The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 272 Amitabha! This humble monk, Jueming, has come looking for someone! (6k)

Upon hearing Lin Jin's words, Zhou Qing immediately shook his head.

"I already said last time that I won't sell it for any higher price, nor do I plan to refine it anymore. This post is against the natural order, and refining too much of it will bring misfortune upon myself!"

Lin Jin chuckled lightly and said calmly, "You're not selling because you haven't reached the price I've set for you. Everything in this world has its price; it's just that you don't have enough bargaining chips."

"Besides, your concern about being tainted by bad luck is nothing more than a fear of the unknown. If you can gain greater benefits at a reasonable price, what's wrong with that?"

Zhou Qing was taken aback upon hearing this.

This guy doesn't even use inverted word order when he talks at length?
But since we're on this topic, he suddenly remembered the scene from that day when the prefect and the lord of the prefecture came with the chief eunuch from the capital.

Zhong Yao said that Gao Xianzong had been particularly unlucky during the days of the investigation, so they had no choice but to stay at Taiqing Gate for a few days to try and change their luck.

Now is the perfect opportunity to resolve my doubts.

Gazing at Lin Jin's retreating figure, Zhou Qing spoke up: "Normally, shouldn't I call you Lin Jin?"

After asking this question, Zhou Qing didn't seem to be too shocked by him.

It seems that when Consort Chen chased after him calling "Brother Lin Jin" outside the academy's cave that night, he must have realized that he and his third senior brother had come out to watch the commotion.

"I don't want to ask what happened between you and Consort Chen, or how you escaped death from the ruins. I just want to know, why did you use the [Bad Luck Scroll] on Gao Xianzong?"

Zhou Qing said frankly.

This time, Lin Jin in white did not respond, but turned and left.

Zhou Qing shook his head helplessly. This guy—

He really wanted to ask the two of them directly why they wanted to kill the Fifth Prince, but if he asked that question, wouldn't it expose his identity as Number One?

After all, Sikong Yan only told him about this.

"The two are not the same person, because the nicknames are different, but they are definitely cooperating. They were already planning this when they negotiated with me at the Qingyu Immortal Sect for the [Bad Luck Scroll]."

"But the [Bad Luck Post] only brings bad luck for three days; it won't kill Gao Xianzong. So what is their purpose in doing this?"

Zhou Qing frowned, lost in thought.

"Could it be that the death of the Fifth Prince was just the beginning, and that Grand Eunuch Gao Xianzong was just one of their perverse interests, and that they actually have other schemes in mind?"

Watching Lin Jin's retreating figure, Zhou Qing was filled with doubt.

Surely it can't be because of Consort Chen?

Lin Jin's perspective wouldn't be so narrow, and Sikong Yan wouldn't be so bored as to sacrifice himself for others, or even implicate the entire Cangyan Dao Palace.

After seeing Lin Jin in white leave, Shen Yunzhou came over from the mountain gate and said, "Who is this guy? He didn't turn his face away the whole time, he's pretty arrogant!"

Zhou Qing replied, "Just an old friend."

Shen Yunzhou nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Just as the two turned to enter the mountain gate, a flying boat sped towards them from the northwest, accompanied by excited shouts: "Brother Zhou, Brother Zhou—"

Zhou Qing looked up and his eyes lit up when he saw the figure on the deck of the flying boat: "Jiang Pojun—"

Soon, Jiang Pojun arrived, laughing loudly as he rushed over and gave Zhou Qing a bear hug.

Feeling this long-lost sense of generosity, Zhou Qing was in an exceptionally good mood.

"Long time no see!" Jiang Pojun said.

Zhou Qing replied with a big smile, "Long time no see. Aren't you stationed at the border? Why have you suddenly come inland?"

"Of course I came here specifically to see you. And who is this?" Jiang Pojun was about to continue when he saw Shen Yunzhou standing to the side and asked.

Zhou Qing quickly introduced the two, and they bowed to each other, thus becoming acquainted.

"Come on, come on, this is probably your first time visiting my Taiqing Sect, let's go inside and talk!" Zhou Qing invited warmly.

Jiang Pojun nodded repeatedly. To be honest, he was indeed quite exhausted, both physically and mentally, after rushing all the way here.

