Return to the Jianghu

The Thunder King Bird stirred up a strong wind in the distance and let out a long cry.

The suspicious figure was startled and vanished into the thick night fog in the blink of an eye.

Qin Ming didn't want to make a move in Double Tree Village. Now that he was far away, he could act freely. He rode the Astral Wind, rising more than ten meters off the ground, and swooped down at high speed.

"Huh?" The middle-aged man in black in front of him suddenly turned around, mainly because the Astral Wind was like thunder, violently surging, which startled him.

He is a master of the Fourth Realm. In the current environment, although he has physical problems, he is not seriously ill, which is already quite remarkable.

But now, someone behind him is coming on the wind, and the terrifying airflow makes him lose his balance and is about to be overturned.

"Black Astral Wind!" He gasped. This kind of wind Rogue Person's Essence, Qi, and Spirit. If cultivated to a high level, it would become the legendary Wind Calamity.

He immediately retaliated, and it was at that moment that he saw the person hovering in the night sky, riding the Astral Wind, who was none other than Qin Ming. In an instant, his pupils contracted.

Clearly, he knew Qin Ming.

"I don't care who you are, if you overstep your bounds, you'll be chopped off!" Qin Ming said in a deep voice. He sensed the panic on the other side's part, and they were clearly up to no good.

The man in black unfurled a small silver flag, which rapidly expanded in the wind, shooting into the night sky and scattering layers of ripples.

Qin Ming remained unmoved, but when the wind howled, it instantly became many times more violent. Ten meters above the ground, the glowing silver flag was torn apart by the Astral Wind.

Then a storm surged, and sand and stones flew across the ground like blades, tearing the wilderness apart and leaving gaps about a foot wide everywhere.

The man let out a scream as his arm was severed and tossed to the ground, then slammed back down with a thud.

He found it hard to believe that he, a master of the Fourth Realm, was so utterly vulnerable when facing a youth of the Third Realm, according to the intelligence.

This overturned his understanding. His opponent stood with his hands behind his back in mid-air, without even stretching his fists or using the legendary Primal Chaos Force, yet he still crushed him.

He considered himself a formidable figure, but now he couldn't even withstand a single move before being suppressed by the Black Astral Wind, lying motionless on the ground, bleeding profusely from his severed arm.

"Please stop! I mean no harm. I've come here openly and honestly, and I have something to say," the middle-aged man in black cried out in anguish.

"You really think I'm not here because I haven't shown up for so long?" Qin Ming said coldly, as he descended from mid-air to the ground, he sensed the hostility from the other party.

He was too lazy to waste words on such a hypocrite. Astral Wind surged forth, dimming the other person's Essence, Qi, and Spirit, blowing them out of their body and causing them to dissipate.

"Tell me, where are you from, and what is your purpose in coming to Double Tree Village?" Qin Ming interrogated.

"Ah." The black-clad man's Consciousness Spirit Light was about to explode, his Mental Field was about to be extinguished like a candle flame in the wind, and he was filled with dread.

In an instant, a variety of strong emotions surged up, all of which Qin Ming resonated with easily and clearly.

The man in black came to Double Tree Village with only one purpose: to find out if Qin Ming had returned.

Some forces are very "concerned" about Qin Ming and want to keep track of his movements.

In the past two years, Qin Ming has either secluded himself in the mountains or traveled to distant Outer Domain, disappearing from the sight of those "concerned," yet the relevant parties have never forgotten him.

"I originally wanted to keep a low profile, but you all want a 'response,' which is difficult," Qin Ming said in a low voice.

He had heard that Earth Immortal had recently attacked him, and his body couldn't withstand the damage, ultimately leading to his death.

This indicates that the overall environment is undergoing drastic changes, forcing many experts to go into hiding.

"It might be safer to make a move six months later," Qin Ming muttered to himself.

He looked down at the man, and a violent storm erupted from the ground, instantly sending terrified screams through the air. "No, Brother Qin, don't kill me! Let's talk this out!"

"You're no longer of any value," Qin Ming replied calmly.

