Chapter 97: I

Zhou Qing looked around at the gray-white powder scattered everywhere—the empty shells left after all his mid-grade spirit stones lost their spiritual energy.

The old hen was coming over, pecking cluck-cluck-cluck.

This made Zhou Qing feel ashamed; he quickly smashed a few low-grade spirit stones into powder and gave them to her.

"Careful—not too much, or you'll get kidney stones!" Zhou Qing joked, his mood lifted.

He then checked his storage pouch and found only slightly over a hundred low-grade spirit stones left.

"I must be the poorest core disciple in the entire Taiqingmen!"

Zhou Qing sighed and shook his head.

Money, money—how even a single coin can humble a hero.

After cleaning the room, Zhou Qing went out to the courtyard and greedily absorbed the midday sun, utterly content.

"With the proper balance from the Yin-Yang Scripture, whether the first or second form of the Azure Thunder Sword Art, I can now cast them in quick succession!"

Zhou Qing took out his broken sword and muttered to himself.

Thus, he gained another means of self-preservation.

"Old Four, Old Four, what are you doing?" At that moment, Yan Xiaohu's voice rang out as usual from outside.

Zhou Qing sighed.

Ever since "Old Four" came out of Third Zhou Shixiong's mouth, his scalp had gone numb.

Still, he sheathed the broken sword and opened the courtyard gate.

Yan Xiaohu stood outside, grinning, holding a food box in his hand.

"Knew you hadn't eaten yet—just made at Yushan Hall, come taste it!" Yan Xiaohu said, stepping inside.

Seeing Yan Xiaohu's unusual behavior today, Zhou Qing frowned: "Third Zhou Shixiong, this isn't like you—you've got something you want me to help with, don't you?"

Unprovoked kindness? Either he's scheming or stealing.

No one knew how stingy Third Zhou Shixiong was better than he did; last time he promised to treat, he showed up at Yushan Hall and claimed he was short on cash, forcing Zhou Qing to pay for him.

How could he suddenly become so generous, going all the way to Shenyue Peak and even bringing back food?

Something's off.

Hearing Zhou Qing's words, Yan Xiaohu froze for a moment, then quickly recovered, placing the fragrant, spirit-energy-emitting dishes on the table and even pulling out a flask of wine.

"What are you standing there for? Sit down! Do you think I'm only inviting my little junior brother to eat because I need something? Am I really that calculating?"

Yan Xiaohu grinned and pulled Zhou Qing down into a chair.

Zhou Qing only smiled silently, not picking up his chopsticks.

"Oh, the little chicken's here too! Look what I brought you—I caught these grasshoppers specially from the bushes on the way!"

Seeing Zhou Qing unmoved, Yan Xiaohu turned with a bright smile to the old hen in her coop and quickly pulled out a jar filled with green grasshoppers.

He dumped them all out at once—the grasshoppers scattered and flew wildly; the old hen, her bulging eyes drooping, began frantically pecking at the pillar.

Yan Xiaohu: "..."

"Third Zhou Shixiong, besides borrowing money, just say what you need," Zhou Qing said.

Yan Xiaohu ignored the foolish old hen and sat directly across from Zhou Qing, looking annoyed: "What? Do you really think I'm like that? I've always promised to treat you..."

"Then I'm going to walk the chicken!"

"No no no, why are you getting upset? Uh... can you lend me some money?"

Yan Xiaohu immediately rubbed his hands nervously, face flushed with embarrassment.

"I'm still going to walk the chicken!" Before Zhou Qing could rise, Yan Xiaohu shoved him back into the chair: "Old Four, my dear Old Four—I only came to you because I have no other choice. Not much, just a little."

Zhou Qing looked at him, then nodded and pulled out every spirit stone he had.

"One hundred low-grade spirit stones—I'm giving you my heart and soul," Zhou Qing said.

Seeing this, Yan Xiaohu gave Zhou Qing's shoulder a light pat.

"Come on, don't joke with your Third Zhou Shixiong. Never mind the money you made at the Five Sects Treasure Fair—afterward, when you went out to earn merit for the Qingyu Immortal Sect, the Sect Master gave you one high-grade spirit stone, and soon after, Cui Cui Yingying personally came to thank you and you asked me to exchange all those gifts for over a hundred mid-grade spirit stones."

