The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 315 The Royal Scheme, News of Second Senior Sister (6k)

Upon learning that Lu Yuanzhi had arrived, Lu Yaoyao was overjoyed and rushed over immediately.

"Master Lu!"

Lu Yuanzhi looked at the girl who was cultivating the cold attribute technique with him, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

When she sensed the fluctuations of intent emanating from Lu Yaoyao, she was overjoyed: "You've actually grasped the rudiments of intent?"

Lu Yaoyao lowered her head shyly: "Compared to Senior Brother Zhou, I'm still far behind."

After my father was taken to the Vast Expanse Mansion by my second uncle, he comprehended the domineering realm in just ten months.

Over the next three years, he not only perfected the artistic conception, but also broke through to the Great Perfection, and finally entered the Divine Transformation realm.

She and Yan Xiaohu witnessed all of this firsthand.

And myself.
Three years have passed, and he is still lingering in the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, with the attainment of the higher realms seemingly a distant dream.

Lu Yuanzhi, however, was pleased.

In her eyes, being able to find a suitable direction for one's own artistic conception in the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm and grasp its general outline is already very impressive.

She gently patted her shoulder: "How many geniuses like your senior brother Zhou are there in this world? You're already very good."

A glint of light flashed in her eyes: "From now on, just like in the academy, I will guide you to comprehend the essence as soon as possible and break through to the Nascent Soul stage."

Lu Yaoyao's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly.

"Tell me about the direction of your understanding of the artistic conception," Lu Yuanzhi asked curiously.

Lu Yaoyao excitedly described, "I want to focus on 'filial piety,' so my first target is Senior Brother Zhou."

As she listened, Lu Yuanzhi's expression gradually froze.

I knew this girl admired Zhou Qing, but I never expected it to be to this extent!

"The artistic conception of filial piety"?
Filial piety breeds strength, right?

"Master Lu, what do you think?" Lu Yaoyao asked expectantly after finishing her story.

Lu Yuanzhi's lips twitched, but she managed to force a smile.

“Not bad. I’ve never heard of such a concept before, but it’s too late to change it now. Let’s just go with your idea and proceed slowly.”

……

In the days that followed, the two Lu sisters, after disguising themselves, were able to fully integrate into the Taiqing Sect.

Only a few high-ranking members of the sect knew about the addition of two more Spirit Severing Realm cultivators. As for the core disciples, only Zhou Qing, Lu Yaoyao, Yan Xiaohu, and Li Daoxuan knew.

After all, the four of them had all stayed at the Baiyu Taixu Academy and were quite familiar with each other.

The Supreme Elder and the peak masters of each peak almost every day surrounded the two of them, asking them about the mysteries of the Spirit Severing Realm.

Lu Yaoyao often doesn't see Master Lu for an entire day.

Left with no other choice, he went to Xiaolingfeng and sat in a corner to quietly draw the heartwarming moments between Zhou Qing and the old hen, hoping to gain insight into the artistic conception.

……

As dawn broke, the mountain gate of Taiqing Gate was shrouded in a thin mist.

The disciples guarding the mountain were yawning when suddenly a melodious bell rang out from the sky.

Elder Wuzhu, who had just returned from getting breakfast at the Jade Kitchen, suddenly looked up.

A gilded flying boat appeared, breaking through the clouds. Its hull was carved with lifelike dragon patterns, gleaming with dazzling golden light in the morning sun.

"This is... the royal flag?"

Upon seeing the royal banner fluttering on the flying boat, Elder Wuzhu quickly took out his identity token and sent a message to the sect leader.

"Which concubine has arrived this time?" Elder Wuzhu muttered to himself, stuffing a spirit egg into his mouth, only to choke and roll his eyes back.

He quickly drank a few mouthfuls of spiritual porridge before he could catch his breath.

There's nothing I can do; I'm too old, and there's no hope of slaying the spirit anymore.

For him, being able to peacefully guard the mountain gate and occasionally indulge in his appetite is already a great blessing.

"boom--"

Soon, the flying boat slowly landed on the square in front of the mountain gate, stirring up a ripple of spiritual energy.

The moment the boat door opened, two teams of golden-armored guards filed out and lined up on both sides.

Immediately afterwards, a young man dressed in a moon-white brocade robe slowly walked out.

He had a handsome face, with a scholarly air about him, and an ancient longsword hung at his waist. He exuded a gentle and refined temperament.

"Seventh Prince Xuanyuan Yichen!"

Behind the barrier, Cao Zhengyang and the others frowned.

The Taiqing Sect members were already apprehensive after joining forces with the Cangyan Dao Palace to kill Consort Ying and the Shadow Guards.

