Chapter 218: New Note: Old Man Dad (6k)

Hearing Lin Daochen say he wanted to perform soul-searching, Wu Tiangang’s disciple Fang Jun immediately jumped forward, face flushed with anger.

“Master Lin, you speak lightly, but you know full well how much spiritual damage soul-searching inflicts.”

“My master is a revered third-rank array master—what if his spiritual sea is damaged? Who bears responsibility for that?”

“Are you saying you don’t trust the Prince’s methods?” Lin Daochen asked Fang Jun, his expression calm.

Fang Jun instantly glanced at the Spirit Severing realm cultivator before him, his face turning ashen.

He quickly bowed deeply, voice trembling: “My lord, forgive me—I never doubted your judgment, I was merely panicked, worried my master might not endure it.”

Xuan Yuan Shuo merely waved his hand, frowning tightly.

He wasn’t a fool; from Lin Daochen’s clear, logical words, the two men’s involuntary signs of panic,

and their suspiciously eager recommendations after Lin Daochen’s promotion to third-rank array master, he had already guessed the truth.

Now he felt only inner irritation.

In the imperial capital, endless conspiracies and scheming had disgusted him to the core—that’s why he volunteered to guard the frontier.

He’d assumed the people here were straightforward, blood-and-iron types, with none of those convoluted intrigues.

But he’d forgotten one thing: wherever there are people, you can never escape such things.

So what should he do now?

Accuse Su Lishan and Wu Tiangang, who had labored here for five years, or defend the wronged Master Lin?

These three were not imperial personnel—they were honored guests he’d personally invited to assist.

Moreover, he didn’t care who was right or wrong; as the supreme authority over the entire frontier, he cared only about one thing: how to fix this single four-color array.

He turned to Lin Daochen, his expression grave: “You meant the array hasn’t collapsed—that with one more day, it can be repaired?”

Lin Daochen nodded slightly: “Uncertain. Perhaps, if we all work together, there’s still a chance.”

He dared not overpromise—after all, whether Zhou Qing could successfully repair the final spirit rune was still unknown.

And after venting his anger and frustration, he’d softened again.

As he’d thought before, Su Lishan and Wu Tiangang were his Qimeng teachers, the pioneers who guided him in the art of fourth-rank arrays.

He wanted to give them another chance—to unite and overcome this crisis together.

Watching Lin Shi’s magnanimous spirit, Xuan Yuan Shuo’s eyes flickered with emotion.

He was offering them a way out.

He turned to Su Lishan and Wu Tiangang, voice calm yet hopeful: “Both masters, what do you say?”

Wu Tiangang sensed the chaotic spiritual energy around him and recalled his own prior calculations; he bowed deeply, voice tinged with anger and resolve.

“If my lord doesn’t trust me, then I’ll leave. The mountains are high, the roads long—no need to trouble you to see me off!”

With that, he spun on his heel, swept his sleeve, and strode away with his disciples.

Seeing this, Su Lishan sighed: “My lord, prepare quickly—this array won’t hold much longer. We take our leave.”

Then he too turned and walked away.

Xuan Yuan Shuo, seeing this, panicked and rushed after them: “Calm down, calm down—we’re all here to defend the frontier, no need for such rashness…”

Watching this, Lin Daochen shook his head, his face filled with disappointment.

For those devoted to learning, humility and admitting fault should be the most basic virtues.

Yet these two, to protect their fragile reputations and pride, had utterly abandoned the humility and grace expected of scholars.

The complexity of human hearts is sometimes harder to fathom than the runes of a fourth-rank array.

Now, all hope rested on Zhou Qing alone.

Beside him, Er Daye let out a quiet snort, then slowly retrieved his image stone, murmuring to himself: “Made such a mess and now think you can just walk away? I won’t allow it.”

Two beams of light slipped silently into the ground, chasing after their departing figures.

An hour later, Xuan Yuan Shuo returned, exhausted, his face heavy with helplessness and sorrow.

