Chapter 4: Without Oblivion and Without Thought

How is this possible? Du Fei is at the fifth level of body refinement, and Du Heng is at the eighth level; how could they possibly be inferior to him?" Ling Chengzhi exclaimed in astonishment

The two sisters were conversing with clear voices, getting closer to Lingjia Town. From beginning to end, Ling Xuanyan did not pay any attention to Qin Lie. After initially glancing at him, Ling Yushi also did not look back, focusing only on her conversation with her younger sister and the rugged mountain path beneath their feet

"Heavenly Thunder Strike" is an extremely domineering and terrifying spiritual technique that invokes the thunderbolts from the Nine Heavens to temper and refine the physical body. Ordinary individuals practicing "Heavenly Thunder Strike" often find themselves unable to endure the excruciating pain, leading either to the shattering of their souls or to becoming imbeciles. Even those with great willpower find it difficult to continue their cultivation.

Qin Shan told him that when he was found, his memory had already been sealed

"How interesting, who would attack a fool?" Du Heng said with a serious expression, "Seeing you struggling, let me help you take this fool back!"

The so-called state of "no thoughts and no desires" refers to a special realm that one enters during cultivation. It is said that martial artists who reach this state can have their spirits detach from their physical bodies, allowing them to observe their own corporeal forms in a peculiar space.

... ...

He had known from a very young age that his true father was Du Haitian, not the deceased Ling Chenghui, and naturally, he was aware that he had no blood relation to the Ling sisters. From a young age, Ling Yushi had been exceptionally beautiful, and as she grew older, her figure became increasingly alluring and more thought-provoking, which secretly made him covet her and develop desires.

After removing his mask, the head of the Ling family, with a serious expression, detailed his discoveries in the cave and his two attempts to test Qin Lie.

Du Fei and the martial artists sent by Du Hai Tian, all of whom were aware of Du Heng's methods, were initially grinning and preparing to watch the spectacle. However, at this moment, they suddenly fell silent.

He and his grandfather, Qin Shan, have always depended on each other for survival. He only remembers memories from the age of ten onwards, while the memories before that are sealed within the soul-consolidating pearl on his forehead. According to Qin Shan, those memories are beyond his reach and can only be gradually unearthed by Qin Lie through his own efforts

Five years ago, Qin Shan brought him to Lingjia Town to teach him "Tian Lei Ji" and to assist his cultivation of "Tian Lei Ji" with the unique characteristics of the medicinal mountain in Lingjia Town

Upon hearing these words, Du Fei and the surrounding martial artists were increasingly astonished

At that time, when the physical body is freed from mental control, it will perfectly demonstrate the martial arts that one has cultivated, using the spirit, or what martial artists refer to as consciousness, to observe the practice.

"Aside from that, I cannot think of any other possibilities." Ling Chengye's voice trembled as he continued, "Only those who have reached an extraordinary level of strength possess the ability to carve out so many stone paths in such a short time! In fact, I have long suspected Qin Shan... Many younger members of the clan believe that repairing spiritual artifacts is much easier than crafting them, but you should know that those who can successfully repair artifacts refined by others are definitely far more skilled than the original craftsmen themselves"

With his eyes closed, scenes flashed through his mind, and memories from the past two years surged forth like a tide

It will be soon; in three months, the foundation of the Heavenly Thunder Strike can truly be established. At that time, I will no longer have to continue hiding in the Medicine Mountain mine for cultivation. I want to surpass my grandfather's expected pace. Unfortunately, my grandfather has been gone for two years; it has been two years, and I still do not know how he is doing

Qin Shan is by no means simple! Perhaps even his death is merely a facade...

