Chapter 2379: 赴宴

"Let's see what it's made of first," Qin Sang said, crushing the talisman.

In the letter, Black Silence Demonic King stated he would visit Three Empty Mountains soon, clearly intending to subdue them without a fight.

Mount Mei Yuanjun, a newly ascended Demonic King who had recently broken through, was known for her formidable divine abilities, making her slightly stronger than others at her level. Outwardly, she was no match for Black Silence Demonic King, but she was also not someone anyone could easily manipulate. During this period, following Qin Sang's instructions, she had secretly and openly befriended many Demonic Kings. Black Silence Demonic King's foundation was still shallow. If he resorted to force and provoked widespread indignation, it would be difficult for him to establish himself here.

Subsequently, Qin Sang remained at Three Empty Mountains, awaiting Black Silence Demonic King's arrival.

Ten days later, at the appointed time. Mount Mei Yuanjun had long since ordered her demonic soldiers to arrange their formations, ready to respectfully receive Black Silence Demonic King.

Just after dawn, the sky suddenly darkened. A black wind swept in from the west, spreading across the vast marsh. Immediately, strong gales raged, waves surged, and the sky grew progressively darker, eerie and terrifying, like a scene from the end of the world.

*Whoosh!*

The black wind halted abruptly before Three Empty Mountains, and a procession of demonic soldiers descended from the sky, escorting a treasure carriage. Mount Mei Yuanjun personally greeted them at the mountain gate. Qin Sang concealed himself in the back mountain, standing under a tree. He watched Black Silence Demonic King's retinue and sensed only one Void Refining level aura within the treasure carriage. He noted that this demon was indeed as sincere as stated in the letter.

The retinue landed before the mountain gate, and a large, dark-faced man emerged from the treasure carriage. It was rumored that Black Silence Demonic King was a black bear before attaining his Dao, and he indeed had a burly, bear-like physique.

"Hahaha..." Black Silence Demonic King strode forward, his laughter shaking the mountains. He clasped his fist firmly towards Mount Mei Yuanjun and said, "Daoist Yinglan, Black Silence extends his greetings."

"Daoist Black Silence, your esteemed presence brings great honor to Three Empty Mountains. Several other Daoists who wish to experience your distinguished demeanor should also be arriving shortly. Please bear with us for a moment," Mount Mei Yuanjun replied, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Oh?" Black Silence Demonic King's eyes flickered, and he laughed heartily, "The more friends, the merrier, so we can drink to our hearts' content!"

Mount Mei Yuanjun smiled faintly. "I have long heard that Daoist enjoys a good drink. I have already prepared fine wine, which will surely ensure your joyous return."

Black Silence Demonic King threw his head back and laughed, repeating "Good!" three times. Before his laughter faded, a brilliant light appeared in the north, and a green rainbow approached from the south. Demonic Kings arrived one after another.

Mount Mei Yuanjun invited all the esteemed guests into the mountain, where a grand and lively banquet was held. The back mountain remained quiet and deserted. Qin Sang stood beneath the tree, observing with a cold gaze.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere was lively, filled with continuous laughter. The Demonic Kings and Black Silence Demonic King conversed joyfully, as if they had known each other for a long time. As night fell, Mount Mei Yuanjun saw off Black Silence Demonic King and the other Demonic Kings, then came to the back mountain.

"This Black Silence Demonic King has concealed his true strength," Qin Sang said. He withdrew his gaze. "His concealment was almost perfect, yet he still revealed a flaw. He appears to be straightforward, but I suspect most of it is an act. This morning, when you few echoed each other, you nearly provoked him, and that's when a trace of his aura was inadvertently revealed."

At that moment, Mount Mei Yuanjun and the other Demonic Kings did not notice, but it could not escape Qin Sang's perception. Mount Mei Yuanjun said gravely, "That fellow claimed to have only recently broken through to the late Void Refining stage. Could it be that he has already reached the peak?"

"It's hard to say, unless I fight him myself. If you can conceal your strength, so can he. But his intentions are quite intriguing." Qin Sang paced a few steps, then analyzed, "If he were to display his full strength, subjugating you would be no challenge. So, what is the purpose of concealing his strength, leading to such elaborate efforts?"

