Chapter 207: Heavens, there are actually two this time! (6k)

"So what if you are? Don't forget who is the meat on the chopping block. Hand over your storage bags, and this old man can spare your lives!"

The late-stage Soul Formation elder shouted arrogantly.

Zhou Qing also shook his head helplessly and tried to persuade them again: "You should leave. It would be better if this matter ended here."

But the few of them still pressed forward step by step, ready to rob them at any moment.

Yan Xiao's eyes, however, darted around, and he turned directly to look at Li Niang.

A sly smile suddenly appeared on his face, and he chuckled: "Li Niang, do you still recognize me? I am your brother-in-law."

Hearing Yan Xiao's outrageous words, Zhou Qing was shocked and widened his eyes, hurriedly signaling with his gaze to ask what he was doing.

Li Niang, however, furrowed her delicate brows, her eyes full of confusion and bewilderment, as if she were trying hard to recall the identity of this "brother-in-law" before her, but in the end, she still couldn't remember.

Yet, she still said timidly: "Greetings, brother-in-law."

Hearing this, Zhou Qing covered his forehead directly.

Yan Xiao was full of excitement, feeling it was very thrilling.

"Third Senior Brother, stop messing around!" Zhou Qing hurriedly sent a voice transmission.

Yan Xiao, however, didn't take it to heart and replied via voice transmission: "We can't be the ones to clean up this mess. This is trouble Li Niang caused, so you shouldn't worry about it."

After speaking, Yan Xiao looked at Li Niang again and said: "Your brother-in-law and your husband are not convenient to make a move today; you go and finish them off."

As Yan Xiao spoke, he pointed his hand at the few people who had surrounded them.

Upon hearing this, Li Niang shook her head repeatedly in fear, her hands subconsciously protecting her high-protruding belly, and she said with a sobbing tone: "This concubine cannot beat them."

Yan Xiao shook his head, however, and said with encouragement: "You must have confidence. You are the best, do you know that?"

After hearing this, Li Niang hesitated and cast a look of help toward Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing's expression was awkward, but then again, with Li Niang's late-stage Divine Transformation strength, suppressing four Soul Formation realm cultivators was still an easy task.

But she was a pregnant woman after all, and he could handle these few people.

"Forget it, I'll come..."

"Kill them!" Before Zhou Qing could finish speaking, the other side could no longer wait.

The leading late-stage Soul Formation elder took the lead, the magic treasure in his hand instantly shining brightly as he slashed down directly.

The other three were not to be outdone and launched attacks simultaneously.

"Do not hurt my husband!" Seeing this, Li Niang's originally timid eyes suddenly turned cold.

With a delicate shout, as she raised her hand, streaks of spiritual power light blades burst forth from her hands, and she slapped them out directly.

The four of them only felt a force like a mountain collapsing and a sea overturning rushing toward their faces, and immediately after, they vomited blood and flew backward, crashing through dozens of giant trees in succession before they finally stopped.

The few were beaten until they were dazed and confused, their minds blank, and for a moment, they completely failed to react to what had happened.

"Divine... Divine Transformation realm!" After a brief dizziness, the leading elder quickly realized something, his face full of terror.

Heavens, they were playing the pig to eat the tiger.

You, a powerhouse in the Divine Transformation realm, are so bored that you're messing with us small fries!

"Run!" The elder didn't say a word and turned to run.

The other three shook their heads, somewhat confused, but seeing their sect master fleeing, they instinctively followed behind and ran wildly.

Soon, they disappeared from everyone's sight.

At this moment, Li Niang looked at her right hand, seemingly unable to believe it.

She was only in the Golden Core realm; how could she beat the Soul Formation realm?

Right, her husband had returned.

Soon, she thought of something and turned around excitedly, but the next second, a flash of confusion crossed her eyes, and her eyes, originally full of joy, gradually became clear.

Yan Xiao clapped his hands and said excitedly: "Li Niang, I said you could do it. Your brother-in-law truly feels for you..."

But before he could finish his words, Zhou Qing, who had already sensed something was wrong, immediately covered his mouth.

Li Niang, however, looked as if she had suddenly woken up from a big dream, her face full of panic.

"I... I'm sorry, I... I recognized the wrong person." Her body trembled slightly, her voice like a mosquito, just like before, and she turned and ran.

Seeing her appearance, Zhou Qing sighed, while Yan Xiao's face turned pale.