"Then every time you entered the Cave Heaven, the Supreme Elder gave you generous compensation, and before and after helping the Seventh Imperial Prince identify those items, you received over a hundred more—I estimate you've got at least three hundred mid-grade spirit stones and one high-grade spirit stone. How could you possibly have only this much?"

Zhou Qing stared at Yan Xiaohu in disbelief.

Wait, how do you remember all this so clearly?

Are these my coins or yours?

Seeing Zhou Qing's stunned expression, Yan Xiaohu immediately held up one finger: "One hundred—just borrow one hundred mid-grade spirit stones. I'll pay you back when I have money."

Zhou Qing let out a hollow laugh.

Fine—never mind that he didn't have it; even if he did, the phrase "when I have money" meant repayment was forever out of reach.

But Zhou Qing still asked: "Why do you need so much money?"

After all, Third Zhou Shixiong had saved up quite a bit over the years.

Yan Xiaohu sat back down across from him, poured himself some wine, and drank it in one gulp.

"To be honest, I want to refine a Nascent Soul Pill," Yan Xiaohu said.

"Nascent Soul Pill?" Zhou Qing froze, staring at Third Zhou Shixiong again, a sudden pang of sorrow rising in his chest.

There was a fundamental difference between Jin Dan and Nascent Soul realms.

If Jin Dan was like an embryo forming, then Nascent Soul was a brand-new life.

It was the soul's transformation, a tangible manifestation.

Once one ascended to Nascent Soul, even if the physical body was destroyed, as long as the Nascent Soul survived, it could slowly be nurtured back to life.

If all else failed, possession of another body was also extremely easy.

According to what he'd learned, when a Golden Core shattered, it produced different kinds of Nascent Souls—like Purple Mansion Nascent Soul, Yangshen Nascent Soul, Thunder-Strike Nascent Soul, and so on—each determining how far the cultivator could advance.

The cultivation world classified these Nascent Souls into four grades: Heaven, Earth, Mystery, and Yellow. Heaven-grade Nascent Souls were the rarest—only ten existed—and the first among them was the Three Petals Nascent Soul.

Others increased in number as the grade dropped.

But no matter which type, crossing from Jin Dan peak to Nascent Soul was an immense chasm—clearly shown by how Third Zhou Shixiong had remained stuck at Jin Dan for so long.

If natural breakthrough remained impossible, only a Nascent Soul Pill could push him forward.

But the ingredients were rare, the refining failure rate extremely high, and failure meant total loss.

"Third Zhou Shixiong, you..." Zhou Qing's heart ached.

Everyone knew that after taking a Nascent Soul Pill, the path ahead became even harder.

Seeing Zhou Qing's expression, Yan Xiaohu burst out laughing: "Why so gloomy? Look what I've got!"

Yan Xiaohu extended his right hand, palm open.

With a flick of his spiritual sense, a lotus made entirely of flame appeared, radiating intense heat; Zhou Qing, being close, felt his soul burn with pain.

"This is Nascent Flame? Third Zhou Shixiong, you..."

Zhou Qing was momentarily stunned.

Nascent Flame was a fire formed only after the Nascent Soul had coalesced—it could be used for combat, alchemy, and weapon forging.

But how was this possible?

Yan Xiaohu then dismissed the Nascent Flame lotus and scratched his head: "I don't know either. I haven't formed a Nascent Soul yet—my Jin Dan is as hard as a rock and won't break. So I thought, maybe a Nascent Soul Pill will show me what's going on."

Zhou Qing finally understood.

"Does Master know?" Zhou Qing asked quickly.

Yan Xiaohu nodded: "Yes. It was his idea to take a Nascent Soul Pill. But the sect has no ready-made pills, and the herbs are scarce, so I came to borrow money from you."

Zhou Qing truly felt helpless, but didn't know how to explain so that Third Zhou Shixiong would believe him.

"Then, Third Zhou Shixiong, when you built your Foundation—was it Human Path, or...?" Zhou Qing asked curiously.

