Chapter 267: Oh, So the Person Your Sister Wanted to Save Was You All Along!

At this moment, Zhou Qing sat with closed eyes, surrounded by three thousand spiritual seals woven from radiant light.

These seals continuously interwove and collided, emitting harmonious hums.

Some seals, upon contact, even triggered faint ripples in space.

Visible ripples of spiritual power spread outward from Zhou Qing in all directions.

After about half an incense stick’s time, Zhou Qing slowly opened his eyes, gazing at the three thousand seals encircling him, filled with profound emotion and excitement.

He never imagined that merely ten supreme-grade wood-element spirit stones could enable him to condense two thousand seals in just one month.

He had leapt directly into the fourth third-rank array master in the fourth-level cultivation nation.

Feeling the excited energy outside, Zhou Qing recalled the scene years ago at Bai Yu Tai Xu Academy, when Master Lin had successfully condensed three thousand seals and ascended to third-rank array master.

Back then, every disciple and instructor in the academy had cheered in jubilation; now, he stood at the same height.

A sense of indescribable accomplishment surged within him.

“Truly an incredible item!”

Looking at the Wu Dao Gu Cha Tree in his arms, now devoid of its ethereal aura, Zhou Qing felt elated and carefully stored it away.

The spiritual seals surrounding him likewise dispersed, slowly merging into his body.

He then stepped steadily out the door, finding the Sect Master Cao Zhengyang, all the Supreme Elders, and numerous Peak Masters already gathered outside.

Their faces were filled with astonishment and excitement, all eyes fixed on him at once.

Zhou Qing bowed respectfully: “Greetings, Supreme Elders, Senior Uncle, Senior Uncle!”

Mo Xingjian was the first to recover from his shock, laughing loudly as he strode forward and clasped Zhou Qing’s shoulder, his eyes brimming with pride.

He wanted to say something, but countless words flooded his heart, leaving him speechless.

His lips trembled, his eyes slightly reddened, and in the end, he simply gave Zhou Qing a firm pat on the shoulder.

【Heart Insight +15】

Above his head, the annotation 【Disciple with Unparalleled Talent】 instantly changed to 【Disciple with Extraordinary Talent】.

Sect Master Cao Zhengyang stroked his beard, his face glowing with a smile that threatened to overflow.

“A third-rank array master? Who would believe it? How on earth did you manage this?”

The other Peak Masters also smiled genuinely, their eyes brimming with curiosity.

Zhou Qing scratched his head, slightly embarrassed—he hadn’t expected such a commotion.

He could only say: “I don’t know myself. I was just cultivating when I suddenly had an insight; before I knew it, this happened.”

Zhou Qing’s words left the others stunned, then quickly dissolved into light laughter.

Several Supreme Elders burst into laughter; one spoke up: “You’ve all made this child too shy.”

“Regardless, Zhou Qing’s breakthrough into a third-rank array master is a blessing our Taiqingmen has earned over generations.”

“For now, keep this quiet among ourselves. This child’s array talent is too brilliant—exposing him too soon may invite unnecessary trouble.”

Upon hearing this, everyone understood at once and nodded vigorously.

Just as Cao Zhengyang was about to speak, he suddenly received a message from Li Daoxuan.

Instantly, his face lit up with renewed excitement as he announced loudly: “Tonight is truly triple fortune! No—quadruple!”

“Sister Qi from Zi Xia Peak has just emerged from seclusion, and this child Lu Yaoyao has also successfully broken through to Nascent Soul late stage!”

The crowd erupted in shock, delight, and admiration.

Cao Zhengyang looked at Zhou Qing, his admiration unwavering: “You’ve set an excellent precedent for everyone.”

Zhou Qing smiled humbly, bowing slightly, refusing to take credit.

“Enough. Our little Sect Master is probably exhausted—he needs rest. Don’t disturb him anymore!”

Supreme Elder Duan Mu Shu spoke up at the right moment.

Only then did the others realize, nodding in agreement. As they left, they praised Zhou Qing warmly and departed in orderly fashion.

