Chapter 1488: Old and Feeble (4k, Additional Update)

Whoosh!

Two streaks of light tore through the dark clouds.

One was golden, a vivid, miniature golden Roc. Its beak and claws were sharp, and its feathers resembled metal, giving it a fierce appearance.

The other was black, the Mixed Demon Command Sigil.

The golden Roc and the Mixed Demon Command Sigil were evenly matched, simultaneously breaking through the dark clouds.

Qin Sang was very familiar with the Mixed Demon Command Sigil.

The moment he saw this magical artifact, Qin Sang’s pupils contracted, and many things became clear to him.

The Mixed Demon Elder’s true purpose in inviting him was, it turned out, the Profound Heaven Palace’s sacred ground! No wonder the Mixed Demon Elder invited masters from everywhere and proactively resolved past grievances; it wasn’t because the place he was going was dangerous, but because the Profound Heaven Palace’s strength was too formidable. He needed to find another master of the Grand Cultivator level to have a chance at resisting them. Qin Sang, with his enmity towards the Profound Heaven Palace, was the perfect choice.

Qin Sang mused that if he hadn't been persuaded by Liu Li with the offer of the Cleansing Pool and had heeded the Mixed Demon Elder's invitation, he could now be a double agent.

That golden Roc must be the Heavenly Roc Grand Sage’s divine ability. It now seemed that the demon race's sudden aggressive stance earlier also had a hidden agenda.

These thoughts flashed rapidly through Qin Sang’s mind.

The next moment, the Mixed Demon Command Sigil and the golden Roc dimmed. Laughter erupted from the dark clouds, and two figures burst into the sacred ground. Streaks of escaping light followed them, emerging one after another.

“The Mixed Demon Elder!”“The Heavenly Roc Grand Sage!”“The Blood Demon King!”“General Guǐ!”

Seeing these faces, the Profound Heaven Palace cultivators cried out in alarm. They were all infamous great demons and demon lords. At this moment, how could they not understand that the war a month ago had been a ploy, leading their sect to leave many masters guarding Juyao Island?

In comparison, the Profound Heaven Palace had actually fallen into a disadvantage, becoming the weaker party.

Undercurrents surged in the void.

The Mixed Demon Elder’s faction also saw the Profound Heaven Palace cultivators. The two sides looked at each other from a distance, their expressions varied.

Qin Sang and Liu Li stood together, deep in thought. With the situation having turned out this way, Qin Sang couldn't tell if it was good or bad. Earlier, he had probed discreetly and found that Hall Master Jiang and Liu Li knew very little about the depths of the sacred ground, suggesting unknown secrets lay within. The unexpected appearance of the Mixed Demon Elder and the Heavenly Roc Grand Sage had disrupted the situation. It might be an opportunity for him to acquire the Demon Slaying Sword fragment, but it could also mean two more powerful opponents.

For now, he could only take things one step at a time. Qin Sang weighed the pros and cons, and a plan quickly formed in his mind. Regardless, he first needed to secure access to the Cleansing Pool, then act according to the evolving situation.

For Qin Sang, the Demon Slaying Sword fragment was not an urgent matter. Barring any surprises, the cultivation technique stored with the fragment would surely be the part for the Soul Transformation stage and beyond, which he wouldn’t need for several hundred years. The fragment’s primary purpose was to help the Sword Spirit recover. However, the Sword Spirit’s recovery was too slow; there was no need to rush.

Therefore, Qin Sang understood clearly that it wouldn't matter much whether the Demon Slaying Sword fragment remained in the sacred ground or fell into the hands of the Mixed Demon Elder and others. They couldn’t destroy the fragment, nor could they cultivate the 'Soul Nurturing Sword Chapter', so they would merely be keeping it safe for him. By finding this Demon Slaying Sword fragment that had fallen into the North Sea, Qin Sang’s objective was achieved. He could pinpoint the fragment’s location through the Sword Spirit; others couldn't hide it. Qin Sang had plenty of patience. He would retrieve the treasure when he had sufficient strength!

