Chapter 539: Eyes Full of Blossoms, Heart Toward the Stars

Third Senior Brother quickly walked past the crowd and, amidst the strange looks of the county capital cultivators, leaped onto the grand wing to kneel before Seventh Master.

"Master," he said, "you once told me that I would struggle with emotional trials, which is why you placed the forbidden character cap upon me. Today, I have achieved clarity of heart and overcome that trial. I humbly request to return."

Third Senior Brother's voice was filled with sighs and a hint of effeminacy. After speaking, he even smiled at Xu Qing, but in his current state, his smile was unpleasant, and he had lost his former charm.

Simultaneously, the female disciples of the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect, each holding a child, instinctively followed. However, they were stopped before the grand wing by the gazes of the county capital's sword holders.

"Only eight?" Seventh Master said indifferently. "That's not enough. Return to the sect after you have ninety-nine." With a flick of his large sleeve, Third Senior Brother's figure was sent flying backward, expelled from the grand wing.

In mid-air, Third Senior Brother sighed. In front of everyone, he knelt, unable to rise, facing the grand wing.

The grand wing, under Seventh Master's blessing, flew forward.

As for the Grand Elder of the Sword Holders' Tribunal, and the ancestors of the Li Tu Sect and the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect, they were invited aboard. In that pavilion, they reported the situation of their respective sects to Seventh Master, while the Grand Elder of the Sword Holders' Tribunal also gave an account of Yinghuang State's recovery over the past half-month.

During this time, Xu Qing stood by, repeatedly looking at Third Senior Brother, who was getting farther and farther away outside the grand wing. Third Senior Brother remained kneeling there, and his companions behind him did the same.

The two ancestors who were reporting to Seventh Master also secretly observed Xu Qing, as they were well aware of his identity in Fenghai County.

"Lord County Magistrate," the Grand Elder of Yinghuang State's Sword Holders' Tribunal said, "the restoration and reconstruction of Yinghuang State are now 70% complete. It is estimated that the remaining work will be finished in about half a month. Additionally, the half-body divine trial subject you previously ordered has also been prepared." After speaking, the Grand Elder of Yinghuang State's Sword Holders' Tribunal bowed respectfully, then looked at Xu Qing with a smile.

Xu Qing's expression was respectful; he had always held this Grand Elder in high regard.

Hearing this, Seventh Master gave a few more instructions. The Grand Elder of the Sword Holders' Tribunal departed, and the ancestor of the Li Tu Sect also respectfully left.

Only the ancestor of the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect, Daoist Sinan's junior brother, stood there, somewhat hesitant, instinctively glancing back at his senior brother outside.

Daoist Sinan was expressionless.

The Grand Diviner Immortal Sect ancestor gave a bitter smile and cupped his fists towards Seventh Master. "Lord County Magistrate, Third Highness he..."

"That is a matter for your Grand Diviner Immortal Sect," Seventh Master said. "I once asked you for him, but didn't you tell me then that he had committed a grave error and naturally deserved punishment? Although I am the County Magistrate, I cannot abuse my power or act unfairly. Since my third disciple is at fault, then eight companions are not enough punishment. Let it be ninety-nine, so he can learn a lesson."

Hearing this, the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect ancestor felt bitterness in his heart. He knew that his actions back then had displeased Seventh Master, and today he couldn't prevent Third Highness from coming. After all, his master had become the County Magistrate; if the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect remained stubborn, a catastrophe was inevitable. So, out of helplessness, he could only feed the other party many tonic medicines beforehand, though it was still difficult to hide the extent of their depletion. Thus, at this moment, he could only force himself to speak.

"Lord County Magistrate, our Grand Diviner Immortal Sect doesn't have that many Saintesses..."

"That is your concern," Seventh Master said, his expression emotionless. "Remember, the punishment for Third Disciple must involve Saintesses of proper identity and bloodline. Show him out."

The Grand Diviner Immortal Sect ancestor wanted to say more, but seeing the cold glint in Seventh Master's eyes, he sighed inwardly, feeling an unavoidable mix of emotion and disbelief. He truly never imagined that overnight, the leader of a small sect he had once disregarded would transform into the County Magistrate, with such deeply hidden cultivation.

He understood that this matter had to be resolved; otherwise, the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect would face immense difficulty in Fenghai County in the future. The Grand Diviner Immortal Sect ancestor felt anxious but could only depart. As he reached his senior brother, Daoist Sinan, outside the pavilion, he opened his mouth to speak.

