The Sect Leader Has Taken in a New Female Disciple

Chapter 1135 344: Third Mother, Uncle, What Brings You Here?

As Zhou Qing walked out of the cave mansion, Ghost Mastiff and Luo Lingling were still deep in cultivation, while the old hen was fast asleep.Zhou Qing did not disturb them and quietly left, heading alone towards the inner city.

...

Several days later, Zhou Qing, wearing a mask, reappeared at the teahouse opposite the trading company.

Compared to a year ago, discussions about "Mr. Ji" had lessened considerably.

Some speculated he had left the Imperial City, especially since even the Spirit Slash ancestor of the Nangong Family had returned to Yaoguang Mansion.

Others suspected he had secretly allied with a Spirit Slash aristocracy, reaching a reconciliation with the Nangong Family.

Now, the heated topic in the city had shifted back to the individual who audaciously killed the Chief Eunuch Gao Xianzhong in broad daylight.

This matter concerned the Royal Family's reputation, and the Emperor had ordered a thorough investigation, vowing not to tolerate such affront.

The crowd speculated which aristocratic family was striking a blow against the Royal Family.

Zhou Qing was indifferent to this, glad that the topic had shifted.

"Young friend!"

At that moment, Elder Mo's voice suddenly echoed in his mind, and the scene before him changed abruptly.

In the blink of an eye, Zhou Qing found himself once more within the magnificent palace hall.

"Greetings, Elder Mo." Seeing Elder Mo for the third time, Zhou Qing was full of embarrassment and somewhat awkwardly bowed.

Elder Mo suspected something and then chuckled, "It seems young friend has been cultivating a remarkable divine technique, though the consumption... tsk tsk."

He sighed lightly, "To my shame, the trading company hasn't received a single Wood Attribute Spirit Stone over the past year."

Zhou Qing's eyes showed a hint of disappointment, yet he still respectfully bowed, "Please, Elder Mo, advise me on where I might find Wood Attribute Spirit Stones?"

Elder Mo pondered for a long while, his white eyebrows furrowing, "Wood Spirit Stones form at the roots of spirit woods over ten thousand years old, requiring areas nurtured by pure life force."

"Most known veins are exhausted." He paused, "To obtain them in abundance, one would have to search in areas untouched by the Human Race..."

"Please, senior, guide me."

"The border's Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range is home to the Demon Race, who absorb Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi for cultivation and rarely use such material." Elder Mo suggested after some thought.

Zhou Qing's eyes lit up, as he was somewhat familiar with the border area.

But Elder Mo shifted his tone, "However, at the border, where there are ten thousand-year-old spirit woods, their roots have long been depleted. If one desires to find any, they must venture deeper."

He shook his head in regret, "This material is rare now, the most reliable way is to wait for it to circulate in the market."

"I understand, senior," Zhou Qing could hardly conceal his disappointment.

"Do not be anxious, young friend," Elder Mo reassured, "I will do my utmost to keep an eye out for you."

"Thank you, Elder Mo." Zhou Qing expressed his gratitude, bowing once more.

Elder Mo looked at Zhou Qing hesitantly, then after weighing his words, decided to speak, "Young friend, in the path of cultivation, sometimes knowing when to take and when to leave is the best strategy."

"Though I don't know the divine technique, such consumption would be difficult to sustain even for the Dynasty."

Zhou Qing understood Elder Mo's good intentions and nodded solemnly, "I will remember, senior."

"One more thing." Elder Mo's eyes flashed with seriousness, "In the teahouse, the person who approached you... I sensed a dangerous aura from him; young friend, be careful."

Zhou Qing nodded solemnly, they exchanged a few more words, and the surroundings swiftly retreated.

When he snapped back to his senses, he was still at the teahouse.

"Seems I can only try my luck with him now." Zhou Qing muttered to himself, standing up and leaving the teahouse.

Moments later, at a secluded inn in the western part of the city.

Zhou Qing requested a private room, taking out the Communication Jade Scroll left by Sikong Yan.

After a brief moment of hesitation, he infused it with spiritual power to activate it.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

About two hours later, there was a knock on the door.

"Does the guest wish for more tea?" A familiar voice came from outside the door.

Zhou Qing twitched his mouth reluctantly and got up to open the door.

Upon opening the door, he found no one outside.

Turning his head, he noticed Sikong Yan, wearing a mask, sitting where he had been just a moment ago, fiddling with his teacup.

"Why are you standing there? Close the door!" Sikong Yan turned his head with a nervous expression, "This is a secret meeting; make sure nobody discovers us!"

Zhou Qing couldn't help but roll his eyes, muttering "lunatic," but complied and shut the door.