Chapter 119: Hey, Isn

At this moment, Lu Yaoyao was still immersed in the joy of five-in-a-row, never imagining that these seemingly simple black and white stones could create such a thrilling game of chase and blockade.

But she quickly snapped back and said, “Alright, leave it to me.”

Zhou Qing nodded and left.

When he reached the latrine, he first cautiously scanned his surroundings, confirmed no anomalies, then swiftly pushed aside the stone used to conceal the entrance and leapt down without hesitation.

After retrieving the moonstone and arriving beneath the main pool, he found the array plate still there—no red dots remained on it.

This filled him with sudden delight.

But he soon grew troubled: if the array plate was still here, it meant Second Uncle hadn’t emerged yet.

Had he gotten trapped again?

After a brief hesitation, he first wiped away the words he’d left yesterday, then pressed deeper.

Eventually, he reached the end of the tunnel, where the five-colored altar lay still, its eight high-grade spirit stones long consumed into powder.

It seemed the energy cost for a single teleportation was extraordinarily high.

But how would Second Uncle return?

After all, this thing clearly looked like a one-way ticket.

Seizing the opportunity, Zhou Qing proceeded to appraise it.

【Five-Colored Teleportation Array: The true pinnacle of array techniques consists of nine colors, with the first color weakest and the ninth strongest. This is an exquisitely crafted five-colored teleportation array, capable not only of long-distance teleportation but also of effortlessly piercing through numerous barriers and seals—extremely rare.】

Upon seeing the appraisal feedback, Zhou Qing froze, reaching out to swipe upward, hoping for more details.

Clearly, no further information existed—this left him somewhat disappointed.

I just want to know how to get back in!

It seems each time depends entirely on luck—whether the appraisal yields the exact key information needed to solve your current problem is never certain.

Still, he had never heard of arrays being classified by nine colors.

Like the protective and soundproofing seals around his quarters—they’d never shown any color at all.

If that’s the case, this altar-colored array must be worth a fortune.

Thinking of this, Zhou Qing excitedly rubbed his hands—but quickly shook his head. If he took this thing, he’d definitely be shortening his height.

Because when Second Uncle emerged, he’d break his legs.

He then sulked to the side and sat down, waiting quietly.

Meanwhile, Lu Yaoyao, absorbed in her game, soon saw Li Daoxuan and He Han walking toward her together.

“Where’s Zhou Shi-di? Didn’t I hear he came?” they asked, glancing around curiously.

Lu Yaoyao watched them, silently grumbling inside: “I knew Master wouldn’t trust me.”

But to their faces, she feigned indifference and lied: “He left long ago. What do you two need?”

Li Daoxuan and He Han smiled faintly. “Nothing urgent—just came to take a look. Why are you playing alone? This game seems off, doesn’t it?”

As they spoke, they bent down to examine the board.

Lu Yaoyao stood up. “Just random moves. You two go ahead—I suddenly feel tired and need to rest.”

As she spoke, she yawned dramatically, feigning exhaustion.

The two exchanged glances and didn’t press further.

“Alright then, Shi-mei, rest up. We were just passing by—we’ll be off!” They politely took their leave.

Once they were gone, Lu Yaoyao exhaled in relief and hurried back to her room.

After slamming the door shut with a bang, she immediately pulled out her identity token and sent a message.

【Zhou Shi-ge, how’s it going? Just now, my Senior Brother and Second Brother came, but I’ve sent them away.】

In the tunnel, Zhou Qing saw the message and raised his hand to reply—when suddenly, the five-colored altar before him began trembling violently without warning.

He froze in shock, eyes locked on the altar.

Then, a figure slowly materialized atop it.

Who else but Second Uncle?

He looked utterly disheveled, just as he had when he teleported away yesterday, muttering curses under his breath, though no one could make out his words.

“Senior!” Zhou Qing was overcome with excitement upon seeing him.

Second Uncle, spotting Zhou Qing, leapt straight off the altar and landed firmly on the ground.

“How long was I gone?” was his first question upon landing.

Zhou Qing answered quickly: “One full day and night!”

“Hmm, close enough to my estimate. Did you stay here the whole time?” Second Uncle asked, brushing dust off his robes.

Zhou Qing nodded without hesitation, face calm and voice steady: “I’m a man of my word. You told me to guard this place—I didn’t leave a single step.”

Second Uncle chuckled. “Hmph. Whether you’re trustworthy, I don’t know. But I know you’re just after the things beneath the main pool. Are they gone?”

Zhou Qing’s eyes lit up instantly. “All gone! No one’s around now!”

“Good. I’ll take them for you—then I’ve other matters to attend to.”

Without further words, Second Uncle strode forward.

