Chapter 147: Zhou Senior Brother, Linggu Mountain—It

The next moment, a venomous insect shot out of Tan Qiang's body at blinding speed, but Gao Xuan reacted just as quickly, snatching it out of the air and crushing it to death.

He gently closed Tan Qiang's eyes, rose with a sorrowful expression, then turned to the square box lying nearby.

"Be careful!" Cao Zhengyang warned, his eyes filled with caution.

Gao Xuan nodded slightly, gestured, and the box floated upward.

The instant he opened it, his pupils shrank sharply, his whole body trembled, his eyes turned red with pain—but he quickly shut it again.

He said not another word, merely carrying Tan Qiang's corpse back slowly toward Jin Yang Peak.

Cao Zhengyang stood where he was, his gaze fixed on Gao Xuan's lonely back until it vanished, his expression complex.

Though the lid closed swiftly, he still saw what was inside.

It was a finger!

A child's finger!

…………

The two, having eaten their fill and preparing to return to Xiao Ling Peak, heard of Tan Qiang's death and felt a deep sorrow.

Jin Yang Peak had five core disciples—now two were dead, and the senior disciple was utterly broken.

Zhou Qing still remembered that day when Du Kui had dreamed his junior brothers were in danger, rushing off at dawn to the Soul Lantern Tower to check.

He had joined him then, and incidentally bonded with Elder Jiang Pu.

Who could have imagined that so little time had passed, yet everything had changed—heartbreaking indeed.

Half a month later, Zhou Qing, using the wandering souls in the gravity zone as sparring partners, finally mastered the fourth technique—its power exceeded all expectations, perfect as a hidden trump card.

During this time, he had been ignored by the wandering souls on a few occasions and ventured deeper, but that tree, though seemingly short, was agonizingly hard to climb.

Especially without spiritual power or spiritual sense, each time he reached halfway, the hated corpse-wax crow would explode his head.

It's just a simulation, but we're practically old acquaintances—can't you give me a chance?

He stared at his interface, lost in thought.

He had already reached the early stage of Nascent Soul; with moonlight cultivation and the supreme-grade spirit stones he possessed, his cultivation base had steadily advanced, but breaking into the mid-stage of Nascent Soul likely required a breakthrough opportunity.

After all, cultivating in comfort was too slow.

Moreover, Nascent Soul cultivators currently ignored him with only an 11% probability—far too low.

He needed to quickly accumulate more ignore points; once reaching a threshold, this too would become a trump card.

And skill fragments—he was only one away from synthesizing a new skill, which also required grinding points to obtain.

"I need to go out—this is my chance to break into Nascent Soul mid-stage!" Zhou Qing made his decision swiftly.

With core disciples dying one after another, Zhou Qing felt an unprecedented urgency.

He could sense that Soul Transformation might soon enter the fray.

When that happened, it would truly become a blood-soaked hell—he must raise his cultivation quickly to survive the coming storm.

"If I leave, I must take someone—with cultivation too low, or I won't gain any points!"

Zhou Qing weighed his options.

His innate skill 【Lowered Presence】 required multiple people and a tense, chaotic environment to generate points.

In such an environment, at least one person must know him—but due to various reasons, they inadvertently overlooked him, lowering his presence and generating points.

After all, this was not the same as simply hiding alone to evade enemies.

Like last time, after the Four Flowers Converging, his master and second senior sister had hidden him in the mountains while countless Soul Transformation and Nascent Soul cultivators rushed frantically toward that desert.

Back then, his master and senior sister, fully focused on observing the outside, had diverted their attention entirely—allowing him to accumulate massive points and one new skill fragment.

"Currently, Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, and Jin Dan all have a 90% chance of ignoring me. If I take a familiar person, find a crowded, high-stress environment, I might be able to grind points."

Zhou Qing's eyes lit up, then immediately furrowed in frown.

He was currently among the top ten targets on the Cangyan Dao Palace's kill list—who would dare team up with him?

Wouldn't that be suicide?

If danger struck, who would protect whom?

After much thought, the only person who might accompany him seemed to be his third senior brother.

But that guy was too erratic, and as a Nascent Soul cultivator, he'd be nearly impossible to overlook.

Besides, he'd just robbed a grave—now if the two of them stuck together, how many people would eagerly come to hunt them?

"Zhou senior brother! Zhou senior brother—"

Just as Zhou Qing grew restless, Lu Yaoyao's excited voice rang from outside.

