Chapter 1992: Shang Master Yue

The Heavenly River Reverse Killing Array.

It sounds related to the Nine Heavens Galaxy, so it naturally utilizes the power of the stars.

Unlike the North Palace Southern Dipper Soul Refining Talisman that True Master Xingqiong used back then, employing a killing array to channel stellar essence into the body would undoubtedly carry certain risks. However, if there were no other options, and with no choice, Qin Sang could only risk trying it.

Qin Sang patiently listened as the other party described the characteristics of the Heavenly River Reverse Killing Array.

The other party didn't conceal their desire for "The Cycle of Life and Death Reversed." In such situations, everyone was shrewd, making further unnecessary actions redundant.

Old Man Guyun, listening in, became increasingly certain that this person was Old Demon Zhen of the Myriad Loa Dao.

"This old demon lives on Myriad Loa Island. Although he is a demonic cultivator, he maintains an ambiguous relationship with the demonic path. It is said that the Myriad Loa Island's cultivation technique, 'The Deep Thirst Scripture,' is strange and perverse, and his temper is volatile, making other demonic cultivators reluctant to deal with him."

"The Cycle of Life and Death Reversed" was useless to Qin Sang, so he was naturally willing to exchange it for the Heavenly River Reverse Killing Array. However, Old Demon Zhen's conditions were frowned upon.

How could he hand over "The Cycle of Life and Death Reversed" without seeing the Heavenly River Reverse Killing Array first?

If it were a reputable sect like Jitian Sect, there would be a certain level of trustworthiness. However, these demonic cultivators were perverse and arrogant, making them utterly untrustworthy.

The trade fair was still ongoing, with streams of spiritual senses arriving one after another. It was not convenient to discuss details at this moment, so Qin Sang said, "Friend, which peak are you staying at? After the trade fair, I will personally come to visit."

Old Demon Zhen remained silent for a moment, then said, "Brown Peak."

Old Man Guyun knew this peak and said, "Brown Peak is located in the northernmost part of the city. This old demon is indeed reclusive."

After dealing with Old Demon Zhen, Qin Sang contacted others to discuss terms.

Both sides were interested and decisive, so agreements were often finalized within a few rounds. Qin Sang ultimately sold two spirit treasures and did not exchange them for other spirit treasures; instead, he acquired top-tier spiritual materials.

Spirit treasures valued quality over quantity, and Qin Sang was more interested in refining and improving his own.

Then it was Old Man Guyun's turn.

As dawn approached, the trade fair drew to a close.

Thanks to Old Man Guyun's auspicious words, Qin Sang's harvest was indeed abundant, and he felt more confident about improving treasures like the Bright Mountain Armor.

"The trade fair is over. Fellow Daoists, please return."

The host only uttered this final sentence, and then there was no more sound. The luminous orbs in the mist extinguished one by one, and darkness once again enveloped the space.

A moment later, Qin Sang felt his body lighten, and light reappeared in his vision as he was "spat" out by the lantern.

The Flower Infant made a face at them, then climbed back into the flower's heart, and the flower bud closed.

In an instant, Qin Sang could no longer perceive the Flower Infant's presence; it had completely vanished.

Looking around, they found themselves on a vine bridge at the foot of a certain mountain. The surroundings had changed drastically; it was no longer the same mountain as before.

Unbeknownst to them, they had been teleported to another location.

The ease with which these Void Refinement cultivators were relocated was partly due to their lack of resistance, but it also demonstrated the host's formidable control over the city.

No wonder no one had ever dared to cause trouble during previous trade fairs.

Qin Sang sighed inwardly and said to Old Man Guyun, "Friend, please trouble yourself to accompany me to Brown Peak."

"I also want to see what Old Demon Zhen is up to. Since he knows that Old Ancestor Minghu was killed by the Daoist Master, this demon probably wouldn't dare to scheme against you."

Old Man Guyun was entirely in a mood to watch a show, even hoping Old Demon Zhen would have some cunning plot, which might reveal more about Qin Sang's true capabilities.

In Old Man Guyun's eyes, Qin Sang was unfathomably deep. The spirit treasures that appeared at the trade fair indicated that at least two Void Refinement cultivators had fallen at his hands.

The two identified the direction and headed towards Brown Peak.

