Chapter 183: The Goddamn Master (6k)

Immediately afterward, the four sect leaders departed one after another.

They had no objection to Cao Zhengyang choosing to stay one more day.

Now that the Nine You Lotus is here, let alone their own Supreme Elders, even the Jin Leizong and Qingyu Immortal Sect would likely refuse to let anyone touch it.

Though the chance is only two percent, the Zhan Ling realm is simply too tempting.

For this opportunity, anyone who stands in the way must be killed!

Zhou Qing waited until dawn, then, after the new 【Daily Inspection】 refreshed, selected inspection again.

【Ordinary Soil: This is ordinary soil, nothing remarkable—but beneath it lies a broken Five-Color Array Disc, along with an extremely rare legendary divine herb.】

Seeing this new information, Zhou Qing felt disappointed; it seemed no further useful details would be revealed.

"Uncle, let's go," Zhou Qing said.

Cao Zhengyang nodded and rose to his feet.

Duanmuxu looked at the two and said, "Be careful on your way back."

Both nodded. Zhou Qing met the concerned gazes of several Ancestors within the sect, then suddenly transmitted a message to Duanmuxu.

Duanmuxu frowned but stood up, following Zhou Qing's suggestion: "I'll see you off."

The three then departed together.

"Zhou Qing, why did you make me follow you all the way here? What do you want to say?" After they had put some distance between them, Duanmuxu could no longer hold back.

Zhou Qing gazed into the night, his expression grave: "Supreme Elder, what I'm about to say is of utmost importance—can you conceal this conversation?"

Duanmuxu glanced at Cao Zhengyang.

Cao Zhengyang shook his head, indicating he had no idea.

He could nurture and guide Zhou Qing, but he could not dictate his words or decisions; thus, he had asked not a single question about why he chose to stay an extra day.

Duanmuxu nodded reluctantly, and instantly a great bronze cauldron appeared, enveloping all three.

"This space is self-contained—no one can see or hear us. Speak freely," Duanmuxu said.

Zhou Qing nodded, then looked at the two and said: "Supreme Elder, Uncle—the hidden 【Demon-Sealing Jiao Kill Array】 contains another fourth-rank forbidden technique. When activated, everyone within the array will be erased."

At these words, both their expressions changed instantly.

Cao Zhengyang immediately asked: "How do you know this?"

Duanmuxu also fixed Zhou Qing with a grave gaze.

Zhou Qing had no choice but to lie: "I saw it."

"Saw it?" Cao Zhengyang blinked, then burst into laughter.

You nearly gave us a fright, child.

The 【Demon-Sealing Jiao Kill Array】 is a Five-Color forbidden technique—we studied it carefully in ancient texts. It targets only demonic cultivators infused with demonic energy; humans within it suffer no harm.

You say a fourth-rank forbidden technique is hidden inside?

That's impossible. So many Supreme Elders watched it being set up—do you think they lack the eyes to see such a thing?

Duanmuxu added: "I know what you're worried about. We understand we're dealing with tigers—but some things are worth the risk…"

Before she finished, both saw white seals begin to condense around Zhou Qing's body.

The seals glowed pure white, like freshly fallen snow, radiating a soft yet distinct light.

The two froze in place, eyes wide with disbelief.

Cao Zhengyang's eyes bulged. He lunged forward a full step, leaning in until he nearly touched Zhou Qing, staring without blinking.

After a long silence, Cao Zhengyang drew a deep breath, his voice trembling with excitement: "Yes—this is truly an Array Master's Spirit Seal!"

Seeing twenty such seals, Duanmuxu's eyes filled with awe and delight. She hurriedly asked: "A Level-One Array Master? You're a Level-One Array Master?"

Zhou Qing nodded: "Respectfully, Supreme Elder, Uncle—I once received a stroke of fortune and, by chance, attained Level-One Array Master status."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengyang burst into loud laughter.

Heaven has been exceedingly kind to Taiqingmen—without warning, it has gifted us a rare Array Master.

In Haomiao Prefecture under Longyuan Commandery—the same prefecture where Ke Shu once came with a portrait seeking the red token—stands the Baiyu Tai Xu Academy, home to a revered Level-Two Array Master.

In that region, Lin Lao's name is legendary; even the Commandery Lord treats him with utmost respect and proper etiquette.

He once brought a black puppet from Cangyan Dao Palace secretly to consult this master, seeking a way to break its seals.

Alas, the master could not decipher anything and returned in regret.

Yet now, Zhou Qing has formed twenty Spirit Seals—this is a clear sign of an Array Master's true entry into the path.

And he is so young—with limitless potential. Given enough time to grow, with the talent he has shown, his eventual mastery of two hundred Spirit Seals and promotion to Level-Two Array Master is no fantasy.

