Chapter 559: Ancient Mountain Demonic Saint and Peacock Holy Maiden [Combined]

'Now that the two main ingredients for refining the Nascent Soul Pill—the Yunying Fruit and the Shape-Shifting Demon Herb—have been obtained, we are that much closer to gathering all the required spiritual materials.'

'The remaining three main ingredients—the Five Element Spirit Ginseng, the Taiyi Bodhi, and the Ten-Thousand-Year Green Spirit Sap—should also be fully collected before I reach Core Formation completion.'

'Moreover, Hua Tianxiong's Qianji Trading House and Su Yuqing are also helping secretly gather them.'

'With the resources of these two major factions, acquiring the remaining three main ingredients and the auxiliary materials is merely a matter of time.'

'Fortunately, I came to Da Jin to travel and seek opportunities—never did I expect to secure several Nascent Soul opportunities so quickly, or to forge connections with a fourth-rank demonic saint. This journey has been more than worthwhile.'

Qin Ming silently pondered this, then followed Yue Lingyan out.

Outside Muxia Mountain today, the sky was a clear blue, unblemished by a single cloud—truly a fine day.

Within the Fox Clan's sacred grounds, joy and festivity filled every corner.

Various demonic beasts had gathered together to witness and celebrate the grand ceremony marking the new fourth-rank demonic saint of the Beiming Mountain Range.

At the mountain's base, demonic beasts arrived in groups, carrying crates of congratulatory gifts one after another.

Those invited to attend the ceremony were at least powerful demonic clans ranked among the top in the Beiming Mountain Range.

Qin Ming had transformed into a third-rank late-stage Thunder Crocodile demonic beast, using Jade Leaves to mask his human aura.

He followed behind Yue Lingyan, then released the World-Eating Rat, the Black Water Crocodile, and the Silver-Winged Frost Bee.

The three creatures, upon emerging, were instantly thrilled by the chaotic, lively scene of dancing demons all around.

In just half a day, Qin Ming had already spotted numerous third-rank demonic kings moving through Muxia Mountain, their auras undeniably strong.

Great demons normally unseen in daily life were now everywhere to be found.

He knew that for demonic beasts, such a grand celebration would inevitably draw forth fourth-rank shape-shifting great demons.

The demonic saint ceremony was held upon a vast white jade plaza halfway up Muxia Mountain, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of demonic beasts.

Within the ceremony grounds, areas had been divided according to demonic clan hierarchy and cultivation rank, each sized appropriately.

Nearby demonic clans, upon seeing Yue Lingyan appear in her palace attire, radiating a massive spiritual pressure like a sovereign descending upon the world, immediately bowed in reverence.

The intelligent demonic kings who could speak human speech hurriedly prostrated themselves:

'Congratulations, Elder Yin Yue, on ascending to the position of Demonic Saint!'

'Hail! Our clan has produced another fourth-rank demonic saint! The revival of the demonic race is within reach!'

'Welcome, Yin Yue Demonic Saint! May your glory endure for ten thousand ages, may your life be eternal!'

Instantly, Muxia Mountain erupted in a dazzling array of radiant light, drowned beneath a tidal wave of demonic congratulations—its momentum overwhelming. Qin Ming and his three World-Eating Rats were experiencing such a grand spectacle for the first time, their blood instantly boiling.

'Master, this is incredible!!' The World-Eating Rat, immersed in the festive atmosphere of the Fox Clan's sacred grounds, could not help exclaiming, 'Man, if only my own ascension to demonic saint were met with this kind of grandeur, I'd die content!'

'Brothers Two and Three, don't you agree?'

The Black Water Crocodile and the Silver-Winged Frost Bee, trailing behind, nodded vigorously in enthusiastic agreement.

Qin Ming smirked. 'What are you dreaming about? You haven't even broken through to late third-rank yet, and you're already thinking about fourth-rank shape-shifting demonic sainthood.'

'You'd better get back and train harder.'

'Hehe! Master's words are absolutely right!'

'I'll work my hardest and strive to become a demonic saint—to fight for you in this life!'

Two incense sticks later.

