The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 440 Swallow, whose child did you have? (6k)

Unexpectedly, two hours later, a deafening roar suddenly came from the sky.

Zhou Qing suddenly looked up and saw two figures instantly tearing through the sky and rushing to this place—one of them was none other than Weng Yunqi!
His opponent was a middle-aged venerable one dressed in a black feather robe.

This man had a sinister face, deep-set eyes, and a crimson vertical line between his eyebrows that looked like a third eye.

Each move he made stirred up a sky full of black feathers. These feathers seemed light as a feather, but in fact they weighed more than ten thousand pounds, pressing cracks into the void.

"Madman! What happened back then wasn't done by me alone, so why are you singled out and relentlessly pursuing me!" the middle-aged Supreme Lord shouted sternly, his voice sharp as the cry of an owl.

As he flicked his sleeves, countless black feathers transformed into chains and wrapped around him.

Weng Yunqi's white hair danced wildly, and the ancient bronze sword in his hand shone with a clear light: "Don't worry, I won't let any of you old ghosts go."

Where his sword flashed, blue lotuses bloomed in the void.

Mysterious runes of law flowed along the edges of the lotus petals. "I will use the remaining lifespan of my old age to send you all on your way!"

Because they were in different spatial dimensions, Zhou Qing looked up without any hesitation.

He suddenly remembered meeting Old Man Weng on the edge of the desolate area last time. He originally wanted him to help him level up, fight monsters, and find the Three-Flower Dried Corpse, but he was politely refused.

Old Weng said that there were enemies lurking in the wilderness, and following him would be more dangerous.

Now it seems that it was indeed true.

Moreover, Mr. Weng made it clear that he was not interested in the three flowers, only in the parasitic tree stump.

The addition of the inscribed divine power "Great Luo Demon Sealing Seal" that Second Uncle obtained from that wooden stake further confirmed his previous guess.

Old Man Weng not only knew the fallen Three Flowers Gathering at the Top, but also knew that he possessed the supernatural power of inscriptions, which is why he came specifically to find him.

But now, he had used the first seal of the Great Luo Demon Sealing Seal, "Demon Suppression," in the Shen family!
If Elder Weng were aware of this, he would surely know that he has already acquired this supernatural power.

I wonder what choice this "half-master" who once guided me to comprehend the realm of intent and break through to the Divine Transformation stage will make after learning that I possess inscription-level divine abilities.

Will they acquiesce out of consideration for past relationships, or will they, like those greedy cultivators, turn their backs on each other ruthlessly for the sake of opportunity?

Just as he was pondering this, a sudden change occurred!
A mine shaft not far away suddenly exploded, and a dark figure slowly crawled out.

It wasn't a monster at all, but a strange being with a humanoid silhouette.

Its entire body is covered with wriggling black mucus, and its head has only a gaping opening filled with sharp teeth.

The joints of the limbs twist in the opposite direction, leaving behind a corrosive black slime on the ground with each step.

What's most terrifying is the aura it exudes; it's not a fluctuation of spiritual energy, but a pure, chilling sense of foreboding.

It was as if malice from the abyss had materialized.

The monster opened its blood-red maw and let out a roar unlike anything in the human world, accompanied by the oppressive aura of a Supreme Realm expert.

"Damn it! It's 'Evil'!" The Yinzhi Supreme's expression changed drastically. He dared not linger and immediately transformed into a streak of black light and fled into the distance.

Weng Yunqi gritted his teeth, glanced at the fleeing enemy, then looked at the terrifying evil spirit, and finally could only snort coldly in resentment before chasing after it with a flash of sword light.

Zhou Qing felt a chill run down his spine as he watched this scene.

Fortunately, it hasn't been awakened yet in my dimension.

At that moment, seeing its prey escape, the evil creature seemed to go mad, rolling and howling on the spot.

The black mucous membranes all over its body writhed violently, splitting into dozens of small individuals from within.

Each one displayed a different deformed posture, yet all exuded the same ominous aura, and then they quickly gave chase...

And so, not long after, those small individuals returned empty-handed, transforming back into a clump of black mucus and returning to the mine.

Zhou Qing breathed a sigh of relief and only continued exploring after confirming that it was completely safe.

He was extremely careful the whole way, afraid of disturbing anything.

After all, the danger of the desolate confinement far exceeded his imagination.

After repeatedly scouting back and forth, they finally confirmed that there were no other threats along this route.

"If that's the case, let's get moving!" Zhou Qing completely exited the simulation, his eyes gleaming.

