The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 386 The Fire Seed Plan of Taiqing Sect (6k)

Fortunately, after a thorough examination, Lu Yaoyao was found to be unharmed.

After handing her over to Cao Zhengyang, who had rushed over, Zhou Qing and the Lu sisters tore through space and began a carpet search of the area above and around Taiqing Gate.

However, no matter how hard the three investigated, they found nothing.

“This…” Lu Yuanzhi frowned, her voice filled with unease, “This kind of unknown threat is the most unsettling.”

Zhou Qing remained silent.

The opponent's strength is unfathomable, yet they suddenly attacked the Taiqing Sect and then inexplicably retreated. Is this a form of intimidation, or is there another hidden reason?

At least leave some clues, or tell us why.

What are you doing!

Lu Yaoyao didn't wake up until evening, and she was completely bewildered by her sudden fainting spell.

The only reasonable explanation is that she exhausted her mental energy during this period due to excessive cultivation of her artistic conception.

In addition, witnessing that terrifying palm print caused him to be extremely anxious, and his excessive speed in controlling the sword led to a disorder in his spiritual energy.

"Is the sect alright?" She struggled to get up, but was stopped by Li Daoxuan, who had rushed back.

"With Ancestor Zhou in charge, who would dare to act recklessly?" Li Daoxuan reassured him with a smile.

Lu Yaoyao was taken aback upon hearing this: "Ancestor?"

“Yes,” Li Daoxuan said with a complicated expression, “Junior Brother Zhou is now a true ancestor-level figure.”

"Calling me 'Senior Brother' is too formal," Lu Yaoyao frowned.

Li Daoxuan shook his head helplessly: "I understand what you mean, but that's the rule, and all the disciples in the sect are already..."

“I don’t care what others think,” Lu Yaoyao interrupted him, her tone firm, “I’ll just call him Senior Brother Zhou.”

Li Daoxuan chuckled, "It's fine if you two are close, but we all have to follow the rules. Master specifically instructed us on this."

He paused, then stood up and said, "Alright, you should rest well. I'll go take care of some business first."

After Li Daoxuan left, Lu Yaoyao lay down again, staring blankly at the ceiling.

The image of that colossal hand that blotted out the sky reappeared before her eyes, and she couldn't help but frown.

"Why do I feel a strange sense of familiarity?" she murmured softly.

Meanwhile, deep in the border region of the Qingluo Beast Sea, hundreds of islands are shrouded in a strange, obsessive mist.

The sky was overcast and the sun was nowhere to be seen, with occasional rustling whispers coming from the rolling clouds.

Xuanyuan Shuo walked on the waves and finally stopped in front of an inner lake on an island.

As his immense divine sense entered, a meaningful smile appeared on his lips a moment later.

"You've been following me for so long, aren't you going to show yourself?" Xuan Yuanshuo said without turning his head.

A few breaths later, the clouds behind him suddenly surged, and a middle-aged man with an oily sheen walked out slowly—it was the transformed Qinluo Beast Demon Emperor.

“Brother Xuanyuan,” the bell-shaped beast grinned, revealing its sharp white teeth, “I’ve been observing you for a long time. Although I know what you’re looking for, I really don’t know who perished here?”

Xuanyuan Shuo glanced at him coldly, then pointed to the ground: "Back then, this is where you saw the Peng Emperor?"

“Yes,” the bell-shaped beast nodded. “At the time, he was holding a human girl in his claws. Later, the silver-haired, veiled woman attacked, and I saw that things were not going well, so I ran away—even the Spider Queen died at her hands, how could I dare to stay any longer?”

Before he could finish speaking, Xuanyuan Shuo suddenly turned around.

The bell-shaped beast felt a chill and instinctively took a half-step back, its demonic power surging within it.

Although the other party's cultivation level was higher than his, this was still his territory.

If a fight were to break out, the outcome would be uncertain.

In battles between experts at the Spirit Severing Realm, unless one side has an absolute advantage, it is common for them to fight for ten days or half a month.

During this time, he could have easily summoned his demon king brothers from other seas to come and help him.
Xuanyuan Shuo's gaze was like lightning, fixed on the bell-shaped beast.

Just as the other person was feeling uneasy, he suddenly laughed: "You're lying—"

"Lying? Why should I hide anything from you, after all..."

“What I’m saying is,” Xuan Yuanshuo interrupted directly, “that this inner lake holds a secret. If I’m not mistaken, you not only saw that foreign Spirit Slayer Realm expert, but you also want to monopolize this secret realm!”

The bell-shaped beast narrowed its eyes immediately.