Upon entering the mountain gate, Yan Xiaohu heard that his acquaintance Jiang Pojun had arrived, so he immediately rushed over.

Yan Xiaohu has always admired these passionate men who guard the border.

This also reminded him of the days when the fourth brother fought five subordinate generals in a row, and he and those grand marshals bet on winning top-grade spirit stones.

Many years have passed in the blink of an eye; time really flies!

"Brother Yan!" Jiang Pojun greeted Yan Xiaohu with a smile.

After the group sat down, they first exchanged a few words of farewell before Jiang Pojun got down to business.

"Speaking of which, when I was leading a patrol on the border that time, we encountered a flying boat. I really didn't expect you and Junior Sister Lu to be on it!"

With a smile on his face, Jiang Pojun said with great interest, "I was prepared to try to persuade them, but I didn't expect the flying boat to fly over directly."

Zhou Qing glanced at Shen Yunzhou discreetly before explaining, "I was taken there by a senior to help out."

"I understand, I understand. The prince said he was worried that the silver-haired Spirit Slayer might put some kind of forbidden spell on you. He even conducted a special investigation when he came to Taiqing Sect."

"After all, he and your master are good friends, so he should have helped you out. I didn't expect it to cause such a misunderstanding," Jiang Pojun quickly said.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing's face immediately darkened, revealing his displeasure.

Seemingly understanding something, he pressed on, "This time, did Senior Xuanyuan send you to find me?"

Shen Yunzhou, who was standing to the side, listened to their conversation and his heart stirred.

I roughly guessed that the silver-haired Spirit Severing Realm expert was probably my older sister.

Sister, did you force Brother Zhou to help back then?

That shouldn't be the case; this isn't like her at all.

Although my older sister is at the Spirit Severing Realm, she never uses her power to intimidate others.

Yan Xiaohu first looked at Jiang Pojun, then at Zhou Qing, whose expression was not good.

Considering that Xuanyuan Shuo had visited Taiqing Gate twice, it seems that something unpleasant happened between the two during that time.

what is the problem?

The fourth brother never told us this.

Faced with Zhou Qing's questioning, Jiang Pojun was somewhat embarrassed, as there were some things he really didn't know.

However, these were words that the prince specifically instructed him to convey before leaving.

He could only nod and say, "Yes, things have been a bit chaotic at the border lately. The Spider King fell in the territory of the Flood Dragon King, and the area within thousands of miles is shrouded in all sorts of negative emotions."

"For the next few hundred years, the sun was rarely seen, and many low-level monsters were instantly turned into tomb guardians."

"The Jiao Emperor had no choice but to hastily lead some escaped demon beasts to attack the Spider Emperor's territory."

"But before we could fully establish ourselves, the two demon kings, Weilun Demon and Qingluo Beast, from further away, also came to take advantage of our misfortune."

"Fortunately, after the prince learned of the news, he also led his various legions to join in the fun, which barely stabilized the situation."

At this point, Jiang Pojun sighed deeply, his face showing signs of exhaustion.

Zhou Qing remained silent, since Xuan Yuanshuo had already mentioned this matter when he came last time.

Moreover, it is said that in the deeper parts, a demon emperor whose territory borders the area has also become involved.

However, Yan Xiaohu was completely shocked.

The Spider Queen has fallen?
When did this happen?
The three demon mountains bordering the Holy Martial Dynasty are only the Great Demon Mountain of the Peng Emperor, the Blood Prison Mountain of the Jiao Emperor, and the Thousand Illusion Cave of the Spider Emperor.

The fall of two demon emperors is too sudden.

Jiang Pojun continued, "Your Highness could previously exert some intimidation with your mid-stage Spirit Slaying Realm cultivation, but that's not a long-term solution."

“Especially these days, the Jiao Emperor has asked the Peng Emperor of Taiyao Mountain for assistance several times, but the Peng Emperor has been in seclusion and has ignored him.”

"But the entire Taiyao Mountain is restless, especially some of the demon beasts in the mountain who want to take this opportunity to get a share of the pie. However, since the Peng Emperor has not given any orders, they can only watch helplessly."

"Therefore, I have come here on the orders of the Prince to ask you for a favor, but the Prince did not specify what kind of favor it is. He said you know it."

After Jiang Pojun finished speaking, he looked at Zhou Qing with a face full of curiosity.

