The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 326: Zhou Qing's Pretending to be Weak While Actually Being Strong (6k)

After his senior sister finished listening to the gossip and left with the old hen, Zhou Qing finally had time to check his personal panel.

[Name: Zhou Qing]

Age: 45

[Cultivation Level: Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul Realm]

[Heart Method: Yin-Yang Secret]

[Talent Skills: Daily Review]

[Random Post] (Friend's Post)
[Mind's Vision——LV5 (188/500)]

[Reduced Presence——LV6 (1/100)]

[Skill Fragments: 0/3 (Unobtainable)]

"Time flies," Zhou Qing sighed, gently touching his face.

Forty-five years have passed in the blink of an eye, yet his appearance remains as handsome and refined as that of a young man.

"My cultivation has progressed too quickly; even time can't keep up with my pace." He chuckled self-deprecatingly.

The lifespan of the Nascent Soul Realm is two thousand years. Many people spend their entire lives trying to reach this realm, yet I have already reached its peak at such a young age.

Sometimes I feel quite proud of it.

When his gaze fell on the [Mind's Eye], Zhou Qing seemed to be thinking: "There are still three spots left. I need to think this over carefully this time."

The objects that were previously bound to were either far away in the Eastern Region or had already perished (Sima Yaoji, Xuanjizi, Yan Sen).

In the capital, the only people bound to him are Bai He and Sikong Yan, but it's unlikely that many points can be obtained from them.

After all, when you arrive in an unfamiliar place, knowing what others really think of you can be a lifesaver in a critical moment.

In the days that followed, Zhou Qing devoted himself entirely to comprehending the sixth phoenix Dao pattern.

Although there was no ancient tea tree to aid in enlightenment, the boost to enlightenment brought by the gathering of four flowers at the top was still astonishing.

Under the moonlight, he was surrounded by a silvery halo, like an immortal descending to earth.

"Is this the Silver Flower amplification from the Four Flowers Gathering at the Top?" Not far away, Luo Lingling held an old hen, her eyes full of envy.

But she quickly smiled again, gently stroking the chicken's feathers, and said, "Your master is here this time, so it's not driverless anymore. Come on, let me dress you up!"

……

Time flies, and two months have passed in the blink of an eye.

The flying boat finally arrived at the territory of Yaoguang Prefecture, which is under the jurisdiction of Tianqiong County.

The nine prefectures of Tianqiong County are all named after stars: Ziwei, Yuheng, and Tianji.
The outermost Yaoguang Prefecture is even more vast than Lingyun Prefecture, and its prosperity is no less.

"You've been piloting the airship for almost half a year now, you must be tired. Why don't you rest here for a few days?"

Luo Lingling pulled Zhou Qing and walked into the city. "The path of cultivation is long. We don't have anything urgent to do, so why are we always rushing? We should stop and enjoy the scenery along the way."

Zhou Qing burst out laughing.

This isn't out of concern for his overwork; it's clearly because the senior sister herself is bored and restless.

When the two entered the central area of ​​Yaoguang Mansion, they were already a mysterious pair dressed in black and wearing masks.

"This is my first time leaving Longyuan County and coming to this unfamiliar place. I must explore it properly!" Luo Lingling looked around excitedly.

Suddenly turning around, he said, "Young Master Chicken, remember to take your bag and pay!"

Zhou Qing shrugged and laughed, "Buy whatever you want, I'm short on cash anyway."

"Liar! You're feeding the old hen top-grade spirit stones!"

"That was the last of our stock; we used it all up when we broke through to the Great Perfection realm."

"Sigh," Luo Lingling pouted, "Looks like I'll have to use my Niu Dali's secret stash of money."

Over the next few days, Zhou Qing truly witnessed just how terrifying a woman's shopping prowess could be.

The usually cautious and steady second senior sister seemed like a completely different person at this moment, moving swiftly between the shops.

Especially the way she seriously haggled with the shopkeeper made Zhou Qing suddenly realize that his second senior sister had such an adorable side.

Three days later, Zhou Qing's legs were sore and swollen, and even the old hen on his shoulder was drooping.

"Senior sister, isn't that enough?" Zhou Qing suggested softly, rubbing her knees.

Luo Lingling had just put away 20,000 high-grade talismans when she heard this. She turned around and raised her index finger: "First of all, I need to correct two of your mistakes."

