Chapter 1221: Prototype

The Human World

"You're right, Fellow Daoist," True One Daoist acknowledged. "With Sin Abyss's plan exposed, they'll also be wary of us launching a counterattack. Old Demon Ye won't dare to bring all his forces inside. So, we'll split our forces: half will enter the Blood Lake, which should be enough to contend with them, and the other half will guard the Heavenly Path Plateau."

True One Daoist paused slightly, flicked his whisk, and smiled. "This humble Daoist is far less knowledgeable about the Blood Lake than all of you. It's my undeniable duty to stay and defend against Sin Abyss's army, seeking opportunities to probe and counterattack. I entrust the Blood Lake matter to all of you."

Sin Abyss had meticulously planned, so there must be immense benefits within the Blood Lake. However, it also represented enormous risks.

With Sin Abyss's army at their doorstep, the Heavenly Path Alliance bore the brunt of the assault. Unlike the Lesser Cold Domain, there was no room for buffer. True One Daoist's sole desire was to preserve the Heavenly Path Alliance during his lifetime; he cared little for the treasures of the Blood Lake, so he agreed without much discussion.

Missing the opportunity to seek treasure, the two armored generals felt some indignation. However, they both deferred to True One Daoist's leadership and wouldn't contradict his decision in front of outsiders.

Even Demon Lord Tongyou hadn't expected Old Daoist True One to be so unmoved. He cupped his hands and replied, "Rest assured, Daoist. We will not fail to meet your expectations and will do our utmost to thwart Old Demon Ye's schemes."

However, there were still two Demon Kings in the Ice Crystal Palace who were not from the Lesser Cold Domain.

Green Monarch spoke up at the opportune moment. "It's thanks to you two Fellow Daoists that we were able to see through Old Demon Ye's plot. May I ask if you two Fellow Daoists, or any other Demon Kings, would be willing to lend a hand and join us in Sin Abyss to avenge Old Demon Ye's pursuit?"

Demon Lord Tongyou and the others had no objections. An extra person meant an extra chance at victory. In fact, they weren't averse to other factions getting a share. It was still uncertain whether they could repel Old Demon Ye and snatch the spoils from his grasp. Starting a dispute over treasures that weren't theirs at this point would be utterly foolish.

The Snake King shook his head and immediately refused. "This King's injuries have not yet healed, and I urgently need to return to the mountains for quiet recuperation. Before my recovery, I dare not venture into dangerous places again, lest I go and never return. However, I can go back and ask Wing King for his opinion."

Qin Sang didn't state his position directly. "This King nearly lost his life to Old Demon Ye. If there's an opportunity for revenge, I would naturally welcome it. However, Fellow Daoist Tongyou just mentioned that the Blood Lake won't open for some time, so it's not too late to decide then."

Regarding the Thunder Swallowing Falcon Demon King being trapped in the Blood Lake, Qin Sang remained tight-lipped, not mentioning a single word. Even if the Thunder Swallowing Falcon Demon King was still alive, the situation wouldn't be optimistic. Knowing there was a Demon King trapped for two hundred years, on the verge of death, would make anyone's heart race. That wouldn't be rescuing someone; it would be killing with a borrowed knife.

The gathering of the two domains' leaders wasn't solely for this matter.

Qin Sang and the Snake King, sensing the situation, discreetly withdrew early.

"I asked Wing King for his opinion," the Snake King recounted to Qin Sang later. "He has little interest in the Blood Lake, and it's a good opportunity for the humans to test Old Demon Ye's true strength. Humans are cunning; they are not of our kind, and their intentions must be different. If you go to the Blood Lake yourself, be extremely careful, lest you fall victim to their schemes."

The Snake King, out of kindness, cautioned Qin Sang. After enduring hardships together, he regarded Qin Sang as a close confidant.

Qin Sang felt a pang of shame. He wondered if the Snake King would instantly turn hostile when he eventually learned his true identity.

Not long after returning to Threefold Pass, his Senior Sister sent a message, informing him of the discussions in the Ice Crystal Palace. Qin Sang quickly scanned it, saw that none of it concerned him, and set it aside.

Thereafter, he remained at Threefold Pass. Sin Abyss continued to deploy its forces unhurriedly, and the two sides engaged in back-and-forth skirmishes. It was said that other battlefields were fiercely contested, but at Threefold Pass, both sides seemed to be intentionally holding back, as if by mutual understanding. They would send out disciples for a vigorous battle, then beat the gongs to signal retreat.

