Chapter 152: Little Lu, I

Upon hearing the news, Mo Xingjian furrowed his brows and let out a cold snort.

"Then activate it—let this old man see just how strong your Cangyan Dao Palace's Soul Transformation puppet truly is!"

He then surged forward again, continuously sending messages to Yan Xiao Hu's token, trying to pinpoint his location.

Almost simultaneously, the Shanmen barrier of Jin Leizong rippled, and Lei Lie burst out, face filled with panic.

"You're truly reckless!" Lei Lie cursed, unsure where to even begin searching for Lei Luo.

At the Shanmen of Cangyan Dao Palace!

At this moment, countless figures stood in solemn silence.

One by one, disciples clad in crimson robes descended slowly from flying vessels, their expressions grave.

Each carried a coffin, inside which lay the ancestral bones retrieved from the ancestral homeland.

Who could have imagined that even during the sect's relocation, they dared not disturb the ancestors—yet now, after so long, they were forced into this by a Nascent Soul cultivator?

Especially the third time—there had been a Soul Transformation elder stationed at the ancestral grounds! No one knew how the fellow managed it.

And it seemed he'd grown addicted to it.

True, they could have assigned two or three more Soul Transformation elders to guard and reinforced the barriers.

But the war is escalating—soon, even the Soul Transformation Elders may be drawn into the fighting.

If that scoundrel strikes a fourth time, then Cangyan Dao Palace might as well all commit suicide right now.

Thus, they had no choice but to relocate the graves!

"Cangyan fire burns through ancient and modern times; today we move the bones back to the sacred realm. The war spirits once shook mountains and rivers—now they return with overwhelming might. We humbly welcome our ancestors home!"

With this cry, countless disciples knelt on one knee, chanting the reverent words in unison, their voices echoing across the heavens.

Once they reached the mausoleum, the Sect Master and the Supreme Elders would hold a grander funeral.

Yet, as all were lost in this solemn atmosphere, no one noticed that two figures carrying coffins wore expressions of barely concealed excitement.

Especially with so many bowing before them.

Lei Luo gazed at Yan Xiao Hu with deep admiration.

Who could have thought they'd dare pull off a "darkness under the lamp"?

A hunting squad composed of Soul Transformation elders, right? Keep searching out there—we two brothers are just strolling right under your noses.

"This mask is truly reliable!" Yan Xiao Hu whispered secretly. Going against the norm—this was his sudden, inspired strategy.

Lei Luo whispered back: "Don't worry—each lasts two months. I've got ten here. More than enough."

"Good. Stay alert, avoid contact with Sikong Yan and others. Use the memories from soul-searching to return directly to our substitutes' quarters," Yan Xiao Hu instructed.

Lei Luo nodded vigorously.

Fortunately, their qi was suppressed to the Jin Dan realm—these people likely hadn't left behind soul lamps or similar.

Then, with solemn faces, the group stepped into the Shanmen…

Linggu Mountain!

Zhou Qing closed his eyes, his spiritual power surging; within his spiritual sea, the Nascent Soul, once the size of an infant, had grown to resemble a child.

His features grew clearer, his eyes radiating both liveliness and depth.

Moreover, the four-colored flower in the Nascent Soul's hand detached itself, sinking deep into the spiritual soil of the spiritual sea, becoming broader and thicker.

The patterns on its petals grew sharper, as if naturally formed spiritual runes, imbued with mysterious Dao resonance.

His aura now spread like a solidified tide, expanding outward.

After a long while, Zhou Qing exhaled a turbid breath and opened his eyes in surprise.

"Mid-Nascent Soul!" he murmured, filled with emotion.

After the Four Flowers Gathered at the Crown, he'd finally taken another step forward—how hard-won.

Cultivation under the moonlight doubles efficiency, absorbing supreme fire-attribute spirit stones, Jin Wu essence blood, Thunder Source qi, and Suanni essence blood…

So much terrifying energy, yet it only pushed him one stage forward—clearly, the energy required by a Four Flowers Gathered at the Crown cultivator is immense.

Of course, even ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators find each advancement extraordinarily difficult.

Yet he, thanks to his innate talent and countless opportunities, had advanced remarkably fast.

Almost simultaneously, Lu Yaoyao's surroundings crackled with lightning arcs, her aura surging upward until she smoothly broke through to Jin Dan realm's peak!

"Zhou Shixiong!" Feeling the vast power within, Lu Yaoyao rose happily.

