Chapter 685: Entering the Right Track

**The Human Realm**

A month after discovering traces of the flood dragons.

Inside the immortal's cave, the old couple and three others had returned at some unknown time. All five were in the main hall, restless and uneasy. Only Qin Sang was absent.

“The Daoist Master’s escape speed is beyond our reach. Why hasn’t he returned yet? Could it be that…” The Wang sisters frowned, their voices filled with deep worry. “What if something happened to the Daoist Master? Will the Chamber of Commerce blame us for ineffective scouting, causing harm to him?”

The old couple's expressions were relatively calm. “The Daoist Master’s strength is extraordinary. Even a great demon in the Demonic Core stage wouldn’t easily be able to stop him. There’s no need to worry. We’ll wait one more day, and if…”

Mid-sentence, the old woman’s expression suddenly changed. She flashed out of the cave. Immediately after, the others also sensed something and streamed out.

Just outside the cave, a sword light streaked towards them, circled briefly above the island, and then descended in front of everyone. It was Qin Sang. The old couple and the others let out a long sigh of relief, their faces showing joy.

“Senior, you’re finally back! Was there truly a great demon in the Demonic Core stage among that group of flood dragons?”

Qin Sang nodded. “Yes, at least a mid-stage Demonic Core.” He hadn't expected to encounter an unforeseen event while hunting the last flood dragon.

After discovering traces of the flood dragon migration, they immediately tracked them, following for over ten days. Once they confirmed it was only a group of low-level Blue Flood Dragons in the Demonic Spirit stage, Qin Sang decided to act.

But for some reason, before making his move, he had a subtle feeling of unease. Qin Sang ordered the old couple and the others to move away from the area first, then approached the flood dragon group alone. Out of caution, he first released a living corpse to test them.

Unexpectedly, a great demon in the Demonic Core stage was hidden among the flood dragons. It instantly killed the living corpse and rushed towards his hiding spot. Judging by its aura, it was at least a mid-stage Demonic Core flood dragon.

Upon discovering this flood dragon, Qin Sang instantly realized he had been tricked. It seemed his feeling after hunting the first Blue Flood Dragon was correct; that Blue Flood Dragon’s identity was not simple. But Qin Sang hadn't expected these flood dragons to understand baiting and ambushes. This Demonic Core flood dragon likely possessed awakened intelligence.

In the depths of the Demon Sea, even when facing a demon beast in the early Demonic Core stage, Qin Sang would observe it first before deciding whether to act, let alone a mid-stage Demonic Core flood dragon. Greatly alarmed, Qin Sang turned and fled without hesitation, warning the old couple and the others to immediately move away.

Fortunately, Qin Sang was cautious enough; his true body was hidden far away. Moreover, his Nine Dragon Celestial Carriage Talisman, which had already absorbed the spirits of eight flood dragons, combined with his Sword Qi Thunder Sound technique, gave him astonishing escape speed. After a series of maneuvers, he successfully escaped from the enraged roar of the flood dragon.

“We can no longer stay in this sea area. Do you know anywhere else where flood dragons appear?” Having been targeted by that flood dragon, continuing to hunt in the vicinity posed a great risk, so Qin Sang decided to change direction. Demon beasts in the Demon Sea also have their territories, so Qin Sang wasn’t overly alarmed. However, remembering how he was nearly lured and killed by a demon beast, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of lingering fear, no longer daring to be complacent.

Seeing Qin Sang, who remained calm even after being chased by a great demon in the Demonic Core stage, the old couple and the others secretly admired him and gradually calmed down.

The old man pondered for a moment and said, “Beyond the sea trench, the most suitable place is only to the west of Duyan Island. There’s a sea area where a type of fish demon called Fuhu is often found. Flood dragons seem to particularly enjoy eating Fuhu, and sometimes flood dragons can be seen there. However, demon beasts in the Demonic Core stage occasionally appear around the Fuhu sea area. Only seniors in the Core Formation stage dare to hunt demons nearby.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang’s heart stirred. He looked around at everyone and asked, “When do you plan to return to Duyan Island?”

The five were stunned. “Senior, why do you ask?”

Qin Sang mused, “I’ve decided to go to the Fuhu sea area and plan to find an immortal’s cave there to cultivate for a few years. If you’re not in a hurry to return, I intend to continue employing you to help me search for demon beasts. However, this time, I need you to help me find the lairs of great demons in the Demonic Core stage. This is necessary because my cultivation technique is special. Of course, you won’t be required to participate in the hunting.”

The Qiongyu Chamber of Commerce had an agreement with Qin Sang that he only needed to return every few years, ensuring his own cultivation wouldn’t be hindered, and they reserved only the most vital spiritual materials for him. Hearing the old man mention the Fuhu sea area, with its many Demonic Core stage demon beasts, Qin Sang realized it was an ideal place for him to comprehend the killing talismans. Coincidentally, he had brought many supplies before his departure, so he decided not to return to Duyan Island for now. However, demon beasts wouldn’t just appear on their own. His efficiency in finding them alone would be low, wasting a lot of time. These people were easy to work with. Although their cultivation was lower, they were sufficient for finding demon beast lairs.

The five looked at each other. They had gained so many benefits by staying with Qin Sang and had already understood his nature, so they were naturally delighted. However, for cultivators like them in the Pseudo-Core Formation stage, the Fuhu sea area was too dangerous, so they all hesitated.

“Of course, staying by my side, you won’t be treated unfairly. As long as you diligently serve me, I can refine magic artifacts for you for free, and they won’t be inferior to that bone sword and bone spear.” Qin Sang’s tone was full of temptation. He then looked at the old couple. “For you two, the Demonic Spirit Pills you’ve taken have reached their limit, but you can still consume other spiritual medicines. Accumulate more wealth, and perhaps you’ll encounter an opportunity for Core Formation in the future. Or are you truly willing to give up?”

This question struck directly at their hearts. The old couple exchanged glances, then gritted their teeth and said, “My wife and I are willing to be at the Daoist Master’s service.” Then they turned to the other three and said, “Fellow Daoists, unlike us, you haven’t consumed many Demonic Spirit Pills, so there’s still hope for you. Whatever decision you make, we won’t mind. If we part ways now, we hope you’ll never forget the camaraderie we shared hunting demons all these years.”

The gray-robed man agreed without hesitation, as Qin Sang had promised him a bone sword. The Wang sisters gave a wry smile. “When we first arrived, we knew nothing. It was entirely thanks to the two seniors who guided us that we are where we are today. How could we abandon the Senior at such a time? Moreover, the Daoist Master is offering us an opportunity that we might rarely encounter in our lives. If we miss it, we will surely regret it immensely later.”

The five individuals agreed to Qin Sang’s terms one after another. Qin Sang laughed heartily, then immediately led the five away from the immortal’s cave, flying directly westward.

Two months later, the group arrived at the Fuhu sea area. It took them over ten more days to find a desolate island with a hidden spiritual vein. They then carved out several immortal’s caves right next to the spiritual vein.

“Finally, things are getting on track.” Looking at the simple immortal’s caves, Qin Sang felt a surge of emotion. After forming his Core, he had been without a fixed residence, unable to cultivate peacefully. Now, he had finally found a suitable place for his cultivation.

“Of the five of you, one will stay behind to take turns guarding the island. The other four will go out in pairs. For now, the main goal is still to search for flood dragons. After discovering a demon beast lair, do not act rashly. Wait for me to personally confirm the demon beast’s cultivation level.”