The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 407 Second Uncle, Do You Still Recognize Me? (6k)

In the days that followed, Zhou Qing kept a close eye on the token of the Divine Ruins Heavenly Palace. As soon as Shen Hanyi entered, he would immediately follow.

With so many people flocking to the desolate forbidden area, especially those at the Spirit Severing Realm, it presents an excellent opportunity for the two to observe.

Just like Shen Hanyi, although she had done many simulations before, she had not personally explored every mine.

There are some places she has no choice but to avoid.

Now, watching other cultivators unexpectedly clash with forbidden creatures allows the two to gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of these forbidden things and even discover their weaknesses.

These cultivators were focused on finding the Three-Flower Corpse and were unwilling to get entangled with forbidden creatures, fearing that someone else would take advantage of their situation.

But it is precisely these unintentional collisions that allow them, as bystanders, to gain a lot of useful information.

If we simulate it a few more times, we might be able to kill it in real life and seize the opportunity.

Of course, Shen Hanyi didn't invite Zhou Qing to go with her every time.

Although the two have shared the exploration of forbidden zones, they each need some private space.

Zhou Qing understood this, so he turned and went into his second forbidden zone to observe silently.

However, Sikong Yan was really cunning. As soon as Zhou Qing entered the Divine Ruins Heavenly Palace, he immediately withdrew.

After Zhou Qing left, he immediately went inside again.

This deliberate avoidance left Zhou Qing with no chance to even ask a question.

And so, a year later, Zhou Qing finally arrived safely at the Fifth Tail of Nanhuang Prefecture.

Looking at the unfamiliar land before him, he excitedly hugged the old hen and took off his mask.

"Hanyi," he tried calling out, then frowned. "No, it sounds too awkward. A-Han? A-Yi?"

Before he could finish speaking, he shivered.

Never mind, the two of them aren't that close yet.

Moreover, Shen Hanyi, as a favored daughter of heaven, grew up in a prestigious family and naturally had a cold and aloof personality.

To break through this barrier, I'm afraid I'll have to take the initiative myself.

But it's said that pursuing a woman is like climbing a mountain, while pursuing a man is like piercing a thin veil; this is probably not an easy task.

Moreover, Shen Huangmao's brother-in-law had already made it clear that he did not approve of him becoming his brother-in-law.

The Shen family was such a behemoth with such complex internal relationships that they were afraid of implicating the Taiqing Sect.

Ultimately, it's because they are not a good match.

In terms of background, Taiqing Sect is just a small sect in a fourth-level cultivation country; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a tiny place.

In terms of cultivation, he is only at the early stage of the Spirit Severing Realm. If he were in the Shen family, he probably wouldn't even be able to squeeze into the core.

Even with his proud status as a fourth-level array master, he was only at the same rank as Shen Hanyi, with a slightly higher number of spirit seals.

With her talent, it's only a matter of time before she surpasses herself.

"We can't even afford a decent betrothal gift now." Zhou Qing shook his head with a bitter smile. What worried him even more was that Shen's uncle was still alive.

Are you suggesting he come to your door and say, "I'm giving you a granddaughter, such a big gift, will you marry your daughter to me?" That's ridiculous.

After thinking it through, Zhou Qing's initially excited mood gradually calmed down.

"Forget it, let's just take it one step at a time, since it's already right under our noses!"

Left with no other choice, Zhou Qing put his mask back on, stuffed the peeking hen back into his arms, and stepped into the territory of the Fifth Tail...

……

The fifth tail of Nanhuang Prefecture is a vast territory, comparable to the total area of ​​the five prefectures of the Holy Martial Dynasty.

The forces here are deeply intertwined, including cities directly under the imperial court as well as territories of various sects and aristocratic families.

Among them, the Shen family, as the largest family of the Fifth Tail, has a profound foundation, numerous branches, and controls a large amount of resources and key locations.

The geographical location of the Fifth Tail is actually fan-shaped, divided into three major regions from the outside in: the outer region, the middle region, and the inner region.

The outer realms are adjacent to the desolate lands, poisonous swamp forests, shifting sand deserts, and even the "Broken Boundary Cliff" which borders the forbidden wasteland.

This place is teeming with monsters and has little spiritual energy, making it the first place the beast tide will hit.

Although barren, it was a paradise for explorers, adventurers, and mercenaries.

More than 70% of the Central Region is plains, with large cities scattered throughout.

In particular, the Jinglong Mountain Range, a spiritual vein mineral belt that runs through the entire region, has been divided up by various major forces.

The Shen family naturally took the lion's share.

