Chapter 2277: Gathering

Qin Sang had stated his case fully, explaining the advantages and disadvantages clearly. He now awaited the mysterious Azure Luan's decision.

“Okay… I’ll cooperate with you!”

Unexpectedly, the mysterious Azure Luan gave an affirmative reply without much deliberation.

Qin Sang was slightly taken aback. “You agreed, senior?”

“As you said, do I… have any other choice?” the mysterious Azure Luan retorted.

Qin Sang dared to lay his cards on the table precisely because he had capitalized on this fact.

After years of interaction, Qin Sang understood the mysterious Azure Luan’s situation very well. Even if the mysterious Azure Luan had hidden some things from him, it was unlikely that everything was a pretense or fabrication; most of it should be factual.

When Qin Sang first established contact with the mysterious Azure Luan and could communicate directly, he was merely a Nascent Soul cultivator whom the mysterious Azure Luan could crush with a single finger. Qin Sang’s exposure had been gradual, so it was impossible for the mysterious Azure Luan to have suspected him from the start, nor would it have bothered to scheme against an ant.

However, Qin Sang himself didn't believe he had completely seen through the mysterious Azure Luan.

Qin Sang was prepared for a confrontation.

He had recalled Mount Daiyu, and the mysterious Azure Luan was trapped in a cage, unable to exert its full power. Therefore, Qin Sang was not entirely without the means to fight back.

Fortunately, the outcome was favorable, just as Qin Sang wished. However, the mysterious Azure Luan's quick agreement cast a shadow over Qin Sang's heart.

No one dared to underestimate a mighty expert. Qin Sang didn't know what other tricks the mysterious Azure Luan had up its sleeve, so he could only adapt as circumstances unfolded.

“I… have one condition,” the mysterious Azure Luan added.

Qin Sang's heart tightened. “Please state it, senior.”

The mysterious Azure Luan made a request: “You must… continue… refining the Bone Luans.”

“This…” Qin Sang hesitated.

“To prevent… the outer fiends… from seizing the supreme treasures… their help is needed. You no longer… need to use your vital essence; use the sacred item!”

“Senior, you’ve agreed to help me acquire the sacred item?”

Qin Sang said, delighted.

“It can be attempted, but a portion… must be used on the Bone Luans,” the mysterious Azure Luan stated unequivocally.

The biggest reason Qin Sang dared to make a deal with the mysterious Azure Luan was that the Azure Luan was imprisoned by its enemies and couldn't appear directly beside him. He speculated that if the mysterious Azure Luan forcibly descended, its opponents would detect it. All its previous schemes were likely just a feint to secretly send out a portion of its primordial spirit, like a cicada shedding its shell.

Judging by the mysterious Azure Luan’s current demeanor, Qin Sang’s guess was likely very close to the truth.

By then, the mysterious Azure Luan would have little of its own power left and could only rely on these Bone Luans.

If the Bone Luans became too powerful, the situation would slip out of Qin Sang's control. However, Qin Sang knew he couldn't completely restrict a mighty expert at every turn.

After obtaining the Azure Luan clan's sacred item, Qin Sang would need time to refine it himself. He could use this as an excuse to reduce the time spent refining the Bone Luans and limit their power. The precise balance would require careful consideration from Qin Sang.

The mysterious Azure Luan evidently understood this as well, not directly proposing strict conditions. Cooperation was merely the beginning of their strategic game.

“This junior is willing to obey your commands, senior!” Qin Sang respectfully agreed to the condition.

“Swear an oath! Don’t… play any tricks…”

The mysterious Azure Luan said lightly, “I am watching you.”

Of course, it couldn’t see Qin Sang, but it could determine whether Qin Sang was genuinely swearing the oath or just going through the motions. Qin Sang immediately swore an oath, invoking his inner demons, meticulously and very seriously.

The cave abode fell silent.

Ever since he laid his cards on the table with the mysterious Azure Luan, Qin Sang's nerves had been taut, enduring immense pressure. Finally, he could breathe a sigh of relief.

He shifted his gaze to the six Bone Luans before him. He had been on guard against the Bone Luans, but they had not made any move throughout.

Mount Daiyu must not have been exposed yet. Qin Sang's apparent cultivation level was only at the mid-stage Void Refinement.

If the mysterious Azure Luan could have manipulated the Bone Luans to attack, it would have had a great chance of subduing Qin Sang, yet it directly compromised.

This further confirmed a speculation: Qin Sang had personally participated in the refinement of the Bone Luans, maintaining his control over them. It wouldn't be easy for the mysterious Azure Luan to seize the Bone Luans, and Qin Sang was not without the power to resist.

“Phew…”

Qin Sang gently exhaled a breath of stale air, recalling the entire negotiation process.

The sudden attack by the external mighty expert was unexpected, but Qin Sang’s idea hadn't come out of nowhere; it had been turning over in his mind countless times. The timing happened to be right, so he brought it up.

Oversights were inevitable; no plan could be perfect, and the situation wouldn't remain static. Qin Sang had done his utmost, achieving the best possible outcome for the present moment.

