Chapter 523: Beginning
Moon Gazing Island, within the Immortal's Cave.
After Qin Ming refined the Life-Extending Pill, he placed two of them into a bottle and put it away. Immediately after, he took out one and ingested it himself.
The pill melted immediately upon entering his mouth, accompanied by a peculiar, fragrant, and rich Qi that filled his body.
Mysteriously, the medicinal power of the Life-Extending Pill dissolved instantly. The enormous Life Force Qi directly and completely integrated into the Nascent Soul within his Purple Palace Spirit Platform.
Qin Ming could clearly feel that his own lifespan had increased by another two hundred years.
Although his current lifespan was already a terrifying five thousand years, enough to outlive even Spirit Transformation Venerables.
But lifespan was something like that; no matter how much more he got, Qin Ming would never find it excessive.
It was just that Fourth Order High Grade Life-Extending Pills, like other lifespan-extending Spirit Pills, only had a lifespan-extending effect when taken for the first time.
After refining the medicinal power completely, Qin Ming stood up, reached out a hand and beckoned, retracting the Primordial Poison Flame back into his body to nurture it.
Immediately after, the Spirit King Cauldron in front of him also transformed into a small green cauldron, spinning around before falling into his hand.
Qin Ming swept his Divine Sense slightly towards the bottom of the Spirit Cauldron and discovered that through this Alchemy session, another strand of Yi Wood Essence had been born.
He immediately plucked it off and fed it to his Natal Spirit Plant, the Evergreen Immortal Vine.
As the essence was absorbed, the Black Vine stretched out, emitting joyful emotions, and grew a bit more.
After Alchemy concluded.
He walked out of the Immortal's Cave and summoned Hua Tian Xiong over.
Immediately after, he threw a Jade Bottle containing Life-Extending Pills to him and instructed:
"Take this pill and give it to Qi Xiaoyu. Also, ask him about the progress of the Formation repair."
Hua Tian Xiong hurriedly took the pill, a sense of awe rising in his heart.
'I never expected that Master could even successfully refine Fourth Order High Grade lifespan-increasing pills.'
'One must know that these are among the most heaven-defying Spirit Elixirs and Panaceas in the Cultivation World.'
'Isn't this the very thing those Nascent Soul Old Monsters would desperately fight tooth and nail to obtain?'
He carefully and cautiously put away the Jade Bottle and respectfully replied:
"Yes! I respectfully obey Master's command. I will definitely deliver the items as quickly as possible."
Qin Ming nodded slightly, and immediately after, Hua Tian Xiong went to handle matters without stopping.
Half a month later.
Within Hidden Immortal Valley, Qi Xiaoyu was studying the Ancient Formation that Qin Ming had given him.
Beside him, stacks of calculation papers and various Formation practice spirit boards were already thickly piled up.
In these past few months, Qi Xiaoyu had devoted himself wholeheartedly to repairing this Formation, to the point of forgetting to eat and sleep, it could be said he had exerted all his strength.
Not only that, he was also deeply attracted by this Ancient Formation, almost to the point of obsession, entering a kind of mysterious and profound state.
Such a madman-like spirit of research, besides his natural talent, was also one of the reasons he was able to cultivate the Dao of Formations to such a profound state.
That plainly dressed maid brought over some Spirit Food and Spirit Porridge, and persuaded him with some distress, "Young Master, please eat something and rest for a bit. You've been without sleep or rest for days."
"Cui'er, time is pressing. I must decipher this Grand Formation as soon as possible." Qi Xiaoyu recovered from his immersed state and revealed a hint of a smile to the maid.
Immediately after, he took the bowl of Spirit Porridge, swallowed it down whole, and threw himself back into his research.
The maid shook her head, just as she was about to say something more.
But Qi Xiaoyu put away the Formation Pattern Spirit Board in his hand, suddenly his brows relaxed, and he said with a slight surprise:
"We have a guest. Cui'er, please welcome them in."
Maid Cui'er was stunned to hear this. Hidden Immortal Valley almost never opened to guests, and her Young Master Qi even avoided seeing Nascent Soul Cultivators.
Only last time, Perfected Person Wang Yue from the Southern Wilderness was received once.
As soon as she thought of this, she knew who it was.
"Yes, Young Master!" she responded, took out the Control Token for the Sky Mirage Formation, and hurriedly walked out.
After a moment.
Maid Cui'er brought the pot-bellied Hua Tian Xiong into the Wooden Hut.
