Drain the Wine, Sever the Foes' Heads

The Heart Lake Sea, the isolated island. The peripheral black river gleamed with an eerie light. A ring of bizarre, stunted trees grew along the island's rim, their dark, heavy leaves resembling cast iron. Beneath them, an embankment came into view. A dark yin ghost wind whipped up waves. When the tide rose, the black river water battered the embankment and corroded the stone ramparts, requiring people to patch it with stone. Consequently... Whenever the black river receded, Qi Refining cultivators could be seen toiling across the peripheral mudflats as masons and artisans, hauling stones, mixing mortar, and bustling about. Directly north of the island lay a ferry crossing. A fair number of boats were moored there, facilitating the cultivators' passage into town. Old Fu brought his boat to the crossing, and Qin Xuan and Ji Qingni leapt ashore. "Fellow Daoists, I shall wait here for you." "Very well, we will return shortly." Qin Xuan acknowledged him, then turned with Ji Qingni toward the island. Standing at the bow, the middle-aged man brushed aside the messy, salt-and-pepper hair straying before his eyes. With a heavy gaze, he watched the two figures depart side by side. Returning inside the cabin, he sat down beside the two jars of wine, his mind drifting into a daze. For a ferryman who had plied his oars for a thousand years, zoning out was as routine as daily meals. At times, he even wondered whether he was dead or alive. Yet at this moment, though dazed, he knew full well he was alive. Ever since entering the Wine Immortal's Dao field, no one had ever treated him to a drink, let alone wine granted a top evaluation by the Wine Immortal. A weight rested on his heart, and he longed to confide it to someone once drunk. Now, he had two listeners. Thus, Old Fu truly hoped they would make it back from the island... *Crash!* Accompanied by the distant sound of breaking waves, Qin Xuan walked a step ahead of Ji Qingni, crossed the mudflat, and set foot upon the island's edge. Just then... Shouts suddenly erupted all around: "The water is rising! The water is rising! Get ashore quickly!" The black river was spreading toward the mudflat. This water could swallow a cultivator's magic power. Around forty artisans and masons scurried onto the embankment to take shelter. Many among them bore familiar faces, all having come from the vicinity of the Prince's Tomb; a cluster of shanties pitched not far away served as their quarters. Qin Xuan keenly noticed someone among the masons sizing him up. One was a youth with long limbs and thick, bushy body hair. The other was a woman in her thirties, endowed with an alluring figure and clad in flimsy garments. Though Qin Xuan had never met either face-to-face, the long-armed youth carried a faint scent of incense, while the woman radiated demon qi. Recalling what Advisor Hu had mentioned, he understood at once. They had to be the River Earl of Yishui and the spider demon Sheng Hu. Beside him, Ji Qingni sent a voice transmission: *"Now that we are on the island, we cannot make a move. You must find a way to lure them down to the mudflat or onto the Heart Lake Sea."* Qin Xuan glanced from the corner of his eye; the black water had already submerged the mudflat. Having bloomed his Dao flower, he possessed absolute certainty in taking the lives of these two Foundation Establishment demons, yet now was not the moment to strike. If they alarmed the black catfish demon and scared him out of leaving the island, it would be penny wise and pound foolish. Thus, he transmitted back: *"Mm. We will pick the island's immortal fruit first, then settle accounts with them later."* With their plan settled, the two continued onto the island under numerous watchful gazes, drawing strange looks from the onlookers. As men who repaired the embankment, the closer they were to the island, the more keenly they understood its perils. Over the past several months, those who arrived here had either halted at the island's perimeter or gone in never to return. These two did not look like ancients, yet they dared to barge right in. Could the island's immortal fruits and the Wine Immortal's Dao profundities truly be obtained so easily? Plentiful courage was not necessarily a good thing. By the embankment, an elder of about sixty clad in grey robes, sporting two tufts of short whiskers, had been churning mortar. Seeing the stir caused by people ascending the island, he cast a casual glance over. His gaze swept past Qin Xuan and landed on the young woman dressed in lake-blue robes. For a moment, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. Focusing his vision, he confirmed it was truly her! He, Xubai Zi, was the deputy peak master of Tiandu Peak on Zijin Mountain and the martial uncle of Tiandu Fairy. Naturally, he knew his martial niece was close friends with this Guanghan genius—a grand matter that the entire Zijin Mountain cared about. A great age often followed in the wake of a great tribulation. Even the supreme orthodox lineages were making calculations. At this juncture, the Lingbao Great Sect sought to ease relations with the Nine Heavens Ancient Immortal Province; having lost the immortal sword all those years ago, they already owed a debt. Therefore, the friendship between the Guanghan genius and Tiandu Fairy brought joy to all the elders of Zijin Mountain. Yet at this very moment, watching the two figures walking toward the island, Xubai Zi's heart gave a violent jolt! *Not good!