The demonic saint ascension ceremony officially began, as several revered elder demonic beasts of the demonic clans chanted the demonic scriptures.

They proclaimed Yue Lingyan of the Silver Moon Fox Clan as the new demonic saint.

Then, before the gaze of ten thousand demons, Yue Lingyan, clad in her palace robes, slowly ascended the long steps and took her seat upon the high dais, resembling a divine empress.

She spoke briefly, and the ceremony officially commenced.

Next,

came the feast—the very moment the World-Eating Rat had been eagerly awaiting.

Meanwhile, demonic beasts below continuously offered gifts, their congratulatory announcements echoing nonstop.

Treasures from various demonic clans filled the scene, dazzling and overwhelming.

As this was a demonic saint ceremony, even the lowest-tier gifts were third-rank spiritual items or materials; rare treasures from the Beiming Mountain Range were everywhere.

A few fourth-rank spiritual materials even appeared—offered by the stronger demonic tribes.

These drew gasps of astonishment from all sides.

Qin Ming and his three spiritual pets had been seated by Yue Lingyan at the very front table.

'Brother, I see you emerged with Elder Yin Yue—your connection must be deep, eh? Hehe!'

'May I ask your name?'

'Let me offer you a drink!'

At the same table as Qin Ming and his companions sat several other late third-rank great demons.

They had all witnessed Qin Ming and his four demonic kings emerging together from the back mountain with Yue Lingyan, and thus treated them with exceptional courtesy and respect.

The one raising the cup now was a Golden Iron Elephant King, also at late third-rank, semi-shape-shifted like Qin Ming.

'Heh, I am Xuan Tong of the Black Sea Black Water Crocodile Clan; this is my younger brother, Xuan Bing,' Qin Ming rose, raised his cup, and smiled in reply.

'Oh! So you're from the Black Sea demonic clan? My apologies for my ignorance!'

'No wonder Elder Yin Yue holds you in such high regard.'

The other great demons immediately rose as well, raising their cups to Qin Ming.

The World-Eating Rat, however, ignored them entirely, throwing himself onto the table and feasting without restraint.

'Huh? World-Eating Rat? You're still alive?!'

'You didn't even notify old man me! I wasted so much emotion on you—I burned you plenty of spirit paper!'

'And now you've quietly broken through to mid-third-rank!'

As a hoarse voice rang out, an elderly silver-haired man with deer antlers approached, his expression filled with astonishment.

All at the table turned to look.

The World-Eating Rat exclaimed, 'Old Yangjiao, long time no see!'

Qin Ming immediately recognized him—he was one of the three demonic kings who, under the command of the Green-Faced Poisonous Cobra, had launched the demonic tide.

Back then, it was the Earthshaking Giant Bear, the Deer-Antler Clan, and the World-Eating Rat who had jointly attacked Canghai Immortal City.

On that day, the World-Eating Rat had been severely wounded by four human Jin Dan cultivators working together; the Deer-Antler Clan had assumed it had perished in some forgotten corner.

In truth, this old man had once been the World-Eating Rat's old battle companion.

'Alas! Who would've thought!'

'Decades have passed, and yet the world remains, while the rat has changed—you've clearly had great fortune! Not only has your cultivation advanced greatly, but you've become a guest of honor to Elder Yin Yue!'

'Did you encounter some miraculous opportunity? Tell me about your experiences these past years.'

'Otherwise, I'll be displeased!'

Yangjiao sighed deeply, then sat beside the World-Eating Rat and began recounting old memories.

The World-Eating Rat glanced secretly at Qin Ming, seeking his approval.

Qin Ming nodded slightly, silently transmitting: 'Just make up some story—anything to get past him.'

In truth, the Deer-Antler Clan, like the World-Eating Rat, had been coerced and oppressed by the Green-Faced Poisonous Cobra; otherwise, this clan was not warlike, but peace-loving.

Launching the demonic tide had been a desperate act.

Now that the Green-Faced Poisonous Cobra was dead, the demonic clans once under his yoke had regained their freedom, no longer threatened or enslaved. The World-Eating Rat immediately unleashed his sharp tongue, spinning a dazzling tale to the surrounding demonic beasts.