The Black Astral Wind surged, like countless black gold flying swords slashing through the air. The man's body was quickly torn apart, and his Consciousness Spirit Light was extinguished.

Immediately, Qin Ming waved his sleeve, and the cracks in the ground were smoothed out by the gale, restoring the place to its original state.

Talking Finch's jewel-like eyes widened, her bird-like face filled with astonishment. She said, "It's been a while since I last saw you, and the Mountain Lord has become even more unfathomable. From beginning to end, you suppressed this person to the ground without even making contact with him, causing him to die a humiliating death!"

The Thunder King Bird was also dumbfounded. This was truly a case of destroying enemy ships and fortresses with a mere laugh. From beginning to end, Qin Ming stood with his hands behind his back, seemingly detached even while annihilating his enemy.

"Qin Daddy!" After a series of events, the Red Squirrel no longer dared to be stubborn and had long since become obedient. All six eyes on its three heads were shining.

Qin Ming asked, "You must have some connection with the Higher Aberrant deep within the Black White Mountain, right?"

He knew that these three mutated creatures in front of him had been cultivating diligently in the Black White Mountain for the past two years.

"Mountain Lord, please feel free to give your orders!" Talking Finch said, raising her three heads and flapping her chest with her wings.

Qin Ming said, "Have someone deliver a message to the dogs in the Desolate Land... um, to that sword immortal. Tell them that some people are plotting against Double Tree Village and might endanger Granny Liu. They've even kidnapped one of the Divine Son's playmates."

He was genuinely wary of that dog and didn't want to have any direct contact with it.

He had learned in detail that the Dog Sword Immortal was actually a former Beast God, a peerless and ferocious demon, and not very magnanimous.

Liu Mo hesitated before leaving, wondering whether he should kill it.

Qin Ming had seen the Doggy in its most wretched state and had even petted its head. Now that the Beast God had recovered to become a top-tier powerhouse, if he didn't want to recall that unbearable past, meeting it might be extremely dangerous.

Talking Finch said, "Mountain Lord, please rest assured. My dao companion this year holds a minor position in Black White Mountain; he's the leader of the Message Bird, guaranteeing the message will be delivered. Besides, Grandpa Dog and we are acquaintances; he'll surely remember our past."

The Red Squirrel and the Thunder King Bird nodded; they were also quite familiar with the strange creatures of Black White Mountain.

"You Scum Bird." Qin Ming knew that Talking Finch was good in every way, but due to the influence of her species instincts, she would change her dao companion every year.

He then reminded him that since the Dog Sword Immortal's status was different now, he must be careful with his words when delivering the letter, use polite language, and not be arrogant.

"I see!"

"I hope it's still there," Qin Ming muttered to himself. He had already heard that even Earth Immortal and those Seven-Day Accumulator couldn't hold on any longer, and ninety percent of them had already ascended to heaven.

The powerful figures from those Old Factions in the sky did not engage in bloody conflicts with the experts on the ground.

They tolerated, compromised, and accepted each other. This was a helpless choice because, in the current environment, whoever made the first move might be the first to die.

Qin Ming set off alone towards the Lingxu Mountain Range, a renowned Blessed Land.

Generally speaking, famous mountains and legendary Blessed Land are mostly occupied by top-tier Daoist lineages.

The Lingxu Mountain Range are one of the few exceptions, as they are home to many Rogue Cultivator and some declining sects.

The man in black came from this place. Qin Ming came to investigate in person. In fact, he even resonated with the image of Xiao Wenrui in the fluctuating emotions of the man in black.

Qin Ming entered the mountain, silently creeping through the night fog, and went straight to Evergreen Temple.

It was built on a not-very-high mountain. It was not small in scale, but it was very old. Cracks had even appeared on the walls, and the tiles were covered with moss.

No matter how you look at it, Evergreen Temple can be considered as not having a permanent residence.

Qin Ming saw Wen Rui, and his heart sank.

That wasn't the build a child who was just over nine years old should have; he was an inch taller than an adult and had a rather robust physique.

After embarking on his New Life Path, Qin Ming practiced the rare and precious Silk Book Method. Even though his body underwent multiple transformations, he maintained the golden ratio and never lost control. He was only one head taller than ordinary people.

