Chapter 273: Amitabha, this poor monk is Jue Ming, here to seek someone! (

Upon hearing Lin Jin's words, Zhou Qing shook his head directly.

"I already said it last time: I won't sell it no matter how high the price, nor do I intend to refine it. This post is harmful to the Heavenly Dao; if I refine too many, I myself will become tainted with misfortune!"

Lin Jin chuckled and said indifferently, "You aren't selling because it hasn't reached the psychological price I gave you. Everything in the world has its price; it's just that the chips aren't enough."

"Moreover, the misfortune you worry about is merely fear of the unknown. If you can exchange a suitable price for greater benefits, why not?"

Zhou Qing was stunned after hearing this.

This guy actually stopped using inverted sentences when speaking at length?

But since the conversation had reached this point, he suddenly recalled the scene when the Commandery Governor and the Prefecture Master brought the Inner Palace Superintendent from the Imperial Capital that day.

Zhong Yao said that during those days of investigating the case, Gao Xianzhong was particularly unlucky; having no other choice, they prepared to stay at Taiqingmen for a few days to try and turn their luck around.

This moment was the perfect opportunity to resolve the doubts in his heart.

Staring at Lin Jin's back, Zhou Qing spoke up: "Normally speaking, I should call you Lin Jin, right?"

After asking this, Zhou Qing did not feel much shock from him.

It seems that night outside the academy cave dwelling, when Imperial Consort Chen chased after him shouting "Brother Lin Jin," he must have noticed that he and Hearing San Shixiong had come out to watch the excitement.

"I don't want to ask what happened between you and Imperial Consort Chen back then, nor how you escaped death from the ruins. I only want to know, why did you use the 【Misfortune Post】 on Gao Xianzhong?"

Zhou Qing said bluntly.

The white-clad Lin Jin did not respond this time, but turned and walked away.

Zhou Qing shook his head helplessly; this guy—

He really wanted to ask directly why the two of them wanted to eliminate the Imperial Prince, but if he asked this, wouldn't it expose his identity as Number One?

After all, Sikong Yan had only told him about this matter alone.

"The two are not one, because the remarks are different, but they definitely cooperated. From the time they negotiated with me at Qingyuxian Sect to demand the 【Misfortune Post】, they were actually already planning it."

"But the 【Misfortune Post】 only makes people unlucky for three days, and it won't take Gao Xianzhong's life, so what is their purpose in doing this?"

Zhou Qing's brows were tightly locked, lost in thought.

"Could it be that the Imperial Prince's death was just the beginning, and the Inner Palace Superintendent Gao Xianzhong is just one of their twisted hobbies, and they actually have other schemes?"

Looking at Lin Jin's receding back, Zhou Qing's heart was filled with doubts.

It couldn't be because of Imperial Consort Chen, could it?

Lin Jin's vision wouldn't be so narrow, and Sikong Yan wouldn't be so bored as to implicate himself for someone else, or even drag down the entire Chiyan Longshi.

Shen Yunzhou, seeing the white-clad Lin Jin leave, came over from the mountain gate and said, "Who is this guy? He didn't turn his face around from beginning to end; he's arrogant enough!"

Zhou Qing replied, "Just an old acquaintance."

Shen Yunzhou nodded and didn't ask further.

Just as the two turned to enter the mountain gate, a flying boat sped over from the northwest, accompanied by excited shouts: "Brother Zhou, Brother Zhou—"

Zhou Qing looked up, and when he saw the figure on the flying boat deck, his eyes lit up: "Jiang Pojun—"

Soon, Jiang Pojun arrived, laughed, and rushed over, giving Zhou Qing a bear hug.

Feeling this long-lost bold spirit, Zhou Qing's mood was exceptionally relaxed.

"Long time no see!" Jiang Pojun said.

Zhou Qing responded with a full smile: "Long time no see. You aren't guarding the border, so why did you suddenly run to the interior?"

"Of course, I came specifically to find you. You... who is this?" Jiang Pojun was about to continue when he saw Shen Yunzhou standing to the side and asked.

Zhou Qing hurriedly introduced the two; they cupped their hands in salute to each other, considering it an acquaintance.

"Let's go, this is probably your first time at my Taiqingmen, let's talk inside!" Zhou Qing invited warmly.

