The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 413 Sister, what are you vomiting for?! (6k)

Inside a secluded mountain villa!
Shen Hanyi looked at the image stone that Shen Yunzhou brought back over and over again, her brows furrowed.

She had never heard of this level four formation master named "Qingzhou" and had no interest in him whatsoever.

When I first went to Tianlan City, I intended to transfer to other major states, but I unexpectedly met Lu Yaoyao, who had been waiting anxiously, at the entrance of the teleportation array.

After learning that Zhou Qing had been dragged into the chaotic void by a void beast while repairing the teleportation array, she and Lu Yaoyao guarded that place for ten whole years.

During this time, Master Ji Yunluo, who had also condensed 30,000 spirit seals, often came to visit out of guilt.

She also took this opportunity to learn from him about formations, which is why, in just over a hundred years, her number of spirit seals increased dramatically from ten thousand to seventeen thousand.

"Don't believe in these free lunches anymore!"

Shen Hanyi spoke coldly and casually tossed the image stone back to Shen Yunzhou.

Shen Yunzhou nodded awkwardly: "I understand, sister. As for Auntie, she..."

"Don't believe her too much!" Shen Hanyi interrupted directly.

Shen Yunzhou hesitated and said, "Of course I know that in the Shen family, we can't easily trust anyone, including my father... But what my aunt told me..."

"What is your current cultivation level?" Shen Hanyi suddenly asked.

"Slaying Spirit Realm? What happened?" Shen Yunzhou was taken aback.

Shen Hanyi sneered: "But I could hear the naive words of a Foundation Establishment cultivator."

Shen Yunzhou's face immediately turned red.

Shen Hanyi said calmly, "My aunt has a gentle personality and the demeanor of a matriarch. So why do you think my second and third aunts still treat her with such respect after all these years?"

Shen Yunzhou scratched his head: "Because she's my uncle's wife, their seniority is what it is..."

“That’s one point.” Shen Hanyi’s eyes were deep. “But more importantly, even the two aunts couldn’t see through her.”

Shen Yunzhou's heart skipped a beat: "Sister, do you know something?"

Shen Hanyi shook her head: "In short, don't trust anyone. To be honest, Lu Yaoyao is much more cautious than you. If you are so easily brainwashed, you will be sold out one day without even knowing it."

Shen Yunzhou remained silent for a moment, then finally said in a low voice, "I understand."

He paused, then couldn't help but speak up: "Sister, there's something I've never understood."

"More than 160 years ago, Third Aunt lent even a strange flame like the 'Heart-Burning, Bone-Corroding Flame' to the assassins of the Blood Pact Pavilion, injuring you so badly. If it weren't for Brother Zhou..."

Before he could finish speaking, Shen Yunzhou suddenly shivered and met his older sister's suddenly icy gaze, and quickly shut his mouth.

After hesitating for a moment, he gritted his teeth and continued, "After we protect Brother Zhou as he breaks through to the Spirit Severing Realm, aren't we going to come back and settle accounts with Third Aunt?"

"But after you returned to the Shen family, you pretended nothing had happened, until recently when you intentionally or unintentionally revealed that you had been assassinated by the Blood Pact Pavilion..."

Faced with her younger brother's doubts, Shen Hanyi remained silent for a long time before finally saying in a low voice, "Things are not as simple as you think."

"Don't worry about this, I have my own plan."

Shen Yunzhou opened his mouth, but ultimately didn't pursue the matter further. Instead, he stared blankly at Shen Hanyi: "Sister, I've already broken through to the Spirit Severing Realm. I'm not a child anymore."

"If you need any help, just tell me. I'm not afraid to die."

Shen Hanyi turned around and her gaze lingered on his face for a moment.

A faint smile suddenly appeared beneath the veil: "Don't worry, when it's time to make you disgusting, I'll definitely call you along."

Shen Yunzhou: "."

After a moment of silence, Shen Hanyi slowly walked to the window and pushed open the carved wooden window.

In the distance, under the covered walkway, Lu Yaoyao was resting her chin on her hand, idly scattering fish food into the lake.

"By the way, is there any news about him now?" Shen Hanyi's voice was so soft it was almost inaudible.

Shen Yunzhou's heart tightened; he naturally knew who his older sister was asking about.

