The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 314 The Old Hen is Back! The Lu Sisters Arrived Ahead of Schedule! (6k)

“To be honest,” Sikong Yan said, a rare serious expression on his face.

"You are the person with the strongest talent for formation restrictions that I have ever seen."

“From the time you came to study at Baiyu Taixu Academy to becoming a three-color array master, it has only taken less than ten years. Such progress is terrifying.”

He paused for a moment, then said, "Of course, you need to condense at least five thousand spirit seals before you can help me."

Zhou Qing's heart skipped a beat.

Five thousand spirit seals? I've only managed to condense three thousand spirit seals so far.

“I know you’re definitely not there yet,” Sikong Yan waved his hand, “Fortunately, this matter isn’t urgent right now.”

“I will wait for you in Kyoto for twenty years. If you come, it means you have successfully condensed five thousand spirit seals; otherwise, I will act alone.”

Zhou Qing remained silent.

This guy dared to kill the Fifth Prince and Consort Ying, and he's going to the capital. What he's planning is definitely no small matter.

He didn't want to get himself involved.

Moreover, twenty years is too short a time. Unless one possesses a large number of top-grade wood-attribute spirit stones and uses the Enlightenment Ancient Tea Tree, it can be achieved in at most half a year.

Sikong Yan looked at Zhou Qing's expression with a half-smile: "I know this is a bit difficult for you. You can agree or not."

“The second condition,” he held up his second finger, “is to annex the Azure Flame Dao Palace after I leave.”

Zhou Qing's expression changed drastically, and she looked at him in disbelief.

Are you out of your mind?

“I’m not joking,” Sikong Yan said with an unusually calm expression. “To be honest, I have no feelings for anyone in the Cangyan Dao Palace, let alone a sense of belonging.”

He strolled to the edge of the magic circle and looked at the sleeping girl: "Moreover, I also repaid this kindness with ten Nine Nether Lotus Seeds. Unfortunately, they are not up to par and cannot advance to the Spirit Severing Realm."

Zhou Qing still didn't understand.

Are we just handing over our ancestors' legacy to others like this?

Sikong Yan suddenly leaned closer with a grin and said, "Or let me put it this way, the real Sikong Yan is actually dead. He died after those people from the Tianji Sect took his heart's blood."

He took a step back and opened his arms: "I am just like your Uncle Gao Xuan, a person who has possessed another body."

Zhou Qing's expression changed drastically, and his back was instantly soaked with cold sweat.

“It’s true,” Sikong Yan raised his hand, “I can swear an oath to the Heavenly Dao.”

Zhou Qing swallowed.

Although he didn't know if it was true or not, these words sent chills down his spine.

Who in this world can truly understand this madman?

“The annexation of the Eastern Region is an inevitable trend,” Sikong Yan continued, his tone eerily calm.

"The twelve Supreme Elders of the Azure Flame Dao Palace are all nearing the end of their lives, at most two or three hundred years. After their deaths, the younger generation will not be able to advance to the Nascent Soul stage."

He turned to Zhou Qing, a strange light gleaming in his eyes: "Rather than having internal strife and splitting up later, it's better to give it to your Taiqing Sect. Isn't that a tempting offer?"

Zhou Qing still looked at him with some disbelief.

If you are really not Sikong Yan, then who are you?
At this moment, Sikong Yan extended a third finger: "One last condition."

He suddenly laughed: "Well, I haven't really thought of this condition yet. In short, I've said three conditions, but there's really only one."

"You can go back and think about it slowly. I will leave within two years, and then I will hand Nannan over to you completely."

……

Zhou Qing had no idea how he had stumbled out of the Cangyan Dao Palace.

He only snapped out of his daze when Mo Xingjian and the other two hurriedly surrounded him.

"Let's go back to the sect first," Zhou Qing said, his voice slightly unsteady as he looked at the three of them.

Cao Zhengyang and Mo Xingjian nodded repeatedly, but Gao Xuan hesitated, his gaze constantly drifting towards the blood-red barrier.

"Uncle-Master, believe me!" Zhou Qing emphasized.

Gao Xuan then followed the others away, turning back every few steps.

On the flying boat, when Zhou Qing revealed Sikong Yan's three conditions, all three of them were incredulous.

"He actually killed the Fifth Prince?" Cao Zhengyang gasped in shock.

He always believed it was the power behind the other princes that was responsible.

"You can't go along with his nonsense!" Mo Xingjian looked at Zhou Qing with a worried expression.

