Chapter 203: Zhou Shidi, do you think I can ever come back? (

Ancient records state that in the place where a Soul Severance realm falls, for at least several hundred years, the area will be shrouded in a thick negative emotion.

That area does not see sunlight all year round, as if it has become a cursed land. Everyone who approaches will fall into the strange scene just described by Cao Zhengyang.

Those with weak willpower will even be devoured by the unwilling obsessions once cut off by the Soul Severance realm, and then degenerate into "grave keepers" like puppets.

Cao Zhengyang nodded solemnly and said slowly: "It should be. Otherwise, how could the Eastern Region be subjected to such a large vibration at the same time."

"Soul Severance realm, ah," Gao Xuan muttered to himself, his voice carrying a bit of exclamation and doubt, "There are only a dozen or so in the entire Level 4 cultivation country. Who exactly fell there?"

Cao Zhengyang sighed deeply: "These past few years have truly been an eventful autumn, especially for our Eastern Region; there is no telling what kind of strange trouble will arise next."

Then, he paused and continued: "I originally wanted to find Mo Shidi to go over and investigate the situation together, but since Zhou Qing has returned, let him enjoy the happiness of master and disciple reunion more."

Gao Xuan immediately understood Cao Zhengyang's meaning and said: "That is of course. There is no time to lose, let's go."

The two flew away from Taiqingmen quickly and headed straight for Lingku Mountain...

After leaving Jinyang Peak, Zhou Qing felt relaxed instead.

At the very least, through this showdown, he roughly understood Gao Xuan Shibo's past, and the Sect Master Shibo seemed to know it very well.

In this way, he was completely relieved.

"Nannan—" Zhou Qing whispered, full of pity and emotion.

It seems that if he could bring back Nannan's corpse, it would completely solve a heart disease of Shibo.

It could also be considered as doing a small favor for this elder who had experienced many vicissitudes.

"Zhou Shidi!" Just as Zhou Qing was preparing to return to Xiaoling Peak, a familiar shout came from behind.

He turned his head and saw Du Kui flying over on his sword.

Zhou Qing asked with a smile: "Du Shixiong, is there anything else?"

Du Kui landed and panted slightly, saying: "Just finished paying respects to Xue'er, and when I turned around, you had already left. I was thinking of having a few drinks with you."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing's expression instantly dimmed, full of guilt: "I actually forgot about this. If you and Luo Xue Shijie hadn't arrived in time back then, Lu Shimei and I would probably have lost our lives long ago. This time it was my negligence, I'm sorry."

Du Kui waved his hand and laughed heartily: "The favor you should have repaid was repaid long ago. Why mention this matter?"

Zhou Qing insisted on paying respects to Luo Xue Shijie. Du Kui couldn't refuse him, so he had to accompany him back to the back mountain of Jinyang Peak.

The sea of flowers in the back mountain was still as dazzling as ever. The breeze blew, and the flowers swayed gently, like a colorful wave.

Two grave mounds stood quietly in the sea of flowers, cleaned spotless. Fresh flowers and fruits were placed in front of the graves, obviously Du Kui often came here to take care of them carefully.

Zhou Qing stepped forward and respectfully inserted three sticks of incense.

"Shijie, I've come to see you!" Zhou Qing said softly, his expression complex.

Then, he turned slowly and looked at the other grave next to him. That was the grave of Fifth Shidi Tan Qiang.

Back then, Tan Qiang had just arrived at the door of his house holding a box. Elder Wu Zhu had just come out to welcome him when he bled from seven orifices and died with his soul scattered.

To this day, no one knows what was in the box he brought back.

And now, the Five Sects War had long ended, but they were sleeping here forever.

Du Kui looked at the two graves and was silent for a long time, then suddenly asked: "When are you leaving?"

Zhou Qing withdrew his gaze and said softly: "In a few days."

Du Kui nodded slightly and said: "Before you leave, let me see you off on behalf of Luo Xue."

Zhou Qing looked at Du Kui, sighed lightly, and replied: "Alright."

Then, the two stood there quietly, looking at the two small grave mounds in silence, their hearts full of sorrow and heaviness.

Until Zhou Qing received a message from Yan Xiaohu, he turned and left.

Du Kui looked at the gradually fading back, but a cold light suddenly flashed in his eyes, and he whispered: "Only the last step is missing. Zhou Shidi, I'm really sorry."

