Chapter 94: Eating Well and Drinking Fine with Second Uncle (6k)

The last time I saw Second Uncle, he was being chased through Qingmu City and had casually snatched the Blood Tai Sui that Master Mo Xingjian had just subdued.

What? When did you get back? Zhou Qing’s face was full of shock.

Yet Second Uncle didn’t even glance at Zhou Qing; instead, he was choking on the dust swirling around him, coughing repeatedly as he waved his hands in front of his face.

Then he stepped on broken stones, planted his hands on his hips, and threw back his head with a loud, booming laugh.

“You blocked me? That’s it?” Second Uncle grinned triumphantly, then carved two large characters onto the wall: “That’s it.”

After finishing this, he strode straight toward the distant millstone and rolled toward the tunnel.

Zhou Qing, who had been tense and unsure how to explain himself, realized that Second Uncle had acted as if he hadn’t noticed him at all.

“Damn, I’m such an idiot!” Zhou Qing slapped his forehead.

Though they were in the same place, it was as if they occupied entirely different spaces.

Second Uncle had moved the real millstone inside the cave realm, but Zhou Qing’s simulated millstone remained where it was.

Yet the two locations were synchronized in real time—just like last time, after harvesting the Lingyun Mushrooms, when he simulated the corridor again and found the items already gone.

“It’s past midnight, and Second Uncle’s come back to the cave realm again—maybe I can follow his path!”

Realizing this, Zhou Qing surged with excitement, rolled the millstone over, and followed Second Uncle through the tunnel.

Upon reaching the final destination, he saw Second Uncle leap swiftly into the blood river before him.

“Do I have to swim across?”

As Zhou Qing hesitated, he saw Second Uncle leap back out moments later.

But now he held three dead crows, swiftly placing one on his head and one on each shoulder.

“Come on! Got the guts to come over?” Second Uncle taunted the darkness.

But clearly, no giant corpse-wax crow emerged.

“That’s not right—”

Zhou Qing’s scalp prickled; he immediately leapt down and copied Second Uncle’s move, placing the three crows on his head and shoulders.

The moment he finished, the giant crow that had killed him multiple times emerged—but quickly retreated.

“It actually works!” Seeing this, Zhou Qing’s face lit up with joy.

He looked again at Second Uncle, feeling something he couldn’t name.

After taunting, Second Uncle calmly leapt back into the blood river and began swimming toward the opposite shore.

Zhou Qing secured the three crows on himself and followed behind him.

Along the way, aside from the countless stinking crows in the blood river, no other dangers appeared.

Until they finally climbed ashore together.

“Never thought I’d come back—but this time, I’m fully prepared. You won’t trap me so easily again,” Second Uncle said, his eyes filled with emotion.

Then he walked to the third stone coffin, radiating terrifying pressure, gritted his teeth, and slowly pushed it open before leaping inside.

Zhou Qing turned to his own space, where the first stone coffin had opened on its own, hesitated, then reached into the green mist to grasp the scroll.

No other dangers appeared; the scroll was easily lifted free.

Seeing this, Zhou Qing finally let out the breath he’d been holding.

Too bad he couldn’t see what was written inside—if he truly wanted to take it out and know its contents, only his physical body could enter the real cave realm.

“I wonder what Second Uncle’s up to?” Zhou Qing wondered, but in his own space, the third coffin remained completely sealed.

Even someone as powerful as Second Uncle had to strain to pry open a crack—he’d better not even try.

Then he looked up at the ceiling.

What kind of tree was this black one, whose life was nearly spent?

And whose heart was this, enormous and pulsing, bound tightly by iron chains?

Puff—

As Zhou Qing pondered, another black feather pierced him through.

“There’s a time limit too?” Zhou Qing, now back as a red orb, cursed under his breath.

Luckily, he still had one last chance—he couldn’t afford to be careless again.

He passed safely through the gravity zone and the tunnel, copied his earlier method, swiftly placed the three dead crows on his body, then swam with all his strength to the other side.

