The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 442 I have been entrusted by someone to lead you away (6k)

Taiqing Sect seems to have enjoyed boundless glory in recent years!

Especially after annexing the Azure Flame Dao Palace, the sect now boasts over thirty Nascent Soul cultivators at the Great Perfection stage, along with four Spirit Severing Realm experts, firmly establishing itself as the overlord of the Eastern Region.

However, the sect had already shown signs of decline a century ago.

First, the four Supreme Elders of the Qingyu Immortal Sect, Yun Jing, Ji Xuan, Gu Po, and Lei Zhen, passed away one after another after their lifespans expired.

Subsequently, the powerful figures from the Cangyan Dao Palace who had come to join them, as well as the original Supreme Elders of the Taiqing Sect, all perished.

Seven years ago, the last Supreme Elder, Duanmu Shu, refused to sit idly by and wait for death. She forcibly attempted to break through to the Spirit Severing Realm, but ultimately failed and died.

Thus, the glorious era of the Taiqing Sect came to a complete end.

These people can only hold on for another forty or fifty years at most.

After all, the lifespan of a Nascent Soul cultivator is only two thousand years—to be precise, the lifespan of a Nascent Soul cultivator is only one thousand years, and it can only be extended for another thousand years after breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage.

In these limited years, those who can cultivate from the initial stage to the Great Perfection are extremely rare.

They really did their best.

Fortunately, a new generation of geniuses has emerged in the sect, with Zhou Qing and Lu Yaoyao appearing out of nowhere.

Zhou Qing, in particular, entered the Spirit Severing Realm before he was even fifty years old.

He became the youngest Spirit Slayer in the history of the Holy Martial Dynasty, and also cultivated the fourth level of array formation, making him a peerless genius that the Taiqing Sect could only dream of once in ten thousand years.

But now... Yao Yao's soul lamp has been extinguished, and Zhou Qing has disappeared without a trace.

I don't know how things are now.

As he was deep in thought, a knock came from outside the hall.

"Come in," Cao Zhengyang said in a deep voice, regaining his composure.

Immediately following, Mo Xingjian, the peak master of Xiaoling Peak, and Gao Xuan, the peak master of Jinyang Peak, arrived together.

Both men had graying temples and solemn expressions.

"How's the investigation going?" Cao Zhengyang asked, looking up.

Mo Xingjian and Gao Xuan naturally knew about Lu Yaoyao's situation.

Despite their deep concerns, they never stepped outside the Holy Martial Dynasty throughout their lives.

The fifth-level cultivation kingdom is hundreds of millions of miles away, and even if it is occasionally mentioned in the book, it is ultimately too ethereal.

Worrying won't help.

Now, all we can do is secretly pray that Zhou Qing is safe and sound.

In response to his senior brother's question, Mo Xingjian raised his hand and waved it, instantly enveloping the hall with a soundproof barrier.

He whispered, "The situation is not good. In previous years, the Xuanyuan family could only secretly bribe disciples to steal sect secrets, but now they have become increasingly unscrupulous."

Cao Zhengyang frowned: "What exactly are they looking for?"

Gao Xuan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "As far as I know, more than 170 years ago, Zhou Qing used a secret technique in the capital to raise his cultivation to the Great Perfection of the Spirit Slaying Realm in a short period of time."

"And together with that silver-haired woman from a fifth-level cultivation country, they killed an assassin of the same level."

He paused for a moment, then said, "The old emperor Xuanyuan Chong witnessed this scene with his own eyes, and Zhou Qing also admitted that this technique requires the price of lifespan."

"At that time, Zhou Qing was already a level four array master, and the sect also had three Spirit Severing Realm experts in charge. In addition, with Zhao Muye's enticements and the silver-haired woman's intimidation, the Xuanyuan family did not dare to act rashly."

“But now…” Gao Xuan’s gaze darkened, “Zhou Qing has been missing for a long time, and the Xuanyuan family has finally lost patience and concluded that the secret technique is still hidden in the Taiqing Sect.”