He stood in the night mist, quietly watching the figures inside the Evergreen Temple.

Wen Rui still had a youthful face and was still a child, but his height and development were definitely severely unbalanced.

"Is this the most basic New Life Method?" His eyes were deep, and a murderous intent rose in his heart. This so-called reclusive master had only given such a rudimentary Cultivation Method —was he trying to ruin someone?

He had assumed those people would teach him the path to Immortal Path.

Because even in the Aristocratic Clan or large organizations, where there are experts controlling and protecting them, the methods of the New Life Path can only be practiced at the age of thirteen or fourteen, while ordinary people can only begin at the age of fifteen or sixteen.

Qin Ming entered Evergreen Temple and was already close to Xiao Wenrui.

"This Special Path of the New Life Path is actually the road of the Giant Spirit God?" Qin Ming stood not far away, finally understanding the truth.

His brow furrowed even more deeply. The Path of the Giant Spirit God could almost stand alone as a system, detached from the New Life Path.

This path is not one that everyone can walk. When Qin Ming first came into contact with cultivation, he already knew that many people who walked the path of the Giant Spirit God would die young.

"This is not careful nurturing at all..." Qin Ming's murderous intent almost emanated from his body.

He silently observed and carefully considered, feeling that if he intervened, he could still correct the situation, allowing Wen Rui to change his method and interrupt the Path of the Giant Spirit God.

He did not immediately acknowledge her, but instead appeared like a ghost in Evergreen Temple to investigate the situation of the nearby mountains.

Evergreen Temple had long since fallen into ruin, with only an old man at the Third Realm and his dozen or so disciples remaining.

With a little manipulation, Qin Ming made the old man lose his senses, and then, without the old man's awareness, he invaded his mind and resonated with the information he needed.

The old man treated Wen Rui fairly well, genuinely teaching him as a disciple, but the methods he imparted were truly indescribable.

Wen Rui was not brought back to Evergreen Temple by the old man, but was sent to him by the People from Thunder Marsh Palace in the Lingxu Mountain Range. They also gave him a Giant Spirit God Method and some medicines, asking him to teach him.

Thunder Marsh Palace, Star Mountain, Zi Xiao Cave, etc., are all Old Factions in the heavens. In the past two years, the connection between the heavens and the earth has become closer and closer, and Thunder Marsh Palace has a foothold here.

Qin Ming had already learned some of these details from the man in black.

Qin Ming sighed. Fortunately, Wen Rui hadn't suffered at Evergreen Temple. The old man had treated him fairly well, but the Cultivation Method was too bad and unsuitable for him.

Clearly, the old man had no choice; he was threatened by the Thunder Marsh Palace and could only pass on the Giant Spirit God's techniques. He himself felt that without various Treasured Medicine, this path was truly unsuitable for him.

Qin Ming departed, traveling through the mountains on the wind, and soon found the location of the Thunder Marsh Palace.

This place is clearly a blessed land, located in the heart of Blessed Land coveted by many Rogue Cultivator and declining sects. A brand-new palace has been built here, which is very magnificent and tall.

Qin Ming seemed like Gods and Devils traversing Night Mist Sea, silently descending from mid-air onto the mountain.

The strongest person here is only at the late fourth stage; there are no Master at all. This is understandable, as people with real backgrounds and formidable strength would not be "exiled" to the ground.

Soon, Qin Ming learned part of the truth.

"They suspect I'm Taiyi and want to find me to confirm?"

The celestial beings have been searching for the former top-ranked person, not only because they harbor resentment, but also because it seems there was a death order from above.

This is a message that Qin Ming resonated with from a young disciple.

His brow was furrowed; something was wrong.

Soon after, he made his move on a middle-aged man at the Fourth Realm, exploring his Mental Field.

"Some even speculate that Taiyi, the Realm Faction, and One Sword are the same person? And I am one of the suspects, so they want to track my movements in hopes of finding out the truth."

Qin Ming's expression turned grave; this was not good news.

What unsettled him most was that this order was issued by all the Peak Earth Immortal together, and it vaguely implied that it involved important figures in the Jade Capital.

