Chapter 1763: 引蛇出洞

## The Mortal Realm

Deep beneath the Rosy Butterfly Mountain Range, a faint, almost imperceptible fluctuation appeared in Qin Sang’s perception. It vanished in an instant, easily missed with even a slight lapse in attention.

Finally, a reaction!

Qin Sang’s spirits lifted. He focused his full concentration, channeling his secret art, and meticulously searched the location where the fluctuation had appeared.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Qin Sang slowly opened his eyes, thinking to himself, "Is this the seed of the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower?"

He hadn't found the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower itself, but he sensed a peculiar aura at that spot.

It was a crevice deep within the earth.

Even if someone were to delve underground at that moment, they would see nothing unusual.

However, with the aid of his secret art, Qin Sang could perceive that the aura was hidden within a piece of rock and soil next to the crevice, perfectly fused with it.

This was a seed of the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower.

Such was the characteristic of this spirit flower: once mature, it would scatter its seeds in the areas where it moved. At specific times each day, the spirit flower would move freely among its seeds. Only at the precise moment of its movement could it be detected by this secret art.

Qin Sang’s failure to find the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower indicated that it had just moved away. However, he was not discouraged, because even if he had located the flower at that moment, he wouldn't dare harvest it recklessly.

He had to find all the seeds, seal them off, and then dig them out along with the herb to ensure nothing went wrong. Missing even a single seed could allow the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower to escape. If the spirit flower sensed danger in this territory and moved elsewhere, finding it again would be extremely difficult.

Having confirmed the existence of the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower, there was no longer any need to rush.

Qin Sang patiently employed his secret art. Each time the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower moved, it revealed the location of another seed.

Gradually, repetitions began to appear, and the frequency increased. Furthermore, as Qin Sang grew more familiar with the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower, he was able to locate other seeds using the ones he had already locked onto.

By this point, the main body of the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower was also revealed before Qin Sang.

This was a spirit flower that seemed capable of shifting between illusion and reality. Its seeds could be scattered within rocks, in water, or even rooted within other plants. The Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower could exist anywhere, perfectly blending with its environment. Only when it moved into water did Qin Sang see its true form.

It was a four-petaled spirit flower. The color of its petals was not fixed; each time Qin Sang saw it, the colors were different, but always exceptionally vibrant.

Qin Sang expended significant effort to locate and lock onto the spirit flower and all its seeds, ensuring none were missed. Yet, he was not in a hurry to act.

After marking the locations of all the seeds, Qin Sang left the cave-dwelling. His gaze swept across the mountains, and he quietly flew towards one end of the Rosy Butterfly Mountain Range.

The territories of the two great demon marshals, Redtail and Shadowgaze, were situated at opposite ends of the Rosy Butterfly Mountain Range. He was now heading towards Shadowgaze Marshal's Manor.

Qin Sang needed to plan ahead, considering the possibility of exposure, and choose the optimal location and timing for his move.

***

Meanwhile, as Qin Sang was occupied in the Rosy Butterfly Mountain Range, at the border of Ghostfang Nation, two figures descended from the clouds and entered the desolate mountains.

They moved through the mountains and forests, their forms elusive, their aura contained. There was not the slightest disturbance where they passed. Demons who passed them by completely ignored them, as if the two figures didn't exist.

One of them wore a Taoist robe, with a long beard flowing from his chin, exuding an otherworldly, immortal aura. The other, however, was somewhat strange, very different from ordinary people.

This person wore a suit of black armor and had a robust, muscular build. However, his exposed skin was also black. His skin shimmered with a metallic luster, as if it were not flesh and blood but a body forged from some spiritual metal. His movements lacked the lightness of the Taoist, instead conveying a sense of weighty power. His face was also like cast iron, devoid of expression. Anyone meeting his gaze would feel a strong sense of oppression.

He was taciturn, walking half a step behind the Taoist, following without a word. Were it not for his sharp, spirited eyes, he could easily have been mistaken for the Taoist's guardian puppet.

After crossing several mountain peaks, the Taoist looked around, paused for a moment, and said, "Fellow Daoist Mo, we're about to enter the territory of Marquis Liu in the Demon Nation. It's time to contact Fellow Daoist Cuiwei."

The black-skinned stranger remained silent, took out a jade talisman, crushed it, and a flash of spiritual light vanished, emitting invisible fluctuations.

The Taoist briefly sensed and said, "It seems Fellow Daoist Cuiwei isn't nearby. Let's continue forward."

The two resumed their journey. Although they were walking, their speed was unimaginable to ordinary people.

As they traveled, the Taoist remembered something. He took out a scroll painting and handed it to the black-skinned stranger, saying, "This scroll has eight talismans inscribed within it. When all eight are unleashed, they possess the power of confinement. During the upcoming battle with Marquis Liu, Fellow Daoist Mo, hide in the shadows and seize the opportunity to deploy them. They will surely severely injure him."

The black-skinned stranger silently took the scroll, unrolled it, and examined it carefully for a while, then frowned, "Fellow Daoist, you're not confident in capturing Marquis Liu alive?"

