Chapter 2371: Five Immortals Studio

Ancient trees, a thousand zhang tall, twisted into colossal bronze umbrellas. Their aerial roots hung like massive pythons suspended in the air, and vines entwined with the bark, creating patterns like shed python skins.

Qin Sang flew through the forest, the roars of tigers and cries of apes echoing in his ears. Straight ahead, a decaying tree oozed an oddly fragrant resin from its cracks. He bypassed it and glanced at the ground, where bluish mycelium covered the decaying leaves and ant colonies moved back and forth, forming black rivers.

A rustling sound filled the air.

A flock of birds swept across the canopy, causing a rustling tremor to ripple through the forest. Flowers parasitic on the ancient trees scattered fine pollen, which dissolved into the damp mist.

This was a primitive jungle teeming with life. Unfortunately, beneath its surface beauty, slaughter was the eternal melody.

Qin Sang had been hiding in the Arctic Icefield for some time. Feeling that the immediate danger had passed, he decided to travel south.

After leaving the icefield, he entered an endless primitive jungle. The Six-Day Ancient Qi was indeed much thinner here, but it still had an indelible effect on living beings.

The Immortal Mountains and Blessed Lands were the only 'safe havens' for demon beasts. However, they were far scarcer than the immortal cities of humanity, and only a fortunate few were ever accepted into them.

Wu Tu Xian, who was following Qin Sang, suddenly flew out of the tree canopy. After surveying the nearby terrain, he reported, "Master, Stone Dragon Mountain should be not far ahead."

Qin Sang nodded. "You can go back now."

Wu Tu Xian assented and retreated back into the Talisman Altar.

Since Lady Meishan and Wu Tu Xian were mountain lords under the Frostfall Great Sage, their presence was too conspicuous. Therefore, Qin Sang handled matters himself as much as possible, avoiding their appearance before other demon cultivators.

Qin Sang flew alone for a while, arriving at a mountain peak. He gazed forward, spotting a spiritual peak in the distance that stood out like a crane among chickens, possessing an air of an immortal mountain. He knew in his heart that this was Stone Dragon Mountain.

By this point, after his long journey, he was already far from the territories of the Ghosthiding Great Sage and the Frostfall Great Sage.

The place he was currently in was nestled between the territories of two other demon sages.

This place was vastly different from where he had traveled before. For example, in the various states of the Great Zhou and the Fog Sea of the Heteromorphic Race, powerful cultivators often remained hidden, their whereabouts unknown to the world. Here, however, it was different. Demon Sages were like mountain kings, openly dividing their territories, and some even held public lectures.

Each Demon Sage's territory was naturally vast, and their control over their domains varied in strength.

Unless there was deep-seated hatred, Demon Sages would not easily go to war. They generally maintained a peaceful coexistence, each sticking to their own domain, and therefore would not intentionally deploy large armies along their borders.

In fact, the boundaries of Demon Sage territories were very vague. After all, Immortal Mountains and Blessed Lands were too scarce to control such extensive borders.

It was these vague areas that provided living space for other demon cultivators. Stone Dragon Mountain, where Qin Sang was headed, housed a demon city. This city was comparable to the private markets set up by rogue cultivators within the Great Zhou; it was not under the control of any Demon Sage, offering more freedom, but naturally also full of risks.

Qin Sang flew towards Stone Dragon Mountain. From afar, he saw the mountainside enveloped in a shroud of gray mist.

Upon reaching the edge of the gray mist, Qin Sang took out a prepared spirit stone and threw it in. A stone path automatically appeared before him. Qin Sang stepped onto it, feeling only a divine sense sweep over him, with no further checks.

Inside the gray mist, Qin Sang thought he had arrived at an empty city. There were many uniquely designed mansions here, but all their gates were tightly shut, and there was not a single demon on the main street.

Qin Sang walked alone on the street. Sensing the presence of demon cultivators at the far end, he quickened his pace. He reached the very back of the demon city and finally saw some figures on the last street.

These individuals all retained some characteristics of demon beasts. Without a doubt, they were all demon cultivators.

Since Qin Sang arrived here, he hadn't seen a single member of his own kind. It was clear he had entered a purely demon domain. This was also a good thing, as he wouldn't witness the gruesome sight of demon beasts treating humans as livestock.

In the markets of the Great Zhou, mortals and low-level cultivators were common, making them very lively. Stone Dragon Mountain's demon city was much quieter; only demon cultivators capable of transforming into human form were qualified to enter.

Along both sides of this street stood two rows of similar wooden buildings. Demon cultivators also conducted business, and all the shops in the city were concentrated here.

Qin Sang saw a banner with "Five Immortals Pavilion" written on it. His expression subtly shifted, and he strode towards that shop.

The shops on both sides sold magical treasures and elixirs, and also bought rare materials and treasures. There wasn't much difference from human markets, except that they were deserted and quiet.

From the outside, it was unclear what business the Five Immortals Pavilion conducted. Qin Sang entered the shop and saw an old shopkeeper soundly asleep in a reclining chair. The old shopkeeper appeared benevolent and kind-faced, but a tiger's tail was clearly coiled beneath him.

