Chapter 267: Three Thousand Spirit Seals, A Triple Blessing

At this moment, Zhou Qing sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, his body surrounded by three thousand spirit seals interwoven with light.

These spirit seals constantly intertwined and collided, emitting a melodious humming sound.

Some spirit seals even caused the space to tremble slightly the moment they touched.

Visible ripples of spiritual power spread outward with Zhou Qing as the center.

Just like that, after about half an incense stick's time, Zhou Qing slowly opened his eyes, looking at the three thousand spirit seals surrounding him, his heart filled with emotion and excitement.

He truly had not expected that the support of just ten supreme-grade wood-attribute spirit stones could allow him to condense two thousand spirit seals in just one month.

He had leaped directly to become the fourth Level 3 Array Master in the entire Level 4 cultivation nation.

Feeling the excited aura of the people outside, Zhou Qing couldn't help but recall the scene years ago at the Bai Yu Taixu Academy when Lin Shi successfully condensed three thousand spirit seals and was promoted to a Level 3 Array Master.

At that time, all the students and instructors of the academy cheered for it; now, he too stood at the same height.

For a moment, an indescribable sense of achievement surged in his heart.

"Truly a good thing!"

Looking at the Ancient Enlightenment Tea Tree in his arms that had once again lost its ethereal aura, Zhou Qing was in a great mood and carefully put it away.

The spirit seals surrounding his body dissipated, slowly merging into his body.

Afterward, he stepped steadily to push open the room door, only to see that outside, Sect Master Cao Zhengyang, the various Elders, and a crowd of Peak Masters had already gathered.

Those faces were full of surprise and excitement, their gazes falling squarely on him at this moment.

Zhou Qing bowed: "Greetings to the Elders, Shibo, and Shishu!"

Mo Xingjian was the first to recover from the shock, laughing as he strode forward and grabbed Zhou Qing's shoulder, his eyes full of pride.

He wanted to say something, but a thousand words surged into his heart, and for a moment he didn't know where to begin.

His lips trembled, his eyes slightly reddened, and in the end, he could only pat Zhou Qing's shoulder heavily.

【Heart Insight Points +15】

The note above his head, 【Disciple with Heaven-Defying Comprehension】, changed directly to 【Disciple with Peerless Talent】.

Sect Master Cao Zhengyang stroked his beard, the gratified smile on his face almost overflowing.

"A Level 3 Array Master, who would believe this if said out loud? How on earth did you manage it?"

The other Peak Masters also smiled from the heart, their eyes full of curiosity.

Zhou Qing scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed; he hadn't expected to cause such a big stir.

He could only say: "This disciple is not sure either; I just had a sudden realization while cultivating, and it became like this as I practiced."

Zhou Qing's words left everyone stunned, which soon turned into light laughter.

Several Elders laughed, and one of them said: "You all have made this child shy."

"In any case, Zhou Qing breaking through to become a Level 3 Array Master is a blessing our Taiqingmen has cultivated for generations."

"For now, except for us few, don't spread the word outside; this child's array talent is too dazzling, and exposing it too early might attract unnecessary trouble."

Upon hearing this, everyone understood and nodded repeatedly.

Cao Zhengyang was just about to speak when he suddenly received news from Li Daoxuan.

In an instant, a look of excitement surged on his face again, and he announced loudly: "Tonight is truly a double blessing, no, a triple blessing!"

"Junior Sister Qi of Zixia Peak has just come out of seclusion, and not only that, the child Lu Yaoyao has also successfully broken through to the late Soul Formation stage!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was in an uproar, full of surprise and admiration.

Cao Zhengyang looked at Zhou Qing, his eyes full of constant praise: "You have set a good start for everyone."

Zhou Qing smiled modestly, bowing slightly, not daring to take credit.

"Alright, our little Sect Master must be tired too; let him rest, everyone don't disturb him!"

Elder Duanmu Shu spoke at the right time.

Only then did everyone react, nodding one after another, and while leaving, they encouraged and praised Zhou Qing while dispersing in an orderly manner.

And as soon as everyone left, Yan Xiaohu sneaked over.

Looking at his master's glowing face, Yan Xiaohu was full of confusion, leaned forward and asked: "No, what did you do to cause such a big scene?"