After Hua Tian Xiong entered, he hurriedly bowed respectfully to Qi Xiaoyu and greeted him, "Junior Hua Tian Xiong greets Perfected Person Qi!"
"Hmm, no need to be so restrained and overly polite. You are Daoist Friend Qin's subordinate. Could it be that he sent you to inquire about the Formation repair progress?" Qi Xiaoyu was extremely intelligent and naturally judged the other party's intention at a glance.
"This Ancient Formation is not like ordinary Fifth Rank Grand Formations. It will take a certain amount of time."
Hearing this, Hua Tian Xiong hurriedly took out an exquisite Jade Bottle and handed it over, explaining, "Replying to Senior Qi, besides this matter, my Master asked me to bring you this pill."
"Oh?" Qi Xiaoyu revealed a hint of doubt, then took the Jade Bottle from Hua Tian Xiong's hand.
However, when he opened the bottle stopper, and when a deep azure Spirit Pill of Fourth Order High Grade quality was presented inside, his facial expression couldn't help but change, "Life-Extending Pill! This..."
"Young Master, this is wonderful! It's actually a Fourth Rank lifespan-extending Spirit Pill!" Cui'er, who was beside him, revealed a look of disbelief after seeing it was a Life-Extending Pill, covering her small mouth, almost crying tears of joy.
"Hehe! My Master is a High-Grade Fourth Rank Pill King. Refining this Life-Extending Pill is naturally a piece of cake. I only hope Senior Qi can repair the Ancient Formation as soon as possible and fulfill the agreement of that day." Hua Tian Xiong said with pride.
Qi Xiaoyu saw the hope of life, and was naturally overjoyed and grateful, saying, "Please thank Daoist Friend Qin on my behalf. Tell him to rest assured, the research on the Ancient Formation has already made progress. Since Daoist Friend Qin is so trustworthy, I will also not break my word."
"However, I, Qi, never expected that Daoist Friend Qin's Alchemy skill would be so high, that he could even refine such heaven-defying pills."
"Originally, I only heard that Daoist Friend Qin was a genuine Fourth Order High Grade Spirit Plant Master. I never expected that his Path of Pills skill would also be so unattainable."
When the hundred arts of cultivation reach the Fourth Order High Grade level, only Spirit Transformation sects in the Cultivation World can cultivate them.
People like Qi Xiaoyu himself and Qin Ming can be considered exceptions.
After all, without a complete inheritance, relying solely on self-exploration, it is very difficult to cultivate a skill to such a high level.
Hua Tian Xiong agreed. Having finished handling matters, he was just preparing to take his leave, but was called to stop by the other party.
"Little Friend Hua, hold on."
Hua Tian Xiong revealed a look of doubt, turned his head back, cupped his hands and asked, "Senior Qi, could it be that there is still something you want me to convey to my Master on your behalf?"
But then he saw Qi Xiaoyu take out a set of Chessboard Formations and hand it over, saying, "This set of Miluo Heavenly Cycle Grand Formations is a Fourth-Order Top Grade Formation, an Offensive and Defensive Unity, gathering Qi's life's heart blood. It can also be considered a small token of my appreciation. Please help me pass it on to Daoist Friend Qin."
"Then thank you very much, Senior Qi. I will definitely deliver it." Hua Tian Xiong's eyes lit up, and he stepped forward to take the chessboard.
It was not difficult for him to see that Qi Xiaoyu did not want to owe Qin Ming such a big favor.
With matters concluded.
Qi Xiaoyu personally escorted Hua Tian Xiong out of the Mountain Valley.
Immediately after, he took out that Life-Extending Pill, and a hint of joy appeared on his pale face.
"Unexpected! I thought my immortal path was going to end here, but then hope appeared again..."
...
After Hua Tian Xiong returned to Moon Gazing Island, he truthfully reported to Qin Ming and transferred that set of Fourth-Order Top Grade Grand Formations to Qin Ming.
Qin Ming took the Miluo Heavenly Cycle Grand Formation, his gaze lingering on the chessboard for a long time, and leisurely said, "This Qi Xiaoyu is truly a remarkable person, even willing to give away such a top-tier Formation..."
"It seems that just as he said, the reason this person can only reach the level of a High-Grade Fourth Rank Formation Master is because materials have limited his progress."
"If he were given space to fully display his abilities, how incredible would he become in the future?"
