Chapter 76: Young Brother Zhou, From Now On, You

The Daoist has succeeded!

At this moment, within Zhou Qing’s dantian, a sword embryo had clearly taken shape, with lightning arcs rolling across its surface.

Thin strands of black and white qi flowed from his spiritual core and surged into the sword embryo.

“I only used eight Lightning-Attracting Talismans—progress was far faster than I imagined. Looks like after some rest, I can begin practicing the Sword Art tomorrow.”

Zhou Qing was filled with excitement.

“Third Brother said the Cang Lei Sword Art is only for geniuses and prodigies—not meant for ordinary people. What would he think if he knew I’d condensed a lightning-shaped sword embryo in just two days?”

Zhou Qing looked inward again, growing more satisfied with each glance, as if in a dream.

“I owe Big Uncle this debt deeply!”

Zhou Qing knew it was all because of the Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment—he knew his own talent well, otherwise he wouldn’t have remained at Qi Condensation Seventh Layer after so many years of cultivation.

Even when he joined, his innate talent had been tested by his Master and others—merely average.

So for years, his Master never bothered with them; after all, the saying goes: the Master leads you through the gate, but cultivation depends on yourself.

Thus, when he succeeded in Human Dao Foundation Establishment, his Master was merely pleased—not astonished.

“I must be more discreet from now on—otherwise it’s too unreasonable!”

Zhou Qing made his decision, then sniffed the smell of roasted meat on his body—his stomach ungraciously growled.

After a quick tidy-up, he headed straight for the kitchen.

Only then did he hear the other disciples whispering: the Qingyu Immortal Sect and Cangyan Dao Palace had arrived.

Zhou Qing suddenly remembered: three days ago, Third Brother had mentioned they’d come.

One came specifically to thank him; the other came specifically to apologize.

“A weasel paying New Year’s calls—no good intentions!” Cangyan Dao Palace was definitely up to something—just not yet ready to flip the table.

As for Qingyu Immortal Sect, he must stay alert.

But now, his talent skill [Heart-Viewing Gaze] still had two slots—so he could bind Xuan You Immortal.

First, see how she views me—if her note is like Gao Xuan’s [DEAD], then I can confirm she’s part of another faction involved.

Those so-called dead or missing? Just her acting pitiful, a self-harm ploy.

If not, at least I can rule out Qingyu Immortal Sect and focus on Jin Leizong and Tianji Gate.

………

“Young Brother Zhou!”

As Zhou Qing returned to his quarters and was about to activate the barrier, a familiar female voice called from behind.

He turned to see Cui Yingying running up, followed by Third Brother with a beaming smile.

“Cui—Cui Senior Sister!”

Seeing Cui Yingying, Zhou Qing instantly felt guilty.

Last time, when he was walking the hen by his gate, she’d caught him red-handed during a group tour.

Afterward, he’d outright canceled the bounty on the peeping tom—effectively putting himself on display.

Though he’d planned to rescue them, he’d been running around all this time and hadn’t even seen them.

Now, seeing Zhou Qing’s timid gaze, Cui Yingying felt even more ashamed.

“You… still remember me?” Cui Yingying tried to soften her voice.

Like Yan Xiaohu, she’d been in the sect for years—but now, because of her own troubles, a junior disciple had become what he was.

Thinking of this, her guilt deepened.

Hearing Cui Yingying’s words, Zhou Qing froze.

Who are you looking down on?

Of course I remember you!

Wait—could she be mocking me?

Or subtly hinting at something?

Zhou Qing cleared his throat, about to speak—but Cui Yingying spoke first: “That… does it hurt?”

“What?”

“Being struck by lightning.” Cui Yingying said.

You know about that too?

Seeing Third Brother winking at him, Zhou Qing instantly understood what had happened.

Looks like she’d come to watch while he trained.

He’d been too focused, too afraid to distract himself—he hadn’t noticed.

He quickly shook his head: “No pain, no pain—I’m used to it.”

Hearing “used to it,” Cui Yingying felt a wave of shame, then slapped her waist pouch—five vials of pills appeared in her hand.

“These are pills for healing the spirit and mind—top quality. Also, six middle-grade spirit stones for your daily cultivation. Thank you so much!”

Cui Yingying shoved everything into Zhou Qing’s arms, then stepped back and bowed respectfully.

Zhou Qing stared, stunned.

Wait—do core disciples of Qingyu Immortal Sect really have this much wealth?

Why am I and Third Brother so broke?

This gift is too heavy!

Yan Xiaohu rushed over to help: “That’s enough—you’re making Lao Si overthink. It’ll trigger bad memories!”

Cui Yingying stood up, her eyes slightly red.

“Young Brother Zhou, from now on, you’re my real younger brother. If you ever have free time, come visit Qingyu Immortal Sect—I’ll treat you well. Well then, I’ll be off.”

Cui Yingying finished with a choked voice, turned abruptly, and hurried away—afraid her tears might spill at any moment.

She kept recalling what Yan Senior Brother had told her—images flooded her mind.

Especially when Zhou Qing tortured himself—she’d seen it with her own eyes.

When she came, Yan Senior Brother had specifically warned her: don’t cry.

Or it would trigger Young Brother Zhou’s psychological trauma.

“What kind of person is this? Lao Si, go rest—you’re done. I’ll go catch up and find out what’s going on!”

As Yan Xiaohu spoke, he expertly snatched two vials of pills and two middle-grade spirit stones from Zhou Qing’s arms, then sprinted after her.

Leaving Zhou Qing standing there, dazed.

………

Back in his quarters, Zhou Qing laid out all his possessions.

Now he had six middle-grade spirit stones, seventeen thousand lower-grade spirit stones, and one spiritual egg.

Earlier, in the Cave Heaven, he’d lost everything to break the sword—now he was a rich man again.

Truly, life is unpredictable—big intestine wrapped around small intestine!

Without hesitation, he sat cross-legged and began recovering immediately.

The next day, he took the old hen for a stroll to Shen Yue Peak.

“Young Brother Zhou, why are you here? Are you feeling better now?”

When Lu Yaoyao saw Zhou Qing, she was both delighted and fearful, hurrying forward.

After all, Cangyan Dao Palace people were here.

Zhou Qing stared at the note above her head: [VERY SMART]—confused.

Two days ago, when he first used the Lightning-Attracting Talisman, the system kept chiming.

He didn’t understand why everyone suddenly changed their minds about him.

“Much better. By the way, Young Sister Lu, do you know where Xuan You Immortal is?” Zhou Qing asked quietly.

Lu Yaoyao blinked, then gave him a knowing look.

“Have you developed feelings for her?” Lu Yaoyao asked eagerly.

Zhou Qing was speechless.

What’s going on in your head all day? Still trying to play matchmaker?

But as he looked at Lu Yaoyao’s sly little eyes, Zhou Qing suddenly stiffened—he seemed to understand.

Earlier, Lu Yaoyao had kept asking him if he liked silver hair—he’d thought she was hinting at something.

Because beneath her black hair, there were strands of silver.

So he’d casually lied and said he liked green hair.

Then Xuan You Immortal appeared—her hair was silver mixed with green—and suddenly this girl was matchmaking like crazy.

Got it. Everything made sense now.

The problem was right here.

Wait—are you interfering in my personal life a bit too much? Or is your concern just plain insane?

“Young Sister Lu, I lied to you!” Zhou Qing suddenly said seriously.

(End of Chapter)