Gou Zai Qingluo Cave Heaven Cultivation

As dawn breaks in the east, a red sun pierces through the clouds, marking the first rays of sunlight.

The first ray of sunlight shone through the Qingluo dome.

Zhou Baoqing sat cross-legged on the raft, closed his eyes, concentrated, and calmed his mind, guiding the first clear purple energy in the world and slowly introducing it into his dantian along his meridians.

The purple energy enters the body, flows along the twelve meridians, and transforms into warmth that flows into the dantian.

Since he successfully visualized the cave heaven, his soul has become increasingly clear, and now he can enter a meditative state and practice breathing exercises without the need for complicated purification rituals.

After finishing his cultivation, he exhaled a breath of stale air and immediately felt a refreshing breeze filling the air, making him feel clear-headed and invigorated.

Zhou Baoqing slowly opened his eyes and looked up at the rising sun in the sky.

But then I saw the rosy dawn, the golden sun shining brightly, and that vast, pure yang energy was within my reach as I opened my arms.

A surge of heroic ambition welled up within him, urging him to embrace this celestial sun of the Nine Heavens, hang it high in the sky for his own use, and transform it into an eternal lamp that would burn brightly throughout this world.

Perhaps one day in the future, I will be able to pluck stars from the sky and create a supreme world where the sun and moon shine together?

Thinking about it this way, I felt a surge of emotion.

However, creating such a paradise is still a long way off.

Zhou Baoqing smiled nonchalantly and composed himself.

Outside, the river in Qinglin Bay was already shimmering with light.

The splashing of oars cutting through the water and the swishing of fishing nets being cast into the air intertwined as early-rising fishermen cast and hauled in their nets, creating a vibrant scene of life.

Beneath the water's surface, tiny green snails lay leisurely in the muddy riverbed.

This is the Qinglin River, the mother river of the people of Qinglin Bay.

In the past few days, Zhou Baoqing has released the snails into the Qinglin River.

It was a last resort.

Although the snail thoroughly enjoyed the green water and eggshells it fed, as it grew, the pond at home became too small, often giving off a stifling and confined feeling, which Zhou Baoqing also felt the same way about, making him feel annoyed.

The main waterway of Qinglin Bay is vast and not only gathers abundant spiritual energy from heaven and earth, but its bottom is also deeply connected to the earth's energy, growing with all kinds of aquatic spiritual herbs, which is even more beneficial for Qingluo to temper its bloodline and cultivate.

This also has an advantage.

The green snail lurks in the mud and sand of the riverbed, able to gather information about the passing cultivators and fishermen, and to obtain intelligence about Green Scale Bay. Moreover, with its hard shell and all-encompassing supernatural powers, its safety is naturally assured.

After enjoying the beautiful morning scenery, Zhou Baoqing regained his composure and left the cave.

Today is the school's one-day-off-every-week break, and it's also the day Zhou Changping invited him to be a guest.

Back at Zhishui Pavilion, after washing up, I went to the dining room for breakfast.

As soon as I sat down, my mother, Chen, came over with a smile, carrying a brand-new light blue long gown.

The dark cloud pattern on this fabric is a piece of silk from Chen's dowry that was kept at the bottom of her dowry when she got married. After so many years, it is no longer a fashionable material and looks a bit old-fashioned.

However, Chen happened to have a pair of skillful hands, and she made delicate edging and bamboo embroidery on the cuffs and collar, and made it into the style of the robes that cultivators often wear nowadays.

In this way, the slight old-fashionedness is transformed into a calm and dignified charm.

"Mother, isn't this too much? I'm just visiting a classmate."

Zhou Baoqing looked at the new clothes and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"You don't understand. Your classmate's family runs a fish market in our Qinglinfang. They are a very wealthy and influential family."

Without waiting for a reply, Madam Chen held up the clothes to him and said earnestly, "Now that you are Master Gan's disciple, you must not dress poorly, lest the servants look down on you."