Zhou Qing smiled, saying lightly: "Nothing much, just condensed three thousand spirit seals and just broke through to a Level 3 Array Master."

Yan Xiaohu: "..."

In an instant, he felt his brain go blank.

【Heart Insight Points +15】.

Soon, the original note above Yan Xiaohu's head, 【Little Junior Brother of a Future Array Master】, immediately changed to 【Little Junior Brother with Terrifying Array Talent】.

Yan Xiaohu, who had reacted, suddenly had eyes shining, and with a "thump," he knelt on one knee directly in front of Zhou Qing, his hands holding Zhou Qing's thigh tightly.

He even shouted with tears: "Brother, from now on you are my own brother! From today on, I will follow you!"

Mo Xingjian on the side was speechless, raised his hand and flicked his head.

He said unhappily: "You big mouth, don't shout everywhere; it's enough for us few to know. If the other sects find out, it would be a disaster for Old Four!"

Yan Xiaohu winced from the flick but nodded quickly, indicating he understood like a chicken pecking at rice.

Although Old Four had once made a Heavenly Dao oath in front of so many people that he was not a Three Flower Sanhua Sanhua Juding.

But if they knew that Old Four had become a Level 3 Array Master so quickly, from the perspective of their own sect's future development, it was definitely a disaster, not a blessing.

But it had to be said, this Four Flower Sanhua Sanhua Juding was truly terrifying.

Soon, Mo Xingjian announced to the outside that it was an anomaly caused by his successful cultivation of his technique, telling everyone not to make a fuss, which barely suppressed this storm.

And after sending off his master and Third Shixiong, Zhou Qing looked at the Ancient Enlightenment Tea Tree that had returned to normal, his heart full of excitement.

When he was done with his cultivation here, he could dress it up and let his master and Shixiong feel its magic too.

Maybe when it grows bigger, it could directly help them sever their spirits.

But now is not the best time; after all, supreme-grade wood-attribute spirit stones are rare, and if leaked, it might bring a devastating disaster to the entire Taiqingmen.

After all, a single shapeshifting divine medicine could cause crazy looting by Soul Severance experts, and the Ancient Enlightenment Tea Tree in front of him was many times more precious than a shapeshifting divine medicine.

I wonder where the real Ancient Enlightenment Tea Tree is?

And who cut off this piece of wood in the past?

The vastness of this world really makes one full of curiosity, yet also feel powerless.

Let alone the small Taiqingmen, the entire Level 4 cultivation world is just a drop in the ocean.

Afterward, he let out a long breath, already having a rough cultivation plan in his heart.

Ten supreme-grade wood-attribute spirit stones can, within a month, either comprehend a wisp of Phoenix Dao pattern or increase two thousand array spirit seals.

Of course, this is only in an ideal state; after all, whether it is inscription-level divine abilities or array copying, the further you go, the harder it gets.

Every step forward requires several times or even dozens of times the effort and resources.

"Still need to make money!"

Zhou Qing muttered to himself, looking at the Ancient Enlightenment Tea Tree.

I wonder if Shen Yunzhou has returned?

Early the next morning, Zhou Qing, in a plain robe, squatted leisurely in the courtyard, with an ancient wooden basin beside him, concentrating on bathing the old hen.

When it snuggled beside him to sleep last night, he vaguely smelled a faint, elusive odor.

Unable to bear it, he decided to give it a good cleaning early this morning.

The old hen was clearly extremely resistant to this sudden "bath."

As soon as it touched the water, it flapped its wings wildly, splashing water everywhere, covering Zhou Qing's face.

Zhou Qing was not annoyed, just smiled helplessly, soothing it softly.

Just then, two notification sounds rang in his ears one after another.

【Heart Insight Points +9】

【Heart Insight Points +9】

Not long after, two figures were seen speeding from afar; it was Li Daoxuan and Lu Yaoyao.

The note 【A Great Man Should Be Like This】 above Li Daoxuan's head had quietly changed to 【Array Master Level Lecher】 at some point.

This left Zhou Qing speechless.

No, is the lecher thing something you can't get over in your heart?

If I had known, I shouldn't have gone easy on you during our sparring session a while ago out of sect friendship.