He reached the array plate, placed his hands on the soil, closed his eyes, and seemed to sense something.

Zhou Qing, eager, quietly pulled out his token and sent Lu Yaoyao a message.

【I’ll be out soon. You must pretend to be asleep—don’t look toward the entrance at all.】

He wasn’t sure what Second Uncle might do if he discovered someone else had sensed the tunnel’s existence—erasing memories, perhaps.

Just as Zhou Qing tucked his token away, a deeper-hued Flame Spirit Blood Paste slowly emerged from the soil above.

Then a second, then a third…

Zhou Qing’s eyes turned green with greed; he hastily pulled out jade boxes and carefully packed them away.

Only when he’d collected exactly twenty-one pieces did Second Uncle stop.

“I left three more above. Remember: always leave a thread—never sever the root. Those three will ensure new Flame Spirit Blood Paste forms here more easily in the future,” Second Uncle said solemnly.

Zhou Qing nodded, committing it to memory.

“You’re at the late Foundation Establishment realm. To condense the Nascent Soul with the Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown, you’ll need immense energy. These Flame Spirit Blood Pastes will serve you well—I won’t take them from you. Young one, strive hard!”

Second Uncle looked at the pile of jade boxes, smiling warmly with encouragement.

Zhou Qing was deeply moved. He stepped back, then bowed deeply to Second Uncle with full reverence.

“Thank you, Senior!” His voice brimmed with gratitude.

Second Uncle said, “Alright then. Mountains remain, waters flow—until we meet again. I’ll be waiting for your good news.”

With that, he turned to leave.

But Zhou Qing suddenly remembered something and called out to his retreating back: “Senior—if I smell your scent again next time, will you still give me a chance?”

A loud, hearty laugh echoed from afar: “Sly little brat!” The laughter faded into silence.

Zhou Qing scratched his head, slightly embarrassed. Perhaps because he’d spent so much time with Third Brother, his own skin had grown thicker.

Still, staring at the twenty-one Flame Spirit Blood Pastes before him—plus the five from yesterday—made twenty-six in total. More than enough to push him to full Foundation Establishment.

He swiftly gathered everything, then climbed out, thoroughly satisfied.

“This girl actually listened?” Zhou Qing had just resealed the tunnel entrance when he realized Lu Yaoyao wasn’t anywhere nearby—and her room door was tightly shut.

Usually, when you tell a girl not to turn around, not to open something, not to sneak a peek, the more you say it, the more she’ll be tempted to do exactly that.

This Lu Shi-mei really is unlike anyone else.

After brushing off the dirt, Zhou Qing strolled over calmly and knocked on the door.

Lu Yaoyao opened it immediately upon hearing his voice.

“Zhou Shi-ge, you’re out! I didn’t look—I pretended to sleep the whole time!” She spoke urgently, as if afraid he wouldn’t believe her.

Zhou Qing smiled. “I believe you. Not looking’s in your best interest.”

Watching her earnest obedience, Zhou Qing paused, then pulled out another Flame Spirit Blood Paste and handed it to her.

She was a Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment—her energy needs couldn’t be judged by normal standards. Extra security was always better.

Seeing the jade box, Lu Yaoyao waved her hands. “No, no! Two are enough. You need them more than I do.”

“I’m soft-hearted—I’ll give it to you whether you want it or not. Take it!” Zhou Qing didn’t argue; he shoved the box into her hands.

She reluctantly accepted, cheeks flushed.

“By the way, don’t go down there again. I’m going to fully absorb these now—you should train hard too!” he said seriously.

Lu Yaoyao nodded obediently. “Perfect—I’ll close my door too. I wish you success in absorbing them and a swift breakthrough!”

After a few more brief words, Zhou Qing departed.

At the front of Shen Yue Peak, Niu Guangmo was idly waiting.

“Zhou Shi-ge!” Niu Guangmo hurried over as soon as he saw Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing was in high spirits. “Back to the mountain!”

…………

After returning to Xiao Ling Peak, Zhou Qing sent messages to his Master and Third Brother, informing them he would enter seclusion for a while—unless something truly urgent arose, do not disturb him.

Soon, both replied. His Master told him to take it slow, don’t rush.

As for Third Brother, his reply was brief.

【Go ahead and close up. I’m busy making money—no time for you!】

Yan Xiao, already broke as a beggar, sent that and vanished again—probably off scheming his next money-making plan.

Zhou Qing smiled faintly, activated his protective barrier, pulled out a Flame Spirit Blood Paste, chopped it into pieces, chewed slowly, and began refining it with the Yin-Yang Scripture…

……

One month later, a powerful pressure surged from a courtyard on Shenyue Peak. Cao Zhengyang, who was handling affairs, froze in place, immediately looking up toward a certain direction, his face filled with disbelief.

