Chapter 1834: Unexpected Encounter

**The Mortal World**

The thunderclouds dissipated, and he was no more. All that remained after the heavenly tribulation was a stretch of ruins.

Master Qi's disciples flew to the tribulation site, where they knelt and wept bitterly. Qin Sang, too, was filled with emotion. After offering his respects, Qin Sang took out a token and gave it to Master Qi's eldest disciple. "Should you face difficulties in the future," he said, "use this token to seek assistance from Sword Heart Island. If your adversary is too strong, remember to endure for a time; this humble Taoist will personally ensure justice for you."

Before the tribulation, Master Qi had requested Qin Sang to look after his descendants, and Qin Sang had assented. For minor disputes, the Sword Servants would suffice. If Master Qi's lineage were to incur significant karmic repercussions, implicating the Sword Master would be undesirable. Qin Sang would personally resolve such matters upon his return.

"Thank you, Senior, for your gracious protection."

The disciples prostrated themselves in gratitude.

"Master Qi was highly esteemed. As inheritors of his legacy, you must be diligent and disciplined. Conduct yourselves well."

Qin Sang drifted away, his voice fading into the distance.

Returning to Sword Heart Island, Qin Sang entrusted the matter to the Sword Servants, then entered his cave mansion and summoned the Mingshan Armor for a thorough examination. This precious armor was the culmination of Master Qi's life's work. The armor itself possessed no extraordinary abilities; its design focused on extreme defense. Its power lay in the integration of true treasure fragments into its very structure. The armor was seamless, with every part benefiting from the embedded true treasure fragments. While the combined power couldn't compare to the fragments themselves, it rendered the armor exceptionally robust. Most importantly, Qin Sang could, at will, re-condense the true treasure fragments at any point on the armor to protect vital areas. Its designation as 'treasure armor' was by no means an exaggeration!

Nieyuan.

Two figures, one tall and one short, were speeding through the mountain ranges. The taller figure was clad in purple armor, complementing his purple hair and even his purple eyes, which emitted an eerie violet glow. The other, only reaching the purple-armored figure's waist, had a hunched back that made him appear even frailer. A long, scorpion-like tail trailed behind him, its hook glinting menacingly. By appearance, this individual seemed to be the purple-armored figure's subordinate; however, the purple-armored figure consistently stayed half a step behind.

As they sped along, the shorter figure glanced left and right, seemingly searching for something. The purple-armored figure, however, remained fixed, his vibrant purple eyes growing increasingly luminous. Through the intensifying purple light, one could faintly discern a world seemingly contained within the purple-armored figure's pupils. Within, shadows of mountains and rivers, with lifelike vegetation, could be seen. A closer look revealed that the mountain at the center of the purple pupils was the very range they were currently traversing; the world within the pupils was, in fact, a reflection of the real one. Evidently, the purple-armored figure was employing a divine ability, using himself as the focal point to encompass the surrounding world within his purple pupils, revealing every blade of grass and tree in perfect detail. Through this extraordinary ocular technique, nothing in their surroundings escaped the purple-armored figure's perception; even subtle changes in aura were within his grasp. The shorter figure occasionally employed investigative divine abilities as well, though his primary role was vigilance, constantly guarding against unseen dangers.

"Daoist friend, you've been searching with your Violet Heaven Eye for so long with no results. It seems our target isn't in this direction, and this great achievement is not meant for us..."

The shorter figure's expression gradually relaxed. He smacked his lips, and his tone conveyed a hint of disappointment. The purple-armored figure, taciturn by nature, remained unaffected by the shorter figure's words and continued his diligent search. The shorter figure, well aware of the purple-armored figure's disposition, took no offense and continued to ramble to himself.

Just as he was speaking, the purple-armored figure abruptly halted, a deep glow flickering in his eyes as he fixed his gaze on the northern mountains. Upon seeing his actions, the shorter figure instantly understood. His expression darkened, and he roared, "Who's there?! Show yourself!"

Meanwhile.

