Chapter 2372: Dragon Gallstone Gold

"I'll take this one."

Qin Sang immediately set his sights on one of the tasks.

Upon learning of Qin Sang's choice, Chilian was somewhat surprised. "Isn't that too far?"

"I've wanted to go south for a long time," Qin Sang frankly stated. "What if I encounter trouble halfway there? Will you help me resolve it?"

"Fellow Daoist, you're not planning to use the Five Immortal Temple's power to travel everywhere, are you?"

Shemu gazed deeply at Qin Sang. "If it's not due to your fault, we can mediate, but we must also consider the reactions of various forces. The extent of assistance we can provide depends on your rank. However, if you actively instigate trouble, we will be powerless to help."

After a pause, Chilian advised, "Fellow Daoist, it would be better to patiently accumulate some merits first; it will make things more convenient for you later."

Qin Sang feigned dissatisfaction and continued examining the tasks on the jade slip. He naturally wanted to head south as soon as possible, but since he had joined the Five Immortal Temple and intended to use this identity as a cover in the future, he couldn't be too impulsive.

"Then I'll take these two."

Qin Sang selected two tasks appropriate for his current identity and cultivation level.

Seeing that Qin Sang wasn't as obstinate as he had imagined, a look of satisfaction flashed across Shemu's face. "Normally, you can only accept one task at a time, but given your strength, being placed in the Renzi Altar is truly underutilizing your talent. An exception can be made, so I will take the liberty of assigning both these tasks to you."

The Five Immortal Temple is divided into five internal levels, known as Altars. Each level is further split into a Yang Altar and a Yin Altar, with Yang being the more respected.

The five altars are named after the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, from highest to lowest: Jiazi, Bingzi, Wuzi, Gengzi, and Renzi.

During this period, Qin Sang noticed that many aspects of this demon domain were common to humans.

The fact that demon cultivators unanimously chose to take human form could be explained as a custom left over from ancient veneration of gods. However, many common practices here, such as the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, are shared with humans. Some things claimed to have been created by human ancestors are already commonplace among these demon cultivators, indicating that this place must have had connections with the outside world at least for some period.

Upon joining the Five Immortal Temple, Qin Sang was, according to rules, placed in the Renzi Yin Altar. However, Void Refinement cultivators could easily ascend to the Gengzi Altar.

According to Chilian, Nascent Soul stage demon cultivators might have a chance to advance to the Gengzi Altar if they risked their lives. The next level up, the Wuzi Altar, was typically reserved for powerful figures equivalent to mountain lords, who received more attention and benefits from the Five Immortal Temple.

Completing these two tasks would allow Qin Sang to advance to the Gengzi Altar, but further promotion would be more challenging and require more time.

Having accepted the tasks, Qin Sang immediately left Stone Dragon Mountain. Holding the jade slip, he reviewed all the information related to the two tasks, gaining a clear understanding. For him, the rewards were practically negligible, and the tasks themselves presented no difficulty whatsoever.

The gentle rush of water...

Under the moonlight, a mountain stream flowed through a pool, its course winding around like a jade belt, creating a beautiful spectacle.

Beside the pool stood a figure, gazing at the water, motionless for a long time.

This person had a leopard's head and round eyes, with several obvious characteristics of a leopard demon. Yet, they lacked the dominant aura typical of a fierce beast. Their eyes conveyed sorrow, and they seemed to be feeling sorry for themselves, like a frail woman.

Suddenly, a figure descended from the sky. The leopard demon, immersed in sorrow, remained completely unaware.

"Are you the one who sought help from the Five Immortal Temple?"

Qin Sang landed behind the leopard demon, confirmed it was the person in question, and asked.

The leopard demon suddenly startled awake, leaping a great distance with a yelp. Only after recovering from the shock did it realize Qin Sang's identity.

"You... You are a senior from the Five Immortal Temple?"

Sensing Qin Sang's aura, the leopard demon was overjoyed.

The Five Immortal Temple was its last hope. With no response for a long time, it had thought all hope was lost, so it was completely unexpected that a demon king would be sent.

It seems that stone was indeed a rare treasure!

However, it felt no regret; as long as it could find its companion, it was willing to pay any price.

"You want me to rescue your companion. Tell me what happened..."

Qin Sang looked at the leopard demon with a strange expression. This leopard demon also had Nascent Soul cultivation, and such a deeply emotional being was truly rare in this environment.

"Reporting to Senior Qingfeng, my wife left the mountain that morning..."

The leopard demon knelt before Qin Sang and explained the entire situation in detail.

It turned out that its companion was a transformed lark. The two demons had known each other since they were weak, and without the backing of powerful demons, survival in this demon domain was even more difficult than elsewhere.

Remarkably, the two demons leaned on each other, found warmth in each other, and were fortunate enough to obtain a method to resist the ancient Six Heavens Qi. They continuously struggled, eventually became companions, and worked together to reach their current Nascent Soul cultivation.

Unexpectedly, joy turned to sorrow when its companion suddenly disappeared during an outing. It searched tirelessly but fruitlessly, and thus sought out the Five Immortal Temple.

