[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-beyond-the-passage-of-time":3,"chapter-beyond-the-passage-of-time-beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-69":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Beyond the Passage of Time",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2344509,4583,"Chapter 69: Each Has Their Own Difficulties","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-69",69,"\u003Cp>Following Li Zimei’s soft, echoing voice, Xu Xiaohui’s eyes in the private room widened involuntarily as she looked at Xu Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was no wonder she didn’t recognize him; in her memory, Xu Qing was always covered in filth, looking dirty and disheveled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, the person standing at the entrance of the private room had a slender, upright posture like a pine tree, with long black hair draped casually over his shoulders, exuding an indescribable elegance, especially that face capable of making anyone lose themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peerlessly handsome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face was like a sculpture, with distinct features; beneath a pair of sword-like brows were slender, icy eyes, dark and profound. The glint he inadvertently revealed and the spiritual energy on his body made one dare not underestimate him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is me,\" Xu Qing nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Xiaohui’s pretty face flushed slightly, and she picked up her wine cup to drink, masking the turbulence in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qingpeng, standing to the side, laughed and stepped forward to welcome him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother Xu Qing, come, take a seat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching them, Xu Qing politely cupped his hands before sitting to the side. His gaze swept over the three of them; compared to the coldness and cruelty inherent in the sect, these three disciples who had entered at the same time as him clearly still retained some warmth and kindness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, it was evident that the sect’s environment had changed them as well. For instance, while Zhou Qingpeng appeared full of high spirits, the exhaustion hidden in his expression was still caught by Xu Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially on his body, there was an added sense of world-weariness—this was the growth gained after experiencing certain things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Xu Xiaohui, Xu Qing couldn't quite describe her changes; he only felt that she seemed increasingly like the woman in the feather tent at the scavenger camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Li Zimei had not changed much, though amidst her inferiority and reserve, there was more vigilance and caution in her eyes; it seemed that to her, anyone appearing in her vicinity made her guarded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed slowly. As everyone communicated simply, although Xu Qing remained mostly silent, the atmosphere in the room grew lively amidst their mutual reflections. After all, for them, the time spent in the sect was still too short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just that it was mostly Zhou Qingpeng and Xu Xiaohui laughing and talking; Li Zimei, like Xu Qing, chose silence, and occasionally when she looked at Xu Qing, her expression was clearly constrained and inferior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, having had a few more drinks, Zhou Qingpeng spoke with emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually, before entering the sect, I knew a little about it, but only after truly entering did I realize that hearing about it and experiencing it personally are different. In Seven Blood Eyes... wanting to live well is too difficult. A moment of carelessness, and you’re dead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You all must have similar feelings... Junior Brother Xu Qing, I still don't know which department you were assigned to? I went to the Sea Defense Division. Xiaohui is very capable too; in a short time, she exchanged for a Dharma boat and was assigned to the Dispatch Division.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Xiaohui, standing to the side, heard this, her smile somewhat complex as she nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am in the Homicide Division,\" Xu Qing said softly, feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the atmosphere here, as it felt contradictory to the cold and cruel nature of the people outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Homicide Division?\" Xu Xiaohui’s eyes lit up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zimei, to the side, revealed some envy in her eyes. Compared to Xu Xiaohui, although she was no longer dressed as a dirty scavenger, she was still very ordinary, so she spent more time with her head bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To her, among the four from the same batch, three already had Dharma boats, and only she remained ordinary, which made her feel immense pressure sitting here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother Xu Qing, you actually went to the Homicide Division? A few days ago, your Homicide Division did something big. Thousands of Night Dove heads were hung on the city walls. Everyone has been discussing it these past few days. By the way, in that operation, with your strength of Qi-blood manifestation during the entrance test, did you participate?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qingpeng’s expression flickered upon hearing this. He had seen Xu Qing once before and felt the spiritual energy fluctuations on him, and just now he noticed they seemed even stronger, so he probed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, such large-scale missions are actually extremely risky. Junior Brother Xu Qing, although your body refinement is good, after all, techniques are the sharpest. As newcomers, just entering the sect, striving for survival and cultivation is the priority. There will be plenty of opportunities for us to show ourselves later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing glanced at Zhou Qingpeng, seeing through the other’s probing. In reality, he felt that these three from his batch were good in character and didn't have many malicious intentions; this was another reason, besides the Ghost Desire Horseshoe Crab, that he was willing to come here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he nodded and didn't speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Seventh Peak’s Homicide Division is just like our Sea Defense Division; they are full of fierce people. By the way, Junior Brother Xu Qing, I heard that in your Homicide Division’s operation this time, an incredible figure emerged.