She kept a straight face, but couldn't hide the smile in her eyes. "First, don't reveal my gender when we're out. You can call me Lao Niu or Dali, it's fine."

"Secondly, I'm bored, aren't I? These talisman papers are enough for me to draw some low-level spirit talismans. In case of danger, I can win by sheer numbers. It can also help pass the time."

Zhou Qing nodded blankly.

"That's a good boy~" Luo Lingling patted Zhou Qing's shoulder with satisfaction, her clear laughter coming from behind her mask. "Since we've come out for a while, let's go take a look over there—"

After Luo Lingling finished speaking, she rushed to another stall.

Zhou Qing rubbed his aching calves with a wry smile, quietly circulating his spiritual energy to relieve the discomfort in his legs and feet.

About an hour later, Luo Lingling, who had almost disappeared from sight, hurriedly turned back, grabbed him, and ran: "Hurry! This is amazing news!"

"What's wrong?" Zhou Qing stumbled as she was pulled.

"You'll know when you go!"

After turning through several bustling streets, a magnificent golden building came into view.

The five gilded characters of "Duobao Chamber of Commerce" gleamed in the sunlight.

The white jade steps in front of the gate are inlaid with tiny spirit stones, making it several times more luxurious than the Wanxiang Auction House in Lingyun Prefecture.

"You're looking in the wrong place!" Luo Lingling pulled him to the side, pointing to a crystal wall shimmering with a purple aura. "Look at this!"

Zhou Qing stared intently, and saw a job posting floating on the crystal wall:
[Urgently Hiring: Five Array Masters. Generous compensation. Level 2 Array Masters will receive one of the five elemental spirit stones of their choice. They will travel to the capital by ship and be responsible for the maintenance of the flying vessel. Details to be discussed in person.]

“This…” Zhou Qing’s eyes lit up.

Luo Lingling lowered her voice and said, "The Holy Martial Dynasty has three Level 3 Array Masters and nine Level 2 Array Masters on the surface, but Wu Tiangang and Su Lishan have already perished at the Primordial Beginning Dojo."

"Array masters are highly sought after these days!" she exclaimed excitedly, rubbing her hands together.

"You can hitch a ride to the capital, get the wood-attribute spirit stones you need, and you won't have to spend your energy and spirit stones controlling the flying boat anymore. It's a win-win-win situation!"

Seeing that Zhou Qing was still hesitating, she leaned closer and said, "Don't worry, you've improved our masks, no one will notice."

"Furthermore, as everyone knows, the list of those nine level-two array masters is ancient history, and there must be many people as low-key as you."

After some thought, Zhou Qing agreed that it was feasible, but still had concerns: "If they are escorting valuables to the capital, what if they encounter endless robberies along the way..."

Upon hearing Zhou Qing's words, Luo Lingling looked on with admiration.

Knowing how to plan ahead shows that my usual teachings have not been in vain.

"What's there to be afraid of!" Luo Lingling waved her hand dismissively. "As long as it's not a monster at the Spirit Severing Realm, even if we can't beat them, we can still run away, right?"

"Moreover, the auction must have traveled to various places frequently to reach its current scale. The routes and security arrangements are definitely beyond our imagination."

Luo Lingling lowered her voice as she said this, "Besides, during these past few months of flying, countless divine senses have tried to attack our airship. It's too high-profile. I think it's safer to take a merchant ship."

After hearing this, Zhou Qing thought it made sense and agreed, but quickly asked, "What will you do if I get the job?"

"Idiot!" Luo Lingling poked his mask. "Isn't it only natural for a level two array master to have an assistant?"

Zhou Qing could only smile, adjust the chicken head mask on his face, and step into the Treasure Pavilion side by side with Luo Lingling.

As soon as they entered, the overwhelming spiritual energy made the two pause slightly—the entrance hall of the auction house was actually set up with a spirit-gathering array.

"That's really extravagant," Zhou Qing thought to himself.

A maid in a star-patterned robe stepped forward, her gaze lingering for a moment on the two men's strange masks: "You two distinguished guests have come..."

"Applying for the position of array master." Zhou Qing replied, deliberately lowering his voice.

The maid was somewhat surprised and quickly bowed, saying, "Please follow me, esteemed masters."

Luo Lingling pouted and walked behind Zhou Qing.

She's Master Zhou's little follower, so she can't be impolite.

After passing through three doors, the two were led into a spacious testing hall.