"She's definitely not dead! I beg you, Senior, you must rescue her!" The leopard demon kowtowed, pleading.

Everyone understood that quietly abducting a Nascent Soul stage demon cultivator was certainly not simple; it might have been done by a nearby demon king.

The stone contributed by the leopard demon was indeed very valuable, which is why the Five Immortal Temple accepted this task. However, it might involve offending a demon king, so no one wanted to take it on.

"Since you have a way to confirm she's alive, can't you find out where she is now? Take me to the place where she disappeared..."

Qin Sang grabbed the leopard demon, soared into the air, swept over a dozen mountain ranges, and landed in a valley.

There were traces of a battle in the valley, which the leopard demon had sealed off and preserved intact.

Qin Sang scanned the area and already had a target in mind.

Before coming, Qin Sang was not unprepared. The Five Immortal Temple's intelligence capabilities were top-notch, and by combining them with recent major events, he could deduce certain things.

"Follow me."

With about seventy to eighty percent certainty in his mind, Qin Sang took the leopard demon and flew eastward.

They flew continuously for over ten days until late one night, they arrived at a lakeside.

"This... This place... it's Dan Yun Lake!" the leopard demon exclaimed, a look of fear on its face.

The demon cultivators in this area all knew the master of Dan Yun Lake, whose fierce reputation far surpassed that of other demon kings. They usually dared not approach Dan Yun Lake by even half a step.

"What? Are you scared?"

Qin Sang said, "If you're scared, we'll go back now. I'll have the Five Immortal Temple's steward return that stone to you."

"Junior begs you, Senior, please save my wife! At worst, we'll just leave this place and live far away!" The leopard demon was resolute, having cast aside all thoughts of life and death.

Qin Sang nodded slightly and openly flew into Dan Yun Lake. Not long after, he saw water vapor gathering on the lake surface, and an invisible resistance blocked him.

Moments later, several black cranes flew out from the mist, transforming into human form. They bowed and said, "May we ask which senior has graced us with your presence and for what purpose? We shall report to our master."

"Qingfeng from the Five Immortal Temple, I'm here to visit Brother Xuan and ask for a favor," Qin Sang said amiably.

The leading black crane glanced at the leopard demon, asked no further questions, and retreated into the mist.

Soon after, bells and drums chimed from the heart of the lake, a powerful aura materialized, and simultaneously, a path opened in the mist. Black cranes lined both sides, respectfully welcoming the esteemed guest.

Qin Sang smiled, stepping in with the leopard demon. His vision opened up, revealing a breathtaking scene at the lake's heart, where a black-robed man stood on the central island.

The man was lean and exceptionally sharp, none other than the master of Dan Yun Lake, who called himself Xuanhe, a celestial crane who had achieved enlightenment.

"Brother Xuan, forgive my intrusion," Qin Sang saluted from afar, as if he were very familiar with Xuanhe.

"A fellow Daoist from the Five Immortal Temple has arrived. Please forgive Xuan for not coming out to greet you sooner."

Xuanhe, not as ferocious as rumored, smiled and returned the salute.

"Don't mention it!"

Qin Sang landed on the island with the leopard demon, exchanged a few pleasantries with Xuanhe, and then stated his purpose: "I've come here to brazenly ask for a favor from Brother Xuan..."

Upon hearing this, Xuanhe's expression remained unchanged. He uttered an "Oh?" and asked, "I wonder what connection this junior's companion has with you, Fellow Daoist?"

"No connection at all! Brother Xuan must be somewhat familiar with the Five Immortal Temple's rules. I've just joined the Temple and happened to take on this task. If she hasn't offended you in any way, I hope you can be accommodating," Qin Sang said with a faint smile.

"What if I told you she's not here?"

Xuanhe narrowed his eyes and retorted.

The leopard demon's face was filled with anxiety.

Qin Sang gathered a cloud of water vapor, conjuring an illusion of the valley. At the same time, he conjured some dark figures. After a flurry of light and shadow, the dark figures dissipated, leaving behind traces in the valley.

"This should be the divine ability of Dan Yun Lake, right?"

Although they had concealed it well, it couldn't escape Qin Sang's perception.

"Fellow Daoist is so dedicated, it seems you're determined to find her?" Xuanhe's tone grew slightly cold.

"Exactly!"

Qin Sang nodded. "This is my first task after joining the Five Immortal Temple, so naturally, I want to handle it perfectly."

Xuanhe stared at Qin Sang, his gaze growing colder and colder. The invisible pressure made the leopard demon beside him tremble.

Qin Sang calmly met Xuanhe's gaze.

A moment later, Xuanhe's eyelids drooped slightly. "Alright, I'll give you face, Fellow Daoist. However, if the one we've captured isn't the one you're looking for..."

"We'll turn around and leave immediately!"

Qin Sang stated decisively, "Please let her come out for a moment."

"Go bring her out," Xuanhe commanded, and immediately two black cranes dove into the lake.

Soon after, they emerged with a female demon.

