Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Just as Li Qingzhi was about to speak, the two teenagers, who were gazing into each other's eyes, were suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Master Ludwig, Master Li Qingzhi!" The butler, Felix, who had been anxious since their sudden disappearance an hour ago, rushed over excitedly upon seeing them return. "You're back!"

Ludwig nodded gently. Then, upon noticing Felix, he promptly asked the question that weighed heavily on his mind. "How is Beril now?"

Li Qingzhi's heart raced, and he swiftly turned to look in Felix's direction.

Fortunately, the butler brought reassuring news: "Miss Beril has improved significantly. Though she remains in an unconscious state, her condition is no longer as frail. Master Id has administered some high-grade restorative potions, and it seems they are having a positive effect."

Upon hearing that Beril was in better condition, Ludwig's previously racing concerns subsided slightly, and Li Qingzhi also exhaled a small breath of relief, though he still harbored some worry deep down.

"Certainly." Ludwig nodded promptly. "I'll attend to her right away. Have Edd wait for me at the entrance of her room first."

Felix promptly bowed his head and replied, "Yes."

After the old butler turned and left, Ludwig cast his gaze once more upon the black-haired youth before him. As ripples of emotion stirred in his heart, he lowered his eyes and spoke:

"Go and rest well too, I've asked Felix to prepare your clothes."

"I'll check on Beril first, then come back later."

Hearing this, Li Qingzhi, who was equally worried about Beril, couldn't help but offer, "I'll come along."

To his surprise, Ludwig gently shook his head and reached out to pat his head, soothingly saying,

"You've had a long day already, you need proper rest."

"Let's visit her tomorrow, Belial would want you to have a good rest too."

Upon hearing this, even though Li Qingzhi was eager to check on Beril's condition, he could only nod in agreement, considering Ludwig's insistence that he rest first: "Very well, I'll return to my room then."

"Very well." The blond youth lowered his gaze and spoke earnestly, "The castle's defenses have been reinforced, and I will be there shortly."

"I'll be there at the first sign of anything,"

"Upon my return, let's delve into a thorough discussion about today's events and see if we can derive any conclusions."

Li Qingzhi also swiftly recalled his experiences with Ludwig, causing him to nod in agreement. "Indeed!"

He was eager to unravel the still-mysterious circumstances, even though he had no clear leads yet. Perhaps after conversing with Ludwig, some insights or conclusions might emerge.

After Ludwig left, Li Qingzhi ascended to his room and discovered a clean, neatly arranged robe awaiting him.

This time, the robe's size was evidently more suitable, clearly not belonging to Ludwig.

Upon this realization, Li Qingzhi, holding the garment, involuntarily blushed. He couldn't help but remember the occasion when, due to the lack of proper pajamas, he wore Ludwig's clothes in this very room.

Not to mention, they had slept together that night.

Back then, Li Qingzhi didn't understand why he felt a strange awkwardness lying next to his friend. But now, with newfound clarity, his cheeks burned hotter than before.

Realizing his emotions were becoming tangled, Li Qingzhi hastily grabbed the well-fitting attire and turned to take a bath.

Beneath the steaming water, Li Qingzhi's slightly reddened ears could have been flushed from the heat or from reminiscing. Gradually, he closed his eyes, as his weariness washed away, but his slightly flushed cheeks remained warm.

After the shower, Li Qingzhi returned to his room feeling refreshed. Despite having just fought two battles and been drained of energy once, he surprisingly didn't feel as exhausted as expected.

In this moment, however, Li Qingzhi was brimming with energy. As he sat down, he activated his skills to sense it instantly. He even tried using the whisk in his embrace to circulate only the true qi within him.

Yet, similar to his fusion of the magic wand and the whisk, the energy within him now displayed signs of integration.

Before today, Li Qingzhi had already been able to skillfully convert his magical power and true qi through practice, but it had merely been a process of mutual transformation and regeneration.

But after all the energy in his body was completely drained today, the energy that emerged and filled him anew seemed to be a third, unique energy resulting from the fusion of true qi and magical power.

Upon realizing this, Li Qingzhi swiftly closed his eyes and focused on cultivating for a long while. The more he concentrated, the more he could sense this extraordinary energy distinct from any he'd known before circulating slowly within him.

It carried the familiar enveloping sensation of true qi, as well as the distinctive flow of magical power.

As he became aware of and felt this unique energy, Li Qingzhi, for some reason, felt a warmth radiating throughout his body while cultivating. A scorching sensation welled up from within him, but it didn't discomfort him; instead, an unusual calmness and tranquility settled in his heart.

