Chapter 1701: Heavenly Demon

Shrouded in misty clouds.

The avatar stopped before the temple gate, his gaze sweeping past Venerable Xingji and other eminent monks.

Apricot-yellow temple walls, gray ridgepoles, and ink-dark mountains: the ancient temple appeared like a silhouetted mirage amidst the floating clouds, serene and solemn.

Monks filed out, lining the path.

Inside and outside the temple, many non-Buddhists were also present.

Everyone scrutinized the avatar, wondering about the true identity of this elder of the Xie family. Naturally, there were also those eyeing the Five Elements Elixir with malicious intent.

While the avatar conversed with Venerable Xingji, some individuals impatiently sent private messages.

The conversation between the avatar and Venerable Xingji astonished and then enlightened everyone; no wonder Saint Huiguang had gone out of his way to legitimize him – he had apparently become a pawn of the Buddhist sect.

This was Qin Sang's intention.

He himself held no sectarian bias, treating Taoist and Buddhist sects equally.

By openly declaring his avatar's residence at Ganlu Zen Temple, binding the avatar to the Buddhist sect, and establishing a righteous standing, he could at least ensure a certain degree of safety within the temple.

After the transaction, the avatar would not leave immediately, instead preparing to remain at Ganlu Zen Temple to break through his cultivation bottleneck.

Subsequently, if all went well, the avatar would leverage the convenience of Ganlu Zen Temple to gather the necessary items for the main body in Central Plains, while the main body would focus solely on cultivation in Lu Ye.

Before arriving, Qin Sang had carefully filtered the avatar's memories and placed restrictions upon it.

Should anything go awry, he would decisively abandon the avatar!

The avatar and Venerable Xingji conversed amiably, which, in the eyes of those with ill intent, seemed rather like colluding in wickedness.

After exchanging pleasantries, both parties entered the temple together.

Ganlu Zen Temple had prepared an elaborate reception, faithfully fulfilling Saint Huiguang's promise. Although Qin Sang inherently disliked such pomp, he could only comply.

The avatar, like a puppet, was busy from early morning until noon, putting on a full performance for the guests.

Once the guests dispersed, Venerable Xingji personally led the avatar to a cave dwelling for rest. It was evident that the preparations were somewhat rushed; they hadn't anticipated the avatar would choose to stay at the temple.

The cave dwelling was located on a rear mountain of Ganlu Zen Temple, secluded and elegant, truly a superior cultivation retreat.

The avatar was very satisfied with this, thinking to himself that it was indeed a sacred place for cultivation.

Such a dwelling, in the Northern Sea, perhaps only Lingxiao Peak of Xuangtian Palace could definitively surpass it, and this particular dwelling was certainly not the most supreme at Ganlu Zen Temple.

The only drawback was that he did not have exclusive use of this mountain; another eminent monk from Ganlu Zen Temple was also cultivating there.

Declining other arrangements, the avatar saw off Venerable Xingji. As he settled down to ponder, the guest-receiving monk led in Xie An, Zhou Ruan, and others who had been waiting elsewhere.

“Greetings, Old Ancestor!”“Greetings, Senior!”

The individuals knelt and prostrated themselves, their voices and expressions betraying unconcealed excitement.

To this day, they still felt as if they were dreaming.

The avatar calmly stated, “Xie Yi and Zhou Li have already been accepted as disciples by Shen Chen. As for you, once you return, continue as before. The Xie family and Loutai Temple should work together to govern the three commanderies. I will no longer concern myself with mundane affairs; if you encounter any trouble, seek help from Ganlu Zen Temple…”

After dismissing them, the avatar sat in quiet meditation for a while before emerging from the cave dwelling.

The guest-receiving monk had been standing by the door.

“This humble Taoist wishes to visit the Saint on Xiao Fangcun Mountain. Master, could you lead the way?” the avatar casually asked.

The guest-receiving monk nodded, asked no further questions, and quietly led the way.

The two walked one after another through the mountains, taking in all the beautiful scenery.

This area was already the core stronghold of Ganlu Zen Temple, heavily guarded. Along the way, the avatar sensed powerful auras from hidden places more than once.

However, these individuals must have received instructions, as no one came out to question them. Their passage was unobstructed.

Upon reaching the foot of a green mountain, the guest-receiving monk stopped and pressed his palms together.

The avatar thanked him, then walked to the mountain, when suddenly a voice said, “Benefactor Qin, you are invited.”

A stone path then appeared amidst the forest.

