[{"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-268":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},2265801,4423,"Chapter 268","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-268",268,"\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou’s blunt words unexpectedly stirred a smile in Zhou Qing’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, most younger brothers in this world are a constant source of trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either they’re causing trouble, or on their way to causing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then again, the two shape-shifting divine herbs—‘Bingli Lingque Zhi’ from your sister’s restricted zone and ‘Chiyan Jinwen Teng’ from the Kunpeng Palace—both originated from my assistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Add to that your sister’s daring act of smuggling them out, and in a sense, both your sister and I saved half your life each.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given that, shouldn’t you properly thank me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Zhou Qing looked at him with eager anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After his moment of reflection, Shen Yunzhou suddenly remembered something, a flicker of doubt crossing his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pressed: “How do you know my sister’s name is Shen Hanyi? She rarely reveals her real name to outsiders, especially when traveling—she’s always extremely cautious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing replied calmly: “She didn’t tell me. We heard it from a man named Yan Sen, during our search for the Chiyan Jinwen Teng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing the name Yan Sen, Shen Yunzhou let out a cold snort, his face filled with revulsion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A disgusting nuisance—I once stumbled into a ruin he falsely claimed to know about, pretending to be helpful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou seethed: “I was blind to believe his lies back then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he simply couldn’t understand how Yan Sen ended up traveling with his sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, his sister despised Yan Sen intensely; if not for the old ties and debts between his family and the Shen family, she would never have even met him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhou, tell me in detail what happened that day—especially regarding Yan Sen,” Shen Yunzhou asked urgently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yan Sen? That smiling tiger?” At that moment, a clear voice suddenly rang out from behind Zhou Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, Lu Yaoyao stepped out, hands behind her back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know him?” Lu Yaoyao tilted her head, looking at Shen Yunzhou with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou instinctively turned to Lu Yaoyao; for some reason, the instant he saw her, he felt as if he were looking at his sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know him too? No—your aura…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Shen Yunzhou’s face showed surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when he noticed Lu Yaoyao’s hair, which, under the sunlight, faintly shimmered with a silver-white glow strikingly similar to his sister’s—this stunned him further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing hadn’t expected Lu Yaoyao to suddenly appear like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last night at the Yushan Hall, because of Du Kui’s matter, he had already quit drinking and spent the entire meal sipping tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this girl, like his third senior brother, had gotten drunk and consumed a lot—yet she’d sobered up so quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me introduce you: this is my junior sister, Lu Yaoyao. Your sister taught her a heart method and a divine technique. This is Shen Yunzhou, younger brother of Senior Shen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing could only make the introductions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?” As soon as Zhou Qing finished speaking, both of them exclaimed in unison, voices brimming with disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Student?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait, no wonder I felt you seemed familiar—I thought it was because of my sister… wait, what did you just call me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou stared blankly at Lu Yaoyao, eyes wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao beamed: “N-nothing, slipped my tongue. So it turns out Sister Shen searched for the shape-shifting divine herbs just to save you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou nodded, exhaling deeply, joking: “You scared me—I thought my sister had secretly gone out these past few years and given birth out of wedlock.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But honestly, I’ve never had anyone call me ‘uncle’ before. Sounds kind of nice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing helplessly covered his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell are you two doing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this even the topic we’re discussing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hasn’t the conversation drifted way off track?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, how did you know about my sister saving me? Did Brother Zhou tell you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Shen Yunzhou snapped back to reality, frowning in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao was now carefully studying Shen Yunzhou, especially his hair—thick and jet-black, nothing like Third Mama’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response to his question, she blinked and said: “Because I was there when we searched for the Chiyan Jinwen Teng. And as for that Yan Sen you mentioned—I’m the one with the most to say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lu Yaoyao recounted in detail what she had witnessed that day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After listening, Shen Yunzhou grew even angrier, cursing loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He secretly followed her, then pretended to want to give my sister a surprise afterward?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pfft—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I bet he just wanted to claim the secret realm for himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned to Zhou Qing, his face filled with gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for Zhou Qing reopening the six-colored formation, he wouldn’t be standing here now, chatting and laughing with everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao looked at Zhou Qing with a smug grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>See? I’ve added another ally to your side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now not only does Third Mama hate him, but your little brother-in-law has joined the ranks too—he’s got a grudge against your rival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meeting Lu Yaoyao’s mischievous gaze, Zhou Qing understood her intentions instantly—he could only sigh helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, Lu Yaoyao suddenly clapped her hands and addressed Shen Yunzhou: “I just remembered something—the clues to the Kunpeng Palace ruin? My Senior Brother Zhou helped find them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was in the legacy left by the old Kunpeng King. At the time, the stone platform was sealed by a five-colored restriction. Sister Shen couldn’t break it and wanted to smash it by force.