Chapter 202: Shibo, is it because of Nannan's matter? (6k)

"Fourth Brother, Fourth Brother, where did you go? Why didn't you say anything when you left? You're still injured..."

"I'm here!" Before Yan Xiaohu could finish, Zhou Qing's voice rang out leisurely from the side, carrying a bit of helplessness and indifference.

Yan Xiaohu rubbed his eyes, only then discovering that Zhou Qing had been sitting cross-legged there all along, not having moved at all.

He immediately gave a sheepish smile and hurriedly leaned over.

Come to think of it, ever since entering the Bai Yu Taixu Academy, he had felt that his eyes were acting up. Clearly, Fourth Brother was right beside him, but he just couldn't see him.

This made him think of the past.

Second Shijie Luo Lingling asked him to go to a certain place to get something. He searched up and down, inside and out, but just couldn't find it.

When Second Shijie came looking aggressively, that thing appeared abruptly in the place he had searched before, like a ghost.

You tell me, isn't that scary!

"Fourth Brother, how do you feel now?" Yan Xiaohu asked with concern.

Zhou Qing sighed, then shook his head: "It seems I can only find Second Grandpa!"

Upon hearing this, Yan Xiaohu was full of self-reproach.

"Fourth Brother, I'm sorry, I'm the one who harmed you like this. If it weren't for my greed for small gains, we would have returned to the sect by now, how could we have gotten into this mess!"

Yan Xiaohu said remorsefully.

Zhou smiled slightly, carrying a bit of open-mindedness and comfort, and said softly: "A fall into the pit, a gain in your wit. It's nothing big. Second Grandpa definitely has a way, don't worry."

Come to think of it, it's just a blood curse. Even if Second Grandpa doesn't have a way, the talent skill 【Random Post】 might refresh a targeted post one day.

Just like this 【Detoxification Post】, it brought them a turning point in a desperate situation.

Furthermore, he didn't even know where the Heavenly Demon Mountain was. So what if it's Peng clan blood? He had refined three drops of true Great Peng essence blood.

If people from the Peng clan come to take revenge on him, let them come. What is there to fear!

"Let's go, home!" Zhou Qing stood up with a grin. After comforting Yan Xiaohu, the two of them embarked on the return journey.

Taiqingmen!

When he learned that Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu had returned, Mo Xingjian, who was taking a nap, was so excited that he even lost one of his shoes and rushed out.

"Master!" Seeing Mo Xingjian rushing toward them stumbling, both of them felt their eyes turn red instantly, and they knelt on both knees in excitement.

Mo Xingjian stepped forward a few steps, supported the two of them with trembling hands, patted their shoulders gently with his thick palms, and said several times: "Good, good, good, it's good to be back, it's good to be back."

For so many years, this was the first time he had let the two of them go to such a far place.

Now seeing that the two of them were safe and sound, the huge stone in his heart finally landed.

Inside the Yushen Hall!

Mo Xingjian sat on the side, his face full of doting smiles, quietly watching the two of them devouring their food.

"Don't rush, order more if it's not enough!" Mo Xingjian said kindly.

Yan Xiaohu's mouth was stuffed full, and he said vaguely: "Home-cooked food is still the best. The food at the academy, even dogs wouldn't eat."

Zhou Qing couldn't help but laugh: "Third Shixiong, you didn't go to the inner courtyard's kitchen any less."

Yan Xiaohu was a bit embarrassed, scratched his head and said: "Doesn't the comparison show it?"

Upon hearing this, Mo Xingjian couldn't help but laugh out loud.

These two guys, they had been out for more than half a year, and they really hadn't changed at all, still the same temperament.

After being full of food and wine, Yan Xiaohu picked his teeth comfortably, looked around, and asked suspiciously: "Master, why is the sect so cold and clear again?"

Mo Xingjian's expression condensed slightly, and he said slowly: "A few days ago, a strong vibration spread throughout the Eastern Region. The Sect Master took the Peak Masters out to investigate, and the disciples were also dispatched."

Upon hearing this, Yan Xiaohu subconsciously looked at Zhou Qing, a trace of panic flashing in his eyes.

Zhou Qing was also a bit uncomfortable, lowered his head slightly, and a flash of embarrassment crossed his face.