Then they left the secret cave at top speed and headed straight for the black snow mountain...

……

"Roar--"

With a deafening roar, the massive body of the silver-scaled behemoth crashed to the ground.

Zhou Qing quickly put away the Mirror of Infernal Flames in its complete form, his palms feeling faintly hot.

If this thing is exposed, he will be doomed!
It should be noted that Su Minghe and that divine beast have been chasing each other for so long simply to seize a fragment of an ultimate weapon.

Several supreme beings perished because of this, their blood staining the heavens.

Now that Uncle Er has revealed his complete ultimate weapon, it's unknown whether he's alright.

Fortunately, this remote and desolate place is rarely visited by people.

Zhou Qing didn't dare to delay. He looked around warily and, after confirming that no one was around, immediately slipped into the mine.

The cave was bitterly cold, and glistening ice crystals had formed on the rock walls.

He skillfully collected all the "Nine Netherworld Ice Grass" and "Ice Iron Ore".

Each and every one of these spiritual materials is a treasure worth its weight in gold, valued at top-grade spiritual stones.

He then headed straight to the center of the ice cave, his gaze fixed on the fist-sized "Mysterious Netherworld Cold Crystal".

With a flick of his finger, he put it into his storage bag, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips.

After doing all this, he raised his hand to gently adjust his mask, then turned around and quickly retreated along the same path.

However, as soon as he stepped out of the mine, his whole body suddenly tensed up.

On the snow slope below, a gaunt figure wearing a tattered robe was seen trudging along.

The eighteen Buddhist relics around the man's neck emitted a faint golden light; his withered flesh clung tightly to his bones, and his empty eyes were devoid of light.

His lips parted and his words broke into fragments, yet he stubbornly murmured, "Buddhist prayer beads... must not leave the temple... must not..."

Zhou Qing's pupils contracted slightly: "Master Kudi?"

During the last simulation with Han Yi, he witnessed four Venerables of the Great Perfection of the Spirit Slaying Realm from Jiyuan Temple join forces to suppress this mummified corpse, yet it still managed to escape.

Later, as the simulation went deeper, they saw Jueming and the others being attacked by a forbidden creature, while Kudi had disappeared without a trace.

It now appears that Jiyuan Temple ultimately failed to capture him.

Whether he suffers from demonic possession or falls into evil, none of this matters to Zhou Qing.

However, the [Demon-Subduing Golden Bone] was ultimately obtained from this walking corpse through the [Corpse-Touching Scroll], which helped him overcome countless crises.

Zhou Qing remained silent for a moment, then bowed deeply to that figure until it completely disappeared into the shadow of the snow-capped mountain.

Immediately, he moved and left quickly.

……

Unexpectedly, just when they were about to escape the desolate confinement in half a day, a sharp sound of air being torn apart suddenly ripped through the sky!
"laugh--"

A spear wreathed in purple lightning pierced through the clouds, its tip flashing with an eerie, ghostly blue light, aimed directly at Zhou Qing's vitals in the back!

A sense of foreboding washed over Zhou Qing. He spun around abruptly in mid-air, his spear grazing past his mask. A small hill dozens of feet away exploded into dust.

"Hmm? Not bad for the reaction." A lazy voice drifted down from above.

Above the clouds, a young man in a black brocade robe stood on the air.

His face was handsome yet sinister, his narrow eyes flashed with cold light, and his thin lips curled into a playful smile.

Purple lightning swirled around him, and every gesture he made exuded the arrogance of a noble family.

“Fellow Daoist—” Yan Xiang looked down at Zhou Qing, who was wearing a mask, his fingertips crackling with lightning, exuding a dangerous aura.

"Leaving the desolate area in such a hurry, could it be that you've obtained some illicit treasure? Why don't you let me broaden my horizons?"

Before the words were even finished, the surrounding air trembled slightly, and the oppressive aura of a late-stage Spirit Severing Realm cultivator pressed down without any concealment.

Zhou Qing's eyes narrowed slightly beneath the mask.

Aside from his second uncle, this was the first time he had encountered a fellow cultivator in the Spirit Severing Realm who practiced thunder magic.

However, the opponent's domineering sneak attack had already ignited his killing intent.

Yan Xiang made a single gesture, and the purple spear instantly returned to his palm, crackling with electric arcs.

"Mid-stage Spirit Severing Realm...that's quite interesting," he chuckled.

"However, this place is a forbidden area. If we fight, it will be difficult to determine a winner in a short time. On the contrary, it may attract others to take advantage of the situation, or even... disturb some forbidden creatures."