"Leaving aside how difficult it is to condense five thousand spirit seals within twenty years, just look at this madman's style of doing things—"

He paced back and forth excitedly on the flying boat: "What kind of place is the Imperial Capital? It's the core of the entire Holy Martial Dynasty!"

"How many powerful figures has the old emperor bound to the method of advancing to the Spirit Severing Realm? How many Nascent Soul Grand Perfection cultivators linger there every day, just hoping for a sliver of opportunity?"

Mo Xingjian turned around abruptly: "Moreover, the Xuanyuan family controls such a secret technique, so how could it be that only the old emperor and Xuanyuan Shuo, both of whom are Spirit Slayers, are involved on the surface?"

"That place is truly a den of wolves!"

Zhou Qing smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry, Master. Even if I were arrogant, I wouldn't go. After all, I've been learning from my second senior sister for several years and I know how to survive."

"And you still get along well with your senior brother?" Mo Xingjian shook his head helplessly.

"That guy's understanding of the 'the more you fight, the stronger you become' concept means he'll run into any dangerous place!"

Zhou Qing awkwardly touched his nose.

It is said that after the eldest senior brother went to the capital with a group of like-minded young Nascent Soul cultivators, he never sent back any news.

I wonder how things are now?

Cao Zhengyang, on the other hand, became very interested in the second condition proposed by Sikong Yan.

A strange light flashed in his eyes: "To annex the Azure Flame Dao Palace."

He murmured softly, as if weighing the pros and cons.

Although the tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind, it may not be a good thing for Taiqing Sect to dominate the Eastern Region.

Once they become the sole hegemon, no matter what changes occur in the future, they will inevitably bear the brunt and experience the greatest pressure.

but--

Suddenly, an unprecedented flame of ambition ignited in Cao Zhengyang's eyes.

Since the five major sects took root in the Eastern Region long ago, none of their successive leaders have ever had the opportunity to annex other sects.

Those brilliant predecessors could at most gain the upper hand in the power struggle among the five major sects.

And now.
The Azure Feather Immortal Sect had long since ceased to exist in name only, and the Heavenly Pivot Sect and the Golden Thunder Sect had also been completely wiped out.

Looking across the entire Eastern Region, the Azure Flame Dao Palace is practically the only remaining rival.

If he, Cao Zhengyang, could do that.
Thinking of this, Cao Zhengyang felt a dryness in his throat, as if a fire was burning inside.

From then on, there was only one sect in the eastern region of Lingyun Prefecture.

That's the Taiqing Sect!!!

At that time, all the resources of the Eastern Region will belong to the Taiqing Sect.

All the exceptionally talented disciples, all the brilliant young men, and all the prodigies who have the potential to reach even higher realms will have only one choice—the Taiqing Sect!

At this moment, Cao Zhengyang seemed to see before his eyes the grand scene of countless young geniuses lining up in a long line to await the assessment in front of the Taiqing Sect's mountain gate.

They saw the scene in the library where disciples were eagerly studying the cultivation techniques.

They witnessed the vibrant scene of young cultivators exchanging skills and competing on the training ground.
"Master?"

Mo Xingjian's voice pulled Cao Zhengyang back to reality from his fantasy.

"This matter requires further consideration." Cao Zhengyang suppressed his excitement, but his voice still trembled slightly. "However, since Sikong Yan has taken the initiative to propose it, it is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Then, he changed the subject: "No wonder he wasn't worried about restraining his heart's blood after we captured Tian Shuzi and Ling Xuzi."

“I even deliberately revealed the news to him, but he still did the same thing. It turns out he was someone who had been possessed!”

He frowned. "Then who exactly is he? He's been hiding it very well."

Mo Xingjian asked warily, "Could this be a trap? Who dares to believe him these days?"

Only Gao Xuan's expression remained uncertain, and after a long while, he slowly spoke: "I have a feeling that what he said might be true."

He looked toward the direction of the Azure Flame Palace, his voice low: "It is precisely because we are all people who have possessed bodies that we sympathize with each other, which is why he was willing to help me and go to such great lengths to revive Nannan."

"Otherwise, I really can't think of any other reason?"

Zhou Qing remained silent.

He did not tell his master and the others about the Divine Ruins Heavenly Palace token.

This item involves a legendary seventh-level cultivation kingdom; the less you know about it, the safer you are.

Faced with Gao Xuan's conjecture, Cao Zhengyang and Mo Xingjian were speechless for a moment.

I really can't think of any other motive Sikong Yan would have for saving Nannan.

"Whether it's true or false, we need to make plans in advance," Cao Zhengyang said in a deep voice.

Several people nodded.

What appear to be three conditions are actually a generous gift delivered to your door.

