Chapter 439: Soul-Borrowing Great Art

"Hahaha! So it is Fellow Daoist Qin who has arrived!"

"Truly a rare guest! I have kept you waiting too long!"

Upon seeing Qin Ming, Superior Li Huo's face immediately broke into a smile, and he cupped his fists toward him.

"I heard Fellow Daoist Qin has important matters to discuss; may I ask what they are?"

"It is nothing; Qin Mou just happened to be passing by." Qin Ming flicked the image-recording jade slip in his hand with his finger, tossing it to the other party, then got straight to the point: "Fellow Daoist Li Huo, just take a look at this and you will know."

Immediately.

Superior Li Huo took the image-recording jade slip and examined it, his expression instantly becoming extremely grave.

He asked with slight surprise, "Fellow Daoist Qin, this intelligence is extremely important; with a void anomaly of such scale, I fear a Demon Lord is about to descend into our realm."

"This intelligence has arrived most timely; if they were allowed to successfully descend, there would inevitably be another catastrophe causing immense suffering to all living beings."

"Oh? Has a void rift passage of this magnitude already become so large?" Qin Ming asked in return upon hearing this.

Superior Li Huo nodded and said, "That is correct; under normal circumstances, small-scale void anomalies consist of only a single void rift, with a range of about one or two zhang, allowing demonic cultivators below the Jin Dan stage to descend through this converging rift, whereas void passages exceeding a range of three zhang enable Nascent Soul Demon Lords to descend safely and soundly."

"I see, so how is the current situation in Great Jin?" Qin Ming asked without revealing his emotions.

Superior Li Huo did not hide much from him either, sighing, "To be honest with Fellow Daoist Qin, the current situation is not optimistic; this is a major convergence between two realms, large in scale, and is estimated to last at least a hundred years, while the overall strength of the Blood Nether Realm is slightly superior to that of our Human Realm."

"Moreover, what we face in the Zhongzhou Immortal Realm is the most powerful Blood Refining Demon Sect, so the pressure is truly immense."

"Did we not previously negotiate an alliance with the Demon Beast Clan?" Qin Ming asked.

"Allying with the Demon Beast Clan has indeed reduced part of the pressure from the demonic invasion, but even with the two races joined, we humans and the demon beasts remain wary and guarded against each other; after all, years of old grievances exist, making genuine wholehearted cooperation impossible," Superior Li Huo explained.

"Furthermore, the pressure on the Demon Beast Clan's side is not necessarily much lighter than ours; according to current intelligence, several Nascent Soul Demon Lords have also successfully descended within the Beast Cry Mountain Range."

"However, there is some good news recently; thanks to Fellow Daoist Qin's blessing, Sage Gushan and Sage Silver Moon have persuaded the other great demon beast clans to prepare for deep cooperation with us humans to jointly devise a great plan to eradicate the demons, scheduled to be held in half a month's time; if Fellow Daoist Qin is available, you are welcome to attend as well."

Qin Ming pondered for a moment and did not reply immediately, instead asking again, "Is there any method to resolve these void anomalies? Qin Mou tried and found that they seem impossible to destroy by ordinary means."

"Naturally there is, and this method was left behind by our sages, though since it involves matters of the void level, the cost is rather high."

"It requires completely severing the convergence point of spiritual tides between the two realms."

"Fellow Daoist Qin need not worry; since you have already located the void anomaly, this old man will naturally send people to resolve this hidden danger."

"That would be best," Qin Ming nodded.

Superior Li Huo took out another jade slip and handed it to Qin Ming, explaining, "Recorded inside is the method to eliminate void anomalies, which requires creating an item called 'Shadow-Splitting Stone' that can disrupt and sever void rifts; however, the materials all involve void attributes and are not easy to gather."

After the two exchanged a few more words, Superior Li Huo revealed his intention to recruit, wishing to invite Qin Ming to join the Dao-Defending Alliance to jointly resist the descending invasions.