The opportunity to enhance his talent, however, was a once-in-a-lifetime chance that would benefit him throughout his life, not to be missed. Of course, if an opportunity arose to seize the Demon Slaying Sword fragment, he would go all out to prevent any issues with the cultivation technique, and he also possessed the strength to contend for it!

Realizing this, Qin Sang immediately felt much more at ease.

He deeply gazed at the Mixed Demon Elder and the Heavenly Roc Grand Sage, then his gaze swept over the group of demons behind them. When he saw two specific individuals, a look of surprise flashed across his face.

They were an old man and a young man. Both stood not far behind the Mixed Demon Elder.

The old man had a full head of silver hair and looked frail, but his features still hinted at his youthful appearance. Occasionally, a glint of light would flash in his cloudy eyes, making him not to be underestimated. The young man was handsome, refined, and possessed the demeanor of a true gentleman. Even strangers would feel a sense of goodwill towards him.

Qin Sang’s eyes showed a strange expression; this young man was none other than Qiu Muba, his senior disciple-brother, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. He was the only disciple Lord Dongyang took with him when he left Shaohua Mountain! His current cultivation was at the peak of the late Core Formation stage, on par with Tan Hao. However, Tan Hao had received guidance from the Ghost Mother, obtained spiritual medicine in the Pure Sea Sect, and listened to the sounds of morning bells and evening drums. With so many opportunities, breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage was only a matter of time for him.

“Could the old man be...”

Qin Sang carefully observed the old man, his mind jolted.

“It really is him!”

The old man was actually Lord Dongyang!

The last time Qin Sang saw Lord Dongyang was when the North Star Alliance was established, shortly after the Ziwei Palace ascended. At that time, Lord Dongyang’s appearance was unchanged, still clad in a brocade robe, possessing the demeanor of a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator and a sect master. Yet, in just a few decades, Lord Dongyang had aged so drastically, bearing the deep aura of twilight, almost unrecognizable.

Qin Sang recalled what Liu Li had said earlier. Bing Yao had passed on a secret technique to Lord Dongyang, allowing him to break through to the mid-Nascent Soul stage, but at the cost of his vital energy rapidly decaying, ensuring his death even if he managed to hold on until the next heavenly tribulation. Lord Dongyang had clearly found no solution, and the hidden danger had begun to manifest. Even before his death, his appearance was so old, no different from a decrepit old man among mortals.

Qin Sang noticed Liu Li’s gaze, turned his head, and met her eyes.

“He doesn’t have long to live,” Liu Li transmitted.

Qin Sang nodded. He couldn’t describe the feeling in his heart. Seeing his enemy on the verge of death certainly brought satisfaction, but witnessing the once terrifying Ancestor of Shaohua Mountain facing his end inevitably evoked a sense of sorrow for a fallen foe, like 'the fox mourning the death of the rabbit'. If he stopped advancing, he would eventually face the same fate!

Since arriving in the North Sea, Qin Sang had never found any trace of Lord Dongyang, thinking his previous deductions were wrong. He hadn’t expected to reunite here.

At this moment, Lord Dongyang also saw Liu Li among the Profound Heaven Palace crowd. For no other reason than Liu Li being too conspicuous, even with her veil. Discovering that Liu Li was still trapped in the early Nascent Soul stage, Lord Dongyang wasn’t surprised at all. The origin of the "Mysterious Maiden Jade Cauldron Scripture" was far from simple; it was a text so dangerous even the Demonic Dao kept it locked away. How could its hidden dangers be so easily resolved? As the instigator, he also had no good solution. This was one of the reasons he never went to see Liu Li.

At this moment, Lord Dongyang noticed the unfamiliar man next to Liu Li. The distance between the two was a bit too close. With the hidden dangers of her evil cultivation not yet resolved, Liu Li should not have been able to form a dao-partner relationship with another person. A strange glint flashed in Lord Dongyang’s eyes. Although Qin Sang had changed his appearance, Lord Dongyang had studied him for a long time after suffering a setback, making him very familiar with Qin Sang.

The two sides confronted each other from a distance.

Inside the sacred ground, only the sound of dark clouds shifting could be heard.