Qin Sang also considered whether Old Demon Zhen harbored malicious intentions, but he wasn't worried. Firstly, his own strength had greatly increased, and secondly, he wasn't short of helpers.

A small grotto-heaven was enough to bind Old Man Guyun, Sect Master Yu, and himself to the same ship.

Before long, they arrived at the northern edge of the city and saw a mountain.

Lanterns were scarce on this mountain, making it quite dim. Even before entering, they could sense subtle fluctuations emanating from a treasure pavilion.

"It's Old Demon Zhen."

Old Man Guyun transmitted his voice.

When the two arrived in front of the treasure pavilion, the dim pavilion suddenly lit up, and its door opened by itself. A middle-aged man in a white robe came out to greet them.

The man had a square face, pale skin, and no beard. Judging solely by his appearance, it was hard to associate him with a demonic overlord.

Only by carefully observing his eyes could one discern a profound chill.

This person was indeed Old Demon Zhen.

Old Demon Zhen's gaze swept over Qin Sang's face, then he said impolitely to Old Man Guyun, "I knew it! You old geezer certainly couldn't have killed that old zombie!"

Cloud Sky City and Falling Soul Abyss had been fighting for so long; if Old Ancestor Minghu could have been eliminated, it wouldn't have waited until now.

Saying this, he slightly cupped his hands towards Qin Sang, "This must be Daoist Master Qingfeng, right? I've long admired you! Long admired you!"

"Even you, old demon, have heard of the Daoist Master's title. You're not entirely ignored, are you?" Old Man Guyun retorted.

Old Demon Zhen snorted, "The whole city is talking about you bringing a mysterious figure. What's so surprising about me knowing?"

Entering the treasure pavilion, they took their seats, host and guests, and got straight to the point.

"Where is the Heavenly River Reverse Killing Array now? This Daoist must see it with his own eyes to be at ease. Otherwise, how would I know if you're trying to trick me?" Qin Sang spoke frankly.

Old Demon Zhen frowned, "To be frank with Daoist Master, acquiring this array requires some trouble. I didn't anticipate you would make such a request, so I came unprepared. If you first give me that secret art, the chance of success will increase by thirty percent. I can offer other items as collateral to reassure you."

Hearing this, Qin Sang and Old Man Guyun exchanged a glance, thinking it strange.

They had originally thought the Heavenly River Reverse Killing Array was in someone else's possession, and Old Demon Zhen would need to negotiate with the array's owner. However, Old Demon Zhen's tone didn't quite suggest that.

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Sang said, "It seems, Fellow Daoist Zhen, that you don't wish to reveal the origin of this array?"

Old Demon Zhen nodded and replied, "That's right."

"In that case, old demon, you should go and retrieve it yourself. The Daoist Master wants the Heavenly River Reverse Killing Array and has no interest in other treasures."

Old Man Guyun suddenly interjected impolitely, "The Jitian Grand Assembly lasts for half a year. Isn't that enough time for you to make a trip?"

"You..."

Old Demon Zhen showed a hint of anger.

The Jitian Grand Assembly concerned the future situation and was crucial for a sect. If he, a Void Refinement Patriarch, were absent, he would lose many benefits.

Old Man Guyun played the bad cop.

Qin Sang stated his difficulty, "Fellow Daoist Zhen must understand that missing the Jitian Grand Assembly would make it difficult to gather everyone. This Daoist must seize this opportunity and cannot place all hope on you alone."

"Indeed. If the subsequent trade fairs also yield no results, I will introduce Daoist Master to Elder Yi of Jitian Sect. Jitian Sect might have such a treasure in its collection, though the price would be higher. By then..."

Old Man Guyun sneered, "Old demon, you'd better think carefully. Although Jitian Sect doesn't discriminate against demonic cultivators, would they really sit back and watch a top-tier secret art fall into the hands of the demonic path?"

Old Man Guyun and Qin Sang cooperated perfectly, their words flowing like a string of pearls.

"Bang!" Old Demon Zhen slapped the table and stood up, pacing back and forth as if weighing something. A moment later, he made a decision, "Then I shall entrust my few worthless disciples to Daoist Master for now!"

Myriad Loa Island was isolated, and he had no close acquaintances. Entrusting them to Qin Sang was actually more reassuring.

