[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female-":3,"chapter-my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-263":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","My Master's Elder Brother Just Took on a Female Disciple",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2265796,4423,"Chapter 263: Greetings, Fellow Cultivators! (6k)","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-263",263,"\u003Cp>Looking at the little girl in the image, Zhou Qing was filled with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For Senior Brother Gao Xian? A little girl of five or six? Could it be—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing suddenly realized something, his gaze instantly blazing as he fixed it squarely on Mo Xingjian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he had told his master almost everything about Senior Brother Gao Xian’s past; his master should have known the crucial details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that didn’t make sense—according to Senior Brother Gao Xian, Nannan had been caught in the crossfire of his former battle and died tragically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that incident had happened many years ago, yet the little girl in the image appeared vivid and lively, as if still living in the present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet unless something extraordinary occurred, the figure in the image should indeed be Nannan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one else appears in the image—it must be an old recording. Why did Sikong Yan send this memory stone now? What is he trying to tell Senior Brother Gao Xian?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian frowned, muttering softly to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could he have heard rumors and is trying to disrupt Senior Brother Gao Xian’s mind to prevent his breakthrough?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian speculated, but immediately dismissed the thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But that doesn’t add up—even if Taiqingmen temporarily lacks a Soul Transformation peak cultivator, in the long run, its impact on the sect’s rise is negligible. He has no reason to go through such trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing also wore a thoughtful expression, pausing before asking: “Master, how is the cultivation of Senior Brother and the others going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian raised his eyes, his expression slightly eased, and replied: “No major issues. They should all emerge from seclusion in about a year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“However, Senior Brother Gao Xian’s body-snatching has caused some disturbances during his cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian paused briefly, then continued: “But he’ll only be half a year later than the others. Qi Sheng received this and feared it might delay matters, so he rushed it over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the untimely deaths of the eldest senior brother Du Kui, Luo Xue, and the fifth senior brother Tan Qiang, only the third senior brother Qi Sheng and the fourth senior brother Meng Xing now manage affairs on Golden Sun Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with Senior Brother Gao Xian’s seclusion and Master’s temporary role as Sect Master, their actions are entirely understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though Sikong Yan’s conduct is often unpredictable and his mind sometimes seems deranged, if he deliberately sent this, there must be deeper meaning!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing stated firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered Senior Brother Gao Xian saying that back then, he was merely a Nascent Soul cultivator, while Senior Brother Gao Xian had already reached Soul Transformation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So after Nannan was gravely injured in the battle, he was filled with grief and rage but, due to the vast power gap, had no way to seek justice for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only struggle desperately in despair, trying every means to save his daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the outcome was cruel—he exhausted himself, even sustaining grievous wounds, yet still could not save Nannan’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he lost all hope and planned to kill himself to follow his daughter, Sikong Yan suddenly appeared and posed the question that changed Senior Brother Gao Xian’s fate: “Do you wish for revenge?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterwards, Senior Brother Gao Xian was bound and brought over; after venting his rage, he willingly abandoned his body and, with Sikong Yan’s aid, completed the body-snatching, becoming the current peak master of Golden Sun Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even now, Zhou Qing harbored a doubt: if Sikong Yan believed the former Senior Brother Gao Xian was greedy and uncontrollable,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and had already decided to find a replacement, why, given his power and influence, didn’t he choose his own loyal follower?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why pick a complete stranger, a Nascent Soul cultivator? Was he not afraid the plan would be exposed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he not afraid the chosen one wouldn’t give his all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this body-snatched person was the peak master of Taiqingmen, one of the Five Great Sects—and the senior brother to Mo Xingjian and many others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On what grounds was Sikong Yan so confident that everything would proceed smoothly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s gaze fell again on the memory stone in his hand, a bold hypothesis flashing through his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was only one possibility: Sikong Yan had been secretly observing Senior Brother Gao Xian for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even this memory stone was likely recorded and preserved by him before Nannan had even died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then why did he expend such effort, meticulously orchestrating all of this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What special quality did the current Senior Brother Gao Xian possess that warranted Sikong Yan’s elaborate scheme?