Chapter 1714: Dragon Whale Great Sage

## The Human World

The avatar rested for several days in his cave dwelling. As before, he frequented places like the Ganlu Zen Temple's Sutra Depository, eagerly perusing numerous ancient texts in search of enlightenment. Some of these texts, though seemingly unrelated to cultivation, contained profound meanings that could only be grasped upon reaching a certain spiritual realm. High-level cultivators invariably underwent this process. Legend had it that some individuals of extraordinary talent didn't even need to travel or rely on treasures, achieving enlightenment in a single moment.

The avatar’s public identity was Daoist Qingfeng, still considered a newly advanced Grand Cultivator. It would have been abnormal for Ganlu Zen Temple not to extend him great convenience. No one, including the Venerable Monks of Ganlu Zen Temple, suspected the avatar's true intentions, nor could anyone have imagined that Qin Sang's true self had already broken through to the Soul Transformation stage!

He aimed to find body cultivation secret arts similar to the 'Seven Master Buddha Seals' in the Sutra Depository and also wished to investigate the origin of the jade Buddha. Ganlu Zen Temple was the foremost Buddhist sect in this realm; if the answers weren't here, he feared the mystery of the jade Buddha could only be solved in the Upper Realm. Unfortunately, after examining all the Buddhist scriptures collected by Ganlu Zen Temple, he found no Buddha or Bodhisattva that corresponded to the jade Buddha.

Of course, the avatar's more important purpose for this trip was to investigate the movements of Venerable Huiguang. Unable to find a proper reason to visit Venerable Huiguang at Little Fangcun Mountain for now, the avatar started from the lower ranks, actively seeking out other high-ranking monks, chatting about various topics, and discussing the Dao. Through subtle probing and information gathered from various sources, the avatar confirmed that Venerable Huiguang had last appeared seventy years ago.

Seventy years ago, when the Three Sects Alliance was newly established and a grand celebration was held, Venerable Huiguang made a majestic display. The Azure Fox Saint King attended as an observer, impressing and subjugating all the various sects of the three traditions. Since then, those at the Soul Transformation stage had vanished without a trace. It was said that Ganlu Zen Temple had proactively ceded interests in the alliance pact, and even Eight Wonders Pagoda and Sky-High Tower, which had previously been at loggerheads with them, were now in complete accord. Those intending to sow discord found no opportunity to intervene. During this period, some people had mysteriously disappeared. Other sects and forces either tacitly approved or joined, so there was naturally no need for Soul Transformation cultivators to show themselves.

After understanding the rules of the Three Sects Alliance, the avatar could confirm that, given no more Soul Transformation cultivators could emerge in this realm, it would be difficult for the cultivation world to fall into chaos unless a certain sect sharply declined or irreconcilable conflicts arose among the three major sects, leading to the forceful tearing up of the alliance pact. After this, Ganlu Zen Temple seemed to make no further special moves that would indicate Venerable Huiguang's involvement.

"Are they so impatient that they have already crossed east to the Void Sea?" Just as the avatar was contemplating what reason to use to meet Venerable Huiguang to confirm this matter, news unexpectedly arrived first from the East Sea. The East Sea demon race was in turmoil!

In Central State, human cultivators mostly concentrated on land, and their power in the East Sea was relatively weak. This was still due to a tacit understanding between the two races, with demons rarely infringing on their borders, a result of many years of recuperation and growth. Legend has it that when humanity was in decline, the East Sea, North Sea, and South Sea were all demon territories; demon beasts roamed along the coast, beast tides frequently surged towards the land, preying on humans, and no one dared venture out to sea. To this day, the sea areas controlled by humans were only a negligible portion, roughly divided into three layers based on the distribution of islands. The outermost layer was undoubtedly the most dangerous, being close to demon territories, yet also where demon beasts were most frequently encountered. Cultivators confident in their strength would come here to hunt demons, and the same applied to the other side. No one was sure whether they were the prey or the hunter, hence this place was also known as the "hunting grounds of the two races."

