Chapter 2378: Recruitment

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**Main Text**

The Lotus Lake is frequently experiencing the presence of Demon Saints.

Once or twice could be a coincidence, but three times in a short period certainly indicates a problem. Moreover, there had been no instances of Demon Saint battles in the Lotus Lake for the past ten thousand years.

"Back at Stone Dragon Mountain, you were determined to head south. Now that you're at the Lotus Lake, do you still intend to go further south?" Red Practice suddenly asked, changing her tone and showing concern for Qin Sang.

Qin Sang looked at Red Practice, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "My goal was the Lotus Lake, but who would have thought..." He sighed deeply, a look of unwillingness on his face.

Red Practice’s expression showed she had expected this. "The Lotus Lake wasn't occupied by Demon Saints before, so there were indeed many opportunities. Someone as cunning, alert, and skilled in combat as you could certainly have established yourself and made a name for yourself here."

It was unclear whether Red Practice was praising him or mocking him. Qin Sang raised an eyebrow, his expression unchanged, waiting to hear what she truly wanted to say.

"However, times have changed. Recently, major events have been happening frequently in the Lotus Lake, and the situation has immediately become delicate. It's likely a prelude to the Demon Saints re-partitioning the Lotus Lake!" Red Practice said gravely. "I've long observed that fellow Daoist has high aspirations and is unwilling to submit. But whether you admit it or not, the general trend of this world ultimately depends on the whims of the powerful!"

"How could I not understand that?" Qin Sang sighed. "I haven't become so arrogant as to confront a Demon Saint. I initially thought that if I couldn't provoke them, I could at least avoid them—just stay away. I heard that although the Lotus Lake is chaotic, it offers freedom. Now it seems some things are beyond our reach. I should seriously consider which Great Saint to pledge allegiance to."

Qin Sang seemed to have lost all his fighting spirit, shaking his head repeatedly with a dispirited look.

"Not entirely," Red Practice said, surprisingly.

"Oh?" Qin Sang looked up sharply. "What wisdom do you have to offer, fellow Daoist?" Then, as if remembering something, Qin Sang shook his head again. "If you're suggesting I pledge allegiance to Five Immortal Pavilion, then please don't bother. Although Five Immortal Pavilion is renowned, if true chaos descends, caught between Demon Saints, it would be precarious, perhaps even less stable than directly serving a Demon Saint. Unless, Five Immortal Pavilion also has a Demon Saint backing them..."

Qin Sang narrowed his eyes, staring at Red Practice.

Having been a part of Five Immortal Pavilion for so long, Qin Sang could sense the differing levels of intimacy within the organization. His apparent status in Five Immortal Pavilion was higher than Red Practice's, yet he couldn't access Five Immortal Pavilion's secrets. Anything he wanted had to be earned through merit, with clear prices and no deception. Compared to Red Practice, he was like an 'outer disciple' while she was 'inner'. If Five Immortal Pavilion recruited him, and he accepted, he could enter the inner circle. However, Five Immortal Pavilion couldn't accept a member with an unknown background, and his background wouldn't withstand scrutiny.

Red Practice smiled slightly. "Fellow Daoist has grand ambitions; our small Five Immortal Pavilion cannot contain them. However, before you find your true master, why not consider something else?"

Qin Sang became serious. "Please enlighten me, fellow Daoist."

Red Practice nodded and explained the situation. According to intelligence gathered by Five Immortal Pavilion, after the powerful figures appeared and engaged in battles, the situation drastically changed, and forces both inside and outside the Lotus Lake began to stir.

Besides the major event of the Four Kings' demise, various overlords in the Lotus Lake began to prepare for war. The Lotus Lake is now fraught with tension, and conflict is imminent. This could lead to a complete reshuffling of the status quo that the Lotus Lake has maintained for ten thousand years.

Once the chaotic war begins, it will not easily end, eventually engulfing all forces in the Lotus Lake. In this process, old overlords will undoubtedly fall, and new ones will rise. Of course, if the Demon Saints intend to partition the Lotus Lake, no matter how the Demon Kings fight, the outcome cannot be changed. But if the Demon Saints, as before, do not openly intervene, it would be a once-in-a-millennium opportunity.

Even Five Immortal Pavilion could not sit still; they also wanted a share.

"We plan to send some new faces into the Lotus Lake to occupy a territory and openly establish a force. This force will have no apparent connection with Five Immortal Pavilion, so Qing Xiao and the others are unsuitable. Additionally, the area we're interested in is located in the Four Kings' territory. After the disappearance of the Four Kings, external forces were initially uncertain and were observing, but now they've also started to act. It's foreseeable that the territories left vacant by the Four Kings will be divided up quickly. If we dispatch members from outside, we might lose the initiative. Since I was only recently demoted, not many people know my identity. The higher-ups have ordered me and another individual to go into hiding and quickly infiltrate the Lotus Lake..."

Red Practice quickly explained the situation, then said solemnly, "This is my best chance to redeem myself, but the other individual and I have always been at odds, and her foundation here is much deeper than mine. I hope fellow Daoist can help me."

