Chapter 385: Shifting Situations

On Twilight Mist Mountain, a burst of enthusiastic cheers and jubilant cries erupted.

The Sky-Devouring Mouse advancing to the late stage of a Tier-3 Demon King also caused the myriad demons within the Fox Clan's sacred land to sigh in astonishment for a time.

This was a rare event once in a century! With another semi-humanoid great demon emerging from within the Fox Clan, this served as a natural deterrent to the surrounding demon races and a symbol of the clan's strength.

A host of demonic beasts pointed and chattered toward the main peak of the Sacred Mountain, filled with immense envy.

Not just any demonic beast could obtain such an opportunity to transform from the mortal to the sacred.

The path of advancement for demonic beasts was fraught with countless difficulties; not only did every small realm breakthrough require enduring the trial of a Lei Jie, but the Lei Jie for major realm breakthroughs were several times more powerful than those faced by humans, making the path of cultivation even harder.

Therefore, for a demonic beast to take each step forward, it required not only formidable cultivation strength but also a certain degree of luck and opportunity.

Only those blessed with fortune could possibly withstand the tempering of the Lei Jie.

Yue Lingyan gazed into the distance, her Zhu Chun moving slightly as she spoke to Qin Ming beside her: "Fellow Daoist Qin is truly generous; this palace lady sees that set of Five Elements Banner Flags treasure must have a significant origin, yes?"

"To actually be able to form a Four Symbols Great Formation, gathering the spiritual qi of the Five Elements into one, mobilizing heavenly thunder and earthly fire to forcibly withstand the Lei Jie, its power is nearly comparable to that of a Spiritual Treasure."

"Fellow Daoist Lingyan overpraises me; this item counts as a major opportunity for the Sky-Devouring Mouse, obtained quite by accident from a practitioner of the Demonic Path."

"It is said that demonic cultivator also obtained it from within a secret realm."

"Originally there was only one Zhu Que Banner, but later the Sky-Devouring Mouse deciphered the restrictions within it and acquired the complete refinement method, only then gathering all the necessary spiritual materials."

"I simply went ahead and refined the remaining four banners for it as well, never expecting this treasure's power to be so unexpectedly formidable."

Qin Ming explained with a smile.

"Fellow Daoist Qin truly spares no expense for his spiritual pet!"

"Even this palace lady finds this set of treasures quite enticing," Yue Lingyan said jokingly.

Qin Ming truly regarded the Sky-Devouring Mouse as a partner.

Unlike other humans who enslaved demonic beasts.

This was one of the reasons she was so willing to form a deep friendship with Qin Ming, this human cultivator.

Inside the mountain cave.

After breaking through, the Sky-Devouring Mouse moved its form, transforming into a streak of spiritual light, instantly flying to halt before Qin Ming.

With an air of valiant vigor, it grinned and said: "Master! I have finally broken through to the late stage of Tier 3!"

"Mm, not bad; those many spiritual items I fed you were not wasted," Qin Ming nodded with a smile.

With the Sky-Devouring Mouse advancing to a semi-humanoid Demon King, he had gained a major ally.

Now that its strength had surged greatly, combined with the Five Elements Banner Flags treasure in hand, it counted as a standout even among Demon Kings.

Even an ordinary Jin Dan perfection cultivator might not necessarily be its match.

"This little one congratulates Brother Mouse on his breakthrough!"

"By the way, after breaking through to the semi-humanoid realm, can't you initially transform into human form?"

"Could Brother Mouse let this little one see?"

"Why are you still the same as before, with no great changes?" the little silver fox asked aloud from the side, a look of puzzlement on her face.

She possessed an innate longing to transform into a true human form, envying even the semi-humanoid state.

Because her mother, Yue Lingyan, was a perfect example, possessing the bearing of a Qingxia Xianzi rarely seen even within the Human Realm.

Qin Ming also felt somewhat curious and cast an inquiring glance at the Sky-Devouring Mouse.

Hearing the little silver fox ask such questions.

