Chapter 1389 - 408: Madman, You’re a Madman!
The halo gradually condensed into countless tiny runes, circulating in his palm.
With a soft incantation, these runes fully submerged into the blood-colored pearl, which instantly radiated brightly, revealing mysterious patterns on its surface.
"Here!" The Second Uncle heartily tossed the glowing blood-colored pearl to Zhou Qing.
"Combined with the essence of Blood Ginseng, plus the amplification from my Nascent Soul, not even those in the Supreme Realm will see through your illusion!"
Zhou Qing took the pearl, feeling a warmth in his palm, and the pearl seemed to pulse lightly like a living creature.
He observed it closely, discovering countless tiny runes flowing within, intertwining with the blood-colored essence, emitting a mystical aura.
"Zhou Qing, Zhou Qing..." The Second Uncle suddenly clapped his hands and laughed, "How about reversing your name to Qingzhou? It suits perfectly!"
Before his words finished, a hazy green mist suddenly rose around the Second Uncle.
Within the mist, his figure began to change visibly.
His once stout and rugged physique gradually shrank, bulky muscles becoming slender and well-proportioned, and rough skin turning smooth and fair.
As his bones emitted a slight "crackling" sound, he became shorter, his shoulders no longer as broad as a door plank, but now bearing the thin frame characteristic of a youth.
The weathered and rugged face now rippled and transformed like water waves, wrinkles smoothing out, features becoming soft.
When the mist cleared, standing there was already a graceful youth, approximately sixteen or seventeen years old.
His figure was tall, dressed in a plain white robe gently fluttering in the wind, ink-black hair loosely tied with a blue hairband exposing a smooth forehead.
Even his eyes appeared younger and more delicate.
This was the first time Zhou Qing genuinely witnessed the Second Uncle using transformation illusion skills.
"Hurry, hurry!" The Second Uncle urged with a voice clear as a spring, yet still carrying the familiar cheeky tone.
"I’ve not infiltrated a sect under a different identity for ages; this long-lost feeling is so exciting!"
Zhou Qing smiled wryly but felt a tinge of anticipation deep inside.
He looked down at the blood pearl in his hand, took a deep breath, then tilted his head back and swallowed it.
In an instant, a warm force slid down his throat, swiftly spreading throughout his body.
Zhou Qing felt his bones slightly itching, as his muscles began to reshape under some mysterious power.
His skin gradually became rough, fine lines appeared at the corners of his eyes, and his jawline grew more pronounced.
The previously handsome features faded gradually, replaced by a middle-aged face weathered by time.
Thick eyebrows like blades, a prominent nose bridge, with a shallow scar by his lips, imparting a steady and seasoned aura.
Even his physique changed; shoulders widened, waist and back straightened, the whole person exuding an air of steadfastness seasoned by life’s experiences.
"Not bad, not bad!" The Second Uncle circled Zhou Qing, nodding in satisfaction.
"This look screams of stories from a seasoned traveler, far more reliable than your previous pretty-boy appearance!"
Zhou Qing looked down at his hand, knuckles thick, palm lined with coarse patterns.
Unable to resist, he touched his face, the realness of it made him somewhat dazed.
This was entirely different from using the puppet transformation illusion skills the Second Uncle gave before, it truly felt like a whole new person.
"This blood pearl allows you to maintain this appearance longer, no need to worry about exposure," explained the Second Uncle.
"Appearing as a youth would instead arouse suspicion. After all, one able to gather thirty thousand Spirit Seals should indeed be a seasoned traveler."
Zhou Qing understood, nodded, suddenly realizing something, and frowned looking at the Second Uncle: "Then you’ve become too young, haven’t you?"
As he spoke, he himself was startled—his formerly clear voice now sounded deep and raspy, carrying the thick tone unique to middle-aged men.
The Second Uncle chuckled, "I’m posing as your disciple, naturally I need to be younger."
He playfully winked, "Maybe I can even use this chance to charm a few pretty girls from the Shen Family!"
Zhou Qing shook his head helplessly but had to admit this disguise was flawless.
Even if he confessed his identity before Shen Hanyi and Lu Yaoyao, they wouldn’t believe it.
"I’m using the name from my time in the White Jade Taixu Courtyard, just call me Siyun Ya!" The Second Uncle thought for a moment, suggesting.
Zhou Qing nodded seriously, handing over the old hen he was holding.
The old hen seemed to sense something, clucking nervously a couple of times.
"Be good, we’ll meet again soon." Zhou Qing gently stroked its feathers, watching the Second Uncle carefully place it into the Spirit Beast Pouch.
The verdant pouch slightly bulged a few times, then returned to calm.
Then, in the shadow of the alley, they carefully reviewed their story:
Qingzhou, a loose cultivator, late-stage Divinity Transformation Realm cultivation, main studies in rune formations, well-researched in various ancient restrictions due to years of travel.
Siyun Ya, a disciple he took a hundred years ago, decent talent, but shallow cultivation, having just entered the Nascent Soul Realm recently.
The two heard of the Fifth Tail Shen Family’s rich heritage, coming to seek refuge and offer services, hoping to get guidance from a Spirit Severing Realm expert to prepare for the future Spirit Slash path.
Ensuring every detail was flawless, the Second Uncle suddenly straightened his back, his disposition shifting in an instant from seasoned traveler to charismatic youth.
He effortlessly flicked his bangs back and grinned at Zhou Qing, "Master, shall we set off now?"
Zhou Qing understood, straightened his collar, and immediately stepped into his role.
He walked steadily out of the alley, hands clasped behind his back, while the Second Uncle followed closely like a fledgling addle-headed youth.