[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female-":3,"chapter-my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-180":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","My Master's Elder Brother Just Took on a Female Disciple",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2265713,4423,"Chapter 180: This Child… Is Still Alive? (6k)","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-180",180,"\u003Cp>Zhou Qing had barely stepped out when he saw Yan Xiao Hu and the others peering curiously at the door, eavesdropping—but the soundproofing barrier inside rendered them deaf to everything, leaving them helplessly anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Yan Xiao Hu was about to ask something, Cao Zhengyang stepped out, his gaze sweeping over the group before settling on Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao Hu, his expression grave: “Zhou Qing, Yan Xiao Hu, you two depart immediately for Lingyun Prefecture!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xiao Hu froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing also turned to look at Cao Zhengyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had they chosen the second option—or were they pursuing both, just to be safe?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xiao Hu snapped back to reality and blurted: “Uncle, is this an official mission? Then expenses must be reimbursed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang stared at him, speechless. This money-grubber always did this—eyes fixed solely on those few spirit stones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he sighed and muttered: “Reimburse! Reimburse! Reimburse!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Cao Zhengyang whispered to Zhou Qing: “You’ve just survived death—go to Lingyun Prefecture to relax. If you truly find the Fusang Spirit Sunflower, its value alone ensures Fu Kui will escort it back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If not, return in half a year. You’re probably not ready yet. Some filthy things… better you don’t see them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing stared silently at Cao Zhengyang, his expression complex—he understood his uncle’s deep intentions, then slowly bowed, acknowledging his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao, seeing this, quickly said: “Master, I want to go too—I’ve never been to Lingyun Prefecture.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, Cao Zhengyang nodded: “Go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao instantly beamed with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong? Unhappy? What did Uncle say to you?” On the flying sword, Yan Xiao Hu, noticing Zhou Qing’s heavy mood, leaned over to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing shook his head: “Nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, don’t tell me. Uncle specifically summoned us to Lingyun Prefecture—clearly wants us to leverage our connections for something. Is it about Zhang Wanbao?” Yan Xiao Hu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing gave a slight nod, tacitly confirming Yan Xiao Hu’s guess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhou Qing didn’t want to talk further, Yan Xiao Hu wisely dropped the subject—he’d already guessed what it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao, watching Zhou Qing’s gloom, hesitated before saying: “Brother Zhou, cheer up. It’s not that big a deal. When the boat reaches the bridge, it’ll find its way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing let out a long breath, then accelerated until they reached a desolate stretch. Gazing at the endless clouds ahead, he suddenly felt a release—he couldn’t help shouting out several times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With those shouts, his inner gloom and heaviness eased slightly, leaving him feeling unexpectedly light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that moment, he suddenly understood why Zhang Wanbao and Xiao Cancan were so simple and naive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because their elders had shielded them too well—letting them see only the world’s most beautiful things, never exposing them to deceit, cruelty, or complexity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And hadn’t they once been the same? Always protected by the sect, cultivating in peace, never touching the dark underbelly of this cultivation world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll follow my heart!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, Zhou Qing seemed to suddenly awaken—he felt his mind utterly clear, his inner knots dissolved, no longer tormented by tangled interests or impossible choices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he truly stood in that position, he’d only need to hold fast to his true heart. As for the rest? To hell with it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?” Yan Xiao Hu hadn’t caught what Zhou Qing shouted, and asked, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing burst into laughter, looking remarkably at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao smiled warmly for him—perhaps, at this moment, he’d finally understood something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Pei—is it you? You’ve come back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, a desperate voice, thick with tears, echoed from behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It carried deep longing and anticipation—as if she’d waited for this moment for an eternity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three, who had been flying swiftly, instantly halted and turned to see a woman, tear-streaked, appearing as if teleported right before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked ordinary, her face streaked with tears, eyes swollen red, yet her belly was abnormally huge—strikingly prominent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, all three pupils contracted, hearts sinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xiao Hu and Lu Yaoyao immediately thought of the figure in the memory stone—they grew tense, palms sweating, eyes filled with wariness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Niang—” Zhou Qing whispered softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time he’d seen her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing his murmur, Li Niang burst into joyful tears, her form flickering as she instantly appeared before Zhou Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her trembling hands rose, as if wanting to touch him, yet afraid it was a fragile dream—her face alight with emotion: “I’m Li Niang, I’m Li Niang—you’ve returned! I knew you’d come back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s expression grew complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He realized—he, like the former Sect Master, had been mistaken for her husband. And her mind was clearly unwell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For someone to enter Soul Transformation through the “Obsession” realm, then climb to late Soul Transformation using only spirit herbs—truly a miracle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao and Yan Xiao Hu both swallowed hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did she mistake Zhou Qing for her husband?