The Sky-Devouring Mouse hemmed and hawed for a long while before smiling awkwardly: "Eh-heh-he! I'm still used to my current appearance, so I won't transform into human form."

"Neither human nor beast; let's wait until I can completely transform into a human form before discussing it."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming immediately knew there was something fishy; he estimated its human form was likely not handsome enough, or perhaps there were other unspoken difficulties fearing the little silver fox would be disappointed and look down on it, things of that sort.

He knew the character of this fellow Sky-Devouring Mouse all too well.

However, he did not expose it or reveal its old secrets.

Subsequently, seeing the Sky-Devouring Mouse so overjoyed, Qin Ming rewarded it with some Bai Yulin Wine and spiritual fruit and meat.

He let it go to the Small Xiao Lingjing to celebrate together with the little silver fox, the Profound Water Crocodile, and the Yin Yi Shuangfeng.

As for Qin Ming himself, he followed Yue Lingyan, having been invited into her cave dwelling to engage in deep conversation.

"Time passes so quickly!"

"In these past few years, the situation in the Immortal Realm has changed considerably!"

"Fellow Daoist Qin has been able to maintain his original aspiration, diligently farming at Five Elements Mountain all along, and doing everything personally; such perseverance is truly rare," Yue Lingyan said, extending a pair of soft hands like mutton fat to pour him a cup of spiritual wine.

"This is Monkey Wine given to this palace lady by the Demon Saint Brother Gushan; it is said to be brewed from several different types of Zhu Fruit aged five hundred years, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon upon an ancient tree."

"Although it cannot compare to Fellow Daoist Qin's Bai Yulin Wine, its flavor possesses a unique character of its own."

Qin Ming accepted the spiritual wine and took a small sip; a warm stream entered his throat, fresh and biting, after which dense spiritual qi circulated throughout his entire body, limbs, and bones.

His eyes immediately brightened: "Truly fine wine! Although in terms of taste it lacks the lingering aftertaste of Bai Yulin Wine, the efficacy of this Monkey Wine is actually superior by a margin."

"Fellow Daoist Qin is truly multi-talented; not only are your attainments in pill refining and spiritual planting extremely high, but unexpectedly, you also possess unique insights into the Dao of brewing spiritual wine, earning this palace lady's admiration," Yue Lingyan praised.

"However, with Fellow Daoist Qin being so outstanding, do you not consider finding a Dao Companion?"

Qin Ming had not expected Yue Lingyan to ask such a question.

But observing her expression remain normal as she calmly sipped the spiritual wine, it should merely be a casual inquiry.

After all, Yue Lingyan was now a noble Tier-4 Demon Saint, worlds apart from him, a mere Jin Dan youth of the human race.

Although Qin Ming had once saved her life, and there had been a moment of ambiguity within the cold pool of the mountain cave.

However, those were matters of necessity driven by circumstances, mere coincidences of fate.

Moreover, Yue Lingyan's daughter, the little silver fox, was already old enough to run errands, so naturally, Qin Ming would harbor no improper thoughts toward her.

"Qin Mou's ambition lies in the Great Dao of Longevity; for the time being, I have no considerations in this aspect."

"Let everything follow fate."

Qin Ming smiled faintly and replied.

He now possessed a lifespan of two thousand eight hundred and fifty years; once he obtained future entries, his longevity would only grow even more enduring.

Even with a red-faced confidante, he estimated he would still have to watch helplessly as she aged before his very eyes; Yue Lingyan also smiled gracefully and asked nothing further.

She then shifted the topic to the recent situation.

"This Palace has learned that after the fall of Great Zhou, many Great Li demonic cultivators infiltrated Great Jin; is this true?"

Qin Ming nodded slightly. "Indeed, though they have all been purged by the Dao-Upholding Alliance with thunderous methods."

"At least the southern region of Great Jin remains relatively stable."

"It should not collapse as easily as Great Zhou did."

