Chapter 1189: Gongliang Yu

After a short wait, Qin Sang heard footsteps outside and rose to greet the arrivals.

It was Daoist True One. Behind him were two other people: one was Senior Sister Qingjun, disguised as Leng Yuntian, and the other was a young stranger. The young man was tall and remarkably handsome. Strangely, despite his cultivation only being at the peak Core Formation stage, he appeared completely at ease standing beside two Nascent Soul grandmasters, showing no trace of subservience.

"Fellow Daoist Mingyue!"

His voice preceded his appearance. Daoist True One strode into the main hall, his face lighting up with pleasant surprise upon seeing Qin Sang. "I, a poor Daoist, have heard of Fellow Daoist Mingyue's feats and often wondered about your impressive bearing," he exclaimed. "It's true what they say, seeing is believing!"

"Daoist, you flatter me," Qin Sang replied modestly. "I was only fortunate enough to slay Old Demon Pei with the help of Fellow Daoists Sidi and Jinglin. Such minor achievements are hardly worth mentioning compared to all of you!"

Qingjun smiled slightly. "The Daoist originally intended to leave the city to handle an important matter, but upon hearing of Fellow Daoist Mingyue's arrival, he rushed over without hesitation."

Qin Sang looked at Senior Sister Qingjun. Since arriving at Sandie Pass, they had secretly communicated several times, but the unpredictable nature of the war had prevented them from meeting until now. This was the first time Qin Sang had seen Senior Sister Qingjun since forming his Nascent Soul. Qin Sang noticed a hint of approval in Qingjun's eyes.

Daoist True One laughed heartily. "And Fellow Daoist Leng is no exception! Fellow Daoist Mingyue has just advanced to the Transformation stage and already managed to slay a cultivator of the same rank. If the other fellow Daoists weren't away on inspection tours, they would surely all come to witness Fellow Daoist Mingyue's remarkable presence!"

As he spoke, Daoist True One gestured to the side. "Allow me, a poor Daoist, to introduce you, Fellow Daoist Mingyue. This is Fellow Daoist Leng Yuntian, the Sect Master of the Yuanshen Sect."

"It's an honor to finally meet you!" Qin Sang could only pretend it was their first meeting.

Qingjun cupped her hands and returned the bow. The two exchanged a knowing glance and secretly smiled. Qingjun understood Qin Sang's intentions and did not expose him publicly.

"And this is Fellow Daoist Gongliang Yu, the current Palace Master of Shangyuan Pureness Palace..." Daoist True One then gestured to the young man.

"Oh?" Qin Sang recalled. "You are the Palace Master of Shangyuan Pureness Palace! My apologies for the oversight!"

"By no means!" Gongliang Yu replied. "I've been stationed at Wangdong City and happened to have business here in Shiqu Mountain. I'm truly fortunate to have had the chance to meet Fellow Daoist Mingyue!"

Gongliang Yu was polite and carried himself with dignified composure. As expected of a Palace Master, he indeed possessed a commendable demeanor. Qin Sang was not surprised by this. As the Palace Master of Shangyuan Pureness Palace, he had the standing to treat them as equals, even without having formed a Nascent Soul. Shangyuan Pureness Palace hadn't produced a Nascent Soul Palace Master for a long time. Qin Sang recalled that the former Palace Master was Tie Guanzi, also at the peak Core Formation stage, whom he had met once before entering Ziwei Palace. Given that Gongliang Yu now held the position, Tie Guanzi had most likely perished.

However, Shangyuan Pureness Palace had never fallen out of the ranks of the major righteous sects. This showcased the deep heritage of a grand sect; even without a Nascent Soul cultivator, they possessed methods capable of making Nascent Soul cultivators wary. Shangyuan Pureness Palace possessed four secret talismans: the Heavenly Gang Blade Talisman, the Nine Dragon Heavenly Carriage Talisman, and the Inner Scenery Origin Talisman, all three of which were Golden Core-level talismans. The fourth, however, was not merely a spirit talisman but a talisman puppet. And it was a Nascent Soul-level talisman puppet! However, Qin Sang had heard that Shangyuan Pureness Palace's Nascent Soul talisman puppet could not venture too far from their mountain gate and could only be used for sect protection. He wasn't sure if this was true. Shangyuan Pureness Palace, while affiliated with Shaohua Mountain, functioned more like an allied partner, advancing and retreating together, rather than a subordinate sect.