He shook his head: "No. Sister, the void has no boundaries; so many years have passed."

"vomit--"

Before Shen Yunzhou could finish speaking, the figure by the window suddenly covered her mouth, her slender fingers gripping the window frame tightly.

"Sister?" Shen Yunzhou took a step forward in confusion, only to see Shen Hanyi had already straightened up and casually wiped the corner of her mouth.

"It's nothing, I just encountered a slight mishap in my cultivation recently." Her voice was eerily calm. "Go on."

Shen Yunzhou, unsuspecting, sighed and said, "Of course I hope Brother Zhou can live, but the chances of him getting out of there are extremely slim."

"I understand," Shen Hanyi interrupted him. "You can leave now."

Shen Yunzhou sighed and had no choice but to leave.

After the door closed, Shen Hanyi finally released her left hand, which had been tightly gripping the window frame.

She gently stroked her flat stomach, her brows furrowed.

Outside the window, Lu Yaoyao seemed to sense something and suddenly looked up in this direction, which startled her so much that she immediately closed the window.

……

"Master Lightness!"

As the morning sunlight streamed through the window, Zhou Qing was meditating when a deep, resonant call suddenly came from outside the door.

He straightened his robes and opened the door, only to see the three heads of the Shen family all present, their faces beaming with smiles.

"Greetings to the three patriarchs!" Zhou Qing feigned fear and bowed.

The three quickly returned the greeting.

The head of the household, Shen Tianhong, spoke first: "Master, have you been settling in well these past few days?"

"Thank you for your kindness. Your help has greatly improved my artistic conception." Zhou Qing said with gratitude. "I was just about to visit you to express my thanks, but I didn't expect the three family heads to come in person. I am truly ashamed."

Shen Tianhong laughed heartily: "It's nothing."

The three exchanged glances, and the atmosphere suddenly became subtle.

Zhou Qingxin understood and offered, "Is there anything I can do for you three?"

The second branch of the family, Shen Yunlan, gritted his teeth: "To be honest, we do have a favor to ask. However, asking at this juncture would make us seem too eager for quick success."

Zhou Qing laughed loudly, "Patriarch, you are mistaken. Your family has treated me with sincerity. If I can do my part, it would be my honor."

"Hey, what are you all dawdling about!" Shen Lieyang, the third branch of the family, interjected. "Master is a straightforward person, so I'll just say it directly."

He raised his hand and pointed to the sky, "Master, can you tell that my Shen family's protective formation is a five-colored restriction?"

Zhou Qing nodded, his face showing longing, and said, "Yes, it's magnificent. I wonder when I will be able to refine such a grand formation."

Shen Lieyang laughed heartily: "With your talent, Master, I estimate you will be able to surpass this formation within a thousand years!"

"Thank you for your kind words, Master." Zhou Qing humbly cupped his hands in greeting.

Shen Lieyang suddenly sighed, his expression becoming solemn: "Actually, this clan-protecting formation was acquired by my Shen family at a huge cost during the Heavenly Fortune Royal Family auction back then."

"Now, after years of erosion, it is no longer what it used to be, and many places show signs of collapse and instability."

He pointed to a distant array platform faintly glowing with a bluish light: "Especially the array eye in the southeast corner, the spiritual energy fluctuations have become increasingly intense recently. We've hired several renowned masters at great expense, but..."

Shen Lieyang shook his head, his unspoken meaning clear.

The three of them suddenly took a step back at the same time and bowed solemnly: "Please lend us your help, Master."

Zhou Qing then understood the purpose of their early morning arrival, but his face showed difficulty: "The fifth level of array master is a watershed moment. I'm afraid I can't handle such a high-level array."

"It's alright!" said Shen Tianhong, the head of the eldest branch of the family, decisively. "Master, please go ahead and do your best. If anything goes wrong, the Shen family will bear all the responsibility!"

Zhou Qing feigned hesitation, then finally sighed, "In that case, I will do my best to try."

The three were overjoyed upon hearing this and thanked him repeatedly.

Zhou Qing turned and called over his second uncle. The five of them immediately set off, rushing towards the chaotic spiritual energy array platform in the southeast corner...

Soon the group arrived at a remote mountain range on the edge of the Shen family's territory.

The mountains here are steep and shrouded in mist. An ancient array platform can be vaguely seen standing on the mountaintop, surrounded by five-colored spiritual light.