The appearance of Li Niang, this fellow villager, was nothing more than a small interlude on the return journey for Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao.

When the two successfully returned to the academy, they discovered that the entire academy, both the inner and outer courts, had become much quieter.

After inquiring, they learned that everyone had gone to the Eastern Region of Lingyun Prefecture.

After all, those who could enter the Master Bai Yu Taixu Academy were all heaven-gifted talents from the four regions.

Now that news of a Soul Severance powerhouse falling in the neighboring Eastern Region had spread, with such a heaven-sent opportunity before them, which family's elders wouldn't hope for their juniors to go and explore? Perhaps they could obtain a heaven-defying fortune.

Even the war between the Southwest regions had tacitly stopped at this moment.

This left the two of them stunned.

"Zhou Zhou Shixiong, you're back!" Lu Lu Yaoyao came from the inner court, her eyes full of excitement. After confirming that Zhou Qing was safe and sound, the heart that had been hanging finally settled down.

Zhou Qing looked at Lu Lu Yaoyao before him and found that after not seeing her for over half a year, her aura was even more robust.

Li Li Daoxuan also appeared on the side at some point and said with a smile: "She is about to break through to the mid-stage, but she has always been worried about you two in her heart and refused to go into seclusion no matter what. Even Lu Shi has no way to deal with her."

After hearing this, Lu Lu Yaoyao felt a bit embarrassed and hurriedly said: "I'll go, I'll go, I'll go into seclusion tomorrow."

Seeing this, Yan Xiao felt a burst of envy in his heart.

It seemed that in the coming days, he also had to settle his mind and strive to go further. If he couldn't even compare to Lu Lu Yaoyao, that would be too embarrassing.

Afterward, Li Li Daoxuan pulled Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao aside, unable to wait to ask about the fall of the Soul Severance powerhouse in their hometown.

Zhou Qing had no choice but to explain the general process of the matter, but during the narration, he deliberately skipped his own relevant experiences, acting only as a bystander.

After hearing this, the two were full of shock.

There really was a Demon Emperor who fell? Wouldn't the demon race at the border be in an uproar?

"Come over here!" Just at this moment, a voice transmission from Er Er Daye suddenly reached Zhou Qing's ears.

Zhou Qing had no choice but to bid farewell to the others and hurried over.

After arriving at the cave dwelling, Er Er Daye enthusiastically poured a cup of wine for Zhou Qing and pointed to the seat on the side, inviting him to sit down.

Zhou Qing, however, waved his hand.

From now on, he would no longer drink alcohol.

Er Er Daye was somewhat puzzled, thinking that after this guy got drunk last time, he had shown his sixty-six spiritual imprints, so he was now on guard against him.

However, he did not force it too much, just nodded lightly and changed the subject, asking: "Was that mangy bird really killed by Xuan Yuan Shuo?"

Regarding Er Er Daye, Zhou Qing did not intend to hide anything; furthermore, the blood curse in his sea of consciousness still needed the help of the old man.

After organizing his thoughts, he detailed the ins and outs of the matter.

Er Er Daye listened very carefully at first, but when he heard that the Suanni bone had been detonated, he felt a pang of heartache.

He had been waiting until he was fully prepared to go and retrieve it.

After a long time, he sighed.

What other way was there? He could only say that he and that thing were fated but not destined.

However, seeing that Zhou Qing was safe and sound, and that he could save himself so calmly in such a dangerous environment, a sense of relief and pride welled up in his heart.

Afterward, Zhou Qing took out the image stone of Feng Lao and the Tai Yao Token, handing them to Er Er Daye.

After Er Er Daye activated them and finished watching carefully, he couldn't help but ponder.

"The Eastern Region of Lingyun Prefecture is indeed extraordinary. I have joined so many sects and flipped through the ancient books they left behind, guessing that something major did happen in that region back then, but what exactly it was, I do not know."

Er Er Daye was also full of curiosity when he said this.

Zhou Qing was also lost in thought. Not to mention anything else, the old Peng Wang from ancient times was a powerhouse at the Great Completion of the Soul Severance realm, yet he was still easily wiped out by someone.

Afterward, the other party didn't even bother to look at the old Peng Wang's physical body, which showed how terrifying the strength of the visitor was.

Moreover, this was only the tip of the iceberg that he knew; those unknown secrets were probably countless.

Afterward, Er Er Daye looked at Zhou Qing, his eyes full of approval, and handed the Tai Yao Token back to him, saying: "You keep this thing. Since you obtained it with your own ability, I will not take what others love."

