Chapter 1469: Private Meeting

The stag demon king patted the restless black shark and chuckled strangely. "I am Grand Immortal Lu! You don't even recognize me. Have you just transformed?"

Qin Sang remained silent.

Grand Immortal Lu assumed Qin Sang was feeling insecure. It was quite normal for a newly ascended demon king with limited power to act timidly when facing an established demon king.

For demon cultivators, innate talent is more crucial than for human cultivators.

Before transformation, unless fortunate enough to receive enlightenment from a demon king's Imperial Dew, demon cultivators are unintelligent and muddle-headed, cultivating by instinct. Most cannot make detailed plans to seize opportunities like human cultivators.

Correspondingly, there are many lucky individuals in the demon race with mutated bloodlines or who have consumed rare heavenly treasures. They don't need to join sects or meticulously seek out cultivation methods and secret techniques.

They only need to hide in a secluded cave dwelling, absorb spiritual energy on their own all day, absorb the essence of the sun and moon, comprehend their bloodline power, and practice their innate divine abilities to transform.

Such nameless demon kings who suddenly appear are not uncommon in the demon territory.

"Fellow Daoist Yuan, it's your good fortune to meet me. I serve under the Great Sage Roc. As long as I introduce you to the Great Sage, I guarantee your rise to prominence, with excellent cave dwellings, rare treasures, immortal medicines, and demon soldiers at your command!"

Grand Immortal Lu developed an intention to recruit him.

A demon king who transforms without enlightenment must have extraordinary talent. What's especially valuable is that this demon doesn't seem to have joined any faction.

As for whether the other party was lying, Grand Immortal Lu wasn't worried. If there were any issues, they couldn't escape the Great Sage's discerning eyes. A visit before the Great Sage would surely reveal his true form.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he spoke, the other party suddenly flapped his wings rapidly, retreating a thousand zhang in the blink of an eye, with a look of extreme caution.

Grand Immortal Lu's thoughts turned, and he guessed the other party's intentions.

The demon race adheres to the law of the jungle, devouring the weak alive. The other party's intelligence was just awakening, and he acted on instinct, actually fearing that the Great Sage Roc would devour him.

Grand Immortal Lu couldn't help but laugh. "What kind of figure is the Great Sage Roc? Would he really covet your flesh and skin? The Great Sage is our demon race's holy lord, with a benevolent heart that encompasses the world, and countless masters under his command. Do not judge a gentleman's heart with the mind of a villain!"

Qin Sang was silent for a moment, then said, "I heard you are going to war with the human race. It's too dangerous, and I don't want to participate."

"Coward!"

Grand Immortal Lu's demon eyes glared in anger. "For years, we've been forced to cower in the demon territory. The human race has slaughtered so many of our kind, accumulating countless blood debts! Now that the Great Sage Roc has rallied us, we can finally vent our anger, yet you wish to retreat! To eat their flesh, drink their blood, devour their nascent souls, seize their cave dwellings, and enslave their descendants—wouldn't that be splendid!"

Seeing that the other party remained unmoved, Grand Immortal Lu changed his tone, saying, "You don't necessarily have to go to the battlefield yourself. You can still assist the Great Sage from the rear. That's precisely what I'm doing now. If you're worried about your own safety, you might as well follow me for a while and see for yourself."

"Yuan is truly uninterested in this. Farewell!"

Qin Sang shook his head, turned and flew away, soon disappearing into the horizon.

Grand Immortal Lu didn't pursue him closely, but thoughtfully rubbed his chin. "I proactively invited him and offered him a chance to access secrets, yet he remained unmoved. It's unlikely he's a spy. Hmph, this whole area is under my surveillance. Let's see where you can go. Hmm, I'll have those old demons keep an eye on him too, and observe him further. This fellow's wings are a bit strange; I wonder what his bloodline is."

Human cultivators enjoy raising spirit beasts. It's very possible that there are transformed spirit beasts within Xuan Tian Palace.