…

As soon as the crowd dispersed, Yan Xiao Hu crept over furtively.

Seeing his master glowing with joy, Yan Xiao Hu frowned in confusion and leaned in: “What the hell did you do to cause such a ruckus?”

Zhou Qing smiled faintly, dismissively: “Nothing much—just condensed three thousand spiritual seals and broke through to third-rank array master.”

Yan Xiao Hu: “...”

Instantly, his mind went blank.

【Heart Insight +15】

Quickly, the annotation above Yan Xiao Hu’s head—【Little Brother of the Future Array Master】—changed instantly to 【Little Brother with Terrifying Array Talent】.

Regaining his composure, Yan Xiao Hu’s eyes blazed with light. He dropped to one knee before Zhou Qing and clutched his thighs tightly.

He cried out, tears streaming: “Brother! From now on, you’re my real brother! I’m following you from today!”

Mo Xingjian stood beside them, utterly speechless, and flicked him on the forehead.

He grumbled: “Don’t go blabbing this everywhere. Just us few know. If the other sects find out, it’ll be a disaster for Old Four!”

Yan Xiao Hu winced from the flick but nodded frantically, like a chicken pecking grain.

Although Old Four had once publicly sworn a Heavenly Oath that he wasn’t San Hua Ju Ding,

if they learned he’d become a third-rank array master so swiftly, from the perspective of our sect’s future, it would be a curse, not a blessing.

But let’s be honest—this Si Hua Ju Ding is truly terrifying.

Soon, Mo Xingjian publicly announced that the phenomenon was caused by his own cultivation breakthrough, urging everyone not to make a fuss, barely quelling the commotion.

After seeing off his master and third senior brother, Zhou Qing gazed at the Wu Dao Gu Cha Tree, now restored to normal, his heart brimming with excitement.

Once my own cultivation progresses further, I could pretend to be ordinary and let Master and Senior Brothers experience its wonders firsthand.

Perhaps, when I grow stronger, I might even use it to help them sever their spiritual bonds.

But now isn’t the right time—supreme-grade wood-element spirit stones are exceedingly rare, and if this leaks, it could bring utter ruin to the entire Taiqingmen.

After all, even a transformed divine herb can ignite fierce competition among Severing Spirit experts, yet this Wu Dao Gu Cha Tree is countless times more precious than one.

Where, exactly, is the true Wu Dao Gu Cha Tree?

Who had cut down this piece of wood in ages past?

This world is vast—so full of wonder, yet so overwhelming in its powerlessness.

Not even the tiny Taiqingmen, let alone the entire fourth-level cultivation nation, is but a single grain in the ocean.

He exhaled slowly, already forming a rough cultivation plan in his mind.

Ten supreme-grade wood-element spirit stones can, within a month, either grant him one thread of Feng Dao Pattern or add two thousand array seals.

Of course, this is ideal—whether it’s inscribing divine scripts or copying arrays, the later stages grow exponentially harder.

Every step forward demands effort and resources multiplied manyfold, even dozens of times over.

“I still need to get money!”

Zhou Qing murmured to himself, staring at the Wu Dao Gu Cha Tree.

I wonder if Shen Yunzhou has returned yet?

…

The next morning, Zhou Qing, clad in a simple robe, squatted calmly in the courtyard beside an ancient wooden basin, attentively washing an old hen.

Last night, as the hen nestled beside him while sleeping, he’d faintly detected a subtle odor.

Unable to bear it, he decided to give her a thorough cleaning first thing this morning.

The old hen clearly resisted this sudden “bath.”

The moment she touched the water, she flapped her wings wildly, splashing water everywhere, drenching Zhou Qing’s face.

Zhou Qing wasn’t annoyed—only sighed helplessly and gently soothed her.

At that moment, two prompts sounded in his ear.

【Heart Insight +9】

【Heart Insight +9】

Soon after, two figures dashed toward him from afar—it was Li Daoxuan and Lu Yaoyao.