Next, Er Er Daye checked the blood curse in Zhou Qing's sea of consciousness with a solemn expression, and his brows couldn't help but furrow.

"It is a bit difficult and requires thinking of a way slowly, but you don't need to be anxious. Generally, this kind of thing has a time limit, and it will dissipate on its own after a few hundred years."

"If one day you break through to the Soul Severance realm, you can also erase it yourself in advance," Er Er Daye comforted him.

Zhou Qing: "..."

"As for the old monkey, you don't need to worry even more. Do you remember the Immortal Drunkenness I treated you to last time? Your old man snatched it from him," Er Er Daye said, looking proud.

Zhou Qing seemed to remember that Er Er Daye had indeed mentioned some old monkey at Tai Yao Mountain, but he only said half of it before getting busy drinking and dropping the topic.

"Right, to what extent have you explored the Four Flowers Gathering at the Top?" Er Er Daye suddenly leaned in and asked with curiosity.

Zhou Qing pondered for a moment and told him everything about the process of fusing the Jin Wu blood and Suanni blood, as well as the reaction of the four-colored flowers when the corpse spirit attempted possession.

Er Er Daye was dumbfounded, his face full of surprise and envy.

"Interesting. In that case, if I can think of a way to stimulate that blood curse and make it pose a threat to you, perhaps the four-colored flowers will actively protect their master and erase it."

Er Er Daye stroked his chin and analyzed.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing's eyes lit up; this was indeed a good method.

"This matter must be discussed in the long term; one cannot be in a hurry. Right, since you just returned, rest well for a few days first. Afterward, I will take you to a place!"

Er Er Daye patted Zhou Qing on the shoulder and said mysteriously.

Zhou Qing nodded in agreement, but soon remembered something and asked: "Then your array class..."

Mentioning this, Er Er Daye immediately straightened his back, his face full of pride: "Learning is mutual. Just half a month ago, I brought up a few extremely tricky questions, and I didn't expect the teacher to have an epiphany and go directly into seclusion."

He paused and continued, "I estimate that this time he should be able to complete the three thousand spiritual imprints, become the third third-level array master of the Shengwu Dynasty, and incidentally break through to the Great Completion of the Divine Transformation realm!"

After hearing this, Zhou Qing was surprised, but more than that, he felt happy for the teacher.

After all, in the entire fourth-level cultivation country, there were currently only two third-level array masters, and there were only nine second-level array masters; their scarcity far exceeded that of Soul Severance powerhouses.

Over the next few days, Zhou Qing rested well.

After all, the entire academy was quiet, and the eight instructors were almost all in a state of suspended classes.

Under Lu Shi's careful arrangement, Lu Lu Yaoyao officially went into seclusion to fully charge toward the mid-stage of the Soul Formation realm.

Li Li Daoxuan already had a vague direction for the realm of understanding he wanted to comprehend and was busy going out to experience it every day under the instructor's arrangement.

Yan Xiao also felt a sense of urgency, putting away his usual playfulness and focusing entirely on frantically absorbing the spiritual power from spirit stones.

That night, Zhou Qing looked at the number six blue light spot that had lit up again on the token, unable to help but feel curious: could she really successfully obtain that spiritual herb?

Just at this moment, he suddenly raised his head, his brows instantly furrowing.

At the same time, Yan Xiao also poked his head out from the cave on the side, cursing: "That guy is here again!"

The two quickly walked out of the cave.

Sure enough, that white-clothed figure was standing quietly on the tree canopy not far away, with his back to them as usual.

"What exactly is that thing? You gave it to me last time." The white-clothed person spoke first.

The corners of Zhou Qing's mouth rose slightly, revealing a faint smile.

Yan Xiao, however, blinked.

No, what does that mean?

When he spoke to me, it was sarcastic words, but when it comes to Old Four, it becomes a proper question?

Asking is one thing, but he even used an inverted sentence.

Is he crazy?

Zhou Qing said unhurriedly: "It's still the same as last time: apologize to my Third Senior Brother, and I will tell you what it is."

The white-clothed person was silent for a moment, then said straightforwardly: "I'm sorry!"

The two were stunned instantly, never expecting the other party to be so straightforward this time.

One had to know that as a Divine Transformation powerhouse, the other party had extremely strong self-esteem last time and refused to yield in the slightest, turning around and leaving.