However, Qin Ming politely declined; he only wished to farm quietly as a rogue cultivator and did not want to get entangled with these major powers.

Regarding such troublesome matters, he had always kept his distance.

Subsequently, he took this opportunity to inquire with Superior Li Huo about the spiritual materials needed for planting and cultivating Blood Serpent Green Rice.

After all, as the leader of the number one great cultivation sect in Great Jin, the other party should possess at least some of these spiritual items.

"This old man does have a small bottle of Yellow-Black Essence Qi, but indeed does not possess the other few spiritual materials Fellow Daoist Qin mentioned," Superior Li Huo said, then took out an ancient-looking jade bottle.

Qin Ming's face showed a hint of joy; things he could not find even after turning the Southern Desolate Immortal Realm upside down were easily obtained here.

"May I ask what Fellow Daoist Li Huo requires in exchange?" Qin Ming asked immediately.

"Hehe! This old man has long coveted Fellow Daoist Qin's Demon Flame Wine and Jade Emperor Spiritual Rice! Could you possibly part with some?" Superior Li Huo said with a meaningful smile.

"Yellow-Black Essence Qi belongs to the category of fourth-grade spiritual items, produced only in the Yin Nether lands where yin and yang converge; this bottle in my possession is the only stock remaining in the Li Huo Palace."

Qin Ming pondered briefly, then after some haggling with the other party, exchanged half a jar of Demon Flame Wine and some Jade Emperor Spiritual Rice for the Yellow-Black Essence Qi.

"So, where does Fellow Daoist Qin plan to go next? If you are heading to Great Jin, this old man will naturally play the host and treat you," Superior Li Huo said in a rather pleasant mood as he put away the Demon Flame Wine and Jade Emperor Spiritual Rice.

Hearing this, Qin Ming suddenly remembered someone; perhaps he did not need to travel to the Eastern Sea Immortal Realm to gather the necessary items.

Thus, Qin Ming opened his mouth to ask, "I wonder if Fellow Daoist Li Huo knows the whereabouts of Fellow Daoist Han Ya?"

"Muhe Muhe Laogui Han Ya?"

"That old rascal indeed possesses many good things; perhaps the items Fellow Daoist Qin needs can be exchanged with him."

"However, several years ago, with the help of our Dao-Defending Alliance's counterattack, that old rascal has already completely retaken the mountain gate of the Great Zhou Xuanqing Temple."

"He should now be stationed within the mountain gate; I do not know what opportunity that old ghost Han Ya has obtained."

"After surviving a great calamity, not only has his cultivation and divine abilities fully recovered, but there are even signs of improvement."

Superior Li Huo said with some puzzlement.

"I see... so Fellow Daoist Han Ya has already returned to the Great Zhou Immortal Realm; that is truly a pity."

Qin Ming could only sigh; he had originally planned to visit Superior Han Ya to procure goods.

After all, the other party had casually given away heaven-defying treasures like Void Divine Stones as congratulatory gifts.

Who knows what extraordinary treasures might be in his treasure vault now.

It is just that the Great Zhou Immortal Realm is now far away with high mountains and long roads, not to mention the rampant demonic ways.

Qin Ming was unwilling to stir up trouble in Great Zhou merely for a few spiritual materials.

"I only need to bring peace to Great Jin; Great Zhou can be forgotten."

"I have only just arrived here and already discovered a void anomaly of such large scale, removing a major hidden danger for Great Jin; truly, my merit is undeniable..."

The transaction concluded.

Qin Ming also prepared to take his leave.

"By the way, regarding those two Foundation Establishment juniors from earlier, without the help of those two, Qin Mou would not have found that void anomaly; Fellow Daoist Li Huo may appropriately reward them."

Upon hearing this, Superior Li Huo was stunned; he had not expected a cultivator like True Lord Wangyue to care about the lives and deaths of two lowly insignificant figures.

The fact that he specifically mentioned this to him clearly indicated a desire to show them favor.