Now that the Lu sisters are hiding here, they are even more worried about meeting with the royal family because of their relationship with Consort Chen.

"Why is he here?" Mo Xingjian asked, puzzled.

You should know that when Consort Ying and the Liu family first arrived in the Eastern Region, they kept guiding them, implying that the Fifth Prince's murder was related to this guy.

Zhou Qing, who had also rushed over upon receiving the news, quietly watched Xuan Yuan Yichen.

But his first thought was that Shen Huangmao had robbed this guy on his way back.

He was really curious about where this guy got those forbidden items from the fifth-level cultivation country.
What kind of scheme is he hiding behind his seemingly harmless appearance?
"Early stage of the Nascent Soul Realm..."

Zhou Qing keenly sensed the spiritual energy fluctuations emanating from the other party and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

When they last parted at the border, this prince was still struggling to comprehend the essence of the art, but now he has successfully broken through.

Zhou Qing was momentarily dazed.

I still remember the first time we met. This guy brought the Ninth Princess, Xuan Yuan Muqian, to the Taiqing Sect, just to spar with the senior brother and try to comprehend the essence of the art.

Time has passed, and everyone has now reached the Nascent Soul stage.

After stepping off the flying boat, Xuan Yuan Yichen did not rush forward, but respectfully stepped aside.

Immediately afterwards, a burly middle-aged man stepped out.

He was dressed in a black python robe, with a resolute face, eyes like lightning, and an aura of suffocating pressure emanating from him.

It was none other than Prince Xuanyuan Shuo, who was stationed on the border.

Cao Zhengyang's expression changed slightly, and he subtly gave Tong Min a wink.

Tong Min immediately understood and left to inform the Lu sisters to temporarily avoid confrontation and prevent being discovered.

Xuan Yuanshuo's gaze lingered on the three-colored protective array of the Taiqing Sect for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Even the most important border areas only have four-color arrays, yet the Taiqing Sect can use a three-color array as a protective barrier for its sect.

Could it be the work of Lin Daochen?
Following the two members of the royal family, Prefect Zhong Yao and Lord Xiao Ji then stepped out of the flying boat, looking somewhat embarrassed.

The two originally intended to announce their arrival first, but unexpectedly, two important people beat them to it, and they ended up being the last to appear.

Upon seeing the prefect and the lord, Cao Zhengyang and the others immediately understood the purpose of their visit.

I had heard that there were special passageways between the prefectures leading to Kyoto, and now it seems to be true.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible to make such a rapid round trip.

Zhong Yao and Xiao Ji quickly arrived at the mountain gate, where Cao Zhengyang and Mo Xingjian also came out to greet them.

"Brother Cao, we've come to bother you again!" The two men bowed.

Cao Zhengyang nodded slightly, but his gaze turned to Xuan Yuanshuo, who was in the mid-stage of the Spirit Slaying Realm, and he solemnly bowed and said, "Greetings, Senior Xuan Yuan."

"Hahaha—" Xuan Yuanshuo laughed like thunder, then strode forward and patted Cao Zhengyang on the shoulder, "We're all old acquaintances, so there's no need to be so formal."

The two men remained outwardly calm, but inwardly they sneered.

We don't know you well. The last few times you came, it was to find Zhou Qing, and you even tried to forcibly search his soul.

We can't beat you, but we'll remember this debt.

Xuanyuan Shuo's tiger-like eyes blazed, and his voice was deep and resonant: "I have heard about what happened. This time, I am very grateful for your clan's righteous assistance. Otherwise, my grandson Fengtai would not be able to rest in peace even in the afterlife!"

Cao Zhengyang remained composed, cupping his hands in a respectful reply, "Senior, you're too kind. We were investigating several cases of sect massacres in the Eastern Region when we happened to stumble upon this incident. It's just a pity..."

He paused, a look of shame on his face, "In the end, I was unable to save Consort Ying and the others, which is truly regrettable."

"Life and death are predestined." Xuan Yuanshuo sighed, a complex look flashing in his eyes. "This is their fate."

After saying that, he winked at Xuan Yuan Yi Chen behind him.

The seventh prince understood and clapped his hands lightly.

The cabin door of the airship opened again, and several eunuchs dressed in crimson palace robes slowly stepped out.

Each person held a gilded jade box in their hands.

"My fifth brother has been murdered, and Father is deeply grieved." Xuan Yuan Yi Chen's voice was low, and his brows were filled with sorrow.

"However, I am preoccupied with state affairs, so I was specially ordered to bring a small gift to express my gratitude."

As he gestured, the eunuchs opened the jade boxes one by one.