"If they succeed, they will be able to train a large number of assassins at the Great Perfection of the Spirit Severing Realm."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengyang sighed deeply: "Forcibly elevating someone from the Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul stage to the Great Perfection of the Spirit Severing stage? This is simply defying the heavens!"

"Yes, but the fourth brother actually did it!" Mo Xingjian slammed his hand on the table and said, "My eldest brother, Ghost Hound, and my second daughter, Luo Lingling, even witnessed it with their own eyes. Isn't that strange?"

“That kid is a prodigy,” Cao Zhengyang said with a wry smile. “If he truly possesses such a secret technique, it must have been bestowed upon him by Second Uncle or by that silver-haired woman. But the problem is—”

“The Xuanyuan family doesn’t believe it at all!” Gao Xuan couldn’t help but interject. “They are convinced that Zhou Qing would leave this technique to us before leaving the sect, in case of unforeseen circumstances.”

Cao Zhengyang shook his head and remained silent for a long while before saying, "Never mind, let them search."

He suddenly became serious, "I have called you here today to discuss some important matters."

The two of them looked stern.

"The elders have all passed away, and we old bones won't last more than a few years."

Cao Zhengyang let out a long sigh, "Of the younger generation in our sect, only seven have reached the Nascent Soul Realm, and then there's Zhou Qing again..."

Before they could finish speaking, the three of them looked at each other with a somber expression.

After a moment of silence, Cao Zhengyang continued, "Over the years, our Taiqing Sect has long been integrated with the Qingyu Immortal Sect, Jinlei Sect, Tianji Sect, and Cangyan Dao Palace, and our mines, shops, and other industries are enormous."

"If we pass away, and the younger generation is unable to protect us, we may be targeted by those with ulterior motives."

Mo Xingjian and Gao Xuan remained silent after hearing this.

A while ago, the thirteen peak masters gathered to discuss the successor.

Zhou Qing was originally the best candidate, but alas, a dragon is not meant to be confined to a pond.

Now, the only two people left to choose from are Li Daoxuan of Shenyue Peak and Gui'ao of Xiaoling Peak.

Ultimately, everyone elected Li Daoxuan as the next sect leader, and the reasons for this are self-evident.

After all, the essence of the Ghost Mastiff is fearless charging into battle. What if one day... right?
Wouldn't the Taiqing Sect suddenly be leaderless and in complete chaos?

But if his Dao heart is to be restrained, how can he perfect his artistic conception? This is no different from killing someone.
Cao Zhengyang continued, his voice low: "You all know about Master's situation. When Nangong Xiong Ba attacked back then, Master stepped forward with great force and directly suppressed him, leaving only a wisp of his soul that was rescued."

"But before returning to the coffin in the forbidden area, my master had already sent a telepathic message stating that this would be the last time he would help us, and after that, the fate of the sect would depend on us."

The candlelight flickered in the hall, and Cao Zhengyang said with a solemn expression: "Therefore, now the only people the entire Taiqing Sect can rely on are those two seniors from the Lu family."

Upon hearing this, Mo Xingjian replied without hesitation, "Senior Brother, please make your decision. We will fully support you!"

Gao Xuan immediately replied, "Absolutely no doubt about it!"

Cao Zhengyang took a deep breath, his eyes blazing: "I intend to reopen the forbidden area and allow the two senior members of the Lu family to enter and seek opportunities."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell into an eerie silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The two were initially shocked, then pondered, and finally showed signs of understanding.

Since its founding, the Taiqing Sect has always kept the forbidden area of ​​its grotto heavens open to only the successive sect leaders and peak masters, making it the sect's top secret.

Upon hearing that the Lu sisters were coming, the Supreme Elders, including Duanmu Shu, joined forces to seal the forbidden area to prevent the sisters from noticing and harboring malicious intentions.

However, over the years, Lu Yuanzhi and Lu Yuanjiu have devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the Taiqing Sect, treating it as their own children.

Moreover, the reason they came here in the first place was entirely because of Zhou Qing and Lu Yaoyao.

Now that Yao Yao has passed away, Lu Yuanzhi, her former mentor, is devastated.

