Chapter 242: After being left to fend for himself too long, he

One month later!

Li Bin, Director of the Taiqingmen Spirit Field Office, glanced left and right, confirmed no one was around, then his eyes flickered with caution as he dove downward into a mountain range.

Only after spotting a mark on a rock did he vanish in a few flashes, speeding forward.

Soon, in a quiet valley, he saw a familiar back figure.

“I pay my respects to the Ancestor!” Li Bin bowed hastily.

Ji Xuan slowly turned, sizing up Li Bin, then spoke: “Ying She, I need your help with something.”

“Ancestor, you jest—whatever you command, I’ll obey. How could you use the word ‘ask’?” Li Bin hurried to reply.

Ji Xuan nodded approvingly, a faint smile appearing on her face.

“You’re not like those peak masters in Taiqingmen. It was Qingyu Immortal Sect’s secret resource support that let you gradually break through to Soul Transformation and reach your current position!” Ji Xuan said.

Li Bin immediately knelt on one knee: “Your disciple will never forget the sect’s life-saving grace and cultivation guidance.”

Ji Xuan swiftly helped him up, her expression warm and gentle.

She whispered: “I haven’t said anything harsh—you’ve sent us vital intelligence for years. We’ve seen every bit of it.”

“But Taiqingmen’s current purges are extremely strict—many moles planted by other sects have been uncovered and eliminated. To avoid exposing you, we’ve had no contact for years.”

Ji Xuan let out a soft sigh, a flicker of worry in her eyes.

Li Bin’s eyes filled with gratitude, yet deep within lurked a trace of guilt.

If only we’d never contacted again.

Sometimes he truly wished to forget the past.

In Taiqingmen, he lived in constant caution—even when meeting peak masters for drinks, he dared not speak freely, terrified that a careless word might betray a secret he shouldn’t know.

Countless nights and days, he kept himself endlessly busy just to feel his soul slightly full, to temporarily forget certain things.

“Ancestor, what exactly is this mission?” After a brief pause, Li Bin suppressed his complex emotions and asked.

Ji Xuan’s gaze flickered, her voice calm: “Lure out Zhou Qing.”

“The Young Master… no, I mean—why lure him out?” Li Bin’s heart lurched; a sense of dread surged. He hurried to ask.

Seeing his reaction, Ji Xuan’s lips curled slightly as she chuckled: “You blurted out ‘Young Master’—it’s clear Taiqingmen’s entire sect truly respects him.”

Li Bin froze, then awkwardly smiled and quickly explained: “Everyone calls him that. If I used his name directly, it’d seem too abrupt.”

Ji Xuan waved her hand, her expression returning to calm: “No need to explain—we all understand. This time, we simply want him to help us.”

“What kind of help? Just ask him normally—oh, I’m sorry!”

Seeing Ji Xuan’s displeased expression and a flash of coldness in her eyes, Li Bin instantly realized he’d spoken too much and bowed deeply in apology.

Ji Xuan’s expression softened slightly as she slowly said: “This matter involves Qingyu Immortal Sect’s deepest secrets. After he helps, we must erase his memories of it.”

“A normal request would be impossible—if Cao Zhengyang or Mo Xingjian found out, we couldn’t explain it, and they must never know.”

Li Bin’s heart tightened.

Whether soul-searching or memory-erasing, both inflicted severe damage to any Soul Transformation cultivator’s Primordial Spirit.

Cao Zhengyang, as Taiqingmen’s Sect Master, was brilliant in strategy and fiercely protective of the sect’s security and secrets.

Mo Xingjian was Zhou Qing’s master, notoriously protective of his disciple.

They would never allow anyone to casually touch Zhou Qing’s Primordial Spirit.

After all, if you can erase memories, you can also search souls.

After a moment’s thought, Li Bin said: “Zhou Qing is still in seclusion—he’s currently crafting a magic array for Taiqingmen. I don’t know exactly when he’ll emerge.”