However, at this moment, those spiritual lights appeared extremely chaotic, sometimes surging and sometimes dimming.

Several array patterns had even broken, and the dissipated spiritual energy turned into tiny specks of light, disappearing into the world.

"This is it," said Shen Lieyang, the third head of the household, in a deep voice, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.

Zhou Qing looked up and saw that the surface of the array platform was covered with intricate runes, but cracks had already appeared in many places.

Several of the array patterns had completely collapsed, turning into specks of spiritual light and dissipating.

"The situation is more serious than I imagined," Zhou Qing said, frowning.

"Master, are you confident?" Shen Tianhong couldn't help but ask.

Zhou Qing did not answer immediately, but stepped forward slowly and reached out to gently touch the surface of the array platform.

"Om-"

The moment his fingertips touched the array patterns, the entire array platform suddenly trembled violently, and a violent surge of spiritual energy erupted!

"Watch out!" The third house master, Shen Lieyang, reacted quickly, grabbing Zhou Qing and pulling him back sharply.

"boom!"

A blinding blue light burst forth from the center of the array platform, shooting straight into the sky, and then transformed into countless tiny light blades that shot out in all directions!

"Retreat!" shouted Shen Tianhong, the head of the eldest branch of the family. The group quickly retreated, simultaneously unleashing their protective spiritual light to block the incoming light blades.

"Ding Ding Ding-"

The light blade struck the barrier with a crisp sound, but failed to penetrate the crowd even slightly.

"That was close!" The second-in-command, Shen Yunlan, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with lingering fear. "The extent to which the formation collapsed was more serious than we expected."

Zhou Qing did not respond immediately, but subtly winked at his second uncle.

The second uncle nodded almost imperceptibly, then moved forward curiously, as if preparing to observe and learn.
His seemingly casual stance actually blocked several vital points behind Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing's mind stirred, and a dazzling golden light suddenly emanated from between his brows.

next moment--

"Buzz!"

Thirty thousand spirit seals surged forth like a cascading galaxy, each one solid and imbued with profound runes.

These spiritual imprints intertwined in the void, forming a dazzling golden sea of ​​light that illuminated the entire array platform. The three family heads were seeing Zhou Qing's spiritual imprints for the first time, and their faces were filled with shock.

At this moment, these spiritual seals were not scattered haphazardly, but rather divided into hundreds of thin streams, seeping into the broken array patterns on the surface of the array platform little by little.

Not only that, his divine sense also penetrated deep into the formation along with the spiritual seal, and a shocking scene appeared before his eyes—

Inside the formation, the once orderly array patterns now resembled a spider web torn apart by violence, with violent spiritual energy constantly escaping from the broken points.

Deeper inside, the space near the core array eye has begun to distort, and could trigger a chain reaction of collapse at any moment.

"This is bad, but thankfully it didn't affect those important core runes."

In just a few breaths, he had already made a basic assessment of the formation's situation.

But for some reason, something just feels off, though I can't quite put my finger on it.

To be on the safe side, he mentally withdrew from the formation and immediately used [Daily Insight].

[Nine Heavens Suppressing Domain Array: A rare level five array. Unfortunately, it was deliberately destroyed last night by the eldest son of the family, Shen Tianhong.]

Fortunately, as a level four array master, his technique was precise. Although the damage appeared extensive, it was actually only superficial, with the core array patterns completely undamaged, making repairs relatively easy.

"what?!"

Zhou Qing's pupils suddenly contracted, and his heart trembled violently.

Did the landlord, Shen Tianhong, intentionally damage the property?

Moreover, this person was actually a level four array master, just like him.
this.
He suppressed his shock and looked at Shen Tianhong without showing any emotion.

The wealthy homeowner, looking quite worried, immediately asked Zhou Qing with concern, "Master, is it possible to repair it?"

His anxious demeanor was so convincing that no one could detect the slightest flaw in his expression.

“It’s a bit difficult, let me take another look.” Zhou Qing replied with feigned seriousness, turning around to continue “observing” the formation, but his mind was already in turmoil.

Before coming to the Shen family, he had done a thorough investigation.

There was never any information indicating that this head of the household was actually a formation master!

Just how many spiritual seals did he condense?

