Leaving the water manor, Qin Sang did not pause for a single moment. He escaped out into the open sea, putting distance between himself and the Demon Realm, until he found a deserted island and set down the demon corpse.
Most of the frog-fish's essence had resided in its natal toxic scale. Qin Sang had harbored little expectation, and sure enough, after butchering the corpse, he found no so-called toxic core.
Right then, the fat silkworm suddenly leaped out with squeaks, wriggled into the frog-fish's lower jaw, and dragged out a small, transparent pouch.
"Could this... be a poison sac?"
Qin Sang's heart stirred, and he did not stop it.
The fat silkworm peeked sideways at Qin Sang. Seeing his tacit consent, its chirps grew even more delighted. Spitting out a halo of seven-colored light, it enveloped the poison sac, swallowed it whole into its belly, and then vanished back into Yagu's body like a flash of lightning.
Taking this in, Qin Sang inwardly thought that this creature was truly picky. During his travels across the Demon Realm, he had encountered poisonous beasts several times, but the fat silkworm had looked down on all of them with disdain. Only the poison sac of this Transformation stage great demon had managed to tempt it.
The reason was likely not just the frog-fish's high cultivation, but also because its natal divine ability was entirely related to poison.
"After devouring this poison sac, I wonder if the fat silkworm can advance to the fourth metamorphosis. Such poisonous beasts are rare even within the Demon Realm. I've heard of a Poison Cloud Steed, a general under Nine-Headed Great Sage who cultivates year-round in the Myriad Demons Cave and rarely shows its face, but that would be difficult to obtain."
After pondering for a short while, Qin Sang skinned and boned the frog-fish's remains, refining them into spiritual materials and sorting them into his Qianjun Ring before setting off south.
This trip was somewhat of a return to familiar ground.
Passing Mount Fengyang, Qin Sang reentered the Crescent Moon Realm, but he kept a low profile and did not disturb Master Feng or the others.
From the Demon Realm to the Star Sand Islands and then to the Crescent Moon Realm, although he had not found any Killing Sword fragments, he had broadened his horizons considerably, so it was not an entirely wasted effort.
Qin Sang leisurely made his way south, secretly approaching the various sects of the Crescent Moon Realm, large and small. Once he confirmed there were no Killing Sword fragments, he moved on without disturbing anyone or wasting much time.
Traveling with remarkable speed, it was not long before he arrived at one of the Crescent Moon Realm's most perilous forbidden zones—the Bottomless Demon Cave!
Years ago, when Qin Sang was seeking to purchase materials to forge the Jinchen Sword, a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Crescent Moon Realm had invited him to explore the Bottomless Demon Cave together as a condition, but he had tactfully declined.
Qin Sang did not intend to delve deep into the Bottomless Demon Cave this time either.
Though his strength was vastly different from before, he lacked the time; he had to return to Xuantian Palace before the Holy Land opened.
The entrance of the Bottomless Demon Cave was surrounded by rocky hills, wedged between three peaks.
The three peaks were entirely mounds of massive boulders, devoid of the slightest trace of green. The surrounding tens of li were just as desolate, devoid of all life.
Standing at the entrance of the demonic cave, Qin Sang felt a sudden chill well up in his heart. After staring down for a moment, he summoned his spiritual sword to shield himself and leaped in.
Three days later, Qin Sang emerged from the cave once more.
As legends told, this cave was indeed bottomless and filled with layers of ancient restrictions. Qin Sang had carefully ventured into its depths, reaching a point where even he felt danger, yet the sword spirit had shown no reaction throughout. In all likelihood, there were no Killing Sword fragments inside.
Hundred Flowers Valley was situated east of the Bottomless Demon Cave, on the other side of the Black Swamp.
Qin Sang crossed the Black Swamp, searching for the mountain gate of Hundred Flowers Valley based on his memories.
To his surprise, the landscape had changed drastically. The miasma cloud that once covered a vast area had dissipated, and the massive mountain range and Hundred Flowers Valley within the miasma had vanished along with it.
The scenery before his eyes looked no different from any other part of the Black Swamp.
Qin Sang's eyes flickered, discerning something odd, and he woke the Heavenly Eye Butterfly.
Sure enough, a grand formation was concealing the actual terrain.
