Chapter 1105: Unexpected

The immortal cultivation world is ever-changing.

Before leaving, the resources he left for Aunt Mei were scarce, a mere drop in the ocean for a sect. Yet, such a seemingly weak sect, situated in demonic territory, had surprisingly persisted until now without being destroyed.

During the century-long war, many top sects and forces declined, and countless others were annihilated. Among them, the Pure Yang Sect, once the largest in the Minor Cold Domain, gradually weakened after the fall of the Red-haired Patriarch. Meanwhile, the status of Shaohua Mountain and Marquis Dongyang rose increasingly. Such is the cycle of rise and fall; it's a mystery how the Demonic Flame Sect managed to survive in such a difficult environment.

"So, you are a disciple of the Demonic Flame Sect," Qin Sang said, nodding with a kind tone. "Many years ago, I had a brief encounter with a fellow Daoist named Aunt Mei. She also came from the Demonic Flame Sect and was reportedly its sect master."

"Senior, you know Sect Master Aunt Mei?" the young man exclaimed in surprise. "This junior was rude and foolish. I beg for your forgiveness, Senior."

Qin Sang didn't mind and waved his hand, continuing, "Is Fellow Daoist Mei still the sect master of the Demonic Flame Sect? When we first met, she was only at the Foundation Establishment stage. So many years have passed; she must have formed her Golden Core by now, right?"

The young man nodded repeatedly. "Sect Master Aunt Mei formed her Golden Core many years ago. This junior's current cultivation level is precisely thanks to her guidance."

"I remember Fellow Daoist Mei spoke of the Demonic Flame Sect with great worry back then. It's truly remarkable that she, as sect master, could lead the Demonic Flame Sect to where it is today and also form her own Golden Core," Qin Sang said with emotion. His words were heartfelt. He thought of himself, how difficult it had been to form his Golden Core back then, not daring to be distracted by anything external. Qin Sang had almost forgotten about the Demonic Flame Sect and Aunt Mei, never expecting them to survive like tenacious weeds in the dog-eat-dog world of immortal cultivation.

The young man's eyes darted. "Sect Master Aunt Mei once said that the sect's current standing is not only due to her efforts but entirely thanks to the protection of the Ancestor."

"The Demonic Flame Sect Ancestor, I did hear Fellow Daoist Mei mention him once. But, it's said that senior has always been away and hasn't appeared for a long time, right?" Qin Sang's eyes flickered as he spoke calmly.

Seeing that Qin Sang knew so much about the Demonic Flame Sect Ancestor, the young man's doubts gradually faded. He hesitated, "Although this junior has never seen the Ancestor in person, I've heard Sect Master Aunt Mei mention him more than once. The Ancestor, due to special reasons, finds it inconvenient to show himself, but he has always been secretly guarding the sect."

Qin Sang could naturally see through it. The young man didn't even believe his own words; after such a long absence, the Ancestor had likely long turned to dust. However, whether Aunt Mei was merely bluffing or there was some other reason, at least she hadn't forgotten him, the Ancestor.

Qin Sang nodded and asked a few more questions. By this point, even a fool could tell that something was unusual about Qin Sang. Outside, the celestial phenomenon raged. Inside the vast shelter, all the cultivators were silent, secretly observing Qin Sang and the young man's actions.

In less than an hour, the celestial phenomenon was nearing its end. Qin Sang glanced outside, then rose to his feet and walked out.

"Senior!" The young man quickly followed him out, bowing respectfully. "May I know your Daoist name, Senior? This junior will report to Sect Master Aunt Mei immediately. Upon hearing news of an old friend, she will surely be delighted."

Qin Sang's figure paused slightly, and he said calmly, "This humble Daoist is Qingfeng. If I have leisure, I will visit in person." With that, Qin Sang vanished into the storm with a few flashes.

The young man stood rooted, frowning as he watched the direction Qin Sang had disappeared, murmuring the name 'Qingfeng'. Soon after, his three companions also rushed out. Qin Sang was nowhere to be seen.

