Chapter 206: Husband, You

Seeing the system's feedback, Zhou Qing's eyes instantly flashed with surprise.

Such good luck?

I actually guessed right!

"Let's go!" Zhou Qing, exhilarated, stepped forward.

Yan Xiao hu immediately pulled out the Moonstone and hurried after him.

As the two pressed deeper, they could clearly smell the pungent stench of blood in the air.

Bloodstains splattered across the ground were horrifying.

Recalling that day, the Demon Emperor had emerged from inside, clutching a bleeding wound.

"Slow down, go slow, watch for traps!" Yan Xiao hu nervously swallowed, each step accompanied by wary glances left and right.

The two walked back-to-back, following the bloodstains all the way to the mine's depths.

On the ground lay a distinct circular mark, its edges neat—likely left by Elder Feng when he sat in meditation.

Yan Xiao hu exhaled softly and said, "Fourth Brother, this place is creepy. Let's leave. Even if something's here, he'd have kept it on his person—it's all blown to dust over at Spirit Skull Mountain."

Zhou Qing didn't respond immediately; instead, he frowned, lost in thought.

The system's feedback said "left behind upon departure"—meaning the Demon Emperor, after sensing the remains of the Su Ni through his spiritual perception, deliberately left something here.

Even if he'd encountered Xuan Yuan Shuo along the way, he wouldn't have lost anything important. Such meticulousness is admirable.

Besides, this place showed no signs of arrays or seals—but he understood: if he'd truly set up traps, it would've drawn attention.

Then Zhou Qing closed his eyes, his spiritual sense spreading outward from his center, methodically scanning every inch.

Watching Zhou Qing occasionally tap the stone walls, searching for hollow spots, Yan Xiao hu couldn't help speaking: "Fourth Brother, that's a Cutting Spirit cultivator—not an idiot. Even a normal person wouldn't be stupid enough to hide something here."

Zhou Qing's lips curled slightly into a confident smile. "Precisely. We do the opposite."

"He's exploiting everyone's assumptions to hide it. Besides, no one else knows he ever hid here."

Yan Xiao hu sighed helplessly, waving his hand. "Fine, fine, you look. I'll keep watch."

He immediately began vigilantly scanning the surroundings.

Time passed slowly. Soon, Zhou Qing glanced to one side and saw that the stone wall there, under dim light, appeared smoother than the rest—faintly, almost imperceptibly, a seam ran along it.

His heart stirred. He carefully seeped his spiritual sense into the crack.

Instantly, his face lit up. Without a word, he drew his flying sword and began cutting along the seam.

After roughly one incense stick's time, a soft "click" echoed—and an ancient box was unearthed.

Yan Xiao hu stared, disbelief in his eyes, rushing over and muttering, "This actually works? Was the Demon Emperor really an idiot?"

Zhou Qing wiped sweat from his brow and explained: "This was hidden extremely well. If not for my spiritual sense surpassing ordinary cultivators, I'd never have found it."

Zhou Qing spoke truthfully—he'd already received the answer from the system, which was why he'd searched so thoroughly.

Even a Soul Transformation cultivator might not have found it.

Besides, such a powerful being wouldn't waste time searching a ruined mine like this—that's precisely his brilliance.

"Quick, see what's inside! Wait—we should step back, watch for traps…"

Before Yan Xiao hu finished speaking, Zhou Qing had already opened the box.

It was just an ordinary box—and he'd already probed it with his spiritual sense.

Inside lay an image stone and an oval token, its edges carved with the shape of a great roc.

The two exchanged glances. Zhou Qing gently picked up the image stone and activated it.

Instantly, light flickered—and a figure materialized: Demon Emperor Feng Lao.

He looked exactly as he had that day: ragged clothes, bloodstained, face etched with exhaustion and resentment.

Next, Feng Lao's hoarse voice spoke: "You brats, I'm Feng Xuan Yi. This pitiful state? All thanks to Xuan Yuan Shuo. I never expected he'd broken through to mid-Cutting Spirit. I got thoroughly outmaneuvered."

"But that shouldn't be possible. The Holy Martial Empire became a Level Four spiritual realm only three thousand years ago. How could he have advanced so fast since the old Emperor helped him break through?"

Feng Lao's tone was filled with disbelief—and deeper confusion.

He sighed, then continued: "Human cultivators face cultivation bottlenecks. Unlike us beasts—when our blood qi and spiritual power accumulate enough, we naturally break through."

"I personally witnessed the old Emperor strike at the Roc King's burial ground—he crushed the Roc corpse with a single finger. His power must've reached late Cutting Spirit, even peak."

"There's definitely something major going on. Remember this, future generations: avoid them at all costs."