In an instant, his figure vanished from where he stood; when he reappeared, he was hovering above Lu Yaoyao’s residence.

Feeling the vigorous, surging energy below, Cao Zhengyang burst into loud laughter, then quickly clapped a hand over his mouth, afraid of disturbing the girl.

“This is what a true child of heaven looks like! A month ago, she said she wanted to touch the threshold of the Golden Core realm—I didn’t believe her. Now I’ve been slapped in the face. Impressive! Truly impressive!”

Cao Zhengyang was so excited he waved his hand, sending out several flags that shot into the air and planted themselves around the area, instantly forming a soundproofing light barrier.

Faintly, two colors of light seemed to flow across its surface.

“Master—”

Li Daoxuan and the other four also arrived from various directions. After seeing this, they understood at once, each wearing expressions of joy.

“Keep it down!” Cao Zhengyang quickly signaled the five with a hushing gesture.

They nodded vigorously and fell silent, waiting patiently.

Only by afternoon did the energy begin to slowly recede; soon after, the courtyard gate slowly opened.

Lu Yaoyao looked up at the six figures in the air and smiled brightly.

“Master, I haven’t let you down, have I?”

…………

Two months passed in a flash; Zhou Qing had already been in seclusion for three months.

Such a long period of disappearance made even the disciples of Xiaoling Peak and those from other peaks seem to have lost interest in him.

They say no filial son stays by a sickbed forever—let alone others; even his senior brother Yan Xiaohu rarely appeared alongside him anymore.

This guy spent his days bustling about with his eight followers, always busy, no one knew what he was up to.

Thinking about it, it made sense—everyone had their own matters to attend to; no one could forever revolve around a single person.

Take Lu Yaoyao on Shenyue Peak—after successfully breaking through to the Golden Core realm, the Sect Master himself took her out on trials to broaden her horizons.

After preparing thoroughly, the top disciple Li Daoxuan quietly left the sect, seemingly to seek and comprehend his own unique realm of understanding.

The top disciples of Jinyang Peak, Du Kui and Luo Xue, had also hurriedly departed a month ago. According to Elder Jiang Pu, who guarded the Soul Lamp Tower, it seemed their junior brother had encountered danger.

Half a month ago, Shi Zhen of Yusheng Peak successfully condensed her Xuan-level Nascent Soul—an achievement many could only dream of.

Yet the moment she completed her Nascent Soul formation, Shi Zhen joyfully rushed to Xiaoling Peak to share this momentous news with Zhou Qing—only to be told he was in seclusion.

According to Yan Xiaohu, Zhou Qing had chosen the path of body refinement, requiring brutal physical cultivation in the early stages, leaving his body severely swollen and unfit to be seen.

Upon hearing this, Shi Zhen felt disappointed but could only leave reluctantly.

Meanwhile, the Yusheng Peak’s peak master, Tong Min, held a grand seven-day celebration.

Multiple peak masters brought gifts with their disciples; the entire Yusheng Peak was immersed in joy.

After seven days, Shi Zhen departed with her senior sister Pei Yan.

Although she had obtained the Nascent Soul Elixir, she still lacked vast quantities of spirit stones to complete the formation.

Previously, she had sold many of her belongings, yet the amount still fell far short.

Coincidentally, at that time, Pei Yan, the senior disciple of Yusheng Peak, returned from a mission. Upon learning of Shi Zhen’s situation, she generously assisted her, providing the foundation for Shi Zhen’s entry into the Nascent Soul realm.

Because Pei Yan’s next mission required additional hands, Shi Zhen followed her away to lend aid.

She also needed to find a way to earn enough money to repay Zhou Qing for the Nascent Soul Elixir.

This debt of gratitude, she must repay!

And today, at the foot of Mount Taiqingmen, a dusty figure halted.

Her clothing was tattered beyond recognition, like that of a beggar—patches layered over patches, each of a different color.

The hem was caked with dried mud, as if she had trudged through endless mire.

On her head sat a worn-out straw hat, its brim frayed, with several strips of cloth hanging loosely, as if she had endured a long, arduous journey.

Sunlight fell upon her as she slowly adjusted her hat, revealing a sun-kissed female face beneath.

At first glance, she appeared ordinary—but upon closer inspection, she radiated a unique beauty.

Though marked by travel’s wear, her eyebrows were slender and long, her eyes clear, her nose high and straight, her features perfectly proportioned.

Like an uncarved jade, its luster hidden beneath dirt, yet with just a little polishing, it could shine with astonishing beauty.

Yet now, her eyes held not only a touch of joy but also a measure of caution.

