[{"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-280":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},2265813,4423,"Chapter 280: The Buddha","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-280",280,"\u003Cp>As Li Daoxuan recounted his grievance, Zhou Qing finally understood the full story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since Lu Yaoyao recommended him to spar with Shen Yunzhou, the match had begun with mere Shitan  exchanges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, as Shen Yunzhou unfolded his realm, a nauseating stench instantly spread, nearly making Li Daoxuan vomit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Out of respect for his guest, Li Daoxuan gritted his teeth and held on, forcing a composed expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after the match ended did he rush away without even saying goodbye, finding a secluded spot to vomit violently into the bushes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought the matter was over—until that very night, his master, the Sect Master, arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lowering his realm to spar with Li Daoxuan, Shen Yunzhou’s gloomy mood over Nannan had noticeably improved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back at Xiao Ling Peak, he still felt unsatisfied and planned to spar with Zhou Qing next, since he still didn’t know what realm Zhou Qing had cultivated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he learned Zhou Qing had announced his seclusion; reluctantly, he turned to Yan Xiaohu to ask if Li Daoxuan was free tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know how long Zhou Qing would be in seclusion, and being alone in this unfamiliar Taiqingmen, he needed something to pass the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, after this sparring, he felt Li Daoxuan was decent—at least unlike earlier opponents who’d shown nothing but contempt and revulsion at his realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Xiaohu dared not decide on his own and immediately reported the matter to his master, Mo Xingjian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian pondered deeply, then contacted Cao Zhengyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Shen Yunzhou’s elder sister was a late-stage Severing Spirit expert, and Zhou Qing and Lu Yaoyao had once aided her beyond the border; now that his younger brother had come, this was a perfect chance to strengthen ties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At all costs, they must leave this esteemed guest with a good impression of Taiqingmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the guest specifically requested to spar with Li Daoxuan, this duty truly fell to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, sparring benefited both parties’ realm development—Cao Zhengyang naturally welcomed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could Li Daoxuan do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing had Haoburongyi  secured for Taiqingmen a chance to build ties with a Severing Spirit expert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the senior disciple, if he couldn’t even help with this, wouldn’t he betray Zhou Qing’s efforts, let the sect miss a golden opportunity, and prove himself utterly irresponsible—unable to face his junior disciples again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Helpless, he gritted his teeth and accepted the task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But who could have imagined this would last a full month?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Li Daoxuan could no longer look at any yellow fabric without instinctively gagging—let alone eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes in his dreams, he was trapped in a terrifying sea of excrement, frantically swimming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to reach shore, but no matter how hard he struggled, the foulness stretched endlessly, with no land in sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That despair, helplessness, and collapse—no one who hadn’t lived it could ever understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So now, he refused food and sleep, showing up punctually each day to spar with Shen Yunzhou on the training ground, endlessly repeating the cycle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing this, Zhou Qing looked at Li Daoxuan’s sallow face, nearly vomiting bile, and felt not just sympathy but deep guilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother Li, I’m truly sorry. Don’t worry—I’ll handle this,” Zhou Qing comforted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Daoxuan nodded vigorously, tears streaming down his face in sudden emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhou, what kind of seclusion were you in? Why did you emerge after only a month?” Seeing Zhou Qing, Shen Yunzhou rushed forward, delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing smiled gently: “Just a bit of insight. How have you been these past months?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very well—I’m growing fonder of Taiqingmen’s atmosphere. But Nannan’s matter still sticks in my heart like a thorn!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Shen Yunzhou sighed heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing reassured him: “Don’t worry—we’re already working on it. By the way, I just ran into Senior Brother Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After a month of sparring with you, he’s gained some insight and is preparing to enter seclusion. He asked me to thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou was surprised: “That’s excellent! I knew Senior Brother Li wasn’t ordinary—he’s gained insight so quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, Brother Zhou, since you’re out of seclusion, how about a spar?” Shen Yunzhou looked at Zhou Qing, eager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s gaze was calm; suddenly, a faint smile curled his lips: “Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This swift agreement thrilled Shen Yunzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly said: “Come on, come on—I’ve been dying to find out your realm. Don’t worry, I’ll suppress my cultivation to mid-stage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need,” Zhou Qing said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou froze, stunned: “What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I said, go all out. Don’t hold back—I want to test my own strength!” Zhou Qing’s eyes burned with intensity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou’s eyes lit up instantly: “You said it—I won’t hold back then!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the training ground!