Chapter 158

Everyone showered him with praise.

Especially since Zhou Qing, this child, had obtained an incredible opportunity on this trip, and together with Lu Yaoyao, they had both leaped two stages, greatly increasing their combat power.

At this moment, Miss Sima Yaoji's Nascent Soul was trembling constantly, and Cao Zhengyang had one hand pressed on her brow, continuously performing a soul search.

After a long while, under the expectant gazes of the crowd, Cao Zhengyang let go and shook his head slightly.

"It seems that Sikong Yan is extremely strict about keeping the puppet matter secret; I'm afraid not many people know the true core secrets!" Cao Zhengyang said.

Upon hearing this, the crowd felt a wave of disappointment.

In fact, they had long expected this regarding the matter, and it was the same on their side.

Just like how all core disciples did not know the entrance to the cave heaven and the secrets within it.

Currently, the Soul Formation realm hasn't officially appeared, but how do you know they haven't made a move?

If people like Miss Sima Yaoji knew something, any Soul Formation expert could quietly capture them, search their souls, and then erase the relevant memories; then the five sects would have long known each other's roots.

How could they still be fighting and killing for so long like this?

But one point that can be basically confirmed at present is that the Tianji Sect is plotting their cave heaven secret, while the purpose of the Cangyan Dao Palace is not yet clear.

"Miss Sima Yaoji, Miss Sima Yaoji—"

A hoarse voice suddenly sounded from outside the hall, and then Du Kui was seen with blood-red eyes, as if possessed, rushing in like a madman.

Looking at Du Kui's disheveled and frantic appearance, Zhou Qing, Yan Xiaohu, and the others felt a sense of sorrow and hurriedly stepped forward.

"Zhou Shixiong Du—"

Du Kui grabbed Zhou Qing, his hair messy, his lips trembling, and he asked impatiently: "Junior Brother Zhou, where is Miss Sima Yaoji? Where is Miss Sima Yaoji?"

Zhou Qing opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but felt that any words at this moment seemed so pale and powerless, so he could only subconsciously look behind him.

And when Du Kui followed his gaze and saw the Nascent Soul rolling its eyes, his blood-red eyes were instantly filled with flames of hatred.

A thick killing intent instantly permeated the entire hall; his breathing was rapid and heavy, his chest heaving violently, like a wounded but extremely dangerous beast.

"Miss Sima Yaoji, Miss Sima Yaoji—"

Du Kui's voice was hoarse, staring fixedly at Miss Sima Yaoji's Nascent Soul; the warm scenes of his past companionship with Luo Xue were like sharp blades, constantly churning in the depths of his soul.

And the scene of Luo Xue's tragic death at Lingku Mountain was like a nightmare, constantly reappearing before his eyes.

It was all because he was a piece of trash and couldn't protect her.

If that intelligence hadn't been crucial and had to be brought back, he would never have chosen to flee; even if it meant self-detonation, he would have dragged her to die with him.

"I'll kill you, I'll kill you—" Du Kui roared, hatred and regret completely devouring his reason at this moment.

But in the next moment, Gao Xuan suddenly appeared in front of him, pointing a finger at his head.

Du Kui's body immediately collapsed softly into his arms, and the eyes that were originally full of killing intent and madness gradually became more peaceful, though pain and sorrow still remained on his face.

"He needs a vent, Zhou Qing, thank you for giving him such an opportunity!"

Gao Xuan looked at Zhou Qing and said slowly, his voice still as gentle as ever, his eyes revealing a trace of gratification.

【Heart Appraisal Point +9】

Immediately after, the note 【Cunning Little Fox】 above Gao Xuan's head quickly changed to the five words 【Taiqingmen's Genius】.

Zhou Qing was stunned; he didn't expect that Senior Uncle Gao Xuan's evaluation of him at this moment would be so high.

He hurriedly bowed, saying respectfully: "This is what a junior should do."

If not for the fourth form of the "Canglei Sword Art" gifted by Gao Xuan this time, to be honest, he really wouldn't have been confident in ambushing Miss Sima Yaoji.

Or rather, if it weren't for this trump card allowing him to achieve minor success, even if Lu Yaoyao had brought the map of Lingku Mountain, he wouldn't have dared to go out, let alone obtain so many opportunities.

