Chapter 172: The Little Girl in the Mother Array (6k)

The two walked in silence; after a while, Gao Xuan suddenly spoke.

"Du Kui returned not long ago and slew many from the Cangyan Dao Palace and Tianji Gate. After this, he truly matured—he's significantly stronger now than before."

Zhou Qing listened, a look of relief crossing his face. "That's good. If Luo Xue were watching from beyond, she'd be glad for him."

"No destruction, no renewal. This is largely thanks to you. By the way—you're not a Human Dao Foundation Establishment, are you?"

Gao Xuan suddenly shifted tone, his gaze turning to Zhou Qing, asking as if casually.

Zhou Qing's heart skipped, but he quickly regained composure, forcing a faint smile. "No. My master secretly gave me a thread of Heavenly Dao energy, but publicly we've always claimed it was Human Dao Foundation Establishment."

It was inevitable someone would notice something was off. If so, better to go all-in now—otherwise, there'd be no way to explain his current combat power, far beyond normal.

Gao Xuan merely nodded, showing no great surprise, then smiled again. "Looks like your master still cares for you. Though he owes your third senior brother dearly."

Zhou Qing only smiled, explaining that he'd simply been luckier than his third senior brother—during that time, Master Mo Xingjian had, by chance, obtained a thread of Heavenly Dao energy, granting him this fortune.

Fortunately, Gao Xuan didn't press further on the matter, instead shifting topic. "Have you read that book?"

Zhou Qing looked up at Gao Xuan's slightly ahead silhouette, paused briefly, then gave a slight nod. "I have."

Gao Xuan asked next: "I assume Du Kui told you there's a test I left for you inside. Do you know which one?"

After a short hesitation, Zhou Qing replied: "Blood Demon Palace and Chilin Pill."

Hearing this, Gao Xuan stopped walking, surprise flashing across his face. He turned to Zhou Qing, then suddenly burst into laughter, as if something had just clicked.

"You returned the book in just a few days, even though your Golden Core was still shattered. I thought you'd merely skimmed it—but you read it thoroughly," Gao Xuan said, voice tinged with awe.

Zhou Qing looked at Gao Xuan, his doubts growing stronger. He couldn't help asking: "Senior Brother, why me?"

Gao Xuan didn't answer immediately. He kept walking forward. Seeing this, Zhou Qing hurried to catch up.

After a few steps, Gao Xuan finally spoke: "What did you see in that little story?"

Zhou Qing thought for a moment, then spoke slowly: "The Blood Demon Palace's master used the Chilin Pill as bait, gambling on human goodness and human evil. He dared to enter the game himself—and won half the game against Heaven."

Hearing this, Gao Xuan stopped again, turned, and fixed Zhou Qing with an intense gaze. His eyes shimmered faintly, as if he'd discovered a priceless treasure.

Then he burst into loud laughter, the sound echoing through the mountains, filled with joy and satisfaction.

"Perfect—entering the game himself, winning half against Heaven! I was right about you. You asked why I chose you? Now I'll tell you: because I see my younger self in you."

Gao Xuan spoke with solemn sincerity.

Zhou Qing fell silent.

"Greetings, Peak Master!"

"Greetings, Senior Brother!"

At that moment, several disciples from other peaks approached, leading several fierce-looking black hounds.

Seeing Gao Xuan and Zhou Qing from afar, they halted immediately, bowed respectfully, then led the hounds toward Shen Yue Peak.

Watching their retreating figures, Gao Xuan suddenly spoke: "Zhou Qing, do you know? When dogs meet, they sniff or lick. When humans meet, they pretend or perform. I don't dislike dogs—I despise those worse than dogs, who say one thing and do another."

Zhou Qing's heart stirred. Looking at Gao Xuan's slightly lonely back, an unfamiliar emotion rose within him. He couldn't help saying: "So Taiqingmen is good—at least here, people treat each other honestly. I love this family."

Gao Xuan stopped for the third time, turned to Zhou Qing, his eyes full of agreement. He gently patted Zhou Qing's shoulder. "Me too."

After that, neither spoke again. They walked silently along the mountain path, the only sound the echo of their footsteps in the hills.

After walking some distance, Gao Xuan halted, glanced at Zhou Qing, then leapt into the air and vanished, leaving only his words drifting in the wind.

"Zhou Qing, work hard. The weak cannot protect this home."

Watching Gao Xuan's departing figure, Zhou Qing bowed respectfully.