That day, he did indeed witness two unfamiliar human experts at the Spirit Severing Realm, leading a young male and female cultivator to the island.

And coincidentally, that female cultivator was the very person who had been clawed by the Roc Emperor.

Shortly after they entered the inner lake, a terrifying six-colored divine light suddenly burst forth from the bottom of the lake.

He intended to use the water droplets formed by his innate divine ability "Water Mirror Gazing at the Sky" to secretly observe, but unexpectedly, he was discovered by the young mid-stage Spirit Severing cultivator among them.

After all, the example of Spider King Ye Luo was there for him to see, so he dared not take any risks and immediately chose to flee.

When they returned several days later, trembling with fear, the entire island was shrouded in a vast fog of obsession.

Although it is unknown which of the two Spirit Severing Realm cultivators perished here, such an unusual phenomenon is enough to show that this place is extraordinary.

Over the years, he has always pretended to be deaf and dumb in the face of repeated probing by powerful figures such as Xuanyuan Shuo, Weilun Yao, and Jiaohuang.

After all, a secret realm that can use a six-colored barrier as its entrance is of immeasurable value.

What's even better is that this secret realm happens to be located within his territory. As long as he waits patiently, he can slowly unravel its mysteries.

However, he was well aware of the risks involved and had remained inactive all these years, waiting for the storm to pass completely before making any plans.

However, several years ago, the silver-haired, veiled woman suddenly returned to the island in a flying boat, accompanied by a blond man and another silver-haired woman.

After a brief stay, they flew straight towards the capital.

This scene completely dispelled the idea of ​​the bell-shaped beast to try and enter the secret realm.

Unexpectedly, Xuanyuan Shuo had been lingering here all this time, turning almost every island shrouded in obsession upside down.

Now, they've even directly revealed the location of the secret realm.

Various thoughts flashed through the mind of the bell-shaped beast. Just as he was about to make an excuse, Xuan Yuanshuo took the initiative.

"Even if your demon race advances to the level of Demon Emperor, in terms of political intrigue and scheming, you are still no match for my human race. So think carefully before you speak."

"I," the gong beast, was speechless for a moment.

Xuanyuan Shuo stood with his hands behind his back and said calmly, "In the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain Range near the border of the human race, the Peng Emperor Feng Xuanling, the Spider Emperor Ye Luo, and the Tiger Emperor Chi Sha Hu Zun have all perished."

"Now, several demon emperors are eyeing us from the depths. I intend to cooperate with you. What do you think?"

"Cooperate with me?" The bell-shaped beast frowned, a hint of wariness flashing in its eyes.

“That’s right,” Xuan Yuanshuo’s eyes gleamed, “The secret of this place is known only to the two of us.”

"We'll split the resources equally, enough to help you break through to the mid-stage of the Spirit Severing realm in a short time. All you have to do is keep this place a secret, how about it?"

Upon hearing this, a flash of greed crossed the eyes of the bell-shaped beast.

Xuan Yuan Shuo changed the subject: "Of course, you can also choose to refuse cooperation, or even reveal the secret to the public. However—"

A chilling killing intent suddenly erupted from his body. "If you insist on doing so, I wouldn't mind replacing all the neighbors on the border with more sensible ones."

The bell-shaped beast's expression shifted between anger and uncertainty, but it finally gritted its teeth and said, "Fine! I agree to cooperate with you. But how will the spoils from the secret realm be distributed?"

"A fifty-fifty split," Xuan Yuan Shuo said calmly. "Although my cultivation is a notch above yours, this is still your territory. So, it evens out. What, are you not satisfied?"

"Deal!" The bell-shaped beast's eyes gleamed. "What do you need me to do now?"

"Tell me everything you know, exactly what it is."

The gong beast smiled slyly: "Alright, but you must first swear an oath to the Heavenly Dao. Otherwise, how will I know if you will betray me after using me?"

A barely perceptible sneer appeared on Xuan Yuanshuo's lips.

How could I possibly kill you?

Since Yama came from a fifth-level cultivation country, and the fallen person was not only in the mid-stage of the Spirit Severing Realm but also a fourth-level formation master, they would definitely not let it go so easily.

I'll spare your life, so you can serve as my witness.

When the fifth-level cultivation kingdom investigates, the silver-haired woman will be the real culprit, and it will have nothing to do with my Xuanyuan family.

Looking at the other party's appearance, a hint of contempt flashed in Xuan Yuanshuo's eyes: a beast is still a beast, even if it transforms into human form, it is difficult to change its dull nature.

I, the Emperor, can swear to Heaven that I will not harm you, but that does not mean that others will not harm you after things have calmed down.