Afterward, he took out Luo Xue's corpse, and for the sake of the Yuan Shijie's dignity, he had specially covered it with a white cloth.

Gao Xuan nodded: "Thank you!"

Immediately after, Gao Xuan left with the unconscious Du Kui and Luo Xue's corpse.

Others looked at this scene and sighed softly.

Not long after, Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu also left; as for other matters, the Sect Master and the others would handle them.

And Lu Yaoyao also chased after them; just as she was about to say something, Zhou Qing returned the golden talisman paper to her.

"Luckily, it wasn't needed in the end!" Zhou Qing laughed: "You've worked hard too, just get some good rest now."

Lu Yaoyao nodded, and only after watching Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu's backs disappear did she feel a sense of relief.

"With this good start, if there's an opportunity next time, you shouldn't leave me behind again!"

Lu Yaoyao walked in with her hands behind her back, hopping and skipping, looking very happy.

As for Lei Luo, he had long since returned via the teleportation array on the Taiqingmen side.

Having dug a grave with Yan Xiaohu once, strolled around the Cangyan Dao Palace, and been put on a kill list, such a record was enough for him to brag about when he returned.

Of course, Mo Xingjian hadn't returned yet, but the Sect Master had already ordered people to go and contact him.

When they returned to Xiaoling Peak, Niu Guangmo and the others immediately surrounded them happily; whether it was Yan Xiaohu's three grave-diggings or Zhou Qing's three slayings of geniuses, they were genuinely impressed.

"My goodness—"

As Zhou Qing opened the room, he was shocked to find that the old hen was completely fine; it was just that the floor tiles, bed, and other wooden objects had basically been eaten by it.

No one could match this digestive ability.

Zhou Qing searched around but didn't find any wooden eggs or the like; he looked sheepish and hurriedly got it some spirit stone powder to give it a good supplement.

And the very next day, Zhou Qing, who was still in his dreams, was awakened by Yan Xiaohu's loud voice.

"Quick, quick, quick, Senior Uncle Sect Master is calling, an envoy from Cangyan Dao Palace has arrived!" Yan Xiaohu said hurriedly.

Zhou Qing immediately got up, tidied up briefly, and then headed straight for Shenyue Peak with Yan Xiaohu.

At this moment, outside the deliberation hall, the core disciples and true disciples who had returned were already waiting outside.

And upon seeing Zhou Qing, everyone had smiles and respect on their faces.

"Junior Brother Zhou, well done!"

"What five great geniuses, they're all dog shit."

"Zhou Shixiong Zhou, from now on you are my role model!"

…………

Yan Xiaohu pulled a long face and pretended to be dissatisfied: "What, am I, the Blade Overlord Yan Xiaohu, not worthy?"

The crowd felt sheepish.

Mainly because they didn't have the habit of digging other people's ancestral graves, but they soon offered praise, and Yan Xiaohu became happy again.

And after entering the hall, they discovered that almost all the Peak Masters were there, including his Master, Mo Xingjian.

At this moment, he looked travel-worn, as if he had just returned not long ago.

Seeing Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu, he couldn't help but smile and quietly gave a thumbs up.

The two of them grinned.

However, as his gaze shifted, Zhou Qing's eyes narrowed, the smile on his face instantly disappeared, replaced by a look of vigilance.

Because the envoy sent by Cangyan Dao Palace this time was none other than the Elder Xuegu Old Ghost.

The Elder Xuegu Old Ghost, standing in the center of the hall, also slowly turned around, looked at Zhou Qing, and couldn't help but reveal a mouthful of big yellow teeth.

"Little Zhou, we meet again!" Elder Xuegu said with a fake smile.

Zhou Qing snorted coldly, walked forward fearlessly, stood parallel to him, and said: "I didn't expect you to be sent as an envoy; it seems your situation in Cangyan Dao Palace is not good."

Hearing this, Elder Elder Xuegu's killing intent instantly permeated the air; his originally gloomy eyes were now filled with intense murderous intent.

Originally, with his seniority and contributions, even if he couldn't advance further in this life, he could still obtain good treatment in the sect.

But now, it had all been ruined by this damn brat in front of him.

"There's plenty of time, don't worry, we'll have plenty of opportunities!" Elder Xuegu threatened through gritted teeth.

Afterward, he looked up at Cao Zhengyang above and cupped his hands: "I wonder what Sect Master Cao has decided?"