He grabbed the scroll, leapt down again, turned back, and as he reached the tunnel, that chilling sensation returned to his heart—but vanished quickly.

“That was close—but perfect timing. Next time, if I enter with my true body, I’ll escape!”

Looking at the stinking crows on his shoulders, Zhou Qing mustered all his strength and hurled them back into the blood river.

He sat there, waiting quietly for Second Uncle.

He didn’t know how long passed, but suddenly felt something—he withdrew from the cave realm.

Waiting this long wasn’t practical; who knew how long Second Uncle would stay? After all, this was like going “home.”

When Zhou Qing opened his eyes, it was already daylight outside.

The old hen was shaking her head and pecking at his thigh; Zhou Qing quickly gave her some spirit rice and powdered spirit stones, and only then did she perk up and stand.

Ninety middle-grade spirit stones had vanished overnight—if Third Brother found out, he’d probably collapse from grief.

But the payoff was substantial—he now had full confidence to pass the gravity zone and retrieve the scroll.

Everything was ready, just waiting for the right wind.

Then he glanced at the twenty-eight middle-grade spirit stones left in his storage pouch and sighed.

The “knowledge fee” he’d taken from the Seventh Imperial Prince was down to this much; inspired by Second Uncle, he’d planned to simulate again after turning the key, to see what the Supreme Elder and others did once inside.

“Forget it. Once I’m out of the cave realm, I’ll sneak back in—by then, the Supreme Elder and the others are probably long gone, maybe even jumped into some coffin like Second Uncle.”

He’d once thought the coffees beneath the tree held corpses—now it seemed they concealed something far stranger.

Then Zhou Qing opened the courtyard gate, stretched his limbs, and prepared to take the hen for a walk—after all, a happy hen laid more eggs.

“You’re awake?”

No sooner had he stepped out than a voice from the corner startled him.

He turned to see Lu Yaoyao crouched there, staring at him with a forlorn expression.

“Lu Sister? Wait, why are you here on Xiao Ling Peak so early?” Zhou Qing exclaimed.

Shen Yue Peak is miles away—did you come here in the middle of the night?

No, Xiao Ling Peak is under curfew at night—no one is allowed in or out.

Lu Yaoyao stood, brushed the dust off her backside, then walked over and said, “I felt down. Couldn’t sleep.”

“Because Princess Xuan Yuan Muqian left?” Zhou Qing ventured cautiously.

Lu Yaoyao nodded slightly.

Hearing this, Zhou Qing’s heart tightened.

Good heavens—could Third Brother be right? Is this girl… queer?

You’re this beautiful—surely not?

The next moment, Lu Yaoyao suddenly looked up, her eyes hopeful: “Zhou Brother, let’s go to the imperial capital sometime.”

Zhou Qing chuckled hollowly.

Even if I went, I wouldn’t go with you.

You’ve got serious issues—if Li Daoxuan and the others found out, they’d think I led you astray.

That’d be an unfixable feud.

“We’ll talk about it later—I’ve got something to do, I’m leaving!” Zhou Qing said, quickly grabbing the hen and hurrying off.

Watching Zhou Qing flee like a hunted animal, Lu Yaoyao lowered her head again, lost in thought.

After circling the entire peak and confirming Lu Yaoyao had left, Zhou Qing finally dared return, shut the courtyard gate, and rested.

He slept soundly until afternoon, yawning as he rose—only then did he notice a message from Third Brother.

“Fourth Brother, Immortal Xuan You arrived. She brought over three hundred top chefs from Xuan Qing Yu Xian Sect. Tonight they’ll cook their sect’s delicacies—ingredients are all fresh. We’re heading to Shen Yue Peak. I’ll come get you!”

Seeing the message on the token, Zhou Qing was baffled.

Did they finally think our Taiqingmen Jade Kitchen meals were terrible?

Still, this was a good chance to taste other sects’ cuisine.

Zhou Qing held his stomach and began cultivation—but less than an hour later, Yan Xiaohu’s voice rang outside.

Zhou Qing finished preparing, opened the gate, and immediately saw Third Brother urinating under a tree nearby.