After finishing, Du Kui slowly squatted down, gently touched Luo Xue's tombstone, his tone gentle: "Shimei, you won't blame me, right? But this is an opportunity heaven specifically gave me. Otherwise, why did he happen to come back at this time."

After returning to Xiaoling Peak, he found that He Han, Shi Zhen, and Sister Pei Yan Shijie had been waiting for a long time. Besides them, there was actually Lei Luo from Jin Leizong, and Yuan Ya Shijie from Qingyu Qingshu Xian Zong.

"Heard that the two of us are back, they all have things to find you for!" Yan Xiaohu walked quickly from under the lush tree at the door of the house, wiping his hands as he walked.

Zhou Qing nodded politely to everyone one by one, a long-lost smile appearing on his face, and said: "Everyone Shixiong and Shijie, long time no see, let's go in and talk."

Then he opened the courtyard door, and everyone entered one by one.

He Han wanted to know why Lu Yaoyao didn't come back? Did something happen?

Zhou Qing had to transmit his voice. Although he also trusted Lei Luo and Yuan Ya Shijie, the fewer people who knew about Eldest Shixiong Li Daoxuan comprehending the realm of understanding there, the better.

Upon hearing this, He Han's eyes lit up instantly, his face full of surprise and joy, and he could be considered completely relieved.

As for Shi Zhen Shijie, he had already seen her at the Mission Hall this morning, but mentioned it to Sister Pei Yan Shijie after returning.

Sister Pei Yan, upon learning that Zhou Qing had returned, insisted on coming over no matter what.

After all, if Zhou Qing hadn't identified Sima Yaoji's disguise back then, she would have really been seized, and where would she be today.

She had always kept this life-saving grace in mind.

Therefore, she dragged Shi Zhen to come, insisting on treating Zhou Qing to a meal to express her gratitude.

Zhou Qing really couldn't refuse this enthusiasm, so he had to nod in agreement.

"Then what about me?" Yan Xiaohu on the side looked at Sister Pei Yan eagerly and finally couldn't help but speak.

Sister Pei Yan joked with a smile: "Go, go, go, everyone here today, one counts as one, all must give me this face!"

Everyone heard this and couldn't help but laugh.

As for Lei Luo, he was purely here to play with Yan Xiaohu.

After all, the two of them had joined forces to dig up someone else's ancestral grave back then, and after that, they relied on disguises to enter the interior of the Cangyan Dao Palace, peeing and leaving messages on the stone pillars in the square. Those crazy and exciting experiences had long tightly connected their friendship.

Of course, Zhou Qing killing the five great heaven's prides of the Cangyan Dao Palace in a row made him his idol, so he had to come and visit no matter what.

"Where is your big brother?" Zhou Qing asked suddenly.

Lei Lie, the direct disciple of Jin Leizong Sect Master Lei Wuji, the existence that ranked third on the must-kill list in the past, had long comprehended a certain realm of understanding, and was probably only one step away from the Divine Transformation realm.

Lei Luo shrugged his shoulders and said helplessly: "After the Five Sects War ended, he left. He should have gone to concentrate on comprehending his realm of understanding. I don't know exactly where he went."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing nodded thoughtfully.

At this time, Yuan Ya Shijie on the side also spoke, her voice crisp but carrying a bit of steadiness: "My sect's Zhu He Dashi Jie is the same, the two should have left together."

Zhu He, ranked fourth on the must-kill list, the direct disciple of the Qingyu Qingshu Xian Zong Sect Master, was also a Soul Formation Great Perfection who had long comprehended the prototype of a certain realm of understanding.

Zhou Qing looked at Yuan Ya, his gaze falling on the still ferocious scar on her face, and felt a slight pain in his heart.

"It looks like in a few years, they will be the Divine Transformation realm among the younger generation!" Zhou Qing was full of emotion.

But when talking about these two, he couldn't help thinking of what Shibo the Sect Master had said to him in the past.

That time when Luo Xue Shijie died miserably at Lingku Mountain, Lei Lie of Jin Leizong and Zhu He of Qingyu Qingshu Xian Zong were actually observing in the dark.

Relying on their half-step Divine Transformation realm strength, they were fully capable of suppressing Sima Yaoji and saving Luo Xue Shijie.

But they watched the tragedy happen and then left quietly.

Perhaps, this was an order issued by the sect behind them. Standing from the perspective of sect competition, their actions seemed very reasonable.

