Chapter 109: Could Little Four Be Thinking of Suicide? (6k)

Hearing Zhou Qing also approved his idea, Yan Xiao Hu immediately picked up the old hen and placed it atop the spiritual eggs.

Yet the old hen showed extreme resistance, refusing to sit, its bulging eyes staring blankly as if utterly baffled by the eggs.

Then it lowered its head and began pecking at the eggs to eat them, a sight both comical and frustrating.

Seeing this, the two exchanged glances, their eyes filled with barely suppressed laughter.

After a moment, they both burst out laughing.

Better forget it—these spiritual eggs are merely refined spiritual matter, utterly incapable of hatching.

Zhou Qing, however, watched the old hen with a thoughtful expression.

The Golden Core is the concentrated essence of a cultivator’s journey from Qi Condensation to Foundation Establishment to the Golden Core realm, the very source of spiritual power.

My Golden Core regenerates endlessly—if the old hen swallows it, what kind of egg might it lay next?

It would surely possess unimaginable power; if I could absorb and refine it, wouldn’t I achieve self-sufficiency, an infinite cycle?

At this thought, Zhou Qing couldn’t help but smile.

But soon he shook his head—no, forget it. The pain when Qian Dafu dug out his Golden Core was something he’d never forget.

Besides, he still didn’t know when his new Golden Core would regenerate.

As for someone else’s? Even less so—he wasn’t a demon, and he wouldn’t do to others what he wouldn’t endure himself.

“Keep the spiritual eggs,” Zhou Qing said. “They were laid from the spirit stone powder you fed it before heading to Lingyun Prefecture.”

Yan Xiao Hu shook his head, about to say more, when Zhou Qing glanced around curiously: “Where’s Master?”

Yan Xiao Hu hurriedly replied: “Oh, Master went to Shen Yue Peak—he should be back by now.”

Hearing Master was unharmed, Zhou Qing finally relaxed completely.

“Then my wound—” Zhou Qing pointed to his abdomen.

Yan Xiao Hu’s hands clenched involuntarily, his eyes brimming with pity.

He quickly sat beside the bed and comforted: “Little Four, I’m sorry—I’m the one who should’ve taken that blow for you…”

“Brother, what I mean is—”

“I know, I understand—I wish I were the one lying here instead.”

“Brother, you’ve misunderstood—”

“Don’t laugh. The more you laugh, the worse I feel. I know you’re pretending to be light-hearted just to spare me pain—go ahead, cry if you need to.”

“I’m not faking it—I’m genuinely happy. Everyone’s safe. What I meant was, my abdomen—”

“Don’t hold it in. Hit me if it helps you vent.”

“Brother, let me finish—I just want to ask, my abdomen—”

“I don’t want to hear it. I don’t want to hear it. It’s my fault. I don’t know how I’ll explain to Big Brother and Second Sister when they return…”

Before Yan Xiao Hu could finish, Zhou Qing suddenly moved, gripping his thick upper and lower lips.

Only then did he sigh in relief: “Brother, I just want to ask—this huge wound on my abdomen healed nearly overnight. Did Master treat me? Just nod or shake your head.”

Yan Xiao Hu immediately nodded, then quickly shook his head.

“What does that mean?” Zhou Qing frowned.

Yan Xiao Hu pointed to his mouth.

Zhou Qing reluctantly let go.

Yan Xiao Hu said: “Besides Master, all the Peak Masters activated the Revival Array—a powerful healing technique, but it drains immense spiritual energy. Master must’ve taken on a mountain of debt again.”

Zhou Qing was deeply moved and immediately reached for his storage bag.

He tried to open it—but had zero spiritual energy.

Seeing this, Yan Xiao Hu hurriedly said: “Master didn’t even take my money. He said lice don’t itch when there are too many.”

Zhou Qing was stunned.

“Did you give Master the Soul-Breath Immortal Grass?” Zhou Qing asked again.

Yan Xiao Hu nodded.

