Faced with Zhou Qingâs sudden words, Lu Yuanzhi stopped walking and turned around in confusion.
The Zhou Qing before him not only apprenticed under a senior in the Spirit Severing Realm, but also had exceptional talent in the art of arrays, earning the favor of Master Lin Daochen.
Moreover, she had personally witnessed the fierce battle at the border.
Both being in the Divinity Transformation Realm, they could essentially address each other as Daoists on a certain level.
So, in response to Zhou Qingâs words, Lu Yuanzhiâs expression became serious, and he earnestly said, "Feel free to speak."
Zhou Qing slowly said, "To be honest, I once accidentally saw a secret formula in an ancient book. It can treat the backlash from a failed Spirit Slash, but it only works for certain special people."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuanzhiâs originally calm eyes instantly widened in surprise, his voice trembling with urgency, "What secret formula?"
Zhou Qing said, "Have you ever heard of the Nine-leaf Concentration Flower?"
Lu Yuanzhiâs brows immediately furrowed in thought, then after a long time he nodded, "I think Iâve heard of it, seems to grow in certain Mist Swamps."
Zhou Qing nodded and then took out Zhang Wanbaoâs jade scroll, revealing the picture of this spirit medicine to help Master Lu remember.
"If you can find and refine it, you should be cured within half a year, but Iâm not certain about its authenticity!" said Zhou Qing.
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuanzhi was ecstatic, his hands trembling uncontrollably as he repeated deliriously, "Thatâs wonderful, wonderful..."
When he came back to his senses, he looked at Zhou Qing again, his eyes full of gratitude.
"Zhou Qing, regardless of its effectiveness, I, Lu Yuanzhi, will remember this favor. If you ever need anything, just ask!"
Zhou Qing cupped his hands and said, "Youâre too kind, senior."
Once Lu Yuanzhiâs figure had completely disappeared from sight, Zhou Qing finally let out a long breath.
The reason for not discussing this in front of Master Lin was mainly to avoid causing trouble for him.
After all, numerous individuals in the Divinity Transformation Realm had failed Spirit Slashes over the years. The lighter cases, like Eight-Tails Lu Yuanjiu, struggled in endless pain, wishing for death.
The heavier cases resulted in their total disappearance from the world.
If this news were to spread, who knows what kind of chaos it would incite.
Ultimately, it requires extremely strong demon physiques and exceptional willpower to have a chance at success.
And if they were to fail and die, wouldnât Master Lin be blamed?
At the very least, the Mist Poison Salamander clan might face extermination because of a single word from him.
Moreover, even if found, itâs uncertain whether Lu Yuanjiu could withstand the ordeal.
Returning to his cave mansion, Yan Xiaohu came rushing excitedly, and said, "Old Fourth, isnât it strange? Since Consort Chen chased the white-clad figure that night in your absence, he hasnât appeared in the past few days."
Clearly, Yan Xiaohu was somewhat disappointed.
After all, he finally had some gossip, and he had planned to find a chance to mock it.
Unexpectedly, the person didnât show up.
"Perhaps, that person really is Lin Jin," Yan Xiaohu guessed, mimicking seriousness as he stroked his chin.
Seeing his look, Zhou Qingâs expression became serious as he warned, "You shouldnât meddle in this. During your and senior brother Liâs days outside, I chased him once and estimated that he should be in the late Divinity Transformation stage or even Great Perfection."
"Moreover, it concerns the royal familyâs dignity, so be careful not to bring trouble upon yourself."
Yan Xiaohu repeatedly nodded, answering, "Understood, I was just joking around with you. I know the importance. Luckily, thanks to your quick response that night, no one discovered we had gone out."
Zhou Qing nodded slightly, then changed the subject, "Thatâs good, but third senior brother, I noticed since you broke through to mid-Nascent Soul stage, youâve been quite lax."
"Look at Junior Sister Lu, sheâs fully focused on breaking through to late Nascent Soul stage."
Yan Xiaohu heard this, and a flash of embarrassment crossed his face as he laughed apologetically, "Actually, when youâre not looking, Iâm diligently cultivating."
"But being an Earth Vein Foundation Establishment, and without such good mentors teaching me, this academy really doesnât have a discerning eye."
Seeing this, Zhou Qing sighed and shook his head.
...
In the next half month, Zhou Qing finally assimilated the notes and insights of the three array masters completely.
His understanding of arrays deepened considerably, and many previously unclear aspects became evident.
Just as he was about to take out the Celestial and Earthly Treasures Jade Scroll given by Zhang Wanbao for thorough study, Lu Yaoyao, who had been in seclusion for a long time, finally emerged.
Along with her was Lu Yuanzhi.
"I plan to try my luck in Cyan Nether Mansion; they have several mountain ranges and mist swamps are more abundant there."
"But because Yaoyao was still in training, Iâve had concerns there, which delayed me until today!" Lu Yuanzhi said.
Zhou Qing nodded and reminded her to be careful.
If Senior Lu Yuanjiu could truly recover with the Nine-leaf Concentration Flower, then Master Lu would likely have no further concerns and could completely sever his spirit.
Once she ascends to the Spirit Severing Realm, her power and status would be unparalleled, and she wouldnât be constrained by the royal dynasty, just like Uncle Second.
At that time, rescuing her imprisoned relatives might really be an easy task for her.
After Lu Yuanzhi left, Lu Yaoyao and Yan Xiaohu curiously looked at Zhou Qing.
"What kind of riddles were you two speaking just now? We couldnât understand at all."
Zhou Qing just smiled silently and didnât explain much.
"Senior Brother Zhou!" At this moment, Li Daoxuan arrived.
Seeing that Junior Sister was also out of seclusion, he was delighted, "Didnât expect everyone to be here, which is great. I plan to return to Taiqing Sect for seclusion!"