Chapter 1176 - 355: Miss Lu, Actually My Sister Doesn’t Like Men! (6k)

The two could never have imagined that the Cangyan Daoist Palace Master, who was so capricious in the Eastern Domain, was actually the Grand Prince of the Holy Martial Dynasty, Xuanyuan Xuanhuang.

"No wonder..." Luo Lingling murmured to herself, her eyebrows furrowing involuntarily.

Reflecting on Sikong Yan’s various abnormal actions over the years, it turned out that he never regarded them as opponents.

At most, they were merely a pastime for his strategic layouts.

For a moment, they didn’t know whether to feel fortunate or stifled.

"So, the favor he asked for is the secret formula currently held by the Xuanyuan Royal Family?" Ghost Mastiff asked hoarsely.

Zhou Qing nodded lightly, a few traces of solemnity in his eyes.

Luo Lingling furrowed her elegant brows: "It’s too risky. With Sikong Yan ahead and Consort Chen behind, I don’t believe no one has thought of this over the years."

She stared directly at Zhou Qing, her tone growing more serious, "Yet the secret formula is still in the hands of the royal family. Do you think you can succeed with just yourselves?"

Ghost Mastiff clenched his fists and responded, "Old Second is right; the Dynasty currently has more than a dozen Spirit Severing Realm experts publicly. If they join forces to seize it for their own factions’ benefit, they could certainly do it."

He paused and lowered his voice, "But these old foxes are still standing by, so there must be something fishy that we don’t know about."

Zhou Qing pondered for a moment, "I naturally understand the dangers, which is why I’ve not agreed to Sikong Yan yet. I’ll wait for him to present a complete plan before deciding."

He shifted the topic, a resolute flash appearing in his eyes, "But if we could succeed, my master and they might have a glimmer of hope."

Ghost Mastiff sighed heavily, "That’s easy to say, but you also mentioned earlier that the president of the Duobao Trading House emerged from a batch of more than forty Divinity Transformation peaks."

His voice grew heavier, "These more than forty people, are any not stunningly talented? Only by showing self-worth and subsequent potential to the Dynasty side could one earn a secret medicine."

"Despite that, only one succeeded," Ghost Mastiff continued, worry evident in his eyes, "So, just how many corpses did the other Spirit Severing Realms use as stepping stones?"

"To put it bluntly, if the Supreme Elder, Master Uncles, and Uncles truly take that secret medicine, their chances of success might be slim."

Luo Lingling spoke lightly, "I agree with the boss’s view. Besides, you’ve touched the threshold of the Spirit Slash. After advancing to Fourth-level Array Master, we can all feel that unique aura from you."

"If Old Mo and the others knew you were trying so hard for them, they definitely would not agree."

"Moreover," Luo Lingling added, a hint of worry in her eyes, "That guy Sikong Yan is a madman; what if he abandons you at the crucial moment..."

Zhou Qing remained silent for a long time before finally lifting his head, "My master... doesn’t have much time left. I still want to try."

"You..." Hearing Zhou Qing’s words, they were both anxious and angry.

That damned Sikong Yan, what kind of enchantment did he cast on Old Fourth?

"Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing."

Zhou Qing had already made up his mind, "Let’s stop talking about this for now. We’ll split up; I’ll go find Xuanyuan Yichen to get this matter clear, and you help me find Lu."

Ghost Mastiff rushed forward and grabbed Zhou Qing’s wrist, "No way! That Seventh Prince is too cunning; we must go with you!"

Zhou Qing gently shook free, "I can escape more easily on my own. Besides..."

He curved his mouth slightly, "Now, apart from Spirit Severing Realm, there aren’t many who can hold me."

"But—" Ghost Mastiff still wanted to stop him, but Luo Lingling pulled his sleeve, gently shaking her head.

Then she looked at Zhou Qing, "Alright, we’ll go find Lu. But senior sister still needs to remind you, this is the Inner City of the Imperial City, you must be careful."

"A Spirit Severing Realm expert can arrive in just a breath’s time. Especially now that you’ve advanced to Fourth-level Array Master, countless Spirit Severing Realms are secretly watching you."

Zhou Qing nodded solemnly, "Understood, senior sister."

Zhou Qing gave a few more instructions, and the three parted ways, while he headed straight for his residence on the west side of the Imperial City.

"You really trust Old Fourth to go alone?" As soon as they turned a few streets, Ghost Mastiff couldn’t help but ask.

Luo Lingling sighed lightly, "We would only be a burden to him."

Ghost Mastiff opened his mouth but finally let out a deep sigh.

"I believe in Xiao Qing," Luo Lingling said firmly, "Just his status as a Fourth-level Array Master is the best amulet."

"Let’s go, let’s first find Xiaoliu from Divine Peak, it’s ultimately inappropriate to keep following those two outsiders."

Ghost Mastiff glanced worriedly in the direction behind them, then had to follow.

...

Inside Jintian Palace, Zhou Qing’s figure drifted in quietly like a fallen leaf.

The abandoned palace still had remnants of walls and ruins but unexpectedly wafted with the tempting aroma of food, adding a touch of human warmth to this desolate place.

Following the scent, he crossed the weed-filled courtyard to find a low table quietly placed in the center.

Sikong Yan was leisurely savoring wine while Nanny Su came out with steaming dishes from the inner room, lovingly arranging the bowls and plates one by one.

"Nanny, the guest has arrived, these will suffice," Sikong Yan said with a smile.

Nanny Su raised her eyes to see Zhou Qing, nodding slightly, "Then you can use them first."

With that said, she quietly retreated.

Sikong Yan turned to see Zhou Qing and immediately stood up to welcome him, a deliberately exaggerated smile on his face, "Ah, the visit of a Fourth-level master truly brings luster to this humble place! Please, master, take a seat."

He diligently patted the dust off a meditation cushion.

Zhou Qing watched coldly, "You knew in advance that I would come?"

Sikong Yan laughed heartily, "About thirty percent chance. If you came straight here, you must have already found out it was Xuanyuan Yichen who leaked the Taiqing Sect matter to Nangong Xiongba."

Zhou Qing’s gaze hardened, "That night, you indeed recognized him."