Then, helplessly, she turned her head toward the figure behind her and frowned.

“How long are you going to follow me? I’m home—you can leave now!”

Behind her, a middle-aged man, equally dusty, panted heavily as he climbed up.

He gasped for breath, raised his hand, but couldn’t utter a word—collapsed onto the ground, pulled out a water flask, and drank deeply.

Finally, he poured water over his head and shouted, “Ahhhh—refreshing!”

The man’s clothes were equally ragged, covered in dust and wrinkles, but his eyebrows were thick, like two caterpillars resting above his eyes, trembling slightly with each breath, radiating a simple, earnest charm.

Luo Lingling frowned slightly, forming a tiny “ Chuan ” on her brow, then turned and walked away without another word.

Seeing this, the man quickly found a stick nearby and used it as a cane to chase after her.

“Ling’er, wait for me! This deep mountain wilderness—how can you abandon me like this?”

Soon after, as she saw the familiar Shanmen, Luo Lingling’s face finally broke into a joyful smile.

After four years apart, she was finally home!

I wonder how Sanhuzi and Xiao Qing are doing now?

And what about Old Mo—did he bully them while I was gone?

“Halt!” The Taiqingmen disciples guarding the barrier immediately emerged, surrounding her.

Luo Lingling smiled and bowed respectfully toward the barrier.

“Elder Wu Zhu, it’s only been a few years—have you already forgotten me?”

As her voice faded, the barrier rippled, and an elderly man with white hair stepped out from the air.

After a closer look, Elder Wu Zhu stroked his beard and burst into laughter.

“Who would’ve thought? It’s the little Luo girl from Xiaoling Peak! But why is your outfit always different? Where did you steal this one from now?” Wu Zhu asked.

Luo Lingling smiled. “You guessed right—this outfit was indeed taken from a beggar. I traded three steamed buns for it.”

“You, you—this cautious nature of yours, I wonder who taught it to you? You and your senior brother Gui Ao are complete opposites!”

Yet as he spoke, Wu Zhu was stunned—he could not perceive Luo Lingling’s cultivation base at all.

He was, after all, the Elder stationed to guard the barrier, possessing Nascent Soul realm’s peak cultivation.

My goodness—could this girl have reached Soul Transformation?

Luo Lingling said nothing more, simply withdrew her identity token and tossed it into the barrier to prove she was genuine.

Elder Wu Zhu chuckled.

You think we’re as paranoid as you? That’s excessive caution.

“Stop dawdling—get inside. If your master finds out you’re back—”

Wu Zhu’s expression suddenly changed as he spoke.

He suddenly remembered: Luo Lingling adored her junior brother dearly. When Mo Feng scolded him, she’d draw her sword and confront him head-on—even chase him down.

Mo Xingjian never dared utter a word, only grinned sheepishly and ran away, hiding in a corner to mutter back for face-saving.

He’d once heard someone say Luo Lingling was actually Mo Xingjian’s daughter—but she took her mother’s surname.

When Mo Xingjian brought her back, she was already five years old—and she turned Xiaoling Peak upside down. Mo Xingjian dared not discipline her; instead, he had to smile and entertain her. His senior disciple Gui Ao was jealous for a long time.

Even today, she’d never called him “Master”—always just “Old Mo.” Even the third disciple Yan Xiaohu, after being taken in, mindlessly followed suit—and got beaten for it.

Tell me, since ancient times, how many have treated their master like a grandson?

Now that she’s been away four years, and her youngest brother Zhou Qing had his Golden Core stolen—given her protective nature, Xiaoling Peak is going to be in chaos.

Quickly, the token was verified, and a gate opened in the barrier.

Luo Lingling immediately retrieved her token, then turned to look behind her, her face filled with exasperation. “Elder Wu Zhu, there’s a terribly annoying man following me—don’t let him enter Taiqingmen.”

After bowing, she quickened her pace and hurried inside the Shanmen.

Elder Wu Zhu frowned in confusion—but soon spotted the person Luo Lingling had mentioned.

The man leaned on a stick, panting heavily, as if he’d endured an arduous journey.

Then he stopped, gazed up at the glowing barrier of the Shanmen, his eyes filled with complex emotion.

“We made it. She’s finally home. Unbelievable—she walked all the way back. Even more stubborn than me. I’m impressed with myself—how many years since I’ve walked this far? If I keep going, I think my legs will give out!”

The man suddenly dropped to his knees, covered his face with his hands, and wept loudly.

But moments later, he flung the stick aside, as if freed, opened his arms wide, and laughed heartily, oblivious to everyone around.

His wild mix of crying and laughing left the surrounding disciples utterly bewildered, their faces blank with confusion.

(End of Chapter)