…………

Back at Xiao Ling Peak, Zhou Qing didn't dare slack off. He immediately began crafting the "Eighteen-Level Earthquake" array flags.

That seemingly vague conversation with Senior Brother Gao Xuan had, for some reason, instilled in him a sudden sense of urgency.

It felt as if something was pressing him to strengthen himself quickly, to prepare thoroughly.

Half a month later, Yan Xiao Hu arrived, excited.

"Fourth, I've got a rumor: Sima Yaji's lover, Yu Ziqi, will appear in Qingmu City in a few days, following his usual route!"

Yan Xiao Hu spoke hurriedly, face flushed with excitement.

Zhou Qing's eyes narrowed, a cold gleam flashing in them. He snorted: "Qingmu City? Looks like he's curious about that token too."

Yan Xiao Hu said: "Probably. After all, Ke Shu, the young master of Haomiao Mansion, only asked our two families about the token back then. The situation was chaotic then—no one dared move, afraid of ambushes."

"Now so much time has passed, they probably all want to see what this so-called rare artifact really is."

Zhou Qing looked down at the newly forged earth-yellow array flags, a look of resolve flashing in his eyes. "Then what are we waiting for?"

He sent a message to Lu Yaoyao. Soon after, the girl rushed over, eager.

"Originally Lei Luo was coming, but he's been locked down by his brother Lei Lie, forced into seclusion to cultivate a thunder technique—he can't join us. Should we bring someone else?"

Yan Xiao Hu looked at Zhou Qing, suddenly feeling uncertain—especially with Lu Shimei along.

Shi Zhen and Pei Yan just returned to the sect. With them, our success rate would be higher.

Hearing this, Lu Yaoyao immediately stuck her hands on her hips, pouting. "Yan Shixiong, I'm strong too, you know!"

Yan Xiao Hu chuckled. "Of course you are."

When I was at Nascent Soul early stage, you were at Golden Core mid-stage.

Now you're Nascent Soul early stage, and I'm still stuck.

And Fourth—he's Nascent Soul late stage. This alone shows how much influence that first thread of Heavenly Dao energy has on one's future.

"By the way—are you Heaven-grade or Earth-grade Nascent Soul? What's your Nascent Soul enhancement?" Yan Xiao Hu suddenly remembered, curiosity flashing across his face.

After all, Heaven-grade Nascent Souls—including the top-ranked Three Flowers Gathering—number only ten.

Lu Yaoyao's should be Star Spirit, ranked twenty-sixth among Heavenly Dao energies—likely Earth-grade Nascent Soul, but near the top.

"Not telling!" Lu Yaoyao turned her head away, haughtily.

Yan Xiao Hu scoffed. "Fine, don't tell. I didn't want to hear anyway!"

Watching their childish behavior, Zhou Qing smiled faintly and soothed: "The three of us are enough. More people just invite mistakes."

He chose to bring Lu Yaoyao partly because, aside from Four Flowers Gathering, she had some general understanding of his condition, and they'd cooperated many times before—their coordination was smooth.

Partly, too, it felt like luck—bringing this girl might bring good fortune.

With the team settled, the three wasted no time and set out immediately toward Qingmu City.

…………

Cangyan Dao Palace!

In the dim hall, the palace master, Sikong Yan, wore a crimson robe, his posture upright yet radiating bone-chilling coldness.

He stood motionless in the center, as if fused with the darkness, his eyes the only light—glowing with a deep crimson, fixed on the array before him.

It was a five-colored array, drawn on the ground in strange patterns, shifting mysteriously, occasionally revealing cryptic symbols.

At its center lay the body of a little girl.

She appeared no more than five or six years old, as if merely asleep, her skin pale, long black hair spilling to either side.

Dressed in a plain white silk robe, its hem scattered with tiny flowers, her hands folded over her abdomen, her still chest declaring life's end.

As the array's light stretched like threads into the hall's dark corners,

shadowy figures in black robes, wearing bronze masks, stood motionless in the pitch-black—empty eye sockets exposed, radiating an unspeakable dread.

"Master, he's here again!" A voice suddenly rang out. Wu Sha entered slowly, bowing respectfully to Sikong Yan.

Sikong Yan frowned slightly, his tone icy: "Let him wait."

"But he's still an Imperial Prince…"

"Hmm?" Sikong Yan snapped his head around, his crimson eyes flashing with lethal cold—suddenly, the hall's temperature dropped.

