Chapter 8: Why Is Your Note About Me Always So Long?

Since Yan Xiao took those two scales from the Ice Soul Shadow Scale Fish, he’s been in seclusion, no one knows what he’s up to.

Facing Zhou Qing’s question, Yan Xiao looked somewhat flustered, peering around nervously: “Did Old Mo scold me again?”

Zhou Qing: “...”

Seeing Zhou Qing’s expression, Yan Xiao instantly understood.

That Old Mo always uses him as a cautionary example.

It’s his own fault—he failed again at refining that thing, and got mocked all around.

But—

Soon, Yan Xiao sized up Zhou Qing and was stunned.

“Wait, did those two Ice Soul Shadow Scale Fish really have that much energy? Did they just shoot you straight to Foundation Establishment?”

Zhou Qing had no idea how to explain the Jade Pillar Spirit Insect to him—two mere fish couldn’t possibly propel him across three realms.

But before Zhou Qing could speak, Yan Xiao slapped his forehead.

“Damn, I almost forgot the main thing—Big Brother asked me to bring something in for him!”

Yan Xiao turned to leave as he spoke.

Zhou Qing’s eyes lit up: “Is Big Brother coming out of seclusion?”

Yan Xiao shook his head: “Not anytime soon—who knows how long he’ll stay locked up this time.”

“Alright, then—any news about Second Sister lately?” Zhou Qing asked.

Since arriving in this world and lucking into joining Taiqingmen, Second Sister Luo Lingling had treated him like a real younger brother.

But two years ago, she suddenly said she needed to leave for personal matters—and she hasn’t returned since.

I wonder how she’s doing now?

Yan Xiao shook his head again: “No news. But don’t worry—Second Sister’s tough as nails. Even Big Brother sometimes fears her. With her cautious nature, no one’s likely to hurt her.”

Zhou Qing fully agreed.

If it came to being a master of playing the underdog, all three of them combined couldn’t match Second Sister’s cunning.

Then he looked at the question mark hovering above Third Brother’s head and immediately bound it.

If he wanted to farm Heart Mirror Points more efficiently, Third Brother was undoubtedly the best choice—they often hung out together when nothing else was going on.

Soon, slowly rising above Yan Xiao’s head as he hurried off, seven golden characters appeared—[A Lifetime’s Good Younger Brother].

Seeing this, Zhou Qing suddenly smiled.

“You’re my lifetime’s good older brother too!”

…………

Back at his quarters, Zhou Qing began planning his next steps.

That was to keep farming Ignore Points and Heart Mirror Points—if they could reinforce each other, even better.

He pulled out his handbook and flipped through it: for the next month, no core disciples would be giving lectures on any peaks.

To earn Ignore Points now, he’d have to find his own way.

Unless—

Zhou Qing’s eyes suddenly lit up.

He’d forgotten—he was a core disciple too, qualified to give lectures.

He remembered his last lecture was three years ago; back then, he was only Qi Condensation Fifth Layer, and no one came to listen—some outer disciples were even higher than him.

He feared his shallow knowledge would lead them astray.

“What if I use Third Brother’s name?” Zhou Qing grinned, instantly having an idea.

But first, he needed to inform Third Brother.

The next day, upon hearing the news, Yan Xiao patted Zhou Qing on the shoulder, sympathetically saying: “What’s the big deal? I’ll just show up for a bit. Besides, you’re already Foundation Establishment—you’ve got your own understanding of cultivation. A lecture? Child’s play.”

Hearing this, Zhou Qing finally gained a little confidence.

When word spread that Core Disciple Yan Xiao would be giving a lecture at the [Lecture Hall] in two days, the outer disciples of Xiao Ling Peak erupted.

Some even came to line up that same day, terrified of being late.

There were only four core disciples on Xiao Ling Peak—one who was always in seclusion, one who was frequently away, and the youngest who knew nothing.

Only Yan Xiao’s strength was decent, so when such an opportunity arose, everyone rushed over.

Watching this, Zhou Qing could only grimace.

He still lacked authority—his cultivation base was too weak.

But so many disciples came—even inner and true transmission disciples came to watch—that the ordinary [Lecture Hall] couldn’t hold them.

So, on Zhou Qing’s suggestion, the lecture was moved to the Green Stone Plaza.

“You’re sure you can handle it? Really don’t need my help?” Yan Xiao worried.

After all, when his little brother gave a lecture years ago, only about two hundred showed up—and by the end, only thirty remained.

The scene had been excruciatingly awkward, but luckily, his little brother had good character and pushed through the pressure to finish.

