Chapter 423: Yuan Qing

At the Luolan Mansion, on the shimmering surface of the lake.

Boom!

A vigorous resonant power suddenly erupted, whipping up waves that splashed against the rockeries on all sides.

Two figures crossed paths on the lake, resonant power surging.

They were none other than Li Luo and Jiang Qing.

The two were engaged in a sparring match.

However, the condition was that Jiang Qing had suppressed her own resonant power to the level of the first transformation of the Resonant Transformation Stage. Even so, it was clear from the battle that Li Luo was being pushed back step by step; no matter how he tried to counterattack using resonant arts, Jiang Qing neutralized them all with a nonchalant demeanor.

In this sparring match, Li Luo felt what it meant to be suppressed in every aspect.

Bang!

Water splashed as Li Luo's figure burst out from the water. The power of his dual resonances erupted within him, and he threw a punch toward Jiang Qing's cheek. The resonant power on his fist rose like wolf smoke, scattering the very air and producing a shrill whistling sound.

Yet, facing Li Luo's fierce offensive, Jiang Qing extended her slender, jade-like fingers. Light resonant power gathered at her fingertips, making her already translucent fingers appear like luminous jade.

Bang!

The two collided. Jiang Qing's figure remained motionless, while Li Luo was repelled by the recoil for over a dozen steps, his feet kicking up water on the lake surface.

"The strongest student of the One-Star Hall seems a bit lacking," Jiang Qing said leisurely, her red lips curling slightly.

"Lacking?!"

Li Luo was incensed. How could you say to a man that he is lacking?!

Clang!

He gripped his palm, and a straight blade with a mottled, elephant-hide-like surface appeared in his hand. As soon as this blade emerged, the lake surface around Li Luo seemed to be forcibly pressed down by an invisible force.

Li Luo's face became exceptionally solemn at this moment.

Jiang Qing looked at Li Luo pulling out this Golden Jade Profound Elephant Blade, and her slender willow eyebrows arched slightly.

"Golden Jade Profound Elephant Blade, First Layer Elephant God Power!"

Li Luo gripped the hilt tightly with his five fingers, a low voice sounding in his heart.

Hum!

The Profound Elephant Blade emitted a faint humming sound, as if an ancient giant elephant had stepped through time and space from the primordial era. In that instant, an indescribable, immense force surged from the blade into Li Luo's arms like a torrent.

The surrounding lake surface was forcibly pressed into a water pit.

Boom!

Li Luo stamped his foot, and the water surface exploded violently. His figure swept across the lake like a faint streak of water, and the next instant, the blade, carrying astonishing power, slashed down heavily toward Jiang Qing.

As the blade swung down and the blade light swept out, it seemed as if a giant elephant were charging forward.

Before this strike even landed, that astonishing force had already torn a crack over a dozen yards long in the lake surface.

A glint seemed to bloom in Jiang Qing's golden eyes. Instead of retreating, she advanced, still throwing out a single punch. Her skin seemed to radiate a glazed luster; the seemingly delicate punch rose like a scorching sun, illuminating the heavens and earth with unparalleled dominance.

Clang!

The blade light collided with the fist of light.

A violent shockwave swept out, and waves roared in succession, destroying the rockeries nearby one by one.

Under this impact, Li Luo's figure was sent flying backward. At the same time, Jiang Qing was no longer as steady as a rock as before; her delicate body swayed slightly, and she ultimately retreated two steps.

"I won!"

Li Luo stood with his blade sheathed and announced with a solemn expression.

Jiang Qing said with annoyance, "What did you win?"

Li Luo argued righteously, "I pushed you back two steps, doesn't that count as winning? Did you think there was no gap between us just because you suppressed your resonant power to the Resonant Transformation Stage? You clearly used the Glazed Evil Body just now! So, I won this sparring match."

Jiang Qing said innocently, "That was just pure physical instinct. Even if I stood here and let you hack at me, you wouldn't be able to break my defense."

Li Luo felt a bit itchy-toothed. Jiang Qing was indeed right; she had passed through the Evil Body Stage, so her physical body had reached an extremely formidable level. It was far from what he, a mere Resonant Transformation Stage cultivator, could compare to. Even without using resonant power, the strength of her physical body alone could hammer him into the ground.

This level suppression was too obvious.

