Chapter 926: Zou Lao's Invitation

Human World

Before all else, Qin Sang intended to attempt a forceful breakthrough into the late stage of the third transformation of the *Heavenly Demonic Refinement* technique, leveraging the power of the Overlord Blood Fruit. Within the perilous Seven Kills Palace, an extra bit of strength meant an increased chance of survival.

Inside a quiet chamber of his cave dwelling, Qin Sang sat cross-legged upon a star platform, adjusting his state. Beside him lay a jade box containing the Overlord Blood Fruit. Given his current physical strength, he was no longer so afraid of the medicinal impact.

Previously, when he broke through the third layer, Qin Sang had consumed both the Azure Weed Root and the Overlord Blood Fruit consecutively to forcefully advance his cultivation. Any medicinal energy remaining after breaking through the bottleneck was too potent for his then-weaker physique to refine directly without risking collapse. Much of it was unbearable, so he had to activate his Demonic Transformation and transfer the energy to his Phoenix Wings to dissipate it. Even so, the residual medicinal energy, once refined, benefited him greatly, otherwise he wouldn't have broken through so quickly. Now, consuming the Overlord Blood Fruit, even if the breakthrough failed, would still significantly improve his physique.

Not long after, Qin Sang's state was adjusted to its peak. He closed his eyes tightly, opened his mouth wide, and directly swallowed an Overlord Blood Fruit.

As the medicinal energy dissolved in his abdomen, Qin Sang, having experience in dealing with such effects, grimaced but remained motionless. He forcefully endured the first wave of impact, methodically processing the medicinal energy. The violent medicinal energy surged like a tide, raging wildly within his body. Qin Sang's face paled, and he grunted, but he did not manifest his Phoenix Wings. Instead, he suppressed the pain, preparing to let his physical body refine the spiritual fruit's energy. His skin became translucent, revealing his boiling flesh. Qin Sang felt as if his body was being torn apart, and a tingling itch and pain emanated from deep within his bone marrow—pain that an ordinary person would find unbearable. Sweat flowed like a deluge from him, emitting a peculiar odor. It seemed that impurities were being expelled again, though the effect was far less significant than during his previous breakthrough.

Wave after wave of medicinal energy, Qin Sang endured them all. He let out a long breath, finding himself drenched in sweat. Slowly clenching his fist, he felt a noticeable improvement in his physique, but he was still some distance from a breakthrough. After all, he had only been cultivating this technique for a short time.

Qin Sang looked inwards, checking his condition. "Most of the medicinal energy is still latent within my body," he murmured. "I must refine this energy before I can consume another Overlord Blood Fruit. The Overlord Blood Fruit is not like the Azure Weed Root; taking two spiritual fruits together risks physical collapse, and transferring it to my Phoenix Wings to dissipate would be a waste. I don't need to further enhance my Phoenix Wings or improve my escape techniques right now. Besides, the physical body should be strengthened step by step, solidifying its foundation. Relying solely on spiritual medicines will certainly create hidden dangers."

With these thoughts, Qin Sang suppressed his reflections, activated his cultivation technique, and began refining the remaining medicinal energy.

Months later, a figure flew out of the cave, disappearing into the azure demonic sea after a few blinks. Qin Sang, carrying the Heavenly Corpse Coffin on his back, flew towards Desolate Island.

His external avatar was currently sealed within the Heavenly Corpse Coffin. After refining the blood pearl, its cultivation had reached the peak of the Core Formation stage. The hidden dangers of the accelerated cultivation method were now fully apparent. The disparity in cultivation between Qin Sang and his avatar was too great. The remnant power of the Jade Buddha within the sword soul and the secret arts from the *Demon Embryo Cultivation* were no longer sufficient to suppress the external avatar's demonic soul. With its murderous demonic intent unresolved, the external avatar was a true demon. If it were released, Qin Sang himself would be the first to suffer. Only by activating his Demonic Transformation could Qin Sang forcefully suppress the backlash and control the external avatar in combat. In normal times, he could only keep the external avatar sealed and dormant inside the Heavenly Corpse Coffin.