Above Li Daoxuan’s head, 【A True Man Should Be Like This】 had quietly changed to 【Array Master-Level Lothario】.

This left Zhou Qing speechless.

Seriously, you can’t let go of this “lothario” thing, can you?

I shouldn’t have held back during our sparring match out of fellow-disciple courtesy.

And above Lu Yaoyao’s head, 【Good Alertness】 had reverted to 【Damn Awesome】.

As core disciples, it seems Senior Uncle had finally told them.

“Young Brother Zhou!”

“Senior Brother Zhou!”

Seeing Zhou Qing, both beamed and hurried over.

Li Daoxuan was filled with envy.

Back when they studied together at Bai Yu Tai Xu Academy, Lin Daochen, as a third-rank array master, had enjoyed immense prestige.

On the day he broke through, countless people came to congratulate him—even the Prefect himself appeared, a testament to his influence.

Who could have imagined that in their humble Taiqingmen, a fourth third-rank array master of the Shengwu Imperial Dynasty had quietly emerged?

As the saying goes: when one man attains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend. If this news spread, Taiqingmen would instantly gain fame and rise as the undisputed dominant power in the Eastern Region.

At that time, countless sects from the Eight Prefectures and Seventy-Two Counties would flock to offer congratulations, flattery, and alliances.

Thinking of this, Li Daoxuan sighed deeply: “You’re truly incredible—I never dreamed I’d witness such an achievement.”

Lu Yaoyao nodded repeatedly beside him, her beautiful eyes filled with admiration.

She knew about the legacy passed down by Elder Xuanqingzi—indeed, she had personally guided Zhou Qing there.

She never expected he’d advance so quickly.

Looking back, even when their father had been dragging him across the world in flight, he was already a Level Five Array Master.

If that damned Suanni hadn’t drained Elder Xuanqingzi’s lingering soul, with their father’s talent, he might have shattered his bottleneck long ago and become a Level Nine Array Master.

Even facing the mad pursuit of those Demon Emperors, he wouldn’t have ended up in such a desperate state.

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

Zhou Qing modestly waved his hand. “Just luck—no need to make such a fuss.”

Though he said so, Zhou Qing knew well: his sudden breakthrough to Level Three Array Master, consolidating two thousand spiritual seals in one go, wasn’t due solely to the Enlightened Ancient Tea Tree.

Besides Elder Xuanqingzi’s legacy, the array insights seized by Second Uncle from Wu Tiangang and Su Lishan had played a crucial role.

He’d also gained immensely from the personal notes of Master Situ Jiuyao, a Level Five cultivator from a remote realm, recovered in the Golden Peng Emperor’s cavern.

It was precisely these precious experiences that allowed him to forge so many spiritual seals in one surge.

“Congratulations on reaching Nascent Soul Late Stage!” Zhou Qing turned his gaze to Lu Yaoyao, offering genuine congratulations.

Among all disciples of Shen Yue Peak, even He Han had only reached Nascent Soul Late Stage; the rest remained stuck at Nascent Soul Mid Stage.

Lu Yaoyao had joined last, yet now she’d not only caught up but surpassed them—all of them were astonished.

Facing Zhou Qing’s congratulations, Lu Yaoyao scratched her head shyly and chuckled.

She explained: “It’s all thanks to Third Mom… I mean, Sister Shen’s proper guidance. Otherwise, I’d never have broken through so fast—I’d be lucky not to have suffered qi deviation.”

Zhou Qing nodded in agreement.

Then Li Daoxuan enthusiastically suggested they all gather at Yushan Hall—it had been too long since they’d been this happy.

They ought to celebrate properly.

Of course, his eagerness hid a small agenda.

Zhou Qing had now become the sect’s future Sect Master: his cultivation had reached Soul Transformation Mid Stage, and he was a revered Level Three Array Master.

His circle of connections had grown ever wider.