“I see. But this can’t wait—if he emerges, contact us immediately!” Ji Xuan’s eyes flickered with urgency.

Li Bin solemnly replied: “Rest assured, Ancestor—I will complete this mission.”

Then Ji Xuan gave detailed instructions on operational specifics and precautions, which Li Bin memorized thoroughly before quietly turning to leave.

Watching Li Bin’s retreating figure, Ji Xuan frowned slightly, a hint of dissatisfaction in her gaze.

“After being left to fend for himself so long, he’s nearly forgotten who his true master is!”

In this brief exchange, she sensed Li Bin had stayed in Taiqingmen too long—he was slowly developing divided loyalties.

This was not a good omen.

Immediately, she pulled out a jade slip from her storage pouch—the same one Yun Jing had brought back from Haomiao Mansion—and gently stroked it.

“Lin Daochen praised him highly: mastered the realm’s essence in under a year, reached Soul Transformation in three years, repaired border arrays, fought five peer-level deputy generals in succession...”

Perhaps... it really is this little one!

“We’ll know for sure only after soul-searching—if conditions permit—”

Ji Xuan’s eyes instantly flooded with icy killing intent.

Should any one of the Five Eastern Sects produce a Zhan Ling cultivator, all other sects would become history with no hope of revival.

…

One year later!

As the stone door of the seclusion chamber slowly opened, Zhou Qing stepped out calmly, clad in a plain long robe.

His hair was loosely tied, a few strands falling beside his cheeks, adding a touch of casual elegance.

His once youthful face now bore traces of steadiness and resolve.

Especially after a year of relentless refinement, his aura had grown inwardly profound and potent, radiating an undeniable pressure.

In his hand was a circular array disc, about a foot in diameter, densely covered in interwoven runes.

Flickers of green and red light passed through it momentarily.

The accompanying array flags numbered precisely eighty-one—evidence of its extreme complexity.

“Zhou Qing!” Sensing the disturbance from the seclusion chamber, Cao Zhengyang and several peak masters appeared instantly, faces alight with excitement.

Seeing the Sect Master and his uncles, Zhou Qing smiled immediately.

“I’ve not disgraced your trust”—Zhou Qing handed over the object.

…

Hearing Zhou Qing had emerged from seclusion, Lu Yaoyao rushed to Xiao Ling Peak at once, her face beaming with joy.

[Heart Insight +9]

Her [Highly Noticeable] tag had changed again—to [Incredibly Powerful].

How could she not be powerful? A dual-color array!

You should’ve seen how ecstatic Master was when he held the array disc and flags—he’s now frantically arranging it with the Supreme Elders.

Zhou Qing smiled at the notification, then prepared to visit his third brother to check on the old hen.

“Looks like your cultivation hasn’t slipped—you’re clearly advancing rapidly toward Nascent Soul late stage!” Zhou Qing said.

Lu Yaoyao nodded vigorously: “Of course not—I can’t keep dragging you down, can I?”

Zhou Qing smiled understandingly. As they chatted, Yan Xiaohu arrived, laughing loudly and opening his arms for a warm hug.

“Finally out of seclusion! I nearly died of boredom these past year!” Yan Xiaohu shouted.

Lu Yaoyao blinked, teasing: “I thought you were busy every day with Niu Guangmo and the others—hardly boring.”

Yan Xiaohu scratched his head awkwardly, then quickly retorted: “Nonsense—I only kept busy because I was bored!”

Lu Yaoyao leaned close to Zhou Qing’s ear and whispered: “Zhou Shixiong , you don’t know—half a year ago, Li Shitao and Xiao Cancan came. Something happened, and Yan Shixiong got so scared he fled outside.”

Zhou Qing froze, then turned to his third brother with a knowing, teasing smile.

Yan Xiaohu wasn’t deaf—he saw Zhou Qing’s expression and hurried to explain: “Don’t misunderstand! I didn’t run away—I just had something to do those days. Ask Niu Guangmo if you don’t believe me!”

Seeing Yan Xiaohu’s flustered state, Lu Yaoyao burst into laughter.