"Such a person of outstanding talent is still worth befriending."
Immediately after, Qin Ming then walked out of the Azure Wood Pavilion.
He used a Divine Ability to dismantle the Fourth Rank Defense Formation that was originally arranged on Moon Gazing Island.
Immediately after, Qin Ming, following the Formation arrangement given by Qi Xiaoyu, mobilized his Nascent Soul Power and tapped the chessboard. One by one, the chess pieces transformed into shooting stars, scattering around the entire Moon Gazing Island according to a certain trajectory.
Hum~
Countless strange black and white Runes began to continuously roam in the sky above the Spirit Island, forming a huge starry sky light curtain. A boundless and vast Grand Formation instantly took shape.
It was as if Moon Gazing Island had gained an additional piece of the Cosmic Starry Sky.
Mo Lingwei, Hua Tian Xiong, and others on the island raised their heads and looked at this incomparably shocking scene, unable to calm themselves for a long time.
Qin Ming again took out some High-Grade Spirit Stones from his Storage Bag and filled them into the Formation Core.
After arranging the Formation completely, he then took out two chess pieces and gave them to Hua Tian Xiong and Mo Lingwei. With these, they could freely control this Miluo Heavenly Cycle Grand Formation.
"This Top Fourth-Order Offensive and Defensive Unity Grand Formation, the Divine Abilities it emits are comparable to a Late Nascent Soul Stage Great Cultivator. As long as it's not a Spirit Transformation Venerable coming to our door, this place is as solid as a fortress and safe without worry."
"But activating the attack Divine Abilities requires a massive amount of High-Grade Spirit Stones to activate. You two should act according to your ability." Qin Ming instructed them with a few words.
"Yes, we respectfully obey Island Lord's instructions!"
Hua Tian Xiong and the other person were also extremely excited, never expecting that one day, they would also be able to control such a powerful Grand Formation!
"Master, I have another matter to report to you. On this trip, when I went to visit Senior Qi, on the Borderline passing through Western You, I discovered traces of a large number of Demonic Path Cultivators. They seem to be gathering on a large scale, and I'm afraid they will take action next."
"Hmm, This Seat is already aware. This Great War of Righteous and Demonic Paths, the flames of war are very likely to spread to the Southern Wilderness."
"I estimate we can't avoid this. Continue to have Wei Wuya keep a close watch on the Southern Wilderness's defense line." Qin Ming nodded and instructed.
...
Three months later.
The Demonic Path's all-out offensive swept towards the Cultivation World.
Even the border region of the Southern Wilderness Cultivation World had been breached, with several large-scale Immortal Cities conquered, and there was a trend of continuing to advance inwards.
Not only that, Vast Sea Immortal City had also suffered fierce attacks, and even a Core Formation Demon Lord had come.
True Person Canghai Nalan Xi had no choice but to seek help from Moon Gazing Island. Qin Ming immediately dispatched the Devouring Heaven Rat to resolve this crisis.
Even the Southern Wilderness Cultivation World was still like this, the other several large Cultivation Worlds were in even more dire straits.
Cities were breached, countless cultivators became blood food for the Demonic Path, living souls were extracted to refine Magic Treasures, scene after scene constantly playing out.
Within the Azure Wood Pavilion.
Qin Ming was holding and browsing the latest information that had been returned. The materials on his desk were all piled up into a thick small mountain.
In short, there was no good news. All of it was information about front line losses from various nations.
"Logically speaking, this shouldn't be happening, right?"
"Those Nascent Soul Old Monsters from the Mortal Realm are trapped in Primal Peak Mountain, but aren't those Old Devils from the Blood Realm also in the same situation?"
"How could such a big change in the war situation have occurred?"
Qin Ming finished browsing a piece of information and muttered somewhat puzzledly.
Just then.
Outside, Mo Lingwei walked into the Great Hall with a hurried expression. Having experienced several decades of training, the temperament on this woman's body, besides her immortal aura, also gained an additional heroic and vigorous spirit.
"Reporting to Island Lord, according to accurate information from scouts, a large group of Demonic Path elites has been discovered gathering on the periphery of Wei Nation. They belong to the Longevity Temple, Immeasurable Mountain Sect, and Nether Palace, the three great Blood Universe Demonic Path sects, numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Under the leadership of Daoist Hundred Eyes from the Longevity Temple, their target is directly aimed at our Spirit Abode Archipelago."
