Chapter 406: Wrapping Up

"I must admit, sometimes I truly envy you, Brother Qin."

"No entanglements whatsoever; you come and go as your heart desires, free and unfettered!"

"Unlike me; even though my pill refining arts have reached the fourth tier, most of the time I still cannot help but consider my clan's factors, my heart bound by worries."

Su Yuqing said with a sigh.

"Then when does Brother Qin plan to return to the Southern Wilderness?"

"Within these two years, I suppose; there is still the last batch of spirit rice in the spirit fields that has not ripened, but it will be soon," Qin Ming said.

"Brother Su, to be honest, there is also an important reason why I am in such a hurry to return to the Southern Wilderness this time."

Hearing this, Su Yuqing asked in confusion, "Oh?"

"Surely Brother Su has also noticed that the situation near the Five Elements Mountain has become utterly chaotic."

"If I do not leave now, I fear I will be dragged into the turmoil."

Immediately, Qin Ming explained the situation of the Five Elements Mountain market and its surroundings to Su Yuqing.

After a long while.

Su Yuqing's expression grew grave, and he pondered aloud, "I did not expect that even transformed great demons from the demon race have been mobilized."

"A few days ago, I also heard that the Dao-Upholding Alliance mobilized two Nascent Soul True Lords, which was most likely to deal with this matter as well."

"It seems Brother Qin is extremely wise to have made preparations for withdrawal so early."

"It is only two hundred mu of spirit fields; although they are under a fourth-tier spiritual vein, they must be abandoned when necessary."

"Alas! This secret realm of the Qingyuan Sect will surely be coveted by many; once it emerges, there will inevitably be a bloody storm."

"For Brother Qin to temporarily avoid the spotlight and return to the Southern Wilderness to prepare for condensing the Nascent Soul is indeed the best choice."

"Originally, I intended to keep you at the Su family, but once war breaks out, the Su family will certainly not escape being conscripted."

"On second thought, let us forget it."

Qin Ming smiled freely, "Thank you for your kind intention, Brother Su; it seems we can only wait for another time."

"By the way, regarding the refinement of the Nascent Soul Condensation Pill, do you still have any doubts? Recently, after breaking through to fourth-tier pill dao skills, I have gained some new insights," Su Yuqing asked, taking a sip of spirit tea.

Hearing this, Qin Ming would certainly not miss such an opportunity to learn, so he immediately began to ask humbly for guidance.

"As Brother Su expected, I indeed still have some uncertainties regarding a few critical points."

"Just tell me; taking this opportunity, I will answer them all for you," Su Yuqing said.

"Then I thank you, Brother Su," Qin Ming said, cupping his hands in gratitude.

Su Yuqing waved his hand, "Why be so polite between us? I have already accepted so many valuable items from you."

"By the way, before that, could Brother Su help arrange a feast for my three beast pets?" Qin Ming asked with a smile.

Su Yuqing paused for a moment, then smiled slightly, immediately ordering the attendants outside to prepare a large table of wine and dishes, which were set up in the rear courtyard.

All kinds of fine wines and delicacies were dazzling to behold, with almost everything one could wish for present.

After Qin Ming released the three beasts, including the Heaven-Devouring Mouse, they happily began to eat and drink.

This was to prevent them from complaining later that he enjoyed rich food and drink without bringing them along.

After settling the spirit pets, Qin Ming returned to discuss pill refining matters with Su Yuqing.

"It has been a long time since we met; Brother Qin's spirit pets have grown to such a level, which truly astonishes me," Su Yuqing said, watching the three spirit beasts feasting outside.

"Hehe! Just three gluttons; Brother Su makes me laugh," Qin Ming said casually.

Over the next few days, Su Yuqing explained some pill dao experience to Qin Ming, as well as various precautions for refining the Nascent Soul Condensation Pill.

After their exchange and discussion, Qin Ming gained new insights into pill refining, and his success rate improved significantly.

He even gained a certain mastery over fourth-tier pill dao.

A full seven days passed before the two finally concluded their discussion and exchange.

During these few days, the Heaven-Devouring Mouse and the Profound Water Crocodile, along with the third beast, did nothing but eat and sleep or sleep and eat; served with fine food and drink every day, they could not have been more comfortable.

On this day.

