The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 411 Oh dear, you...you're so embarrassing! (6k)

The head of the eldest branch of the family, Shen Tianhong, wore a dark brocade robe, had a dignified face, and piercing eyes. There was a faint flow of spiritual energy around him, indicating that his cultivation was unfathomable.

His wife, Madam Shen Lin, was dignified and elegant, with a smiling face, yet she gave off an unfathomable aura.

The second branch of the family, headed by Shen Yunlan, was thin and had a cold face. He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, as if he was thinking about something.

His wife, Su Yurou, remained all smiles, gently waving her fan, her gaze occasionally drifting over Zhou Qing.

The third branch of the family, Shen Lieyang, was a burly man with thick eyebrows and fierce eyes. Although he had a smile on his face, there was a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.

Liu Rushuang sat quietly to his side, a smile playing on her lips, her eyes deep and unfathomable, as if she were plotting something.

Zhou Qing and his second uncle could clearly sense that the atmosphere inside the hall, though seemingly harmonious, was actually rife with undercurrents.

All eyes were subtly drawn to Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing's gaze shifted slightly, landing on the empty seat on the opposite side—presumably the seat of the fourth branch head, Shen Juefeng.

He didn't attend?
He had hoped to take this opportunity to see his future father-in-law in person.

"Since Master Qingzhou has decided to join my Shen family, he must already have an understanding of the heads of each branch."

Shen Tianhong seemed to notice his gaze, raised his glass and laughed, "It's just that since Madam Liu's unexpected death, the fourth brother has been drowning his sorrows in alcohol every day and rarely attends such occasions."

Zhou Qing nodded.

He already knew about this when he was abroad, and now it is just being confirmed.

When she came in, Liu Rushuang from the third branch of the family mentioned, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally, that her maternal clan was the Liu family, which ranked sixth and was at the tail end of the sixth rank.

By introducing himself and making a point of being the first to greet Zhou Qing, he was simply trying to leave an impression on Zhou Qing so that he could be won over in the future.

However, I wonder if Liu Qingci, the birth mother of Shen Hanyi and Shen Yunzhou, is related to the Liu family?

"This is indeed a pity." Zhou Qing revealed a hint of regret at the right moment.

Seeing this, Madam Shen Lin, the eldest wife, turned her gaze to the second eldest son and said with a smile, "Young friend Si is very fortunate to be able to become a disciple of Master Qingzhou. He must study diligently in the future."

Upon hearing this, the second uncle, wearing a tiger-head hat, immediately straightened his back, his face full of pride: "Of course! My master treats me extremely well, never holding back in imparting his knowledge and skills!"

Before he could finish speaking, he seemed unable to contain his desire to show off. With a thought, five thousand spiritual seals suddenly appeared, as dazzling as a galaxy, hovering around his body.

Everyone was shocked when they saw this.

It should be noted that Si Yunya is very young and has only just entered the Nascent Soul Realm, yet he has already condensed five thousand spirit seals and joined the ranks of third-level array masters.

It's only halfway to reach the threshold of ten thousand seals for a level four array master.

With the guidance of Master Qingzhou, given time, he will surely achieve great things.

"Come, come, come! Today, my Shen family has gained two masters, which is truly a double celebration!" Shen Tianhong, beaming, raised his wine glass and stood up.

Upon hearing this, everyone rose from their seats and raised their glasses in welcome.

Zhou Qing remained calm and composed as he picked up his cup and rose, his sleeves fluttering gently as he displayed a steady and composed demeanor.

The second uncle excitedly tiptoed and hurriedly raised his wine glass, almost spilling the wine.

……

After the banquet, servants from the Shen family led the two through a winding corridor and then arranged for them to sit in adjacent halls, all located high up in the palace complex.

Zhou Qing's residence was quiet and elegant, and one could overlook most of the Shen family mansion by opening the carved wooden window.

The second uncle's residence was even more spacious, with extremely luxurious furnishings inside, even the bed curtains were embroidered with lifelike auspicious beast patterns—such an arrangement was just right for a young man's temperament.