Yan Xiaohu said: "Earth Vein Foundation. Old Mo managed to find a single thread of Earth Vein energy for me. Don't think too much—I've been searching for Earth Vein energy for you too, but you know how scarce and hard to find Heavenly Dao energy and Earth Vein energy are."

"To be honest, Old Mo has been truly good to all four of us. First Zhou Shixiong and Second Sister were both Heavenly Dao Foundation—two threads of Heavenly Dao energy, which Master risked half his life to obtain. Though not top-ranked, they were still Heavenly Dao energy."

Zhou Qing listened, utterly stunned.

Was Master really that powerful? He'd obtained two threads of such rare Heavenly Dao energy?

Seeing Zhou Qing's expression, Yan Xiaohu quickly added: "When I was about to build my Foundation, Old Mo smiled and said he'd get me one too. I was so excited I suppressed my realm, waiting. But what I got was three consecutive severe injuries."

"You hadn't even joined the sect yet—I'd never seen him so badly hurt. After that, he left on multiple expeditions for years searching for that thing. When he returned, his temples were already white."

"Then I accidentally took a demon-slaying mission—and fate, I suppose, led me to stumble upon a thread of Earth Vein energy. To spare Old Mo from further exhausting himself, I absorbed it and became an Earth Vein Foundation cultivator."

Hearing Yan Xiaohu's words, Zhou Qing felt a storm of emotions.

He had known none of this.

Then Yan Xiaohu looked serious: "Old Mo said you were tested for talent upon joining—average, nothing special. But he told me that as long as you were his disciple, he'd see you through, give you a bright future."

"So from the moment you began cultivating, he was searching for Heavenly Dao energy for you. For years he never gave up, eventually lowering his standards to seek Earth Vein energy. Just when he had a lead, you suddenly built your Foundation on the Human Path."

"Forced to give up, Master felt nothing but guilt—he'd planned to surprise you, but you gave him a shock instead. You were only at Qi Condensation Seventh Layer then; he thought you still had years before Foundation Establishment."

Hearing this, Zhou Qing's eyes turned red, his heart warm.

The taciturn Master had been quietly caring for him all along.

"Old Mo has always carried guilt for not telling you sooner, making you rush ahead. Afterward, he couldn't speak up, fearing you'd carry regret—or worse, become obsessed."

"I'm telling you now because I'm afraid you'll overthink it. And your talent isn't bad—you were only Qi Condensation Seventh Layer, yet you built your Foundation in a short time, and now you've reached Foundation Establishment Late Stage."

"So what's the big deal? So I'm Earth Vein Foundation—still stuck at Jin Dan peak for years, forced to use a Nascent Soul Pill to break through."

Yan Xiaohu smiled reassuringly.

But Zhou Qing suddenly smiled.

Third Zhou Shixiong, if I told you that among the four of us, you're the only Earth Vein Foundation cultivator, what would you think?

And I'm not at Foundation Establishment Late Stage—I'm at Jin Dan Mid Stage.

By then, I don't know whether you'll be comforting me or I'll be comforting you.

Now that he understood the truth, Zhou Qing felt his thoughts clear, even a sense of sudden enlightenment.

But I only have a hundred low-grade spirit stones left on me.

After a brief pause, Zhou Qing looked at Yan Xiaohu with serious expression: "Hearing San Shixiong, I've spent all my money—I only have this much left. I can't explain it well, but for this Nascent Soul Pill, I'm willing to help. Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it, as long as it gets us money."

Seeing Zhou Qing's distress, Yan Xiaohu suddenly laughed: "I believe you. Everyone has their secrets—even your brother here. If these hundred low-grade spirit stones are all you have, I won't take them."

Zhou Qing hadn't expected his third brother to trust him so easily; his heart grew even more complicated.

"Thank you, Hearing San Shixiong. What can I do to help?" Zhou Qing asked.

Yan Xiaohu thought for a moment, then leaned close: "I'll tell you a secret—Master still hasn't paid off his debts. Spiritual energy either comes from risking your life or buying it at exorbitant prices. Every peak's leader holds IOUs from Master."