Cao Zhengyang's face looked very ugly, and he beckoned to Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing stepped forward quickly and took an image stone with suspicion.

After his spiritual sense probed inside, his expression changed quickly.

"Zhou Shixiong Tang Tong of Danhua Peak, Yuan Shijie Wu Yueqing of Baizhan Peak, Zhou Shixiong Qiao Hao of Yunyin Peak, and Zhou Shixiong Ma Zhen of Longji Peak!"

In the image, the four of them were hanging in mid-air, covered in blood, their aura withered, clearly having suffered much torture.

Zhou Qing immediately looked at the Sect Master with a solemn expression.

Cao Zhengyang said: "They want to exchange the four of them for Miss Sima Yaoji; you captured her with your life, so we want to hear your opinion."

Zhou Qing frowned.

At this moment, the few Peak Masters beside him gritted their teeth and said: "Zhou Qing, just follow your heart, don't worry about anything else."

Miss Sima Yaoji, young as she was, was already a Nascent Soul Great Perfection, and against Du Kui and Luo Xue of the same rank, she could counter-kill one and severely injure another.

Stepping into the Soul Formation realm in the future was almost a certainty, or even stronger; the harm she would bring then would be unpredictable.

It might even be that these Peak Masters would have to avoid her edge in the future.

And now, they had a chance to nip this threat in the bud, but—

The four people in the image stone, although only ranging from early to mid-Nascent Soul, might have limited future achievements, but they were their most beloved disciples.

Therefore, they found it hard to choose and had no way to choose.

After discussion, they could only find Zhou Qing and let him make this choice.

And Elder Xuegu below laughed: "When I came, the Palace Master ordered that although it is an exchange, there is a time limit; for every day of delay, one person will be randomly executed."

"And when I came, I was delayed by wine, so I arrived a bit late; calculating the time, there are less than three hours left, and one of them might end up without a corpse or soul because of this."

Elder Xuegu Old Ghost said this while deliberately putting on a look of regret.

Zhou Qing's eyes narrowed, then he looked at Cao Zhengyang, his voice like a bell, and said without hesitation: "Exchange, why not exchange?"

"You are willing to exchange?" All the Peak Masters looked at Zhou Qing in unison, and even Mo Xingjian showed a look of gratification.

Zhou Qing turned proudly, his sleeves fluttering, like a king descending upon the world, staring at Elder Xuegu as if looking at ants: "Since I, Zhou Qing, can slay Miss Sima Yaoji once, I can slay her twice, three times; what is there to fear!"

As his words fell, the aura around his body surged, and the pressure, as if tangible, rolled toward Elder Xuegu like a surging wave.

"That includes you; in war, one does not kill the envoy, but next time we meet, I will personally kill you!"

Back when his Jin Dan was shattered, the senior brothers and sisters of every peak had silently cared for him and visited him.

Because of the war between the five sects, the members of this big family were constantly withering; now that there was a chance to exchange back four, how could he not be willing.

Hearing Zhou Qing's words, Elder Xuegu's face below turned gloomy, and killing intent permeated the air.

And the many Peak Masters looked at that back, unable to help but feel excited and their hearts surging.

Especially that majestic, outward-flowing momentum, like a tangible sharp blade, actually made Cao Zhengyang's eyes blur and his thoughts drift far away.

In a trance, he seemed to see his former self.

That day, when he took over the Sect Master position from his Master, he was also this high-spirited, and he promised everyone that he would lead Taiqingmen to create greater brilliance.

It's just a pity that Zhou Qing is a human-path Foundation Establishment; although he obtained an opportunity this time and luckily stepped into the Nascent Soul realm, I'm afraid he will be limited to this in this life.

As for the matter of slaying Miss Sima Yaoji, he had also inquired; it was nothing more than relying on some formations and underhanded dark poisons, so this time it could only be considered luck.

But a fall into the pit, a gain in your wit; it will be difficult to make others fall for it next time.

【Heart Appraisal Point +9】

The note 【Budding Disciple】 above Mo Xingjian's head instantly changed to 【Mighty and Domineering Disciple】.

Zhou Qing's performance made him, as a Master, feel exceptionally proud.

Gao Xuan even had a smile on his lips and nodded slightly.

