Qiu Zu: From an apprentice in a medicine shop to an immortal ancestor.

Chapter 181: External Turmoil, Inner Peace

In the desolate wilderness, demons, ghosts, and monsters proliferated.

Suddenly hearing a familiar voice call out, Qiu Qing and Liang Yin's faces showed no joy, but instead were filled with terror and apprehension.

Back to back, one holding a sword and the other a saber, they vigilantly scanned their surroundings.

Qiu Qing's strength was weaker than Liang Yin's, but his courage was not.

With full-bodied energy, he brandished the fine iron steel saber in his hand repeatedly in the air and roared:

"Who is playing tricks?"

There was a rustling sound in the bushes.

Soon, a child dressed as a bookboy, with a face like carved jade, walked out from the tall grass.

Behind him was a short, thick tree stump with long arms and legs, and a child's face on its trunk.

"Oh no, it's a Congenital monster!"

Liang Yin's face turned pale with fright, her heart filled with panic.

"Bai Shu, Xiao Zaozi, it's you."

Upon seeing the true form of the monsters, Qiu Qing, who had been tense and uneasy, breathed a sigh of relief.

He turned to comfort Liang Yin beside him:

"Don't be afraid, they are Qiu Zhen's monster pets, they are on our side."

After speaking, Qiu Qing looked around:

"Where is Qiu Zhen?"

"Gongzi is negotiating with the monsters in the White Mist Forest.

Your black smoke already alarmed the monsters in the mountain.

If it weren't for Gongzi's help, Brother Qing, you and Sister Yin'er would have already become food for the demons and monsters."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Zhen and Liang Yin's expressions changed slightly, and a wave of lingering fear washed over them.

"Bai Shu, how did you find us?"

"Gongzi is very capable, of course he could find you."

Seeing the two of them feeling uneasy, Bai Shu put his hands on his hips, looking like he was disappointed:

"Brother Qing, you are confused.

When something happens, you don't discuss it with Gongzi and run away selfishly.

How dangerous it is outside, crossing the wilderness.

If something bad happens, you won't even know how you died."

Qiu Qing's face flushed red upon hearing Bai Shu's "lecture".

He looked towards the White Mist Forest:

"Qiu Zhen..."

Bai Shu had always been intelligent and immediately guessed Qiu Qing's concerns:

"Brother Qing, are you still worried that Gongzi won't take care of you?"

"This..."

Qiu Qing's heart was complicated.

As they spoke, a gust of wind swept through.

The two humans and two monsters all turned their heads to see a brave and handsome man wearing a cloak, stepping on the wind and flying through the air.

"Qiu Zhen..."

Qiu Qing called out.

Qiu Zhen slowly landed in front of everyone, nodded to his Brother Qing, and then his gaze fell on Liang Yin.

He cupped his hands in a salute:

"Greetings, Sister Yin'er!"

"Greetings, Erlang."

Liang Yin curtsied.

However, at this moment, she felt a little uneasy, like a thief caught by the master of the house.

She seemed a little flustered and didn't know what to say.

After greeting them, Qiu Zhen's gaze returned to his Brother Qing:

"Brother Qing, all the land under heaven belongs to the king.

It's useless for you to leave Qingmu and escape from Changle Prefecture.

When you go to another place, you will be caught by the officials very quickly.

Unless you are highly skilled in martial arts and can survive in the desolate wilderness.

Do you have that ability?"

"This..."

Qiu Qing and Liang Yin were speechless.

An Acquired Martial Master is considered capable among ordinary people, but to survive alone in the desolate wilderness...

The current situation proved everything.

They hadn't even left the border of Qingmu County, and the White Mist Forest alone almost cost them their lives.

In the wilderness, dangers like this are everywhere.

Seeing the two of them silent, Qiu Zhen shook his head and sighed:

"Brother Qing, Sister Yin'er, go home.

I will handle everything, you don't need to worry."

Upon hearing that Qiu Zhen was willing to help him, Qiu Qing felt both happy and somewhat worried.