To the north of the two demons, in a mountain cave, Qin Sang sat cross-legged, his brow furrowed. After concluding Master Qi's posthumous affairs, Qin Sang had set off from Jushan Province, choosing a route that veered towards the Daoist Court, deeming it safer. While in Jushan Province, he had made rough inquiries about the situation, learning that although friction between the Daoist Court and the Ghost Kingdom had been ongoing for years, these had merely been minor skirmishes. For instance, a few years prior, the Daoist Court had launched a swift, lightning-fast strike, sweeping away all demon temples around Zhongmao Province and Baishi Province. The demon gods in northern Jushan Province, fearing for their safety, abandoned their temples and believers, hastily fleeing back to the Ghost Kingdom. However, the Daoist Court did not press their advantage, appearing to use it merely as a warning. They soon withdrew their forces and did not deploy troops for garrison duty. Nevertheless, after this lesson, Nieyuan, originally dominated by demon gods, developed clear boundaries. Even if demon gods crossed into the territory, they no longer dared to be as blatant as before. Qin Sang's chosen route was on the western side of the boundary, and he had encountered no danger throughout his journey. Yet, as he neared Jushan Province's administrative center, he sensed that the atmosphere felt amiss. Soon after, his Sky-Eye Butterfly detected two potent demonic auras approaching from a distance. Unsure of their intent, Qin Sang refrained from rash actions and concealed himself on the spot.

Following the shout.

The two demonic auras rapidly closed in. Qin Sang knew there was no escaping; his presence had been revealed! Qin Sang's expression darkened. How he was exposed was irrelevant; demonic cultivators' bloodlines always possessed some bizarre divine abilities. What perplexed and concerned him was what upheaval had occurred in Nieyuan that allowed two Demon Marquises to openly cross the border with such impunity. Neither the Snake Demon nor the Jackal Demon had sent any warnings. Throughout the first half of his journey, Qin Sang hadn't noticed any signs; this was very likely a sudden development!

As the adversaries drew closer, Qin Sang's thoughts raced. He made a swift decision, and lightning flared behind him as he summoned his Phoenix Wings. The Phoenix Wings clung tightly to his back, their azure radiance illuminating the entire cave. Then, Qin Sang proactively pushed open the stone door, stepped out, and looked up at the two streaks of light hurtling towards him.

"Huh?"

A light exclamation emerged from within the streaks of light. The two demons landed on the mountain peaks to Qin Sang's left and right, forming a pincer movement. One was at the mid-stage of the Soul Transformation realm, while the purple-armored figure was at the early stage.

Qin Sang concealed the cold glint in his eyes, displaying a perfectly timed expression of confusion. He cupped his hands and asked, "Are you calling for me, fellow Daoists?"

The two demons scrutinized Qin Sang, their eyes lingering on the Phoenix Wings on his back before they exchanged glances. This fellow's demonic aura was pure, and the Phoenix Wings couldn't possibly be fake. This only proved he was a demon cultivator. Many demon cultivators had pledged allegiance to the Daoist Court, willingly serving Daoists, making them enemies of the Ghost Kingdom.

The shorter figure questioned in a deep voice, "What is your origin? Why are you here?"

Qin Sang instantly flicked his sleeve and snorted. "Fellow Daoists," he said coldly, "you've forced me out of my cave dwelling without provocation. Shouldn't you first identify yourselves?"

The shorter figure's eyes flashed with a cold light. Qin Sang met his gaze without fear. After a moment, the shorter figure raised his right palm and materialized an object. "We serve under King Lingyue," he stated, "and are on an important mission. We require you to answer a few questions. If there's nothing amiss, we will not trouble you further."