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling Sikong Yan’s note labeling him 【Fish】, Zhou Qing grew even more confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps his seemingly mad, chaotic actions are merely a facade he deliberately cultivates. Everything is within his calculations,” Zhou Qing said slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian, hearing this, fell into deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention the Battle of Canglan Mountain—he had the power to kill everyone and leave them buried with the beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet in the end, he actually gave them time to flee before finally detonating the entire mountain range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This man is deeply scheming and ruthless. Until we understand the full situation, we must be extremely cautious!” Mo Xingjian said gravely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing nodded, then turned to his master: “What about this memory stone…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian sighed softly, a complex glint in his eyes: “This image will only reopen your senior brother’s wounds—it has no other use. I haven’t seen it. Neither have you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing understood immediately and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, Mo Xingjian spoke with Zhou Qing about other sect affairs; once all matters were settled, Zhou Qing took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he stepped outside, he met Yan Xiao Hu, who now looked unusually gloomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third senior brother, what’s wrong?” Zhou Qing asked in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xiao Hu sighed heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Luo Lei has been chasing me lately, and I’ve turned him down every time. You know me—I’m loyal and righteous, and I’m also quite charming. I shouldn’t be so heartless. But some things are better left unknown—if you find out…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching his third senior brother’s torment, Zhou Qing couldn’t help but laugh and sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He patiently consoled: “Jin Leizong is Jin Leizong, and Luo Lei is Luo Lei. Some things are actually—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know. Forget it—you wouldn’t understand. Busy now!” Yan Xiao Hu cut him off, leaving with a dejected expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left Zhou Qing thoroughly puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When did third senior brother start becoming so stubborn?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something’s off!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the following days, Zhou Qing continued entering the Heaven Cave to fight the First Generation Ancestor, using the renewed energy after each death from depleted spiritual power to master the Hundred Tribulations Blood Curtain more thoroughly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two more days passed when his master Mo Xingjian suddenly summoned him to the mountain gate, saying a distinguished guest had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhou Qing arrived, he found a uniquely shaped space vessel hovering outside, surrounded by familiar Blood Forbidden Army soldiers standing alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Little Brother Zhou!” A cheerful voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing turned to see Governor Zhong Yao walking out with a broad smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the Blood Forbidden Army, Zhou Qing had already guessed the identity of the visitors, so Zhong Yao’s appearance didn’t surprise him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward and bowed respectfully: “Governor Zhong, we meet again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Yao smiled warmly, his eyes filled with appreciation: “Indeed. After I delivered you and Master Lin to the border last time, I had to leave hastily due to official duties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I later heard you shone brilliantly at the border—single-handedly defeating five deputy generals with ease. Truly, heroes emerge in youth!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing modestly waved his hand: “They merely held back out of respect for me as a guest, and it was just a friendly sparring match—nothing about winning or losing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, I understand—you young ones admire each other. By the way, we’ve come to rest here for a few days. Is that convenient?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Yao asked with a slight squint and a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing paused, instinctively glancing at Lord Xiao Ji, who was chatting warmly with Mo Xingjian, and replied: “Governor, you flatter me. I have no authority to decide this—it’s up to my master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Yao, as if expecting this answer, smiled lightly: “I’ve heard you’re Taiqingmen’s future Sect Master. It’s only proper I inform you first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Zhong Yao subtly pulled Zhou Qing aside and lowered his voice, his expression turning grave: “Lately, we’ve been cursed—our luck has hit rock bottom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Especially one distinguished guest aboard our vessel—he’s suffered one misfortune after another. In the eastern region of Lingyun Prefecture, the strongest sects are none other than your Taiqingmen and Cangyan Dao Palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you and I are acquainted, and Xiao Ji is an old friend of your Sect Master Cao Zhengyang, so we thought to trouble you for a few days—to improve our fortune.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Zhong Yao’s words, Zhou Qing’s heart stirred—he suddenly realized something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instinctively glanced at the space vessel and asked: “Distinguished guest?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Yao nodded slightly, his expression even more cautious: “Yes. Don’t ask further—don’t get yourselves involved. We only wish to rest here temporarily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the numerous Blood Forbidden Army soldiers around, Zhou Qing recalled Sikong Yan’s words inside the Divine Ruins Tiangong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the Fifth Imperial Prince, Xuan Yuan Fengtai, truly have perished?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were these people here to investigate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But according to Zhong Yao, they’ve been unlucky—could it be that White Robe Lin Jin used the [Curse Charm]?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, why would Lin Jin use the [Curse Charm] on these people?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he allied with Sikong Yan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or… was the Fifth Prince’s death also tied to Lin Jin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as Zhong Yao said, the strongest sects in the eastern region were none other than Taiqingmen and Cangyan Dao Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people’s arrival, rather than being for rest and recuperation, seemed more like a cover for covert investigation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, countless thoughts surged through Zhou Qing’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Mo Xingjian arrived with Xiao Ji, smiling appropriately and speaking humbly: “Governor Zhong, our sect is humble. If you don’t mind, please step inside to rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Mo Xingjian’s acceptance, Zhong Yao quickly returned the bow, his face beaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Mo, you’re too kind. We’ve intruded without invitation—please forgive us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Elder Wu Zhu slowly opened the barrier, the group entered one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the space vessel, suspended in midair, remained sealed throughout—no one emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if those aboard looked down upon Taiqingmen with utter disdain, radiating arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, Mo Xingjian arranged everything, and the visitors clearly stated they would not trespass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, they—” Zhou Qing began, but Mo Xingjian, having just returned to Xiao Ling Peak, immediately shushed him, his expression grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Xiao Ji quietly informed me—the Fifth Imperial Prince, Xuan Yuan Fengtai, has been slain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man on the boat was Gao Xianzhong, the grand eunuch sent by the emperor to investigate, and also the warden of the Heavenly Edict Prison, known in this age as the Living Yama.