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

Chapter 184: Immortal Records Achieved! The Record-Holding Disciple

Qiu Ancestor?

Qiu Zhen chuckled when he heard Fairy Yun Rou's words, with no hint of joy or excitement on his face, his gaze lingering.

"Opening the Heart Master lineage is like snatching chestnuts from a fire. A single misstep could lead to the dispersal of the soul and the demise of the body. All dreams of becoming an immortal ancestor would turn into mere bubbles and illusions. By then, there would be no founding ancestor, only a drop in the ocean, a tiny wave stirred by the rolling river."

"It's just like this [Myriad Luo Immortal Palace]. Back then, it must have been a grand and imposing force, achieving feats of opening the heavens and splitting the earth."

"That's true."

Fairy Yun Rou and Monk Zhen Kong nodded slightly, the excitement that had just been ignited quickly dissipating, replaced by a hint of solemnity on their faces.

Just as Qing Wei had said.

Although they didn't know what had happened in the ancient cultivation world, even a mysterious force like the [Myriad Luo Palace] had disappeared into the long river of history.

One could imagine that the waters behind it were much deeper than they had imagined.

The [Heart Master lineage] was only just born, its wings not yet fully grown, still far from enough.

"Hehe ~"

Qiu Zhen and the others hadn't experienced the pressure of the "Heaven-Veiling Giant Hand," unaware of the consequences of touching a taboo. He poured cold water on them to prevent them from getting carried away.

After all, they were the two mountains of the "Three Mountain Talismans."

However, seeing their solemn expressions, he smiled and comforted them:

"Then again, although our Heart Master lineage is small, it has immense potential, hitting the nail on the head. Putting aside everything else, it will surely create a greater momentum than the [Myriad Luo Palace] in the future."

Fairy Yun Rou and Monk Zhen Kong smiled.

They did have this ambition.

Fairy Yun Rou bowed: "Please rest assured, Qiu Ancestor, this branch of mine will not hold you back."

Monk Zhen Kong put his palms together: "This humble monk will abide by Qiu Ancestor's decree, diligently transmit the wonderful Dharma, and proceed steadily and surely."

The two of them spoke one after another, addressing him as "Qiu Ancestor" in a very proper manner.

Seeing them teasing him, Qiu Zhen was helpless and simply didn't respond.

Of course, after the excitement and teasing, everyone calmed down and focused on the present.

The Heart Master lineage was still very weak.

Especially the "Heart Master."

In the eyes of Heart Master cultivators, the Heart Master was at least a Nascent Soul old monster with great supernatural powers.

But the two of them knew that there was no such thing as an immortal old monster, and Qing Wei's strength wasn't much stronger than theirs.

Suddenly, Fairy Yun Rou thought of something and asked curiously:

"Qing Wei, how is your cultivation of the [Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Ear Report Technique]?"

"I've gained a little."

Qiu Zhen said with emotion:

"Yun Rou, you are truly blessed with deep fortune, one immortal method after another."

"The [Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Ear Report Technique] is profound and mysterious. I only just entered the door and it's already incredibly effective. If I cultivate to a high level, I can calculate with my fingers, and all the affairs of the world will enter my heart through my ears, understanding everything. It's truly mysterious."

Fairy Yun Rou was shocked.

She had also learned this immortal technique, but unfortunately, it wasn't effective.

How could the results of cultivating the same immortal technique be so different?

Comparing oneself to others is infuriating.

Of course, Fairy Yun Rou understood Qiu Zhen's comprehension ability. Although she was surprised, she didn't say much. Instead, she was concerned about the Liang family and asked:

"Qing Wei, have you found Liang Yin?"

Qiu Zhen nodded: "I have placed her in a safe place for now."

Fairy Yun Rou and Monk Zhen Kong exchanged glances, having expected this, so they weren't surprised.

Since things had come to this, the two didn't try to persuade him further.

Fairy Yun Rou considered for a moment and said:

"Qing Wei, you sent someone to the Liang family to propose marriage that day. The Demon Suppression Division will probably know about it soon. You must be careful of the Demon Suppression Division's secret investigations these days."

"I know."

Qiu Zhen nodded: "These days, I will stay in seclusion and not go out. I don't think Wei Tan Zhi will dare to come to my door to cause trouble."

"Excellent."

Fairy Yun Rou and Monk Zhen Kong nodded together, saying nothing more.