The seductive woman asked in surprise and doubt, "Fire Demon, was that truly a Golden Core stage senior? No wonder my charm technique had no effect on him..."

The young man looked at the woman and warned, "You need to be more discreet in the future. We may be like monkeys ruling the mountain when the tiger is away right now, but who knows when we'll encounter someone tough. Fortunately, that senior was magnanimous."

The seductive woman, still shaken, nodded repeatedly.

Another cultivator asked, "Why did that senior seek you out? Do you have some connection?"

The young man shook his head. "From the senior's tone, he's an old acquaintance of Sect Master Aunt Mei and recognized the Seven Yang Manual I cultivate. Fellow Daoists, I need to return to the pass to send a message to Sect Master Aunt Mei. I can't go with you this time..."

After leaving the shelter, Qin Sang flew directly towards Yinshan Pass. He pondered to himself. Unexpectedly learning about the Demonic Flame Sect gave Qin Sang some new ideas. Shaohua Mountain was flourishing, and before he had the strength to confront Marquis Dongyang, he dared not reveal his true origins. But his cultivation level could not be hidden.

Currently, the Two Domains Alliance and the Abyss of Sin were in confrontation. If the situation became tense again, no force or individual could remain uninvolved, not even rogue cultivators, unless one continuously cultivated in a cave dwelling and successfully formed a Nascent Soul. He would soon return to the late Golden Core stage. With such cultivation, as soon as he appeared, he would certainly be noticed by the Two Domains Alliance. No one is safe when disaster strikes. The Alliance would pressure him under the guise of righteousness, and if he refused, he would become a public enemy of both domains. Before that, he needed to prepare for a rainy day and secure a suitable identity.

The Demonic Flame Sect Ancestor was a good choice. However, the Demonic Flame Sect could be said to have been developed solely by Aunt Mei, and such a move would be akin to taking credit for someone else's achievement. Qin Sang didn't believe that the Demonic Flame Sect truly appreciated him as their Ancestor. If possible, Qin Sang wanted to use the Demonic Flame Sect as a foundation to develop his own power. Only then would he have the capital to contend with Marquis Dongyang after forming his Nascent Soul. Using power to oppress others was not advisable; it would only lead to alienation and disloyalty. He would need to account for his actions to everyone in the Demonic Flame Sect and to Aunt Mei. This matter could be planned slowly.

As evening approached, Qin Sang arrived at a sizable market town outside Yinshan Pass and found the black market. Indeed, there were methods for disguising one's identity and dealing with inspections. After successfully entering the city disguised as a rogue cultivator, Qin Sang was not in a hurry to leave. He frequently contacted major merchant guilds, acquiring the spiritual materials he needed while also gathering information, and finally gained a comprehensive understanding of the entire immortal cultivation world's situation.

One thing quite surprised Qin Sang: After he left the Purple Micro Palace back then, Shaohua Mountain had never issued a warrant for his arrest. He wondered if it was because the Abyss of Sin's invasion occupied all their attention, or if Marquis Dongyang had forgotten about the matter, or for some other reason.

In stark contrast to the Canglang Sea, the monster cores and bones he accumulated from hunting monsters in the Demon Sea were extremely rare and highly valuable treasures in the Minor Cold Domain. To avoid attracting suspicion, Qin Sang only took out a small portion, exchanged them for the spiritual materials he needed, and then stopped. The Fiend Monster Cores remained untouched. Since the idea of subduing the Demonic Flame Sect and forming his own power had emerged, how to use these Fiend Monster Cores still needed careful consideration.

Qin Sang made a decision. After leaving the city, he found a secluded spot, inscribed new kill talismans, and his cultivation returned to the mid Golden Core stage. Next, he set off again, flying straight out of the swamp's edge and into the Hundred Thousand Mountains. After a period of rapid flight, Qin Sang arrived at a desolate snowy mountain. Tan Hao's former cave dwelling was located there.