Why destroy the clan's protective formation?
Why should we entrust the repairs to him?
Even more frightening is whether the other two homeowners were aware of this.

How much of the "worry" written on their faces right now is genuine?

A fine layer of cold sweat seeped out from Zhou Qing's back.

What untold schemes lie hidden beneath these three seemingly honest faces?
No wonder Shen Hanyi, a powerful expert at the Spirit Slayer realm, always walked on thin ice within her clan.
It seems that the Shen family appears respectable on the surface, but there are probably undercurrents surging beneath.

But now is not the time to delve into these matters.

Having received numerous benefits from the Shen family, and even used them to break through to the mid-stage of the Spirit Slaying Realm, they should at least demonstrate some value.

With a thought, Zhou Qing sent 30,000 spirit seals surging into the formation.

Part of it was transformed into repairing power, attempting to stabilize the broken array patterns, while another part was used to construct a temporary passage, paving the way for subsequent spirit seals.

The rest headed straight for the core array eye.

Under Zhou Qing's control, these spirit seals moved with extreme caution, repeatedly probing for every inch of progress.

Sometimes, when encountering particularly vulnerable points, it takes thousands of spirit seals working together to barely stabilize the area, and it meticulously repairs every single damaged spot.

And so, as time passed, the originally fragmented array patterns began to gradually recover and become complete.

Guided by the spiritual seal, the turbulent flow of spiritual energy gradually returned to its normal trajectory.

The distorted space at the core of the array began to calm down and regain its stable light.

Gradually, the chaos within the formation completely subsided.

All the array patterns were reconnected, and the flow of spiritual energy was unimpeded.

Those critical nodes that were on the verge of collapse are now radiating a stable light, and the entire formation is once again displaying its powerful energy.

“It’s done.” Zhou Qing breathed a sigh of relief and slowly withdrew all the spiritual seals.

Upon seeing the surface of the array platform, the runes that had been dull and lifeless lit up again, with five-colored spiritual light flowing endlessly.

The group could even hear the great formation emitting a low hum, as if a sleeping giant beast was awakening.

The eldest son of the house, Shen Tianhong, was the first to react. He quickly stepped forward, his hands trembling slightly with excitement: "Master is truly a divine being!"

His voice was choked with emotion, "This protective formation has troubled my Shen family for many years, and today it is finally..."

Before he could finish speaking, he bowed deeply to the ground.

The second and third heads of the family, Shen Yunlan and Shen Lieyang, had tears in their eyes and followed their elder brother in bowing: "The Shen family will never forget the master's kindness!"

Seeing the state of the three, Zhou Qing quickly helped them up, saying, "You three are too kind. It was just a small favor."

"Just a small favor?" Shen Tianhong shook his head and smiled wryly. "Master is too modest."

"We have invited no fewer than ten masters who have condensed more than ten thousand spirit seals to help us build this clan protection formation, including even my own niece Shen Hanyi, but in the end, they all failed."

"Having witnessed the master's skills today, I now know what a true master of formations is!"

Shen Yunlan suddenly remembered something and quickly said, "Master, actually, three other array platforms in my Shen family have also shown signs of collapse, but none are as severe as this one. I wonder if Master could..."

“Yes, yes, yes!” Shen Lieyang said eagerly, “If the master can repair it as well, the entire Shen family will be eternally grateful.”

"In the future, if the master ever needs our assistance, the Shen family will be ready to go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Zhou Qing hesitated for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the eager faces of the three family heads.

“In that case,” Zhou Qing nodded slightly, “let’s resolve this together.”

"That's wonderful!" Shen Lieyang slapped his thigh excitedly. "Master is indeed straightforward!"

Shen Tianhong immediately stepped forward and respectfully gestured for him to follow: "Master, please follow me. The next array platform is located two thousand miles to the east at Luoxia Peak."

Afterwards, the group headed straight for the next repair site...

By the time the sun set, all four battle platforms had been restored to their original state.

The three heads of the Shen family were so excited that they repeatedly invited Zhou Qing to a banquet at the main peak.

Zhou Qing refused, citing that he had expended a great deal of energy that day and needed to meditate and recuperate.

Upon hearing this, the three men could not hide their disappointment, but they quickly put on smiles and repeatedly apologized for not having considered things carefully.