As soon as he opened the door, Lu Yaoyao rushed in, face alight, holding a map.

"You could've just sent a message—why come all the way here?" Zhou Qing asked, puzzled.

Lu Yaoyao beamed, said nothing, spread the map on the table, then pointed excitedly at a spot on it.

"Linggu Mountain! It's Linggu Mountain! I knew it felt familiar—I've been puzzling over it these past days, and now I remember—you once said Linggu Mountain…"

At that moment, she suddenly realized something, fell silent, her smile freezing, a flicker of panic in her eyes.

Zhou Qing, bewildered by her sudden reaction, asked: "What did I say?"

"N-nothing! Zhou senior brother, let's go to Linggu Mountain—it's a tremendous opportunity!"

Lu Yaoyao quickly changed the subject, grabbing his arm, eyes full of hope.

Zhou Qing looked again at the map, his expression turning grave.

Luo Xue had been brutally slain there by the Sima Witch, and Du Kui had barely escaped with grave injuries.

Moreover, this area fell under Cangyan Dao Palace's territory—just a few hundred li away lay one of their mining sites.

"What kind of opportunity could be there?" Zhou Qing frowned.

Lu Yaoyao blinked rapidly. "I heard a great master perished there—expert in sealing arts, once successfully created five-color seals."

Zhou Qing's eyes lit up instantly—he'd always been deeply fascinated by arrays and seals—and pressed: "You're sure?"

Seeing his interest, Lu Yaoyao nodded eagerly, confident.

"Zhou senior brother, maybe his legacy is still there—we should search! We'll definitely find it!" Her eyes sparkled.

Zhou Qing studied Linggu Mountain's location again.

True array mastery had nine colors—one weakest, nine strongest. Most arrays and seals he'd seen were colorless, failing even the lowest rank.

The most powerful he'd seen was the five-color altar in the secret passage—he had no idea where Second Uncle had gotten it.

He suspected the other five coffins likely held unimaginably powerful seals, forcing Second Uncle to flee far away to study sealing arts.

Just that five-color altar alone could let one slip silently into Taiqingmen's Heaven Realm and perfectly evade gravity zone surveillance—proof of sealing art's marvel.

If such a sealing master's legacy truly lay in Linggu Mountain…

At this thought, Zhou Qing's desire to explore blazed fiercely.

Wait—

Zhou Qing suddenly realized something, frowned at Lu Yaoyao: "Why have I never heard of a great master perishing at Linggu Mountain?"

If a master capable of five-color seals had died there, the Five Sects would've scoured the place repeatedly—yet I've never heard a whisper.

Does even the Shengwu Empire have such a master?

Faced with Zhou Qing's sudden question, Lu Yaoyao visibly panicked, her gaze darting away.

"I—I heard it from my master—he said it's a secret, of course no one else would know. Oh, don't worry about it—there's an opportunity there, we'll see for ourselves!" she stammered.

Zhou Qing watched her demeanor and understood instantly—he shook his head.

Clearly, this girl was lying—she just wanted an excuse to get him to take her out.

"I've got something to do—ask He Han senior brother!" Zhou Qing dodged.

Seeing his dismissive tone, Lu Yaoyao realized he wasn't fooled. She opened her mouth to explain, but found no words.

"Zhou senior brother, just believe me once! Oh—there's also a Suanni's sacred bone there!"

Lu Yaoyao quickly added.

Zhou Qing stared at her, stunned: "Suanni? You're sure?"

Lu Yaoyao hesitated, voice unsteady: "I think… you once said… it should be there."

Zhou Qing: "..."

He recalled the Five Sects' Treasure Exchange Fair—when his Silver Dragon Hand and Silver Dragon Step techniques resonated, he'd spotted an ordinary brazier at a stall.

Through 【Daily Inspection】, he learned its inner walls had been stained by the blood of a dying Suanni, making it extraordinary.

He'd used the dried blood inside to accelerate his cultivation of both techniques.

At that time, he hadn't yet achieved Heavenly Foundation, and his innate talent was mediocre—yet the blood's power was undeniable.

"Zhou senior brother, let's go together! If you won't go, I'll go alone—if I find something great, don't regret it later!" Lu Yaoyao pretended to be angry.

Zhou Qing fell into thought.

The story sounded absurd, illogical—but Lu Yaoyao's earnestness made it feel strangely plausible.

And—

Zhou Qing studied Lu Yaoyao anew, a thought stirring within him.

