Chapter 189

"No, Third Shixiong, you..."

Seeing this, Zhou Qing hurriedly reached out to stop him, attempting to calm him down.

Yan Xiao suddenly grabbed Zhou Qing tightly, his eye sockets turning red. He was on the verge of kneeling before Zhou Qing, saying pitifully, "Old Fourth, Third Shixiong has never begged anyone in his life. Please, take me with you, will you?"

Looking at Yan Xiao, who was covered in snot and tears, Zhou Qing's face twitched. *You're making it sound like I abandoned you. *

"Third Shixiong, Master is currently all alone..."

"If you all leave and leave me alone, he'll beat me to a pulp. Besides, he's still vigorous in his old age; does he really need me to take care of him?" Yan Xiao immediately interrupted Zhou Qing.

He then added, "Besides, it's not like I haven't had contact with Second Uncle before. During the Five Sects Treasure Exchange, he swindled me out of a lot of money. I have a bit of history with him, too."

Zhou Qing: "..."

Yan Xiao turned around quickly and began packing his things with nimble movements, muttering non-stop: "The furthest place the two of us went together was Lingyun Prefecture. Now, Haomiao Prefecture should be the same."

"Didn't Second Shijie and her husband go to Haomiao Prefecture? I have to go over there to keep an eye on them for Master. If they act recklessly, we'll be uncles sooner than expected."

"Have you read those storybooks? Changing maps is a huge taboo. How can you go to a new map without someone you're familiar with? It's so awkward."

"Of course, the main thing is wanting to see the world and find a Dao companion along the way. Everyone at Taiqingmen is too familiar with each other, and my reputation for peeping and grave-digging isn't great, so many pretty Shijie and Shimei avoid me."

"Isn't Second Uncle going to be our senior? You all are progressing so fast; if he could give me a pointer or two, maybe I could take this opportunity to step into the mid-stage Soul Formation."

Yan Xiao chattered away while packing, and Zhou Qing couldn't get a word in.

Soon, over sixty bundles were packed.

"And the old hen. With me there, at the very least, I can help you take care of it, right? You go drink some water first; I'll go tell Master."

Yan Xiao hurriedly opened the underground secret chamber, hugged three boxes, and ran toward the mountain, leaving Zhou Qing behind, nearly petrified.

"Why am I so confused?" Zhou Qing scratched his head.

What was even more incredible was that he didn't know what Third Shixiong had said to Master, but Master had actually agreed to let him go along.

"When is Second Uncle coming to pick us up? I'm so nervous. Will he not take me? Should I set off early and start from the bottom of the Bai Yu Taixu Academy?"

Yan Xiao looked around excitedly.

Zhou Qing said, "There are still two days left."

"Damn, you should've said so earlier! I'm going to go prepare some more!" Yan Xiao left again.

Zhou Qing sighed helplessly.

After thinking it over, there was still one person he couldn't let go of; he had to tell her, lest she worry.

Afterward, Zhou Qing headed straight for Shenyue Peak.

Along the way, when all the younger generation disciples looked at Zhou Qing, their eyes were filled with fanatical worship.

One person had single-handedly beheaded the five great geniuses of the Chiyan Longshi, directly ranking second on the must-kill list. No, to be precise, after Luo Lingling broke through to Divine Transformation, if the Five Sects War hadn't ended, he would definitely be first.

He had even turned the tide at Canglan Mountain, having long anticipated the conspiracies of the Chiyan Longshi and the Tianji Sect, choosing to provide support from the outside and helping countless people escape.

Ask anyone in the Eastern Region who cultivates: who doesn't know about the rising genius of our Taiqingmen, Zhou Qing?

Facing the enthusiastic gazes of the crowd, Zhou Qing could only politely smile, nod in acknowledgment, and speed up again.

Once he entered Shenyue Peak, that fanatical gaze became even more overwhelming.

Especially the many female disciples gathered together, their faces flushed with shyness, their eyes filled with reverence as they looked at Zhou Qing.

Even the usually calm and introverted Elders looked at Zhou Qing with a bit more gratification and appreciation.

"Zhou Shixiong!"

When she saw Zhou Qing suddenly visiting, Lu Yaoyao came out excitedly, her face full of joy.

With no one else around, Zhou Qing mentioned his plan to leave.

