The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 455 Lu Yaoyao is back! (6k)

As Zhou Qing fled at top speed, he also saw eight human experts at the Spirit Slaying Realm fighting against other demon emperors in the secret realm.

These powerful figures, who are usually high and mighty, are now in a sorry state.

They were evenly matched.

One was a pseudo-Spirit Slayer who had been enhanced by a secret medicine, and the other was a shoddy Demon Emperor who had been catalyzed. They fought fiercely, causing the heavens and earth to collapse, but neither could defeat the other.

Zhou Qing did not linger and flew directly over the battlefield.

But deep down, I know—

I'm afraid I'll soon be wanted by the police.

This point, in the end, remained unchanged.

After all, of the eight human cultivators who have entered at the Spirit Severing Realm, some will inevitably be captured and have their souls searched.

In time, the Supreme Master Taichu will know who he, the "Golden-Winged Roc," really is.

Many people in the Eastern Region knew about the "Emperor's Scripture" that was passed down from the bloodline of the Old Peng King.

After becoming a fourth-level array master of the Holy Martial Dynasty, his background had already been thoroughly investigated.

Moreover, since the other party comes from the Heavenly Fortune Holy Dynasty, a fifth-level cultivation country, they will definitely go back to seek revenge in the future.
Now, in Nanhuang Prefecture and several neighboring prefectures, his name is probably already widely known.

But so what?

Now that he has successfully broken through to the late stage of the Spirit Slaying Realm, and with the complete version of the ultimate weapon, he can kill even those in the Supreme Realm without hesitation!

After thinking it through, Zhou Qing sped up again.

But at this moment——

"boom!"

In the bluish-gray sky, the three setting suns suddenly twisted and deformed, transforming into three enormous golden pupils!

His pupils were cold and merciless, surveying the earth before finally locking onto Zhou Qing.

"You ruined my plans! Whoever you are, I, the Holy One, will kill you!"

The voice of the Supreme Being came from the heavens, like the might of the heavens descending, shaking the very void.

"Ah"

Zhou Qing completely ignored the threat and moved like lightning straight to the entrance.

Soon after, he saw the crack, which was only wide enough for one person to pass through.

Without the slightest hesitation, Zhou Qing immediately transformed into the second form of the Golden-Winged Roc, his wings folding, and he shot out like a sharp arrow.
……

After escaping the Primordial Secret Realm, Zhou Qing did not immediately return to the White Jade Taixu Academy to find Yu Yan and Yao Yao. Instead, he went the other way and randomly found a desolate mountain range.

In his previous life, this Primordial Supreme was a powerful being at the Earthly Sovereign realm, a true pinnacle existence in a fifth-level cultivation nation, and almost became a guardian beast of the nation!

The last time I heard this term was from my second uncle—a pure-blooded golden crow, which was the guardian beast of a certain level-six cultivation country!
The methods employed by such beings are beyond the comprehension of ordinary cultivators.

For safety's sake, we must refine the essence blood within the Blood Phoenix Bone as soon as possible!

Zhou Qing selected a secluded valley, formed hand seals, and set up multiple layers of restrictions.

"seal up!"

A golden light shot out from his fingertip, transforming into intricate runes that were imprinted on the surrounding rock walls.

Immediately afterwards, he took out several array flags and planted them in key locations, forming a concealed array.

After ensuring everything was in perfect order, he carefully took out the piece of Blood Phoenix Bone.

The Blood Phoenix Bone is entirely crimson, with naturally formed patterns on its surface resembling a phoenix spreading its wings, radiating a scorching aura.

Most strangely, there was a faint flow of golden liquid inside the joints, which seemed to be slowly wriggling like a living thing.

"Such strong activity!"

Zhou Qing took a deep breath, and with excitement in his heart, sat cross-legged, suspending the Blood Phoenix Bone in his palm.

"Refining!"

He let out a low shout, and the Yin-Yang Technique within his body was activated at full power. Black and white spiritual energy transformed into Yin-Yang fire, enveloping the Blood Phoenix Bone.

A wisp of purple-gold lightning crackled and popped as it danced within the flames.

"laugh--"

The Blood Phoenix Bone trembled violently in the Yin-Yang Fire, and the crimson patterns on its surface suddenly lit up. The entire bone seemed to come alive, twisting and deforming in the flames.

The purple-gold lightning struck continuously, each strike causing the joints to tremble violently, and the golden liquid inside began to boil.

"Congeal!"