Zhou Qing has been missing for many years, and his return is uncertain.

What is the point of having the two powerful beings who have reached the Spirit Slayer realm stay behind?
However, the Taiqing Sect was beset by internal and external troubles, and it really couldn't do without them.

Opening up the restricted area would not only allow them to improve their cultivation, but also let them feel the sincerity and bond of the sect.
This is indeed a good idea.

A glint flashed in Mo Xingjian's eyes, and he said without hesitation, "Agreed!"

Gao Xuan stroked his beard and chuckled: "Senior Brother's plan is truly ingenious."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengyang's brow furrowed slightly, but his expression suddenly changed: "By the way, I made another discovery yesterday."

He paused deliberately, then lowered his voice and said, "This is something you probably couldn't guess even if you racked your brains."

"Oh?" The two of them immediately perked up and leaned forward in unison.

Cao Zhengyang's gaze dimmed slightly: "Because Yao Yao's soul lamp went out, I went to her former residence yesterday. Who would have thought..."

His voice suddenly rose: "We found a hole that had collapsed due to rainwater erosion under the earthen slope behind her outhouse."

"Then I followed the hole deeper and discovered that it was the secret passage that my second uncle had used to sneak into the restricted area all those years ago!"

“The cave walls are not only inscribed with his message to us, but also with detailed incantations for manipulating the five-colored altar to pass through.”

Upon hearing this, Mo Xingjian and Gao Xuan were taken aback at first, then looked at each other and smiled.

In a daze, the three of them seemed to see again that very popular figure who always put his arm around their shoulders and joked around.

That Second Uncle who always managed to make his serious days of spiritual practice vibrant and fulfilling.

But now, their opponent is a powerful being who has lived for six thousand years and has slain the Spirit, while they are already old and frail.

Mo Xingjian stood up, looked at the withered leaves falling outside the hall, and sighed softly, "Truly, life is ever-changing."

……

Three days later, led by Cao Zhengyang and his two companions, the Lu sisters, filled with suspicion, ventured deep underground through the secret passage.

When the five-colored altar came into view, their pupils suddenly contracted.

It should be understood that such a high-level formation should never appear in a newly established fourth-level cultivation country.

If Zhou Qing hadn't broken through to the fourth level of array master back then, the Holy Martial Dynasty would now only have three third-level array masters at its peak.

Unfortunately, Lin Daochen passed away thirty-six years ago in the desolate Baiyu Taixu Temple. Lu Yuanzhi even made a special trip back to bury him.

Earlier, Su Lishan and Wu Tiangang, two level-three array masters, also perished in the Vast Expanse of the Primordial Secret Realm, causing a break in the lineage of array masters in the Holy Martial Dynasty.

How can the nine remaining level-two array masters possibly support such a force?

Therefore, how could they not be shocked when a small sect in a remote corner of the world actually possessed a five-colored restriction?

"Senior, the way to get in is here!" Cao Zhengyang pointed to the wall not far away.

The two sisters looked in the direction of the sound and sure enough saw densely packed control incantations engraved on it.

No, such an important method is just openly engraved on the wall like this?
Are you all so carefree?
"Should we initiate it?" Lu Yuanzhi couldn't help but confirm.

Cao Zhengyang nodded solemnly: "Yes, this way, the two seniors can come here more often in the future."

"What exactly is inside?" Lu Yuanzhi couldn't help but ask curiously.

Cao Zhengyang, Mo Xingjian, and Gao Xuan exchanged a knowing smile, their expressions enigmatic: "You two seniors will find out once you go inside."

Seeing their mysterious demeanor, the two sisters became even more curious.

They carefully memorized the incantation and embedded eight high-grade spirit stones into the altar's groove.

As the incantation was activated, the five-colored altar suddenly burst forth with dazzling light, and ripples spread across the space like water.

The Lu sisters, who were the first to step into the restricted area, felt the scene before them suddenly change.

After passing through a narrow passageway, the five of them found themselves directly at the edge of the gravity zone.

