The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 324 Xiao Shen, have you encountered any difficulties lately? (6k)

The lingering power of the Blood Phoenix had not yet dissipated, and the Daoist aura around Shen Hanyi was still flowing.

She withdrew her supernatural powers and turned around with a hint of trepidation in her eyes: "Senior, is this first phoenix mark alright?"

Zhou Qing only came to his senses when he heard the sound.

He had originally intended to shower her with praise, but to maintain his image as a master, he casually replied, "Her foundation is decent, but..."

He deliberately dragged out the last syllable, and seeing the other person subconsciously lean forward, he continued, "When you condensed the second path, did you encounter any obstacles at the 'Tianxuan' position?"

"How did you know?" Shen Hanyi exclaimed, "Every time the spiritual energy is circulated to the three-inch point of the heart meridian, it disappears like a mud ox sinking into the sea..."

"You're wrong!" Zhou Qing suddenly pointed his fingers like a sword, and a wisp of red light burst from his fingertips.

The light traced intricate patterns in the air, a miniature version of the phoenix pattern.

"The 'Hundred Tribulations Blood Curtain' emphasizes 'nurturing runes through tribulations,' but you're too fixated on infusing spiritual energy—"

The crimson light suddenly shifted, leaving a scarlet trail at the crucial moment: "We need to borrow the force of the counter-shock!"

Shen Hanyi swayed slightly, understanding the concept almost instantly.

"So that's how it is! This is completely opposite to the first thread's operation," she murmured to herself, her eyes suddenly lighting up.

Zhou Qing's lips curled slightly: "If they were all exactly the same, wouldn't that be like copying a cat to imitate a tiger? And how could the Three Thousand Phoenix Dao Patterns be so easily deciphered?"

"It must have its own profound mystery to be comparable to a Dao-level divine power."

Shen Hanyi bowed and said, "This junior has learned a great deal!"

Looking at her respectful demeanor, Zhou Qing felt a sudden flutter in his heart.

At that moment, I even wanted to reach out, pat her head, and say something like "You're a promising young lady."

But he quickly put aside his suicidal thoughts.

"Zhou Qing, you're really getting more and more arrogant!" Zhou Qing secretly warned himself.

He then coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment and said seriously, "Alright, I'll demonstrate it for you again. Watch carefully."

After speaking, his sleeves fluttered, and two phoenix patterns emerged from his fingertips.

The outermost crimson stripe suddenly peeled off and transformed into a miniature blood phoenix in the air.

As Zhou Qing lightly twirled his sword finger, the Blood Phoenix began to spread its wings in reverse—each feather that flew backwards sent up tiny sparks.

"Using the reversed feathers as the catalyst, and the calamity's flames as the medium," Zhou Qing's voice suddenly deepened, "Now!"

The Blood Phoenix suddenly let out a mournful cry, its wings bursting into a rain of fire.

Strangely, those sparks did not dissipate, but instead re-coagulated during the fall, eventually transforming into two phoenix patterns that were even more dazzling than before!

Shen Hanyi frowned in thought. After a long while, she suddenly realized, "So, one has to destroy their own Dao patterns to achieve this."

“Not so.” Zhou Qing shook his head and interrupted, “What is destroyed is only the form; the true meaning is that without destruction there can be no construction.”

He pointed to the other person's heart, "What you lack is not spiritual power, but the awareness to fight to the death."

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly slapped Shen Hanyi on the shoulder.

The moment they made contact, Zhou Qing felt his palm touch something warm and soft; the delicate texture of the girl's skin sent a shiver down his spine.

A delicate, cool fragrance wafts over, refreshing yet too intoxicating to take in too much of its scent.

Am I pushing my luck?

When I taught her the four-color magic array before, I only lightly touched her brow.

When granting her inscription-level divine power, he merely touched her head lightly.

Such physical contact is indeed a bit impolite.

At the same time, Shen Hanyi froze.

Throughout her cultivation, no strange man has ever touched her body in the slightest, except for this one she has never met.

Although it was a simulated body, this was already the third time their skin had touched, and they had also sung love songs to each other under the jujube tree beside them on several occasions...

At this moment, her pretty face was flushed, and even the tips of her ears were tinged with a blush.

"Concentrate!"

Zhou Qingqiang composed himself and suppressed the strange feeling in his heart as he spoke to her.

Subsequently, the phoenix pattern within her body reacted to the stimulus, its crimson light surging forth.

Zhou Qing then guided the phoenix pattern to travel in reverse through her eight extraordinary meridians.