Jiang Pojun nodded repeatedly; to be honest, having rushed here without stopping, he was indeed physically and mentally exhausted.

After entering the mountain gate, hearing that his acquaintance Jiang Pojun had arrived, Yan Xiaohu immediately rushed over.

Yan Xiaohu had always greatly admired these hot-blooded men guarding the border.

This also made him recall the days when the fourth brother fought five deputy generals in a row, and he and those marshals bet to win supreme-grade spirit stones.

In a flash, several years had passed; time really flies!

"Brother Yan!" Jiang Pojun greeted with a smile upon seeing Yan Xiaohu.

After the few sat down and briefly caught up, Jiang Pojun finally got to the point.

"Speaking of which, that time I was leading a patrol at the border, I encountered a flying boat; I really didn't expect you and Lu Shimei to be on it!"

Jiang Pojun wore a smile and said with great interest, "I was prepared to offer some kind advice at the time, but I didn't expect the flying boat to just fly past."

Zhou Qing glanced at Shen Yunzhou without a trace and then explained, "At that time, I was taken by a senior to help."

"Understood, all understood. The Prince said he was worried that the silver-haired Soul Severance realm expert might have placed some forbidden curse on you, so he specifically conducted an investigation when he came to Taiqingmen."

"After all, he is a good friend of your master, so he should have helped out; I didn't expect it to cause your misunderstanding," Jiang Pojun said hurriedly.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing's face sank, showing displeasure.

Seeming to vaguely understand something, he pressed, "This time, was it Prince Xuan Yuan who sent you to find me?"

At this moment, Shen Yunzhou, listening to their words, felt a stir in his heart.

He roughly guessed that the silver-haired Soul Severance realm expert must be his elder sister.

Elder sister, did she force Brother Zhou to help back then?

That shouldn't be; it doesn't sound like her character.

Although elder sister is in the Soul Severance realm, she has never used power to suppress others.

Yan Xiaohu looked at Jiang Pojun, then at Zhou Qing, whose face didn't look good.

Thinking back to how Xuan Yuan Shuo had already come to Taiqingmen twice, it seemed some unpleasant things had happened between the two during this period.

What exactly is going on?

The fourth brother never told us.

Facing Zhou Qing's questioning, Jiang Pojun was a bit embarrassed; he really didn't know some of the details.

But these words were specifically entrusted to him by the Prince before he left.

He had no choice but to nod and say, "Yes, the border has been chaotic recently. The Spider Emperor fell in the Dragon Emperor's territory, and thousands of miles around are shrouded in various negative emotions."

"For the next few hundred years, there will be no sunlight all year round. At that time, many low-level demonic beasts instantly became tomb-guarding beasts."

"The Dragon Emperor had no choice but to hurriedly take some escaping demonic beasts to attack the Spider Emperor's territory."

"But before they could firmly establish their footing, two other Demon Emperors from further away, the Wei Lun Yao and the Qing Luo Beast, also came to loot the burning house."

"Fortunately, after the Prince received the news, he also brought various armies to join the fun, which barely stabilized the situation."

Speaking of this, Jiang Pojun sighed long, his face showing exhaustion.

Zhou Qing didn't speak; after all, this matter had already been mentioned when Xuan Yuan Shuo came last time.

Moreover, it was said that in the deeper reaches, another Demon Emperor with bordering territory had also participated.

However, Yan Xiaohu was full of shock.

The Spider Emperor actually fell?

When did this happen?

The three great demon mountains bordering the Holy Martial Dynasty are only the Peng Emperor's Taiyao Mountain, the Dragon Emperor's Blood Prison Mountain, and the Spider Emperor's Thousand Illusion Secret Cave.

Now, two Demon Emperors have fallen; this is too sudden.

Jiang Pojun continued, "The Prince could previously rely on his mid-stage Soul Severance cultivation to slightly deter them, but this is not a long-term solution."

"Especially the Dragon Emperor, who has requested assistance from the Peng Emperor of Taiyao Mountain several times recently, but the Peng Emperor has been in seclusion and ignored him."

"But Taiyao Mountain as a whole is restless, especially since some demonic beasts in the mountain also want to take this opportunity to get a share, but since the Peng Emperor won't speak, they can only be anxious."

"So, I came under the Prince's orders this time to ask you for a favor, but the Prince didn't specify what favor; he said you would know."