Zhou Qing smiled: “Master must be thrilled—his long-standing ailment is finally cured. Maybe he’ll even advance further.”

Yan Xiao Hu could only nod with a forced smile.

With you like this, where’s he supposed to find joy?

“By the way, what about Qian Dafu—”

“I killed him. Master ground his bones to dust and scattered them. Don’t worry!” Yan Xiao Hu nearly growled.

Zhou Qing sighed deeply: “This time, we’ve learned a hard lesson. The dogs that bite never bark. We treated others sincerely, but they didn’t return the same. In the end, hearts remain hidden behind bellies.”

“Yes, we’re too inexperienced. We thought too simply of others,” Yan Xiao Hu reflected bitterly.

If we’d noticed Qian Dafu’s odd behavior earlier—including the hidden tracking mark on his body—could we have avoided this disaster?

At that moment, Zhou Qing glanced around and suddenly said: “Third Brother, I want to return to my quarters.”

Yan Xiao Hu didn’t refuse. “Alright. I’ll carry you.”

After dressing Zhou Qing in fresh clothes, Yan Xiao Hu placed the old hen in his arms and carefully carried him down the mountain path.

“Why not fly on a sword?” Zhou Qing said from his back. “Your wound just healed.”

Yan Xiao Hu shook his head: “Your wound isn’t fully healed yet. The wind up high is too strong. It’s fine—it’s not far.”

Perhaps only this way could he ease his own guilt.

Zhou Qing said: “Brother, I’m really fine. You don’t need to blame yourself. In time, I’ll recover.”

Yan Xiao Hu’s eyes were red, but he only softly murmured, “Mm.”

Along the way, many cultivators saw Yan Xiao Hu carrying Zhou Qing, whose face was as pale as paper, slowly descending the steps one by one.

All paused their actions, standing still, their hearts filled with countless emotions.

The entire Xiao Ling Peak had only four core disciples—and the youngest, now reduced to this, was utterly broken. Truly, the vicissitudes of fate were unfathomable.

“Hu Ge—”

Niu Guangmo and the other eight rushed forward, wanting to help, but Yan Xiao Hu refused.

Zhou Qing smiled and greeted them.

The eight felt unbearable sorrow, recalling their journey to Qingmu City to investigate the Blood Tai Sui—still vivid in memory.

Zhou Qing wasn’t foolish—he knew what they were thinking. But he had to admit, he was now the safest of them all.

To everyone’s eyes, he was a broken man. Even the Cangyan Dao Palace had no interest in him.

Better to live hopelessly than die swiftly—life worse than death.

Yet he himself could strike unexpectedly at any moment.

He didn’t know how long they’d walked when Yan Xiao Hu suddenly stopped. Zhou Qing, sensing it, looked up—and froze.

Before his home, many core disciples waited silently.

Lu Yaoyao was the first to rush forward, her eyes red. Before she spoke, seeing Zhou Qing’s frail state, tears rolled down her cheeks.

【Heart Insight +9】

Above her head, 【So Amazing】 instantly changed to 【So Heartbreaking】.

【Heart Insight +9】

Shi Zhen of Yuqing Peak also stepped forward hesitantly. Her aura remained at Golden Core peak—her attempt to break through to Nascent Soul had failed.

Above her head, 【Learned Zhou Brother】 also changed to 【Poor, Helpless Zhou Brother】.

【Heart Insight +9】

Another prompt sounded. In the crowd, Li Daoxuan’s face showed pity—his annotation changed too.

From 【Sleazy Guy With a Few Ideas】 to 【Poor Soul】.

Zhou Qing couldn’t help but smile inwardly.

For the first time in so long, your annotation for me became these three simple words—and finally rid of “sleazy.”

It’s not easy.

The atmosphere was heavy, no one speaking.

Zhou Qing smiled: “You’re all here? Why not come in and sit?”

He instinctively reached for his storage bag, then froze awkwardly.

His identity token was inside—only his own spiritual and soul energy could open it.