Mo Xingjian looked at the two of them looking guilty, and immediately reacted. His gaze was like a torch, staring tightly at the two of them, and he said in a deep voice: "That vibration, was it caused by you?"

Yan Xiaohu immediately looked full of self-reproach and told the whole story from beginning to end.

When he heard that Zhou Qing had actually tricked and killed a legendary Soul Severance powerhouse, Mo Xingjian widened his eyes, full of disbelief.

With a wave of his hand, a layer of soundproof restriction appeared immediately, and then he asked eagerly: "What exactly happened?"

Regarding this point, Yan Xiaohu was also full of curiosity.

Ever since he caused trouble, he had been confused.

Zhou Qing, in helplessness, had to explain the matter at Lingku Mountain in general detail.

Mo Xingjian and Yan Xiaohu listened blankly.

I said that after you brought Lu Yaoyao back that time, that girl actually broke through two small realms. So it turns out she refined natural thunder liquid.

At this moment, Yan Xiaohu felt so much regret. If he had known, he wouldn't have gone out with Lei Luo to dig up someone else's ancestral grave.

Mo Xingjian, on the other hand, had his brows tightly locked.

No wonder the entire Eastern Region would have such a strong vibration. In other words, this was the degree of self-detonation originating from two Soul Severance realms.

"Then the blood curse on your body—" Mo Xingjian asked with some worry.

Zhou Qing comforted: "It's really fine, I'll just find Second Grandpa when the time comes."

Upon hearing this, Mo Xingjian was also slightly relieved.

I hope that old guy really has a way.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit heavy, Zhou Qing hurriedly changed the subject and smiled: "By the way, Master, is there any news about Eldest Shixiong and Second Shijie and the others?"

Mo Xingjian shook his head slightly, feigning reproach: "Everyone is busy with their own affairs, no one cares about this old man who is not dead yet."

The two of them felt sheepish and hurriedly took out the gifts they had brought back.

Mo Xingjian was immediately beaming with joy, but soon his brows furrowed.

"Why does this gift box look so familiar?" Mo Xingjian muttered to himself.

The two of them felt a thud in their hearts, and a bad premonition surged.

Mo Xingjian flipped the bottom box over, only to see a line of delicate small characters on the upper left corner.

It read: "This is a local specialty sold by the Taiqingmen branch in Lingyun Prefecture, with excellent materials and unique features."

Seeing this scene, Mo Xingjian's originally happy expression stiffened instantly.

As soon as he looked up, the two of them ran away.

"Third Shixiong, when can you be reliable?"

"Careless, I forgot that ever since Qian Dafu died, the sect opened three shops there to supervise each other."

"Then you can't be so unlucky. With so many shops, why did you choose our own? The things that were finally sold, you actually bought them back."

"Don't talk about it, if I weren't unlucky, could I have brought you into that mine cave."

The Sect Master and the others returned very quickly this time. After all, there were two Supreme Elders in the sect who had taken the Nine Nether Lotus Seeds, so there could be no mistakes.

Hearing that Zhou Qing had returned, Cao Zhengyang was full of joy.

"How do you feel in Haomiao Prefecture?" In the main hall, Cao Zhengyang asked with concern.

Zhou Qing smiled: "Not bad. Lin Shi has unique insights into formations and restrictions. This period of time, this disciple has gained a lot."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengyang nodded with satisfaction.

Zhou Qing also smiled slightly. Regarding the matter of Lingku Mountain, after discussing it with his master, he decided not to tell Shibo and the others.

It wasn't that they didn't trust them, but it was completely unnecessary.

Just like now, Shibo and the others didn't care at all where the source of the earthquake was; they were just a little curious.

Moreover, this matter was too significant, not only involving powerhouses like the Soul Severance realm but also involving the Demon race.

What was even more deadly was that it was also related to the Royal Prince Xuan Yuan Shuo.

No one knew what exactly happened between the two of them. If it involved some secret, or some treasure, what would you think if Xuan Yuan Shuo knew that Zhou Qing had tricked and killed the other party? And what would he do?

By then, for both Zhou Qing and the entire Taiqingmen, it would be a devastating disaster.

On this point, his master considered it very thoroughly, and Zhou Qing naturally had no objections.