* *The current matter in Pingyuan Commandery was started by our Lingbao lineage to capture a traitor. If this genius perishes in the Ascension Ground, will we not offend the Guanghan lineage entirely?!* Xubai Zi knew full well the island's perils. How could the heart lake of an ancient tribulation immortal be so easily breached?! His hair nearly stood on end. He hurriedly looked at the young man walking ahead of the Guanghan Fairy, yet did not recognize him. From the looks of it, this lad seemed to be the one leading Fairy Ji onto the island. Xubai Zi's expression darkened. *Which family's brat has grown so audacious?!* With that thought, Xubai Zi kicked out, striking a burly, plump youth beside him. Xu Youde had been churning mortar and nearly pitched headfirst into the muddy water. Turning around, he looked at his master with an innocent expression. "Master, this mortar of mine has an even texture and seals cracks splendidly. For a craft I only just learned, it is already quite decent." "Cease your nonsense!" Xubai Zi barked at him, following up with a string of urgent voice transmissions. Xu Youde was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly dropped his mortar and took off in pursuit of Qin Xuan and Ji Qingni. Passing through the iron-like stunted trees on the island's outermost edge, Qin Xuan halted his steps. Ji Qingni turned to look back as well. They saw Xu Youde sprinting over with surging qi. Fearing they might misunderstand and attack, he called out hastily, "Fellow Daoists, please hear me out!" Qin Xuan looked at the burly fellow, not recognizing him. Fairy Ji found him somewhat familiar; after a moment's thought, she recalled he seemed to hail from Tiandu Peak on Zijin Mountain. "Fairy Ji." Xu Youde stepped forward, first greeting Ji Qingni politely, then sized up Qin Xuan with a bow. "I am Xu Youde, a disciple of Tiandu Peak on Zijin Mountain." Qin Xuan returned the courtesy. "Qin Xuan of Yuansong Temple." Xu Youde had already found Qin Xuan's appearance familiar, and upon hearing his name and background, he thought to himself, *So it's him.* Immediately after, he gave a sudden start. *Wait... this isn't right!* *How is the Guanghan Fairy mingled together with the foremost romantic figure of Pingyuan Commandery, the Breeze and Moon Little Sword Immortal? These two shouldn't have anything to do with one another!* On Tiandu Peak, aside from Eldest Senior Sister, rarely could anyone exchange a word with this fairy. Guanghan Palace lay far away in the Nine Heavens Ancient Immortal Province, and the immortals upon it were mostly aloof and otherworldly; growing close to them was by no means simple. Though this Fairy Ji hailed from an aristocratic clan of the Eastern Lands and had only gone to the Ancient Immortal Province later on, once she entered Guanghan, she was bound to remain detached from the mortal dust. Xu Youde's gaze toward Qin Xuan gained a few shades of nuance. "Fellow Daoist Xu, what advice do you have?" Qin Xuan asked with a smile, seeing him stare without speaking. Since both belonged to the same broader lineage and the man seemed to be offering a well-meaning warning, Qin Xuan naturally bore no ill will. Shaking off his stray thoughts, Xu Youde recalled his master's instructions and hurriedly pointed toward the island's center. "This island is extraordinarily perilous. Further ahead, it is shrouded by a demonic mist. That mist appears ordinary, but the moment one makes contact with it, all manner of illusions instantly arise in the mind. Moreover, it can drag a cultivator's divine soul inside, employing methods of demonic dream transformation. It is dangerous in the extreme!" "I have been here for months and seen several ancients from the Ascension Ground enter. Not a single one has ever returned." "The two of you must not venture in rashly!" Seeing their expressions remain unchanged, Xu Youde could only move to block their path. "Fairy Ji, Brother Qin, heed my words. This place is the most dangerous location in the entire Ascension Ground, tied to the taboos of an ancient tribulation immortal. Do not gamble your Dao journey here!" "Wait here for several centuries, and a turning point will arrive." "Many thanks," Qin Xuan said, cupping his hands. "Fellow Daoist Xu, we are already aware of what you have said." Old Fu had mentioned as much while rowing earlier, and in far greater detail. More importantly... Qin Xuan had already deduced the Wine Immortal's intent; the venerable senior actually hoped someone would come here. Xu Youde was clever. Hearing Qin Xuan's tone, he knew the man had already made up his mind. He immediately looked toward Ji Qingni. To his speechlessness... Between the two walking together, it seemed Fairy Ji was not the one calling the shots. He said hurriedly, "Fairy