After the servants took their leave, the second master's eyes darted around, and he tiptoed out of his palace.

He first pretended to stretch lazily under the corridor, and seeing that no one was around, he slipped into Zhou Qing's residence.

Just as Zhou Qing was about to speak, his second uncle made a shushing sound.

A faint glow appeared on his fingertips as he carefully examined the window frames and beams.

At each place he passed, fine, hair-like golden runes flowed from his fingertips, constantly seeping into the cracks in the wood and stone.

This is his self-developed "Golden Cicada Spirit Detection Technique," which is specifically designed to break through various eavesdropping restrictions.

After carefully checking the area and confirming that there was nothing unusual, the second uncle finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Just to be on the safe side, he still sent a telepathic message to Zhou Qing: "What are your plans next?"

Zhou Qing pondered for a moment: "After I get used to the environment in the next two days, I want to confirm her exact address before revealing my identity and hearing her thoughts."

"In the end, with the help of both inside and outside forces, we helped her resolve the crisis."

Uncle Er nodded in agreement: "That's a good plan. But I can't interfere too much, lest it affect your judgment. I'm going to rest now."

Before leaving, he remembered something and reminded them, "The Shen family has a profound foundation, with many experts at the Nascent Soul and Spirit Severing realms."

"Take this opportunity to comprehend their artistic conception, which will greatly benefit your cultivation."

Zhou Qing nodded.

That was exactly what he was thinking—being in a dangerous situation, whether for self-preservation or to help others, improving his own strength was the top priority.

After the second uncle left, Zhou Qing looked around the quiet residence, stretched his muscles and bones, and then took out the three-colored communication jade slip again.

The message he sent still went unanswered, and he couldn't help but frown.

I originally thought it was the Shen family's five-colored restriction that was blocking the way, but now it seems that Junior Sister Lu may not be in the Shen family at all.

One hundred and fifty years is enough to change too much.

Even though she had been protected by Shen Hanyi, it was normal for her to leave later.

He then quietly took out the Divine Ruins Heavenly Palace token.

Apart from being online on the 4th, 5th, and 7th, Shen Hanyi has not appeared for a long time.

“This Sikong Yan.” Zhou Qing stared at the number seven purple light spot and shook his head slightly.

Every time he logs in, the other person immediately logs off.

However, it is certain that this person must be near either one of the four ancient clans above the Desolate Forbidden Zone or one of the Eight-Tailed Clan below it.

The ongoing simulation of the second forbidden zone is precisely to find a suitable opportunity to enter, and even to find the three-flowered mummy.

Actually, he wanted to ask his second uncle about the Three-Flower Dried Corpse, but he had already given a vague answer about the origin of the Great Luo Demon Sealing Seal.

Asking rashly would be tantamount to revealing secrets.

Everyone has their own secrets and privacy.

The second uncle has already told us the truth about the divine beast. If we ask further, how will we explain the Eightfold Scroll and the Divine Ruins Heavenly Palace?
"Never mind," Zhou Qing sighed softly.

Shen Hanyi is currently pregnant, and he does not want her to undergo the Supreme Tribulation at this crucial time.

Moreover, the claim that the Three Flowers can help one overcome tribulation is a myth spread by the divine beast and the Second Uncle, and is probably just empty talk.

If it were truly effective, why wouldn't Second Uncle, a Great Perfection of the Spirit Slaying Realm, take it for himself?
"Dang Dang Dang——"

Just as Zhou Qing was pondering, a soft knock came from outside the palace door.

He immediately went on guard, his eyes narrowed, and his pupils suddenly split, transforming into a pair of blood-red demonic eyes. His gaze pierced through the heavy palace doors, allowing him to see the situation outside.

The second wife, Su Yurou, was standing outside the door, followed by two women who looked almost identical.

She changed into an elegant moon-white dress, and only a jade hairpin was placed in her hair.

Compared to her lavish attire at the banquet that evening, she now appeared more gentle and graceful.