After Jiang Pojun finished speaking, he also looked at Zhou Qing with curiosity.

Zhou Qing, however, locked his brows, said nothing, and fell into deep thought.

Yan Xiaohu, sitting to the side, scratched his head.

The Peng Emperor is in seclusion?

Didn't the Peng Emperor die in the explosion at Spirit Skull Mountain? That guy almost took his and the fourth brother's lives.

What is all this?

What exactly are you all talking about?

What favor can a Soul Severance realm expert ask of the fourth brother? To have him pretend to be the Peng Emperor?

As soon as Yan Xiaohu thought of this, his eyes lit up, seeming to guess something, and he hurriedly looked at Zhou Qing.

This is possible?

Those Soul Severance realm Demon Emperors aren't idiots; would they believe it?

And Zhou Qing, after a brief thought, looked up at Jiang Pojun, but a smile suddenly appeared on his face.

"Brother Jiang, I'm really sorry to have you make a wasted trip. Perhaps you should tell Prince Xuan Yuan that I have recently had some insights and am preparing to go into seclusion for a few years; I really don't have time to go to the border to help!"

Zhou Qing said in a calm tone.

Hearing Zhou Qing's words, Jiang Pojun was stunned, clearly not expecting Zhou Qing to refuse the Prince's invitation.

No, when we left the border last time, didn't we get along quite happily?

What happened?

"Brother Zhou, the Prince said the reward this time is doubled, and going this time..."

"Brother Jiang, you really misunderstood; this isn't a matter of money; I really have urgent matters!" Zhou Qing directly interrupted Jiang Pojun.

"You've worked hard rushing here all the way. Third Shixiong, please go to the Jade Meal Hall and bring some food for Brother Jiang!"

Zhou Qing stood up with a smile and then said, "After eating, my third Shixiong will take you to the VIP resting area; you should rest early."

After speaking, Zhou Qing nodded slightly and turned to leave.

Shen Yunzhou, seeing this, hurriedly chased after him.

Jiang Pojun frowned slightly, his face showing contemplation.

After all, with things said to this point, anyone could see there was a problem.

"Brother Jiang, wait here for a moment, I'll be right back!" Yan Xiaohu said politely, then hurriedly chased after them.

At this moment, Zhou Qing, having just walked out of the hall door, saw his face instantly darken.

They really have a good plan.

When they need me, I'm on call; when they don't, they use brute force to search my soul.

They don't care about the face of the Second Grandfather at all, nor do they consider my contribution in repairing the four-colored array at the border.

You must know, any form of soul searching causes irreversible damage to a cultivator; if it were a mortal, they might become an idiot.

"Brother Zhou, if there is anything you need help with, just say the word; if it really doesn't work, I'll call my elder sister over!" Shen Yunzhou said after catching up.

Zhou Qing looked at him, forced a smile on his gloomy face, and said, "It's really nothing, and I do plan to go into seclusion to cultivate in a few days."

After all, the Enlightenment Ancient Tea Tree is now continuously producing ethereal aura; it won't be long before he can have another epiphany.

Soon, Yan Xiaohu also chased out.

"Fourth brother, what exactly happened?" Yan Xiaohu asked.

Zhou Qing said, "This is a matter between me and Xuan Yuan Shuo; it has nothing to do with you. Don't worry, for the sake of the Second Grandfather, he won't do anything to me. You hurry and get some food for Brother Jiang."

Yan Xiaohu looked at Zhou Qing, and a sense of powerlessness surged in his heart.

As a Shixiong, not only is his cultivation far behind the fourth brother's, but now he can't even help when he wants to.

Afterward, he nodded and flew his sword toward the direction of Divine Peak.

Only, he didn't expect Jiang Pojun to come to bid farewell the next day, preparing to return to report.

"Stay safe on the road!" Zhou Qing simply urged.

Jiang Pojun sighed after hearing this, hesitated, and said, "Brother Zhou, what conditions do you need to be willing to help? I believe as long as the conditions are reasonable, there is nothing that cannot be solved."

Zhou Qing looked at Jiang Pojun's embarrassed appearance, his heart stirred, and he said, "It's mainly that I really need to go into seclusion, but—"

Hearing Zhou Qing's hesitant words, Jiang Pojun's eyes lit up.

As a soldier, he had patted his chest and promised the Prince that he would definitely bring Zhou Qing back.