"This is..." Lu Yuanzhi looked around in surprise and doubt.

It was also the first time that Cao Zhengyang and the others had followed the secret passage that their second uncle had used to sneak away years ago, and everything along the way was new and exciting.

Cao Zhengyang quickly came to his senses and explained, "Seniors, although this is a shortcut, there is something I must remind you of."

He pointed to a huge passage not far away, his tone solemn: "That is a gravity zone. Although you two can come and go freely with your cultivation levels, the puppets guarding it are protectors personally crafted by the first sect leader."

"If someone were to forcefully break in, it could affect the entire restricted area, or even lead to self-destruction. Consider this our only hope."

The two nodded slightly in understanding.

The next moment, Lu Yuanzhi's gaze was suddenly drawn to a huge millstone in the corner.

The millstone was about ten feet in diameter, completely black, and covered with mysterious patterns that gleamed with a cold, eerie light in the dim light.

"This is..." She couldn't help but step forward and gently touch the edge of the millstone with her delicate hand. The moment her fingertips touched the cold surface, her pupils contracted sharply. A chilling coldness shot through her fingers and into her mind, causing her to shiver involuntarily.

Seeing this, Lu Yuanjiu also stepped forward to investigate. Her jade hand had just touched the millstone when she withdrew it as if she had been electrocuted. She exclaimed in surprise, "This aura is very strange. I have never seen such a mineral before."

Seeing this, Cao Zhengyang stepped forward and explained, "This object is too ancient, and its origin is unknown. Its main function is to be the key to the gravity zone behind it."

As he spoke, Cao Zhengyang stepped forward and demonstrated it again, and the two nodded thoughtfully.

Just as the five were about to venture deeper, a terrifying pressure suddenly descended from the outside.

Then, a deafening roar rang out.

The five women's expressions changed drastically. The Lu Yuanzhi sisters instinctively tried to tear through the void, but found that the surrounding space seemed to be sealed off and remained completely still.

"Go!" Lu Yuanjiu made a quick decision, using his spiritual power to propel the three of them back at high speed.

The moment they burst out of the tunnel, everyone involuntarily held their breath—

The sky is collapsing.

A colossal hand, seemingly cast from molten gold, was crushing layers of clouds and pressing down on the earth with overwhelming force.

The lines on the palm are like ancient divine script, and every indentation flows with the power of laws that makes all things tremble.

"It's that giant hand from last time!" Cao Zhengyang exclaimed.

The protective formation of the Taiqing Sect was activated in response, and the three-colored light curtain trembled violently, emitting a shattered and mournful sound.

The Lu sisters trembled all over, the oppressive force emanating from the palm making them truly feel the suffocating sensation of death.

"Who exactly is this person? After so long, they still haven't given up!" Lu Yuanjiu was on high alert, but a deep sense of powerlessness welled up in the face of this world-destroying power.

"boom--"

The earth split open into a deep abyss, and the main palace on the peak collapsed with a deafening roar.

Disciples of the Taiqing Sect poured out from all directions, staring in horror at the apocalyptic scene.

Just then, countless golden chains imbued with the aura of time burst forth, binding the giant hand like a net.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief—because it was the same method last time that forced back the giant hand.

Sure enough, when those golden chains appeared, his palm suddenly caved in and twisted, as if he had crashed into an invisible barrier.

"A fleeting moment in eternity, a journey three thousand feet upstream! I beg you!"

The next instant, a voice came from the heavens, ancient and filled with indescribable sorrow, as if it had traversed the ages.

As the words fell, the colossal hand that blotted out the sky suddenly froze, then disintegrated like a bubble, eventually turning into a shower of golden rain that vanished into the heavens.

Seeing this, everyone's tense nerves finally relaxed.

But soon, someone realized—when the giant hand retreated a hundred years ago, it only left a heavy sigh, but this time, it actually uttered eleven words in full.

Mo Xingjian frowned deeply.

For some reason, he sensed a familiarity in the other person's voice, but he just couldn't place it.

Moreover, what did the other party mean by saying that?
Whom is he asking for help from?

