Chapter 1472: A Letter of Introduction

Having left the Water Mansion, Qin Sang traveled continuously. He escaped overseas, far from the demonic realm, found a desolate island, and laid the demonic corpse there.

The frog-fish's essence was mostly concentrated in its innate poisonous scales, so Qin Sang didn't have high hopes. After dissecting the demonic corpse, he indeed didn't find the so-called poison core. Just then, the Fat Silkworm suddenly squeaked and jumped out. It twisted its body, burrowed into the frog-fish's lower jaw, and dragged out a small, transparent sac.

"This... could it be a poison sac?" Qin Sang's heart stirred, but he didn't intervene.

The Fat Silkworm glanced sideways at Qin Sang. Seeing his tacit approval, its squeaks grew more joyful. It exhaled a colorful aura, enveloped the poison sac, swallowed it whole, and then quickly burrowed back into the Dumb Girl's body. Qin Sang watched, thinking, 'This fellow is truly picky. During his travels in the demonic realm, he encountered several other poisonous beasts, but the Fat Silkworm ignored them all. Only the poison sac of this transformed great demon could impress it.' The reason was likely not just the frog-fish's high cultivation, but also that its innate divine ability was entirely related to poison.

"After swallowing the poison sac, I wonder if the Fat Silkworm can advance to its Fourth Transformation. Such poisonous beasts are rare in the demonic realm. I heard there's a Poison Cloud Colt, a general under the Nine-Headed Great Sage, who cultivates year-round in the Ten Thousand Demons Cave and rarely appears. It would be difficult to acquire."

After a brief thought, Qin Sang removed the bones and peeled the skin from the frog-fish's remains, refining them into spiritual materials. He then categorized and stored them in his Qianjun Ring before heading south. This journey also counted as a return to familiar territory. Qin Sang passed through Fengyang Mountain and returned to the Crescent Moon Realm. However, he didn't disturb Grandmaster Feng or others, traveling discreetly. From the demonic realm to the Star Sand Islands and then to the Crescent Moon Realm, although he hadn't found the Kill Sword fragments, he had broadened his knowledge considerably, so it wasn't a wasted trip. He leisurely traveled south, secretly approaching the various sects in the Crescent Moon Realm. He would leave once he confirmed there were no Kill Sword fragments, without alarming anyone or spending too much time.

Qin Sang's speed was extraordinary. Before long, he arrived at the most dangerous forbidden land in the Crescent Moon Realm—the Bottomless Demonic Abyss! Back then, when Qin Sang was seeking spiritual materials to forge the Gold Sinking Sword, a Nascent Soul cultivator in the Crescent Moon Realm had offered to explore the Bottomless Demonic Abyss with him as a condition, but Qin Sang had politely declined. This time, Qin Sang didn't plan to delve deep into the Bottomless Demonic Abyss. His strength was incomparable to before, but he was short on time and had to return to Xuantian Palace before the Sacred Land opened. The exit of the Bottomless Demonic Abyss was surrounded by rocky mountains, enclosed by three peaks. The three peaks were entirely composed of large stones, showing no trace of green. For dozens of miles around, the land was equally desolate, devoid of life. Qin Sang stood at the entrance of the Demonic Abyss. An inexplicable chill rose in his heart. After gazing for a moment, he summoned his spiritual sword for protection and jumped in.

Three days later, Qin Sang emerged from the Demonic Abyss once again. This abyss was indeed as bottomless as the legends claimed, filled with ancient prohibitions. Qin Sang carefully penetrated deep into its core, reaching a point where even he felt danger. Yet, his sword spirit remained unresponsive, indicating a high probability that there were no Kill Sword fragments within.

Hundred Flowers Valley was located east of the Bottomless Demonic Abyss, on the other side of the Black Marsh. Qin Sang traversed the Black Marsh and found the mountain gate of Hundred Flowers Valley at the location he remembered. Unexpectedly, the scenery here had changed drastically. The vast expanse of mist that covered the area had dispersed, and with it, the huge mountain range within the mist, Hundred Flowers Valley, and everything else had vanished. The current scene was indistinguishable from other parts of the Black Marsh. Qin Sang's eyes flickered as he noticed the strangeness and roused his Heavenly Eye Butterfly. Indeed, a grand formation here had concealed the true topography.