He looked at Lin Daochen—and bowed.

This bow carried both his earlier apology and his deep respect.

“They’ve left. You should leave too. In a few days, I’ll lure some demon clans to attack the frontier—then we’ll blame the array’s failure on them. You’re not involved. Thank you for your trouble.”

Lin Daochen hadn’t expected them to be so absolute—just walking away like that.

They truly feared the array’s collapse would implicate them.

But seeing this enlightened prince, Lin Daochen’s heart stirred with emotion; he returned the bow: “My lord, your righteousness moves me. I’m deeply grateful—but this array…”

“This array—we will not fail you!”

Before Lin Daochen could finish, Zhou Qing’s voice came from behind.

All three turned sharply—Zhou Qing stood at the array’s core, drenched in sweat, one hundred and eighty-six spirit seals swirling around him, each glowing with unique radiance.

As he poured the final wisp of spiritual power into the rune he’d repaired, every single glyph of the four-color array instantly dimmed—the thunderous hum that had echoed for three thousand years fell silent.

The entire array plunged into deathly stillness.

Xuan Yuan Shuo’s face turned pale.

Er Daye and Lin Daochen felt sudden, inexplicable tension—their hearts pounded faster.

“You really didn’t disappoint…”

Xuan Yuan Shuo had barely spoken when the rune Zhou Qing had repaired—Qian Tian Yu Ling Zhang—suddenly flickered with a faint glow.

Then, like the first flame in darkness, it spread rapidly outward.

Wherever it reached, the extinguished glyphs reignited one by one.

In the blink of an eye, the entire array blazed back to life as if rebooted.

Now, every spirit rune seemed infused with renewed vitality, showing no trace of decay or age.

Simultaneously, the core region began to tremble—growing stronger, stronger, as if a slumbering giant stirred awake.

Lin Daochen and Er Daye could no longer contain their cheers.

Xuan Yuan Shuo stood frozen, utterly stunned.

He knew this surge of fresh energy too well—it was identical to the feeling when his elder brother, alongside a fourth-rank array master, had first installed the Seven-Star Binding Demon Array here.

Just as in memory, spiritual energy surged wildly, forming colossal vortices.

These vortices intertwined and collided, roaring with deafening force.

At the same time, the eighteen massive cauldrons beneath the city walls began to hum with deep, resonant tones.

The seven meteor-sized stars began to flow brilliant runes, forming dazzling pillars of spiritual energy that pierced the heavens.

Seeing the array reborn, the frontier soldiers erupted in excitement, shouting to the sky.

Their cheers rose and fell, merging into a mighty wave that echoed endlessly across the frontier.

Everything had finally returned to order!

Zhou Qing, seeing this, exhaled deeply—the heavy stone in his chest finally lifted.

He hadn’t let his Master or Er Daye down.

“This… this is unbelievable!” Xuan Yuan Shuo murmured, then suddenly remembered something and dashed off to inspect other parts of the array.

He needed to confirm this wasn’t a fleeting afterglow—but true rebirth, fully restored.

“Excellent!” Er Daye hadn’t felt this exhilarated—fighting pressure alongside others, turning the tide—in ages.

He stepped forward, beaming, and slapped Zhou Qing hard on the shoulder.

【Heart Insight +9】

Soon, the note above his head—【Kid stronger than me】—changed to 【Trustworthy Kid】.

Lin Daochen’s eyes grew slightly red.

The best decision of his life was when Si Yunya brought this shy boy to his thatched hut—and he agreed to take him as an inner disciple.

Who could have imagined this boy would today, single-handedly, repair the entire array?

“You did it—you truly did it!” Lin Daochen wept with joy.

At last, the clouds parted and the moon shone through!

Meeting their gazes, Zhou Qing’s heart swelled with mixed emotions.

Xuan Yuan Shuo returned, beaming: “It’s done! It’s all fixed! How… how did you do it?”

He stared at Zhou Qing, thrilled.

