The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 266 Oh, so the person your sister wanted to save was you! (6k)

At this moment, Zhou Qing sat upright with his eyes closed, surrounded by spiritual seals interwoven with three thousand rays of light.

These spiritual imprints intertwined and collided continuously, emitting a pleasant humming sound.

Some spiritual seals can even cause a slight tremor in space when they are touched.

Visible ripples of spiritual energy spread outwards from Zhou Qing as the center.

After about half an incense stick's time, Zhou Qing slowly opened his eyes, looking at the three thousand spiritual seals surrounding him, his heart filled with emotion and excitement.

He never imagined that the blessing of just ten top-grade wood-attribute spirit stones would allow him to condense two thousand spirit seals in just one month.

He instantly became the fourth level-three array master in the entire fourth-level cultivation kingdom.

Sensing the excited atmosphere of the crowd outside, Zhou Qing couldn't help but recall the scene many years ago at the Baiyu Taixu Academy when Master Lin successfully condensed three thousand spirit seals and advanced to a level three array master.

At that time, all the students and mentors in the academy cheered for it, and now, I am standing at the same height.

Suddenly, an indescribable sense of accomplishment welled up in his heart.

"This is truly a wonderful product!"

Looking at the Enlightenment Ancient Tea Tree in his arms, which had once again lost its ethereal aura, Zhou Qing was in a great mood and carefully put it away.

The spiritual seals surrounding him dissipated and slowly merged into his body.

He then steadily pushed open the door, and saw that the sect leader Cao Zhengyang, the supreme elders, and a group of peak masters had already gathered outside.

Their faces were filled with surprise and excitement, and all eyes were now fixed on him.

Zhou Qing bowed and greeted the Supreme Elder, Senior Uncle, and Senior Uncle!

Mo Xingjian was the first to recover from the shock, laughing loudly as he strode forward, put his arm around Zhou Qing's shoulder, and looked at him with pride in his eyes.

I wanted to say something, but a thousand words welled up in my heart, and I didn't know where to begin.

Her lips trembled, her eyes slightly reddened, and in the end, she could only pat Zhou Qing's shoulder heavily.

[Heart Judgment Points +15]

The title above his head, "Disciple with extraordinary comprehension," directly changed to "Disciple with unparalleled talent."

The sect leader, Cao Zhengyang, stroked his beard, his face beaming with a satisfied smile.

"A level three formation master? Who would believe that? How did you do that?"

The other peak masters also smiled genuinely, their eyes filled with curiosity.

Zhou Qing scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly; he hadn't expected it to cause such a commotion.

He could only say, "This disciple doesn't know either. I just suddenly had an insight while cultivating, and it just turned out like this as I continued to cultivate."

Zhou Qing's words startled everyone, but quickly turned into soft laughter.

The elders laughed heartily, and one of them said, "You've all made this child blush."

"In short, Zhou Qing's breakthrough to become a level three array master is a blessing that our Taiqing Sect has accumulated over several lifetimes."

"For now, let's not tell anyone except us. This child's talent in formations is too dazzling. Exposing it too early might cause unnecessary trouble."

Upon hearing this, everyone understood immediately and nodded in agreement.

Just as Cao Zhengyang was about to speak, he suddenly received a message from Li Daoxuan.

In an instant, excitement surged across his face again, and he announced loudly, "Tonight is truly a double celebration, no, a triple celebration!"

"Junior Sister Qi from Zixia Peak has just emerged from seclusion. Not only that, but Lu Yaoyao has also successfully broken through to the late Nascent Soul stage!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in an uproar, filled with surprise and admiration.

Cao Zhengyang looked at Zhou Qing with admiration in his eyes: "You've set a great example for everyone."

Zhou Qing smiled modestly, bowed slightly, and dared not take credit.

"Alright, our little sect leader is probably tired too. He should rest. Everyone, please don't disturb him!"

The Supreme Elder, Duanmu Shu, spoke at the opportune moment.

The crowd then realized what was happening, nodded in agreement, and dispersed in an orderly fashion while encouraging and praising Zhou Qing as they left.

……

As soon as everyone left, Yan Xiaohu sneaked over.

Seeing his master's radiant face, Yan Xiaohu looked puzzled and stepped forward to ask, "Wait, what's going on? Why are you making such a big fuss?"

