Chapter 1383: Initial Battle

Shouchen Island.

The Nascent Soul puppet held the communication artifact. During this period, Master Feng occasionally sent messages, keeping Qin Sang updated on the latest situational changes. Other than that, nothing significant occurred. The demon unrest had not yet spread to this area, and the cultivators on Shouchen Island dared not disturb them. Consequently, the Nascent Soul puppet's identity remained unexposed. Meanwhile, Qin Sang cultivated on a different islet, oblivious to matters outside the island.

The communication artifact vibrated. This time, the message was different from previous ones. The Nascent Soul puppet stood up straight and left Shouchen Island. Qin Sang, having sensed it in advance, was already waiting outside the island.

“The demon kings are appearing in the Western Sea; is there something peculiar about it?” Qin Sang, seeing the vague content of the message, was utterly confused. “Could it be that Bi Fang isn't planning to attack humanity, but has other intentions?” Qin Sang pondered.

The message instructed him to go alone and quickly rendezvous, without mobilizing defenses, in case the demon race was feigning an attack. According to his agreement with Master Feng, such a request was difficult to refuse. Qin Sang glanced at the silently standing Nascent Soul puppet beside him, hesitated briefly, then put it away. He immediately transformed into a bolt of lightning and headed northwest.

Lightning streaked across the sky. Qin Sang didn't exert his full strength, trying to maintain his condition. He had already made up his mind: if he encountered a demon king and got caught in a chaotic battle, he could hold Bi Fang at bay for a while if he had the opportunity to face him alone. However, if he were besieged, he would absolutely not overexert himself.

Master Feng continued to send messages. As he neared the rendezvous point, Qin Sang suddenly stopped and released the Nascent Soul puppet. With the spiritual imprint providing a remote connection, there was no need to worry about the Nascent Soul puppet getting lost.

With a soft splash, the Nascent Soul puppet slipped into the sea, lurking motionless beneath the surface. Once Qin Sang had departed and his escape light vanished into the sky, the Nascent Soul puppet quietly followed, trailing far behind. Slaughtering demons was not his primary objective this time. Therefore, Qin Sang resorted to an old trick, releasing the Nascent Soul puppet in advance as a contingency, to account for any unforeseen variables.

After flying for a while longer, Qin Sang saw churning waves far ahead. A treasure ship, shaped like a shuttle, was speeding across the ocean surface at an incredibly fast pace. “Fellow Daoist Mingyue, quickly board the ship!” Master Feng's voice called out. Qin Sang observed for a moment, then his escape light converged, and he leaped onto the treasure ship, seeing Master Feng and three other Nascent Soul cultivators already present. The treasure ship could barely accommodate four people, but after Qin Sang boarded, it expanded slightly. As Qin Sang landed, the ship remained as stable as before, maintaining its speed without the slightest decrease.

Qin Sang scrutinized the treasure ship, a glint of surprise in his eyes, and praised, “What a magnificent treasure!” Master Feng smiled faintly and said, “Fellow Daoist Shen’s Sea-Guiding Boat is an extraordinary treasure passed down through generations. Although its escape speed isn't as rapid as your Thunder Escape Art, it can carry multiple people, and its energy consumption isn't as alarming. To my knowledge, throughout the entire Crescent Realm, no similar treasure can compare to the Sea-Guiding Boat. Likely, only colossal entities like the Xuantian Palace might possess better artifacts.” Island Master Shen, while steering the boat, humbly replied, “Fellow Daoist Feng exaggerates. The North Sea is vast and boundless, home to countless extraordinary individuals and rare treasures. My humble possessions are hardly worth mentioning.”

Master Feng chuckled heartily, then said seriously, “Fellow Daoist, quickly recuperate and restore your energy. There might be a fierce battle ahead.” Qin Sang looked at the calm sea around him, frowning slightly. “A decisive battle already? Why are there no armies from either side?” Master Feng explained, “Those demon kings are acting mysteriously; they might be plotting something. I’ve already ordered the nearby armies to mobilize, and they will arrive shortly.” Qin Sang nodded and casually sat down cross-legged, appearing to be recovering his true essence, but in reality, he was sensing the location of the Nascent Soul puppet.