After three rounds of wine, the demons were in full revelry.

Suddenly,

a colossal surge of demonic energy rippled through heaven and earth.

Above the white jade plaza, concentric ripples spread outward, and two striking figures appeared as if conjured from thin air.

One man stood like a steel tower, his bronze-hued, muscular frame covered in thick, wild whiskers; his eyes pierced like blades, radiating piercing brilliance as if seeing through every soul—utterly dominant.

Beside him stood a young woman draped in seven-colored aurora ribbons, clad in a radiant feathered robe, her figure graceful, brows like distant mountains, skin whiter than snow, resembling a colorful phoenix.

Her exquisite features were carved as if from pure lamb's-fat jade; her entire being exuded an aura of noble mystery, like a celestial maiden stepped from a painting, radiating boundless divine essence.

Her demeanor and beauty rivaled that of Yue Lingyan seated above.

Upon seeing these two appear, Qin Ming's pupils contracted sharply.

Then, the heralding demon, shouting at full volume, announced: 'From Jilei Mountain, the Mountain Giant Ape Clan—Ancient Mountain Demonic Saint—offers his congratulations to Elder Yin Yue: may your glory endure forever! Presenting one piece of mid-grade fourth-rank Emerald Jing Crystal!'

'From Chaoyang Cave, the Seven-Colored Peacock Clan—Peacock Holy Maiden, offers her congratulations to Elder Yin Yue on your advancement to fourth-rank demonic saint! Presenting half a vial of mid-grade fourth-rank Cold Essence Tears!'

Whoo! The sudden appearance of these two legendary demonic saints sent every demon below to their feet in reverence.

Yue Lingyan rose as well, smiling as she welcomed the two demonic saints to seats beside her.

'Welcome, esteemed guests, please be seated.'

The banquet soon resumed its lively atmosphere.

Yet Qin Ming found it strange—another demonic beast clan had yet to arrive.

He was about to ask the demons at the table when the Giant Elephant King lowered his voice first: 'Do you know why the Wind-Split Eagle Clan, one of the four great demonic clans, didn't send a demonic saint to congratulate?'

The others perked up instantly. 'Brother Xiang, what do you mean?'

'Hehe! It's said that before Elder Yin Yue became a demonic saint, the Great Black Heaven Ape King of the Wind-Split Eagle Clan schemed against her.'

'But not long ago, Elder Yin Yue not only eradicated those clans, but also severely wounded Great Black Heaven, the Wind-Split Eagle Clan's demonic saint!'

'Thus, for this demonic saint ceremony, the Wind-Split Eagle Clan, one of the four great clans, sent only lower-ranking demonic kings.'

'Hssss~'

The demons at the table drew sharp breaths.

'Is Elder Yin Yue really that powerful? She just broke into fourth-rank and already wounded Great Black Heaven, the demonic saint?'

"Although the Great Black Heaven Demon Saint only recently broke through, the gap in power between them is truly shocking, isn't it?"

"That's right. I've heard that among fourth-rank Demon Saints, it's extremely difficult to severely injure or kill one another unless there's a vast disparity in spiritual techniques."

"Yes, that's true. I heard that before Silver Moon Elder broke through to the fourth rank, she was gravely wounded during an attack by several demonic clans and nearly lost her life—but later, she somehow gained an immense stroke of fortune, allowing her to survive the Transformation Tribulation and instantly ascend to the fourth rank."

"That's probably why her spiritual techniques grew so dramatically."

"But this matter is extremely secretive—only Silver Moon Elder herself likely knows the truth."

"We shouldn't speculate or gossip about it."

The Golden Giant Elephant Demon King spoke in a mysterious tone, leaving all the demons in attendance astonished.

Qin Ming naturally knew exactly how Yue Lingyan had broken through to become a Demon Saint—that day had nearly drained him dry—but he merely drank and ate, pretending to know nothing.

"By the way, among our fellow cultivators, such gatherings are rare. Why not take this opportunity to exchange cultivation resources and complement each other's needs?"

At that moment, Yangjiao, seated beside the Devouring Sky Rat, proposed.