However, the faint smile on her lips carried an elusive meaning.

Zhou Qing withdrew his double pupils, his expression returned to normal, and with a wave of his hand, the palace doors opened silently.

"I apologize for disturbing you so late at night, Master." Upon seeing Zhou Qing emerge, Su Yurou gave a graceful bow, her voice soft and charming.

Zhou Qing returned the greeting with clasped hands: "Madam, you're too kind. What brings you here—"

Before he finished speaking, his gaze had already fallen on the two women behind Su Yurou.

The two were around sixteen years old, both dressed in light blue gauze dresses, and their appearances were remarkably similar.

Only a single dot of cinnabar between their eyebrows, one slightly to the left and the other slightly to the right, can distinguish them.

Upon seeing this, Su Yurou covered her mouth and chuckled, "These are the twin sisters in my courtyard, named 'Morning Dew' and 'Evening Frost'."

"Knowing that the master has just arrived at the Shen family and must be tired from his journey, we specially brought them here to serve him."

As she spoke, her eyes flashed with a knowing look: "Morning Dew is skilled in massage to relieve fatigue, and Evening Frost is an expert in tea ceremony and incense art. If you feel tired, Master, you might as well let them..."

Zhou Qing's eyes flickered slightly, and he understood.

This is both serving and spying.
He took a half step back without making a sound and said gently, "I appreciate your kindness, Madam. However, I am used to being alone and it is really inconvenient for me to keep you here."

A hint of surprise flashed in Su Yurou's eyes, but she smiled and said, "Master is indeed elegant."

"However, they live in the side hall next door. If the master needs them, he can call them at any time."

Just as Zhou Qing was about to refuse again, he suddenly heard his second uncle's voice transmission: "Stay! You're new here, you should put their minds at ease, shouldn't you?"

"Besides, it's only when people have flaws that they're easy to manipulate and control. Anyway, we won't be staying for long, so why not take advantage of it? At worst, we can just be decorations!"

This roguish telepathic message caused a flicker of helplessness in Zhou Qing's eyes, but his expression remained unchanged.

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly: "In that case, thank you for your kindness, Madam."

Seeing Zhou Qingsong speak, Su Yurou's smile deepened: "Master, you're too kind."

She turned to the twins and said softly, "Morning Dew and Evening Frost, serve the master well. If you neglect him in the slightest, I will not let you off lightly."

The two women bowed gracefully, their voices equally soft: "Yes, Madam."

After Su Yurou left, Zhou Qing glanced at the two women indifferently and said calmly, "I have always preferred quiet. If there is nothing important, do not disturb me."

Morning Dew and Evening Frost exchanged a glance and obediently replied, "We will obey Master's instructions."

Zhou Qing said no more and turned back into the hall.

The moment the palace doors closed, he subtly moved his fingertips, and an invisible restriction was quietly set up, enveloping the entire palace.

—If you're going to put on a show, then make it look real.

His lips curled slightly, but his eyes remained cold.

Morning Dew and Evening Frost exchanged a glance, then silently retreated to the adjacent side hall to settle down.

Just as Zhou Qing was about to sit cross-legged in meditation, a soft knock sounded on the door outside the hall.

His brows furrowed slightly, his blood-red pupils focused once more, peering through the palace doors to the outside—

Standing outside the door this time was none other than Liu Rushuang, the head of the third branch of the family. She was holding a carved sandalwood box in her hands, which gleamed faintly in the moonlight.

Zhou Qing narrowed his eyes.

Second Uncle was right. They had only just arrived at the Shen family and hadn't accomplished anything yet. In the short time it took to hold a welcoming banquet, everyone was already eagerly sending gifts to win them over.

Having a special skill can be quite advantageous.

"Although it was because of you that I was able to consummate our marriage, you, as her aunt, hired a silver-ranked assassin from the Blood Pact Pavilion at great expense and even used the 'Heart-Burning Bone-Corroding Flame' to injure her—we'll settle this score slowly."