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing subtly rubbed his nose, staring at the shocking yellow stains on the ground and the empty, deserted surroundings, sighing inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, Shen Yunzhou’s previous sparring with Li Daoxuan here had terrified everyone—now even the cleaners dared not approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhou, watch out!” No sooner had Shen Yunzhou spoken than his aura surged violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he rapidly formed hand seals, the clear sky instantly darkened with thick yellow clouds, pressing downward at terrifying speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately behind him, a vast yellow canopy formed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, filth churned like a colossal latrine hung upside-down in the sky, the nauseating stench flooding Zhou Qing’s nostrils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing inhaled lightly—acid surged into his nose, tears uncontrollably spilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, since acquiring those two jars of thousand-year corpse-water, his realm had strengthened considerably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shhh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, his realm enveloped Zhou Qing entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing frowned, and his stomach churned at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhou, let me start with a little appetizer—pay attention!” Shen Yunzhou grinned triumphantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the surrounding filth transformed into countless writhing yellow “worm-snakes,” speeding toward Zhou Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s own realm had already silently probed outward and now swiftly dismantled it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, as the yellow “worm-snakes” neared his robes, his aura suddenly retracted, his gaze turning icy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly, he raised his hand—his palm glowed faintly, unleashing a ruthless, overwhelming realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Break!” Zhou Qing spoke softly, yet his voice rang like a great bell, shattering the foul space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, a ripple of golden light erupted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where the golden light touched, Shen Yunzhou’s yellow canopy cracked and dissolved rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the writhing yellow “worm-snakes” turned instantly into pools of stinking sludge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What? Where was his realm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where did it go?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Again!” Without hesitation, he immediately formed seals again, draining vast spiritual power—just as the realm’s Chuxing  reappeared in the sky, Zhou Qing spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Break!” His realm shattered layer by layer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Excrement Realm: A Lotus Bud Just Peeks Out…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Break!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Excrement Realm: Seven Orifices Flowing Excrement…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Break!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Excrement Realm: Swimming Against the Current…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Break!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Shen Yunzhou’s face turned pale, he gasped for breath, his spiritual power utterly depleted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never imagined his prized Excrement Realm would be so utterly powerless before Zhou Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing simply lifted one foot and appeared before him, smiling faintly: “In actual combat, you’d be dead now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou swallowed hard, finally reacting, drawing a sharp breath: “Your realm… can destroy others’ realms?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing smiled but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou stood frozen, then broke into a bitter laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone from the Nascent Soul stage agonizes to cultivate a realm—yet no matter how flashy or elaborate yours is, you just break it effortlessly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re even more monstrous than me—how the hell did you even conceive this? How is such a thing even possible to cultivate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing spoke slowly: “One force breaks all methods—that’s all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he looked at Shen Yunzhou seriously: “Have you ever considered—even if your realm remains, if your opponent moves fast enough, like now—what would you do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou fell into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Zhou Qing said no more, turned, and walked away with his hands behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother Zhou—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhou Qing emerge from the training ground, Lu Yaoyao hurried over with a bright smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, she’d learned from the senior disciple that her father had emerged from seclusion, and watching her senior brother grow thinner each day, she’d felt deep guilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing frowned: “Why are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao hurriedly replied: “Master is looking for you, so I came to wait. Uncle… I mean, Brother Shen lost?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing nodded: “Then wait here for him—I’m going to see Elder Bai.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yaoyao shook her head: “I’ll come with you. He Han will arrive soon—he’ll guide you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing had no choice but to follow Lu Yaoyao toward the Hall of Council.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he stepped through the doorway, he realized every peak master not in seclusion had gathered inside—even the eight Grand Elders sat in attendance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhou Qing has arrived! Come in!” Cao Zhengyang’s voice rang out; the murmurs instantly ceased, and every gaze turned sharply toward the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their grim expressions, Zhou Qing couldn’t help asking: “What’s happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang gave Lu Yaoyao a glance; the girl’s face instantly fell, her lips pouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stomped her foot reluctantly and turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the hall doors slowly closed, Cao Zhengyang spoke solemnly: “Since you’ve emerged from seclusion, it’s time you learned of certain matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For months, our sect’s ore veins have been repeatedly attacked. Last time, Li Daoxuan led a team to investigate—but found nothing. Now, another vein has been struck.