Chapter 1920: Wang Qingshan Advances to Huashen Stage, News of Huang Fugui

Half a year later, the six individuals returned to Qianling Mountain.

After witnessing Wang Mengbin's formidable strength, Zhong Yangming and the others became even more respectful towards them.

"Fellow Daoist Zhong, do you have any high-grade metal ores? I would like some."

Wang Mengbin asked Zhong Yangming. His Metal-Devouring Beast was injured and needed to consume high-grade metal ores to speed up its recovery.

"Yes, I will send someone to deliver them immediately. We are planning to set up a formation to communicate with our ancestor in the Spirit Realm, but we are a bit short-handed. Would Fellow Daoist Wang be willing to help? If it succeeds, we will certainly reward you handsomely."

Zhong Yangming said politely.

"I expended some vital energy while searching for the Golden Orb Divine Crystal and need some time to recuperate. I'm afraid I won't be able to help."

Wang Mengbin politely declined. The Zhong family was not weak; it was unlikely they couldn't gather a few Nascent Soul cultivators to preside over the formation. He didn't want to get involved. What if the Zhong family played tricks, or reported them to their ancestor? It would be no difficult task for the Zhong ancestor to kill Wang Mengbin.

It's always wise to be cautious. Wang Mengbin didn't trust the Zhong family.

"Alright! Fellow Daoist Wang, please wait a moment. Yunxiu, go to the treasury immediately and fetch some high-grade ores for Fellow Daoist Wang."

Zhong Yangming instructed. It was easier to invite a powerful being than to send one away. Wang Mengbin's strength was too great; the Zhong family could not afford to keep him.

Zhong Yunxiu left as instructed. Half an hour later, she returned with three storage rings of different colors in her hand.

"This time, we are also very grateful for the assistance of Fellow Daoist Cheng and Madam Cheng. This is a small token of our appreciation, please accept it."

Zhong Yunxiu handed one storage ring each to Cheng Zhenyu and Zheng Nan. They accepted them without formality, expressing their thanks.

"If the Deng family sends someone, please have Fellow Daoist Zhong send someone to Zhongyang Market to notify us. We won't stay any longer. Farewell."

Wang Mengbin rose to leave. He wasn't sure if the Zhong family could contact their ancestor in the Spirit Realm, nor was he sure if the Zhong ancestor would take the opportunity to kill him. It was better to put some distance between them.

Zhong Yangming was slightly surprised but nodded in agreement.

He also didn't want Wang Mengbin to stay with the Zhong family. What if Wang Mengbin became displeased one day? He might even destroy the Zhong family.

Wang Mengbin and the other two bid farewell and left, transforming into three streaks of light that vanished into the sky.

"Yunxiu, immediately send someone to contact your seventh uncle and eighth aunt. Tell them to return at once. Whether we can reach our ancestor depends on this attempt."

Zhong Yangming said with some excitement.

"Yes, Patriarch."

Zhong Yunxiu acknowledged the order and departed.

***

Thousand Gourd Realm, Gale Secret Realm.

In an independent space, a hidden underground cave, Wang Qingshan and Bai Linger were conversing.

Bai Linger protected Wang Qingshan, allowing him to focus on breaking through to the Deity Transformation stage, which he successfully achieved.

Bai Linger was already at the perfected Nascent Soul stage, and she also wanted to attempt a breakthrough to the Deity Transformation stage here.

"Fairy Bai, please cultivate in peace! I will guard you."

Wang Qingshan said gravely. If Bai Linger also advanced to the Deity Transformation stage, perhaps they could leave this place.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, what if we are stuck here forever?"

Bai Linger's beautiful eyes flickered with curiosity as she asked.

"Humans make their own destiny; nothing is impossible. I believe my Ninth Uncle and Ninth Aunt are definitely looking for me. If they are occupied, my Eighth Sister and the others will also come for me."

Wang Qingshan said with a confident expression.

Since they disappeared in the Gale Secret Realm, Wang Changsheng and the others would surely search for him.

"Your family will come looking for you, but I wonder if mine will come for me."

Bai Linger sighed.

"They will. I believe they will come for you. Focus on breaking through to the Deity Transformation stage! If you succeed, perhaps we'll find a way to leave this accursed place."

Wang Qingshan urged.

Bai Linger nodded and walked towards a simple stone chamber not far away.

Wang Qingshan stepped outside the cave, took a deep breath, and sat down cross-legged.

Several yellow earthen walls suddenly emerged from the nearby ground, instantly forming a simple stone chamber.

Wang Qingshan flicked his sleeve, and nine dimly glowing Azure Glaze Swords flew out. Each sword had multiple tiny cracks on its surface.