But Zhou Qing still felt blocked in his heart, feeling disappointed and resentful about this cold interest trade-off.

After the Five Sects War, Yuan Ya had become very quiet.

If it weren't for the closure of the Three Sects teleportation array, she would have come over long ago. Not for anything else, just for the fact that Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu saved her life back then, she always kept this favor in mind.

After a bit of casual chat, they went to Yushen Hall to eat under the enthusiastic arrangement of Sister Pei Yan Shijie.

No matter at any time, they hoped to keep that simple friendship from back then.

Three days later, an extremely shocking piece of news began to spread in the Eastern Region, and soon after, it spread rapidly to the other three regions.

Then it was Lingyun Prefecture, Haomiao Prefecture, Qingming Prefecture, Jiuque Prefecture, Xinghan Prefecture, and even the entire Long Yuanjun.

An unknown Soul Severance realm fell at Lingku Mountain.

In an instant, the entire Sacred Martial Dynasty, eight prefectures and seventy-two counties were shaken by it.

Soul Severance realm, that was the most peak existence in a Level 4 cultivation country, a powerhouse standing at the top of the pyramid of practitioners.

Their strength was unfathomable, and turning clouds and rain was just in a single thought. Now, they were actually killed by someone?

It was simply unbelievable.

Soon, countless people swarmed out from every corner, holding a fluke mentality, gathering toward Lingku Mountain like a tide.

Some were purely curious, wanting to see with their own eyes whether, after a Soul Severance realm fell, it was really as legendary as being covered by strange emotions within a thousand miles.

And such a rare wonder in a thousand years, perhaps they could comprehend some mysteries about cultivation from it.

Others were full of greed, hoping to pick up leaks in that chaotic place. If they could find magic treasures, secret manuals, or storage bags left by the Soul Severance powerhouse, they would be rich.

Even more rumored that such a great power would not fall easily, and perhaps a wisp of remnant soul was hidden in some corner.

If your ancestral grave smokes green, maybe they would become the old grandpa in the storage bag, helping you ascend to the peak of life.

For a time, the Eastern Region of Lingyun Prefecture became the target of public criticism again, lively and extraordinary. Various forces were mixed, all gathering here.

Heard that people from other counties were also rushing over one after another. The teleportation array in Lingyun Prefecture was operating day and night.

Rays of light flickered, people kept walking out of the teleportation array, rushing toward the direction of Lingku Mountain without stopping.

But soon after, the only Prince of the Sacred Martial Dynasty, Xuan Yuan Shuo, appeared. He told everyone that the fallen person was the Peng Emperor of Taiyao Mountain—Feng Feng Xuan Yi.

Not a powerhouse of our human race, so everyone need not panic or worry.

Many people breathed a sigh of relief in secret.

After all, the Sacred Martial Dynasty was a Level 4 cultivation country that had only been born for more than three thousand years, and Soul Severance realms were extremely rare.

The surrounding other Level 4 cultivation countries were eyeing them like tigers, constantly coveting the dynasty's resources and territory.

Many years ago, during the "Four Flowers Gathering" incident, the Imperial Capital had specifically declared that it was a scheme by other cultivation countries to divert the disaster.

If another human Soul Severance realm fell this time, the strength of the Sacred Martial Dynasty would inevitably be greatly damaged, and the consequences would be unimaginable.

However, everyone's curiosity did not subside because of this, but became even more vigorous, speculating one after another whether it was Xuan Yuan Shuo who dealt the lethal blow.

After all, this Prince had always shouldered the heavy responsibility of guarding the border, guarding against the Demon race of several major demon mountains.

This time the Peng King fell, and only he appeared in the Eastern Region, making him the most suspicious.

But facing everyone's speculation, Xuan Yuan Shuo just remained silent, neither admitting nor denying.

And his silence became a signal of default in everyone's eyes.

At this moment, his prestige was at its peak.

Many people even prepared to head to the border after this event concluded, hoping to become a member of his command and follow him.

Taiqingmen!

Zhou Qing didn't expect Xuan Yuan Shuo to take the blame for him. This was also good. If the people of Taiyao Mountain were determined to take revenge, they would only point the spearhead at this Prince.

Furthermore, that Elder Feng was indeed heavily injured by him, so this matter was also reasonable.