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Zhou Qing could react, Li Niang, ignoring everyone else, suddenly grabbed his hand and pressed it against her enormous belly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing shuddered—but was stunned to feel a powerful, rhythmic heartbeat within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This child… is still alive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s eyes widened in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A normal human, from Qi Refining to Nascent Soul breakthrough, barely lasts a thousand years. This child had lived inside her for a thousand years—and still lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Utterly inconceivable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Niang, still gripping Zhou Qing’s hand, rubbed her belly, murmuring: “Brother Pei, do you know how I’ve lived these years? Every day, every night, I waited for you to return. This child inside me never rests—he must miss his father too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, her other hand gently caressed her abdomen, eyes brimming with maternal tenderness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her, Zhou Qing felt overwhelming pity—he opened his mouth to explain, but Li Niang went on, oblivious: “Brother Pei, let’s go home. Everything’s unchanged. Only you’re missing. Our family of three is finally whole.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her try to pull Zhou Qing away, Yan Xiao Hu and Lu Yaoyao exchanged glances—wanting to speak, yet fearing to provoke this late Soul Transformation cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the next instant, Li Niang’s eyes flickered with confusion. She studied Zhou Qing’s face carefully—her joyful gaze gradually cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if waking from a sudden dream, she frantically pulled her hand away, stepped back several paces, and her face flushed with shame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m… I’m sorry. I… I mistook you for someone else.” Her body trembled, voice barely a whisper, then she turned and fled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao, who understood the truth and had just regained her senses, watched her lonely retreating figure—something in her heart twisted with pity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing gritted his teeth, silver light flashing beneath his feet—he instantly chased after her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stay here!” His voice echoed back as the two started to follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xiao Hu lowered his foot, urgently turning to Lu Yaoyao: “Is it her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao nodded, saying nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing now stood in midair, his powerful spiritual sense spreading wide—but found no trace of her whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moment he saw her caressing her belly with maternal love, he already knew what choice he’d make.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad she moved too fast—vanished in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you alright? What happened? What do you know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhou Qing return, Yan Xiao Hu rushed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing stared intently ahead: “Head to Lingyun Prefecture at top speed. I’ll explain everything on the way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both nodded and followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps Li Hanshan and the Blood Bone Ghost’s affair had caused Cangyan Dao Palace to halt further assassinations—the journey had been uneventful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two months later, the three finally arrived safely in Lingyun Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time, they’d learned the full story from Zhou Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I never expected it. I truly never expected it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing on the familiar yet alien street, Yan Xiao Hu still couldn’t believe that while he and Lei Luo were having fun, the high elders of the three sects had been locked in such a brutal game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, Lu Yaoyao was as calm as ever, even now curiously scanning her surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, her mental resilience was extraordinary!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xiao Hu felt admiration—but remembering how she’d lost her family as a child, endured hardship alone, he realized her spirit must have been forged into unbreakable steel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, as they passed Lingfeng Street, they saw the familiar [Cuiyu Pavilion] again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d once stayed here a long time—and the shopkeeper Qian Dafu had given them a harsh lesson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since Qian Dafu’s death, the sect had sent three people in succession, forming a triangular surveillance to prevent another Qian Dafu incident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The list of names and addresses was already known to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go—find Zhang Wanbao!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing didn’t enter—he walked straight past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yan Xiao Hu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they turned a corner, a familiar voice called from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xiao Hu turned to see a beautiful woman with a voluptuous chest, tentatively calling out—beside her stood a young girl munching on candied hawthorns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing it was truly Yan Xiao Hu and Zhou Qing, Li Shitao and Xiao Cancan hurried over, faces bright with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When did you arrive in Lingyun Prefecture? Why didn’t you tell us?” Li Shitao asked, smiling, her eyes tinged with mock reproach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing hadn’t expected his first familiar face here to be the ghost girl—no, Sister Tao!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Brother Yan, Big Brother Zhou!” Xiao Cancan greeted cheerfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xiao Hu sized them up, a touch envious: “You two sure are living well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Li Shitao—radiant as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing smiled: “Sister Tao, Cancan, we just arrived. How have you been?