Thinking of this, Xuan Yuan Shuo remained calm and slowly raised his hand, solemnly saying, "I, Xuan Yuan Shuo, swear by my Dao heart that I will share the spoils of the secret realm with Brother Qing and will keep our five-five agreement. If I break this oath, my Dao heart will collapse and my cultivation will be completely destroyed!"

A thunderclap suddenly resounded in the sky, as if the heavens were bearing witness.

The gong beast finally relaxed, took a few steps forward to gather its thoughts: "This matter dates back to many years ago, back then..."

As the bell-shaped beast recounted its story, the shock in Xuanyuan Shuo's eyes deepened.

“Yan Sen? Eighth Uncle? Six-Colored Restriction.” He murmured, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

This is tricky.
Without a master of the Six-Colored Array, how can this secret realm be opened?

etc.
Since Yan Sen was able to enter as a level four array master, it means that the restriction must have a flaw!

What intrigued him even more was why the silver-haired woman had brought Zhou Qing and Lu Yaoyao here back then.

Could it be that the key to unlocking the secret realm lies with these two?
Yan Sen's subsequent search for Jiang Pojun on the border was likely in order to track down Zhou Qing's whereabouts.

This led to the scene that the bell-shaped beast witnessed later, where Zhou Qing and Lu Yaoyao were forcibly brought to this place.

So why did Yan Sen perish here afterward?
What about his eighth uncle?
If that "Uncle Eight" were still alive, would he have allowed Zhou Qing and the other person to leave alive?

Even if they weren't killed to silence them, they would certainly be imprisoned by their side.

But the truth is, not only did these two younger people live well, but they also went to the capital many years later.
Therefore, there is only one possibility—

A cold glint flashed in Xuanyuan Shuo's eyes.

That "Uncle Eight" must have perished as well, and most likely died in this secret realm!
Xuanyuan Shuo surveyed the swirling fog of obsession around him, and an even more terrifying guess surfaced in his mind.

Perhaps Yan Sen died in the secret realm, and this terrifying obsession that shrouds the island is the result of the fall of that "Uncle Eight"!
Regardless of who it is, the final outcome should be that the silver-haired, veiled woman appears on time, kills the other party, and then leaves with Zhou Qing and Lu Yaoyao.

Only in this way can everything be explained!
Xuanyuan Shuo suddenly trembled, realizing a fatal problem.

Zhou Qing has now not only broken through to the Spirit Severing Realm, but has also become a Level 4 Array Master.

If we rashly seek his help, we risk alerting the silver-haired woman.
This place is far from the capital, and my elder brother's reach is limited.

If he were to face a Great Perfection of the Spirit Severing Realm, he would surely die!

"This matter must not be known to a third party!" Xuan Yuanshuo's eyes flashed with cold light, and his hands suddenly formed a hand seal.

The immense spiritual energy poured into the inner lake like an angry dragon, instantly causing the calm surface to boil!
"boom--"

Suddenly, a whirlpool a hundred feet in diameter burst open in the center of the lake, and six-colored rays of light burst forth from the bottom of the whirlpool. The six beams of light intertwined and transformed into a pillar of light that shot straight into the sky, exuding a majestic aura that made people's hearts tremble.

Under the illumination of the magic circle, the surrounding scenes began to become distorted and blurred, and it seemed to be replaced by another world.

Seeing this, Xuanyuan Shuo and the Qingluo Beast widened their eyes, their eyes filled with greed.

But soon, the two looked at each other in bewilderment—how could they possibly break such a terrifying restriction?
……

Inside the Taiqing Sect, to guard against unforeseen circumstances, Sect Leader Cao Zhengyang had already dispersed most of his disciples to the four major sects via a small teleportation array.

Even if they face annihilation, they can still preserve the seeds of revival for their sect.

Half a year passed in the blink of an eye, and surprisingly, that colossal hand that blotted out the sky never appeared again.

"This is truly bizarre!" Zhou Qing sat cross-legged atop Little Spirit Peak, cradling a sleeping hen in his arms, gazing up at the cloudless sky and muttering to himself.

However, the Supreme Elders believed that the forbidden area of ​​the cave was only accessible to the successive sect leaders and peak masters of the Taiqing Sect.

Even the Lu sisters, who were at the Spirit Severing Realm, were not exempt, so the seal had already been placed before they came from the White Jade Taixu Academy.

Nowadays, apart from the tunnel dug by Uncle Erda next to Lu Yaoyao's outhouse, no one can enter it anymore.

That day, the giant hand clearly covered the entire Taiqing Sect area, including the forbidden zone of the cave.