'Hundred Flowers Valley made such a huge move. Had something new happened recently, or had Valley Master Mu failed to escape Old Demon Hun's clutches as he had guessed?' Qin Sang's brow furrowed slightly. He emerged from the shadows, approached the edge of the illusory formation, and raised his hand to send in a streak of light.

Soon after, light and shadow flickered ahead, and mist appeared, rolling and parting to both sides. From within came a familiar voice, "Daoist Master Mingyue, I, Mu, have been waiting for you for a long time!"

"Valley Master Mu, it's been a long time!" Qin Sang's heart settled slightly, and he smiled as he looked into the mist. Valley Master Mu walked out of the mist to personally greet him. Qin Sang noticed Valley Master Mu's slightly pale face. His gaze narrowed, sensing that Mu's aura was unstable, as if he were injured. He asked with surprise, "Valley Master Mu, are you..."

Valley Master Mu's tone was bitter. "Daoist Master, you guessed correctly. I was severely wounded by that old demon back then and haven't fully recovered to this day. My strength has been greatly affected." With that, Valley Master Mu invited Qin Sang into the formation. The two flew towards Hundred Flowers Valley, conversing as they went.

Qin Sang observed Valley Master Mu, not expecting his injuries to be so severe that they couldn't be concealed. Valley Master Mu recounted the past in detail: "Fortunately, Daoist Master, you eventually activated the power of the Thousand Buddha Wall, stalling Old Demon Hun. I gained a chance to breathe and escape the attack of that ghost spirit. Unfortunately, Fellow Daoists Qi and Wang couldn't escape his clutches. Their physical bodies were destroyed, and their Nascent Souls were captured. The old demon even intended to search their souls. I couldn't bear to see them suffer such harm, so I desperately destroyed the old demon's soul-searching technique by detonating my Black Demon Ants. In doing so, I was also severely wounded by the old demon..." After that, Valley Master Mu, knowing he was no longer capable of participating in the treasure hunt, sadly withdrew from Jinghai Sect and took the descendants of Qi and Wang with him, preventing them from being slaughtered by the old demon out of spite. Upon returning to Hundred Flowers Valley, he had sealed off the mountain and remained so ever since.

At this point, Valley Master Mu's expression darkened, and he said coldly, "Over the years, unidentified individuals have frequently been active nearby, probing Hundred Flowers Valley."

"That old demon is still so brazen?" Qin Sang frowned. It seemed Old Demon Hun hadn't given up.

Valley Master Mu snorted coldly, "In the Crescent Moon Realm, I, Mu, naturally don't fear this demon. If not for my injuries, I would have already gone out to fight him! I've always worried that Daoist Master might also fall victim to the old demon's schemes. Now that I see you are unharmed, I can finally rest assured."

Qin Sang smiled inwardly, knowing that what Valley Master Mu truly cared about was the Myriad Spirit Fruit. He had come for this very reason. Without playing games, he admitted that he had obtained Myriad Spirit Fruits under the guidance of the Fire Jade Centipede, but he concealed the true quantity, only stating he had four. As for the Myriad Spirit Fruit Tree and the treasure hunt in the Buddhist Hall, he didn't mention a word. Valley Master Mu didn't commit himself, clearly not fully believing him, but he also didn't expose him.

As they spoke, the two entered Hundred Flowers Valley. Qin Sang saw many unfamiliar faces in the valley, all descendants of Qi and Wang. Lan Jingsi was in seclusion but emerged from her cave dwelling to greet Qin Sang. Qin Sang sensed a hidden eagerness in Lan Jingsi's gaze. Her innate insect-gu was still at the peak of its Third Transformation, and she had been hesitant to elevate its spirit, needing Myriad Spirit Fruits to increase the chances of success. Each with their own thoughts, the three conversed pleasantly and settled down in the bamboo building.

After exchanging pleasantries, Qin Sang said, "This time, I've come firstly to visit Valley Master Mu, and secondly, I have a favor to ask of both of you."

Valley Master Mu automatically ignored the first part and said, "Daoist Master, what difficulties do you face? Please speak freely. As long as it is within Hundred Flowers Valley's capabilities, my junior sister and I will assist with all our might!"

