Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

Even the burning pain on his face was completely ignored.

The slap's sound was extremely loud and noticeable, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall.

When they saw Su Qiaoqiao lying on the ground like a pig's head and Shen Qing standing with hands tied, they were momentarily confused and couldn't grasp the situation.

With Princess Yuzhen present, they didn't dare ask directly, so they began whispering among themselves.

At this moment, Princess Yuzhen stepped forward, gracefully bowing to Shen Qing and said, "I apologize, it was my poor control over my subordinates that disturbed you, Master Shen. I have brought you unnecessary trouble, and this is indeed my fault."

"What happened? Why is Princess Yuzhen being so courteous to this person?"

The people present discussed endlessly, not expecting to encounter such a situation and were left clueless.

In front of everyone involved, Shen Qing narrowed his eyes slightly, as if detecting something. He cupped his hands respectfully and said, "Your Highness overestimates me. I am merely a minor official of the military department, unworthy of such honor from the Princess. Attending Her Highness's banquet today has been an immense benefit."

Princess Yuzhen said softly, "Considering this for my sake, how about we let this incident pass?"

Shen Qing replied, "We didn't have any grudges to begin with, so let bygones be bygones."

"That's good." Princess Yuzhen gave Su Qiaoqiao a sidelong glance, "Why aren't you quickly coming over to thank Master Shen for his magnanimity? If it wasn't for Master Shen holding back just now, with his cultivation at the Primordial Spirit stage, you would be long dead!"

"Ah!"

The crowd gasped, sucking in a cold breath.

"Primordial Spirit stage, at his age, he's already at the Primordial Spirit stage of cultivation?"

Everyone found it unbelievable.

The Great Zhou was a nation that valued martial prowess, and any martial artist who broke through to the Primordial Spirit stage was considered a prominent figure, holding a significant position in the imperial court.

It was unimaginable that this young man had already broken through to such a realm at such a young age, truly a remarkable feat.

Standing beside Shen Qing, Huang Furo was also extremely shocked, looking at Shen Qing. She knew of Shen Qing's exceptional martial talent, and since entering the capital, his cultivation had progressed further, but she didn't expect it to have reached such a level.

For a moment, it was as if she was seeing Shen Qing in a new light and didn't know what to do.

Equally shocked was Su Qiaoqiao.

Now with her hair disheveled and clothes in disarray.

Her face was swollen like a pig's head, and her eyes were squeezed into slits.

Even so, the inexplicable shock in her eyes was still clearly visible.

If Shen Qing really didn't let her go just now, she truly wouldn't have had any strength to retaliate.

Su Qiaoqiao was filled with lingering fear, feeling a sense of having survived a calamity.

Now it seemed, Princess Yuzhen's actions had actually spared her.

Su Qiaoqiao no longer felt any grievance in her heart, nor cared about any dignity, quickly crawling on the ground, sincerely saying, "Thank you, Master Shen, I was blind."

Shen Qing remained noncommittal.

He gazed at Princess Yuzhen's flawless face and said, "The night is getting late, I still have plenty of duties tonight, so I will take my leave first, hoping for your Highness's forgiveness."

Princess Yuzhen smiled and said, "Master Shen, please proceed."

Shen Qing clasped his hands once again, gave a respectful bow, and walked away briskly, no longer staying.

On the side, Huang Furo also excused herself and quickly followed.

Watching Shen Qing's departing figure, Princess Yuzhen's smile grew even more pronounced, thinking to herself, "This Master Shen truly has some courage, remarkable, truly remarkable."

"In the family, many brothers and sisters, even with the support of countless spiritual resources, can't reach his level."

"As long as he doesn't die, his future will be limitless. I can get closer to him, promote him a bit, making good relations in advance won't be harmful."

Seeing Shen Qing's figure disappear completely from her sight, she withdrew her thoughts, glanced around at everyone, then returned to the hall and said, "Continue the songs and dances."