In an instant, dense spiritual energy surged out like a tide, forming a spiritual mist in front of everyone.

Looking at the various rare gifts in the box, Cao Zhengyang and Mo Xingjian gasped.

Each of these treasures is priceless; the royal family has truly spared no expense in this endeavor.

"Your Highness's generous gift is too much for Taiqing Sect to bear." Cao Zhengyang quickly bowed and said, "Please come inside and have some tea."

Xuanyuan Shuo laughed heartily and took the lead in stepping forward.

Just as he was about to step into the mountain gate, he suddenly stopped, looked around, and asked, "By the way, where is my young friend Zhou Qing?"

Cao Zhengyang's heart tightened, but he didn't show it on his face: "Reporting to Senior, Zhou Qing is still cultivating on Xiaoling Peak and was unaware of your visit today."

“It was we who were presumptuous.” Xuan Yuanshuo smiled meaningfully.

"Senior, you flatter me." Cao Zhengyang stepped aside to make way, and at the same time winked at Mo Xingjian, "Junior Brother Mo, call Zhou Qing over."

Mo Xingjian understood and bowed to take his leave.

After entering the mountain gate, the group proceeded along the bluestone steps toward the main hall of Shenyue Peak.

After their figures completely disappeared into the clouds, Zhou Qing and the other peak masters appeared from the pine forest beside the mountain gate.

“His aura has intensified again!” Zhou Qing stared in the direction Xuan Yuanshuo had left, his brows furrowed.

Last time, I was invited to the border to handle the affairs of several demon emperors in my capacity as the Peng Emperor.

He used Xuanyuan Shuo's Spirit-Slaying Divine Power to injure the Tiger King that had come to join the fun.

Then Xuanyuan Shuo took the opportunity to catch up with him.

If I'm not mistaken, that tiger king is probably in grave danger.

This time, he was forced to the border by Yan Sen, but he didn't see a single shadow of him.

It must be refining.

……

About half an hour later, Zhou Qing finally arrived late and stepped into the main hall of Shenyue Peak.

Inside the hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood incense and the aroma of spiritual tea, and everyone was chatting and laughing.

"Greetings, Senior Xuanyuan! Greetings, Seventh Prince!" Zhou Qing bowed respectfully.

Xuanyuan Yichen immediately stood up to greet him: "Brother Zhou, it's been a long time!"

Zhou Qing smiled and returned the greeting: "Long time no see!"

Xuanyuan Shuo also looked over at this moment, and said with a surprised expression, "It's only been a few years since we last met, and you've actually broken through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul Realm?"

Zhou Qing smiled modestly: "Just lucky." Xuan Yuanshuo shook his head slightly; he didn't think it was just luck.

Back when that old fellow brought this kid to the border, he fought five lieutenant generals without being defeated.

Furthermore, considering his performance in assisting Lin Daochen in repairing the four-color magic array, he knew that this boy was no ordinary person.

Everyone sat down again, and Xuan Yuan Yichen secretly sent a telepathic message to Zhou Qing while pouring tea.

“I have learned about the matter from the prefect. The Liu family wanted to frame me for the death of my fifth brother. Fortunately, you did not fall for their trap.”

Zhou Qing calmly took a sip of tea: "I believe this was not your doing, so I cannot admit it. Your Highness need not thank me."

A hint of gratitude flashed in Xuan Yuan Yi Chen's eyes.

Zhou Qing then asked, "Did Your Highness come directly from the capital?"

"That's right, what's wrong?"

Xuanyuan Yichen nodded and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Have you ever seen my senior brother, Ghost Mastiff?" Zhou Qing asked hurriedly.

"I did see him briefly once. He was with several people at the time, but I was busy with official business and couldn't greet them. After that, I couldn't find him anywhere."

Xuanyuan Yichen thought for a moment and said.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing felt somewhat relieved.

This at least proves that the eldest brother is still safe and sound.

Just then, Xuanyuan Shuo stood up to take his leave: "We still need to go to the Cangyan Dao Palace to express our gratitude, so we won't bother you any longer."

He then looked at Zhou Qing and said meaningfully, "Young friend Zhou, how about you accompany this old man for a walk?"

Zhou Qing had no choice but to go along.

The two strolled to the outside of the mountain gate when Xuanyuan Shuo suddenly transmitted his voice.

"Whenever you have time, go to the border again. Another Spirit Severing Realm cultivator has fallen in the territory of the Bell and Gong Beast. We still haven't found out who it is."

"That cowardly Jiaohuang has gone to Taiyao Mountain to find Penghuang several times, but the old monkey has always brushed him off by saying that Penghuang is in seclusion."