Zhou Qing sneered inwardly.

He then straightened his clothes and opened the palace door.

"Master hasn't rested yet?" Liu Rushuang's face immediately lit up with a smile when she saw Zhou Qing come out.

Zhou Qing first bowed and said, "The Second Madam just sent over a pair of maids, and they have just been settled." The two arrived almost one after the other, and with the Third Madam's shrewdness, it was impossible for her not to know.

As expected, Liu Rushuang showed no surprise on her face, but she also did not take the opportunity to belittle her second sister-in-law.

Instead, she exclaimed in admiration, "That's quite a coincidence. The maids Chaolu and Xishuang are the best of the best. Second Sister-in-law has trained them for many years, but I never expected them to be so generous this time."

Zhou Qing smiled slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with the Third Madam's "broad-mindedness".

"By the way, after the banquet, thanks to my husband's reminder, I remembered that many years ago, after a business transaction, I obtained a treasure called 'Mysterious Cold Jade', which I have treasured ever since."

Liu Rushuang's eyes sparkled as she lightly stroked the surface of the box with her fingertips. "It is said that a precious sword is given to a hero. After much thought, I believe that only someone like Master Shen is worthy of such a treasure in the entire Shen family."

As she spoke, she gently opened the box lid, and a beam of azure light flowed out the instant it was opened.

The temperature outside the hall suddenly dropped, and tiny ice crystals even condensed in the air.

Inside the box lay a fist-sized piece of cold jade, crystal clear and translucent, with what appeared to be countless stars flowing within.

Most remarkably, the naturally formed patterns inside the jade correspond to the constellations in the heavens, vaguely forming a mysterious array.

"This jade comes from the frigid abyss of the Northern Sea, where only an inch of it is obtained every five thousand years." Liu Rushuang's voice carried a hint of pride.

"If used to refine the core of the array, it can not only increase its power by 30%, but also help the master comprehend the wonders of the changes of stars."

Zhou Qing's pupils contracted slightly, and a hint of undisguised surprise flashed in his eyes.

The high-level arrays and restrictions left by Senior Xuan Qingzi, especially most of the four- and five-color arrays that followed, needed such spiritual objects as their cores.

This item is not only priceless, but also extremely rare and unavailable.

He had thought that he would be lucky to find even a small piece in this fifth-level cultivation country, but he never expected that such a large piece would be delivered directly to him.

Zhou Qing stared at the cold jade in the wooden box, his fingertips trembling slightly: "This...this is too precious."

He then took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and shook his head, saying, "I am truly unworthy of such a generous gift from the Third Madam."

Seeing this, Liu Rushuang's eyes flashed with satisfaction: "Why does Master refuse? This item is like a pearl covered in dust in my hands. It would be better to give it to someone who knows its value."

Zhou Qing seemed to struggle for a moment before finally bowing solemnly: "In that case, I will accept it without hesitation. If I achieve anything in the future, I will never forget the kindness of the Third Madam in giving me the jade today."

Liu Rushuang covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes sparkling with smugness: "Master, you flatter me. It's getting late, so I won't bother you any longer."

She gave a graceful bow, and as she turned to leave, a smile played on her lips, clearly quite satisfied with the outcome of her gesture of goodwill.

After his figure disappeared at the end of the corridor, Zhou Qing stared at the cold jade in his hand, a meaningful smile curving his lips, and turned to enter the hall.

"What a treasure!" After closing the palace door, Zhou Qing looked at the cold jade in the box and gently touched it.

The moment his fingertips touched the jade surface, a bone-chilling cold rushed through his meridians to his dantian, but just as it was about to invade his heart, it was instantly neutralized by the spiritual energy circulating within his body.

"This is an unexpected surprise," Zhou Qing muttered to himself, before carefully putting it away.

Instead of resting, he sat quietly and waited.

He believed that the first wife's family would remain inactive, given that the second and third wives had already made efforts to win them over.

Sure enough, about half an incense stick later, there was a third knock on the door outside the hall.