The nine Azure Glaze Swords revolved erratically around Wang Qingshan, emitting shrill sword cries.

Wang Qingshan sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began cultivating.

Since they couldn't leave for now, he decided to cultivate in peace and improve his strength.

***

Skysea Realm, East Sea Cultivation World.

The Starry Archipelago is composed of over ten thousand islands of varying sizes and numerous "islets." Large islands span a thousand li, while smaller islets are only visible at low tide. These tens of thousands of islands are scattered across the vast, boundless sea like stars in a chessboard, hence the name Starry Archipelago.

Golden Turtle Island is located in the southeastern part of the Starry Archipelago. It is nine hundred eighty li long from east to west and five hundred thirty li wide from north to south. Tens of thousands of cultivators reside on the island, which serves as the headquarters of the Taiyang Sect.

On Golden Turtle Island, continuous mountain ranges are shrouded in mist. Myriad rays of light and auspicious energy fill the air. Strange birds and exotic beasts roam everywhere, unusual flowers and rare herbs cover the ground, ancient trees intertwine with peculiar vines, and waterfalls cascade from the sky.

The Taiyang Sect has a heritage of over four thousand years. It was founded by True Monarch Taiyang, who originated as a rogue cultivator and was inconspicuous in the East Sea Cultivation World. For unknown reasons, True Monarch Taiyang's cultivation suddenly advanced by leaps and bounds, and he mastered sword manipulation techniques. Before he was three hundred years old, True Monarch Taiyang advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, established his own sect, and became its founder.

After cultivating for over five hundred years, True Monarch Taiyang successfully advanced to the Deity Transformation stage. With his great divine abilities, he slew the Deity Transformation stage cultivator, Evil-Eyed Daoist, shaking the East Sea Cultivation World. The Taiyang Sect's power surged, and it has since grown to have fifty thousand disciples and control over fifteen thousand islands, with twenty Nascent Soul cultivators. It is one of the top sects in the East Sea Cultivation World, and countless cultivators strive to join it.

On a steep, towering peak, a palace shimmering with golden light stood at the summit. On a lacquered gold plaque, the three silver characters "Taiyang Hall" were inscribed.

The grand hall was spacious and brightly lit. A burly, dignified-looking middle-aged man sat on the main seat. His tiger-like eyes exuded an inherent authority, and he radiated an aura as vast as the ocean.

Nine Nascent Soul cultivators sat on either side, their expressions solemn.

"Junior Brother Li, Junior Sister Yang, Junior Brother Sun, Junior Sister Song, Junior Brother Zhao, please be extra careful. The restrictions on Immortal Fall Island are not to be trifled with; even our Patriarch couldn't fare well there."

The middle-aged man instructed.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Sect Master, we have brought the Taiyang Ruler and the Profound Yang Pearl, two of our sect's five great treasures. There should be no problem. Huang Fugui is reliable; he might be a bit timid, but he never lies. Even if you gave Huang Fugui ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare to deceive our Taiyang Sect."

A scholarly-looking old man in a green robe said with full confidence. The Huang Fugui he spoke of was a late-Nascent Soul cultivator. This person was as timid as a mouse but had mastered several evasion techniques and was incredibly fast. In terms of evasion speed alone, Huang Fugui could rank among the top five in the East Sea Cultivation World.

"Indeed! Huang Fugui often invites people to seek treasures. This fellow has extremely good luck, and cultivators who have collaborated with him have always gained something. I've worked with him a few times, and he is indeed reliable. This time, he discovered the immortal's cave of Fairy Feiyue, who was as renowned as our sect's founding ancestor. Fairy Feiyue, with two Heaven-Connecting Spirit Treasures, was on par with our founding ancestor back then. If we can acquire this treasure, our Taiyang Sect will be able to completely surpass Xuanyu Palace and become the foremost sect in the East Sea."

The Taiyang Sect currently had no Deity Transformation cultivators, but True Monarch Taiyang had built a very strong foundation. In the entire East Sea Cultivation World, only Xuanyu Palace could truly surpass the Taiyang Sect.

"In any case, be extra careful. Huang Fugui has invited not only us but also people from Xuanyu Palace. Be very cautious."

The middle-aged man instructed with a solemn expression.

"Yes, Senior Brother Sect Master."

The five cultivators in green robes replied in unison.

"Senior Brother Sect Master, it's time for us to depart. Await our good news."

The old man in green robes conjured a green flying boat and boarded it, followed by the other four.

With a flash of green light, the green flying boat transformed into a streak of green escape light, piercing through the air and vanishing into the horizon.