For a time, Zhou Qing was somewhat at a loss, not knowing how to respond.

Soon, he coughed dryly, adjusted his thoughts, and said: "This object has a one-year cycle. If it is not resolved in time, you will be unlucky for a long time. If you had come later, you would probably be plagued by bad luck again."

After hearing this, the white-clothed person's body trembled slightly, as if he had remembered something, and a look of realization appeared on his face.

Afterward, he said eagerly: "Solve it for me, hurry up."

Zhou Qing's expression was calm, his gaze fixed directly on the white-clothed person, and he said: "I can solve it, but I want to know why. You have come to find us time and again; there must be a reason."

Yan Xiao had long been holding back a belly of fire, and seeing Zhou Qing start to question him, he hurriedly stepped forward.

He asked aggressively: "That's right, do we know each other? You targeted me on the very first day I came to the academy, causing me to be caught by the Discipline Hall twice. This account cannot be settled just like that!"

Seeing that the other party was now being handled by Old Four, Yan Xiao became even more energetic and continued to press: "Speak, why exactly?"

The other party was silent for a good while before speaking again: "You look like a thief with rat eyes; I don't like the look of you! I just feel like you..."

"F*ck!" Upon hearing this, Yan Xiao instantly flew into a rage.

"I call this 'small eyes gathering light'; how is it 'thief-like and shifty'?" Yan Xiao roared while rolling up his sleeves, making a gesture as if he were about to rush up and give the other party a good lesson.

But just as he took a step, he suddenly remembered that he was no match for the other party at all, so he had no choice but to suppress his anger and cast a look of help toward Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing frowned slightly and asked, "It's that simple?"

The person in white did not answer directly, but instead took an image stone out of his storage bag, gave his wrist a light flick, and tossed it toward Zhou Qing.

"I know you prefer soft tactics over hard ones; can this be exchanged for the method of unlocking? Like this."

Zhou Qing took the image stone in confusion, and his expression immediately turned stern.

Because as it was activated, he saw in the image that Li Li Daoxuan was being frantically hunted by a tiger-type demonic beast with four pairs of wings.

Judging by certain characteristics of the demonic beast, it should have already reached the Soul Formation realm; it was a true Demon King.

Li Li Daoxuan was in a sorry state, fleeing desperately through the mountain forest, with multiple injuries on his body, and fresh blood had long since stained his clothes red.

Just as Li Li Daoxuan was about to lose his life to the tiger's maw, a beam of spiritual power suddenly shot out from the side, instantly piercing the Demon King's wings.

That Demon King immediately let out a shrill, miserable shriek, its body falling uncontrollably from the sky.

Li Li Daoxuan, still shaken, shouted "Many thanks for your help, Excellency" toward the surrounding forest, covered in blood, and then hurriedly fled.

After watching the image on the stone, Zhou Qing was filled with mixed emotions; what else could he say?

If the other party had used Li Zhou Shixiong's life to threaten him, he really wouldn't have fallen for it, but since the person had the grace of saving a life, this favor could not go unreturned.

"Many thanks!" Zhou Qing had always been one to separate public and private matters; at this moment, he calmed his mood, cupped his hands, and bowed to the person in white.

After that, he said nothing more and turned to walk into the cave dwelling.

Arriving at the stone table, he poured a cup of tea, then picked up a few talisman papers from the side, lit them with fire, and gently sprinkled the ashes into the cup.

After finishing all this, he picked up the teacup and walked out, circulating his spiritual power to steadily send it before the person in white.

"Drink it and it will be unlocked; of course, if you don't believe me..."

Before Zhou Qing could finish his sentence, the person in white directly picked up the teacup, tilted his head, and drank it all in one gulp.

Afterward, with a few leaps, his figure disappeared into the night.

"In the end, was it Senior Sikong Yan?" Watching this scene, Zhou Qing whispered softly.

Turning his head, he saw Yan Xiao approaching pitifully, saying, "Old Four, do I really look thief-like and shifty?"

Zhou Qing was stunned, then said with a sincere tone, "Don't listen to his nonsense; although your eyes are small, your heart is strong, and although your face is round, your heart is kind."

"No matter how others see it, in my heart, you are the best of the best; you will always be the San Zhou Shixiong I respect the most!"

Yan Xiao: "..."

【Today's post is refreshing...】

【New post has been stored in the Strange Qi Qi Tie Lu, please check it in time.】

Just at this moment, the system's notification sound rang out abruptly, and Zhou Qing couldn't help but be stunned.

