Demons and Devils First Appear

Upon hearing that Ling Fei was a disciple of Kunlun, Zhou Qing's eyes lit up. He mulled over the possibilities, knowing that Kunlun's cultivation secret techniques were ancient. Obtaining them would be immensely beneficial. Cultivators do not possess immortal bodies unless they reach the supreme realm of Spirit Refining and Returning to Emptiness, where they can reverse their physical form and achieve longevity. Otherwise, even reaching the Transformation Stage only grants an extra two to three hundred years of life.

But achieving the Returning to Emptiness stage is incredibly difficult. While many have reached the Transformation Realm over the centuries, not a single one has attained Returning to Emptiness. Without a heaven-shattering fortuitous encounter, serious cultivation requires at least five hundred years. Humans are not like Yao; although Yao are not immortal either, their lifespans are at least ten times longer than humans.

Zhou Qing's lifelong ambition was to break through to the Returning to Emptiness realm within his lifespan to seek longevity, a dream shared by every cultivator. For cultivators, it's a race against time itself.

As for the Shu Mountain sect, Zhou Qing harbored no goodwill; in fact, he held a grudge. Thus, he couldn't get too close to Xu Jiankong. Zhou Qing had already caused no small amount of trouble for Shu Mountain, though they were unaware of it. Getting too close now would make it difficult to sever ties later. Furthermore, while Shu Mountain's sword cultivation path advanced rapidly, it became difficult to break through in the later stages; it wasn't a path of gradual progress, and Zhou Qing had lost interest.

Through the trio's conversation, Zhou Qing learned a great deal about the cultivation world. For the first time, he gained a comprehensive understanding of the power distribution and sect lineages within China's cultivation world, benefiting greatly. When Ling Fei and Xu Jiankong inquired about rogue cultivators overseas, Zhou Qing deflected by saying, "Our Heavenly Dao Sect is solely focused on closed-door cultivation and never interacts with outsiders."

During the conversation, Zhou Qing intentionally or unintentionally expressed his admiration for the Kunlun sect and his favorable impression of Ling Fei. He stated his intention to visit Kunlun Mountain. Xu Jiankong grew anxious, while Ling Fei was overjoyed. Our Kunlun's reputation truly does surpass Shu Mountain's. Even overseas rogue cultivators know Kunlun is a step above Shu Mountain. After all, all cultivators in the world originate from the Chan and Jie Sects, so they naturally know our Kunlun's prestige!

Xu Jiankong suddenly pulled out a token from his bosom. "Heh heh, fellow Daoist Zhou! Our Shu Mountain's Elders have long praised the profound techniques of the Heavenly Dao Sect. Why don't you, fellow Daoist, stay at our Shu Mountain for a few days? Our two sects can discuss cultivation methods. Your cultivation is profound, and I, Xu Jiankong, could use some guidance. This is a Shu Mountain token. If you wish to travel, our Shu Mountain disciples are spread throughout the land. If you encounter any trouble, simply present this token, and our disciples will assist you. Though your cultivation is high, you have resided overseas for a long time and are likely unfamiliar with worldly affairs. Please do not refuse!" Xu Jiankong handed the token to Zhou Qing.

"No good deed goes unpunished, or it's a trap!" Zhou Qing cursed inwardly. Seeing their overly enthusiastic demeanor, he knew they had ulterior motives. Although he didn't know the specifics, he vaguely understood that Xu Jiankong was trying to win him over. Zhou Qing had no fondness for Shu Mountain, but he wouldn't refuse a gift, especially when it was offered with a smile. Since he was posing as an overseas rogue cultivator, he had to play the part convincingly.

Zhou Qing then chuckled, "Fellow Daoist Xu is too kind. Since you've extended such a warm invitation, I wouldn't dare refuse. I have a small matter to attend to on the mainland this time. Once it's resolved, I will certainly stay at Shu Mountain for a couple of days. Shu Mountain's sword dao is legendary, and I wish to broaden my horizons. It would be a wasted trip to the Central Plains otherwise." Zhou Qing had fully immersed himself in his role and was impressed with his acting skills. I never knew I had a talent for acting. Zhou Qing's mind raced with thoughts as he accepted the palm-sized, silver-shining token that seemed to emanate swirling mist. It felt heavy in his hand. Good heavens! It must weigh over a hundred catties. It's made of Mystic Iron. Shu Mountain truly is a wealthy sect to forge their tokens into magical artifacts.