Zhou Qing, however, frowned deeply, remaining silent and lost in thought.

Yan Xiaohu, sitting to the side, scratched his head.

Is the Peng Emperor in seclusion?

Wasn't Peng Huang blown up at Lingku Mountain? That guy almost killed him and Lao Si.

What is this all about?
What exactly are you talking about?
What kind of help can a Spirit Severing Realm cultivator ask the Fourth Elder for? Should he be asked to impersonate the Roc Emperor?

Just as Yan Xiaohu thought of this, his eyes lit up, as if he had guessed something, and he quickly looked at Zhou Qing.

Is this possible?

Those Demon Emperors at the Spirit Severing Realm aren't idiots; do you think they'd believe that?
After a brief moment of thought, Zhou Qing looked up at Jiang Pojun, a smile suddenly appearing on his face.

"Brother Jiang, I'm so sorry to have troubled you. I'll have to ask you to tell Senior Xuanyuan that I've been feeling unwell lately and am preparing to go into seclusion for a few years. I really don't have time to go to the border to help!"

Zhou Qing said in a calm tone.

Upon hearing Zhou Qing's words, Jiang Pojun was stunned, clearly not expecting Zhou Qing to refuse the prince's invitation.

No, didn't we all get along quite well when we left the border that time?

what happened?
"Brother Zhou, the Prince said that the reward this time will be doubled, and this time when we go..."

“Brother Jiang, you’ve really misunderstood. This isn’t about money; I do have something important to do!” Zhou Qing interrupted Jiang Pojun directly.

"You must be tired from your journey, Third Senior Brother. Could you please go to the Jade Kitchen and bring Brother Jiang some food?"

Zhou Qing stood up with a smile and then said, "After dinner, my third senior brother will take you to the VIP rest area, so you should get some rest."

After speaking, Zhou Qing nodded slightly and then turned and left.

Seeing this, Shen Yunzhou hurriedly chased after him.

Jiang Pojun frowned slightly, looking thoughtful.

After all, once things have come to this point, anyone can see that there's something wrong with what's said.

"Brother Jiang, please wait here for a moment, I'll be right back!" Yan Xiaohu said politely, and then hurriedly followed after him.

At that moment, Zhou Qing, who had just stepped out of the palace gate, suddenly turned gloomy.

They really have a clever plan. They're available whenever they need me, and when they don't, they just use brute force to search my soul.

They didn't care about my second uncle's feelings at all, nor did they consider my contribution in repairing the four-color magic array on the border.

It should be understood that any form of soul search will cause irreversible damage to cultivators; if it were a mortal, they might become an idiot.

"Brother Zhou, if there's anything I can help you with, just let me know. If all else fails, I'll call my older sister over!" Shen Yunzhou said as he caught up with him.

Zhou Qing looked at him, forcing a smile on his gloomy face, and said, "It's really nothing, and I do plan to go into seclusion to cultivate in a few days."

After all, the ancient tea tree is currently generating a continuous stream of ethereal energy, and it won't be long before it can achieve enlightenment again.

Soon, Yan Xiaohu also came out.

"Fourth brother, what exactly happened?" Yan Xiaohu asked.

Zhou Qing said, "This is between me and Xuan Yuanshuo, it has nothing to do with you. Don't worry, for the sake of my second uncle, he won't do anything to me. You should go and get Brother Jiang something to eat."

Yan Xiaohu looked at Zhou Qing and felt a surge of helplessness.

As the senior brother, not only is his cultivation far behind that of the fourth brother, but he is also powerless to even offer a helping hand.

He then nodded and flew off on his sword towards Shenyue Peak.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Pojun came to say goodbye the next day, preparing to return and report back.

"Be careful on the road!" Zhou Qing simply reminded him.

After hearing this, Jiang Pojun sighed and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Brother Zhou, what conditions would you need to help me? I believe that as long as the conditions are reasonable, there is no problem that cannot be solved."

Seeing Jiang Pojun's troubled expression, Zhou Qing suddenly had an idea and said, "The main problem is that I really need to go into seclusion, but—"

Upon hearing Zhou Qing's hesitant words, Jiang Pojun's eyes lit up.

As a soldier, he came here with his chest pounding, assuring the prince that he would definitely bring Zhou Qing back.