"This Palace has also heard rumors suggesting this is greatly related to that Crow Muhe Muhe Laogui; is there truth to this?" Yue Lingyan asked.

"Indeed it is; according to Qin Mou's reliable intelligence, Elder Crow should have fled severely injured into Great Jin's borders, though no faction knows his exact whereabouts."

"After all, Elder Crow lost half his life, his strength now less than one-tenth, yet he took all the foundational treasures of the Profound Clear Temple with him; naturally, many would covet him."

Qin Ming explained after a brief moment of thought.

Yue Lingyan suddenly asked with deep implication: "Does Daoist Qin feel no interest in the treasures of the Profound Clear Temple?"

"That foundation is sufficient to cultivate a Nascent Soul Qin Qin Zhenjun."

"No matter how tempting the treasure, one must have the life to enjoy it," Qin Ming said with a faint smile, then continued, "Qin Mou knows his own limits; how could we fathom the methods of a Nascent Soul Qin Qin Zhenjun? Perhaps he still holds some trump-card secret technique unused."

"Trying might just invite great misfortune."

"Those who attempt to exploit another's peril are mostly seeking their own death."

"After all, even if a Nascent Soul cultivator is at their weakest, with but a slight effort, crushing a Jin Dan is as simple as crushing an ant."

Yue Lingyan chuckled softly, nodding slightly. "Daoist Qin is truly unlike other humans; you are indeed a remarkable person! Hehehe!"

"Your words are correct; even if a Nascent Soul cultivator's physical body is destroyed, as long as the Nascent Soul remains, even countless Jin Dan cultivators can do nothing."

"Unless they are like the Holy Son and Holy Daughter of the Blood Refinement Demon Sect, whose cultivated divine abilities are no weaker than those of a Nascent Soul realm cultivator."

"For the essential foundation of a Nascent Soul Qin Qin Zhenjun is condensed within the Nascent Soul itself."

"Even if the physical body is destroyed, as long as the Nascent Soul survives, finding a suitable body to restore one's cultivation to its peak is not difficult; it is merely a matter of time."

"However, possession imposes many requirements regarding the bone structure and aptitude of the physical body; the recovery of Nascent Soul strength also depends on the aptitude of the possessed target."

"Moreover, once the Nascent Soul exits the body, lifespan suffers greatly; if a suitable body for possession cannot be found quickly, it becomes quite troublesome."

Rarely hearing such secrets regarding the Nascent Soul realm, Qin Ming listened carefully, thoroughly engrossed.

'So even after a Nascent Soul escapes, there is still a limit to its lifespan.'

"This Palace has also heard something: the Yin Demon Sect and the Blood Refinement Demon Sect seem to have found a treasure capable of accelerating the blooming of the Seven Wonders Treasure Tree spirit plant guarding the entrance to the Qingyuan Sect's secret realm."

"Whether this is true or false remains unknown."

Yue Lingyan suddenly said.

Hearing this, Qin Ming was extremely surprised: "Oh? Does such a heaven-defying treasure truly exist in this world? Capable of making a thousand-year-old treasure tree bloom?" He possessed entries that could accelerate growth, yet he had never heard of such heaven-defying means existing externally.

"Precisely; it is said to be a demonic secret treasure, but it requires coordination with special rituals and secret techniques," Yue Lingyan nodded slightly. "Holding the ritual also requires a specific date."

"This Palace estimates those demonic cultivators are waiting for this special opportunity."

"After all, this descent of the Blood Universe Realm can only last ten years; three years have already passed, leaving insufficient time for the secret realm to open naturally."

"Only by employing special methods can they possibly enter."

Having listened, Qin Ming suddenly understood and couldn't help but ask: "From where did Daoist Lingyan learn of such secretive matters?"

Yue Lingyan did not hide the truth. "Hmph, wasn't it that fellow, the Great Black Heaven Demon Saint? Deluding himself into getting a share, who knows where he dug up this news."

"Not long ago, during our demonic clan council, he mentioned this matter, wishing for us to participate, but the resolution did not pass."