After all, Liang Yin was only a concubine's daughter of the Liang family, not a core member. Although being involved would cause some trouble, it wasn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

Once the results of the [Dragon Monarch's Decree] competition were out and the storm passed, Liang Yin would no longer attract attention. By then, it wouldn't be a problem for Qiu Zhen's elder brother, Qiu Qing, to openly and formally marry Liang Yin.

With Qiu Zhen's martial arts talent, the imperial court probably wouldn't be too aggressive.

"Amitabha! May all lovers in the world be united."

Monk Zhen Kong chanted a Buddhist prayer and smiled:

"Qing Wei, the most important thing right now is the Heart Meridian inheritance. Jade Cicada and the other Heart Meridian Daoists must be anxious."

A hearty laugh came from the Myriad Luo Immortal Palace.

— —

Not long after, in the territory of Changle Prefecture.

There was a teacher from the academy who was lecturing eloquently, citing scriptures and classics;

There was a wealthy merchant who was haggling with others, engaging in a war of words;

There was a monk who was meditating under the Bodhi tree, comprehending the Dao;

There was a Daoist who was fanning the flames in front of the alchemy furnace, refining pills.

At this moment, in various parts of Changle Prefecture, everyone heard something deep in their hearts, and they all raised their heads and looked sideways.

[The Dao of Heaven has collapsed, the Dao of Immortals has crumbled. We cultivators have no way to seek truth, no path to inquire. I subdue the restless mind and open the Heart Master lineage, widely spreading talisman techniques, vowing to help those who seek truth and inquire about the Dao to cross the sea of suffering together, transcend the turbid world. From today onwards, for every ten strands of demonic thoughts offered, one cluster of spiritual essence will be bestowed.]

"The Heart Master's decree, the Heart Master has issued another decree."

"So the spiritual essence comes from extraterrestrial demons. The Heart Master is truly powerful. Even the ancient immortal powerhouses couldn't refine spiritual essence, yet he can."

"The Heart Ancestor is merciful, thank you Heart Ancestor for your compassion!"

In various parts of Changle Prefecture, the cultivators of the Heart Master lineage were completely stirred up upon hearing this news.

In a certain manor, Jade Cicada, who was meditating in seclusion, suddenly opened his eyes, holding the [Myriad Luo Palace] in his hands, his eyes burning brightly.

"Subduing the Mind Ape and slaying demons, refining demons into medicine, Real Man is truly capable, truly powerful!"

Jade Cicada was shocked beyond words.

However, compared to others being excited about the "spiritual essence," his current focus was on the Heart Ancestor's ability to eliminate demons.

He was currently at the Great Perfection of the [Qi Driving Divine Travel] realm, lacking not in diligent cultivation, nor in insufficient Daoist comprehension, but in the demonic thoughts in his body rioting. He couldn't suppress the demonic thoughts in the Foundation Establishment treasure, so he didn't dare to act rashly.

"The Heart Master lineage is finally in order. I wonder if the Heavenly Grade Talisman can help me suppress the demons, break through in one fell swoop, and step into the legendary [Refining Qi into Spirit] realm."

Jade Cicada was excited. Without saying a word, he kept the Heart Ancestor in his heart, prostrated and worshipped, and devoted himself to cultivating the [Mind Ape Great Method].

— —

"Finally dealt with it."

In the Ruins Valley, Qiu Zhen stretched lazily and put the [Myriad Luo Palace] jade talisman back into the [Jade Dragon Treasure Seal] storage space.

Then, he looked at Bai Shu beside him and asked:

"Bai Shu, have you sorted out the talisman grades for the Heart Meridian cultivators?"

"I've sorted them out."

Bai Shu said confidently, dipping his finger in water and drawing on the jujube tree stump, counting them like treasures:

"There are currently three Heavenly Grade Talismans, namely Fairy Yun Rou, Monk Zhen Kong, and Jade Cicada. The spiritual essence is divided into 30/70. The remaining nine are Human Grade Talismans, divided into 10/90. Finally, Fairy Yun Rou and Monk Zhen Kong are given preferential treatment, divided into 60/40. All of them are recorded on the jujube tree stump. In the future, we can follow the rules."

"Excellent."

Qiu Zhen nodded, very satisfied in his heart.

The organizational framework of the Heart Master lineage was initially established.

Jade Cicada, as the person with the highest Daoist cultivation in the Heart Master lineage and one of the founders of the "Three Mountain Talismans," was also given preferential treatment. He was given the highest level of "Heavenly Grade Talisman" from the start.