Qin Sang was somewhat surprised that Red Practice, despite their past, was trying to win him over. "Fellow Daoist, you've told me such a secret. Aren't you afraid I'll leak it?"

"Five Immortal Pavilion has treated you well; what reason would you have to betray us? Moreover, I believe you are clever enough not to easily make enemies," Red Practice said confidently.

There was another reason: she was just one of many pawns of Five Immortal Pavilion. In the current situation, it was no secret that various forces were deploying their chess pieces in the Lotus Lake. Given the extensive network of Five Immortal Pavilion, there were certainly members of Five Immortal Pavilion among the Demon Kings in the Lotus Lake. Her exposure in this particular area would not affect the overall situation. Therefore, the higher-ups of Five Immortal Pavilion issued the order without much interference, letting them act as they saw fit, almost like a casual move.

Red Practice was eager to gain merit, which was why she sought out Qin Sang. During their previous journey, Red Practice had witnessed Qin Sang's strength; the power of his lightning techniques was definitely outstanding among those of the same cultivation level. She dared not underestimate him, and it was no wonder Qin Sang was so determined to make a name for himself in the Lotus Lake. After her previous setback, Red Practice understood that Qin Sang was not someone she could control. However, since she now knew his aspirations, appealing to his desires for cooperation was more reliable than forceful control.

Qin Sang remained silent, contemplating. Red Practice's invitation stirred his heart. Although he had already made arrangements, leaving Mount Mei Sovereign in the Lotus Lake, neither he, Mount Mei Sovereign, nor Immortal Wutu could openly reveal themselves. By joining under Red Practice, Qin Sang could operate from behind Five Immortal Pavilion, and Five Immortal Pavilion's intelligence capabilities were formidable, allowing them to receive information quickly if any changes occurred.

Red Practice saw that Qin Sang was tempted and pressed on. "If the Demon Saints intend to partition the Lotus Lake, we naturally wouldn't dare to contend with them, and we would simply withdraw. However, if it's just a false alarm, then working together, we will certainly secure a foothold in the Lotus Lake. At that time, it would be easy to allocate a portion to you as your foundation. Afterwards, we can also watch out for each other and form an offensive and defensive alliance. Anywhere, acting alone is difficult to achieve success! Also, aren't you looking for information? From what I've learned, various powerful figures in the Lotus Lake have been frequently holding alliances recently. Once we establish ourselves, we can also participate in these alliances and obtain the most timely intelligence."

Qin Sang sighed slowly. "Fellow Daoist is truly eloquent; I am indeed swayed."

Red Practice was delighted and exclaimed, "Good! Fellow Daoist probably doesn't have a place to settle yet. I have an excellent cave mansion nearby; I'll lend it to you first."

"I thank you in advance," Qin Sang bowed. "May I ask, fellow Daoist, what will your sect be called once you become a king?"

"For now, it will be called Tianyunpu!"

Qin Sang became the first member Red Practice brought into Tianyunpu.

Red Practice and Qin Sang agreed on a meeting time, and she left in a hurry to prepare for the conquest of the Lotus Lake. Qin Sang took the secret talisman for the cave mansion, left the stronghold, and followed the talisman's guidance. After flying for a while, he arrived above a spiritual lake. The cave mansion was located in the center of the lake, its surface like a mirror, very peaceful.

Qin Sang nodded in satisfaction, looking south. This cave mansion was not far from Flying Immortal Crag, meaning he would be neighbors with the Three Flying Immortals. Mo Yan's divine ability had left a deep impression on Qin Sang; the path of painting and the path of talismans had similarities. If he could discuss the Dao with Mo Yan, he would surely benefit greatly. Qin Sang planned to visit the Three Flying Immortals later.

Activating the secret talisman, an invisible ripple spread through the void. The scenery of the spiritual lake remained unchanged, yet it seemed as if a layer of barrier had lifted. Qin Sang flashed inside and found the cave mansion hidden by formations and restrictions at the center of the lake. The island featured pavilions and towers, fresh and elegant, perfectly to Qin Sang's taste. This cave mansion was actually an asset of Five Immortal Pavilion, so there was no need to worry about sudden attacks from external enemies.

Qin Sang landed in the cave mansion and summoned Immortal Wutu.

"Greetings, Master," Immortal Wutu respectfully saluted.

"From now on, you will be stationed here. Try to gather some small demons to gather information," Qin Sang instructed. Both he and Mount Mei Sovereign were in the Lotus Lake, so there needed to be someone outside to monitor for any changes and report them promptly.

"Your old servant obeys!"

Immortal Wutu had once been a mountain lord; these matters were second nature to him. Without needing further instructions from Qin Sang, he immediately prepared to go out and find subordinates.

Just then, Vermilion Bird suddenly leaped out. "I want to stay too!"

Qin Sang was startled and said gravely, "This is not the time to be mischievous!" With powerful beings manifesting everywhere, Qin Sang truly couldn't rest assured without keeping Vermilion Bird by his side.