Lu Yaoyao's previously happy expression froze instantly, and then, without a word, she turned around.

"Where are you going?" Zhou Qing suddenly felt this scene was very familiar, and a sense of unease arose in his heart.

Lu Yaoyao said without looking back, "Packing my luggage to go with you!"

Zhou Qing: "..."

"I don't need you to take care of me!" Zhou Qing shouted hurriedly.

Third Shixiong is using the excuse of taking care of me, you don't need to do that, right?

Lu Yaoyao responded righteously, "But I need you to take care of me."

Zhou Qing: "..."

"If you don't let me go, I'll do what I did when I went to Qingmu City: disguise myself and sneak away. If any accident happens on the road, I'll make you regret it for the rest of your life!" Lu Yaoyao said.

Zhou Qing: "..."

No, what is our relationship? Are you really resorting to moral kidnapping?

I originally wanted to say a proper goodbye to others, but with you two doing this, how could I dare to open my mouth?

Zhou Qing tried to dissuade her, but Lu Yaoyao was determined to go with Zhou Qing.

"I came to Taiqingmen for you. If you're not here, what's the point of me staying!"

Lu Yaoyao's sudden remark left Zhou Qing stunned.

"What do you mean?" Zhou Qing asked in confusion.

"Nothing!" Lu Yaoyao seemed a bit angry, turned her head away, and stopped looking at Zhou Qing, which left Zhou Qing even more baffled.

Are all you women this inexplicable when you're angry?

Not long after, Yan Xiao arrived in a flurry.

"You scared me to death. I thought you were lying to me and then sneaking away. By the way, Lu Shimei, what is this?"

Yan Xiao looked at Lu Yaoyao, who was constantly packing her bags, and seemed to have guessed something.

This is pretty good. Lu Shimei can handle the domestic side, washing clothes and cooking for you.

I, your Shixiong, will handle the outside, taking care of the chicken and gathering information for you.

You just need to follow Second Uncle and cultivate properly. Look at what a great combination the three of us are.

"Lu Shimei, Shixiong will help you pack. Don't rush; he's not leaving for another two days. Do you want this bed? Anyway, with a storage bag, it's convenient to take it. I heard many people are picky about their beds."

As Yan Xiao spoke, he started helping her pack, appearing exceptionally enthusiastic.

Watching Third Shixiong help, Zhou Qing sat outside the courtyard, casting his gaze toward the passage by the latrine not far away, sighing repeatedly.

Two days later, outside Zhou Qing's residence!

Yan Xiao was holding the old hen, and Lu Yaoyao was holding a box of snacks; both were full of excitement.

In contrast, Zhou Qing, who was in the middle, was full of sorrow.

Not far away, Mo Xingjian, Cao Zhengyang, and more than a dozen other peak masters, and even three Supreme Elders, were all holding their breath, observing the movement here.

After all, some things couldn't be hidden from them.

As for the departure of the three, they naturally agreed with both hands, especially since Zhou Qing's inheritance as a formation master had to come from somewhere.

And they came this time just to see what the "Er Daye" who once made a splash at Taiqingmen actually looked like.

After all, this guy appeared with a different look every time he went to a sect to steal techniques.

Especially when he faked his death to escape years ago, it had made all his Shixiong and Shidi cry their hearts out.

After all, Second Uncle had a natural charm and was very popular, making people want to get close to him.

His fellow Shixiong and Shidi would drink and have fun with him.

The Shijie and Shimei loved to stroll in front of his residence every night.

Otherwise, it wouldn't have been possible for everyone in the many sects he had stayed in to be willing to give him the position of the next Sect Master, and basically with no objections.

Just like that, time passed bit by bit. Under Zhou Qing's anxious waiting, Second Uncle's voice suddenly rang in his mind.

"Why did it become three?"

Hearing Second Uncle's inquiry, Zhou Qing looked helpless. Just as he was about to discuss it, Second Uncle's voice came again.

"Forget it, forget it, let them come together. I was worried you wouldn't adapt to a strange environment suddenly anyway. I have some things to deal with here; you guys go to the Lingyun Prefecture teleportation array and wait for me!"

After speaking, it was like a stone sinking into the sea; there was no more sound.

Zhou Qing had no choice but to nod and tell the two what Second Uncle meant.