Yan Xiang's eyes were playful as he continued, "But I'm just curious—after all, people like you often manage to get your hands on some unexpected good things."

"So?" Zhou Qing's voice suddenly turned cold, his eyes sharp as blades.

“Simple.” Yan Xiang’s lips curled slightly as he spread his palms. “Give me half of what’s in the storage bag, and we can both save some effort.”

Before he finished speaking, Zhou Qing's spiritual power suddenly erupted!
He had seen countless plunderers, but this was the first time he had encountered someone who could make such a grand and respectable way of talking about plundering.

This person wants to reap the benefits of a treasure that others risked their lives to bring out from a forbidden zone?
Seeing Zhou Qing's reaction, Yan Xiang's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he already understood the man's choice.

A mocking sneer curled at the corner of his lips. With a casual flip of his right hand, palm facing up, a ghostly talisman soaked in blood appeared out of thin air.

The rune was entirely blood-red, its surface covered with dense, eerie patterns, and wisps of blood mist occasionally seeped from it.

“Oh dear,” Yan Xiang toyed with the blood-red rune, his expression amused. “Looks like bloodshed is inevitable today? Fine, this rune can unleash an attack at the peak of the Spirit Severing Realm anyway, so I’ll test its edge on you.”

"Are you Yan Wan or Yan Xiang?" Zhou Qing suddenly asked.

Yan Xiang's pupils contracted slightly, and the blood-red light of the rune in his hand paused: "Oh? You actually recognize me?"

Zhou Qing's gaze beneath the mask was like a knife: "The Blood Soul Slaying Talisman, a secret transmission from the five ancestors of the Yan family, is held by the four great prodigies of Sen, Luo, Wan, and Xiang."

"Hahaha!" Yan Xiang laughed loudly, lightning snakes dancing wildly around his body. "Now that you know my name, why don't you kneel down and offer your treasure?!"

After confirming the person's identity, Zhou Qing's eyes flickered, and a bold idea immediately came to mind.

He suddenly chuckled softly, "So it's Young Master Xiang in person. I've heard so much about you. However..."

He paused deliberately, his sharp gaze sweeping over the blood talisman in Yan Xiang's hand: "If I am not mistaken, you actually have no intention of using this Blood Soul Slaying Talisman."

"After all, this item is extremely precious, a life-saving measure for you, and its usage is limited. Using it on someone like me, a mere mid-stage Spirit Severing Realm cultivator, would be like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

Zhou Qing sneered and continued, "You're just trying to get something for nothing. I'm sure many people have already fallen for your tricks, haven't they?"

Yan Xiang was taken aback at first, then burst into unrestrained laughter, his laughter tinged with amusement and danger. "Interesting!" Yan Xiang's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he stared intently at Zhou Qing. "You seem to have a clear understanding of me. Since you're a sensible person, you should know how to choose."

His aura suddenly surged, "Even without using the blood talisman, with the resources of my Yan family, dealing with you is more than enough. If you know what's good for you, you'd better behave."

"Know what's good for you?" Zhou Qing suddenly interrupted, his voice filled with a chilling coldness. "Unfortunately, the thing I understand least is the concept of knowing what's good for me."

His spiritual energy began to surge. "If I hadn't been injured in the forbidden area, I would have killed you. No, to be precise, I wouldn't have let a single member of your Yan family go!"

Yan Xiang's pupils suddenly contracted, and a murderous intent surged in his eyes.

He never expected that the person in front of him would still dare to be so arrogant even though he knew his identity.

They haven't even robbed us yet, and they dare to talk about wiping out my entire Yan family?

Such a reckless person will surely become a great threat if left alive!

It is said that it is better to offend a gentleman than a petty person.

Sometimes, these petty people are like venomous snakes lurking in the shadows, ready to strike you unexpectedly, or even deliver a fatal blow.

Therefore, there is no need to keep such a person around.

"I, Yan, do not slay nameless ghosts with my sword!" Yan Xiang roared, his spear crackling with purple lightning, the violent light electrifying the surrounding air. "State your name!"

Zhou Qing slowly removed his bronze mask, revealing a sharply defined face with a mocking sneer on his lips: "I am your father!"

Yan Xiang's pupils contracted sharply. The face seemed familiar, but he couldn't remember where he had seen it before.

-

A sudden phoenix cry resounded through the sky, and a giant phoenix phantom, its body entirely blood red, suddenly appeared behind Zhou Qing.