"Who said I was being mischievous? If I want to stay, I definitely have my reasons! If you don't believe me, let this guy watch me!" Vermilion Bird raised a wing and pointed at Immortal Wutu.

Immortal Wutu did not know Vermilion Bird's true identity, but seeing such a small fire raven daring to boss Qin Sang around, he dared not underestimate it. He nervously agreed, not daring to accept.

"Don't worry, I know what's important, and I won't cause you any trouble," Vermilion Bird said, surprisingly serious.

Qin Sang hesitated. He knew Vermilion Bird had been acting mysteriously lately, secretly planning something. In the end, he chose to trust it this once. "Immortal Wutu, from now on, you will obey its commands! But if it makes any outrageous moves, you must report to me immediately!"

Vermilion Bird pouted and flew onto Immortal Wutu's head. Immortal Wutu stiffened, not daring to move, and respectfully accepted the order.

For the next few days, Qin Sang remained in the cave mansion. Then he received a message from Red Practice and met her below Flying Immortal Crag. This time, Red Practice brought over a dozen demon generals, all at the Soul Transformation stage, each exuding a powerful aura—all elites.

"Pay your respects to Great King Qingfeng!" Red Practice lightly commanded.

"Greetings, Great King Qingfeng!" The demon generals saluted in unison.

Qin Sang felt the title was a bit awkward, but he had to adapt to local customs. He told them to dispense with the formalities and landed beside Red Practice. Red Practice waved her hand, leading the demons to disappear into the night.

"We initially considered three locations, and finally settled on this one. Look at the terrain..." Red Practice took out a topographical map and pointed to a spot on it. Qin Sang looked, and coincidentally, the place Red Practice chose was also in the territory of King Fu, though quite distant from Three Empty Mountain, located to its southeast.

The area Red Practice selected was also a mountain range within the Great Lake, but here, the mountains ran parallel. The two mountains were almost perfectly parallel, separated by less than a hundred miles.

"This place was originally guarded by two demon kings under King Fu. According to our intelligence, both of those demon kings should have fallen. This way, that other person and I can each occupy a territory," Red Practice explained.

"So, we'll be neighbors with that person indefinitely?" Qin Sang frowned. "Can't we be separated?" Fortresses are often breached from within. Since Red Practice was at odds with the other person, it would be best to keep them separate, out of sight, out of mind. A hundred miles was too close for demon kings; it was almost like living together, and conflicts could erupt at any time.

"Do you think I want to see that seductive vixen every day?" Red Practice gnashed her teeth. "This is an order from above, and the situation is constantly changing, so it's really not advisable for us to be too far apart."

"If that's the case, why don't you two just have a fight?" Qin Sang suggested.

"That's exactly what I was thinking!" Red Practice's eyes gleamed. "That seductive vixen has been constantly taunting me. This time, I'm going to make her utterly humiliated."

Qin Sang shook his head. To them, it seemed like a game. For Red Practice and the other fox demon to create a false appearance of opposition, it couldn't be a mock fight. For the demon soldiers below them, it would be a battle of life and death. But before those Demon Saints, weren't they, too, just demon soldiers?

With the motivation for 'revenge', Red Practice began to make serious preparations. At this moment, Qin Sang received a message from Mount Mei Sovereign. When Red Practice learned that Qin Sang needed to leave midway, she worried, "You must arrive on time; don't delay."

"Don't worry, fellow Daoist, I'll be back soon!"

Qin Sang bid farewell to Red Practice and returned to Three Empty Mountain at his fastest speed.

**Three Empty Mountain.**

Mount Mei Sovereign had already gained control of the situation, becoming the new demon king. All the demon soldiers and generals under her command had submitted, and she had taken advantage of the surrounding emptiness to dispatch troops elsewhere, capturing several valuable lands and establishing a reputation.

Upon seeing Qin Sang, Mount Mei Sovereign quickly stepped forward to salute.

"Where is the letter?" Qin Sang asked.

Mount Mei Sovereign took out a golden talisman. With a flash of golden light, lines of golden characters appeared in the air. After reading the contents, Qin Sang frowned in thought and asked, "Are you sure it's connected to Great Sage Beiheng?"

"There have been many rumors recently, all saying that Black Silence Demon King was sent by Great Sage Beiheng. Perhaps it's false information spread by himself, but some demon kings have already pledged allegiance to him..." Mount Mei Sovereign spoke of what happened after Qin Sang left.

Shortly after Qin Sang departed, a demon king named Black Silence arrived. Rumor had it he had a very powerful background, having once been a trusted confidant of Great Sage Beiheng. Great Sage Beiheng was a Demon Saint on the northern shore of the Lotus Lake, and the cave mansion Red Practice gave Qin Sang was not far from Great Sage Beiheng's territory. Therefore, if this demon was sent by Great Sage Beiheng, it indicated that the Demon Saints had truly intervened, a signal that could not be ignored.