Qin Sang did not conceal his presence.

"Mmm..."

The old shopkeeper awoke with a start, and in the instant his eyes opened, a frighteningly fierce glint appeared, but he immediately masked it, replacing it with a benevolent smile. Just as he was about to speak, he sensed the aura emanating from Qin Sang, his face showing surprise. He quickly stood up, ready to bow.

"Esteemed one..."

Qin Sang waved his hand to interrupt him, saying gruffly, "Go report to your superior. I want to join the Five Immortals Pavilion. Ask him if he'll accept me!"

The old shopkeeper wasted no words, assenting repeatedly. He respectfully invited Qin Sang into a quiet room and then quickly departed.

Qin Sang sat in the quiet room, deep in thought, making his calculations.

As he intended to travel south, he would inevitably pass through Demon Sages' territories. He had heard that the situation in the south was even more complex, so he planned to secure an identity for himself to facilitate his movements.

Outside the influence of the Demon Sages, there were numerous large and small demon cultivator factions surviving in the gaps. Among these factions, some were said to be very powerful, with even 'assassin organizations' that dared to assassinate mountain lords under Demon Sages, fearless of retaliation.

Demon cultivators who had committed offenses, were out of favor, or unwilling to be restrained, could choose to join these organizations to obtain cultivation resources.

After some inquiries and recommendations from the two demons, Qin Sang ultimately chose the Five Immortals Pavilion. This place was one of its outposts.

A short while later, the old shopkeeper returned, saying respectfully,

"Senior, the Master invites you."

Qin Sang followed the old shopkeeper into the back hall, arriving at a courtyard. The old shopkeeper's hands transformed into tiger claws, which he pressed onto the courtyard gate. Immediately, spiritual light flashed, and the gate slowly opened. It turned out a formation was hidden here.

"Please enter!"

The old shopkeeper invited Qin Sang in, then carefully sealed the grand formation.

The courtyard was not large, with no pavilions or elaborate structures. Only a solitary stone hall stood there. The old man busied himself again, opening the stone hall and inviting Qin Sang inside, while he himself waited outside.

Upon entering the stone hall, Qin Sang saw a statue: a colossal python coiled around a pillar. The python was lifelike, its scales vibrantly colored, its head extended forward, and a pair of demonic eyes revealed a cold, eerie gaze.

Sweeping his gaze around, Qin Sang did not detect the presence of any other demon cultivators. He looked up at the snake's head and noticed its eyes moved slightly.

At that moment, Qin Sang felt as if he was being watched.

"Are you the one who wishes to join the Five Immortals Pavilion?" a female voice emerged from the snake's mouth as it opened and closed.

"It is I," Qin Sang replied, looking up to meet the snake's gaze. He frowned and asked, "Is your true body not here?"

The female voice did not answer. "What is your name?"

"If you want to know my name, tell me yours first," Qin Sang said, crossing his arms and showing no weakness.

The female voice chuckled. "Fellow Daoist has quite a temper! My codename in the Five Immortals Pavilion is 'Crimson Serpent'. You may simply call me Crimson Serpent."

"My Daoist name is Qingfeng," Qin Sang stated bluntly. "If I join the Five Immortals Pavilion, are you in charge?"

Crimson Serpent countered, "Why does Fellow Daoist wish to join the Five Immortals Pavilion?"

"I heard you possess excellent methods to resist the Six-Day Ancient Qi," Qin Sang said candidly.

Demon cultivators here joined organizations for two main purposes: cultivation resources, and dealing with the Six-Day Ancient Qi.

Crimson Serpent was not surprised by this. "We do indeed have such methods. While they cannot completely eradicate it, they are far superior to the minor techniques circulating outside. However, why don't you seek refuge with a Demon Sage? Wouldn't that be better, settling matters once and for all?"

"Cut the damn nonsense! Are you taking me or not? If not, I'll go somewhere else," Qin Sang said, his face full of impatience.

Crimson Serpent did not get angry, letting out a soft chuckle, and surprisingly did not press for the reason. "Since Fellow Daoist has sought us out, you must have some understanding of our Five Immortals Pavilion?"

"Slightly, yes."

Qin Sang countered, "I heard your Five Immortals Pavilion has few rules. Is that true?"

"Compared to others, yes, there aren't many. However, there are still some taboos. As long as Fellow Daoist doesn't violate them, it will be fine," Crimson Serpent replied.

"Tell me about them," Qin Sang said, striking a ready pose.

"No hurry..."

As she spoke, the snake's eyes continuously scrutinized Qin Sang. "Fellow Daoist's cultivation is profound. Any organization would not refuse an expert like you. I can make the decision to accept you, but you must understand that no matter how strong you are, upon joining the Five Immortals Pavilion, you must start from the lowest tier. Since I am the one who recruited you, those above will consider you my subordinate."

"Does that mean I'll have to obey your every command from now on?" Qin Sang's expression showed displeasure.

"Not quite."

The snake head shook slightly. "You don't have to obey me, but from now on, when you contact the Five Immortals Pavilion, accept missions, or receive rewards after completing them, it must all be done through me."

