C14 A Divine Thunder Descended from the Sky

Before Lin Hu could speak, Chen Ping continued, "My time is very valuable, and I can't handle everything personally. So, I need someone to take care of some matters for me."

"I'm currently in need of someone I can rely on. You have the status and a bit of strength, which makes you a good fit for the job."

"Of course, I won't force you. It's your decision to make."

"But there's one thing I need to tell you upfront: I despise betrayal more than anything. Once you agree, you can never betray me for the rest of your life."

"Otherwise, no matter what excuse you have, the consequences will be severe."

Chen Ping's tone softened as he added, "Of course, it won't be without benefits for you. I'll take care of the illness in your body, and if you ever run into trouble, I'll step in to help."

Lin Hu hesitated. Working for a master of such caliber wasn't shameful, but he still felt uncertain.

At that moment, Chen Ping said, "You don't need to answer me right away. Once I resolve your health issue, let me know your decision."

"Now, head to Misty Mountain, Villa No. 1."

Chen Ping closed his eyes, quietly resting.

...

Misty Mountain.

Villa No. 1.

Lin Hu got out of the car and personally opened the door for Chen Ping. As Chen Ping stepped out, he didn't even glance at Lin Hu and said, "Wait for me inside for half an hour. I'll come and treat you then."

"Yes!"

Lin Hu entered the villa.

Meanwhile, Chen Ping continued walking with his hands behind his back. Five minutes later, he stopped, closed his eyes, and began meditating.

The mystical energy from the Hidden Mist Mountain surged with each breath Chen Ping took.

Half an hour later, Chen Ping opened his eyes, a hint of disappointment flickering in them. He muttered to himself, "The energy is still too thin. In a day, the mountain hasn't regained much. But in three or four more days, it should be enough for me to reach the Foundation Stage!"

Yesterday, while training here, Chen Ping had advanced to Level 9 of the Energy Refining Stage. Now, he remained at Level 9 but was one step closer to the Foundation Stage.

Outside Villa No. 1 at Dragon Rise Estates, Lin Hu had made up his mind. Regardless of whether this ailment could be cured, he decided to follow Chen Ping.

Every Sublimity Stage Expert is legendary. To follow one is a lifelong honor.

Just then, Chen Ping entered. Seeing him, Lin Hu immediately approached with respect.

"Mr. Chen!" Lin Hu greeted, bowing. "I've made up my mind. From now on, I, Lin Hu, wish to follow you and never betray you!"

"If I ever betray you, may divine lightning strike me down!"

Lin Hu swore a solemn oath.

"Good! Very good!" Chen Ping smiled, but suddenly his demeanor shifted, as if he were a deity gazing down at mere mortals.

Chen Ping declared, "If you ever betray me, I won't need divine intervention—I'll handle it myself!"

"Thunder, come!"

With a sudden shout from Chen Ping, the clear sky was instantly covered with dark clouds, and a thunderclap echoed through the air.

Lin Hu's eyes widened as he watched Chen Ping point a finger at him. In an instant, a bolt of lightning struck down.

Lin Hu's hair stood on end, smoke rose from his ears, and his whole body trembled with disbelief. How could a mere human control the forces of nature?

"It's done! The ailment in your body is completely cured. If you don't believe me, go ahead and check for yourself!" Chen Ping said, hands clasped behind his back, appearing utterly at ease. In truth, though, he was somewhat exhausted. Summoning a thunderstorm isn't something achievable at just any level of mastery; Chen Ping had paid a price to make it happen. But only such a display could truly awe Lin Hu.

And as Chen Ping expected, Lin Hu was indeed awestruck.

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Lin Hu immediately channeled his inner energy to sense whether the illness that had plagued him for years was still present. The result was reassuring: his energy flowed smoothly, nurturing and repairing his meridians.

This was different from the day before. Previously, Chen Ping had merely suppressed the ailment with his own power, something Lin Hu could clearly feel.

The illness has completely vanished today.

"Thank you, Mr. Chen!"

Lin Hu quickly and sincerely said, "From now on, I'm willing to do anything for you, Mr. Chen!"

"No need for that. Just make sure you handle the tasks I give you properly."

Chen Ping stood with his hands behind his back, calm yet commanding, which made Lin Hu's heart skip a beat. He quickly assured, "I'll make sure everything is done perfectly."

Chen Ping nodded and, after a moment of thought, said, "The ailment you had was due to negative energy entering your body. Your own strength couldn't suppress it. When you get back, think carefully if you've crossed anyone or come into contact with anything questionable."

"Mr. Chen! Are you saying..."

Lin Hu's face turned pale, "My illness was caused by someone?"

"Quite possibly," Chen Ping replied calmly. "To have reached this point, you've likely made a few enemies."

"Think it over carefully to avoid falling into the same trap again. If you can't handle it, come find me."

"Thank you, Mr. Chen!"

Lin Hu expressed his gratitude and then quickly asked, "Mr. Chen, is there anything you need me to do right now?"

"You're quick on the uptake!" Chen Ping smiled and said, "I need you to purchase some aged herbs for me."

In cultivation, one can't rely solely on absorbing the energy of the universe; consuming special elixirs is also necessary, and these require aged herbs for their preparation.

Currently, Chen Ping is at Level 9 of the Energy Refining Stage. Having elixirs would be ideal, but even without them, he can still train. However, once he reaches the Foundation Establishment Stage, relying solely on absorbing the world's spiritual energy will require a significant amount of time. On Earth, where spiritual energy is scarce, even a lifetime of practice might not advance him beyond the Foundation Establishment Stage.

"When I leave later, I'll give you a list. Just follow it to acquire what I need," Chen Ping said as he entered the villa. The villa was impressive, but after cultivating for nine thousand years in his past life and becoming the Immortal Wutian, there was little he hadn't seen.

Lin Hu was quietly amazed that Chen Ping wasn't dazzled by the villa. Last night, he had reviewed all the information about Chen Ping, and everything seemed ordinary. It was hard to believe this seemingly average college student could be a legendary Sublimity Stage Expert.

Soon, Chen Ping handed a list to Lin Hu, saying, "Acquire these herbs. Don't worry about the cost. Money is insignificant, but the herbs, once I refine them into elixirs, each one will be a priceless treasure!"

"If you perform well, I might reward you with a few elixirs. That way, your cultivation can advance further, and you might even reach the Sublimity Stage!"

Chen Ping had already left the villa, striding away with determination.

Inside the villa, Lin Hu's eyes shone with an unprecedented light, a deep yearning for power. "We must acquire all the aged herbs for Mr. Chen!"

---

Qingzhou University.

Chen Ping was back. Not to attend classes, but to pack up and take everything from his dorm room. However, just as he returned, a figure blocked his path. It was Su Hanxue!

Chen Ping's brow furrowed slightly.