"Do not covet what belongs to others," Daoist Sinan said calmly. "What should be repaid, go and repay it."

The Grand Diviner Immortal Sect ancestor was silent for a few breaths. He seemed to have aged a bit as he dejectedly left the grand wing.

Inside the pavilion, as the grand wing flew towards the Eight Sect Alliance, Seventh Master stood there, saying nothing.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Xu Qing hesitated and spoke softly. "Master, about Third Senior Brother..."

"Don't bother with him!" Seventh Master snorted coldly. "Third Disciple's thoughts have always been profound. He acts primarily for gain, is skilled at endurance, and is prone to unpredictable moods. Do you think he provoked the Saintesses of the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect for no reason? Why did he orchestrate an elopement? Didn't he know that once the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect learned his identity, they would surely capture him?" Seventh Master spoke meaningfully, addressing both Xu Qing and Daoist Sinan outside the pavilion.

Daoist Sinan remained silent.

Xu Qing pondered. His master's words revealed a crucial piece of information: Third Senior Brother's identity.

Noticing Xu Qing's confusion, Seventh Master spoke indifferently. "Yinghuang State was originally nothing special until ten thousand years ago, the Ghost Emperor passed away here. His body nourished the entire state, his three souls transformed into three spirits, and his seven corporeal souls transformed into seven fiends. His bloodline nourished all beings, and his dao tradition scattered, allowing various sects to gradually rise. This is what made Yinghuang State different. Among them, the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect possessed the most dao traditions and excelled in artistic conception. That's why it leaped from an obscure small sect back then to become the foremost sect in Yinghuang State today.

"Because, in the year the Ghost Emperor passed away, an infant was born within the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect. He was born from the Ghost Emperor's bloodline gathering heaven and earth. Afterward, he led the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect to rise steadily; although he eventually perished, he left behind his bloodline. This bloodline was considered the Ghost Emperor's descendant and also the leader of each generation of the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect. However, the bloodline became thinner with each generation, eventually losing its status. But occasionally, individuals with a concentrated bloodline would still appear. Your Third Senior Brother is the sole bloodline descendant of this generation of the Ghost Emperor's lineage.

"Thirty years ago, your Third Senior Brother was born. As his concentrated bloodline became apparent, when he was in his teens, some in the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect wanted to refine him into a treasure. But with the help of his supporters, he escaped and then became my disciple. But his desire for revenge was strong, and he couldn't wait that long. So, using years of planning and preparation, he returned to the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect.

"He is not afraid of death. He appears human, but in reality, he is not. His bloodline talent allows him to revive through any of his offspring after death; however, it is difficult to awaken his consciousness. That's why your Third Senior Brother indulged in excessive debauchery on the Forbidden Sea in previous years; he probably doesn't even know how many descendants he has. His purpose is to allow all his ancestors the possibility of revival, and thereby prepare the power to destroy the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect. And he himself might one day be revived by his ancestors. The 'forbidden' character cap on his head was created for this reason, but my cultivation is limited, and whether I can help him suppress it is unknown.

"The Grand Diviner Immortal Sect knows all of this, yet they still continuously send companions to him under house arrest. It is likely they have other methods to refine his bloodline and turn the situation around, but ultimately, this is an act of betrayal. If he weren't my disciple, I wouldn't bother, but since he is my disciple, it's different. The method of reconciliation needs to be considered by the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect themselves. But there's one thing: my disciple has kowtowed to me, so I will protect him. Whoever dares to harm him, I will destroy their entire sect and clan."

Seventh Master spoke indifferently. Hearing this, Xu Qing's mind was shaken. Third Senior Brother's talent was similar to the Ghostly Nether Tribe's parasitism of all beings, but even more sinister.

Daoist Sinan outside the pavilion was not surprised by this. As the previous generation's ancestor of the Grand Diviner Immortal Sect, he naturally knew many things. So, after a long silence, he turned and bowed towards the pavilion.

"County Magistrate," he said, "this matter is my junior brother's fault. I will have him provide a satisfactory explanation."

Seventh Master said nothing.

Xu Qing remained silent. From his position, it was not appropriate for him to say much about this matter.

Thus, the grand wing whistled. A day later, it crossed Mount Grand Diviner's Tribulation, followed the tributary of the Immortal Bearing Ancient River, and approached the Forbidden Sea, until the Eight Sect Alliance appeared before them.

