Chapter 255: It absolutely must be that I opened it the wrong way!

Just like that, until the flying ship completely crossed the border and steadily entered the human territory, the heart Zhou Qing had been holding high finally settled down completely.

"Many thanks!" After a few more days, Number Six's complexion was still pale, but her spirit had improved slightly, and she slowly walked out of the ship's cabin.

Seeing this, Zhou Qing hurriedly stood up and returned the control of the flying ship to her.

"Your Sacred Martial Dynasty here must have been extraordinary a long time ago!" As soon as Number Six saw Zhou Qing, she spoke straight to the point.

Regarding this point, Zhou Qing had actually already guessed it long ago.

The Taiqingmen's grotto-heaven, the Suanni, the senior Xuan Xuan Qingzi, and even the Grand General Zhong Li Bo, who once came from the starry sky battlefield, had all appeared.

Including the old Peng King at the Great Perfection of the Soul Severance Realm; after being killed by someone, the other party didn't even bother to loot the corpse, letting him sleep in the abyss until his corpse became a spirit.

But Zhou Qing still had to pretend to be shocked, cooperating with Number Six's words.

"That island now, I reckon only you can open it to enter, but absolutely do not tell anyone. Returning this time, I will think of some ways to shorten the opening interval, and I might have to trouble you again by then!"

A rare look of embarrassment appeared on Number Six's face.

Zhou Qing nodded and said sincerely, "No problem, no problem. If there is anything you need help with, just call me when the time comes."

A look of relief appeared on Number Six's face, but she sighed slightly.

"The monster beast that fought me is called the Green Fire Profound Turtle, already at the Great Perfection of the Soul Severance Realm. I have a feeling that there are even more terrifying existences deep within the ruins, perhaps even at the Demon Emperor level."

"It's a pity that the things I carried on me were all exhausted during the battle with it; the spirit herbs, spirit stones, and such were also absorbed these past few days."

She had never thought that one day she would become so destitute.

"But since you helped me so much this time and yet gained nothing, how about I thank you heavily next time we meet? Also, I owe you another favor!"

"As long as it is not something that violates morality and principles, I will definitely do my best," Number Six added again.

Zhou Qing hurriedly waved his hands and said, "Senior, you are too kind!"

"In any case, I have noted down this favor!" Number Six said, turning her gaze to Lu Lu Yaoyao, who was looking reluctant to part, and said gently, "Thank you for your meticulous care these days."

Lu Lu Yaoyao was already full of melancholy, and hearing this, she felt even more empty inside, a wave of bitterness washing over her.

To tell the truth, from leaving Taiqingmen until now, the three of them traveling together, she was truly happy.

Number Six noticed her disappointment and softly comforted her: "I have already corrected several errors in the 'Ice Lotus' cultivation technique for you. Just cultivate with peace of mind from now on, and I look forward to our next meeting!"

Having said that, Number Six nodded slightly to the two of them, then turned and left just like that.

Zhou Qing looked at her receding back and let out a long sigh of relief.

This matter had finally come to an end, and he still had more important things to busy himself with next.

"Heartless!" Not until Number Six's back completely disappeared from view did Lu Lu Yaoyao turn around with red-rimmed eyes, pouting and complaining to Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing was stunned, asking innocently, "Why am I heartless? Does one have to cry and wail to be considered sentimental and righteous?"

"Hmph!" Hearing this, Lu Lu Yaoyao became even more annoyed, flicked her arm forcefully, and turned to leave in a huff.

Seeing this, Zhou Qing sighed helplessly and hurriedly followed.

After all, he already fully understood Lu Lu Yaoyao's temper, which came and went quickly; in no time, she would return to normal.

"Zhou Zhou Shixiong, do you think if we run into the Flood Dragon Emperor next time, he will be afraid of us? After all, it's 'fox borrowing the tiger's might'."

"That is the border; since we are already there, don't you want to go see some old acquaintances? In my opinion, Jiang Jiang Pojun and the others are worth befriending; perhaps we can help each other out in the future."

"This time there is no space ship, I'm afraid we'll have to take a teleportation array. I wonder how long it will take to get back?"

"When we get to Haomiao Prefecture, why don't we stop by the Master Bai Yu Taixu Academy? You should go see Lin Shi too."

Watching Lu Lu Yaoyao, who had started chattering again, Zhou Qing unobtrusively stuffed two cotton balls into his ears.

Instantly, the world became much quieter.

Two months later, Haomiao Prefecture!

"Paying respects to Lin Shi!" Zhou Qing arrived at the academy and bowed respectfully to Lin Daochen.

