Chapter 739: Storms, the Spirit Lord

Inside the Green Wood Pavilion.

All the Nascent Soul cultivators, along with the four demonic beast elders who had come to pay their respects, stepped forward to offer congratulations and presented gifts to Qin Ming.

These items were originally meant for the Devouring Rat; Qin Ming had no choice but to accept them on its behalf.

As the saying goes: raise a rat for a thousand days, use it for but a moment.

Now was the time for its repayment.

The treasures offered by those present were dazzling, each a rarity unseen beyond the outer realms.

The top-tier cultivators in attendance spoke to Qin Ming with exceptional courtesy.

After all, one fourth-rank transformed demonic beast, plus a Nascent Soul True Person of considerable strength.

Such combat power was not to be underestimated anywhere in the cultivation world.

Ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators could never afford a fourth-rank spiritual pet.

Not only is cultivation difficult, but raising such a fourth-rank demonic beast requires vast resources—enough to drain an entire major sect’s reserves.

Only a Nascent Soul True Person like Qin Ming, whose expertise in spirit plant cultivation and alchemy were both peerless, possessed the wealth to nurture such a heavenly beast.

And mastery of beast taming demanded even higher standards.

“Congratulations, Brother Qin! You’re not still a fourth-rank beast tamer, are you? You’ve kept this hidden from us well!” said Tianji Zi, his tone dripping with envy.

They had all witnessed it plainly: the Devouring Rat unleashing its might, slaying two demonic sect Nascent Souls single-handedly.

This made the cultivators present even more wary.

The Devouring Rat’s ability to devour Nascent Souls was unforgettable. Of course, some genuinely celebrated, while others burned with envy—but out of face, none voiced it aloud.

Qin Ming had no fondness for this old man, Tianji Zi.

When everyone fled from Longyuan Island, who had betrayed the team fastest? But just then—

The black-feathered demonic beast cultivator who had come with Gu Shan and the others spoke with noticeable displeasure: “I’ve long heard of Brother Qin’s name, and I know you’re close to Brother Gu Shan and Silver Moon.”

Here, the black-feathered cultivator paused, then continued:

“Though the Devouring Rat King was once your tamed spiritual pet, he has now ascended to the rank of demonic saint—shouldn’t you let him go?”

“After all, a fourth-rank demonic saint serving under human hands brings shame upon our demonic race.”

At these words, the previously cheerful atmosphere in the hall shattered; everyone’s expressions froze.

Silence fell instantly, so profound not even a pin could be heard.

The Nascent Soul elders’ faces turned strange, yet none dared speak.

For the black-feathered cultivator before them was Hei Feng, patriarch of the Riftwind Eagle clan, a fourth-rank mid-stage demonic saint.

Though his strength fell short of human Nascent Soul late-stage cultivators, he still held a slight edge over ordinary mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

Once human cultivators reached late-stage Nascent Soul, they were called Great Cultivators of the Mortal Realm—their abilities matched those of late-stage fourth-rank demonic beasts.

Thus, at this level, whether human or demonic, one’s power depended entirely on their magic treasures and techniques.

Upon hearing this, Gu Shan demonic saint said nothing.

For as Hei Feng had said, it was indeed awkward for a demonic saint of Beast Cry Mountains to serve as a human Nascent Soul’s pet.

From the demonic race’s standpoint—

This was a matter of demonic reputation; he could not speak further, and even partly agreed with Hei Feng’s view.

Moreover, a fourth-rank demonic saint could sway the balance of power across all factions.

“That’s not right, Brother Hei Feng. What’s on your mind, do you think I don’t know?”

“Had it not been for Brother Qin’s resources poured into him, the Devouring Rat King wouldn’t have reached even third-rank late-stage, let alone become a fourth-rank demonic beast.”

“Now that he’s achieved demonic saint status, you come to pluck the fruit he’s spent years cultivating—is that fair?”

Yue Lingyan spoke with deep implication.

Hei Feng’s face turned ashen at her words—he hadn’t expected Yue Lingyan to defend Qin Ming, a human, so openly.

‘Silver Moon, what are you implying?’ he secretly sent a thought-message to her.

But before Yue Lingyan could reply—

Qin Ming smiled innocently, gazing at Hei Feng with a pleasant expression:

“When the Devouring Rat first entered my sect, we signed a blood-binding divine pact for only two sixty-year cycles.”

“That term has long expired—his departure or stay rests entirely on his own will.”

“But my affairs are none of your concern as an outsider.”

“If Brother Hei Feng believes this shames your demonic race, you may challenge me to a duel. Win, and I’ll consider your words.”

Qin Ming’s tone was overwhelmingly dominant, showing no regard for Hei Feng whatsoever.

His own younger brother, Da Heitian demonic saint, had been soaked in wine by him—why should he fear threats?

Though Hei Feng might not yet know Qin Ming was responsible, Qin Ming held no affection for the Riftwind Eagle clan.

Even the mighty Qi Shang Demon Lord of Xuehuan Realm was no match for him—what chance did Hei Feng stand?

If necessary, he’d burn him into a lesson in demonic humility!

As Qin Ming spoke, Hei Feng’s face turned livid, and even the human Nascent Soul elders were stunned.

They hadn’t expected Qin Ming to speak so boldly to Hei Feng.

Either he had absolute confidence in his strength, or he relied on the presence of so many allies to dare such threats.

After all, Hei Feng was a fourth-rank mid-stage cultivator, stronger than most mid-stage Nascent Soul humans.

They did not believe Qin Ming could truly defeat Hei Feng.

Seated in a green robe, Han Ya Shangren, seeing the situation spiral out of control, quickly stood to mediate: “Hehe! Brother Qin, Brother Hei Feng—”

“Today is a joyous occasion; let’s not spoil the harmony.”

