Chapter 802: Magic Seed

At Mount Baogu, Qin Sang remained in his cave dwelling for several days.

One of the greatest challenges of the 'Demonic Embryo Nurturing' technique was refining the demonic seed. However, Qin Sang possessed a sword soul, which greatly reduced the difficulty of nurturing the demonic seed through it.

Nevertheless, this sinister demonic art remained obscure and challenging. Furthermore, Qin Sang's immediate task was to detect the presence of the separated soul within the sword light.

A sword light merging with a separated soul was an unheard-of phenomenon in the entire cultivation world.

Qin Sang had initially planned to proceed slowly, but he unexpectedly discovered that his swordsmanship was subtly improving as he focused on perception. Seizing the opportunity, he decided to enter seclusion, simultaneously delving into both the Way of the Sword and the demonic cultivation technique.

Before he knew it, more than ten days had swiftly passed.

Inside the cave dwelling, the ebony sword floated before him, flanked by two other sword lights.

His eyes were fixed on the sword light generated by the cultivation technique. Having received Senior Qingzhu's message and independently grasped the concept of sword light division, he had spent days in exploration and finally perceived the distinctiveness of this particular sword light.

This sword light was remarkably stable, and its connection to its master was noticeably stronger.

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Sang formed a hand seal and softly uttered, "Shatter!"

With a sharp 'crack,' the sword light fractured like glazed glass, crumbling into countless fragments.

Qin Sang suddenly clutched his head, letting out a painful groan.

The shattering of the sword soul brought a sharp, needle-like pain. However, this agony was far milder than what the original 'Demonic Embryo Nurturing' technique would inflict, making it bearable for Qin Sang.

Qin Sang quickly adapted to the stinging sensation. He lifted his head, opened his bloodshot eyes, clenched his teeth, and devoted his full attention to completing the demonic technique.

As Qin Sang moved, the sword soul fragments began to merge.

Gradually, it was as if a drop of ink spread from the center of the sword soul, eventually dyeing it entirely black.

The sword soul vanished, replaced by a demonic seed resembling a black droplet of water. Although not entirely nurtured through conventional demonic means, it still emanated a potent aura of evil.

Qin Sang examined it for a moment, then retracted the demonic seed into his primordial spirit space to await its maturation. He then opened the insect basket.

Just as he was refining the demonic seed, he heard movement from the insect basket, indicating the fat silkworm had awakened.

After consuming the poisonous mist, the fat silkworm had fallen into a deep sleep. Upon waking, no other changes were discernible, apart from a slight strengthening of its aura.

Qin Sang was accustomed to this and felt no surprise. Even if the fat silkworm's only ability was detoxification, it would be sufficient. Should it continue to grow, it might eventually become immune to all poisons in the world.

With this thought, Qin Sang retrieved a piece of purple crystal from his Qianjun Ring.

Upon seeing the purple crystal, the fat silkworm's small eyes sparkled with greed. It seemed to have no concept of satiety, as it restlessly burrowed into Qin Sang's palm, demanding the delicacy.

Qin Sang did not tease it further, bringing the purple crystal closer. The fat silkworm breached the protective barrier it had formed, then bit into the crystal with a crisp 'crunch,' breaking off a small piece.

The fat silkworm's direct and forceful approach surprised Qin Sang, who then observed its condition with a hint of concern.

He watched as the fat silkworm's throat undulated, swallowing the entire piece of purple crystal. Soon after, drowsiness set in, and it fell into a deep sleep.

"A small piece at a time should suffice," Qin Sang thought. "Sleeping so deeply, it likely won't awaken anytime soon. It seems these purple crystals will last for quite some time..."

Qin Sang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The fat silkworm was a picky eater, and finding its preferred sustenance was challenging. Qin Sang had searched through the hook-nosed man's belongings for a long time but couldn't find the source of the poisonous smoke.

Next, he summoned the Heavenly Eye Butterfly and fed it spirit medicine, hoping it would break through soon.

