Chen Qing slowly opened his eyes, a terrifying glint flashing within them before quickly receding, leaving his gaze deep and profound.

He gently clenched his fist, feeling the surging True Astral within him.

His Primordial Five Elements True Astral had not only increased in volume but could also now be released externally. It flowed without the slightest obstruction—wherever his thoughts went, his True Astral followed.

His perception of the outside world had also grown much clearer.

He could even vaguely detect the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi that filled the air. Although he couldn’t manipulate it yet, he could now sense its presence.

This was the sign of reaching the Late-stage Astral Force Realm, where Inner Astral transforms into Outer Astral, allowing one to make initial contact with the world outside the body.

Chen Qing let out a long breath of turbid air. The breath was long and deep, forming a white arrow of mist in the cold Quiet Chamber that shot out several feet before slowly dissipating.

Breaking through to the Late-stage Astral Force Realm meant his power had once again ascended to a new level.

With the powerful foundation of his Primordial Five Elements True Astral, supplemented by the Strong Physique from his Dragon Elephant Wisdom Vajra Body, as well as the True Martial Demon-Vibrating Spear and the True Martial Seal—two Unparalleled Martial Arts.

He now had few rivals within the Astral Force Realm.

’If I can cultivate the Dragon Elephant Wisdom Vajra Body to the Fourth Layer, my power will surely advance by leaps and bounds once more.’

The Dragon Elephant Wisdom Vajra Body was a top-tier secret technique of the Buddhist Sect, its power unfathomable. If he could cultivate it to the Fourth Layer, his physical strength alone would rank among the very best, even among those at the peak of the Astral Force Perfection Realm.

His determination set, Chen Qing no longer hesitated.

He first spent several days consolidating his newly attained Late-stage Astral Force Realm.

Guided by the core principles of his technique, his Primordial Five Elements True Astral circulated with increasing smoothness and freedom. Its release, retraction, and transformation were all completely under his mental command.

His control over his Outer Astral gradually grew exquisite, ensuring his foundation was utterly solid.

After consolidating his Realm, Chen Qing shifted the focus of his Cultivation entirely to the Dragon Elephant Wisdom Vajra Body.

Within the Quiet Chamber, his Heart and Spirit sank into the profound Visualization Image that controlled his qi and blood.

’Visualize the dragon and elephant coiling, my qi and blood a great sun-furnace, burning away all impurities, refining my body to be like a Vajra...’

As the Spell circulated, the already immense qi and blood in his body seemed to be injected with new vitality, beginning to surge and roar in an unprecedented way.

Within his meridians, the roar of his circulating qi and blood was no longer like a simple rushing river, but had faintly transformed into an interwoven chorus of a dragon’s cry and an elephant’s trumpet.

Beneath his skin, a dark golden light was no longer just a faint shimmer but had become clearly visible, like countless tiny golden runes swimming across the surface of his flesh.

Each surge of his qi and blood brought with it a subtle yet dense series of crackling pops from his bones.

After several days of this, Chen Qing’s Cultivation was more or less consolidated.

On a day of heavy, swirling snow, he took his fishing gear and went to Emerald Waves Pool.

"Brother Chen!"

"Greetings, Brother Chen!"

Occasionally, passing disciples, whether from the Inner Sect or Outer Sect, would greet him respectfully upon seeing him.

He just gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, then found a quiet spot, cast his line, and began to fish.

Not far away, there was a familiar-looking Inner Sect Disciple and an old man in a gray robe.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the fishing line dipped slightly. With a light flick of his wrist, Chen Qing pulled a plump, entirely silver-white fish from the water.

The fish thrashed in the air, sending droplets of water flying.

"It’s an Ice Crystal Silver Cod! Look at its size, it must be at least three years old!" a disciple not far away exclaimed in a low voice, his tone filled with envy.

The flesh of this Ice Crystal Silver Cod was delicious and quite beneficial to disciples at the Embracing Pill and Astral Force Realms. It could be sold for a good amount of Contribution Points at the Sect’s dining hall or private markets.

Chen Qing’s expression was calm as he placed the fish into a specially made bamboo basket.

Then, in less than half an hour, he caught two more Ice Crystal Silver Cod of the same age, one after the other. His movements were as smooth as flowing water, as if the fish were actively seeking his hook.

At this, the few other disciples fishing nearby couldn’t sit still any longer, their gazes frequently turning his way.

That familiar-looking Inner Sect Disciple couldn’t help but sigh, "Brother Chen, you’re incredible! We’ve been sitting here bored for half the day and haven’t seen so much as a single fish scale, yet you’re already on your third!"

The gray-robed elder also couldn’t help but glance at Chen Qing, then back at his own completely empty fish basket.

Chen Qing just smiled and said nothing. He then returned his fishing gear to his small courtyard and went straight to the dining hall on Xu Wang Mountain.

As noon approached, the dining hall gradually grew noisy with voices.

Chen Qing found a quiet spot by the window and sat down. He casually handed the bamboo basket containing the three Ice Crystal Silver Cod to an approaching Servant Disciple and instructed, "Prepare these three fish. Steam one, use one for soup, and braise the last one."

The Servant Disciple recognized Chen Qing, and he certainly recognized the valuable Ice Crystal Silver Cod. Hearing the order, he didn’t dare to delay. He quickly accepted the bamboo basket with both hands and said respectfully, "Don’t worry, Brother Chen. I’ll have the kitchen prepare them with the utmost care right away. We won’t let such fine ingredients go to waste."

With that, he hurried off toward the kitchen.

Before long, Zhu Yu appeared at the entrance of the dining hall. He glanced around, and when he saw Chen Qing by the window, a wide smile immediately spread across his face as he strode over.

"Brother Chen!"

Zhu Yu sat down opposite Chen Qing and poured himself a cup of warm, coarse tea.

Chen Qing gave a slight nod, which served as a greeting.

Zhu Yu didn’t speak immediately. He first scanned their surroundings cautiously, and only after confirming that no one was paying them any attention did he use Secret Transmission. "Brother Chen, I have a lead on the matter you asked me to investigate."

"Speak." Chen Qing picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"Wu Hanhai is from the Nine Heavens Lineage. He broke through to the True Essence Realm thirty-two years ago. I can’t determine his exact Cultivation level with my sources, but he must be incredibly formidable. I’d estimate he’s on par with Elder Luo of the Nine Heavens Lineage."

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