She waved her hand, still giggling: “Fine, fine, Yan Shixiong —we believe you!”

Zhou Qing joined in the laughter.

He didn’t know what his third brother was thinking, but Miss Tao had long favored him.

Last time he went to see Zhang Wanbao to trade ten top-grade wood spirit stones, Miss Tao was visibly disappointed when she didn’t see Yan Xiaohu with him.

“I’ve got to go—I’ve got things to do!”

Seeing their strange looks, Yan Xiaohu felt embarrassed and annoyed, turning on his heel and storming off.

After Yan Xiaohu left, Zhou Qing looked curious and asked: “Did Li Shitao and Xiao Cancan come to Taiqingmen just to visit your third brother?”

Lu Yaoyao shook her head gently: “Of course not. The secret realm in Linggu Mountain Abyss injured the Lingyun Mansion’s lord. When Xiao Cancan heard, she rushed back to care for him.”

“Half a year ago, the lord’s wounds had healed enough for her to travel out with Li Shitao.”

“They only passed through Taiqingmen by chance. Originally, they wanted to find you—but heard you were in seclusion, so they came to Yan Shixiong instead.”

Zhou Qing nodded slightly.

“By the way, what’s the current situation at Linggu Mountain?” Zhou Qing asked further.

Lu Yaoyao shook her head: “I haven’t paid much attention. Though the secret realm hasn’t reappeared in over a year, I’ve heard many still guard the site.”

Zhou Qing listened, then slowly shook his head.

Since the Jin Peng’s death, so many years have passed—and yet they still cling on. How stubborn.

After chatting a while longer and learning Li Daoxuan had not yet emerged, Zhou Qing went to Yan Xiaohu’s residence to retrieve the old hen.

After a brief moment of bonding, Zhou Qing activated the barrier and carefully retrieved a potted plant.

Compared to a year ago, the once lifeless branches now bore two tiny, tender green sprouts, no larger than a hair tip.

The sprouts were slender and slightly curled, their color vivid and dripping with vitality.

Even when drawn near, a faint, elusive fragrance lingered at the tip of his nose, clearing his mind completely.

“Still a bit short of maturity”—Zhou Qing stared at the sprouts, clicking his tongue in regret.

Once these sprouts grow further, he could use them to comprehend the Inscription-level divine art: “Hundred Tribulations Blood Curtain.”

Thinking of the three thousand Phoenix Dao runes and the Blood Phoenix Omen Crystals, Zhou Qing felt immense anticipation.

After admiring them for a while, Zhou Qing reluctantly put them away, then took out the Yin Spirit Jade.

Master and several Uncles have been in seclusion for over a year, and no good news has reached us yet.

According to Second Uncle’s words, if he assimilates this Yin Spirit Jade while having a solid grasp of his own artistic conception, he can directly break through to the mid-stage of Soul Transformation.

Yet, despite the progress in his artistic conception during the past year spent crafting arrays,

he vaguely felt there was still a noticeable gap between him and the point where he could smoothly assimilate the Yin Spirit Jade and achieve breakthrough.

“Don’t rush!” Zhou Qing reassured himself.

Then he turned his gaze to his personal panel’s [Random Post], falling into thought.

Even if the [Random Post] refreshes unpredictably, it shouldn’t take this long without a single post appearing, right?

Looking at the [Corpse-Feeling Post] already used up by a third, Zhou Qing frowned slightly.

“Could it be blocking me? Do I need to exhaust it first?”

From Simu Jiuyao, a Level Four Array Master from a Level Five Cultivation Nation, he directly gained a thousand Spirit Seals.

With two chances left, I must carefully choose my target.

But dragging it out like this, with no new posts appearing, left him restless.

“Young Master, Li Bin has urgent news to report!”

At that moment, a deep voice suddenly rang from outside.

Zhou Qing froze, quietly extending his spiritual sense, and saw a middle-aged man standing with his hands behind his back outside the courtyard.