The Heaven-Devouring Mouse was picking its teeth with a bamboo skewer; seeing Qin Ming emerge from the cave dwelling, its spirits lifted, and it bared its teeth to ask:

"Master, what are we eating tonight?"

"Haven't you eaten enough yet? We are about to return," Qin Ming glared at it.

Subsequently.

Qin Ming recalled the three spirit beasts into the Small Xiao Lingjing, then turned to Su Yuqing and said, "Brother Su need not see me off; I believe we will meet again someday."

"Then may Fellow Daoist Qin take care," Su Yuqing said, walking out of the cave dwelling to see Qin Ming off.

"I wish you eternal youth in the immortal path."

"Until we meet again, Brother Su."

After bidding farewell to Su Yuqing, Qin Ming transformed into a streak of green rainbow and returned to Yunze Xiancheng.

Old Jia and the others from the Mirror Jing Xue Ge had finished the ceremony and returned to the shop two days earlier.

Qin Ming secretly found an opportunity to meet Hua Tianxiong outside the immortal city.

He pulled Hua Tianxiong into the Small Xiao Lingjing.

With a smile plastered on his face, Hua Tianxiong handed a storage bag to Qin Ming and said respectfully:

"Master, these are the last few types of spirit materials you requested; they are all inside."

"These things were truly difficult to obtain; for a few types, the production sites are not even in Great Jin, so I had to utilize the Shang Alliance's channels to bring them from far away."

"It took considerable effort."

"Mm, you have done well," Qin Ming said, taking the spirit materials, opening the bag to glance inside, and nodding in satisfaction.

He could see that Hua Tianxiong had also done his utmost.

Subsequently, Qin Ming took out a jade bottle and tossed it to him, saying:

"Within these two years, I will return to the Southern Wilderness; you must continue lying low in Great Jin."

"The two Divine Wood Pills inside should be more than enough for your cultivation to break through to the late stage of Jin Dan."

Upon hearing this, Hua Tianxiong was first startled, then took the jade bottle, feeling both joy and worry.

What worried him was that his great backer was leaving.

What delighted him was that with two Divine Wood Pills, his cultivation could advance another step.

"Master, are you leaving Great Jin?"

"Or... or perhaps I could go with you? I am willing to serve you faithfully, hehe!"

Ever since witnessing Qin Ming's methods, how could Hua Tianxiong fail to recognize who the true thigh to cling to was?

At these words, the Shi Tian Shu not far away could no longer sit still and couldn't help but say, "You spout such a string of clichés, 'serve faithfully'..."

Hua Tianxiong gave a sheepish smile, slightly embarrassed.

Qin Ming pondered briefly and said, "There is no need for you to come with me; with these two pills, it is sufficient for you to advance to the late stage of Jin Dan. Even if war breaks out in Great Jin, you will have more than enough to protect yourself."

"Furthermore, Elder Qian of the Li Li Huogong will protect you; as long as you restrain your temper, your safety should not be a major issue."

"Moreover, the reason I asked you to remain in Great Jin is that you will definitely be of great use in the future."

"You cannot simply abandon the vast commercial enterprise you have worked so hard to build."

Hearing this, Hua Tianxiong nodded in agreement and spoke no further.

"Then I shall strictly follow Master's arrangements."

Having floated and sunk in the sea of commerce within the Immortal Realm for many years, helping Qin Ming gather spiritual materials for so long,

through constant exposure and influence, he had also discerned some clues; this time, Qin Ming likely aimed for something huge, possibly intending to refine some extremely powerful pill.

The world only knows of Su Yuqing of Great Jin, whose attainments in the Dao of Alchemy are breathtakingly brilliant, yet he knows that Qin Ming's pill refining skills are in no way inferior to those of Su Danwang.

His attainments in spiritual plants are even unmatched by anyone; just within the Small Xiao Lingjing, those high-grade spiritual plants rarely seen in the Immortal Realm are enough to make others look up to him in admiration. "Hmm, you may go; additionally, please also look after the Mirror Jing Xue Ge for me."

"This subordinate understands."

Several days later.

Qin Ming used the teleportation array of Yunze Xiancheng to return to the Five Elements Mountain Market.

As soon as he returned to the market, he could feel that the atmosphere was vastly different from before.

Inside the Wind-Riding Tower.