The two naturally agreed and went down the mountain.

Cao Zhengyang and the others looked at each other, knowing they couldn't hide it from the other party. With his talent, he must have already promoted to Soul Severance.

Now, they only hoped these three children would have a safe journey!

Two months later, the three arrived at Lingyun Prefecture again. They originally wanted to say hello to Zhang Wan Bao and the others, but decided against it in the end.

However, Yan Xiao, who was best at gathering gossip, couldn't suppress his curiosity and went out for a stroll. Soon, he brought back detailed information about the Bai Yu Taixu Academy.

The three immediately checked it.

Bai Yu Taixu Academy was a very special academy in Haomiao Prefecture with strong teaching resources, gathering many venerable and powerful experts as mentors.

It was said that the Dean's background was even more mysterious and incredibly powerful.

Even the Governor of Long Yuanjun had to be respectful when seeing him, not daring to be the slightest bit negligent.

This also made many large sects in the four regions—not weaker than Taiqingmen—willing to send their outstanding younger generation disciples there for cultivation.

Besides that, there were countless other small sects that did the same.

It was just that Haomiao Prefecture was a bit chaotic now. Originally, the situation in the Western Region was similar to the Eastern Region where Taiqingmen was located. Several major sects started a civil war, and in less than a year, they were forcefully suppressed by the more powerful Hunyuan Sect.

But who would have thought that after only half a year, for unknown reasons, the Southwest regions went to war, with millions of people entering the battlefield, and more than forty Divine Transformation experts had fallen so far.

The other two regions were naturally watching the show, occasionally intervening to gain some benefits.

Of course, despite this, Bai Yu Taixu Academy was not affected at all, but the disciples of various families inside were inevitably forming cliques and fighting due to this.

"I didn't expect that they were still fighting in Haomiao Prefecture. Fortunately, it's already over on our side!" Lu Yaoyao couldn't help but sigh after reading this information.

Yan Xiao worried, "Speaking of which, in this battle at Canglan Mountain, the Jin Leizong, Qingyuxian Sect, and Tianji Sect suffered the heaviest losses. Now their strength is less than twenty percent of their peak; I'm afraid they no longer have the power to fight other regions."

Zhou Qing was silent. Fortunately, after this incident, the Imperial Capital seemed to see the decline of the Eastern Region and did not intervene again.

The others who came to spy, after a simple warning, had now also ceased their activities, which could be considered giving the Five Sects a chance to breathe.

Could Sikong Yan's behavior be for the purpose of achieving this effect?

What exactly does he want to do?

Fortunately, this time it was just to go to Bai Yu Taixu Academy to transition, borrow an identity, and he would be able to return before long.

After having a rough understanding, the three felt more confident. After finding out the location of the teleportation array, they rushed over.

An hour later, in the central square of Lingyun Prefecture, a huge teleportation array appeared before them.

This teleportation array, with a diameter of tens of meters, emitted a faint blue light and was magnificent. When the runes flickered, it was like a galaxy flowing in the array, far from what the small teleportation arrays purchased by the three sects could compare to.

And all around, the crowd was surging, and people from different sects were queuing up, waiting anxiously.

The guards of Lingyun Prefecture were wearing heavy armor, holding long spears, and moving through the crowd with upright postures, maintaining order at the scene.

Once someone tried to cut in line or cause chaos, they would quickly step forward to stop them.

At the entrance on the side, a cold-faced man was sitting at a table, meticulously collecting the spirit stones needed for teleportation.

Every time he received a spirit stone, he would examine it with sharp eyes, and only after confirming it was correct would he write down the corresponding information in the record book.

"Zhou Shixiong, the one heading to Haomiao Prefecture is in the ninth wave. We need to go over there to queue."

Yaoyao looked at a purple crystal wall suspended in the air. Strange light flickered on it, detailing the destinations and related information of each wave of teleportation.

The two looked in the direction of her gaze and found it was indeed so.

According to the prompt, they bypassed the crowd and arrived on the other side.

I didn't expect there to be so many people heading to Haomiao Prefecture. There were hundreds of people queuing here, slowly moving forward.

"Zhou Dage, Yan Dage, it really is you!"

Just as the three were curiously standing on tiptoe, waiting for Second Uncle, a surprised voice suddenly rang out.