In such a short time, she'd broken through two realms—who would believe it?

Last time, when she broke from Foundation Establishment peak to Jin Dan, it was Zhou Qing's Yan Ling Blood Ointment that helped her—this time, it was two drops of natural thunder fluid.

Watching Lu Yaoyao's excitement, Zhou Qing genuinely rejoiced for her.

This time, both had gained greatly.

"Breakthrough is good—focus on stabilizing your new realm. It's probably daytime—we can't leave yet!" Zhou Qing warned.

Lu Yaoyao nodded obediently and sat cross-legged again.

Zhou Qing then pulled out the scroll inscribed with countless forbidden techniques, his heart racing.

From today, he would hold a second identity—Spirit Array Master!

The entire Shengwu Imperial Dynasty had no single Fifth-Rank Forbidden Master; all barriers, array discs, and array flags were crude creations based on shallow knowledge—colorless, their power naturally limited.

True, advanced barriers and forbidden arrays were defined by color—their power was incomparably greater, worlds apart.

"Uncle Er, I wonder which sect you've joined now—let's see who opens the next coffin first!"

Zhou Qing's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he slowly unrolled the scroll.

Instantly, a blinding light erupted from the scroll, engulfing him entirely.

Within the light, countless dense runes, patterns, and obscure array-forbidden diagrams flashed and danced wildly; a flood of knowledge surged into his mind like a tidal wave.

His spirit screamed with sharp pain—but since entering Mid-Nascent Soul, his spiritual sea had expanded several times over; this pain meant nothing.

Before him now stood the accumulated knowledge of the Star Battlefield's Xuan Qingzi, detailing the structure, principles, setup essentials, and transformation methods of arrays and forbidden techniques.

From the most basic array foundations, spiritual power flow paths, to how to guide and unleash immense energy—every detail was crystal clear before him.

Beads of sweat formed on Zhou Qing's forehead; his mind spun rapidly, like parched earth greedily drinking every drop of knowledge's dew.

And the scroll in his hand, like Xuan Qingzi himself, slowly turned transparent and dissolved…

Several days later, on a certain midnight, two lights suddenly shot up from beneath a pile of bones; they first scanned the surroundings warily, then relaxed once certain no one was near.

"We tell no one about this place—when you one day slay the Demon Emperor, return and claim the Suanni bones!"

Lu Yaoyao feared Zhou Qing's filial nature—he'd rush back and tell Mo Xingjian.

Zhou Qing was stunned.

I was just about to say the same thing to you—save this place as a perfect ambush spot. It might prove crucial someday.

So we're in perfect sync?

"Demon Emperor? That's a Cut-Spirit realm expert—you have too much faith in me!" Zhou Qing grinned, teasing.

Lu Yaoyao's expression turned serious, her gaze fixed on Zhou Qing: "Believe in yourself—you're the best!"

Zhou Qing, seeing this, could only smile and nod: "Thank you."

Then, gazing at the moonlight, he guessed they'd been secluded for about two months.

"Last time we came, we had no time—I want to see where Sister Luo Xue fell," Zhou Qing surveyed the area, a trace of sorrow in his eyes.

Now that both had greatly strengthened, they had some confidence to explore Linggu Mountain.

Lu Yaoyao's joyful eyes dimmed, a flicker of grief passing through them as she softly replied, "Alright."

The two then began searching. According to sect records, Sima Yaoji, one of Cangyan Dao Palace's Five Prodigies, had brutally dismembered Sister Luo Xue, even destroying her Nascent Soul.

Brother Du Kui was gravely wounded; the sect, powerless, could only erect a symbolic grave for Luo Xue, a hollow comfort.

"Zhou Shixiong, look here—"

Soon, Lu Yaoyao reached the spot where Zhou Qing had buried the Thunder-Sound Golden Toad. A deep pit had been dug—the half-body corpse was gone.

Additionally, the corpses brought by the Nascent Soul cultivator Chu Yu, who came later, had also been completely cleared away.

Lu Yaoyao clearly remembered the bodies had been nearby—she'd even collected many storage bags from the scattered remains of those who self-destructed.

Zhou Qing crouched down, examining the ground carefully: fresh, chaotic footprints marred the ash-covered soil—many had passed through.

If he guessed right, the Blood Rock Mine had sent a new overseer to investigate the deaths of Li Hong and Chu Yu—and accidentally discovered the Thunder-Sound Golden Toad's corpse.