Zhou Qing nodded and said, "I have some things to attend to recently, but I will definitely go when I have time."

Xuanyuan Shuo nodded slightly, bid farewell to Cao Zhengyang and the others, and boarded the flying boat again, heading towards the direction of the Cangyan Dao Palace.

After the royal airship completely disappeared into the horizon, the figures of the Lu sisters appeared like smoke beside Zhou Qing.

"Seniors, is the current emperor at the Spirit Severing Realm?" Zhou Qing suddenly asked, his voice extremely low.

Lu Yuanjiu shook his head slightly and said, "I'm really not sure about that, at least that's what we say publicly. Currently, the Xuanyuan family only has the old emperor and Xuanyuan Shuo, both at the Spirit Severing Realm."

"Heh!" Lu Yuanzhi sneered, a cold glint in his eyes. "Now that they have mastered the method to break through to the Spirit Severing Realm, how could they not think about strengthening their own people first?"

"Outsiders are ultimately ungrateful wretches; they can't be trusted as much as family."

Lu Yuanjiu let out a long breath and said, "It's pretty much what I guessed, especially that silly girl A-Chen who took so many Nine Nether Lotus Seeds to the capital back then..."

Zhou Qing fell silent upon hearing this, gazing into the distance.

For some reason, he suddenly had a feeling.

Sikong Yan went to the capital, perhaps for this method of the Spirit Severing Realm, just like Consort Chen did back then.

At the very least, it might be related to something!
Two days later, news came that after Xuanyuan Shuo and his group arrived at the Cangyan Dao Palace, they were received by a Supreme Elder because Sikong Yan was not there.

The two sides only talked for half a day before leaving.

However, within just a few days, rumors about the two major sects in the Eastern Region being on good terms with the royal family spread like wildfire.

"Have you heard? Both the Taiqing Sect and the Cangyan Dao Palace are going to submit to the royal family!"

"No wonder the Spirit Slayer Realm expert personally came to our door, bringing generous gifts."

"It seems the Eastern Region is about to undergo a major change!"

"Has the Eastern Region changed drastically in the past few years?"

……

Upon hearing these rumors, Cao Zhengyang's face darkened.

"No wonder they're making such a big fuss; they really aren't going to miss any opportunity."

"The Xuanyuan family, humph!" Cao Zhengyang sneered, his voice carrying a chilling edge.

"Since ancient times, in which cultivation country hasn't sects and imperial power coexisted? Your ambition is truly extraordinary; don't play with fire and get burned!"

……

And so, another two weeks passed.

Early that morning, a middle-aged swordsman, looking travel-worn, arrived at the gate of Taiqing Gate.

He held a long sword wrapped in coarse cloth in his arms, stood outside the mountain gate, looked up and looked at the yellowed paper in his hand from time to time.

"This should be it," he murmured to himself, his gaze lingering on the protective array. "As expected of a sect that is on good terms with Master Lin, they are so extravagant as to use a three-colored array to protect the mountain!"

Then, he dusted off his dusty robes, straightened his clothes, and stepped forward to speak loudly.

"The rogue cultivator Ji Xifeng, entrusted by his benefactor Lin Daochen, has come from Haomiao Prefecture to pay his respects to Zhou Qing, a disciple of the Taiqing Sect!"

……

The aroma of tea wafts from Xiaoling Peak.

Ji Xifeng sat awkwardly on the stone bench, occasionally stealing glances at the young man opposite him.

This person's appearance does indeed match the image shown by Master Lin, but what about his cultivation level?

"Are you really Zhou Qing?" Ji Xifeng couldn't help but confirm again.

He was, after all, a veteran cultivator in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, yet he was still shaken to his core by the unintentional pressure emanating from the other party.

"Exactly." Zhou Qing couldn't hide his urgency. "Did Master Lin ask you to deliver any message?"

Ji Xifeng patted his storage bag and took out a jade slip that glowed with a bluish light.

"Master Lin saved my life. Over the years, he asked us old friends to help him find out the whereabouts of a woman, which took a lot of trouble..."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing's pupils contracted sharply, and he snatched the jade slip.

A probe with divine sense revealed only a few words in the message: 【A clue to your senior sister has been found. Come to the academy immediately!】

The word "speed" made his heart tighten.

Is Senior Sister perhaps in danger?

"May I ask, fellow Daoist, do you know where the woman Master Lin asked you to inquire about is?" Zhou Qing's voice was tense.

Ji Xifeng shook his head and said, "Master Lin used all the connections he had built up this time. I was just one link in the chain, and I really don't know who found him."

