Deep beneath the Mount Guidie Range, an exceedingly faint fluctuation appeared within Qin Sang's perception. It vanished in a flash; with the slightest lapse of concentration, one might have overlooked it entirely.
Finally, a response!
Qin Sang's spirits lifted. He focused all his attention on driving his secret technique, searching back and forth across the spot where the fluctuation had appeared.
An incense stick's time later, Qin Sang slowly opened his eyes, musing inwardly, *Is this a seed of the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower?*
He had not found the true body of the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower, but he had sensed a peculiar aura at that location.
It was a subterranean rock fissure.
Even if someone were to dive deep underground at this moment, they would see nothing out of the ordinary.
With the aid of the secret technique, however, Qin Sang could perceive that peculiar wisp of aura concealed within a lump of earth and stone beside the fissure, perfectly fused with it.
This was indeed a seed of the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower.
Such was the nature of this spiritual flower: once mature, it would scatter seeds throughout its range of activity.
At specific hours each day, the spiritual flower would shift at will among its seeds, and only at the very instant of movement could it be perceived by this secret technique.
Qin Sang had not found the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower itself, which meant it had just shifted away. Even so, he was not discouraged. After all, even if he were to lock onto the flower right now, he would not dare rashly pluck it.
He had to locate all the seeds and seal them, unearthing them at the same time he harvested the flower to ensure nothing went wrong.
If even a single seed was missed, the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower might escape through it. And once the flower sensed danger in this territory, it would relocate elsewhere, making it exceedingly difficult to find again.
Having confirmed that the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower truly existed, there was no need to rush.
Qin Sang patiently operated the secret technique. Each time the flower shifted, the location of another seed was exposed.
Gradually, repetitions began to occur, growing more and more frequent.
Furthermore, as Qin Sang grew increasingly familiar with the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower, he became able to trace other seeds using the ones he had already locked onto.
By this point, the true body of the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower was finally revealed before his eyes.
This was a spiritual flower that seemed capable of shifting between illusion and reality. Its seeds could be sown inside mountain stones, within water, or even rooted inside other vegetation.
The Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower could exist anywhere and blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Only when it shifted into water did Qin Sang catch sight of its true form.
It was a four-petaled spiritual flower whose petal colors were not fixed; each time Qin Sang saw it, the colors differed, yet all were extraordinarily vivid.
Having expended immense effort to pinpoint the spiritual flower and its seeds and ensure none were missed, Qin Sang was still in no hurry to act.
After marking the locations of all the seeds, Qin Sang left his cave dwelling. Sweeping his gaze across the mountains, he quietly flew toward one end of the Mount Guidie Range.
The fiefs of the two demon commanders, Demon Commander Chiwei and Demon Commander Zhaoyou, were situated at opposite ends of the mountain range. He was currently heading toward the estate of Demon Commander Zhaoyou.
Qin Sang needed to plan ahead, taking into account the possibility of exposure to select the optimal time and place to make his move.
...
Just as Qin Sang was occupied on Mount Guidie.
The border of the Guifang State.
Two figures descended from the clouds and entered the desolate mountains.
The two moved through the mountain forests with ethereal strides, their auras completely reined in, leaving not the slightest ripple wherever they passed.
Monsters that brushed past them turned a blind eye, as though the two did not exist at all.
One of them wore Daoist robes, with a long beard fluttering beneath his chin. Possessing an immortal demeanor and Daoist bone, his bearing was otherworldly.
The other person, however, was rather peculiar, vastly different from ordinary men.
This person wore a suit of black armor and possessed a burly, imposing physique, yet his exposed skin was also jet-black.
A metallic luster flowed across his skin; he seemed not to be of flesh and blood, but rather cast from some kind of spirit metal. His gait lacked the lightness of the Daoist, carrying a distinct sense of heaviness.
His facial features were likewise as though cast of iron, completely devoid of expression. Anyone subjected to his gaze would feel an intense, suffocating pressure.