This mountain seemed unremarkable at first, but upon entering, one discovered its hidden splendor. Compared to this place, his own cave dwelling paled in comparison—it truly was a suitable cultivation ground for a Soul Transformation cultivator.

The stone path was hidden within the mountain forest, where birds chirped.

The avatar saw no traces of Buddhist statues or stone carvings. Reaching the end of the stone path, he arrived at the mountaintop.

Surprisingly, there was no temple on the summit, only two meditation cushions placed on a rock. Saint Huiguang and Saint King Green Fox each occupied one, with a ceremonial altar beside them.

Both were sitting with their eyes closed in meditation, but simultaneously opened them and looked towards him.

Under the gaze of Soul Transformation cultivators, the avatar remained composed, noting that three furry fox tails had grown behind Saint King Green Fox, though they appeared somewhat illusory.

“Greetings, Saint Monk, Saint King.”

The avatar saluted.

“Benefactor Qin, you are courteous,” Saint Huiguang slightly bowed, then pointed to manifest a meditation cushion, inviting him to sit.

Saint King Green Fox smiled faintly, saying, “You do have some guts!”

The avatar unceremoniously sat down and immediately stated his demand, “You two will not interfere with the transactions between myself and Fellow Daoist Mo, will you?”

“We will not interfere in any way,” Saint Huiguang promised.

The avatar nodded, then took out a jade slip and handed it to Saint Huiguang, saying, “Please arrange a spiritual array according to the requirements on this jade slip, Saint Monk.”

After reading it, Saint Huiguang flicked his finger, and the jade slip transformed into a streak of light, shooting out beyond the mountain.

“This array is quite complex and will take some time.”

“No problem.”

The avatar secretly breathed a sigh of relief; at least the first step went smoothly.

This array, named the Ten Thousand Miles Azure Nether Array, is a communication spiritual array. Since the avatar resides in Ganlu Zen Temple and the main body is inconvenient to approach, they will use this array for communication. Ganlu Zen Temple certainly has similar secret arts, but only his own would be trustworthy.

Qin Sang had obtained this array at Xuangtian Palace. Its setup requirements were extremely complex, and the required spiritual materials were too valuable, yet it only served for communication and had limited uses, making it quite impractical.

Only Ganlu Zen Temple, with its immense wealth, could afford it.

Next, the three began to discuss the karmic oath.

Mainly, the avatar and Saint King Green Fox debated, with Saint Huiguang occasionally interjecting to maintain fairness.

Qin Sang's objective was to ensure his self-preservation.

Saint King Green Fox largely accepted the avatar's demands, but adamantly insisted on one condition: any promise made to him would be confined to this realm, ensuring no oppression of the weak by the strong until Qin Sang broke through to the Soul Transformation stage.

The oath was agreed upon. An altar was set up, and the oath was sworn.

The ritual for the karmic oath was complex, taking three days to complete.

Three days later, Saint King Green Fox's lips curled slightly. “Have you decided what you want?” The avatar gravely replied, “I wish to examine the Saint King's treasures more closely.”

“Very well!”

Saint King Green Fox smiled broadly, instantly exuding alluring charm.

With a pat of her jade belt, streaks of light shot out like flowing water, hovering in the void between the three, allowing the avatar to choose freely.

The avatar quickly scanned them, revealing a puzzled expression. There was no Spirit Gathering Array.

Saint King Green Fox lazily explained, “The ancient Spirit Gathering Array is hidden in a secret realm in the Eastern Sea. Before deciding whether to move it from the realm or simply tell you its location, I need your preference. Forcibly moving this array carries the risk of damage. Of course, if the Spirit Gathering Array is damaged, I will provide alternative compensation.”

The avatar nodded. Though he didn't reply, he had already made his decision.

He would definitely make Saint King Green Fox move the Spirit Gathering Array. Otherwise, wouldn't he be giving the other party an opportunity to trap him?

He then looked at the treasures before him.

Various rare immortal trees, ancient jade slips, elixirs, and precious artifacts filled his sight, a dazzling array. Their values varied, but each was an extraordinary item in the world.

The avatar secretly marveled at the wealth of Soul Transformation cultivators. He raised his hand, and the spiritual light before him trembled. An item flew out and landed in his palm.

This was a spiritual bamboo, like green jade, only three feet tall, resembling a long flute. Its stalk was perfectly straight, with seven sections, each identical in length and thickness. What was most peculiar was that the bamboo stalk bore no leaves; only at its very top bloomed a crystalline flower.