If they were to face annihilation, would that ancient tree from the starry battlefield come to their rescue?
Thinking of this, Zhou Qing glanced subtly at the snoring hen in his arms.

During this period, its frequency of entering and leaving the restricted area has increased significantly.

That black heart is now shriveled like paper, with 99% of its essence absorbed by the old hen.

But it still looked foolish, showing no change whatsoever.

Moreover, he had performed countless appraisals during this period, but the only information he obtained was the meager number "in the midst of the third mutation".

"This feeling of the unknown is really unsettling!" Zhou Qing gently touched the chicken's head and muttered to himself.

Just then, two streaks of light pierced through the air and arrived.

"Didn't you say he was here?" Cao Zhengyang looked around.

Mo Xingjian held the identity token, looking puzzled: "Strange, they clearly told me it was here just now."

Seeing this, Zhou Qing had no choice but to get up and say, "Master, Senior Uncle!"

The two turned around at the sound and saw Zhou Qing walking towards them.

Cao Zhengyang laughed and said, "As expected of someone at the Spirit Severing Realm, you are truly elusive."

Zhou Qing smiled without saying anything, and didn't offer any further explanation.

Cao Zhengyang rubbed his hands together and stepped forward, his face full of smiles: "Zhou Qing, Yao Yao said she wants to visit Senior Shen in the Heavenly Fortune Holy Dynasty, saying it would be of great benefit to her cultivation of artistic conception."

"Making friends with such a powerful figure would be a great benefit to our Taiqing Sect."

As he spoke, his gaze began to wander: "You know, my master only has this one precious female disciple, and he spoils her rotten. Look."

Zhou Qing's eyes were sharp, and he saw through their thoughts at a glance: "Senior Uncle, are you going to send me and Yao Yao out as the seed of the sect as well?"

The two, their thoughts exposed, blushed and scratched their heads in embarrassment.

Just as Cao Zhengyang was about to defend himself, two cracks suddenly appeared in the space, and the Lu sisters walked out gracefully.

"This kid is too shrewd. I would appreciate it if you two seniors could help persuade him." Cao Zhengyang said with a wry smile, cupping his hands in greeting.

Lu Yuanzhi stared at Zhou Qing: "How confident were you that you could withstand the power of that giant hand that day?"

"Ten deaths without a chance of survival," Zhou Qing said in a deep voice.

"And how many more people can be saved?" Lu Yuanjiu pressed on.

Seeing Zhou Qing remain silent, Lu Yuanzhi said softly, "Now that the disciples have been dispersed and settled, even if a powerful enemy comes again, it will not be able to damage the foundation of the sect."

“Your talent is unparalleled,” Lu Yuanjiu continued, his eyes gleaming with expectation. “You need a wider world to truly shine. Staying here will only bury your potential.”

“Besides,” Lu Yuanzhi sighed, “even if you stay, if that giant hand reappears, we will find it difficult to resist even if we join forces.”

Zhou Qing frowned, of course understanding that this was an indisputable fact.

The power of that giant palm strike that day indicated that the person who made the move was at least at the Supreme Realm; even a Spirit Slayer Realm cultivator couldn't have accomplished that.

Mo Xingjian stepped forward slowly, his expression complicated: "Fourth brother, you and Yaoyao are the future hope of Taiqing Sect. I only hope that you will be safe."

“Yes,” Cao Zhengyang’s voice trembled slightly, “as long as you live, the Taiqing Sect’s lineage will not be broken.”

Looking into the four people's eager eyes, Zhou Qing was filled with mixed emotions.

He thought that once he advanced to the Spirit Slayer realm, he could protect the sect, but suddenly an unknown enemy appeared out of nowhere, and things got messy.

"Let me think about it." After a long silence, Zhou Qing finally relented.

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces immediately showed relief.

Lu Yuanzhi smiled and said, "Don't worry, we'll take care of the sect, and there's also your grandmaster."

"And we shouldn't be too pessimistic. Maybe that giant hand just mistook the place for something else, and it was just a false alarm?"

These words elicited knowing smiles from everyone.

Yes, we should always try to think positively about things.

……

In the days that followed, seemingly to ensure Zhou Qing was completely free of worries, people like Gui Ao, Luo Lingling, and Yan Xiaohu were sent to guard the Jin Lei Sect and Qing Yu Immortal Sect.

With only two or three of the sect's peak masters remaining, if they were to encounter real danger, the Lu sisters could help them escape immediately.

The once vast sect suddenly felt empty, which made Zhou Qing feel somewhat lonely.

……

On this day, Lu Yaoyao arrived gracefully on a flying sword.

