Chapter 418: A Mug of Turbid Wine, Drinking in a Crowd

Xu Qing ran incredibly fast. The moment he sensed the astonishing aura appear beyond the boundary, he didn't hesitate, turning and fleeing immediately. This was an instinctive reaction he had developed after accomplishing many major feats with the captain.

Shan Hezi and the others weren't much slower; clearly, they too possessed strong instincts. Only Kong Xianglong was a bit behind because he had spoken those words. Xu Qing felt that Kong Xianglong was somewhat similar to the captain, though the captain's slowness stemmed from greed, while Kong Xianglong's was clearly for appearances.

Xu Qing secretly sighed, wishing the captain could have joined them. However, it was impossible, as this group clearly distrusted the captain. They continued their frantic run until daylight broke. Having covered a great distance and confirmed that the enemies hadn't dared to pursue them, they finally collapsed, exhausted, onto a patch of grass, all gasping for breath.

They had accomplished too much that night. Their battle with the Black Guards, in particular, had pushed each of them to the brink of exhaustion. Now, as they relaxed, lying down, each felt their bodies go limp, unwilling to get up. Xu Qing was no different; although his injuries were healing, his mental exhaustion was still intense.

Shan Hezi gritted his teeth, his vital energy dissipating, a sense of weakness surging through him. Ye Ling no longer maintained her demonic form; she lay there, seemingly barely breathing. Wang Chen, meanwhile, was groaning while drawing seals on himself, as if terrified that a moment's delay would lead to a major problem. As for Kong Xianglong, he was also panting, but noticeably more at ease than the others. Looking at Xu Qing and the rest, he suddenly began to laugh, his laughter growing louder and louder.

Shan Hezi and the other two exchanged glances and burst into laughter as well. A feeling of exhilaration filled their hearts, but as they continued to laugh, they began to wince, having pulled at their wounds.

Xu Qing also smiled. "What a satisfying kill!" Kong Xianglong declared, waving his hand to produce five bottles of wine. He tossed one to each person, then raised his own high.

Xu Qing raised his bottle, as did Shan Hezi, Wang Chen, and Ye Ling. Their gazes, initially distant towards Xu Qing, now showed warmth and familiarity. "Cheers!"

They all tilted their heads back, took a large gulp, and then laughter erupted again. But as they drank, they remembered the young boy who dreamed of becoming a Sword Holder, and each let out a sigh of lament.

Time passed like this. Whether it was the wine, the laughter, or the sighs, everything quickly brought them closer. Friendships between people often solidify and deepen after shared experiences, especially when those experiences involve making mistakes.

"When we go back this time, we're probably doomed. The Palace Master will definitely confine us, and those pro-Saint Azure Clan members will spread rumors, especially the Yao family." "Sigh, let's all keep a low profile for a while after we return," Kong Xianglong said, standing up and stretching. He addressed everyone, specifically looking at Xu Qing.

"Xu Qing, you'll probably be even worse off. I know the Palace Master; since you're a jailer from the Punishment Department, he'll definitely punish you more severely." Kong Xianglong winked. "That's right, Xu Qing, you're finished." "Ah, but Xu Qing, you should think of it this way: being confined in the Punishment Department as a jailer, that must be a wonderful experience!"

Shan Hezi and the others joked with Xu Qing, one after another, while also watching his reaction. They meant no harm; it was simply their way of acknowledging each other and the way brothers interacted.

Xu Qing's expression remained calm as he spoke softly. "The jailers in District D are all my colleagues. I'm very familiar with them. If we really get locked up..."

Xu Qing glanced at Kong Xianglong and the others, then spoke seriously. "I'll be going home. You're welcome to be imprisoned in my house."

At Xu Qing's words, Kong Xianglong silently took a sip of wine. Shan Hezi and the others gave wry smiles, sighing dejectedly, but their gazes towards Xu Qing became even friendlier. Shan Hezi, in particular, coughed and whispered, "Uh, Xu Qing, when the time comes, can you put me in a cell guarded by female jailers...?"

Before he could finish speaking, Wang Chen kicked him. "Don't mind him; that guy's brain is addled with vital energy. What's so good about female jailers? Xu Qing... when the time comes, can you make an exception and arrange a cell with more female prisoners for me!"

Wang Chen's eyes gleamed with anticipation. Shan Hezi, feeling indignant, retorted a few words, and soon the two began to argue. This scene was very different from how Xu Qing had seen them before. Clearly, everyone has multiple facets, behaving differently around strangers compared to familiar friends.