Wu Sha's face turned ashen. He dropped to his knees with a thud, trembling uncontrollably. "I beg forgiveness, Master!"

"I don't like being told what to do—by anyone!" Sikong Yan said coldly.

Wu Sha dared not even breathe, head bowed, still shaking, filled with regret.

Time passed slowly. Finally, he swept his sleeve and turned away.

Wu Sha wiped the cold sweat from his brow and scrambled to follow.

…………

Five days later, the three finally reached the remote town of Yunlan.

The same three white-haired outer sect disciples still handled their reception.

Though only at Qi Condensation fifth or sixth stage, their survival through the Five Sects War was proof that sometimes, staying far from conflict was luck.

"Greetings, Senior Brothers and Sister!"

The three were visibly excited, quickly tidying up.

Lu Yaoyao, nostalgic, said: "Senior Brother Zhou, remember last time we went to Qingmu City? I disguised myself as a serving girl in this very room—and you recognized me right away."

Zhou Qing smiled faintly.

Of course—you had that golden text above your head too bright. Otherwise, I'd never have noticed you.

But time really flies. Back then, others came with us—including our master, disguised as Niu Guangmo.

"Stop reminiscing and eat," Yan Xiao Hu said, passing by. "You've been yapping all the way."

Lu Yaoyao pouted. "So rude!"

After resting overnight, Yan Xiao Hu tossed them a few spirit stones as usual and set out again.

To avoid Cangyan Dao Palace and Tianji Gate, they took remote paths. On the tenth day, they reached Qingmu City.

"Go straight to Ghost City," Zhou Qing said, looking at Qingmu City without entering.

Yan Xiao Hu and Lu Yaoyao agreed. The situation now was chaotic—never knew who your acquaintances truly served.

But they hadn't expected that upon reaching Ghost City, they'd spot Master Feng Cheng of Taiqingmen, leading a team searching inside.

Besides, there were other messy people.

Feng Cheng was at the Golden Core realm; when these people first arrived, he was controlled by Xue Tai Sui, and they barely managed to save him.

"Should we go over?" Yan Xiao Hu asked.

Zhou Qing shook his head—he suddenly realized something: Feng Cheng's current actions were clearly aimed at finding that red token.

After all, the only son of a prefectural lord and a mysterious Zhan Ling cultivator had both appeared here searching—clearly, the token was no ordinary item.

Perhaps since Ke Shu went to the Two Sects, all factions had already secretly sent people here to search.

Now that Yu Ziqi, one of the Five Great Prodigies, has shown up here, what if they die in a battle? If Cangyan Dao Palace turns around and blames them?

Claiming Yu Ziqi found the token, then was killed by them, and now the token is in our hands?

Lying doesn't matter—it's terrifying if he actually has the token.

It's just blind luck!

"We can't fight here!" Zhou Qing decided quickly.

Yan Xiao Hu and Lu Yaoyao looked at him in confusion.

Then why did we travel all this way?

Zhou Qing said: "We must first confirm his movements—then decide when he returns."

Yan Xiao Hu seemed to sense Zhou Qing's concern—yes, this place was crowded with eyes; the once-deserted Ghost City now teemed with other factions all searching for treasure.

If Old Four's Four Flowers Converging on the Crown were exposed, it would be trouble.

"Fine, leave the rest to me!" Yan Xiao Hu said, then left.

Zhou Qing hurriedly warned him to be careful.

That night, Yan Xiao Hu returned, cursing loudly.

"Careless! The intel was wrong—I didn't expect Li Hanshan came too. Lucky we didn't act today!" Yan Xiao Hu breathed a sigh of relief.

Lu Yaoyao grew worried upon hearing this.

Zhou Qing frowned, thought for a moment, then asked: "Only those two?"

"At least for now—I only caught a glimpse from afar and pulled back, afraid of being spotted. What now?" Yan Xiao Hu sighed helplessly.

Zhou Qing fell silent, then looked at the three array flags in his storage pouch, a flash of madness in his eyes.

Some threats are better eliminated early!

…………

In the following days, Zhou Qing and the other two carefully observed Li Hanshan and Yu Ziqi from the shadows.

Sometimes Yan Xiao Hu thought Old Four was insane—trying to take on both at once was pure suicide.

In contrast, Lu Yaoyao looked thrilled—she had absolute faith in Old Four.

But one had to admit: if both these men died at Zhou Qing's hands, the intimidation against Cangyan Dao Palace and Tianji Sect would reach unprecedented heights.