Ji, Senior Sister is still waiting for you to drink tea at Tiandu Peak. You absolutely cannot become trapped here!" Seeing his dilemma, Ji Qingni roughly guessed what was happening, so she took out a talisman. "I venture onto this island for the Dao profundities of the ancient tribulation immortal. If I become trapped within, Fellow Daoist Xu may simply hand this talisman to my sect's people once you leave the Ascension Ground in the future." Xu Youde caught the talisman. Immediately, the two brushed past him and headed straight into the island's depths. Xu Youde felt disaster looming and dashed back to his master. Qin Xuan and Ji Qingni advanced another half-li. Ahead, the demonic mist thoroughly enveloped the winding bluestone path beneath their feet, obscuring everything from clear view; only a cluster of light guided their way. Ji Qingni tilted her head toward him, tapping his forearm lightly with her fan. Qin Xuan nodded to indicate there was no problem. Just then, the sound of footsteps emerged from the mist. Someone holding a lantern approached the two. The newcomer had a massive head, a wide mouth, tiny ears, and slit-like eyes—a thoroughly bizarre appearance. Qin Xuan stared at him, and he stared back at Qin Xuan. Both felt surprised, yet both also felt they had finally encountered the person they sought. Their gazes clashed, each harboring murderous intent. The black catfish demon split open his wide mouth bristling with jagged fangs, letting out a sinister chuckle. "Brother Qin, what a coincidence. I am this island's guide. To think that I would be the one to see you off on your final journey." Qin Xuan's tone was frigid. "Who sees off whom remains to be seen." Ji Qingni had already guessed the visitor's identity. A thought struck Qin Xuan, and he deliberately provoked him with his words: "Catfish demon, do not think hiding on this island will keep you safe. I have already received three top evaluations from the Wine Immortal. Once I harvest the immortal fruit here and brew a cup of immortal wine, I will ask not for Dao profundities, but for your life first. Tell me, do you think the Wine Immortal will grant it?" Hearing this, the black catfish demon's eyes burned with murderous fury. "Then we shall see if you have the life to walk back out!" Qin Xuan had struck his sore spot; he truly feared the existence of such an immortal brew. However, he held a duty on this island arranged by the Wine Immortal that he had to perform: no matter who set foot upon the island, he was required to guide them along a stretch of the path. At once, he raised his lantern and walked to the edge of the demonic mist, bringing the light close to a roadside stone stele inscribed with three characters: *Road of Turning Back*. The black catfish demon said coldly, "The Wine Immortal left behind a thirty-step Road of Turning Back. If you regret your choice along this road, you may turn back with me. As for the path leading to the spirit pool beyond, you will have to rely on yourselves." With that, he strode onto the Road of Turning Back. Seeing that Qin Xuan and Ji Qingni followed, the black catfish demon sneered as they reached the latter half of the path and spoke aloud: "Qin Xuan, back then on the Lan River, I did not slaughter your family intentionally; my cultivation had merely suffered a mishap. Now that you have stepped onto the Dao path, surely you can understand..." "When inner demons surge, they are truly hard to control. My mind was in turmoil back then, and I wished to treat my palate, which was why I ate a few mortals." "A mortal's lifespan does not exceed a hundred years; in the end, it is nothing more than a puff of scattered ash. Why take it to heart? Furthermore, had I not eaten your family, you might never have attained your present fortune. Why must we remain enemies? Far better that we beat our swords into plowshares." For the first time in the Ascension Ground, Ji Qingni showed a flash of genuine anger, a cold gleam flitting through her eyes. Within this black mist, even voice transmissions were impossible, so she could only reach out and pat Qin Xuan's shoulder. The black catfish demon's ploy to enrage Qin Xuan had evidently worked. Seeing Qin Xuan's face covered in frost, the demon felt joy rather than fear. Attempting to traverse the subsequent path in such a mental state was already a death sentence. Having completed thirty steps, Qin Xuan suddenly halted. The black catfish demon panicked, fearing he would turn back, and mocked, "Why stop walking? Are you afraid?" Qin Xuan did not look back, merely letting a chilling sentence drift out: "I also wish to treat my palate, and I have already prepared the wine—I am only missing you as a dish. Once I come out, I shall cook you." With eyes full of venom and eagerness, the black catfish demon watched Qin Xuan take a step into the thicker black mist. Though his vision was lost, he turned back with a smug smile, feeling as though a great thorn in his side had been removed. Deep within the black mist, near the central area of the island's spirit pool. The black mist here was starkly different from that outside. At times it