Seeing the female demon, the leopard demon was overcome with joy and cried out, "My wife!"

Unexpectedly, the female demon remained expressionless. She bowed deeply to Xuanhe, then respectfully stood by his side, not even glancing at the leopard demon.

Qin Sang held back the agitated leopard demon, scrutinized the female demon, and then flicked his finger, sending out a beam of light.

Xuanhe's eyes flickered, a fleeting murderous intent passing through them.

As the beam of light entered her body, the female demon's face immediately showed signs of struggle. Her eyes gradually regained clarity, and upon seeing the leopard demon, she softly called out, "My husband."

Watching the two demons weep with joy, Qin Sang smiled faintly. "It seems this is the one we were looking for. Many thanks, Brother Xuan, for your cooperation. Farewell!"

With that, he swept up the two demons and flew out of the lake.

The other black cranes all looked at Xuanhe. Xuanhe stared at Qin Sang's retreating back, his expression constantly changing. Ultimately, he watched them leave without issuing an order to stop them.

After flying a certain distance from Dan Yun Lake, Qin Sang's expression suddenly darkened.

Xuanhe was clearly about to make a move but held back only when he saw Qin Sang easily break the female demon's internal restrictions. Moreover, Dan Yun Lake's practice of capturing outside demon cultivators clearly indicated impure motives.

Normally, to avoid provoking the other party, Qin Sang should have exchanged treasures with Xuanhe. Forcibly demanding her now would certainly offend Xuanhe.

Qin Sang's actions were, in fact, a test. Based on the Five Immortal Temple's intelligence and his previous observations, he had a subtle feeling that something was amiss in the surrounding atmosphere. The fact that Xuanhe actually held back only deepened his suspicion.

Was something major about to happen here?

What undercurrents were truly at play, and what roles were the Five Immortal Temple and Chilian playing?

It felt as if he had blindly stumbled into an invisible net, becoming a pawn for Chilian to test the waters.

Qin Sang recalled Chilian's words, a cold sneer forming in his heart as he murmured, "Aren't you afraid I'll tear this net apart...?"

As this thought crossed his mind, Qin Sang looked at the two demons beside him.

The lark demon, delicate and lovely in appearance, wiped away her tears and walked before Qin Sang, gracefully bowing. "Thank you, Senior, for saving my life."

"Where did you get that stone?"

Qin Sang asked directly; that strange stone was one of his reasons for choosing this task.

The lark demon respectfully replied, "Reporting to Senior, it was when we were trading with a fellow Daoist..."

"Don't try to deceive me."

Qin Sang cut her off. "You don't have the ability to excavate that stone mine yet. Keeping it would only bring trouble upon yourselves."

The lark demon's face instantly turned pale.

The leopard demon was startled and quickly stepped forward to persuade her: "Tell Senior. Without Senior, we wouldn't have been able to reunite."

The lark demon gave a wry smile. "How did Senior know we also control a mineral vein?"

"That stone contains Dragon Gallbladder Gold. My knowledge of such things surpasses your imagination."

Qin Sang had no intention of seizing it by force. "Tell me where the spirit mine is, and I'll see you safely on your way. Otherwise, do you truly think you two alone can escape Xuanhe's clutches?"

Upon hearing this, the two demons dared not hide anything further and quickly revealed the location of the spirit mine.

Qin Sang kept his promise, escorting them to a safe area. He then turned back, flew towards the location of the mineral vein, and finally entered a crevice in the earth, finding the deeply hidden mine.

The depths of the earth were not dark; a golden glow permeated the air.

The golden glow was the aura emanating from the Dragon Gallbladder Gold mine, like invisible, omnipresent sharp swords. Even a Nascent Soul cultivator, if careless, could perish here.

"The spirit mine is actually completely intact."

Qin Sang didn't believe there weren't powerful figures in the Five Immortal Temple who couldn't discern this. The fact that Chilian suppressed the temptation of the Dragon Gallbladder Gold mine and assigned this task to him indicated an even greater scheme.

Dragon Gallbladder Gold was one of the best spiritual materials for refining flying swords. When Qin Sang decided to re-forge his Gray Oriole Sword, he had selected several spiritual materials, and Dragon Gallbladder Gold was among them. Having so much of it now saved him a lot of trouble.

Since it was a benefit delivered to his doorstep, Qin Sang gratefully accepted it.

"Perhaps I can gather all the spiritual materials for sword refining here..."

Qin Sang discovered that the demon race's artifact refining methods differed greatly from those of humans. Many spiritual materials rarely seen within the Great Zhou territory were not as scarce here.

A red light flashed, and the Vermilion Bird and Qilin appeared. These two fire-attributed divine beasts were the best "miners" for excavating Dragon Gallbladder Gold.

"Take it all; leave nothing behind!"

Excavating the spirit mine was not easy. If Qin Sang were to be enticed by the treasure, he would be trapped here indefinitely, inevitably drawn into the impending storm.

Unfortunately, Qin Sang had no intention of playing along with them. Not only would he swallow the bait, but he would also ensure Chilian had no complaints to voice!