The concentration of spiritual energy also exhibits a gradient distribution, becoming more concentrated closer to the inner region, where trade routes and underground black markets coexist.

As for the inner region, it can be described as a true holy land for cultivation.

This place is the ancestral home of all the core families of the Fifth Tail, and the spiritual energy here is so rich that it is almost tangible.

In some places, it even condenses directly into a faint mist in the air.

Walking through it, every breath feels like inhaling and exhaling the essence of heaven and earth, and even the most ordinary plants and trees seem to glow with spiritual light.

A random pedestrian you brush past on the street could very well be the patriarch of a reclusive family or a prodigy.

At this moment, in a simple inn in an outer region, Zhou Qing looked at the information jade slip he had just bought, his brows furrowed slightly.

He had considered that the Shen family was powerful, but he hadn't expected them to be this powerful. It could be said that their influence was felt in every region.

Zhou Qing turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on the mercenaries at the next table.

These people exuded a strong aura of menace and were feasting without any restraint.

The burly man at the head of the group had a face full of scars and a hideous scar across his left eye. He was tearing at a charred, roasted animal leg.

The tall, thin guy next to me was chugging strong liquor and spewing raunchy jokes.

But what is most eye-catching is the silver badge they wear on their chests—a lifelike snowflake pattern with delicate vines wrapped around its edges.

This is the symbol of the Shen family's mercenaries.

Along the way, he had seen no fewer than ten squads wearing the same badge.

Everyone would unconsciously give them a wide berth when they faced them, even the other mercenaries were no exception.

It was as if serving the Shen family was an honor in itself.

The jade slip also contained even more astonishing information: Shen Canghai, the patriarch of the Shen family, who was also Shen Yunzhou's grandfather, had already entered the late stage of the Supreme Realm many years ago.

He has been in seclusion for many years now, and it is said that he is trying to break through to the Great Perfection of the Supreme Realm.

This ancestor had four sons and one daughter, who each managed the Shen family's vast businesses and mines throughout the Fifth Tail region.

Among the third generation of the Shen family, the most renowned was Shen Hanyi from the fourth branch.

However, this proud woman of heaven has worn a veil for many years, and no one has seen her true face for many years.

According to her unreliable younger brother, Shen Yunzhou, her sister's appearance was reserved for her future Daoist partner.

Although it's unknown whether it's true or not, judging from her exposed eyebrows and eyes, her silver hair that grew from cultivating the "Ice Purity Technique," and her perfect figure, she must be a celestial being.

What's even more astonishing is her talent—she reached the Great Perfection of the Spirit Severing Realm at a young age and is also a Level 4 Array Master.

Such a woman, possessing a distinguished family background, stunning looks, and exceptional talent, it remains to be seen who she will become a Daoist partner with in the future.

However, her father, Shen Juefeng, was extremely distant from his two children.

It is said that this fourth head of the family was originally very affectionate, doting on his wife Liu Qingci and taking great care of his children.

Shen Hanyi and her siblings grew up in the love of their parents. The fourth branch of the Shen family was once the most harmonious branch.

Until that time they went to the Central Region to handle some business matters.

At the time, the siblings insisted on going along to broaden their horizons, and with his wife's approval, Shen Juefeng reluctantly agreed.

On their return journey, the large number of storage bags they were carrying attracted the attention of thieves.

In the face of danger, Shen Juefeng lured away most of the enemies to protect his wife and children, but he did not expect that the remaining bandits would force Liu Qingci to fight them to the death.

When he rushed back in the pouring rain, he only found his beloved wife's cold body lying in the mud.

That was the love of his life.

From then on, Shen Juefeng's personality changed drastically. He lost all his former tenderness and blamed all the crimes on the two children.

If they hadn't insisted on going with them, and if his wife hadn't desperately protected them, they wouldn't have died...

He was even more disgusted when Shen Hanyi displayed her amazing talent in array formations.

Because the bandit leader back then was a formation master, it was through the formation that he was trapped, and the opportunity to rescue him was missed.

Later, when Shen Yunzhou comprehended that unbearable Nascent Soul realm, filth descended from the sky and polluted the entire Shen family ancestral land, making him even more disgusted with the two children.

In short, Shen Yunzhou can be said to have grown up under the constant care of his older sister.

"No wonder Shen Yunzhou rushed to save Li Niang without hesitation when she was surrounded and attacked back then," Zhou Qing sighed.

If someone had helped them back then, their mother wouldn't have died, and the family wouldn't be in this state now.