Given the current situation, he has to try his best to salvage it.

“You said, any conditions are negotiable!” Jiang Pojun quickly replied.

Zhou Qing said, "I can give up this hard-won opportunity for enlightenment for ten top-grade wood-attribute spirit stones."

If you do something you shouldn't, you have to pay the price; it just depends on whether you're willing to do it.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Pojun's smile instantly froze.

Zhou Qing smiled slightly, then bowed and said, "Have a safe journey!"

Jiang Pojun, regaining his senses, sighed, returned the greeting, and then piloted the flying boat away.

Zhou Qing, with a solemn expression, watched the flying boat gradually disappear into a black dot on the horizon, and let out a long breath.

As a mid-stage Spirit Slaying Realm expert, how could Xuan Yuanshuo be willing to sacrifice ten wood-attribute spirit stones just because of a single unsuccessful soul search?
This was an outrageous demand, but it was a deliberate attempt to leave him room for maneuver.

But he couldn't completely block this path, after all, the opponent was ultimately a Spirit Severing Realm expert, and a mid-stage one at that.

Even if he doesn't consider himself, he has to think about the Taiqing Sect.

Moreover, when he left the border, he did personally promise to assist Xuanyuan Shuo in handling the affairs of the demon realm.

But who told him to cross the line first?

This top-grade wood-attribute spirit stone is his way out; it all depends on how sincere he is.

Of course, after thinking it over last night, he still had one concern: the Grand Eunuch Gao Xianzong was still here.

If Xuanyuan Shuo gives even the slightest indication, it will be another troublesome matter for the Taiqing Sect.

I had just gotten back when I saw Lu Yaoyao arrive.

With a worried look on her face, she quickly stepped forward and asked, "Senior Brother Zhou, what exactly happened between you and Xuan Yuan Shuo?"

She didn't know at first, but Yan Xiaohu came to ask her worriedly if she knew anything about it.

After all, she spent the most time with Zhou Qing, so she might know the inside story.

Zhou Qingqiang roused himself and forced a smile: "You guys are all so easily alarmed. It's really nothing, don't worry."

He paused, then added, "By the way, I plan to go into seclusion again for the next month or so, so I'll leave the arrangements for your hospitality to Brother Shen."

Seeing that Zhou Qing was unwilling to say more, Lu Yaoyao was too embarrassed to ask any further questions, so she could only nod sullenly.

And so, as the seventh day arrived, the ethereal aura emanating from the ancient tea tree grew even stronger, and Zhou Qing began his seclusion with great excitement.

It seems that a trip to the border is unavoidable. Whether facing Xuanyuan Shuo or other demon emperors, we should prepare more ways to protect ourselves.

So let's comprehend the second Phoenix Dao Pattern this time; it could be a powerful weapon in a critical moment.

However, Shen Yunzhou did not leave after learning that Zhou Qing had gone into seclusion.

He always felt that this matter was related to his older sister, or rather, that it was caused by her trying to find the transforming herb for him.

One must be loyal and righteous, and now that this mess has been stirred up, he naturally cannot sit idly by.

"So what if I'm in the mid-stage of the Spirit Severing Realm?" he muttered to himself, his fingertips brushing over the secret treasure left by his sister in his storage bag, a ruthless glint in his eyes. "At worst, we'll fight to the death."

……

At the same time, outside the majestic gate of the Golden Thunder Sect, amidst the swirling clouds and mist, two figures, one tall and one short, slowly walked down the mountain.

The elderly monk wore a worn but clean gray robe, his eyes deep and serene, radiating compassion and peace.

The young monk wore a slightly oversized robe, his face still showing some immaturity, and his eyes brimming with curiosity and liveliness.

"Amitabha Buddha, this humble monk is Jueming, and this is my disciple Kongchan. I have taken the liberty of visiting your esteemed sect!"

The senior monk clasped his hands together, smiled, and looked toward the gate of the Golden Thunder Sect with a deep and melodious voice.

At this moment, Elder Gong Zhen, who was guarding the mountain gate, came out and looked at the two monks, puzzled.

"May I ask, Master, is there something you need?" Elder Gong Zhen asked, his brows slightly furrowed.

Despite being a Nascent Soul cultivator, he couldn't see through the older monk's cultivation level at all and was now full of vigilance.