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang immediately adopted a fawning expression. "Ah, so it is a special envoy from the Upper Kingdom," he said. "This humble one serves as the Grand Tutor of the Azure Kite Kingdom. I was indeed blind earlier; I hope the envoy will not take offense." As he spoke, Qin Sang pulled out a large seal from his sleeve and brandished it towards the two demons. Both the Grand Tutor's seal and his identity were, of course, fabricated. Qin Sang had traveled between the administrative center and Jushan Province numerous times, well aware that venturing out too often at night would inevitably lead to trouble. Thus, he had instructed the Snake Demon to use wealth to gather intelligence on the Ghost Kingdom's internal affairs. After gaining a general understanding of the major demon kings' influence and rivalries, he had prepared a variety of countermeasures. King Lingyue's fiefdom, located at the extreme north of Gangshan Province, on the northern border of the Ghost Kingdom, had always maintained a low profile. His Demon Marquises were not well-known, as they rarely appeared in public, being individuals who stayed out of worldly affairs. This identity of Qin Sang's was perfectly suited to dealing with them. Such a disguise couldn't guarantee 100% success, but if it could lower their hostility, Qin Sang would have an opportunity to escape.

The shorter figure continued to size up Qin Sang, somewhat surprised that this fellow, despite his considerable cultivation, was content to languish in a demon kingdom. However, such cases were not unheard of; some old cultivators preferred to hide within demon kingdoms as carefree nobles rather than involve themselves in conflicts.

"I ask you, what are you doing here?" The shorter figure's gaze was piercing.

"I often venture deep into Nieyuan to hunt fierce beasts. Not long ago, I pursued one, unknowingly straying far from my path. Having lost my target, I was just about to return to the capital. If I have caused any offense, I will depart immediately..." Qin Sang quickly fabricated a story.

The two demons' expressions slightly relaxed, but their vigilance remained. The shorter figure looked at the purple-armored figure, whose eyes glowed brightly. After a moment, he subtly shook his head. After a brief deliberation, the shorter figure said, "If that's the case, this matter should be unrelated to you. However, it must be reported to our superiors. You will accompany us to meet Fellow Daoist Fu to verify your identity, after which you will be free to leave."

"May I inquire who this Fellow Daoist Fu is?" Qin Sang asked, his brow deeply furrowed in vigilance.

"Are you unaware of King Lingyue's foremost expert? Given Fellow Daoist Fu's esteemed status, and since he acts on the King's decree, he will not harm the innocent. Rest assured," the shorter figure scoffed at Qin Sang's apparent timidity.

"Ah, it's the renowned Marquis Fu. Of course, I trust him."

Qin Sang breathed a sigh of relief, and with an unchanged expression, he ascended into the sky. The two demons also activated their escape lights, speeding ahead and allowing Qin Sang to follow behind. For a moment, they seemed to become familiar with each other, and the tense atmosphere dissipated.

"I wonder how much further we need to travel to meet Marquis Fu?"

Qin Sang followed for a while, noticing that the two demons continued to search aimlessly without any intention of leaving, so he couldn't help but ask. The shorter figure replied without turning his head, "Don't worry, Fellow Daoist Fu is to the south. We will take you to him once we finish searching this vicinity."

Qin Sang's eyes flickered. Throughout the journey, he had subtly tried to glean information, but unfortunately, the two demons were tight-lipped, and he still had no clear idea what upheaval had occurred. Nevertheless, through his persistent questioning, he did manage to glean some information. For instance, there were more than three Demon Marquises in the vicinity; King Lingyue's top experts had almost all been dispatched, fanning out over a large area, searching for something. If all the Demon Marquises were here, where was King Lingyue? The thought sent a chill down Qin Sang's spine. He had to escape quickly; he absolutely could not be taken to meet Marquis Fu! His disguised identity could only deceive them temporarily and wouldn't withstand close scrutiny. If he were brought before a Demon King, there would be nowhere to hide. But the two demons were tenacious, and escaping them would not be easy.

A murderous glint flashed in Qin Sang's eyes as he weighed his options. His tone remained casual: "I wonder what you two fellow Daoists are searching for? Though I am of limited ability, I possess a few divine powers that might be of some assistance."

At this, the purple-armored figure seemed somewhat swayed. His constant use of the Violet Heaven Eye was draining, and having someone to share the burden, taking turns in the search, would greatly ease his task. However, though the other party's aura was distinctly different from their target, his identity remained unverified, making him untrustworthy. The purple-armored figure opened his mouth, about to speak, when his expression abruptly changed.