Zhou Qing smiled and said casually, "It's nothing, I just condensed three thousand spirit seals and just broke through to the third level of array master."

Yan Xiaohu: “…”

In an instant, his mind went completely blank.

[Heartfelt Insight Points +15]

Soon, the original nickname above Yan Xiaohu's head, "Junior Brother of a Future Array Master," changed to "Junior Brother with Terrifyingly Strong Array Talent."

Once he realized what was happening, Yan Xiaohu's eyes lit up, and with a "plop," he knelt down on one knee in front of Zhou Qing, grabbing Zhou Qing's leg tightly with both hands.

He cried out, tears streaming down his face, "Brother, from now on you're my brother! From today onwards, I'll follow you!"

Mo Xingjian, who was standing to the side, was speechless for a moment, then raised his hand and flicked him on the head.

He said irritably, "Don't go around telling everyone, you big mouth. It's enough for just a few of us to know. If the other sects find out, it will be a disaster for Fourth Brother!"

Yan Xiaohu winced as he was flicked, but quickly nodded, pecking at rice like a chick to indicate that he understood.

Although the fourth brother once swore an oath to the Heavenly Dao in front of so many people that he was not the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top.

However, if they knew that the fourth brother had become a level three array master so quickly, from the perspective of their own sect's future development, it would definitely be a curse rather than a blessing.

But to be honest, this gathering of four flowers at the top of the head is truly terrifying.

Soon, Mo Xingjian announced to the public that the strange phenomenon was caused by his successful cultivation of his techniques, and asked everyone not to be alarmed, which barely managed to suppress the commotion.

After seeing off his master and third senior brother, Zhou Qing looked at the ancient tea tree that had returned to normal and was filled with excitement.

Once I've cultivated enough, I can dress it up and let my master and senior brothers experience its wonders.

Perhaps when they grow up a bit, they might even be able to directly help them sever their spirits.

However, now is not the best time, since top-grade wood-attribute spirit stones are extremely rare, and if this were to be revealed, it could bring annihilation to the entire Taiqing Sect.

After all, even a single Transformation Divine Medicine can cause a frenzy of fighting among experts at the Spirit Severing Realm, and this Enlightenment Ancient Tea Tree in front of us is many times more precious than a Transformation Divine Medicine.

I don't know where the real Wudao Ancient Tea Tree is.
Who cut this piece of wood in the past?

This world is so vast, it fills me with curiosity, yet I also feel utterly powerless.

Let alone the small Taiqing Sect, the entire fourth-level cultivation world is just a drop in the ocean.

Then, he let out a long breath, having already formed a rough plan for his cultivation.

Ten top-grade wood-attribute spirit stones can, within a month, either comprehend a wisp of Phoenix Dao Pattern or increase two thousand array spirit seals.

Of course, this is only under ideal conditions. After all, whether it is inscription-level divine power or array imitation, it becomes more and more difficult as you go further.

Every step forward requires several times, or even dozens of times, more effort and resources.

"We still need to make money!"

Zhou Qing looked at the ancient tea tree and murmured to himself.

I wonder if Shen Yunzhou has returned yet?
……

Early the next morning, Zhou Qing, dressed in a plain robe, leisurely squatted in the courtyard, with an antique wooden basin beside him, intently bathing the old hen.

Last night, when it snuggled up to sleep beside him, he could faintly smell a pungent odor.

Unable to bear it any longer, I decided to give it a thorough cleaning this morning.

The old hen clearly resisted this sudden "bath".

As soon as it touched the water, it flapped its wings wildly, splashing water everywhere and getting Zhou Qing's face all over.

Zhou Qing wasn't annoyed; he just smiled helplessly and gently comforted her.

Just then, two notification sounds rang in his ears.

[Heart Judgment Points +9]

[Heart Judgment Points +9]

A short while later, two figures came rushing over from a distance; it was Li Daoxuan and Lu Yaoyao.

The phrase "A true man should be like this" above Li Daoxuan's head had quietly transformed into "A lecherous rogue at the level of an array master" at some point.

This left Zhou Qing speechless.

No, you can't get over the fact that you're a pervert, right?
If I had known, I shouldn't have gone easy on you during our sparring session a while ago, out of consideration for our shared school.