And the note 【So Alert】 above Lu Yaoyao's head had changed back to 【So Awesome】.

As core disciples, it seems Shibo finally revealed it.

"Junior Brother Zhou!"

"Senior Brother Zhou!"

Seeing Zhou Qing, both of them were full of smiles and quickened their pace to run over.

At this moment, Li Daoxuan was so envious.

Thinking back to when they were studying at the Bai Yu Taixu Academy, what kind of respected treatment Lin Daochen enjoyed as a Level 3 Array Master in the academy.

On the day of the breakthrough, countless people came to congratulate him, and even the County Governor appeared in person, showing his great influence.

But now, who could have expected that in their small Taiqingmen, the fourth Level 3 Array Master of the Shengwu Dynasty was born quietly.

As the saying goes, when one person attains the Dao, their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven; if this news spreads, Taiqingmen will surely become famous and leap to become the undisputed hegemon of the Eastern Region.

At that time, many sects from the eight counties and seventy-two prefectures will surely come to congratulate, curry favor, and win him over.

Thinking of this, Li Daoxuan couldn't help but feel deeply moved: "You are truly amazing; I wouldn't dare dream of having such an achievement."

Lu Yaoyao also nodded constantly on the side, her beautiful eyes full of admiration.

She knew about the inheritance of Senior Master Xuan Qingzi; in fact, she was the one who led Zhou Qing there.

She just didn't expect the promotion to be so fast.

Thinking carefully, when her father was taking her on the run, he was already a Level 5 Array Master.

If that damn Suanni hadn't consumed Senior Master Xuan Qingzi's remnant soul, with her father's talent, he might have broken through the shackles long ago and become a Level 9 Array Master.

Even facing the crazy pursuit of those Demon Emperors, he wouldn't have ended up in such a miserable situation.

"Senior Brother Zhou, well done!" Lu Yaoyao praised sincerely.

Zhou Qing waved his hand modestly: "It was all luck, no need to make such a fuss."

Although he said so, Zhou Qing knew clearly that being able to condense two thousand spirit seals in one go and successfully break through to become a Level 3 Array Master was definitely not just relying on the Ancient Enlightenment Tea Tree.

Besides Senior Master Xuan Qingzi's inheritance, the array insights of Wu Tiangang and Su Lishan, which his Second Uncle "robbed," also played a crucial role.

And the notes of Master Situ Jiuyao from a Level 5 cultivation nation, obtained in the Peng Emperor's cave, also benefited him greatly.

It was precisely because of these valuable experiences that he was able to condense so many spirit seals in one go.

"I should congratulate you, breaking through to the late Soul Formation stage!" Zhou Qing turned his gaze to Lu Yaoyao and congratulated her sincerely.

After all, among the disciples of Shenyue Peak, He Han was only at the late Soul Formation stage, and the others were still stuck at the mid Soul Formation stage.

Lu Yaoyao joined the sect the latest, but now she has successfully caught up and even surpassed them, which is truly impressive.

Facing Zhou Qing's congratulations, Lu Yaoyao scratched her head a bit embarrassedly and chuckled.

She explained: "It's all thanks to Third Mama... well, Sister Shen's correct guidance; otherwise, how could I have broken through so quickly? I would have thanked the heavens if I hadn't suffered qi deviation."

Zhou Qing nodded in agreement after hearing this.

Afterward, Li Daoxuan excitedly suggested that everyone gather at the Jade Dining Hall; after all, they hadn't been this happy for a long time.

They should celebrate, right?

Of course, the reason he was so active actually hid a little calculation in his heart.

Now Zhou Qing has become the sect's future little Sect Master, not only has his cultivation reached the mid Divine Transformation stage, but he is also a respected Level 3 Array Master.

His circle of acquaintances is also becoming wider.

Like Level 3 Array Master Lin Daochen, Soul Severance expert Senior Xuan Yuan Shuo, and the young master Zhang Wanbao of the Wan Xiang Auction, even the Prefect and County Governor have dealings with him.

Unknowingly, countless dazzling halos have gathered on Zhou Qing.

This made those familiar Shixiong and Shimei unconsciously feel awe, and even when getting along, there was a faint sense of distance.

So, he wanted to take this opportunity to close the distance.