But now he had no spiritual energy at all. Unless he was killed, losing his soul imprint, the bag would become ownerless again.

How did I forget this when I came back?

“Why are you back? Is my bed full of old-man stench?”

At that moment, a figure suddenly appeared in the center of the crowd.

All disciples bowed: “Greetings, Master Mo!”

Mo Xingjian glanced helplessly at Zhou Qing, then flicked his finger—the surrounding barriers shattered, and the courtyard gate slowly opened.

“It’s rare of you all to come visit him, but he’s still weak and needs quiet rest,” Mo Xingjian said, surveying the group with a satisfied expression.

Everyone nodded in understanding—they had all witnessed the massive healing ritual last night.

“Then, Zhou Brother, we’ll leave you to rest. Take good care.”

“Yes, we’ll come see you again when we have time.”

“It’s nothing serious—we’re here for you.”

…………

Each person comforted the youngest brother in their own way.

Zhou Qing felt an indescribable emotion surge within him; they always say true character shows in hardship, and though Taiqingmen was divided into thirteen peaks, they watched over and supported each other like one family.

Unlike other sects, where everyone schemed and betrayed one another.

Their thoughts and actions all stemmed from their respective masters—this alone revealed how harmonious and united the thirteen peak masters were.

Zhou Qing kept expressing his gratitude, while Lu Yaoyao looked at him, biting her lip repeatedly as she wiped away tears.

Looking at her, Zhou Qing suddenly remembered what Yan Xiaohu had told him half a year ago during their parting—could it be he really looked like one of her brothers?

“Don’t worry, I’m truly fine!” Zhou Qing said.

Lu Yaoyao nodded firmly, her eyes resolute: “I believe in you—you’ll recover. This is only temporary; you’ve never given up easily.”

Zhou Qing was startled—she spoke as if she knew him well.

Then Li Hanshan stepped forward, gently patting Zhou Qing’s shoulder: “When you’re fully healed, I’ll treat you to wine.”

“Thank you, Brother Li!” Zhou Qing replied.

Afterward, everyone gradually left, and Zhou Qing returned to his quarters; Niu Guangmo and the others hurried to make his bed and clean the room.

Mo Xingjian then reconfigured a new barrier for protection.

“Remember, always hold onto hope—once you’re dead, everything you had becomes dust and smoke; at least you’re still alive!”

Mo Xingjian gazed at Zhou Qing with solemn gravity.

Zhou Qing smiled and nodded, showing he understood.

Immediately after, Mo Xingjian pulled out a scroll titled “Yan Yang Ba Ti Jue.”

“This is an advanced body-refining technique that draws upon the fiery yang energy of heaven and earth to forge the body. When your body recovers sufficiently, I suggest you try it—you might be pleasantly surprised!” Mo Xingjian said.

Seeing his master and Yan Xiaohu standing silently by the bed, Zhou Qing could only smile and accept it.

But seeing their worried expressions, Zhou Qing truly wanted to reveal just a little more of his secret to them.

Yet he wasn’t sure when his new Golden Core would regrow—better to wait a few days and see how things develop.

It would make a nice surprise for them.

“Maybe I should stay outside—you’ll have someone watching over you at all times!” Yan Xiaohu worried.

He mainly feared Zhou Qing might do something foolish when alone.

After all, since waking up, his demeanor had seemed remarkably good—as if the destruction of his Golden Core had happened to someone else, with no connection to him.

But the more indifferent he appeared, the more worrying it became.

Because when pain reaches its peak, one selectively ignores certain things.

Zhou Qing said: “No need—I’m truly fine.”

After a brief pause, Mo Xingjian stood up, his gaze stern as he fixed Zhou Qing with a piercing look: “My disciple is not that fragile, nor will he choose to flee and become a coward. I believe in him. Come, let Lao Si rest properly.”

“But Master—”

“Go!” Mo Xingjian grabbed Yan Xiaohu, who still wanted to speak, and turned away.

