A week passed in quiet, intense training on Azure Cloud Peak.
Wei An, under Lu Chenge's precise guidance, was given a specialized Spirit-Calming Dew (acquired via a 10,000X return from a simple purifying herbal tea). This allowed her to manage the chaotic, nascent Time Essence within her, subtly improving her perception of combat flow. Mu Yun, now fully awakened, cultivated with the ferocious intensity of his Volcanic Fire Essence, his spiritual power already outstripping most Inner-Sect Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Lu Chenge himself spent the time refining his Perfected Golden Core and practicing the Law of Incineration. The power was vast, but controlling the instinct to simply burn away obstacles required discipline.
He knew this peace could not last. The breakthrough from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core, coupled with the violent, powerful spiritual fluctuations from Mu Yun's awakening, would have been registered across the entire sect.
👁️ The Looming Observation
Sitting in meditation, Lu Chenge extended his Divine Soul Observation Art. Where before he saw mist and mountains, he now saw a complex, shimmering web of spiritual energy connecting every peak and hall in the Azure Cloud Sect.
He could perceive the Grand Elder Lin, a powerful mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, focusing his attention directly on Azure Cloud Peak. He could feel the cold, calculating spiritual probe of the Sect Master, a late-stage Golden Core expert renowned for his political acumen.
"They are watching. They see the chaos of the breakthrough, and they see two disciples, ranked as 'Trash' and 'Mortal,' cultivating with the aura of celestial prodigies," Lu Chenge mused. "The question is: how to explain the sudden, unprecedented change without revealing the System?"
He decided on the only plausible narrative: Destiny and Seclusion. He had not been merely cultivating; he had been having a destined breakthrough in solitude, which allowed him to perceive the true nature of the downtrodden children—a classic, if cliché, cultivation story.
📜 The Summons
Just as he concluded his strategy, a radiant jade messenger scroll flashed into the courtyard, embedding itself softly into the stone path. It pulsed with the official seal of the Sect Master.
Mu Yun and Wei An, who were sparring nearby, immediately stopped.
"Master, what is it?" Wei An asked, instinctively sensing the gravity of the summons.
Lu Chenge retrieved the scroll. His Divine Sense swept over the contents.
[To Elder Lu Chenge of Azure Cloud Peak. By decree of the Council of Elders: Report to the Main Assembly Hall immediately. Bring the disciples under your personal tutelage, Wei An and Mu Yun. A matter of great sect importance requires discussion.]
Lu Chenge carefully placed the scroll back in his sleeve. He looked at his two disciples—one radiating subtle temporal stability, the other crackling with controlled volcanic power. They were his evidence, his ultimate defense.
"The time for seclusion is over, children," Lu Chenge said, his voice calm, carrying the unwavering authority of his Perfected Golden Core. "The Sect has noticed our small peak. They require an explanation for your recent leaps in power, and for mine."
He met their eyes, a strategic fire burning in his own. "Remember this: Everything you have achieved is due to your hard work, your diligence, and the unique insights I gained during my recent seclusion. Do not falter. Our success hinges on this meeting."
He had been rewarded 10,000-fold for his generosity. Now, he needed to navigate the treacherous political terrain of the powerful.
"Master, we are ready," Mu Yun declared, touching the spot where the talisman had broken his seal.
Wei An simply nodded, her gaze steady.
"Good," Lu Chenge replied, rising to his full height, his Law of Incineration barely contained. "Let us show the Azure Cloud Sect the true meaning of genius."