Just like his master and Shishu, even now, they still talk and laugh with each other, just like before.

Zhou Qing naturally agreed with both hands to Li Daoxuan's suggestion.

After all, for the past month, he had been immersed in the comprehension of spirit seals in a near-limit state, and he was physically and mentally exhausted.

The way of cultivation emphasizes relaxation; if the string is pulled too tight, it will break, and people are the same; it is indeed time to relax.

"Great, I'll contact Yuan Shijie Shi Zhen right away!" Upon hearing this, Lu Yaoyao's eyes lit up, and she happily took out her identity token and started sending messages.

Li Daoxuan also smiled and said quickly: "I'll contact the other Shixiong and Shimei still in the sect."

Feeling this long-lost joy, Zhou Qing waved his hand heroically and said: "Okay, my treat, everyone eat to your heart's content!"

Soon, Yan Xiaohu ran over with a grin; how could he be missing when there was delicious food?

Not long after, streams of light rose from all over the Thirteen Peaks, gathering toward the Jade Dining Hall of Shenyue Peak.

"Junior Brother Zhou, why the sudden treat?"

"Yeah, it's a good thing I didn't go out today, otherwise wouldn't I have missed this meal in vain."

"I heard Junior Sister Lu broke through to the late Soul Formation stage; is this to celebrate?"

"Junior Brother Zhou, how do you feel about the flying boat my master built for you? Don't laugh at me, I even helped a little bit with it."

As each core disciple arrived one after another, it became more and more lively in front of the Jade Dining Hall, everyone greeting and hugging each other, sharing their recent situations.

Amidst the laughter, everyone was observing Zhou Qing unobtrusively.

However, when they saw Zhou Qing still wearing that familiar gentle smile, responding modestly to everyone's greetings.

And when talking to everyone, he had no airs at all, just as kind and natural as before, everyone's hanging hearts fell to the ground.

And this gathering was only for their younger generation, without the restraint of elders present, and no need to worry about the complexity of sect affairs.

Everyone completely let themselves go.

Some who were drunk insisted on dragging Zhou Qing to spar, some Senior Sisters sat around, quietly sharing private fun things between girls.

Some also recalled the Shixiong and Shimei who sacrificed in the Five Sects War, inevitably feeling melancholy and sad.

It wasn't until evening that the two returned to Xiaoling Peak.

However, at this time, Yan Xiaohu's steps were floating, his face was flushed, and he was exuding a strong smell of alcohol, clearly having had a great time at the party.

After all, although the wine at the Jade Dining Hall was not as good as Second Uncle's, it was worth dozens of mid-grade spirit stones.

Especially since this meal was provided for free by the Jade Dining Hall Master for Zhou Qing's sake.

Don't drink it for nothing!

"Old Four, your Shixiong... I am destined to become someone like Master in the future, together with other Shixiong and Shimei... guarding our Taiqingmen, this is responsibility, and also inheritance."

Yan Xiaohu said while patting his chest hard, but his mouth was slurred.

And Zhou Qing supported him, pushed open the courtyard door of his residence, and dragged him to the bed.

Yan Xiaohu suddenly grabbed Zhou Qing, his eyes blurred, and said: "But you are different, you will definitely go further in the future."

"You have the Four Flower Sanhua Sanhua Juding, you have amazing talent, you... you will go to a bigger world and see the excitement we can't imagine. But, Old Four..."

Speaking of this, Yan Xiaohu's eyes suddenly turned red, and his voice trembled slightly.

"You must not forget us Shixiong and Shimei who grew up together, and don't forget Taiqingmen."

"This is your root, and your backing; no matter where you go, we all hope you can come back and tell us stories from the outside."

Zhou Qing looked at this Shixiong who was usually carefree but now revealed his true feelings, his heart feeling a mix of emotions.

He gently patted Yan Xiaohu's hand and said seriously: "Shixiong, don't worry. No matter where I go in the future, Taiqingmen will always be my home, and you will always be my closest people."

Yan Xiaohu didn't know if he heard it; with the alcohol going to his head, he tilted his head and started snoring.

Zhou Qing smiled helplessly, gently covered him with a quilt, and looking at the sleeping round face, couldn't help but fall into a daze.