Ye Ling coldly swept her gaze over them, her eyes showing disdain, and took out a handful of flesh-and-blood melon seeds to eat. Kong Xianglong smiled at Xu Qing and asked about his divine abilities.

"Xu Qing, your poison is formidable, but I'm more interested in your hand that turns transparent—you literally reached into your opponent's Heavenly Palace and pulled out their Golden Core! This cultivation method... it's incredibly bizarre!" As Kong Xianglong spoke, Shan Hezi and the other two also looked at Xu Qing, their hearts filled with curiosity.

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing didn't hold back. He raised his hand, and immediately his right hand turned transparent, revealing itself to Kong Xianglong. "This is a cultivation method my master taught me, and it has some connection to the Spirit Ghost Clan."

Kong Xianglong felt it, his eyes filled with admiration. "Once this cultivation method reaches mastery, I fear your entire body will be able to transform into this state." After speaking, he pondered for a moment. "Regarding the Spirit Ghost Clan, I'll give you a gift later. I once slew a Spirit Ghost tribesman and kept something from them."

Having said that, he saw Xu Qing about to speak and waved his hand with a smile. "Between brothers, there's no need to refuse."

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing glanced at Kong Xianglong and nodded. Then Shan Hezi and Wang Chen also joined in. While discussing divine abilities, they too revealed their own cultivation methods without reservation. This gave Xu Qing significant inspiration, allowing him to learn more about the techniques of the three major sects. His interest in Ye Ling's Demonic Transformation Art was particularly strong.

"The Demonic Transformation Art is a unique technique of our sect. Its origins are said to be extremely ancient, but due to sect rules, I cannot say much more. You can learn it yourself." Noticing Xu Qing's curiosity about the art, Ye Ling spoke while eating her flesh-and-blood melon seeds.

"I can tell you simply: cultivating this art isn't difficult. The challenge lies in comprehending the sect's Great Demon Totems and transplanting them into your Sea of Consciousness. Once you reach a certain level, you can use the Demonic Transformation Incantation to manifest them, turning yourself into a great demon."

As she spoke, Ye Ling even demonstrated it. Xu Qing's mind trembled. He thought of his Ghost Emperor Mountain; to some extent, his Ghost Emperor Mountain could also be seen as a great demon. If he mastered the Demonic Transformation Incantation, could he then use this method to manifest the Ghost Emperor Mountain? This method seemed much simpler than what his master had described. Xu Qing was immediately tempted.

"If you like it, just go learn it," Kong Xianglong said with a smile. "The three major sects and the Sword Holding Palace have a close relationship, so they have an agreement: any Sword Holder can use a certain amount of military merits to learn techniques from the three major sects."

This was the first time Xu Qing had heard about this. He nodded, planning to try learning the Demonic Transformation Art after returning. It was almost noon now. After resting, everyone had recovered considerably, so they got up and resumed their journey.

The journey back was smooth and uneventful. Kong Xianglong and the others grew even closer to Xu Qing through their time together. Just before the final teleportation, Kong Xianglong whispered to Xu Qing, "Xu Qing, I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but I'm warning you, be careful of your Senior Brother. I don't think he's a good person."

"That's right, Chen Erniu looks shifty. Even if a 'One-Zhang Brilliant Light' were to betray us one day, I'd find it perfectly normal," Shan Hezi added, looking in agreement.

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing spoke seriously. "My Senior Brother and I have faced life and death many times together. He is one of the people I trust most."

Kong Xianglong said no more, patting Xu Qing's shoulder. As the teleportation light flashed, their figures vanished.

When they reappeared, they weren't directly in the Sword Holding Palace, but in a valley not far from the County Capital. There was a small, usually concealed teleportation array there, which was Kong Xianglong's secret base.

This was Kong Xianglong's idea, born from his experience. He believed that appearing directly in the Sword Holding Palace's teleportation array upon return would surely leave a record. Therefore, he chose to teleport to this valley, allowing them to return quietly with less risk of being discovered. Moreover, after a few days passed, they could easily deny having just returned.

"I secretly set this up here, and so far..." Inside the valley's teleportation array, Kong Xianglong began to speak to Xu Qing and the others with a smile. However, before he could finish, as everyone's expressions changed, the teleportation array suddenly activated on its own.

The next instant, their figures vanished, reappearing inside the Sword Holding Palace, within the teleportation array on the plaza. As their forms became visible, a pang of panic struck them. Standing outside the array was the Palace Master, his face stern, seemingly shadowed with displeasure, gazing coldly at them.