After feeding the fat silkworm and the Heavenly Eye Butterfly, Qin Sang spent some time comprehending the Way of the Sword before leaving his cave dwelling and sweeping down the mountain.

He altered his appearance and first purchased a mortal residence at the foot of Mount Baogu to serve as a base.

He then proceeded alone towards the market.

Tianxing City's market was vast, with numerous cultivators trading both inside and outside the city daily, establishing it as the most prosperous hub in the cultivation world of the Canglang Sea.

"Linglong Pavilion..."

After circling the market extensively, Qin Sang finally arrived before a small shop.

Its name was elegant, but the shop itself was unremarkable. Like other establishments, it sold common cultivation items such as talismans, magic tools, and elixirs.

At this time, there were no customers in the shop.

Linglong Pavilion was the designated meeting place Madam Liu had arranged. Qin Sang observed it from outside for a moment before stepping inside.

The shop's owner was a white-haired old man whose cultivation was merely at the Foundation Establishment stage; given his age, it was clearly impossible for him to achieve Core Formation. As Qin Sang entered, the old man was about to rise and offer a salute when he suddenly heard the faint chime of a bell, and his expression subtly shifted.

The shop owner glanced at Qin Sang's cuff and immediately led him to the back hall.

The shop owner cautiously inquired, "May I ask, Senior, who you are?"

Qin Sang displayed the bronze bell. "This humble Taoist is Qingfeng. Madam Liu should have mentioned me, right? She instructed me to find Linglong Pavilion in Tianxing City and to use it for confidential communications. Has she perhaps informed you of this?"

The shop owner nodded profusely. "My master just gave those instructions; this junior has been awaiting your arrival, Senior... Please forgive my poor perception; I had mistaken you for a monastic and failed to recognize you."

Qin Sang nodded indifferently and got straight to the point. "This humble Taoist has rented a small courtyard in the city. Here is the address; I have placed a protective restriction within the courtyard. Inform Madam Liu that she can contact me directly by coming to this courtyard..."

After providing the address, Qin Sang wasted no more words and departed directly.

Afterward, Qin Sang reverted to his original appearance and began to stroll leisurely through the market.

He purchased several cultivation necessities from various shops, and intentionally or unintentionally inquired about Spirit Turtle Island.

As expected, Spirit Turtle Island was not well-known; Senior Qingzhu was indeed very low-key. Qin Sang inquired among many people, yet no one seemed to know the name of the Spirit Turtle Island Master.

Only one person mentioned a small island called Spirit Turtle Island near their hometown, but it was solely inhabited by mortals. The island's spiritual energy was too sparse to support cultivators, so there was no island master.

Outside that particular sea region, no one would even be aware of that small island's existence.

Given the countless islands in the Canglang Sea, it was not surprising for names to be duplicated.

Qin Sang wandered, stopping and starting, exploring the market for an entire day. He eventually arrived at a place called Xiang'an Auction House. Its name lacked grandeur, evoking a sense of finding peace and security in a secluded corner.

Despite its humble name, this auction house was the largest in Tianxing City, jointly built by the three major trade alliances.

Upon entering the auction house, his cultivation level ensured he was treated with utmost respect, receiving a warm welcome.

After being led into a quiet room by an attendant, Qin Sang handed her a jade slip.

"I'm looking to purchase a specific spirit fruit," he explained, "but I don't know its name. The jade slip contains illustrations of the fruit and its plant."

He had searched extensively but hadn't been able to identify the spirit fruit he acquired from the Seven Kill Hall. Thus, he had no choice but to come to the auction house, fabricating a reason to inquire about it.

The auction house boasted many renowned Grand Alchemists, arguably the most knowledgeable individuals. Qin Sang reasoned that if even they couldn't identify it, his chances of finding information elsewhere would be slim.

"Senior, please wait a moment..."

The attendant reviewed the jade slip, bowed, and exited the room.

Not long after, an alchemist pushed the door open and entered.