Directly east of Northern Barrens, in the vast expanse of the sea, a solitary figure was riding the clouds above the sea, flying neither fast nor slow, without any concealment. This act was no different from seeking death. This place had already entered the hunting grounds; demon hunters were always cautious, either calling friends or concealing their aura and form. No one had ever seen such an arrogant person. If a group of powerful demons were attracted, this person would surely die without a burial place. What was strange, however, was that even after this person entered the depths of the hunting grounds, no demon beast attacked him.

Inside the hunting grounds, two figures flew out from an unnamed small island. Both were actually Nascent Soul Old Ancestors, yet they faced west, standing in the void with respectful expressions, as if welcoming a significant figure, showing no impatience despite waiting for a long time. Finally, a figure appeared from the west, and the two showed joy on their faces, hurriedly going forward to greet him, "Greetings, Master!" The newcomer was none other than Qin Sang's true self.

Back on the island, when Qin Sang inquired about the East Sea demon race, the two replied, "Reporting to Master, we followed your instructions and infiltrated the demon race multiple times, secretly helping Long Yi, Long Er, and the others clear obstacles and establish a foothold in the East Sea. Long Yi and Long San even infiltrated under a demon king. The demon race is indeed in internal turmoil, without a doubt..." Long Yi and Long Er were the names Qin Sang gave to several Earthbound Dragons. Listening to the detailed report from the Nether Moon Guard, Qin Sang pondered in silence.

According to the information relayed by Long Yi and other demons, the warring factions in the internal conflict were the Saint King Palace and a portion of powerful demon races led by the Dragon Whale Grand Saint. The Dragon Whale was still called "Grand Saint," indicating he had not yet reached Soul Transformation. Yet these demon races, without a Soul Transformation expert, dared to challenge the Saint King Palace! Even stranger was that even after the Dragon Whale Grand Saint started his rebellion for so long, he was not only not suppressed by the Azure Fox Saint King, but the Saint King Palace was gradually shrinking its sphere of influence. Qin Sang recalled that the Azure Fox Saint King had once said she didn't care about the life or death of her close associates, but to endure such humiliation was too strange.

Deep in the East Sea, the sky and sea merged into one color. On the boundless blue sea, a white line suddenly appeared from the north, sweeping across with astonishing speed, surging magnificently with a force capable of crushing mountains. A closer look revealed that the white line was actually a monstrous wave a thousand zhang high. Amidst the waves, shadowy figures flickered in and out of sight, undulating in the water. Even without seeing the full extent of these shadows, just from their visible backs, one could tell how massive their bodies were. Their backs were slender and elongated, shaped like fish. In fact, these were Dragon Whales, notorious in the East Sea. It was rumored that Dragon Whales were short-tempered; their roars could be heard a thousand li away, and all demons retreated wherever they passed. Now, the whale pack was on the move, yet there were no roars; all silently surged through the water, only the deafening roar of the waves.

Behind the whale pack, a massive dark silhouette closely followed. The shadow was cuboid, its surface covered with a layer of black cloth from which black ropes extended, tied to the tails of the whales, being dragged forward by the whale pack. The black cloth was soft, seemingly made of a peculiar spiritual water. As it sped along, the black cloth fluttered in the air, yet completely concealed what was inside, preventing any trace of aura from leaking out.

In front of the whale pack, a burly man sat atop the lead Dragon Whale. The burly man had a broad nose and wide mouth, straddling the Dragon Whale's back, as stern as a mountain; any word describing strength could be generously applied to him. He was currently closing his eyes in a doze. Suddenly, the burly man seemed to sense something and abruptly opened his bell-like eyes, his gaze like two bolts of lightning splitting the void, causing the sunlight on the sea surface to dim for an instant. Where the burly man looked, a faint mist rose from the sea surface. Compared to the surging waves, this wisp of mist appeared so frail and insignificant. Yet the burly man's pupils contracted to pinpricks. The next moment, light and shadow shifted within the mist, and a phantom figure emerged faintly.