Twenty-one bell tolls, shaking the heavens, rose up. This was the highest form of etiquette, representing the Eight Sect Alliance's profound respect. As the bell tolls echoed, the Alliance Leader of the Eight Sect Alliance and the ancestors of each sect all came out to greet them outside the sect gates.

Blood Refiner and Zi Xuan were among them. Blood Refiner's expression showed triumph, while Zi Xuan's face held gentleness. Most of the other sect ancestors were similar, but only the ancestor of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect looked dejected.

As for the Alliance Leader of the Eight Sects, his expression was gentle, showing no signs of joy or anger. Only at the moment the grand wing appeared did he have a fleeting moment of daze and complexity, but he quickly recovered and bowed respectfully towards the grand wing. Everyone else bowed.

Inside the Eight Sects' main city, lanterns and streamers adorned the streets. Countless disciples looked up at the sky with excited and expectant expressions, especially the Seven-Blood Eyes disciples, each one brimming with pride and high spirits.

"Welcome, County Magistrate, and Deputy Chief Xu!" As the voices of the Eight Sects reverberated across the sky, Blood Refiner's laughter was particularly distinct among them.

Seventh Master put aside the matter of his third disciple. A smile appeared on his face as he led Xu Qing out of the grand wing and towards the Eight Sect Alliance. Looking at the familiar faces ahead, especially upon seeing Zi Xuan, Xu Qing felt a ripple in his heart, recalling the lamp in the Immortal Forbidden Land. Zi Xuan was also looking at Xu Qing. Seeing that he was well, the smile on her face became even gentler.

As they drew closer, Seventh Master first led Xu Qing to pay respects to Blood Refiner. Blood Refiner's face was flushed with joy. It seemed as if this moment was the highlight of his life; his booming laughter echoed in all directions.

Afterward, Seventh Master exchanged greetings with everyone. This time, Xu Qing could not leave. His identity was no longer that of a Dao Child; as the publicly known future County Governor, he had to accompany Seventh Master, because this would be a situation he would frequently face in Fenghai County in the future.

Thus, the welcoming ceremony, which lasted over an hour, came to an end. With the respectful farewells of the Eight Sect Alliance Leader, Seventh Master and Xu Qing then departed, following Blood Refiner back to the Seven-Blood Eyes' mountain gate. Also arriving with them were the one thousand county capital sword holders, who would be stationed inside the mountain gate.

As for Qing Qin, it lay in the clouds of the sky, its gaze fixed on Nanhuang State. "Should I go see Big Brother?"

On the ground, Zi Xuan watched Xu Qing and the others depart. She knew that they, having just returned, had too many things to do, and it would be inappropriate for her to go to them now. In this pleasant mood, she was about to return to the Profound Nether Sect, but her gaze swept over the Alliance Leader beside her, seeing the complexity in his eyes. She then let out a light chuckle and transformed into a long rainbow, departing. Although not a single word was spoken, that soft chuckle conveyed all its meanings without a doubt.

The Eight Sect Alliance Leader remained silent. The chuckle echoed in his mind, harsh and jarring, making the suppressed complexity within him surge up again. After a while, the Eight Sect Alliance Leader closed his eyes. When he opened them again, his expression was still gentle. He had to maintain this persona. After all, from beginning to end, he had never openly displayed direct malice towards Xu Qing or the Seven-Blood Eyes. Therefore, maintaining gentleness was his fundamental approach. This was also a manifestation of human nature. In fact, much evil in this world resides in the heart. As for how long it can be hidden, that depends on whether the outside world provides an environment for its release. Some people can hide it for a few years; others might hide it for a lifetime, even until death. It's just unknown how long this Eight Sect Alliance Leader can hide it.

Meanwhile, inside the Seven-Blood Eyes sect, Xu Qing was pouring tea for Patriarch Blood Refiner. Blood Refiner's injuries had not yet fully recovered. Today's emotional surge made his face flush with joy and cheer; although he occasionally coughed, it had been a long time since he felt so invigorated.

"Excellent, excellent!" Facing Xu Qing's poured tea, Blood Refiner laughed as he took it. He drained it in one gulp, not a single drop remaining, his eyes filled with deep satisfaction and admiration as he spoke loudly. "Little Seven, you've taken on a good disciple. Without this disciple, you wouldn't have become County Magistrate. You've essentially benefited from your disciple's fortune."