After Zhou Qing finished speaking, he turned around again, his expression becoming serious, and quietly transmitted to Cao Zhengyang: "Please, Senior Uncle, help me erase the memory of my duel with her."

Cao Zhengyang was stunned, seemed to understand something, nodded, and went in.

Not long after, he walked out with the withered Miss Sima Yaoji.

And when Miss Sima Yaoji saw Elder Xuegu, she burst into laughter.

That laughter was filled with madness and resentment, and then she stared fiercely at Zhou Qing, roaring at the top of her lungs: "I will kill you, I will definitely kill you—"

Although part of her mind was blank, she clearly remembered that it was Zhou Qing who had made her look like this.

Zhou Qing looked at her expressionlessly and slowly raised a middle finger at her.

"Likewise, I say the same to you; the reason you are alive this time is simply because you are a good medicine. And next time, you won't have such good luck!"

Hearing Zhou Qing's words, Miss Sima Yaoji clenched her hands tightly, her eyes full of hatred.

"My subconscious tells me you tricked me, but there won't be a second such opportunity; Zhou Qing, I will make you wish you were dead, wish you were dead!"

Miss Sima Yaoji roared.

Zhou Qing laughed mockingly and said: "That's not necessarily true!"

Looking at her, Zhou Qing seemed to have suddenly thought of something and immediately performed a binding.

Anyway, there was only one spot left.

Soon, the 【???】 above her head changed to 【Cannibalistic Beast】 at the fastest speed.

Oh my, she really hates me to the bone.

Calling me a cannibal, calling me a beast.

Cao Zhengyang looked at Elder Xuegu and said: "Where are our people?"

Elder Xuegu flicked his finger, and a note passed over: "They are on this, but there are only two; after we are safe, the other two will be sent."

Cao Zhengyang looked at the address on it and threw Miss Sima Yaoji's Nascent Soul over: "I assume you wouldn't dare to play tricks, but if you dare to lie to us, or leave any means on them, then tell Sikong Yan that the Soul Formation war will start early!"

Hearing this, Elder Xuegu's face changed instantly.

"My body, my body!" Miss Sima Yaoji, who had returned to Elder Xuegu's side, shouted.

She even looked at Yan Xiaohu not far away with some horror.

Yan Xiaohu was stunned, immediately understood, and pulled out a silver needle as thick as a finger, licking it with his tongue.

Little thing, I'll disgust you to death!

Sure enough, Miss Sima Yaoji subconsciously stepped back and hurriedly looked at Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing chuckled.

This corpse of yours was something he specifically left for Zhou Shixiong Du Kui to vent on.

Moreover, the reason I bound you is because I am certain that you can only perform possession when you go back this time.

Now that I have the tag note, I can discover you better.

"Fed to the dogs!" Zhou Qing said lightly.

"You..." Miss Sima Yaoji was trembling with anger.

And Cao Zhengyang stood up and said gloomily: "I suddenly have some regrets."

Elder Xuegu's face changed, and he hurriedly left with Miss Sima Yaoji.

"Zhou Qing, thank you!" The four Peak Masters of Baizhan Peak, Danhua Peak, Yunyin Peak, and Longji Peak stepped forward to express their gratitude.

Zhou Qing hurriedly said: "Senior Uncles, you are too polite; they are not only disciples of Taiqingmen, but also my senior brothers and sisters, so how could I stand by and watch them die? This is what I should do."

The Peak Masters looked at Zhou Qing, feeling indescribable gratitude in their hearts.

This child is truly affectionate and righteous; they will remember this favor.

Mo Xingjian stood up and said: "Alright, hurry up and find someone to bring them back."

Several Peak Masters looked at the location and left together; they didn't know whose disciple would come back first.

"Stop licking, you've poked your tongue!" Mo Xingjian looked at Yan Xiaohu, who was still licking the silver needle, speechless.

I don't know if people would think this disciple has a problem with his brain.

Digging other people's ancestral graves three times in a row, and even running into their sect to stroll around and pee—as your Master, I don't know whether to lecture you or praise you.

Yan Xiaohu smiled awkwardly and hurriedly put away the silver needle.

"Let's go!"

Afterward, Mo Xingjian took the two of them back; as soon as they arrived at Xiaoling Peak, he gave each of them a kick on the butt.

The two immediately knelt down and said skillfully: "Master, we were wrong."