coalesced into human figures, at times into demons, monsters, and ghosts, endlessly locked in slaughter and strife. Ever-shifting without constant form, no two moments were alike, resembling a series of distinct dreams. Qin Xuan suspected these were everything the Wine Immortal had experienced in the past. No wonder this place was so perilous. If one were pulled into these illusions, it would be equivalent to reliving the ancient tribulation immortal's past battlefields—a nine-in-ten chance of death. At that moment, bizarre phantoms formed of black mist were circling the two, seeking to drag them into the illusions. However... Fortunately, a patch of dark cloud separated them, protecting the pair. When Ji Qingni first entered this place, every step was fraught with tension, and she stood ready to unleash her life-saving treasures at any moment. Yet gradually, she discovered that Qin Xuan's method seemed exceedingly reliable. A dark cloud encircled them, within which a fiend bounded and leaped about, frightening off every black mist phantom that drew close from all directions. "This is the fiend you raised?" "Mm," Qin Xuan explained briefly. "Though our sect does not place strict constraints on disciples regarding spells, there are always many elders who dislike such unorthodox paths. As a minor cultivator from the Lower Court, I feared offending the teachers and elders, so I dared not reveal this life-saving method easily." Ji Qingni nodded. "I will keep your secret." As she walked, she observed the fiend closely. This fiend was ferocious, scaring away the black mist the moment it approached. After accomplishing its deeds, it would scamper to Qin Xuan's side and rub affectionately against his leg. Ji Qingni was inwardly astonished; how had this fiend been raised like a dog? The fiend had sharp wits as well. At first, it bore some hostility toward Ji Qingni, but upon noticing her deep ties with its master, it chased away the black mist phantoms on her side and bounced about near her as well. Was this not far more obedient than that cat?! "Are there any more fiends like this? I would like to raise one too." "None. Just this one." After another hundred steps, the surroundings grew brighter. The sound of trickling water, like a small stream, met their ears, and a spirit pool with a flowing spring came into view. The spirit pool measured barely half a mu. The spring water within flowed down into a stone crevice, seemingly used to irrigate the spiritual trees on the island. These spiritual trees stood all around the pool, resembling pear trees. The fruits growing upon them looked like mountain pears, roughly the size of a fist. The water in the spirit pool was limpid and serene, radiating a soft white light. The surrounding black mist phantoms were unable to draw near. Presently, a wisp of spiritual light rose from the pool. At first it drifted quite slowly, but after climbing one zhang into the air, it suddenly transformed into a rainbow and streaked away. Just then, an anomaly abruptly arose! Behind the spirit pool, within the black mist, the two spotted an ancient tree whose bark was cracked like dragon scales. One zhang above the ground, a massive tumor bulged from the tree. Its trunk was thick enough for multiple people to embrace, and its leaves were as large as a child's palm, with fine serrations along the edges and hairy undersides—an old mulberry tree. Beneath the tree lay countless white bones, densely blanketing the ground. The instant the spiritual light took flight, the massive tumor on the old mulberry tree spat out a fine white silk thread, shooting forth in an attempt to bind the light. Yet the spiritual light abruptly surged forward, dodging the thread. Failing in its attempt, the thread shrank back into the tumor. Just as Qin Xuan was filled with astonishment, the Guanghan Fairy lowered her head and gave his hand a tug, signaling him not to look. Unable to transmit her voice and not daring to speak openly, she guided his attention away. Though Qin Xuan did not understand, he was very receptive to advice and shifted his gaze from the old mulberry tree. Ji Qingni picked what she could safely share: "That spiritual light must be the Wine Immortal's Dao profundity." She explained to Qin Xuan: "This is the greatest fortuitous encounter here. Some Dao profundities merge into artifacts, while others transform into spiritual light. They diffuse from the Dao fruits of those who have attained the Dao. For cultivators who have crossed the Four-Nine Lightning Tribulation, obtaining a single wisp can spare them hundreds or thousands of years of contemplation." Qin Xuan inquired further: "What if one has not crossed the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation and obtains a Dao profundity?" "Within a Dao profundity resides the attained master's thought of the Great Dao, also known as the Sea of Arising and Extinguishing. Only upon reaching the Spirit Transformation stage and cultivating an imperishable divine soul can one contemplate it. Otherwise, in an instant, one would be drowned within the Sea of Arising and Extinguishing. Of course, if a Nascent Soul cultivator