As the conversation between the two deepened, Zhou Qing couldn't help but turn the topic to the current situation of the other major sects.

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengyang sighed slightly and said slowly: "The current situation in the entire Eastern Region is relatively chaotic. More and more forces from the other three regions are coming here to kick people when they are down."

"Many homeless people have to choose to come and join the Five Great Sects. Overall, it's still the same old story. Except for the Cangyan Dao Palace, our Taiqingmen is the most prosperous."

Zhou Qing nodded. This was about the same as what he had seen along the way back.

The battle of Mount Canglan had too much aftermath.

Cao Zhengyang smiled: "Don't worry, the general framework will not be shaken. And those people who have always lived in the comfortable sect, having encountered various changes this time, are now growing rapidly. This can also be considered bad in the good."

Zhou Qing hesitated, but couldn't help asking: "Then the two Supreme Elders..."

After all, Second Grandpa said that relying solely on the Nine Nether Lotus Seeds could not break through to the Soul Severance realm. The Old Emperor lied back then and hid some other things.

Cao Zhengyang's expression dimmed, and he shook his head helplessly: "The place of seclusion was set in the Cave Heaven, guarded by six Supreme Elders together. Currently, no news has come out."

Zhou Qing nodded slightly.

There were a total of eight Supreme Elders in Taiqingmen. Two took the seeds, and six guarded them, which was enough to show the importance attached to it.

I hope they are safe!

"By the way, Shibo!" Soon, Zhou Qing thought of something and took out four sets of formation flags.

"This is a one-color magic formation refined by this nephew, namely the *Floating Pagoda Formation*, *Thunder Flame Spirit-Devouring Formation*, *Eighteen-Level Earthquake*, and *Itchy Heart-Scratching Formation*. I hope it can help a little."

Zhou Qing said solemnly.

Since he had finally come back, he had to give some gifts to this big family.

Currently, he couldn't use these formations. If there was a need, he would just refine them.

If a few more Epiphany Posts were refreshed, he might be able to directly refine two-color restrictions.

Cao Zhengyang stared blankly at the formation flags handed over by Zhou Qing, his eyes full of shock.

Then came a burst of ecstasy.

See that? This is the benefit of having a formation master in the sect.

With these precious formation flags, Taiqingmen's defense and combat capabilities would be greatly improved.

And such good days had only just begun.

After saying goodbye to Cao Zhengyang, Zhou Qing looked at the rolling mountains in the distance. After much thought, he still turned and walked toward the direction of Jinyang Peak.

"Zhou Shidi!"

As Zhou Qing just went up the mountain, a familiar figure greeted him with a smile.

Zhou Qing was stunned, and soon his face was full of joy: "Du Shixiong!"

The person who came was none other than Du Kui, who had once been depressed because of the encounter of Luo Xue Shijie, but had cheered up again after Zhou Qing killed Sima Yaoji to avenge Shijie.

Now it seemed that Du Kui's state was not bad.

Vaguely, a layer of unique charm had already appeared on him.

It seems that after breaking and then standing, Du Kui Shixiong had actually comprehended a certain realm of understanding faster than Li Daoxuan Shixiong.

Truly worthy of congratulations!

"Master predicted that you would come today, so he specifically ordered me to welcome you here!" Du Kui walked up and said with a smile.

Regarding this point, Zhou Qing did not feel surprised, but bowed respectfully: "Sorry to trouble you, Shixiong!"

Just like that, the two of them walked up the mountain side by side.

But for some reason, during their casual chat, Zhou Qing always felt that Du Shixiong was full of awe for him, and he even captured a trace of hidden fear.

This made Zhou Qing feel inexplicably lost. With the increase in cultivation and the rising status in the sect, even the once intimate relationships would gradually develop gaps.

In the world of cultivation, strength is respected, but he had never thought that this gap in strength would become a chasm between him and his Shixiong and Shijie.

This point had already begun to show when he went to Shenyue Peak to see Shibo the Sect Master this morning and met Shi Zhen Shijie at the Mission Hall on the way.

Although the two greeted each other with smiles as usual, Shi Zhen Shijie's tone had become very polite.

Not long after, Zhou Qing and Du Kui arrived at the main hall, only to see Gao Xuan Shibo flipping through books in rows of bookshelves, looking focused.

