The Sect Leader Has Taken in a New Female Disciple

The Family Head of the First Branch, Shen Tianhong, wore a jet-black brocade robe. His features were stern, his eyes like blazing torches, and Spiritual Power faintly flowed about him—his cultivation was clearly unfathomable.

His wife, Madam Shen Lin, was dignified and graceful. Though her brows and eyes held a gentle smile, she nonetheless gave off a sense of unfathomable depth.

The Family Head of the Second Branch, Shen Yunlan, was thin of frame, his face cold and severe. His fingertips lightly tapped the table, as though pondering something.

His wife Su Yurou, however, still smiled charmingly, her round fan swaying gently as her gaze drifted toward Zhou Qing from time to time.

The Family Head of the Third Branch, Shen Lieyang, was tall and burly, with thick brows and tiger eyes. Though a smile rested on his face, a trace of scrutiny was hidden deep in his gaze.

And Liu Rushuang sat quietly at his side, a faint smile at the corner of her lips, her eyes deep and fathomless, no one knowing what calculations were turning in her mind.

Zhou Qing and Second Uncle could clearly feel that although the atmosphere within the hall seemed harmonious, under the surface dark currents were surging.

Everyone’s gaze, whether overt or subtle, fell upon Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing’s eyes shifted slightly, landing on the empty seat to the opposite side—that should be the seat of the master of the Fourth Branch, Shen Juefeng.

He actually hadn’t attended?

He had originally intended to seize this chance to witness the bearing of his future father-in-law.

"Since Master Qingzhou has already decided to join my Shen Family, he must have gained some understanding of the Chief Stewards of each branch."

Shen Tianhong seemed to sense his line of sight. Raising his cup with a smile, he said, "It’s just that ever since Old Fourth’s Lady Liu met with an unexpected death, he’s spent his days drowning his sorrows in wine and rarely attends occasions of this sort."

Zhou Qing nodded slightly.

He had learned of this back when he was beyond the domain, and now was merely having it confirmed again.

When he had entered earlier, Liu Rushuang of the Third Branch had casually mentioned, as if unintentionally, that her maternal clan was the Liu Family ranked sixth, dwelling at the Sixth Tail.

To announce her background in this way, and to be the very first to step forth and greet him, was nothing more than an attempt to leave an impression in Zhou Qing’s heart, so she could draw him in at a later time.

As for Shen Hanyi and Shen Yunzhou’s birth mother, Liu Qingci... he wondered if she had any connection to that Liu Family?

"It is indeed a matter that calls for regret." At the right moment, Zhou Qing let a faint look of lament show on his face.

Seeing this, the First Branch Madam, Shen Lin, shifted her gaze toward Second Uncle and said with a smiling lilt, "Young Friend Si truly has good fortune, to have been accepted into Master Qingzhou’s tutelage. In the future you must be diligent in your cultivation and study."

Second Uncle, wearing his Tiger Head Hat, straightened his back at once upon hearing this, his face full of pride. "But of course! Master treats me exceedingly well—he never holds anything back when it comes to preaching the Dao and imparting his teachings!"

Before his words had even finished, he seemed unable to suppress the urge to show off. With a mere movement of his thoughts, five thousand Spirit Seals suddenly emerged, dazzling like a river of stars, suspended all around his body.

All present were visibly astonished at the sight.

One had to know that this Siyun Ya was still very young, having only just stepped into the Nascent Soul Realm, yet he had already condensed five thousand Spirit Seals, placing him among Level 3 Array Masters.

He was only half the number short of the ten-thousand-seal threshold for a Level 4 Array Master.

With Master Qingzhou’s guidance, given time he would surely become a great talent.

"Come, come—today my Shen Family welcomes two Masters into our ranks. It is truly double joy descending upon our gates!" Shen Tianhong’s face was flushed with delight as he raised his wine cup and stood up.

Upon hearing this, everyone rose from their seats in turn, lifting their cups in response.

Zhou Qing remained calm, rising with cup in hand, his sleeve lightly brushing forth, his bearing steady and composed.

Second Uncle, meanwhile, rocked excitedly up onto his toes, hurriedly hoisting his wine cup, nearly spilling the wine within.

...

After the banquet dispersed, Shen Family servants led the two of them through the winding corridors, then arranged them in neighboring halls, both located at the higher reaches of the palace complex.

Zhou Qing’s residence was tranquil and elegant. Pushing open the carved wooden windows, one could overlook most of the Shen Family estate.

Second Uncle’s dwelling was even more spacious, the furnishings within the hall lavish to the extreme. Even the bed and its hanging curtains were embroidered with vivid auspicious beasts—such decor was perfectly suited to a young man’s tastes.

Once the servants had withdrawn, Second Uncle’s eyes rolled, and he tiptoed out of his own hall.

He first stretched lazily under the corridor in a show of nonchalance, and once he saw that no one was around, his figure flickered and slipped straight into Zhou Qing’s quarters.

Just as Zhou Qing was about to speak, Second Uncle made a shushing gesture.

He lifted a hand, where a faint, glimmering light rose at his fingertips, and he carefully examined along the window frames and beams.

Wherever he passed, golden runes fine as strands of hair flowed from his fingertips, continuously burrowing into the cracks of wood and stone.

This was the "Golden Cicada Spirit-Seeking Art" he had researched on his own, specialized in breaking all manner of eavesdropping Restrictions.

After making a careful sweep and confirming that nothing was amiss, Second Uncle finally let out a breath of relief.

For the sake of safety, he still chose to transmit his voice to Zhou Qing: "What’s your plan next?"

Zhou Qing pondered for a moment. "After I familiarize myself with the surroundings over the next couple of days, I want to first confirm her exact place of residence, then reveal my identity and hear her thoughts."

"After that, we’ll work in concert from inside and out to help her resolve the crisis."

Second Uncle nodded in agreement. "That’s a good plan. But I shouldn’t intervene too much, lest I affect your judgment. I’ll go rest first."

Just before leaving, he seemed to recall something and reminded him, "The Shen Family’s foundation is deep; experts of the Divinity Transformation and Spirit Severing Realm are as numerous as clouds."

"You might as well use this opportunity to comprehend their Realm. It will greatly benefit your cultivation."

Zhou Qing nodded.

That was precisely his intention—within this dragon’s lair and tiger’s den, whether for self-preservation or to aid others, raising his strength was the most urgent priority.

After Second Uncle departed, Zhou Qing swept his gaze over the serene dwelling, stretched his body, and once more took out the tri-colored Communication Jade Scroll.

The messages he sent still met with no response, and his brows drew together in a hard frown.

He had originally assumed it was the Shen Family’s Five-Color Restriction blocking them, but now it seemed Lu might not be in the Shen Family at all.

A hundred and fifty years of time was enough to change far too much.

Even if she had once received Shen Hanyi’s protection, it would be normal for her to leave later.

He quietly took out the Divine Ruins Celestial Palace Token again.

Aside from numbers Four, Five, and Seven being online, Shen Hanyi had not appeared for a long time.

"This Sikong Yan..." Zhou Qing fixed his gaze on the purple light representing Number Seven and shook his head slightly.

Every time he entered, the other party would immediately go offline.

Even so, it could be confirmed that this person was definitely somewhere near the Four Ancient Races above the Desolate Forbidden, or near the Eight-Tails Noble Families below.