Si Di and Jing Lin both joked that they were benefiting from the reputation of Demon King Bright Moon. They even had spare capacity to support other fronts. This situation was perfect for the younger generation to gain experience. The demons from Thousand Mountains Bamboo Sea took turns coming to Threefold Pass for training. Since they had their master's protection, as long as they weren't overly reckless, they generally didn't need to worry about their lives. They all enthusiastically signed up and were very proactive.

Even the Snake King sent his lesser demons from Dragon Transformation Mountain, asking Qin Sang to look after them.

The fastest to progress were undoubtedly Fat Chicken and Li Yufu. Fat Chicken had completely stabilized its cultivation realm. With its innate lightning-controlling divine ability and the treasures left by its mother, it was almost unrivaled among those of its cultivation level. Its primary role, however, was looking after the younger demons. Li Yufu, having experienced the great upheaval of his grandmaster's demise, and receiving personal guidance from Qin Sang, gained insights through combat. He finally found an opportunity and returned to his cave dwelling for secluded cultivation to break through.

Tan Yien, learning that her father might still be alive, felt greatly relieved and was fully preparing to break through to the Golden Core stage. Bai Hanqiu, after stabilizing his realm, also voluntarily came to the battlefield to gain experience. Mei Gu and other disciples from the Demonic Flame Sect, under Green Monarch's care, also made individual progress.

White Crane and his beloved wife were like a pair of lovebirds, inseparable. His mind wasn't on cultivation; gone were the shadows of pre-marriage anxiety and misery. It made even Fat Chicken feel a bit envious.

Under Wandering Daoist, two important retainers, Old Willow, being mature and steady, and Old Monkey, took turns searching for cave dwellings overseas. They found a few, but none were entirely satisfactory.

Qin Sang was also observing these demon beasts, considering who he could pass on the 'Heavenly Demon Refinement' scripture to.

The one he admired most was the white cat. Its talent was considerable; otherwise, Wandering Daoist wouldn't have enlightened it and taken it as a disciple. Furthermore, the white cat was very diligent and devoted to the Dao. Qin Sang saw a reflection of himself in it.

Passing on 'Heavenly Demon Refinement' would serve two purposes: first, to establish his own lineage among the demon race, and second, to allow Thousand Mountains Bamboo Sea to grow stronger using this cultivation method. In doing so, he would also fulfill Wandering Daoist's trust.

As for the 'Spirit Sword Cultivation Chapter,' Qin Sang deliberated for a long time and decided not to pass it on, nor would he leave it to Qingyang Temple in the future. 'Spirit Sword Cultivation Chapter' was different from 'Heavenly Demon Refinement'; it involved the Killing Sword, a rare treasure.

He wasn't sure how common spiritual artifacts were in ancient times, but their value would certainly not be low. If a watchful person were to discover that both cultivation methods were present at Qingyang Temple, wouldn't it be explicitly telling them that two fragments of the Killing Sword were in his possession?

This was not impossible. Bai, the mysterious person who escaped from the Abyss Ruins, and the lingering consciousness of the Azure Luan from the stone slab, all indicated that ancient cultivators had survived to the present day, and they were not isolated cases; they were deeply hidden. Among them, there were undoubtedly those who knew their worth.

He certainly didn't want to invite a deadly calamity because of this.

These were the nascent forces under Qin Sang's command, steadily growing.

Qin Sang remained within the quiet chamber, presiding over the Cold Bell Grand Formation. One reason was for cultivation, as cultivation was fundamental. The second was to continue comprehending the Seven Souls Killing Formation. In the Abyss Ruins, the Seven Souls Killing Formation had initially shown its power, helping him seize treasures from the evil spirits. However, while wielding the sword formation against enemies, Qin Sang discovered previously unnoticed flaws and omissions; that was not the true power of the Seven Souls Killing Formation! It was a pity he couldn't have an uninhibited battle with Old Demon Ye; it would surely have led to deeper insights.

Qin Sang knew it couldn't be achieved overnight and wasn't in a hurry.

Unbeknownst to them, more than a year passed like this.

On this day, Qin Sang quietly left Threefold Pass and arrived at the Demonic Flame Sect. Three days later, Xiang Qing returned to the mountains. Forces seeking refuge with the Qingyang Demonic Sect would choose that day to visit the sect and offer tribute.