Chapter 665: Penglai Immortal Token

Time slipped away swiftly.

As Qin Ming's Nascent Soul ceremony neared its end, the cultivators who had come to pay respects and observe began to take their leave.

The bustling, joyous noise on Wangyue Island gradually faded into stillness.

As Li Huo Shangren and You Sha Zhenjun prepared to depart the island, they separately sought out Qin Ming.

Both wished to trade one of their treasures for the demonic core of the Mingshuidashe, but Qin Ming politely refused them both.

Though reluctant, they could only depart with disgruntled expressions.

Qin Ming was fully aware of the value contained within this demonic core—he would never part with it.

This rare demonic core was currently of great use to him.

Immediately after came Long Mu Zhenjun of the Eastern Sea cultivation realm; she too approached Qin Ming alone, drawn to the "Blood Jiao Green Rice" that Yue Lingyan had given him.

"Qin Daofriend, those dozen or so grains of Blood Jiao Green Rice that the Silver Moon Demon Saint gave you—could you part with them? I am willing to pay a thousand high-grade spirit stones, or you may name any exchange condition." Long Mu Zhenjun spoke bluntly.

Qin Ming was taken aback: "A thousand high-grade spirit stones?"

"May I ask, Daofriend Long Mu, what is the origin of this Blood Jiao Green Rice? How can just a dozen grains be worth so much?"

With only the two of them present, Long Mu Zhenjun offered no concealment: "Blood Jiao Green Rice is a fourth-rank mid-grade spiritual grain. I once read of it in my sect's records."

"It is said to originate from ancient wildlands, capable of greatly enhancing the magic power of Nascent Soul cultivators—even benefiting those in the middle and late stages."

"Moreover, it deepens one's comprehension of magical arts and divine techniques—a rare celestial treasure, far surpassing ordinary elixirs that merely boost magic power."

"Had I openly mentioned this at the banquet, many others would have coveted your dozen grains."

Qin Ming understood at once and expressed sincere gratitude: "Thank you, Daofriend Long Mu."

She had feared other Nascent Soul True Persons would grow envious and cause trouble.

Qin Ming pondered briefly, then asked: "Daofriend Long Mu, do you possess the cultivation method for this grain?"

"If you are willing to trade the cultivation method, Qin Mou will part with three grains."

Long Mu Zhenjun clearly had not anticipated this demand—she could tell from his expression that he intended to cultivate the grain himself.

She asked curiously: "Daofriend Qin, have you reached the skill level of a fourth-rank mid-grade spiritual cultivator?"

"I could tell you the method, but without sufficient spiritual cultivation skill, planting such a high-grade grain is merely wasting the seeds—no gain, only loss."

Qin Ming smiled calmly: "No matter. Qin Mou understands this art as well as Daofriend Long Mu. I merely wish to try—perhaps I will succeed."

Long Mu Zhenjun did not mock his overconfidence; instead, she smiled with faint admiration: "Daofriend Qin, your courage is commendable."

"Very well—I will give you the cultivation method, plus one Penglai Immortal Token, in exchange for nine grains of Blood Jiao Green Rice."

"Penglai Immortal Token?" Qin Ming asked, puzzled.

Long Mu Zhenjun summoned forth an ancient-looking token, seemingly carved from the bark of a high-grade spiritual tree, emitting an unusual fragrant aura.

"Agree to this—the Penglai Immortal Token is a valuable item. If you ever visit the Eastern Sea cultivation realm, you may enter the Penglai Immortal Sect's scripture library once, or ascend to the Penglai Immortal Tree to contemplate the Dao once."

Qing Yang Lao Mo, with his vast knowledge, whispered a warning to Qin Ming.

Qin Ming immediately agreed, producing nine grains of Blood Jiao Green Rice and exchanging them.

Long Mu Zhenjun was overjoyed: "Thank you for your generosity. I await your arrival at the Penglai Immortal Sect in the Eastern Sea."

"I shall personally prepare a room to welcome you."

"Mutual benefit, Daofriend Long Mu—you are too kind. I too hold the Penglai Sect in high esteem." Qin Ming returned the bow.

The exchange was complete.

Long Mu Zhenjun departed with a light heart, bidding farewell to Qin Ming.

Finally, Gu Shan Demon Saint and Yue Lingyan came to take their leave.

"Daofriend Qin, have you killed a core disciple of the Blood Refining Demon Sect? Why is your Blood Ring Curse so intensely marked?" Gu Shan Demon Saint's words were startling.

