want?"

"Thank you, Revered Master; this Disciple has been lacking in Cultivation resources recently, and I need Spirit Stones, Medicinal Pills, and other items, so I earnestly request Revered Master to help me with everything you have."

Lin Ce's mouth twitched slightly, thinking to himself: What a "help me with everything you have."

You really dare to say it, really dare to ask for it.

Calm down, calm down.

He tried hard to remain calm; after all, this was the kid the Young Miss had instructed him to take good care of.

Slowly opening his eyes, Lin Ce took a few deep breaths.

With a flip of his wrist, he lightly threw a spatial ring to Qin Dong, his attitude quite blunt.

"Get lost; in the future, come over to listen to me preach once every six months."

"If you have any doubts in your Cultivation, you can also come over at any time."

Qin Dong took the spatial ring, swept his Divine Sense over it, and was immediately overjoyed.

"This Disciple thanks Revered Master, thanks Revered Master."

"This Disciple will naturally come often to ask Revered Master for advice in the future."

...

Watching Qin Dong's departing silhouette, Lin Ce sighed lightly: "Sigh, this kid is truly an odd person."

Since he set foot in Donglin Prefecture, this was the first time he felt a deep sense of powerlessness.

Facing this young man, he was for a moment actually unable to see through him.

However, one thing he could clearly feel was that the other party was definitely not as simple as he appeared on the surface.

"Perhaps, Donglin Prefecture will soon become lively."

Lin Ce extended two fingers and lightly chanted a mantra; in an instant, a strange stream of light shot out from his hand, chasing in the direction where Qin Dong had departed.