For a moment, he hesitated.

On one hand, he hoped that Qiu Zhen would help him and Liang Yin, but he was also worried about implicating Qiu Zhen, who had a bright future.

The thoughts in his heart were difficult for outsiders to understand.

"Brother Qing, you go back with Erlang."

It was at this moment that Liang Yin spoke, her tone resolute.

She cupped her hands in a salute:

"Erlang, I trouble you to escort me through the White Mist Forest.

After that, I have a secret trade route and can go on by myself."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Zhen did not answer but asked instead:

"Sister Yin'er, have you learned any Cultivation secret techniques?"

Liang Yin shook her head: "No."

"Has your father's Dan Shu secret technique been passed down to you?"

"No."

"Then it's settled.

From now on, you are not a Liang Family person, but my Qiu Family daughter-in-law.

I will handle everything, the sky won't fall!"

—

Late at night, in the fields outside Qiu Family Village.

It wasn't Liang Yin's first time in Qiu Family Village.

Although the night was dark, she recognized it at a glance.

It was the road back to Qiu Family Village.

Once declared a "demon or evil creature" by the officials, one becomes an "other".

Family members immediately distance themselves, and even blood relatives turn against each other, siblings kill each other, and even righteous extermination of relatives is not uncommon.

She was somewhat surprised that Qiu Family Erlang was willing to help, and also quite moved by the deep affection between the two brothers.

Just now, seeing Qiu Zhen's confident tone and composed demeanor, she was at a loss and followed them back.

Now that they were back in Qiu Family Village, Liang Yin couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, her heart anxious and uneasy.

Others didn't know, but she knew that the trouble she had caused was extraordinary.

She feared that not only the imperial court and officials were looking for them, but even the legendary strange individuals from the Cultivation World were searching for them everywhere.

She was a Jianghu woman.

Her family's merchant caravan traveled north and south, and she was exposed to the world from a young age, so she had some understanding of the abilities of some strange individuals in the Jianghu.

When a master searches for someone, they don't need any clues.

Relying on certain secret techniques, or even legendary spells, they can easily find her.

Fleeing far away, hiding far away, might allow her to escape a disaster.

If she returned to Qiu Family Village, she probably wouldn't be able to hide for long and would soon be found.

Once she was found, not only would she be in great trouble, but the Qiu Family would also be implicated by her.

"I can't stay in Qiu Family Village.

Someone will definitely come looking for me later.

There is no place for me here."

Liang Yin made up her mind and immediately prepared to speak.

However, it was at this moment that Qiu Zhen, who was leading the way, spoke:

"Bai Shu, lead the way to the mountain valley behind the mountain."

"Alright!"

As he spoke, Bai Shu stirred up a strong wind, enveloping everyone.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh~"

Before long, under Bai Shu's guidance, they entered the mountain behind Qiu Family Village.

After winding through several turns, the group entered Qiu Zhen Valley.

At the end of the valley were scattered houses, lush fields of medicinal herbs, falling flowers, and a babbling stream winding through the valley.

It was a scene of a secluded paradise.

Upon seeing this scene, Qiu Qing and Liang Yin were both stunned.

Liang Yin was from the Chong Lou Merchant Guild and had dealt with medicinal herbs since she was a child.

She was well-informed and had seen all sorts of good medicinal herbs.

However, at this moment, she was completely stunned.

There was no other reason.

This medicinal field was too terrifying.

Under the moonlight, the medicinal fields emitted faint Spiritual Light everywhere, forming clusters of mist, faintly resonating with the bright moon in the sky, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon.

Spirit Medicine!

Liang Yin exclaimed in her heart.

With her sharp eyesight, she could tell that besides the herbs emitting Spiritual Light, many other herbs also seemed to be Spirit Medicine.

Roughly counting, there were actually hundreds of Spirit Medicine in these few acres of medicinal fields before her eyes.

Liang Yin had good knowledge.