grasps a wisp of Dao profundity, they may also use it when crossing the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation, utilizing the tribulation lightning to shatter the Sea of Arising and Extinguishing so they can harvest the comprehension and pass through the tribulation." Qin Xuan nodded silently. No wonder the Sword Madman of Zhongzhou had barged into this place. He then recalled another matter: "If my Guanjiang Mountain Ancestor wished to nurture juniors, could he not distribute Dao profundities to Yuansong disciples?" Ji Qingni smiled faintly. "What are you imagining? The Wine Immortal is a tribulation immortal whose Dao fruit is unstable, which is why Dao profundities escape. Otherwise, which attained master would be willing to carve up their own Dao fruit? Unless they dote on a junior to the absolute extreme. But doing so carries immense consequences." Qin Xuan looked at the spiritual light vanishing into the distance. "Then if I obtain the Wine Immortal's Dao profundity, would that not harm the venerable senior?" "It will not," Ji Qingni said. "These Dao profundities that fly away have already escaped from the Wine Immortal's Dao fruit. As long as..." She glanced toward the old mulberry tree, not daring to speak too plainly. "As long as you do not act like True Lord Yuanhai, you will be fine." Qin Xuan understood. That vegetable-hawking woman was a Mahayana True Lord who had failed to cross her wind disaster, unable to attain the Void Immortal stage, and was forced into corpse-refinement. She wished to use the Dao profundity to refine herself into a Corpse-Refined Immortal, then take advantage of the Wine Immortal's impaired state to devour his Dao fruit. Qin Xuan possessed no such intention, nor was he capable of such deeds. He surveyed the surrounding fruits, which could be picked at any time. The black mist phantoms on all sides were kept at bay by the spirit pool; aside from that terrifying old mulberry tree, the rest of the area was reasonably safe. With tacit understanding, the two sat cross-legged by the spirit pool. Since they had come all this way, they naturally had to try. What if they shared an affinity with the Wine Immortal? After waiting for nearly half an hour, another wisp of spiritual light slowly drifted out from the spirit pool. Qin Xuan and Ji Qingni each circulated their techniques, attempting to attract this spiritual light. Yet whether they pushed their cultivation arts to the limit or continually reflected on this Ascension Ground with reverence for the Wine Immortal, they could not budge the spiritual light in the slightest. Everything indicated that the Dao they cultivated held no affinity with the Wine Immortal. The spiritual light flew away. Qin Xuan and Fairy Ji failed to grasp it, and that old mulberry tree missed its mark once more. Having read the classical records of Guanghan Palace, Ji Qingni gave up after this single attempt. Earth Immortals who plucked Dao fruits followed vastly different Great Daos; without the requisite affinity, it could not be forced. Looking at Qin Xuan, who still kept his eyes shut, Ji Qingni knew it was like drawing water with a wicker basket, yet she did not disturb him. Trying a few more times would leave fewer regrets. After waiting for nearly another hour, yet another spiritual light emerged. Ji Qingni watched it slowly rise one zhang, arriving right near the old mulberry tree's tumor. Next, it should soar into the heavens. However... Fairy Ji's limpid eyes widened considerably. In utter disbelief, she watched the spiritual light that had been about to shoot into the sky suddenly veer toward Qin Xuan! *This...!* *Qin, this little sword immortal, actually possesses such an affinity with the Wine Immortal?!* Seeing this spiritual light flying toward Qin Xuan, the old mulberry tree would not stand for it. The fine silk within its tumor lashed out, binding toward Qin Xuan's direction! An indescribably terrifying aura pressed down, causing the entire spirit pool to lose its luster. In that instant, both Qin Xuan's and Ji Qingni's divine souls seemed to be frozen in place! Right at this moment... The ancient mirror in Qin Xuan's mind blazed with brilliant radiance, consuming the moonlight gathered over a long time! As the fine silk lashed over, the mirror pulled in reverse along the thread, drawing a black spiritual light straight out from within the old mulberry tree—this was the old mulberry tree's Dao profundity! In an instant, the struck mulberry tree fell silent, appearing as though it had abruptly passed out. This Dao profundity flew into the mirror alongside the Wine Immortal's Dao profundity. Following their instincts, they entangled with one another, churning up the vast lake within the mirror into raging waves. Qin Xuan maintained his internal contemplation, his heart filled with trepidation. Faced with this unexpected turn of events, he was entirely at a loss. To him, only a single instant seemed to pass, yet Ji Qingni had waited for over an hour. Gradually... Those two spiritual lights transformed into two small fish, one black and one white, swimming within the ancient mirror's