The two fell silent for a moment upon hearing this.

Lu Yuanzhi gazed at Zhou Qing, speaking softly, "Your growth rate far exceeds my expectations. When we first met, you were only at the late stage of the Nascent Soul, but now you have reached the Great Perfection of Divinity Transformation."

"I even feel that Spirit Slash is effortlessly easy for you."

"You have your own path to walk, and now the Taiqing Sect is also our sect, so rest assured."

Saying this, she took out a cyan jade scroll, "This is our latest compilation of insights on Spirit Slash, hoping it can help you."

Zhou Qing accepted it solemnly, thanking profusely.

Lu Yuanjiu then presented a lamp with a peculiar design—its base was shaped like a nine-tailed fox lying down, with a white wick inside the glass lampshade.

"This is the Fox Fire Lamp," she explained, "if you need help, ignite it, and Chen will sense it."

"But if you can avoid using it, do so, as the current Emperor Xuanyuan Hao might be watching her. After all, he tricked her at the academy with a fake Spirit Slash secret formula before." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Zhou Qing thanked again, and the three chatted for a while before he bade farewell and left.

...

"We should leave too!" Late at night two days later, Luo Lingling quietly arrived at Zhou Qing's place.

Inside the room, Zhou Qing was already packed up, and had thoughtfully made a small flying cap for the old hen.

"Are you sure about leaving tonight?" Zhou Qing looked around his abode, suddenly feeling reluctant to part. The journey to the Imperial City was long, with no telling when he would return.

He had planned to treat everyone to a meal at the Jade Dining Hall.

"Let's go, or we'll be too late!" Luo Lingling sighed lightly.

Zhou Qing frowned, "Did something happen?"

"This afternoon, I passed by Sanhu's residence and saw him squatting in the courtyard, almost plucking the begonia flower bald!"

Zhou Qing's expression slightly changed.

He knew Yan's habit well—each time he was conflicted about whether to report, he would pluck the petals all over the ground.

Yan Xiaohu had returned from the Golden Thunder Sect via Teleportation Array this morning, and they told him they were leaving.

In the afternoon, this guy started to have doubts.

"Alright, let's leave tonight then!" Zhou Qing said helplessly, grabbing the dozing old hen.

After ensuring everything was packed, the two quickly disappeared into the night.

As the token was inserted, ripples appeared at the mountain gate's barrier and quickly returned to calm.

A few moments later, several figures slowly emerged from the shadows.

Moonlight fell like water, reflecting complicated expressions on everyone's faces.

Mo Xingjian furrowed his brow, eyes full of reluctance, while Cao Zhengyang heaved a heavy sigh.

Gao Xuan's eyes were red-rimmed as he clutched sleeping Nannan tightly in his arms.

In this world, nothing is given for free; everything comes at a price.

Back at the Cangyan Daoist Palace, when Zhou Qing went in alone, he must have agreed to other conditions from Sikong Yan, which is why Nannan returned to him so quickly.

This favor, he can never repay in this lifetime!

"With Ling Ling accompanying..." Cao Zhengyang patted Mo Xingjian's shoulder, only letting out a long sigh.

Mo Xingjian, looking at the now empty mountain path, spoke hoarsely, "A fledgling must spread its wings... I just hope they stay safe."

Yan Xiaohu, with a cheeky grin, sidled up to Mo Xingjian, "Master, see, isn't your disciple the most considerate? If I hadn't reported, you wouldn't have even seen them for the last time..."

Before he finished speaking, with a crisp "pop," Mo Xingjian kicked.

"What do you mean the last time?!" Mo Xingjian's beard trembled in anger, "Can you speak properly?"

Yan Xiaohu hopped around, clutching his groin, "Ouch! Master, you kicked my hip bone!"

Mo Xingjian sighed, rubbing his forehead, his sleeves shaking with frustration.

"Ungrateful Old Mo..." Yan Xiaohu muttered, rubbing his sore spot, "Can't tell good from bad, and don't even consider who'll take care of you in old age..."

...

At dawn, a slight figure landed on Little Spirit Peak.

Lu Yaoyao looked at the closed courtyard, her fingers touched the door ring but quickly shrank back.

Her tears swirled in her eyes, but ultimately did not fall.

She understood her father's unspoken care, knowing her own cultivation was still shallow, unable to keep up with his pace.

If she had known, she surely would have followed him, becoming a burden instead.

"It doesn't matter," she wiped her eyes dry, turning decisively, her skirt swayed in a pronounced arc, "The insights from Kunpeng Palace and Taichu Dojo will be enough for me to perfect my realm."

"Father, I'll come find you once I break through to Divinity Transformation!"

After speaking, Lu Yaoyao returned to Divine Peak, beginning her retreat.

Now, she was truly just a step away from the Divinity Transformation Realm!

...

A month later!

Zhou Qing and Luo Lingling smoothly arrived at Lingyun Mansion.

Since both were visiting the Imperial City for the first time, they needed to plan thoroughly here.

At the very least, they needed a detailed map.

The Wanxiang Auction was naturally the best choice.

Just stepping into the auction house, an excited shout greeted them, "Zhou!"

Zhang Wanbao rushed down the stairs, exuberantly seating Zhou Qing, instructing the waitresses to serve spirit tea and snacks.

"Zhou, I'm truly sorry, ever since you asked me to collect wood attribute Spirit Stones, I've only managed to find one!"

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhang Wanbao rubbed his hands, looking guilty.

Zhou Qing promptly said, "No apologies necessary, the one Elder Fu brought before was greatly helpful."

"How about you join me at Vast Mansion?" Zhang Wanbao suddenly lowered his voice, "You should know the recent situation over there; the Southwest Two Domains are quite chaotic now."

"Presently, Spirit Severing Realm experts abound, I'm planning to reopen the Treasure Pavilion there, perhaps I might procure wood attribute Spirit Stones."

Zhou Qing gently shook his head, his gaze lingering on Zhang Wanbao's noticeably thin face, "That's not urgent, but why do you seem to have lost quite a bit of weight recently?"