Seeing this, Zhou Qing immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

Du Kui also sensibly retreated and gently closed the door.

"Sit!" Gao Xuan pointed to the desk. The tea there had already been brewed, steaming hot, with tea fragrance curling.

Zhou Qing walked over and sat down slowly.

Gao Xuan was still flipping through books. After a while, Zhou Qing thought for a moment and said: "Shibo, a few months ago at Huangfeng Valley, you mentioned that matter to me. I have been keeping an eye on it, but I haven't found any relevant clues. However, there is one person who is very suspicious."

Then, Zhou Qing detailed the white-clothed person who only showed his back.

After hearing this, Gao Xuan closed the book in his hand, stood up, and walked over to sit down.

He first picked up the teacup, took a light sip, and then fell into deep thought: "Some things depend on your own judgment. I am just pointing you in a direction."

Zhou Qing nodded, indicating he understood.

"You came today, not just to talk about this matter, right?" Gao Xuan's voice remained gentle, and he asked with a hint of deep meaning.

A frank smile appeared on Zhou Qing's face, and he said: "Sure enough, nothing can be hidden from Shibo. Actually, when you left Huangfeng Valley back then, this nephew was thinking, if I came back, I would see if I could figure out some things."

"About my time at Cangyan Dao Palace?" Gao Xuan said straightforwardly.

This question made Zhou Qing stunned.

He originally thought Gao Xuan Shibo would proceed step by step and slowly guide the topic, but he didn't expect the other party to point it out so directly.

Really straightforward!

But since the topic had been brought up, Zhou Qing no longer hid anything and said: "Just curious. If it's inconvenient to say, or involves some secrets, then forget it."

Gao Xuan smiled slightly and took another sip of tea.

Then, he said calmly: "There are no secrets. Previously, your Gao Xuan Shibo defected to the Cangyan Dao Palace and acted as an inside agent for many years, until later he became more and more greedy, wanting more and more things. Senior Sikong Yan didn't like such people, so he had me take his place. It's that simple!"

Looking at Shibo who revealed the truth in a lighthearted tone, Zhou Qing's skin couldn't help but twitch.

No, you just admitted your identity as a body-seizer so straightforwardly?

Although the two had had many obscure conversations before, which made Zhou Qing have guesses in his heart, when this secret was truly placed on the table without reservation, he felt a bit at a loss instead.

Gao Xuan looked at Zhou Qing's stunned appearance and couldn't help laughing out loud: "I like to talk straight to smart people."

"Then how did you..." Zhou Qing stopped mid-sentence.

Gao Xuan seemed to understand his thoughts and took the initiative to explain: "Defect? Come to think of it, letting a dying Soul Formation realm successfully seize the body of a Divine Transformation realm, extend his lifespan, and witness the prosperity of the world, I should be grateful to him."

Although Gao Xuan said so, Zhou Qing heard a strong sense of irony.

"Then when did you suspect me? After the Five Sects Treasure Exchange Meeting, that stone stained with the real Gao Xuan's blood? Did you really smell it?"

Gao Xuan's expression changed suddenly, and he asked with full curiosity.

"That shouldn't be either. When Gao Xuan died, you probably weren't born yet?" Gao Xuan added suspiciously when he saw Zhou Qing remained silent.

Sure enough, Gao Xuan Shibo knew far more than he expected.

"Forget it if you don't want to say. Your master is also, pushing you out to be this stone for pathfinding," Gao Xuan shook his head lightly, a complex look flashing in his eyes, as if helpless, and as if emotional.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing did not refute anything.

Let Master take the blame for now.

But he thought for a moment and said: "Shibo, if there is anything I can help with, just order me."

If the previous Shibo was already a warning for the Cangyan Dao Palace, with their style of doing things, they found a new person to replace him, how could there be no containment measures.

Gao Xuan looked at Zhou Qing's serious appearance, couldn't help but smile, his eyes carrying a bit of gentleness and expectation, and said: "Still the same sentence, cultivate well. You are still too weak now."

Zhou Qing lowered his head slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then asked softly: "Is it Nannan?"

As soon as these words came out, Gao Xuan, who was still smiling, instantly stiffened, his eyes narrowed dangerously, staring tightly at Zhou Qing like a hawk.