Seventh Master stood by, feeling proud upon hearing this.

"So, I advise you to quickly expel the others from the sect," Blood Refiner continued. "Just keep Fourth and Second Disciple; that's enough. As for First and Third Disciple, those useless things are an eyesore."

Xu Qing lowered his head and said nothing; he had heard these words from Blood Refiner many times before.

"The Ancestor speaks wisely," Seventh Master said, nodding and smiling, "I'll consider this matter later." He then added: "Ancestor, what about the matter I discussed with you earlier?"

"I won't go, I suppose, but I support your decision to relocate the Seven-Blood Eyes to the county capital." Blood Refiner put down his teacup, looked at Seventh Master, and his expression showed sentiment. "It hasn't been easy for the Seven-Blood Eyes to develop to this point. But over the years, I've seen high platforms rise and mountain peaks collapse. For many matters, we must plan ahead and be mindful of potential dangers even in times of peace. Nanhuang State is our first foundation. With your Second Disciple there, I am at ease. But Yinghuang State also cannot be left unguarded. This is the Seven-Blood Eyes' second foundation, and also a layer of protection. The county capital is the third foundation that you and your disciple will establish. This way, if problems arise in the future, Yinghuang State will be your fallback, and Nanhuang State will be an even stronger fallback. Only then can our Seven-Blood Eyes' foundation endure forever."

Blood Refiner's gaze was profound. His age and experience made him prioritize stability when looking at problems. Seventh Master both agreed and disagreed with this.

Seeing that the two elders were about to continue their discussion, Xu Qing rose and excused himself. After leaving the main hall, he walked within the familiar mountain gate and encountered some former fellow disciples along the way. Everyone who saw him couldn't hide their excitement, cupping their fists and bowing in greeting from a distance.

Looking at them, Xu Qing turned his head to look behind him. A hundred zhang behind him, the Little Mute stood there, staring intently at Xu Qing. Just as before, every time Xu Qing returned, he would appear and silently guard him.

Xu Qing nodded. He turned and walked towards Sixth Master's grave, arriving quickly. Looking at Sixth Master's tombstone, Sixth Master's voice and appearance surfaced in his mind. After a while, he took out a flask of wine and poured it onto the grave soil.

"Sixth Master, Night Dove is dead," Xu Qing spoke softly. "It's a pity his head was shattered into flesh and blood; I couldn't bring it back. But it's alright. Zi Qing's head, I will surely keep it safe in the future and strive to bring it back intact." Xu Qing murmured. He stayed at Sixth Master's grave for a long time. The little white snake also emerged from his sleeve, crawled onto Xu Qing's neck, and gently rubbed his cheek, as if comforting him.

Until the evening glow appeared on the horizon, Xu Qing stood up, bowed once, and departed.

Walking on the mountain steps of the sect, he saw a familiar face. It was a woman in her twenties, dressed in an orange-yellow Daoist robe, with a beautiful appearance and emitting wafts of medicinal fragrance. However, her expression was somewhat dejected, as if many emotions were piled up in her heart, unable to disperse.

Upon seeing Xu Qing, she was visibly flustered. "Xu... Senior Brother Xu."

"Junior Sister Gu, long time no see," Xu Qing said with his usual calm expression and a smile.

This woman was Gu Muqing. Hearing Xu Qing's voice, Gu Muqing was somewhat lost in thought, seeming unsure of what to say. Seeing her standing there, somewhat dazed, Xu Qing was a bit surprised. After waiting for a moment, he chose to leave.

Until Xu Qing had gone far, Gu Muqing lowered her head. There were some words she ultimately did not have the courage to say.

In the distance, Ling'er poked out from Xu Qing's collar. She looked at Gu Muqing's figure, curiosity in her eyes. "Brother Xu Qing," Ling'er asked curiously, "I think that young lady looked very nervous just now, like she wanted to say something. What's wrong with her? Should we go ask?"

Xu Qing shook his head. "It should be nothing serious. I'll ask Master about it later."

"Okay, okay. If she really has difficulties, Brother Xu Qing, we can help her," Ling'er nodded.

Xu Qing had also experienced Ling'er's warm-heartedness recently, so he smiled and agreed, walking further and further away from the mountain gate.

As Xu Qing's figure completely disappeared, a sigh came from beside Gu Muqing. Her master stepped out and silently embraced Gu Muqing.