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems there is a fierce person in the Mysterious Department of your Homicide Division. I don't know the name, but I heard this person actually killed an enemy chieftain at the Great Perfection of Qi Condensation. They were the only one below captain level in this operation to kill an enemy chieftain. I imagine their Sea Transformation Scripture must have reached its peak to do so. Such a merit, it is said, will lead to a promotion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qingpeng sighed with emotion, his eyes full of admiration. This sentence was no longer a probe, but genuine envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his understanding, this matter could not possibly be related to Xu Qing. Although Xu Qing’s body refinement was strong, with Qi-blood manifestation, after practicing the Sea Transformation Scripture, Zhou Qingpeng had realized that the sharpness of the Sea Transformation Scripture’s techniques made killing body refiners easy, especially in a place like the Homicide Division where there were many experts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he had sensed earlier at the apothecary that Xu Qing’s Sea Transformation Scripture spiritual energy fluctuations were strong, he still didn't associate him with the feat of standing out from the Homicide Division, filled with experts, to kill a Great Perfection of Qi Condensation enemy chieftain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I also heard about this; it’s been spread a lot these past few days. It seems to be from the Sixth Team of the Mysterious Department,\" Xu Xiaohui said from the side, serving dishes to both Xu Qing and Zhou Qingpeng with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These past few days, disciples from various departments on the Seventh Peak were indeed discussing the Homicide Division’s operation to net the Night Doves, especially the outstanding individuals in this operation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing was somewhat surprised. He had focused these past few days on finding the right time to kill the merman youth and hadn't paid attention to these matters. This was the first time he heard the rumors from the outside and the first time he heard about being promoted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It has nothing to do with us. For us... surviving is the key.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qingpeng sighed, touching his leg where there was a scar that hadn't fully healed. Then, seeing Xu Qing remaining silent, he spoke earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother Xu Qing, you cannot always be so aloof. You need to change this personality of yours. You must learn to be flexible. For your superiors, send some gifts or something; that way, you have a chance to gain protection and survive better.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing nodded upon hearing this. He was not good with words and didn't know what to say, so for most of this meal, he listened. Zhou Qingpeng slowly regained the spirit he had before entering the sect, occasionally raising his cup with laughter, steering the atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time, Zhou Qingpeng clearly drank too much and showed off his own achievements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, how harmonious his relationship was with his current superior in the Sea Defense Division, how many friends he had made, what kind of conveniences he had gained, and he even grandly offered to improve Xu Xiaohui’s network.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he didn't forget to repeatedly advise Xu Qing to change his temperament, and regarding Li Zimei, he said he would ask if the Sea Defense Division needed any handymen, wanting to recommend her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My boss promised me that as long as my performance in this assessment is good, he will introduce me to Senior Brother Ding Xiaohai. You know Senior Brother Ding, right? He is known as the number one in Qi Refining on our Seventh Peak,\" Zhou Qingpeng said, feeling very proud. Xu Xiaohui, to the side, flattered him with a smile, making the atmosphere in the private room even more harmonious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing also smiled and raised his cup to congratulate him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't dislike Zhou Qingpeng; everyone had their own way of living. Xu Xiaohui being able to obtain a Dharma boat so quickly must mean she had her own capabilities. As for Li Zimei, Xu Qing was not good at communication, but he felt that being able to recognize him at first glance meant her observational skills must be extremely sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meal lasted for nearly an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After three rounds of drinks, it was already late at night outside. Zhou Qingpeng was more intoxicated, and the group finished. During this, Zhou Qingpeng gave the Ghost Desire Horseshoe Crab to Xu Qing, but before Xu Qing could pay, Zhou Qingpeng waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My family is doing fine. Treat this little thing as a gift between friends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing looked at the bag containing the Ghost Desire Horseshoe Crab and noticed the sincerity in Zhou Qingpeng’s expression—he truly intended to give it to him—so he thought for a moment, didn't force the money, and cupped his hands in thanks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the four of them walked out of the private room to the entrance of the restaurant. Zhou Qingpeng looked at Xu Qing and spoke with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother Xu Qing, I am from the Kun Department of the Sea Defense Division. I still don't know which department of the Homicide Division you are in. Let’s keep in touch in the future. When I have free time, I will come to find you to catch up. We are from the same batch; we must move around more. In this cold sect, we are the ones who can trust each other the most. Everyone must stick together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing nodded upon hearing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am in the Mysterious Department.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mysterious Department? That’s the same department as that fierce person. He is in the Sixth Team. Brother Xu Qing, which team are you in?\" Zhou Qingpeng sobered up a bit upon hearing this, and Xu Xiaohui to the side was also surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing looked at Zhou Qingpeng and Xu Xiaohui, as well as Li Zimei, whose gaze was fixed on him, and hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am also in the Sixth Team...