Crimson runes swirled in the void, their terrifying pressure causing the surrounding air to freeze.

Zhou Qing feigned a sudden groan, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, his finger trembling as he pointed at Yan Xiang: "Destroy!"

The Blood Phoenix flapped its wings and, carrying countless inscriptions, rushed straight towards Yan Xiang.

"Zhou Qing!" Yan Xiang's pupils shrank sharply, his face first showing astonishment, then revealing a look of wild joy. "No wonder you were so arrogant, it was you! Zhou Qing, the one with dual inscription abilities!"

Before the words were even finished, the Blood Phoenix was already upon them.

Yan Xiang dared not be careless. In haste, he activated all his spiritual power, and the purple lightning in his spear surged, transforming into a bolt of lightning to meet the attack.

The two forces collided with a deafening roar, causing ancient trees to snap and the ground to crack.

"Cough!" Yan Xiang groaned, staggering back several steps before regaining his balance.

Looking up, one could see that Zhou Qing's figure had already turned into a blur, flying towards the depths of the desolate forbidden area.

"Hahaha! Hahaha!" Yan Xiang suddenly burst into laughter, so excited that even the hand holding the spear was trembling slightly.

A greedy glint flashed in his eyes, "The person we've been searching for all over Nanhuang Prefecture is actually hiding in the desolate forbidden area!"

Looking at Zhou Qing's slightly unsteady back, Yan Xiang's joy deepened: "Injured? Good! Very good!"

"Today is the day I, Yan Xiang, am fortunate to have this opportunity!" Before he finished speaking, he had already transformed into a bolt of purple lightning and was chasing after Zhou Qing in the direction he had fled.

Soon after, a figure quietly appeared, watching Yan Xiang's departing figure, and a contemptuous sneer came from under the mask.

"The four prodigies of the Yan family? Nothing special." Zhou Qing said coldly.

The play was performed quite perfectly—as long as Yan Xiang spread the news of his imprisonment in the wilderness, it would surely attract attention from all sides.

After all, there was nowhere left for him in the entire Southern Phoenix Prefecture, and the Desolate Forbidden Zone was indeed a good place to hide.

But who would have thought that he would do the opposite?

“The best hiding place,” Zhou Qing murmured, his gaze drifting into the distance, “is often the most dangerous place right under your nose.”

……

One month later, in Yunque City.

Zhou Qing took a special shower and changed into clean clothes.

After confirming that there was no longer any trace of blood or odor on his body, he headed towards the inn where the swift was, filled with anticipation.

Inside the private room of the highest tier, Yu Yan was gently rocking a beautifully sculpted baby.

Sunlight streamed through the window and fell on her gentle profile, casting a soft, maternal glow.

She would occasionally bend down and gently kiss the baby's forehead, her eyes filled with tenderness.

"Eeya~" The sleeping baby suddenly waved her little hands, and Yuyan quickly soothed her gently, "Yaoyao, be good, Yaoyao, be good."

Then, she tiptoed to the window and pushed the window frame open a crack.

The warm sunlight slanted in, falling perfectly on the baby's delicate face.

The fine downy hairs shimmered with gold in the light, making them appear exceptionally soft.

As the twilight deepened outside the window, the smile on Yu Yan's face was gradually replaced by worry.

It's been almost three months since Zhou Qing left. I wonder how he is doing now?

"Boom boom boom——"

The sudden knocking made her tremble.

The baby in her arms wrinkled its little face, and Yu Yan quickly patted it to comfort it before walking briskly to open the door.

"Swift!" Zhao Muyi rushed in, his forehead still covered in sweat. "Something terrible has happened! Brother Zhou has appeared in the Desolate Forbidden Zone, and now all sorts of forces are rushing there!"

Swift's face turned deathly pale instantly: "Who said that?"

"Yan Xiang of the Yan family!" Zhao Muye wrung his hands anxiously, his voice unconsciously softening, but his eyes were full of worry. "He lost track of Brother Zhou after their fight."

"I intended to inform the Yan family secretly, but as you know, everyone's spies are watching each other's every move. As soon as Yan Xiang sent out the news, many people knew about it in less than half a day!"

Upon hearing this, Swift's face turned even paler, and the baby in her arms seemed to sense her unease, its little mouth twitching as if it was about to cry.

She quickly and gently shook him, her delicate brows furrowed with worry and heartache.

"Eee—" The baby gradually calmed down under her gentle caresses, his little hand unconsciously grasping a strand of her hair.