Seeing Zhou Qing, Lin Daochen was truly happy, his eyes full of surprise and relief.

He stepped forward quickly, enthusiastically grabbed Zhou Qing's arm, and walked toward his humble dwelling.

In the small courtyard, it was quiet and peaceful, with a few emerald bamboos swaying gently in the breeze.

Lin Daochen greeted Zhou Qing to sit down and personally brewed him a cup of fragrant tea; the tea aroma curled, making one's mood relax a lot.

"I heard that a mystical realm appeared in the Eastern Region of Lingyun Prefecture, and both Master Wu and Master Su were seriously injured. Are you alright?"

Lin Daochen asked with a solemn expression, full of worry.

Zhou Qing smiled and said, "Don't worry, Lin Shi, I didn't enter that place."

"That's good, that's good. Where is Senior Si?" Lin Daochen looked around, not seeing Si Si Yunya, and couldn't help but ask.

Zhou Qing really wanted to tell him that the Second Uncle's name wasn't Si Si Yunya; after all, in different places, he always had different appearances and names.

Now even he himself doubted whether what he saw on a daily basis was his true face.

Take the time at the border, for instance; when the Second Uncle was dealing with Prince Xuan Yuan Shuo, he was clearly in the appearance of another old man.

"He has some private matters to attend to!" Zhou Qing had no choice but to answer briefly.

Lin Daochen nodded thoughtfully and said, "Understandable. As a Soul Severance Realm powerhouse, Senior Si has many affairs and naturally cannot act as he pleases. Did you run into something by coming here this time?"

Zhou Qing pondered for a moment and said, "Actually, it's nothing major; I just stopped by to see you on the way, but..."

Halfway through his sentence, Zhou Qing seemed to suddenly remember something, hurriedly took out a jade slip from his bosom, and handed it to Lin Daochen, "Lin Shi, there is indeed one matter that requires your help."

Lin Daochen took the jade slip with a puzzled face to check it, only to see that there were only two portraits inside.

"This is my Yuan Shijie Luo Luo Lingling, and the one next to her is my brother-in-law, called Bai He. A few years ago, they came to Haomiao Prefecture and then there was no news."

"I reckon that, in all likelihood, they entered some mystical realm or ruins within the territory of Haomiao Prefecture."

"Lin Shi, you have wide connections and are well-informed in this regard; I wonder if you have heard of their whereabouts?" Zhou Qing looked at Lin Daochen with eyes full of anticipation.

After looking at the portraits, Lin Daochen's expression was full of apology.

"You also know that I turn a deaf ear to matters outside the window; previously, in order to advance to the third level, I almost holed up in the academy all day, never stepping outside."

"Later, when I returned, I threw myself heart and soul into researching the hand-written notes left behind by Master Situ Situ Jiuyao. However, rest assured, since you have entrusted this to me, I will definitely take it to heart; leave it to me!"

Lin Daochen patted his chest and guaranteed.

Haomiao Prefecture's territory was vast, far wider than Lingyun Prefecture, and coupled with the fact that several major sects in the southwest and east regions were currently in the heat of war, finding an unknown mystical realm was truly not easy.

At the very least, it would require some time.

Zhou Qing naturally understood this point and described in detail the Soul Formation Realm cultivation of his Yuan Shijie and brother-in-law, as well as other minor clues.

Lin Daochen listened earnestly, nodding from time to time.

Mystical realms and ruins that could trap Soul Formation Realm powerhouses must not be low in grade or danger level; in this way, the scope of the search could be greatly narrowed.

Subsequently, Zhou Qing asked about Lu Shi's recent situation.

"After leaving last time, she never came back. It seems she went to Qingming Prefecture. What exactly did you say to her?"

Speaking of this, Lin Daochen couldn't help but ask with some curiosity.

Zhou Qing smiled slightly. Regarding the fact that the "Nine-Leaf Spirit-Condensing Flower" could treat the sequelae after breaking through to the Soul Severance Realm, he had once sternly exhorted Lu Lu Yuanzhi to keep it a secret and not leak a single bit to outsiders.

After all, whether that thing could be effective also depended on the person; there was great uncertainty.

Furthermore, this was also for Lin Shi's sake; if the news leaked and someone held onto hope to try it, only to fail the treatment, it was highly likely that the blame would be dumped entirely on Lin Shi.

"Nothing special; perhaps Lu Shi went to search for heaven-sent treasures to cleanse the marrow for Lu Lu Shimei," Zhou Qing lied calmly.

Seeing that Zhou Qing was unwilling to talk more, Lin Daochen tactfully did not continue to press, turning instead to say: "It just so happens you are here; I have been pondering for a long time over some formation and restriction content recorded in Master Situ's notes, but I still only have a half-understanding, especially this part..."