"I see; thank you, Daoist Lingyan, for informing me."

"Daoist Qin need not be polite; come, let us continue drinking."

Qin Ming stayed another two days at the Fox Clan's sacred land in Twilight Mist Mountain.

During these days, from Yue Lingyan, this fourth-rank Demon Saint powerhouse, he had learned much of the latest information from the upper echelons of the Immortal Realm.

This was also crucial for his future plans.

At the same time, Qin Ming also learned many matters concerning the Nascent Soul Qin Qin Zhenjun realm, benefiting greatly and broadening his horizons.

Soon, the time was right; he bid farewell to Yue Lingyan, preparing to return to the Five Elements Mountain spirit fields.

The spirit plants in the fields were still waiting for him to return and tend to them.

But when Qin Ming entered the Small Xiao Lingjing, he found the four spirit beasts inside already drunk out of their minds.

Each lay sprawled on the grass, limbs akimbo, completely unconscious to the demonic world.

Black lines flashed across Qin Ming's forehead; he hadn't expected that fellow, the Devouring Heaven Rat, to have actually gotten the Little Silver Fox drunk as well.

How could he explain this to Yue Lingyan outside? Qin Ming sighed helplessly, then fetched some Earth Heart Spirit Spring from nearby and fed it into the Little Silver Fox's mouth.

He then fed her a spirit pill to cure drunkenness.

"Burp~ Brother Rat, this little lady... can still drink..."

The Little Silver Fox groggily regained consciousness.

Although the Bai Yulin Wine he brewed benefited cultivation, drinking too much would intoxicate even cultivators or demonic beasts.

After all, it was high-grade spirit wine.

Qin Ming lifted the Little Silver Fox and returned her to Yue Lingyan's hands, saying with some embarrassment: "Daoist Lingyan, I am truly sorry; that fellow Devouring Heaven Rat doesn't know how much spirit wine he gave them."

"Hehehe! It matters not; after all, it is the joyous occasion of the Devouring Heaven Rat King advancing; celebration is only proper," Yue Lingyan said, holding the Little Silver Fox and smiling gracefully as she gently stroked her back.

"Then Qin Mou shall take his leave; thank you for your hospitality these past few days."

"Daoist Qin, take care; let us gather again another day."

"Certainly!"

Subsequently, Qin Ming transformed into a streak of cyan rainbow light and vanished into the horizon.

Yue Lingyan watched Qin Ming depart.

She always had an inexplicable feeling; every time she met this young human cultivator, he seemed somehow different from the rest.

Judging by her insight, this man Qin Ming possessed extraordinary fortune; relying on his own efforts, given time, it was not impossible for him to become an existence at the same realm as her.

It could be considered forming a good connection, an investment for the future.

On the other side.

After flying out of Twilight Mist Mountain, Qin Ming entered the Small Xiao Lingjing.

The Shi Tian Shu was sticking its butt up, snoring loudly, while constantly letting out alcoholic burps.

A snot bubble hung from its nose; where was the demeanor of a late third-stage Demon King?

"Burp~"

Qin Ming walked over, kicked it on the butt, and woke it up.

"It's been several days; aren't you done sleeping yet?"

"You brat, you actually got the Little Silver Fox drunk too."

The Shi Tian Shu gave a start, leaped up from the ground, rubbed its butt, opened its misty sleepy eyes, and instantly became completely awake.

Upon seeing it was Qin Ming who had arrived, it sniffed its nose and said with a dry laugh: "Ehehe! I was just drinking happily, Master, slightly tipsy, only slightly tipsy."

"I didn't overdrink!"

"Hmm, it was indeed not easy for you to break through to the late third stage; I'll let you off this time, but there cannot be a next time," Qin Ming said.

"This is still someone else's territory; if anything happened to the Little Silver Fox, wouldn't Fellow Daoist Lingyan roast you?"

"By the way, after you broke through to the late third stage, your control over that set of Five Elements Flag magical treasures should be more effortless, right?"