It was indeed a Seventh-Grade Azure Spirit Bamboo!

Flowering without leaves was the mark of a mature Seventh-Grade Azure Spirit Bamboo. The spiritual flower could be used in medicine, but if the spiritual bamboo was used for artifact refinement, the flower would be refined along with it to enhance its power.

The avatar meticulously examined it, primarily checking if the bamboo was damaged, as the Post-Heaven Wooden Figure Stele required spiritual wood used for spiritual mediums to be intact.

After the inspection, the avatar returned the spiritual bamboo, then beckoned forth a silver flower as large as a disk, a crescent-shaped green fruit, and a tree root entirely covered in nodules…

Saint King Green Fox had preserved them well; they all looked as if freshly picked, vibrant and succulent.

These spiritual herbs and the elixirs in the bottles had various effects. For instance, that green fruit could enhance divine sense, its potency no less than a Blue Sky Ginseng Fruit.

The avatar held the green fruit in his hand, seemingly reluctant to part with it, only returning it after a good while.

Then, he focused on the jade slips, which contained the post-Soul Transformation secret manuals mentioned by Saint King Green Fox, as well as other secret arts.

The Ancient Splendor Scripture, Hundred-Fold Yin Thunder, Four Secret Divine Records…

Indeed, each was a superior human cultivation method.

Especially the Hundred-Fold Yin Thunder, a top-tier secret art of the Profound Water path, which could only be cultivated after reaching the Soul Transformation stage. When refined into Profound Water Yin Thunder and stacked multiple times, its power was not only terrifying but also capable of drawing upon the power of heaven and earth when unleashed, making it difficult for enemies to evade.

It required cultivation of water-elemental cultivation methods, supplemented by pure water-elemental true essence; otherwise, it would be extremely difficult to master.

It was perfectly suited for the avatar.

However, Qin Sang's main body was still uncertain if it could advance to the Soul Transformation stage, and the avatar's prospects were even more distant. No matter how tempting the secret art, he could only reluctantly give it up.

He returned the Hundred-Fold Yin Thunder and picked up another jade slip. Upon seeing the name inscribed on it, his spirits instantly lifted. It was this very technique that ultimately made him decide to take the risk.

The Heavenly Demon Illumination Scripture!

The five large characters entered his sight, followed by the secret art's outline. The jade slip had restrictions, so he could only see a portion of the content, but he still grasped the key to this secret art.

It involved actively drawing in a wisp of demonic nature from an Outer Heavenly Demon, inviting the demon into the body to illuminate the nascent soul.

Finally, he looked at the few artifacts. Although there were no true spirit treasures, there were pseudo-spirit treasures.

After examining each one, the avatar found himself in a dilemma. He wanted the ancient Spirit Gathering Array, the Heavenly Demon Illumination Scripture, and the Seventh-Grade Azure Spirit Bamboo. Additionally, there was the Seven-Star Root, which could serve as a primary ingredient for an elixir recorded in the Panhu True Scripture, used to enhance the Heavenly Eye Butterfly.

However, Saint King Green Fox's compensation, even with the Spirit Suppressing Incense formula, was not enough to acquire everything. As for the piece of Spirit Suppressing Incense itself, he intended to keep it for Liuli.

Saint King Green Fox had been rude first, so he could demand an inflated price. However, since she had offered compensation and he also had to consider Saint Huiguang, who mediated, he couldn't push too far.

After a moment of thought, the avatar said, “I obtained the alchemical legacy of the Water Aspect Hall from the Boundless Immortal Sect. The senior who created the Spirit Suppressing Incense might also have originated from the Boundless Immortal Sect, which could prove helpful in refining the incense.”

Saint King Green Fox's beautiful eyes twinkled as she watched the avatar choose with interest. Hearing his words, she didn't bat an eyelid and said, “Deal.”

“Also, the main ingredients for the Spirit Suppressing Incense, including two Ten Thousand Spirits Fruits…”

Only three Ten Thousand Spirits Fruits remained; he intended to offer two.

Before the avatar could finish, Saint King Green Fox decisively said, “All of them.”

Both sides were eager for the transaction, and the process proceeded smoothly. The avatar took the Heavenly Demon Illumination Scripture and the Seventh-Grade Azure Spirit Bamboo, and requested Saint King Green Fox to relocate the ancient Spirit Gathering Array.

He then used the Ten Thousand Spirits Fruits and other spiritual herbs he had collected earlier to exchange for the Seven-Star Root, and also requested Saint King Green Fox to help him search for the various spiritual herbs required by the Panhu True Scripture and the core spiritual materials for the Taiji Immortal Platform.