"Ugh!" Shen Hanyi cried out in pain, her body leaning forward uncontrollably, almost crashing into Zhou Qing's arms.

But the phoenix pattern that had reversed its course was not damaged; instead, it solidified like red jade, and a newly formed phoenix pattern phantom appeared faintly beside it.

"Remember this feeling." Zhou Qing quickly withdrew his palm and retreated, and the second illusory figure disappeared.

After regaining her senses and carefully reflecting on the situation, Shen Hanyi bowed deeply to Zhou Qing and said, "This junior has learned a great deal."

Zhou Qing nodded.

He then looked around and saw that no top-grade wood-attribute spirit stones had dropped, nor had there been any system notifications.

"Isn't that enough?" Zhou Qing muttered to himself, his brows furrowing slightly.

Then he looked at Shen Hanyi again, gritted his teeth and said, "It's alright. Anyway, I have some free time today. Now that I've grasped the second strand, I'll teach you the rest of the key points."

"Really?" Shen Hanyi looked up abruptly, her eyes filled with excitement, her previous shyness replaced by surprise.

Zhou Qing then slightly moved his fingers, and another wisp of red light emerged, outlining an even more intricate phoenix pattern in the air: "Watch closely, this is the key change in the third wisp."

He didn't know how much time had passed, but even after the fifth explanation was finished, Zhou Qing still hadn't seen a single wood-attribute spirit stone drop.

No, what exactly happened?

Don't tell me that your current predicament isn't about comprehending inscription-level divine abilities.
Or perhaps we're too far apart to fall?

Seeing Shen Hanyi deep in thought, Zhou Qing sighed softly, "Alright then, these five strands should be enough for you to comprehend. As for the rest, if you encounter anything you don't understand, feel free to ask."

Upon hearing this, Shen Hanyi bowed deeply once again.

These five strands alone have already saved her from countless detours.

Moreover, the explanation given by Number One is so thorough that he has probably already grasped the entirety of "The Blood Curtain of a Hundred Calamities".

should be!
Don't forget, he also said before that after he fully mastered this inscription-level divine power, he would give him other ones, even Dao-mark level ones.

Thinking of this, his awe of Number One deepened.

At this moment, Zhou Qing looked at her, hesitated briefly, and said, "I know your background. There are no outsiders here, so I'll call you Xiao Shen in private."

“Of course!” Shen Hanyi showed no dissatisfaction whatsoever.

I have received many great favors from this senior, and I have also witnessed his various terrifying methods.

Compared to him, I am far inferior.

To be favored by such a distinguished person is already a great honor.

"Little Shen," Zhou Qing said casually as he strolled around, "besides this inscription-level divine ability, have you encountered any other difficulties recently?"

Shen Hanyi's heart skipped a beat, but she shook her head, forcing herself to remain calm: "No, why do you ask that, senior?"

"See, you're being too polite again. Tell me, and perhaps I can help you."

"Thank you, senior, but I really don't have any."

"really?"

"Absolutely true!"

Zhou Qing narrowed his eyes, gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice, "If I'm not mistaken, you should have at least fifteen top-grade wood-attribute spirit stones and more than forty ordinary top-grade spirit stones on you right now."

The message from a friend says that helping her will yield fifteen top-grade wood-attribute spirit stones and forty ordinary top-grade spirit stones.

Logically speaking, she shouldn't have lost all of it; in other words, she should have had more on her than that.

Upon hearing Zhou Qing's words, Shen Hanyi suddenly looked up, her pupils contracted sharply, her eyes filled with disbelief, and even the hairs on her body stood on end.

"How...how did you know?" Shen Hanyi was so shocked that she staggered back, even subconsciously reaching for her storage bag.

Seeing her strong reaction, Zhou Qing knew he had frightened her.

He had no choice but to soften his tone: "How I know this is not important. What's important is that you need help right now. If you have any difficulties, please feel free to speak."

Shen Hanyi bit her lower lip tightly, her hands clenched tightly. She felt that Number One was too terrifying, as if she had no secrets in front of him.

Especially since she had only recently conceived of this plan and had never told anyone about it.

The spirit stones in the storage bag were also for this purpose.

But this matter was of great importance, and she did not want anyone to help or know about it.

Then, gritting his teeth, he bowed to Zhou Qingshen again, his voice barely audible: "Senior, you are wise, this junior truly has no such virtue."

Zhou Qing shook his head helplessly.

It seems there's no hope for her to get those fifteen wood-attribute spirit stones.