From the mouths of Han Yuan and the other two, Qin Ming learned that recently, even the market's teleportation array was about to be closed.

"Alas! Fellow Daoist Lu should not have returned."

"Just a few days ago, disciples of the Li Li Huogong and people from the Divine Dao Mountain had several frictions within the market, nearly coming to blows."

"It has left us all utterly exhausted; yet both sides are Nascent Soul powers of Great Jin, making them difficult to offend."

Han Yuan sighed heavily; it was evident that with such drastic changes in the market, he had heard at least some rumors.

"To be honest, Fellow Daoist Lu's return this time was precisely in preparation for departure."

"However, I intend to return to the Southern Wilderness."

"After all, Fellow Daoist Lu has been away for several decades and does miss his homeland a bit~"

"Nevertheless, before leaving, I must still harvest the spiritual rice in the spiritual fields; after all, those Jade Emperor Spiritual Rice represent nearly ten years of Li Lan's painstaking efforts," Qin Ming explained while holding a wine cup.

Hearing this, Han Yuan suddenly realized: "That is indeed true; over a hundred mu of third-grade Jade Emperor Spiritual Rice constitutes a significant fortune, its value immeasurable."

In his words, there was even a hint of envy.

"The reason Fellow Daoist Lu sought out Fellow Daoist Han this time is specifically to ask if there are any dharma boats recently departing for the Southern Wilderness Immortal Realm within the market?"

Han Yuan smiled, "Fellow Daoist Lu has asked the right person; nowadays, all ferry points entering and exiting Great Jin are under the management of our Guardian Dao Alliance."

"In recent years, as the Great Li Demonic Path's invasion into Great Zhou has deepened, many refugees have flooded into the borders of Great Jin, including not a few who attempt to smuggle across."

"Consequently, control over vessels is now extremely strict compared to the past; to board a ship, one must undergo tedious identity verification procedures before being allowed on board."

Immediately, he took out a booklet, densely filled with detailed records registering the merchant ships of various major commercial enterprises within Great Jin Immortal Dynasty traveling to and from different regions.

Han Yuan flipped through the booklet once, pointed to a section, and said, "Fellow Daoist Lu, the next merchant ship heading to the Southern Wilderness belongs to the Jintian Commercial Enterprise, the 'Sky Billows'; it will depart in a year and a half."

Jintian Commercial Enterprise?

Why does this name feel somewhat familiar? Upon hearing this, Qin Ming immediately froze; after pondering for a moment, he suddenly remembered that Lu Huayuan, whom he had encountered some days ago while attending Su Yuqing Danwang's celebration, was indeed from the Jintian Commercial Enterprise.

The journey from Great Jin to the Southern Wilderness Immortal Realm is extremely distant; one must depart via the Black Sea route to return along the original path.

Without a year or so, one simply cannot arrive.

If one encounters the bad weather of the Black Sea, it would likely take even longer.

"Uh, Fellow Daoist Han, apart from the Jintian Commercial Enterprise, are there any other vessels?" Qin Ming asked hesitantly.

Han Yuan continued looking downward, then said, "Further down is the merchant ship of the Qilian Commercial Enterprise; however, their ship has just returned from the Southern Wilderness and will not head to the Southern Wilderness again for at least five years."

"Then let it be the Jintian Commercial Enterprise; does Fellow Daoist Han have a way to obtain a ticket? Fellow Daoist Lu would be immensely grateful," Qin Ming said, clasping his fists.

Han Yuan waved his hand: "A trivial matter; Fellow Daoist Lu, rest assured, leave everything to me."

"Come find me in a few days to collect the boarding token."

Immediately, Qin Ming took out a bottle of pills obtained from some dead ghost's corpse and handed it to Han Yuan.

"This is a small token of appreciation from Fellow Daoist Lu; please, Fellow Daoist Han, you must accept it."

Han Yuan immediately puffed out his beard and glared, saying, "Fellow Daoist Lu, this is looking down on this old man!"

"Being able to provide a little help at the end makes our acquaintance over these many years worthwhile."

Only under Qin Ming's persistent insistence did Han Yuan reluctantly accept that bottle of pills.

But when he secretly opened the bottle cap to take a glance, it directly startled him until his eyebrows jumped.

'Second-grade, upper-tier pill!'