These spirit beasts have been tamed and are willing to act as demon traitors. The demon race has suffered losses before, so they are naturally cautious when facing demon kings of unknown origin.

At this moment, Qin Sang confirmed that the stag demon had not pursued him, and he slowed his pace, flying unhurriedly.

The reason he acted this way was also considering this problem, as he didn't want to be suspected of being a demon traitor and attract too many probes.

By intentionally or unintentionally interacting with nearby demon kings a few more times, becoming familiar with them, and gradually building relationships, with these demon kings as witnesses later on, even a fabricated story could become real, making it much more convenient to operate in the demon territory.

Subsequently, Qin Sang ventured out occasionally, conscientiously disguising himself as a timid and cautious newly-ascended demon king. He traveled to gain experience and broaden his horizons, getting to know several other demon kings, and also met Grand Immortal Lu twice more.

He adhered to his own principles, maintaining a low profile, concealing the lightning power on his wings to make his phoenix wings less conspicuous, and claimed to be of the Azure Bird bloodline.

Through repeated interactions, he gradually reduced the demon kings' suspicions.

For the next six months or so, Qin Sang remained active in the peripheral areas, patiently making his arrangements. While searching for fragments of the killing sword, he also gathered intelligence, learning about the distribution of powers within the demon territory.

On a vibrant small island, the jungle was dense, and birds chirped noisily.

At this moment, a small yellow spirit bird flew from the horizon. This bird had intelligent and bright eyes, clearly possessing very high spiritual awareness, incomparable to the ordinary birds on the island.

The spirit bird flew overhead, its eyes darting around, confirming that there was nothing unusual in the surroundings. Suddenly, it folded its body and plummeted.

After flying into the jungle, the spirit bird seemed to be guided by something, precisely locating an ancient tree. It extended a wing and brushed it against the bark, whereupon a faint light erupted, and some messages appeared in its mind.

It had grown up in Xuan Tian Palace since childhood, received enlightenment, and could speak human language. Its ancestors were all spirit beasts of Xuan Tian Palace, but instead of being oppressed, they were well-cared for and lived quite comfortably. It considered itself a part of Xuan Tian Palace and voluntarily infiltrated the demon race as a spy.

Not long ago, the mark within its body was triggered, leading it to this location.

These messages were left by Qin Sang.

He didn't deliberately probe for secrets. Through various phenomena, he discerned some clues. As for how much help it would be to Xuan Tian Palace, he couldn't control that.

Now, Qin Sang had entered the demon territory.

His excuse to Grand Immortal Lu was that he didn't want to be affected by the war, preferring to seek refuge with the Nine-Headed Great Sage, which greatly disappointed Grand Immortal Lu.

Southern part of the demon territory.

This area was characterized by continuous mountains and treacherous terrain, with much miasma and swarms of demon beasts.

In the center of the mountains, there was a large lake, but its surroundings were eerily quiet.

The lake water was gray and utterly still, appearing to be a forbidden zone of life. Death energy permeated the air, and the surrounding demon beasts dared not take a single step into its vicinity.

Just then, with a splash, a figure actually flew out of the dead lake, completely unharmed. Its gaze swept over the surroundings, fixed on one direction, and with a flap of its wings, it soared through the air.

This person was precisely Qin Sang.

After entering the demon territory, his objective was clear: he went straight for the so-called demon secret realms and demon king cave dwellings.

He spared no effort, traversing mountains and rivers, spending nearly two years. He had now explored more than half of the demon territory, yet had found nothing.

This dead lake still brought him no surprise.

After confirming there were no killing sword fragments in the lake, Qin Sang did not hesitate to escape from the dead lake, although he could sense that secrets were still hidden at the bottom of the lake.

Qin Sang looked south and muttered, "Continuing south, the next target is the Great Sage Roc's cave dwelling, Roc Mountain. I heard that Bi Fang, that fiend, was scared witless by Tong Lingyu, and has been hiding on Roc Mountain to recuperate after seeking refuge with the Great Sage Roc. It's not good to force my way into Roc Mountain, but I can wait outside for him to come out."