Hearing this, Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao hu stared at each other, stunned.

Could a spiritual realm born from nothing really advance so fast in just three thousand years?

Of course, they could only look up to that realm now—but even for Nascent Soul cultivators, every step forward was excruciatingly difficult.

In the image, Feng Lao's voice spoke again.

"But that's all backstory. Years ago, I discovered an ancient manuscript, which led me to believe the eastern region of Lingyun Prefecture hides a great secret—or a great opportunity."

"Long ago, this was merely a Level Three human spiritual realm. The old Roc King sensed something unusual and quietly joined a small sect, secretly searching."

"Others came too—Jin Wu, Su Ni, Old Ox Demon, Seven-Colored Divine Sparrow…"

"So I returned, hoping to trace the footsteps of my predecessors—perhaps I'd find the opportunity myself."

"But just as I found a lead, Xuan Yuan Shuo ambushed me. I barely escaped using a secret technique—but lost my storage pouch in the battle."

"Now I've hired two humans to find supreme-grade spirit stones for my recovery—and I discovered the complete Su Ni bones. This proves the manuscript was true."

At this, Feng Lao's face lit up with excitement.

"I'm leaving now. But to be safe, I'll leave the Heavenly Demon Token here."

"My cave is sealed with Five-Colored Seals—and the secret treasure chamber inside—only this token can open them."

"If you force entry, everything turns to ash. Of course, you brats couldn't break in anyway."

Feng Lao forced a smile, then suddenly froze.

"If something happens to me, I'll imprint a Blood Oath on the offender's body—then Old Monkey will know, and find this place."

"But the two humans are only Nascent Soul—they shouldn't be a problem. Maybe I'll return soon to retrieve it. That's all."

The image cut off. The two fell silent.

Yan Xiao hu might not fully grasp it—but Zhou Qing understood far more.

The Eastern Region truly was extraordinary.

The terrifying forbidden zones within the cave: General Zhong Li Bo's protective Yin-Yang measures, the Corpse-Wax Crow, the natural Thunder Pool, the Su Ni bones, the old Roc King…

What exactly was it?

Zhou Qing felt a surge of curiosity.

Yan Xiao hu looked at Zhou Qing. "So that feathered beast deliberately left a blood oath on you. When Old Monkey catches you, he'll immediately perform soul-searching—and come here for the token."

Zhou Qing nodded, then looked at the token in the box—and smiled.

The key to the Five-Colored Seals… what treasures might a Cutting Spirit cultivator's residence hold?

This truly is a great opportunity.

When the time comes, Second Uncle will surely take me to the border—perhaps we can even visit Taiyao Mountain.

"Fourth Brother, let's get back to the academy. Haven't you heard? Many beast tribes have secretly infiltrated—some might even be from Taiyao Mountain."

"After their own Demon Emperor died, they'd come to pay respects. If they get close to you and notice something…"

Yan Xiao hu's face was filled with worry.

Zhou Qing tucked away the spirit token, exhaled with excitement, and said: "Alright!"

Then the two erased all traces and raced toward Lingyun Prefecture at top speed.

…

Stepping back into Lingyun Prefecture's territory, the city was far livelier than before, brimming with energy, its number of strong cultivators skyrocketing.

Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation cultivators were visible everywhere.

It seemed the fallen Cutting Spirit Demon Emperor's estate had drawn nearly everyone from the Eight Prefectures and Seventy-Two Sub-Prefectures.

As the two headed toward the central plaza, Yan Xiao hu's gaze caught several familiar figures ahead.

"It's Xuan Yuan Yi Chen and Xuan Yuan Mu Qian—and the Soul Transformation guardians who came with us to Taiqingmen!"

Yan Xiao hu pointed ahead.

Zhou Qing looked too, frowning in confusion.

"Should we greet them?" Yan Xiao hu whispered.

Zhou Qing shook his head, brow furrowing.

He wondered: in the White Jade Tai Xu Courtyard, they'd first visited Master Lu Yuanzhi.

According to Lu Yaoyao, Master Lu had been displeased with these royal descendants, and they'd left immediately after receiving news from Xuan Yuan Shuo.

It's been over half a year—why are they still here?

Besides, this guy kept pulling out Level Five spiritual realm artifacts. Zhou Qing thought it best to avoid contact.

Too much involvement would invite unnecessary trouble.

The two detoured, ate a simple meal, rested, then headed straight for the teleportation plaza.

But when they arrived, they were stunned by the sight.

The central plaza teemed with people, a dense, endless sea of heads.

The teleportation arrays flickered constantly—each flash brought in a new group, all excited and curious, scanning the surroundings.

Those leaving queued in long lines, voices clamoring.