"Missions? What kind of missions?"

"Fellow Daoist, you don't assume that joining the Five Immortals Pavilion will grant you benefits for free, do you? Every mission comes with corresponding merit and rewards, which you can weigh yourself," Crimson Serpent explained. "We have no strict rules, so whether you join or leave, it is entirely voluntary. If you grow tired of being with us, you can simply cut off contact, and we will not trouble you. Of course, if we cannot reach you for too long, your previous merits will be nullified."

At this point, Crimson Serpent's tone shifted. "However, we are not a charity. With so many benefits, Fellow Daoist must offer something in return. That means completing missions and earning merit. Accumulating a certain amount of merit is also beneficial to you; it can raise your rank, giving you the right to exchange for better treasures internally. If your rank is high enough, even rare heavenly materials and earthly treasures from the outside world can be acquired. If you complete enough missions and earn sufficient merit, you might even surpass me, and I would become your subordinate."

While listening to Crimson Serpent speak, Qin Sang maintained a pensive demeanor. In reality, he had already investigated thoroughly; his choice of the Five Immortals Pavilion was precisely because of its loose rules.

Perhaps due to this freedom of entry and exit, the Five Immortals Pavilion's influence was widespread. Even Wu Tu Xian, far in the Frostfall Great Sage's territory, had once encountered a demon cultivator from the Five Immortals Pavilion.

After learning of Qin Sang's intentions, Wu Tu Xian strongly recommended he join the Five Immortals Pavilion.

After Crimson Serpent finished speaking, Qin Sang frowned and asked, "That method—do I also need to complete missions before you give it to me?"

"No, you don't. As long as Fellow Daoist sincerely joins the Five Immortals Pavilion and makes an oath, I will give you a bottle of True Measure Pills, enough to last for a period..."

"True Measure Pills? What are those?"

Qin Sang immediately grew wary. "You deal with the Six-Day Ancient Qi using external elixirs?"

"That's right," Crimson Serpent said. "Consuming external elixirs is easier than any other method, and their effects are no worse. Fellow Daoist can rest assured."

"You aren't secretly tampering with the elixirs to control me, are you?" Qin Sang's face was full of vigilance.

Crimson Serpent let out a wry chuckle. "Fellow Daoist is overthinking it. If we wanted to control members, why would we need such a method? Over countless years, not a few have joined the Five Immortals Pavilion and later left. If they were all controlled by elixirs, this matter would have been exposed long ago. You only need to inquire to learn about the reputation of our Five Immortals Pavilion."

A hint of wariness still lingered in Qin Sang's eyes. He said coldly, "If you dare to deceive me, I swear that one day, I will sever your roots!"

"Fellow Daoist can rest assured."

Qin Sang said decisively, "I'll join!"

"Good! Fellow Daoist, please do not leave Stone Dragon Mountain for now. After some time, I will send a bottle of True Measure Pills and a contract. Once you sign the contract, you will be one of us..."

The process of joining the Five Immortals Pavilion was simpler than Qin Sang had expected. Crimson Serpent did not test him, nor did she delve into his identity or origins.

Gaining Crimson Serpent's approval was akin to having one foot already inside the Five Immortals Pavilion.

After agreeing on a time with Crimson Serpent, Qin Sang left the stone hall. The old shopkeeper was even more deferential towards him, leading him to a courtyard to reside in.

Qin Sang stayed here for a month. He sensed the restriction being touched, knowing that the contract and elixirs had arrived.

"Master, please..."

The old shopkeeper now regarded Qin Sang as a member of the Five Immortals Pavilion. In truth, his own rank was higher than Qin Sang's, but in the cultivation world, true status was determined by cultivation level.

Upon returning to the main hall, the snake's eyes were sharp and luminous; Crimson Serpent was already waiting for him.

The snake's mouth opened slightly, and two glows of spiritual light flew out from within.

Qin Sang reached out and caught them. One was a jade bottle containing ten pills, and the other was a palm-sized jade tablet.

Qin Sang poured out a pill and sniffed it at his nose. A strong medicinal fragrance wafted up.

From the fragrance, Qin Sang could roughly determine the medicinal properties of the True Measure Pills. They indeed had a certain effect in resisting the Six-Day Ancient Qi, but their efficacy was limited; they would only be effective in places where the Six-Day Ancient Qi was thin. If consumed in the Arctic Icefield, their effect would be greatly diminished, let alone in the River of Calamity.

"This is the contract. Fellow Daoist only needs to leave a unique mark of your own," the snake head said, nodding towards the jade tablet in Qin Sang's hand.

Qin Sang picked up the jade tablet and casually left a mark on it. The tablet glowed faintly and shrunk to the size of a jade pendant.

"From now on, Fellow Daoist can carry this jade to prove your identity. At any outpost of the Five Immortals Pavilion, you can use it to accept and view missions, as well as seek help... You can try it now."

Crimson Serpent, with tireless patience, explained the contract's functions in detail.

Qin Sang tried it according to her instructions. Immediately, a series of missions appeared in his mind.