He then personally escorted Zhou Qing back to his residence, bowing repeatedly outside the palace gate before reluctantly departing.

Once their figures disappeared at the end of the corridor, Zhou Qing immediately closed the palace door, flicked his fingertips, and set up a triple soundproof barrier.

Then he looked at the second uncle who had followed him in and gave a detailed account of the unusual situations he had encountered at the four array platforms that day.

"Deliberate sabotage? Are they out of their minds?!" Uncle Er couldn't help but curse.

Zhou Qing frowned and asked, "Sir, what do you think their purpose is in doing this?"

The second uncle frowned, pacing back and forth with his hands behind his back, deep in thought.

"Based on my many years of experience in so many sects," the second uncle suddenly stopped, his eyes gleaming, "I reckon they're trying to win you over more effectively."

"Trying to win me over?" Zhou Qing asked, puzzled.

Second Uncle nodded: "That's right. Didn't you say that with your 30,000 spirit seals, you inadvertently sensed that the head of the household was a level four array master?"

Zhou Qing nodded: "That's right, but we don't know exactly how many spirit seals he condensed."

After all, condensing 10,000 spirit seals to 49,999 spirit seals is within the scope of a level four array master, and the difference is like heaven and earth.

The second uncle stroked his chin and said, "Since they intend to sabotage, but not fundamentally, it means they don't want to make a big deal out of this."

"On the one hand, I was afraid that I couldn't fix it, and on the other hand, I didn't want to harm my own interests, or even be noticed by the old man of the Shen family who was in seclusion and broke through to the Great Perfection of the Supreme Realm."

"But there wasn't anything hidden in it," the second uncle sneered. "It seems that it was indeed to let you repair it, possibly to test your skills, but it was probably more about winning you over."

Then, the second uncle continued to speculate: "The Shen family is currently ranked fifth among the eight great families. To be honest, they probably lack confidence in themselves and are afraid that you will run away."

"So how do you think we can make a highly promising array master feel a sense of belonging to this family and not run away halfway through?"

Zhou Qing remained silent, seemingly having guessed something.

The second uncle said meaningfully, "So-called loyalty is only because the price of betrayal hasn't been reached yet."

As he spoke, he casually grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds from the table and began to slowly crack them open.

"Don't be fooled by the fact that you accepted their things. If a better opportunity comes your way, you can simply return them to them."

"But what if you sacrifice something for this family?" Uncle Er's voice suddenly became deep.

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked down at the lights of the Shen family's house.

"When you dedicate your heart and soul to a family, repair the family's protective formation, and solve an urgent crisis, this 'dedication' will become an invisible bond."

"Just like someone who plants a tree, they will always unconsciously pay attention to its growth." As he spoke, the second uncle quietly turned around and looked at Zhou Qing.

"Even if that tree wasn't his at all."

"The human heart is truly wondrous." The second uncle sat down again and picked up another handful of melon seeds. "People often value their own contributions more than the gifts they receive."

He suddenly grinned and said, "The Shen family wants you to 'invest' in them. The more you invest, the harder it will be to extricate yourself."

After hearing his second uncle's analysis, Zhou Qing felt a chill run down his spine.

The Shen family's manipulation of people's hearts is simply chilling.

Zhou Qing slowly exhaled a breath of pent-up anger, then sat down on the sandalwood chair.

Various scenes from this period of time flashed through my mind:
Behind the seemingly sincere look in the eyes of the eldest son-in-law, Shen Tianhong, lies his true identity as a level four array master.

Beneath the respectful demeanor of the second-hand homeowner, Shen Yunlan, lay a hidden agenda.

How many secrets are hidden behind the hearty smile of Shen Lieyang, the third-generation homeowner?

Furthermore, the First Madam, Lin Jingtang, appears kind and gentle, yet she can easily mobilize all the Nascent Soul Realm and Spirit Severing Realm cultivators in the entire Shen family for her use.

The second wife, Su Yurou, was alluring and charming, and could make people lower their guard with her laughter and conversation.

The Third Madam, Liu Rushuang, may appear cold and aloof, but she is actually incredibly meticulous.

Among these people, who is real and who is fake?
What kind of sharp edge is hidden behind every smiling face?
For some reason, he suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for Shen Hanyi.

I really don't know how she managed to get to where she is today under such circumstances.

(End of this chapter)