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Senior Brother Zhou found another way—he lit three incense sticks, and only then did the seal open. Afterwards, he didn’t take the map or the storage pouch—this is how Sister Shen later found the Kunpeng Palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing coughed awkwardly, quickly shooting Lu Yaoyao a warning glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why say all this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It makes us sound like we’re deliberately boasting. Didn’t I want to take everything back then? It was just impossible under the circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Shen Yunzhou looked at Zhou Qing again, his gratitude deepening further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed deeply, his tone sincere: “All this was clearly destined. Brother Zhou, I cannot thank you enough for this life-saving grace—I, Shen Yunzhou, will never forget it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing hurriedly helped him up, silently grumbling: Fine, thank me already—why keep talking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outwardly, he politely replied: “You’re too kind—it was nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Shen Yunzhou rose, he opened his mouth to say more, but noticed Zhou Qing staring intently at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confused, he instinctively touched his face and asked: “Brother Zhou, do I have… poop on my face?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing: “…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I just think you’re awfully pale—you’re almost as white as my storage pouch,” Zhou Qing chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouldn’t we get back to the real topic now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou laughed: “Don’t joke—I’ve been told by my sister and others that my face is yellow. Where’s the white? But your skin really is pale.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing chuckled dryly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Shen Yunzhou’s expression turned serious: “Brother Zhou, to be honest, I traveled all this way just to thank you for saving my life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s eyes instantly lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All this buildup—I’ve been waiting for you to say this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou continued: “I originally planned to offer you supreme spirit stones, but along the way I saw how noble you are—you refused ten even when freely offered, truly regarding wealth as dirt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It made me feel ashamed. These mundane things simply aren’t worthy of you—they’re almost an insult.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing hurried to say: “Actually, you misunderstood…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could finish, Shen Yunzhou interrupted: “I know. I was busy with affairs recently, but after asking around, I learned that in the entire Eastern Region, no one doesn’t know your name, Zhou Qing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou spoke on, his eyes filled with admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing quickly said: “Those are just past reputations—I sometimes do enjoy those things…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me finish. Now that you’re the future young sect master of Taiqingmen, you surely have no shortage of such mundane goods. My initial thinking was too narrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhou Qing’s face twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened his mouth to say he really needed money—after all, who ever had too much?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But under Shen Yunzhou’s glowing praise, the words died on his tongue—he didn’t know what to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Shen Yunzhou bowed again to Zhou Qing, speaking earnestly: “I’ve never met anyone as virtuous, with such high cultivation and noble character as you, Brother Zhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Zhou Qing felt like crying. He turned his head—Lu Yaoyao was staring at him with sparkling eyes, full of worship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a disaster!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing groaned inwardly, his heart bleeding as he helplessly watched the supreme spirit stones slip through his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was too late now—he couldn’t just bluntly ask for money; he didn’t have that kind of nerve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only force a smile: “Brother Shen, you flatter me. I merely did what I should have done. Your praise makes me feel embarrassed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao stepped forward, proudly declaring: “Of course! My Senior Brother Zhou always acts with righteous heart—he never seeks reward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Lu Yaoyao’s words, Shen Yunzhou’s admiration for Zhou Qing deepened further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clasped his fists and said: “Clearly, Brother Zhou is truly a dragon among men. To meet you today is a great fortune for me, Yunzhou. Should you ever need anything, just say the word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s heart ached, yet he maintained a humble demeanor, waving his hand: “Brother Shen, you’re too formal—we’re all cultivators; helping each other is natural.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, Shen… I’ll call you Brother Shen. Senior Brother Zhou, he’s our guest. We can’t just stand out here chatting forever,” Lu Yaoyao teased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing snapped out of his daze, lightly tapping his forehead, apologetic: “My apologies—I was negligent. Brother Shen, please, come inside!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhou, Junior Sister Lu, thank you for your hospitality!” Shen Yunzhou smiled warmly, bowing slightly in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhou, Sister Lu, sorry for the intrusion!” Shen Yunzhou smiled broadly and bowed slightly in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the three were about to enter, a sharp tearing sound suddenly came from the distant sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three instinctively looked up and saw a streak of light racing toward them, arriving in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a flying vessel of familiar design, its hull forged from an unknown black metal, exuding a cold, crisp texture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Runes on its surface flickered and interwove, forming a faint, shimmering protective aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fluttering from its mast was the banner of the Xiao family of Lingyun Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s from Lingyun Mansion—” Lu Yaoyao said, surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing frowned. Was it here to investigate him again, on behalf of Taiqingmen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, the cabin door opened, and two familiar figures stepped out, followed by several attendants clad in tight-fitting gear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the two approaching, Zhou Qing froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Cancan, Tao-jie, not—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing was momentarily bewildered. Didn’t you say you weren’t coming back after returning from Lingyun Mansion last time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t the mansion master give orders forbidding it? Why are you here now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Brother Zhou—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Zhou Qing, Xiao Cancan and Li Shitao cried out joyfully and rushed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did you get here?” Zhou Qing smiled in greeting, his face filled with surprise and delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Shitao suddenly stepped forward and bowed deeply, anxious yet embarrassed: “Zhou Qing, can I ask you for a favor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tao-jie, just say it—why use the word ‘ask’?” Zhou Qing asked, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they had known each other for years; when he and his third senior brother went to Lingyun Mansion, they had received much care from her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Shen Yunzhou looked at the woman with her ample chest, then at Zhou Qing, his eyes brimming with admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mid-stage Soul Transformation cultivator calling a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator ‘sister’?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brother Zhou truly lives up to his name—no airs, able to interact equally with cultivators of all realms. Such grace is truly admirable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou silently marveled, his respect for Zhou Qing deepening further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Li Shitao hurriedly added: “Thank you. I’d like to beg for a supreme-grade wood-element spirit stone. Is that possible? Of course, I’ll repay you afterward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing froze, even more bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re the mansion master’s adopted daughter now—surely you don’t lack even a single spirit stone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shitao quickly explained: “It’s like this—I met a poor pregnant woman over at Haomiao Mansion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been caring for her, but with the end of the war in the southwest and the death of the Fifth Imperial Prince, we’ve been ordered back by our adoptive father, and Zhang Wanbao plans to return too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing nodded upon hearing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, when he had visited the Treasure Pavilion last time, he hadn’t seen Tao-jie, and Zhang Wanbao and Xiao Cancan had mentioned it then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had suspected then that the pregnant woman was Li Niang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing then projected Li Niang’s image using spiritual power: “Is this her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shitao looked and was startled: “You know her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing exchanged a glance with Lu Yaoyao, then nodded: “Sort of.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shitao’s face lit up with joy: “Then it’s even better—she’s about to give birth, but her belly is so huge, I’m afraid the child will be enormous, and when the time comes, I worry…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shitao trailed off. Zhou Qing understood, but was more stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Niang was about to give birth?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew her obsession ran deep—she had entered the Soul Transformation realm by channeling her profound love for her partner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now she was at the late stage of Soul Transformation; he had already met her since the Sect Master’s time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For over a thousand years, she had used various heavenly and earthly medicinal herbs to suppress the child’s birth, waiting desperately for her husband’s return so he could witness the child’s arrival firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spark that ignited the battle at Canglan Mountain was her stealing the divine herb Fusang Lingkui from the Demon King Hou Shan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was she giving birth now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did you find out?” Zhou Qing suppressed his shock and looked at Li Shitao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shitao explained: “Lately, I’ve felt an uneasy foreboding and couldn’t stop worrying about her. Since our adoptive father strictly forbade me from coming here, I took the teleportation array to Haomiao Mansion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I got there, I saw her condition—her belly was terrifyingly larger than before, her movements extremely sluggish, her breath chaotic. I feared she could give birth at any moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhou Qing finally understood the urgency behind her plea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to use the immense life force within the supreme-grade wood-element spirit stone to continuously nourish Li Niang during childbirth, helping her withstand the inevitable dangers of labor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Li Niang was a late-stage Soul Transformation powerhouse, and her child had been gestated for a thousand years—delivering it would be unimaginably difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shitao continued: “Two months ago, when you left Lingyun Mansion, we all gathered together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mentioned then that, due to your cultivation method, you had exchanged five wood-element spirit stones with Wanbao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Supreme-grade spirit stones contain immense spiritual energy and take long to absorb. Could you spare one for now? I’ll find any way to repay you once Li Niang gives birth safely—I won’t let you suffer any loss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing frowned, filled with helplessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mainly because you came too late—the five wood-element spirit stones have already been fully absorbed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Cancan, who had been watching Zhou Qing’s expression, quickly spoke up: “Big Brother Zhou, the mansion’s secret vault originally held nine wood-element spirit stones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But during the Linggu Mountain secret realm incident, Father was severely injured.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So those stones were used for his recovery, and our first priority upon arriving was to see him—but he no longer has any.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“However, Uncle Zhang is here now. He says another branch of the Wanxiang Auction House recently acquired one wood-element spirit stone, but it’s far away and will take time to transport.