Qin Ming narrowed his eyes slightly. He thought of the battle in the Beyond Heaven, where he inexplicably encountered a young man who possessed Innate Golden Body and was also the temporary owner of a piece of Exotic Gold Cloth.

"Could it be that guy who used methods to send messages to various Old Factions, trying to track down a mysterious opponent with suspicious movements?"

If that's the case, the problem will be extremely serious and terrible. How could he possibly afford to offend the beings in Jade Capital right now?

Suddenly, Qin Ming laughed again and said, "Hmm, no big problem, Jade Capital has disappeared."

Who is it?

It must be said that this stronghold of the Thunder Marsh Palace is quite remarkable, as it has actually set up an extraordinary magic array. Qin Ming accidentally triggered it, alerting the people here.

"Now that I've been discovered, I'll return to the scene and settle my scores with you," Qin Ming murmured.

He invited the Dog Sword Immortal out of seclusion, naturally to make an example of him and deal with the truly important figures.

As for this place, why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? He can clean it up himself, and it's necessary for him to personally oversee and clean it up.

"It's you..." The old man, who was in the Late Fourth Realm, was startled and recognized Qin Ming immediately.

"Come here!" Qin Ming shouted, then reached out his large hand and grabbed at the other person.

"You've actually broken through to the Fourth Realm! Could it really be you, One Sword?" The old man was shocked. After repeatedly confirming the information they had gathered, Qin Ming was indeed a person in the Mid-to-Late Third Realm.

Therefore, in the eyes of many in the heavens, One Sword, Taiyi could not possibly be the same person, because One Sword's killing power in the Third Realm is unparalleled. To support such a mythical record, one would need to be at least at the Great Perfection of the Third Realm.

Normally, a higher level of understanding is needed to make up for the shortcomings of a lower level.

But what did he see right now?

Black Astral Wind surged, and a giant hand made of storm enveloped him, pulling him in front of Qin Ming.

The old man was very strong and fought back with all his might.

As a result, Qin Ming's Samadhi True Fire transformed into a longsword, dazzling and brilliant, with three-colored flames dancing around it. It severed his shoulder diagonally on the spot, and with just one strike, he suffered a crushing defeat.

"Could it be that you really did pierce through the One Sword Cleaves Through Thirty-Six Heavens?" The old man convulsed in pain. He couldn't believe it. He had investigated this young man, and in just four years, how could he have advanced to the Fourth Realm? This was nothing short of a mythical speed!

His severed body was covered in blood, and he knew very well that if the other party hadn't tried to force a confession, he would have been killed with a single blow.

"How can you be so strong?" the old man groaned in pain.

Qin Ming said calmly, "What's so surprising? Is it hard to accept? You're only at the Seventh Heaven of the Fourth Realm. In front of me, what difference is there between you and a clay chicken or a clay dog?"

Thunder Marsh Palace, a group of people rushed over upon hearing the news, surrounding Qin Ming. Some made a move, while others turned pale and dared not step forward. The bloody scene before them made them realize that this man was far too difficult to deal with.

Especially when they heard the old man say that he suspected he was a "combination" of Taiyi, Realm Faction, One Sword, everyone felt a chill run down their spines and a sense of dread.

The reputation of a person is like the shadow of a tree; with the top three on the list combined, who can afford to offend them? Unless the seriously ill Old Senior drag their injured bodies out of seclusion, there is no solution.

Some were very loyal and charged forward.

Qin Ming scanned them, his killing intent palpable. Ever since he saw the path Wen Rui had taken, he had long wanted to unleash a massacre.

Within his body, a Heart Lamp appeared, instantly becoming incomparably brilliant, blessed by three kinds of divine fire and surrounded by nine kinds of Sacred Fiend.

With a hissing sound, the light of its Heart Lamp burst forth, shooting out Divine Radiance, each one terrifying beyond compare.

"Ah..." In an instant, everyone in the hall fell backward, most of them with their foreheads pierced, dying instantly.

Those of slightly higher status had their chests pierced, but were spared their lives temporarily, awaiting interrogation.