vast lake, no longer stirring up any waves. Just then, another wisp of Dao profundity light flew out from the island's spirit pool, circling Qin Xuan without departing. When he opened his eyes, this spiritual light was still there. Reaching out, he gathered the spiritual light into his palm. He tried to activate the ancient mirror to absorb it, only to find there was no longer any room for it. Qin Xuan turned to Ji Qingni. "Fairy Ji, do you want it?" "Give it to me?" Ji Qingni's gaze shifted slightly. She did not know how Qin Xuan had managed to capture the spiritual light in his palm, but this gesture truly caused her heart to beat faster. "Do you know how precious this item is? How can you give it away so casually? Hurry and take it into your Flowery Pool to nourish it." Having said that, she reluctantly turned her face away. From their time spent together, she knew Qin Xuan possessed abundant talent but lacked the worldly knowledge of great sect disciples. Thus, it was difficult for him to grasp what a Dao profundity signified. In her heart, she naturally desired it, but since they were friends, how could she take advantage of a friend's lack of knowledge to reap such a benefit? Qin Xuan stood up, walked before her, and raised the spiritual light once more. The gentle immortal light shone upon the fairy's jade-like countenance, revealing a face as radiant as green jade, eyebrows carrying the lushness of emerald hills, and starry eyes shimmering like autumn waters. "I have already obtained a wisp of the Wine Immortal's Dao profundity; I cannot take another." "Why?" Qin Xuan said solemnly, "If I grasp another, I fear I will have to walk the Wine Immortal's Great Dao. At that point, fond of romance and fond of wine, would I not end up harming countless fairies and goddesses, becoming the public enemy of the Nine Provinces?" Hearing this cheeky nonsense, Ji Qingni figured he was deliberately diverting her attention so she could accept this wisp of Dao profundity with peace of mind. Though this fellow sounded flippant, he was truly considerate. A strange wave of emotion welled up in her heart, one she had never experienced before. She asked, "Little Sword Immortal Qin... are you truly giving this to me?" "Hurry up," Qin Xuan urged. "If it flies away in a moment, don't you regret it." Ji Qingni looked at him, searing his calm, unbothered demeanor into her memory. No longer hesitating, with Qin Xuan's assistance, she drew it into her body using Guanghan Palace's Taiyin Jade Soul True Scripture, nourishing it within her Flowery Pool. Such a profound foundation was something that neither the Ji clan nor Guanghan Palace had ever bestowed upon her. At this moment, Fairy Ji no longer blamed that cat at all; she even felt like calling it a "good cat, truly a good cat." When she finished circulating her art, she saw Qin Xuan harvesting fruits. Surrounded by black clouds, his fiend was continuously chasing off the black mist phantoms. Advisor Hu's information had been correct; harvesting these fruits would indeed draw the attention of demonic creatures. With every fruit Qin Xuan picked, he could sense another gaze watching him from the shadows. He did not become greedy, picking only the fruits from the two nearest trees—thirty-nine in total. These were the two outermost fruit trees, situated relatively far from that old mulberry tree. "Let us leave." Qin Xuan did not wish to linger any longer. He had no idea what kind of entity that old mulberry tree was, but having plucked wool from it, he felt thoroughly uneasy. Ji Qingni came to his side. "That black catfish demon will surely be waiting outside. To lure him away from the island, we cannot walk out like this." With that, she whispered her idea. Qin Xuan nodded repeatedly. Escorted by the fiend and watched from the shadows by a vast host of death-laden demonic creatures, Qin Xuan began retracing his steps. Before long, they stepped onto the thirty-step Road of Turning Back once more. When their footsteps sounded, the lantern light at the mouth of the path visibly trembled. The black catfish demon stared fixedly into the center of the dense mist, unable to believe his eyes. Yet... The footsteps drew nearer and nearer, and a man and woman emerged from the mist. The two appeared quite battered, a far cry from how they looked when ascending the island. Qin Xuan's aura was unstable, his face flushed with rising dark qi, his forehead coated in cold sweat. Beside him, Ji Qingni was in a similar state, her magic power fluctuating violently from immense exhaustion. Though both were in poor condition, they fixed cold gazes upon the black catfish demon. "You... you actually made it out!" The corner of the black catfish demon's mouth twitched, his demon qi nearly bursting past his restraint. If he struck now, these two would surely die. However... If he attacked on the island, the Wine Immortal would obliterate him. Qin Xuan said coldly, "Not only did I make it out, but I also brought out immortal fruits. You may slowly wait for your death here." "Impossible!" The black catfish demon refused to believe it. Perhaps Qin Xuan had merely fled for his