Without warning, an incredibly terrifying aura suddenly erupted from behind him. The worldly pressure contained within this aura was even more formidable than what he had experienced when facing Marquis Fu! As the worldly pressure descended, the two demons' minds reeled. They had never fully trusted Qin Sang and had remained wary, but they had utterly failed to anticipate such terrifying pressure from him. Qin Sang had long since merged with his Dharma Aspect. At this moment, it erupted with overwhelming force. Even Xiahou, a late-stage Soul Transformation cultivator, would be intimidated, let alone the two demons before him.

As the worldly pressure enveloped the two demons, a chilling wind surged from Qin Sang's sleeves, and his body charged forward almost in tandem with it. The chilling wind shot directly towards the purple-armored figure. Although the two demons maintained some distance from Qin Sang, it was negligible. Four Teng Snakes, baring their fangs and brandishing their claws, instantly enveloped the purple-armored figure, spewing frigid flames. The terrifying cold seemed to freeze the void, while blazing black fires also erupted. Simultaneously, Qin Sang brushed past the purple-armored figure, moving with astonishing speed directly towards the shorter individual.

Next, a black sphere was seen bulging from the shorter demon's hunched back. The sphere exploded, transforming into a screen of gray mist that enveloped Qin Sang. A flash of lightning streaked across Qin Sang's vision, and the scorpion tail instantly neared him, its hook emitting a dangerous, cold glint. They had dared to bring Qin Sang with them, so they couldn't have been entirely unprepared. However, they had utterly failed to anticipate Qin Sang's sudden, fiercely aggressive assault. Facing the scorpion tail at such close range, Qin Sang paid it no heed. His Dharma Aspect and the power of the Great Vajra Wheel Seal activated simultaneously. Clad in the Mingshan Armor, he unleashed all his defensive measures without reservation.

With a 'thud,' the tail hook slammed into the side of Qin Sang's neck, but it couldn't even pierce the armor, and the scorpion tail was immediately flung back. Qin Sang's body merely swayed, his forward momentum utterly undiminished. Blood thorns emerged from his palm as he slammed it against the encroaching gray mist.

'Boom!'

A large hole was instantly blasted through the gray mist. Qin Sang was on the verge of breaking through the mist.

At this moment, the shorter figure was utterly terrified. Its two formidable divine abilities had not only failed to harm Qin Sang in the slightest but also couldn't even delay him for a moment. In its terror, the shorter figure frantically attempted to shatter the jade bracelet on its right wrist. But the instant this thought arose, sword light crisscrossed above its head, descending from the sky, and boundless killing intent assailed its mind. The Seven Souls Slaughter Formation!

Qin Sang's gaze narrowed. His forward momentum intensified by a third as he reached out, seized the scorpion tail, and yanked it back with force. His Blood Energy Seal then blasted out with full power. He had previously noticed the jade bracelet flickering, and during such instances, the shorter figure's escape speed would slow. He had paid attention to this artifact. Qin Sang suspected it was a communication artifact and had planned in advance to prevent the demon from shattering it.

From Qin Sang's sudden assault until now, only an instant had passed. The two demons never could have imagined that, despite being two against one, they would be so utterly overwhelmed and rendered powerless. By the time the shorter figure realized the danger and attempted to shatter the jade bracelet to raise an alarm, it was already too late!

'Thump!'

Qin Sang's palm slammed into the shorter figure's nape. The blood thorns pierced a bloody hole in its body. This palm strike, imbued with the full power of the Great Vajra Wheel Seal, caused the shorter figure to instantly gush blood, its spine shattering. Almost simultaneously, the killing sword descended, striking the demon directly on its crown, ending its life with a single blow!

Qin Sang's hand shot out like lightning, seizing the vibrating jade bracelet. Just as he was about to seal it, his expression suddenly changed, and he stared intently at the shorter figure's corpse. As the demon's life force faded, a peculiar ripple spread outwards, dissipating into the void.