Jin Dan mid-stage, familiar, trustworthy, aware of some of his secrets—wasn't this exactly the ideal companion he'd been seeking?

But she was the Sect Master's beloved disciple, a Heavenly Foundation cultivator herself—her future was limitless. How could he drag her into danger?

What if something happened? How could he face the Sect Master?

Seeing his hesitation, Lu Yaoyao guessed his concern and hurriedly said: "Zhou Qing senior brother, we can sneak out—tell no one."

"Besides, I've always said—I trust only you in this sect. No matter what happens, I won't blame you."

Zhou Qing couldn't help but smile bitterly—those words shouldn't be spoken so lightly. If the Sect Master heard them, he'd be heartbroken.

And what virtue or merit do I have to earn such trust from you?

"Are you sure?"

Zhou Qing suddenly seemed to make up his mind—he had planned to leave anyway, though he hadn't decided where. Since Lu Yaoyao was so insistent, he might as well pay a visit to Linggu Mountain.

If there truly were any Su Ni bones or a Grand Master's legacy, it would be an immense opportunity for him—too great to miss.

At Zhou Qing's sudden question, Lu Yaoyao paused in surprise, then immediately reacted, her face glowing with delight as she nodded vigorously: "I'm certain—no, I swear it!"

"Don't go around swearing so easily—words have poison!" Zhou Qing warned. He disliked casual oaths; they always brought him an inexplicable sense of pressure.

Lu Yaoyao nodded obediently, showing she understood.

Zhou Qing thought for a moment and said, "I'll pack up again. I plan to leave tomorrow. If you really want to come with me, we'll have to go separately—one ahead, one behind—so we're less likely to be noticed."

"Alright! I'll use the chance to exchange for more healing elixirs too, just in case!" Lu Yaoyao hurriedly replied.

After Zhou Qing gave her a few more reminders, Lu Yaoyao skipped away happily. Watching her cheerful back disappear, he suddenly felt uneasy.

Was it right or wrong to bring her along on this journey?

Early the next morning, Zhou Qing left the mountain gate. Elder Wu Zhu specifically warned him to be cautious, for this boy was now a prized target—everyone who saw him wanted to take a bite.

An hour later, Lu Yaoyao crept out of the mountain gate, her eyes brimming with excitement, then departed.

Watching Lu Yaoyao walk off alone, Elder Wu Zhu stroked his beard and sighed.

Without realizing it, these young ones had all undergone transformation and growth amid this brutal war.

Now each of them could venture out alone.

………

Three days later, Mo Xingjian returned, exhausted.

"Oh, Brother Mo, you're back! Little Hu did an excellent job this time—and returned unharmed, long ago!" Elder Wu Zhu praised.

Upon hearing this, Mo Xingjian clenched his teeth in fury.

He'd only learned recently that the fellow had sneaked back days ago, forcing him to roam endlessly outside day and night ever since.

"Has he left again since returning?" Mo Xingjian asked urgently.

Elder Wu Zhu shook his head. "He's been staying on Little Spirit Peak. Don't worry—he hasn't wandered off again."

Mo Xingjian nodded, then immediately pulled out a leather whip to go inside—when Elder Wu Zhu suddenly remembered something and called out: "But your other disciple has left."

Mo Xingjian's raised foot froze. His face filled with disbelief as he widened his eyes and asked: "Zhou Qing? Where did he go?"

Elder Wu Zhu shook his head. "He didn't say."

Mo Xingjian shut his eyes tightly, his chest heaving violently, nostrils flaring white vapor as he struggled to calm himself.

To leave now, at a time like this—you're deliberately drawing hatred.

Those people might vent all their anger over Third Brother's actions onto you.

"Which direction?" Mo Xingjian asked helplessly.

Elder Wu Zhu immediately pointed northeast. Without a word, Mo Xingjian dashed off at full speed.

"It's been three days already—where are you even going to catch up?!" Elder Wu Zhu shouted after him.

He sighed, muttering to himself: "Thank heaven I never took disciples—otherwise, day after day, I'd never stop worrying."

About an hour later, Yan Xiaohu rushed out, looking frantic, glancing nervously around as if he'd done something shameful.

Seeing Elder Wu Zhu, he hurried over and asked anxiously: "Elder Wu Zhu, has my master returned?"

Elder Wu Zhu eyed his furtive manner, nodded, and said: "He came back—but left again. What's going on?"

