Chapter 1001: Transformation

"Stabilizing my origin vitality is only a temporary measure. Even if I don’t wish to undo the Heavenly Corpse Talisman, when I attempt to advance to the realm of the corpse king, I’ll still need your help to succeed," Bai said helplessly.

He had tried countless methods, yet all proved useless. Against the Heavenly Corpse Talisman, he was utterly powerless.

Qin Sang readily agreed. It was, after all, a good thing for Bai to stay with him. Once the talisman was removed, there might still be hope of reviving Mute Girl.

"Seven-Kill Hall and Ziwei Palace were once connected by an ancient teleportation array. They might have been a single structure in ancient times. But with the world in such chaos now, it’s difficult to match anything with the ancient immortal cultivation era. Traveling around might not be a bad idea. However, before I leave, I wish to tour Canglang Sea. Ten years should be enough..."

After pondering briefly, Bai said, "Since that’s the case, I won’t rush my breakthrough for now. Once I’ve stabilized my vitality, I’ll find ways to conceal my corpse qi. As long as I don’t step into large immortal cultivator cities, I won’t be easily exposed. You must have your own matters to handle as well. Let’s act separately and set a time to meet again."

His proposal was indeed sound. Qin Sang considered for a moment, then nodded. "I’ve made an agreement with Ning Wuhui. Ten years from now, before Seven-Kill Hall reappears, I’ll return to Heavenly Dao Sect to discuss the matter of entering the hall. Why don’t you meet us there at that time?"

"Very well!" Bai said.

They returned to the cave dwelling and stayed for a few more days. Qin Sang prepared several protective astras for Bai.

With Bai’s strength, he was almost invincible among Core Formation cultivators, even without the ghostly mist. However, since he had to divide his focus to stabilize his origin vitality, he might hesitate when facing an opponent of equal realm. Unless forced into a corner, he would avoid fighting.

Qin Sang renewed the lease on the cave dwelling for another ten years. He and Bai, as well as Ning Wuhui, all agreed to meet there when the time came. Afterward, Qin Sang left the market.

"Take care, Daoist. Until we meet again!" Qin Sang bade farewell to Bai.

He was heading south to meet Yuan Zhu. Bai’s choice, however, was quite unusual. He seemed intrigued by the North Sea and the Rain Desert, deciding to travel there first to take a look.

"Until we meet again!" With a wide hooded cloak concealing his entire body, Bai turned and flew north toward the North Sea.

Qin Sang watched him disappear into the distance, then summoned a flying carriage and called forth the Jiao spirit to pull it, flying in the opposite direction.

***

The storm belt...

After a long journey, Qin Sang arrived near Yuan Zhu’s cave dwelling and activated the scale barrier. Soon, a white light flared under the sea.

Moments later, a pillar of light burst forth, and from within came Yuan Zhu’s hearty laughter. "Daoist Ming Yue, you’ve finally arrived! Please, come in!"

Seeing this, Qin Sang’s figure flickered as he entered the pillar of light, stepping into the hidden realm. Yuan Zhu stood before his cave dwelling, smiling warmly.

"Daoist Yuan, you look well." Qin Sang’s heart stirred as he spoke. He noticed that Yuan Zhu’s aura had changed noticeably compared to ten years ago, though he couldn’t tell whether it was for better or worse. His understanding of the demon race was still limited.

With a gesture, Yuan Zhu motioned him inside. "It’s a long story, but first, let us share a drink. I’ve prepared a fine spiritual wine."

They took seats inside the cave dwelling. Yuan Zhu produced two amber cups and a long-necked jade flask.

Inside the flask, the wine was a vivid azure hue, seemingly brimming with boundless vitality, making the vessel itself gleam like flawless jade.

As Yuan Zhu tilted the flask, the liquor flowed smoothly into the cups. A rich, exotic fragrance immediately filled the cave dwelling.

"What a fine wine!" Qin Sang’s eyes lit up.

