Over the years, the cultivators of the Thirteen Sects tried every means they could devise. Some cave mansions were forcibly broken open, but more were still guarded by powerful restrictions, immovable despite the attacks from Divinity Transformation cultivators.

Left without other options, they had to invite the only third-level Array Master of the Holy Martial Dynasty to investigate.

However, after years of plundering, the easily obtainable opportunities within the dojo had long been divided by the Thirteen Sects.

What remains were either restrictions that were incredibly difficult to crack, or dangerous places where peril and opportunity coexist.

After all, if they didn't act quickly, once those old monsters in the Spirit Severing Realm were alerted, what share would there be left for them?

Zhou Qing silently processed this information, gaining a clear understanding of Taichu Dojo.

Their next destination was an upside-down mountain, which housed what was currently known as one of the strongest restrictions.

Tribulation Fire Hall had already instructed Wu Tiangang to start breaking it.

"Master Su, having cultivated to our level, there's something I won't hide anymore."

Fang Hanyue suddenly spoke, his gaze pausing on the chicken head protruding from Zhou Qing's embrace.

Zhou Qing nodded slightly. "Sect Leader Fang, please speak freely!"

Fang Hanyue said, "Alright, seeing that Master Su is straightforward, I'll just be direct."

"In the cave mansion we're going to next, there's certainly a valuable treasure, but it's sealed by strong restrictions."

"Tribulation Fire Hall has invited Master Wu, and our Mixed Element Sect is willing to add twenty percent more to the initial reward."

He added meaningfully, "This isn't just about the conflict between two sects; it's also a competition between the two masters. I hope you understand my implication, Master Su."

Zhou Qing remained silent.

Of course he understood the implication—Fang Hanyue hoped he could break the restriction first.

As per the agreement of the Thirteen Sects, whoever breaks the restriction first will own the treasure within the cave mansion.

However, his purpose for this trip wasn't to help the Mixed Element Sect seize treasures.

He thought of what Supreme Elder Jiang Wangchuan outside had said, that the real Su Lishan would arrive no later than three days, possibly earlier.

If his identity were revealed by then, faced with over a hundred Divinity Transformation Perfection cultivators here, and thirteen outside blocking the exits, if caught…

Zhou Qing shuddered at the thought.

Yet he still calmly replied, "Sect Leader Fang, rest assured, I won't disappoint you."

"Then I'll have to trouble Master Su!" Fang Hanyue nodded with satisfaction.

Zhou Qing glanced subtly at Lu Yaoyao.

The girl understood, and under the guise of tidying her clothes, quietly moved her position to stand right behind Fang Hanyue, forming a subtle stance.

"By the way, Sect Leader Fang," Zhou Qing spoke seemingly casually, "I'd like to inquire about something."

"Please speak, Master Su!" Fang Hanyue said with a warm smile.

Zhou Qing's fingertips circulated spiritual power, sketching two lifelike portraits in the air—bearing the likeness of Second Senior Sister Luo Lingling and White Crane.

"Has Sect Leader Fang ever seen these two?"

At the moment the portraits formed, a flash of murderous intent flickered in Fang Hanyue's eyes, quickly returned to normal.

Yet this fleeting change did not escape Zhou Qing's notice.

A foreboding premonition surged instantly, causing his fingers to tremble slightly.

"I don't know who these two might be…" Fang Hanyue feigned confusion, narrowing his eyes with well-placed curiosity.

Zhou Qing repressed the emotions roiling within and resorted to lying, "These two stole some important restriction jade scrolls from me."

Upon hearing Zhou Qing's words, Fang Hanyue's face broke into a smile, and he even sighed in relief.

"So that's how it is, I thought… Haha, Master Su, rest assured, these two petty thieves are dead, and they were dealt with personally by me…"

"What did you say?!" Before Fang Hanyue could finish speaking, Zhou Qing shot to his feet, his raging spiritual power whipping up a whirlwind on the back of the Black-winged Xuan Eagle.

His eyes burned red, bloodlust around him condensing so tangibly it warped the surrounding air.

Under the bronze mask, his face twisted threateningly, his black hair whipping fiercely in the air.

Lu Yaoyao also suddenly stood, her face pale, eyes filled with disbelief.

Fang Hanyue's pupils shrank sharply, inwardly lamenting.

This reaction from the "Master Su" before him, how could it be about an investigation into stolen items?

That ocean of murderous intent was clearly one of profound vengeance!

"You're not Master Su?" Fang Hanyue's pupils contracted again, a chilling suspicion darting through his mind.

He retreated violently, spiritual power surging around him like a tempest, "Who are you really? How did you get in here?"

"How could my Second Senior Sister be slayed by you!" Zhou Qing's voice was as frigid as the abyss, each word steeped in bone-chilling killing intent.

He tore off the bronze mask, revealing a young yet menacing visage.

"Xiao Qing, did Old Mo bully you again? Come, Second Senior Sister will take you to confront him. This is outrageous!"

"This 'Taiqing Profound Qi Skills' isn't cultivated this way, let Second Senior Sister teach you."

"Where's Sanhuzi? Bring him here, Second Senior Sister has brought gifts for you upon her return."

"Keep this Life Replacement Talisman on you; don't be nervous. You will surely become Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown, and Old Mo and I will protect you from afar."

"My Xiao Qing is truly formidable, effortlessly defeating five great prodigies. From now on, Second Senior Sister is supporting you."

…

Scene after scene from the past unfolded before him—the Second Senior Sister who always shielded him; how could she possibly...

At that moment, the Black-winged Xuan Eagle let out a terrified screech, its massive body shaking violently in the air.

The clash between two Divinity Transformation cultivators' auras caused it immense pain.

"Die!"

Zhou Qing roared, the tetanus sword suddenly appearing in his hand, exploding with dazzling lightning.

The incomplete sword erupted with hundred-zhang beams of lightning, illuminating a radius of a thousand-zhang like daylight.