The "Good alertness" message above Lu Yaoyao's head has been replaced with "Awesome" again.

As core disciples, it seems their senior master eventually revealed the secret to them.

"Junior Brother Zhou!"

"Senior Brother Zhou!"

Upon seeing Zhou Qing, the two men smiled broadly and quickened their pace to approach him.

At that moment, Li Daoxuan was filled with envy.

Back when they were both studying at Baiyu Taixu Academy, Lin Daochen, as a level three array master, enjoyed such esteemed treatment within the academy.

On the day of the breakthrough, countless people came to congratulate him, including the prefect himself, which shows his great influence.

But now, who could have imagined that the fourth level-three array master of the Holy Martial Dynasty would be born quietly in their small Taiqing Sect?

As the saying goes, "When one attains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven." If this news were to spread, the Taiqing Sect would surely become famous and rise to become the undisputed overlord of the Eastern Region.

At that time, numerous sects from the eight prefectures and seventy-two counties will surely come to offer their congratulations, flattery, and attempts to win them over.

Thinking of this, Li Daoxuan couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "You are truly amazing. I never dared to dream of achieving such success."

Lu Yaoyao nodded repeatedly, her beautiful eyes filled with admiration.

She knew about the matter of the inheritance passed down by Senior Xuan Qingzi, and she even personally led Zhou Qing there.

I just didn't expect to be promoted so quickly.

Thinking back, when my father was leading me on the run, he was already a level 5 formation master.

If that damned Suanni hadn't consumed Senior Xuan Qingzi's remnant soul, with my father's talent, he might have already broken through the shackles and become a level nine array master.

Even when faced with the relentless pursuit of those demon emperors, they wouldn't have ended up in such a wretched state.

"Senior Brother Zhou, well done!" Lu Yaoyao praised sincerely.

Zhou Qing waved his hand modestly and said, "It was all just luck, no need to make such a fuss." Although he said that, Zhou Qing knew in his heart that his ability to condense two thousand spirit seals in one go and successfully break through to become a level three array master was by no means solely due to his enlightenment of the ancient tea tree.

In addition to the legacy passed down from the senior Xuan Qingzi, the array formation insights of Wu Tiangang and Su Lishan, which were "robbed" by the second uncle, also played a crucial role.

He also benefited greatly from the notes he obtained in Penghuang Cave from Master Situ Jiuyao, who came from a fifth-level cultivation country.

It was precisely because of these valuable experiences that he was able to condense so many spiritual seals in one go.

"Congratulations on breaking through to the late Nascent Soul stage!" Zhou Qing turned to Lu Yaoyao and sincerely congratulated her.

After all, among the disciples of Shenyue Peak, He Han was only at the late Nascent Soul stage, while the others were still at the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

Lu Yaoyao started learning the skills the latest, but she has now successfully caught up with and even surpassed them, which is truly remarkable.

Faced with Zhou Qing's congratulations, Lu Yaoyao scratched her head a little shyly and chuckled.

He explained, "It's all thanks to Third Aunt... well, Sister Shen's correct guidance. Otherwise, how could I have broken through so quickly? I'm already thankful that I didn't suffer a qi deviation."

After hearing this, Zhou Qing nodded in agreement.

Afterwards, Li Daoxuan enthusiastically suggested that everyone go to Yushantang for a get-together, since it had been a long time since they had been this happy.

We should at least celebrate.

Of course, he was so proactive because he had a little ulterior motive.

Zhou Qing has now become the future headmaster of the sect. Not only has his cultivation reached the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul Realm, but he is also a respected level three array master.

His social circle has also become increasingly extensive.

People like Lin Daochen, a level three array master, Senior Xuan Yuanshuo, who is at the Spirit Slaying Realm, Zhang Wanbao, the young master of the Myriad Phenomena Auction House, and even the prefect and the county magistrate have all had dealings with him.

Unbeknownst to him, Zhou Qing had already accumulated countless dazzling halos.

This caused his former fellow disciples to unconsciously feel a sense of awe, and even when they were together, they felt a slight sense of estrangement.

Therefore, he wanted to take this opportunity to get closer to each other.

Just like my master and uncles, even now, they still chat and laugh with each other as they did back then.