Zhou Qing bowed: “I merely followed my Master’s guidance. This isn’t my achievement alone—if you wish to know, ask my Master.”

Hearing this, Xuan Yuan Shuo was stunned.

Lin Daochen was equally surprised—but then his eyes filled with emotion.

This was Zhou Qing’s most precious gift to him after his promotion to third-rank array master.

He knew Su Lishan and Wu Tiangang would sever ties with him upon returning, even use their influence to slander him.

He’d have a hundred mouths and still couldn’t defend himself.

But now? In three days, he’d repaired the frontier’s four-color array—this was the most powerful vindication possible.

It also elevated his status in the array world beyond anything before.

Er Daye watched Zhou Qing, his admiration deepening.

Such great merit—and no young man would stay so composed, not boast, yet still share credit humbly.

Xuan Yuan Shuo, seeing Lin Daochen’s shock, now understood.

He glanced again at Zhou Qing.

But he said nothing—instead, he bowed deeply to Lin Daochen: “Master Lin, on behalf of the millions of soldiers on the frontier, I thank you. This debt I will forever remember.”

Facing Xuan Yuan Shuo’s bow, Lin Daochen felt profound shame.

But seeing Zhou Qing and Si Yunya smiling at him, he could only nod and quickly help Xuan Yuan Shuo to his feet.

“This is what we ought to do; contributing to the peace of the border is our honor.”

Xuan Yuan Shuo nodded, about to speak, when suddenly a tremendous roar erupted from one side of the formation.

His expression instantly changed, his gaze sharpening in an instant.

He said at once: “An aura of demonic energy is approaching. The three of you, I must take my leave. I shall host a victory banquet for you personally later.”

With that, Xuan Yuan Shuo immediately departed.

When Zhou Qing and the others emerged, they saw a massive bronze cauldron in the distance, ringing incessantly, with wisps of smoke veiling a distant direction.

Large numbers of soldiers were rapidly assembling, armored warriors boarding ships in unison.

Tamed mounts raised their heads and let out long, thunderous roars that shook the four corners of the land.

Flying beasts with wings spanning dozens of zhang had already taken to the skies.

The Longxiang Army, Xuanjia Army, and Fenxing Army launched forth in unison.

“Senior Zhou!”

“Fourth Brother!”

Yan Xiaohu and Lu Yaoyao had been anxiously waiting outside; now that they saw the three emerge, they rushed over.

Seeing they were unharmed, they finally relaxed.

Not long ago, they had witnessed Masters Su Lishan and Wu Tiangang angrily leading their disciples away.

Even the Prince could not dissuade them.

As they left, they had threatened that if the formation were damaged, none of them would escape.

This caused many soldiers to speculate and grow fearful.

Zhou Qing could only smile and say: “It’s fine—the formation has been repaired.”

Since they were not outsiders, Zhou Qing briefly recounted what had happened.

After hearing it, Lu Yaoyao’s eyes filled with awe; from the formation’s renewed glow and the soldiers’ shouts, she had already guessed something.

【Heart Insight Points +9】

Lu Yaoyao’s Touding note 【So Awesome】 instantly changed to 【So Dad】.

Seeing this, Zhou Qing’s smile froze on his face.

What on earth are you thinking about all day?

I’m barely older than you—I haven’t even held a girl’s hand yet.

I’m not ready to be a father.

At this moment, he couldn’t help but recall that time after the Demon King Hou Shan lost the 【Fusang Spirit Sunflower】, when they were dispatched to search the Canglan Mountains.

Back then, he had been paired with Lu Yaoyao.

When they lit the campfire at night, she said how long it had been since they’d had such quiet, private time together.

She went on to speculate endlessly about what kind of Dao partner she’d find in the future.

Just before sleeping, she even asked if she could call him “Dad,” leaving him so startled he fell out of the tree.

How could this be happening again so soon?

Meeting Lu Yaoyao’s sparkling gaze now, Zhou Qing’s eyes darted away, quickly turning to his Third Senior Brother.

