Chapter 1224: Negotiated (Extra Chapter for Champion Ding Duo Yu)

Human Realm

Xiang Qing's expression instantly changed. Mount Shengang was the very foundation of the Green Sun Demonic Sect. The arrangements he had made to stabilize morale and prevent outsiders from exploiting them had been seen through at a glance.

Bing Han's eyes lit up. "Does Senior Daoist also specialize in fire manipulation?"

"That's right," Qin Sang nodded. "This humble Daoist has quite a few insights into this art."

Xiang Qing's expression shifted uncertainly. He stared at Qin Sang for a long time, then finally snorted, "Since it's a transaction, what do you want?"

"This humble Daoist merely wishes to collect a portion of the Ancestral Sacred Flame. Fellow Daoist Xiang should be well aware that the Ancestral Sacred Flame is now more of a hindrance than a benefit to you, a mere inconvenience."

Qin Sang's tone was sincere.

Bing Han's gaze flickered. She remained silent, lost in thought. The Ancestral Sacred Flame was left by the Green Sun Demonic Sect's founding patriarch, so the decision could only be made by Xiang Qing; she could not overstep her authority.

A cold sneer played on Xiang Qing's lips. "Just collecting the Ancestral Sacred Flame? Since Senior Daoist can see through the grand formation, you must know how terrifying the power contained within it is, otherwise, it wouldn't be your turn. Even collecting only a part of it could elevate your strength by several levels."

Qin Sang admitted frankly, "Precisely, it's a mutually beneficial arrangement. This humble Daoist also risks being backfired by the spiritual fire. Without any benefit, why would I serve you for free?"

Xiang Qing paced back and forth. To Qin Sang's surprise, he actually refused.

"Even if the Green Sun Demonic Sect and Mount Shengang are blown to smithereens together, I will not aid an enemy! If Senior Daoist wishes to make a deal, you had best be more straightforward!"

Bing Han was also quite surprised, but she didn't believe a Nascent Soul cultivator would appear without reason. She looked at Qin Sang with curiosity.

Qin Sang sighed softly. "I'm just afraid that if I reveal my true form, Fellow Daoist Xiang will be even less willing to agree."

As he spoke, a blue light shimmered around Qin Sang, and a pair of magnificent phoenix wings suddenly spread from his back. A look of deep astonishment appeared in Bing Han's eyes.

"King Mingyue?"

Xiang Qing exclaimed, his face filled with shock.

Bing Han suddenly realized. "So that's it. I heard Fellow Daoist possesses twelve fire banners, possibly modeled after Patriarch Kuiyin's Ten Directions Yama Banners, with two additional ones. I originally thought that, like Patriarch Kuiyin, you sealed spiritual fire within magic treasures, unable to control it directly. But now it seems Fellow Daoist can control spiritual fire yourself, which allows you to effortlessly wield so many fire banners, right?"

It seemed she had specifically studied Qin Sang's Twelve Demonic Banners.

Qin Sang naturally wouldn't reveal the predicament of cultivating the "Fire Seed Golden Lotus" technique. He nodded in silent agreement and said to Xiang Qing, "Back then, before I had fully transformed, my movements were restricted. I resorted to some minor tricks, coaxing a few rogue cultivators to form the Demonic Flame Sect, to be at my command. I didn't expect them to achieve such renown. Since there's some past connection, I thought I'd bring them back under my wing. Fellow Daoist Xiang wouldn't mind, would you?"

Xiang Qing gave a bitter smile. "Fellow Daoist disguised yourself as a human, showing no trace of demonic aura. I never imagined it would be you. Fellow Daoist has greatly assisted our Two Domains Alliance. You could have just spoken directly; why go through all this trouble?"

"I want to use the Ancestral Sacred Flame to temper my fire banners, making them easier to control in the future. However, I was concerned that humans and demons are fundamentally different, and you two Fellow Daoists might harbor resentment."

Qin Sang offered his prepared explanation, thinking, 'What if you've already solved the problem and reject my proposal, and I've already exposed my intentions? How would I plan anything then?'

"It is said that Senior Daoist's twelve fire banners possess power comparable to top-grade magic treasures. Can they still be improved?" Bing Han exclaimed, covering her mouth.