"However, I have one condition: Daoist Master cannot give the Old Zombie's Soul Annihilation Lamp to anyone else. After this matter is resolved, I will exchange other treasures for it."

Qin Sang secretly thought that the Heavenly River Reverse Killing Array should be genuine, and his mind settled slightly. He smiled and said, "As long as Fellow Daoist Zhen can bring back this array, besides the Soul Annihilation Lamp, Old Ancestor Minghu also had a few other spirit treasures. Are you interested in any of them?"

"My path is different from that old zombie's. Only the Soul Annihilation Lamp is somewhat useful; the rest are no different from scrap iron," Old Demon Zhen said disdainfully.

"I shall depart now. We shall meet again!"

Old Demon Zhen was unusually decisive, cupping his hands in salute and then leaving.

Outside the treasure pavilion.

Qin Sang and Old Man Guyun watched Old Demon Zhen depart.

"I didn't expect Old Demon Zhen would rather not attend the Grand Assembly than reveal the origin of the Heavenly River Reverse Killing Array. I was originally thinking that if Old Demon Zhen dared to harbor malicious intentions, I would help Daoist Master eliminate him altogether, ridding the cultivation world of a major scourge," Old Man Guyun said with regret.

Qin Sang now only hoped that Old Demon Zhen would successfully acquire the Heavenly River Reverse Killing Array and return alive without further complications. He didn't echo Old Man Guyun's sentiment, instead turning to look at the treasure pavilion.

Standing at the entrance was a red-haired young man, who had shed his arrogance and looked respectful. He was Old Demon Zhen's personal disciple.

"Since this Daoist has promised Old Demon Zhen, I shall remain at Brown Peak from now on."

"Very well," Old Man Guyun nodded and said, "Old Demon Zhen is a loner with no external support. He himself doesn't dare to ask for too much; he only needs to protect his original interests and guard against others trying to take a bite. With Daoist Master presiding over Brown Peak, others will have reservations and won't actively provoke trouble, saving you much effort."

Qin Sang called Old Demon Zhen's disciple over and ordered him to go to Drum Clear Peak to bring Taiyi and Yulang.

Old Man Guyun continued, "Yesterday, I saw Master Yue's senior disciple. Master Yue is currently preparing a batch of spiritual pills, which will take two months to complete. After the pills are finished, she will personally come to speak with Daoist Master."

"Good!"

Qin Sang was in high spirits.

He had leads on both the Stellar Essence Infusion and the Jade Frost Divine Liquid, making this trip worthwhile!

After seeing Old Man Guyun off, Qin Sang took over Old Demon Zhen's treasure pavilion.

When Taiyi and Yulang arrived, he ordered them to change into Myriad Loa Island's robes, disguise themselves as Myriad Loa Island disciples, and participate in the Jitian Grand Assembly.

Firstly, the rewards at the Jitian Grand Assembly were quite generous.

Secondly, it would broaden their horizons and give them experience, as Green Goat Temple would also need to join the Grand Assembly once it grew stronger.

Half an hour later, the sky was bright, and the Jitian Grand Assembly commenced!

As soon as the Mao Hour arrived, the resounding bells shook the mountains, and countless cultivators emerged from their immortal caves, gazing towards the main assembly area.

They saw a faint green light spreading across the horizon, and the clouds glowed brilliantly.

Deep within the glow, mist swirled, and immortal mountains appeared and disappeared, exceptionally mysterious.

Accompanied by peals of bells, ripples appeared in the clouds, and groups of cultivators flew out, some carrying flags, others holding banners, forming a grand procession.

At the same time, the vine bridges on all the peaks trembled in unison and snapped.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!" The tightly entangled vines detached from each other, whipping through the void like long whips, resembling a frenzied dance of snakes.

The piercing sounds of air being torn apart filled the air as the vines collectively shot towards the sky, forming ladders to heaven.

At some unknown moment, pairs of enchanting maidens and immortal children appeared in the sky, holding purification vases and sprinkling nectar.

The water mist condensed without dispersing, forming clear and luminous celestial platforms under the sunlight, reflecting rainbows. The myriad beautiful sights were dazzling.

The celestial platforms were thus formed.

The cultivators greeted each other and ascended the platforms.