"Master!"

A sword light ripped through the sky, and Li Daoxuan anxiously rode his sword to the scene.

Upon seeing the two elders of the Lu family present, the chief disciple of Shenyue Peak immediately clasped his hands in greeting.

Cao Zhengyang flicked his wide sleeves and said in a deep voice, "You've come at the right time. Immediately summon the senior uncles and elder brothers stationed at the four major sects back to their sects. Tell them—"

His voice suddenly lowered, "The calamity of annihilation is imminent."

Li Daoxuan's pupils contracted sharply, and he quickly left after receiving the order.

Then, Cao Zhengyang looked at the Lu sisters with a solemn expression: "This is the second time. Taiqing Sect is in imminent danger and a decision must be made immediately."

Lu Yuanzhi's brows were also full of worry, after all, the Taiqing Sect was now their home: "Has the sect leader come up with a plan? Is it to relocate the entire sect?"

“Migration.” Cao Zhengyang shook his head with a bitter smile, a trace of sorrow flashing in his eyes. “With the other party’s all-powerful abilities, even if we escape to the ends of the earth, we will probably not be able to escape their grasp.”

"Could it be..." Lu Yuanjiu's eyes flashed, and he said in a deep voice, "that we want to preserve the embers?"

Cao Zhengyang nodded slowly: "Exactly. You can't put all your eggs in one basket."

The five people exchanged glances and fell silent in unison.

After a moment, Cao Zhengyang looked into the deep tunnel and said, "Why don't we go in again? I haven't told the two seniors about the deeper parts yet."

Lu Yuanzhi shook his head slightly and said, "There's no rush. There's a teleportation array on the back of Shenyue Peak that leads to the four major sects. It will only take them a short while to return. Let's discuss a strategy first."

“Alright!” Cao Zhengyang agreed, and the five of them headed straight for the council hall.

……

Before long, the peak masters and their disciples returned to the council hall one after another.

Inside the hall, discussions were rife and the atmosphere was heavy.

The Ghost Mastiff sat in the corner with a gloomy expression.

He had just returned from the Golden Thunder Sect when he heard the news of the reappearance of the golden giant hand, and a shadow immediately fell over his heart.

"Senior Brother!" Yan Xiaohu squeezed through from behind, following Luo Lingling.

Looking at her fellow disciples gathered in the hall, Luo Lingling's worry deepened: "Junior Sister Yao Yao's soul lamp has been extinguished for half a year now. I wonder how Fourth Brother is doing now?"

Ghost Mastiff secretly transmitted his voice: "The outside world is more dangerous than we imagine, but don't forget, Fourth Brother is a Four Flowers Gathering at the Top, he will definitely be alright."

Luo Lingling's tense shoulders relaxed slightly, and she was about to speak—

"Sister Luo!"

A clear, bell-like child's voice suddenly rang out.

A little girl, about five or six years old, leaped down the white jade steps, her pink skirt fluttering like a butterfly, and in the blink of an eye, she rushed into Luo Lingling's arms.

"Oh dear," Luo Lingling's gloom vanished, and she smiled as she picked up the little girl and placed her on her lap.

He gently tapped her little nose with his finger. "It's been a month since we last met, and our little girl has grown taller again."

"Sister Luo is lying!" Nannan pouted, gesturing with her chubby little hands. "I measured myself this morning, and I haven't grown any taller at all."

She suddenly rested her chin on her hand, her big eyes filled with longing, "When will I be able to be as tall and beautiful as Sister Luo?"

Luo Lingling couldn't help but chuckle and ruffled her hair: "You definitely will."

Before she could finish speaking, her eyes widened suddenly. "Wait... your aura is about to break through to the Nascent Soul stage?"

Yan Xiaohu, who was standing nearby, almost bit his tongue when he heard this.

He stared intently at the little girl who was barely taller than his waist, his eyes twitching—a five or six-year-old Nascent Soul cultivator?
You should know that he is only at the late stage of the Nascent Soul Realm, and he may never be able to become a Deity in this lifetime because of the foundation building of the earth veins.