Eight cultivators were already waiting in the hall, and they all cast inquiring glances at them as they entered.

"Playing tricks!" a richly dressed young man sneered.

The two ignored him, and Zhou Qing's gaze swept over the furnishings in the hall.

In this not-so-spacious testing hall, he could clearly sense that four people present were emanating faint array auras.

They were all array masters who had condensed spiritual seals to varying degrees.

The others were probably just apprentices with only a superficial understanding.

Before long, an elderly man with white hair slowly walked in.

"It's Master Zou!" Someone recognized the old man and immediately bowed excitedly.

Zhou Qing and Luo Lingling exchanged a glance and then bowed in greeting.

Master Zou Lun was a second-level array master hired by the Duobao Chamber of Commerce at great expense. He was supposed to be stationed at the main headquarters in the capital, but unexpectedly he appeared at this branch today.

“No need for formalities, everyone,” Zou Lun said, stroking his beard. “Since you’ve come to apply for the position of accompanying array master, you must all be like-minded people.”

"There are too few people in our circle. As for the art of formations... well, let's not talk about it!"

Then, his expression turned solemn, and he said in a low voice, "I'm sure everyone has heard that Master Wu and Master Su unfortunately perished in the ruins of Haomiao Prefecture in Longyuan County."

"These two masters pioneered the formations of our Holy Martial Dynasty, and their works have benefited countless later scholars."

He sighed deeply, tears welling in his eyes. "To my shame, my achievements today are largely thanks to them."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall wore a sorrowful expression, and some even began to sob softly.

"This guy is clearly gloating!" Luo Lingling suddenly transmitted her voice, her tone tinged with disdain.

"How do you know?" Zhou Qing wondered to himself.

“It’s a secret,” Luo Lingling replied slyly, “but I can sense that he’s secretly delighted, probably thinking his chance has come.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing looked at Zou Lun again, his gaze now more scrutinizing.

Although the other person's expression was sorrowful, the muscles at the corners of their mouths were twitching slightly involuntarily.

Zou Lun continued, "Fortunately, our dynasty still has Lin Daochen, the only remaining level-three array master, who is currently helping the prince break the barrier of the Wuzu Mountain Range."

"Alright, we've gone a bit off-topic." He suddenly changed the subject, his tone becoming more relaxed.

"I'm only here today to help Manager Jin with the assessment. Please let Manager Jin explain the specifics!"

As he spoke, he stepped aside, and a middle-aged man with an oily face strolled in.

The man was in his early forties, with a round face flushed with a healthy rosy glow, and a pair of bright, piercing eyes, looking just like a shrewd businessman.

He wore a brocade robe, and his waist was covered with jade pendants that jingled as he walked.

"I am Jin Mantang, the manager of the Yuheng Prefecture branch. Greetings, everyone!" He smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "You should all have heard of the name of my Duobao Merchant Guild. Its headquarters is located in the capital, and it has thirty-five branches in various places."

"To be honest, I shouldn't have appeared in Yaoguang Prefecture, but there were reasons for it."

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and continued to explain, "Old Jin, my merchant ship, after departing from Yuheng Prefecture for more than a month, passed through a dangerous place and was attacked by a flock of hawks with sharp beaks, which damaged the formation."

"But the headquarters was in a hurry to deliver this batch of goods, so they temporarily recruited array masters in Yaoguang Prefecture."

"It's mainly just in case, in case something unexpected happens along the way. Of course, the payment will be made in full, without any delays."

He assured, patting his chest.

Everyone then realized what had happened.

Jin Mantang looked around and raised his voice, "We plan to recruit five array masters, as long as they know the basics."

"We also need a level two formation master to oversee things. Are there any experts present?"

Zhou Qing did not speak rashly, but simply observed the situation.

The people in the hall looked at each other blankly, and no one answered.

Upon seeing this, Zou Lun's lips unconsciously curled up, revealing a fleeting smug smile.

Jin Mantang sighed in disappointment: "Without a level two array master, I'm afraid..."

Just then, Luo Lingling gently touched Zhou Qing's arm.

Zhou Qing understood and slowly walked out of the crowd.

Zou Lun narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing within them.

Jin Mantang stepped forward excitedly: "May I ask how you are addressed?"

"Young Master Chicken." Zhou Qing deliberately lowered his voice.

Jin Mantang looked puzzled, his gaze lingering for a moment on the mask and the old hen on his shoulder.