Taciturn and silent, he trailed half a step behind the Daoist, following without uttering a word. Had it not been for the sharp, spirited light in his eyes, he could easily have been mistaken for the Daoist's guardian puppet.
After crossing several mountain crests, the Daoist looked all around, paused briefly, and said, "Fellow Daoist Mo, up ahead lies the territory of the monster realm's Marquis Liu. It is time to contact Fellow Daoist Cuiwei."
Without a word, the dark-skinned oddity produced a jade talisman and crushed it. A flash of spiritual light vanished instantly, emitting an invisible ripple.
Sensing it for a moment, the Daoist said, "It seems Fellow Daoist Cuiwei is not nearby. Let us press forward."
The two set off once more. Though they traveled on foot, their speed was beyond the imagination of ordinary mortals.
As they moved, the Daoist recalled something and retrieved a picture scroll, handing it to the dark-skinned man. "Eight talismans are inscribed upon this scroll. Unleashed together, they possess the power to bind and restrict. When the battle against Marquis Liu begins shortly, Fellow Daoist Mo, conceal yourself in the dark and wait for an opportune moment to strike; it will surely inflict heavy damage upon him."
The dark-skinned man took it in silence, unrolled the scroll, and examined it closely for a time before frowning. "Fellow Daoist lacks the confidence to capture Marquis Liu alive?"
He knew how exalted the status of the person before him was—an eminent Nine Heavens Golden Palace Imperial Censor!
In the Daoist Court, a Shengxuan Real Person who presided over a regional capital altar was considered to have entered the inner halls of authority, yet held merely the rank of Lower Fifth Rank Shangqing Xuandu Grandee.
Above that was the Upper Fifth Rank Shangqing Yiwei Immortal Minister, followed by the Lower Fourth Rank Shangqing Xuandu Imperial Censor, and only then came the Upper Fourth Rank Nine Heavens Golden Palace Imperial Censor.
Official rank reflected strength; this man's standing in the Daoist Court was second only to the Great Real Persons of the Five Talismans Dharma Rank.
If stationed in the Daoist Court's heartland, he would be the master of an entire jing!
Fellow Daoist Cuiwei, whom they were rushing to rendezvous with, was also extraordinary—a Lower Fourth Rank Nine Heavens Investigating Censor of the Northern Pole Exorcism Court, merely half a rank below this man.
"Fellow Daoist Cuiwei once fought that demon marquis on the battlefield and reportedly failed to gain the upper hand. Who knows what progress the demon has made over the years? As the saying goes, careful sailing allows a ship to endure ten thousand years. We are within Guifang territory, and an excess of caution is never amiss," the Daoist replied frankly.
Surprised, the dark-skinned man asked, "Since you lack complete certainty, why not request a senior of higher cultivation to intervene and guarantee success?"
"You mean requesting a Great Real Person?"
The Daoist slowly shook his head. "A Great Real Person must preside over a diocesan altar. For a trivial matter like this, how could one be mobilized lightly?"
The dark-skinned man disagreed. "Two courts of the Daoist Court joined hands to set up various deceptive diversions just to mask our movements. Going to such painstaking lengths proves that Marquis Liu is of vital importance to you. If so, why not request a Great Real Person to ensure nothing goes awry? Fellow Daoist should not be someone inflexible."
"It seems Fellow Daoist Mo is genuinely thinking on behalf of the Daoist Court; my heart is deeply gratified," the Daoist smiled faintly. "There are some matters you will come to understand in time. If a Great Real Person were to arrive in person, it would be impossible to conceal their aura as we do."
Hearing this, the dark-skinned man's eyes flashed with curiosity, but seeing that the Daoist was disinclined to elaborate, he did not press further.
The Daoist continued, "This infiltration into the Guifang State to hunt a demon was actually Fellow Daoist Cuiwei's own initiative; other colleagues did not approve. This poor Daoist also felt it smacked of rushing for quick success, but having once owed Fellow Daoist Cuiwei a favor, I could only accompany him on this venture. Marquis Liu probably never imagined we would dare infiltrate his territory to cause him trouble. Fellow Daoist Cuiwei has arranged a bait to draw the snake from its hole. If it works, the chances of success are very high."