"Whatever his purpose, it's highly probable that such a powerful individual is backed by a Demonic Saint," Mount Mei Yuanjun said solemnly.

"Exactly!" Qin Sang agreed. "Even if it's not Grand Saint Beiheng, it could be another Grand Saint. Also, don't you find it odd that if Black Silence Demonic King were Grand Saint Beiheng's confidant, he would be appearing here now?"

Mount Mei Yuanjun hesitated. "Are you saying..."

"Grand Saint Beiheng dominates the northern shore of Lotus Lake Marsh, possessing a unique advantage. Who could more easily plant pawns within it than him? Many Demonic Kings must have already pledged allegiance to Grand Saint Beiheng, yet a previously unknown Black Silence Demonic King has suddenly emerged..." Qin Sang deeply felt that his sources of information were too few, especially concerning those Demonic Saints, beings he could only look up to, whose thoughts he could not fathom at all.

"Perhaps Black Silence Demonic King is meant to draw attention, concealing other important pawns," Mount Mei Yuanjun mused.

"That's possible, but exposing such a top-tier expert for such a simple task seems hardly worth the effort. If we can uncover Black Silence Demonic King's true objective, we might get a glimpse into something bigger..." What Qin Sang was most concerned about was the Demonic Saint's purpose.

"Then I will go and pledge allegiance to him in a few days," Mount Mei Yuanjun said.

Qin Sang nodded. "Looking across Lotus Lake Marsh, there aren't many overlords who can contend with him. Unless you abandon Three Empty Mountains, this is your only option. However, while you can pledge allegiance, you don't necessarily need to gain his full trust. Just keep an eye on his movements; if he intends to do anything, he will surely leave clues. Remember to prioritize your safety and use your own judgment."

After instructing Mount Mei Yuanjun, Qin Sang left Three Empty Mountains to rendezvous with Scarlet Serpent. As he flew, Qin Sang mused to himself, surprised that his plan was already showing results just as it began. Now that he had joined the Five Immortals' Sanctuary and Mount Mei Yuanjun had infiltrated Black Silence Demonic King's forces, they were positioned within the two most well-informed powers near Lotus Lake Marsh. Of course, this infiltration was merely a temporary measure. The ultimate goal was to find an opportune moment to head south. However, if he discovered that the Demonic Saints truly intended to carve up Lotus Lake Marsh, Qin Sang would not hesitate to withdraw and seek other methods. There was nothing in Lotus Lake Marsh that he coveted, nor did he intend to pledge allegiance to a Demonic Saint. Although he desired to observe Demonic Saints in combat, he would not allow himself to be drawn into such turmoil.

"You're finally here."

By the time Qin Sang arrived, Scarlet Serpent had already secured territory and set up formations before the mountain, confronting her opponent from a distance. Her opponent was a vixen demon, not only enchanting and alluring in appearance but also aptly named Bone Charm, fitting her seductive aura.

"What is their strength like?" Qin Sang stood atop the mountain, gazing at the opposite side. A hundred li away, demonic energy soared, and the military might was significantly stronger than their own.

"That seductive fox arrived a few days before me, and she's lured away more than half of the minor demons here," Scarlet Serpent gritted her teeth. Seeing the ragtag group before her mountain, she was even more exasperated.

"Demonic soldiers are easy to acquire; Lotus Lake Marsh has no shortage of demon cultivators. I'll take a few demonic generals out, and we can quickly recruit a batch. For now, it's best not to provoke them actively. If they attack, we'll only defend our position..." Qin Sang dutifully fulfilled his role as strategist.

Seeing Qin Sang's readiness, Scarlet Serpent's expression softened slightly. "Then I will trouble Daoist."

"I'm also doing this for my own sake. They might become my future subordinates..." Qin Sang left those words, selected a few demonic generals, and departed gracefully.

Scarlet Serpent did not feel offended; this was a condition she had promised Qin Sang long ago. As long as it motivated Qin Sang to work diligently, a mere handful of demonic soldiers was nothing. She deeply felt she had chosen the right helper. With Qin Sang helping to train soldiers and repel external enemies, she only needed to consider how to expand her power and forge alliances. Scarlet Serpent slowly descended the mountain, gazing at the plaque above the mountain gate, inscribed with "Heavenly Cloud Reach," feeling quite content.