The two women were unaware that Qin Lie, whom they had overlooked, had opened his eyes at some point. His eyes shone like cold stars, clear and distinct, no longer holding even a trace of emptiness or confusion

This deepened her inner doubts, yet she did not elaborate further in this place. Instead, she casually teased the younger sister beside her, "You, the girl from the - picture - book, did not disappoint me. When that man in white attacked Qin Lie, you immediately joined me in pursuing him. Haha, I thought you would stand by and hope that the man in white would kill Qin Lie, thus directly resolving your troubles"

This is the second time he has awakened

In the past five years, he has only woken up twice in total

Uh! ''

"Do you suspect that he is faking his death?" Ling Chengzhi exclaimed

Listening to the soft whispers of the two sisters and inhaling the subtle fragrance of orchid emanating from Ling Yushi's neck, Qin Lie's bright eyes gradually dimmed. After assessing his physical condition, he closed his eyes once more

Due to the frail bodies of novice martial artists, they are unable to endure the torment of the thunderous electric strikes, which is why no one has ever truly succeeded in cultivating "Heavenly Thunder Strike".

"Indeed, I am dissatisfied with my father's actions, but I also know that this fool has nothing to do with it. This fool is quite pitiful; I am not so malicious and shameless," Ling Xuanyan said in a delicate voice

Regarding his identity, background, parents, and various past events, Qin Shan said nothing at all, only informing him that those matters were sealed within his own mind, to be gradually unraveled by himself in the future

He had not anticipated that Qin Lie would be so formidable; it felt as if a mountain had suddenly descended upon him. Caught off guard, Du Heng was left dizzy, his fine garments covered in dust, presenting a most disheveled appearance

Due to the inability to maintain spiritual power for an extended period, he was unaware of which level of the Body Refinement Realm he was currently in. During this time, as his soul drifted away, his gaze became vacant and bewildered, resembling that of a fool or an idiot, leading everyone to ignore him, and even to harbor feelings of disdain.

After Du Heng brought Qin Lie onto him, he immediately let out a scream of agony

Who knows? I hope that Father and Third Uncle can capture him. It is indeed very strange that in our remote Ling family town, there are rarely any highly skilled martial artists coming by. Ling Yushi furrowed her slender brows, her hands clasped around Qin Lie's legs behind her, her expression peculiar

It seems that we need to pay more attention to Qin Lie in the future. Your speculation is very likely correct; the withering of the medicinal herbs in Yaoshan is indeed highly probable to be related to Qin Lie.

Thus, every time he refines some spiritual energy, it will soon dissipate completely

"Sisters, how did you come back from the direction of Yaoshan? Oh, Yushi, why are you carrying Qin Lie?"

After two years, Qin Lie awakens once again from his profound cultivation

In that mysterious situation, cultivation will yield twice the result with half the effort, which is the ideal state of cultivation that all martial artists yearn for

Are you saying? '' Ling Chengzhi was taken aback

The soul-restraining pearl embedded in his forehead not only sealed his memories for ten years but also possessed countless remarkable functions; it allowed him to be in the optimal state for cultivation—free from distractions and thoughts

For the past five years, he has remained in a peculiar state of emptiness and detachment, with his soul consciousness separating from his physical body, causing the physical form to follow the habits of the subconscious, diligently practicing "Heavenly Thunder Strike".

Even without cultivation, the pain and injuries inflicted on the body by a lightning strike still require spiritual energy for healing and nurturing

Almost no human can endure the pain of a lightning strike for an extended period, especially those who have just begun their martial training, as it becomes even more difficult for them to bear

The first time was two years ago, when Qin Shan awakened him, saying that he needed to leave for a while, and it might be a long time before he returned, possibly never to come back at all

"Elder brother, are you seeing this correctly? The stone path has increased tenfold? How is that possible?" Ling Chengzhi shook his head in disbelief and exclaimed, "Just relying on those two, a grandfather and grandson? Even if they worked day and night, it would be impossible to carve out that many stone paths!"

The state of being free from thoughts and distractions in cultivation has another remarkable aspect—it can significantly enhance a warrior's ability to endure pain

Previously, when he emerged from the mine, he had already exhausted all the spiritual energy in his body. This is also the reason why Ling Chengye and his daughter were unable to detect any spiritual energy from him.

The cultivation of "Heavenly Thunder Strike" requires the guidance of spiritual power to channel thunder and lightning, repeatedly tempering the flesh, meridians, and bones. The spiritual power he has accumulated over the years is infused into the cultivation, mingling with the thunder and lightning that permeate his bones and meridians.