"Shen Yunzhou always said his sister was ugly, but in that cave, facing the dying Shen Hanyi, he was the one most afraid, even going so far as to tear off her veil and beg me to save her."

Zhou Qing sighed inwardly, feeling even more heartbroken.

This also explains why she talks so much in the Divine Ruins Heavenly Palace, but is very sparing with words in reality.

Both of these drastically different states were forms of self-protection she developed within such an oppressive family environment.

It's likely that Shen Yunzhou's original intention in comprehending that disgusting state of mind was simply to attract his father's attention.

Over the years, the siblings must have tried countless methods, but all of them ended in failure.

Ultimately, he chose to do the opposite, but the result was the opposite.

"Sigh—" Zhou Qing sighed deeply.

This father-in-law, whom I've never met, is so difficult to deal with; things between him and Shen Hanyi are probably going to be complicated.

Of course, that's not necessarily true. Maybe Shen Hanyi would be willing to elope with him, and he wouldn't even bother with her.

For now, we can only take it one step at a time.

After learning the relevant information, Zhou Qing ate something simple and prepared to head to the inner region to find Shen Hanyi and Lu Yaoyao.

If all else fails, contact Shen Yunzhou first.

After all, he was in charge of the whole thing back then and even helped keep watch.

Now that she has decided to pursue his sister, he should help her.

"Waiter, please... *cough cough*"

"Waiter! Can't you see we have a customer? Hurry up and bring out all the signature dishes, I'm starving!"

A burly man, covered in dust from his journey, strode into the inn, his rough voice causing dust to fall from the rafters.

He slammed down on the table next to him with a flourish, making the bowls and chopsticks on the table clatter.

Those sharp, eagle-like eyes swept indifferently over the masked man coughing violently by the window before looking away.

Anyone who can make a living in this outer realm is someone who lives on the edge of a knife.
The waiter hurried over, bowing and scraping as he served him.

At this moment, Zhou Qing, having finished coughing, stared intently at the burly man, his heart pounding like a drum.

Above the other person's head, a familiar golden note appeared: "[A trustworthy little kid]".

"Second Uncle!" Zhou Qing was overjoyed, suppressing the urge to rush over. Just a year ago, he and Shen Hanyi had seen him lure the Transformation Divine Medicine in the third level through the Eightfold Scroll, but he never expected that he would escape unscathed and even reach the Fifth Tail!

"Sir, would you like to settle your bill?" another waiter asked, coming over to ask.

Zhou Qing shook his head and whispered a few words in a low voice.

The waiter looked at the second uncle with a puzzled expression, accepted the spirit stones, nodded, and left.

Zhou Qing calmly sat back down at the table, bent down to pick up the old hen pecking at the ground under the table, gently stroked its head, and waited quietly.

The outer realms border the wild and untamed lands, where there is no shortage of rare and exotic animal meat.

Before long, the waiter brought the second uncle a whole roasted, golden-brown, oily red porcupine hind leg, sprinkled with precious spirit pepper powder.

A pot of clear-stewed Jade Python Soup, the soup is milky white, with a few emerald green medicinal leaves floating on top.

There were also three skewers of grilled, sizzling beef, each piece about the size of a fist.

Finally, there was a cold dish made with seven-colored oyster mushrooms.

Uncle Er's eyes lit up. He rubbed his calloused hands together, grabbed a porcupine leg, and started gnawing on it.

Oil dripped down his chin, but he didn't care at all, eating with his mouth full of oil.

He opened another jar of homemade spirit wine, and the rich aroma of the wine mixed with the sweet fragrance of spirit fruit filled the entire inn.

Zhou Qing closed his eyes and took a deep breath; it was still the same taste he remembered.

He had drunk his second uncle's rice wine more than once, at the Jade Dining Hall of Taiqing Gate, at Xiaoling Peak, and at Baiyu Taixu Courtyard.

I don't know why, but at this moment I suddenly feel like crying.

The other diners were also drooling over the aroma of the wine, and a few of the bolder ones stepped forward: "Fellow Daoist, it's fate that we meet."

"Get out!" the second uncle said without even raising his head, his mouth full of meat.

The expressions of the group changed drastically, and just as they were about to retaliate, a terrifying pressure suddenly descended.

Sensing this terrifying aura, the "Slaying Spirit Realm" members' expressions changed drastically, and they immediately knelt down to beg for mercy.

"Go away, go away, don't disturb my meal!" Uncle Er waved his hand irritably, as if shooing away flies.

The group felt as if they had been granted a pardon and scrambled out of the inn. The other diners also lowered their heads in awe, not daring to utter a sound.