"Excellent! Yangjiao's words strike right at my heart."

"Hehe! I have some spiritual materials I no longer need—I'm happy to trade them with you all."

"Xuantong, what about you?" Yangjiao asked Qin Ming with a smile.

He had just been catching up with the Devouring Sky Rat, learning from it that the powerful third-rank-late-stage Black Water Crocodile before him was from the Black Sea—a revelation that left him stunned, and he naturally dared not underestimate the other.

The Black Sea also harbors powerful sea beast clans, so formidable that even human and demonic cultivators dare not provoke them lightly.

Upon hearing the invitation,

Qin Ming was more than willing—these old demons of the Beast Roar Mountains might possess the very spiritual materials he needed to brew his pills; perfect to exchange now.

It might save him considerable effort.

The demons reached consensus and immediately began displaying their treasures, enthusiastically launching the exchange gathering.

…

On another side,

atop the main seating at the celebration, the three Demon Saints who could sway the fate of the cultivation world were conversing among themselves.

"Ancient Mountain, Peacock, this is Yulin wine. Though only a second-rank spiritual liquor, its flavor is exceedingly rare—I managed to acquire a small amount from the humans and thought I'd offer you both a taste." Yue Lingyan smiled gently as she poured the spiritual wine for the two Demon Saints.

Ancient Mountain, the Demon Saint of the Mountain Giant Ape Clan, lifted his cup and drained it in one gulp; his eyes sparkled with surprise as he praised, "This wine is truly intriguing—I never expected humans to have cultivators so skilled in brewing."

"This wine even surpasses our clan's Monkey Spirit Wine in flavor."

Ancient Mountain spoke with booming voice, his tone powerful and commanding.

"Oh? If even Ancient Mountain speaks so highly, then I must taste it too." The Peacock Princess lifted her cup, parted her crimson lips, and took a delicate sip.

Soon after, surprise flickered in her eyes.

"Truly excellent wine!"

"Lady Lingyan, might you part with some of this?"

Yue Lingyan, pleased by their approval, smiled more broadly. "Of course—if you both like it, take two jugs back with you."

"Then Ancient Mountain won't refuse—hahaha!" Ancient Mountain laughed heartily.

Yue Lingyan held great respect for Ancient Mountain of the Mountain Giant Ape Clan.

This demon was the undisputed strongest Demon Saint among the Four Great Clans of the Beast Roar Mountains, his cultivation base having reached the mid-stage of the fourth rank.

The Mountain Giant Ape Clan traces its lineage to ancient times, famed for their formidable physical bodies; Ancient Mountain's spiritual techniques, fully unleashed, were said to rival human Nascent Soul late-stage experts.

Previously, when she sought vengeance among the demonic clans, it was thanks to his intervention that matters proceeded smoothly.

"Lady Lingyan, on the day of your ascension to Demon Saint, the Riftwind Vulture Clan sent only underlings to attend your ceremony—those two black vultures showed you far too little respect, didn't they?" The Peacock Princess said, sipping her wine.

But at that moment,

Ancient Mountain suddenly waved his hand, casting a barrier around the three of them, his expression grave as he spoke:

"My two fellow cultivators, there is something I must tell you."

Yue Lingyan and the Peacock Princess exchanged glances; seeing even Ancient Mountain so serious, they were both startled.

"Ancient Mountain, what has happened?"

"In the coming period, great upheaval will strike the human cultivation world."

"The Zhou cultivation realm, bordering the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty, will likely be destroyed soon."

Boom! Upon hearing this explosive news, even the two fourth-rank Demon Saints, renowned for their deep composure, nearly lost their seats.

"Ancient Mountain, this is no trivial matter—can your intelligence be trusted?" the Peacock Princess asked urgently.

Yue Lingyan added, "Indeed—the Zhou cultivation realm is governed by the Xuanqing Monastery, and guarded by the Nascent Soul early-stage Cold Crow Immortal, a two-thousand-year-old monster whose techniques are formidable. How could it be destroyed so quickly?"

Ancient Mountain immediately gave them a secret explanation: "This matter is tied to the demonic sects of Da Li."

…

(End of Chapter)