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing this, Zhou Qing’s expression instantly changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he had suspected, these people had come to investigate the Fifth Imperial Prince’s death—Kong Yan had not deceived him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He really did act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Logically, our sect has always had little contact with the imperial court, especially now that your Master Uncle and the others are in critical seclusion to break through—but you’ve seen—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian sighed helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just those three hundred Blood Prohibition troops of Soul Transformation realm alone are beyond our tiny Taiqingmen to resist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though imperial officials rarely dare strike at sects, and we still have the Cultivation Alliance as backup.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if conflict truly erupts, by the time the Alliance’s reinforcements arrive, Taiqingmen will already be shattered—what good is justice that comes too late?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing fully understood his master’s plight, and a reassuring smile appeared on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said softly: “It’s fine, Master. Let them rest a few days—we’ll just be more careful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let them investigate all they want. We walk upright and stand straight—we have nothing to fear from their digging.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian nodded slightly, his expression easing. “Yes, we have nothing to hide. Let them investigate—but don’t let them overstep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must warn all disciples: stay alert, maintain normal routines, and show no signs of panic—don’t give them any excuse to stir trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rest assured, Master. I’ll arrange it immediately.” Zhou Qing replied, then turned and walked off swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet that very night, Prefect Zhong Yao and Prefectural Lord Xiao Ji came to see Mo Xingjian, their words evasive, probing indirectly about Cao Zhengyang’s seclusion status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian looked at the two, understanding fully, and replied calmly: “I know roughly what’s happened—but we had nothing to do with it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know what you suspect—that your Master Uncle and the others did it, got injured, and are now in seclusion to heal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But they’ve been in seclusion for a long time—ask any disciple how long I’ve been acting Sect Master, and you’ll know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Mo Xingjian sighed helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if we go a hundred thousand steps further—when did the Fifth Imperial Prince even arrive in Lingyun Prefecture? What was he doing here? What did he look like? We didn’t know. And what benefit would attacking him bring us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The string of questions left the two men somewhat embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian continued: “Our sect has always kept clear of imperial affairs. For us, getting entangled in royal disputes brings no benefit—only trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Yao understood this well—he’d come only to test the waters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Mo Xingjian was right: even Zhong Yao himself didn’t know when the Fifth Imperial Prince had arrived in Lingyun Prefecture, let alone anyone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only force a faint smile. “Master Mo, we have no suspicion of your sect. But the Fifth Imperial Prince’s death is too grave—the higher-ups are pressuring us—we must proceed with caution.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ji quickly chimed in: “Yes, we’re merely fulfilling our duties. We hope for your understanding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Mo Xingjian’s demeanor softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Zhong Yao began asking in detail whether Taiqingmen had heard any rumors, whispers, or sensed any unusual activity recently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two talked until late into the night, after which Mo Xingjian arranged for them to be escorted back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Zhou Qing hadn’t expected was that the prefect and his group left Taiqingmen after only five days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by their direction, they were headed for Cangyan Dao Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This finally allowed everyone to breathe a sigh of relief—these past days, the entire sect had walked on eggshells, terrified of arousing suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian hadn’t even dared show his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t afraid of Gao Xianzhong’s Grand Eunuch performing soul-searching—he feared the revelation of Zhou Qing’s Four Flowers at the Crown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To prevent this, he had sealed that memory completely—if anyone forcibly searched his mind, he would rather self-destruct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, they were gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing, now at ease, began gathering materials the next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was desperately short on funds—the constant sting of an empty purse reminded him he must find ways to earn money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With money, the Wudao Ancient Tea Tree could function normally, allowing him to continue comprehending Mingwen-level divine arts or copying more advanced formation seals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After much thought, he decided to forge some formation arrays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given his current needs and ability, a single-color array was sufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, dual-color arrays required impossibly expensive materials, were nearly impossible to collect, and consumed enormous time to forge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take the sect’s protective array he’d forged earlier—it had taken over a year of painstaking effort, countless trials and adjustments, the hardships known only to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through some connections and his master’s favor, Zhou Qing finally obtained the needed materials and entered seclusion to begin his “entrepreneurial journey.