Cultivation Begins with Daily Intelligence Reports

139: A layout for dancing on the edge of a knifeLin Jingyu himself was slightly stunned.

His original intention was to make an example of them and intimidate them. He had anticipated that the enemy might counterattack even more frantically, driven by the massive casualties, and he had even simulated the timing to call Qin Yue for help several times in his mind.

He hadn’t expected the effect to be so surprisingly good?

Looking at the Black Wind Stockade bandits kneeling in a disgraceful mess before him, a cold realization surged into his heart.

In the face of absolute crushing power, all schemes and ferocity were fragile and vulnerable.

This Lightning Talisman, through a fortunate coincidence, had its power greatly increased.

It could easily obliterate a seventh-level Qi Condensation cultivator.

Therefore, its deterrent effect on the Black Wind Stockade cultivators was as heavy as Mount Tai pressing down upon them.

With this one action, that fictitious great cultivator with the Lightning Spiritual Root was completely confirmed as real.

He was even dubbed ’Lightning Venerable’ by the people of the Black Wind Stockade!

This title was far too grand, but fortunately, it wasn’t placed upon Lin Jingyu himself.

Otherwise, he would worry about suffering a backlash.

Deep within the canopy, dense branches and leaves perfectly concealed Qin Yue and Yun Mumu’s figures.

But at this moment, Qin Yue’s phoenix eyes, which had originally observed with a hint of amusement, were now filled with undisguised shock and solemnity.

She stared intently at Lin Jingyu below—whose lightning aura was gradually receding but whose presence was still overwhelming—as if truly seeing the young man for the first time.

That bolt of lightning just now... Qin Yue’s mind was violently shaken.

She had seen clearly that it was far more complex than simply activating a talisman.

The lightning bolt, from its condensation, ascent, to its precise locking onto and destruction of the target, was lightning-fast yet incredibly smooth.

The essence of lightning power is absolute savagery and destruction!

As an experienced cultivator at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Condensation, Qin Yue deeply understood the dangers of controlling lightning.

Lightning techniques are known to harm oneself before harming others; a slight mistake means setting oneself on fire.

Yet, just now, that terrifying energy—enough to instantly carbonize a seventh-level Qi Condensation cultivator—was manipulated by Lin Jingyu’s fingertip with such ease and simplicity.

It was as if it wasn’t destructive lightning, but merely a streak of spiritual light extending from his fingertip.

This level of precise control over savage energy requires powerful mental fortitude and spiritual intelligence.

It was definitely not something a typical mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivator could possess.

Even many late-stage Qi Condensation cultivators might not be able to handle it with such effortless grace.

After all, he hadn’t cultivated lightning arts; he was merely using a lightning talisman.

She took a deep breath. The residual strong scent of ozone and burning charcoal irritated her nostrils, helping to slightly calm the turmoil in her heart.

Of course!

To be favored by that kind of reclusive old monster, even if only ’guided’ for a period and not truly accepted as a disciple.

He was definitely no ordinary talent.

An indescribable emotion arose in her heart: surprise, realization, and perhaps a hint of... expectation?

She couldn’t help but glance at her niece beside her, who was so excited she was nearly jumping.

Yun Mumu’s small face was flushed with excitement, her little hands tightly clutching Qin Yue’s simple, elegant sleeve, her knuckles white from the effort.

”Sister Yue! Sister Yue, did you see that?”

Her voice was extremely low, yet filled with uncontrollable excitement and adoration, her large eyes shining like stars in the night sky:

”Brother Jingyu, he... how can he be so amazing! That lightning! It was so terrifying and frightening.

Even a Senior Brother from the Azure Mist Sect’s Inner Gate probably couldn’t unleash a technique with that much power!”

”Sister Yue, let’s go out quickly and celebrate Brother Jingyu subduing these bad guys.”

Feeling the pull on her sleeve, Qin Yue sighed helplessly but affectionately patted Yun Mumu’s hand, signaling her to calm down.

