Chapter 480 - Unexpected Progress

Lin Mu saw that while the Dark soil pill was still not fully absorbed, and the mortal strengthening scripture had reached the fourth stage, his spleen had actually gotten more refined as well.

This was unexpected to him as it was not a minor increase either, it was about 75% refined while previously it was at 50%. Just a single pill had helped him increase it greatly which was shocking and it had not stopped increasing either.

Lin Mu estimated that the pill still had about thirty percent of its efficacy left and thus kept on absorbing more and more of it. The effect of it was apparent and the refinement of his spleen sped up.

But while this was happening Lin Mu was wondering how it was happening. This was not possible due to the mortal strengthening scripture as it was not this efficient. And neither did he had a technique for body cultivation.

"How can this be possible Senior?" Lin Mu questioned.

"I… don't know either." Xukong said before turning to look at the altar in the center of the ring.

He thought that it was the altar's doing but it seemed to be calm and no change could be seen in it.

'If not you then what? He's not even using vital essence for refinement.' Xukong wondered.

"Just keep on doing what you're doing. If this is happening them you better take advantage of it. Use up all the earth elemental spirit Qi you have stored if it still continues." Xukong advised.

"Yes senior!" Lin Mu said before cutting off the connection and stilling his mind.

All that existed for him was his body and the spirit Qi in it. 

Time passed and it was nighttime now. 

~knock~

A knock was heard on the door of the library but no one answered it. Outside the library, a woman who was wearing a veil was standing. Along with her, another younger woman was standing as well.

"Is senior Wu Lian fine?" Tongguo Bing asked with concern.

The entire city had become alert after the news about the earthquake spread. But this became a strange mystery as only one district of the capital was affected, while the rest of the city was safe and calm.

The news reached the king and he sent out his men to personally check what was happening. If it was not an earthquake and was contained to a single district that meant something was wrong there.

He was worried that some kind of an enemy may be attacking them from the ground and this could be the sign of that. If this happened a few years ago, the advisors of the king would have said that he was being paranoid.

But with the advent of the northern tribes and the situation with all the sects, there was no chance that could be taken. Caution was key in these moments and they definitely did not want to make a mistake that would cost them their dynasty.

The king's men who had been sent to the district were still surveying it and were trying to find the source of the tremors.

"He's fine, just deep in cultivation." Hei Wan replied after withdrawing her spirit sense.

"I see." Tongguo Bing said, but unknown to her beads of sweat dripped from Hei Wan's forehead.

Hei Wan looked back at the library's door and let out a breath of relief.

'What kind of a technique is he practicing now, that mountainous aura…' Hei Wan thought.

She then turned to the clerk and spoke, "it was good that you did not disturb him. He is in a sensitive period and thus it's best we leave him alone." 

"Ah, I see. Senior is indeed very talented." Tongguo Bing said, slight awe visible in her eyes.

'Talented is an understatement… even we don't know what he is…' Hei Wan thought.

"How do you know senior though, Miss Wan?" Tongguo Bing questioned.

"We are acquaintances and have had some dealings before." Hei Wan replied.

"Ah I see." Tongguo Bing nodded her head.

"I'll leave now. Make sure not to disturb him. Also, do you need more payment for him staying here?" Hei Wan asked.

"No!No! Senior already paid enough. Even if he stays here for a year it still won't be enough. It's not like this is a proper hotel or inn anyway." Tongguo Bing replied.

"Alright then. I'll take my leave for now." Hei Wan said before leaving the building. 

After she went out though, she took out a communication jade slip and contacted someone.

"How is he? What was the problem?" Wu Hei questioned.

"He's having… another breakthrough…" Hei Wan answered.

"Another breakthrough?! He's at the peak stage of the core condensation realm!" Wu Hei exclaimed.

"No! It does not seem like that. Rather it is some kind of Qi technique's breakthrough; his aura is monstrous right now. I could barely look for a second with my spirit sense before I had to withdraw it." Hei Wan explained.

"Hmm… that's better. If it really was a breakthrough, the heavenly tribulation would have altered every sect and power in the area and there is no doubt that Gu Yao would have detected it too." Wu Hei spoke.

"Indeed. I think the tremors today were related to that too. They may have been caused by him." Hei Wan replied.

"I see. Return to your post for now. It's better you are not seen there, the king's men are surveying the area and would probably come to check up on the mercenary union too." Wu Hei suggested.

"Yes, my lord…" Hei Wan said before leaving the area.

Back at one of the places that were near the grand palace of the Shuang Qian kingdom, two men dressed in luxurious clothes were sitting. 

"Did you find out about the tremors?" The older man questioned.

"No father… whatever it was, it is likely to be something new. Or maybe a one time phenomena." Wu Hei answered.

"Hmm… I'll inform elder brother. Just in case." Wu Xun spoke.