Hearing this, Yan Xiaohu exhaled in relief, straightened his posture, and declared proudly: "Of course I'm going out to stir up more trouble! I'll make the Cangyan Dao Palace bastards run for their lives the moment they hear the name Knife Tyrant Yan Xiaohu!"

Elder Wu Zhu quickly urged: "Don't go wandering again—there are Soul Transformation experts hunting you now!"

"Pfft, what's to fear? I've been back over half a month—they must've gotten the news and given up chasing me. No one expects me to sneak out again now—I'll give them a surprise counterattack!"

Yan Xiaohu grinned triumphantly, his eyes blazing with wild excitement.

Of course, there was also his own reason—he'd gone to find Fourth Brother today and discovered he'd secretly left three days ago.

He'd left a letter asking Yan Xiaohu to take care of the old hen.

That chicken had lived fine without food for months—no care needed.

Besides, Fourth Brother had changed—he didn't even say goodbye before leaving. Who had he learned this from?

Clearly, he saw his rank was higher and wanted to make a big splash to outdo him.

How could he let that happen? He quickly packed up—and then heard someone say Old Mo had returned.

That scared him stiff. Sure, he'd gained fame—but digging up ancestral graves wasn't honorable. Knowing Old Mo, he'd be whipped mercilessly.

Better to go hide. Maybe he'd run into Fourth Brother—they could team up and use the "retreat drum" trick again.

"Let's go!" Yan Xiaohu said, then immediately mounted his sword and vanished into the horizon.

But an hour later, He Han rushed out, frantic, and immediately asked Elder Wu Zhu if he'd seen Lu Yaoyao.

"I saw her!"

"Where did she go?"

"How would I know?"

"When did you see her?"

"Three days ago—she left alone. Why?"

"Oh no~"

He Han hurried back inside. The battle between the five sects had grown fiercer; Nascent Soul experts kept falling. For a Jin Dan cultivator to go out alone was practically walking to her death.

Soon, Cao Zhengyang sent a detailed inquiry. Moments later, He Han hurried off.

This left Elder Wu Zhu speechless.

"Though I've never taken disciples and can't fully understand your feelings as masters, from a third-party view, you've all protected them far too much."

"People need to grow. Perhaps it's precisely your overprotection that drives them to leave alone!"

………

In a mountain range, Zhou Qing carefully scattered the feces of high-grade beasts around him, then leapt up and landed on a tree.

He'd learned this trick from his third senior brother—using beast feces to mask his own scent and avoid unnecessary trouble.

Lu Yaoyao lay on a tree branch, thrilled, her eyes glowing like crescent moons in the moonlight.

Zhou Qing found a relatively stable spot, sat cross-legged, and began to cultivate.

Watching the sudden silver radiance bloom over Zhou Qing's body, Lu Yaoyao slowly stopped smiling. She hugged her knees tightly, rested her chin on them, and stared at Zhou Qing, her eyes suddenly reddening.

Her gaze held a trace of nostalgia, dependence, and fear.

Her thoughts drifted back to the past—so long since they'd shared such quiet solitude.

"What's wrong?" Zhou Qing, still cultivating, sensed Lu Yaoyao's unease. The silver glow faded slowly; he opened his eyes, puzzled.

Lu Yaoyao shook her head slightly, fell silent, then thought and asked: "I'm just curious—what kind of woman will you choose as your Dao partner someday?"

Zhou Qing: "..."

Here we go again. Is this happening again?

First the Xuanyou Immortal, then Princess Xuan Yuan Muqian. Even if I look like your brother, you don't need to worry this much.

"Brother Zhou, suppose—just suppose—you someday have a Dao partner and give birth to a beautiful, well-behaved daughter."

"But the daughter has never seen her mother. Every time she asks, you refuse to speak of her. What could make you so reluctant to talk about it?"

Lu Yaoyao asked, suddenly serious.

Zhou Qing couldn't help smiling. What kind of hypothetical was this?

But seeing Lu Yaoyao's earnest expression, he couldn't ignore her. He lay back along a thick branch, gazing up at the bright moon and countless stars.

After thinking, he said: "Though I'm still young and it's too early to discuss this, if I ever do have a daughter, I suppose it wouldn't be bad."

"Really? You don't want a son? I mean—you won't look down on your daughter because you prefer boys?"

Lu Yaoyao's eyes lit up, asking eagerly—her gaze full of anticipation, as if this answer mattered deeply to her.

(End of Chapter)