How the hell did you hold it in that long?

“Come on, come on—Xiao Ling Peak’s far, we’ve got a long walk!”

Yan Xiaohu shook himself, wiped his hands carelessly on his robes, and hurried over.

Zhou Qing shook his head and followed as they took to their swords.

Shen Yue Peak!

When Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu arrived, it was already evening. Other sect’s core disciples had gathered, chatting and laughing in small groups.

Dozens of cooking stoves had been set up nearby; figures in chef’s robes moved among them, and the air was already thick with the scent of stir-fried dishes.

“Wow, looks like we’re in for a feast!” Yan Xiaohu licked his lips, thrilled.

Zhou Qing scanned the crowd and quickly spotted Immortal Xuan You.

Her tag above her head still read 【Taiqingmen Disciple】; she was speaking with Sect Master Cao Zhengyang and others.

Zhou Qing whispered to Yan Xiaohu: “Third Brother, aren’t we being too careless? Master said we can’t trust the other sects—now all core disciples are gathered here. What if they wipe us all out?”

Yan Xiaohu shook his head: “Unlikely. Besides, if anything were planned, Sect Master and the elders would’ve anticipated it. Don’t worry—it’s fine.”

Zhou Qing nodded. After all, Qingyu Xian Sect was a trustworthy ally of Taiqingmen.

Then he found a spot and sat down.

But soon Zhou Qing noticed that the Xuan You Immortal Maiden kept glancing at them, as if probing something.

More precisely, most eyes lingered on those Nascent Soul elders; the women didn’t even look at them.

“Strange—”

Zhou Qing wondered if he was overthinking it.

Under the night sky, Zhou Qing sat beneath a tree, waiting for dinner. Interestingly, nearly everyone bound to his talent skill [Heart-Viewing Gaze] were here.

Mo Xingjian, Gao Xuan, Xuan You Immortal Maiden, Li Daoxuan, Lu Yaoyao, Shi Zhen, Yan Xiao Hu.

Seven golden labels walked about conspicuously.

The last Second Elder was now also at Taiqingmen, but still hadn’t emerged from the Cave Heaven.

“Zhou Senior Brother, you’re here!”

Soon, Zhou Qing saw two golden annotations approaching—it was Li Daoxuan and Lu Yaoyao.

Zhou Qing stood up and nodded.

Lu Yaoyao looked in good spirits; after all, she’d been heartbroken that morning.

“Just arrived!” Zhou Qing said.

Li Daoxuan still wore a sour expression, but reluctantly said, “Master wants you to come.”

“Sect Master Uncle wants to see me?” Zhou Qing blinked in surprise.

Lu Yaoyao hurried over and whispered, “About you identifying the items the Seventh Imperial Prince pulled out—Xuan You Sister is very curious, so she wants you to come explain.”

Zhou Qing fell silent.

That was easy to explain—he’d accidentally seen them as a child. But calling her “Xuan You Sister” isn’t that a bit inappropriate?

You’re raising yourself a generation above all of us!

…………

“Greetings to all Senior Uncles and Senior Aunts, and to Immortal Mistress Xuan You!”

Arriving before the Peak Masters, Zhou Qing bowed respectfully.

At this moment, Mo Xingjian seemed in high spirits, his eyes filled with pride as he looked at Zhou Qing.

Cao Zhengyang said, “Zhou Qing, Immortal Mistress Xuan You has a few questions for you. Just answer truthfully.”

Zhou Qing nodded, then turned to Xuan You Immortal Maiden.

Xuan You smiled. “I hear the Seventh Imperial Prince of Shengwu Empire displayed three items, and you identified each one?”

Zhou Qing replied, “Immortal Maiden, it was pure luck. When I was a child, wandering outside, I once happened upon a street stall with a related illustrated book. I just happened to see it—like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead rat. I didn’t even know if they were real or fake; I just went along with whatever they claimed.”

“I see. I heard your Senior Brother fought him and barely held his own. By the way, where’s your Senior Brother?” Xuan You asked.

Zhou Qing instinctively glanced at Mo Xingjian, who gave a slight nod.