"Senior Brother Zhou, are you walking the chickens again?" She landed lightly, put her hands behind her back, and asked with a smile.

Zhou Qing shook his head helplessly: "The entire sect is working together for you. Are you missing your Sister Shen again?"

“Hmm!” Lu Yaoyao’s eyes lit up. “I’ve hit another bottleneck with the Ice Lotus Divine Power. I’d like to ask her for some guidance.”

"Get ready, we'll set off tomorrow," Zhou Qing said calmly.

Lu Yaoyao was taken aback at first, then jumped for joy: "Great! I'll go get ready right away!"

Before the words were even finished, the person had vanished without a trace.

Zhou Qing let out a long sigh, then gazed intently at the horizon.

This trip to the Heavenly Fortune Holy Dynasty isn't just about finding Shen Hanyi; it's about using the Spirit Severing Realm there to farm up some overlooked points.

Comprehend the different realms of enlightenment and rapidly improve your cultivation to deal with the mysterious master of the giant hand.

More importantly, he must have enough power to suppress Xuan Yuanchong and completely eliminate this hidden danger before Sikong Yan finds and spreads the old emperor's secret recipe.

In addition, there are promises to Elder Mo that need to be kept, and the Yan family's affairs also need to be planned for in advance.

All of this is predicated on having greater strength in order to protect everything that is cherished.

Thinking of the Heavenly Fortune Holy Dynasty, Zhou Qing's lips curled up slightly.

The godson is still there, and the second uncle must be doing quite well with that mythical beast, maybe even getting some benefits.

As for the six coffins imprisoned by the ancient tree in the forbidden zone, since countless simulations have yielded no progress, it's time to explore new forbidden zones.

Clearly, the forbidden zone in Nanhuang Prefecture of the Heavenly Fortune Holy Dynasty is undoubtedly the best choice.

At the very least, that restricted area is far more advanced than mine.

Vast and boundless, yet fraught with peril.

Spirit Slayer Realm experts often perish here, and the corpses of pure-blooded demonic beasts are everywhere, making it a place where danger and opportunity coexist.

Even the inscription-level divine abilities I possess now originate from there.

Thinking that when the time comes, I should also be able to enter the same forbidden zone as her in the Divine Ruins Heavenly Palace, I just hope that Number Six will not suspect him.

Thinking about it that way, it does actually make me look forward to it.

……

Upon hearing that Zhou Qing was leaving, Mo Xingjian specially rushed back from the Golden Thunder Sect to see him off.

The master and apprentice remained silent, and in the end, it all boiled down to a simple instruction: "Be careful and take good care of Yao Yao."

Zhou Qing knelt down solemnly: "Master, rest assured, I will return as soon as my strength is sufficient."

Mo Xingjian's eyes reddened slightly: "Alright, your senior brothers and sisters and I will be waiting for you at Taiqing Sect."

The next day, Zhou Qing, carrying the old hen and with the jubilant Lu Yaoyao, boarded the flying boat and quickly disappeared into the sea of ​​clouds.

After they left, figures suddenly appeared on the back mountain of Shenyue Peak—Gui Ao, Luo Lingling, Yan Xiaohu, Li Daoxuan, and all the other direct disciples and core disciples.

And the peak masters, elders and hall masters of each peak all silently appeared.

As everyone watched the flying boat disappear into the distance, they all bowed and paid their respects.

Take care and have a safe journey!

The Lu sisters stood in mid-air, watching this scene and couldn't help but sigh, "They really went to great lengths to make him leave in peace."

“Therefore, I really like the atmosphere of this sect. This kind of camaraderie is rare in other sects,” Lu Yuanzhi said with a smile.

Lu Yuanjiu looked into the distance: "He should be even stronger when we meet again next time."

"It definitely will," Lu Yuanzhi said firmly.

Hopefully, everything will go well.
……

The flying boat cut through the sea of ​​clouds, and Lu Yaoyao sat on the edge of the deck, swinging her legs happily.

She opened her arms, letting the breeze caress her face, unable to suppress the smile on her face.

Zhou Qing stood at the bow of the boat, his gaze distant.

He decided to detour to Baiyu Taixu Temple first to visit Master Lin.

The old man's lifespan is coming to an end; this may be the last time we see him.

Also, I heard from my third senior brother that Zhang Wanbao is getting married, which is unexpectedly fast.

I promised to attend his wedding back then, and I should keep my promise.

"Hold on tight," Zhou Qing turned around and smiled, "Your senior brother will take you to a feast!"

Before the words were even finished, the flying boat suddenly accelerated, transforming into a streak of light and instantly disappearing into the horizon of the sea of ​​clouds.
(End of this chapter)