But if you refuse.
"Agree to his request first," Cao Zhengyang said to Zhou Qing after glancing at Gao Xuan, "at least wait until Nannan returns safely."

Zhou Qing nodded in agreement.

The most urgent task right now is to rely on Sikong Yan to completely revive Nannan using the Rebirth Lotus.

Moreover, the other party will not leave for another two years, giving them ample time to observe and prepare.

……

When Zhou Qing returned to Xiaoling Peak, the afterglow of the setting sun gilded the mountain peak with a layer of gold.

From afar, he saw Lu Yaoyao squatting in front of her house, seemingly teasing something.

"Junior Sister Lu!"

He was about to greet them when his gaze suddenly froze—

Because in front of Lu Yaoyao was a disheveled, somewhat familiar old hen, who was tilting its head and looking at him with its not-so-bright eyes.

"Senior Brother Zhou!" Lu Yaoyao stood up in surprise, "You're back!"

The old hen flapped its wings and flew directly onto Zhou Qing's shoulder, nuzzling his cheek affectionately.

"This..." Zhou Qing stroked it in disbelief. "How did you get back?"

Wasn't she taken to the Jiyuan Temple, a fifth-level cultivation country, by her godson, the Buddhist disciple?

Moreover, the Heavenly Fortune Holy Dynasty is not just a little far from the Holy Martial Dynasty; there are two even larger and more ancient fourth-level cultivation kingdoms in between.

Ordinary cultivators would find it difficult to overcome this obstacle even after a lifetime of effort.

"I came looking for you this morning and found it curled up on the doorstep," Lu Yaoyao said, pointing to the old hen's wings with concern. "Look, all the feathers here are gone."

Zhou Qing's heart skipped a beat.

He gently stroked the old hen's sparse feathers, his brow furrowing involuntarily.

Master Jueming said that since the Buddha's disciple had been found, they should hurry back, but in order not to implicate the Taiqing Sect, they should pretend to continue searching for the Buddha's disciple for a while after leaving.

Could something have happened on the way?

But it's been several years since they left.

Lu Yaoyao seemed to be conjuring up some image, her eyes slightly reddening, and she said softly, "Senior Brother Zhou, perhaps it's not that it only returned after several years, but rather..."

She sniffed and gently stroked the old hen's wing. "It took her several whole years to find her way home."

Zhou Qing felt a pang of pain in his heart as he looked at the old hen, who remained dazed. Master Jueming had said that the old hen would have great fortune if she went to Jiyuan Temple, which was why he had reluctantly given her up.

After all, we cannot let our own selfishness hinder its development.

If I had known this would happen, I would never have let him take it away.

"I'm sorry—"

Zhou Qing hurriedly took out a large handful of high-grade spirit stones from his storage bag.

The hen's eyes lit up, and she quickly lowered her head to peck at the food, looking no different from before.

Just to be on the safe side, he checked it again.

[Egg Treasure Chicken: A rare spirit chicken that has mutated excessively, possessing powerful digestive abilities. In recent years, with the continuous intake of spirit stones, it is currently undergoing its third mutation, and some three-colored restrictions are basically unable to contain it.]

Upon seeing the feedback, Zhou Qing's eyes lit up immediately.

"Three mutations? It was only two mutations a few years ago!"

Soon, Zhou Qing suddenly realized what was happening.

Now, the Taiqing Sect is shrouded in a three-colored protective array, and even Nascent Soul cultivators entering or leaving will trigger an alarm.

But when the old hen returned, Elder Wuzhu, who was on duty, did not notice at all.

Wow, my chicken is amazing!
……

Upon hearing that the old hen had returned, Yan Xiaohu excitedly came over.

"Your godson is no good!" Yan Xiaohu said, stroking the old hen's sparse feathers with heartache. "He swore he would take good care of it before he left, but look at him, he's starved to death!"

As the person who took care of the old hen the most besides Zhou Qing, Yan Xiaohu felt more sorry for her than anyone else.

Zhou Qing sighed softly, "Perhaps something happened to them on the way."

"An accident?" Yan Xiaohu's eyes widened. "Master Jueming is at the Spirit Severing Realm! What kind of accident could happen to him? I think he just found the Buddha's disciple and then discarded us like trash!"

Zhou Qing didn't respond, but silently took out more spirit stones and fed them to the old hen.

Over the next two weeks, nourished by plenty of spirit stones, the old hen's shed feathers gradually grew back.

The newborn feathers have a faint golden sheen and feel even softer to the touch.