Qin Sang chuckled, "If it were a trivial matter, I wouldn't dare trouble you two. As you both already know, my Fire Jade Centipede is about to face the difficult Fourth Transformation. After learning of the Spirit Elevation secret technique, I traveled extensively, gathering spiritual materials, but struggled due to their rarity. I presumed Hundred Flowers Valley must have a collection, so I shamelessly came to ask."

Valley Master Mu knew exactly what he was after. He showed a conflicted expression and adopted a difficult stance. "This... the spiritual materials required for Spirit Elevation are exceedingly rare. They concern our valley's heritage. After generations of use, there are very few left in the valley. I'm afraid..."

"I see. It was presumptuous of me!" Qin Sang sighed, and immediately began to rise. "Just consider that I never brought this up..."

"Daoist Master, wait!" Valley Master Mu hadn't expected Qin Sang to deviate from the usual script. He quickly rose to stop him. Seeing Qin Sang's playful gaze, he inwardly felt ashamed and dared not put on airs any longer. He directly stated his terms: "I, Mu, can provide Daoist Master with a complete set of materials needed for Spirit Elevation, but... I hope Daoist Master can understand our difficulties. We'd like to exchange three of the most vital spiritual materials—Origin Yin Water and two others—for three Myriad Spirit Fruits. Daoist Master should not be at a disadvantage, and all other spiritual materials will be considered a complimentary gift from me."

Qin Sang gave a wry smile, "I only have four Myriad Spirit Fruits, and you're asking for more than half."

Valley Master Mu said solemnly, "If it were the already refined Spirit Soothing Incense, even if you offered a few more spiritual materials, I wouldn't dare to dream of it. The Myriad Spirit Fruit is merely one ingredient in the Spirit Soothing Incense, and its own medicinal efficacy has considerable limitations. This price is already very fair."

Qin Sang didn't agree. His claiming to have obtained four Myriad Spirit Fruits, instead of another number, was a subtle way of indicating his bottom line. He could produce three Myriad Spirit Fruits, but Valley Master Mu would have to exchange more for them.

"One complete set of spiritual materials, plus two separate portions of Netherworld Soil!" Qin Sang first raised one finger, then two.

"Daoist Master, why do you need so much Netherworld Soil?" Valley Master Mu had been ready to haggle, but he hadn't expected Qin Sang's request to be so peculiar. He and Lan Jingsi exchanged a look. He pondered, "Daoist Master, you may not know this, but Netherworld Soil is an extremely rare item. Our ancestor traveled all over the Northern Sea back then and only by chance obtained a small piece from an ancient cultivator's cave dwelling. After being used by generations of Hundred Flowers Valley predecessors, very little remains, and we've never been able to replenish it. This has long been our greatest challenge. My junior sister and I must consider our descendants. We can give Daoist Master one more portion of Netherworld Soil at most."

Valley Master Mu's tone was very firm. Qin Sang understood that there was no room for negotiation on this matter. He mused to himself that asking for three portions of Netherworld Soil was preparation for three spiritual insects. However, the Fat Silkworm was not Qin Sang's spiritual insect, and the chances of Qin Sang successfully elevating its spirit were extremely low. Furthermore, the Fat Silkworm was currently consuming the poison sac, and it might break through to the Fourth Transformation without spirit elevation. Remembering this, Qin Sang no longer insisted and changed his condition: "I'm a self-taught Daoist and have little experience in the Dao of Insect Taming. I hope Valley Master Mu can offer some guidance."

"That's easy!" Valley Master Mu clapped his hands and laughed, readily agreeing. Qin Sang also smiled, took out three jade boxes, and placed them on the table. Valley Master Mu exchanged a look with Lan Jingsi. He carefully examined the Myriad Spirit Fruits. Although their skins were slightly dull and wrinkled, they were indeed Myriad Spirit Fruits without a doubt. Lan Jingsi went directly to the treasury and returned shortly, handing Qin Sang a mustard seed pouch. Qin Sang carefully counted the contents, confirming everything was correct. The Netherworld Soil turned out to be a grayish-white stone, showing no extraordinary qualities on its surface. Both parties put away their treasures, thoroughly pleased.