【Heart Insight Points +9】

Yan Xiaohu’s Touding note 【Little Brother Who Talks Nonsense】 changed to 【Little Brother of the Future Formation Master】.

He too was immensely exhilarated.

He hadn’t expected they’d complete the task three days ahead of schedule.

No wonder those two had stormed off in fury—what a disgusting sight.

If they’d stayed just a little longer and seen the formation repaired, they might have fainted from rage.

At this moment, Zhou Qing’s mind stirred, and he immediately opened his personal panel.

Though most of those bound to his talent skill 【Heart Insight Vision】 were not nearby, his Third Senior Brother, Lu Yaoyao, and Second Uncle kept refreshing his points.

【Name: Zhou Qing】

【Age: Thirty-Five】

【Cultivation Base: Soul Transformation Realm, Early Stage】

【Cultivation Method: Yin-Yang Scripture】

【Talent Skill: One Insight Per Day】

【Random Scroll】—【Odd Scroll Collection】—（【Corpse-Touch Scroll】）

【Heart Insight Vision—LV4 (379/400)】

【Reduced Presence—LV5 (26/100)】

【Skill Fragment: 0/3 (Unobtainable)】

It seemed 【Heart Insight Vision】 would soon reach Level 5, allowing him to bind more people.

As for the 【Corpse-Touch Scroll】, according to its description, he could only touch three people, fulfill their final wishes, and then randomly obtain a precious item from their life.

I wonder if demons can be targeted?

“Senior Zhou!” As Zhou Qing pondered, Xuan Yuan Yichen and Xuan Yuan Muqian hurried over.

As for the Prefect of Longyuan Commandery, Zhong Yao, he had rushed back immediately after the welcoming banquet that night.

After all, as the head of a commandery overseeing nine prefectures, his daily administrative duties piled up like mountains—he had no time to linger.

“I heard Masters Su and Wu left? Are you all right?” Xuan Yuan Yichen asked anxiously.

Yan Xiaohu snorted coldly, his face brimming with disdain. “Two frauds who deceive the world—let them go. Staying would only bring them shame!”

“Third Senior Brother!” Zhou Qing softly called out, then turned to the two: “Nothing serious. Why didn’t you follow the Prince?”

Since they came to the border for training, such large-scale battles were rare opportunities—they should have gone with him.

Seeing their demeanor, Xuan Yuan Yichen, though puzzled, refrained from pressing further; he could ask his Imperial Grandfather later.

He said instead: “We just missed it. But I received a message from Grandfather—he insisted I take good care of you.”

Lin Daochen stepped forward, bowing slightly, and said politely: “Thank you, Prince. But we’re all exhausted these past few days, especially Zhou Qing, who expended tremendous energy. We’d like to rest.”

“Of course! Absolutely! I’ll take you back right away!” Xuan Yuan Yichen replied quickly.

Meanwhile, Xuan Yuan Muqian quietly approached Lu Yaoyao, wanting to ask something.

Lu Yaoyao shook her head apologetically; since Dad didn’t want to talk about it, she wouldn’t gossip behind his back.

“By the way, one more thing—my mother will be coming to the border soon!” Xuan Yuan Muqian whispered, as if sharing an exciting secret.

Lu Yaoyao’s eyes lit up instantly. “Grandma… no, Empress Yuechen is coming? When exactly?”

She remembered that when she first met Xuan Yuan Muqian at Taiqingmen, the girl had orange hair.

Later, she learned it was because the girl had taken a special elixir that changed her hair color.

Normally, however, her hair was black with streaks of silver, inherited from her mother.

Moreover, Empress Yuechen was a demon race—though Xuan Yuan Muqian had never specified which one.

At this moment, Xuan Yuan Muqian was stunned.

Grandma?

My mother only has me as a daughter—I don’t even have a Dao partner yet. Don’t go calling her that.

We’re best friends.

But then again, if Mother met Lu Yaoyao, she’d surely be delighted.

