Spells Grinding: From Basic Sparks to Divine Arts

The Cao Family Estate.

The courtyard, spanning several hundred square meters, exuded an air of newfound grandeur. A retinue of servants stood at the entrance, a clear signal that the master of this residence was a man of significant status and wealth.

Through their tireless efforts over the past months, the Cao family had amassed a considerable fortune in Spirit Stones.

With wealth came the desire for comfort. They had recently relocated to this sprawling mansion and hired mortal servants to attend to their daily needs. It was a stark contrast to their destitute past, where they once had to beg to borrow a mere hundred Spirit Stones.

Led by Cao Mo, Qin Lu entered the estate and found Cao Yunxi in the main hall.

The older man’s face was pale, his energy visibly depleted.

“Sect Master…” Cao Yunxi greeted him, his voice weak and strained.

Seeing Cao Yunxi in such a listless state, Qin Lu hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Old Cao, I have to ask. Why weren’t you watching the shop in the market? What possessed you to run off to Centipede Ridge?”

A flush of embarrassment colored Cao Yunxi’s pale cheeks. He sighed slowly.

“Ah, it was a slow day, and the shop was running low on [Black Ape Beast] meat. My hands were itching for some action, so I thought I’d go hunting to relax. I never expected…”

Qin Lu frowned. “You’re saying a [Black Ape Beast] did this to you?”

“Yes.”

Cao Yunxi nodded, a lingering fear in his eyes. “I used my usual methods to trap it, but the beast suddenly went berserk. Its speed exploded, and its strength… it was monstrous. Far beyond normal limits.”

He took a shaky breath. “It charged me. I panicked for a split second and took a palm strike to the chest. If I hadn’t activated my Defense Artifact Shield in time, I would be a dead man right now.”

“Is that so…” Qin Lu’s frown deepened, his mind racing.

This was strange.

Cao Yunxi was a veteran hunter. He knew the habits of the [Black Ape Beast] inside and out. For him to be nearly killed by one suggested something was fundamentally wrong.

Could the Demon Beasts at Centipede Ridge be mutating?

The suspicion took root instantly.

First, the frenzied [Red Wild Ox] he had encountered in the wilderness. Now, a berserk [Black Ape Beast]. Both species were acting with unnatural aggression and power. It was a pattern.

Qin Lu remained silent for a moment before speaking gravely. “The local Demon Beasts are behaving abnormally. I’m going to report this to Market Master Jiang immediately and have him investigate Centipede Ridge. In the meantime, warn your hunting squads. Tell them to stay away from the Ridge until further notice.”

“I understand. I’ll send word right away,” Cao Yunxi replied.

Every hunting team was a precious asset. If a squad were wiped out, the supply chain for the meat shop would snap instantly. Not to mention the loss of life.

“And you?” Qin Lu asked, his tone softening. “How is the injury?”

“I’ll survive. I’ve taken a healing Pill. No life-threatening damage, but I’ll need to rest for half a month to recover fully.”

“Good. Focus on healing. I’ll handle the shop’s affairs for now.”

“Thank you, Sect Master…” Cao Yunxi lowered his head, guilt flickering in his eyes.

…

After exchanging a few more words, Qin Lu left the Cao Mansion.

He walked briskly toward the central government office, his thoughts churning.

This needs Jiang Ge’s attention. If Centipede Ridge is compromised, it could cripple the beast meat trade. I need a contingency plan…

BOOM——!

An ear-splitting, thunderous roar shattered the peace of the market.

The ground lurched violently underfoot. The entire White Jade Market trembled as if struck by a massive earthquake.

Pedestrians froze in shock. Mortals on the street screamed, clutching their heads and crouching in agony as the sonic boom washed over them.

Qin Lu stopped dead, his heart skipping a beat. He looked up.

What he saw made his pupils contract to pinpoints.

A pillar of blinding white light erupted from the central government office, piercing the sky and striking the zenith of the market’s atmospheric dome. Massive, glowing runes swirled around the beam, spinning with dizzying speed.

Simultaneously, a translucent blue barrier rose from the perimeter of the market, rushing upward to meet the central pillar.

In seconds, the dome snapped shut.

“The Mountain Protection Array!”

Qin Lu gasped, recognizing the phenomenon instantly.

It was the ultimate defense mechanism of White Jade Market. It was never used—never—unless the market faced an existential threat.

What is happening?

Why has the Grand Formation been activated?

What kind of enemy could force Jiang Ge to seal the market?

Panic exploded through the streets.

“The Array is active! War is coming!”

“Who is attacking us?!”

“Run! Everyone run!”

Fear spread like a plague. Cultivators screamed warnings, some bolting for cover, while others stood frozen in terror, staring blankly at the shimmering blue sky.

Whoosh!

A figure shot into the sky from the central office, radiating an aura of absolute authority.

Clad in black robes, with white hair and beard billowing in the wind, Market Master Jiang Ge hovered high above the chaos. His expression was grim.

“I am Jiang Ge!”

His voice, amplified by Qi, thundered from the heavens, reaching every corner of the city.

“By my order as Market Master, all Foundation Establishment cultivators must assemble at the government office immediately! Delay and face the consequences!”

The command brooked no argument. Jiang Ge didn’t wait for a response; he dove back down toward the office.

Qin Lu felt a chill crawl down his spine.

A mandatory summons for all Foundation Establishment experts… This is a catastrophe.

I can’t avoid this.

Qin Lu didn’t hesitate. He channeled his Qi and shot into the sky.

As he ascended, he got a full view of the situation. The entire market was encased in a massive, pulsating blue egg. The barrier hummed with power, casting a surreal azure glow over the buildings below.

He glanced toward the main gate.

Outside the barrier, a dozen cultivators were pounding frantically on the shield, screaming to be let in. They had been locked out, abandoned to whatever was coming.

Qin Lu looked past them, toward the horizon.

“Hm? What is that?”

In the distance, across the plains, a black tide was moving. It was a massive, shifting shadow, rushing toward the market with terrifying speed.

“Qin Lu!”

A voice called out from behind him.

Qin Lu turned to see a familiar figure in white robes. Gu Yue approached, her elegant face marred by a frown of confusion. Beside her floated Gu Can, who looked disturbingly excited.

“Fellow Daoist Gu!” Qin Lu greeted them quickly. “You received the summons?”

“Hehe, with Market Master Jiang shouting like that, how could we miss it?” Gu Can grinned, eyes twinkling. “I wonder what kind of show is about to start.”

“I have no idea, but it doesn’t look good,” Qin Lu said grimly. “Let’s go together.”

“Let’s go,” Gu Yue said, succinct as always.

The three nodded to each other and sped toward the central government office.