The three looked in the direction of the voice and saw Zhang Wan Bao, with his slightly protruding belly, running over excitedly with hurried steps.

Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao were stunned. *Are you that well-informed? *

"What do you mean? Why didn't you come to find me when you came to Lingyun Prefecture? You're not treating me, Wan Bao, like a brother at all!"

Zhang Wan Bao pretended to be angry, hands on his hips, but his eyes were full of joy.

Zhou Qing had no choice but to explain that they had just arrived and were in a hurry to go to Haomiao Prefecture, so he was really embarrassed to disturb him.

"Really, you're also going to Haomiao Prefecture?" After learning where the three were going, Zhang Wan Bao became even more excited.

Zhou Qing's heart moved. Just as he was about to ask, he saw Fu Kui walking over.

The three hurriedly saluted.

Fu Kui nodded. Young people always had a lot to talk about when they gathered. Anyway, it was still early, so in order not to spoil the fun among the juniors, he simply turned around, walked toward the other side, and found a quiet corner to stay in.

"I'm also going to Haomiao Prefecture!" Zhang Wan Bao said impatiently.

It turned out that although the main venue of the Wan Xiang Auction was in Lingyun Prefecture, its procurement channels were like a huge spider web, spread across a dozen surrounding prefectures.

Haomiao Prefecture had an important stronghold called "Treasure Pavilion," established near Bai Yu Taixu Academy.

This "Treasure Pavilion" was usually bustling with people, and the items traded were diverse, from rare spirit herbs and elixirs to powerful magic treasures, everything was available.

Coupled with the current war between the two regions, the demand for various materials had increased sharply, as well as the sale of spoils of war and a series of other matters, making Haomiao Prefecture urgently in need of a capable person to sit in charge.

In recent years, Zhang Wan Bao had gradually become attentive to business. Not only was his mind flexible, but he also showed excellent business talent and performed well in various affairs.

As the helmsman of the Wan Xiang Auction, Zhang Yifu, after careful consideration, decided to send Zhang Wan Bao to preside over it, which could be considered another kind of training for him.

After learning the ins and outs of the matter, the three were also happy. Moreover, once they arrived in Haomiao Prefecture, they could look out for each other.

"What about Xiao Cancan? You two are going to have a long-distance relationship!" Zhou Qing's mouth curled up slightly, his eyes carrying a bit of teasing.

Zhang Wan Bao waved his hand, looking dismissive, and said, "They say settle down and start a career, but actually, it's the right logic to read it backward."

As the conversation deepened, upon learning that Zhou Qing and the others were going to enter Bai Yu Taixu Academy to study, Zhang Wan Bao's eyes lit up. He immediately patted his chest and said that once everything was settled, he would go to the academy to find them.

And if they needed anything, just contact him. As long as it wasn't too outrageous, he would give it all away for free.

Anyway, once he got there, he would be the person in charge.

After hearing this, the three didn't know whether to laugh or cry. If your old man knew you were such a spendthrift, wouldn't he be pissed off?

Just then, Zhou Qing glanced at the crowd and saw a young figure with a golden tag 【A little brat whose opportunity is a bit against the heavens】, constantly approaching here.

Who else could it be but Second Uncle?

"I've been looking for you for a long time; so you were here!" Second Uncle leaned over, a familiar smile on his face.

Lu Yaoyao and Yan Xiao were full of confusion, while Zhou Qing blinked, a flash of cunning in his eyes.

Seeing this, Second Uncle cleared his throat deliberately and said, "What, don't recognize me? I'm Si Yunya, the guide who is taking you to the academy this time."

Zhou Qing looked enlightened and said, "Oh, so it's Si Yun Shixiong, long time no see."

And at this moment, Yan Xiao and Lu Yaoyao suddenly understood who the person who came was.

So this was Second Uncle. Is he this young?

He looks like he's not much older than them.

Thinking about it, it shouldn't be his true appearance.

"Greetings, Si Yun Shixiong!" The two also hurriedly saluted.

Second Uncle nodded with satisfaction, then cast his gaze toward Zhang Wan Bao, a hint of curiosity in his eyes, and said, "Who is this little fatty?"

Zhou Qing hurriedly introduced him.

Second Uncle was quite surprised after hearing this.