This reminded him of the similar feelings he experienced when standing alongside Ludwig.

After attempting to cultivate for a while, Li Qingzhi realized that his magical power and true qi were already beginning to merge. Facing this unfamiliar third energy, he was momentarily at a loss.

Despite not yet understanding the special function of this unique energy, Li Qingzhi took it to heart and resolved to diligently uncover its distinctive qualities.

With this thought, the black-haired youth attempted to channel this newfound force into casting a spell, and the energy, imbued with a sense of warmth, seemed to resonate with him exceptionally well. Whether Li Qingzhi wielded spells or magic, the outcomes surpassed his previous capabilities, though not to an overly exaggerated degree. Nevertheless, it was enough to leave Li Qingzhi somewhat taken aback.

Eager to give it a try, he initially cast a mere small fireball, which was supposed to hover gently above his palm, posing no threat at all.

Yet, after wielding this unique blend of energy, his casually cast Low-Grade Fireball Technique transformed into a fierce, terrifying blaze that would have undoubtedly engulfed the entire Leo Castle if he hadn't reined it in at just the right moment.

Amidst the tension, Li Qingzhi, whose heart was pounding wildly, realized that the third energy he had unconsciously merged might be more powerful than he had anticipated.

Yet, why was it that the magic and genuine energy within him could merge?

With a heart full of questions, Li Qingzhi's mind immediately conjured up a certain figure.

Initially, he had intended to seek answers from either Augustus or his teacher Ernest. However, with Almont currently in peril, they might not have the luxury of time to attend to his inquiries.

Thus, Li Qingzhi thought of his other mentor who had raised him, Ling Shen.

But soon, he realized that he hadn't been in contact with Master Ling Shen for a long time. Amidst the crisis and upheaval, the Three Silent Mountains seemed less tranquil than he had imagined.

This realization made Li Qingzhi somewhat worried. Soon, he also recalled that before he was taken away, he was still on a call with his Senior Sister Qing Lian.

Upon this realization, Li Qingzhi involuntarily rose to his feet. "Oh no! I forgot to tell Senior Sister that I'm alright!"

Senior Sister Qing Lian had witnessed him being taken away with her own eyes; she must be extremely worried by now.

How could he have overlooked this matter?

Realizing his oversight, Li Qingzhi hurriedly activated his True Qi again, attempting to communicate with Senior Sister Qing Lian through their connection.

Fortunately, Qing Lian responded promptly this time. Upon seeing him, the robed Qing Lian couldn't help but exclaim joyfully,

"Qingzhi!"

In quick succession, Senior Sister Qing Lian's concerned voice echoed, "Are you okay? Were you injured?"

Not wanting to trouble his senior sister too much, Li Qingzhi quickly shook his head and reassured her, "I'm fine, nothing happened. Don't worry about me, Senior Sister."

However, Qing Lian's expression did not ease; instead, she frowned and asked, "What was going on with those two? Why did they abduct you? How did you manage to escape?"

"I was almost in a panic. If you hadn't contacted me, I was planning to inform Master about your predicament. Given Master's character, they might have come looking for you directly."

Hearing this, Li Qingzhi couldn't help but choke on his words, coughing, "Cough, cough, Senior Sister, there's no need to tell Master."

If Ling Shen were to come, he might get scolded for being careless in his cultivation, falling into someone else's trap so easily.

In truth, he was already used to being reprimanded, but it would still be embarrassing in front of Ludwig.

Seemingly sensing Li Qingzhi's concerns, Qing Lian quickly chuckled and said, "Alright, I understand. I'll keep it confidential for now, but you have to tell me exactly what happened."

With no other choice, Li Qingzhi recounted the entire day's events to Qing Lian. He didn't know who those mysterious people were, but he shared everything with his concerned senior sister, including the perplexing fusion energy within him.

Qing Lian's expression grew more serious. Upon learning that Li Qingzhi's mana and true qi had unexpectedly fused today, producing a unique energy, she eventually said,

"Alright, I got it. I'll ask Master for you soon. He should know what's going on."

Li Qingzhi nodded promptly, then couldn't resist asking about the recent situation at Three Silent Mountains, "Senior Sister, how is Three Silent Mountains doing lately?"

Headmaster Augustus had mentioned previously that the spirit veins in Three Silent Mountains were currently unstable, requiring time and effort to stabilize.