"So I can't borrow from Master, nor can I trouble him. These hundred mid-grade spirit stones? I have to get them myself."

Zhou Qing fell silent after hearing this.

Yan Xiaohu took another sip of wine, still optimistic: "Actually, it's not that urgent. Right now, the main thing is raising funds—then posting a reward on the Mission Hall, or snapping up any stock the Exchange Hall gets first."

"But these medicinal herbs are extremely rare. Even with the sect's resources, we'd never gather enough. So I plan to go to Lingyun Prefecture—there are more pharmacies there, plus auctions and black markets. Our chances are much better."

Zhou Qing frowned: "Lingyun Prefecture? That's actually a good idea."

Yan Xiaohu said: "As a Level Four cultivation nation, Shengwu Empire's structure, apart from the imperial capital's elite, is simply divided into commanderies, prefectures, and cities."

"Our Five Sects, along with thousands of smaller sects nearby, all fall under Lingyun Prefecture's jurisdiction—though it's just a geographic region. We're equal to the empire, not subject to its orders."

"Yanlong City at the mountain's foot, and Qingmu City we visited last time—all are under Lingyun Prefecture's control. The actual prefecture territory is enormous and bustling."

Yan Xiaohu spoke these words with clear longing.

Zhou Qing strongly agreed.

The Shengwu Empire had eight commanderies and seventy-two prefectures, and countless cities—Lingyun Prefecture alone governed hundreds of cities.

Each of the seventy-two mansion lords was a Soul Transformation realm's peak. Of course, that was only on the surface. The eight commandery governors? Terrifying beings with one foot already in the Cutting Spirit realm.

"Then I'm coming with you. Perfect chance to get out and see something!" Zhou Qing decided quickly.

After all, he was short on money too.

His future cultivation and the 【Divine Ruins Tiangong】 simulations both required vast amounts of spirit stones.

Yan Xiaohu asked curiously: "Aren't you afraid of Cangyan Dao Palace's revenge?"

Zhou Qing smiled: "Now that Soul Transformation cultivators are dying, we're just tiny fry—they probably won't even look our way. Besides, if I keep hesitating like this, even if I cultivate to Soul Transformation in isolation, I'll never dare step outside."

Yan Xiaohu burst into loud laughter.

"I get it now—you've taken half of Zhou Shixiong's boldness and half of Second Sister's recklessness. You're utterly spontaneous: ready to risk everything one moment, and hunker down the next."

Zhou Qing couldn't help but chuckle.

Yes, human nature is this complex.

One moment you decide something, the next you change your mind.

But isn't that part of life's charm?

"Alright, perfect—you've got a sharp nose. You might actually be useful!" Yan Xiaohu was delighted.

When brothers unite, their strength can sever gold!

…………

In the great hall, Mo Mo Xingjian looked at the two below, his face showing no surprise—as if he'd expected this all along.

"Go, go. It's good to get out. Just be careful!"

Mo Xingjian pulled out the parent-child scroll they'd used when traveling to Qingmu City.

"Lingyun Prefecture is far. If you truly encounter danger, even I'll take a while to arrive. If you sense trouble brewing, activate it early!" Mo Xingjian warned.

Both looked deeply moved.

"It's not a deathbed farewell—stop being so sentimental! Here!" Mo Mo Xingjian tossed the teleportation scroll to Yan Xiaohu.

"You're the elder brother—take care of Fourth Brother. Oh, and Senior Brother sent word—he followed the trail and found that your Second Sister's path also leads to Lingyun Prefecture. If you meet her, tell her to come back soon. Master would rather give up the Soul-Exhaling Immortal Herb than lose you alive."

"There's also a shop in Lingyun Prefecture owned by our Taiqingmen. If you need help there, find the shopkeeper. Here's the address."

"Tell me before you leave. The sect's situation is complicated now. To avoid detection, I'll use a secret technique to teleport you three hundred li outside Yanlong City!"

…………

Mo Mo Xingjian kept muttering instructions; the two bowed their heads, listening silently.

Soon, they both knelt together and bowed three solemn, silent head-bangs toward Mo Mo Xingjian.