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shitao ignored Yan Xiao Hu’s sour remark, looking at Zhou Qing: “You’ve truly recovered? Last time I came, I wanted to visit, but your master said you were in seclusion cultivating body-refining arts. Now I see your spirit and appearance—you’ve truly returned. I’m so glad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Cancan nodded vigorously: “Zhang Wanbao’s been searching nonstop for pills to restore your Golden Core. I asked my dad too—but no luck. When Wanbao came back and said you’d recovered, I was so relieved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing this, Zhou Qing felt a surge of emotion and quickly said, “Thank you both—you’ve truly gone out of your way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the two women spotted Lu Yaoyao and brightened immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they’d met this girl during their last visit to Taiqingmen; she wasn’t just beautiful, but also warm and hospitable, leaving them with a very favorable impression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet upon meeting again, Lu Yaoyao gave them an intangible sense of pressure—more composed, more reserved, making them unconsciously feel she was harder to approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao smiled and greeted them politely: “Sister Tao, Cancan, long time no see!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, when we first met, we were all at the Golden Core realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, she’s reached the Nascent Soul realm, while the two of you haven’t changed much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re going to find Wanbao—come with us?” Zhou Qing invited. Since they were all familiar, it would be better to go together—more people, more fun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two women naturally agreed and immediately joined the group heading to the Wanxiang Auction House.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhang Wanbao learned Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao Hu had arrived, he rushed out immediately and enthusiastically embraced them both.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait, how did you get even fatter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They couldn’t help teasing him as they stared at his round, plump figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You were a bit lean before—now you’re starting to look just like your old man, Zhang Yifu, getting more and more prosperous in build.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wanbao chuckled, glancing subtly at Xiao Cancan before saying, “I’ve been trying to control it, but since I’ve made my peace with things, I’ve just gotten more relaxed—and fatter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the two burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But time was tight; Zhou Qing hadn’t forgotten their mission here and quickly explained why they’d come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re also looking for the Fusang Spirit Sunflower?” Zhang Wanbao asked, surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, all three grew serious; Zhou Qing immediately asked, “Who else is searching for it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wanbao shook his head. “I don’t know those two. They paid top price, but honestly, this auction house doesn’t even have the thing. Don’t worry—if it does show up, I’ll get it to you two brothers first. As for anyone else? Let them go cool their heels somewhere else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wanbao patted his chest in assurance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good brother!” Yan Xiao Hu slapped Zhang Wanbao’s shoulder happily—he was thoroughly satisfied, loyal to the core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing smiled as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After learning the two men had arrived three days ago, Zhou Qing had already guessed who they were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed the Cangyan Dao Palace and Tianji Gate were after the same thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad their plans were likely doomed—what could they do? Someone inside their own ranks had tipped us off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Zhang Wanbao’s help, Zhou Qing and the others no longer needed to worry about what came next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Zhang Wanbao’s intel, the two were indeed Nascent Soul elders from Cangyan Dao Palace and Tianji Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made the three even more cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, Xiao Cancan and Li Shitao were full of curiosity, asking them about recent events in the Eastern Region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you find the Four Flowers in Crown Formation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s the fighting going among your Eastern Region’s Five Great Sects now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard you killed two prodigies from Cangyan Dao Palace? True or false?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without Zhou Qing needing to speak, the loquacious Yan Xiao Hu began enthusiastically recounting everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they learned Zhou Qing hadn’t killed two prodigies, but five, the two women stared in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could a chaotic environment really accelerate someone’s growth so drastically?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a few years ago, Xue Tai Sui, a Nascent Soul beginner from Qingmu City, had made Zhou Qing and the others’ lives a living nightmare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, they’d all advanced to the Nascent Soul realm—especially Zhou Qing, who had already slain two half-step Soul Transformation experts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing their praise, Zhou Qing could only laugh and wave his hands, insisting it was all luck and some underhanded tactics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since they were in a major city and now had the means, Zhou Qing made a list and asked Zhang Wanbao to procure the materials needed for a formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The formation was called the [Itch-Scratching Heart Array], just like the [Eighteen-Level Earthquake], both newly created by Elder Xuanqingzi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current description stated that once activated, the array generated an invisible “itch wave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any intruder would be overcome with unbearable itching—from the soles of their feet to the scalp—every inch of skin feeling like millions of ants nibbling, forcing them to flail wildly, roll on the ground, utterly unable to fight or cast spells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This intrigued Zhou Qing greatly, and Zhang Wanbao didn’t disappoint—he gathered all the materials in