The front of the token was inscribed with the two characters for "Shu Mountain" in a bold, forceful calligraphy that exuded dominance rather than the ethereal grace of a sword immortal. The back depicted a pair of crossed swords, one green and one purple. Without a doubt, these were Shu Mountain's treasured artifacts, the Violet Firmament Sword and the Azure Lock Sword. Zhou Qing, an expert in artifact forging, took one look and knew this token was a minor demon-subduing artifact. It contained a unique sword energy that couldn't be faked.

As Zhou Qing marveled at Shu Mountain's grand gesture, Ling Fei grew frantic. Xu Jiankong had given a token, but he had nothing comparable to offer. Among Shu Mountain's younger generation, Xu Jiankong had the highest cultivation and was the Senior Brother. In recent years, as the older generation went into seclusion, the Shu Mountain Sect Master had entrusted most worldly affairs to him, hinting at abdication. Xu Jiankong's status in Shu Mountain was second only to the Sect Master, and he could essentially make decisions on most matters. Once Xu Jiankong broke through to the Transformation Stage, Shu Mountain's Qingxu Old Daoist might immediately pass on the mantle.

Ling Fei's position in Kunlun was far inferior to Xu Jiankong's. He still had Yi Yunzi above him, not to mention a host of Kunlun Uncles. If there were any succession, the position of Sect Master would never fall to Ling Fei. He could ask his Master or Uncles for help with certain matters, but he couldn't make decisions for Kunlun.

With Xu Jiankong's move, Ling Fei felt powerless, his heart filled with anxiety. If Zhou Qing is swayed to Shu Mountain, I'll truly have no chance of turning things around. Xiang Hui will be like a tiger with wings with the help of a Transformation Stage expert. He could easily slay a few late-stage Qi Induction monsters and achieve great merit. His position would be secured, and it would be difficult to depose him.

Seeing Ling Fei's expression, Zhou Qing knew exactly what he was thinking. He still needed to extract Kunlun's cultivation techniques from him. How could he let this generous benefactor slip away? He skillfully played both sides, and the three chatted for a while longer. Zhou Qing made arrangements with both Ling Fei and Xu Jiankong to visit Shu Mountain and Ling Fei's family after he finished his business. As dawn broke, Zhou Qing quickly took his leave, transforming into a streak of light and soaring into the sky. With the main target gone, Xu Jiankong and Ling Fei lost their desire to fight. After exchanging pleasantries, they parted ways like startled birds.

Although Xu Jiankong was displeased that Zhou Qing had also agreed to Ling Fei's invitation, he quickly reconsidered. This matter cannot be rushed. As long as Zhou Qing comes to Shu Mountain, it won't be too late to keep him here. But we absolutely cannot let him become friendly with Kunlun. Transformation Stage experts are not to be trifled with; there are dozens of them in the entire Daoist world of China, including the older generation. Today, I've forged a good connection, which will surely be beneficial in the future.

The vast, boundless ocean was sometimes calm and sunny, with clear blue skies, soaring seagulls, and breaching whales, a truly picturesque scene. Other times, it was shrouded in dark clouds and dense fog, reducing visibility to mere inches. Then, turbulent waves would rise, crashing against the shore, accompanied by thunder and lightning, creating a hellish landscape devoid of life. Even with today's advanced science, humanity struggles to fully comprehend the ocean's mysteries due to the limitations of human endeavor against the infinite power of nature.

At the center of the Pacific Ocean lay a sea area spanning hundreds of miles, perpetually shrouded in dense fog, rendering it impassable. Even passing ships would mysteriously disappear. Governments of nations that lost vessels had dispatched investigators, but the fog was too peculiar. No scientific instrument could detect anything within it. Those who entered became disoriented, unable to find their way, and unable to ascertain any activity within. Over time, scientists attributed these phenomena to factors like Earth's magnetic field or cosmic rays, and people stopped paying attention.

However, at this moment, a faint streak of blood-red light shot down from the sky, landing on the sea's surface. Standing atop the churning waves, a figure emerged. It was none other than the Tianxuan Blood Demon, whom Zhou Qing had encountered at the Monster Alliance.