"Such a powerful aura!" Zhou Qing's eyes lit up.

He is now very close to the mid-stage of the Spirit Severing Realm, yet he is still intimidated by this oppressive aura.

Even more astonishingly, he could sense that his second uncle was definitely holding back.

It seems that over the past hundred years, the Second Uncle must have obtained an unimaginable opportunity, otherwise how could he have been able to stay by the side of the divine beast for so long?

Time passed slowly, and seeing that Uncle Er had almost finished eating, Zhou Qing carefully tucked the old hen into his arms.

"Waiter, the bill!" The second uncle wiped his greasy hands with his sleeve, tilted his head back and drank the last drop of spirit wine, and called out in a gruff voice.

The waiter hurriedly came over with a fawning smile: "Sir, your meal has already been paid for by that customer."

He pointed at Zhou Qing as he spoke.

Zhou Qing stood up and bowed respectfully.

The second uncle turned his head, then frowned, strode up to Zhou Qing, and slapped down five high-grade spirit stones.

"I don't like owing favors, and I don't want to know you. Keep your little schemes to yourself!"

Without waiting for Zhou Qing to speak, he returned to the table, picked out a thin bone from the pile of bones to pick his teeth, patted his round belly, and strode away.

Zhou Qing shook his head helplessly and got up to follow.

……

On the streets of this remote town, Uncle Er walked ahead with his protruding belly, while Zhou Qing followed at a distance.

Soon, the second uncle suddenly stopped and turned around, staring straight at Zhou Qing. He flicked his finger, and the toothbrush he was using to pick his teeth shot towards Zhou Qing with a "whoosh".

Zhou Qing slightly turned his head, thus avoiding the attack.

"I told you I don't want to know you!" The second uncle strode over aggressively, sizing Zhou Qing up and down. "If you follow me again, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Zhou Qing adjusted his mask, then suddenly sniffed and leaned forward.

"What are you doing? Are you a pervert?" Uncle Er quickly backed away, looking disgusted. "Go home and smell your mother!"

Zhou Qing burst into laughter upon hearing this.

It seems that over the past hundred years, Uncle Er has learned quite a few swear words from that mythical beast.

"Laugh, laugh, laugh at your mother? You're sick!" Uncle Er cursed and turned to leave.

Zhou Qing's smile faded as he watched his second uncle's retreating figure. Suddenly, he raised his voice, "Second Uncle, how long has it been since you took a bath?"

These familiar words made the second uncle freeze abruptly, and he turned around abruptly.

Zhou Qing slowly removed his mask, revealing a long-lost smile, and a familiar chicken head peeked out from his clothes—clucking!

Uncle Er stood there, stunned, for several breaths before he came to his senses.

Suddenly, he rushed forward and, before Zhou Qing could react, slapped him twice, left and right.

"What?" Zhou Qing covered her cheek.

"It hurts a little, it's not a dream," the second uncle muttered to himself, looking at his palm.

"No, you..."

Just as Zhou Qing was about to speak, the second uncle grabbed the old hen and examined it closely: "Still looks the same silly thing, but its feathers are much shinier and smoother now!"

The old hen flapped her legs in dissatisfaction and clucked loudly.

"Be gentle!" Zhou Qing quickly snatched it back.

It's a spirit born of nature; it would be terrible if it awakened and held a grudge later.

Then, the second uncle looked Zhou Qing over carefully and tentatively asked, "Did you detect it by smell again this time?"

Zhou Qing pointed to his nose smugly: "Of course! Is there a reward this time?"

The second uncle finally couldn't help but burst into laughter, patting Zhou Qing's shoulder heavily with his rough hand.

"Good lad! But when we parted last time, I didn't promise a reward if you recognized me when we met again!"

Zhou Qing laughed along with him.

Although the two were not formally master and disciple, their bond was stronger than that of a master and disciple.

If it weren't for that mutated Yin-Yang energy, he would have been crippled or even died the moment Qian Dafu dug out his golden core.

From comprehending and perfecting the concept of the Nascent Soul realm to learning the art of formations in the White Jade Taixu Academy system.

From the various trials on the border to the opportunity to unlock inscription-level divine abilities.

From the gains in the forbidden cave to meeting the Lu sisters and resolving the crisis of the Taiqing Sect.
Without his second uncle, Zhou Qing wouldn't be where he is today!
"When did you arrive in Nanhuang Prefecture? These two cultivation kingdoms are quite far apart!"

Uncle Erda suddenly widened his eyes, "Wait...you broke through to the Spirit Severing Realm?!"