At that time, this child will become as renowned as Lin Lao, his name echoing across Lingyun Prefecture.

Seeing their barely concealed excitement, Zhou Qing smiled helplessly.

After all, only Lu Yaoyao knew he had become an Array Master—even his Master and the others remained unaware.

He revealed this secret partly to make the Sect Master and others take his words seriously.

And partly because, as he continued refining his array flags, some truths could no longer be hidden much longer.

But then, Duanmuxu seemed to realize something. Her smile vanished. She looked at Zhou Qing, her face grave: "Are you certain a fourth-rank killing technique is hidden within?"

Zhou Qing nodded firmly: "Though I am still only a Level-One Array Master, I can still detect certain signs."

Cao Zhengyang also sobered, snorting coldly: "This Sikong Yan intends to wipe us all out at once and claim every lotus seed for himself—his heart is truly murderous."

The three alliances poured in manpower, resources, and effort for this plan—only to risk death and the collapse of their cultivation paths, while he reaps the benefits without lifting a finger.

Doesn't he fear that if we die, our disciples will expose his possession of the Nine You Lotus?

Even if it's baseless, countless people will come to investigate—including the current Emperor.

"What is he truly planning?" Cao Zhengyang muttered lowly.

Duanmuxu frowned deeply, her eyes filled with dread.

No wonder, when setting up the array core, Sikong Yan insisted everyone must swear a Heavenly Oath to enter and slay the demons—no one could merely watch and wait to claim lotus seeds.

After all, the array is merely auxiliary; most of the power is used to absorb and refine demonic essence to catalyze the Nine You Lotus.

"Perhaps he intends to use this demonic tide to eliminate us as potential threats. Once we're exhausted from fighting demons within the array, he'll quietly activate that terrifying fourth-rank killing array—the outcome is obvious."

Duanmuxu's voice was calm, but the chill within it sent a shiver down their spines.

Cao Zhengyang nodded in agreement: "Sikong Yan has always been calculating, ruthless, and willing to do anything to achieve his goals. I actually thought he genuinely wanted to unite with us against the outside threat—how laughable."

Zhou Qing couldn't help saying: "Uncle, he's trying to end the Five Sect War early."

Cao Zhengyang growled: "Those fools like Hou Shan have thrown a wild card into the mix, creating a new variable. He's about to break through to Zhan Ling—why should he care about us?"

"I even suspect that once they succeed, he'll casually abandon the entire Cangyan Dao Palace."

"He'll find a secret place to seclude himself. Once he ascends to Zhan Ling, he can easily rebuild a new Cangyan Dao Palace. Not just Lingyun Prefecture—he could demand a whole commandery, and the Emperor might even grant it to him!"

Hearing Cao Zhengyang's words, Zhou Qing fell into thought. With Sikong Yan's cunning and ruthlessness, perhaps he truly would do such a thing.

After their outburst, the three fell silent.

All three frowned deeply, pondering a solution.

Taiqingmen possessed only one Three-Color forbidden technique. When rescuing Qingyu Immortal Sect, they had taken all core and true disciples and gone the opposite direction, launching a surprise attack on Cangyan Dao Palace.

Thus, they knew its power better than anyone—but even tenfold its strength could not match a single fourth-rank forbidden technique.

There was only one option: don't enter at all.

But could they just abandon all the sect's accumulated resources and efforts?

What excuse would they give?

What would Jin Leizong and Qingyu Immortal Sect think?

Should they go now and tell them: "My disciple Zhou Qing, a Level-One Array Master, saw a fourth-rank killing array hidden inside your setup"?

How credible would that sound?

The moment the Nine You Lotus appeared, the so-called Three-Sect Alliance had already shattered.

The Five Sect War, the threat of the Demon King—all meant nothing before the hope of Zhan Ling.

Especially for Supreme Elders like them, whose lifespans were nearly spent, breaking through to Zhan Ling was their last lifeline.

"Master—" Cao Zhengyang began anxiously, but he had no good solution.

Duanmuxu shook her head helplessly—the situation seemed hopeless.

Zhou Qing couldn't help asking: "Could we build a small teleportation array?"

Duanmuxu sighed bitterly: "As planned, all our high-level cultivators—even countless Jin Dan and Nascent Soul cultivators—will enter to slay demons. Only when the timing is right will they activate the fourth-rank killing array."

"But since they're confident they can kill us all and claim every lotus seed, the fourth-rank forbidden technique must possess absolute power—and they've accounted for every possible scenario."

Cao Zhengyang deeply agreed. Their calculations were profound, leaving no room for defense.

Then the only choice was not to enter.

But if they didn't enter, and Sikong Yan later ascends to Zhan Ling, Taiqingmen will still face annihilation.