When passing through the "Illusion Mist" just now, she had vaguely realized that there was a Fuzedi behind Qiu Family Village.

"Brother Qing, no wonder you practice martial arts and eat Spirit Herb and Essence Nourishing Pills like they are food..."

Liang Yin secretly gasped, her face filled with shock.

"I..."

Qiu Qing was also dumbfounded.

He turned around and looked at his younger brother, his face full of surprise:

"Qiu Zhen, is this the mountain valley in our backyard?

Do you usually practice martial arts here?"

"That's right, this is a Fuzedi.

Back then, I strongly advocated for the entire clan to move here precisely for this treasure land."

Qiu Zhen nodded slightly and explained:

"The Fuzedi has a natural illusion formation, which has the marvel of concealment.

After entering the valley, all searching secret techniques and tracing immortal spells will become ineffective, and outsiders will have difficulty finding traces."

Qiu Zhen was never a reckless or impulsive person.

When he took action, he naturally had his confidence.

This confidence was "Qiu Zhen Valley".

This place was not only a Fuzedi, but he had also refined it with the magical treasure [Jade Dragon Treasure Seal] later, so it was under his control.

With a thought, he could seal the mountain, and outsiders could not pry into the situation in the valley.

It was the most perfect place of refuge.

As for whether "Qiu Zhen Valley" would be exposed, he didn't care.

Back then, he was just an Acquired Martial Master and had no strength to protect the Fuzedi.

He didn't dare to let others know, and even his family, he didn't reveal half a word.

Times have changed.

With his current strength and status, plus having Pharmacist An as his master, he was completely capable of protecting the Fuzedi and was not afraid of outsiders coveting it.

"Brother Qing, Sister Yin'er, move into the valley to live these days.

It's much safer than you traveling far away and hiding everywhere.

Avoid the limelight for now.

Later, when the storm passes, I will mediate a bit."

"Yes, yes."

The two of them repeatedly agreed, their hearts filled with excitement and joy.

Especially Liang Yin.

Upon seeing this Fuzedi, most of the worry and unease she had felt earlier disappeared, and she felt a sense of relief.

—

Late at night, Qiu Zhen Valley.

Over the past year or so, Qiu Zhen, Bai Shu, and Xiao Zaozi had built three houses in the valley, one after another.

Besides the main house, there were also three side houses.

They were originally intended to be used as a "alchemy room", "pharmacy room", and "warehouse" in the future.

Now, they came in handy.

After tidying up, they gave the small courtyard of the "alchemy room" to Brother Qing and Liang Yin.

The two of them were not particular people.

They happily chatted and laughed as they tidied up the room and arranged the household items, their hearts full of joy.

They even flirted with each other from time to time, looking very sweet.

"The two of them are quite well-matched."

Qiu Zhen shook his head, withdrew his divine sense, and no longer released it.

Now that Brother Qing and Sister-in-law Liang Yin were in the valley, it was not appropriate for him to release his divine sense casually, lest he encounter something awkward.

Fortunately, he had more than one place for quiet cultivation.

With a thought, his figure disappeared into thin air.

In the blink of an eye, Qiu Zhen appeared in the wooden house in the "Imperial Palace Ruins Valley".

This wooden house was a temporary resting place he had built casually, and it was quite simple.

He was not a particular person.

In a place of cultivation, one seeks tranquility.

Everything else is external.

"Gongzi, you're here."

A gust of wind swept through, and Bai Shu revealed his figure, arriving in a hurry.

Upon seeing Qiu Zhen, it seemed a little excited:

"Sister Yin'er's family matter has completely blown up.

Even the monsters in the mountain have heard about it.

Hui Great King has declared that he will go out to the mountain to find the Liang Family and look for the Dragon Lord Dan Shu."

Even the monsters in the mountain were alarmed?

Qiu Zhen was slightly surprised upon hearing this.

He was not surprised that something had happened to the Chong Lou Merchant Guild and that the news had spread throughout the Changle Prefecture within half a day.