Days passed, and the situation in Lotus Lake Marsh changed multiple times a day. All sorts of rumors swept in like a gale, making it difficult to discern truth from falsehood.

Initially, Heavenly Cloud Reach and Bone Charm merely confronted each other and managed to coexist peacefully. However, as the saying goes, "what superiors prefer, subordinates will strive for more," and with constant friction between the two sides, neither Scarlet Serpent nor Bone Charm showed any intention of stopping. The conflict deepened until it finally erupted.

Heavenly Cloud Reach.

Under a pine tree, Qin Sang held a feather fan. Before him sat a clay stove and jade cups, from which tea steam gently curled. Outside the mountain, battle cries shook the heavens. Qin Sang gently waved his feather fan, fully understanding the situation on the battlefield. It was not Qin Sang's first time commanding a large army. Apart from being more irritable, the demonic soldiers here were no less intelligent than human cultivators, making them relatively easy to command.

"When will that seductive fox finally come down the mountain?" A figure materialized beside Qin Sang. Scarlet Serpent stared down the mountain, eager for action.

"Not for much longer..." Qin Sang's gaze never left the battlefield, where the situation was gradually becoming clear. Although Heavenly Cloud Reach's demonic soldiers were generally inferior to their opponents, legion warfare was not solely a contest of strength. A powerful individual is not necessarily a good commander. The opposing Bone Charm was clearly not skilled at leading large armies. She fell for one trap after another, suffering continuous attrition from Qin Sang's tactics. Despite being stronger, she had already been put on the defensive, with even some of her demonic soldier contingents showing signs of collapse.

Qin Sang drank a cup of fragrant tea, secretly transmitting orders with his divine sense. The demonic generals began to quietly shift their army's formation, preparing to encircle and annihilate the enemy. Previously, both Bone Charm and Scarlet Serpent had tacitly refrained from intervening, letting their demonic soldiers decide the outcome. It had become clear that Scarlet Serpent was more skilled. Bone Charm, watching her army being decimated, could not possibly remain passive.

"Daoist, you can descend the mountain now," Qin Sang's eyes flashed as he pointed his feather fan towards a certain spot below the mountain.

Scarlet Serpent's face showed excitement. "You don't need to hide anymore either. Let's attack together and teach that seductive fox a lesson!" Scarlet Serpent knew her strength was slightly inferior to Bone Charm's. She had deliberately kept Qin Sang's presence a secret, waiting for this very day.

Qin Sang rose leisurely and descended the mountain with Scarlet Serpent. As Qin Sang's strategy was successfully executed, Heavenly Cloud Reach's encirclement gradually took shape, forming pockets on the battlefield that split the enemy forces. Then, without mercy, they struck fatal blows.

Immediately, cries of agony echoed continuously. Across the battlefield, a stunningly beautiful woman let out an angry shout, kicked over a demonic general in front of her, then flicked her cloud sleeve, transforming into a streak of purple light that shot directly towards Heavenly Cloud Reach.

"Bald worm, do you dare come out and fight me!" Her sharp cry, like rolling thunder, spread across the battlefield.

In mid-air, a gigantic purple silk umbrella appeared. It spun rapidly, shooting out rays of light like silver needles, which rained down upon the battlefield. Immediately, cries of misery erupted, and Heavenly Cloud Reach suffered heavy losses. Under the cover of the umbrella, the purple light advanced with momentum, its pressure bearing down on Heavenly Cloud Reach. Unexpectedly, just as it reached the center of the battlefield, a whip shadow suddenly appeared below.

"Seductive fox, I knew you had no martial virtue!" A mocking laugh came from the ground as Scarlet Serpent suddenly appeared. The whip shadow was exceptionally cunning. The purple light, unable to dodge in time, abruptly stopped, revealing Bone Charm. She showed no panic, merely scoffing, "Indeed, a treacherous one!"