Qin Sang calculated in his mind that, among his subsequent targets, the most important were the cave dwellings of the two Great Sages. The probability of finding killing sword fragments elsewhere was low.

"Alright! First, I'll visit the Myriad Demon Cave of the Nine-Headed Great Sage to the north, then finally go to Roc Mountain, kill Bi Fang, and leave the demon territory. Coincidentally, I'm close to fully comprehending the fourth seal of the 'Seven Masters Buddhist Seal', so I can guard outside Roc Mountain for a while and integrate the first four seals. Also, the Divine Solar Tree has already condensed the outline of a divine bird and will take shape soon, faster than previously expected..."

As he thought, Qin Sang turned north.

As he approached the demon great sages' cave dwellings, Qin Sang acted with increasing caution.

The Nine-Headed Great Sage's cave dwelling was easy to identify. Outside the Myriad Demon Cave was a cold pond, with immortal vines hanging down, spirit orchids growing alongside, and mist swirling, truly like an immortal realm.

The area around the cold pond was very quiet and desolate.

The Nine-Headed Great Sage had a reclusive temperament and rarely acted, more like a hidden master of the demon race. The forces affiliated with him couldn't compare to those under the Great Sage Roc.

Qin Sang concealed his presence and suppressed his aura, carefully approaching the cold pond. Without needing to force his way into the Myriad Demon Cave, and confirming that the sword spirit had no reaction, he left with disappointment.

After subsequently investigating the remaining locations, Qin Sang finally arrived near Roc Mountain.

Compared to the quiet Myriad Demon Cave, Roc Mountain was filled with soaring demonic energy and gathering demons. Even though most of its demon soldiers had been transferred for battle, Roc Mountain still possessed terrifying underlying power.

Qin Sang quietly came to a small mountain near Roc Mountain, standing under a tree, gazing at the magnificent peak. Dense demonic energy converged into black clouds, obscuring the sky and sun.

The sword spirit still showed no reaction. Neither of the two Great Sages' cave dwellings contained fragments of the killing sword.

After assessing Roc Mountain's strength, Qin Sang determined that he could not infiltrate and assassinate Bi Fang without alerting any demon beasts.

Roc Mountain would not lack demon kings. Forcing his way in was not a wise course of action.

He looked around, just in case, then retreated a bit further, chose a mountain, excavated a hidden cave dwelling, and while monitoring the movements on Roc Mountain, he continued to comprehend the "Seven Masters Buddhist Seal."

He also understood that the probability of encountering Bi Fang by simply waiting was low.

Qin Sang estimated that Bi Fang, relying on the Great Sage Roc, would surely be granted spiritual medicines. Calculating the time, his injuries should be nearing recovery. The Great Sage Roc would not idly support someone. With intense warfare on the front lines, Bi Fang would certainly be summoned once his combat strength recovered.

Bi Fang was chased so miserably by Tong Lingyu, he would definitely want revenge against Xuan Tian Palace.

He guarded for half a year.

During this time, many demon kings came and went, but Bi Fang was nowhere to be seen, nor was Frogfish.

"The closer the divine bird gets to taking form, the faster it will condense. At this rate, it will take shape in a few more months. I originally wanted to test the power of the Divine Solar Tree on Bi Fang! Too bad Bi Fang is like a turtle, never showing his head. I can't just keep wasting time here..."

Qin Sang stood before his cave dwelling, gazing at Roc Mountain. After a brief contemplation, he decided to wait for two months, and if Bi Fang still didn't appear, he would switch targets.

Another twenty-plus days passed like this.

Qin Sang, who was comprehending the "Seven Masters Buddhist Seal" and integrating the first four seals, suddenly awoke with a start. His expression subtly changed. He abruptly stood up and looked towards Roc Mountain.

At this moment, his aura was suppressed to an extremely faint level, as if facing a formidable enemy!

'Rumble...'

A thunderous sound of something breaking through the air came, deafening.

Next, Qin Sang saw a cloud appearing in the east, rushing over at an astonishing speed.