Zhou Qing said, “He’s out seeking enlightenment on his own realm.”

“Impressive! So young and already nearing Soul Transformation. Clearly, he’ll have a place among the Cutting Spirit masters!” Xuan You Immortal Maiden praised.

Mo Xingjian beamed with pride.

Zhou Qing smiled too. “Thank you for your auspicious words, Elder.”

Then, the others exchanged a few more casual words with Zhou Qing before telling him to wait aside until dinner began.

Zhou Qing stepped back.

Soon, the banquet began. Everyone laughed and chatted as they ate, and fine wine was served.

I have to say, the cuisine of the Qingyu Immortal Sect is truly excellent; Zhou Qing enjoyed a hearty feast.

“Third Senior Brother, slow down, mind your manners!”

Aside from Mo Xingjian, only the two of them had come from Xiao Ling Peak and sat together.

Seeing Yan Xiao Hu slurping loudly, Zhou Qing whispered a reminder.

Yan Xiao Hu cleared his throat and suddenly became refined.

“You’re always full of gossip—why did Xuan You Immortal Maiden suddenly do this?” Zhou Qing whispered.

Yan Xiao Hu wiped the grease from his lips and leaned close. “Probably trying to form an alliance. I don’t know the details.”

“Even if they’re forming an alliance, it should be done quietly—why make such a public show?” Zhou Qing frowned.

Yan Xiao Hu shook his head.

How could they guess the intentions of great figures?

Better just to eat well!

During this time, Shi Zhen came over to toast, thanking Zhou Qing for bringing honor to Taiqingmen, and said she might soon enter seclusion.

Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao Hu immediately stood and wished her swift advancement to Nascent Soul.

To Zhou Qing’s surprise, several core disciples also came to toast him, leaving him genuinely flattered.

It must be because of the Seventh Imperial Prince’s three items.

Yan Xiao Hu, watching from the side, suddenly grew gloomy.

Why did it feel like Fourth Brother was drifting further away?

Thus, everyone stayed until late night before departing separately.

When Zhou Qing returned to his quarters, he suddenly felt something was off, then turned to look at the large tree nearby.

For above it floated the annotation: [Little Kid with the Old Man’s Style].

Zhou Qing’s face filled with shock.

Wait—this illusion technique is that powerful? Even plants?

Wait, that’s not the point—the point is, when did Second Elder come out of the Cave Heaven again?

Is he that free to come and go?

And he transformed into this form—clearly waiting for him right outside the gate.

Zhou Qing suddenly remembered: last time Second Elder left, he’d said if Zhou Qing recognized him next time, he’d grant him another opportunity.

Thinking of this, Zhou Qing smiled.

He stepped forward and bowed to the tree. “Disciple Zhou Qing, greetings, Second Elder!”

After bowing, the tree remained motionless.

Zhou Qing waited quietly. After half a stick of incense had burned, he stood up with a smile. “Elder, this tree has stood before my door for years. My Third Senior Brother often urinates here.”

“Every time I come or go, I smell urine stench. I was going to cut it down in a couple days—but today, the smell vanished.”

“Besides, it’s deep night, and a cool breeze blows all around, yet not a single leaf on this tree moves—it’s too fake.”

“And my nose is sensitive. After our previous meetings, I can smell your scent from far away.”

As soon as Zhou Qing finished speaking, the motionless tree suddenly rustled violently.

Then, Second Elder jumped out, looking disgusted, muttering curses.

“I knew that stench came from somewhere—so it was that brat! Sneaky, shifty, no manners at all!”

Zhou Qing couldn’t help but laugh.

So he hadn’t transformed—he’d just hidden inside.

But then again, if you have manners, why dig a tunnel so long through the Cave Heaven, then leave mocking notes?

“Greetings, Elder!” Zhou Qing bowed again.

Second Elder looked at Zhou Qing with approval.

Thoughtful, calm under pressure—I underestimated you, boy.

“Not seen you in a while, and you’ve already broken through to Golden Core early stage. And you even know how to conceal your cultivation base with [Turtle Breathing Scripture]. Good, good!” Second Elder praised.