He paused, then lowered his voice, "Before leaving, Master Lin specifically instructed that this matter must be kept absolutely secret."

Zhou Qing understood that Master Lin was being cautious to avoid any unforeseen complications.

He suppressed his anxiety and took out fifty high-grade spirit stones, pushing them over: "Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Ji. This is just a small token of my appreciation."

Ji Xifeng's eyes lit up immediately. This young man not only had unfathomable cultivation, but he was also meticulous in his actions.

I like!
"In that case, I won't stand on ceremony, thank you!" Ji Xifeng excitedly put away the spirit stones.

There's no other way; as a rogue cultivator, I can't afford to waste any resources!
……

After settling the messenger, Zhou Qing originally intended to go find his master, Mo Xingjian, immediately.

But as soon as they reached the top of Jinyang Peak, they saw their master tidying his robes in preparation for heading to Shenyue Peak.

"Fourth brother, what brings you here? Is something the matter?" Mo Xingjian sensed Zhou Qing's presence and turned around to ask.

The guidance they received from the Lu sisters during this period has been immensely beneficial, and they now visit them almost daily without fail to attend their classes.

I meditated for too long last night, and I'm almost late now.

In the morning light, seeing his master's full head of white hair, Zhou Qing felt a pang of pain in his heart.

More than anyone else, he hoped that his master would one day break through to the Spirit Severing Realm, thereby extending his lifespan.

Now that he has such a good opportunity, he doesn't want to distract his master because of his senior sister's matter.

Faced with his master's question, Zhou Qing swallowed back the words that were about to come out.

Then he forced a smile and said, "No, I was just walking the chickens and came up for a stroll."

"Then where's your chicken?" Mo Xingjian looked around.

"I don't know where he/she has run off to right now, we're looking for him/her." Zhou Qing spread his hands, trying to sound casual.

Mo Xingjian had no doubts and said excitedly, "Then take your time looking. Senior Lu is going to explain the 'Three Tribulations of Slaying the Spirit' today, so I have to hurry."

Watching his master's hurried departure, Zhou Qing breathed a sigh of relief.

"Don't worry, Master, I will definitely bring Second Senior Sister back safely," Zhou Qing murmured to himself.

……

He then hurried down the mountain and intercepted his third senior brother, Yan Xiaohu, who was about to go out halfway down the mountain.

This once carefree senior brother was now dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, with seven or eight storage bags hanging from his waist, and was discussing something with Niu Guangmo and others.

"Third Senior Brother!" Zhou Qing called out telepathically.

Yan Xiaohu turned his head, his face still showing the excitement he had felt during their discussion.

Since the sect annexed the Golden Thunder Sect and the Heavenly Pivot Sect, many core disciples have been at the forefront.

As for him, he naturally discovered many business opportunities from this and was busy all day long.

He quickly dismissed the others with a few words and hurried over: "What's wrong, Fourth Brother?"

Zhou Qing lowered his voice: "I need to go to Haomiao Mansion. I have news about Second Senior Sister."

"What?" Yan Xiaohu's eyes widened, and he grabbed Zhou Qing's wrist. "I'll go with you!"

“No,” Zhou Qing shook his head, then explained his thoughts to him.

The main reason is to be on the safe side, so that if Master asks, the third senior brother can also fill in for a while.

After hearing this, Yan Xiaohu had no choice but to agree.

I'm useless now, so I'd probably just be a burden if I went there.

"Be sure to pay attention to safety!" Yan Xiaohu reminded him.

Zhou Qing nodded to show that he understood.

Then he hurriedly returned to his residence to pack his belongings.

But after thinking it over again and again, Zhou Qing decided to take the old hen with him, as she was fast asleep in the specially made herb nest.

On the one hand, it took it several years to come back, and I feel a little reluctant to abandon it again.

On the other hand, after examination, it has been found that it is now undergoing its third mutation, and even the three-color magic array cannot trap it, so it might actually be of help.

After getting ready, Zhou Qing quietly arrived at the mountain gate.

Just as he was about to take out the flying boat, a clear bell sound drifted on the wind.

"Senior Brother Zhou~"

Zhou Qing's heart skipped a beat, and he looked in the direction of the sound.

Lu Yaoyao, dressed in a pale yellow dress with jingling silver bells at her waist, stood smiling under an ancient pine tree by the mountain path.

"How can you go find Senior Sister Luo without taking me with you?" She tilted her head, a sly glint in her eyes.

"We agreed beforehand that my understanding of the artistic conception depends entirely on you."

Zhou Qing quickly stepped forward and lowered his voice: "No... how did you know?"

(End of this chapter)