For Hundred Flowers Valley to employ such a grand measure, could another unforeseen event have occurred recently? Or had Valley Master Mu failed to escape Old Man Hunmo's clutches as Qin Sang had guessed?
Frowning slightly, Qin Sang emerged from hiding, approached the edge of the illusory array, and flicked a streak of flowing light into it.
Before long, lights and shadows flickered ahead, and the miasma reappeared, rolling back to both sides. A familiar voice rang out from within: "Daoist Mingyue, I have waited for you for a long time!"
"Valley Master Mu, it has been a while!"
Relieved, Qin Sang looked into the miasma with a smile.
Valley Master Mu stepped out of the miasma to greet him in person.
Seeing Mu's somewhat pale complexion, Qin Sang narrowed his eyes slightly. Sensing that his aura was unstable, as though he were nursing an injury, Qin Sang asked in surprise, "Valley Master Mu, what happened...?"
Mu spoke with bitterness. "The Daoist has guessed right. Back then, I was heavily wounded by the old devil, and I have yet to fully recover. My strength has suffered greatly."
With that, Mu invited Qin Sang into the formation.
They conversed as they flew toward Hundred Flowers Valley.
Qin Sang observed Mu, surprised that his injuries were so severe that he could not even conceal them outwardly.
Mu recounted what had happened back then in detail: "Fortunately, the Daoist mobilized the power of the Thousand Buddhas Wall at the very end to impede Old Man Hunmo, giving me a moment of respite to shake off that ghost spirit's assault. Regrettably, Fellow Daoists Qi and Wang failed to escape the devil's clutches. Not only were their physical bodies destroyed, but their Nascent Souls were captured as well, and the old devil intended to search their souls. Unable to bear seeing them suffer such cruelty, I risked my life to disrupt his soul-searching technique, detonating my Black Demon Ants in the process, which left me grievously wounded by the old devil..."
After that, knowing he was powerless to contest for treasures any further, Mu had dejectedly withdrawn from the Jinghai Sect, taking the descendants of Qi and Wang with him so they would not be slaughtered by the old devil in an act of petty vengeance.
Upon returning to Hundred Flowers Valley, he had sealed the mountain gate until now.
Speaking to this point, Mu's expression darkened, and he said coldly, "Over these years, unidentified figures have frequently been active nearby, spying on Hundred Flowers Valley."
"Is that old devil so brazen?"
Qin Sang frowned. It seemed Old Man Hunmo had not given up.
Mu scoffed coldly. "Here in the Crescent Moon Realm, I naturally have no fear of him. Were it not for my injuries, I would have long gone out to fight him! I had been worried that you might have fallen to the old devil's poisonous hands as well, Daoist. Seeing you unharmed now, my mind is finally at ease."
Qin Sang smiled inwardly, knowing that what Mu truly cared about was the Myriad Spirit Fruit.
Qin Sang had come precisely for this matter. Not wishing to beat around the bush, he admitted that guided by the Fire Jade Centipede, he had obtained Myriad Spirit Fruits, though he concealed the true quantity, claiming to have gathered only four.
As for the Myriad Spirit Fruit Tree and contesting for treasures in the Buddha hall, he did not utter a single word about them.
Mu remained noncommittal, clearly not fully believing him, but he did not expose the lie either.
As they spoke, the two entered Hundred Flowers Valley.
Inside the valley, Qin Sang saw many unfamiliar faces, all descendants of Qi and Wang.
Lan Jingsi, who had been in seclusion, also emerged from her cave dwelling to welcome Qin Sang.
Qin Sang could sense a hidden eagerness in Lan Jingsi's gaze. Her natal gu insect was still at the peak of the third metamorphosis, and she had hesitated to attempt Spirit Ascension for fear of failure; she was in dire need of the Myriad Spirit Fruit to boost her odds of success.
Harboring their own thoughts, the three engaged in pleasant conversation and took their seats inside a bamboo lodge.
After exchanging pleasantries, Qin Sang said, "My visit today is firstly to see Valley Master Mu, and secondly to ask a favor of you two fellow daoists."
Mu automatically ignored the first part. "Whatever difficulty you face, Daoist, speak freely. As long as it is within Hundred Flowers Valley's power, my junior sister and I will assist you with all our might!"