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the final image left by a Jin Dan disciple before his death. Take a look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, a memory stone slowly floated before Zhou Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing took it hesitantly, frowning slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he’d already heard of this from the Sect Master before he and Shen Yunzhou departed for the border.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t expected that months later, there’d be no progress—and the situation had grown even more dire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As spiritual power flowed into the stone, the light twisted, projecting a scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image shook violently, filled with thunderous explosions; many disciples rushed to defend themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spells of every color erupted chaotically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, in the next instant, a withered black shadow surged forward, reeking of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a decayed humanoid corpse—skin cracked and peeling, revealing gleaming white bones; hollow eye sockets burned with eerie green ghostfire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It let out a nonhuman shriek that made the air hum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The memory stone was instantly knocked to the ground; the skewed view showed the corpse’s claw piercing the Jin Dan disciple’s chest with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it tore out the still-beating Golden Core, swallowed it whole, and bit down hard on the disciple’s neck—blood sprayed everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others rushed in with furious attacks, but the corpse leapt away instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To date, thirteen ore veins have been attacked. Over a thousand disciples have died—including six Nascent Soul cultivators.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang’s voice was low, his eyes filled with pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And judging by the order of attacks and the cultivation levels of the slain disciples, this corpse’s power is growing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xingjian looked at Zhou Qing and added slowly: “Almost all disciples in the mines have been drained of their blood. Their Golden Cores and Nascent Souls were consumed as nourishment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s expression turned grave. “What about the ore veins of other sects?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peak master of Longji Peak sighed bitterly. “The other four sects—and even smaller factions—remain untouched. This thing is clearly targeting only Taiqingmen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s silence, Zhou Qing said firmly: “May I see the corpses of the fallen disciples?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang handed him another memory stone: “All bodies have been returned and buried. But this footage is from two days ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing took the stone and activated it again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The projection showed incomplete corpses strewn across the ground—some limbs twisted, others with sunken chests and vanished organs; every face bore terror and unyielding resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Zhou Qing’s eyes burned with killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were his Taiqingmen junior brothers and sisters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he looked closer, nearly all the corpses were coated in a dark purple slime, like rotting flesh fermenting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way,” Cao Zhengyang suddenly spoke, “all the bodies carry an indescribable stench—like decay, but with a foul, demonic taint.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing’s gaze sharpened, fixed on the image: “Were all the bodies brought back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang turned to the peak master of Yunmeng Peak—she was in charge of this matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She checked her identity token, then replied: “My Lord, the corpses from the Lingsha Ore Mine will be transported back in two hours for unified burial.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing said decisively: “I’ll go then. Also, I’d like to bring Shen Yunzhou—he’s unusually sensitive to odors. He might spot something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agreed,” Cao Zhengyang nodded. “We still don’t know who’s behind this. Even Qingyu Immortal Sect can’t be fully trusted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speaking of Qingyu Immortal Sect, here’s the second matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang looked at Zhou Qing: “The Xuanyou Immortal Lady is likely near death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing looked up in surprise. “So soon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang sneered. “She misjudged you as a Three Flowers Crowned body and tried forcing dual-cultivation. What happened? She brought it upon herself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She should’ve had seven or eight more years. But she must’ve been unwilling to die—recently, she did something that accelerated her decline.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing felt nothing but mild regret upon hearing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Cao Zhengyang discussed with the other peak masters how to handle Qingyu Immortal Sect next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They guessed the sect would likely follow Tianji Sect’s example—delaying the election of a new Sect Master to buy time and prepare for any sudden upheaval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Zhou Qing studied the two memory stones’ images.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, Cao Zhengyang spoke again: “By the way, there’s one more thing you don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing lifted his gaze, puzzled: “What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang’s expression turned grave: “While we secretly investigated Jin Leizong’s activities in the desert caves during your border mission, we discovered two monks—one old, one young—had arrived there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Monks?” Zhou Qing’s expression shifted; he instantly recalled the two monks who stood idly by when he slew Ma Cheng, the third elder of Hunyuan Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhou Qing lost in thought, Cao Zhengyang continued: “After entering Jin Leizong, they seemed to be searching for someone—but no one knows who. However, they posed three questions to Jin Leizong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing took it, scanning the characters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Attachment is a lock—how to unlock it?