"Hehe! That goes without saying; Fellow Daoist Qin can rest assured, our Alliance has always been clear in rewards and punishments; this old man has already given orders regarding this matter," Superior Li Huo replied with a smile.

"By the way, the other spiritual materials Fellow Daoist Qin needs might be obtainable in the Eastern Sea Immortal Realm."

"It is said that in five years, the Eastern Sea Immortal Realm will once again host the centennial 'Immortal Mansion Grand Assembly'; at that time, various immortal mansion strange treasures and rare beasts will appear at the assembly, which is jointly organized by the human race and the sea race."

"Not to mention that the Eastern Sea's resources are even more abundant than those of our Great Jin; that bunch of sea demons in the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace is extremely adept at gathering all sorts of treasures."

"When the time comes, there should be an exchange meeting among fellow Nascent Soul cultivators; with your connections, Daoist Qin, it won't be difficult for you to participate," he added, as if suddenly remembering something, speaking to Qin Ming.

"Thank you, Daoist Li Huo, for informing me," Qin Ming said, rising to express his gratitude.

In truth, even if the other party had not spoken, Qin Ming had already planned to make a trip to the Eastern Sea Immortal Realm.

Since Long Mu Zhenjun possessed the method for cultivating Blood Serpent Green Rice, she should also be gathering corresponding spiritual materials; at the very least, one could exchange information and trade with her.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qin Ming declined Li Huo Shangren's invitation to stay, mounted his Lingxiao Precious Carriage, and departed from Weiyuan City.

Inside the main hall.

After seeing Qin Ming off, Li Huo Shangren immediately issued several orders.

Shortly after, he instructed someone to summon Han Yuan and Liu Ye.

Han Yuan and Liu Ye had just received rewards and now received a summons from Li Huo Shangren; unsure of what was required, they were filled with terror as they entered the main hall.

The moment the two entered, before they could even bow and perform their greetings, they heard Li Huo Shangren ask indifferently, "What is your relationship with Wangyue Zhenjun? Do you know him?"

"Ah? Reporting to Your Lordship Zhenjun, we two also met True Monarch Wangyue for the first time recently; we did not know him before," Han Yuan replied after a momentary stun, speaking with utmost respect.

Upon hearing this, Li Huo Shangren couldn't help but frown and ponder for a while; suddenly, he realized he did not understand the reason behind Qin Ming's final words.

As a dignified Nascent Soul True Monarch, he naturally would not speak such words to him without cause; Li Huo Shangren chanted silently for a moment, then spoke to Han Yuan and the other, "Transmit my oral decree: from this moment onward, you two are promoted to clerks of the Weiyuan City General Affairs Hall and need no longer undertake external field duties."

"You may withdraw."

Upon hearing these words, Han Yuan and Liu Ye's minds instantly went blank; struck by this sudden joy, they were nearly unable to recover their senses.

"Thank you, Lord Alliance Leader, for your grace!"

As the two walked out of the main hall, still seeming unable to believe it, she murmured to Han Yuan, "Judging by the Alliance Leader's words, could it be that True Monarch Wangyue actually knows us?"

"That shouldn't be the case; we only met the senior once," Han Yuan said.

"Working in the Weiyuan City General Affairs Hall means we no longer have to execute dangerous missions and fight to the death, plus the perks are plentiful."

"Alas! Daoist Gao Feng ultimately failed to wait for this day and departed first; how tragic and lamentable," Liu Ye sighed with emotion.

Hearing this, Han Yuan's eyes couldn't help but moisten, nearly bursting into tears of old age.

The three of them had been as close as brothers-in-law, walking this path together until now, yet Gao Feng had perished during an external mission.

"Perhaps it was Daoist Gao's spirit in heaven protecting us two, allowing us to escape disaster, and furthermore enabling us to encounter such a major figure in the Immortal Realm as True Monarch Wangyue..."