Zhou Yulan laughed and said, "Bao-ge'er, your mother stayed up several nights last night to make this. You should change into it quickly and not let her efforts go to waste."

Chen kept nagging and urging Zhou Baoqing to hurry back to his room and change his clothes.

When Zhou Baoqing came out after changing his clothes, his tall and straight figure, paired with a light blue fitted robe, immediately caught everyone's eye.

With rosy lips and white teeth, a jade-like face and starry eyes, he was the epitome of a handsome young man from a noble family of immortals, with a composure beyond his years in his brows.

"Wow, Bao-ge looks so handsome in this outfit!" Zhao Fanghua exclaimed in surprise, her eyes widening as she praised him repeatedly.

Zhao Yuanqiu's eyes lit up with envy.

Zhou Baoqing felt somewhat helpless.

It was just a casual visit to a classmate's house, why did my family make such a big deal out of it?

But on the other hand, his situation was like a "small-town exam taker" visiting a local tycoon's home, so it was no wonder that his family was so worried about him losing face.

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside.

Suddenly, a magnificent Dharma boat broke through the clouds and appeared out of nowhere.

The magic boat was about two zhang long, and its entire body was made of reddish-blue spirit wood. The hull was engraved with intricate wind-controlling array patterns, which shimmered with a faint light, like a nimble bird, hovering steadily outside the Zhou family's courtyard gate.

The cabin door opened, and a middle-aged man stepped out. He had a kind face and proper manners.

He went straight to the courtyard gate, cupped his hands and said loudly, "I am the steward of the Zhou family. I have come by order of my master and young master to invite Young Master Baoqing to our residence."

Zhou Baoqing was surprised that Zhou Changping had made such a big fuss, even sending a Dharma boat to welcome guests. He felt a little embarrassed and said goodbye to his family.

Grandpa Zhou Changgeng remained calm and smiled as he instructed, "Go ahead, and remember to be courteous when you arrive at their home."

"Grandson understands," Zhou Baoqing replied, then lifted his robes and boarded the Dharma boat.

With a soft hum, the array patterns on the bottom of the magic boat lit up and transformed into a streak of light that flew away.

This spectacle had already attracted the attention of the villagers of Qinglin Bay, and they immediately began to discuss it.

"My goodness, that's the Dharma Boat! It's parked right in front of Old Zhou's house!"

"Brother Bao has really made something of himself! Even the wealthy Master Zhou is so kind as to send his magic boat to pick him up as a guest!"

Uncle Wang next door was so shocked that he dropped his fishing net. "Baoqing has met a benefactor; he's about to soar to great heights!"

Mrs. Chen smiled so broadly she couldn't stop, suppressing her joy, she tidied her sideburns and said calmly, "Oh, it's not as exaggerated as you all say. It's just friends visiting each other, the kids playing around, nothing to worry about."

…………

On the Dharma boat, Zhou Baoqing looked down at the earth from his high vantage point.

This was his first time riding the Dharma Boat, and he witnessed firsthand how the wide Qinglin River had transformed into a jade ribbon, with the scattered houses, farmland, and fishponds rapidly receding into the distance.

As I soared through the clouds and felt the fierce winds being kept at bay by the formation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of "traveling to the North Sea in the morning and to Cangwu in the evening."

However, after seeing so many sights, they all become the same, after all, he had flown in airplanes in his previous life.

After the initial sense of novelty wore off, Zhou Baoqing looked away and saw several plates of exquisite tea snacks placed on a small mahogany table.

Following Zhou Baoqing's gaze, the steward immediately introduced, "Young Master Baoqing, this is 'Jade Dust Hibiscus Cake' specially prepared by my young master. It is made by picking spiritual hibiscus with morning dew and mixing it with first-grade mid-level spiritual rice. It is extremely nourishing and gentle. Please try it."

Zhou Baoqing picked up a piece and took a bite. It melted in his mouth, with a sweet fragrance mixed with a pure and gentle spiritual energy. It slid down his throat and into his stomach, making him feel comfortable all over.