Only when they were outside did Mo Xingjian sigh: “He needs some space to let out his emotions—haven’t you noticed how he’s been bottling everything up?”

“I know, but I’m afraid he’ll—” Yan Xiaohu stared into the courtyard, deeply troubled.

Mo Xingjian said: “I’ve embedded life-sensing runes into the new barrier—any faint movement will be detected immediately. Don’t worry. Besides, this barrier he must cross himself; no one can help him. Can you watch him forever?”

Yan Xiaohu fell silent.

Inside the room, after his master and third senior brother left, Zhou Qing gazed at the old hen pecking at wood nearby, feeling an inexplicable emotion.

He then undid his clothes again, stared at the scar on his abdomen, and carefully probed his dantian—still not a trace of spiritual power.

“No rush!”

Though he was safer than ever now, no wall is soundproof—once he recovers, even a slip could expose him, especially with so many Soul Transformation experts in the sect.

How would he explain it then?

The only solution is to inform his master ahead of time, have him devise an excuse, and since he knows my true condition, he can plan my next cultivation steps.

Also, the Cave Heaven—Shanglao Duanmu Shu and the others will never let me enter again; that path is completely sealed.

Unless I find the tunnel dug by Second Uncle—but that’s unlikely; they’ve probably sealed it again.

But then again, thinking carefully, it might not matter much—what could I even do if I went in?

Last time in the Divine Ruins Palace, I followed Second Uncle’s method, frantically swimming across the Blood River, snatching the Yin Yang Jue scroll from the first coffin, and returning—just as the giant corpse-wax crow sensed me.

The timing was excruciatingly tight.

Even if I went back in, unless I could immediately open a coffin and jump inside to see what’s inside, I’d still meet the same fate.

Otherwise, I’d still get my head crushed by those corpse-wax crow feathers.

Don’t forget—there are three of them there.

I currently have two supreme spirit stones; at a 1:100 exchange rate, that’s twenty thousand middle-grade spirit stones—more than enough for multiple round trips. But I’ll wait until my new Golden Core regrows first.

Soon, Zhou Qing thought of something else and opened his personal panel.

【Name: Zhou Qing】

【Age: Twenty】

【Cultivation Base: Golden Core Mid-Stage】

【Core Scripture: Yin Yang Jue】

【Talent Skill: Daily Inspection,】

【Heart-Insight Vision—LV3 (295/300),】

【Reduced Presence—LV3 (41/100)】

【Skill Fragments: 1/3 (Unobtainable)】

The panel’s data had changed accordingly: his age rose from nineteen to twenty, and his talent skill Heart-Insight Vision now needed only five more points to reach Level 4.

As for Reduced Presence, it was harder to level—it required being invisible among multiple Golden Core or higher cultivators.

The skill fragments hadn’t moved in ages, leaving him itching to know what the fourth talent skill would be.

【Heart-Insight Points +9】

At that moment, a notification suddenly rang out, leaving Zhou Qing stunned.

Watching the panel’s data shift, Zhou Qing couldn’t help but smile.

It was as if the pillow had been handed to him just as he fell asleep.

Was it his master or Senior Brother Gao Xuan?

It couldn’t be Xuan You Xianzi or Second Uncle—too unlikely.

Zhou Qing quickly looked.

【Talent Skill: Heart-Insight Vision—LV4 (4/400)】

【Bound Individuals: 12】

Compared to the previous eight, four new slots had been added.

“These four slots must be used wisely!” Zhou Qing’s face lit up, then he fell into thought.

The person who still unsettled him most in Taiqingmen was the fake Senior Brother Gao Xuan—and just how vast a web had he woven over the years?

How many people were bound to it without knowing?

First came Deputy Director Cao Wei of the Spirit Field Office, then Director Gu Tao of the Mission Hall, and now Qian Dafu of Lingyun Mansion—he dared not trust anyone again.

You never know what face hides beneath each person’s skin.