Master Feng and the others exchanged glances, confident in their plan, but none of them noticed that a Nascent Soul-level puppet was trailing far behind.

The Sea-Guiding Boat cut through the waves, speeding northwest. The area ahead grew increasingly desolate, and islands and reefs became rarer. The Sea-Guiding Boat’s trajectory indicated it was approaching the storm belt.

After an unknown distance, Master Feng, who had been meditating quietly on the Sea-Guiding Boat, suddenly awoke with a start, flew into the air, and looked north with an exceptionally grave expression. It was deep into the night. The moon was bright, and the stars were sparse. Within their field of vision, only faint ripples disturbed the unusually calm sea surface. With the naked eye, nothing unusual could be seen to the north. However, Nascent Soul cultivators could distinctly sense several powerful auras speeding across the northern horizon, seemingly moving in the same direction as them.

Qin Sang and the others also detected these auras, and they flew to Master Feng’s side, their expressions varied. The next moment, a crimson glow suddenly appeared on the horizon. The Eagle Demon and Frog Fish then appeared. Evidently, Bi Fang and the other demons had also noticed their presence.

“The Sea-Guiding Boat! How did that old ghost Feng find us so quickly?” Bi Fang turned its head, glaring coldly at the Rainbow Mouse on the Eagle Demon’s back, and demanded. The Rainbow Mouse, enraged, burst out cursing, “He actually dared to steal my master’s essence blood! We’ll stop them; the Xuantian Palace traitor is hiding ahead! Hurry!” Bi Fang snorted, averted its gaze, and flapped its wings forcefully, its speed surging like a blood-red lightning bolt.

Meanwhile, Master Feng saw the scene and realized that the worst-case scenario he had anticipated had indeed materialized: both sides had encountered each other midway. Fortunately, he had called Daoist Mingyue along; otherwise, they might not have been a match for Bi Fang. “Fellow Daoist Qin, that scoundrel Bi Fang is yours! We’ll handle the other demon kings!” Without a word, Master Feng flashed with green light, transforming into a wisp of green smoke as he departed. Madam Yue and the others also showcased their respective techniques. For a moment, various colored escape lights shimmered brilliantly, utterly shattering the tranquility of this sea area. Qin Sang did not hesitate for long either; his Thunder Escape tore through the air.

During the flight, Qin Sang’s eyes flickered. The actions of these individuals were somewhat peculiar. He didn't know what lay ahead that would compel the powerhouses of both races to contend for it like hungry tigers pouncing on prey. It was wise of him to have released the Nascent Soul puppet in advance. Qin Sang's thoughts raced, and he already had a plan in mind. He snorted coldly, not openly defying Master Feng’s decision. Feigning ignorance, he went straight to chase Bi Fang, shouting, “Fellow Daoist, please stop! Old friends reunited; why not pause for a chat?”

“It’s you!” Bi Fang recognized the Thunder Escape, filled with shock and rage. It had known for a long time that letting this individual escape would surely become a major hidden threat. It hadn't expected this prophecy to materialize so quickly, and at such a critical moment! This person had escaped from the three of them even in a weakened state; their full strength was difficult to estimate. Old ghost Feng was already formidable, and now the other side had such a powerful helper. Bi Fang felt a hint of unease.

‘Boom!’ Thunder shook the heavens. A thick bolt of lightning descended from the sky, igniting the battle and mercilessly striking towards Bi Fang. Without another word, Qin Sang pointed his conjoined fingers, directly unleashing the 'Thunder Control Art' to pave the way. Bi Fang was enveloped by a terrifying pressure, feeling a surge of violent power descend; the fleshy growth on its head felt as if it were about to explode. They had previously experienced the power of the 'Thunder Control Art'; the Cunning Fox had nearly been killed by a lightning bolt. Bi Fang dared not hesitate, desperately flapping its wings. Its body abruptly tilted, and it spat out bloody light, momentarily blocking the lightning before narrowly evading it.