The next day, Zhou Qing, who was walking the chicken, received news from Elder Wu Zhu that the person driving the earthy-yellow flying boat had come again.

Zhou Qing's face was immediately happy; after all, when he left that inn a month ago, he had specifically instructed the shopkeeper that if the other party returned, they could come directly to the sect to find him.

Afterward, he hurried out with the chicken.

Outside the mountain gate!

Shen Yunzhou was full of anxiety and excitement.

He was very curious about this benefactor, especially during this period, as long as he asked others a little, almost all practitioners actually knew him.

Didn't expect him to be a celebrity.

Not bad, not bad, worthy of being someone who could be taken on adventures by his elder sister, truly not an ordinary person.

"He probably doesn't know me, what should I say when we meet?"

"Oh my, suddenly so excited, cough cough, Shen Yunzhou, Shen Yunzhou, must stay steady."

"Hello, I am Shen Yunzhou, everyone likes to call me Zhouzi... no, no, those who don't know might think of pork knuckle."

Shen Yunzhou kept circling in place, muttering various possible self-introductions.

This scene made Elder Wu Zhu, who was supporting his chin and watching him quietly not far away, full of curiosity.

"This guy isn't sneaking here for a tryst, is it necessary?" Elder Wu Zhu muttered to himself.

Soon, Zhou Qing stepped out from the rippling barrier of the mountain gate, saw Shen Yunzhou talking to himself at a glance, and couldn't help but show a smile.

But he still pretended to be quite surprised, raised his arm and waved, while shouting at the top of his lungs: "Brother Shen, why is it you?"

Hearing this shout, Shen Yunzhou stiffened suddenly.

Then he turned his head and saw the familiar figure walking slowly while walking an old hen, and couldn't help but be full of astonishment.

"You, aren't you a rogue cultivator... wait, you are Zhou Qing?"

Soon, Shen Yunzhou finally reacted, full of disbelief.

Zhou Qing nodded and explained with a smile: "Sorry, I'm used to being cautious, just didn't expect the person you were looking for to be me."

Shen Yunzhou looked at Zhou Qing, his eyes full of suspicion, still unable to believe it, so he probed: "Do you know who the silver-haired ugly woman I mentioned is?"

Zhou Qing replied calmly: "Shen Hanyi!"

Shen Yunzhou's eyes lit up instantly, unable to suppress the excitement in his heart, he raised his foot to hug Zhou Qing.

After all, the secret code matched!

Zhou Qing's face changed slightly, and he subconsciously took a step back.

Ever since he had personally witnessed the disgusting realm of understanding that Shen Yunzhou displayed twice, a deep shadow had been left in his heart.

He really didn't dare to have close contact with the other party, fearing he would get contaminated.

Seeing this, Shen Yunzhou's hands, which were held high, froze in mid-air, and the smile on his face also solidified instantly.

Then he showed a trace of embarrassment, touching his nose unnaturally.

And then he said with a self-deprecating tone: "You've seen me make a fool of myself, do you dislike the realm of understanding I comprehended?"

Zhou Qing said quickly: "No, no, please don't misunderstand."

"Then let's hug!" Shen Yunzhou stepped forward again.

Zhou Qing: "..."

"What are you looking for me for? And how do you know Senior Shen?" Zhou Qing immediately squatted down to pick up the old hen and changed the subject.

Shen Yunzhou sighed.

You really dislike me.

In fact, it's the same at home; everyone avoids him, and staying with him always makes people uncontrollably associate him with a pile of shit.

But soon he put away his disappointment, a smile appeared on his face, he cleared his throat and said: "Brother Zhou, let me reintroduce myself, my name is Shen Yunzhou, and Shen Hanyi is my sister!"

After hearing this, Zhou Qing pretended to be suddenly enlightened again and said: "So the person your sister wanted to save was you!"

Shen Yunzhou nodded repeatedly, his expression full of emotion and relief.

"That's right, it's me. It's shameful to say, but years ago I was reckless for a moment and accidentally broke into a ruin, and I don't know what I triggered in a daze."

"On the spot, my blood and qi surged, my consciousness blurred, and then I fell into an endless coma."

"If it weren't for my sister running around looking for ways to save me, I'd probably still be lying there like a corpse!"

(End of chapter)