Qin Sang chuckled. "Were it a trivial matter, I would not dare bother you two. Both of you already know that my Fire Jade Centipede is approaching the hurdle of the fourth metamorphosis. After learning of the Spirit Ascension Secret Technique, I traveled far and wide gathering spiritual items, yet they are exceedingly rare and hard to find. Supposing Hundred Flowers Valley must have some in reserve, I have shamelessly come to plead for your aid."
Mu, well aware of this beforehand, put on a difficult look and feigned reluctance. "Well... the spiritual items required for Spirit Ascension are extraordinarily rare under heaven and concern the very inheritance of our valley. Depleted by generations of predecessors, very few remain in our possession. I am afraid..."
"I see. Then it was presumptuous of me!"
Qin Sang let out a heavy sigh and immediately moved to stand. "Take it as if I never mentioned the matter..."
"Wait, Daoist!"
Mu had not expected Qin Sang to refuse to play along. He hastily stood up to stop him. Meeting Qin Sang's playful gaze, he felt embarrassed and dared not put on airs any longer, stating his terms plainly: "I can provide a complete set of materials required for Spirit Ascension. Only... I hope the Daoist understands our difficulty. Three of the most vital items, including Primordial Yin Water, in exchange for three Myriad Spirit Fruits—the Daoist will not be on the losing end. The remaining materials, I shall gift you free of charge."
Qin Sang gave a wry smile. "I have only four Myriad Spirit Fruits, yet you ask for the majority of them right away."
Mu replied solemnly, "If this were already refined Spirit Quieting Incense, I would not dare hope for it even with several more sets of materials. The Myriad Spirit Fruit is merely one ingredient of Spirit Quieting Incense, and its inherent efficacy is rather limited on its own. This price is exceptionally fair."
Qin Sang did not agree.
By claiming he had four fruits rather than any other number, he was subtly indicating his bottom line.
Three Myriad Spirit Fruits were something he could part with, but Mu would have to offer more in return.
"One complete set of materials, plus two extra portions of Yin Nether Soil!" Qin Sang raised one finger, then another two.
"Why does the Daoist need so much Yin Nether Soil?"
Mu had braced himself for bargaining, but he had not anticipated such an odd demand.
Exchanging a glance with Lan Jingsi, he mused, "The Daoist may not know, but Yin Nether Soil is exceedingly rare. Back then, our founding master traveled all across the North Sea before luckily obtaining a small piece in an ancient cultivator's cave dwelling. After being used by successive generations of Hundred Flowers Valley predecessors, very little remains, with no means of replenishment. This has long been our greatest predicament. My junior sister and I must plan for future generations; at most, we can give you one more portion of Yin Nether Soil."
Mu's tone was resolute.
Qin Sang could tell there was no room for negotiation on this point.
He pondered in silence. Demanding three portions of Yin Nether Soil had been intended to prepare for his three spirit insects.
However, the fat silkworm was not his spirit insect, and the chances of him successfully performing Spirit Ascension for it were slim. Furthermore, the fat silkworm was currently devouring the poison sac, so it might break through to the fourth metamorphosis without needing Spirit Ascension at all.
Reflecting on this, Qin Sang pressed no further and switched conditions: "I only entered this path midway and have meager accumulated knowledge regarding the art of insect mastery. I hope Valley Master Mu can offer some guidance."
"That is easily done!"
Mu clapped his hands and laughed heartily, agreeing readily.
Qin Sang smiled as well, taking out three jade boxes and placing them on the table.
Mu shot Lan Jingsi a glance and carefully inspected the Myriad Spirit Fruits. Though their skins were slightly dimmed in luster and wrinkled, they were undeniably Myriad Spirit Fruits.
Lan Jingsi headed straight for the treasury and returned shortly after, handing Qin Sang a mustard seed pouch.
Qin Sang counted through everything carefully and confirmed all was in order.
The Yin Nether Soil turned out to be a grayish-white stone, showing no extraordinary traits on its surface.
Both parties stowed their treasures away, fully satisfied.
Following this, Qin Sang prepared to stay in Hundred Flowers Valley for a time to consult on the art of insect mastery.
Mu hosted a grand banquet to entertain Qin Sang.