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three months later, inside the room!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing sat cross-legged on a mat, eyes closed, his mid-Soul Transformation spiritual force steadily radiating outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around him floated exactly one thousand differently shaped spirit seals, mutually resonating, forming strange spirit-seal vortices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his hands moved swiftly, these seals continuously traced intersecting lines of formation, weaving together until gradually forming a complex array prototype.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he took out several mid-grade spirit stones and inserted them, causing the array to grow stronger and more refined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three more days passed, after countless injections of spiritual power and minute rune adjustments—when a faint hum sounded, the previously ethereal array instantly solidified, radiating brilliant light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing slowly opened his eyes, surprised yet exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t enough. To make it portable and convenient, he took out blank flags and once again channeled spiritual power, compressing and condensing the array’s power into them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three months, two successful single-color arrays forged—should be enough. According to Zhang Wanbao’s jade slip, these should fetch some spirit stones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s eyes sparkled with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief rest, he greeted his master and hurried out the mountain gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His third senior brother, along with Niu Guangmo and others, had been making money these past few years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They sold rare herbs gathered from the mountains, marketed their own low-grade magic treasures, and even hosted small cultivation gatherings, charging venue and service fees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though somewhat well-known with decent reputation, their trading circle remained confined to nearby regions—small-scale, petty profits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vast quantity of supreme spirit stones he needed was like a drop in the ocean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The place he was heading to now was Linggu Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though most had already left, some stubborn souls still waited for the secret realm to reopen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people came from all eight prefectures and seventy-two sub-prefectures, spanning vast territories with complex backgrounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since they dared to wait so long in a foreign land, they must carry substantial wealth—and they certainly had the means to buy his meticulously forged single-color arrays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhou Qing returned to this region, he looked around—the once bustling Linggu Mountain now appeared eerily quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far fewer people remained than he’d imagined; scattered camps dotted the mountain’s base and valleys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In another few years, these persistent souls would likely give up entirely and disperse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing took a deep breath, calmed his mind, then took out one array flag and activated it with spiritual power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, runes on the flag glowed, emitting a powerful, unique spiritual surge—a brilliant beam shot straight into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The array’s green radiance instantly drew many eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A single-color array? That’s a rare treasure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Judging by the boy’s demeanor, he seems ready to trade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think so—otherwise who would flaunt such a treasure so openly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People murmured among themselves—after all, for most cultivators, a functional array was an invaluable asset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to ordinary soundproofing barriers, such arrays could be used for defense, offense, and even turn the tide of battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A powerful array could become the decisive factor between life and death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet some late Soul Transformation or Soul Transformation peak cultivators dismissed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single-color array? To them, it was hardly impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a dual-color array would be worth real money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, cultivators from nearby camps gathered around Zhou Qing, their eyes filled with curiosity and greed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing remained calm. Once they surrounded him, he bowed and announced loudly: “Greetings, fellow cultivators. This item I hold is the single-color array: Wind-Thunder-Fire-Mountain Array—offensive and defensive, formidable in power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, you need not my words—your discerning eyes can already sense its nature.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Zhou Qing formed hand seals and injected a thread of spiritual power into the array—immediately, wind and clouds churned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the array, thunder roared, sand and stones flew, and molten lava erupted from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even those standing outside felt their skin burn as if about to ignite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had to retreat repeatedly, faces filled with shock and awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This… this array’s power is terrifying!” someone in the crowd cried out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others began whispering excitedly among themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the moment was right, Zhou Qing cleared his throat and called out loudly: “I urgently need spirit stones to turn my capital. I intend to sell this meticulously forged Wind-Thunder-Fire-Mountain Array.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fellow cultivators—if interested, please make an offer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3344,"2026-06-19T20:13:54.632Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b0157098bebbb6f924bcd09ae8c825338a0176dd2d34e8a278311b6f4d7ffdb3","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-264","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-262",302,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmy-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--cover.jpg"]