For a moment, he felt reluctant to leave 'Shopkeeper Lu'; after spending some time with Han Yuan and settling matters for his return journey.

Qin Ming left the Five Elements Mountain Market and arrived within the Spirit Fields.

Nowadays, within the Spirit Fields, aside from the over one hundred mu of Jade Emperor Spirit Rice belonging to Li Lan, no other Spirit Fields were being cultivated.

Only a few Spirit Farmers remained to guard the Spirit Fields.

When Qin Ming returned, Li Lan was staring blankly at the Spirit Fields, lost in thought all alone.

Recently, the Five Elements Mountain Range had undergone turbulent changes, causing widespread panic; clearly, he too had guessed something.

Moreover, he had heard that Shopkeeper Lu of the Mirror Jing Xue Ge, along with Old Jia and the others, had all relocated to Zhongzhou.

Only he himself remained to guard this single plot of over one hundred mu of Spirit Fields, truly making him feel as though he were gazing until his eyes dried up.

Just as Li Lan was silently lost in thought, he saw Qin Ming return.

His eyes immediately brightened; he hurried over, bowed, and said, "Shopkeeper Lu, you have returned?"

"Mm, I see the Jade Emperor Spirit Rice will be ready for harvest in at most another year or so; I shall stay here to keep you company."

"You need not worry excessively; when the time comes, I will arrange for you and your family to relocate to Zhongzhou to reunite with Old Jia and the others."

"Thank you, Shopkeeper Lu; Li Mou shall never forget this kindness for as long as he lives!" Li Lan said, filled with gratitude.

Qin Ming said indifferently, "It is nothing; you are a Spirit Planter of my Mirror Jing Xue Ge, so naturally, I would not abandon you; for now, rest assured and tend to the Spirit Fields."

Afterwards, he returned to the cave dwelling within the Spirit Fields and resumed his daily cultivation.

In addition, Qin Ming instructed Shi Tian Shu to continuously monitor the progress of the Seven Wonders Treasure Tree beneath the Five Elements Mountain Range as it approached blooming.

Although Qin Ming had previously learned that even if the sacrificial ritual were initiated, the Demonic Path would still require three years to induce the Treasure Tree to bloom.

Yet one could never be certain they might not devise some method to accelerate the process.

"With a year and a half remaining before departure, there is still ample time."

"At the very least, warfare will not break out during this period."

Qin Ming pondered silently; in the days that followed, he devoted himself entirely to cultivation and refining his arts.

The fourth-tier artifact forging inheritance of the Blood Refinement Demonic Sect, "Demonic Craft Opens Creation," had been studied by him until thoroughly mastered, and various artifact forging techniques were now exceedingly proficient.

Combined with the "Treasure Refining Art," his attainment in artifact forging was rapidly improving.

Furthermore, the Blood Xue Futu he had planted within his innate spirit plant, Yin-Yang Xuanteng, using the 【Spirit Planting Treasures】 trait, had been completely restored and was advancing toward becoming a fourth-tier spiritual treasure.

Time flew swiftly; a year passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day.

Qin Ming was studying the "Primordial Shacha Demon-Planting True Scripture," having developed an interest in its 'Primordial Shacha Demonic Body'; the reason was that his current "Heavenly Demon Body Refining Strategy" had already reached the peak of the True Dan realm.

Beyond this, the next step would be to shatter the shackles of the physical body.

According to this demonic saint scripture, to achieve sanctification of the physical body, one must absorb and refine a strand of innate demonic qi from a fourth-tier demonic saint.

Such stringent conditions were clearly somewhat difficult for Qin Ming to fulfill.

Therefore, he turned his attention to the 'Primordial Shacha Demonic Body,' since he already possessed the necessary condition for cultivating this demonic body: origin demonic qi.

After some research, he found that replacing the innate demonic qi required in the "Heavenly Demon Body Refining Strategy" with origin demonic qi, then combining the two supreme body-refining techniques, seemed feasible.

As for this origin demonic qi, Qin Ming need not expend effort searching for it.

Not only did the Origin Demonic Pearl contain one strand, but the Lei Yuanmo Date Tree within the Small Xiao Lingjing had also produced a strand of 【Origin Demonic Qi】; there was simply no shortage.

(End of Chapter)