All that effort for nothing.

The Phoenix Dao Pattern experience I passed on to you was also built up using wood-attribute spirit stones. Give it back to me!
"Alright, if not, then forget it. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now!"

After Zhou Qing finished speaking, he turned and left without hesitation.

Shen Hanyi watched his gradually disappearing figure, her lips trembling slightly, and finally only let out a soft sigh.

This matter is of great importance and it is really inconvenient to disclose.

"I'm sorry, senior—"

……

Just as Zhou Qing's consciousness returned to his body, he suddenly slapped his forehead.

"Oh no, I forgot to ask about the Yan family!"

He hurriedly grabbed the token, only to find that Shen Hanyi had already logged off.

Left with no other choice, he put away the token and took out the [Friend's Token] to examine it for a while.

Looking at the three faces above, I felt conflicted.

He really wanted over a hundred top-grade wood-attribute spirit stones.

The Vientiane Auction covers such a wide range of fields that last time Zhang Wanbao only asked Fu Kui to bring him one.

Right now, both inscription-level divine abilities and spiritual seal comprehension urgently need this item.

Now that he's finally triggered such a random post, he'd better make good use of it.

Moreover, based on previous speculation, if a post is not used, it is extremely difficult to refresh and make the next one appear.

"We need to prepare early!" Zhou Qing put away the [Friend's Invitation] and slowly stood up.

Now, he has nothing to worry about regarding the situation in the Eastern Region. Even if there are problems, there are still two Spirit Severing Realm experts, Master Lu and Master Shi.

After a brief moment of thought, Zhou Qing headed straight for Shenyue Peak.

……

Now, as the junior sect leader of the Taiqing Sect, Zhou Qing can move freely between the peaks without needing to report.

He arrived at Lu Yaoyao's residence and immediately saw her hunched over her desk, pen in hand, her brows furrowed, sketching something on the paper.

The aura surrounding her was more intense than usual, clearly indicating that she was immersed in some mysterious state. Zhou Qing did not disturb her. After confirming that no one was around, he quietly slipped into the secret passage next to the outhouse.

Upon reaching the end of the passage, Zhou Qing scratched his head in confusion as he looked at the thin layer of ash accumulated on the five-colored altar.

There is only one passage to enter the cave now, and there are no traces of chicken claws along the way.

How exactly did that old hen get in there?
He initially wanted to go in and find out what was going on, but after a moment's thought, he decided to leave first.

However, when he returned to his courtyard, he suddenly froze on the spot—

The old hen that should have been in the cave was now lazily lying on the bluestone outside the courtyard, basking in the sun.

"This……"

Zhou Qing strode forward, and as soon as he got close, he smelled a strong, putrid, and bloody stench.

"Still sleeping? What are you doing?" Zhou Qing shook it awake.

The old hen opened her dull, beady eyes and stared at him blankly.

Zhou Qing then used his spiritual power to conjure a scene of the forbidden zone in the air, pointing at the image and asking, "How exactly did you get in? And how did you get out?"

The old hen stared at the screen and suddenly let out a burp.

"belch--"

A stench like that of dead crows assaulted Zhou Qing's senses, making him dizzy and almost vomit.

The eerie image of Shen Huangmao even involuntarily surfaced in my mind.

The old hen simply shifted her body, adjusted her posture to let the sunlight shine on her better, and then closed her eyes and went back to sleep.

Zhou Qing pinched his nose and shook his head helplessly: "I really want to try soul searching, but with your small body, I'm afraid you can't handle it..."

However, seeing how comfortable it looked, Zhou Qing's heart stirred.

I really need to bring it with me when I go to the capital.

Sikong Yan asked him for help, specifically requesting five thousand spirit seals, clearly indicating that he wanted to break some kind of grand formation.

Three thousand to ten thousand spirit seals are all at the level of a third-level array master.

The old hen is undergoing its third mutation, and many three-color magic arrays are almost ineffective against it, so it might be of great use.

Moreover, leaving it here is dangerous. The caeca crow can ignore it this time, but what about next time?

They might just become food for one of them.

"Little Qing, you've emerged from seclusion!" Just then, a clear voice came from mid-air.

Zhou Qing looked up and saw Luo Lingling descending on the wind, her clothes fluttering but with a hint of caution, even deliberately avoiding the fallen leaves on the ground when she landed.

"Second Senior Sister!" he replied with a smile.

After landing, Luo Lingling didn't approach immediately. Instead, she looked around to make sure no one else was there before leaning closer and whispering, "Little Aqing, your senior sister needs your help with something."