Zhou Qing chuckled, like a child showing off to an elder: "You just realized? You broke through a long time ago. If I hadn't been trapped in the void, I would be even stronger now."

"What? You're trapped in the void?" The second uncle exclaimed in shock, grabbing Zhou Qing's shoulder and pulling him forward. "Tell me the details quickly!"

……

Deep in the dense forest of the outer mountain range, Uncle Er sat on a thick tree branch, his legs swinging leisurely.

He listened intently, sometimes frowning, sometimes grinning.

"The Eastern Region Unifies the Lu Family Sisters, the Azure Dragon True Person's Cave Heaven, the Forbidden Zone, and the Void of the Imperial Capital"

Uncle Er clicked his tongue in amazement, "You've certainly had a fascinating life these past few years!"

He slapped his thigh and said, "But we've survived a great calamity, so good fortune is sure to follow!"

Then, he squinted and looked Zhou Qing up and down.

He suddenly lowered his voice, clicked his tongue with a look of admiration, and said, "Your Four Flowers Gathering at the Top is truly something else. I've been wandering for so many years, and I'm only at the Spirit Severing Realm now, while you..."

He shook his head, his eyes filled with envy and satisfaction.

Zhou Qing smiled and nodded, but his gaze subtly swept over his second uncle's unfamiliar, muscular body.

This Nascent Soul Amplification Technique is truly miraculous; it can not only change one's appearance but also alter one's physique so naturally.

"Grandpa, what have you been doing in the Heavenly Fortune Holy Dynasty all these years?" Zhou Qing asked, feigning curiosity.

Uncle Er suddenly burst into laughter, his eyes gleaming with excitement: "You might not believe it, but I only arrived here a year ago."

"What?" Zhou Qing feigned surprise, his eyes widening.

The second uncle leaned closer mysteriously and lowered his voice, saying, "Since you've come to the Fifth Tail, you should know about the Desolate Forbidden Zone, right?"

Zhou Qing nodded: "Yes, but I've never dared to go in. I've heard that even Supreme Beings can perish inside."

"Wow!" Second Uncle slapped his thigh exaggeratedly. "You even know about the Supreme Realm? Looks like you've done your homework!"

He stroked his beardless chin and said smugly, "To tell you the truth, I have been living in the desolate prison for over a hundred years."

Zhou Qing obediently opened his mouth wide, revealing an expression of disbelief.

Seeing Zhou Qing's reaction, the second uncle became even more smug: "I knew you wouldn't believe me."

“I believe you!” Zhou Qing interrupted decisively, his eyes shining with sincerity and admiration.

Uncle Er was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

He patted Zhou Qing's shoulder forcefully: "You're still as naive as ever! So trusting of people, be careful you don't get sold out one day and still be counting the money for them!"

"Sell it if you want," Zhou Qing replied with a grin. "I'll be the first to bring you the money!"

"Good lad!" Uncle Er laughed and scolded, moving along the tree trunk and giving Zhou Qing a sharp rap on the forehead, making him wince in pain.

"It's been over a hundred years, and you've certainly gotten better at talking than ever before!" The second uncle's eyes flashed with satisfaction.

Then he changed the subject, "But I'm not kidding you, not only that, I also met a very important older brother inside."

"Wow~" Zhou Qing exclaimed, her eyes widening dramatically.

Without a doubt, this "elder brother" must be the divine beast with the cultivation of a Heavenly Sovereign.

Uncle Er was both amused and annoyed by Zhou Qing's expression: "Your reaction is so fake! But..."

He grinned, "You think I'm falling for that?"

Zhou Qing scratched his head sheepishly, his ears turning slightly red.

“I’ll introduce you two to him then,” the second uncle said enthusiastically, gesturing. “He’s the eldest brother, I’m the second brother, and you can be the third brother!”

Zhou Qing: "..."

"I'm serious!" Uncle Er patted his chest and assured him, "Our brother here is incredibly righteous, you'll see once you get to know him, and he'll definitely like you."

Zhou Qing's heart pounded.

If he could truly become sworn brothers with a divine beast at the Heavenly Sovereign level, wouldn't he be able to roam freely throughout the entire Level 5 Cultivation Kingdom?

This is more effective than any powerful backer!
"Oh, by the way, I've got something nice for you!"

Uncle Erda suddenly thought of something, and then patted his storage bag, and a pitch-black scroll appeared in his rough hand.

The moment Zhou Qing saw the scroll, his pupils suddenly contracted.

(End of this chapter)