With the immortal children leading the way, Qin Sang brought the Myriad Loa Island disciples and sat down at Myriad Loa Island's designated seating, attracting waves of curious gazes.

The subsequent ceremony was exceptionally lavish, fully showcasing the power and grandeur of Jitian Sect.

Qin Sang watched for a while before losing interest. He focused his mind inward, pondering other matters.

With the new spiritual materials obtained at the trade fair, his plan to upgrade the Bright Mountain Armor would also need to be revised.

For the next six months, he would need to diligently study and seek advice on artifact refining from other Grandmasters of the artifact path.

"The flying artifacts from Cloud Sky City were purchased from Enduring Mountain. Enduring Mountain should have Grandmasters of the artifact path..."

Qin Sang glanced at a certain spot on the celestial platform, considering asking Old Man Guyun to introduce him.

Unbeknownst to him, the ceremony had already concluded, and a Jitian Sect elder announced the start of the Grand Assembly.

"Mid Void Refinement stage."

Qin Sang's eyes narrowed slightly as he sensed the aura of the Jitian Sect elder, determining his cultivation level.

He then looked towards Jitian Sect's seating area.

This time, Jitian Sect only sent four elders, three of whom were at the early Void Refinement stage.

As the Grand Assembly began, elite disciples from Jitian Sect and various other sects were first called to engage in combat for entertainment.

Taiyi and Yulang mingled among the Myriad Loa Island cultivators.

Except when they were fighting, Qin Sang was mostly contemplating the Bright Mountain Armor.

As dusk fell, the first day of the Grand Assembly concluded, with the next session scheduled for three days later.

Qin Sang called Taiyi and Yulang over, pointed out their shortcomings during the combat, and then left them to comprehend on their own.

Two months passed quickly. Qin Sang didn't wait for Old Demon Zhen, but he did await Master Yue.

There was no Grand Assembly on this day. Just after noon, Master Yue personally came to visit.

Qin Sang was meditating in the treasure pavilion. He hurried out to greet her and saw a woman standing at the entrance.

He hadn't asked about Master Yue's gender before, so it turned out she was a female cultivator.

"Daoist Master Qingfeng."

Master Yue lightly nodded her head.

"This humble Daoist greets Master Yue. Please come in!"

Qin Sang secretly observed Master Yue. Her appearance wasn't exceptionally beautiful, but her temperament was gentle and refined, and her every movement made one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

Seeing Master Yue, Qin Sang couldn't help but think of Grandmaster Gu.

Grandmaster Gu and Grandmaster Lingxu were both Grandmasters of the alchemy path whom he had befriended in the Talisman Realm. Although there were special reasons, their help to Qin Sang was undeniable.

With the Dao Court's return to the Grand Myriad World, free from the disturbance of the Six Heavens' old Qi and no longer restricted by the Imperial Seal, the cultivation of Dao Court cultivators would undoubtedly collectively advance by a level.

He wondered if they could break through to the Void Refinement stage.

Unbeknownst to him, it had been nearly five hundred years since he ascended to the Grand Myriad World.

In the Grand Myriad World, the average lifespan of Human Nascent Soul cultivators, excluding those exceptionally skilled in nurturing life, was around three thousand years, though variations of several hundred years were also common.

He wondered if he would ever have the chance to meet them again in this life.

Qin Sang sighed inwardly. Whenever he thought of these matters, it always stirred up those memories he had deliberately sealed away.

If the old friends from the Dao Court were like this, what about his old friends from the Storm Realm?

Thinking of this, Qin Sang felt a bit low, but he didn't show it. His expression remained normal as he welcomed Master Yue into the treasure pavilion and offered her the spiritual tea, Ganxue, which he had already prepared.

Master Yue had originally no intention of savoring the tea, but after taking a sip, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Good!"

Qin Sang exchanged a few pleasantries. Feeling unwell, he didn't want to beat around the bush, so he directly asked, "Fellow Daoist Guyun mentioned that Master Yue is looking for the Jade Frost Divine Liquid. Are you the true owner of this elixir formula?"

"Precisely!"

Master Yue put down her teacup and solemnly said, "No matter what, I will refine the Jade Frost Divine Liquid for Daoist Master, without taking a single penny! I only wish to presumptuously ask you, where did this elixir formula come from?"