"Master." Looking at her master, who was like a mother to her, Gu Muqing's eyes welled up.

"Silly girl, you still have a chance, strive!" Gu Muqing's master said, looking at her disciple, able to offer only comfort.

Gu Muqing nodded forcefully, determination in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Xu Qing, who had left the mountain gate, took out his communication jade slip and sent a message to Zhang San. Zhang San had been waiting; the moment Xu Qing sent the message, a reply came instantly.

"Haha, Xu Qing, I'm here at the harbor."

Xu Qing's face broke into a smile as he put away the jade slip. His body blurred as he sped towards the harbor, quickly seeing Zhang San there. Zhang San's cultivation had already reached the 'Three Fires' stage. After two years, he had also put on a bit of weight. Clearly, he was living quite comfortably, with several female disciples from the Second Peak around him. It was unknown how he managed it, but their relationships seemed very harmonious.

Seeing Xu Qing arrive, Zhang San's spirits lifted. He went up, embraced Xu Qing tightly, and burst into laughter. The triumph in his heart could no longer be described with words. Indeed, during this period, Zhang San almost always wore a smile, even while meditating. He felt that his investment from back then had multiplied countless times over. Who would have thought that a small bounty hunter from Nanhuang State back then would become a major figure in Fenghai County, the future County Governor? He could even imagine that from this moment onward, he would have connections reaching the heavens in Fenghai County.

Xu Qing could feel Zhang San's excitement and also smiled. Returning to the Seven-Blood Eyes and seeing old friends, he felt very relaxed. The fatigue from all his previous experiences in the county capital had also dissipated considerably. So he took out his magic ship and handed it to Zhang San.

"Senior Brother Zhang, I'll have to trouble you to help me upgrade my magic ship."

Having undergone his first Life Tribulation, Xu Qing's cultivation had officially advanced to the Nascent Soul realm. At this point, the magic ship was somewhat unsuitable. What he needed was a Spirit Wheel that was more powerful in terms of strength, speed, and all other aspects. Skiff, Boat, Ship, Wheel—these were the four stages of the Seven-Blood Eyes' magical vessel system. Above the Wheel stage was a grand wing, like Seventh Master's. It was just that Seventh Master's grand wing was on a higher level.

"No problem!" Zhang San thumped his chest. "Although my cultivation isn't enough, we have money now, so I'll invite some elders from the Sixth Peak. I'll oversee, and they'll refine it. I'll definitely forge you an unparalleled Spirit Wheel! As for your current magic ship, it's no longer useful. Instead of upgrading it, it's better to build a new one."

Xu Qing retrieved his magic ship and thanked him with a smile.

"Oh, right, Xu Qing," Zhang San added, "the harbor's dividends from these past years are all with Ding Xue. She's been keeping them for you. That girl, she never trusts me. Every time she checks each spirit coin, and gets furious if even one is missing." Zhang San shook his head as he spoke. He exchanged a few more pleasantries with Xu Qing, and as dusk fell, Xu Qing bid farewell.

Zhang San was preoccupied with the construction of the Spirit Wheel; even as night fell, he didn't rest, beginning to make preparations.

Under the night sky, Xu Qing walked in the harbor area, watching the shimmering sea and listening to the sound of the tides. Scenes from his life in the Seven-Blood Eyes surfaced in his mind. After a long time, he placed his magic ship at his old berth and stepped onto it. The sea water rose and fell, and the magic ship gently swayed. This familiar feeling brought Xu Qing an unprecedented sense of peace.

"Brother Xu Qing, I feel like you're thinking of leaving," Ling'er asked curiously, poking out from Xu Qing's collar. "Are you planning to go to your human race's Imperial Capital Grand Academy?"

Xu Qing shook his head. His master's words made him understand that attending the Imperial Capital's Grand Academy with his current cultivation would not be very meaningful.

"I'm thinking about First Senior Brother," Xu Qing said softly. "I wonder how his investigation into the Moon Sacrificial Grand Domain is going."

"Moon Sacrificial Grand Domain?" Ling'er said, acting cute. "Brother Xu Qing, no matter where you go, Ling'er will follow. Once I transform, I'll be really powerful!"

Hearing this, Xu Qing smiled. Ling'er's presence had added some companionship to his usual solitude. He was about to speak, but a spiritual sense alert made him aware of someone arriving outside, so he looked up.

After more than ten breaths, from outside the magic ship, Ding Xue's pleasant voice