On this day, Cao Zhengyang sent word that Sikong Yan had left the Cangyan Dao Palace and his whereabouts were unknown.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing's face showed a thoughtful expression.

For the past two weeks, No. 7 has been almost constantly online.

He went in at the exact time several times, after all, he wanted to help with Nannan's situation.

But when the other person saw him, they just smiled and greeted him, and did not invite him to come along.

"It seems he has found a way to obtain the Lotus of Rebirth."

Zhou Qing sighed softly, but inwardly he felt relieved for his senior brother Gao Xuan.

During this time, although Gao Xuan was physically in the Taiqing Sect, his soul had already flown to the Cangyan Dao Palace.

Just in case, Master Mo Xingjian would go to Jinyang Peak almost every day.

……

"Three years ago, I was forcibly taken to the Kunpeng Palace by Yan Sen, and afterwards I used the [Misfortune Scroll] to kill him."

"Later, with the help of the incomplete ultimate weapon, the Inextricable Karmic Fire Mirror, and the inscribed divine power, I successfully condensed three Blood Phoenix Tribulation Crystals, which helped me break through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul Realm!"

Inside the room, Zhou Qing gently stroked the old hen's feathers while writing his cultivation plan on a piece of paper.

"For others, after breaking through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul Realm, if they want to go further, in addition to constantly improving their artistic conception, they also need to accumulate their own spiritual power."

"Just like my master and senior uncles before, it could have been delayed for hundreds of years, or even a lifetime!"

Zhou Qing sighed.

After all, the artistic conception is relatively easy to achieve; it can be improved and perfected over time.

However, the accumulation of spiritual power cannot be accomplished simply by meditating, cultivating, or absorbing spirit stones.

True accumulation of spiritual power requires honing every bit of spiritual power to the point of complete mastery through repeated life-or-death battles.

It is through the long years that spiritual power and physical body are perfectly integrated.

It is through countless failures that one finds the most suitable pace of self-cultivation.
This is why, many years ago, although the leaders of the five major sects had all reached the late stage of the Nascent Soul Realm, they were always unable to advance any further.

The reason everyone was able to improve together was because he brought out the Yin Spirit Stone from the first coffin, which was a huge shortcut.

"But now that I possess the Blood Phoenix Tribulation Crystal, I can greatly shorten this process."

A glint of light flashed in Zhou Qing's eyes.

As for one's own state of mind, it is also directly related to the accumulation of spiritual energy.

Through constant killing, one can break through the mental barriers of others with a domineering mindset, thereby gaining insights and strengthening oneself.

Then, by using the essence, energy, and spirit of others to condense the Blood Phoenix Tribulation Crystal, one can successfully break through to a higher cultivation level.

"It's a pity about those dozens of Shadow Guards who were with Consort Ying..." Zhou Qing said with regret.

"If no one else had been present at the time, we might have been able to condense several Blood Phoenix Tribulation Crystals!"

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but scratch his head: "So what I need most right now is plenty of fighting opportunities. But I can't just kill innocent people indiscriminately, like a demon."

The moment the thought crossed Zhou Qing's mind, he gave a wry smile.

He had just assured his master that he had learned the second senior sister's survival skills, but in the blink of an eye, he began to crave battle and killing, just like his eldest senior brother.

"We also need to hurry up and get those top-grade wood-attribute spirit stones!"

Zhou Qing wrote the words "wood attribute spirit stone" heavily on the paper.

Before the ink was dry, he flicked his finger again.

The golden flames instantly incinerated the plan. As the ashes scattered, he picked up the old hen and said, half-jokingly.

"If only you could use Five Elements Spirit Stones. Since killing Yan Sen, your master has accumulated quite a few spirit stones."

The old hen blinked her not-so-bright eyes, tilted her head and looked at Zhou Qing, seemingly not quite understanding.

In the days that followed, the aura of artistic conception emanating from Lu Yaoyao grew stronger and stronger.

She often came over to stay with Zhou Qing, quietly taking out her sketchbook and depicting Zhou Qing's every move with the old hen.

……

One month later!
The moonlight, as clear as water, spilled onto Xiaoling Peak.

Zhou Qing sat cross-legged, surrounded by a faint silver glow.

The silver flowers among the four-colored Dao flowers trembled slightly, greedily absorbing the power of the moonlight.

It should be noted that the amplification of the Nascent Soul by the silver petals can achieve twice the result with half the effort when cultivated under the moonlight.

But the next moment, he suddenly opened his eyes!

Two figures appeared not far away, smiling at him.

"Senior Lu!"

Zhou Qing was pleasantly surprised and immediately stood up.