【Today's posts are refreshing...】

【New posts are now in the Strange Post Record, please check them in time.】

Hearing the notification sound, Zhou Qing's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly looked at the panel.

【Detoxification Post: Can be used on oneself or others. Generally, if there are no accidents, it can resolve almost all poisons in the world. Duration: three breaths.】

Good news, after a month, a new post was refreshed again.

Bad news, it started to appear as a duplicate post for the first time, and there was only one.

However, having it is better than not having it. After all, the talent skill 【Random Post】 emphasizes randomness.

And this time, the poison pill of Elder Feng was thanks to this post.

Zhou Qing hurriedly put it away carefully.

After studying the inscription-level supernatural power *Hundred Tribulations Blood Curtain* for a while longer, a knock on the door sounded outside.

After opening it, Master Mo Xingjian brought Yan Xiaohu in.

After Mo Xingjian walked in, he waved his hand, and a transparent soundproof restriction formed instantly, isolating the room from the outside world.

"The matter at Lingku Mountain has been happening for more than a month, and people from all over are still coming in an endless stream. If there is nothing else, you should hurry back to the academy."

Mo Xingjian's eyes were full of worry.

Now the Eastern Region was already mixed with fish and dragons, attracting more and more people.

What's more, that Demon Emperor was killed by Zhou Qing. If someone used special means to find out something, the consequences would be unimaginable.

At the very least, staying by Second Grandpa's side, he could be a bit safer.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing hesitated.

This matter started because of him, and he wanted to stay and see the situation. If there was anything wrong, at least he could help a little.

Mo Xingjian seemed to see through his thoughts and said earnestly: "Soul Severance realm falls, for hundreds of years to come, people will come to this area to touch opportunities. We can't finish joining in this excitement."

"Didn't Second Grandpa say that he would take you to comprehend the realm of understanding when you go back? Listen to Master, go back to the academy."

Zhou Qing naturally understood his master's good intentions. After thinking for a moment, he had to nod.

"Alright, Master, I'll pack up and set off in three days." Zhou Qing said.

Mo Xingjian shook his head and said: "Tomorrow, leave early, and Master can also be at ease."

Zhou Qing looked at Third Shixiong who nodded slightly, and had to agree helplessly.

Since he was leaving, according to the agreement, Zhou Qing found Du Kui.

The scenery of the back mountain of Jinyang Peak was still as beautiful as ever, with flowers blooming wantonly all over the mountains and plains. The breeze blew, sending bursts of floral fragrance.

"On behalf of Xue'er, I wish you a smooth journey!" Du Kui raised his wine bowl and said.

Zhou Qing smiled: "Thank you, Shixiong, and I wish you an early breakthrough to Divine Transformation. Luo Shijie, thanks!"

Zhou Qing raised his wine bowl and drank it all in one gulp.

The two leaned against the tombstone just like that, drinking wine while chatting openly.

Du Kui's drinking capacity seemed not as good as before. After a few bowls of wine, he was already drunk.

His eyes gradually became blurred, looking into the distance, and he began to chatter about the bits and pieces he had with Luo Xue.

From the greenness and ignorance when they first met, to the mutual encouragement and companionship when cultivating together, every single thing was as clear as yesterday in his memories.

Those ordinary yet precious pasts had now become the softest part of his heart.

Watching the tearful Du Kui, Zhou Qing listened quietly. All he could do was pat his shoulder gently to show comfort.

Not long after, Du Kui stood up staggeringly, his footsteps a bit unsteady.

He spread his arms, as if to embrace the entire back mountain, then took a deep breath of the air filled with floral fragrance, and suddenly asked: "Taiqingmen is my home, Zhou Shidi, do you think I can ever come back?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing couldn't help laughing. He followed him up and said: "Is Shixiong also going to go out to complete the realm of understanding like Lei Lie and the others?"

"Taiqingmen is also my home. No matter how far we go in the future, we can come back at any time, because there is a group of cute old men and old ladies waiting for us here."

Zhou Qing looked at the mountains and ridges in front of him with gratitude. Every grass and tree here, every teacher, carried his deep attachment.

Because in his heart, Taiqingmen was not only a place for cultivation but also a spiritual home.

Upon hearing this, Du Kui was stunned for a moment, then looked up and laughed out loud.

The laughter gradually stopped, Du Kui put away his smile, his face returned to calm, looking at the sunset glow, and muttered to himself: "You are right, I will come back."