"I fear the bait might be seen through and instead turned into a trap against us," the dark-skinned man said pessimistically.
"Fellow Daoist Cuiwei has prepared for this for many years and his plan is meticulous; surely nothing will go awry. Once the bait is revealed, followed by a succession of arrangements, it will certainly throw Marquis Liu's fief into chaos. As for whether Marquis Liu can be lured out of his marquisate estate, that depends on luck."
Explaining the plan, the Daoist paused and added, "Of course, if we discover the matter is unfeasible, this poor Daoist will persuade Fellow Daoist Cuiwei not to take unnecessary risks."
Apparently persuaded, the dark-skinned man spoke no more.
The two sped quietly through the mountain forests.
...
At this time, Marquis Liu's estate was as peaceful as ever.
However, Marquis Liu himself was not present.
Having undergone his human transformation, Marquis Liu had become a handsome, dashing man dressed in pristine white robes, exuding refined elegance.
It was difficult to associate him with a great demon whose very name struck terror into all.
In a wild mountain valley far from the estate, several bamboo pavilions sat nestled amidst the mountains. Clear streams trickled, and pines and cypresses stood tall, gathering all the spiritual grace of the surroundings.
Marquis Liu sat cross-legged on a bamboo couch. Before him stood a tea table with fragrant tea, wisps of steam curling from the cups as the spirit tea gave off an exotic fragrance.
Opposite him sat a burly man clad in golden armor.
The golden-armored man's posture was far less refined; lounging brazenly, he grabbed the cup poured by Marquis Liu and gulped it down.
Watching his companion drink like an ox chewing peonies, Marquis Liu shook his head repeatedly. "This is an extraordinary immortal tea rare in this world, something Daoist Court immortal officials scramble for. For Eldest Brother to drink it like this—how is it any different from burning a zither to cook cranes?"
"Bullshit immortal tea! It can't even compare to the spirit wine in your estate for my taste!"
The golden-armored man gave a booming, contemptuous snort and tossed the cup back onto the table. Leaning against the bamboo couch, he said lazily, "Brother, do you really intend never to return to the estate, hiding out in the wilderness like this forever?"
Marquis Liu replied with a smile, "Before we attained sapience, didn't we all roam the wilds? Has Eldest Brother become unaccustomed to it after only a few years?"
"It makes no difference to me. It's just that without even seeing a shadow of the enemy, you've been hiding out here, not even daring to return to your estate. If word gets out, it won't sound good, and people might mock you," the golden-armored man sighed.
"Losing a bit of face is better than losing one's life!"
Marquis Liu's smile vanished. "Such a simple task, yet things went awry on my end. Losing a capable commander is one thing, but I fear it may cause the plan from above to leak prematurely. That King Yuanming did not punish me was a stroke of luck, but there's no guaranteeing the humans haven't deduced something and concluded that I am the chief culprit, sending people to cause me trouble."
The golden-armored man was taken aback. Sitting up slightly, he said in a low voice, "Just how much do you know, Brother? Ever since antiquity, the Daoist Court's enfeoffment of earthly deities has only served to watch over their homes and courtyards; I've never seen any great use for it. Could there be some hidden mystery behind our emulating humans to establish demon gods?"
Unexpectedly, Marquis Liu shook his head. "I merely follow orders; how could I know more than Eldest Brother? However, you should recall that the term 'demon god' began circulating long ago, and that last plan to probe the human response was personally pushed forward by King Yuanming. There must be grand designs from above."
Pausing briefly, he pointed toward the heart of Guifang State. "Has Eldest Brother noticed that over recent years, not only King Yuanming, but the other kings have all seemingly vanished without a trace?"