Zhou Qing naturally agreed wholeheartedly to Li Daoxuan's suggestion.

After all, he had been immersed in comprehending the spiritual seal at near-maximum levels for the past month, leaving him physically and mentally exhausted.

The way of cultivation emphasizes the balance between tension and relaxation. A string that is stretched too tight will break easily, and the same is true for people. Indeed, it is time to relax.

"Great! I'll contact Senior Sister Shi Zhen right away!" Upon hearing this, Lu Yaoyao's eyes lit up, and she happily took out her identity token to start sending messages.

Li Daoxuan smiled and quickly said, "I'll contact the other fellow disciples who are still in the sect."

Feeling this long-lost joy, Zhou Qing waved his hand generously and said, "Okay, it's on me. Everyone can eat as much as they want!"

Soon, Yan Xiaohu came running over with a big smile. How could he miss out on such a delicious meal?

Soon after, streaks of light rose from all over the thirteen peaks and converged on the Jade Dining Hall on Shenyue Peak.

"Junior Brother Zhou, why are you suddenly treating us to a meal?"

"Yes, it's a good thing I didn't go out today, otherwise I would have missed this meal for nothing."

"I heard that Junior Sister Lu has broken through to the late Nascent Soul stage. Is this a celebration?"

"Junior Brother Zhou, how do you feel about the flying boat that my master built for you? Don't laugh at me, but I actually helped out a little bit with it."

……

As the core disciples arrived one after another, the area in front of the Jade Dining Hall became increasingly lively, with everyone greeting each other, hugging, and sharing their recent updates.

Amidst laughter and chatter, they subtly observed Zhou Qing.

However, when they saw Zhou Qing still wearing that familiar gentle smile, humbly responding to everyone's greetings, they were surprised.

When she spoke with everyone without any airs, just as warm and natural as ever, everyone's worries were relieved.

This gathering was exclusively for the younger generation, free from the awkwardness of having teachers and elders present, and without the complexities of sect affairs.

Everyone completely let loose.

Some of the drunkards insisted on challenging Zhou Qing to a duel, while the female seniors sat around, quietly sharing their private and amusing stories.

Some people recalled their fellow disciples who sacrificed their lives in the Five Sects War, and couldn't help but feel melancholy and sorrow.

It wasn't until evening that the two returned to Xiaoling Peak.

However, Yan Xiaohu was unsteady on his feet, his face was flushed, and he reeked of alcohol, clearly having had a good time at the party.

After all, although the wine at Yu Shan Tang is not as good as Second Uncle's, it is still worth several dozen mid-grade spirit stones.

In particular, the owner of Yu Shan Tang provided this meal free of charge out of respect for Zhou Qing.

Why not drink it if you're going to miss out!
"Fourth brother, your senior brother... I am destined to become someone like Master in the future, working with other fellow disciples to protect our Taiqing Sect. This is a responsibility, and also a legacy."

As Yan Xiaohu spoke, he patted his chest forcefully, but his words were indistinct.

Zhou Qing then helped him up, pushed open the gate to his residence, and dragged him to the bed.

Yan Xiaohu suddenly grabbed Zhou Qing, his eyes glazed over, and said, "But you are different. You will definitely go further in the future."

“You have the Four Flowers Gathering at the Top, you have amazing talent, you…you will go to a bigger world and see wonders that we can't even imagine. But, Fourth Brother…”

At this point, Yan Xiaohu's eyes suddenly reddened, and his voice trembled slightly.

"You must never forget us, your fellow disciples who grew up together, and you must never forget the Taiqing Sect."

"This is your root, and your support. No matter where you go, we hope you can come back and tell us about the outside world."

Looking at his senior brother, who was usually carefree but was now showing genuine emotions, Zhou Qing felt a mix of emotions.

He gently patted Yan Xiaohu's hand and said earnestly, "Senior brother, don't worry. No matter where I go in the future, Taiqing Sect will always be my home, and you will always be my dearest family."

Yan Xiaohu didn't know if he heard or not; under the influence of alcohol, his head tilted to the side and he started snoring.

Zhou Qing smiled helplessly, gently covered him with the blanket, and looked at the sleeping big round face, feeling a sense of confusion.