Xiang Qing was secretly alarmed as well. He became even warier of Qin Sang and the demon domain, wondering if it was the right choice to be a facilitator, helping the demon race improve their strength. However, in terms of overall strength, the demon race was far inferior to humans, only able to inhabit a small corner. The biggest conflict in the current cultivation world was not a racial dispute but originated from the Sinful Abyss. Qin Sang, stationed at the Threefold Pass, had first slain a Nascent Soul from the Sinful Abyss in battle, then entered the Abyss Ruins himself, bringing back news of the Blood Lake. At least for now, he was an ally.

Furthermore, Qin Sang uttered another statement that made it impossible for him to refuse: "The journey to the Blood Lake is imminent, and this king is also preparing to enter it. In the unknown territory of the Blood Lake, facing Old Demon Ye, one cannot be too cautious. This king also cannot guarantee complete safety. Does Fellow Daoist Xiang not wish to resolve his worries before departure?"

This statement struck Xiang Qing's soft spot. He knew how difficult it was to cultivate a Nascent Soul cultivator. If something happened to him before he could suppress the Ancestral Sacred Flame, it would be even more impossible for his descendants to do so. It was foreseeable that in the future, they would be forced to relocate their sect. Losing the inexhaustible Green Sun Divine Gang on Mount Shengang would mean the sect's lineage would be broken, unless the Green Sun Demonic Sect could find a new source.

Xiang Qing was also a decisive person. He didn't let Qin Sang waste any more words, agreeing to let him try, provided Qin Sang swore not to act recklessly.

Bing Han clapped her hands and smiled, "Both Fellow Daoist Xiang and I racked our brains but couldn't suppress the Ancestral Sacred Flame. Now we'll see the divine abilities of Fellow Daoist Mingyue."

Qin Sang nodded with a smile. Refining the Ancestral Sacred Flame and cultivating "Fire Seed Golden Lotus" was his only option now. He couldn't help but feel relieved that they had reached an agreement so quickly. The three acted swiftly, finishing their cups of fine wine. Xiang Qing then led Qin Sang to fly up Mount Shengang.

Qin Sang had once refined a piece of Green Sun Gang Jade, triggering the grand formation and almost causing the Ancestral Sacred Flame to go out of control. This time, he was very careful, observing while listening to Xiang Qing's explanation to deepen his understanding.

Upon reaching the summit, Xiang Qing lightly raised his palm, and a ball of Green Sun Demonic Fire gathered in his palm, forming a fire seal which he struck towards the grand formation. The green mist parted, revealing a narrow passage.

Qin Sang observed Xiang Qing controlling the Green Sun Demonic Fire. It was different from how he manipulated demonic fire through his demonic banners. The Green Sun Demonic Fire was like a part of Xiang Qing's body, already integrated with him, without the slightest separation.

'When I master the "Fire Seed Golden Lotus" technique myself, I should be able to do the same,' Qin Sang mused inwardly.

Venturing deeper into the grand formation, the sight before Qin Sang's eyes astonished him. Green mist obscured the sky and sun. Within the green mist was a complex grand formation entirely constructed from Green Sun Gang Jade, shaped like a square jade platform. Above the jade platform, a cluster of flames danced; this was the Ancestral Sacred Flame. What was surprising was that the Ancestral Sacred Flame's true form was humanoid, like a spiritual fire that had gained sentience. Its limbs and facial features were visible, though it was only half a person's height.

Xiang Qing explained, "Fellow Daoist, do not be deceived by appearances. The Ancestral Sacred Flame is not a living creature. It took on a humanoid form because of the lingering aura of the patriarch and subsequent changes."

"Fellow Daoist Xiang cultivates a technique of the same origin, and your sect possesses a secret art for refining fire seeds. Can you not directly subdue the Ancestral Sacred Flame?" Qin Sang asked, voicing his doubts.

Xiang Qing sighed softly. "Perhaps it could have been done right after the patriarch's demise. But now it's too late. The Ancestral Sacred Flame was sealed by the patriarch at the peak of Mount Shengang, but unexpectedly, it began to directly absorb the free-floating Green Sun Gang Qi and other energies from the outside world. Its nature changed, becoming increasingly volatile. Over time, by the time our ancestors discovered something was amiss, it was already irreversible; they could only let the Ancestral Sacred Flame develop. The current Ancestral Sacred Flame is completely different from the spiritual fire the patriarch originally left behind. Even with my Nascent Soul cultivation, I wouldn't dare act rashly... How confident are you, Fellow Daoist?"