Of course, there was a difference between close and distant.

In terms of the distribution ratio of "spiritual essence," Jade Cicada was not given further preferential treatment, still "30/70."

In fact, it wasn't too much effort for him to "refine" the spiritual essence with Nascent Soul Golden Hua, and it could also temper and cultivate the Nascent Soul, which was a win-win situation.

However, times have changed.

In the past, his small-scale efforts to casually refine "Spiritual Qi Essence" didn't take much time.

But now, the situation is different.

Previously, the primary purposes of the Heart Master lineage cultivators practicing the 【Heart Ape Great Art】 were twofold.

Firstly, to disguise themselves as "Martial Dao Masters," allowing them to cultivate both life and essence openly.

Secondly, to summon and mix baleful Qi, exorcising evil and warding off external demons.

In other words, the Heart Master lineage cultivators who have learned the 【Heart Ape Divine General Great Art】 mostly use it for "defense." Generally, no one actively summons the 【Heart Ape Divine General】 to eliminate demons; they only refine a general to slay demons when they themselves are infected by evil demonic Qi.

This is why, despite the Heart Master lineage's significant growth in size, the "Spiritual Qi Essence" hasn't seen an explosive increase.

But now, with the incentive of "Spiritual Qi Essence" rewards, the Heart Master lineage cultivators will likely proactively, even desperately, exorcise evil and hunt for "Spiritual Qi Essence" and "Spirit Crystals."

It's foreseeable that "Spiritual Qi Essence" will continuously flow in, becoming more and more abundant.

Subsequently, it will more or less affect his cultivation, consuming a significant amount of effort.

Precisely because of this, Qiu Zhen is very stingy with the distribution ratio of "Spiritual Qi Essence."

Besides Fairy Yun Rou and the Vacuum Monk, he won't make any more exceptions.

"We're rich, Young Master! With so many people working for us, we won't have to worry about Spiritual Qi Essence!"

Unlike the simple-minded Little Jujube, Bai Shu is quick-witted. After learning about his young master's actions, he immediately foresaw the potential changes and his eyes narrowed with a smile:

"Young Master... hehehe."

"Rest assured, you won't be shortchanged."

Qiu Zhen smiled, reassuring him.

Speaking of which, Bai Shu and Little Jujube are currently only equivalent to the "Innate True Qi Realm," and are clearly falling behind his pace.

Little Jujube is fine; its true form is a Pixiu Divine Wood, and it's also the carrier treasure of the 【Heart Master Treasure Seal】. Moreover, its nature is simple and honest, so it doesn't overthink and is content with its situation.

Bai Shu is different.

It's quick-witted and thinks a lot.

In the past six months, as Qiu Zhen's cultivation has advanced by leaps and bounds, Bai Shu's strength has fundamentally shown signs of anxiety. Unable to keep up with his cultivation, it has been learning to process medicinal herbs, refine pills, manage the household, and seek treasures. It's been extremely busy, a veritable model worker.

The underlying reason for all of this is to demonstrate its value, unwilling to be left behind, wanting to firmly follow Qiu Zhen's pace.

Previously, Qiu Zhen himself also lacked Spiritual Qi Essence.

Whenever there was a little Spiritual Qi Essence income, his first consideration was definitely to improve himself, temporarily neglecting Bai Shu and Little Jujube.

But now, his cultivation has improved too quickly, and he can't break through for the time being. Furthermore, he has the expectation of a continuous stream of Spiritual Qi Essence income, so he naturally won't be stingy.

Improving Bai Shu and Little Jujube is also improving his own strength.

Qiu Zhen couldn't help but recall the scene that day when Bai Shu resolutely kowtowed in front of the cave to seek the Dao. He smiled brightly:

"Bai Shu, I appoint you as the 【Record-Holding Attendant】 under my command, specifically in charge of the immortal records of the 【Heart Master Treasure Seal】. Subsequently, you will assist me in handling matters such as the Heart Master lineage cultivators' requests to summon generals, offering Spiritual Qi Essence, and requesting rewards of Spiritual Qi Essence. From now on, Spiritual Qi Essence will be divided between you and Little Jujube, one-tenth each."

"Thank you, Young Master!"

Bai Shu was overjoyed, kowtowing repeatedly.

"Ah~"

Little Jujube belatedly realized what was happening. However, seeing that Boss Bai Shu had knelt down to thank him, it didn't think much and kowtowed like a pounding garlic mortar.

"Silly thing!"