As he spoke, Lin Daochen seemed to suddenly remember some urgent matter, hurriedly took out the notes, and pointed to an obscure and difficult paragraph.

Zhou Qing pondered for a moment; he actually had a different understanding of this, and the two began to discuss it enthusiastically, back and forth, each expressing their own views.

At this time, Lu Lu Yaoyao returned from the inner courtyard, originally full of anticipation to see Lu Shi, but after inquiring, she learned that Lu Shi had not yet returned, and was immediately full of disappointment.

When she found Zhou Qing and saw the two of them communicating intently about formations, she did not step forward to disturb them.

Instead, she silently walked to the side, squatted down, closed her eyes, and focused, beginning to cultivate wholeheartedly.

Three days later, after bidding farewell to Lin Shi, they went to the Treasure Pavilion again.

Since the Lingyun Prefecture Master was injured, Xiao Xiao Cancan and Li Li Shitao had hurriedly rushed back to Lingyun Prefecture to take care of him. Now that Xiao Ji was out of danger, the two returned to the Treasure Pavilion to help.

"Zhou Dage, you're here!"

Seeing Zhou Qing, Zhang Wan Bao and Xiao Xiao Cancan greeted him joyfully.

Seeing that old friends were still there, Zhou Qing was also happy, especially since the hand-written notes recording heaven-sent treasures that Zhang Wan Bao had given him for free last time were of great help in broadening his horizons.

"We were just passing by here, stopping by to see you. By the way, I heard that you and Tao-jie went to Taiqingmen to find me last time?"

Zhou Qing looked at Xiao Xiao Cancan and asked.

Xiao Xiao Cancan nodded and said, "It was nothing much, mainly my sister, coming to see Xiao Hu-ge."

"Your sister? Tao-jie?" Zhou Qing asked with a puzzled face, unable to help repeating.

Before Xiao Xiao Cancan could speak, Zhang Wan Bao rushed to explain: "Now Li Li Shitao has been adopted as a foster daughter by Xiao Bofu, so naturally she has become Xiao Cancan's sister."

Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Zhou Qing's eyes, and then he was sincerely happy for Li Li Shitao.

After drifting for a long time, she was finally no longer a lonely ghost, but had a stable home.

Xiao Xiao Cancan also nodded, adding: "A mystical realm appeared in the Eastern Region of Lingku Mountain, and my father was seriously injured. Tao-jie took meticulous care of him, and coupled with the fact that our temperaments are compatible, this matter just happened naturally."

Zhou Qing expressed understanding, but he looked around and did not see Li Li Shitao's figure.

As if seeing through Zhou Qing's doubt, Zhang Wan Bao took the initiative to say: "Tao-jie is a person with a sharp tongue but a soft heart. Recently, she ran into a pregnant woman and keeps running over to take care of her."

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhou Qing and Lu Lu Yaoyao's complexions changed instantly, and a familiar figure appeared in their minds—Li Niang!

"Why, do you know her?" Xiao Xiao Cancan asked curiously, seeing the strange expressions on the two.

Zhou Qing hurriedly asked: "Is it Li Niang?"

Zhang Wan Bao and Xiao Xiao Cancan both shook their heads, replying: "Not sure, the other party acts extremely cautiously and hasn't revealed her name to this day."

"And besides Tao-jie, she doesn't have contact with anyone else, but one can tell her strength is very strong, at least Soul Formation Realm!"

Hearing this, Zhou Qing and Lu Lu Yaoyao basically confirmed in their hearts that the woman was most likely Li Niang.

After all, it was in Haomiao Prefecture that Zhou Qing met her last time, and he even helped her solve some trouble at that time.

Li Niang's obsession was too deep; she was truly a pitiful person.

After bidding farewell to Zhang Wan Bao and the others, the two went to the main street of Haomiao Prefecture, intending to pay a visit to Principal Weng Weng Yunqi.

According to the Second Uncle's deduction, Weng Lao did not belong to the Sacred Martial Dynasty; he seemed to have come here to heal his wounds, or something else.

And in less than five hundred years, the Master Bai Yu Taixu Academy he created became famous in Haomiao Prefecture, becoming a sacred academy that everyone dreamed of.

Moreover, when he was comprehending his realm of understanding, he had also provided help and guidance.

This favor, he had always kept in his heart.

When the two arrived at that grocery store, they saw the shop door tightly closed, with an "Out to collect goods" sign hanging lonely on the door, swaying gently in the breeze.