Amidst the clinking cups and lively banter, a disciple suddenly arrived to report: a Golden Core cultivator had arrived outside the grand formation, claiming to be a disciple of Old Man Hunmo and requesting an audience with the valley master.
The warm atmosphere plummeted instantly to freezing point.
Qin Sang swirled the wine cup in his hand, remaining silent.
Mu pressed both hands onto the table and said furiously, "That old devil is insolent! I let things slide before, yet he dares bully his way to my doorstep! Guards, slay this man at once and throw his corpse out to feed the poisonous insects!"
"Hold!"
Qin Sang waved a hand and whispered, "Calm your anger, Valley Master Mu. Even when two nations are at war, one does not execute an envoy. We might as well see what Old Man Hunmo wants."
The envoy had not arrived earlier or later, but appeared right when Qin Sang was present. Something was amiss.
Mu frowned, then instructed the disciple, "The Daoist makes sense. Spare his life for now. Go summon him in!"
A moment later, the disciple led a black-robed young man into the hall.
Facing three Nascent Soul experts who made no effort to conceal their auras, the black-robed youth remained neither servile nor overbearing, bowing respectfully: "Junior Yun Haifeng pays his respects to the three seniors."
"What is Old Man Hunmo to you? Why have you come here?" Lan Jingsi demanded.
"He is my grandmaster!"
The black-robed youth kept his head lowered, not daring to peer upward. "My grandmaster ordered me to deliver a visiting card, but not to the two seniors of Hundred Flowers Valley. It was to be presented only when Hundred Flowers Valley opened its gates to welcome an esteemed guest."
At these words, both Mu and Lan Jingsi turned to look at Qin Sang.
Old Man Hunmo was most likely targeting Qin Sang. Unable to locate Qin Sang, the old devil knew of Qin Sang's ties to Mu. Qin Sang had also deduced this possibility, secretly wondering what scheme the old devil was brewing.
Back during the Myriad Demons Assembly, the devil had pursued him across thousands of li—was he now looking to reconcile?
"Where is the visiting card?"
The youth spoke with utmost deference: "Pardon junior's impertinence, but might I boldly ask: is senior the person my grandmaster met in the Buddha hall back then?"
Qin Sang gave a dry chuckle. "Indeed I am."
Having received confirmation, the black-robed youth dared not pry further. He promptly presented a visiting card and stood quietly to the side.
Under the curious gazes of Mu and Lan Jingsi, Qin Sang opened the visiting card, read through it, and looked on with a peculiar expression, remaining silent.
"Is the old devil threatening you, Daoist?"
Mu grew increasingly curious and inquired via voice transmission.
Qin Sang shook his head and directly handed the card over.
Mu unfolded it, took a look, and froze slightly, finding it inconceivable. "That old devil actually wants to bury the hatchet and join hands with you in full cooperation?"
The contents of the visiting card were very simple.
Old Man Hunmo claimed profound admiration for Qin Sang's divine abilities. Moreover, since neither side had suffered irreparable losses and harbored no mortal blood feuds, he hoped they could turn hostility into friendship.
Furthermore, they shared a common adversary whose formidable power formed the very foundation for an alliance.
Old Man Hunmo even admitted to being in the wrong first, offering to present treasures to apologize and resolve their enmity, as well as plot together for a tremendous boon.
If Qin Sang was amenable, they could meet to discuss details at a location of Qin Sang's choosing, demonstrating his sincerity.
From the youth's words and the card's contents, Mu could deduce that Qin Sang and Old Man Hunmo had clashed again at the Jinghai Sect, forging a grudge.
Old Man Hunmo seemed to have gained no advantage, and recognizing Qin Sang as a peer expert, had actively sought peace.
Moreover, a faction capable of compelling two top-tier masters to unite against it in the entire North Sea could only be the demons or Xuantian Palace. Just what had Daoist Mingyue done to offend them?
Thoughts flashing through Mu's mind, his estimation of Qin Sang's strength deepened, further cementing his resolve to befriend him.
What intrigued him even more was the tremendous boon Old Man Hunmo had spoken of, though he understood that dealing with him was akin to asking a tiger for its hide—fraught with immense risk.
Mu looked up at Qin Sang, wondering what choice he would make.
Chapter 1472