Chapter 73: No, What Exactly Happened?

Faced with this scene, Gu Ting and Liang Yan both winced.

They weren’t fools—seeing that “Heartfelt Gift” box, they instantly understood Yan Xiaohu’s intent.

They were grateful for what Zhou Qing had done; otherwise, they’d already be dead on Qingniu Ridge.

As Yan Xiaohu said, they could eat and drink as they pleased, yet the retaliation targeted Zhou’s junior, the weakest among them—truly unjust.

“Young Brother Yan, a small token, nothing to speak of. When Young Brother Zhou recovers a bit, we’ll visit him another day.”

“Senior Brother Gu, Senior Sister Liang, what are you doing?”

Seeing them reach for their storage bags, Yan Xiaohu quickly stopped them with righteous indignation.

“Senior brothers and sisters, don’t misunderstand—I, Yan Xiaohu, am not that shameless. I just can’t wrap my head around it, and mostly I’m indignant on behalf of my little brother. Just venting my emotions. You go ahead, we’re leaving.”

After speaking, Yan Xiaohu turned to leave.

Hearing this, the two hurried to block him.

“We’re not ungrateful scoundrels—this token is just to buy Young Brother Zhou some tonic…”

Gu Ting and Liang Yan gripped the box, about to slip in coins, but when they saw the inscription on the coin slot, they winced again.

Then they sighed, quickly pulled more items from their storage bags, and added up to a thousand.

“A small token—may Young Brother Zhou overcome this hardship soon!” they said in unison.

Yan Xiaohu looked embarrassed: “Senior brothers and sisters, no need, no need… Ah, why go through all this… You… ah… so awkward…”

Watching the group’s retreating backs, Liang Yan sighed: “I want to live ten thousand years—no, a hundred thousand years.”

“Do you think I don’t?” Gu Ting said helplessly. “But where would we get so much money?”

Liang Yan asked curiously: “Wait, how did that tiny box fit a thousand low-grade spirit stones?”

Gu Ting chuckled and turned away: “Simple—sew the storage bag’s opening inside it. Come on. Poor Young Brother Zhou—he’s shouldering the karmic burden for all of us. I’m happy to pay.”

“True—better to spend money than invite disaster!”

…………

“Senior Yan, I never thought money could come this fast!” the true disciple clutching the box blurted out.

The others nodded vigorously, gazing at Yan Xiaohu with renewed admiration.

Yan Xiaohu wore a look of pride: “Of course! You think this big head is just for show? It’s packed with countless ingenious plans. Let’s go back!”

“Back for what?” the others asked, puzzled.

Yan Xiaohu grinned: “Little Brother’s rescue wasn’t just for those two—he saved over a dozen true disciples. They owe us something.”

Their eyes lit up instantly, and they followed Yan Xiaohu back the way they came…

…………

The next morning, Zhou Qing stretched and yawned as he rose from bed.

Feeling the surging power in his meridians, he couldn’t help smiling.

He’d fully recovered—and seemed even stronger.

After feeding the old hen some powdered spirit stones, Zhou Qing hurried off with his Lightning-Calling Talisman to find Yan Xiaohu.

Today, he planned to try it—having someone nearby watching was better.

But after knocking for a long time with no answer, he reluctantly sent a message.

【Little Brother, I’ve got urgent business now—let’s talk another day!】

Reading the reply, Zhou Qing frowned.

What could possibly be so urgent so early?

He turned back alone, thought for a while, then chose a remote mountain peak.

The place had wide visibility, surrounded by mist—perfect for cultivation.

Without Senior Brother San, he could manage alone—besides, with him around, things were even less reliable.

After reinforcing the “Azure Thunder Sword Art” once more, Zhou Qing exhaled, then carefully pulled out a Lightning-Calling Talisman.

“Brother Lei, later…”

【Heart Insight +5】

Before Zhou Qing finished speaking, a notification chimed abruptly.

Who the hell changed their impression of me now?

“Brother Lei, please go easy later…”

【Heart Insight +6】

The notification interrupted him again.

I’m doing something serious—interrupting sincere prayer is bad.

After all, I’m about to get struck by lightning.

“Brother Lei, please go easy—I’ve never been struck by lightning before…”

【Heart Insight +7】

Zhou Qing’s hand holding the talisman trembled.

First effort, second wane, third exhausted—who the hell is this?

What’s happening now?

Zhou Qing sat down and waited quietly.

Three more—probably Lu Yaoyao, Li Daoxuan, and Shi Zhen.

After waiting a long while, ensuring no more interruptions, Zhou Qing picked up the talisman again, confident.

He gazed upward, filled with reverence and anticipation.

“Brother Lei, please go easy—I’ve never been struck by lightning before. I’m not a masochist—I just want to forge a lightning sword embryo inside me…”

【Heart Insight +8】

Zhou Qing: “...”

“Brother Lei, I’ve never done anything shameful—when you strike…”

【Heart Insight +6】

“Sword embryo, here I come!”

Zhou Qing roared, pouring his spiritual power furiously into the talisman, then hurled it skyward.

The Lightning-Calling Talisman ignited instantly, and a ferocious bolt of lightning shot straight into the heavens.

Moments later, the sky began to change.

The clear blue gradually darkened as dark clouds gathered.

Zhou Qing felt both excitement and tension.

As time passed, the clouds thickened—until, in the next instant, a thunderbolt like a silver serpent tore through the sky and slammed down onto the peak.

Dust exploded outward, leaving a massive crater.

Staring at the crater so close, Zhou Qing swallowed hard.

This lightning… was it too strong?

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The thunderclouds churned violently, visible streaks of terrifying lightning coiling and brewing within.

Roaring, tearing, radiating brutal, violent force.

Zhou Qing immediately activated the “Azure Wood Spirit Shield”—it could absorb and dissipate a certain degree of attack.

“Let’s start slow!” he told himself, gritted his teeth, and surged all his spiritual power forward.

BOOM!

A lightning bolt crashed down, striking the green vine sphere—then a scream echoed.

Next, Zhou Qing’s slender figure plummeted, smoking black.

…………

“I knew this wouldn’t end so easily. With Yan Xiaohu’s shameless habit of coming back to report every trip to the Master for reimbursement, how could he pass up such a golden chance to make money? Pure moral blackmail!”

Behind a patch of grass, Li Daoxuan watched Yan Xiaohu lead the group away from Shen Yue Peak, then head straight for Jin Yang Peak, gritting his teeth.

His head tag, once 【Sleazy Pervert Targeted for Revenge】, had somehow changed to 【Sleazy Pervert with a Shameless Senior Brother】.

He even suspected Zhou Qing might have conspired with his senior brother to orchestrate this “Heartfelt Gift” scheme.

(End of Chapter)