Zhou Qing’s expression shifted slightly, but he wasn’t surprised.

He even suspected Second Elder had crossed Soul Transformation and reached Cutting Spirit.

After all, Shengwu Empire, a Level Four cultivation realm, encompassed boundless lands and sects—yet there were only a dozen or so Cutting Spirit experts total.

“I owe this entirely to the Heavenly Dao energy you gifted me—it transformed me completely!” Zhou Qing said with heartfelt gratitude.

Second Elder said, “No, that Yin-Yang energy only gave you a forty percent chance to form the Number One [Three Flowers Gathered at the Crown] when breaking into Nascent Soul—barely boosted your combat power. What does that have to do with talent? Looks like you’ve been hiding your true strength all along.”

Seeing Second Elder wasn’t joking, Zhou Qing realized he truly didn’t know the Heavenly Dao energy he’d given had already undergone a transformation.

Otherwise, how could Zhou Qing have so quickly mastered [Green Wood Spirit Shield], [Silver Dragon Hand], [Silver Dragon Step], and even two forms of [Azure Thunder Sword Art]?

Before Zhou Qing could speak, Second Elder suddenly leaned forward curiously. “Little kid, you say you remember my scent? Tell me—what does it smell like now?”

Zhou Qing had planned to flatter him, but thought better of it—fooling others was fine, fooling Second Elder was showing off in front of a master.

He’d come forward now precisely to dispel his suspicions and prove his nose was truly sensitive.

Otherwise, if his curiosity flared and he tried a soul-search, everything would be over.

Zhou Qing feigned sniffing, then frowned. “Besides an old-man smell, there’s a foul, fishy stench—like a corpse rotting. Especially near your shoulder, the odor is stronger.”

At this, Second Elder visibly startled.

He stared at Zhou Qing’s nose in amazement. “How? You can smell that? How did you grow such a nose?”

Zhou Qing feigned confusion. “Elder, did you carry a corpse?”

Second Elder chuckled, then pulled out a black clay jar. “Since your nose is so sharp, help me smell this—what’s inside?”

Seeing the sudden appearance of the jar, Zhou Qing felt relieved—his [Daily Appraisal] hadn’t been used yet.

Zhou Qing immediately activated the appraisal.

[Human Bone Jar: A jar forged from the bones and flesh of a Cutting Spirit expert, possessing unimaginable power. Long ago, it sealed a Cutting Spirit-level Flesh Demon Toad—but now it’s reduced to dry bones.]

Seeing the appraisal result, Zhou Qing’s face filled with shock.

No wonder he’s Second Uncle—something he casually pulled out already touches the elusive Severing Spirit realm.

Could this be what he obtained from the cavern realm this time?

What the hell is this flesh-demon golden toad?

It was a Severing Spirit realm cultivator in life!

“What, can’t you smell it?” Second Uncle asked with a smile.

Zhou Qing chuckled awkwardly. “Just a moment, just a moment—it’s coming!”

Who could possibly smell this? It’s way beyond my level—how could I possibly touch something like this?

But to confirm his nose’s ability and eliminate any future risk of Second Uncle growing curious and searching his soul, Zhou Qing feigned leaning in and sniffed hard.

Then, after a long moment of deep thought, he said, “I think I caught a whiff of toad stench.”

Upon hearing Zhou Qing’s words, Second Uncle’s pupils shrank sharply, then burst into loud laughter.

“Excellent, truly excellent! I’ve never met anyone with such a keen nose. Youngster, make good use of this innate gift—it will greatly aid your future cultivation!”

Second Uncle looked delighted. After putting away the jar, he patted Zhou Qing on the shoulder.

【Heart Mirror Points +9】

Soon, the annotation above Second Uncle’s head—【Little Whelp with a Touch of My Old Style】—instantly changed to 【Little Whelp with Extraordinary Talent】.

Zhou Qing stepped back and bowed. “Thank you, Elder, for your instruction!”

Requesting monthly votes!





(End of Chapter)