Zhou Qing observed for a while and noticed: after roughly thirty incoming groups, one outbound teleportation was scheduled.

"We're doomed—how long will we wait?" Yan Xiao hu fretted.

Zhou Qing sighed. "With the Cutting Spirit Demon Emperor's death, everyone's rushing here for a chance. By the time it's our turn, it'll be days."

As the two were about to find a spot in line, a seductive voice suddenly rang out: "Oh? Isn't that Yan Xiao Hu?"

Turning at the sound, they saw Li Shitao and Xiao Cancan walking toward them with smiling faces.

Especially Li Shitao—her chest heaved dramatically, drawing glances from many nearby.

Behind the two women followed several figures in gray robes, their qi palpably dense, radiating powerful auras—clearly all Nascent Soul cultivators.

"Big Brother Zhou, Big Brother Yan!" Xiao Cancan hurried over, eyes sparkling with delight. "What a coincidence! I never expected to run into you here!"

The two could only smile and greet them.

"We heard a Zhan Ling cultivator fell in the Eastern Region—such a big spectacle, why aren't you going to see it? Why are you thinking of leaving?" Li Shitao stepped closer, curiously asking.

Yan Xiao Hu scowled. "What's it to you? Do we need to report every move we make to you?"

Li Shitao instantly planted her hands on her hips, eyebrows shooting up. "Did you eat something rotten? Don't you remember how you used to call me 'Sister Tao' all the time?"

Yan Xiao Hu retorted: "Like you never called me 'Master Hu'."

Zhou Qing and Xiao Cancan rushed forward to mediate as the two were about to brawl again.

Zhou Qing quickly explained: "We're now students of the Bai Yu Tai Xu Academy. We came back specifically to visit family, and we're just about to return."

Hearing this, Xiao Cancan's eyes lit up. She clapped her hands excitedly. "That's perfect! We're heading to Hao Miao City too!"

Zhou Qing blinked in surprise, then immediately understood.

Clearly, she was bored and planning to find Zhang Wanbao.

Whether it was the City Lord Xiao Ji or Zhang Yifu, head of the Wanxiang Auction House, both had begun slowly pushing the two children they once protected so closely into the wider world.

"Then let's go together—I'll go talk to them!" Xiao Cancan grabbed Li Shitao, who was about to say more, and marched toward the nearby official.

Watching her back, Zhou Qing couldn't help smiling.

Honestly, this girl and Zhang Wanbao really do look like a matched pair. The first time they went to Hao Miao City, Zhang Wanbao cut the line for them—now the second time, it's Xiao Cancan doing it.

Zhou Qing then turned to Yan Xiao Hu. "Why are you two like cats and dogs? Every time you meet, you fight. Sister Tao has helped us many times."

Yan Xiao Hu crossed his arms, sneering. "Pfft. I knew her before I even joined Taiqingmen. You don't know how many times… forget it. Just thinking about it makes me angry."

Indeed, with the Little Princess of Lingyun City stepping in, the teleportation array immediately halted. The operators swiftly checked the formation, confirmed its integrity, and promptly arranged for Zhou Qing and the others to proceed to Hao Miao City.

With a flash of light and a whirl of dizziness, they opened their eyes again—now standing in Hao Miao City's plaza.

The place was equally packed, noise rising in waves.

"Big Brother Zhou, Big Brother Yan, we still need to visit Uncle Ke, the City Lord. After we're done, we'll come to the academy to see you!" Xiao Cancan beamed.

Zhou Qing nodded with a smile. "Go ahead, we'll catch up later!"

Li Shitao glanced at Yan Xiao Hu, snorted, and turned away.

Yan Xiao Hu made a face at her back—an immature gesture that left Zhou Qing speechless.

After gathering their things, they headed straight for the Bai Yu Tai Xu Academy.

As they passed through a mountain range, a sudden howling echoed ahead.

Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao Hu instantly tensed, subtly channeling spiritual power, eyes fixed forward.

Soon, a figure in gray robes, heavily pregnant, came sprinting toward them in panic.

"Husband!" When the pregnant woman saw Zhou Qing, her terrified eyes widened in disbelief, then filled with tears as she rushed forward without hesitation.

"Li Niang!"

Seeing her face clearly, both were stunned—they never imagined she was actually in Hao Miao City.

In an instant, Li Niang reached Zhou Qing.

Her face was streaked with tears, streaming down her cheeks as she murmured: "You're back… you've finally come back."

She opened her arms, reaching to embrace him tightly.

But her belly was too large, her movement too frantic—she shoved Zhou Qing backward with force.

Zhou Qing quickly raised his hands to stop her.

They realized: Li Niang was delirious—again, she'd mistaken him for someone else.