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qingpeng’s eyes widened, and he froze for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Xiaohui’s face revealed disbelief, and she said in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the same department and same team as that fierce person? It seems that fierce person is also surnamed Xu...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she could finish, even if Xu Xiaohui’s reaction was slow, she thought of something and was instantly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems a team only has twenty-something people...\" Zhou Qingpeng whispered, his drunkenness completely gone now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Li Zimei, looking at Xu Qing, had an expression of shock mixed with realization. In fact, when she first saw Xu Qing earlier, she had keenly sensed the lingering scent of blood on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding atmosphere suddenly went silent. After a long while, Zhou Qingpeng laughed and cupped his hands toward Xu Qing to mask the horror in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Xu Xiaohui, her expression was dazed, looking at Xu Qing as if wanting to say something but stopping, but in the end, she didn't ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, everyone, lost in their own thoughts, hurriedly dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, after dispersing, Zhou Qingpeng shivered, his eyes filled with disbelief and a hint of expectation. He immediately took out his identity token to send a message to inquire; he wanted to know how many people surnamed Xu were in the Mysterious Department’s Sixth Team...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing watched the figures of his batch-mates dispersing and turned to leave in the night. But after walking only a few steps, he seemed to sense something and turned back to look at the restaurant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a thin, small figure at the restaurant entrance, timidly discussing something with a waiter, and the waiter’s expression seemed somewhat impatient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are a sect disciple after all, don't make things difficult for me. What you all ate just now has already been cleared. You should have said you wanted to pack it earlier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This thin, small figure was none other than Li Zimei. She had returned after leaving, and now, hearing the waiter’s words, her expression was somewhat bitter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing watched this scene, and after a moment of silence, he walked over. As he approached, Li Zimei immediately sensed him. When she turned and saw Xu Qing, her face instantly turned crimson, then pale the next moment. She stood there, stunned, her self-esteem making her body tremble slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It shouldn't have been cleared so quickly,\" Xu Qing walked up to them and said calmly to the waiter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The restaurant waiter glanced at Xu Qing. He had seen many disciples in the restaurant and vaguely felt that the person in front of him was not to be trifled with, so his attitude became respectful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It shouldn't be cleared yet.\" Saying this, he hurriedly went inside, and before long, he came out with a packed box and handed it to Li Zimei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zimei whispered her thanks, standing there extremely constrained. The reason she had left and returned was that she didn't want to be seen. Her self-esteem made her bite her lip until it almost bled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s fine. Food shouldn't be wasted. When I was young, I ate too much of other people’s leftovers. Sometimes we even had to fight together just to get something to eat,\" Xu Qing said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zimei looked up at Xu Qing, opening her mouth but unable to speak timidly. Under the moonlight, a breeze blew, lifting Li Zimei’s hair and revealing a deep scar on her neck that was usually covered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Li Zimei, Xu Qing, for some reason, thought of the little girl in the scavenger camp and felt the dense aura of foreign substances on Li Zimei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disciples who hadn't exchanged for a Dharma boat didn't have much income, but that was only when compared to Dharma boat disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to commoners, it was quite decent, so Li Zimei’s state shouldn't be like this, unless she was saving to buy a Dharma boat, using all her income to exchange for contribution points, and living with extreme frugality in her daily life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, after a moment of silence, Xu Qing took a few White Pills he had refined from his leather bag and placed them in Li Zimei’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Keep it up. I want to see the day you exchange for a Dharma boat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying this, Xu Qing turned and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone had their own way of living; there wasn't much he could do to help, and everything was their own choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zimei stared blankly at Xu Qing’s back. For a long time, she looked down at the White Pills in her hand, and a warmth that could not be described emerged from the depths of her heart. In this cold world, in this cruel sect, this was the first time such warmth had appeared for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, after a long silence, when she looked up again, her eyes contained gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was grateful for the White Pills the other had given, and even more grateful for those words of encouragement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her self-esteem meant she didn't need sympathy and rejected any pity, but she needed encouragement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, I will definitely exchange for a Dharma boat!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another two chapters of over 8,000 words. Compared to the update volume of my previous books, this book has broken the record... 27 days since the book was published, with nearly 260,000 words updated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I’m writing very happily~~\u003C\u002Fp>",2768,"2026-06-21T00:45:15.441Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","b23f5ca7d5e302583aa82d12adba956b8dc40076c2d15a387f31842972606cfe","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-70","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-68",998,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbeyond-the-passage-of-time-cover.jpg"]