……

The next day, Zhou Qing, who was walking his chickens, received a message from Elder Wuzhu saying that the person piloting the earthen-yellow flying boat had arrived again.

Zhou Qing's face immediately lit up with joy. After all, when he left that inn a month ago, he had specifically instructed the innkeeper that if the other party returned, he could come directly to the sect to find him.

Then, he quickly took the chickens and went outside.

……

Outside the mountain gate!
Shen Yunzhou looked both nervous and excited.

He was very curious about this benefactor, especially recently, as he had only asked around and found that almost all cultivators knew about him.

I didn't expect him to be a celebrity.

Not bad, not bad. No wonder your older sister takes you on adventures. You're no ordinary person.

"He probably doesn't recognize me. What should I say when we meet?"

"Oh dear, I'm suddenly so excited. Cough cough, Shen Yunzhou, Shen Yunzhou, you must stay calm."

"Hello, my name is Shen Yunzhou. Everyone likes to call me Zhouzi... No, no, people who don't know me might think I'm Zhouzi."

……

Shen Yunzhou kept spinning in circles, muttering various possible self-introductions.

This scene filled Elder Wuzhu, who was quietly watching him from a distance with his chin in his hand, with curiosity.

"This guy didn't sneak off for a secret rendezvous, is it really necessary?" Elder Wuzhu muttered to himself.

Soon, Zhou Qing stepped out from the rippled barrier of the mountain gate and immediately saw Shen Yunzhou talking to himself. A smile appeared on his lips.

But he still pretended to be quite surprised, raised his arm and waved it, while shouting at the top of his lungs, "Brother Shen, it's you?"

Shen Yunzhou froze upon hearing the shout.

Then, turning his head, he saw the familiar figure slowly walking towards him with an old hen, and his face was filled with astonishment.

"You, aren't you a rogue cultivator... wait, are you Zhou Qing?"

Soon, Shen Yunzhou finally realized what was happening, his face filled with disbelief.

Zhou Qing nodded and explained with a smile, "I'm sorry, I'm just used to being cautious. I just didn't expect the person you were looking for would be me."

Shen Yunzhou looked at Zhou Qing with suspicion in his eyes, still somewhat incredulous, so he tentatively asked, "Do you know who the silver-haired ugly woman I was talking about is?"

Zhou Qing replied calmly, "Shen Hanyi!"

Shen Yunzhou's eyes lit up immediately. Unable to contain his excitement, he stepped forward to hug Zhou Qing.

After all, the code was matched!
Zhou Qing's expression changed slightly, and he subconsciously took a step back.

Ever since he personally witnessed Shen Yunzhou's disgusting artistic conception twice, a deep shadow has been left in his heart.

I dared not get close to the other person, for fear of getting infected.

Upon seeing this, Shen Yunzhou's raised hands froze in mid-air, and the smile on his face instantly vanished.

He then showed a slightly embarrassed expression and awkwardly touched his nose.

Then, with a hint of self-deprecation, she said, "I'm sorry you had to laugh at me. Do you think I'm beneath the level of understanding I've grasped?"

Zhou Qing quickly replied, "No, no, please don't misunderstand."

"Then let's give each other a hug!" Shen Yunzhou stepped forward again and said.

Zhou Qing: "..."

"What do you want from me? And how did you find out about Senior Shen?" Zhou Qing immediately squatted down, picked up the old hen, and changed the subject.

Shen Yunzhou sighed softly.

You really do dislike me.

In fact, even at home, everyone avoids him like the plague. Being around him always makes people uncontrollably think of a pile of shit.

But he quickly composed himself, put on a smile, cleared his throat, and said, "Brother Zhou, let me reintroduce myself. My name is Shen Yunzhou, and Shen Hanyi is my sister!"

After hearing this, Zhou Qing pretended to suddenly realize something and said, "So the person your sister wanted to save was you!"

Shen Yunzhou nodded repeatedly, his expression a mixture of emotion and relief.

"That's right, it's me. To my shame, many years ago I was reckless and accidentally wandered into a ruin, and I don't know what I triggered."

"His blood and qi surged on the spot, his consciousness blurred, and then he fell into an endless coma."

"If it weren't for my sister running around trying to find a way to save me, I'd probably still be lying dead right now!"

(End of this chapter)