And if he has no intention of sharing the Nine You Lotus, even if we survive to the end, how can we be sure he'll give us any?

Once the Nine You Lotus matures, there are only a few seeds. Cangyan Dao Palace alone has several fully cultivated Soul Transformation cultivators. If each takes the maximum three seeds, the total won't even be enough.

The next moment, both turned to Zhou Qing at once, eyes filled with hope, and asked: "Zhou Qing, do you have any suggestions?"

Zhou Qing was stunned. He was merely a junior—what could he possibly do in the machinations of these great figures?

Yet seeing their earnest gazes, Zhou Qing paused briefly, then posed a question: "Do you think Tianji Sect knows?"

Both froze, then their eyes lit up instantly.

Tianji Sect was the weakest among the five sects—essentially Cangyan Dao Palace's lapdog.

Since Cangyan Dao Palace wants to monopolize the lotus seeds, they surely won't give Tianji Sect even two percent.

Yet the entire Canglan Mountain layout and final array core placement were entirely overseen by Tianji Sect—they couldn't possibly have missed the fourth-rank forbidden technique.

"If I were Tianji Sect, and I knew this would completely eradicate the Three Sect Alliance, I'd surely fear that Cangyan Dao Palace might turn on us afterward—yet they still chose to cooperate. There's only one possibility!"

Cao Zhengyang muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming.

Duanmuxu added, "Tianji Sect possesses something even Cangyan Dao Palace fears—so they're unafraid, even daring to make a pact with tigers from the start."

At this thought, Duanmuxu let out a long, relieved breath.

The trap is broken!

When the Five Sects enter, they'll all join the slaughter; if they follow Tianji Sect's people—or even kill them—they'll surely find a way out.

Only when their strength is preserved can they sit at the negotiating table to divide the spoils.

……

Duanmuxu returned and must hurry to alert the others, so they can prepare in advance.

Meanwhile, Cao Zhengyang led Zhou Qing back safely to their base.

The moment they sat down, Zhou Qing suddenly realized something: what if Cangyan Dao Palace had also counted Tianji Sect into their scheme?

Given Cangyan Dao Palace's modus operandi, if anyone truly threatened them, they'd rather eradicate them utterly.

But to avoid suspicion, they must make Tianji Sect believe they hold the upper hand, thus dispelling doubt.

"We can't place all our hopes on them!" Zhou Qing quickly made his decision.

He slowly withdrew the jade slip left to him by No. 6, lost in thought.

Even if we can open just a crack, we can preserve Taiqingmen's core strength.

This family—he would not allow anyone to destroy it.

Days passed. The entire Canglan Mountain was now choked with demonic qi, yet the Five Sects still feigned their search for herbs, as if utterly oblivious to the anomaly.

Until this day, Zhou Qing opened his eyes with a sudden intuition—and saw Mo Xingjian standing with his hands behind his back, gazing at him with tender affection.

Zhou Qing froze, then leapt up in delight and ran over. "Master, you've emerged from seclusion?"

Mo Xingjian looked deeply moved.

He hadn't expected that during one period of seclusion, this boy would stir up such a storm.

Li Hanshan and Yu Ziqi—the two great prodigies of the Five Prodigies—both fell to his hands.

He had underestimated the growth of Four Flowers at the Crown.

Remarkable!!!

Zhou Qing beamed, cautiously asking, "Master, have you broken through?"

Mo Xingjian shook his head. "Still a little short—a missing catalyst. And with the sect facing annihilation, I had no choice but to emerge."

Hearing this, Zhou Qing understood: the Sect Master had forcibly awakened his master.

"When did you become a Level One Array Master?" Mo Xingjian asked.

Zhou Qing grinned. "I went to Linggu Mountain, gained some fortune there, and barely managed to advance."

Mo Xingjian felt deeply satisfied. He didn't press for details—but he had to admit, this child had extraordinary luck.

Otherwise, they'd have fallen straight into Cangyan Dao Palace's trap.

The next moment, Cao Zhengyang entered and nodded to Mo Xingjian—everything understood without words.

Zhou Qing asked, "Are you ready?"

Cao Zhengyang nodded. "The demonic clans gathered at Canglan Mountain now exceed several million. Just now, a large number of disciples from the Five Sects were slaughtered by demons who could no longer hold back. Now we have justification to strike."

Zhou Qing sighed. "Uncle Cao, have you informed Jin Leizong and Qingyu Immortal Sect about the Level Four Forbidden Array?"

Cao Zhengyang stared at Zhou Qing, then stepped forward and patted his shoulder. "When the time comes, you won't go in."

Seeing Cao Zhengyang's gaze, Zhou Qing understood.

He had no words to say.

But his mind was made up—he must enter.