Zhou Qing quietly released his spiritual sense, cautiously probing the surroundings, however, there was dead silence inside and outside the shop, and he did not sense the slightest life aura.

"Looks like he's really not here!" Zhou Qing said with some regret.

Lu Lu Yaoyao was full of curiosity, leaned close to the door crack, and tried hard to peer inside.

A dignified academy principal, a peerless Soul Severance Realm powerhouse, actually lived in such a dilapidated place?

"Let's go, we'll visit again if there's an opportunity," Zhou Qing said helplessly.

Lu Lu Yaoyao nodded, then looked at Zhou Qing with an expression of worship.

"Zhou Zhou Shixiong, you are too amazing. Many people spend their whole lives without a chance to see a Soul Severance Realm powerhouse, yet you have been frequently in contact with them since the Foundation Establishment stage."

Zhou Qing couldn't help but smile; thinking back carefully, it really was like that.

Second Uncle, Prince Xuan Yuan Shuo, Number Six, the Principal, the first-generation Sect Master of Taiqingmen, Fu Kui, the Peng Emperor, the Flood Dragon Emperor, the Spider Emperor, the Qingluo Beast, Yan Sen...

Just these were direct contacts.

Calculating it this way, his luck was indeed not bad.

"Going home!" Zhou Qing looked at the bustling scene on the street, took a deep breath, and led Lu Lu Yaoyao, striding toward the teleportation array plaza.

More than two months later, the two quietly returned to Taiqingmen.

Upon learning the news, Cao Cao Zhengyang rushed over at the first opportunity.

Learning that the senior had already left, he couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed; he had originally thought about getting to know them.

Fortunately, Zhou Qing and Lu Lu Yaoyao successfully helped the senior, which invisibly built a connection between Taiqingmen and this powerhouse; this could also be considered a major gain.

"Another Peak Master has come out of seclusion; our Taiqingmen, plus the Supreme Elder, already has ten Soul Formation Realm Great Perfection powerhouses!"

After Cao Cao Zhengyang left, Mo Mo Xingjian said excitedly to Zhou Qing.

After hearing this, Zhou Qing was also excited for a while.

According to this trend, within three years, all the Peak Masters of the thirteen peaks of Taiqingmen would reach this level of cultivation.

"Alright, you have traveled a long way, rest well; I won't disturb you," Mo Mo Xingjian said with concern.

Zhou Qing nodded; this time he had harvested a full nine drops of Golden-Winged Great Peng essence blood, and coupled with the Yin Spirit Stones, he just happened to plan to go into seclusion properly once, to enter the mid-stage of the Soul Formation Realm in one go.

And there was also the Ancient Tea Tree of Enlightenment; it was estimated that it could be used before long.

"Master, has Old Four returned? I have taken such good care of his old hen; look at this feather color, it's shiny and bright!"

Outside, Yan Yan Xiaohu's loud voice soon rang out.

Only, as soon as these words fell, he was scolded by Mo Mo Xingjian and driven away.

One spent all day taking Niu Niu Guangmo and the others around to fish for money, while the other helped Soul Severance Realm powerhouses, invisibly expanding his connections and circle.

Comparing the two, the gap was too obvious!

At this time, Zhou Qing shook his head with a smile, took out his identity token to communicate with the Third Zhou Shixiong, and then activated the sound-insulation restriction.

And he took out the token of the Divine Ruins Heavenly Palace, examining it carefully.

Now, only Number Seven, the purple ball, which was Si Kong Yan, was online, and he was tirelessly simulating.

Speaking of which, was the forbidden area he witnessed in some place in the Eastern Region of Lingyun Prefecture?

Another day, he could find an opportunity to probe his tone and explore it.

Until he adjusted his state, first identified the essence blood, and confirmed there were no hidden dangers, Zhou Qing resolutely swallowed a drop and began to refine it with all his might.

And simultaneously absorbed the energy contained in the Yin Spirit Stones.

One year later, the remaining four Peak Masters of Taiqingmen who were in seclusion all successfully came out of seclusion, breaking through to the Soul Formation Realm Great Perfection without any suspense.

The remaining seven, including Sect Master Cao Cao Zhengyang and others, couldn't wait to choose to go into seclusion, while all affairs of Taiqingmen were handed over to Mo Mo Xingjian to manage.

Benefiting from Number Six's precise guidance on cultivation techniques, Lu Lu Yaoyao was taking advantage of this cultivation craze, going all out toward the late stage of the Soul Formation Realm.

Until half a year later, a huge Primordial Spirit Dharma Image manifested above Shenyue Peak, emitting a rich spiritual power fluctuation; looking at its appearance, it was almost exactly the same as Li Li Daoxuan.