With such a situation now, he had to find a way to make up for it.

"Tell me, any conditions can be negotiated!" Jiang Pojun said hurriedly.

Zhou Qing said, "Ten supreme-grade wood-attribute spirit stones, and I can give up this hard-won epiphany opportunity."

If you do something you shouldn't, you have to pay the corresponding price; it just depends on whether you are willing.

As soon as these words were spoken, the smile on Jiang Pojun's face instantly froze.

Zhou Qing smiled slightly, then bowed and said, "I wish you a smooth journey!"

Jiang Pojun, having come to his senses, sighed, returned the salute, and then drove the flying boat away.

Zhou Qing looked at the flying boat gradually disappearing into a black dot on the horizon with a solemn expression and let out a long breath.

As a mid-stage Soul Severance realm powerhouse, why would Xuan Yuan Shuo be willing to pay ten wood-attribute spirit stones because of one unsuccessful soul search?

This condition, which was almost like a lion opening its mouth, was merely a room for maneuver he deliberately left.

But he couldn't block this path; after all, the other party was a Soul Severance realm expert, and a mid-stage one at that.

Even if he didn't consider himself, he had to think about Taiqingmen.

Moreover, when he left the border, he had indeed promised to assist Xuan Yuan Shuo in handling Demon Domain affairs.

But who told him to cross the line with him first.

And these supreme-grade wood-attribute spirit stones were the step down for him; it just depended on how much sincerity he had.

Of course, after deep thought last night, he had another concern: the Inner Palace Superintendent Gao Xianzhong was still here.

If Xuan Yuan Shuo gave a slight hint, it would be another troublesome matter for Taiqingmen.

Just as he returned, he saw Lu Yaoyao had arrived.

She looked worried and hurriedly stepped forward: "Brother Zhou, what exactly happened between you and Xuan Yuan Shuo?"

She didn't know at first, but Yan Xiaohu ran over worriedly to ask if she knew anything.

After all, she spent the most time with Zhou Qing on a daily basis and might know the inside story.

Zhou Qing pulled himself together, forced a smile: "You all are really easily startled; it's really nothing, don't worry."

He paused and added, "By the way, I plan to go into seclusion again for more than a month; I'll leave Brother Shen's hospitality to you."

Lu Yaoyao, seeing Zhou Qing didn't want to say more, felt embarrassed to ask again and had to nod gloomily.

Just like that, as the seventh day arrived, the ethereal aura emitted by the Enlightenment Ancient Tea Tree became increasingly rich, and Zhou Qing began his seclusion with excitement.

It seems this trip to the border is unavoidable; whether facing Xuan Yuan Shuo or other Demon Emperors, he must prepare more life-saving means.

Then this time, let's comprehend the second strand of Phoenix Dao patterns; it can be considered a major killing move at a critical moment.

And after learning that Zhou Qing was in seclusion, Shen Yunzhou did not leave.

He always felt this matter had something to do with his elder sister, or rather, was caused by finding that shapeshifting divine medicine for him.

Being a person requires loyalty; now that he had caused this mess, he naturally couldn't sit idly by.

"So what if it's mid-stage Soul Severance?" he whispered to himself, his fingertips brushing over the secret treasure left by his sister in the storage bag, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes, "At worst, we'll fight to the death."

At the same time, outside the towering mountain gate of Jin Leizong, amidst the swirling clouds and mist, two figures, one large and one small, walked slowly from the foot of the mountain.

The elder monk wore a tattered but clean gray monk robe, his eyes deep and serene, revealing compassion and peace.

The little monk wore slightly oversized monk clothes, his face still carrying some childishness, his eyes revealing curiosity and liveliness.

"Amitabha, this poor monk is Jue Ming, and this is my little disciple Kong Chan. We are here to visit your sect presumptuously!"

The big monk put his hands together, smiling, his voice mellow and melodious as he looked toward the mountain gate of Jin Leizong.

At this time, Elder Gong Zhen, who was guarding the mountain gate, walked out, looking at these two monks, confused.

"May I ask, Master, is there something you need?" Elder Gong Zhen frowned slightly and asked.

He was, after all, in the Divine Transformation realm, but he couldn't see through the elder monk's cultivation at all, and was full of vigilance at this moment.

The big monk, who called himself Jue Ming, nodded slightly, his smile undiminished, looking at Gong Zhen with gentle eyes.

