Chapter 1231: Unsealing

The cloud mass surrounding the ancient seal was dyed blood-red, and a bloody aura permeated the area. Qin Sang suspected that the blood mist at the edge of Boundless Valley had formed due to the influence of this bloody aura. Through the ancient seal, the boundary of the Blood Lake was vaguely visible. It was less than half the size of the Abyss Ruins, but the aura emanating from the Blood Lake was identical to that of the Ruins, which was why Fatty Chicken recognized it at a glance.

The blood in the Blood Lake seemed to be rootless water, flowing out from the void. At that moment, the Blood Lake’s seal was unstable, and waves of blood surged. Not only did this affect the surrounding area, but other parts of the Inner Valley were also impacted. Qin Sang carefully observed the Blood Lake’s seal, sensing that this was merely the tip of the iceberg of the entire seal. He secretly ordered his Heavenly Eye Butterfly to activate its divine ability and gaze at the Blood Lake, but all it could see within its vision was endless blood, nothing else.

“After you brought back the information last time, we gathered secret records about Boundless Valley and the Blood Lake from various places and studied them together. We now have several theories about the Blood Lake.” Xiang Qing caught up, hands behind his back, and looked at the Blood Lake. “In ancient times, the two Blood Lakes were likely one entity, separated for unknown reasons. Since the seal hasn’t completely severed them, their internal spaces should still be connected, even across half of the Beichen Realm. The immense divine abilities of ancient cultivators are truly astonishing.”

Qin Sang asked, “So, are you saying these two forbidden areas originated from the same place, with one fragment falling into Sky Scar to form the Abyss Ruins, and the other falling here to form Boundless Valley?”

Xiang Qing nodded. “That’s highly probable. You mentioned last time that you suspected the Abyss Ruins was a place used to suppress ancient demonic cultivators. What you might not know is that Boundless Valley, like the Abyss Ruins, also used to have independent seals in various places. However, they were severely damaged and not as intact as those in the Abyss Ruins. That’s how this Inner Valley became a dangerous forbidden zone, riddled with fragments of seals everywhere. Even if there were ancient cultivators suppressed here, they would have died long ago.”

As he spoke, Xiang Qing looked up towards the endless north. “Don’t forget, fellow cultivator, Ziwei Palace and Sin God Palace are even further apart, yet they are connected through demonic caverns. This confirms that Sin God Palace, and even the Abyss Ruins, are all part of Ziwei Palace. It now appears that all the famous mystic realms in our Beichen Realm are likely connected to Ziwei Palace. Unlike the ancient cultivator’s caves in the Ancient Immortal Battlefield, Ziwei Palace likely didn’t originally belong to the Beichen Realm but was struck down here from an unknown place. Back then, a major catastrophe befell Ziwei Palace. Its master might have encountered an insurmountable foe, causing even the palace’s main gate to be shattered, with countless fragments falling into the world.”

Xiang Qing’s speculation was also the most widely accepted and probable theory among them. The endless storms encircling the Beichen Realm clearly indicate that a terrible war must have occurred in ancient times, causing damage that has persisted for eons. It wasn’t surprising that Ziwei Palace was shattered. The main body of Ziwei Palace fell into the Ancient Immortal Battlefield, while Sin God Palace landed in Sky Scar, spanning the entire Beichen Realm. Boundless Valley might be a slightly larger fragment, while the traces of other smaller fragments have been erased after their restrictions were broken. Qin Sang, however, knew more. Besides Sin God Palace, there was also the Seven Kills Hall, closely related to Ziwei Palace, which had fallen into the distant Canglang Sea.

Xiang Qing looked up at the sky, his face full of longing. “Beyond the nine heavens, or deep within the storm, there must be a vaster world. I wonder if I’ll ever have the chance in this life to escape this cage…” Qin Sang remained silent. He had traveled through the Lesser Cold Domain, Canglang Sea, and Demon Sea. Without exception, every cultivator aware of the storm belt regarded it as a cage, hoping to one day break free.