Waving his hand to put away the Bone Luans, Qin Sang composed himself and delved into Mount Daiyu. He hadn't yet had time to properly comprehend the immortal mountain's power.

Mount Daiyu transformed into a miniature mountain, hidden within Qin Sang's sleeve. The divine object concealed its true nature, emitting no special aura or fluctuations, appearing on the surface like a somewhat peculiar stone.

However, from the scenery on the immortal mountain alone, it was evident that Mount Daiyu had undergone immense changes after devouring the immortal mountain's essence.

If Qin Sang were to unleash Mount Daiyu and allow it to reveal its true form, it would undoubtedly present an extraordinary sight. The most significant change was that the crack on the immortal mountain's body had completely healed, leaving no trace.

This mountain contained many secrets that Qin Sang would need to explore slowly in the future. What Qin Sang cared about most now was how much power the immortal mountain could enhance for him.

Since he had again lost his real-world cultivation and treasures, he temporarily couldn't verify how much the immortal mountain could boost the power of his Sword Domain and Void Domain. However, even without the Sword Domain and Void Domain, Qin Sang could still use Mount Daiyu in combat!

Qin Sang closed his eyes tightly, concentrating on sensing it.

As the master of Mount Daiyu, he didn't feel its weight and could easily hold it in his hand. But it was certain that this mountain was immensely heavy.

Moreover, Qin Sang sensed that Mount Daiyu no longer appeared fragmented as before; the Qi within the mountain was perfectly integrated, incredibly dense, and unshakeable by anyone.

He could fully treat Mount Daiyu as a weapon!

In terms of body cultivation, Qin Sang had never had a suitable weapon; the most commonly used was the spiritual tablet he obtained after killing Elder Minghu.

How could a mere spiritual tablet compare to Mount Daiyu?

Imagine moving mountains and chasing peaks, holding the immortal mountain in hand, and smashing people with it – the thought alone was thrilling!

“Innate Spirit Treasure? Acquired Spirit Treasure? Or… a True Treasure?”

Qin Sang couldn't definitively categorize Mount Daiyu because he had never sensed the presence of a mountain spirit within it.

A complete Mount Daiyu might possess a mountain spirit.

The current Mount Daiyu might be more appropriately called a magic tool or magic treasure.

Of course, the category wasn't important. Comparing it to the Cloud Roaming Sword, Mount Daiyu, when smashed down, absolutely possessed the power of a True Treasure!

Without considering the Law Domains, Qin Sang's body cultivation, divine abilities, and this immortal mountain combined were no less powerful than those of a Dharma cultivator.

“It’s better to apply some disguise, conceal it as much as possible, so that people think it’s just a special magic treasure, to avoid associating it with an immortal mountain…”

Qin Sang thought to himself that while the mountain's shape was difficult to change, its internal scenery could be altered. Most importantly, the unique fluctuations belonging to the immortal mountain could be suppressed within its body.

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Sang began to work on the immortal mountain, making adjustments.

“Missed it again.”

In front of a stone pavilion, Qin Sang stood outside, looking at the empty structure, his expression devoid of any ripples.

One missed opportunity after another, one near miss after another—he was already accustomed to it.

But he wasn't disheartened, nor would he give up.

Qin Sang gazed at the pavilion pillar; the patterns on it were still as clear and distinct as on the very first stone pavilion, without the slightest blur!

Slowly turning, Qin Sang called out to the mysterious Azure Luan in his mind, “Senior, we can now go and retrieve the sacred item.”

“First, we need to… ascertain… how many experts… the clan… has dispatched… to guard the sacred item…”

“Understood!”

West of Yongtu Immortal City.

Here lay a region nestled between the desert and the Gobi, yet because there was no oasis for thousands of miles around, it was sparsely populated. Only a single road cut through its middle, used by traveling merchants.

Here, only a few drops of rain fell throughout the year, and life was scarce.

To the north of this region was a naturally formed rift valley, but there wasn't a trace of moisture even at its bottom.

Within the rift valley, a ball of white light quietly appeared.

Only faint ripples emanated, and dust began to stir up from the valley floor.

A person emerged from the white light, possessing a pair of pristine white wings and an air of dignified presence. He stepped out, glanced around, and frowned slightly, accustomed as he was to oceanic environments; such a dry place was truly rare.

This person was none other than the Featherfolk Prince.

He had completely annihilated his demonic shadow, not only regaining consciousness within the illusion but also bringing his real-world strength and treasures into it. It could be said he had fully recovered his peak power and was no longer affected by the illusion.

The Featherfolk Prince landed on a protruding rock, standing silently, seemingly waiting for someone.

Soon after, the wall behind the Featherfolk Prince suddenly rippled, and the silhouette of a person appeared on it.

He stepped out of the wall, his features gradually becoming clear. It was Xi Rui.

Seeing the Featherfolk Prince, Xi Rui smiled, “Fellow Daoist, you arrived quickly.”

“Your speed is also not slow, Fellow Daoist.”