Since Lu Yaoyao broke through to Nascent Soul Mid-Stage, her silver streaks had multiplied—black hair threaded with silver, nearly identical to her mother’s.

If Yaoyao agreed, she’d be happy to have her mother adopt her as an adopted daughter.

“You’re not a fox race, are you?” Xuan Yuan Muqian suddenly reached out and grabbed Lu Yaoyao’s rear, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Lu Yaoyao jumped back in shock, her cheeks flushing red.

“You’re the fox… wait?” Lu Yaoyao suddenly realized—Empress Yuechen was a fox race.

No wonder Princess Nine’s hair was so unusual.

Xuan Yuan Muqian laughed heartily. “No tail, still human form—looks like you’re not.”

Nascent Soul demon generals could barely speak human speech; only Soul Transformation demon kings could assume human form, though certain traits still remained.

“Enough. They’re already far away!” She grabbed Lu Yaoyao’s hand and hurried after them.

Lu Yuanzhi, who had stood silently by, sighed.

“Why would she suddenly come? Has she discovered me?”

Lu Yuanzhi murmured to herself, then gazed toward the direction Xuan Yuan Shuo had departed, her eyes flickering with unknown thoughts.

…

The Shengwu Empire governed eight commanderies and seventy-two prefectures, its territory vast and its borders boundless.

One side bordered the sea, while two others adjoined a Level-Three and a Level-Four spiritual nation.

The remaining southern border faced the Infinite Beast Mountains directly.

Here was the demon race’s domain—the Shengwu Empire’s most vigilant frontier.

Of course, within the Infinite Beast Mountains, the greatest threats were the relatively nearby Taiyao Mountain, Xueyu Mountain, and Qianhuan Miku.

Each mountain range stretched for hundreds of thousands of li, home to countless demon races.

For instance, Taiyao Mountain’s most powerful faction was the Peng Clan, which had produced Feng Xuan Yi, a Peng Emperor.

Unfortunately, this mighty Zhanling cultivator perished in the Eastern Region of Lingyun Prefecture.

Now, numerous demon kings across Taiyao Mountain are stirring, coveting the power vacuum left by Feng Xuan Yi, hoping to replace him and become the new overlord of Taiyao Mountain.

The demon clans dwelling in Xueyu Mountain are mostly cruel and bloodthirsty, delighting in devouring the flesh and blood of other beings; the strongest among them is the Jiao Emperor, who possesses a trace of true dragon blood.

As for Qianhuan Miku, its terrain is complex and ever-changing, with interwoven caves and tunnels, making it the domain of the insect race.

Among them, the Spider Emperor is the supreme ruler.

This is the current state of the four borders of the Shengwu Imperial Dynasty.

After reading the jade slip sent by Xuan Yuan Yi Chen, Zhou Qing let out a long breath.

That means, along the southern border, there are three Zhan Ling–realm demon emperors threatening the realm—such overwhelming pressure explains why Xuan Yuan Shuo personally guards this front.

Yet within the Shengwu Imperial Dynasty, there are over a dozen Zhan Ling–realm experts; if truly needed, the old emperor should be able to rally them.

After all, their breakthroughs were all made possible thanks to the old emperor’s resources and support.

But although only three demon emperors stand on the border, behind each of them lie the territories of other demon emperors—pull one hair and the whole body moves.

Thus, over these many years, neither side dares to act rashly, maintaining a delicate balance.

I wonder what clues Feng Lao uncovered in the Eastern Region regarding the ancient past, prompting Xuan Yuan Shuo to launch a direct strike?

Having finished reading all this, Zhou Qing finally gained a general understanding of the entire empire.

“By the way, Second Uncle, which level-five cultivation nation is closest to the Shengwu Imperial Dynasty?”

Zhou Qing turned his head, watching Second Uncle, who sat cross-legged, his hands constantly tracing invisible patterns in the air, a strange smile on his face, and couldn’t help asking.

At this moment, Second Uncle occasionally chuckled, as if playing some cruel prank on someone.

(End of Chapter)