Can comforting someone also trigger this thing?

He hurriedly looked at the Strange Qi Qi Tie Lu.

【Epiphany Post: Can be infused into one's own body; once used, the spiritual platform becomes clear, comprehension greatly increases, and cultivation efficiency improves a hundredfold, lasting for three hours!】

Upon seeing that the newly appeared post was the Epiphany Post he had been longing for, Zhou Qing couldn't help but cheer.

Wait—

Zhou Qing looked at the edge color of the Strange Qi Qi Tie Lu, which seemed a bit off, flipped to the second page, and shockingly, another 【Epiphany Post】 appeared.

This time, there were actually two?

How crafty; is this preparing a surprise for me?

Soon, Zhou Qing became excited.

One must know that the last three hours of epiphany allowed him not only to cultivate the 【Di Huang Jing】 to Minor Completion but also to condense sixty-six spiritual seals.

Such a repeating post should come a few more times.

What should he use it to cultivate?

Increase the number of spiritual seals?

Study inscription-level divine abilities?

No, these are not urgent; the most important thing right now is the comprehension of future realms of understanding.

Now with the careful guidance of Er Er Daye, plus these two Epiphany Posts, perhaps he could really seize this opportunity to comprehend a realm of understanding of his own.

At this moment, Yan Xiao looked at Zhou Qing's high-spirited appearance and suddenly felt very sad; without a word, he turned and went inside.

Zhou Qing, having reacted, hurriedly said, "San Zhou Shixiong, don't misunderstand; I really think you're quite good. What are you doing? Put down the old hen!"

The next day, Er Er Daye took Zhou Qing and left the academy.

As for Yan Xiao, he continued to stay in the cave dwelling, devoting his whole heart and soul to his cultivation state.

"This is... Haomiao Prefecture!" Zhou Qing looked at the boundless, massive city before him and couldn't help but speak.

He could even see the flickering light of the teleportation array in the central plaza from afar at this moment.

Er Er Daye nodded and said, "That's right, it is Haomiao Prefecture. Back in the day, I was walking through the sea of people when suddenly a flash of inspiration struck, and I had the direction and prototype of a realm of understanding in my heart."

Zhou Qing nodded, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes, and pressed, "Then, Er Daye, what exactly is the realm of understanding you comprehended?"

Er Er Daye chuckled, took the opportunity to pull out an old smoking pipe, and lit it with practiced movements.

Under Zhou Qing's expectant gaze, he took a deep puff and blew it right into Zhou Qing's face, choking Zhou Qing into a fit of coughing until tears almost came out.

"I won't tell you!"

Er Er Daye deliberately kept him in suspense, his face full of a triumphant smile.

"After traveling for so long, treat me to a meal first; I think that restaurant over there looks quite good!"

Er Er Daye acted as if he didn't see Zhou Qing's helplessness and pointed toward a luxurious restaurant in the distance.

That restaurant was intricately carved and painted, looking exceptionally grand and dazzling under the sunlight.

Zhou Qing had no choice but to nod with a bitter smile and lead Er Er Daye toward the restaurant.

Who told him he had to ask for favors from the other party?

After entering the restaurant, Zhou Qing ordered a table full of food in a private room; all kinds of delicacies made one's appetite soar.

The two began to feast; during this time, Er Er Daye took out some brewed wine, but Zhou Qing didn't drink a single drop more.

Er Er Daye, helpless, began to taste it by himself.

After they were full, Er Er Daye leaned back in his chair, let out a satisfied burp, and then looked at Zhou Qing, his expression becoming serious as he asked, "Then do you know what a realm of understanding is?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing immediately sat up straight and said, "The so-called realm of understanding, to put it simply, is actually the fusion of the laws of heaven and earth with one's life insights, reaching a state where the Dao heart is materialized, and then merging it into the Nascent Soul to make it grow into a Primordial Spirit."

Er Er Daye heard this and nodded with satisfaction, praising, "It seems you've done your homework these past few days; not bad, not bad. But it's easy to say, yet difficult to understand."

"I ask for your guidance, Er Daye." Zhou Qing hurriedly stood up, bowed respectfully, and spoke with a sincere attitude.

Er Er Daye picked his teeth and said unhurriedly, "Comprehending a realm of understanding actually has stages; I have summarized it in nine words: Observe all things -> Comprehend true meaning -> Condense Dao seeds."

(End of chapter)