When Zhou Qing finally calmed down, he couldn’t resist opening the box.
What greeted his eyes was an exceptionally pure rhombus stone, with a faint glow flowing on its surface.
"A top-grade Spirit Stone!" Zhou Qing exclaimed.
A top-grade Spirit Stone is equivalent to one hundred mid-grade Spirit Stones, or a full ten thousand low-grade Spirit Stones.
Zhou Qing never anticipated that the sect’s reward would be so generous this time.
His initially downcast mood instantly lifted up with joy.
The Spirit Egg from the old hen, the top-grade Spirit Stone, and the supreme-grade Spirit Stone in his hands were enough to support his upcoming cultivation.
Especially now that his talent was top-notch.
After changing into new clothes, Zhou Qing decided to seek out his master, to see if he could use his master’s means to thoroughly investigate the impostor of Gao Xuan.
For he truly did not know how much time the person had left him.
If the person sneaked in at night to kill him without a sound, who would discover it, or even suspect the other party?
Yes, that’s the plan!
After carefully thinking through his wording, Zhou Qing headed straight to Mo Xingjian’s residence.
"Fourth Brother, why are you in such a hurry?"
Just after stepping out, Yan Xiaohu greeted him from a distance and then ran over with a sheepish smile, saying, "You must have also received a top-grade Spirit Stone, right?"
Zhou Qing nodded, "Yes, Third Brother, I have an urgent matter to discuss with Master. No, you must come with me as a witness."
"A witness? A witness for what? You almost led me astray there. That top-grade Spirit Stone is a rare item; try to use it for cultivation as it has fewer impurities and is better absorbed by the body..."
"I know, Third Brother, let’s hurry!"
Zhou Qing pulled along the confused Yan Xiaohu as they quickly made their way to the mountain peak.
Soon, they saw their master, who was preparing to leave.
After all, following the early morning commendation from the Sect Leader, these old parties mentioned they had matters to discuss.
"Anything important can wait until I return!" Mo Xingjian glanced impatiently at the two disciples.
Zhou Qing anxiously said, "Master, it’s a matter of great importance!"
Yan Xiaohu nodded repeatedly, "Exactly, Fourth Brother is genuinely anxious."
Seeing that the two did not seem to be goofing around, Mo Xingjian had no choice but to stop and said, "You have ten breaths of time, make it quick."
Seeing this, Zhou Qing quickly looked around before stepping forward mysteriously and said, "Master, Uncle Gao Xuan is dead."
As soon as these words were spoken, Yan Xiaohu froze.
He even involuntarily took two steps back, ready to run at any moment.
I was careless. How could I, being so smart, actually believe Fourth Brother had urgent business?
And even followed him to stir up trouble.
Uncle Gao Xuan is dead? Then the person standing amidst the crowd this morning was a ghost?
Look, Master’s expression has changed. It’s over, it’s all over. We just achieved some merit, and Old Mo wouldn’t think we’re getting arrogant again, would he?
Mo Xingjian saw Zhou Qing’s serious face, his expression changed constantly, but he finally sighed.
"Are you sure you’re not injured? Or was it this morning’s stimulation? Being a man, what’s the big deal? Not to mention scratching your buttocks, I’ve even seen your senior brother pick his toes and then secretly sniff them afterward," Mo Xingjian said.
Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu’s eyes widened in shock.
This truly was an act their usually cold and decisive Senior Brother could do?
Mo Xingjian gently patted Zhou Qing’s shoulder, "It’s fine, anyway, your reputation among the core disciples has been tarnished countless times; no one cares anymore. They are long used to it. Perhaps, they think you should be ."
Zhou Qing felt utterly speechless.
You truly are my good master; it’s the first time I’ve seen such a comforting approach.
No, I’m talking about serious business here.
Seeing that Master was about to leave again, Zhou Qing hurriedly held on, "Master, I’m telling the truth. The matter starts with us entering the demarcated mountain range some time ago, finding a cave..."
Zhou Qing quickly provided a brief account, and Mo Xingjian, who initially paid no mind, furrowed his brows deeply as he listened.
"If you don’t believe me, ask Third Senior Brother. It’s about that blood-stained stone," Zhou Qing pointed to Yan Xiaohu.
Yan Xiaohu was already terrified and hurriedly said, "I wondered why you kept staring at that stone, and even after we came out, you remained dazed."
Zhou Qing nodded repeatedly and continued, "At the time, I accidentally touched it, and instantly Master Gao Xuan’s voice echoed in my mind, saying he was unwilling to die and hoped someone would avenge him."
"The voice was intermittent, and the remaining energy was almost exhausted. I couldn’t distinguish truth from falsehood. After much consideration, I decided to report to you, fearing that if it were true, the current one on Golden Sun Peak..."
Zhou Qing’s voice trailed off, and Mo Xingjian’s expression became grave.
Indeed, if it were true, it would be truly terrifying.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Zhou Qing boldly voiced his thoughts.
"Master, if you don’t believe me, we can secretly revisit the cave to grasp the situation. Additionally, I’d like you to investigate whether Master Gao Xuan went out during that period, what routes he took, what he did, any secret missions he was involved in, and those he carried out with other masters? Which of his peers have isolated themselves since then?"
These are things he couldn’t investigate; only his master had the capability.
Mo Xingjian could only feel his heart pounding after hearing Zhou Qing’s alarming thoughts.
Yes, if Senior Brother Gao Xuan was an impostor who fooled everyone, then who could guarantee he hadn’t led other senior brothers into traps?
Indeed, over the years, two or three senior brothers and sisters have remained in seclusion and had less contact with others.
Mo Xingjian couldn’t help but swallow his saliva.
"We leave now!" Mo Xingjian grabbed the two and promptly departed the sect.
In the desolate cave, Mo Xingjian examined the blood-stained stone on the ground, frowning as he touched it.
The blood had long dried up, and no one knew how many years had passed.
"Perhaps, what you said is true!"
After a long while, Mo Xingjian, examining the traces of past battles in the cave, finally spoke heavily.
Time might erase everything, but some things can be recognized at a glance.
Mo Xingjian closed his eyes and carefully felt the imprints with his fingers.
"I can sense Senior Brother Gao’s Ancient Buddha Blade Intent, as well as the Profound Yin Sword Qi. They’ll dissipate in a year or two. It’s evident that he did experience a life-and-death battle here."
Mo Xingjian said each word thoughtfully.
Zhou Qing remained silent; Yan Xiaohu swallowed hard.
"Master, if Uncle Master Gao Xuan is really dead, then who is the one now..."
Mo Xingjian fell silent; he didn’t know either.
Zhou Qing stepped forward, having found some clues, he needed to voice his theory, pointing the direction to everyone.
"Master, if this is true, it must be either the Cangyan Daoist Palace or another faction’s early infiltration, highly likely planning significant actions next. We must be on guard." Zhou Qing said.
Mo Xingjian’s eyes brightened, looking at Zhou Qing with appreciation.
Why hadn’t I seen it before? This kid, apart from peeping, has such a meticulous mind.
"Very likely, remember, keep this to yourselves. I must inform Senior Sect Leader quickly and investigate thoroughly. Meanwhile, you two shouldn’t wander off; act as if you know nothing."
Mo Xingjian solemnly instructed.