life. Yet as Qin Xuan extended his hand, a fruit resembling a mountain pear appeared in his palm, emitting a faint glow and carrying the island's unique aura. The black catfish demon's illusions shattered. His expression turned grim. Holding his lantern, he trailed behind the two. Before long, they arrived at the edge of the island. Their appearance immediately drew the attention of the local Qi Refining cultivators. Gaze after gaze turned toward the black catfish demon, then toward Qin Xuan and Ji Qingni. The black catfish demon, meanwhile, looked toward the River Earl of Yishui and the spider demon Sheng Hu. Having reached the island's edge and escaped the black mist, voice transmissions were once again possible. The River Earl of Yishui and the spider demon learned of Qin Xuan's condition, and further heard from the black catfish demon that Qin Xuan had gathered immortal fruits and intended to brew immortal wine to ask the Wine Immortal to obliterate them. The two demons exchanged glances. Immediately, the people from the Yishui River Earl Manor began gradually closing in. "Master!" Xu Youde furrowed his brows, seeking instructions from Xubai Zi. The grey-robed elder mixing mortar gave him a look urging him to stay calm. He then glanced toward Qin Xuan and Ji Qingni; the two over there possessed sharp senses and looked back as well. Xubai Zi transmitted to Xu Youde: *"Stay put and do not ruin their business."* "Brother Qin, Fairy Ji, you have returned." Aboard the wooden boat, Old Fu greeted them with a smile. Sweeping his gaze across, his left eye caught the lantern-bearing black catfish great demon. Brushing aside the messy hair blocking his right eye, he spotted the dozen or so demons from the Yishui River Earl Manor. These figures seemed to be seeing Qin Xuan off onto the boat. Old Fu's expression remained unchanged. Seeing the two return, the stone in his heart finally settled. "Brother Fu, let us return to town first," Qin Xuan said with a hint of urgency in his tone. The two boarded, and Old Fu rowed away immediately. Presented with such a once-in-a-millennium opportunity, how could the demons let Qin Xuan reach the shore?! If they failed to kill Qin Xuan, they could still live well here, relying on the Ascension Ground without fearing vengeance from the great sects. Yet if he brewed the fine wine the Wine Immortal desired and made a wish to the Wine Immortal, what hope of survival would remain for them? The demons untied the small boats near the embankment, deploying water-controlling arts to steer them in pursuit of Qin Xuan. This black river could devour magic power. Once water-controlling arts were used here, even with an unsparing expenditure of magic power, barely a tenth of their effectiveness could be brought to bear. Even so, it accelerated their boats, sending them charging after Qin Xuan. As for riding clouds and taking flight, that could not be used here at all. The more this was so, the more perilous combat became for cultivators above the Core Formation stage. Many techniques could not be deployed; in a clash of raw power, staking all their magic power meant a life-and-death struggle. Whoever fell short by a single move would perish! "Qin Xuan, where do you think you're going?!" the black catfish demon bellowed. He summoned a dim black short blade, suspending it between his palms as waves of formidable demon power poured into it. Aboard another boat, the River Earl of Yishui and the spider demon communicated via voice transmissions. Flanking from the side, they left the brunt of the risk to the black catfish demon. Three boats on the left and two on the right encircled them, leaving an assault lane right down the center for the black catfish demon! Right at this moment... Qin Xuan, who had ostensibly been fleeing in panic, suddenly stepped to the stern and stared straight at the black catfish demon. His momentum surged without restraint, showing none of his earlier exhaustion! Taibai Dark Wind Fiend-Qi billowed forth. Wherever the fiend wind swept, the black river churned up waves, inadvertently drawing the surrounding boats even closer! "Fiend-qi!" "How is this possible?!" The River Earl of Yishui wore a look of terror, unable to believe his eyes. The intelligence from Pingyuan Commandery had been false! When had he surpassed the Foundation Establishment stage?! Beside him, the spider demon was an experienced veteran of battle. She suddenly remembered that night at Lianyun Manor, when this lad had only possessed a Qi Refining cultivation; dealing with her precious web had required assistance from the Western Religion's people. Yet now... His cultivation had surpassed theirs, having already reached Core Formation and fiend refinement! Now was hardly the time to ponder such terrifying talent; the opponent clearly had a trick up his sleeve. "Retreat!" The spider demon and the River Earl of Yishui cried out almost simultaneously. They tried to turn their boats around, but Old Fu, who had been rowing, suddenly slapped the water's surface with an oar! The black water of the Heart Lake Sea surged in wave after wave, instantly shattering the water-controlling