The Mixed Demon Elder and the Heavenly Roc Grand Sage’s gazes fell upon the Divine Bird Chariot, a hint of surprise and uncertainty in their eyes. The Profound Heaven Palace Master had truly emerged from seclusion. They exchanged glances, no longer hesitated, and immediately flew forward, leading their teams into the sacred ground, not wishing to engage in a direct battle with the Profound Heaven Palace.

Tong Lingyu coldly swept her gaze over the demons, showing no sign of panic. She flashed beside the chariot and whispered a few words. After a silent exchange with the Palace Master, Tong Lingyu nodded slightly, then turned to face the crowd. Her tone was calm: “Everyone, remain calm and do not worry. The Palace Master and I will keep an eye on the Mixed Demon Elder and the Heavenly Roc Grand Sage! The most important treasures, such as the Kan Shen Pearl, must not be lost. All Hall Masters and Elders, retrieve the treasures together and then quickly rendezvous with us. Remember to proceed with caution...”

Tong Lingyu made various arrangements in an orderly manner. It was clear that, while taking precautions against the demons, their main objective remained treasure retrieval.

Hearing these arrangements, a stir went through the crowd. Some didn't understand why they weren't engaging in direct battle to drive the demons out of the sacred ground, but instead allowing them to cause trouble. They worried this approach would allow the demons to defeat them one by one. The Palace Master’s cultivation was unparalleled in the North Sea, and wielding a spirit treasure with the Grand Elder would surely make them invincible. Although the demons held an advantage, it wasn’t a decisive one. They were a motley crew who would still guard against each other, whereas the Profound Heaven Palace was united and could rely on its people.

Qin Sang secretly praised their wisdom. Yin Changsheng and Tong Lingyu were very clear-headed. If the Profound Heaven Palace was wary of the demons, the demons were equally wary of them. This group of demons came seeking opportunities, not as subordinates of the Mixed Demon Elder. They wouldn’t want to form a deadly feud with the Profound Heaven Palace unless absolutely necessary. With the Mixed Demon Elder and Heavenly Roc Grand Sage present, it would be impossible for the Profound Heaven Palace to wipe them all out, only leading to many unnecessary casualties.

The exposure of the sacred ground was a foregone conclusion. It would be better to strategize after returning. For now, retrieving treasures was the priority. The Profound Heaven Palace knew the sacred ground best; even with the best luck, the demons could only snatch a small portion. Previously, they concealed the sacred ground’s location to avoid trouble. Now that its location was exposed, the Profound Heaven Palace might not be afraid. The keys to the sacred ground were still in the Profound Heaven Palace’s hands. The Profound Heaven Palace could decide when to open the sacred ground; going forward, they would strictly keep the opening times secret, unless these people did nothing but guard the vicinity every day. As the foremost sect in the North Sea, the Profound Heaven Palace had sufficient confidence to dominate the sacred ground!

Having understood this point, Tong Lingyu and the Palace Master quickly made their decision. Retrieving treasures in the sacred ground, each by their own ability! All the Nascent Soul cultivators also understood the gravity of the situation and acted according to orders. The entire Profound Heaven Palace moved in unison, entering the sacred ground.

This arrangement perfectly suited Qin Sang’s intentions. He immediately sent a voice transmission to Liu Li, and the two promptly flew off, riding their escape lights towards the floating mountain where the Cleansing Pool was located.

Just as the two were about to leave, Qin Sang’s ear suddenly received a faint, whispered voice transmission: “After Daoist emerges from the Cleansing Pool, I hope you can meet me at the last floating mountain. I have important matters to discuss, and I will not disappoint Daoist...”

This was Tong Lingyu’s voice. Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Qin Sang’s eyes, and his figure paused slightly. There truly were secrets deep within the sacred ground! Yin Changsheng and Tong Lingyu were worried that the Mixed Demon Elder and Heavenly Roc Grand Sage would try to seize them. Within the sacred ground, he was the only one qualified to participate in a battle among Grand Cultivators. This was exactly the opportunity Qin Sang had been hoping for. He gave an almost imperceptible nod and, together with Liu Li, departed. The situation was unpredictable, and the Cleansing Pool’s opening time was very short. They had no time to pay attention to Lord Dongyang.

