Chapter 1223: Requirements

The Mortal Realm

Qin Sang stood with his hands behind his back in front of the inner gate of the Qingyang Demonic Sect.

The Heavenly Eye Butterfly’s gaze pierced through the restrictions, looking towards the tallest peak—Shen Gang Peak. It was still far, but the Heavenly Eye Butterfly had excellent vision.

When he last came, Shen Gang Peak was swirling with wind and clouds, accompanied by incessant lightning. At the summit, green shadows danced wildly, and the Ancestral Sacred Fire was violent and unruly. From a distance, one could feel the terrifying power that seemed ready to erupt at any moment, filling one with a deep sense of unease.

Now, Shen Gang Peak was covered by jade-like mist; the wind had subsided, the lightning vanished, and even the green shadow of the Ancestral Sacred Fire was suppressed by a grand formation, making it far calmer than before. However, the Heavenly Eye divine ability penetrated the grand formation, revealing subtle fluctuations frequently appearing. The Qingyang Demonic Sect was merely suppressing the Ancestral Sacred Fire temporarily!

The sight before him largely confirmed his suspicions, so Qin Sang silently nodded, retracted his gaze, and calmly looked towards Xiang Qing, who was swiftly approaching. He had only lightly concealed himself, which couldn't escape the perception of a fellow Spirit Incubation cultivator; his movement had been detected by Xiang Qing almost immediately. However, this was precisely Qin Sang's intention.

He withdrew his magic, no longer concealing himself, and the aura of a Spirit Incubation Ancestor became fully apparent. Sect Leader Dong’s mind buzzed, and a bewildered expression crossed his face. Only two words remained in his mind: "Spirit Incubation... Spirit Incubation..." Like a spell, repeating endlessly. Sect Leader Dong froze on the spot, his body stiff, a chill running down his spine. Daoist Qingfeng was actually a Spirit Incubation cultivator! He had been so incredibly audacious as to scheme against a sect founded by a Spirit Incubation cultivator, even leading people to attack its very gates. Not being struck dead on the spot and joining Lu Xing in the netherworld truly meant he had accumulated eight lifetimes of virtue and exhausted all his lifelong luck. Forget just himself; even if Daoist Qingfeng had annihilated the entire Yin Spring Sect, could the Qingyang Demonic Sect have made him pay with his life?

Xiang Qing flashed out and saw Qin Sang, a complete stranger who was a Spirit Incubation cultivator. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, and he cupped his hands, saying, "I am Xiang Qing. May I ask your Daoist title?"

"This humble Daoist is Qingfeng," Qin Sang returned the bow and said calmly.

Sect Leader Dong had not yet fully recovered his senses. When the young boy first saw Qin Sang, although shocked, he wasn't as overwhelmed and was quite alert. He rushed forward and knelt before Xiang Qing, reporting, "Ancestor, Senior Qingfeng is the founding ancestor of the Demonic Flame Sect."

"Demonic Flame Sect?" Xiang Qing was momentarily stunned. After a moment of careful thought, he recalled the sect and couldn't help but scrutinize Qin Sang. He remembered that the Demonic Flame Sect only had a Sect Leader who had barely reached the Golden Core stage, and there had never been any news about their so-called founding ancestor, who had now quietly achieved Spirit Incubation. What was this person's purpose, coming unannounced? Xiang Qing recalled that the Demonic Flame Sect had always been affiliated with the Qingyang Demonic Sect. Had the other party developed other intentions after reaching Spirit Incubation, coming to pay their respects? Regardless, the other party was a Spirit Incubation cultivator from the Xiaohan Region; there was no reason to turn them away. If they were sensible, everything would be fine. But if they acted erratically, he wouldn't mind giving them a lesson first.

Xiang Qing suppressed his doubts and gestured, "This is not a place for idle talk. Daoist, why not come to my cave abode for a drink of fine wine? Coincidentally, I also have a distinguished guest."

"Very well." Qin Sang nodded and elegantly followed Xiang Qing away.

The young boy heard Xiang Qing’s telepathic message, instructing him to take Sect Leader Dong to rest. "Sect Leader Dong..." Hearing the boy's call, Sect Leader Dong awoke as if from a dream. His mind was a jumble of thoughts: Would Senior Qingfeng resent him? Should he offer a humble apology? He hoped he hadn't committed any improprieties in the past few days. Only then did he realize Qin Sang had already departed, leaving Sect Leader Dong feeling a sense of wistful loss. He looked for the God-shaker Monarch again, only to find that person had long since disappeared.