Qiu Zhen shook his head repeatedly at Little Jujube's wooden appearance.

The disparity of the world is nothing more than this.

Some people seek bitterly, only able to achieve fulfillment after great hardship, while others, ignorant and muddled, are born with it and have smooth sailing.

—

Unknowingly, three days passed.

In these few days, Qiu Zhen adhered to a low-key approach, not interfering in the outside world's disturbances, and had no interest in the 【Dragon Lord's Dan Shu】. He spent his days traveling back and forth between "Seeking Truth Valley" and "Valley of the Ancient Remnants," cultivating in seclusion, content and at ease.

Just as Qiu Zhen had anticipated, with the stimulation of "Spiritual Qi Essence," the Heart Master lineage cultivators were all energized, and "Spiritual Qi Essence" poured in continuously from all directions.

In just three days, after deducting the rewarded Spiritual Qi Essence, he still made a net profit of forty portions of Spiritual Qi Essence.

This is equivalent to a month's harvest in the past.

Clearly, the Heart Master lineage cultivators were all actively attacking, exorcising evil and eliminating demons everywhere, which resulted in such a rich harvest.

Of course, this is only the case at the beginning, and the harvest will definitely decline later.

However, overall, bestowing "Spiritual Qi Essence" and mobilizing the Heart Master lineage's enthusiasm for exorcising evil is undoubtedly expanding the pie.

It is beneficial to both Qiu Zhen's own cultivation and strengthens the Heart Master lineage, achieving a win-win situation.

Of course, the happiest one is Bai Shu. For three days in a row, it has been eating Spiritual Qi Essence every day, and its cultivation has been steadily increasing, allowing Bai Shu to see the hope of becoming a world-shaking demon.

Valley of the Ancient Remnants.

A gust of wind surged, and Bai Shu appeared in front of Qiu Zhen:

"Young Master, I'm back."

"Mm!"

Qiu Zhen nodded slightly:

"Any movements in Qiu Family Village?"

"No, it's very quiet. Little Jujube and I have been patrolling in shifts. In these few days, we haven't seen any outsiders spying on our village."

"Mm."

Qiu Zhen nodded slightly and instructed:

"You and Little Jujube have worked hard these few days. It just so happens that my deduction of the method has come to an end. I'll go see Big Brother and Sister Yin'er."

"Okay."

Bai Shu nodded. Having Spiritual Qi Essence to consume every day, and seeing its cultivation improve visibly every day, has made it very attentive to cultivation, even addicted.

As he spoke, Qiu Zhen's mind flickered, his figure swayed, and he disappeared.

In a flash, he appeared in "Seeking Truth Valley."

Qiu Zhen swept his divine sense and saw that his elder brother, Qiu Qing, and Liang Yin were sparring in martial arts.

To call it sparring is actually Liang Yin instructing his elder brother, Qiu Qing, beating him until he was covered in mud and dirt.

Qiu Qing wasn't annoyed, but instead enjoyed it, his face full of smiles.

Qiu Zhen hadn't seen his elder brother, Qiu Qing, so cheerful as he had in these few days in the past decade.

"Being nourished by love is indeed different. Even a blockhead can blossom."

Seeing this scene, a faint smile appeared on Qiu Zhen's face.

In these few days, his elder brother, Qiu Qing, had been moving things like an ant, bringing bedding and various daily necessities from home, clearly treating the valley as their world, with the air of arranging a wedding room.

Perhaps because these few days had been peaceful, the worries in their hearts had been completely put down, and the smiles on their faces had increased day by day, very relaxed and comfortable.

"Little brother, you've come out of seclusion!"

Qiu Qing, who was sparring, saw Qiu Zhen coming out of the house from afar, waved with a smile, and said with emotion:

"This valley is truly a good place, like a paradise. The most dangerous place is the safest place. I guess no one would have guessed that Yin'er would be hidden in our Qiu Family Village."

Qiu Zhen was about to respond to his elder brother when a voice came from his ear, and his expression changed slightly.

Ear Report Sound.

Having cultivated the 【Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden Ear Report Method】, he has the wonder of insight into the surroundings, especially since he is connected to the earth veins of "Seeking Truth Valley" and has extremely strong control over the surroundings.

"Little brother, what's wrong?"

Qiu Qing and Liang Yin saw Qiu Zhen's expression change slightly and were a little surprised:

"What happened?"

Qiu Zhen looked at his elder brother, his expression calm:

"Someone is secretly sneaking into the valley..."