Because one of them was none other than Master Lu of Baiyu Taixu Academy—Lu Yuanzhi.

Another beautiful woman, dressed in an elegant long dress, with exquisite features and a smile that bore a striking resemblance to Lu Yuanzhi.

Eight-tailed Sky Fox, Lu Yuanjiu!

Zhou Qing was startled.

Previously, I had only seen her true form as an eight-tailed fox under the four-colored magic array in the academy's secret realm. Today is the first time I have seen her true appearance.

etc--

Zhou Qing suddenly realized something was wrong.

According to the agreement, they should have arrived a year later. Why are they here so early?
The next moment, his pupils shrank dramatically!
He then realized that the aura emanating from the two was ethereal and smoky, seemingly there yet not there, giving people a sense of unfathomable depth.

It was a kind of pressure that transcended the Nascent Soul Realm, as if it had merged with heaven and earth.

The Spirit Severing Realm!
Having encountered many Spirit Severing Realm experts, he instantly understood what was going on.

"Congratulations, senior! Congratulations!" Zhou Qing said sincerely, his eyes full of joy.

Lu Yuanzhi and Lu Yuanjiu exchanged a glance, then suddenly stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Zhou Qing.

"What are you doing, seniors?" Zhou Qing quickly helped them up.

Lu Yuanjiu parted her lips slightly: "If it weren't for your help, young friend, I would still be suffering from the torment of failing to slay my spirit, how could I have been reborn?"

"This is all thanks to your own perseverance," Zhou Qing said sincerely.

Lu Yuanzhi, standing to the side, gently shook her head. They both knew exactly what had happened.

“We sisters will never forget this kindness,” Lu Yuanzhi said, emphasizing each word.

Seeing their sincere expressions, Zhou Qing's smile grew even brighter: "Welcome to the Taiqing Sect!"

……

Under the cover of night, streaks of light flew from all directions of Taiqing Gate toward Shenyue Peak!
Cao Zhengyang, Mo Xingjian, Gao Xuan and other peak masters arrived first, followed by eight white-haired and white-bearded elders.

When they sensed the transcendent aura emanating from the two women, they all showed reverence.

"After advancing to the Spirit Slaying Realm, you've become so young!" Cao Zhengyang looked at the two women, who appeared to be no more than thirty years old, his eyes filled with envy.

The other peak masters and supreme elders were also amazed.

Reaching the Spirit Severing Realm not only grants immense power and a long lifespan, but also the ability to reverse aging and regain youth.

The Lu sisters were also secretly surprised.

They never expected that the small Taiqing Sect would harbor so many cultivators at the Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul Realm.

This foundation is something that even some long-established sects can hardly match.

Facing the intense gazes of the crowd, Lu Yuanjiu and Lu Yuanzhi exchanged a smile and bowed again.

"I am Lu Yuanjiu (Lu Yuanzhi). From today onwards, my sister and I will join the Taiqing Sect. We hope you will all take good care of us."

Everyone quickly returned the greeting, saying they dared not accept it.

Although Zhou Qing had already informed them of this matter, everyone still couldn't hide their excitement when the two powerful cultivators who had reached the Spirit Slayer realm personally admitted to joining the sect.

After the two stood up, Lu Yuanjiu waved her hand lightly, and two jade slips floated in the air: "These are the insights and experiences of my sister and me in breaking through to the Spirit Severing Realm. We hope they will be of some help to you all."

In an instant, everyone's breathing became rapid!

This is a priceless treasure! The insights into the Spirit Severing Realm that countless Nascent Soul cultivators would spend their entire lives seeking but never attain!
They actually brought it out so generously?

Lu Yuanzhi added gently, "Zhou Qing has probably already told you all about our situation."

“We hope to practice here discreetly, while also doing our best to guide you all,” she said, looking around at everyone. “If you have any questions, you are welcome to ask us at any time.”

These words ignited the passion of everyone present.

Looking across the entire Holy Martial Dynasty, which sect could be so extravagant as to have two powerful experts at the Spirit Slayer realm personally provide guidance?

Of course, everyone understood the two women's concerns.

Zhou Qing had already explained the matter of their third sister, Lu Yuanchen, being trapped in the palace.

With two Spirit Severing Realm experts suddenly appearing within the territory of the Holy Martial Dynasty, the royal family will undoubtedly spare no effort to win them over.

Especially since their third sister is still in the palace, this will be the royal family's best bargaining chip.

Standing quietly to the side, watching the jubilant crowd, Zhou Qing felt an unprecedented sense of peace.

Taiqing Sect finally has a powerful backer of its own!
(End of this chapter)