Li Bin, mid-stage Soul Transformation, Director of the Spirit Field Bureau.

I still remember when I was Foundation Establishment, Deputy Director Cao Wei nearly assassinated me and Third Senior Brother inside the sect.

Fortunately, Senior Uncle Gao Xian appeared in time and saved us.

And Gu Tao was an infiltrator from the Cangyan Dao Palace; his motive was the disappearance of core disciples from Qingyu Immortal Sect after the Five Sects’ Artifact Exchange Gathering.

We were ordered to search outside, and in the dark, we recognized Senior Sister Shi Zhen, foiling Cangyan Dao Palace’s plan—so they harbored resentment.

Zhou Qing immediately opened the courtyard gate, bowed, and asked: “Uncle Li, what brings you here?”

Li Bin glanced around, then lowered his voice: “Young Master, there’s something I’m not sure whether I should say.”

Zhou Qing’s expression remained calm: “Uncle Li, what’s there that can’t be said?”

Li Bin hesitated, then gritted his teeth: “You know my duty—I oversee the food rations for all Taiqingmen disciples. I’ve just returned from Qingmu City.”

“But this afternoon, passing through Yanlong City, I saw someone who looked exactly like Luo Lingling—your Second Senior Sister.”

Zhou Qing’s face lit up instantly: “My Second Senior Sister returned? But Yanlong City is right at the foot of Mount Taiqingmen—why didn’t she contact me?”

A half-day’s journey—core disciples’ communication tokens are more than sufficient.

Seeing Zhou Qing’s reaction, Li Bin hurried to explain: “I only thought she looked similar. She wore tattered, beggar-like clothes, and one leg seemed crippled.”

“I intended to approach and confirm, but after turning a corner, she vanished.”

Zhou Qing’s face darkened instantly.

Li Bin continued: “Moreover, I felt someone was secretly watching her. Perhaps her storage bag was stolen, or perhaps she has some hidden trouble and dares not contact us.”

In an instant, a thick, tangible killing intent surged from Zhou Qing, his eyes turning cold and menacing as he fixed them on Li Bin.

Seeing the danger, Li Bin quickly waved his hands to calm him: “Maybe I was mistaken.”

“I wanted to consult Master Mo Feng, but he’s been in seclusion over a year, and the Sect Master is too busy—so I finally decided to tell you.”

“I understand your concern. Uncle Li, do you remember exactly where you saw her?” Zhou Qing forced down his rage, his voice icy.

Li Bin immediately replied: “Near the western market street in Yanlong City. I was passing through—shall I take you there?”

“Thank you,” Zhou Qing said.

Without notifying anyone else, and since the truth was still unconfirmed, the two hurried off.

…

Half an hour later, Zhou Qing suddenly grew calm, sensing something was off.

My Second Senior Sister is Soul Transformation, not some weakling, and she has the loyal Bai He beside her.

Besides, she carries life-saving talismans, paper decoys, and other survival techniques—how could she reach our very mountain gate without even a chance to call for help?

It’s only because she holds a special place in my heart, like a real sister, that I panicked and lost my composure.

Just as he was about to ask Li Bin for more details, he accidentally noticed Li Bin’s face was tense, and he kept sneaking glances at him.

Zhou Qing instantly went on guard, stopped walking, his expression suspicious, eyes locked on Li Bin, spiritual power subtly gathering in case of betrayal.

“Young Master, what’s wrong? We’ll be there soon at this pace!”

Under the moonlight, seeing Zhou Qing suddenly stop, Li Bin’s face flickered with barely perceptible panic, then quickly shifted back to a concerned expression as he asked.

Zhou Qing said nothing, his eyes like cold stars, fixed on Li Bin, then prepared to retreat.

Under that piercing gaze, Li Bin suddenly felt an odd illusion.

For a moment, the man before him was no longer the mild-mannered Young Master—he felt like facing the stern Sect Master himself, sending a chill through his bones.

“We’ll be there soon.”

Li Bin, unnerved by the stare, avoided his eyes, forcing a strained smile.