Currently, there doesn't seem to be such a person among the nine level-two formation masters of the Holy Martial Dynasty. Presumably, he is a highly skilled individual who is living in seclusion.

He looked to Zou Lun for help.

Zou Lun stepped forward, his tone somewhat tentative: "Young Master Chicken, would you be so kind as to demonstrate your spirit seal?"

Zhou Qing nodded, his mind slightly stirred.

In an instant, two hundred and three spirit seals appeared around him, shimmering with a faint light.

Classified by the level of the formation master:
A first-level array master needs to condense twenty different and complex spirit seals.

Level 2 array masters need to increase this tenfold to two hundred.

Zhou Qing barely met the standard.

Upon seeing the spiritual seals floating around Zhou Qing, a chorus of exclamations erupted in the hall.

Zou Lun secretly breathed a sigh of relief, while Jin Mantang rubbed his hands together excitedly.

“Then I will also make a fool of myself,” Zou Lun said, as 1,800 spiritual seals suddenly appeared around his body.

The dazzling light illuminated the entire testing hall as if it were daytime.

This number was more than nine times that of Zhou Qing, causing an uproar among the crowd.

He stared intently at the flowing spiritual imprints, a sense of satisfaction rising within him.

If I can condense another 1,200 spirit seals, I will be able to reach the threshold of 3,000 spirit seals and become a level 3 formation master on par with Lin Daochen.

It is said that Prince Xuanyuan Shuo obtained the remains of a fourth-level array master from another cultivation country in a certain border region.

In addition, there are a large number of insights into formations and various notes.

Thinking of this, Zou Lun's breathing quickened.

A level four array master is someone who can condense at least 10,000 spirit seals, and at most 49,999 spirit seals!

The array hall that the Xuanyuan family has set up in the capital is now completely inaccessible to outsiders.

“That person promised.” A glint of fervor flashed in Zou Lun’s eyes. “As long as this mission is completed, I will get that insight.”

"At that time, I will definitely become the first person to advance to the third level of array master after Wu Tiangang and Su Lishan have fallen!"

History only remembers the first.

He must seize this opportunity.

His net worth will skyrocket, bringing him both fame and fortune.
"Master Zou? Master Zou?" Jin Mantang's call pulled him back to reality.

Zou Lun composed himself, pretended to sense it with his spiritual seal, and nodded, saying, "He is indeed a genuine level two array master. Manager Jin, this young master is capable of the job."

Zhou Qing spoke up at the opportune moment: "Manager Jin, the job posting says that the reward for a level two array master is one of the five elemental spirit stones that can be chosen?"

“Exactly, exactly!” Jin Mantang nodded repeatedly.

"I need a wood-attribute spirit stone."

"No problem!" Jin Mantang patted his chest and assured him, "I'll present it to you immediately after the mission is completed!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing finally felt relieved.

"Young Master Chicken, the Cloud Whale is scheduled to depart the day after tomorrow. I'll arrange for someone to take you to rest right away!" Jin Mantang looked extremely happy.

Zhou Qing nodded slightly and pointed to Luo Lingling beside him: "This is my assistant."

"Understood, understood!" Jin Mantang winked knowingly. "Naturally, we'll arrange it together."

Soon, two maids dressed in light blue silk skirts came gracefully and led the two through the corridor.

As I passed by the backyard, a colossal vessel suddenly came into view.

The Narwal spaceship, resembling a small city, was moored on a dedicated platform, its entire body gleaming with a deep blue metallic luster.

The airship's surface was covered with a complex protective barrier, but dozens of ferocious claw marks were still clearly visible.

The deepest dent runs almost through the entire side of the ship, clearly a mark left by an attack by a flock of hawks.

After entering the arranged room, Zhou Qing waved his hand to set up a soundproof barrier before asking a question.

"Senior sister, what exactly are they transporting? Why don't they use storage bags? Wouldn't that be more convenient and faster?"

Luo Lingling took off the bull-head mask and casually played with it, saying, "You didn't know, did you? There are actually many things in this world that cannot be stored in a storage bag."

She counted on her fingers, “For example, certain special forms of treasures, such as the core hub of a miniature cave, or a certain type of sealed ley line.”

"Some energy levels are too high, and forcibly inserting them will cause the storage artifact to collapse."

Then she pointed to the old hen: "Not to mention those sentient creatures, they would instinctively resist entering the lifeless storage space."