"Too bad you still didn't survive," Zhou Qing murmured, gazing at the empty pit, filled with regret.

Li Hong, Chu Yu, and the two black-robed puppets—four Nascent Soul cultivators. If they sensed trouble here, Cangyan Dao Palace would have sent a late-stage or peak Jin Dan cultivator to investigate.

But in the end, they discovered the cause: greed. They'd fought a dying Thunder-Sound Golden Toad and perished.

Yet with so many deaths, the Blood Rock Mine had left only a few guards—no one had taken advantage.

Likely, small sect adventurers had stumbled upon the scene, lucky enough to arrive just in time, and picked up the storage bags like fishermen reaping the catch.

But the Thunder-Sound Golden Toad's corpse was too massive—they couldn't carry it away, so they hid it somewhere, planning to return later.

Thus, Zhou Qing deduced Cangyan Dao Palace wouldn't classify this as an attack by the Three Sect Alliance—it looked like a tragic accident sparked by greed.

Besides, the war had reached its fever pitch; every faction had countless urgent matters—no one had the energy to dwell on this.

So the Blood Rock Mine likely had no strong cultivators stationed there.

"Looks like it's still time to harvest!" Zhou Qing's eyes flashed coldly, narrowing slightly, his killing intent sharp.

Then the two left the spot, continuing their search toward other places where battles might have occurred.

After circling Linggu Mountain, Zhou Qing and Lu Yaoyao finally reached a striking location.

The ground and surrounding rocks were scarred with sword qi and fire burns; animal bones lay shattered everywhere.

Lu Yaoyao picked up a bloodstained robe nearby—tattered beyond repair, the blood dried into dark crimson.

Zhou Qing stood silent, face grim, and silently took three incense sticks from his storage bag, lighting them.

Then, with both hands cradling the object, he bowed three solemn bows toward the site still bearing traces of battle, as a final farewell to Sister Luo Xue.

"Sister Luo, I swear to you—I will kill her!"

Zhou Qing gritted his teeth, his voice firm.

Lu Yaoyao, standing nearby, also wore a look of furious hatred and added, "Count me in!"

The two searched the surroundings once more, confirmed nothing else remained, then headed straight for the Blood Rock Mine.

…………

The Blood Rock Mine was renowned for producing Blood Rock Crystals, guarded by several disciples of the Cangyan Dao Palace, responsible for daily mining and defense.

When the two arrived, they faced a massive, entirely dark-red mountain mass.

Among the surrounding peaks, banners of the Cangyan Dao Palace snapped loudly in the wind.

Many ragged mine slaves, their eyes dull and faces gaunt, shuffled in and out; some carried baskets laden with blood-red coral-like crystals, stumbling under their weight.

The moment any slave collapsed from exhaustion, two guards immediately stepped forward, lashing their leather whips without mercy—cries of agony echoed continuously.

"Looks like they've brought in another batch," Zhou Qing murmured, then smiled at Lu Yaoyao, who stood alert.

"Lu sister, want to see a trick?" Zhou Qing's tone carried a hint of mystery.

Lu Yaoyao's eyes lit up at once. "Yes!"

Seeing her reaction, Zhou Qing smirked. "Watch closely."

With that, he stood up and strode boldly toward the entrance.

This sight left Lu Yaoyao stunned.

What the hell is he doing?

There are several Cangyan Dao Palace disciples at the entrance—our strength is enough to slip in silently, scout the new overseer's cultivation base first, then decide.

But you? You're planning to charge straight in. Isn't that too reckless?

Lu Yaoyao didn't understand, but she immediately prepared for battle; such combat was rare training for her.

But what happened next made her eyes widen in disbelief—she even rubbed them, wondering if she'd imagined it.

Zhou Qing walked openly toward the entrance, yet the guards—like blind men—showed no reaction at all.

They stood there, going about their duties, letting him walk step by step inside.

Until Zhou Qing entered without a care, even turned and waved at her casually.

Lu Yaoyao knew Zhou Qing had broken through to Nascent Soul, though she didn't know when—so she still had some confidence in his strength.

But not this absurd?

Could those disciples be terrified by his royal aura?

After all, he's ranked tenth on the Death List.

The more she thought, the more convinced she became—soon, her eyes filled with admiration and worship.

Inside, Zhou Qing checked his panel.