The golden-armored man fell into deep thought and drew in a sharp breath. "Now that you mention it, indeed I haven't heard of any great king making major moves in recent years."
"Precisely!"
Marquis Liu said solemnly, "Whatever the truth may be, we cannot fail to guard against it! If King Yuanming is occupied with a momentous affair, he might not be able to attend to external matters. If I am attacked, the royal court might not be able to send reinforcements in time, so it is better to hide outside directly."
The golden-armored man clicked his tongue in wonder. "Hearing you put it like that, my curiosity is piqued as well. If the Daoist Court truly sends people after you as you deduced, perhaps these so-called earthly deities and demon gods conceal an earth-shattering secret!"
At this point, he couldn't help but marvel, "The Daoist Court claims to be able to summon heavenly soldiers, heavenly generals, and the myriad deities of the River of Stars, yet all they meddle with are these petty earthly deities. Originally, I scoffed at them. Could it be that those Daoist myths and legends are all true?"
"As long as the Daoist Court doesn't dispatch a Great Real Person, if we manage to capture one of them, perhaps we can pry something out," Marquis Liu said placidly.
"Difficult!"
The golden-armored man shook his head. "We have fought the Daoist Court for countless years and have captured their Dongxuan Real Persons before; if it were possible, we would have found out long ago. The true secret is likely known only to Great Real Persons."
Right then, Marquis Liu's expression changed abruptly. He reached out and grabbed at empty air, and a small, transparent insect appeared in his palm.
"Someone from the Daoist Court?" The golden-armored man pushed off the table and rose, radiating killing intent.
"Commander Ying was suddenly killed..."
Marquis Liu looked bewildered. Commander Ying ranked first among the demon commanders under his command. His violent death was no small loss.
Yet if it were an assassin sent by the Daoist Court, why expose themselves prematurely just to deal with a minor demon commander?
Marquis Liu was thoroughly baffled. Could they be trying to lure him out using Commander Ying? That seemed far too crude.
"How many came?" the golden-armored man pressed.
Marquis Liu hesitated. "It seems... only one."
The golden-armored man snorted coldly. "It must be a trap to lure the snake from its hole! Since there's no aura of a Great Real Person, let's see if they have the appetite to swallow both of us brothers! Let's go!"
With a sway of their bodies, both demons vanished without a trace.
...
At this moment.
Qin Sang was on Mount Guidie, preparing to harvest the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower.
He had scouted the estates of both demon commanders one after another, then left Mount Guidie to delve deeper, mapping out the surrounding terrain, the demon forces, and calculating the time it would take for the demon marquis to arrive before finally settling on a strategy.
Silently, he had already laid restrictions around every single seed of the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower.
Locking onto the spiritual flower's true body, Qin Sang formed an incantation seal, his gaze turning slightly grim as he pressed his hand abruptly against the earth.
At the very same time.
Several hundred li northwest of the marquisate estate, Real Person Cuiwei was waiting for his reinforcements.
His reinforcements were about to arrive.
Yet at this moment, staring down at the corpse of a giant black eagle beneath his feet, his face was ashen.
He had concealed himself here, biding his time, believing his concealment to be flawless. Because he was in enemy territory, he had not dared to release his spiritual sense wantonly. Unbeknownst to him, through whatever divine ability it possessed, this demon eagle had suddenly appeared and barged in.
Extremely sharp and alert, the demon eagle had immediately moved to send an alarm upon realizing something was amiss.
In haste, Real Person Cuiwei had no choice but to strike and slay the demon eagle, but unfortunately, he had been too late to prevent the alert.
Before the plan had even begun, it had ended in failure!
Real Person Cuiwei could already sense the aura of the demon marquis hurtling toward him at terrifying speed.
What alarmed him even more was that there was more than one aura!
At that very moment, outside Marquis Liu's estate.
A Daoist quietly arrived. Looking toward the north, the corners of his mouth curled slightly. With a flick of his finger, a streak of sword light shot forth, flying straight toward the marquisate estate.
Chapter 1763