Clearly, the array Kong Xianglong thought was secret had long been modified by the Palace Master, who had been waiting for them specifically at this location.

Kong Xianglong's body trembled slightly, and Shan Hezi and the others also felt guilty. Xu Qing lowered his head, bracing himself for a reprimand and punishment. As Sword Holders, not adhering to regulations while on an external mission was no small matter.

But after waiting for a long time, the Palace Master remained silent. So, Xu Qing slightly raised his head, noticing that the Palace Master's gaze carefully scrutinized each of them, as if checking for injuries. It wasn't just Xu Qing; the others also looked up in surprise.

Looking at the five people before him, the Palace Master let out a cold snort. "What are you standing around for? Aren't others teleporting? Move along!" With that, the Palace Master turned and left, his face still cold.

It seemed his visit was merely to check if their injuries were too severe. Now, seeing them all hale and hearty, he felt relieved.

"How strange!" "No punishment!" "Was he worried about us?" The group exchanged glances, pleasantly surprised. They quickly exited the array and dispersed.

Xu Qing also breathed a sigh of relief. Gazing in the direction the Palace Master had departed, he suddenly felt that the other party wasn't entirely unfeeling. With a sway of his body, he left the Sword Holding Palace.

Meanwhile, inside the Sword Holding Palace, Yao Yunhui and Zhang Siyun were heading out. Yao Yunhui was very displeased about the increase in her son's position. She had repeatedly tried to invite Zhang Siyun's grandmaster, Deacon Ma, but he always found excuses. So today, she had no choice but to come in person to discuss it with him.

Now that their discussion was over, she was about to leave with Zhang Siyun when she suddenly looked up and saw Xu Qing departing in the distance. Zhang Siyun also saw Xu Qing, a look of disgust in his eyes, but he didn't notice his mother's expression. As she gazed at Xu Qing's retreating back, a hint of bewilderment appeared on her face. Yao Yunhui paused. Lately, she didn't know why, but whenever she thought of Xu Qing and planned to scheme against him, a thought would arise in her mind, urging her to focus more on Xu Qing's good qualities.

This thought repeatedly surfaced in her mind, intertwining with her aversion towards him, growing deeper and deeper, ultimately transforming into profound complexity. Noticing her mother's sudden stop, Zhang Siyun couldn't help but look, finding his mother's expression constantly changing, which made him a little worried. "Mother..."

Today, Yao Yunhui was dressed in a black gauze cloud dress, which accentuated her fair skin, making her even more captivating. Especially her prominent bosom and the long, straight legs subtly revealed by the gown made her appear exceptionally tall and slender.

Her slender waist, gently parted jade-like legs, and even her current stillness, without a single step taken, exuded an unspeakable allure. Coupled with her graceful waist-to-hip curve, all this meant that beneath her icy, aloof face lay boundless charm, like a frozen blaze. At this moment, as she watched Xu Qing disappear into the distance, amidst the swirling complexity in her mind, she inexplicably whispered to herself:

"Son, don't you think that Xu Qing bears a slight resemblance to your father?"

Zhang Siyun stiffened, his expression changing completely. His eyes widened as never before, an indescribable tempest surging in his mind, as if a million heavenly thunders simultaneously exploded with a deafening roar, shaking the heavens. He gasped out, "What did you say?"

Yao Yunhui realized her mistake the moment she finished speaking. Her face instantly turned cold, and she spoke darkly, "They're all useless."

With that, Yao Yunhui scoffed coldly, her captivating face showing clear disgust, and she quickly departed. Her long gown outlined her graceful, curvaceous back. As her waist swayed, it captured the attention and hearts of those around who were not Sword Holders.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Siyun let out a complete sigh of relief, sweat beading on his forehead. It was the first time in his life he had heard his mother curse his father, and he felt a wave of relief.

At the same time, high above the County Capital, another person also saw Xu Qing's departing figure. It was an old man. He stared, dumbfounded, in the direction Xu Qing had gone, rubbed his eyes vigorously, and widened them to confirm what he saw. His mind couldn't help but tremble.

"This... this..." "This is just too unlucky!" "Why on earth would I see that little bastard here?!"

This person was precisely Old Man Banquan Road. He had come to the County Capital to purchase auxiliary items needed for Ling'er's inheritance. He hadn't interacted much with the outside world. Now, having finished his purchases and about to leave, he had seen Xu Qing. After his disbelief, the old man shivered, an immense sense of relief swelling in his heart. "Thankfully, I didn't let Ling'er come along!"