C5 Last Night with Me!

As the Third Elder's words fell, the group behind Chu Qing erupted into uncontrollable laughter, making no effort to hide the mockery in their voices.

Ling Han, far from being angered, allowed a cold smile to play at the corner of his mouth.

His expression then vanished, replaced by a look of stern resolve. Qi surged within him, causing his clothes to flutter violently.

"Roar!"

With a sudden movement, Ling Han conjured a massive Qi vortex behind him. At its heart, one could barely discern the shape of a cresting wave.

The onrush of Qi sent everyone staggering backward, overwhelmed by Ling Han's formidable presence. The roar of a wolf echoed in their minds, as if exploding from within.

The whirlpool's rotation whipped up a fierce wind, scattering the hall's decorations across the floor.

The roaring intensified!

Those of lesser strength clutched their heads in agony, seemingly unable to endure the onslaught of Ling Han's Qi, rolling on the ground in torment.

"Chu Qing, pay close attention! What level have I reached now?"

Ling Han's voice boomed once more, resonating beside Chu Qing's ear.

Caught off guard, Chu Qing nearly vomited blood from the force of the roar. He quickly channeled his Qi to regain control over his body.

In that moment, Chu Qing's heart harbored only one sentiment: hatred.

Had he foreseen this outcome, he would never have publicized the matter, opting instead to quietly eliminate Ling Han.

But it was too late. Chu Qing had not anticipated that Ling Han's Qi Refining had ascended to the fourth level.

"Is he even human?"

"The fourth level of Qi Refining is this fearsome?"

"Ling Han is such a prodigy! How did we not see this before?"

...

The men, reeling from Ling Han's relentless assault, watched him with eyes wide in shock. Had they known how fearsome Ling Han was, they would never have provoked such a formidable figure, even under threat of death.

"Mystical Qi Transformation!"

The Third Elder, witnessing the scene, couldn't help but slam his hand down on the table and exclaim.

It was common knowledge that the gap between the third and fourth levels of Qi Refining was not merely a small step, but a vast chasm.

Some disciples remained trapped at the third level of Qi Refining for their entire lives, and in the outer court, those who had reached the fourth level were few and far between.

Mystical Qi Transformation was an advanced skill that one could only achieve after mastering the fourth level of Qi Refining, indicating a profound understanding of Mystical Qi and the ability to manipulate it effortlessly.

No wonder the Third Elder was so exhilarated, while the Second Elder's frown deepened, his gaze towards Ling Han growing increasingly dark.

"Put away your Mystical Qi now. Do you intend to kill them?"

The Third Elder, recovering from his initial shock, noticed that the weaker individuals were struggling to withstand the pressure and urgently called out to Ling Han.

"Third Elder, is there any point in me keeping this Qi Gathering Pill?"

A cold smile played at the corner of Ling Han's mouth.

He then quietly withdrew his Mystical Qi, and tranquility returned. Smiling, he turned to the Third Elder and posed the question.

The weaker disciples were drenched in sweat, gasping for air, their eyes filled with fear as they looked at Ling Han.

What they didn't realize was that the shocking effects they witnessed were not solely due to reaching the fourth level of Qi Refining; the Body Forging Technique played a significant role.

Yet, Ling Han had not shown his full capabilities. To avoid causing too much astonishment, he held back, allowing them to only perceive the fourth level of Qi Refining.

"Indeed, it's of no use."

The Third Elder nodded slightly before turning his attention to Chu Qing, curious if he had anything to add.

The Third Elder already had a clear understanding of the situation, but out of respect for the Second Elder, he refrained from commenting. Nonetheless, he remained quite intrigued by Ling Han.

Chu Qing, feeling the Third Elder's gaze, slowly looked away. His fists were clenched so tightly they trembled, betraying the turmoil within.

He thought to himself, 'If I don't eliminate Ling Han, he will surely become a thorn in my side. Yet, it seems unnecessary to intervene with just the strength of the third level of Body Tempering.'

Chu Qing harbored a deep resentment towards Ling Han. He was well aware that Ling Han's Body Tempering Spell had only reached the third level.

In comparison, Chu Qing considered himself vastly superior and didn't take Ling Han seriously.

He hadn't achieved the fourth level of Qi Refining and mistakenly attributed all of Ling Han's success to this technique. This only fueled his determination to find a way to eliminate Ling Han completely.

"So what if you've reached the fourth level? The fact remains that you stole the pill! Can you account for your whereabouts last night?"

Chu Qing, momentarily taken aback, was not ready to drop the issue. Utilizing the elders to dispose of Ling Han seemed like the optimal strategy.

Otherwise, the whole outer court would be aware of his vendetta against Ling Han. Should anything happen to Ling Han, suspicions would immediately fall on him.

The Aquacloaks Sect prohibited infighting, with the sole exception being the Dueling Platform.

Yet, Chu Qing was convinced that Ling Han would never dare to challenge him there, so his only option was to manipulate the situation with the elders.

"What I do is none of your concern. Are you suggesting that not being in my room equates to stealing the pill?"

Ling Han's lips curled into a cold smile, curious to see what kind of scheme Chu Qing would come up with next.

"The pill... The pill was found in your room. If you can't explain your actions last night, then it's clear you're the thief!"

Chu Qing found himself at a loss for words, unable to conjure a convincing argument.

Yet, with the Second Elder present, he spoke with brazen confidence, twisting the truth to suit his narrative.

Upon hearing this, Ling Han couldn't help feeling exasperated by Chu Qing's blatant obfuscation.

Even the Third Elder shook his head in disappointment, casting a disapproving glance at Chu Qing.

"Indeed, the pill was found with you. If you can't account for last night, then there's no doubt you're the thief!"

The Second Elder, sensing the tide turning, chimed in to support Chu Qing. His reputation was at stake, and he spoke with an air of authority that drew the attention of all present, who seemed eager to witness Ling Han's embarrassment.

Ling Han found himself at a loss for words. He had spent the previous night asleep in his room, so any claim he made about going out would be a lie.

This would give Chu Qing and the Second Elder even more grounds to accuse him. He hadn't anticipated the Second Elder's ruthlessness.

As the Second Elder and his cohort were about to speak up once more, a graceful silhouette unexpectedly appeared at the entrance to the elders' courtyard.