Zhou Qing formed hand seals, and the Yin-Yang Fire suddenly contracted, while the purple-gold lightning transformed into an electric net that completely enveloped the Blood Phoenix Bone.

The joints made a cracking sound as they succumbed to the strain, and fine cracks began to appear on the surface.

"boom!"

Suddenly, the Blood Phoenix Bone burst forth with dazzling blood light, and three golden-red streams of light broke free from the joints, swirling and dancing in the air. They were actually miniature phoenixes formed from three drops of essence blood!

"Wow—"

Three phoenix cries rang out simultaneously, and three little phoenixes, their bodies wreathed in purple-gold lightning, attempted to break free from the shackles of the Yin-Yang Fire.

Each time they flapped their wings, the valley trembled and the rock walls cracked.

"Yin-Yang Lock!"

Zhou Qing's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he suddenly clasped his hands together.

The black and white spiritual energy transformed into three chains, each wrapped with purple-gold lightning, which pounced on the three little phoenixes like dragons emerging from the sea.

"Crack!"

A thunderous roar erupted, and the three little phoenixes cried out in anguish as they were firmly bound by chains.

They struggled for a moment, then finally transformed back into three drops of essence blood, which floated in front of Zhou Qing.

These three drops of blood essence, no bigger than a grain of rice, contained a suffocating pressure, and a miniature phantom of a blood phoenix would occasionally appear on its surface, poised to take flight.

"It's done!"

Zhou Qing let out a long sigh of relief, his eyes gleaming with barely concealed excitement.

It should be noted that the Blood Phoenix Bone obtained from the bottom of the Desolate Forbidden Stone Platform last time only yielded a drop of essence blood.

This time, he received three drops at once, which far exceeded his expectations!
This adventure was worth it!

Without the slightest hesitation, Zhou Qing immediately took out a pure white jade bottle from his storage ring.

Then, the three drops of essence blood were injected into it and sealed.

To ensure everything went smoothly, he had to wait until after midnight for the [Daily Examination] to refresh and confirm that the essence blood was safe before he could use it on Han Yi.

Time seemed to drag on endlessly while we waited.

Just after midnight, Zhou Qing couldn't wait to turn his attention to the jade bottle and start the [Daily Appraisal].

[Blood Phoenix Essence: These are three drops of essence blood extracted from the remains of an ancient Blood Phoenix. Containing a wisp of undying life force, they are truly priceless.]

Looking at the test results, Zhou Qing finally smiled with relief.

Then, he carefully took out the Soul-Nourishing Jade, its warm and smooth surface radiating a faint glow in his palm.

Through the translucent jade body, one can see the illusory figure curled up inside, sleeping peacefully like a newborn baby.

Zhou Qing's fingers gently stroked the jade-like surface, and the cool touch from his fingertips made his heart tremble slightly.

"Hanyi, it should be soon before you wake up!"

As he finished speaking, he took out the jade bottle and, with trembling fingertips, uncorked it.

Three drops of essence blood slowly poured out, and when they landed on the Soul Nourishing Jade, they were absorbed instantly, just like water droplets falling on a sponge.

"Om-"

The Soul-Nourishing Jade suddenly burst forth with dazzling blood-red light, and its entire body became translucent.

The figure in the jade solidified at a speed visible to the naked eye, its originally blurry face gradually becoming clear, and even its eyelashes began to tremble slightly.

Even more surprisingly, the originally pale primordial spirit began to glow with a seven-colored light.

"This is..." Zhou Qing's eyes widened, his voice trembling, "This is the transition to a normal primordial spirit!"

It should be noted that the primordial spirit of a Spirit Severing Realm cultivator is seven-colored.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Suddenly, a faint, almost imperceptible fluctuation of consciousness arrived, as fleeting as a candle flickering in the wind.

Zhou Qing's eyes instantly reddened. He quickly held the Soul-Nourishing Jade up to his eyes, his voice choked with emotion: "Han Yi! Han Yi—"

However, that consciousness was fleeting, and there was no further response.

But Zhou Qing was so excited that he was trembling all over. This was a good sign, a piece of great news!
"It's not hard at all, not hard at all!" he said incoherently, as if afraid that Han Yi wouldn't hear him.

"Don't worry, I will definitely cure you! By the way, Yao Yao is already three years old. She... she knows her mother has been with her all along."

When talking about her daughter, Zhou Qing's voice softened involuntarily: "She is very well-behaved and misses you very much."

"You need to rest and recover well. Once you're better, the three of us can be reunited."