His blood-red eyes flickered slightly as he peered through the palace gate—Madam Shen Lin, the eldest wife, was standing outside.

She wore a simple long gown, with only a wooden hairpin in her hair, which was completely different from the luxurious attire of the second and third wives, yet she possessed a calm and composed demeanor.

Zhou Qing got up, opened the door, and cupped his hands, saying, "So it's the First Madam. I didn't know you'd come to visit so late at night. What brings you here?"

Madam Shen smiled slightly: "I apologize for disturbing you, Master."

"I just thought that since you are new to the Shen family, you might not be familiar with the rules of the mansion, so I came to pay you a visit."

Her tone was gentle, lacking both the deliberate intimacy of the second wife and the hidden sarcasm of the third wife, which instead made people feel quite favorable towards her.

Zhou Qing stepped aside and said, "Please come in, Madam."

After Shen Linshi entered and took her seat, she did not rush to speak, but first looked around.

Her gaze lingered briefly on the furnishings in the hall, making sure Zhou Qing hadn't been neglected, before she spoke with a smile.

"It's quite a coincidence that my Shen family also has a genius in formations. I wonder if Master Qingzhou has heard of him?"

Lin Jingtang placed her hands folded on her knees, her posture dignified.

Zhou Qing's heart skipped a beat and he said, "I only heard a general idea when I came. It should be Shen Hanyi from the fourth branch, right?"

“Exactly.” Lin Jingtang nodded slightly. “This child has had a hard life, losing his mother at a young age, but fortunately, he is exceptionally talented.”

She paused, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, "To be so young and already at the Great Perfection of the Spirit Severing Realm, it's just that her personality..."

A soft sigh was particularly clear in the silent hall.

Zhou Qing didn't say much, but instead listened attentively.

He knew exactly what kind of person she was, both in reality and in the Divine Ruins Heavenly Palace.

It could even be said that no one understood Shen Hanyi better than her, including Shen Huangmao and his father Shen Juefeng.

"The younger generation wasn't invited to the banquet tonight, for fear of offending the master."

Lin Jingtang quickly changed the subject, "Moreover, Han Yi hasn't lived in the mansion for years."

Zhou Qing's eyes flickered slightly.

No wonder we couldn't contact Junior Sister Lu. They must live quite far from the Shen family's main residence, which is why even the three-colored communication jade slips were ineffective.

"That's a pity." He said calmly, but his eyes seemed thoughtful.

Lin Jingtang suddenly chuckled, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes smoothing out: "If she comes back and knows that a master who has condensed 30,000 spirit seals has come to the house, I wonder how happy she will be."

As she spoke, as if suddenly remembering something, she took out a small jade jar from her storage bag and gently placed it on the table.

"This is the Shen family's special 'Tranquil Tea,' which is especially good for calming the mind."

Zhou Qing took the jade jar, its surface warm and smooth to the touch.

Compared to the maids of the second wife and Hanyu of the third wife, this seemingly ordinary gift showed more thoughtfulness.

"You're too kind, Madam." He nodded in thanks.

Madam Shen smiled and said, "You're too kind, Master. If you need anything at the Shen family, please don't hesitate to ask."

After a brief hesitation, Zhou Qing said, "Speaking of which, there is indeed something I need to trouble you with, Madam."

Lin Jingtang's eyes flickered slightly: "Oh? Please speak, Master."

"My method of cultivating artistic conception is somewhat unique," Zhou Qing said somewhat embarrassedly. "It's a synthesis of the strengths of many schools, requiring observation of others' artistic conceptions to make progress; it's rather a hodgepodge. Therefore—"

Before he could finish speaking, a look of realization flashed in Lin Jingtang's eyes: "I see."

She smiled slightly, "Leave this to me."

A glint of light flashed in Zhou Qing's eyes: "Then thank you very much, Madam."

"It's nothing." Lin Jingtang chatted briefly with Zhou Qing for a few more minutes, then gracefully stood up and left.