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As soon as it arrives, we’ll return it to you immediately, Big Brother Zhou—please don’t worry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing sighed deeply and said sincerely: “To be honest, due to the unique nature of my cultivation method, I require immense wood-element spiritual energy—I’ve already absorbed all five spirit stones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the two women were instantly disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood-element spirit stones were rare; they had scoured many places and, with no other options, had come to Taiqingmen in desperation, hoping for luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside them, Shen Yunzhou glanced between the dejected Li Shitao and Xiao Cancan, then at the helpless Zhou Qing, and suddenly cleared his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke with solemn gravity: “Brother Zhou says he used them up—that means he truly used them up. I trust his character.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s brow twitched violently as he turned to Shen Yunzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did you have to say that? Anyone listening would think I’m deliberately hiding them and refusing to help!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two women’s faces paled. Xiao Cancan quickly explained: “We’ve never doubted Big Brother Zhou! Please don’t misunderstand!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, we’ll find another way—you mustn’t think badly of us,” Li Shitao added hastily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had known Zhou Qing for years; they trusted his character completely. Now they feared Shen Yunzhou’s words might damage their long-standing bond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao frowned, about to speak, when Shen Yunzhou suddenly flipped his wrist with elegant flair—a six-sided, emerald-green stone appeared in his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its surface shimmered with intricate runes like ancient tree rings, radiating a vibrant life force—it was unmistakably a supreme-grade wood-element spirit stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhou doesn’t have any—but I do!” Shen Yunzhou held up the spirit stone, grinning triumphantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two women’s eyes lit up instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“May I ask your name?” Li Shitao and Xiao Cancan bowed deeply, excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou waved dismissively: “I’m Shen Yunzhou. I came here to repay a debt. Since you’re Brother Zhou’s friends, you’re my friends too—when a friend is in trouble, how could I stand idly by?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished speaking, he thrust the spirit stone directly into Li Shitao’s hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Shen’s kindness will never be forgotten. Once the new spirit stone arrives, we’ll repay you,” Li Shitao said gratefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to repay. And if you want to thank someone, thank Brother Zhou. When Li Niang gives birth, just casually make us both her child’s adoptive fathers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou joked half-seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shitao and Xiao Cancan nodded eagerly: “Of course! Of course! Thank you both!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, they bowed again, deeply and solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing could only wave his hand—he hadn’t done a thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two women didn’t linger; they had recently seen Xiao Ji, whose expression had been grim, as if Uncle Zhang’s search for the killer still hadn’t succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation was odd, and they had been explicitly told to return to the mansion quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the flying vessel vanish into the distance, Zhou Qing was about to invite Shen Yunzhou inside when the latter suddenly grinned mischievously: “So Brother Zhou cultivates a wood-element method? Why didn’t you say so earlier?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished speaking, he slapped his storage bag—and ten supreme-grade wood-element spirit stones, glowing with soft green light, appeared in his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I came in a hurry and only brought twelve. One went to them, one I’m keeping for emergencies—these remaining ones are all yours. Consider them thanks for saving my life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou said it casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s eyes flashed with sudden brilliance—he never imagined this man carried such a fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder those bandits tried to rob him on the road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder he came from a level-five spiritual nation—his generosity was unmatched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Generous. I like it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, no, no, I can’t accept this! It’s too much! Absolutely not!” Zhou Qing hurriedly refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao stared at the spirit stones now clutched tightly in Zhou Qing’s arms, her lips twitching twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Brother Zhou, you—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shut up. Can’t stand seeing your senior brother do well?” Zhou Qing shot back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One round of modest refusal was enough. Shen Yunzhou is a sincere man—if I refuse again, he might take them back—and I’d really spit blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhou is truly a man of true character—so straightforward!” Shen Yunzhou laughed heartily, his admiration growing even stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Loyal, unpretentious, principled—he far surpasses Yan Sen by countless degrees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing quickly tucked the spirit stones into his storage bag, filled with gratitude toward Li Shitao and Xiao Cancan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—he should thank Li Niang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her help in Haomiao Mansion long ago had now returned to him in this utterly unexpected way—truly proving the saying: “Good deeds bring good rewards.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, come in, let’s talk later!” Zhou Qing beamed, extending his hand warmly to invite them in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou also smiled and bowed his hands. “Brother Zhou, after you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them headed toward the mountain gate’s barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How is Master Shen’s injury now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Almost fully recovered, thank you for your concern.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just asked out of curiosity. By the way, how did you come to comprehend such an aura?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s a long story. Are you sure you want to hear it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then never mind. Let’s talk about something else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Brother Shen, what aura? I want to hear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re sure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absolutely!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright. Since it’s a long story, I’ll tell you in detail over dinner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3518,"2026-06-19T20:13:54.632Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","fa5d6661e6604a228c17b2a14f7bfaa0d8b7c389680043e78880488e431ac3e7","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-269","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-267",302,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmy-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--cover.jpg"]