The seven-colored light within the Soul-Nourishing Jade flickered slightly, as if responding to his words.

Zhou Qing quickly wiped his eyes, and, afraid of disturbing or affecting her, gently placed the Soul Jade close to his body.

He conducted another examination at midnight the following day.

[Soul-Nourishing Jade: A superior quality soul-nourishing jade containing a wisp of remnant soul. With two drops of Blood Phoenix essence blood, it can trigger a rebirth, not only reviving the remnant soul but also potentially allowing it to advance further.]

The moment these words appeared before his eyes, Zhou Qing's pupils suddenly contracted, and a burning light burst forth from his eyes.

"Two drops," he murmured, imprinting those two words deep in his heart.

It seems that the only way to find the Blood Phoenix Bone again is to go to the Heavenly Fortune Holy Dynasty.

The possibilities there far outweigh those elsewhere.

First, in the desolate wilderness, Han Yi found a bone and discovered the hidden location of the mine.

Afterwards, he found another piece of blood under the stone platform and extracted a drop of it.

Today, this ancient Primordial Master also comes from the Heavenly Fortune Holy Dynasty.

“And the bone in his hand is even bigger.” Zhou Qing’s eyes flickered. “It either comes from the Forbidden Zone or from the capital.”

After thinking it through, Zhou Qing got up and put away the array flags. Then he struck out with his palm, causing the entire cave to collapse and ensuring that all traces were buried.

Then it transformed into a streak of light and headed straight for the White Jade Taixu Academy.

……

【Today's post is being refreshed...】

【The new post has been saved in the odd post record, please check it in time. 】

Just when Zhou Qing was still half a day's journey from the academy, the system notification suddenly sounded.

This startled him.

He immediately stopped and quickly looked at the Record of Strange Posts.

Following the "You're good enough, then post it" thread, another thread appeared, radiating a pink glow.

The post is entirely light pink, with delicate gold trim around the edges and a pulsating heart in the center.

A touch of pink halo lingers around it, like smoke and mist, adding a touch of enchanting beauty.

[Affection Token: Can be integrated into oneself or gifted to others. Once effective, it grants lasting goodwill, and regardless of gender or even enmity, all will develop a significant amount of goodwill towards the host. Effect lasts for three days!]

As his divine sense probed in, relevant information appeared. Zhou Qing raised an eyebrow, quite surprised.

He thought that a new post would only appear after the "You're good enough to post" feature was used up.

“However, the effect of this post is somewhat extraordinary,” Zhou Qing said, rubbing his chin. “Even your enemies will develop a good impression of you.”

That said, this new post can be used in conjunction with the "You Can Do It" post.

He had been worried that if he used the "You're good enough to post" feature on a target, the target might not post it.

Isn't this a complete waste?

But now, with the "Favorability Post," things are different.

After all, people are more likely to accept what they hear from someone they have a good impression of.

If you first use the "Goodwill Post" as a foundation, and then combine it with the "You Can Do It Post" for an absolutely amazing effect.

"Good stuff!" Zhou Qing was overjoyed and carefully put the post away.

……

When Zhou Qing returned to his cave dwelling at Baiyu Taixu Academy, the afterglow of the setting sun was shining through the window into the cultivation room.

As soon as he entered, he was captivated by the scene before him—

Three-year-old Yao Yao is soaking in a jade tub about half her height, filled with a bright green medicinal liquid.

The medicinal liquid emitted a faint fragrance, and tiny vortexes of spiritual energy occasionally appeared on its surface.

The little girl's delicate, porcelain-like face was tense; although she was still young, she already showed a hint of determination.

Her small hands gripped the edge of the wooden tub tightly, her knuckles turning slightly white, clearly indicating that she was enduring the pain of cleansing her meridians and marrow.

The swift, dressed in a light blue dress, stood attentively guarding the side.

She held a crystal-clear elixir between her slender fingers, occasionally dropping it into the wooden tub.

Each time the elixir falls in, the liquid ripples, and the emerald green light brightens.

Suddenly, the swift keenly sensed a slight ripple appearing on the barrier at the entrance of the cave.

Her expression hardened, and a sharp spiritual force instantly gathered at her fingertips, causing her aura to become more wary.

"You're back!" Upon recognizing Zhou Qing, Yu Yan's wariness immediately turned into joy, and she quickly stepped forward.

Zhou Qing nodded slightly, but his gaze never left Xiao Yao Yao in the wooden tub.