…………

Zhou Qing had nothing to pack—only the old hen to bring.

But Hearing San Shixiong needed a full day to set aside some spirit stones for his eight loyal followers.

After all, he still had to assign missions at the Mission Hall—if anyone found the herbs, someone had to handle it.

He also needed to keep close watch on the Exchange Hall and Danhua Peak.

Word was Shi Zhen had entered seclusion—would she cross that abyss and ascend to Nascent Soul?

And what about Gao Xuan, the elder from Jinyang Peak? What was going on with him?

What was his true purpose hiding within Taiqingmen?

Zhou Qing couldn't figure it out. But since Gao Xuan and Tong Min had left, and Master had immediately gone to investigate upon hearing the news, it was clear he still suspected Gao Xuan. That was better.

"This trip to Lingyun Prefecture will take at least half a year. Are you sure you won't say goodbye to Lu Yaoyao? I think she cares about you."

On their way up the peak, Yan Xiaohu couldn't help reminding him.

Zhou Qing shook his head: "What's there to say? She needs to settle down and cultivate. Ever since she broke through Foundation Establishment, she's been restless. This is actually a good chance for her."

Yan Xiaohu nodded in agreement, then pulled Zhou Qing close, serious: "I thought she liked you, but after watching her several times, her gaze at you feels… off. Like she sees you as family. Yes, family. Could you possibly look like her late brother?"

"I'm her father!" Zhou Qing said, exasperated.

What's with "late"? So gloomy.

Yan Xiaohu burst into laughter again.

"Fine then—when we return, make her call you Father. I guarantee, within an incense stick's time, her five senior brothers will storm the door."

Zhou Qing shook his head, but Hearing San Shixiong's words sparked an idea: her first reaction upon meeting him, her repeated efforts to matchmake for him, even that time during the life-or-death crisis—her strange words: "I won't let you abandon me again."

Now that he thought about it… maybe it was true.

Whatever. I'll ask next time I get the chance.

Soon, the two arrived at Mo Mo Xingjian's residence.

Mo Mo Xingjian had already prepared a short-range teleportation array for them.

"Your situation is unusual. Normally, Earth Vein Foundation Establishment shouldn't make Nascent Soul so hard—using a Nascent Soul Pill to push through is wise," Mo Mo Xingjian told Yan Xiaohu.

Then he turned to Zhou Qing, his eyes filled with shame.

Zhou Qing felt a pang of guilt too—but if he told Master he was a Heaven Dao Foundation Establishment cultivator, with potential to gather the Three Flowers atop his head, what would Master and the entire sect do?

He knew clearly: if this became known, the sect would pour every resource into him.

But that meant losing all freedom—becoming a caged bird.

Constantly guarded, never worrying about consequences. But would that version of him still be himself?

Without facing life-or-death crises, without witnessing the cruelty of human nature—he'd be no more than a flower grown in a greenhouse.

If he ever reached Soul Transformation, what realm could he comprehend, sheltered in comfort?

Besides, he carried many secrets of his own.

Zhou Qing opened his mouth—then swallowed the words he'd almost spoken.

Suddenly, Mo Mo Xingjian slapped Yan Xiaohu hard across the neck, knocking him dazed.

How long has it been since Qingmu City? Why are you only thinking of this now?

Mo Mo Xingjian cursed: "Fourth Brother is Human Dao Foundation Establishment. He's coming with you to keep you company. If anything happens to him, you don't come back."

Yan Xiaohu winced, rubbing his stinging neck.

"Master, is your hand a severed palm? Why does it hurt so much? That slap shot straight to my crown!"

"Can't even say something nice before we leave? Fine, we're going!" Yan Xiaohu grabbed Zhou Qing and stepped into the teleportation array.

As they looked at Mo Mo Xingjian's reddened eyes, both bowed deeply in unison.

"Master, take care!"

Mo Mo Xingjian waved slightly—the teleportation array blazed with blinding white light. When they looked again, the two had vanished.

The great hall fell utterly silent.

"Go, go… now it's just this old man left—"

A sigh drifted through the silent hall, heavy with loneliness and longing.

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(End of Chapter)