Zhou Qing nodded: "Senior sister, please speak freely."

"I want to go find the boss!" Luo Lingling lowered her voice even further, afraid that others would hear her.

Zhou Qing was taken aback: "Huh?"

He almost suspected that he had heard wrongly.

Luo Lingling flicked her fingertips, and a faint spiritual energy barrier quietly unfolded, enveloping the two of them.

She then continued, "Now that you've reached the Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul Realm, although everyone knows you've achieved the Four Flowers Gathering at the Top..."

She paused, a complex look flashing in her eyes, "But it ultimately made my senior sister feel a sense of urgency."

Zhou Qing was about to explain when Luo Lingling raised her hand to stop him: "Don't overthink it. I'm genuinely happy for your achievements."

"Is it because of the white crane?" Zhou Qing asked after hesitating.

Given Baihe's persistent nature, if he weren't busy with important matters, how could he have missed the opportunity to come back with them?
Luo Lingling shook her head slightly and said seriously, "Of course not. You still don't understand my artistic conception, do you?"

Before Zhou Qing could answer, a hazy blue light suddenly emanated from Luo Lingling's body.

In an instant, a layer of light unfolded, and Zhou Qing felt the scene before him change drastically.

The surroundings transformed into a deep, misty forest, with countless branching paths stretching out before us.

Danger lurks on every path: venomous snakes coil on branches, traps hide in the grass, and ferocious beasts lurk in the shadows.
Among the countless treacherous roads, only one faint path winds its way into the distance.

“This is…” Zhou Qing’s pupils contracted slightly.

"This is my artistic conception!" Luo Lingling's voice echoed in the mist, "It can foresee countless crises and find a glimmer of hope."

The blue light gradually faded, and the scene returned to normal.

The second senior sister, who had disappeared, reappeared beside her.

“You’re not targeting the enemy…” Zhou Qing seemed to be thinking.

The imagery of the second senior sister is more like a key.

Once you get caught up in someone else's thoughts, you can use that to find their flaws.

Unlike his domineering approach to breaking the deadlock, the second senior sister's method was more circuitous and ingenious.

"The essence of life must be found in danger. In my path, the more perilous the situation, the clearer the path to survival becomes."

As Luo Lingling said this, a resolute glint flashed in her eyes: "Now that Boss is in the capital, it must be a place where great events are about to unfold."

"Moreover, his artistic conception is one of unstoppable progress, which inevitably involves fighting and killing, and he also needs trustworthy people to help him."

"So, after thinking it over, I want to go find the boss and, by the way, further refine my artistic conception so that I can break through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul Realm as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing's lips unconsciously curled up into a smile.

"What are you laughing at?" Luo Lingling glared at her. "Staying in the sect these days is really boring."

"The people I used to know either perished in the Five Sects War or were sent to guard the mines and cities of Tianji Sect and Jinlei Sect."

As she spoke, her tone suddenly softened, "It's just that I'm afraid Old Mo's stubborn temper won't allow it, so I wanted you to put in a good word for me."

Zhou Qing shook his head and said with a wry smile, "Senior sister, I'm afraid that's really impossible."

"Oh my, my little Aqing, you are now the little sect leader of Taiqing Sect, and Old Mo listens to you the most."

"I originally wanted to find Sanhuzi, but that guy only knows how to tinker with his little business ideas all day long."

"Senior sister, you've misunderstood!" Zhou Qing quickly interrupted Luo Lingling, then said with a serious expression.

"To be honest, I was also planning to go to the capital. I was hoping you could put in a good word for me with my master."

Luo Lingling was taken aback: "You're going to the capital too? To find the boss?"

Zhou Qing didn't know how to explain for a moment. After a brief thought, she said, "Senior Sister, come in first. Let me tell you about Senior Uncle Gao Xuan and Nannan."

Luo Lingling was puzzled, but she still followed Zhou Qing into the courtyard.

After the two were seated in the inner room, Zhou Qing personally poured her a cup of spiritual tea.

As the aroma of tea filled the air, his voice gradually deepened: "This story begins during the Five Sects' Treasure Exchange Gathering, when we were searching for the missing disciples of the Azure Feather Immortal Sect..."

Two hours later, the old hen scurried in, shaking her feathers, and curled up at Zhou Qing's feet, snoring again.

Zhou Qing took a sip of tea, and the whole story was coming to an end.

Luo Lingling remained silent, her eyes even slightly red.