The monk who called himself Jueming nodded slightly, his smile undiminished, and looked at Gong Zhen with gentle eyes.

He said slowly, "Elder, please don't be offended. My disciple and I have come here to search for someone. We hope you can be lenient with us."

After saying this, Monk Jueming put his hands together again, bowed slightly, and was very respectful.

The young monk Kongchan beside him opened his clear eyes and nodded his head repeatedly as his master spoke.

Gong Zhen was somewhat puzzled, but dared not be negligent. He raised his hand in return and asked, "May I ask the name of the person you are looking for, Master? Is he from my Golden Thunder Sect?"

Jueming clasped his hands together, his fingers beneath his robe lightly twirling the prayer beads: "This humble monk does not know her name, or even whether she is male or female."

Gong Zhen: "..."

Are you here to make fun of me?

"Elder, please don't misunderstand." A flash of white light appeared in Jueming's sleeve, and a sheet of plain white Xuan paper was unfolded in his palm.

As a wisp of golden light condensed at his fingertips, spiritual energy flowed like an ink brush, instantly outlining three lines of vermilion characters.

"I wonder if this letter may be presented to your sect leader? If anyone can answer these three questions, this humble monk will surely reward him handsomely."

Looking at the paper handed to him, Gong Zhen took it and looked at it with a puzzled expression.

[How to unlock the chains of obsession?]

Where is the other shore?

All beings suffer; how can we liberate them?

"Please help me, Elder!" Jueming turned his palm, and a top-grade spirit stone that was completely translucent appeared in his hand and was then handed over.

"What does Master mean by this?!" Gong Zhen suddenly took a step back, his face full of shock.

What did he see? A monk bribing him?
This completely overturned his understanding of Buddhist monks.

When did begging for alms become something else entirely?

Jueming smiled and said, "It is only right that I ask for your help."

Gong Zhen: "..."

“Isn’t this how mortal cultivators always do when they ask someone for a favor? We know the rules,” Kong Chan chimed in, her round face full of seriousness.

Jueming smiled, stepped forward, and stuffed the top-grade spirit stone into Gong Zhen's hand.

“Amitabha Buddha, I beg you!” Jueming said.

Gong Zhen looked embarrassed, feeling that something was off.

But he still put the spirit stones away, since no one complains about having too many.

"Please wait here for a moment, I will go and report right away!" Gong Zhen said, cupped his hands in greeting, and hurriedly left.

Upon seeing this, the young monk Kongchan smiled happily: "Master, it really works! Otherwise, we would have been turned away."

Jueming smiled and said, "Yes, there's a saying in the mortal world: money makes the world go round. If we don't give them the money, they might just be going through the motions, and we'll have made a wasted trip."

Kong Chan nodded repeatedly, then asked expectantly, "I wonder if the Buddha's disciple is inside?"

"I don't know then. We can only try our luck. After all, the five major sects in the Eastern Region of Lingyun Prefecture have the most disciples, so we have a higher chance of running into them," Jueming pondered.

Afterwards, the master and disciple waited quietly at the mountain gate. The clouds and mist swirled around them and naturally avoided them by three feet, which was extremely strange.

Before long, a young man with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes strode out, followed by two white-haired elders with hair reaching their chests.

The young man clasped his hands in greeting: "My name is Lei Lie, and I greet you, Master. My master is currently in seclusion, and I will temporarily take care of all matters concerning the Golden Thunder Sect."

Jueming was somewhat surprised, but when he saw Lei Lie's expression, his expression suddenly changed slightly. Kong Chan, who was standing next to him, also widened her eyes at this moment and blurted out, "Resentment..."

Before he could finish speaking, Jueming nudged him with his elbow, forcing him to swallow the rest of his sentence.

Jueming immediately concealed his unusual expression, put his hands together and said, "Greetings, Benefactor Lei. May I trouble you for a few days to help this humble monk find someone who can solve the riddle in the scroll?"

"Please, Master!" Lei Lie stepped aside to let him pass, displaying impeccable manners.

The two elders looked solemn, for as veterans at the Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul Realm, they could not discern even the slightest detail about Jueming at such close range; this man was unfathomable.

"Thank you very much, Benefactor Lei!" Jueming expressed his gratitude, and then the group went inside.

……

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(End of this chapter)