The instant he saw the phantom figure, the burly man suddenly leaped up, raised both arms, and let out a long howl to the sky. A whale song that suppressed the sound of the waves, but it was not ethereal and resonant, rather sharp and filled with malevolence. Hearing the howl, the whale pack halted abruptly, their forward surge coming to a complete stop. 'Boom!' The thousand-zhang tall wave crashed down. Immediately after, sharp roars, accompanied by jets of water, shot straight into the sky. The whale pack suddenly scattered, forming a whale formation, but left a large area in the center empty for the burly man, arrayed in a protective formation. At the same time, the whales exerted force together, and the massive dark silhouette behind them lifted high, settling steadily above the forest-like water columns, suspended in mid-air.

The figure in the mist seemed oblivious to the whales arrayed for battle, showing no reaction, gradually revealing its outline within the mist. This person was sitting cross-legged, with a black fire lotus beneath him. The fire lotus supported him, slowly rising from the sea surface, appearing extraordinarily frail compared to any Dragon Whale, yet daring to stand in front of the whale pack. The whales stopped because of him, as if facing a formidable enemy! His face was not yet clear; he seemed to be wearing a cyan Daoist robe, with long hair falling behind him. Even though such a person had appeared there, yet once the Dragon Whales closed their eyes, they sensed nothing unusual, as if that person had merged with the heavens and earth.

The burly man stared intently at the mist, let out a furious roar, his bones crackling within his body, and his stature rapidly expanded. In an instant, a mountain-like dark silhouette appeared on the sea surface, also a Dragon Whale, but its aura and size were incomparable to other Dragon Whales, like the difference between a tall mountain and a small hill. The burly man was precisely the East Sea's foremost Grand Saint — the Dragon Whale Grand Saint! He was defiant towards the Saint King Palace and personally led his subordinates into battle, unexpectedly encountering a mysterious person.

'Splash!' The Dragon Whale Grand Saint revealed his true form; a slight flick of his whale tail generated massive waves. His massive mouth opened wide, and he roared furiously, "You Daoist, state your name! This King has no grievances with you, why do you block my path!" The other party did not reply. Only the faint mist undulated. The silhouette gradually became clearer. The Dragon Whale Grand Saint's gaze was drawn to the black lotus beneath the phantom figure; his massive eyes suddenly narrowed, and his whale tail forcefully slapped the sea surface. The whales received their command, and their roars rose and fell. They were seen tensing their bodies, forcefully pulling the long ropes attached to their tails. The dark silhouette in the air swayed, and with a 'whoosh,' the black cloth was lifted, revealing an iron cage inside, within which lay a blood-colored skeleton.

The skeleton had been stripped of flesh and blood, yet it was dripping with fresh crimson, having been constantly steeped in blood. The skeleton was complete, its skull long and pointed, with blood coagulated in its eye sockets, making it appear even more sinister. Judging by its outline, this was likely the remains of another Dragon Whale. 'Clanking...' The ropes tightened, and the iron cage swayed. As the black cloth was lifted, a bloody aura immediately soared into the sky, a terrifying malevolent aura filled this space, as if a fierce beast was about to awaken, causing great dread. This aura was connected to the whale pack and the Dragon Whale Grand Saint, emitting an astonishing pressure from the whale pack, pointing far ahead.

Not until the Dragon Whale Grand Saint summoned the skeleton did the person in the mist seem to show interest. He slightly raised his head, sizing up the skeleton in the iron cage, and a soft chuckle was heard: "Is this what you rely on?" The casual tone infuriated the Dragon Whale Grand Saint. He roared, "Don't be so arrogant! You Daoist, having fortunately achieved Soul Transformation, yet not thinking of ascending, dare you come to the East Sea to cause trouble? Are you not afraid of having no return, and ruining your thousand years of bitter cultivation! All ninety-nine of this King's sons are here. Once this King orders my sons to reverse their qi and blood, self-destruct their bodies, and awaken the Chaotic Frenzy Whale, you will surely leave severely injured, and your path to ascension severed..."