Soon, Du Kui turned his head, looked at Zhou Qing earnestly, and said: "Zhou Shidi, the personnel at the academy are relatively complex. There are countless people like Qian Dafu. Don't easily trust others, even your own Shixiong, just like me. Sometimes, for certain things, it is possible to harm you."

Zhou Qing nodded seriously and said: "Understood, human hearts are unpredictable, and I often keep my guard up."

Du Kui smiled slightly, then looked at Zhou Qing's wine bowl and said: "In the future, drink less wine. Like Shibo and Shishu, drinking tea is actually quite good!"

Before Zhou Qing could react, he suddenly reached out and took the wine bowl from Zhou Qing's hand and threw it out without hesitation.

Zhou Qing was stunned.

The next day, Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu bid farewell to the Sect Master and Mo Xingjian at the mountain gate, as well as Elder Wu Zhu who waved to him, then turned around, tapped his toes lightly, and rose on his sword.

Leaving home again, I really feel a bit reluctant!

The two sped all the way, and almost everything they heard was about Lingku Mountain, and countless streamers kept gathering toward a certain direction.

Especially when hearing that there were also transformed demons from Taiyao Mountain sneaking in, Yan Xiaohu's expression instantly became solemn, subconsciously looking at Zhou Qing, full of worry.

Zhou Qing smiled slightly, gave him a reassuring look, then accelerated and headed straight for Lingyun Prefecture.

Soon, a month passed in a flash, and they had only walked half the distance to their destination.

This day, Zhou Qing, who was flying on his sword, suddenly felt a wave of intense nausea. Before he could react, the spiritual power that was running smoothly in his body suddenly stagnated.

Immediately after, a strong gale hit his face, and his entire person slammed straight toward the ground.

"Fourth Brother—"

Seeing this scene, Yan Xiaohu's expression couldn't help but turn pale, and without hesitation, he immediately controlled his flying knife and dived down at the fastest speed.

At the moment Zhou Qing was about to fall to the ground, he held him steadily.

At this time, Zhou Qing was cold all over, shivering constantly, as if he had just crawled out of an ice cave.

His limbs also became extremely heavy, especially his skin, which was turning black at a speed visible to the naked eye, and also emitting a nauseating, rotten odor.

"What's going on? That flat-feathered beast's poison wasn't cleared?" Yan Xiaohu was shocked, his voice trembling uncontrollably.

At this time, Zhou Qing only felt dizzy, and his consciousness began to become blurred. The first thing he thought of was the poison pill Elder Feng fed them.

But this shouldn't be, the 【Detoxification Post】 had clearly sucked that thing out.

If the poison wasn't cleared, why was Third Shixiong safe and sound?

Just as he was full of doubts, the four-colored flower in his sea of consciousness finally reacted, slowly floating in the sea of consciousness, and emitting a soft light.

This made Zhou Qing's consciousness begin to clear up a little bit.

Just at this moment, the surrounding air seemed to freeze instantly, becoming abnormally heavy, and a sense of oppression came rushing toward him.

Swish swish swish!

Sharp wind-breaking sounds rang out suddenly, and beams of light rose rapidly from the ground, their speed so fast that it was dizzying.

Then they flew rapidly and crisscrossed in mid-air, quickly gathering, and in the blink of an eye, they wove into an invisible cage, tightly wrapping Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu inside.

"Formation!" Zhou Qing endured the severe pain in his body, gritted his teeth and wanted to stand up, but his legs felt as heavy as if they were filled with lead. With a stagger, he almost fell to the ground.

Seeing this, Yan Xiaohu made a decisive decision. His right hand suddenly beckoned in the air, and a big knife immediately appeared in his hand, cold light flashing, and then he protected Zhou Qing behind him for the first time.

His whole body's muscles were tense, watching the surroundings vigilantly.

"What's going on? Is someone deliberately waiting for us here?" Yan Xiaohu lowered his voice, full of confusion.

As soon as the words fell, an old man's figure slowly emerged from high altitude like a ghost.

He had his hands behind his back, his eyes were as cold as frost, carrying deep disdain, looking down at the two from above.

And the aura he emitted was majestic and grand, making people look at him with awe.

The terrifying pressure came wave after wave, pressing Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu so hard they could barely breathe.

The hearts of the two sank instantly. This was actually a true Divine Transformation realm powerhouse!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 204 =====