The silver needles shot from the silk umbrella, instead of disappearing after killing the demonic soldiers, changed direction and instantly flew back from all directions. Scarlet Serpent, surrounded by silver needles, softly called out, "Daoist, aren't you going to make your move?"

*Rumble!*

Thunder shook the surroundings. Innumerable azure lightning bolts materialized out of thin air. The lightning threads sought out the silver needles, neutralizing them in mutual destruction.

"Where did you get a paramour from?!" Bone Charm's expression changed instantly. She and Scarlet Serpent had only just established themselves here; they hadn't even clarified the surrounding situation. She hadn't yet secured trusted allies. Although some Demonic Kings had expressed willingness to ally, their relationship was still shallow, making it impossible for them to openly help her against another Demonic King. She hadn't expected Scarlet Serpent to already have assistance.

Knowing she had lost this round, Bone Charm quickly retracted her silk umbrella, intending to retreat. Unfortunately, she was already surrounded by lightning and whip shadows, with no way to escape. Heavenly thunder rolled, and whip shadows danced like chaotic flood dragons.

After a series of clashes, Bone Charm managed to escape only after sustaining injuries, suffering a crushing defeat in this battle. However, when the Heavenly Cloud Reach army pursued her down the mountain, Qin Sang and Scarlet Serpent led their demonic soldiers in a fierce assault for a long time but failed to breach the mountain gate, returning vexed. They could not kill Bone Charm. This battle was partly a conflict of pride between two female demons, and also a display for outsiders.

From then on, the two powers became completely adversarial. Scarlet Serpent had won the first round and vented her frustration, valuing Qin Sang even more. Qin Sang was content to remain a strategist behind the scenes, never vying for power or profit. He settled down at Heavenly Cloud Reach, patiently waiting for the right moment.

In the cave abode.

Before Qin Sang lay talismans sent by Mount Mei Yuanjun and Immortal Wutu.

"An invitation from the Three Flying Immortals?" Qin Sang opened one of them. The content was an invitation from the Three Flying Immortals for him and Scarlet Serpent to a banquet, to thank them for their previous assistance. Their previous interaction had been a transaction, yet the words on the talisman were exceptionally courteous, as if they were truly grateful.

"It seems Moyan has returned..." Qin Sang mused inwardly. During this time, he had deliberately inquired. It was said that after they left, an unusual celestial phenomenon had occurred again at the Four Kings' Alliance gathering place. However, the surrounding demon cultivators, fearing that a powerful being had returned to battle, all scattered and fled, none daring to investigate. Qin Sang suspected that the celestial phenomenon was caused by the emergence of the 'clam pearl'.

Since the Three Flying Immortals had extended the invitation, Qin Sang decided to attend the banquet, though he would go alone. As the master of Heavenly Cloud Reach, Scarlet Serpent's most important task was to befriend Demonic Kings everywhere and seek more allies, so that she could secure a foothold when the chaotic battles began. At this moment, Scarlet Serpent was attending an alliance meeting at another Demonic King's residence and could not leave.

Qin Sang exited his cave abode, instructed the demonic generals to guard the mountain gate well, and departed the mountain alone, flying towards the northern shore. Flying Immortal Islet was visible in the distance. Qin Sang first returned to his cave abode. Seeing that Vermilion Bird was still well-behaved, he prepared a modest gift and set off for the banquet.

Before the bamboo grove. As Qin Sang descended from his light, the Three Flying Immortals emerged one after another, seemingly having been waiting for a long time.

"Daoist Qingfeng, I trust you have been well!" Moyan showed exceptional enthusiasm.

"Daoist looks radiant, it seems your wishes have been fulfilled," Qin Sang said with a smile, presenting his gift.

The three demons repeatedly expressed their politeness.

"Did Daoist Scarlet Serpent not come with you?" Moyan asked.

"Daoist Scarlet Serpent has other important matters and is unable to spare herself. She appreciates your kind invitation and specifically asked me to convey her thanks to all of you," Qin Sang replied.

"I see, we were presumptuous..." Moyan nodded, seemingly unconcerned by Scarlet Serpent's absence, and with undiminished enthusiasm, ushered Qin Sang inside.