"Oh? They're actually coming for us?" Qin Ming revealed a look of surprise. "It seems the Demonic Path is coming with fierce momentum!"
Mo Lingwei and Hua Tian Xiong below, upon receiving this information, both felt a bit restless.
But right now, after Qin Ming learned of this, he had a completely unconcerned appearance.
Qin Ming naturally knew some information about this 'Daoist Hundred Eyes'. Through understanding from Demon Lord Seven Sorrows' memory back then, he learned that this person's cultivation level was Mid-Core Formation Stage.
The reason why the other party is called Daoist Hundred Eyes is because his cultivated Divine Ability means are related to collecting Evil Eye Power, refining various eyeballs with Bloodline Divine Abilities, and refining and transplanting them into his own body.
Demon Lord Seven Sorrows had also seen him several times and was always disgusted to no end by his unique and unconventional appearance.
The reason Qin Ming wasn't panicking was because of his confidence in his current strength.
Now, his Body Refinement Divine Ability had greatly advanced, and he had cultivated the second level of the "Demon-Monster True Power Art." Even with just the strength of his physical body, he could smash a Late Core Formation Stage cultivator.
Moreover, his Natal Magic Treasure's power had also greatly increased, and he had a reserve of five thousand years of lifespan.
Not to mention a Late Core Formation Stage cultivator, even if a Spirit Transformation Stage cultivator came, if Qin Ming was pushed to the limit and fought lifespan with them, he could also fight them to the death.
The most important thing was that Qin Ming guessed that the Spirit Transformation Demon Lords of the Blood Realm had also entered Primal Peak Mountain, so naturally it was impossible for them to come out so quickly.
Therefore, he was not panicking at all.
In the face of Nascent Soul Stage strength, not to mention hundreds of thousands of Demonic Cultivators, no matter how many more there are, it's useless.
Moreover, the other party was only pressing the border with a large army and had not yet shown an offensive posture, indicating that they were still quite wary of the Southern Wilderness's strength.
On Moon Gazing Island, there was now even more a Fourth-Order Top Grade Grand Formation guarding it. Just based on these Demonic Cultivators, they were fundamentally not enough to be afraid of.
...
While the few were speaking.
Far away at the junction of the Southern Wilderness and East Sea Coastline, countless Demonic Warships stood in rows. Below, it was even more covered with Demonic Path camp tents of all sizes, waiting in readiness for battle.
On top of a thousand-zhang-sized pitch-black Demon Warship, three Core Formation Demon Lords stood quietly.
One was a short, fat Daoist Fire Artisan, and another was a middle-aged man with a gloomy temperament. His face was densely covered with fine line mystical inscriptions, just like the seams of closed eyes. The last one was a rough-looking Copper Skin Monk.
"Old Monster Hundred Eyes, I heard that even Fellow Daoist Six Desires was defeated by Perfected Person Wang Yue of the Southern Wilderness Cultivation World. With our combined strength, I'm afraid it will be difficult to take down the other party!" Daoist Fire Artisan, also of Mid-Core Formation Stage cultivation level, spoke up to remind him, "Otherwise, should we wait a bit longer? Lord Heavenly Hatred Demon Lord has already escaped from Primal Peak Mountain. How about we wait for him to join us and then join forces?"
Another Copper Skin Monk with bronze skin also said with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Huo Mingzi's words are quite agreeable to me as well. Heavenly Hatred Demon Lord already ordered us not to rush when he came out. Why don't we wait a little longer?"
The middle-aged man called Daoist Hundred Eyes said with a look of disdain, "You two are also Mid-Core Formation Stage fellow Daoists famous in the Blood Realm. When did you become so timid and shrinking?"
"The three of us can't even deal with him alone?"
"Perfected Person Wang Yue's reputation, whether he truly has such strength, This Seat will naturally personally experience it. Coincidentally, This Seat's Hundred Eyes Vengeful Spirit Divine Ability is about to advance to the Thousand Eyes Realm, and I just lack two pairs of Nascent Soul Level Spirit Eyes, as well as resentment to fill the number..."
Upon hearing him say this, the other two beside him were greatly shocked. "What?! Your Natal Demon Treasure was unexpectedly refined to the Thousand Eyes Demon Eye Realm?"
"Then doesn't that mean, Fellow Daoist Hundred Eyes, you have already touched the threshold of the Late Core Formation Stage?"
"Precisely!" Daoist Hundred Eyes said with a sinister smile.
...
End of Chapter