And when Zhang Wan Bao heard that this person was the future Shixiong of Zhou Dage and the others, his mind turned. He immediately took out a superior-grade spirit stone from his storage bag with a smile, held it with both hands, and handed it over with a face full of smiles.

"Since you are the brother of Zhou Dage and Yan Dage, you are my brother, Zhang Wan Bao. My two brothers are visiting Bai Yu Taixu Academy for the first time, and they are unfamiliar with the place. Please help take care of them a little. It's a small token of my appreciation, not worth mentioning!"

Zhang Wan Bao said sincerely.

Looking at the superior-grade spirit stone quietly stuffed into his hand, Second Uncle's eyes lit up instantly, and the smile in his eyes grew thicker.

Looking at this fat boy again, his eyes were full of appreciation.

Worthy of being from a business family, wealthy and clever.

"Not at all, not at all," Second Uncle smiled and waved his hand, skillfully putting the spirit stone into his bosom.

"We are all brothers; what's this about taking care of them? In the academy, I will naturally take good care of them."

But they hadn't chatted for two sentences when Fu Kui suddenly arrived, his face full of vigilance.

Second Uncle seemed to notice Fu Kui's gaze, turned his head unhurriedly, and looked at Fu Kui for a moment.

This glance seemed plain and unremarkable, but it made Fu Kui's heart shake violently.

Subconsciously, he nodded slightly, but a stormy sea was set off in his heart.

Everyone who approached the young master was within his strict observation range, but this person, clearly young, could not be seen through with his cultivation.

Could it be that this person is a Soul Severance expert?

"Let's go, let's go, I'll go say hello, let's leave early!" Zhang Wan Bao looked around, pulled Zhou Qing, and headed to the front.

This back-and-forth was very time-consuming. By the time it was their turn, it would probably be dark.

Time is money; he couldn't wait, not to mention there were several brothers here.

Several guards were originally staring at the team with burning eyes. Seeing someone cutting in line, their expressions immediately tightened, and they were about to step forward to stop them.

But when they saw clearly that the person was Zhang Wan Bao, the seriousness on their faces instantly relaxed, and their footsteps stopped abruptly.

And the man who was originally sitting at the table, meticulously collecting teleportation spirit stones, saw Zhang Wan Bao's figure, immediately stood up from his seat, and greeted him with a face full of smiles.

After all, the Governor had ordered that people from the Wan Xiang Auction enjoyed supreme privileges in teleportation.

After all, if it weren't for Zhang Yifu back then, how could the Governor who was first transferred here have controlled the situation so quickly and successfully taken over this huge jurisdiction.

And the two families might soon become in-laws.

After Zhang Wan Bao communicated simply, the man nodded repeatedly, his face full of flattering smiles, and soon changed the order of teleportation.

"Let's go!" After waiting for about half an hour, several people didn't even pay, stepped onto the teleportation array, and disappeared.

Central Square of Haomiao Prefecture!

With a flash of light, several people appeared.

Here, the crowd was also surging and lively, all queuing in long lines, waiting for teleportation to different destinations.

"Alright then, I won't see you off. I'll come find you to play later!" After leaving Haomiao Prefecture, Zhang Wan Bao looked at Zhou Qing and the others and said enthusiastically.

Zhou Qing and the others thanked him.

Until they were far away, Zhou Qing breathed a sigh of relief, then looked at Second Uncle and asked respectfully, "Uncle, what should we do next?"

Second Uncle said unhurriedly, "Just suppress your cultivation to the early Soul Formation stage. You two don't need to. By the way, have you learned about Bai Yu Taixu Academy before?"

Yan Xiao immediately took out the information he bought. After Second Uncle looked at it, he nodded and said, "It's about the same, but that Dean is a Soul Severance powerhouse. You guys need to be careful."

The three were surprised after hearing this.

Second Uncle took this opportunity to add a little more.

Bai Yu Taixu Academy could be said to be the highest academy recognized in Haomiao Prefecture. Everyone who graduated from it entered the top positions in various industries.

Because of this, the people who supported it were like crucian carp crossing the river, and its status was even more transcendent.

The academy was divided into an outer courtyard and an inner courtyard. The outer courtyard had a large number of people and fierce competition. Only those who passed the cruel assessment and had excellent results could enter the inner courtyard.

(End of chapter)