For the Three Sect Alliance, this would also be an unprecedented morale boost, greatly lifting their own spirits.

After secretly observing for half a month, the two found nothing and left the Ghost City, heading toward Qingmu City.

"We're done—they're going after our spirit fields!" Yan Xiao Hu worried.

In the current conflict among the Five Sects, aside from the Soul Transformation experts who haven't directly intervened, nearly every available tactic has been used—mines, affiliated factions, spirit fields—all have become targets.

Qingmu City is remote; since they came here and found nothing in the Ghost City, how could they possibly leave without doing something to make up for their "losses"?

The spirit fields in Qingmu City were vital to Taiqingmen, especially since disciples from their own sect quietly guarded them.

"Plans never keep up with changes!" Zhou Qing now felt conflicted.

After a moment's thought, he said: "Follow them first and see."

The three put on their masks and quietly trailed behind.

THUD!

As soon as they reached Qingmu City, a dull thud echoed—they saw Feng Cheng, only at Golden Core late stage, thrown out of the city like a dead dog, crashing hard to the ground, kicking up dust.

Simultaneously, several other Foundation Establishment disciples of Taiqingmen were brutally slaughtered—the scene was bloody.

Yu Ziqi sat lazily atop the city wall, his sword case on his back, clapping his hands: "How boring. This city has over thirteen thousand mu of spirit fields—looks like they're growing well."

Feng Cheng struggled to his feet, swaying as he barely stood, then spat a mouthful of blood toward Yu Ziqi, his eyes filled with hatred.

Last time with Xue Tai Sui, if the sect hadn't sent rescue in time, he'd be dead already. Now that he'd died once, what was there left to fear?

"Yu Ziqi, right? You're stronger than me—you're already Nascent Soul peak at your age. But so what? Three of your so-called prodigies were slain by my sect's Senior Brother Zhou Qing. You won't dance much longer—you'll die too!"

Feng Cheng sneered.

Yu Ziqi's face darkened instantly—murderous intent surged. He glared coldly at Feng Cheng: "I was going to give you a quick death. Since you're so eager to suffer, enjoy the exquisite pain ahead."

Yu Ziqi raised his hand slightly—his back-mounted sword case trembled violently, emitting a low hum.

The next moment, one side of the case slowly opened.

A green, serpent-shaped longsword, radiating chilling cold, shot out, spitting threads of frost, locking onto Feng Cheng.

At this moment, Hu Xuantang, the mayor of Qingmu City, rushed out from within, his whole body trembling uncontrollably.

But Feng Cheng had been here for years—the two were close friends. He couldn't bear to watch his friend die.

"Young Master Yu, you're Nascent Soul—soon you'll reach Soul Transformation. Why bother with a lowly Golden Core?" Hu Xuantang forced himself to plead.

"Get lost!" Yu Ziqi cut him off brutally, eyes filled with impatience and contempt.

Feng Cheng shouted to Hu Xuantang: "Old Hu, you're the imperial envoy stationed here as mayor—don't meddle. Go back and cultivate. We'll drink together in the next life."

Hu Xuantang's eyes reddened slightly—he knew this was their final farewell.

Feng Cheng turned back to Yu Ziqi, laughed loudly, and mocked: "You cowardly dog! You only bully the weak. That's all you'll ever be. Don't think you're so great—you'll get your comeuppance!"

"Die!" Yu Ziqi exploded in rage—his murderous intent intensified. The serpent sword behind him instantly became a streak of green light, lashing toward Feng Cheng like lightning.

Feng Cheng remained calm, slowly turned his back, knelt toward Taiqingmen's direction, and closed his eyes.

"Next life—I'll be a Taiqingmen disciple again!"

TING!

But Feng Cheng felt no pain—only the crisp sound of metal clashing.

And Yu Ziqi's furious roar.

Feng Cheng slowly turned his head, staring in disbelief at the familiar figure standing behind him.

His lips trembled, but he couldn't speak.

"Where you looking? Don't forget your Tiger Boss!" Yan Xiao Hu's loud voice rang out, then he helped Feng Cheng up.

"Are you okay?" Lu Yaoyao asked anxiously.

Looking at these people he knew so well, Feng Cheng felt like he was dreaming—his mind was a jumble.

Is this my life flashing before me—or a hallucination before death?

"You—Zhou Qing!" Yu Ziqi roared, voice thick with endless hatred. He rose from the wall, eyes blazing with fury, locking onto Zhou Qing.

(End of Chapter)