Over ten days later, Qin Sang's escape light faded as he landed on Desolate Island, then took a teleportation array back to the Inner Sea. He had an agreement with Elder Zou to meet on Heaven's Fortune Island before the Seven Kills Palace opened. He wondered if Elder Zou had been patient enough to wait for him.

Upon returning to Heaven's Fortune City, Qin Sang headed straight for the Qiongyu Merchant Association's shop.

"Daoist Qingfeng, you've finally arrived! You're like a dragon, rarely seen and elusive. You disappeared for several years without a trace. I was starting to think..." Elder Zou walked quickly into the shop, his gaze sweeping over Qin Sang, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Did Elder Zou think I had fallen?" Qin Sang asked with a smile, the corners of his mouth curving upwards. Then, his expression turned serious. "I've been preparing to enter the Seven Kills Palace, which caused a few days' delay. Fortunately, I haven't missed the time. Has Elder Zou confirmed that you'll be acting with your fellow Daoists from the Eastern Extreme Alliance?"

Elder Zou nodded. "That's right. I started a bit late; the Jade Talismans outside had long been claimed, and even when they occasionally appeared, they were being sold at exorbitant prices. Like last time, I also had to complete a task for the merchant association first. Among my companions for this trip, two have some past acquaintance with me, and they can look out for us."

Hearing Elder Zou's words, Qin Sang nodded, asking no further questions, unwilling to get entangled in the disputes between merchant associations.

Elder Zou paused slightly, then continued, "Over these past few years, I've traveled extensively, investigating and finally pinpointing three locations that we absolutely must visit. For the first two, I'm confident in my chances. However, the last hidden location is said to contain ancient restrictions and is fraught with danger, so we'll need assistance. I've already convinced two fellow Daoists to lend me a hand when the time comes. If you manage to acquire your desired treasures beforehand, Daoist, you might consider joining us there to seek treasures. Once inside, aside from the spiritual medicine I need, any other treasures will be split equally among us."

As he spoke, Elder Zou produced an exploration map and pointed out the locations to Qin Sang. The map was extremely detailed, containing some hidden places Qin Sang had never even heard of, showing how much effort Elder Zou had put into this trip. With his lifespan nearing its limit, this was his last gamble.

"Flower Immortal Lake?" Qin Sang exclaimed, a look of surprise on his face as he saw where Elder Zou was pointing. It was the entrance to Flower Immortal Lake, precisely where he and Lady Liu had ambushed Cui Ji.

Elder Zou noticed the unusual tone in Qin Sang's voice. "Have you been here, Daoist?"

His gaze, hidden beneath his cloak, swept over Elder Zou. Qin Sang shook his head. "I merely passed by this place; I didn't dare to enter. Elder Zou, you're not actually planning to enter Flower Immortal Lake, are you? That's one of the Seven Kills Palace's three great poisonous lands..."

"Rest assured, Daoist," Elder Zou chuckled, cutting Qin Sang off. "We'll only be operating in the outermost periphery of Flower Immortal Lake. The poison there is not as potent as in the deeper parts, and with our cultivation, we can withstand it for a time. Additionally, I've prepared some antidote elixirs, enough to sustain us until we leave. Daoist, take this token; crush it at the entrance, and I'll be able to sense your presence."

"Since Elder Zou has considered everything so thoroughly, if I successfully resolve my own issues, I will consider joining you there." Qin Sang accepted the token. At the same time, he mused to himself that even without Elder Zou's invitation, he would want to visit Flower Immortal Lake if the opportunity arose, to see if he could gain any benefits using the Fat Silkworm's abilities.

Qin Sang was quite willing to help Elder Zou. He was quite familiar with Elder Zou and knew his character well. If he could truly help him form a Nascent Soul, Qin Sang would gain another powerful ally. Of course, Qin Sang knew well that forming a Nascent Soul was not that easy.