Translator: AnubisTL
Ever since Li Qing escaped, the Golden Bear King and Black Crocodile King of the demon realm had been driven mad, scouring the land for any trace of him.
These two transformation stage demon kings crossed the vast, boundless ocean to reach a continent known as the Wind Origin Domain.
However, they soon discovered a startling truth: the great domains inhabited by humans were no smaller than the demon realm itself, and their population was far greater!
They knew nothing about the human who had infiltrated the Myriad Beasts Secret Realm—not even his name. All they had were vague descriptions of his appearance and a pair of silver-winged magical artifacts that granted him incredible speed.
Searching for a single person in the Wind Origin Domain with such limited information was akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.
Moreover, there was no guarantee that the human had even fled to the Wind Origin Domain. He could have escaped to any of the other great domains.
The Human Realm comprised eight great domains, at least six of which were dominated by humans. The demon race controlled only one: the demon realm.
In the end, the Black Crocodile King and Golden Bear King abandoned their search for Li Qing. They had discovered that the Wind Origin Domain harbored human cultivators who posed a genuine threat to them!
Despite this, the fact that a single human had wreaked havoc in the demon realm remained a thorn in the side of every demon race.
As for Li Qing, after escaping the demon realm, he immediately set out on his journey back to the Azure Ridge Domain.
After several twists and turns, he finally confirmed his location using the Moonfall Star Chart he carried. With his bearings established, he flew toward the Azure Ridge Domain.
During his journey, he passed by a human-inhabited archipelago. Though far from any major domain, the islands were home to cultivators who sustained themselves by hunting sea beasts and cultivated using the spiritual veins beneath the islands.
Li Qing considered resting here to replenish his depleted mana using the island's spiritual veins before continuing his journey.
"This archipelago has a main island, quite large—almost a small continent. It contains multiple spiritual veins, one of which is particularly abundant in spiritual energy, nearly a third-tier spirit vein!"
After assessing the island's spiritual veins, Li Qing retracted his Wind-Thunder Silver Wings, concealed his aura, and subtly altered his physique and appearance.
With these preparations complete, he glided toward the main island, drawing no attention whatsoever.
Now that he had reached the late-stage core formation realm, Li Qing could easily conceal himself. Cultivators below the nascent soul realm would find it virtually impossible to detect his presence.
Moreover, Li Qing's divine soul was exceptionally powerful, allowing him to effortlessly mask his movements.
"I'll find a secluded spot near the spiritual vein to hide for a while. Once my mana is mostly restored, I'll leave this place."
Although activating the Wind-Thunder Silver Wings didn't consume much mana, Li Qing had still undertaken an exceptionally long flight, depleting nearly half of his spiritual energy.
Flying over the vast Boundless Sea, one never knew what unexpected dangers might arise. It was best to maintain oneself in peak condition.
Thus, Li Qing concealed himself and carved a secret cave abode near the third-tier spiritual vein.
He didn't rashly enter the Spirit Vein Land, however, because he discovered it was protected by a third-tier formation!
"Truly remarkable," Li Qing muttered inwardly. "Even this desolate, barren land has such a high-grade spiritual vein guarded by a third-tier formation, while the Lingyun Sect's mountain gate stands empty."
He quickly suppressed this thought, however.
If he could just return to the sect successfully, this problem would be immediately resolved!
Dao Lord Bai Ling, was renowned for his mastery of the Hundred Arts of Cultivation. And he had managed to bring this senior expert back to the sect. Surely, it wouldn't be too difficult for the senior to help the sect establish a first- to fourth-tier formation.
As for compensation, he could simply put extra effort into finding a suitable successor for the senior's legacy later.
In the following days, Li Qing cultivated peacefully in a secluded underground cave abode, focusing entirely on replenishing his spiritual energy.
Time passed slowly but steadily. Being near a spirit vein rich in spiritual energy, his mana recovery was remarkably swift.
Once Li Qing's mana was fully restored, he left the cave abode, preparing to depart and continue his journey back to the sect.
However, he soon discovered that the island seemed to be hosting a grand celebration or perhaps a sacrifice.