After sharing these thoughts, the two returned to the topic of the Blood Lake. “If that’s the case, could the Blood Lake also be suppressing an ancient demonic cultivator?” Qin Sang stared at the Blood Lake, his brows slightly furrowed. Xiang Qing hummed in response. “We have considered that possibility. However, Old Demon Ye surely understands the consequences of releasing an ancient demonic cultivator who has survived until now. Even if Old Demon Ye has gone mad, others wouldn’t go mad with him. Of course, we have still made some preparations…” Qin Sang nodded subtly.

In the Seven Kills Hall, the release of the ancient demon was purely a matter of chance. Only the leaders of the three major trade alliances and the Azure Bamboo Demonic Soul were truly seduced by the ancient demon, each with their own ulterior motives. If Dragon King Jiao, Grand Shaman, Demon Lord, Spirit Pearl, and others had known how terrifying the ancient demon lord was beforehand, they certainly wouldn’t have entertained such thoughts. A demon might be able to entice Old Demon Ye alone, but it couldn’t command the entire Sin Abyss to serve it; otherwise, why go through such trouble? Nascent Soul Grandmasters are shrewd individuals; they aren't easily fooled.

“Furthermore, there’s corroborating evidence: when the Unending Blood Mulberry emerged, the Blood Lake’s seal was opened once, and the interior was like purgatory. If an ancient demonic cultivator had survived until now, they would have escaped then.” The cultivator surnamed Hong also approached and added. The righteous and demonic factions of the Lesser Cold Domain had jointly uncovered a record from the relics of a Nascent Soul cultivator who had participated in the struggle for the Unending Blood Mulberry. While the three conversed, the Core Formation cultivators stood obediently on the periphery, not daring to approach. A few hours later, Demon Lord Tongyou, Qing Jun, and others arrived together.

Qin Sang, being the only Demon King present, consciously stood outside, leisurely observing their actions. His gaze occasionally swept over Marquis Dongyang, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. The enemy was in the open, while he remained hidden. In a perilous and unknown place like the Blood Lake, it would be easier to find an opportunity. It was perfectly normal for a Nascent Soul Grandmaster to die inside if their luck ran out, and no one would be able to find any trace afterwards. He had to admit, this was the best moment for revenge.

With the Eighteen Demonic Banners set up in a grand formation, Qin Sang was confident that his strength was not inferior to Demon Lord Tongyou and the others, and he should be superior to Marquis Dongyang. However, this didn't mean he could necessarily kill Marquis Dongyang. Controlling demonic flames through the demonic banners made it difficult to act flawlessly. Marquis Dongyang presided over a prominent sect and possessed countless treasures and survival methods. If he was determined to escape, the chances of detaining him were slim. If that happened, Qin Sang would expose himself and come into the open. Once Marquis Dongyang was alerted, it would be even harder to find another opportunity.

In Qin Sang’s mind, the most suitable time to act would be after the Fire Lotus Seed germinated and after Bai advanced to a Corpse King. Qin Sang inwardly lamented. He had found the Bone Curse too late, and it wasn’t even a complete curse. Coincidentally, it was also a critical time for Bai to comprehend the Bone Curse. If only Old Demon Ye had acted a little slower. Otherwise, by teaming up with Bai, waiting for Marquis Dongyang to be alone, and finding the right moment, there would have been a strong chance of taking him down. Even if Marquis Dongyang was killed, with Bai present, their side wouldn’t lose too much combat power. Bai’s origins were mysterious and he couldn’t be underestimated; after his breakthrough, his strength would be far beyond that of an ordinary Corpse King. Bai was searching for his lost memories and was very interested in mystic realms, so he would definitely be willing to come.

Demon Lord Tongyou and others set up a spiritual formation above the Blood Lake. The Core Formation cultivators retreated far away. During this time, a few more had arrived one after another. Qin Sang moved aside and saw Marquis Dongyang and Demon Lord Tongyou each guarding a formation eye of the grand formation, jointly activating it to violently strike the seal!