Chapter 1682: Gift of the Elixir

The Mortal Realm

Among those present, the origins of Qin Sang's avatar were the least clear. Though Mo Xingdao was a rogue cultivator who had made a great name for himself, the avatar seemed to have sprung from nowhere. This prompted Saint Huiguang's inquiry.

The avatar calmly revealed his origins. Although he used a secret sound transmission, he knew well that the identity of the Xie family patriarch couldn't remain hidden for long; once this matter concluded, all parties would surely uncover it.

Saint Huiguang's question was casual, not intending to delve deeper. He mused, "If the Demon-Sealing Stake is as you describe, with only a fracture in the middle and its internal restrictions not severely damaged, there's still a chance for repair. However, this monk isn't entirely confident and would need to examine the actual item first."

The avatar frowned, his expression uneasy, as if he wanted to speak but hesitated. His thoughts were clearly visible on his face, a fact Saint Huiguang couldn't miss. He smiled and said, "If the Demon-Sealing Stake can suppress the ancient demon and avert this demonic catastrophe, you, donor, will be credited with the greatest contribution. This monk will certainly keep his promise and bestow the Five-Element Pill upon you. I believe none of you will have any complaints."

As he spoke, Saint Huiguang's gaze swept over everyone present. Naturally, no one had any objections. In a short time, the demonic body had displayed a terrifying power that chilled them to the bone. Their primary concern was no longer breaking through to the God Transformation stage, but simply preserving their lives. Saint Huiguang was injured. It was clear that if Saint King Azure Fox began to falter, they would likely be forced to confront the ancient demon directly, without even a chance to escape. The avatar's ability to produce a treasure capable of restraining the ancient demon filled them with relief and joy. Incidentally, this also allowed them to see if the old monk's promise was sincere and if this individual could indeed claim the Five-Element Pill. As for whether the Five-Element Pill would stir up further trouble later, that was a matter for another day.

With the promise secured, the avatar dropped his feigned anxious expression and hesitated. "To be frank, seniors," he began, "many years ago, I accidentally acquired the Demon-Sealing Stake. I wasn't aware of its origins, but I found its restrictions incredibly profound, clearly not of this era. Thus, I diligently studied it for years, cross-referencing it with my own cultivation methods, and gained significant insights. Moreover, based on the patterns of its restrictions, I integrated my own divine abilities into it, and it even formed a connection with my spiritual foundation. I am willing to offer all my years of insights to help you seniors repair the Demon-Sealing Stake, but a hasty separation from this treasure would inevitably destabilize my spiritual foundation…"

"This fellow wants to escape!" Old Devil Fan and the others cursed inwardly, thinking only a fool would believe such nonsense about treasures being linked to one's spiritual foundation. Yet, they were helpless to do anything. If they were in his shoes and had obtained the Five-Element Pill, they would certainly find an excuse to slip away while Saint Huiguang was preoccupied with the demonic body. Saint Huiguang was clearly no fool. Even if the avatar spoke with great earnestness, he wouldn't fully believe it, choosing instead to view it as another condition for the avatar's offering of the Demon-Sealing Stake. Observing everyone, the avatar possessed the lowest cultivation and weakest background, so his various concerns were understandable. He was merely a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator; his absence wouldn't cause the formation to collapse.

"As long as this monk sees the Demon-Sealing Stake with his own eyes, I should be able to determine its usability. Donor, do not worry."

Saint Huiguang agreed without hesitation, separating the avatar from the Meditation Arhat Formation. After a brief moment of disorder, the formation re-established itself. Freed from the battle formation, the avatar immediately felt the pressure lessen significantly. He took a deep breath, citing the critical importance of his spiritual foundation and the need for undisturbed concentration, to request permission to find a cave dwelling on Emperor's Mountain where he could safely perform his spells, promising it wouldn't take long. Saint Huiguang granted all his requests. However, before he left, both Saint Huiguang and Saint King Azure Fox openly placed a mark on him. The avatar bowed respectfully, then leaped down to the mountaintop.