“With demonic sects invading at this critical moment, our human and demonic races must continue cooperating—don’t you agree?”

Hearing this, Gu Shan demonic saint nodded and turned to Hei Feng:

“Hei Feng, let this matter end here.”

“Brother Qin has said the divine pact with the Rat Saint has expired. We can simply ask the Rat Saint’s opinion once he emerges from seclusion.”

Hei Feng, insulted and seething with resentment, suppressed his rage under Gu Shan’s counsel.

He merely coldly spat:

“Hmph! I merely warn you, don’t bring ruin upon yourself! If you anger the Spirit Lord, don’t blame me for not warning you.”

His dark green, bean-like pupils flicked coldly at Qin Ming, then he fell silent.

Qin Ming’s expression remained utterly calm, serene as a still lake.

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This only deepened the astonishment of the Nascent Soul True Persons present.

Could this fellow truly not fear a fourth-rank mid-stage demonic cultivator? Han Ya Shangren, aware of some of Qin Ming’s strength, could not help but secretly send a thought-message: “Brother Qin, do you truly believe you can handle that old bird, Hei Feng?”

“Isn’t there you and the others here? We’ll just swarm him together—how could we lose?” Qin Ming replied deliberately, leaving Han Ya Shangren speechless.

Qin Ming could plainly see that, aside from Yue Lingyan and Han Ya Shangren,

every other elder present wore expressions of eager anticipation, hoping he and Hei Feng would clash.

For the Devouring Rat’s ascension to fourth-rank transformed demonic saint had major implications across the cultivation world.

Not to mention: how many top-tier resources, over centuries, must a major Nascent Soul sect expend to produce even one Nascent Soul True Person?

And even then, only if they find a disciple with supreme talent and fortune.

The Devouring Rat’s strength had been witnessed by all present; for any Nascent Soul sect in the Southern Wastes, to see such a beast arise was to feel envy.

From now on, the cultivation world’s apex would gain another powerful force capable of shifting the balance—everyone would tread carefully.

Had it not been for the current crisis of the descending realm, Qin Ming and Hei Feng would have already clashed.

With Qin Ming and the Devouring Rat as two Nascent Soul-level combatants, the Southern Wastes cultivation world could now compete with other great cultivation nations for resources, standing on equal footing.

This was precisely what they feared.

But they did not know: Qin Ming had no interest in these resource struggles whatsoever.

As long as he kept farming, he would eventually reach higher realms.

When he cultivated a Soul Transformation True Lord, every one of these elders would bow and offer treasures without daring to give him orders.

After this brief interlude—

Qin Ming calmly retrieved a jar of Lingxi Jade Liquid and addressed the gathering: “Since today is a joyous occasion, let us raise a cup.”

“You’ve all traveled far—Qin Mou invites you to taste this fourth-rank spirit wine I brewed myself: ‘Lingxi Jade Liquid.’”

“Drinking it enhances Nascent Soul magic power and cultivation base.”

Upon hearing this, the Nascent Soul elders forgot all prior tension.

Their full attention fixed on the spirit wine in Qin Ming’s hands.

When Qin Ming poured each of them a full cup, they stared at the flowing nectar within their goblets, utterly speechless.

When it came to Hei Feng, Qin Ming’s jar was completely empty. He feigned embarrassment: “Oh dear, I misjudged the quantity—the spirit wine is all gone.”

“I can only offer Brother Hei Feng another kind of spirit wine.”

Saying this, he pulled out a jar of Foundation Establishment wine, poured some for Hei Feng, then walked away without looking back—leaving Hei Feng with a face full of stunned outrage.

With the Lingxi Jade Liquid in hand, no one cared for anyone else—they immediately raised their goblets and drank.

“Excellent wine! Brother Qin truly masters this art—this wine belongs only in heaven!”

“Such celestial brew—no wonder it’s called Jade Liquid. This is the finest spirit wine I’ve ever tasted in my life.”

“I declare this the number one spirit wine in the mortal realm.”

“Brother Qin, do you have any extra Lingxi Jade Liquid? I’m willing to trade a priceless treasure for it.”

"Hehe! That was the last jar—I have none left."

More than half a day later.

After a long exchange of toasts and clinking cups, the guests took their leave one by one, bidding farewell to Qin Ming.

Before leaving, Qin Ming called Yue Lingyan aside and handed her a jar of Lingxi Jade Fluid.

"Qin Daoist, what is this?" Yue Lingyan’s beautiful eyes flickered with slight surprise.

Qin Ming smiled faintly. "A few days ago, thank you, Lingyan Daoist, for helping me train the Sky-Devouring Rat. Without you, he could never have transformed so quickly."

"It’s just a small token of my gratitude."

"If that’s the case, then I won’t refuse—honestly, your spirit liquor is very useful to me," Yue Lingyan took the spirit wine from Qin Ming’s hand.

Then she revealed a breathtaking smile: "Thank you, Qin Daoist."

"Lingyan Daoist, no need to be formal," Qin Ming immediately whispered secretly: "By the way, that 'Spirit Lord' mentioned by the Black Wind Demon Saint—could it be?"

Yue Lingyan hadn’t expected him to ask this. After a moment’s hesitation, she answered: "Yes. Bai Lin, the Spirit Lord, is an elder among our demonic race. His origins are ancient, his cultivation base unfathomable—at least a Fifth-Rank Lord."

"The Blood Serpent Green Rice spirit seed you received at your Nascent Soul ceremony was exchanged directly from the Spirit Lord."

"Qin Daoist, rest assured. Since the Spirit Lord did not intervene today, it means he has no interest in this matter and won’t trouble you."

…

(End of Chapter)