Chapter 265: So That's It

Zhuge Qing was researching new ways to utilize the Qimen Dunjia. Ever since receiving guidance from Lin Xuan, he had gained a brand-new understanding of Qimen Dunjia. Now, he was attempting to transform this understanding into actual combat power.

"So that's it!" A flash of light suddenly crossed Zhuge Qing's eyes. "No wonder Lin Daozhang said that true combat does not lie in the changes of techniques, but in the grasp of the laws of heaven and earth. These changes are all within the laws!"

Xiao Qing and Xiao Bai stood guard outside Lin Xuan's Quiet Room, able to feel the waves of heat emanating from within. They knew their benefactor was undergoing a difficult trial. Every time they felt that violent energy fluctuation, their hearts would tighten.

"Benefactor will definitely be fine," Xiao Bai said, though her tone carried a hint of undisguisable worry.

"Mm," Xiao Qing nodded. "We both know Benefactor's strength. This level of trial is nothing to him. Besides..." she paused, "this might actually be an opportunity."

Inside the Quiet Room, Lin Xuan was battling the Heart Fire running wild within his body. The power of that flame was even more violent than he had imagined, and every heartbeat brought intense pain. Yet, Lin Xuan's expression remained calm, as if all of this were within his expectations.

"Just in time," Lin Xuan said softly. "I will use this opportunity to completely refine the power of the Divine Fire. Once I emerge from seclusion this time, I should be able to fully control this power."

Within his body, a mysterious cycle was forming. The violence of the Heart Fire was being continuously purified within this cycle, eventually turning into even more refined power. This was a process of natural progression; one could neither be impatient nor slack off.

Meanwhile, in Dongying, the ninjas who had been dispatched had already begun their operations. They lurked in the shadows like ghosts, collecting various intelligence. The old man's words still rang in their ears: "This time, failure is absolutely not an option."

An invisible contest was unfolding, with undercurrents surging among various factions.

After several days of seclusion, Lin Xuan finally fully controlled the Divine Fire within his body. When the door of the Quiet Room slowly opened, a heart-palpitating aura instantly permeated the area. Lin Xuan walked out slowly; under the moonlight, his entire temperament had undergone a heaven-shaking, earth-shattering change. That ethereal temperament not only held a hint of indescribable majesty but also exuded a charm that was nearly that of an Immortal.

"Benefactor, you succeeded?" Xiao Qing and Xiao Bai immediately stepped forward, their eyes full of anticipation and concern. They could feel the brand-new aura on their benefactor.

Lin Xuan nodded slightly, then raised his right hand. In an instant, a dark red flame appeared in his palm. This flame was completely different from the previous Divine Fire; not only was the color deeper, but it also contained a special rhythm. Most peculiar was that although this flame appeared scorching, it gave off an indescribably gentle feeling.

"This feeling..." Lin Xuan whispered to himself, "is even more perfect than expected."

"Let's test its power." His gaze suddenly turned toward a giant boulder in the distance. That was the Trial Stone used by the Tang Sect to test the strength of their disciples, said to be made of thousand-year Black Mysterious Iron and indestructible.

Lin Xuan flicked his fingertip, and that seemingly peaceful flame instantly transformed into a stream of light and shot out. The moment it touched the boulder, the flame suddenly erupted, forming a massive vortex of fire several zhang in diameter. At the center of the vortex, time and space seemed to distort. When the flames dissipated, the boulder, which was the size of a house, had completely vanished, leaving not even a speck of dust behind. Even the ground beneath the boulder had turned into a piece of glass as smooth as a mirror.

"This... this..." Tang Miaoxing stared in dumbstruck silence, his horsetail whisk falling to the ground. "This power has completely exceeded common sense! Even our Tang Sect's Town Sect Divine Ability cannot compare to this at all! This is no longer in the realm of what human power can achieve!"

Xu Xin was even more shocked, unable to speak, his whole body trembling slightly. He had originally thought he had already witnessed Lin Xuan's prowess, but he had not expected the other party to be able to become even stronger. This level of strength had completely exceeded his cognitive range. He suddenly felt fortunate that he had not truly become an enemy of Lin Xuan back then, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable.

The surrounding Tang Sect disciples were also stunned by this scene. That heaven-destroying and earth-shattering power made them realize what a true powerhouse was. Especially the female disciples; their eyes were filled with fanatical worship as they looked at Lin Xuan, and some even knelt down directly.

"It is time to leave," Lin Xuan said suddenly, his tone as flat as if he were commenting on the nice weather today. He had already stayed at the Tang Sect for quite some time, and everything that needed to be done had been finished. Besides, the power within his body had completely stabilized, and it was time to go back and check on the situation at Baiyun Guan.

Although Tang Miaoxing was somewhat reluctant, he knew he could not force such a high-level expert to stay. He immediately arranged the most grand farewell ceremony, and the entire Tang Sect came to see Lin Xuan off. The Elders, who were usually high and mighty, had also set aside their airs this time to see him off in person.

"Lin Daozhang," Tang Miaoxing said solemnly, his expression incomparably earnest, "this time, it is thanks to you; otherwise, our Tang Sect would still be kept in the dark. Not only the schemes of those Dongying people, but even the defense system within the sect was replanned by you. The Tang Sect will never forget this kindness. If there is anything you need help with in the future, just speak up. The entire Tang Sect will surely assist with all our might!"

"You are too kind," Lin Xuan smiled faintly. "Manage the Tang Sect well. Remember what I said: do not be overly ambitious; taking it one step at a time is the righteous path."

Zhang Chulan and the others also came to see him off. The time spent together had allowed them to learn many things from Lin Xuan. It was not just the guidance on cultivation, but more importantly, that attitude toward life.

"Lin Daozhang," Zhang Chulan said with some reluctance, his voice carrying a hint of gratitude, "with you leaving, we have lost another opportunity to ask for advice. To be honest, the time spent with you has taught me more than the last few years combined."

Lin Xuan glanced at him, his gaze profound: "The path of cultivation lies in self-realization. I have already provided all the guidance I could; the rest depends on yourselves. Remember, true strength does not lie in the changes of techniques, but in the cultivation of one's heart and nature."

Amidst the lingering farewells of the crowd, Lin Xuan left the Tang Sect with Xiao Qing and Xiao Bai, returning to Baiyun Guan. However, when they returned to Baiyun Guan, they discovered that the entire Daoist temple had been surrounded by reporters and onlookers. In the sea of people, camera flashes went off one after another.

It turned out that after Luo Daming took the Pill left behind by Lin Xuan, it triggered astonishing phenomena of heaven and earth. The entire sky above Baiyun Guan was shrouded in seven-colored auspicious clouds, with lightning flashing and thunder rolling, and streaks of strange colors flowing within the clouds. Most eye-catching of all was a faint Heavenly Ladder appearing and disappearing within the auspicious clouds, as if an Immortal were truly about to descend to the mortal world.