Chapter 561 - 201: Zhou, Do You Think I Can Come Back Again? (6k)

According to ancient texts, the Spirit Severing Realm’s place of demise will be shrouded in an intense negative emotion for at least several hundred years.

The area, perpetual in darkness, seems to become a cursed land. All who approach it will encounter eerie scenes like those described by Cao Zhengyang earlier.

Those with weak wills may even be consumed by the unwilling obsessions severed by the Spirit Slash, ultimately becoming puppet-like "Tomb Guardians."

Cao Zhengyang nodded heavily, slowly saying, ’It must be; otherwise, how could the Eastern Domain experience such a massive tremor simultaneously?’

’The Spirit Severing Realm...’ Gao Xuan muttered to himself, his voice tinged with awe and curiosity, ’There are only a dozen or so in the entire Fourth-level Cultivation Country; who exactly fell there?’

Cao Zhengyang sighed deeply. ’These past few years have indeed been tumultuous, especially in our Eastern Domain. Who knows what bizarre events will unfold next.’

Then, he paused and continued, ’I originally wanted to ask Mo to investigate the situation with me, but now that Zhou Qing has returned, let him enjoy the joy of reuniting with his master and apprentice.’

Gao Xuan immediately understood Cao Zhengyang’s meaning and said, ’Of course, there’s no time to lose. Let’s go.’

The two quickly left Taiqing Sect, heading straight for Spirit Skull Mountain...

After leaving Golden Sun Peak, Zhou Qing felt entirely at ease.

At least after this confrontation, he more or less understood Gao Xuan’s past, and it seemed the Sect Leader knew well.

With that, he was thoroughly relieved.

’Nannan—’ Zhou Qing murmured softly, filled with pity and emotion.

It appears that if he could bring back Nannan’s body, it might wholly resolve Master’s lingering sorrow.

It would also be a small token of appreciation for this elder who has endured so much.

’Zhou!’ As Zhou Qing was about to return to Little Spirit Peak, a familiar shout came from behind him.

He turned his head to see Du Kui coming on his sword.

Zhou Qing smiled and asked, ’Du, is there something else?’

Du Kui descended, slightly panting, and said, ’I just finished paying respects to Xue’Er. I thought we could have a few drinks.’

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing’s expression darkened instantly, filled with guilt. ’I can’t believe I forgot. If it weren’t for you and Senior Sister Luo Xue arriving in time, Lu and I would’ve been long dead. It’s my negligence; I’m sorry.’

Du Kui waved his hand, laughing heartily, ’You’ve already repaid the debt long ago; no need to bring it up.’

However, Zhou Qing insisted on visiting Senior Sister Luo Xue’s grave. Du Kui couldn’t persuade him otherwise and reluctantly accompanied him back to the rear mountain of Golden Sun Peak.

The sea of flowers in the rear mountain was still as brilliant as ever. The breeze caressed, making the blossoms sway gently like colorful waves.

Two mounds stood silently in the sea of flowers, kept spotless and adorned with fresh flowers and fruits, clearly well-tended by Du Kui.

Zhou Qing stepped forward and respectfully inserted three sticks of incense.

’Senior Sister, I’ve come to see you!’ Zhou Qing spoke softly, his expression complex.

Then, he slowly turned to the neighboring grave, which belonged to Fifth Brother Tan Qiang.

Back then, Tan Qiang had just made it to the doorstep with a box when Elder Wuzhu came out to greet him. He bled through seven orifices and died instantly, his soul scattered.

To this day, no one knows what that box he brought back contained.

Although the war between the Five Sects ended long ago, they have slumbered here forever.

Du Kui gazed at the two graves in silence for a long time before asking, ’When do you leave?’

Zhou Qing withdrew his gaze and replied softly, ’In a few days.’

Du Kui nodded slightly. ’Before you go, let me send you off on behalf of Luo Xue.’

Zhou Qing looked at Du Kui, sighed softly, and agreed, ’Alright.’

They then stood quietly, gazing at the small burial mounds, hearts heavy with sorrow and grief.

It wasn’t until Zhou Qing received a message from Yan Xiaohu that he finally turned and left.

Watching Zhou Qing’s departing figure, Du Kui’s eyes suddenly gleamed coldly. He murmured, ’Just one last step, Zhou, I am truly sorry.’

After speaking, Du Kui slowly squatted down and gently stroked Luo Xue’s tombstone, his tone tender. ’Junior Sister, you won’t blame me, will you? This is a special opportunity given to me by the heavens; otherwise, why would he return at this exact moment.’

...

Returning to Little Spirit Peak, Zhou Qing realized that He Han, Shi Zhen, and Senior Sister Pei Yan had been waiting for him. Besides them, there were also Lei Luo from Golden Thunder Sect and Senior Sister Yuan Ya from Cyan Feather Immortal Sect.

’Hearing about your return, they’ve all come looking for you!’ Yan Xiaohu walked briskly from a lush tree by the doorway, wiping his hands as he spoke.

Zhou Qing nodded politely to everyone, a long-lost smile appearing on his face. ’Senior Brothers and Sisters, long time no see. Let’s go inside.’

He then opened the courtyard door, and everyone entered one after another.

He Han wondered why Lu Yaoyao hadn’t returned. Had something happened?

Zhou Qing had to transmit his thoughts, still trusting Lei Luo and Senior Sister Yuan Ya, though the fewer know about Senior Brother Li Daoxuan’s enlightenment of the Realm, the better.

After listening, He Han’s eyes instantly brightened, filled with surprise and joy. He was genuinely relieved.

As for Senior Sister Shi Zhen, he had already seen her at the Task Hall this morning but mentioned his return to Senior Sister Pei Yan afterward.

Upon learning of Zhou Qing’s return, Pei Yan insisted on coming over.

If it weren’t for Zhou Qing recognizing the disguise of Sima Demoness back then, she would have been possessed. She wouldn’t be here today.