He now interacted with Level Three Array Master Lin Daochen, the Zhanling elder Xuan Yuan Shuo, Young Master Zhang Wanbao of the Wanxiang Auction House—even the Prefect and County Magistrates.

Unconsciously, Zhou Qing had gathered countless dazzling halos around him.

This stirred unconscious awe in his former fellow disciples, and even in their interactions, a subtle distance had begun to form.

So he wanted to use this chance to bridge the gap.

Like his Master and Senior Uncles—even now, they still joked and laughed as they always had.

Zhou Qing, of course, wholeheartedly supported Li Daoxuan’s suggestion.

After all, for the past month he’d been immersed in the study of spiritual seals at his limit—he was utterly exhausted.

The path of cultivation demands balance: a taut string snaps easily; so too does a person. He truly needed to relax.

“Great! I’ll contact Shi Zhen Senior Sister right away!” Lu Yaoyao’s eyes lit up. She happily pulled out her identity token and began sending messages.

Li Daoxuan also smiled and quickly added: “I’ll reach out to the other senior brothers still in the sect.”

Feeling this long-absent joy, Zhou Qing waved his hand grandly. “Fine—I’m treating everyone. Eat your fill!”

Soon, Yan Xiaohu trotted over with a grin—how could he miss a feast like this?

Soon after, streaks of light rose from all thirteen peaks, converging toward Yushan Hall on Shen Yue Peak.

“Zhou Junior Brother, why the sudden feast?”

“Thank goodness I didn’t go out today—I’d have missed this meal!”

“I heard Lu Senior Sister broke through to Nascent Soul Late Stage—is this celebration for that?”

“Zhou Junior Brother, how do you like the flying vessel my Master crafted for you? Don’t laugh—I helped a little.”

…

As core disciples arrived one by one, the area before Yushan Hall grew livelier—everyone greeted, embraced, and shared updates.

Amid laughter and chatter, they subtly observed Zhou Qing.

Yet when they saw Zhou Qing still wearing his familiar gentle smile, humbly responding to every greeting,

speaking to them without the slightest air of superiority, just as warmly and naturally as before, their hearts finally settled.

This gathering belonged solely to their generation—no elders present to impose restraint, no sect affairs to burden them.

They let themselves go completely.

Some drunkards dragged Zhou Qing to spar; senior sisters sat nearby, whispering girl-only secrets.

Others recalled fallen comrades from the Five Sects War, their moods turning somber and sorrowful.

Only at dusk did the two return to Xiao Ling Peak.

But Yan Xiaohu now staggered, face flushed, reeking of alcohol—he’d clearly drunk his fill at the feast.

After all, Yushan Hall’s liquor, though inferior to Second Uncle’s, still cost dozens of mid-grade spirit stones.

Especially since the Hall Master had offered this meal for free, out of respect for Zhou Qing.

Why not drink it all?

“Old Four, your senior brother… I’m destined to become someone like Master—staying here with the other senior brothers… guarding our Taiqingmen. This is duty. This is legacy.”

Yan Xiaohu spoke, pounding his chest, his words slurred.

Zhou Qing supported him, opened the gate to his quarters, and dragged him onto the bed.

But Yan Xiaohu suddenly grabbed Zhou Qing’s arm, eyes glazed. “But you’re different—you’ll go much farther.”

“You have the Four Flowers at the Crown, astonishing talent. You’ll reach greater worlds, witness wonders we can’t imagine. But, Old Four…”

Here, Yan Xiaohu’s eyes suddenly reddened, his voice trembling.

“Don’t ever forget us, your senior brothers who grew up with you. Don’t forget Taiqingmen.”

“This is your root. This is your backing. No matter where you go, we’ll always wait for you to return and tell us stories of the outside world.”

Zhou Qing looked at this brother—usually boisterous, now pouring out his heart—and felt a storm of emotions.

He gently patted Yan Xiaohu’s hand. “Senior Brother, don’t worry. Wherever I go in the future, Taiqingmen will always be my home. You will always be my closest kin.”

Yan Xiaohu may or may not have heard—he tilted his head, snoring instantly.