Figures flew out one after another from Roc Mountain, adopting a welcoming posture. Using his Heavenly Eye Divine Ability, Qin Sang saw Bi Fang for the first time.

However, Qin Sang showed no joy. He immediately had the Heavenly Eye Butterfly retract its divine ability, and his heart grew secretly vigilant.

The Great Sage Roc had, for some unknown reason, returned to Roc Mountain.

In an instant.

The cloud flew to the peak of Roc Mountain and dissipated on its own, revealing an arrogant and unrestrained figure, none other than the Great Sage Roc, one of the two Demon Sages!

Bi Fang and the other demon kings stepped forward to salute him.

Surprisingly, after the Great Sage Roc said a few words to the demons, he ordered them to retreat. He, however, remained suspended in mid-air, unmoving for a long time.

Seeing the Great Sage Roc's behavior, Qin Sang was secretly puzzled, and fortunate that he was far enough away, otherwise there would have been a risk of exposure.

He couldn't see the Great Sage Roc's expression with the naked eye, but Qin Sang could vaguely perceive that the Great Sage Roc had been facing south, as if waiting for someone.

Not long after, a black light suddenly appeared on the horizon, swift as a meteor.

Seeing the black light, the Great Sage Roc abruptly opened his demon eyes, emitting two almost tangible gazes, imposing and intimidating. The black light paused slightly, without any fear, and continued to fly towards Roc Mountain.

At this moment, Qin Sang, hidden in the shadows, narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression shifting uncertainly.

Although the newcomer had suppressed his aura, Qin Sang felt a sense of familiarity, having dealt with him many times before.

It was none other than the Old Demon of Chaos, who had pursued him several times!

The Old Demon of Chaos had entered the demon territory alone, to secretly meet with the Great Sage Roc.

Qin Sang had never imagined that, while staking out Bi Fang, he would stumble upon such a scene.

"What does this old demon want to do? Is he here on behalf of the boundless sea forces, plotting for the demonic path to conspire with the demon race to divide Xuan Tian Palace?"

Countless thoughts flashed through Qin Sang's mind in an instant, but then he felt it didn't seem right.

The Palace Master of Xuan Tian Palace was still present, and there was also a Grand Elder with late-stage cultivation, along with a multitude of masters. How could they allow themselves to be carved up, unless those demonic cultivators were willing to fight to a mutual destruction?

Moreover, if he truly intended to collude with the demon race, when the Old Demon of Chaos secretly met with the Great Sage Roc, he should have disguised himself even more thoroughly than now.

Qin Sang couldn't figure out the reason, nor did he dare to make any rash moves. He held his breath, observing the situation quietly.

'Whoosh!'

The Old Demon of Chaos flew before the Great Sage Roc, suppressed his escape light, with black energy swirling around him, obscuring his face. He saluted with a faint smile, "Great Sage, I trust you are well."

This was completely unlike their confrontation during the Myriad Devil Assembly.

The Great Sage Roc's snort rumbled like thunder, but his voice did not spread outwards. "Old demon, what exactly are you planning? You requested to see me, yet adamantly refused to meet at sea. If you can't provide a reasonable explanation and cause us to miss a military opportunity, I will ensure you never leave Roc Mountain!"

The Old Demon of Chaos showed no fear of his threat, and calmly replied, "If I were to appear on the battlefield and meet with the Great Sage, this matter would surely spread like wildfire. I don't wish to become a pawn of the Great Sage, to suppress Xuan Tian Palace's morale or cause misunderstandings with Xuan Tian Palace. Since I dared to seek out the Great Sage, it is naturally a great matter. I should have explained it to the Great Sage during the Myriad Devil Assembly, but unfortunately, an unforeseen event disrupted my plans, and I've only recently confirmed a few things."

As he spoke, the Old Demon of Chaos glanced around. "Is this how the Great Sage treats his guests?"

"If you have the guts, then come in!"

The Great Sage Roc coldly snorted, and flashed into Roc Mountain. The Old Demon of Chaos showed no fear and slowly followed.