Next, Qin Sang prepared to stay in Hundred Flowers Valley for a while to seek guidance on insect taming techniques. Valley Master Mu hosted a grand banquet to entertain Qin Sang. Amidst the clinking of cups, a disciple suddenly reported that a Core Formation cultivator had arrived outside the grand formation, claiming to be Old Demon Hun's descendant and requesting to see the Valley Master. The festive atmosphere instantly dropped to freezing point. Qin Sang twirled the wine cup in his hand, remaining silent. Valley Master Mu pressed his hands on the table and said furiously, "That old demon is outrageous! I ignored him before, but now he dares to come to my doorstep! Guards, quickly kill this person and throw his corpse out to feed the poisonous insects!"

"Wait!" Qin Sang waved his hand and said softly, "Valley Master Mu, please calm your anger. Even during war between two countries, emissaries are not slain. Let's see what Old Demon Hun intends." Old Demon Hun's envoy chose to appear precisely when Qin Sang was present, neither early nor late. This was strange.

Valley Master Mu frowned and instructed a disciple, "Daoist Master has a point. Spare his life for now. Go and escort that person in!" A moment later, the disciple led a black-robed young man into the main hall. The black-robed young man, facing three Nascent Soul cultivators whose auras were undisguised, bowed respectfully without being obsequious or arrogant, saying, "This junior, Yun Haifeng, greets the three seniors."

"What is Old Demon Hun to you? And what is your purpose in coming here?" Lan Jingsi asked.

"He is this junior's grand-master!" The black-robed young man kept his head down, not daring to peek. "My grand-master ordered this junior to deliver an invitation, but not to the two seniors of Hundred Flowers Valley. It is to be presented when Hundred Flowers Valley opens its mountain gate to welcome a distinguished guest."

As soon as these words were spoken, Valley Master Mu and Lan Jingsi both turned to look at Qin Sang. Old Demon Hun was very likely targeting Qin Sang. He couldn't find Qin Sang directly but knew of Qin Sang's relationship with Valley Master Mu. Qin Sang also guessed this possibility, secretly wondering what exactly the old demon was planning. 'During the Ten Thousand Demons Assembly, he chased me for a thousand li, and now he wants a reconciliation?'

"Where is the invitation?"

The black-robed young man's tone was extremely respectful. "Forgive this junior's impertinence, but may I venture to ask, are you the senior whom my grand-master met in the Buddhist Hall back then?"

Qin Sang chuckled, "Indeed."

Upon receiving the affirmative reply, the black-robed young man dared not ask further. He immediately presented an invitation and stood quietly to the side. Under the curious gazes of Valley Master Mu and Lan Jingsi, Qin Sang unfolded the invitation and read through it. His expression was peculiar, and he remained silent.

"Is that old demon threatening Daoist Master?" Valley Master Mu grew even more curious and asked via a voice transmission.

Qin Sang shook his head and directly handed the invitation over. Valley Master Mu unfolded and read it, his expression slightly stunned. He said incredulously, "This old demon actually wants to bury the hatchet with Daoist Master and fully cooperate?"

The content of the invitation was very simple. Old Demon Hun claimed to be extremely impressed by Qin Sang's divine abilities. Furthermore, since neither party had suffered irreversible losses, there was no mortal enmity, and he hoped they could turn their animosity into friendship. Moreover, they had a common adversary, and this adversary was powerful, which also served as a basis for their alliance. Furthermore, Old Demon Hun admitted his initial wrongdoing, offering to present treasures as an apology to resolve their grievances, and together scheme for a tremendous opportunity. If Qin Sang was interested, they could discuss details in person, with Qin Sang choosing the location, showing his sincerity.

Through the black-robed young man's words and the invitation's content, Valley Master Mu could deduce that Qin Sang and Old Demon Hun had another confrontation at Jinghai Sect, establishing enmity. Old Demon Hun seemed to have gained no advantage and acknowledged Qin Sang as a master of equal standing, thus actively seeking reconciliation. Moreover, the only powers in the entire Northern Sea capable of forcing two top masters to unite in resistance were the demon race or Xuantian Palace. He wondered what else Daoist Master Mingyue had done to offend them! Valley Master Mu's thoughts raced. He gained a deeper understanding of Qin Sang's strength, further solidifying his resolve to forge a connection with him. What he was more curious about was the "tremendous opportunity" mentioned by Old Demon Hun, but he also understood that this matter was akin to asking a tiger for its skin—extremely risky. Valley Master Mu looked up at Qin Sang, guessing how he would decide.