demon arts of all the minor demons around them! "Destroy their boat!" Seeing escape was impossible, the River Earl of Yishui and the spider demon attacked Qin Xuan's boat together with the surrounding demons. Ji Qingni raised a hand. Billows of pure yin cold fiend resembling icy mist surged forth. The spider demon's precious web and the fish-bone magical tool hurled by the River Earl of Yishui were entirely parried outside. A jade hand rose and slapped down upon the pure yin cold fiend. The intensely condensed fiend-qi instantly transformed into countless threads, refracting in all directions! With overwhelming force, the dozen or so minor demons were pierced through in an instant! The spider demon's precious web shattered, and the River Earl's fish-bone magical tool snapped in two. Even though their cultivations were suppressed to the Flowery Pool level, Ji Qingni's strike struck genuine despair into their hearts. This strike was distinctly refining fiend into gang! Only great cultivators at or above the Golden Core stage could refine fiend-qi to such an extent with true fire. *We're dead!* Save for their vital points, the spider demon and the River Earl of Yishui were pierced all over. They saw the woman opposite draw out a fan and give it a gentle flick. A wave of bone-chilling cold swept over them, freezing their entire bodies except their heads, rendering them completely immobile. *Splash! Splash!* Screaming minor demons tumbled into the water. The two could not help but turn their gazes toward the spot where a jade-green glow arose. Shrouded in the Taibai Dark Wind Fiend-Qi, Qin Xuan's Clear Water sword talisman held a sharp, cold glint condensed at its tip, dazzling the eyes. Furthermore, a frenzied sword intent of complete annihilation materialized beneath the dark wind fiend, parting the black water of the Heart Lake Sea. This was not something mere magic power could achieve; it was the sword momentum of a sword immortal! The River Earl of Yishui and the spider demon nearly lost the ability to think, unable to fathom how this person had grown so swiftly. Over on his boat, the black catfish great demon's face turned deathly pale. The wild sword momentum of the Tianlong Sword Cavern was secondary; the terror in his heart had been magnified without bound. Five zhang away, the green-robed figure standing at the bow filled him with a dread that made him shrink from looking directly at him. He knew he had walked into a trap! From beginning to end, the other party had been baiting him off the island. Yet he could not believe that this person before him was the tiny mortal he could have killed and eaten at will six years ago. Back then, when Li Yanshen of Guanjiang Mountain had saved him, the demon had not cared in the slightest. A wave of deep remorse spread through his heart... The black catfish demon panted heavily, the short blade in his hand hesitant to strike. "What, you dare not strike?" Qin Xuan held his momentum ready, gazing at the black catfish demon with emotionless eyes. "Six years ago, you stirred up trouble on the Lan River and harmed my family. Seeing me now, why dare you not even launch the precious artifact in your hand?" "In that case, I shall return your words to you..." Qin Xuan poured forth his entire magic power. "Killing you today, I also wish to treat my palate." Fury erupted in the black catfish demon's eyes, and sticky earthen demon fiend wildly surged from his body. With a furious roar, he barked, "Arrogant brat, die!" The instant he launched his precious short blade, a sharp, thunderous crack exploded on the opposite boat. The jade-green sword light possessed astonishing speed, drawing a brilliant line across the black river of the Heart Lake Sea. The black catfish demon's precious artifact had barely flown a zhang when Qin Xuan's sword talisman crossed the gap between them, piercing through the demon fiend enveloping the black catfish demon! Sword qi thunderous roar, Secret Demon Fiend-Breaking! The black catfish demon saw only Qin Xuan raise his hand and drop a sword incantation before a sharp pain tore through his neck, his vision soaring high into the air. Six years ago on the Lan River; today on the Heart Lake Sea... From the chopping block, he had become the fish meat. "*Aaargh!*" The immense agony tore a shrill scream from the black catfish demon. Forced back into his true form, a massive fish head tumbled into the Heart Lake Sea, followed by the falling precious artifact, which impaled the severed head through. The suffocating rage Qin Xuan had suppressed in his heart was completely wiped clean. Beckoning the sword light, he sent the heads of the River Earl of Yishui and the spider demon flying as well—a kill Ji Qingni had deliberately left for him. In that brief span, Old Fu had come to understand their grudge. Hugging his oar, he chuckled, "Draining the wine in one's cup and severing the heads of one's foes—what a fine pleasure!" "Indeed," Qin Xuan replied. Picking up the spider demon's precious web from the deck, he cast it toward the giant catfish's demon carcass and hauled it over. Behind him, Old Fu praised loudly, "Fine ingredients!"