I should have handed myself over to Sikong Yan and let him give me a good makeover.

Faced with Luo Lingling's shock, Nannan swung her toes, looking innocent: "Daddy said I have to comprehend some kind of 'artistic conception' first, but what is artistic conception? Is it delicious?"

Just as Luo Lingling was about to explain, the palace doors suddenly opened.

The Lu sisters entered side by side with Cao Zhengyang, their flowing robes carrying an air of menace.

All the cultivators in the hall stood up in unison, and the air seemed to freeze instantly.

Cao Zhengyang's gaze swept across the crowd like lightning, pausing briefly on Nannan before he took a deep breath: "I have gathered you all here today because it concerns the survival of our sect."

Before he could finish speaking, the entire mountain suddenly trembled violently.

The ground rumbled and crashed, and everyone was caught off guard and staggered.

Cao Zhengyang's expression changed drastically: "Again?!"

Two streaks of light shot out first, and they were the Lu sisters.

But when they saw the scene before them, they were all dumbfounded and stood there in shock.

Immediately afterwards, the members of the Taiqing Sect rushed out of the main hall, equally speechless with shock at the scene before them—

From the direction of the restricted area behind Shenyue Peak, a towering ancient tree was slowly rising.

The trunk was as black as ink, with only four or five withered leaves hanging sparsely at the top.

Thick black chains were loosely wrapped around the tree trunk, as if they had once imprisoned something.

The ancient tree grew at a speed visible to the naked eye, transforming into a towering giant in the blink of an eye.

As the branches stretched out, countless tender green leaves bloomed, enveloping the entire Taiqing Sect along with its protective array.

"Is it that tree in the restricted area?!" Cao Zhengyang exclaimed in shock.

The peak masters, including Mo Xingjian, were equally shocked.

They had all entered the forbidden area and recognized this tree—the Taiqing Sect was founded on this tree.

But where did that beating black heart go?
The Lu sisters looked at Cao Zhengyang with suspicion.

The latter quickly explained, "It's the place I was just taking you to, but it wasn't this big back then."

Before the words were even finished, the branches and leaves had completely enveloped the Taiqing Gate.

It's too late to escape now.

"Don't panic—"

A clear, cold, and majestic female voice suddenly resounded through the sky, as if a deity from the heavens had issued a decree.

The ancient pressure contained in the voice sent chills down everyone's spines, even more terrifying than the previous golden giant hand.

"I have been entrusted by someone to take you to the New Territories."

Cao Zhengyang and the others looked shocked. They had never imagined that this ancient tree, which had existed since the time of the first sect leader Guo Guiqi, had always been sentient!
How many vicissitudes of time has it endured?

The thirteen peak masters were all shaken, and one by one they involuntarily bowed in respect.

Cao Zhengyang suppressed his fear and stepped forward respectfully, saying, "Senior, may I ask who entrusted you with this task, and where you intend to take us?"

As the head of the sect, he is indeed the most suitable person to ask.

"Although I have guessed who I have entrusted this to, I cannot say it outright." The voice remained cold and ruthless. "As for the destination, it is a place I must pass through on this journey."

The moment the words were spoken, the entire Taiqing Sect trembled violently.

From the outside, countless lush green vines have enveloped the entire sect, forming a giant sphere.

The earth suddenly cracked open, and the entire Taiqing Sect was uprooted, leaving behind only a bottomless abyss.

"Click——"

Two thick tree branches tore through the sky, forcefully creating a spatial passage.

"Senior!" Cao Zhengyang hurriedly called out, "Our sect still has disciples who have gone out and have not returned. May we leave some clues?"

Mo Xingjian nodded in agreement repeatedly.

What if Zhou Qing comes back and finds his house gone?

There's nowhere to even look for it.

"This mission is confidential and may help you all break through to the Spirit Severing Realm in a short period of time." The voice was resolute. "My whereabouts must not be revealed!"

In the blink of an eye, the entire Taiqing Sect, enveloped in vines, disappeared into the spatial rift, vanishing without a trace.
……

(End of this chapter)