Ordinary people have limited access to information, but for the Cultivation World and the major forces and sects, the circle is actually very small.

Many forces have means to transmit messages over dozens or even hundreds of miles, so news spreads very quickly.

However, it was different if even the monsters in the mountain were alarmed.

Humans and mountain monsters did not interact much, and communication was not smooth.

News within each side was often delayed.

But this time, within a day or two, it was known to everyone, and even the mountain monsters had received the news.

"As expected of the [Dragon Lord Dan Shu], the attraction is truly great."

Qiu Zhen sighed in his heart and asked casually:

"Hui Great King is going out to the mountain to search for treasure?"

"No, it just said that, and the old ancestor in Shui Hui Cave stopped it and wouldn't let it go out."

After saying that, Bai Shu scratched his head and said:

"However, I heard from Hui Great King that a Flood Dragon King in the mountain has issued a reward and is determined to obtain the [Dragon Lord Dan Shu].

Many great monsters are restless and eyeing it."

Qiu Zhen was slightly startled in his heart.

However, upon careful consideration, he was not surprised.

The "Flood Dragon King" in the mouths of Bai Shu and Hui Great King, if he was not mistaken, must be the Flood Dragon Demon King who had obtained the "Dragon Soul".

It called itself the Dragon Lord and considered itself the future master of Yulong Mountain and a successor to the Dragon Lord.

Essentially, the Flood Dragon King was also one of the most powerful contenders for the [Yulong Mountain God] divine position and a candidate for the Dragon Lord.

With the appearance of the "Dragon Lord Dan Shu", the most excited and疯狂 ones were none other than the Flood Dragon King and its kind.

"Now Qingmu is getting even more lively."

Qiu Zhen shook his head and sighed in his heart.

The commotion caused by the "Dragon Lord Dan Shu" far exceeded that of the previous Immortal Trace Secret Realm and involved a great deal.

"Gongzi, is it really foolproof for Sister Yin'er to live in Qiu Zhen Valley?"

Bai Shu had always been intelligent, and at this moment, it also understood that it was probably caught up in a huge storm, and it couldn't help but feel worried.

"In this world, how can anything be foolproof?"

Qiu Zhen smiled and shook his head.

The Liang Family matter had become bigger and more subtle than he had imagined.

Perhaps, if he wasn't careful, he might also be deeply involved and fall into a monstrous storm.

However, at this moment, he did not regret interfering at all.

"Qiu Zhen, you come home with Brother Qing, and we brothers will each marry a wife.

What's Brother Qing's is yours.

Our lives won't be bad, and I'll let you practice martial arts in the future..."

Qiu Zhen's mind kept echoing the words of his Brother Qing, and he was filled with emotion.

Although he had been low-key in his actions over the years and thought twice before acting, it did not mean that he was timid and afraid of trouble.

When he really encountered something, he was never afraid.

Not to mention, Liang Yin was just a concubine daughter of the Liang Family, not the main person.

"We Cultivators seek the Dao and go against the heavens.

Everything is about cultivating the mind.

If we are timid and hesitant, unable to have a clear mind, then what kind of immortal are we cultivating?"

In the mountain valley, Qiu Zhen sat cross-legged, his mind clear and his heart peaceful.

No matter how turbulent the outside world was, at this moment, his heart was unexpectedly calm, without joy or sorrow, without waves or ripples.

"Well said, Gongzi."

Bai Shu was also quite excited upon hearing Qiu Zhen's words and raised his hand:

"Whoever dares to challenge us, we will crush them."

After speaking, Bai Shu turned to look at Qiu Zhen and wanted to say something, but the words caught in its throat, and it was a little stunned.

There was no other reason.

Qiu Zhen, who had just spoken, was now sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, having entered a state of deep meditation.

"Gulp gulp!"

Bai Shu swallowed its saliva, overjoyed:

"Enlightenment, Gongzi has entered a state of sitting and forgetting enlightenment..."