In the evening, the sunset dyed the sky a splendid orange-red like blood, and the afterglow cast on the shimmering lake, draping the vast lake with a golden veil.

Shen Qing and Huang Furo walked out of the cabin side by side, their shadows elongated by the sunset.

Huang Furo appeared as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Shen Qing smiled, "Master Huangfu, if you have something to say, just say it, no need to be formal with me."

Huang Furo sighed long, "Master Shen, your cultivation progress can truly be described as advancing by leaps and bounds, making people both astonished and envious."

Shen Qing gave a gentle smile, humbly saying, "This is just a coincidence, nothing much."

Huang Furo did not take Shen Qing's modest words seriously, she looked up, gazing at the sunset slowly sinking into the lake, remaining silent.

Soon, the two reached their respective carriages.

Shen Qing stopped and said, "During this Chrysanthemum Viewing Festival, I obtained quite some crucial intelligence, matters concerning my safety. Thanks a lot."

Saying so, Shen Qing pulled out a crystal-clear jade pendant from his bosom.

The jade pendant was crystal-clear, emitting a faint spiritual glow.

Not allowing Huang Furo to refuse, he gently slipped it into her hands.

Huang Furo felt the waves of spiritual power from the jade pendant and realized what it was.

"This... this is too valuable. I can't accept it."

"Just keep it, this spiritual essence might be more important for you, and didn't you say you want to be like me just now?"

After speaking, Shen Qing strode towards his carriage, as he boarded, he said, "In the future, let's meet more often. Goodbye!"

Sitting in the carriage, Tian Xiaohu, an old acquaintance of Huang Furo, nodded in greeting, then waved the long whip.

"Giddy-up!"

The carriage wheels rolled, and sped away quickly.

Huang Furo looked at the jade pendant in her hand, suddenly clenched it, murmuring to herself in a voice only she could hear, "If only I could be like you... at least I could help you in some way, not drifting further apart."

...

That night, the moon was dark and the wind was high.

Inside the Royal Armory, the candlelight flickered, casting shadows on the mottled stone walls.

A man, dressed in the attire of an armory official, hurriedly pushed open the door and walked inside.

Upon entering the Royal Armory, he didn't stop, proceeding straight to the fifth floor.

There sat Ji Bochuban cross-legged, eyes closed, surrounded by a faint spiritual glow, using his spirit eyes to absorb spiritual energy, enhancing his cultivation.

"Lord Ji, there is an urgent matter to report!" the official lowered his voice, but couldn't hide the urgency in his tone.

Ji Bochuban slowly opened his eyes, which gleamed brightly.

He slightly tilted his head, signaling the official to come closer.

"What is making you so anxious?" Ji Bochuban said, puzzled.

The official leaned in close to his ear, whispering, "I just received news, Shen Qing, he... he has already broken through to the Primordial Spirit stage!"

Upon hearing this, a look of disbelief flashed across Ji Bochuban's face, "Is this true?"

"This was personally confirmed by Princess Yuzhen, it shouldn't be false."

Ji Bochuban opened his mouth, immediately falling into thought.

The Primordial Spirit stage, across the entire Great Zhou, was a rare existence.

For Shen Qing to reach it so quickly was truly astonishing.

"Could it be..."

Ji Bochuban seemed to have thought of something, striding quickly to the screen, where there was a thick pile of cultivation insights and notes.

Yes, it must be this.

Otherwise, there would be no way to explain how Shen Qing's cultivation could suddenly advance tremendously.

This immortal martial arts method, after numerous trials by heaven's chosen, had finally been refined to its current state.

Perhaps the path was truly opened.

Shen Qing must have gained insight from this, greatly advancing his cultivation.

After pondering in place for a while, a resolute look flashed in Ji Bochuban's eyes, he quickly adjusted his attire, muttering to himself, "This matter is of great importance, I should immediately go meet His Majesty, report this to him, and let him decide."

Having made up his mind, Ji Bochuban quickly left the Royal Armory.

He flashed, turning into a streak of light, sprinting deep into the palace.