Chapter 1197: Chapter 360: Is This the Bond of Blood Between Father and Daughter?
Just as the few other Spirit Severing cultivators were about to jest with this "local," they suddenly sensed something and looked up simultaneously.
In the sky, a burst of radiant light appeared as nine golden dragon shadows broke through the air, accompanied by dragon roars. A majestic figure stepped through the void.
Xuan Yuan Hao, clad in imperial robes, moved with the grace of a dragon and tiger. With each step, a cloud of purple mist emerged beneath his feet, revealing dragon patterns within—a true representation of royal majesty.
"Master Zhou, you’ve indeed made it difficult for me to find you!"
His voice, like a great bell, caused golden ripples to spread across the lake surface.
With a wave of his large sleeve, Xuanyuan Hao made a purple-gold jade platform engraved with nine dragon patterns appear out of thin air, landing firmly in front of Zhou Qing.
At this moment, the nine Spirit Severing Realm masters arranged themselves in a nine-palace formation, enclosing Zhou Qing in the center. Each jade platform exuded an overwhelming aura.
It was the first time Zhou Qing had met the reigning Emperor of the Holy Martial Dynasty, who indeed was a Spirit Severing Realm cultivator.
"Greetings, Emperor!" Zhou Qing could only bow once more.
The cultivators by the lake’s edge were already dumbfounded, for such a scene was rare to witness even once in a lifetime.
Nine Spirit Severing Realm masters had gathered, all for one person.
This honor was unprecedented and unparalleled.
Soon after, the Emperor waved his hand, and a purple-gold barrier appeared out of nowhere, completely enveloping the area.
The crowd couldn’t see what was happening inside, leaving them disappointed.
Nonetheless, the name Zhou Qing would surely resound throughout the Holy Martial Dynasty again, becoming a legendary tale spoken of by countless cultivators.
And Lu Yaoyao and the others could only follow the crowd, curiously waiting...
And so it continued until seven days later, when the purple-gold barrier in the central lake area rippled like water before silently vanishing into the air.
By then, the lake’s heart was already empty—none of the nine Spirit Severing Realm masters, Zhou Qing, or the illustrious beauties were in sight.
"Where is everyone?" The lakeside cultivators looked at each other, puzzled and discussing.
"It seems they’ve taken Master Zhou away. I’m guessing there’s a big possibility he collaborated with the royal family."
A middle-aged cultivator rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"That aligns with my thoughts." A white-haired elder beside him sighed, eyes filled with envy.
"Truly envious, struggling a lifetime without even a fraction of his opportunities and fortune."
"To command the personal invitation of nine Spirit Severing Realm rulers at such an age—this honor, I fear, couldn’t be achieved even with another three hundred years of cultivation."
"Who could disagree?" another person interjected, a hint of bitterness in their tone.
"Here in our respective sects, we are considered geniuses, yet compared to Master Zhou, we are like fireflies to the moon."
...
Meanwhile, at the edge of the crowd, Lu Yaoyao and the others remained standing, staring at the empty lake center lost in thought.
Just then, Luo Lingling seemed to sense something and quickly retrieved a tri-colored Communication Jade Scroll.
[I have some matters to handle. I’ll come to find you all when I’m done!]
Seeing the message from Zhou Qing, Luo Lingling finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Let’s find a place to wait for Xiao Qing. For now, all we can do is not burden him!"
Luo Lingling showed the message on the Jade Scroll to the others.
They all agreed and followed the departing crowd...
...
Meanwhile, in a secret chamber of the Duobao Trading House!
Zhou Qing stood with eyes closed, while Mo Tianheng, holding a bronze ancient mirror, carefully inspected whether any marks had been left on him.
During these days of interaction with the nine Spirit Severing cultivators, he tactfully refused their overtures, trying not to offend any side.
"They are quite straightforward, clean, so rest assured!" Mo Tianheng put away the ancient mirror, confirming with two Magical Treasures before heaving a sigh of relief.
Zhou Qing slowly opened his eyes, a slight smile on his lips, "Thank you, Elder Mo."
"No need for formalities!" Mo Tianheng waved a hand with a smile.
At this moment, Zhou Qing felt an unprecedented lightness.
During these days of maneuvering, he had skillfully evaded questions regarding the Taiqing Sect’s three Spirit Severing Realm practitioners.
As for the exceptional youths brought by the groups, he had no interest whatsoever.
Though those noble daughters forced smiles, they couldn’t hide the humiliation and resentment in their eyes.
They were once the pride of their sects, but now they were reduced to marriage pawns, forced to display talents and charm under watchful eyes.
Throughout, Zhou Qing kept a polite smile, though inwardly he was unmoved.
The only gratifying gain was the insights into breakthroughs he acquired from interactions with the nine Spirit Severing cultivators.
As things concluded, he left, citing having some matters to discuss with Elder Mo.
Soon, Zhou Qing’s gaze sharpened as he spoke directly, "Elder Mo, let’s speak plainly. If you have any channels, could you help investigate where Nangong Xiongba is hiding?"
Mo Tianheng focused on Zhou Qing’s eyes, swirling with murderous intent, hesitated before speaking solemnly, "Though he once had only a trace of his Primordial Spirit remaining, he has likely fully recovered by now. He’s treacherous, be cautious."
Zhou Qing nodded with a cold smile, "I understand. Today, I rejected Xuanyuan Hao three times; this Emperor is likely staging a ’drive the tiger to swallow the wolf’ trick."
"First, he’ll let Nangong Xiongba, the venomous serpent, bite me, then make a timely appearance to save me, so I owe him this favor."
"Therefore, there may be some turmoil ahead, but no mortal danger. I’ll use this venomous serpent to sharpen my blade."
Mo Tianheng nodded thoughtfully, "Seems I was overthinking. Your calculations are indeed more insightful."