It was more than just spiritual wine, it possessed potency akin to spirit pills. He could clearly sense the surging vital energy contained within.

"This comes from the Demonic Sea," Yuan Zhu explained with a smile. "The monkey clan there brews it using various rare spiritual fruits. Drinking it not only nourishes the body but also enhances cultivation, surpassing even many of your human spirit pills. It’s highly sought after in the Demonic Sea. Unfortunately, the fruits required are so precious that production is very limited. The monkey clan releases only a few flasks occasionally. I obtained this one by sheer luck. Sadly, I doubt I’ll have the chance to taste it again..."

Thinking of his exile and displacement, Yuan Zhu’s smile faded, and he sighed softly. "Please, Daoist."

"Please." Qin Sang accepted the cup and gave it a gentle swirl. The fragrance grew even stronger.

He lifted the cup and drained it in one go. The liquor was sweet upon entry.

Yet the moment it slid down his throat, a sudden burning sensation surged through him, like a line of fire streaking into his abdomen. The wine’s power turned into a stream of immensely pure spiritual power. Qin Sang’s expression shifted slightly as he hurriedly circulated his cultivation art, refining the liquor’s energy bit by bit.

"What a fine wine!" He slowly exhaled, closed his eyes to savor the lingering warmth, and couldn’t help but praise it again.

Just one sip had increased his true essence by a small but perceptible margin.

"For you to offer such a great gift without reason, I feel unworthy to accept it." Qin Sang opened his eyes and looked directly at Yuan Zhu. "Daoist Yuan, please speak your mind. I haven’t forgotten the promise we made ten years ago. Whatever you require, I’ll give it my full effort."

Yuan Zhu chuckled and clapped his hands. "How could it be without reason? You don’t realize just how much help you’ve given me. As for our agreement from ten years ago, there’s no need to trouble yourself with it any longer."

Qin Sang was taken aback. "What do you mean by that, Daoist Yuan?"

"You may not know, but even before interrogating the Nine Phoenix King, I had already sensed something and had been searching for a way to break that secret technique's curse.

"Later, by chance, I discovered a place in Canglang Sea sealed by an ancient barrier.

"It’s not exactly hidden, but it’s unique. It was most likely left behind by a senior of the demon race. Even if your human cultivators were to find it, they wouldn’t be able to uncover its true secrets.

"The place is mysterious and extremely dangerous.

"Before, when I saw no way out, I had planned to invite you to join forces with me to break the seal and explore it together when the time was right.

"But unexpectedly, from the

Heavenly Demon Body Refinement

, I found new hope. There’s no longer a need to risk entering that place, and you need not share the danger with me." Yuan Zhu calmly recounted everything.

"You mean cultivating the

Heavenly Demon Body Refinement

can undo the secret technique on your body and restore your true form?" Qin Sang asked in surprise.

The corners of Yuan Zhu’s lips curved upward, his tone light and relaxed. "While I can’t be completely certain yet, there’s a strong chance. In fact, by cultivating this art and breaking the secret technique, I may even gain a faint opportunity to transform, an unexpected blessing amidst misfortune! The origin of the

Heavenly Demon Body Refinement

is extraordinary. I had underestimated it before, but in ancient times, such an art was undoubtedly the core passed-down art of a top-tier power. Now that I’ve effortlessly solved my greatest problem, how could I not show my gratitude to you?"

Hearing this, Qin Sang was deeply astonished. He hadn’t expected such an outcome. It was indeed the best result. Yuan Zhu had resolved his hidden danger.

Although Qin Sang was confident in his own cultivation, Yuan Zhu was no weaker than him. Since even Yuan Zhu regarded that sealed place as extremely perilous, one could only imagine what kind of danger it held. There was no need for unnecessary risk.

He didn’t press further about the sealed land but smiled and said, "Daoist Yuan, you overpraise me. Without your Moon-Gazing Rhinoceros horn, I would never have escaped my enemy. Now that you’re safe, I’m relieved. I wish you a swift release from your troubles."