Looking at the spiritual energy flowing around his daughter and her tender yet determined little face, a complex expression flashed in his eyes.

Then he lowered his voice and said, "Thank you for your hard work these past few days."

"It's not hard work, as long as you're alright," Yu Yan blurted out, but then realized her words were too ambiguous, and her ears immediately turned red.

She quickly changed the subject: "Yao Yao's talent is truly amazing. She has already broken through to the first level of Qi Condensation after only two rounds of meridian cleansing and marrow purification."

"This child's cultivation aptitude is probably..."

At this point, Yu Yan paused, noticing that Zhou Qing's gaze had deepened.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing's eyes shone even brighter.

He walked slowly to the wooden tub, and looking at his daughter persevering in the medicine, a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.

According to Yao Yao, in the original timeline, she was only taught the basics and not how to cultivate.

It must have stemmed from a father's most instinctive protective instinct.

After all, the path of cultivation may seem glamorous, but in reality, it is fraught with hidden dangers.

Those cultivators who live for thousands or tens of thousands of years are constantly fighting against fate, against the earth's spirit, and against other people for opportunities.

They may seem to have a long lifespan, but in reality, they repeat the same cycle of cultivation, competition, and breakthroughs every day.

They pursued immortality, but over the long years they gradually lost their true selves and forgot the original meaning of their cultivation.

Ordinary people, though they only have a hundred years of life, can truly experience all the flavors of life.

Watching their children grow up, start their own families, and enjoy the joys of family life.

Experiencing joys and sorrows, and feeling genuine emotions.

This kind of life is perhaps the most authentic form of life—short but fulfilling, ordinary but precious.

Looking at his daughter's innocent face, Zhou Qing was filled with mixed emotions.

He suddenly realized that the reason he didn't allow Yao Yao to cultivate on the original timeline was not only to protect her from the intrigue and deceit of the cultivation world, but also because he hoped that she could have a complete and authentic life.

You don't have to be like him, gradually becoming indifferent over the long years, and eventually forgetting even the most precious emotions.

"Thank you," Zhou Qing said softly, her eyes filled with sincere gratitude.

Yu Yan shook her head slightly, about to say something, when she saw Zhou Qing's expression suddenly change.

The tetanus ointment instantly appeared in his hand, and in a flash of cold light, he had already pulled the swift behind him.

At the same time, a powerful spiritual energy barrier firmly protected Xiao Yaoyao inside the wooden tub.

"Who?!" Zhou Qing shouted sharply, his gaze shooting like lightning towards the corner of the cave.

Suddenly, strange ripples appeared in the space there.

At the center of the ripples, the air began to distort and deform, gradually revealing a semi-transparent light curtain.

Silver-blue spatial turbulence flowed across the light screen, radiating a chilling spatial power.

"This is..." Yu Yan gasped, realizing what was happening, and instinctively used her body to shield Xiao Yao Yao in the wooden tub.

Under Zhou Qing's murderous gaze, a beautiful figure gradually became clear in the light screen.

She was a young woman with a full head of silver hair, exquisite features, and a face that was both cool and playful.

When she fully revealed herself, Zhou Qing was shocked—

"Yao Yao?!"

Indeed, the figure that appeared at this moment was none other than Lu Yaoyao, who had disappeared three years ago.

The swift was also taken aback, its face filled with disbelief.

She subconsciously looked at Zhou Qing's back in front of her, her eyes full of confusion: Didn't you say that Lu Yaoyao was gone? What exactly happened?

At that moment, Lu Yaoyao, who was on the screen, had her eyes filled with tears the instant she saw Zhou Qing.

She excitedly opened her arms, wanting to rush over, but was firmly imprisoned in place by an invisible force of space and time.

She struggled a few times in frustration, then turned her head as if arguing with someone unseen behind her.

When she turned back again, her gaze fell on Zhou Qing's full head of white hair, and tears could no longer be held back, rolling down her cheeks.

"Father," she called out, her lips trembling, but her voice was completely blocked by the barrier of time and space, leaving not even a trace of echo.

Finally regaining her senses, Zhou Qing's eyes filled with joy as she rushed forward, exclaiming, "Yao Yao! How could you... What happened? How could you..."

Lu Yaoyao stomped her foot in frustration, then quickly slowed down her speech, mouthing each word clearly.

Her figure appeared and disappeared in the light screen, as if she might vanish into the turbulent flow of time at any moment.

The swift beside her frowned, intently reading her lips: "She said... she said something wrong and told you to watch yourself."