Talent Skill: 【Reduce Presence—LV4 (31/100)】

At Nascent Soul, there's a 31% chance they'll ignore him—let alone those few Foundation Establishment disciples at the gate.

Even if they noticed, he could eliminate them in a blink. Good he pulled it off—wonder how shocked the girl is right now.

Thinking of this, Zhou Qing couldn't help smiling smugly.

Then he gazed at the vast mine, his thoughts swirling.

Spirit Array Masters were an extremely expensive profession, requiring vast quantities of rare ores as array materials.

Since he'd chosen to practice, Blood Rock Crystals were his top target.

Thus, Zhou Qing wandered the mine like strolling through his own courtyard, slowly moving while secretly extending his spiritual sense to gauge the newcomers' cultivation levels.

Some Jin Dan disciples also noticed Zhou Qing then, but seeing his leisurely pace, they paid him no mind.

They merely glanced briefly, then returned to their tasks, never daring to approach or ask questions.

Probably a noble guest invited by the overseer.

Seeing the warehouse nearby, Zhou Qing walked straight in.

Inside, several mine slaves carefully removed ore blocks from their baskets and placed them in designated spots.

Their movements were cautious, terrified of making a mistake and drawing the guards' wrath.

The disciples responsible for registration noticed his entrance and looked up.

One disciple opened his mouth to ask, but Zhou Qing beat him to it, his tone casual: "Is that all?"

The question left them dumbfounded—they exchanged glances, utterly at a loss.

Quickly, one disciple sprinted over, bowing respectfully: "R-Respected sir, these are just impure stones—the refined Blood Rock Crystals were taken by Master Tian this morning."

Zhou Qing merely murmured, "Oh," then feigned curiosity: "Where's Old Tian now?"

"In his room, refining the Thunder Sound Golden Toad…" The disciple blurted out, then instantly clamped his mouth shut.

This man looked familiar—and carried an invisible pressure.

Likely a prodigy sent by the sect on a mission.

And he called Tian Xiong "Old Tian"—they must be acquainted.

But Tian seemed unaware of his arrival; if his slip revealed the Thunder Sound Golden Toad's benefits to others, he'd be doomed.

Zhou Qing now understood. He feigned prior knowledge and continued calmly: "The half-piece from Linggu Mountain?"

Hearing this, they relaxed.

This man knew everything—they dared not hide and nodded in unison.

"What's so great about that thing? Even ten of them won't push him past his limit!" Zhou Qing sneered dismissively.

They chuckled awkwardly—this man clearly knew Tian Xiong intimately. Maybe an old friend passing by, secretly planning a surprise?

One immediately smiled and said: "Master Tian is already at the peak of Nascent Soul Mid-stage—just one step from Late-stage. This refinement might be his breakthrough."

Since they were old friends, it was wise to flatter—no harm in it.

Zhou Qing laughed.

The advantage of Four Flowers Gathering at the Crown was overwhelming combat power—easily crushing peers, effortlessly fighting above his level.

When he first broke through to Nascent Soul, he'd crushed Mid-stage easily—now, even more so.

"Pity—he'd be better off as Late-stage. At least I could stretch my limbs. Show me where he is."

Zhou Qing felt certain now, speaking with mild regret.

The disciple bowed deeply. "This way, sir!"

He led the way, guiding Zhou Qing toward Tian Xiong's location.

After Zhou Qing left, the others exchanged glances, puzzled.

This man felt oddly familiar—but they couldn't place him. He should be a prominent sect figure, yet they'd only been transferred here two months ago.

"Are there no other Nascent Soul cultivators at the Blood Rock Mine?"

"Respected sir, our sect's other mines have suffered heavy losses from the Three Alliance's raids—other overseers rushed to reinforce them."

"I see. Then it's him. He'll do."

"Sir, you haven't seen Master Tian in ages—I understand. Old friends always fight first, then hug and laugh."

"You're wrong. We've never met."

"Impossible—you've even drawn a rusty broken sword! Clearly you don't want to hurt your old friend—just a token gesture…"

The disciple froze mid-sentence, a chill rising—he suddenly sensed something wrong.

Rusty broken sword?

He stared again at Zhou Qing's face—and suddenly remembered. His face turned deathly pale.

Frantically, he fumbled in his storage pouch, pulled out a jade slip, and trembled as he opened it.

The moment he saw it, terror flooded his eyes—his legs began shaking uncontrollably.

Month's end—monthly votes expire soon. Three lines beg for a vote.

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(End of Chapter)