The Sect Leader Has Taken in a New Female Disciple

"Madam is considerate." He nodded in gratitude.

Madam Shen Lin smiled faintly, "Master is too polite. If there’s anything you need at the Shen Family, just let me know."

Zhou Qing hesitated briefly, then said, "Speaking of which, there is indeed something I’d like to trouble you with, Madam."

Lin Jingtang’s eyes subtly flickered, "Oh? Please go ahead, Master."

"My method of realm cultivation... is a bit unique." Zhou Qing was somewhat embarrassed, "It’s based on drawing the strengths of many schools, requiring the observation of others’ realms for improvement, somewhat of a hodgepodge. So—"

Before he could finish, understanding flashed in Lin Jingtang’s eyes, "I see."

Her lips curved slightly, "Consider it done."

Zhou Qing’s eyes flashed with a spark, "Then I must thank you, Madam."

"It’s nothing worth mentioning." Lin Jingtang chatted briefly with Zhou Qing, then gracefully got up and left.

Once her figure disappeared, Zhou Qing opened the jade jar.

A pure fragrance of tea greeted him, and the tea leaves inside were lush and green.

He tilted the jar to pour out, and the tea leaves formed a small pile on the table, with nothing else inside.

"Interesting..." After using the [Daily Reflection] to ensure safety, Zhou Qing picked up a tea leaf and sniffed it.

"This lady, she certainly doesn’t play by the rules."

...

The next day, at dawn, Zhou Qing sat cross-legged, spiritual power circulating around him.

In the next moment, he abruptly opened his eyes, his blood-red pupils flickered, peering through the hall door—

Morning Dew and Evening Frost stood respectfully outside the door, one on each side.

However, their clothes were slightly disheveled, collars half-open, revealing snowy skin faintly, seemingly accidental yet possibly intentional.

Beneath the steps before the hall, seven Spirit Severing Realm experts sat together, conversing in hushed tones, with a subtle circulation of spiritual power around them.

Further away, over a thousand Divinity Transformation Realm cultivators stood solemnly in ranks, ranging from the early stage to Great Perfection.

While there was occasional whispered conversation, they all maintained an appropriately reverent demeanor.

"Keep it down, everyone!" Second Grandpa, wearing a tiger head hat, bounced out, "My master is still resting!"

Then, he turned and sidled up to Morning Dew and Evening Frost, his eyes gleaming, "How old are the two of you? Where do you live? Last night, did you..."

Before he could finish, the hall door creaked open slowly from behind.

Zhou Qing stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping indifferently over everyone present.

"Master, you’re awake!" Second Grandpa instantly changed his expression, dashed behind Zhou Qing, and started massaging his shoulders with a sycophantic smile.

Zhou Qing’s eye twitched slightly, and he secretly transmitted, "Grandpa, isn’t your acting a bit over the top?"

Second Grandpa replied through transmission, "What do you know? This is called building a character!"

"I’m just a young Nascent Soul Realm cultivator now, having gathered five thousand Spirit Seals. I know better than anyone what should be done and what kind of personality is appropriate for this age!"

"After all, I’ve been through this stage, unlike you, who, despite being young, always act so old-fashioned; it’s quite boring!"

Zhou Qing could only sigh, unwilling to argue with him.

"Master!" Morning Dew and Evening Frost greeted in unison, their voices soft and charming.

Zhou Qing ignored their little schemes, quickly stepped forward, and cupped his hands in salute to the crowd, "I, Qingzhou, greet all the seniors and fellow cultivators!"

He hadn’t expected Madam’s efficiency to be so high that she gathered such a large group overnight.

Since their sincerity in assisting was evident, he naturally couldn’t be rude, nor could he appear arrogant.

After all, it was better to make more friends than to have more watchers.

"Master, you’re too kind!" The crowd, seeing Zhou Qing’s humility, smiled and returned his salute graciously.

Seven Spirit Severing Realm cultivators stepped forward, bowing, "Master, Madam has explained your situation to us, it’s a small matter, shall we begin?"

Zhou Qing felt a surge of happiness, discreetly glanced at Second Grandpa, and nodded, "Very well, I shall rely on all of you!"

"It’s no problem at all!" the seven laughed.

Zhou Qing led the seven into the hall, with Second Grandpa thoughtfully closing the door behind them.

Grabbing a handful of melon seeds, he shouted to the Divinity Transformation Realm cultivators below, "The space inside the hall is limited, only seven can enter at a time, line up properly! My master is very quick..."

Sure enough, in less than the time it takes for a pot of tea to steep, the hall doors opened again.

Zhou Qing, glowing with satisfaction, personally escorted the seven out.

The interactions were cheerful, evidently they had become quite acquainted.

The seven saluted once more before departing.

"Next batch!" Second Grandpa shouted out.

The next seven Divinity Transformation Realm cultivators in line immediately stepped forward.

"Thank you all for your efforts." Zhou Qing cupped his hands.

"Master, you overpraise us; it is our honor to serve you!" The seven respectfully returned the courtesy, then proceeded into the hall...