As for the Ice-Fire Token, the avatar could collect it gradually.

This action carried the suspicion of aiding an enemy, but Qin Sang did not care how strong his opponents were. As long as he could keep moving forward, he would eventually catch up to and surpass them!

“Once the Ten Thousand Miles Azure Nether Array is refined, I will inform my main body to send the elixir formula and treasures,” the avatar said with a slight bow, then floated down the mountain, returning laden with gains.

They watched the avatar's figure disappear among the mountains.

Saint King Green Fox smiled playfully, “I thought I would have to subtly get him to take the Heavenly Demon Illumination Scripture without drawing suspicion, but he picked it directly. It saved me a lot of trouble.”

Saying this, she turned and glanced at Saint Huiguang. “It is said that Outer Heavenly Demons are external evils drawn by the powerful tribulation and tremors of heaven and earth when cultivators undergo the Void Refinement Heavenly Tribulation, infiltrating during the heart demon tribulation. Cultivators universally dread these demons, yet someone dares to actively draw them in. Old monk, did you really do nothing manipulative? Are you not afraid he'll notice something amiss and discard it?”

Saint Huiguang replied, “This technique is a secret art for the Soul Transformation stage. This humble monk lacks the ability to modify it; any alteration would leave flaws easily detectable. In ancient Buddhism, there were ascetics whose wills were as firm as iron, daring to actively utilize Outer Heavenly Demons to seek out their own spiritual weaknesses, aiming for perfect flawlessness. This scripture thus came into being. However, this scripture places more emphasis on strengthening divine sense, and since one dares not truly summon a Heavenly Demon, its effect on tempering one's nature is greatly diminished.”

“You suspect the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sounds are related to Outer Heavenly Demons?”

Saint King Green Fox clicked her tongue in admiration.

“What a vicious scheme!

That person's divine sense far surpasses others at his stage, even stronger than his own cultivation base. If not a spiritual cultivator, he must still possess profound attainments. Perhaps his divine sense could make an early leap, rivaling that of a Soul Transformation cultivator.

From what I see now, the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sounds seem to be compatible with the Heavenly Dao. Unless he breaks through to the Soul Transformation realm and achieves the communion of heaven and man, even a great increase in divine sense won't allow him to perceive the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sounds.

Breaking through to Soul Transformation would inevitably lead to death by heart demon tribulation.

If he fails to break through, trapped by the bottleneck and at his wit's end, he will surely turn to the Heavenly Demon Illumination Scripture to further strengthen his divine sense, seeking a breakthrough opportunity. When he then draws in a Heavenly Demon, if it's truly as you suspect—that Outer Heavenly Demons are the source of the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sounds—then what he draws in won't be a mere wisp of demonic nature, but the attention of a Heavenly Demon itself!

His sudden demise would then confirm the source of the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sounds.

Even if the changes in this realm are unrelated to Outer Heavenly Demons, this person would have the demonic nature of a Heavenly Demon accompanying him. Should the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sounds continue to strengthen in the future, he would certainly be the first affected; his demonic nature would erupt, and he would undoubtedly die.

Spiritual cultivators are rare in this world, and those who know of the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sounds dare not cultivate this art. Someone like him is exceptionally rare; indeed, no one is more suited for it than him.

Old monk, you truly fear him deeply. If he cannot break through to Soul Transformation, you have no intention of letting him live!”

Saint Huiguang twirled his prayer beads, lowering his gaze in silence.

Saint King Green Fox sighed, “In the past, although I disliked you, I saw you act with grandeur and magnanimity. When have you ever stooped to such petty, underhanded tricks, resorting to such devious schemes?”

Finally, Saint King Green Fox shook her head and remarked, “Such apprehension and hesitation are inevitable. Indeed, having too many ties is not a good thing.”

Far away in Lu Ye of the Northern Barrens.

At this moment, Qin Sang's main body was not cultivating but continuously deducing something. The Boundless Demonic Seal, given to him by Senior Sister Qing Jun, appeared in his mind.

Ever since obtaining this secret art, Qin Sang had harbored an idea, but despite searching throughout the Northern Sea and Central Plains, he had never found any cultivation technique or secret art that could corroborate this thought.

Outer Heavenly Demons, also known as External Form Heavenly Demons, are terrifying entities capable of transforming into a cultivator's inner demons, killing people invisibly.

If inner demons are not born, what about external demons?

Some people died, but not completely…