The other party, confident in his cultivation, had made no attempt to conceal himself. The Dragon Whale Grand Saint had already confirmed that the opponent was a human Soul Transformation cultivator. His threat contained exaggerated elements, but he wasn't merely putting on a brave front. Daring to challenge the Saint King Palace, the Dragon Whale Grand Saint naturally had his own reliance. The iron cage could open at any moment, and a surge of bloody aura continuously circulated within the skeleton; with each circulation, the skeleton's blood-red color intensified slightly. Besides this, he had already secretly sent messages to his allies. His allies were not far from here. Although they suspected that the Azure Fox Saint King had already ascended to the east, out of caution, after the rebellion began, whenever they left their cave dwellings, they brought their sons as attendants and traveled in groups.

As the roar left his mouth, the Dragon Whale Grand Saint also saw the face of the figure in the mist clearly; his expression suddenly froze, and he gasped in surprise: "It's you?" "You know me?" Qin Sang revealed his true appearance from the mist, looking at the Dragon Whale Grand Saint. The Dragon Whale Grand Saint's gaze flickered uncertainly, and he said coldly: "How could this King not recognize the famous Fire Demon?"

During the Battle of the Unfettered Immortal Gate, the Fire Demon had forcefully resisted the Demon Race Saint King, and a single firebird attack annihilated the Saint King's illusionary body. This was not only widely discussed by humans but also spread among the East Sea demon race. The Dragon Whale Grand Saint had always been rebellious and was most concerned about the movements of the Azure Fox Saint King, so he naturally investigated this matter in detail. Upon learning that the Azure Fox Saint King had provoked such a powerful enemy, the Dragon Whale Grand Saint felt a sense of schadenfreude and even considered contacting Qin Sang to jointly resist the Saint King. However, Qin Sang remained secluded in Luye and did not emerge. The Dragon Whale Grand Saint also couldn't spare too much energy, so he temporarily put the matter aside. He had never imagined that after more than a hundred years, this person would reappear and would no longer be of their generation! Rumors said that although this person's demonstrated strength at the Unfettered Immortal Gate was formidable, it was due to powerful divine abilities and treasures, and his cultivation might have only recently broken through to the late Nascent Soul stage. The Dragon Whale Grand Saint then thought of himself, who had been trapped by the Soul Transformation bottleneck for over a thousand years alone, and couldn't help but feel depressed.

"I never expected that Fellow Daoist would achieve the Venerable Monarch status in such a short time; this King must express his admiration!" Confirming Qin Sang's identity, the Dragon Whale Grand Saint's tone couldn't help but soften. Since this person was the Fire Demon, it was impossible for him to ally with the Azure Fox Saint King. The enemy of my enemy is my friend! Back then, the Fire Demon had nearly perished at the hands of the demon fox; he didn't believe the Fire Demon could simply swallow his pride. After enduring humiliation and finally reaching Soul Transformation, would he not seek revenge? If this person could be won over, their grand plan could succeed!

Qin Sang keenly noticed the change in the Dragon Whale Grand Saint's tone and also smiled, "It seems Grand Saint has already guessed this humble Daoist's intention." The Dragon Whale Grand Saint transformed back into his human form, gave Qin Sang a deep look, his throat rumbled, and he let out a low, ambiguous growl. Behind him, the whale pack fell into disarray; like hungry tigers, the whales pounced on the encircling Shark Guard, instantly turning this sea area into a bloody mess, leaving only the Dragon Whale Grand Saint. The Dragon Whale Grand Saint said coldly, "Venerable Monarch likely doesn't wish to reveal his whereabouts for now, does he? My sons here can be trusted."

On an unnamed demon island, the Dragon Whale Grand Saint sat on a high chair. Below him sat two rows of demon kings, all allies who had joined the rebellion. Because of a single remark made by a general under the Dragon Whale Grand Saint just now, the demons were arguing incessantly. "We still can't confirm if that vixen has truly ascended," one said, "forcing the Saint King Palace into a decisive battle with us now, wouldn't that be pushing her to desperate measures?" Another chimed in, "Exactly! We followed Grand Saint because that vixen was too tyrannical, monopolizing several sacred lands. Now that the Saint King Palace's forces are retreating steadily and the sacred lands are within our grasp, why complicate matters further?" The Dragon Whale Grand Saint quietly watched the demons argue.