While the avatar was negotiating with Saint Huiguang, Qin Sang's true body had already taken out the demon banners, arranging them all before him. His finger lightly touched a demon banner, and a familiar chilling sensation permeated his bones, reaching his heart. He still remembered obtaining his first true Ten Directions Yama Banner shortly after entering Shaohua Mountain, by eliminating a remnant of the Kuiyin Sect. That individual's name was… Sun De, perhaps? He subsequently acquired more, until he gained an opportunity in the Seven Kill Palace of Canglang Sea, refining the other half of the Demon-Sealing Stake into demon banners. Controlling eighteen demon banners, he became immensely powerful in the Beichen Realm. Finally, he obtained the remaining demon banners from his senior sister, completing the Demon-Sealing Stake. From Qi Condensation to Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and even Nascent Soul, the Ten Directions Yama Banner had served him extraordinarily well.

"Old Ancestor Kuiyin…" Qin Sang clicked his tongue. He never admitted to being a disciple of the Kuiyin Sect, yet ironically, he owed his current achievements to Old Ancestor Kuiyin, whose legacy he still benefited from. A pang of reluctance stirred within Qin Sang as he considered trading away a treasure that had accompanied him for so long. Since it was being handed over to a God Transformation cultivator, Qin Sang had no intention of ever reclaiming it. Whether Saint Huiguang kept it for himself or bequeathed it to his sect as a guardian treasure to prevent future ancient demon disturbances, it would be impossible for him to get it back. Perhaps, in ancient times, the Demon-Sealing Stake was far more valuable than the Five-Element Pill. But Qin Sang believed it was worth it. The Demon-Sealing Stake's utility was too narrow; it offered no aid to his cultivation, at least not directly. It had previously served as a container for sealing demonic flames. Only the essence of the Nine Nether Demonic Flames remained unrefined. However, Qin Sang possessed the Mani Pearl, and upon acquiring it, he realized it could serve as a suitable container for the demonic flame's essence. As for encountering ancient demons in the future, that was a problem for another day.

This transaction would, firstly, allow the avatar to escape danger. The avatar was not only a precious Evolution Dao Tree in itself but had also sensed an impending breakthrough, soon to advance to the late Nascent Soul stage. Wielding spirit treasures and possessing the Ice Soul Divine Light ability, its combat power would likely rival that of his true body. Furthermore, the avatar represented a second life, one worth saving if possible. Secondly, he could obtain the Five-Element Pill. Given the Five-Element Pill's value, if news of it spread, he could exchange it for a Spirit Rhinoceros Immortal Fruit or any other miraculous elixir. Furthermore, the cultivation world was plagued by demonic corruption, causing immense suffering—a situation Qin Sang definitely did not wish to see. He was still a long way from ascending to the God Transformation stage, and he knew he couldn't escape the encroaching chaos. He could only lament the unpredictable changes of the world. He had always considered how to repair the Demon-Sealing Stake after refining the demonic flames, even taking on a disciple specifically for this task. Unexpectedly, he would be trading this treasure away so soon.

The demon banners, containing sealed spiritual flames, stood upright. Qin Sang's brow flashed, and the fire lotus spun forth. Simultaneously, the Mani Pearl flew from his dantian and hovered beside him. The fire lotus gradually turned ethereal, transforming into demonic flames that drifted towards the demon banners. Finally, it formed a fireball, enveloping all the banners. Qin Sang's expression grew serious as his hand seals changed. Within the demonic flames, layers of fiery waves formed, continuously gathering around the demon banners, creating a thick 'shell' around them. As Qin Sang continued, wisps of the demonic flame essence were drawn from each banner. Gradually, the demon banners toppled one by one, and all the demonic flame essence converged into a single point. The demonic flames reformed into a fire lotus, with a longan-sized flame gently swaying at its core. It was also black, but more subdued and profound than the demonic flames Qin Sang typically controlled! However, Qin Sang could sense an incredibly violent and astonishing power within it. This power was beyond his control for now, solely relying on the calming effect of its shared origin.

"This is the essence of demonic flames…" Qin Sang gazed at the flame, muttering to himself. Had he not been hindered by this difficult obstacle, and had his spiritual consciousness broken through, he would undoubtedly have approached this situation with much more composure.

Swish!