The Featherfolk Prince turned, his gaze toward Xi Rui a little complex.

They had regarded Xi Rui and these other disciples of the ancestors as formidable enemies, but unexpectedly, everyone had been fooled by a single human cultivator.

This was his first meeting with Xi Rui in the illusion. Although they had communicated and cooperated before, they had hidden their true forms due to mutual suspicion, relying only on communication talismans.

Now they were forced to gather in the illusion, solely to discuss how to deal with one person!

“Fellow Daoist Quan and the others should be arriving soon. Let’s wait a bit longer,” Xi Rui said.

The Fellow Daoist Quan he spoke of was precisely the Mermaid Queen who was eligible to inherit the throne after the Mermaid Empress achieved the Saint Realm.

As the grand ceremony had not yet been held, she was still referred to as the Queen.

This time, they had summoned all the allies they could contact.

‘Splash, splash…’

Just as they were speaking, sounds of water rippled from the valley floor, and immediately, a clear spring surged forth, lifting a young woman.

The young woman wore a crown, her pearl strands glistening, and her face was delicately beautiful. She was indeed the Mermaid Queen, who bowed to Xi Rui and the other person with Mermaid clan etiquette, then continued to wait.

Subsequently, more people arrived, and a few more figures appeared in the valley.

“Cough!”

Xi Rui lightly coughed, drawing everyone's attention. “The purpose of this gathering should be clear to all. I’m ashamed to admit that I once considered myself extraordinary and destined for success, but I never expected to fall into such a predicament. If we still cannot set aside our prejudices and unite to stop that person, I fear the opportunity will be monopolized by them!”

The Mermaid Queen chuckled softly. “Since everyone is willing to come, you must all be aware of this. Without fear of your ridicule, I must admit I did not previously take that person seriously and knew very little about them. Now, I am completely at a loss.”

“Who isn’t?”

Someone echoed, “Everyone, has anyone here had dealings with that person?”

The Featherfolk Prince turned his head, looking towards a figure in the corner. “Elder Yuan, please tell us everything you know, without holding anything back.”

Then he addressed the others, “True Lord Qin shone brilliantly in the Battle of Divine Mountain, so I paid close attention to him. Conveniently, Elder Yuan knows many of his secrets, so I promised to secure a good position for Elder Yuan. This time, it was also good fortune that I happened to save Elder Yuan once in that realm.”

“Yes!”

Yuan Jian's face emerged from the shadows. He cupped his fists and bowed to everyone. “Before the sacred ground opened, the Siyou clan experienced an incident, which I presume you have all heard about.”

“You mean King Lu and the Grand Priest…”

Someone immediately recalled the incident. “They were campaigning against True Lord Qin?”

The Mermaid Queen and the others showed no surprise; most of them already knew about it. However, merely knowing this was useless, as they did not understand Qin Sang's divine abilities and methods.

“I, Yuan, was fortunate enough to witness that battle…”

Yuan Jian held nothing back, recounting everything he had seen and heard.

Upon hearing the power of the Thunder Sacrifice Oath Scroll, someone couldn't help but gasp.

After a moment of silence, someone finally spoke: “King Lu and the others were not even a match for a single move! We are now here in our true forms. What if True Lord Qin uses that lightning spell again…”

“He cast that lightning spell using those altars and altar masters as a foundation. He likely won't have time to establish such a large force and build so many altars here,” Yuan Jian interrupted.

Only then did the expressions of the crowd relax slightly.

“So, True Lord Qin won by relying on the altars, and his personal strength isn't top-tier. Then where did those Bone Luans come from?” Xi Rui asked Yuan Jian.

The origin of the Azure Dragon's divine ability was not hard to guess; Qin Sang should only have a single strike's worth of power. Those Bone Luans were the real trouble; with the help of the Bone Luan battle formation, Qin Sang possessed the strength to contend against many.

Yuan Jian honestly replied, “I, Yuan, am also unaware. What is certain is that when he fought the Siyou clan, this person had no Bone Luans by his side. Otherwise, had he simply displayed that strength, the Lu family would never have dared to dispatch troops.”

“Has everyone noticed something?”

The Mermaid Queen suddenly spoke, looking around at everyone, and said in a deep voice, “When the mighty expert’s divine ability descended, forcing True Lord Qin to reveal his true form, his demonic shadow also seemed to appear.”

“What? Such a thing happened?”

Someone exclaimed softly.

At that time, when the mighty expert’s divine ability descended, its power was immense, and strange phenomena abounded. They were eager to leave the battlefield, so not everyone saw Qin Sang's demonic shadow.

“Indeed, that is true!”

Xi Rui spoke up to confirm it, stating that this was what puzzled him the most.

Qin Sang always managed to shatter the supreme treasures at the first opportunity, indicating that his goal was clear and his consciousness was extremely lucid. Logically, he should have long since annihilated his demonic shadow.

Yet, everyone had witnessed with their own eyes that after Qin Sang revealed his true form, his demonic shadow appeared with him. What exactly was going on?