Cao Zhengyang sighed helplessly. "See? I told you this kid is stubborn—you didn't believe me. Forcing you out of seclusion was right. Taiqingmen listens only to you."

Mo Xingjian smiled faintly, even a little proud.

"Is being sentimental bad? That's a virtue. Don't sound so sour—I'm here. He won't get in."

Cao Zhengyang nodded slightly, then turned back to Zhou Qing, speaking with solemn gravity: "Zhou Qing, your future is immeasurable. Becoming a Soul Transformation cultivator is merely a matter of time."

"Add your status as a Level One Array Master, and I absolutely won't let you go. If we don't return, at least we leave Taiqingmen a seed."

Meeting Cao Zhengyang's gaze—filled with concern and hope—Zhou Qing's eyes stung.

"Why are you stirring up emotion? Don't burden the boy so heavily!" Mo Xingjian's voice trembled slightly as he spoke.

Cao Zhengyang smiled gently, then turned slowly toward Mo Xingjian, his eyes holding countless unspoken words.

He said, "Brother, Gao Xian is trustworthy. I've temporarily entrusted the sect to him."

"I know you crave freedom—I won't bind you. If things turn bad, take the children and run. Run as far as you can."

Mo Xingjian nodded firmly, lips trembling, wanting to speak—but the words choked in his throat.

In the end, he only whispered: "Take care."

Cao Zhengyang laughed heartily and turned to leave.

Zhou Qing rushed forward and slipped a jade slip into his hand.

Cao Zhengyang frowned in confusion.

Zhou Qing whispered a secret message. When he heard the terrifying power of the jade slip, Cao Zhengyang burst into loud laughter.

This sudden surprise swept away all the gloom in his heart.

"Brother Mo, I take back what I said. When we return, we'll drink together!"

Cao Zhengyang carefully stored the jade slip and hurried off.

"What was that?" Mo Xingjian asked curiously.

Zhou Qing exhaled lightly, dismissing it: "Nothing much—just that it can unleash a full-power strike from a Cutting Spirit realm cultivator."

Mo Xingjian: "..."

Meanwhile, Cao Zhengyang strode outside, his expression grave, his body suddenly radiating a chilling aura of slaughter.

He drew a deep breath, channeling his spiritual power, his voice rolling like thunder, instantly echoing through every corner of the base.

"All Taiqingmen disciples, listen! The Canglan Mountain Demon King has broken his word, falsely accusing us of stealing his herbs and colluding with other demon kings. He has gathered millions of demonic beasts to launch an assault on our sect."

"Today, they've already begun slaughtering our disciples. This treachery is heartless. All disciples, immediately cease your herb-gathering mission, assemble, and march toward Canglan Mountain!"

At this command, every disciple froze—then erupted in fury, surging from all directions like a tidal wave toward the assembly point.

Simultaneously, disciples stationed outside, having already received word from their peak masters or senior brothers, shot through the sky as streaks of light, racing back on their swords.

Yan Xiao and Lu Yaoyao panicked and rushed straight to Zhou Qing.

"Fourth Brother, did you hear? Those damn—Master?" Yan Xiao froze as he entered and saw Mo Xingjian.

Mo Xingjian narrowed his eyes. "What did you just say?"

Yan Xiao beamed and rushed forward, delighted. "Master, when did you emerge? Why didn't you say anything? I was cursing those demon kings!"

Mo Xingjian snorted, then turned to Lu Yaoyao, who followed closely. "All three of you stick close to me. Don't wander off."

Then he turned, hands behind his back, watching the sky filled with countless disciples—like a winding dragon—marching in vast numbers toward Canglan Mountain. He sighed deeply.

Even with array support, how many of these disciples will return? No one can say.

May all go well.

"Let's go," Mo Xingjian said, leading Zhou Qing and the others toward Canglan Mountain.

Lu Yaoyao clung tightly behind Zhou Qing, trembling with fear.

Though she knew the clash with the Demon Kings was inevitable, when the day truly arrived, she still felt terror.

"Don't worry—it'll be fine," Zhou Qing comforted her.

…………

When the four arrived at Canglan Mountain, the entire vast range was already shrouded by the eerie, colossal power of the 【Demon-Sealing Slaughter Array】.

A massive, deep-glowing energy curtain rose from the earth, layering Canglan Mountain in its embrace.

Runes flickered across the curtain, twisting like living serpents, radiating a terrifying aura.

Inside, battle cries thundered; human and beast shadows clashed in chaotic slaughter. Thick bloodlust seeped through the curtain, making one gag.

Powerful spiritual shocks periodically erupted, causing the curtain to ripple like water.

Yet the scene within remained blurred—only vague silhouettes visible, as if peering into a hell through a veil of mist.

(End of Chapter)