When Zhou Qing turned his head, he saw Lu Yaoyao and Shi Zhen talking under a tree not far away. Upon seeing Zhou Qing, Lu Yaoyao cheerfully ran over to greet him.
Zhou Qing quickly looked around to make sure that Li Daoxuan and He Han were not nearby, then hurriedly handed the jade slip back.
Firstly, he really didnāt need it. His master had long since imparted all the insights and experiences related to the Foundation Establishment Realm to him, and the senior brother, senior sister, and third senior brother had done the same.
Regarding all aspects of training in the Foundation Establishment Realm, he was already well-versed.
Moreover, he was now in the Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment. It was time to explore a path unique to himself, building upon their foundation.
"Thank you, but youād better return it as soon as possible!" Zhou Qing thanked sincerely.
Lu Yaoyao nodded obediently.
Shi Zhen, full of praise, said, "I heard from Junior Sister Lu about everything that Cyan Wood City went through. I didnāt expect you to be so knowledgeable, even knowing about something like Blood Tai Sui. Your senior sister is dull-witted; not only did I not know about it, but Iāve never even seen it."
[Heart Mirror Points +9]
As soon as she finished speaking, the remark [Poor Brother Zhou] above Shi Zhenās head instantly turned into [Brother Zhou as Smart as Him].
Seeing this, Zhou Qing couldnāt help but feel amused.
It seemed that the senior brother held an extraordinary place in Shi Zhenās heart.
"Senior sister overpraises me, I was just lucky to have come across some information about that thing. Itās purely a case of a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse," Zhou Qing said with a smile.
Lu Yaoyao quickly chimed in, "Senior Brother Zhou is not only knowledgeable, but he also has a keen nose. Believe it or not, he can even tell what face powder weāre using today by smelling it."
Shi Zhenās pretty face immediately flushed a shade of red, while Zhou Qing felt extremely embarrassed.
"My nose isnāt that good, donāt listen to her nonsense," Zhou Qing hastily explained.
Shi Zhen, however, appeared unfazed. After a momentās thought, she said, "Howās your sleepwalking condition lately? Iāve been looking for a solution these past days and have found some leads."
Hearing this, Zhou Qing felt a warmth in his heart.
He then solemnly bowed, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister. Itās much better now."
"How about we go have a meal together? The Jade Dining Hall is close by!" Shi Zhen suggested.
Zhou Qing quickly waved his hands, "No, no, I have some matters to attend to. You two go ahead; I must take my leave!"
After saying that, Zhou Qing turned and left.
...
"Zhou Qing!"
Just as Zhou Qing reached mid-mountain, a familiar figure suddenly appeared before him.
When he saw who it was, Zhou Qing couldnāt help but tense up and hurriedly paid his respects.
"Greetings, Martial Uncle!"
Gao Xuan nodded slightly and said warmly, "Howās the practice of the Thunder Sword Skills coming along? I happen to be sending a batch of Thunder-Invoking Talismans to the exchange hall; if you need them, I can secretly give you a couple."
Zhou Qing quickly waved his hands to refuse.
Youāre being excessively kind to me; although I canāt hit you, I can avoid you.
"Thank you for your concern, Martial Uncle. I might be lacking talent in this cultivation technique, as Iāve been unable to grasp it for a long time, so I gave up. Moreover, getting struck by lightning really hurts."
Sporting an embarrassed look, Zhou Qing played the role of a hopeless case.
At present, the Thunder Sword Skills were his greatest trump card, something he could not easily let others know about.
Even during the Ghost City incident, he had used it in the underground space, where even the third senior brother and others hadnāt seen it.
Upon hearing Zhou Qingās words, Gao Xuanās face was filled with regret.
"Such a pity! After all, these Thunder Sword Skills are a first-rate cultivation technique, exceptional even in the Nascent Soul Realm," Gao Xuan said, shaking his head.
Zhou Qing looked at Gao Xuan with a hint of surprise, especially at the words [Sacrificial Lamb] above his head.
These Thunder Sword Skills comprised three styles, corresponding to the Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, and Nascent Soul realms. He didnāt expect Gao Xuan to know so much about them.
Zhou Qing could only laugh, "Iāve disappointed you, Martial Uncle. Perhaps Iām really not cut out for it."
Gao Xuan, however, said, "Donāt belittle yourself. How do you know you canāt do it without trying? The Golden Thunder Sect actually has a man-made Thunder Pool. An elder in charge of the Thunder Pool owes me a favor. If youāre willing, I could speak to him for you."
Zhou Qing looked incredulous.
It wasnāt the Thunder Pool that shocked himāthe Thunder-shaped Sword Embryo was already condensed, so he had no use for it.
What puzzled him was how kind this fake Gao Xuan was, to use up a favor so readily.
Iām not even your direct disciple; is there a need for this?
Could it be that another power, indeed the Golden Thunder Sect, wants to throw me into the tigerās den?
Iām just a pawn, is it really worth this much?
Zhou Qing hurriedly said, "Thank you for your kindness, Martial Uncle, but Iām really hopeless with this. Itās unnecessary. I have some matters to attend to, so Iāll take my leave."
After saying that, Zhou Qing turned and left.
[Heart Mirror Points + 8]
A prompt suddenly sounded. Zhou Qing turned his head and saw that the label above Gao Xuanās head had changed to [Child Who Missed an Opportunity].
Gao Xuan was still looking at him. Zhou Qing managed a faint smile and quickened his pace.
Really now, it seems he genuinely wanted to find me a Thunder Pool to help with my Thunder Sword Skills cultivation.
What is this fake Gao Xuanās true intent?
First [Dead Man], then [Substitute Ghost], [Sacrificial Lamb], and now [Child Who Missed an Opportunity]. Your impression of me is absolutely inconsistent.