The air in the room seemed to freeze at this moment, and the atmosphere became oppressive.

After a long while, Gao Xuan's expression gradually turned bitter, sighed lightly and said: "It seems Cao Shixiong really is cultivating you as the next Sect Master, telling you even such secret matters."

"I didn't say it!" Just at this moment, Cao Zhengyang's voice came from the doorway, accompanied by footsteps, and he pushed the door and entered.

Zhou Qing was just about to stand up to pay his respects, but Cao Zhengyang waved his hand, his gaze looking straight at Zhou Qing, and asked: "How did you know?"

Zhou Qing felt a bit embarrassed.

The reason he thought so actually stemmed from the clues he obtained when he used 【Daily Appraisal】 to appraise that rattle drum back then.

At this moment, facing the gazes of the two, Zhou Qing felt a bit panicked.

In helplessness, he had to bite the bullet and say: "Guessed, because I have seen that rattle drum more than once, and last time at Huangfeng Valley too."

The two couldn't help but be stunned.

【Heart Appraisal Point +9】

The next moment, the note on the 【Taiqingmen's Heaven's Pride】 entry on Gao Xuan's head instantly changed to 【Bold and Careful Little Sect Master】.

Zhou Qing was full of surprise.

It seems Gao Xuan Shibo also acknowledged his identity as the next Sect Master in his heart, but he didn't want to be one at all.

However, this also confirmed that his previous guess was true. Senior Sikong Yan really kidnapped Gao Xuan Shibo's daughter and used her to threaten him.

But thinking carefully, so many years had passed. By logic, Nannan should have grown up, and Gao Xuan Shibo had been holding that rattle drum to see the object and think of the person, which was really unreasonable.

According to common sense, if Senior Sikong Yan wanted to control Gao Xuan Shibo with this, he should have sent some of Nannan's related personal items from time to time.

Could it be, just as he guessed before—his daughter was no longer in this world?

And the person who killed his daughter was the Cangyan Dao Palace?

So, Gao Xuan Shibo chose to retaliate after slowly understanding the truth behind it, and had been dealing with the Cangyan Dao Palace perfunctorily all along?

In an instant, thoughts flashed through his mind rapidly.

At this moment, Cao Zhengyang looked at Zhou Qing's thoughtful appearance, his face full of satisfaction.

This child could actually deduce so much key information from a rattle drum. It had to be said that his mind was not generally delicate.

Then, Cao Zhengyang said earnestly: "Zhou Qing, these are all matters between us adults. Your main task now is to learn formation matters well from Master Lin Daochen. If you can get some benefits from Second Grandpa along the way, that would naturally be the best."

Gao Xuan didn't say anything more, but nodded slightly on the side, considering it as agreement.

Seeing that the two clearly didn't want him to get involved in this matter, although Zhou Qing was unwilling, he understood the good intentions of his elders, so he had to stand up and say goodbye.

Watching Zhou Qing's gradually fading back, Cao Zhengyang stroked his beard lightly, turned to look at Gao Xuan, a trace of imperceptible expectation flashing in his eyes, and asked meaningfully: "How is it?"

Gao Xuan's mouth lifted slightly, his eyes full of appreciation, and he only spat out four words: "Hidden Dragon in the Abyss!"

Cao Zhengyang was stunned and couldn't help laughing out loud, but in an instant, his laughter stopped abruptly, and his expression suddenly became solemn.

"Just got the news, the source of the earthquake has been found. It's at Lingku Mountain, and next to it is the abandoned Blood Rock Mine of the Cangyan Dao Palace."

Looking at Cao Zhengyang's abnormal expression, Gao Xuan frowned and said: "Is there a problem?"

Cao Zhengyang's expression became increasingly solemn, and he said slowly: "Lingku Mountain is gone. Replacing it is an abyss even larger than the one of the Old Peng Wang at Mount Canglan. Within a thousand miles centered on this, everyone who enters either cries or laughs, and there are not a few who are crazy."

Hearing this, Gao Xuan's pupils shrank sharply, a trace of shock flashing in his eyes, as if he thought of something instantly, and blurted out: "You mean to say, a Soul Severance realm has fallen?"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 203 =====