The flavor and the spiritual essence it contained were far more exquisite and delicious than the spiritual meals that Sister Lian had made back then.

He was secretly astonished.

I only vaguely knew that Zhou Changping's family was very wealthy and ran a large business in the fish market, but I never expected them to be so extravagant that even the magic boat used to transport guests was equipped with such precious spiritual food.

He was wrong.

Even Zhou Yandong, the head of the Zhou family, doesn't usually spend money this extravagantly.

The high-level treatment Zhou Baoqing received today was entirely due to Zhou Yandong's recognition of Zhou Baoqing's potential and was specially arranged by him.

The magic boat was extremely fast, and in no time, it landed smoothly in the most bustling area of ​​Qinglinfang.

The Zhou family mansion is easy to spot, with two imposing jade lions guarding the entrance.

Zhou Changping had been eagerly waiting at the door. As soon as the Dharma Boat landed, he immediately rushed forward: "Brother Bao, you've finally arrived! Come in, come in quickly, my father and mother are waiting for you in the main hall!"

Zhou Baoqing's heart stirred slightly.

As the big boss of the fish market, Zhou Yandong was extremely busy, yet he personally waited for his child in the main hall?

He was probably checking his son's friend's character; what a loving father!

Upon entering the main hall, a slightly overweight man with a kind and approachable demeanor sat in the main seat, with a beautiful woman sitting beside him.

"Greetings, Uncle Zhou and Aunt Zhou." Zhou Baoqing stepped forward and gave a respectful bow.

Zhou Yandong's gaze sharpened slightly as he looked the young man up and down.

He appeared calm and composed, with clear eyes, showing no trace of the impetuousness of the legendary troublemaker.

Clearly, this is the sign of a celestial being with a clear mind and a promising future!

"Haha, what a young prodigy!"

Zhou Yandong laughed heartily, "Changping, that good-for-nothing, has made such great progress in the past half month, all thanks to your guidance."

Zhou's mother, who had initially held some prejudice against Zhou Baoqing, now saw that he was handsome with fair skin and rosy lips, and was polite and well-mannered. She also thought about his achievements at the school.

She quickly greeted the maid with a smile and told her to bring out some spiritual tea and pastries: "Baoqing, please try this Hundred Fruit Spirit Cake. I heard that Ping'er recently got a 'middle to upper' grade in his exams, all thanks to your hard work tutoring him every day. Your aunt really doesn't know how to thank you enough."

"Uncle and Aunt, you are too kind. Changping is naturally intelligent, but he had not focused on his studies before. I only gave him a little guidance, and he made great progress. He does not deserve such thanks."

Zhou Baoqing replied with a smile.

These words perfectly expressed their approval of Zhou Changping, which pleased Zhou's parents, who nodded repeatedly.

After all, it's your own child, so you should scold them yourself. If someone else says something, it's just unpleasant to hear!

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhou Baoqing remained composed and answered fluently.

After all, he didn't want anything from Zhou Changping; they were just friends. As for the secret recipe for the spirit fish, he'd either accept it or not.

When one is free from desires, one is invincible and will not be preoccupied with gains and losses or lose one's footing.

Such magnanimity earned Zhou Yandong's secret admiration.

He knew that young people disliked spending too much time with their elders, and continuing the conversation would seem too deliberate.

He then waved his hand at the opportune moment: "Alright, you two kids go have fun by yourselves. Changping, didn't you say you wanted to take Baoqing to the fish market to see what it's like?"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

Zhou Changping eagerly grabbed Zhou Baoqing's sleeve. "Brother Bao, come on, I'll take you to find Uncle Zhang right now. He's preparing that secret recipe for spirit fish food today!"

Zhou Baoqing was overjoyed. If he could learn some fish food preparation techniques and create new spirit fish food, he could not only effectively reduce the risk of the Ice Blue Duckweed being discovered, but also have no worries about having no source of income in the future.

To get rich, you must first get out of poverty!