Her gaze returned to the scene below, becoming deep and insightful:

”Now that this boy has control of the situation, the time for harvesting is next.

The resources on the Black Wind Stockade members and the Liu family cultivators are no small sum.

If we go out now, won’t it look like we’re trying to snatch the spoils?

Will your Brother Jingyu want to share some with us?”

”Moreover, your Brother Jingyu is quite deep. Didn’t you notice? This boy doesn’t want us to come out so soon.

He had already planned everything in his heart, utilizing the power of the lightning, and the reputation of that mysterious lightning cultivator.

To completely subdue the Black Wind Stockade cultivators!”

Her voice carried a hint of imperceptible admiration, as if she were commenting on a brilliant game of chess.

At the same time, she gained a deeper understanding of Lin Jingyu’s character, wisdom, and courage.

This was achieved entirely without the mysterious and powerful lightning cultivator even appearing, relying solely on one lightning talisman to complete the entire scheme.

Truly a monstrously talented youth.

”Ah? Why did Brother Jingyu go through all this trouble and danger? If he accidentally got hurt, wouldn’t that be terrible?

He should have just let Sister Yue appear directly.

The Black Wind Stockade cultivators would definitely have been scared witless!”

Yun Mumu pouted her small mouth in dissatisfaction.

”That’s completely different! My position as the manager of the Marvelous Spirit Pavilion is an overt display of strength! It is external power.

Ultimately, it is not this boy’s own strength.”

Qin Yue shook her head and continued,

”If we acted, it would be suppressing them by influence. The Black Wind Stockade people would be afraid, but they would fear the Marvelous Spirit Pavilion.

Not the Lin family, which would simply be borrowing prestige.

They would hold a grudge, clinging like maggots to the bone, waiting for a chance to retaliate against the Lin family, the ’culprit’.

As long as they had an opportunity, they would strike back like venomous snakes.

Even ordinary Lin family cultivators would be targeted, leading to endless trouble!”

”But he went to all this trouble, even risking his own safety to set up this scheme, not just to scare away these wolves.

Using the lightning talisman in his hand to instantly kill a seventh-level Qi Condensation cultivator demonstrated the Lin family’s methods.

And it highlighted the powerful and mysterious lightning cultivator standing behind them.

From now on, they will only remember the terrifying lightning that instantly obliterated a seventh-level Qi Condensation cultivator like a heavenly punishment!

They will only remember that the Lin family is backed by a powerful lightning cultivator whom they absolutely, absolutely cannot afford to provoke!”

Qin Yue’s fingertip gently brushed the edge of a leaf that was slightly curled from the residual lightning energy, feeling a faint, lingering numbness.

”This is the true ’root removal’! It fundamentally severed their intention to seek revenge!

Once the seed of fear is planted, it will take root and sprout in their hearts, becoming an everlasting nightmare.

If they dare to provoke the Lin family, Black Wind Stockade will face annihilation at any time.

They fundamentally dare not oppose the Lin family again; they might even concede benefits to curry favor with the powerful expert behind the Lin family.

This effect is a hundred times stronger than merely killing a few of their leaders.

Achieving several goals with one move—it’s much better than me showing up!

And the most crucial thing is that the mysterious lightning cultivator wasn’t even present!”

Qin Yue paused for a moment, her voice carrying a hint of incredible astonishment:

”This boy... is purely pulling off a massive bluff! He is dancing on a tightrope over a ten-thousand-foot abyss!

The slightest mistake, and the outcome would be utter destruction for himself and his clan!”

She also understood in her heart that this scheme was likely prepared long ago, just waiting for the Black Wind Stockade members to eagerly walk into the trap.

Saving Yun Mumu yesterday, thereby gaining the favor of the Marvelous Spirit Pavilion, and then naturally inviting her to observe the situation, was also part of the plan.

It was also a spur-of-the-moment idea to add an extra layer of insurance.

An insurance that could protect his family and himself should the plan fail.