After exchanging pleasantries, the four sat down in the main hall.

"Fellow Daoist Mingyue, slaying a Nascent Soul from the Sinister Abyss is a great deed," Daoist True One stated. "We've already recorded a substantial amount of battle merits for you. Please let us know what you wish to exchange for; I, a poor Daoist, will personally ensure that all efforts are made to help you acquire it."

Daoist True One was very enthusiastic. He had already received communications from Jinglin and Sidi, informing him that this demon king was not hostile towards humans and was willing to assist the Two Realms Alliance. Naturally, he was keen to win him over.

Qin Sang pondered for a moment before replying, "There's no rush for now! I've only recently advanced and haven't fully comprehended my Great Dao yet. I'll seek the Daoist's assistance when I have a specific need. Who knows, perhaps there will be even more battle merits to accumulate in the future."

In truth, his cultivation path had long been settled, as he cultivated two disciplines simultaneously. His Natal Artifact had also reached its current peak for now. Only two things remained: first, refining a treasure to subdue the Southern Brightness Departing Flame, and second, cultivating the "Fire Seed Golden Lotus," which he intended to begin with the Ancestral Sacred Flame of the Qingyang Demonic Sect. He had some preliminary ideas for the first, but they were not yet fully developed, and he was unsure of the exact spiritual materials required. For the second, he needed to meet Aunt Mei and ascertain the situation of the Qingyang Demonic Sect before deciding. In any case, the Two Realms Alliance wouldn't deny his contributions, so he could decide what to exchange for when the need arose.

Hearing Qin Sang imply that he intended to stay and continue assisting, Daoist True One was overjoyed and readily agreed.

Afterward, Qin Sang inquired about the current situation and learned that the Sinister Abyss was unusually stubborn this time, showing no signs of withdrawing their forces. Meanwhile, Daoist True One inquired with concern about the Nether Crystal Pagoda and the Soul-Slaying Cone. Methods of attacking the Nascent Soul were notoriously difficult to defend against, and the power demonstrated by the Soul-Slaying Cone had put everyone on high alert. The Two Realms Alliance had discussed this matter on numerous occasions. Qin Sang did not conceal anything and recounted the events. He subtly probed for information from Daoist True One but found no signs of the Sinister Abyss being connected to ancient devils.

After a private conversation, Qin Sang explained his purpose for coming. Daoist True One immediately ordered someone to bring the demon soldiers. Qin Sang's request to mobilize these troops had already been approved previously, but due to the tense situation, there hadn't been an opportunity until now.

Qin Sang bade farewell to Daoist True One and, guided by a cultivator, met Old Monkey in a side hall. For days, Old Monkey had been hearing constant discussions about the legend of Demon King Mingyue slaying a Nascent Soul in battle, to the point where his ears were nearly callused from listening. Upon finally seeing Qin Sang, Old Monkey couldn't help but shed tears, openly declaring that with his "Master" present, the Great King could finally rest easy. Perhaps influenced by Fat Chicken and White Crane, the minor demons of Thousand Mountain Bamboo Sea now all addressed Qin Sang as "Master."

"Gather the demon soldiers and return to Sandie Pass," Qin Sang ordered. "Once your subordinates are settled, make a personal trip back and secretly inform Willow Demon to instruct White Crane and the others to venture out to sea together. They should find a hidden sanctuary in the Ice Sea as soon as possible, as far away from the mainland as possible."

Old Monkey was startled. "Master, is the situation not optimistic?"

This time, the Sinister Abyss had not only gained no advantage but had also lost a Nascent Soul cultivator. Everyone believed the Sinister Abyss's fortunes were waning and that the Two Realms Alliance was gaining the upper hand.

Qin Sang slowly shook his head. "It's hard to say. It's always wise to prepare for the worst and secure a retreat path first. It won't be a mistake. Oh, and remember to inform Li Yufu as well."

He was alone and could depart at any moment. The minor demons of Thousand Mountain Bamboo Sea were the most challenging to manage, so having them find a sanctuary beforehand would prevent chaos in case of unforeseen circumstances. The matter of establishing a sect would also have to be postponed.

"As you command!" Old Monkey dared not question Qin Sang's judgment and immediately took his leave.

Qin Sang remained in the side hall. After a short wait, a ripple appeared in the void. Qin Sang looked up and saw a familiar graceful figure in a red dress quietly emerge. Senior Sister Qingjun had removed her disguise.