On the other side, Lord Dongyang silently observed Liu Li and Qin Sang’s movements. He wasn’t entirely certain this person was Qin Sang. Discovering that this person’s cultivation was actually at the mid-Nascent Soul stage, Lord Dongyang’s mind was greatly shaken, finding it unbelievable. It was only by sheer willpower that he didn’t show it outwardly. One must know that less than a century had passed since Qin Sang formed his Nascent Soul! How was that possible! Was this guy truly a five-element spiritual root? Had the person who tested his talent back then made a mistake? Lord Dongyang was plunged into deep doubt, but it was already too late for regrets.

He, along with Qiu Muba, had always followed the strongest force led by the Mixed Demon Elder and the Heavenly Roc Grand Sage. Seeing Liu Li and Qin Sang gradually move away, his expression relaxed slightly.

“Master, where are we going now?”

Qiu Muba was shielded by Lord Dongyang using the Vajra Bangle. Lord Dongyang did this deliberately; the Vajra Bangle emitted white light, obstructing Qiu Muba’s vision, making his view blurry so he hadn’t seen Liu Li and Qin Sang. Qiu Muba, unable to see the outside clearly, felt uneasy and couldn’t help but ask.

Lord Dongyang glanced at the direction where Qin Sang and Liu Li disappeared, then withdrew the Vajra Bangle, quietly changed direction, and whispered, “First, to the Ice Wind Cave!” It was said that a late Core Formation cultivator who ventured into the Ice Wind Cave could increase their chances of successfully forming a Nascent Soul. Qiu Muba was currently facing this difficult hurdle. For decades, the master and disciple had traveled various places, obtaining some opportunities, but their purpose remained connected to the Ice Wind Cave.

Qiu Muba’s eyes showed excitement. At this moment, seeing Lord Dongyang’s aged face, Qiu Muba suddenly remembered his master’s condition, and a pang of sadness went through him. Fearing he might delay his master, he quickly said, “Master, I’ll go contend for the Ice Wind Cave’s qualification myself. Aren’t you with General Guǐ...”

His words were cut off by Lord Dongyang before he could finish. “Do you think you only need to contend with cultivators of your own stage? With so many demon and demonic cultivators entering the sacred ground, how could the Profound Heaven Palace not send masters to protect their people? Don't chatter anymore!”

Qiu Muba dared not argue, a determined expression on his face. The master and disciple separated from the Mixed Demon Elder. Several others made the same choice. They met midway, agreed to form an alliance, and headed straight for the floating mountain where the Ice Wind Cave was located.

The floating mountains seen from the entrance appeared as small as stones. Only upon approaching did they realize that each floating mountain was extremely vast. One could imagine how vast the sacred ground’s space was. So many people dispersed into the sacred ground, yet it brought no change; it remained as empty and vast as before.

Qin Sang led, with Liu Li following. The Heaven-Eyed Butterfly could always easily find gaps between ancient restrictions and turbulent currents. With the Heaven-Eyed Butterfly’s assistance, Qin Sang maintained an extremely fast escape speed, dodging and weaving. To outsiders, it looked incredibly perilous, yet he always turned danger into safety. Liu Li didn't need to worry; she just had to follow Qin Sang closely.

They passed over one floating mountain after another. The Cleansing Pool was getting closer. The path they chose was somewhat remote, and they could only see faint streaks of escape light in the distant darkness. Qin Sang glanced behind him, secretly thinking that aside from a few like the Mixed Demon Elder, no one should be faster than them. He then said, “Let’s go to Gluttonous Lake first.”

Liu Li nodded. Gluttonous Lake and the Cleansing Pool were on the same floating mountain, located at opposite ends. There was an ancient restriction outside Gluttonous Lake, one part of which was very powerful, requiring Qin Sang and her to work together to break it, which wouldn’t take too long.

The two remained silent, flying rapidly. They encountered no obstacles along the way; no one was foolish enough to intercept them.

Finally, the floating mountain was in sight.

The pandemic has been recurring, and I haven't been home for a long time. Tomorrow is a holiday, and my parents are traveling a thousand miles to see me. I'll spend quality time with them and take a day off.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday and a joyful family reunion!