Spells Grinding: From Basic Sparks to Divine Arts

Chapter 289: Returning to an Old Place

After effortlessly dispatching the malicious ghost cultivator, Qin Lu didn’t linger. He pushed forward at full speed toward his destination.

As familiar landmarks appeared on the horizon and the density of cultivators in the air increased, Qin Lu knew his first stop was imminent.

Shuntian City.

It was the most prosperous cultivation hub in the entire Flowing Cloud Prefecture, and the place where Qin Lu had once sought the pill to save Gu Can’s life.

The sky above the city was a hive of activity. Aerial artifacts of every shape and size buzzed through the air—small single-man gliders, medium-sized pleasure boats, and massive transport shuttles that rumbled like thunder.

It was as dense as a swarm of locusts.

As the crowd thickened, the majestic outline of the city itself came into view. Even on his second visit, Qin Lu couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer scale of the colossal walls and the sprawling metropolis within.

“If the center of a mere prefecture is this magnificent… what kind of monster is Qinghua City?”

A faint anticipation stirred in his chest.

Flying over the sprawling mortal districts on the outskirts, Qin Lu slowed his sword and descended toward the main gate.

Touching down on solid ground, he took a moment to survey the familiar environment. The corner of his mouth curved up slightly.

“A whole year has passed in the blink of an eye. I wonder how Tang Bai is doing…”

Qin Lu still vividly remembered the young man in black robes carrying a giant sword. Tang Bai had single-handedly defeated three scions of noble families right here near the city walls, shocking the onlookers before leaving with his head held high.

Later, Qin Lu had seen Tang Bai’s name mentioned in publications like the Immortal Sect Monthly and the Landscape Gazette. The boy had risen like a comet, carving out a fierce reputation across the Flowing Cloud Prefecture.

“Given his age and cultivation speed, he should make the next edition of the Nine Truths Langya List…”

The “Prodigy Roll” of the Langya List recorded the most talented geniuses in the Nine Truths Region. Tang Bai undoubtedly qualified.

As he joined the queue to enter the city, Qin Lu’s mind drifted to another figure from his past.

Liu Qingyan.

The woman was like a ripe, juicy peach—every movement exuding an enchanting, dangerous allure.

Qin Lu had crossed paths with her several times, but fearing trouble, he had deliberately kept his distance. There was no friendship between them, but walking the streets of Shuntian City brought her image unbidden to his mind.

Beauty like hers was difficult to forget.

Shaking off the distracting thoughts, Qin Lu followed the flow of the crowd through the gates.

Once inside, he began looking for lodging. After days of constant travel and sleeping rough, he decided to rest here for a night.

His stop in Shuntian wasn’t just for comfort; it was strategic. He intended to book passage on one of the city’s unique High-Grade Spirit Boats.

To the east of the city lay a massive mountain peak converted into an aerial ferry port. It served as a hub for long-distance transport, with major factions operating fleets of secure vessels.

It was essentially a public bus system for cultivators.

While flying solo offered freedom, taking a spirit boat offered safety. These vessels were guarded by powerful experts, deterring bandits and sky-beasts alike.

More importantly, it offered time.

When flying alone, Qin Lu had to remain constantly vigilant. On a spirit boat, he could rent a private cabin and meditate safely, turning travel time into cultivation time.

…

The streets of Shuntian City were as boisterous as ever, a cacophony of hawkers, travelers, and beasts.

After browsing a few new establishments and finding them lacking, Qin Lu returned to the inn he had stayed at previously. He booked a first-class room, filled the bathtub with hot water, and soaked away the grime of the road.

The warm water lapped against his skin, bringing a deep sense of relief.

He glanced down at his own body. Years of grueling cultivation and combat had sculpted him into a weapon. His shoulders were broad, his muscles defined and dense with power.

Satisfied but unmoved by his own reflection, he dressed quickly and left the inn.

His destination was a familiar mansion in the noble district.

Arriving at the gate, he looked up at the plaque: Fan Mansion.

This was the home of Fan Yueren, the alchemist who had refined the [Du’e Pill]. That pill had saved Gu Can without any side effects, a debt Qin Lu intended to acknowledge.

Thud, thud, thud.

He knocked gently on the heavy wooden doors.

Moments later, the gate creaked open. A familiar face poked out—a Qi Condensation cultivator with a flushed face and the distinct smell of alcohol on his breath.

It was the mansion’s steward.

“Oho? Senior Qin!” The steward blinked, his yellow teeth revealed in a surprised grin. “Long time no see!”

“Greetings, little friend. Is your Master home today?” Qin Lu asked politely.

“He is not. The Master went into secluded cultivation a year ago to attempt the breakthrough to the Golden Core realm. He hasn’t come out yet.”

“I see…”

Qin Lu nodded, unsurprised. Breaking through to Golden Core was a monumental hurdle, vastly more difficult than Foundation Establishment. Seclusion could last for years, or even decades.

“I happened to be passing through Shuntian City and wished to pay my respects. Since Fellow Daoist Fan is unavailable, I won’t disturb the household.”

Qin Lu paused, then retrieved a rare ore from his storage ring. He floated it over to the steward.

“However, I remain grateful for the pill he refined for me back then. It saved my friend’s life. Please accept this small gift and convey my thanks when he emerges.”

“Rest assured, Senior Qin! I will definitely let the Master know!” The steward accepted the ore, his eyes lighting up at its value.

“Thank you.”

Qin Lu smiled, turned, and vanished into the bustling crowd.