After my severe injury and unconsciousness, all my senior uncles and aunts jointly activated the Revival Array to pull me back from death’s door—and just now, my senior brothers and sisters from all thirteen peaks came to visit me. Such a wonderful family—I truly don’t want anyone here to suffer even a single scratch.

“Oh, I’m such an idiot!”

Soon, Zhou Qing seemed to realize something and smacked his forehead.

“The talent skill Daily Inspection can’t inspect people—but it can inspect objects!” Zhou Qing’s eyes gleamed.

Since I get one use per day, why not use it? I can visit Jin Yang Peak and inspect some of Senior Brother Gao Xuan’s personal items—might uncover something unexpected.

“While I have no spiritual power now, if Gao Xuan wants to probe me, this is the perfect chance—no one cares what a cripple does. Once my new Golden Core starts growing, spiritual power will return, and it’ll be harder to act.”

Zhou Qing muttered to himself.

“With four slots, I’ll reserve one for Elder Jiang Pu, who guards the Soul Tower—see if he’s allied with Gao Xuan.”

After planning his next steps, Zhou Qing slowly rose and tried moving gently.

He aimed to visit Jin Yang Peak tomorrow.

In the afternoon, Yan Xiaohu sneaked back in, carrying a food box—clearly from Yushan Hall.

Seeing Zhou Qing was fine, he finally exhaled in relief.

Then he grinned and entered with the box.

“Here we go! You’re still weak—this is premium nourishment I ordered specially from Yushan Hall. Try it!”

As Yan Xiaohu spoke, he took out steaming dishes one by one.

Zhou Qing sat down smiling—after more than half a year without his sect’s food, seeing it now made him genuinely hungry.

“By the way, Brother, I’ve got a favor—I need you to take care of the old hen for now. I’m too weak to even open my storage pouch, let alone grind spirit stones.”

Yan Xiaohu immediately agreed—he hadn’t thought it through. He’d originally wanted the hen to stay with Zhou Qing, at least as company, and its dim-witted nature might bring some joy to his little brother’s gloomy days.

But he’d forgotten the hen needed spirit stones—this would only remind Zhou Qing of his helplessness.

“Also, this Revival Array seems incredibly powerful—I still feel my flesh and blood slowly healing. I’d like to visit it tomorrow—do you have time?”

Zhou Qing suggested after eating two bites.

Hearing Zhou Qing wanted to go out, Yan Xiaohu was happier than anyone—he feared most that his little brother would lock himself away.

At least outside, there was blue sky, white clouds, green mountains, and clear waters—it could lift one’s spirits.

Yan Xiaohu said: “Don’t be silly—right now I’ve got nothing but time. Wherever you want to go, I’m at your command.”

Zhou Qing smiled: “Now that we have the Nascent Soul Pill, I’m worried it might affect your Nascent Soul formation.”

“Let’s put off Nascent Soul formation for a while,” Yan Xiao said. “Your injuries aren’t fully healed yet, and most importantly, your inner state hasn’t settled—it’ll take time to calm down.”

Zhou Qing fell silent: “Is it because of me?”

“It has nothing to do with you—don’t overthink it. Forget it, let’s talk about your plans for tomorrow. I’ll get things ready in advance,” Yan Xiao waved his hand.

Zhou Qing said: “Jin Yang Peak.”

“Jin Yang Peak?” Yan Xiao thought he’d misheard. “Aren’t you still suspicious about Master Gao Xuan?”

Zhou Qing smiled faintly: “Just going for a stroll.”

Yan Xiao thought for a moment and agreed—it probably wouldn’t be dangerous.

Only when evening came and he saw Zhou Qing seemed in good spirits did Yan Xiao finally feel reassured and leave.

After a simple preparation, he set off up the mountain to find Mo Xingjian.

“Is he alright?” Mo Xingjian asked.

Yan Xiao nodded. “So far, he’s doing well. It seems my junior brother is stronger than I thought. By the way, Master, I need your help.”

“What is it?” Mo Xingjian asked, puzzled.

Requesting a monthly vote ticket





(End of Chapter)