just ten days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Brother Zhou, don’t get your hopes too high about the Fusang Spirit Sunflower—it’s simply too rare. My old man says even a Cutting Spirit expert might covet it. If it actually appears at the auction, someone of that caliber will likely come to buy it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he handed the materials to Zhou Qing, Zhang Wanbao hesitated before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing understood perfectly—but this also confirmed another truth: if the Demon King Hou Shan had nurtured that thing for a thousand years and still couldn’t find it, his rage would be unimaginable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After waiting a month, the three chose to take their leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d been given half a year total; three months had passed, and another two months would be needed for the return journey—leaving them almost no time to spare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I do get it, I’ll personally deliver it to you two brothers!” Zhang Wanbao vowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing was moved, but replied, “No need. Just focus on losing weight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, after bidding farewell to the group, the three set off on their return journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two months later, upon returning to the Eastern Region, only twenty days remained of the six-month deadline—but everywhere the three traveled, they still heard rumors of the Five Great Sects jointly searching for the Fusang Spirit Sunflower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many small sects were equally curious; after all, for five major sects that had been fighting for years to suddenly stop and unite over one item was highly unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing was puzzled—he couldn’t fathom what his Sect Master’s uncle was really planning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the three successfully found Cao Zhengyang and gave him a full account of the situation in Lingyun Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang listened, slightly disappointed, yet not entirely surprised—after all, the Fusang Spirit Sunflower was an extremely rare treasure; finding it was never easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we can’t get it, neither can Cangyan Dao Palace or Tianji Gate—don’t look so downcast!” Cao Zhengyang smiled, reassuring them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao also told him about encountering Li Ni on the road, then asked, “Master, what’s your real plan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With only twenty days left, they could face a beast tide from eighteen Demon Kings at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But instead of answering Lu Yaoyao’s question, Cao Zhengyang’s face turned stunned: “You met Li Ni?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Cao Zhengyang’s expression, Zhou Qing hurriedly asked, “Uncle, what’s going on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang sighed helplessly. “She’s vanished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Vanished?” all three exclaimed together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang nodded. “After you left, I secretly went to Qixing Sect—but I couldn’t find Li Ni. After soul-searching those Nascent Soul elders, I learned she hadn’t returned there in years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I went to the mountains where we last met her—still no trace. I suspect she sensed danger instinctively and slipped away quietly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They say motherhood makes one strong. With child in her womb and her cultivation at late Nascent Soul, she might have felt something in her soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing fell into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang continued: “Now, the fact that Demon King Hou Shan lost his sacred herb is no secret. The Nascent Soul elders of Qixing Sect, as I suspected, are all pretending ignorance to distance themselves—even saying nothing at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing nodded. In truth, since their return, no one had mentioned Qixing Sect—he’d already guessed as much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such a massive operation involving five great sects and a Demon King, Qixing Sect—a minor sect—would naturally want to stay out of it entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if Li Ni fled and Lingyun Prefecture couldn’t find a substitute herb, wouldn’t they now face Hou Shan’s vengeance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if sensing their worry, Cao Zhengyang flipped his hand, and a memory stone appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it glowed, a scene unfolded before their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the image, their hearts tightened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, before them, dozens of disciples from the Five Sects stood like lambs awaiting slaughter, locked inside cold, iron cages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their clothes were tattered, hair disheveled, faces etched with despair and terror, huddled trembling within the cages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hou Shan is desperate. In his perception, the Fusang Spirit Sunflower is nearly withered. When we arrived to negotiate, we found twelve Demon Kings already gathered there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang’s face was grim, his brow deeply furrowed into a “ Chuan ” shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhou Qing and the others turned pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twelve Demon Kings—that meant twelve Nascent Soul peak experts. Even with Taiqingmen’s centuries-old reserves, only six or seven Supreme Elders possessed such cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, demonic beasts had thick hides and skin; when they transformed into their true forms, their combat power surged. Combined with their innate abilities, each could easily fight two opponents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just after we left,” Cao Zhengyang paused, his eyes burning with rage, teeth clenched, “those poor disciples in the memory stone… were already slaughtered—devoured by the Demon Kings!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, murderous intent radiated from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three’s faces turned grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3244,"2026-06-19T20:13:53.139Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","1a3116f2456e4f15fcd1322965b7eede2b5d7698df8c8b0c3a60a4aed98df5d2","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-181","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-179",302,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmy-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--cover.jpg"]