The Mani Pearl moved sideways. With a mental command from Qin Sang, the fire lotus, along with the demonic flame essence, merged into the Mani Pearl. He then observed the flame dispersing, its essence seeping into the Ruyi Pearl. Eventually, the red flames on the Ruyi Pearl's outer ring were tinged with a layer of black fire, and the demonic flame essence was sealed within. He summoned it into his hand, and after a brief inspection confirming that both the demonic flame essence and the Mani Pearl were unharmed, Qin Sang nodded slightly, feeling that the Mani Pearl was increasingly resembling a demonic artifact.

Next, Qin Sang tapped his fingers repeatedly, sending streaks of light into the demon banners. A bone-chilling coldness assailed him as the soul threads forming the banners disintegrated and finally dissipated into the world. Qin Sang activated the internal restrictions of the Demon-Sealing Stake, and the banner poles immediately transformed, reverting to their original forms. In his hand were two segments of the Demon-Sealing Stake, resembling profound iron, with remarkably smooth fractures. Qin Sang glanced at them, then rose, pushed open the stone door, traversed the Five-Element Divine Restrictions, and sped towards one of the mountain caves.

The avatar descended from the sky. His movements drew the attention of others. Seemingly picking a random cave untouched by the Five-Element Divine Restrictions, the avatar stepped inside. Once within, he cast protective restrictions with a wave of his hand, blocking others' perception. As a precaution, he incorporated the Ice Soul Divine Light, yet he did not conceal the marks on his body. His movements could be tracked by the others at all times. As the avatar entered the cave dwelling, the Demon-Sealing Stake had already been discreetly delivered to him. Upon receiving it, the avatar did not immediately return. After preparing his disguise, he exited the cave, flew into the sky, and presented the treasure.

"It is indeed the Demon-Sealing Stake!" Saint Huiguang took it, his eyes gleaming with excitement. After a careful examination, he happily declared, "The internal restrictions of this treasure are not severely damaged. If this monk refines it, though it cannot be fully restored to its original state, it should be able to temporarily mend the broken parts and recover several layers of its power."

Saint King Azure Fox, who had been constantly observing, visibly relaxed upon hearing this. "This monk must ignite his spiritual fire and focus entirely on refining this treasure. Time is short, and I cannot be disturbed midway. I can only leave behind an instinctive thought to maintain the Meditation Arhat Formation. From now on, it will depend on all of you and the Saint King. Disperse the formation, avoid its strongest attacks, and try to engage the ancient demon in guerrilla combat. Under no circumstances must the ancient demon escape."

As Saint Huiguang spoke, he simultaneously communicated with the Saint King through spiritual sense. "Old monk, you'd better hurry. This king called out to the artifact spirit, but there was no response. The ancient demon has lost its sanity, but it still perfectly controls the spirit treasure, and its power is overwhelming. Any hit will result in death or severe injury. Even if skirmishing is easier, they likely won't last long." As Saint King Azure Fox spoke, she removed the phoenix hairpin from her head and tossed it upwards. The phoenix hairpin split into four, transforming into four celestial pillars that stood at the edge of the suspended lake. The lake surface expanded, providing ample space for skirmishing. This, in turn, further revealed the demonic body's terrifying power. The demonic body roared incessantly. Wherever the Five-Element spiritual light passed, the lake water surged back, as if being ripped apart, requiring the celestial pillars to stabilize it. Everyone dodged its attacks, helping Saint King Azure Fox alleviate the pressure, and doing their utmost to maintain the formation.

Saint Huiguang responded, turned his head to the avatar, and said in a relaxed tone, "Donor is truly an exceptional talent of this era. No wonder Elder Lu maintains such a close friendship with you. Xingji has always spoken highly of Elder Lu, saying he is as pure as jade and noble as a chime, truly living up to his name. It's a pity, though, that Elder Lu, with his lofty ambitions, chose a superior secret art from the Bunian Mountain sect, and due to its inherent flaws, he hasn't made much progress in years."