"Broken through, I finally broke through!"

As everything was gathered, Li Li Daoxuan's hair flew wantonly, and his whole person exuded an exuberant aura, coming out of the secret room full of joy.

"Master, Lu Shimei, did you see..."

Li Li Daoxuan shouted loudly, but soon, the smile on his face stiffened.

Because at this moment outside, it was silent, and there was not a single person in sight.

Only a few lonely pines swayed gently in the breeze, accompanied by a few withered yellow leaves, occasionally rolling in the wind, then drifting leisurely toward the distance.

Li Li Daoxuan stood there alone, blankly looking at everything empty before him, the light in his eyes dimming rapidly, replaced by deep disappointment.

"It must be that I opened it the wrong way!"

After a brief stupor, Li Li Daoxuan was unwilling to give up, whispered a murmur, and then dived into the secret room again.

After waiting for about half an hour, he was excited again, pushed open the stone door, and rushed out.

"Soul Formation, I finally reached Soul Formation—"

He shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice even cracking, but he froze again.

Before his eyes, it was still empty, and the fallen leaves on the ground were rolled up by the wind again, spinning, and finally slapped onto his face.

This scene was permeated with an indescribable desolation.

"No, what's going on? When Luo Luo Lingling broke through, all the Shishu and Shibo from the peaks went to celebrate; when it's my turn to break through, at least someone should come!"

Li Li Daoxuan's lips trembled slightly, full of grievances, he raised his hand to wipe his eyes, and hurriedly rushed toward the front mountain.

"Master has been in seclusion for a year?"

"Little Lu Shimei is also in seclusion?"

"He Han and the others are guarding the Lingku Mountain mystical realm?"

"The Tianji Sect Master has fallen?"

"What mystical realm appeared? And a Ghost Emperor?"

"What the hell, we almost went to war with the Qingyu Qingshu Qingshu Xian Zong? Why?"

Along the way, various news kept reaching Li Li Daoxuan's ears, each one making him astonished.

The Lingtian Division Director Li Bin fell, the Qingyu Qingshu Qingshu Xian Zong Master's life was not long, four Prefecture Masters were seriously injured, two third-level formation masters almost lost their lives...

No, I just went into seclusion, what exactly did I miss?

Fortunately, not long after, the acting Sect Master Mo Mo Xingjian brought several Peak Masters, rushing over with smiles on their faces.

Congratulating him on his successful breakthrough and entering the Soul Formation Realm.

"Thank you, Shishu—" Li Li Daoxuan hurriedly thanked them respectfully, but there was hardly any joy on his face.

In his heart, without the congratulations of his master, Shidi, and Lu Shimei, the joy of this breakthrough always seemed to lack a key corner, and it could never be complete.

"Broke through at the wrong time!" After sending off Mo Mo Xingjian and the others, Li Li Daoxuan squatted alone on the stone steps on the mountain, full of helplessness, self-deprecatingly saying.

At the same time, Xiaoling Peak!

Zhou Qing also slowly opened his eyes at this time, and with a majestic spiritual power fluctuation, it suddenly centered on him, sweeping crazily in all directions.

The Primordial Spirit in his sea of consciousness became more solid and vigorous; as it raised its hand slightly, it could cause the spiritual power of heaven and earth to echo, and the sea of consciousness was even more turbulent.

However, this violent spiritual power fluctuation did not last long, and soon returned to calm.

Zhou Qing felt the spiritual power whistling through his meridians like a rushing river, and the corners of his mouth rose involuntarily.

"Soul Formation Realm, mid-stage!" He whispered softly, his voice not loud, but full of confidence and satisfaction...

Not long after, Mo Mo Xingjian, who received the news, ran over excitedly.

Feeling the aura on Zhou Qing that hadn't stabilized yet, he directly put his hands on his hips and looked up, laughing loudly.

Less than forty years old, he had already entered the mid-stage of the Soul Formation Realm; such talent, even if placed in a fifth-level cultivation country, could be called a monstrous existence.

Four flowers gathering at the top, truly terrifying!

It's just a pity that Taiqingmen is only a small sect tucked away in a corner, with scarce resources.

If Zhou Qing were in a super sect, relying on the piling of endless resources, he would definitely be carved to be even more dazzling, with immeasurable achievements.

Unlike now, acting cautiously, guarding against everything, for fear that showing his edge would make others jealous and bring about a fatal disaster.

"Well done!"

After a long time, Mo Mo Xingjian stopped laughing, stepped forward, patted Zhou Qing's shoulder heavily, his face full of relief.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 256 =====