Ah! Ling Chengzhi suddenly exclaimed, feeling his lips dry up. His eyes bulged, and in a hoarse voice, he said: "Elder brother, how could he possibly reach such a high level of attainment? If someone of that caliber were to come to our Ling family town, what would be the purpose?"

With his eyes closed, Qin Lie let out a cold snort in his heart. When Du Heng made his move, he exerted a bit more force and actively leaned towards him

The last time it was Qin Shan who took the initiative to wake him before leaving, but this time, it was the shock of Ling Chengzhi's attack that roused him.

As soon as he saw Ling Yushi carrying Qin Lie, he felt as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a fly, wishing he could smash that fool into pieces

There is such a possibility. The head of the Ling family nodded, "Grandfather is not simple, and the grandson is also peculiar. It is still impossible to determine anything else at this moment, but Qin Lie's seemingly weak body is extremely strong! I believe that the physiques of the two brothers, Du Heng and Du Fei, may not be stronger than his!"

Sister, what do you think about the background of that person in white? How could he target a fool? This person is truly shameless

"Elder brother, what on earth are you causing here?" After a moment, Du Fei asked in astonishment

As for Qin Lie, due to the unique effects of the Soul-Settling Pearl, he has been cultivating "Heavenly Thunder Strike" for a full five years

At the entrance of Lingjia Town, Du Heng and several warriors arranged by Du Haitian stood idly at Ling's residence. Upon seeing the graceful figure of Ling Yushi, unexpectedly lying on the foolish Qin Lie, a dark expression suddenly filled Du Heng's otherwise handsome face

"No need for your help." Ling Yushi, quick-witted and agile, promptly lifted Qin Lie again while Du Heng stood there in confusion. She exchanged a glance with Ling Xuanxuan, and the two sisters hurriedly crossed through the crowd to leave

The "Heavenly Thunder Strike" combined with the state of being free from thoughts and distractions allows for the cultivation of this domineering technique, making the successful refinement of "Heavenly Thunder Strike" finally a possibility

Having said that, without waiting for Ling Yushi's response, Du Heng's figure flashed and quickly arrived beside her, unceremoniously pulling at Qin Lie.

However, the extraordinary realm of cultivation that is free from thoughts and distractions allows martial artists to separate their spirit and soul from their physical body, thereby significantly diminishing the nervous system's perception of pain

The "Heavenly Thunder Strike" must also begin its cultivation from the Body Refinement Realm, which leads to the fact that the cultivation of "Heavenly Thunder Strike" has always remained merely a beautiful concept

On the medicinal mountain

If, if Qin Shan is a powerful martial artist, with a true realm around the Broken Mirror, do you think there is a possibility of this? The head of the Ling family said solemnly

With his eyes closed, lying on the soft and plump back of Ling Yushi, Qin Lie silently contemplated

The head of the Ling family gradually clarified his thoughts, "Looking back now, there are many doubts surrounding Qin Shan's death. His cause of illness was unknown, and he did not allow us to seek medical treatment for him. Moreover, he died very quickly, and before his death, he insisted that we must perform a water burial. After we cast his body into the river, we naturally could not continue our investigation..."

The tall and graceful Ling Yushi is two years older than Qin Lie and is also somewhat taller than him at this moment. Being at the seventh level of body refinement, she should find it effortless to carry the slender Qin Lie on her back. However, only she knows that she is actually feeling a bit strained

"We went to Yaoshan to look for some herbs, and on the way, we saw someone attacking Qin Lie. He was injured, so we took him back first..." Ling Yushi had never called Du Heng 'brother.' She briefly explained the situation and prepared to pass by Du Heng and the others, not intending to say another word.

Du Heng finally reacted, looking far away at the increasingly distant Ling Yushi and the Qin Lie on her back. He suddenly exclaimed: "That fool is ridiculously heavy; he must have something extremely heavy on him! For five years, that fool has been in the Yaoshan mine; could it be that he has made some discovery? It must be so! Otherwise, the Ling sisters wouldn't be so attentive! That fool probably has a treasure on him!"