He knew how noble the identity of the person in front of him was: an Imperial Censor of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace! In the Taoist Court, an Ascended Profound True Person could oversee a regional altar, considered to have entered the inner circle, yet was only a Fifth-Rank Upper Clarity Grand Master of the Mysterious Capital. Above them were the Fifth-Rank Upper Clarity Immortal Minister of the Imperial Guard, the Fourth-Rank Upper Clarity Imperial Censor of the Mysterious Capital, and then the Fourth-Rank Imperial Censor of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace. Official ranks represented power. This person's status in the Taoist Court was second only to a Grand True Person of the Five Talisman Dharma Rank. If he were to remain in the heartland of the Taoist Court, he would be the master of a Pacifying Command!

Fellow Daoist Cuiwei, whom they were rushing to meet, was also not simple: a Fourth-Rank Nine Heavens Inspector from the Northern Apex Exorcism Academy, half a rank lower than this person.

"Fellow Daoist Cuiwei once engaged that demon marquis in battle, and it's said he didn't gain the upper hand. Who knows what advancements that demon has made over the years? As the saying goes, 'Caution is the parent of safety.' This is within Ghostfang Nation, so it's better to be overly cautious than to make a grave mistake," the Taoist said frankly.

The black-skinned stranger asked in surprise, "Since you're not completely confident, why not invite a senior with higher cultivation to ensure absolute certainty?"

"You mean a Grand True Person?"

The Taoist slowly shook his head, "Grand True Persons must oversee their altars. How can they be lightly moved for such a minor matter?"

However, the black-skinned stranger disagreed with his view, "The two academies of the Taoist Court are working together, setting up various illusions to conceal your tracks, Fellow Daoists. Such painstaking effort indicates that Marquis Liu is very important to you. Given this, why can't a Grand True Person be invited to act to ensure absolute certainty? Fellow Daoist, you don't seem like someone who lacks adaptability."

"It seems Fellow Daoist Mo is sincerely considering the Taoist Court's best interests, and I am deeply comforted," the Taoist said with a slight smile. "Some matters, Fellow Daoist, you will gradually understand later. If a Grand True Person were to arrive here, they would not be able to conceal their aura as we can."

Upon hearing this, the black-skinned stranger's eyes gleamed with curiosity. Seeing that the Taoist was unwilling to elaborate, he didn't press further.

The Taoist continued, "This infiltration into Ghostfang Nation to hunt demons was actually Fellow Daoist Cuiwei's own initiative. Other colleagues didn't agree, and I, too, felt it was a bit too eager for quick success. However, I once owed Fellow Daoist Cuiwei a favor, so I can only accompany him on this risky venture once. Marquis Liu likely wouldn't expect us to dare infiltrate his territory to cause trouble. Fellow Daoist Cuiwei has set up bait to lure the snake out of its hole. If it works, the chances of success are high."

"I'm afraid the bait might be exposed, turning into a trap for us instead," the black-skinned stranger was not optimistic.

"Fellow Daoist Cuiwei has been preparing for this for many years, and the plan is very thorough. I expect no errors. Once the bait is exposed, coupled with the subsequent arrangements, it will certainly disrupt Marquis Liu's territory. As for whether Marquis Liu can be lured out of his manor, that depends on luck." The Taoist explained the plan, then paused and added, "Of course, if we find the situation is impossible, I will advise Fellow Daoist Cuiwei not to take the risk."

The black-skinned stranger seemed convinced and said no more.

The two silently flew through the mountains and forests.

***

Marquis Liu's Manor was as usual at this time. However, Marquis Liu, the master of the manor, was not present.

After transforming into human form, Marquis Liu appeared as a handsome, elegant man in a white robe, distinguished and refined. It was difficult to associate him with the great demon everyone spoke of with dread.

In a wilderness area far from the marquis's manor, several bamboo pavilions were nestled among the mountains, with babbling brooks and dense pine and cypress trees, embodying the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Marquis Liu sat cross-legged on a bamboo couch. Before him was a tea table with fragrant tea, wisps of steam rising from the cups, and the spirit tea emitted a unique aroma. Across from him sat a large man in golden armor.

The golden-armored man's posture was less refined; he sat casually, picked up the spirit tea poured by Marquis Liu, and gulped it down.

Seeing his companion's uncouth manner, Marquis Liu repeatedly shook his head, "This is a rare immortal tea, eagerly sought after by immortal officials of the Taoist Court. For you to drink it like this, brother, is like burning a lute to cook a crane!"

"Immortal tea, my ass! It's not as good as the spirit wine in your manor, brother, which suits my taste better!" The golden-armored man grumbled in disdain, tossed the cup back onto the table, leaned against the bamboo couch, and spoke in a lazy tone, "Brother, are you planning not to return to the manor and just keep hiding out here in the wilderness?"

Marquis Liu replied with a laugh, "Before we gained cultivation, didn't we all roam the wilderness? Brother, has it only been a few years, and you're already unaccustomed?"

"It's not that I mind, brother, but we haven't even seen a shadow of the enemy. Constantly hiding outside and not even daring to return to the manor—it doesn't sound very good when spoken of, and it might invite ridicule," the golden-armored man sighed.