But Zhou Qing acted as if he hadn’t heard, speaking slowly: “Uncle Li, since I joined Taiqingmen, I’ve heard you’ve worked tirelessly for the sect—how long have you been with Taiqingmen?”

“W-what do you mean?” Li Bin asked instinctively, his voice rising.

But Zhou Qing saw beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Seeing this, Zhou Qing felt a wave of disappointment.

“Who is your master? Like former Deputy Director Gu Tao, are you loyal to Sikong Yan?” Zhou Qing’s voice was icy.

Li Bin stood frozen on his flying sword, staring blankly at Zhou Qing, his expression locking into shock.

Shiiii! Shiiii! Shiiii! Shiiii!

The next instant, four sharp whistling sounds erupted.

Four white-haired old women stepped out of the void, their bodies wrapped in powerful spiritual energy.

“I told you—Taiqingmen’s future Young Master isn’t so easily fooled. You wouldn’t listen.”

One of the old women studied Zhou Qing, a flicker of appreciation in her eyes, speaking first.

Zhou Qing’s heart tightened; instantly, Po Shang Feng appeared in his hand, its blade ringing, lightning arcs flashing.

Then, with wary eyes, he bowed to the four old women: “So you’re the Four Elders of Qingyu Immortal Sect. If you needed me, just send a message—I’d come at once. Why go through all this trouble?”

During the Five Sects’ alliance, when they ambushed a million beasts at Canglan Mountain, these four had appeared representing Qingyu Immortal Sect.

Like our own Supreme Elder, they were all Soul Transformation peak.

Glancing at Li Bin, now ashamed and quietly retreating, Zhou Qing understood everything.

One of the old women burst into loud laughter.

After laughing, she explained: “After learning you’d broken through to Soul Transformation, we wanted to invite you—but you were always in seclusion, hard to find. We had no choice but this tactic.”

Zhou Qing’s face remained calm, but secretly he activated a secret technique to send a message to Third Senior Brother.

But his expression changed instantly.

One of the old women softly said: “Don’t waste your effort. As an Array Master, you should sense it—this place is sealed by a Forbidden Array. No message can get out.”

Hearing this, Zhou Qing’s face darkened further.

He growled: “Elders, when did I offend Qingyu Immortal Sect to warrant such a show of force? Even if I must die, I beg you to tell me why.”

The four old women shook their heads slightly, a hint of amusement in their eyes.

“You didn’t offend us. During the Five Sects’ War, you were extraordinary—slaying five Cangyan Dao Palace prodigies, ranked number one on the Kill List.”

“You’ve inspired countless young ones in our Three Alliance sects—we’re grateful to you.”

Another old woman added: “Yes, we came here to ask you for a favor.”

Zhou Qing’s gaze remained calm; after a brief pause, he said: “What favor? Please be clear.”

“It’s a good thing—just come with us,” the old woman teased, refusing to answer directly.

Zhou Qing frowned, his suspicion rising: “What if I refuse?”

One of the old women’s expression hardened: “Then don’t blame us for being rude—we’ll have to use force to take you.”

Zhou Qing snorted coldly—they clearly meant harm.

The next instant, he suddenly looked ahead, his face brightening, shouting loudly: “Sect Master! I’ve successfully drawn them out!”

But the four old women acted as if they heard nothing, still smiling faintly.

Such feints were old tricks they’d used countless times in their youth—and seen too many times to fall for.

Seeing this, Zhou Qing made no further hesitation; his spiritual power surged wildly, golden light flaring around him.

Just as he was about to activate the Golden Peng True Body and flee using its speed, a tingling numbness suddenly struck his neck.

Zhou Qing silently cursed.

Then he saw a thumb-sized insect, like thin porcelain, waving its short legs tipped with dandelion fluff, gently brushing his skin.

“Sleeping insect—” Three characters flashed through Zhou Qing’s mind.

Then darkness swallowed his vision—he collapsed straight down from the sky…

(End of Chapter)