Jiang Qing stepped across the water and smiled lightly, "However, the Elephant God Power of this Golden Jade Profound Elephant Blade is indeed quite astonishing. You've only just mastered it, yet you were already able to push me back, which shows its extraordinary power."

"I've been nourishing this blade for the past few days. From my sensing, the Profound Elephant Blade should have three layers of Elephant God Power, but I can only activate the first layer."

Mentioning the Golden Jade Profound Elephant Blade, Li Luo's eyes were filled with satisfaction. This was the first time he had obtained a Golden Eye Treasure of such power; it was indeed more ferocious than his Light Falcon Bow.

"However..."

Li Luo then looked a bit helpless. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing streaks of blood on both his arms—the result of his muscles being torn.

"The Elephant God Power is too overbearing. Even just the initial use just now nearly tore the muscles in my arms."

Jiang Qing reached out and grasped Li Luo's arm. The cool, delicate touch made Li Luo's heart flutter, and he couldn't help but hook his finger against the back of Jiang Qing's fair hand.

Regarding Li Luo's mischief, Jiang Qing unceremoniously poked the torn wound with her finger, immediately making him wince.

"This is because your physical body isn't strong enough to withstand the infusion of Elephant God Power. Looking at the state of these tears, if you were to push the Elephant God Power to the second layer, I'm afraid the flesh and blood on your arms would completely shatter," Jiang Qing said, observing the extent of the tears.

"Looking at it this way... the Golden Jade Profound Elephant Blade is indeed a bit wasted in your hands," she evaluated.

Li Luo felt a bit dejected and complained, "I'm only in the Resonant Transformation Stage, how can my physical body compare to yours?"

Jiang Qing rested her sharp, fair chin in her hand and pondered for a moment, saying, "Physical tempering is indeed not something to be considered at the Resonant Master Stage. If you have no way to increase your physical strength in a short time, then try to improve your body's recovery speed. This should be something you excel at, after all, you possess both Water and Wood resonances, and both can accelerate the recovery of injuries."

Hearing this, Li Luo's heart stirred. This was actually the simplest application of Water and Wood resonance power. He had tried it before to increase his body's endurance and had even named it "Hardened Body."

It was just that such an improvement was far from enough to withstand the Elephant God Power.

"The infusion of Elephant God Power is mainly concentrated in your arms, so you can actually focus on improving the recovery power of your arms. I remember there should be some similar resonant arts within Water and Wood resonances; you can look them up," Jiang Qing thought and offered the suggestion.

Li Luo's eyes lit up. Jiang Qing's idea was quite good. By concentrating the recovery power on one point, the strength would also increase, and perhaps he would be able to withstand a stronger infusion of Elephant God Power then.

"As expected of the strongest Three-Star Hall student in the Eastern Divine Continent," Li Luo grinned and gave a thumbs up.

Regarding this title that she had not yet obtained, Jiang Qing just smiled faintly. Just as she was about to speak, her expression shifted, and she turned to look at the lakeside, where a figure was craning their neck to look over.

Jiang Qing signaled to Li Luo, and then the two stepped across the water and landed on the shore.

"Young Mansion Master, Young Lady."

The figure on the shore had a burly build; it was Pavilion Master Lei Zhang, who guarded the Luolan Mansion headquarters.

"What happened?" Jiang Qing noticed that Lei Zhang's expression was somewhat grave and couldn't help but ask in a deep voice.

"Reporting to the Young Lady, it is Supporter Yuan Qing who has returned to headquarters."

"Supporter Yuan Qing?"

Li Luo's gaze flickered as he remembered the name. He was one of the three supporters of the Luolan Mansion, and he was also the only one of the three who remained loyal to the Luolan Mansion and had not defected to Pei Hao.

At this time, the return of this head supporter, whose strength had reached the Heavenly Gang General rank, to the headquarters would undoubtedly strengthen the power here.

Hearing this, a faint joy appeared on Jiang Qing's face, but she immediately noticed that Lei Zhang's expression was not quite right and asked immediately, "Is there any other situation?"

Lei Zhang nodded.

"Supporter Yuan Qing was ambushed on the way. Although he himself is fine, his only disciple was injured by a type of exotic poison. It should be... done by Pei Hao's side."

"Pei Hao is using this to threaten Supporter Yuan Qing to leave the Luolan Mansion."