Before long, Qing Lian replied swiftly, "There's a minor issue at Three Silent Mountains right now, but we can handle it. Don't worry about us."

After a brief pause, Qing Lian glanced at Li Qingzhi and continued, "Take care of yourself there and don't get hurt, alright?"

Feeling warmth in his heart from his senior sister's concern, Li Qingzhi nodded eagerly. "Alright, I understand."

Then, Li Qingzhi promptly remembered something and seized the opportunity to convey an urgent matter to Qing Lian through this transmission. "Oh, right, Senior Sister, about that secret recipe you gave me to heal my spirit root – I can't seem to find the Fire Phoenix Feather mentioned on it."

This matter caused a hint of distress to show on Li Qingzhi's face. "Is there anything that could substitute it, or do you know where I might find a Fire Phoenix?"

To his surprise, Qing Lian replied swiftly, "There is a substitution available."

Li Qingzhi's eyes lit up upon hearing this. "What is it?!"

It was a relief to know there was a substitute. As long as he found an equivalent to the Fire Phoenix Feather, he could proceed with the concoction of the secret medicine!

However, Qing Lian's response in the next second left him stunned. "A Fire Kirin's horn would work just as well; it has the same effect."

Moments later, the realization dawned on Li Qingzhi, who exclaimed, "Senior Sister, where on earth am I supposed to find the Horn of the Fire Kirin?"

One had to know that although the Fire Kirin's horn could regenerate, the creature itself, along with the Fire Phoenix, were divine beasts. They were virtually impossible to locate in everyday life.

Qing Lian also admitted, "As for the whereabouts of the Fire Kirin, I have no clue at the moment."

"It's said that it once appeared in the Three Purities, but that was a century ago."

Hearing this, Li Qingzhi couldn't help feeling disheartened. "So that's how it is. There truly seems to be no trace to follow now. I'll have to think of another way, then..."

Just as the two were conversing, a sudden male voice interrupted them from beside Qing Lian. "Qing Lian, what are you up to?"

Qing Lian smiled and replied, "I'm communicating with Qingzhi. Why do you ask?"

Upon learning the situation, Qing Xuan's expression shifted. He approached and glared fiercely at Li Qingzhi on the Water Cloud Screen.

"Brat!"

"Return my two stone lions at the gate!"

At this moment, Qing Lian couldn't help but chuckle. Li Qingzhi scratched his head and said with a smile to his senior brother Qing Xuan, "Sorry, Senior Brother, I'm afraid those two stone lions won't be returned to you...

Because Xiao Zuo and Xiao You are now my summoned beasts."

Sure enough, Qing Xuan was furious at Li Qingzhi's words, cursing as he ordered Qing Lian to end the communication,

"Hurry, hurry, we need to teach our junior siblings. Don't talk to that brat; I don't want to see him!"

As they spoke, the atmosphere within the Three Purities seemed as lively as before, without any hint of the impending crisis. Realizing this, Li Qingzhi couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of relief in his heart.

After ending the communication, Li Qingzhi, with thoughts swirling in his mind, sensed that things were gradually moving in a positive direction.

He and Ludwig had returned safely, Beril's condition had improved, and the people of the Three Purities hadn't encountered the dangers he had imagined.

Thus, his current task was not to worry unnecessarily, but to seize the time and use his power to improve the situation at hand.

With this thought, Li Qingzhi, who had been unsure about where to find the Fire Kirin and Fire Phoenix, regained his confidence.

He knew that he could overcome this adversity together with everyone, slowly unraveling all the mysteries, eventually returning to their peaceful yet happy life.

After some time spent organizing his thoughts and regaining composure, Li Qingzhi regained his vigor, prepared to tackle any challenges that might come his way.

He felt an unprecedented sense of security, leaving him unafraid of any obstacles.

With his mindset readjusted and his spirits lifted, Li Qingzhi stood up. Despite Ludwig's request for him to rest, he ultimately decided to visit Beril, as he couldn't help but worry about her condition.

However, just as Li Qingzhi, now free of mental entanglements, pushed the door open, he found himself facing an unfamiliar tall figure standing outside.

Surprised to find someone at the door, Li Qingzhi looked up, only to see a towering golden-haired man with chiseled, mature features. His face was strikingly stern, exuding an intimidating aura that instinctively inspired fear.

The man displayed no emotion, solely fixating on Li Qingzhi with a cold, hard gaze, and spoke in an equally icy tone:

"You are Li Qingzhi?"