He said slowly, "Elder, don't be offended. My little disciple and I are here to seek someone; I hope the Elder can accommodate us."

After speaking, Monk Jue Ming put his hands together again, bowed slightly, his attitude very respectful.

The little monk Kong Chan to the side opened his clear eyes, his head nodding along with his master's words.

Gong Zhen was a bit confused but didn't dare to be negligent, raising his hand to return the salute: "I don't know the name of the person the Master is looking for? Are they in my Jin Leizong?"

Jue Ming put his hands together, his fingers under the cassock lightly twisting the prayer beads: "This poor monk does not know their name, nor even whether they are male or female."

Gong Zhen: "..."

Are you here to tease me?

"Elder, don't misunderstand." A white light flashed in Jue Ming's sleeve, and plain white rice paper was already spread in his palm.

As a strand of golden light condensed at his fingertips, spiritual power moved like an ink brush, and in a moment, three lines of cinnabar characters were outlined.

"I wonder if this post can be presented to your Sect Master? If anyone can solve these three questions, this poor monk will have a generous reward."

Looking at the paper handed over, Gong Zhen took it suspiciously and looked.

【Obsession is like a lock, how to resolve it?】

【Where is the other shore?】

【All living beings suffer, how to ferry them?】

"Please, Elder, help me!" Jue Ming turned his palm, and a transparent supreme-grade spirit stone appeared in his hand, then was handed over.

"Master, what is the meaning of this?!" Gong Zhen stepped back suddenly, full of shock.

What did he see? A monk bribing him?

This completely overturned his understanding of Buddhist cultivators.

Since when did begging for alms work in reverse?

Jue Ming smiled and said, "This poor monk is asking for your help; isn't this only natural?"

Gong Zhen: "..."

"Don't ordinary cultivators do this when asking for help? We know the rules," Kong Chan echoed crisply, his round face full of seriousness.

Jue Ming smiled, stepped forward, and stuffed the supreme-grade spirit stone into Gong Zhen's hand.

"Amitabha, please!" Jue Ming said.

Gong Zhen's face was awkward; he just felt weird.

But he still put the spirit stone away; after all, no one thinks they have too much of this stuff.

"You two wait here, I'll go report it!" Gong Zhen said, cupped his hands, and hurried away.

Little monk Kong Chan, seeing this, laughed happily: "Master, it really works; otherwise we would have been turned away."

Jue Ming also smiled and said, "Yes, there is a saying in the mortal world: money can make ghosts push millstones. If we didn't give it, they might just be perfunctory, and wouldn't we have made a wasted trip?"

Kong Chan nodded repeatedly, then looked full of anticipation: "I wonder if the Buddha Child is inside?"

"That I don't know; everything depends on luck. After all, in the Eastern Region of Lingyun Prefecture, the five major sects take in the most disciples, so the probability of us encountering them is higher," Jue Ming mused.

Afterward, the master and disciple waited quietly at the mountain gate, the clouds and mist swirling around them, actually avoiding them by three feet, which was extremely strange.

Not long after, a young man with sword-like brows and star-like eyes walked out, followed by two Supreme Elders with white hair hanging to their chests.

The young man cupped his hands in salute: "I am Lei Lie, greetings to the Master. My master is currently in seclusion, and I am temporarily handling the affairs of Jin Leizong."

Jue Ming was a bit surprised, but when he saw Lei Lie's complexion, his face suddenly changed slightly, and Kong Chan to the side also widened his eyes, blurting out: "Resentment..."

Before the words were finished, he was lightly bumped by Jue Ming's elbow, swallowing the second half of the sentence.

Jue Ming immediately restrained his strange expression, put his hands together and said: "Greetings, Donor Lei. May we disturb you for a few days to help this poor monk find someone who can solve the riddles in the post?"

"Master, please!" Lei Lie stepped aside to let them pass, his etiquette perfect.

The two Supreme Elders, however, looked solemn, because as veteran Divine Transformation realm experts, they couldn't detect the slightest detail of Jue Ming at such close range; this person was unfathomable.

"Many thanks, Donor Lei!" Jue Ming felt a wave of gratitude, and then the few entered.

PS: It's almost the end of the month, asking for a monthly ticket. If you keep it, it will be cleared. Give San Xing a few. ▄██●

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 274 =====