A large group of mortals had gathered before an altar on Spirit Mountain. Their attire was peculiar, adorned with layers of clothing woven from colorful leaves and feathers, exuding an exotic charm.
The mortals circled the altar, chanting in unison words Li Qing couldn't understand.
After observing for a while, Li Qing lost interest and prepared to fly away.
But Dao Lord Bai Ling called out, stopping him:
"Wait, take another look! The object of their sacrifice seems rather peculiar."
Li Qing paused, then suppressed his aura and concealed himself within the cave abode.
"Senior Bai Ling, can you understand the language of these island natives?"
"I can vaguely understand some of it," Dao Lord Bai Ling replied. "It sounds like a dialect derived from an ancient language. I encountered people who spoke that ancient tongue long ago."
"These people have a unique faith. They worship the five elements spirit pearls of heaven and earth, and their leaders even call themselves Spirit Pearl Envoys!"
"The Spirit Pearl Envoys dedicate their lives to searching for spirit pearl fragments, considering the collection of all five elements spirit pearls their ultimate mission!"
Five elements spirit pearls!
Li Qing's heart stirred slightly at these words.
These were spiritual objects that formed the fundamental rules of a world, true supreme treasures. Obtaining even one would be an extraordinary stroke of fortune.
However, due to the demon realm's invasion, the five elements spirit pearls of the Human Realm had been lost or shattered. It was now impossible to find a complete spirit pearl.
Some claimed that the spirit pearls had merged with heaven and earth, making it impossible for anyone to find a complete one.
As the spirit pearls vanished from the world for longer and longer, cultivators throughout the immortal realm gradually came to regard these tales as mere legends.
After observing for some time, the mortals surrounding the altar finally ceased their chanting.
As the chanting stopped, an elderly cultivator in pristine white Daoist robes suddenly materialized within the altar on Spirit Mountain, appearing as if from thin air.
The aged cultivator raised his hands and chanted a strange incantation toward the heavens.
Boom!
In the next instant, the sea around the island began to churn violently.
Dense water attribute spiritual power surged from the depths of the ocean, rapidly converging toward the altar at the island's center.
Li Qing's heart skipped a beat, his face etched with astonishment as he struggled to comprehend the sudden mutation.
Meanwhile, Dao Lord Bai Ling floated out of the Immortal Spirit Green Gold, his ethereal face brimming with vivid expressions.
"Unbelievable! That Core Formation Realm cultivator actually found a true Spirit Pearl Envoy!"
"It seems this remote island settlement really does worship one of the Five Elements Spirit Pearls."
Upon hearing this, Li Qing's jaw dropped.
One of the Five Elements Spirit Pearls was right here?
If anyone else had told him this, he would have dismissed them as insane.
But these words came from Dao Lord Bai Ling, a senior cultivator of vast experience who had lived for countless ages. How could he possibly be lying?!
Before Li Qing could ask any questions, all the grass-skirted mortals in front of Spirit Mountain, at the heart of the Spirit Vein Land, knelt down.
Their faces were filled with fervent devotion as they prostrated themselves repeatedly in a single direction.
In the direction of their worship, a woman in a water-blue gauze dress slowly approached. Her figure was graceful and slender, her features gentle and refined, and her aura as soft and soothing as water.
The moment this woman appeared, Li Qing's entire body stiffened as if struck by lightning. He froze completely, rooted to the spot.
But Dao Lord Bai Ling called out in a deep voice:
"Such pure water attribute spiritual power! I've never encountered such pristine water attribute spiritual power in my entire life. Even the water dao cultivators I've met in the divine transformation stage couldn't possess such pure water attribute spiritual power!"
"This person likely possesses a spirit pearl—and it's a Water Spirit Pearl!"
As Dao Lord Bai Ling spoke, he remained completely oblivious to Li Qing's strange reaction, instead urging him on:
"Boy, are you willing to take a risk? That woman and the old man are only at the mid Core Formation Realm. If you can truly obtain a Water Spirit Pearl, you'll benefit immensely for the rest of your life!"
He didn't specify how to take the risk, but Dao Lord Bai Ling was a divine transformation stage cultivator from the demon realm who had once protected the entire human race there.
Having reached this level, he was no indecisive person.
