As the profound energy entered the immortal jade, Yun Ze once again held dominion over this lake. However, compared to before, there was a subtle difference.
If previously he could control everything within the lake, now he had become one with the entire body of water.
This relationship was akin to holding a sword in one's hand versus clenching a fist.
Although both the sword and the fist were under Yun Ze's control, one was an external object, while the other was an extension of himself.
He even felt that with every breath he took, he could draw the profound energy from heaven and earth into the entire lake, which would then feed back into himself!
This absorption speed was at least a hundred times faster than his own solitary cultivation!
Yun Ze slowly closed his eyes, immersing himself in this sensation, feeling the profound energy in his lower abdomen continuously expand.
As his mind gradually settled, he began to relinquish partial control over the lake, no longer diverting his attention to what was within or on its surface, but solely focusing on absorbing the profound energy from heaven and earth.
Time trickled by.
The fish within the lake were also gradually affected by the profound energy. Their swimming speed increased, and their size even grew at a visible rate.
To vent their boundless energy, they leaped out of the water in unison, perhaps yearning to explore a vaster world.
This scene was witnessed by He Laichao, who stood by the lake.
Ever since the incident of the "Immortal in the Lake," he had been guarding the vicinity of Wanqing Lake, eager to uncover the origins of this supposed immortal.
Having interacted with the previous immortal, he had formed a general assessment of these celestial beings.
They were not truly aloof; if sufficient benefits were offered, they would naturally "protect" mortals.
Since the immortal in the lake could help that lowly wretch, he could also "protect" virtuous individuals like themselves, as long as they demonstrated sufficient value.
The current spectacle filled him with joy!
There truly was an immortal in this lake!
Otherwise, such a profound phenomenon would not have occurred!
Just as he was preparing to board a boat and enter the lake, a voice sounded by his ear.
"If I were you, I wouldn't be rushing to my death right now."
"...Immortal!"
He Laichao turned his head and saw the immortal he had been "worshipping" standing beside him.
He quickly clasped his hands in greeting and asked, "Immortal, why have you come?"
"What? Can I not come?"
The immortal retorted, a hint of annoyance evident in his eyes.
"No, of course not!"
He Laichao hastily explained, "It's just that I feared I might disturb your cultivation, so..."
"Enough, shut your mouth!"
The immortal took two steps forward, his brow furrowed as he stared ahead, a sense of dread washing over him.
He was not monitoring He Laichao, nor did he know beforehand that this young man would come here. He had arrived solely due to the flow of spiritual energy in the heavens and earth!
Currently, the spiritual energy of the entire Weishan Prefecture was concentrated in this Wanqing Lake, continuously surging downwards towards the surface!
He had only witnessed such a scene when his master was cultivating!
It was said that immortals of profound cultivation could instantly inhale and exhale the spiritual energy from tens of thousands of miles around, transforming it into their own cultivation.
Although the current spectacle did not reach that level, it undeniably indicated that the person beneath the lake possessed extraordinary cultivation!
At the very least, far superior to his own!
Was this a warning, telling him not to meddle in this matter?
The immortal frowned, constantly weighing the pros and cons.
If he retreated now and showed weakness, the matter could be resolved. But that immortal jade... no!
He would first probe the other party's attitude. If it was feasible, he might even be able to contend for the immortal jade!
If he could then present the immortal jade to his master, he might even be rewarded with a Foundation Establishment Pill to aid his breakthrough!
"All of you, retreat to ten miles away!
No, you have half an hour to ensure everyone is ten miles away. I do not wish to see a single soul on Wanqing Lake!"
"Yes."
He Laichao asked no further questions. He knew the immortal's resolute nature; his commands were never repeated, so he hurried to comply.
Meanwhile, above the floating clouds.
A ragged old beggar silently observed everything.
He could clearly perceive every change occurring, including the flow of spiritual energy throughout Weishan Prefecture, the cultivation levels of the two individuals beneath the lake, and even... gazes from further away!
Besides himself, someone else was watching this place.
That person's cultivation was not particularly high, likely on par with his own, but why would they be interested in such a location?
Was it due to the sudden surge of spiritual energy in Weishan Prefecture? Or some other reason?
Perhaps this Qi Refining stage cultivator, who had come in search of the immortal jade, was sent by that person to test the waters?
The old beggar was unsure. He only knew that he might need to be even more cautious to continue pursuing his own Great Dao.
Half an hour later, the entire Wanqing Lake was cleared.
Although flower boats still drifted on the surface, they were now devoid of people.
Seeing this, the immortal began to perform incantations. Soon, he floated up from the ground, hovering in mid-air.
"Fellow Daoist! Might you grant me an audience!"
He did not announce his sect nor his cultivation level.
This was a customary practice for immortals traveling in the mortal realm.
Immortals entering the mortal world were typically regulated by immortal prefectures to ensure minimal disruption to mortal life.
Therefore, when traveling, there was no need to disclose one's sect, cultivation, or anything else, to avoid provoking trouble.
Just as two sects with existing animosity might find their disciples, if unaware of each other's identities while traveling in the mortal realm, could potentially become sworn brothers.
However, if they revealed their sect affiliation from the outset, they might immediately engage in combat.
This could inadvertently affect mortals.
As the immortal's voice echoed across the lake, there was no response from Wanqing Lake.
The fish that had leaped out of the water continued to thrash, and the person beneath the lake remained silent.
The immortal frowned. After waiting a few breaths, he spoke again, "Fellow Daoist, might you grant me an audience!"
His voice resonated once more, but Wanqing Lake remained as it was.
The immortal's gaze gradually turned grim, and a cold smile flickered across his lips.
This was the second time!
Since you refuse to show me respect, do not blame me for using my influence!
"Fellow Daoist, this is territory under the jurisdiction of the Guiwu Sword Sect. If you do not emerge to meet me, I fear..."
*Buzz!*
A sudden buzzing sound erupted!
Before he could finish speaking, he saw a droplet of water, suspended at an unknown moment, hovering before his forehead, slowly rotating!
Its entire being contained a sharp sword energy. With every rotation, he could feel his flesh and blood being gradually sliced!
This... what realm is this!
The immortal swallowed, his body trembling uncontrollably, staring at the scene before him in disbelief.
He dared not speak, nor could he flee. He could only stand there in a daze, gazing at the droplet of water before his brow, unsure of what to do.
But in the next instant, the water droplet fell from the air, landing on the soil and splashing a small spray of water.
The immortal was stunned for a moment, then immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times!
"Thank you, senior, for sparing my life! Thank you, senior, for sparing my life!"
"No need for thanks. Just help me with something."
A muffled voice drifted from the air. The immortal immediately looked up, his face full of obsequiousness.
"You speak!"
"No matter what method you use, ensure that young master He becomes a third-level Qi Refiner within a month."