Yesterday, they heard from the Sect Master that ever since they went out, their Master had never returned, worrying about this and that, running around everywhere.

Every now and then, he would ask people to come back and ask if one of them had returned.

So they felt quite guilty in their hearts.

Looking at the two of them admitting their mistakes, Mo Xingjian cursed, but soon sighed and said: "You've grown up, you've all grown up, you don't need your Master anymore."

Zhou Qing hurriedly took out a box and said with a grin: "Master, here!"

As the box opened, five supreme-grade spirit stones of different colors radiated pure energy, and the surroundings were illuminated in colorful hues, making Yan Xiaohu, who was on the side, widen his eyes.

Damn, where did you get this?

You were prepared for this.

Mo Xingjian was also stunned; just as he was about to say something, Zhou Qing said: "Master, you must accept it, otherwise your disciple's heart will not be at peace."

Mo Xingjian looked at Zhou Qing, moved beyond words.

This child must have been preparing in secret for a long time.

When you were at the Four Flowers Gathering at the Top, I gave you the Five Elements spirit stones, but I never thought about having you return them one day.

But looking at his persistent face, Mo Xingjian couldn't help but smile and had to accept it: "Good!"

Seeing this, Zhou Qing couldn't help but feel happy.

Afterward, Mo Xingjian looked at Yan Xiaohu.

Yan Xiaohu blinked; he wasn't prepared at all. He gritted his teeth, slapped his storage bag, and a black iron coffin appeared.

"Master, this was dug out from the ancestral grave of Cangyan Dao Palace; I think the material is good, and they say seeing a coffin brings wealth..."

"Get out—" Mo Xingjian cursed angrily.

…………

In the coming days, Zhou Qing didn't plan to go out; not to mention how much Cangyan Dao Palace hated him to the bone, he had to deepen his current trump cards.

The two divine abilities, "Golden Crow Burning Sky Canon" and "Thunderstorm Star Meteor Kill," were barely at minor completion; he had to master them completely as soon as possible.

And there were formation restrictions; this time in the duel with Miss Sima Yaoji, the "Thunder Flame Spirit-Devouring Array" helped him a lot, giving him quite an advantage in the battle.

Only when he could condense twenty spirit seals and refine a one-color restriction would he have a true means of self-preservation.

Soon, Zhou Qing, who was ranked tenth on the kill list, jumped directly to sixth place, second only to Yan Xiaohu.

And the news that he had tricked Miss Sima Yaoji, one of the five great geniuses, until only a Nascent Soul remained, spread rapidly, causing quite a sensation.

All parties were shocked.

Moreover, his cultivation had also advanced from the late Jin Dan realm to the Nascent Soul realm, and his growth speed was shocking.

Some even regarded him as a genius of the new generation of Taiqingmen and valued him highly.

But Zhou Qing had no time to pay attention to these things and devoted himself entirely to cultivation.

And today, Gao Xuan looked solemnly at Du Kui, who was crazily whipping a corpse in the room and then laughing loudly, knowing that this child had not walked out of the pain and hatred at all.

He could only sigh, then silently left; his departing back revealed a sense of loneliness and exhaustion.

Until he came to Qingniu Ridge alone, where a figure had been waiting for a long time.

This person was none other than Wu Sha.

Back then, Gao Xuan joined forces with Tong Min of Yuqing Peak to fake death, killed Qu Shen at the fastest speed, and replaced him with the new undercover agent, Night Owl, who was Gu Tao, the Hall Master of the Taiqingmen Task Hall, and then two people came to check.

One of them was Yan Chuan, and the other was the Wu Sha before him.

And Yan Chuan was also killed by Gao Xuan in a cave together with three other Peak Masters before the Great War of the Five Sects.

Looking at Gao Xuan's appearance at this moment, Wu Sha's face was cold, revealing a chilling coldness: "You did well this time; Miss Sima Yaoji's Nascent Soul was preserved, otherwise it wouldn't have lasted until the second day for Elder Xuegu to come and trade."

"It was just a casual mention; if the Taiqingmen Sect Master really wanted to destroy it that night, I couldn't have stopped it!" Gao Xuan responded, his face expressionless, his tone very flat.

Wu Sha looked at Gao Xuan and then said: "You received that finger."

Hearing this, Gao Xuan's face turned gloomy, and his killing intent soared to the sky.

(End of chapter)