Zhou Qing exhaled deeply: “Don’t worry, Brother—I have confidence in myself.”

Seeing Zhou Qing’s determined gaze, Yan Xiao felt a wave of comfort.

[Heart Mirror Points +6]

“Huh?”

Hearing the prompt, Zhou Qing glanced at Third Brother beside him.

Sure enough, the note above his head—[A Lifetime’s Good Younger Brother]—had instantly changed to [Strong Little Brother].

Zhou Qing didn’t know what to say—what’s strong about this? I just wanted to farm a point.

[Heart Mirror Points +7]

Before Zhou Qing could joke, the prompt sounded again.

He looked quickly—the note above Third Brother’s head had stopped changing.

What does this mean?

Is it Lu Yaoyao or Big Brother Li Daoxuan?

[Heart Mirror Points +9]

The next moment, another prompt rang out—leaving Zhou Qing stunned.

What’s going on with those two?

Why did they suddenly change their opinion of me for no reason?

“Why are you staring at my head so much? Am I going bald?”

Seeing Zhou Qing stare at his head three times in a row, Yan Xiao panicked, immediately touching his scalp and bending down so Zhou Qing could check.

Zhou Qing realized the misunderstanding: “No no, I just never noticed before—Brother, your head’s pretty round.”

“You scared me! But that’s a weird thing to say—if my face is round, my head’s round too. Show me a person with a round face and a flat head.”

As soon as Yan Xiao finished speaking, both of them simultaneously imagined it—and burst into laughter.

…………

When the lecture time arrived, facing nearly three thousand outer disciples on the plaza, Yan Xiao began teaching.

But soon, he suddenly clutched his stomach, looking as if he were in great pain.

He apologized, asked Zhou Qing to take over for a while, then hurried off.

The crowd stared after Yan Xiao’s departure, waiting expectantly; as for Zhou Qing on the stage, they only half-listened.

For some reason, as they listened, they gradually ignored Zhou Qing’s endless speech and started chatting among themselves—even some fell asleep.

Watching more and more people ignore him, Zhou Qing’s lips curled into a faint smile.

It works!

He gradually slowed his pace.

[Ignore Points +1]

[Ignore Points +1]

[Ignore Points +1]

[Skill Fragment +1]

…………

As time passed, some, unable to wait for Yan Xiao, completely ignored the unremarkable Zhou Qing and left.

Zhou Qing didn’t stop them—he was excited to see new skill fragments appear.

As if sensing something, he sat up straight and scanned the crowd, soon spotting Lu Yaoyao and Li Daoxuan at the plaza’s edge, staring at him with complex expressions.

Lu Yaoyao’s note above her head—once [So Amazing]—had reverted to [So Cute].

Li Daoxuan’s note—[Jealous Rival]—had changed to [Pervert Who Sneaks to Watch Baths].

Ah, so that’s why I got those extra 16 Heart Mirror Points yesterday.

But seriously—why is your note about me always so long, Brother Li?

You can’t let go of the bath-watching thing, can you?

[Heart Mirror Points +5]

Sensing Zhou Qing’s gaze, Lu Yaoyao forced a smile and gave him a thumbs-up.

But her note above her head—[So Cute]—shifted visibly to [So Pitiful].

[Heart Mirror Points +6]

Zhou Qing immediately turned to Li Daoxuan—his note hadn’t changed. He scanned the crowd and soon spotted Third Brother in the corner.

The note above his head had changed to 【Sad Little Junior Brother】.

At this moment, Yan Xiao Hu, watching Zhou Qing standing helplessly on the stage, felt a deep pang of sorrow.

With so many people here, they clearly didn’t regard Little Junior Brother as anything at all.

Even pretending to pay attention would be better—why are they all acting like they can’t see him? At least show some respect for his status as a core disciple.

Does low cultivation mean he’s not worthy to teach you?

Will he lead you astray?

How heartbroken must Little Junior Brother feel right now?

Seeing more and more people leave, Zhou Qing let out a long sigh and waved to his Third Senior Brother far away.

After all, with Lu Yaoyao and Li Daoxuan watching him, he couldn’t generate any ignore points anymore.

Moreover, according to the original plan, his Third Senior Brother was supposed to take the stage and continue teaching once the timing was right—it wouldn’t be right to selfishly cling to the spotlight and ruin his reputation and authority.

Seeing this, Yan Xiao Hu leapt onto the stage, and instantly everyone’s eyes lit up with excitement.

And the many outer disciples who had been leaving immediately sat down upon hearing Yan Xiao Hu’s voice, eagerly listening to the lecture…

(End of Chapter)