To the avatar's surprise, Saint Huiguang seemed very knowledgeable about Bunian Mountain and Lu Zhang. In fact, Lu Zhang had long been renowned as a genius in Bunian Mountain, his fame at one point rivaling that of Cheng Shenzi. After Cheng Shenzi accidentally damaged his spiritual foundation, Lu Zhang was even considered the undisputed successor to Sect Master Situ. Other sects would closely monitor top-tier geniuses from prominent sects such as this. Regardless of the relationship between Bunian Mountain and Ganlu Zen Temple, they would certainly have thoroughly investigated Lu Zhang's background. Saint Huiguang harbored ambitions of orchestrating affairs across the world. After his return, he had ordered Master Xingji to gather information from all quarters, so knowing Lu Zhang's name was not unusual. A trace of wistfulness flashed in Saint Huiguang's eyes, as if he felt pity for Lu Zhang.

The avatar, listening intently, felt a chill run down his spine. He had claimed a close friendship with Lu Zhang, and if he didn't know these private details, it would be difficult to explain. "It's not a flaw in the secret art, but the lack of an important spiritual item. A few years ago, this junior and fellow Daoist Lu traveled together in Nanzhou, where we captured a stone toad that was nearing maturity. Upon obtaining this spiritual item, fellow Daoist Lu returned to the mountain for secluded cultivation and has remained there since. He will surely make great progress in his cultivation soon." As he spoke, the avatar's gaze subtly flicked towards the Poison King's gray cocoon. It was precisely that incident that led to him being targeted by the strange-faced individual, triggering the subsequent turmoil. With the Poison King trapped, he could still impersonate the Xie family patriarch. But once the Poison King was rescued, his connection with his true body would be exposed. Whether the Poison King used the situation to pressure him or exposed him directly, it would both be troublesome. It was best to withdraw early!

"No wonder Bunian Mountain didn't send anyone to the Ullambana Festival." Saint Huiguang understood, having been pondering this earlier. At that moment, he seemed to recall something. "The Xie family of Pushan," he mused, "this monk has some recollection. They were once a prominent family in the Zhuozhou area, declined for many years, but finally welcomed a leader who brought about their resurgence."

"Senior's extensive knowledge and sharp memory are truly admirable to this junior. I, with my limited talent and virtue, dare not aim too high. However, I will absolutely not allow the Xie family's bloodline to cease with my generation; otherwise, I would have no face to meet my ancestors in the afterlife. As the saying goes, 'if the skin is gone, what can the hair attach to?' Preventing this demonic catastrophe is my unyielding duty!" The avatar's tone was solemn as he spoke in a low voice.

"If all cultivators in the world possessed the same spirit and breadth of mind as you, donor, how could this great chaos have been provoked?" Saint Huiguang sighed. Without further ado, he raised his hand and conjured a jade bottle. The avatar hastily received it with both hands, lightly opening the stopper. He immediately perceived a faint, ethereal fragrance. Observing its color and scent, and sensing it carefully, he confirmed it was undoubtedly the Five-Element Pill.

"Many thanks for the pill, senior!"

The avatar put away the Five-Element Pill. Once the two God Transformation cultivators removed their marks, he didn't hesitate. Under the curious gazes of the others, he escaped into Emperor's Mountain, seemingly in no hurry to leave, truly appearing to be seeking a place to heal his injuries. He didn't notice that as he departed, Saint King Azure Fox cast a sidelong glance his way. Observing the receding figure of Qin Sang's avatar, a strange glint flashed in Saint King Azure Fox's eyes. She then looked at Saint Huiguang before withdrawing her gaze. The old monk's intentions were obvious. Unless the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sound was eliminated, the Five-Element Pill would be a mere 'chicken rib'—of little use, and it wouldn't matter who possessed it. There was no need to delve deeper into other matters. Those people didn't know that the more opportunities they obtained, the closer they got to God Transformation, the faster they would meet their demise. Releasing the pill could eliminate one, or even several, potential strong rivals for Ganlu Zen Temple. The old monk certainly had clever stratagems.

The avatar returned to Emperor's Mountain, his figure vanishing into the clouds as he entered the Seven Constellations Division Sword Array. At this moment, Qin Sang's true body lay dormant within the sword array, awaiting an opportunity to escape. Out of caution, he wasn't in a hurry to rendezvous with the avatar. Suddenly, the true body's expression changed, and a sharp glint flashed in the avatar's eyes.