Shiiii! Shiiii! Shiiii!

The pursuers swiftly surrounded them: one Nascent Soul late-stage, and three Nascent Soul early-stage.

From their attire, they clearly belonged to the same sect.

Seeing them, Li Niang spun around, trembling with fear. "Husband, you two run! I'll hold them off!"

Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao Hu exchanged awkward glances.

Come on—don't either of you know your own strength?

The lead elder, a Nascent Soul late-stage, stared coldly at Yan Xiao Hu.

Then he snarled: "So there's a backup. You sent a pregnant woman to steal our spiritual herbs? What a pathetic man you are."

"Dare not face us yourself, yet resort to such despicable tricks? Today, neither of you leaves alive!"

The other three Nascent Soul cultivators also glared fiercely, gripping their magic treasures, ready to strike at the elder's signal.

Yan Xiao Hu blinked. "Both of us?"

"Hmph. You've got the face of a thief—who else could it be?" the elder snapped.

Yan Xiao Hu instinctively glanced at Zhou Qing.

Li Niang's belly isn't even that big—how did she block you like that?

Seeing Yan Xiao Hu look sideways, the three instantly followed his gaze—and recoiled in shock. "Who are you? Where did you come from?"

His movement was unnervingly stealthy—despite being fully surrounded, he'd appeared without a sound.

Yan Xiao Hu: "…"

A bunch of blind fools!

Zhou Qing cleared his throat. From their words, he now understood: Li Niang had caused trouble again—for the sake of her child.

He had no wish to stir up trouble, but he knew Li Niang was clearly at fault. He bowed slightly. "Gentlemen, is there perhaps some misunderstanding between her and your sect?"

One of the Nascent Soul early-stage men scoffed. "Stealing our spiritual herbs in broad daylight? What misunderstanding could there be?"

The Nascent Soul late-stage elder, after scanning Zhou Qing, relaxed.

He was just another Nascent Soul early-stage—like the round-faced, small-eyed fool. No threat.

Zhou Qing's gaze slowly settled on Li Niang, standing before him—her frail frame, her swollen belly. Asking her to surrender the herb was impossible.

She'd risked everything to steal it, solely to delay the birth of the child inside her.

For a moment, Zhou Qing didn't know how to judge Li Niang.

But regarding the theft itself—he was certain she had harmed no one.

She simply desperately needed that herb, vital to her unborn child.

This was clear—from the Beast King Hou Shan, from the Seventh Imperial Prince and his sister, and now from these four.

Now, stranded in a foreign land, since he'd encountered her, he might as well lend a hand.

Thinking this, Zhou Qing stepped aside—but Li Niang immediately moved to block him again. Beneath her tangled hair, her face was filled with terror and helplessness.

Zhou Qing sighed. "How much? We'll buy it."

The Nascent Soul late-stage elder's lips curled slightly.

"Can't get it for free, so now you want to pay? Clever plan. Fine. Three supreme-grade spirit stones."

Yan Xiao Hu exploded. "Three supreme-grade spirit stones? Are you robbing us?!"

Zhou Qing remained calm. "I'm being serious. Let's resolve this peacefully. No need for hostility. What herb did she steal?"

The Nascent Soul early-stage man on the left snapped: "A Dream-Eating Grass."

Zhou Qing thought carefully. "Dream-Eating Grass rarely exceeds two hundred years. Beyond that, it withers. Even at peak market price, it's worth no more than fifty middle-grade spirit stones."

He pulled a superior-grade spirit stone from his storage pouch and handed it over.

"The rest is our apology. How does that sound?" His tone was even.

After slaying the Nascent Soul cultivator Lin Jin, Zhou Qing had acquired many valuable items from his storage pouch—spirit stones in abundance.

But since the man's cultivation was based on poison, Zhou Qing had carefully verified every item with his system for safety.

True enough—even the supreme-grade spirit stones were tainted with poison. Fortunately, the system's prompt allowed him to neutralize them all using other antidotes in his pouch.

The rest of the miscellaneous items, he planned to sell through Zhang Wanbao.

Seeing Zhou Qing produce a spirit stone so readily, the elder frowned, his eyes fixed greedily on Zhou Qing's storage pouch.

"To cultivate that Dream-Eating Grass, our sect expended countless resources. You think one superior-grade spirit stone is enough to buy us off?"

The elder shouted, voice thick with outrage.

Zhou Qing frowned. "Then how much do you want?"

The elder held up two fingers. "Twenty superior-grade spirit stones!"

Before Zhou Qing could speak, Yan Xiao Hu roared again, stepping forward and jabbing his finger at the elder. "Greedy bastard! You want us to beg for mercy?!"

The four sneered, tightening their circle.

(End of Chapter)