Given her steady nature, although she had little contact with her senior brother Gao Xuan, she never expected that he had been working for the Cangyan Dao Palace all along, and that he had even been replaced.

And now, Master Gao Xuan is quite pitiful.

For a moment, she couldn't help but think of herself and Lao Mo.

Her childhood experiences shaped her current personality, and her resentment towards Lao Mo only gradually dissipated after she witnessed him fighting a bloody battle to save her.

Later, seeing that he had suffered damage to his soul while trying to heal himself, and that he endured the pain every day while pretending to be fine, I finally let go of that knot in my heart.

After that, finding the Soul Breath Immortal Herb became her goal, but she never expected that Xiao Aqing would find it and bring it back to cure her.

At that moment, she truly understood that the indifference and aloofness she had perceived over the years were nothing more than the most clumsy form of protection from a father who was not good with words.

Although she still calls him Lao Mo, only she knows the truth in her heart.

Some terms of address do not signify estrangement, but rather reflect a wealth of unspoken affection.

“To be honest,” Zhou Qing said seriously, “just because Senior Uncle Gao Xuan traveled a long way to Baiyu Taixu Academy to specifically remind me to be wary of Sikong Yan, I should help him.”

"Not to mention that during the Five Sects War, he cleaned up several people for his sect, all of whom were high-ranking Nascent Soul Realm elders."

Luo Lingling nodded slightly: "That's absolutely right. But didn't Sikong Yan say he would wait for you in the capital for twenty years?"

"Isn't it too early now? Besides, he requires you to reach five thousand spirit seals. I remember you only had three thousand when you showed up last time."

Zhou Qing chuckled upon hearing this: "Senior Sister is truly meticulous. I only briefly revealed my skills in the Tai Chu Dojo, putting on a show, yet you counted them perfectly."

Luo Lingling blushed slightly at the tips of her ears and took a sip of tea, saying, "I can't shake the cautious habits I've developed over the years."

Zhou Qing could only smile and return to the main topic: "With five thousand spirit seals, if we continue to stay in the sect and work in seclusion, I'm afraid it will be difficult to break through."

"Just like when my second senior sister comprehended the essence of the art, I also need to travel around."

Luo Lingling nodded thoughtfully: "Although I am not familiar with the way of formations, there are three thousand great paths, but they all lead to the same goal."

Her eyes suddenly lit up. "Since you're leaving too, we siblings can keep each other company. I've heard that our Taiqing Sect has mobilized all its resources to build you a special flying boat."

Zhou Qing blushed, then looked worried: "Master and Uncle-Master know about Sikong Yan asking me for help. If we leave together, they probably won't agree."

Luo Lingling smiled slyly: "Then let's find someone who can take a beating, and we'll report to Master after we leave."

Zhou Qing was taken aback, and a certain figure immediately flashed into her mind: "Wouldn't that be a bit inappropriate?"

“It’s alright,” Luo Lingling waved her hand, a mischievous glint in her eyes, “He’s used to it.”

Meanwhile, deep within a certain mineral vein in the Golden Thunder Sect.

"Achoo! Achoo!" Yan Xiaohu sneezed several times in a row, causing the gravel on the top of the mine to fall down in a rustling sound.

Niu Guangmo wiped the spittle from his face and asked with concern, "Boss, are you feeling unwell?"

Yan Xiaohu rubbed his itchy nose and said in a muffled voice, "It's nothing, it's probably just dust in the mine."

Before he could finish speaking, another deafening sneeze rang out. "Go and call the other brothers. We need to work together to be on the safe side this time."

"Yes, boss!" Niu Guangmo clasped his hands in response, then turned and quickly left.

……

Two days later, outside the Taiqing Gate.

As dusk fell, a man in black robes led a little girl of about five or six years old slowly towards them.

The girl was wearing a floral dress, with two crooked little braids, and her big eyes timidly looked around.

The little girl clutched the hem of the black-robed man's robe tightly, yet she would occasionally tiptoe to peek into the mountain gate, her tender face filled with anticipation and unease.

After the man in black robes stopped, he slowly removed his hood, revealing Wu Sha's face covered with scars.

He shouted in a loud voice, "Stop looking, I know someone's inside."

He gently nudged the little girl beside him, saying, "Quickly inform them that the person has been brought—this little girl is here to see her father."

Upon hearing this, the little girl timidly took half a step forward and added in a voice barely audible.

“I, my name is Nannan, I’m here to find my father, my father… my father’s name is Dong Lisheng.”

(End of this chapter)