Zhou Qing smiled helplessly, tucked the blanket around him, stared at the round, sleeping face, and fell into a haze of confusion.

…

The next day, while walking his chicken, Zhou Qing received a message from Elder Wu Zhu: the man piloting the earth-yellow flying vessel had returned.

Zhou Qing’s face brightened immediately—he’d specifically instructed the shopkeeper a month ago, when leaving that inn, to send the man directly to the sect if he returned.

He hurried out, still walking his chicken.

…

Outside the Shanmen!

Shen Yunzhou looked nervous and excited.

He was deeply curious about this benefactor—lately, whenever he asked anyone, nearly every cultivator seemed to know him.

Turns out he was famous.

Good, good—no wonder his sister took him on adventures; he truly was no ordinary man.

“He probably doesn’t recognize me—what should I say when we meet?”

“Oh no, I’m so excited—cough, cough, Shen Yunzhou, stay calm.”

“Hello, I’m Shen Yunzhou. Everyone calls me Zhouzi… No, no—that sounds like ‘elbow.’”

…

Shen Yunzhou paced in circles, muttering various self-introductions.

This sight made Elder Wu Zhu, standing nearby with his chin propped on his hand, stare in curiosity.

“He’s not sneaking here for a secret rendezvous—why so worked up?” Elder Wu Zhu muttered.

Soon, Zhou Qing stepped through the shimmering sect barrier, spotting Shen Yunzhou talking to himself, and couldn’t help smiling.

But he feigned surprise, raised his arm, and shouted loudly: “Brother Shen? Is that you?”

Shen Yunzhou froze at the shout.

He turned—and saw the familiar figure approaching slowly, leading a hen. His face filled with shock.

“You… aren’t a free cultivator… Wait—you’re Zhou Qing?”

Soon, Shen Yunzhou realized—he stared, utterly incredulous.

Zhou Qing nodded, smiling. “Sorry—I’m just cautious. Never expected the person you were looking for would be me.”

Shen Yunzhou studied Zhou Qing, eyes full of suspicion, still doubtful. He tested: “Do you know who I mean by the silver-haired ugly woman?”

Zhou Qing replied calmly: “Shen Hanyi.”

Shen Yunzhou’s eyes lit up. Overcome with excitement, he stepped forward to embrace Zhou Qing.

The password matched!

But Zhou Qing’s expression changed—he instinctively stepped back.

After witnessing twice firsthand the revolting aura Shen Yunzhou wielded, he’d developed a deep aversion.

He dared not get close—feared being tainted.

Shen Yunzhou’s raised arms froze midair; his smile vanished.

He looked awkward, rubbing his nose uneasily.

Then, with a touch of self-mockery: “Sorry to embarrass you—do you dislike the aura I cultivated?”

Zhou Qing hurriedly said, “No, no, don’t misunderstand me.”

“Then just hug me!” Shen Yunzhou stepped forward again.

Zhou Qing: “...”

“What did you want with me? And how did you even know about Senior Shen?” Zhou Qing immediately crouched down, picked up the old hen, and changed the subject.

Shen Yunzhou sighed lightly.

You really do despise me.

In fact, even at home, everyone avoided him; being near him always made people involuntarily picture a pile of shit.

But he quickly suppressed his disappointment, smiled, and cleared his throat. “Brother Zhou, let me reintroduce myself—I’m Shen Yunzhou, and Shen Hanyi is my sister!”

After hearing this, Zhou Qing feigned sudden realization again. “So the person your sister was trying to save was you!”

Shen Yunzhou nodded vigorously, his expression tinged with emotion and relief.

“That’s right—it’s me. To be honest, I’m ashamed to say it, but years ago I recklessly wandered into an ancient ruin and somehow triggered something without realizing it.”

“Right then, my blood surged wildly, my consciousness blurred, and I fell into endless unconsciousness.”

“If not for my sister traveling far and wide searching for a cure, I’d still be lying there dead!”

(End of Chapter)