Chapter 40: Elder, Just What Are You Talking About?

At that moment, Lu Yaoyao laughed: "As long as the chicken is found, it's fine—I was counting on earning those three thousand spirit stones from you, Senior Brother, but it looks like I won't get the chance."

Yan Xiaohu muttered softly: “I wanted to earn them too, otherwise I wouldn’t have stormed in and started a conflict with them from the start.”

Zhou Qing said: “I’m still deeply grateful for your help last night, Lu shimei, Li shixiong, and He shixiong. Luckily, it was just a misunderstanding—today I’m treating everyone to Yushantang!”

Now he had three thousand spirit stones, plus the chicken was found, and he’d laid an almost pure spirit egg—the crisis was fully resolved, and with these [Heart Mirror Points], he absolutely had to celebrate.

With six of us total, two hundred spirit stones should be plenty.

Consider it money well spent to avoid disaster.

Upon hearing Zhou Qing was treating them, Lu Yaoyao immediately cheered.

Shi Zhen shijie had wanted to decline, but Zhou Qing insisted repeatedly.

After all, you treated me last time—this time it’s only fair it’s my turn.

Soon after, the group headed straight for Yushantang, picked a private room at random, and began ordering wildly.

During this time, they asked what was so special about that chicken that made Zhou Qing care so much.

Zhou Qing could only lie—he’d grown attached to it, especially since it woke him up punctually every morning for cultivation; it was a decent pet.

Lu Yaoyao was puzzled: “Do hens crow?”

Yan Xiaohu, his mouth dripping with grease, enthusiastically recounted his past heroic deeds, spittle flying everywhere.

In contrast, Li Daoxuan and He Han kept grim faces, only occasionally tasting a bite or two out of respect for the little shimei—they often came here anyway, and last time it was where they celebrated Er’s birthday.

“Two hundred fifty-one?”

When Zhou Qing went to pay, he stared at the bill in shock.

“Correct—the prices are clearly marked, you can check. Of course, I’ll round down the change—two hundred fifty is fine,” the Yushantang manager chuckled.

Zhou Qing looked again at the bill—it felt like the number was mocking him.

“What if it were two hundred fifty-four? Could you still round down the change?” Zhou Qing asked.

The manager was confused, but seeing all diners were core disciples, he nodded: “Of course.”

“Then add five more servings of sweet soup—exactly two hundred fifty-four spirit stones. Round down to two hundred fifty, right? Here you go. Oh, since I ordered five servings each, could you throw in one extra? We’re six people—it’d be awkward otherwise.”

The manager froze.

Wait, I just got paid, and now I’m giving away four spirit stones and six bowls of sweet soup?

“Thank you, manager! We’ll come again soon—wish you booming business! Oh, and add more red dates to the sweet soup!”

Zhou Qing finished speaking and walked off, beaming with delight.

………

In the afternoon, the group walked together to Yanlong City, just to digest their meal.

For safety, Zhou Qing didn’t dare let the chicken roam—he locked it in the courtyard, where the barrier should keep it from flying out.

Soon, Li Daoxuan and the other two left—they truly didn’t want the little shimei to associate too much with these two from Xiao Ling Peak.

Haven’t you seen how far Zhou Qing has gone under Yan Xiaohu’s influence?

As for Shi Zhen shijie, she planned to wander further—the Five Sects Exchange Fair was nearing its end, and more rare items were appearing.

Of course, many others held up that suspicious painting, whispering endlessly, guessing who the man was—what a lucky fellow, to have seen so many female disciples bathing at once.

Zhou Qing’s ears turned red; Yan Xiaohu looked utterly unfazed.

“Don’t look guilty—stand tall. Act like this has nothing to do with you,” Yan Xiaohu said.

Zhou Qing just wanted to use up his [Daily Mirror] opportunity and go home.

“Huh? That old man didn’t set up his stall today? Did he leave?”

Soon, Yan Xiaohu noticed the blind-box stall was gone and blurted out.

Zhou Qing followed his gaze—sure enough, it was gone.

“You two… looking for me?” A sinister voice suddenly rose from behind, startling them both.

They turned to see Old Second, hunched over, face wrinkled.

“You’re gonna kill me!” Yan Xiaohu clutched his chest, cursing.

Zhou Qing instinctively glanced at the note above his head—sure enough, it had changed from [Lucky Kid] to [Kid with the Old Man’s Old Charm].

Uh…

No wonder Master said peers were willing to drink with him, and shijie and shimei all liked to stroll past his quarters every night.

You don’t happen to like sneaking peeks at people bathing, do you?

“I’m leaving for a while!” Old Second suddenly spoke.

Both were stunned.

What’s that got to do with us? We’re not that close you need a farewell party.

But Zhou Qing knew—Old Second was speaking to him.

Still, leaving was fine—he’d stop worrying about being caught and betraying him.

“Then I wish you a safe journey, Elder!” Zhou Qing beamed.

Old Second smiled, then turned to Yan Xiaohu: “Lend me your junior brother for a moment.”

“What do you mean? My junior brother isn’t an object—you can’t ‘lend’ him…”

Before Yan Xiaohu finished speaking, the old man grabbed Zhou Qing’s shoulder—and vanished right before his eyes.

When he snapped back to his senses, he could only stare in disbelief.

That old man… is a master!!

Good heavens—he’d always assumed the guy was just an ordinary elder with low talent; after all, some people were already white-haired at Qi Condensation or Foundation Establishment, due to poor talent and resources.

Shit—could this be revenge because Lao Si kept winning good items from him?

Thinking of this, Yan Xiaohu grew anxious and rushed off to search…

………

At that moment, Zhou Qing felt as if he’d returned to that Cave Heaven journey—the scenery rushed backward, then his feet touched solid ground.

When he opened his eyes again, he found himself atop a mountain peak, surrounded by thick clouds and mist.

So… they’d left Yanlong City?

“I’ve thought long and hard—did you recognize me from the start?” Old Second’s voice came from beside him.

Zhou Qing turned—and saw Old Second staring straight at him.

His heart skipped—he stepped back instinctively, confused: “Elder, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.”

“Keep pretending. People lie about everything—but their eyes never lie. I saw it clearly just now—how did you figure it out?” Old Second’s eyes gleamed with curiosity.

Of course—in front of this old fox, Zhou Qing was still too green.

But he kept up the innocent act, bowed: “Elder, I’m confused—have you mistaken me for someone else?”

“Heh. Fine. I don’t like forcing things—I prefer mystery. Asking outright feels dull—it’d rob life of fun. This actually gives me something to look forward to.”

Old Second smiled faintly.

Zhou Qing gave a nervous chuckle.

“Still don’t understand what you’re talking about, Elder.”

Old Second waved his hand: “Forget it. As I said, I’m leaving for a while to handle something important. Since you’ve crossed paths with me many times, I’ll give you a bit of fortune.”

Zhou Qing, hearing this, stepped back fearfully.

Is this “fortune” of yours meant to ruin me?

(End of Chapter)