Zhao Muye looked at the scene with complicated emotions and said in a low voice, "I don't know how long you want to stay here, and I don't care who this child is with. But now I have to go to the Desolate Forbidden Zone. Maybe I can help Brother Zhou."

Swift's ears instantly flushed red, and she glared at Zhao Muye with embarrassment and annoyance: "I've already said this isn't my child, don't talk nonsense."

"I'm talking nonsense?" Zhao Muye crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Three months ago, you suddenly brought this baby home and took care of him every day, even getting up at night to check on him. Do you think your cousin is blind?"

He waved his hand, his tone suddenly softening: "Alright, alright, I'm not as old-fashioned as your aunt and uncle. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters, but..."

He sighed softly, "Don't wrong yourself."

Swift opened her mouth to explain, but saw Zhao Muye with an expression that said, "I understand."

In the end, he could only sigh helplessly and swallow the words that were about to come out.

Just then, a steady footstep sound came from behind.

As Bai Xiang's imposing figure appeared at the door, Zhao Muye's eyes lit up, and he grabbed Bai Xiang's arm: "Old Bai! You've come at the right time! Come with me to the Desolate Forbidden Zone!"

The white elephant winked at the swift first, a slight smile playing on its lips.

The swift immediately understood, and a look of surprise flashed in its eyes.

Then, Bai Xiang said to Zhao Muye with a troubled expression, "I haven't been feeling well lately, so I won't go. It's best if you don't go either."

"Unwell?" Zhao Muyi's eyes widened, and he punched Bai Xiang in the chest. "Your body is harder than black iron, what's wrong?"

The white elephant groaned as it was hit by the punch and looked to the swift for help.

Yu Yan understood and said softly, "Brother Zhou knows what he's doing. If you go rashly, you'll only cause trouble. The Yan family is just looking for an opportunity to deal with you. Isn't this like walking into their trap?"

"What a joke!" Zhao Muyi flicked his sleeve. "Who have I, Zhao Muyi, ever feared? I'll take on anyone who comes my way!"

Swift raised an eyebrow: "Don't forget about the matter with Yama. The Yama family still suspects you to this day."

"I'm a man of my word, and I've already sworn an oath to Heaven in front of them. Yama's death has nothing to do with me..."

"Shut up!" Yu Yan's eyebrows shot up, and the baby in her arms squirmed restlessly. "If you wake Yao Yao, you'll regret it!"

Zhao Muyi immediately fell silent, hurriedly covering his mouth.

White Elephant stepped forward at the right moment and grabbed his arm: "Come, come, come with me to have a cup of tea to calm down. Tea can soothe the mind and help you understand many things."

Zhao Muyi stumbled as he was pulled, but still turned back, unwilling to give up: "But it's Huang Jin."

"Shh—" White Elephant raised his index finger to his lips and gestured toward the swallow's arms.

Little Yao Yao was smacking her lips, about to be woken up.

As the sound of their footsteps faded into the distance, Yu Yan's tense shoulders finally relaxed.

She lowered her head and gently swayed her arm, whispering, "Little Yao Yao, your Uncle White Elephant has a very keen nose. Your father will be back soon."

Then, a smile appeared on her face, and she murmured to herself, "It's alright. It's alright..."

……

About an hour later, there was another knock on the door.

Swift rushed to the door, taking three steps at a time. Her fingertips just touched the door when she suddenly paused, took a deep breath, and slowly opened it.

Outside the door, a figure wearing a bronze mask stood silently, his long gray hair particularly striking.

"Brother Zhou." Her voice trembled, and her fingertips unconsciously tightened around the hem of her clothes.

Zhou Qing nodded slightly, her voice hoarse: "Where's the child?"

"She just finished feeding and is sleeping soundly." Yu Yan stepped aside and cautiously peeked out as Zhou Qing entered the room.

After confirming that no one was around, he gently closed the door.

Not far away, at the corner of the corridor, Zhao Muyi crouched down behind a window lattice and quietly opened a crack.

He squinted, clicking his tongue: "Everyone says I'm brainless, but I'm actually quite smart. Is this the Daoist partner my cousin chose?"

His gaze swept over the man's gray hair, and he couldn't help but purse his lips. "He looks quite old..."

After a brief hesitation, he ultimately did not dare to make a sound or cause any disturbance.

After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder. What if he sees something he shouldn't? How will he face his cousin afterward?

"I'll follow them after they leave. They should at least call me cousin!" Zhao Muye said with a mischievous smile.

(End of this chapter)