Qin Ming didn't waste any words. After taking down everyone, he interrogated those who needed to confess and invaded their Spirit Domain as needed. With the help of resonance, he quickly obtained what he needed.

"Well, while some people in the heavens have doubts, nine out of ten don't believe that One Sword and Taiyi the same person, mainly because their cultivation levels don't match."

Qin Ming sighed softly. Keeping a low profile allowed him to avoid a major storm. If it had been determined back then that the three top spots belonged to one person, the trouble would have been much greater.

"Regarding Taiyi's identity, I'm just one of the suspects; there are people pulling the strings behind the scenes."

Soon, he discovered that some people were spreading rumors that Qin Ming was Taiyi, and if he didn't appear for a long time, they could start by investigating his close associates.

"Wen Rui was implicated as a result and was brought here by a so-called reclusive master."

In fact, after Wen Rui was brought here, the People from Thunder Marsh Palace reported it, saying that they would be able to keep track of Qin Ming's movements as a result.

"Thunder Marsh Palace, Star Mountain..."

Qin Ming's eyes were filled with murderous intent. A person of higher status had once inspected this place and said indifferently that he could teach Wen Rui, but he needed to be arranged to be a strongman.

Therefore, Xiao Wenrui was taught the methods of the Giant Spirit God.

"Fine, Thunder Marsh Palace and Star Mountain, a bunch of sickly weaklings, I'll settle accounts with you sooner or later!" Qin Ming muttered.

After examining it carefully, he revealed an angry expression.

The person who was making the commotion wasn't even from this stronghold.

"Saying I am Taiyi and suggesting starting with those around me, it turns out he's just a notorious Rogue Cultivator from the mountains. How dare he harbor such malicious intentions, harming me and those around me like this! He's courting death!"

Qin Ming's face was icy cold. How dare a Rogue Cultivator from the Lingxu Mountain Range bully him like this and give such a suggestion to the People from Thunder Marsh Palace?

"Old Huang, after you've finished enjoying the blood feast, it's time for you to do your part. Erase all traces of my presence here to prevent them from tracing my trail using their magical artifacts." Before leaving, Qin Ming asked Yellow Gauze Canopy Umbrella to lend a hand.

Soon after, he headed west towards the mountains.

He had already recognized the identity of that well-known Rogue Cultivator as Old Man Yun Feng, a renowned figure in the Mid Fourth Realm, who had passed away a few months ago in the mountains.

"Even on your deathbed, you're still harming people?" Qin Ming frowned, feeling a sense of hatred and unable to quell his anger. He decided to go and investigate personally.

In a rather dilapidated building, only a few of Old Man Yun Feng's disciples and grand-disciples remained.

Finally, Qin Ming found his grave and unceremoniously opened the coffin; the body was already decomposed beyond recognition.

"Such strong resentment..." Qin Ming stared at the jade pendant on the old man's body, which was filled with intense emotions, and he immediately resonated with it.

"Why... why did you do this? We're friends, and I did you a small favor. How could you turn around and try to kill me?" Old Man Yun Feng seemed incredibly grief-stricken.

Someone asked him to offer advice at the Thunder Marsh Palace, and then, not long after, he was dealt with by that person.

Even the subtle emotional fluctuations of the other two individuals remained, revealing their ease and joy, vaguely recreating the scene at that time.

"Is it really necessary?" a young man said with a smile.

Another older man spoke up, "What if he accidentally reveals our identities? Maybe we should just kill him."

The young man said, "Actually, I don't think it would be very effective to suggest to him that Qin Ming is Taiyi and to start with the people around him."

The older man smiled faintly and said, "Well, it was just a casual move. We suffered no loss. If the people in the sky really take action because of this and have a serious conflict with Qin Ming, then that would be an unexpected bonus."

The two of them, oblivious to everyone else, discussed this in front of Old Man Yun Feng. As a result, the latter died with endless resentment and unquenchable grief.

Qin Ming's face was icy cold as he said, "You're really courting death! I haven't even settled accounts with you yet, and you dare to provoke me. Playing a game of chess? Fine, wait and see, I'll play a game of chess to the death with you!"