Faced with such a monumental opportunity, he wouldn't hesitate to use ruthless and decisive methods.
Otherwise, he never could have survived and cultivated to the divine transformation stage in the demon realm's harsh environment.
To survive the threat of the ferocious demon race, one had to become even more savage than the demons themselves!
In the demon realm, a gentle and refined gentleman, as pure as jade, wouldn't survive long.
Dao Lord Bai Ling frowned, finally noticing Li Qing's dazed expression. He assumed Li Qing was still reeling from the revelation about the Water Spirit Pearl.
"Young one," Dao Lord Bai Ling said, "if I were you, I'd risk everything to seize this opportunity. If you truly obtain the Water Spirit Pearl, find a foundation establishment cultivator with dual spirit roots containing water and seize their body. With your powerful divine soul, you have nothing to fear from failure!"
"Once successful, the Water Spirit Pearl will pave a smooth path for your cultivation throughout your life. Reaching the late-stage spirit transformation realm will be effortless!"
Dao Lord Bai Ling's words were enticing, and he even outlined the myriad benefits that would follow.
For instance, after seizing a body, you could rely on Ninth Insect and Fan Tong for protection during your vulnerable early stages, ensuring your safety.
With the Water Spirit Pearl's enhancement, your cultivation would advance by leaps and bounds. Once you reach the divine transformation stage and gain an extended lifespan, you can then focus on mastering the Soul Refinement Scripture.
Once his divine soul was fully cultivated to perfection, he would consider breaking through the void and ascending to the upper realm.
Unfortunately, Li Qing remained unmoved by this prospect.
He slowly shook his head, then coughed a few times before saying, "Senior Bai Ling, I have no intention of possessing another's body."
"Moreover, the woman who seems to possess the Water Spirit Pearl appears to be an old acquaintance of mine!"
As he spoke, a hint of awkwardness crossed Li Qing's face.
Indeed, he recognized the woman ahead—and quite well!
It was Su Xin!
Dao Lord Bai Ling raised an eyebrow at this revelation, then fell silent, clearly surprised by this unexpected turn of events.
They had only stopped at the island for a brief rest, yet they had stumbled upon a genuine Spirit Pearl Envoy—and one who happened to be an old acquaintance of Li Qing's.
Li Qing hesitated for a long moment, pondering how best to greet his old friend.
After all, he had completely lost contact with Su Xin after the Lingyun Sect was destroyed by the ancient demonic race.
He had once considered searching for her in the Great Wilderness Domain and the Nether Domain, but Wu Chong had told him that after their group arrived at the isolated island in the Nether Domain aboard a spirit boat, Su Xin had departed with the elders of the Heavenly River Sect.
The specific reasons for their departure remained unclear, but since they belonged to a different sect, he couldn't force them to stay and simply let them leave.
"I never expected to find her here."
Instead of rushing forward to greet her, Li Qing observed the scene from a distance.
His powerful divine soul made him virtually undetectable.
After a long silence, Dao Lord Bai Ling spoke again:
"Regardless, a core formation realm cultivator possessing the Water Spirit Pearl is hardly safe in this remote sea.
"Even if no powerful sea beasts are drawn to the pearl, what if a knowledgeable nascent soul realm cultivator like yourself happens to pass by and notice her? That would be disastrous."
"If you truly are an old acquaintance of hers, I suggest you find a secluded and safe place for her to cultivate in seclusion."
"This vast sea is full of unknowns and variables!"
Li Qing wholeheartedly agreed with this assessment.
However, with a sacrifice currently underway, he couldn't simply approach Su Xin and reveal his identity.
Therefore, Li Qing decided to wait until the sacrifice concluded, then secretly slip into the Spirit Vein Land to find a way to meet Su Xin and ascertain her current situation.
But this plan faced a major obstacle: the third-tier guardian grand formation protecting the area. He couldn't possibly breach it undetected.
Left with no other option, Li Qing turned to Dao Lord Bai Ling for help.
"Senior Bai Ling, do you have a way for me to sneak into this formation without alerting anyone?"
Dao Lord Bai Ling chuckled confidently. "That's no problem at all. A mere third-tier formation riddled with flaws? Child's play!"
(End of the Chapter)
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