In front of Xiang Qing's cave abode, ancient pines and cypresses stood tall, and a prominent stone platform formed an observation deck directly facing Shen Gang Peak. On the stone table, fine wine was laid out, and a person was seated: Bing Han, the Sect Leader of the Xu Ling Sect. She wore a white palace gown with a pink gauze shawl. Though not as beautiful as his senior sister or Morning Mist, she was still a woman of exceptional beauty, with a vibrant spirit in her eyes and brows. Another person stood by the stone table.

Seeing this person, Qin Sang secretly smiled. It was an old acquaintance, Wu Youdao. Back then, he had infiltrated the Qingyang Demonic Sect to forcefully refine the Qingyang Divine Gang, and when he emerged, his tracks were discovered, leading to a fierce battle with Wu Youdao. Times had changed. Back then, Qin Sang had just formed his Corpse Core and was slightly weaker than Wu Youdao; he had to use all his methods to make Wu Youdao give up the pursuit. Now, he was a Spirit Incubation cultivator, while Wu Youdao was only in the mid-Golden Core stage, relegated to standing by when Spirit Incubation cultivators gathered. However, judging by the fluctuating aura around Wu Youdao, he should be close to a breakthrough.

Xiang Qing was still confused himself, so he could only briefly introduce Qin Sang's identity to Bing Han. After the three exchanged greetings, they took their seats. Xiang Qing dismissed Wu Youdao, took out a golden goblet, personally poured wine, and then looked at Qin Sang.

"This humble Daoist's presumptuous visit, I hope it hasn't disturbed your enjoyment?" Qin Sang thanked him, completely at ease.

Bing Han was equally curious about Qin Sang and said in surprise, "I never expected the Xiaohan Region to still hold such a hidden gem. Observing your aura, Daoist, you haven't recently broken through, have you?" Within the cultivation world, there were many reclusive cultivators who focused solely on their practice, unconcerned with worldly affairs. However, with the alliance of the two regions battling the Sin Abyss for years, no one wanted to see their familiar homes fall into enemy hands and be forced to live under others' rule; everyone would contribute to some extent. Even reclusive individuals couldn't remain entirely unknown. Neither she, a righteous cultivator, nor Xiang Qing, a demonic one, recognized this person. How credible was it that this person, with just his words, claimed to have founded the Demonic Flame Sect? This person's origins were unclear, and his sudden appearance suggested he might even be a spy from the Sin Abyss. The two exchanged a glance, maintaining their composure, waiting to hear what the Daoist would say.

"Indeed, I only recently achieved Spirit Incubation. My purpose in coming today is to personally thank Daoist Xiang for looking after my unaccomplished disciples," Qin Sang said, raising his golden goblet and toasting Xiang Qing.

Xiang Qing frowned slightly, raised his cup, and drank with him. "You are too kind. I have always treated all affiliated sects equally! Daoist, you wouldn't come here without a reason; please speak plainly." Seeing that Qin Sang was not easily swayed, he grew a little impatient and didn't want to prolong the conversation.

Qin Sang had actually been secretly observing Shen Gang Peak; closer observation only strengthened his certainty. His use of the Demonic Flame Sect ancestor's identity was precisely for this reason: if the facts differed from his expectations, he could simply gloss over it and devise other plans later. His expression grew serious, and he stopped beating around the bush. "This humble Daoist's purpose in coming this time is to discuss a transaction with Daoist Xiang. I have a way to help you resolve your most pressing concern!" As he spoke, he raised his hand and pointed towards the summit of Shen Gang Peak.

Xiang Qing and Bing Han's expressions changed slightly. Seeing their expressions, Qin Sang knew he was on the right track. Xiang Qing's face darkened. "Daoist Qingfeng, what do you mean by 'most pressing concern'?"

Qin Sang looked deeply at Xiang Qing, directly hitting the nail on the head. "You used a grand formation to seal the Ancestral Sacred Fire, believing it to be a disguise. Perhaps it can fool others, but it cannot escape this humble Daoist's eyes. The Ancestral Sacred Fire can only be suppressed temporarily; the hidden danger persists, and the longer it's prolonged, the harder it will be to resolve. When it can no longer be contained, the Ancestral Sacred Fire will fully erupt, and what will be destroyed won't be limited to just Shen Gang Peak..."