Seeing that Qin Ming was merely teasing him without any intention of blaming him, the Shi Tian Shu immediately displayed strong confidence and replied: "That's right, Master; after my cultivation broke through to the late third stage, I can unleash the true power of this set of upper-grade third-stage magical treasures; one could say that burning the heavens and boiling the seas would be no exaggeration, hehehe!"

After receiving the answer, Qin Ming nodded with satisfaction.

Generally speaking, lower-grade third-stage magical treasures are suitable for Jin Dan early-stage cultivators to use and deploy, allowing them to fully unleash their power.

As for middle-grade third-stage magical treasures, they are suitable for use by Jin Dan mid-stage and late-stage cultivators.

Upper-grade third-stage magical treasures require the cultivation of the Jin Dan late stage to completely unleash their full power.

Firstly, the activation of a magical treasure not only places demands on the cultivator's own magic power.

For instance, previously, when the Shi Tian Shu, with its mid-third-stage cultivation, simultaneously activated the complete set of Five Elements Flags, it would deplete all its demon power.

Now that it has achieved the status of a late third-stage Demon King, its Demon Core has swollen significantly, providing ample demon essence to support the operation of the magical treasure.

Secondly, it relates to the duration of nurturing the magical treasure within oneself and the proficiency in mastering the magical treasure.

The more powerful the magical treasure, the greater the consumption required to activate it naturally.

For instance, the Gouyu Jin Guang Mirror that Qin Ming obtained requires paying the price of life every time it is deployed; fortunately, his cheat with traits allows him to continuously grow lifespan... Seeing that the Yin Yi Shuangfeng was still deeply asleep from drunkenness, he did not disturb it and exited the Small Xiao Lingjing.

He once again deployed the True Demon Illusion, transforming into the appearance of Shopkeeper Lu, and concealed his cultivation to the late Foundation Establishment stage.

Subsequently, alone, he traversed through the Beast Cry Mountain Range, heading back toward the Five Elements Mountain spirit fields.

Seeing this, the Shi Tian Shu couldn't help but scratch its head in extreme puzzlement, saying dejectedly: "Discriminatory treatment?!"

But just at this moment.

In the sky above the dense forest hundreds of miles away from Qin Ming.

Two cultivators clad in blood robes adorned with demonic patterns were flying side by side at extremely high speed.

Both of these individuals wore gloomy expressions.

"Senior Brother Qiu, are we really leaving just like this?"

"That old ghost Han Ya might still be near the Five Elements Mountain market."

The emaciated disciple of the Blood Refinement Demon Sect asked with some reluctance.

"There's no time to find this old ghost; even if we found him, the two of us couldn't easily deal with him."

"We still have to wait for Senior Brother Jiang Yuan and Senior Sister Lan Bing to arrive."

"Junior Brother Meng, we have more important matters to attend to now."

"Let's return to Great Li first and regroup with the other fellow disciples."

"A few days ago, Junior Brother Qi sent me a message saying that there is news regarding the Qingyuan Sect's secret realm."

The rough-looking young demonic cultivator explained in a tone that was neither hurried nor slow.

"Ah?! Is the news reliable?"

"Wasn't it said that opening the secret realm is quite difficult and requires waiting for a fourth-stage upper-grade treasure tree to bloom?"

Upon hearing this, Junior Brother Meng spoke with overwhelming joy.

Compared to the mountain gate secret realm of the Qingyuan Sect, that Elder Han Ya was not worth mentioning.

"Xuan Yin Mojun, the Grand Elder of the Yin Demon Sect, seems to have found a method."

"Hehehe! That is truly excellent!"

Immediately, the two said no more and directly flew off at full speed.

Suddenly!

As the two true disciples of the Blood Refinement Demon Sect were flying, they suddenly sensed that not far from them, a lone cultivator was flying toward them.

"Hehehe! Senior Brother Qiu, I happen to need some essence blood to recover from my injuries; leave this person to me."

(End of Chapter)