Qin Ming's face twitched: "Daofriend Gu Shan, what do you mean?"

Gu Shan Demon Saint, expressionless, drew forth a blood-colored token and activated it.

In the next instant,

a thick crimson aura erupted from Qin Ming's body, coalescing into a blood ring in midair.

"This… yes, Qin Mou did encounter several demon cultivators from the Blood Ring Realm during my travels and eliminated them. I never expected such consequences." Qin Ming's eyes flickered as he offered a vague excuse.

Now that he had achieved Twin Nascent Souls, his power far surpassed ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators—even if a Nascent Soul Demon Lord from the Blood Ring Realm descended, he would not fear. He merely wished to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"Daofriend Gu Shan, do you know a way to remove this Blood Ring Curse? If so, Qin Mou is willing to pay a price for it."

Gu Shan Demon Saint gave a knowing chuckle: "I suspect the ones you killed were no ordinary demon cultivators. As for lifting this curse, I am not well-versed."

"This blood token was merely something I stumbled upon."

"I merely wish to warn you: the demon cultivators descending this time include Nascent Soul Demon Lords—be cautious."

"Thank you for the warning, Daofriend Gu Shan." Qin Ming bowed.

He knew that unless he found a way to remove the Blood Ring Curse soon, trouble would follow relentlessly.

"By the way, thank you both for coming to my ceremony. Here are two jars of my own brewed Demon Flame Wine—I offer them to you." Qin Ming flipped his hand and produced two jars of spiritual wine.

"Then I shall not refuse. I've tasted this wine before, from Silver Moon Daofriend—its flavor still lingers in my memory." A rare smile appeared on Gu Shan Demon Saint's stern face.

"I too thank Daofriend Qin for the spiritual wine," Yue Lingyan smiled sweetly.

"Daofriend Qin, you suit my temperament well. You differ greatly from those human Nascent Souls—less scheming, less intrigue. No wonder Silver Moon Daofriend values your friendship."

"If you ever have the chance, come visit the Mountain Giant Ape Clan."

After conversing with Qin Ming, the two Demon Saints took their leave.

Shi Tian Rat watched Yue Lingyan and the little silver fox depart; the little silver fox waved her tiny hand repeatedly, clearly reluctant to leave.

"Oh? You've grown quite the charmer—you've won the little silver fox's heart." Qin Ming teased him.

"Hehe! I just gave her a few small gifts—nothing much." Shi Tian Rat grinned.

"By the way, Master, I heard you obtained a fourth-rank Mingshuidashe demonic core."

Qin Ming raised an eyebrow and ruffled its head: "You've only just reached third-rank peak—already coveting a fourth-rank demonic core? Focus on grounding yourself first."

"By the way, has Han Ya Shangren left? He didn't just sneak away, did he? I haven't properly thanked him yet."

Shi Tian Rat thought a moment: "He hasn't gone far."

Qin Ming's form blurred, dissolving into ripples, vanishing from his spot.

Outside the spiritual energy Archipelago,

a green light streaked through the sky at astonishing speed—it was Han Ya Shangren.

As he flew, a familiar voice called out behind him, causing him to freeze mid-air.

"Daofriend Han Ya, don't rush off! Please stop!" Qin Ming's voice drifted gently.

Han Ya Shangren did not halt—he pretended not to hear and accelerated further. 'Could this brat have noticed the flaw in the gift I gave him?'

He felt a surge of guilt—then, in the next instant,

a ripple appeared in the air ahead, revealing Qin Ming's figure, directly blocking his path.

Han Ya Shangren had not expected Qin Ming's teleportation speed to be so astonishing—he halted, forcing a nervous laugh and bowed:

"Hehe! If it isn't Daofriend Qin. What else can I do for you?"

"Daofriend Han Ya, you're being rather unscrupulous," Qin Ming smiled warmly.

'Damn! Has this brat really figured it out?'

Han Ya Shangren instinctively felt dread.

'It was just a low-quality Void Stone—why chase me this far?'

But Qin Ming stepped forward and said: "Why did you leave without saying goodbye? I meant to speak with you privately."

"Thank you for delivering the invitations to the two Demon Saints and guiding them here."

"Here is a small token of my appreciation—please accept it."

Qin Ming produced a sack of Jade Emperor Spiritual Rice and handed it to him.

(End of Chapter)