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Where is the other shore?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【All beings suffer—how to save them?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These are Buddhist koans?” Zhou Qing mused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang nodded. “Yes. After deliberation, we suspect the person they seek is also a monk—one who may have lost his memory after a great battle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s very likely joined one of our five sects. After the Battle of Canglan Mountain, the Eastern Region was shattered. All sects, including Taiqingmen, accepted outsiders to replenish our ranks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Remember when we were ready to declare war on Qingyu Immortal Sect? Over thirty thousand were screened and secretly dispatched. Many remain unaccounted for.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing looked at his senior uncle with mild surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was quite a stretch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he’d lost his memory, even if he grew hair or changed appearance, wouldn’t these two monks still recognize him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless—he’d not only lost his memory but also possessed another body. That’s why they’re searching this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhou Qing deep in thought, Cao Zhengyang added: “These two monks only left Jin Leizong the day before yesterday.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Judging by their direction, their next stop will be Qingyu Immortal Sect—then likely Taiqingmen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing nodded slightly. He assumed it was trivial—let them search if they wished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two hours later, the Yunmeng Peak master received word: the corpses of the slain disciples had been transported back on a large airship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing contacted Yan Xiao Hu, instructing him to bring Shen Yunzhou—who had just returned from the training grounds—to the Valley of Returning Heroic Souls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This place was where Taiqingmen buried every disciple who died for the sect. Each tombstone bore the deceased’s life story, bearing witness to their loyalty and sacrifice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sect always valued loyalty and righteousness; descendants and families of these heroes were granted precious slots to join the sect and received compensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Du Kui, the senior brother who once sought to kill Zhou Qing and attained insight, lay buried here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhou Qing and the others arrived at the Valley of Returning Heroic Souls, a heavy aura of grief washed over them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mournful wind whispered through the valley, where countless tombstones stretched endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Farther away, the stones bore deep marks of time—those of disciples who fell under former Sect Masters, and their predecessors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, caretakers maintained the site; if names on the stones grew faint, they were immediately recopied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang and the others bowed silently before the vast valley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Yan Xiao Hu and Shen Yunzhou arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou’s gaze toward Zhou Qing was filled with awe—someone who could shatter another’s insight was truly astonishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He first surveyed the rows of tombstones, his heart stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he glanced at Cao Zhengyang and the other Soul Transformation masters, finally settling his eyes on Zhou Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhou Brother, why did you call me?” Shen Yunzhou asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qing replied: “Wait a moment—I need your help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou was puzzled—what could he possibly help with?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a low hum echoed from the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive transport airship drifted slowly into view, its hull black as ink, its sails replaced with pure white cloth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along its edges hung countless bronze bells, chiming softly as the ship moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the sect bringing its fallen disciples… home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the deck stood rows of solemn disciples, holding white banners, silent—pressure so thick it choked the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone waited quietly, eyes heavy with sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the airship descended, the crowd surged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disciples on deck stepped down first, clasped fists, bowed deeply, voices choked: “Greetings, Sect Master! Greetings, all Peak Masters!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Zhengyang’s face was grim; he gave a slight nod, swept his sleeve, and stepped onto the ship first, the others following.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Shen Yunzhou’s nostrils flared slightly, his eyes suddenly brightening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This scent is…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He muttered to himself, his Adam’s apple rolling unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swiftly pulled a simple earthen jar from his storage pouch and yanked off the lid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, a black-gold dung beetle, no larger than a fist, crawled out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its carapace shimmered with eerie dark light, and the overlapping elytra on its back clicked like metallic gears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, it unfolded into two pairs of translucent, cicada-wing membranes and shot toward the flying vessel like an arrow released from a bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I knew I wasn’t imagining it—it really is!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunzhou could barely contain his excitement, stepping swiftly to follow the dung beetle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3118,"2026-06-19T20:13:54.632Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","a9492795deb54557168826ade66f6f3b2ac7b40c3b1dd6ad72f9cfd3277b89d3","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-281","my-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--chapter-279",302,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmy-master-s-elder-brother-just-took-on-a-female--cover.jpg"]