"Losing some face is better than losing one's life!" Marquis Liu's smile vanished. "Such a simple task, yet it went wrong here with me. Losing a major general is one thing, but I'm afraid it might cause the higher-ups' plan to be leaked prematurely. King Yuanming didn't punish me, which means I was lucky, but it's hard to guarantee that humans won't glimpse something, consider me the culprit, and send people to trouble me."

The golden-armored man was startled. He leaned forward and said in a deep voice, "Brother, just how much do you know? The Taoist Court bestows titles on Earth Deities, and since ancient times, they've only helped the Taoist Court guard their homes and courtyards; they haven't seemed to have much significant use. We've learned from humans to establish demon gods; could this secretly hold some profound mystery?"

Unexpectedly, Marquis Liu shook his head, "I only follow orders, so it's impossible for me to know more than you, brother. However, you should remember that the term 'demon god' began circulating a long time ago, and the last plan to probe human reactions was personally spearheaded by King Yuanming. There must be a larger scheme at play by the higher-ups." He paused, then pointed towards the heartland of Ghostfang Nation. "Brother, have you noticed that in recent years, not only King Yuanming but all the other kings have also seemingly vanished without a trace?"

The golden-armored man fell into thought, then hissed, "Now that you mention it, brother, it's true that I haven't heard of any major moves from any of the kings in recent years."

"Precisely!" Marquis Liu said seriously, "Regardless of the truth, we must be vigilant! If King Yuanming is involved in a major undertaking, he might not be able to attend to external affairs. If I am attacked, the Royal Manor might find it difficult to send timely reinforcements. It's better to just hide outside."

The golden-armored man clicked his tongue. "Hearing you say that, brother, I'm getting more and more curious. If the Taoist Court really is sending people to trouble you, as you speculate, then these so-called Earth Deities and Demon Gods might indeed conceal world-shaking secrets!" At this point, he couldn't help but exclaim, "The Taoist Court claims it can summon heavenly soldiers and generals, and the myriad gods of the Milky Way, yet they only dabble with insignificant Earth Deities. I used to scoff at them. Could it be that all those Taoist mythical legends are true?"

"As long as the Taoist Court doesn't dispatch a Grand True Person, if we can manage to capture one of them, we might be able to extract some information." Marquis Liu said calmly.

"Difficult!" The golden-armored man shook his head, "We've fought the Taoist Court for countless years and have even captured their Cavern Profound True Persons. We should have been able to extract information long ago. The true secrets are likely only known to Grand True Persons."

At this moment, Marquis Liu's expression suddenly changed. He reached out and snatched something from the air, and a small, transparent insect appeared in his palm.

"People from the Taoist Court?" The golden-armored man pushed off the table and stood up, his face filled with murderous intent.

"Marshal Eagle was suddenly killed..." Marquis Liu looked puzzled. Marshal Eagle was ranked first among his demon marshals, and his sudden death was an undeniable great loss. But if it was an assassin sent by the Taoist Court, why would they expose themselves prematurely to deal with a mere demon marshal? Marquis Liu was completely baffled. Could they be trying to use Marshal Eagle to lure him out? That seemed far too reckless.

"How many are there?" the golden-armored man pressed.

Marquis Liu hesitated, "It seems there's only one."

The golden-armored man scoffed, "It must be a trap to lure the snake out of its hole. Since there's no aura of a Grand True Person, let's see if they have the ability to swallow us, brothers! Let's go!"

With a flicker, the two demons vanished.

***

At this very moment, Qin Sang was in the Rosy Butterfly Mountain Range, preparing to harvest the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower.

He had successively investigated the manors of the two demon marshals, then left Rosy Butterfly Mountain to delve deeper, surveying the surrounding terrain and the strength of the demon army. He estimated the time it would take for the demon marquis to arrive, ultimately settling on his strategy.

Silently, he had already set up restrictions around all the seeds of the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower.

Qin Sang locked onto the spirit flower's main body, formed a hand seal, his gaze slightly darkened, and he abruptly pressed his hand towards the ground.

***

Meanwhile, northwest of the marquis's manor, only a few hundred li away, True Person Cuiwei was waiting for assistance. Help was on its way.

However, at this moment, he was staring at the corpse of a giant black eagle at his feet, his face ashen. He had concealed himself here, quietly awaiting the opportune moment, believing his plan was flawless. Being in an enemy nation, he dared not recklessly release his spiritual sense. He didn't know what divine ability this demon eagle had used, but it had suddenly appeared and intruded.

The demon eagle was extremely astute. Realizing something was wrong, it immediately attempted to send out a warning signal. In his haste, True Person Cuiwei had no choice but to strike and kill the demon eagle. Unfortunately, he hadn't been quick enough to prevent the warning.

This plan had failed before it even began!

True Person Cuiwei could already sense the demon marquis's aura rapidly approaching him. What alarmed him was that there wasn't just one aura!

At the marquis's manor at this moment, a Taoist quietly arrived, glanced northward, a slight smirk playing on his lips. He flicked his finger, and a ray of sword light shot from his fingertip, heading straight for the marquis's manor.