After her figure disappeared, Zhou Qing opened the jade jar.

A refreshing tea aroma wafts over, and the tea leaves in the jar are a vibrant green.

He poured out the tea leaves, which piled up in a small heap on the table, but there was nothing else.

"Interesting." Zhou Qing first used the [Daily Assessment] to verify its safety before picking up a tea leaf and smelling it.

"This Madam certainly doesn't play by the rules."

……

The next day, as dawn broke, Zhou Qing sat cross-legged, his body radiating spiritual energy.

The next moment, he suddenly opened his eyes, his blood-red pupils flashing slightly as he peered through the palace doors—

Morning dew and evening frost stood respectfully outside the door, one on the left and one on the right.

However, their clothes were slightly disheveled, their collars were half-open, and their snow-white skin was faintly visible, seemingly unintentional, yet also deliberate.

Below the steps in front of the hall, seven powerful cultivators at the Spirit Severing Realm sat together, talking in hushed tones, with spiritual energy faintly flowing around them.

Further away, thousands of Nascent Soul cultivators stood in neat rows, ranging from the initial stage to the Great Perfection stage.

Although they occasionally spoke in hushed tones, they always maintained a perfectly respectful demeanor.

"Keep your voices down, everyone!" Uncle Er, wearing a tiger-head hat, hopped out. "My master is still resting!"

Then, he turned to Chaolu and Xishuang, his eyes darting around: "How old are you two sisters? Where do you live? Did you return home last night?"

Before he finished speaking, the palace door behind him creaked open slowly.

Zhou Qing stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over the crowd indifferently.

"Master, you're awake!" The second uncle's expression changed instantly. He darted behind Zhou Qing and began massaging his shoulders with a fawning smile.

Zhou Qing's eye twitched slightly, and he secretly transmitted his voice, "Sir, aren't you overacting a bit?"

The second uncle replied telepathically, "What do you know? This is called creating a persona!"

"I'm a young man at the Nascent Soul stage now, and I've condensed five thousand spirit seals. I know better than you what people at this age should do, what they should do, and what kind of personality they should have!"

"After all, your grandpa has been through this age group, unlike you, who is so young but acts like an old man, how boring!"

Zhou Qing was helpless and too lazy to argue with him.

"Master!" Chaolu and Xishuang bowed in unison, their voices soft and charming.

Ignoring their petty thoughts, Zhou Qing strode forward and bowed to everyone, saying, "My name is Qingzhou, and I greet all seniors and fellow Daoists!"

He hadn't expected the First Madam to be so efficient, managing to gather so many people overnight.

Since the other party is sincerely offering their help, he naturally cannot be impolite, nor can he let people think that he is arrogant.

After all, it's better to make more friends than to have a group of surveillance agents.

"You're too kind, Master!" Everyone smiled and returned the greeting when they saw Zhou Qing's humility.

Seven cultivators at the Spirit Severing Realm stepped forward, cupped their hands, and said, "Master, the Madam has already explained your situation to us. It's a minor matter. Shall we begin?"

Zhou Qing was secretly delighted. He glanced at the Second Uncle without leaving a trace, nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll have to trouble you all!"

"It's alright, it's alright!" the seven people laughed.

Zhou Qing led the seven people into the hall, and the second uncle considerately closed the hall door.

He then grabbed a handful of melon seeds and shouted to the Nascent Soul cultivators below, "The space inside the hall is limited, only seven people can enter at a time, everyone line up! My master will be here very soon..."

Sure enough, in less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the palace doors opened again.

Zhou Qing, beaming with pride, personally escorted the seven people out.

The two chatted and laughed, clearly having become quite familiar with each other.

The seven men bowed again and then left.

"Next batch!" Uncle Er shouted.

The seven Nascent Soul cultivators at the front of the line immediately stepped forward.

"Thank you all for your hard work." Zhou Qing cupped his hands in greeting.

"Master, you flatter us. It is our honor to serve you!" The seven men returned the greeting respectfully and then entered the hall...

(End of this chapter)