As soon as he finished speaking, the light screen began to fluctuate violently, and the silver-blue spacetime turbulence became even more violent.

Lu Yaoyao spoke again anxiously, gesturing frantically with her hands.

Swift quickly continued translating: "She said she would find a chance to come back!"

Immediately afterwards, the light curtain vanished into the air like a bubble, leaving no trace.

Zhou Qing tried to pounce, but only managed to grab a handful of empty air.

At that moment, he suddenly turned around and looked at Xiao Yaoyao, who was still meditating with her eyes closed in the wooden tub, his expression both excited and complicated.

Although he didn't know exactly what had happened, he had a strong feeling that Yao Yao might really be able to come back.

In other words, it is possible for two people to exist simultaneously on the same timeline.
Swift, on the other hand, frowned, the scene from just now replaying in her mind.

What confused her the most was that when Lu Yaoyao appeared, she clearly called him "Dad".

Who is Daddy?

Are you referring to Brother Zhou?
She then followed Zhou Qing's gaze and looked at Xiao Yaoyao in the wooden tub.

Same name, but completely different people.

Wait, why do I feel a little confused?

"Brother Zhou!" After a brief pause, Yu Yan couldn't help but speak.

Zhou Qing took a deep breath: "Are you sure she meant I should be careful?"

Swift nodded firmly: "Yes, I studied lip reading before, so I can't be wrong."

Zhou Qing frowned, lost in thought.

Be careful of yourself?

Why should we be careful about ourselves?

Also, she said something wrong, but where exactly did she go wrong?

What's the matter?

Could it be that something happened in the future timeline that he was unaware of because of the changes he made?
He gazed at Xiao Yaoyao, who was meditating with her eyes closed in the wooden tub. Her tender face glowed with a faint green light under the reflection of the medicinal liquid.

This small figure overlapped with the tearful woman in the light screen just now, stirring up a complex emotion in his heart.

Swift stood quietly to the side, watching Zhou Qing's profile as he fell into deep thought. Although she had countless curiosities in her heart, she wisely refrained from asking any further questions.

They simply added a little more medicine to the wooden tub for little Yao Yao.

Time passed quietly until late at night, when Xiao Yaoyao finally absorbed all the emerald green liquid in the wooden tub.

The color gradually faded, eventually becoming crystal clear.

"Hmm," the little girl let out a soft hum, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly as she slowly opened her eyes.

Those clear, large eyes still held a hint of sleepiness, but they lit up the moment they saw Zhou Qing.

"Daddy!" Little Yao Yao called out happily, grabbing the edge of the wooden tub with her little hands as she tried to stand up.

But she had just undergone a marrow cleansing and purification process, and her whole body was sore and weak. She stumbled and almost fell.

Zhou Qing reacted quickly, lifting her daughter out of the wooden tub and wrapping her in a soft towel that she had prepared beforehand.

Little Yao Yao's wet hair clung to her cheeks, and she still smelled of medicine. She nestled happily in her father's arms.

"How's your cultivation going?" Zhou Qing suppressed his myriad thoughts for the moment, gently wiped the water droplets from his daughter's face, and asked softly.

Little Yao Yao tilted her head back and said proudly, "Daddy, I feel a warm current circulating in my body! Sister Yu Yan said that's spiritual power!"

Zhou Qing couldn't help but laugh out loud. During this time apart, Xiao Yaoyao's cultivation had not only improved, but her speech had also become clearer.

He affectionately pinched his daughter's pert little nose and said softly, "You're amazing, our Yao Yao is already a little cultivator."

The little girl was so embarrassed by the praise that she buried her face in her father's shoulder and rubbed against him like a spoiled kitten.

Zhou Qing gently stroked her hair, took out the warm and smooth Soul-Nourishing Jade from his bosom, and gently handed it to her small hand.

"Here, talk to your mother." Zhou Qing's voice was so gentle, as if she was afraid of disturbing something.

Little Yao Yao skillfully took the Soul-Nourishing Jade, holding it carefully in her little hands, as if afraid of dropping it.

She opened her large, bright eyes and gazed intently at the sleeping figure in the jade.

The Soul-Nourishing Jade emitted a faint seven-colored halo, reflecting on her tender little face.

"Mother." The little girl's voice was soft and sweet, with the unique innocence of a child, "Yaoyao has now broken through to the first level of Qi Condensation! Sister Yuyan said I'm a genius!"

(End of this chapter)