After dismissing the two, Li Huo Shangren immediately led Elder Qian and others to personally proceed to the location Qin Ming had indicated to handle the subsequent matter of clearing the void rifts.

Thanks to Qin Ming's clearing of the area, the Way-Defending Alliance encountered far less trouble upon arriving here.

They only needed to eliminate those three void anomalies.

Li Huo Shangren took out more than ten golden crystals, which emitted a profound and subtle void-attribute fluctuation.

With a casual wave of his hand, he threw these Shadow-Cracking Stones near the three void anomalies, preparing to catalyze his magic power to destroy the void rifts in this area.

"Elder Qian, you may activate the formation."

Elder Qian, standing beside Li Huo Shangren, bowed and assented, then took out a formation set, intending to arrange it around the perimeter.

Within the void, as the formation arrangement was completed.

Li Huo Shangren immediately manipulated and detonated the Shadow-Cracking Stones.

Boom-rumble! A deafening sonic boom exploded, and the sky above flashed with pitch-black, eerie light.

After the familiar turbulence, everything returned to calm.

Once the light dissipated, it was seen that under the impact of this power, the three void rifts above the canyon vanished into smoke, completely severing their connection with the mortal world.

The dark, twisted whirlpools gradually healed as well.

"Reporting to the Supreme Elder, the void anomalies in this area have been cleared," Elder Qian reported after completing the task.

Li Huo Shangren nodded with satisfaction: "Elder Qian, you have done well; for hundreds of years, your contributions to the sect have been countless. In half a month, Brother Gushan, the Demon Saint, will once again broadly invite the human Immortal Realm to jointly discuss the 'Great Plan to Exterminate Demons.' Since I have worked hard to facilitate this matter, you shall accompany me when we go."

"Thank you, Supreme Elder, for your grace; these are all duties I should perform, however..." Elder Qian hurriedly responded, then voiced his concern, "If we rashly engage in deep cooperation with the demon race, might it not be too risky?"

"Regarding what you mentioned, I have naturally considered it as well; however, given the layer of relationship involving True Monarch Wangyue, the Silver Moon Sky Fox Clan, and the Mountain-Spanning Giant Ape Clan, it is unlikely that any major unforeseen events will occur."

"As for Brother Gushan the Demon Saint's character, I have encountered him several times; with the connection of True Monarch Wangyue and the addition of the Divine Contract signed, there is still some guarantee."

"The problems facing their demon race are currently no lighter than ours; therefore, joining forces to resist the invasion from the Blood Universe Realm is the only way forward."

"After so many years have passed, our Way-Defending Alliance has finally seen a glimmer of hopeful dawn."

"If the two great races of the mortal world unite, we will still have some confidence when facing the Great Heavenly Demon Calamity."

Li Huo Shangren's gaze was deep as he spoke leisurely.

"In that case..."

Suddenly!

The movement of Elder Qian's hands suddenly stalled, and a trace of evil strangeness flashed across his eyes.

Spiritual light suddenly burst brilliantly from his hand! A magical long sword appeared, and taking advantage of Li Huo Shangren's inattention, he stabbed from behind in a surprise attack! "I have no choice but to eliminate you, you old good-for-nothing, before the conference of the two races!"

Li Huo Shangren's expression suddenly turned to great shock; he had never expected that Elder Qian, with whom he had lived day and night and whom he trusted considerably, would commit such an act of gross rebellion.

At the same time.

He also reacted very quickly.

Boom! Elder Qian's all-out strike was instantly shattered by the qi mechanism emitted by Li Huo Shangren.

The entire person flew backward like a tattered rag.

Then, with blood at the corner of his mouth and madness in his eyes, Elder Qian actually lunged toward Li Huo Shangren.

Jin Dan self-detonation!

Boom-rumble! Li Huo Shangren waved his wide sleeve, instantly blocking all the power of the explosion.

However, in the next moment, he cried out in shock: "Soul-Hosting Great Art! Qishang Mojun!"

(End of Chapter)