Zhou Qing nodded thoughtfully. He really didn't know these tricks of the trade, which ultimately came down to his lack of experience in going out and gaining experience.

However, this trip has been a good opportunity to broaden my horizons.

……

Before we knew it, the day of departure had arrived.

Jin Mantang, beaming with pride, came to invite them and personally led the two to the berth of the Yunjing.

From afar, Zou Lun, dressed in a blue robe, stood on the deck, with the five formation masters who had passed the test that day standing neatly behind him.

Upon seeing Zhou Qing and his companion board the ship, he greeted them with a smile.

"Fellow Daoist Chicken," Zou Lun bowed respectfully, "the journey to the capital is long and arduous. If we encounter any unforeseen circumstances, I hope we can work together to overcome the difficulties."

His tone was earnest, but a barely perceptible glint flashed in his eyes.

Zhou Qing smiled slightly behind his mask and returned the greeting with clasped hands.

"Master Zou, you flatter me. I am a novice at the second level of array formation master and my experience is still limited. If I really encounter any trouble, I will have to rely on your guidance."

"No problem, no problem," Zou Lun stroked his beard and chuckled, his gaze lingering for a moment longer on the old hen on Zhou Qing's shoulder.

It looks quite chubby, but those bulging eyes make it seem a bit dim-witted.

They say pets resemble their owners, so I wonder if this rooster's eyes are like that too?

So that's why you wear a mask to cover up your ugliness?

After the two finished exchanging pleasantries, the other five stepped forward to pay their respects.

After all, the person in front of them was a genuine level two array master, whose status was far beyond what they could compare to.

As soon as everyone stepped into the cabin, a deafening roar suddenly came from the lower deck.

The terrifying pressure caused everyone's expression to change drastically.

Zhou Qing and Luo Lingling exchanged a knowing glance—the creature being escorted was indeed alive!
At the same time, the divine sense of the Fifth Dao Transformation Realm Great Perfection expert quietly swept over, but then vanished in an instant.

If Zhou Qing hadn't possessed such keen senses, it would have been almost impossible for him to detect these powerful figures hidden in the shadows.

"Please follow me, gentlemen." A maid in a light purple dress bowed and led the way through the winding corridor.

"This is a cabin specially prepared for you. You can ring the bell to call me at any time if you need anything."

After the maid took her leave, Zhou Qing immediately set up a triple soundproof barrier in the room and carefully checked every corner.

After confirming that there was no surveillance formation, he lowered his voice and said, "Five Nascent Soul Grand Perfection cultivators are secretly guarding it. It seems that the demon beast they are escorting is not simple."

Just as Luo Lingling was about to speak, she suddenly felt a slight tremor under her feet.

Looking through the carved porthole, the massive hull of the Narwal slowly rose into the air, breaking through the clouds and heading into the distance.

Luo Lingling casually lay down on the bed, crossing her legs and swinging them back and forth: "Since we're here, let's make the best of it. But little Aqing, you better remember this—"

She suddenly sat up, her eyes behind the mask unusually serious. "Never be reckless in dangerous situations. Survival is the priority, understand?"

Zhou Qing chuckled: "Of course."

"And another thing!" Luo Lingling raised her index finger, "Your 'Imperial Scripture' is quite fast, so you'll have to take me with you when you run away."

"I know, I know," Zhou Qing shook his head helplessly, but the corners of his mouth under the mask turned up slightly. "How could I possibly abandon you?"

Luo Lingling then lay back down contentedly, and soon began to snore softly.

Zhou Qing then sat cross-legged on the futon on the other side and began his daily cultivation.

……

And just like that, a month passed quietly.

During this period, apart from Manager Jin coming once as a routine matter to ask if they needed supplies, no one else came to bother them.

However, this tranquility suited Zhou Qing and Luo Lingling's wishes.

Occasionally, he would use the excuse of walking the chickens to go up to the deck for some fresh air.

Whenever this happens, the divine senses of the five perfected Nascent Soul Realm cultivators in the shadows will follow him closely, scanning him like a shadow.

Meanwhile, muffled roars of beasts could be heard from the bottom of the ship's hold from time to time, seemingly carrying a sense of resentment and struggle.

This made Zhou Qing a little curious: what exactly was the Duobao Merchant Guild transporting this time?
Could it be a pure-blooded demon beast?

(End of this chapter)