Chapter 2250: 2251: Lu Kang

He chuckled softly as he began, recounting to Lin Chen the events that had transpired before."No need to thank, your kindness is appreciated."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chen immediately bowed, clasped his fists before him, and greeted the two.

"Oh, it's nothing, I didn't really help much."

The man seemed a little awkward at Lin Chen's gesture, scratching his head as he pointed to the mysterious figure beside Lin Chen, saying, "I don't have the ability to intercept, it was all thanks to this gentleman here."

"Well, thank you anyway. May I ask your names?"

"Lu Nanji," the man replied, clasping his fists.

Lin Chen chuckled lightly, then scrutinized the mysterious figure in black robes. From beginning to end, this figure hadn't uttered a single word, as if completely detached from everything happening around.

As if sensing Lin Chen's gaze, the figure in black robes gave a subtle nod to Lin Chen in response, then turned its attention back to the hall.

Following his gaze, Lin Chen finally noticed that the silhouette of Lu Qiming had stirred slightly.

"What happened?" he whispered.

"Not sure, but he did move a bit earlier, though now he seems motionless again," Chen Jie explained, her expression equally grave.

These people, numbering over twenty, remained in place, not daring to make any significant movements. The surrounding atmosphere was eerily silent, as if even time itself had frozen.

In this stillness, a phantom figure gradually floated up from beneath the steps.

Its emergence quickly captured the attention of those present. As they looked towards it, a collective hiss escaped them, drawing sharp breaths.

The figure slowly ascending the steps had a physique no different from an average person, yet appeared almost transparent, emerging amidst the flames rising below the steps.

Within its transparent body, remnants of fire seemed to linger, yet these flames did it no harm. Though appearing to burn within, they swiftly extinguished.

"What is this?" someone exclaimed in astonishment, but hesitated to step forward.

Yet it seemed unconcerned with those present, advancing not towards Lu Qiming upon reaching the main hall, but instead slowly heading elsewhere.

The place was where Kong Jingyi had previously been, now only a shattered corpse remained, with all traces of blood drained through a gaping chest wound, leaving exposed, stark white bones; a ghastly sight.

"What is it trying to do?"

This situation bred curiosity in many, drawing numerous eyes upon it, faces marked with astonishment.

As if undaunted, it crouched down, its near-phantom hands gently falling to grasp Kong Jingyi's arms, lifting him up!

Then, it inclined towards Kong Jingyi's position, gradually merging with the lifeless form on the ground!

With its entry, Kong Jingyi's chest wound began to slowly heal through this merger!

Those present watched this bizarre scene, not daring to utter a word, merely staring dazedly at this extraordinary spectacle.

In the span of a few breaths, almost in an instant, with such fusion, Kong Jingyi's body had restored to normal; the wound nearly healed, though external remnants of fissures lingered on the skin.

Suddenly, 'Kong Jingyi's fingers twitched, appearing somewhat stiff. His eyes promptly opened, revealing pupils devoid of whites, deeply black as night. Surveying his slowly moving body, he seemed quite pleased, a light smile gracing his lips.

"After all these years, I see you still can't let go of your greed."

As he moved, a raspy voice echoed from atop the hall nearby; it was Lu Qiming, with a solemn look aimed in 'Kong Jingyi's direction.

Then, with a sudden swoosh, Lu Qiming's body moved, like a whirlwind sweeping through, arriving at 'Kong Jingyi's side instantly.

Such speed shocked everyone present, their expressions changing visibly; they could barely track Lu Qiming's movements.

"Is this the power of a strong one?" someone gripped their fists tightly, determination gleaming in their eyes.

"Senior Brother, aren't you the same, suppressing me for so long, still holding onto your old obsession."

Gazing at the approaching Lu Qiming, he smirked, his smile filled with eeriness, particularly his pair of black eyes, unsettling to behold.

"How many of these people do you think can survive?" He paused briefly, adding.

"Senior Brother, Junior Brother? Could he possibly be Lu Kang!"

Sun Tianming's pupils contracted, terror flashing in his eyes, his hands trembling uncontrollably, deducing his identity from their exchange.

"Who is he, why are you so scared?" Lin Chen frowned.

"You wouldn't understand."

Sun Tianming gulped, still trembling slightly, eyeing the body that should've been Kong Jingyi, now transformed into another person.

"The previous Sect Master and Lu Kang were both orphans, adopted by the Green Ripple Sect. Their talents were nearly equal, both prodigious, but later the Sect Master title was passed to Lu Qiming, while Lu Kang vanished without a trace. Years after disappearing, he returned and began slaughtering Green Ripple Sect disciples!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Chen raised his gaze, staring deeply at Lu Kang.

"And to protect his disciples, Lu Qiming engaged Lu Kang in a duel; following this battle, both vanished without a trace. Not long thereafter, the Sect Master changed to our current one..."

Sun Tianming recounted swiftly; during his injury when unable to cultivate, he'd delve into sect records, amassing considerable knowledge of such matters.

"So that's how it is." Lin Chen frowned, realizing their shared history.

"Tsk, hard to believe that nearly a century later, someone still remembers my name, Lu Kang."

Though standing against Lu Qiming, Lu Kang too heard Sun Tianming's words, a grin spreading across his lips, exposing sharp white teeth. He addressed Sun Tianming, "For your explanation, I can spare you some pain."

Sun Tianming watched, his scalp tingling, aware that this man couldn't be judged by conventional standards, unsure what he might do.

Yet here in the spiritual realm, unable to use Spiritual Energy, even wanting to escape, he found no way out.