I am a late bloomer in the world of cultivating immortals

"The Twelve Star Demons? Fellow Daoist Qi Ying, are you perhaps one of them?" Wei Tu didn't pay attention to the various benefits of becoming a Twelve Star Demon that Demon Lord Qi Ying mentioned, but instead raised an eyebrow and asked this question.

As soon as these words fell.

Demon Lord Qi Ying immediately stopped talking and did not elaborate on the matter.

"This... is the leader of the Thirteen Thieves of the Shocking Abyss."

Shortly after the conversation ended, Demon Lord Qi Ying paused, then turned his gaze to an old man in the crowd with a cold aura and snake scales on his face, and led Wei Tu over.

He hadn't forgotten that Wei Tu's main purpose for this trip was to rescue "Young Master Cai" from the Thirteen Thieves of Jingyuan, not to come here specifically to join the Star Luo Trade Fair.

"You are the Demon Lord Kou?"

This cold old man clearly knew something about Wei Tu. After listening to Qi Ying Demon Lord's introduction, he carefully looked at Wei Tu, his expression showing a mixture of surprise and delight.

The value of a seventh-level alchemist goes without saying.

His surprise stemmed from the fact that Wei Tu would personally meet with him and propose a buyout for a "Young Master Cai" with whom he had only a casual acquaintance...

It should be noted that even her biological father, "Kui Dou Demon Lord," did not have a strong desire to rescue this woman.

Compared to his father.

Wei Tu is practically a "stranger" now.

"Before I became the Demon Lord, Miss Cai helped me a lot... Just for the sake of that favor, I have to step forward..." Wei Tu said, half-jokingly.

It's true that he wanted to save Consort Cai.

However, without the feasible "channel" provided by Qi Ying Demon Lord, he would probably have been in a state of semi-abandonment and resignation, just like Kui Dou Demon Lord.

However, now that he's here, he doesn't mind making his actions sound more righteous and awe-inspiring.

As soon as these words fell.

Whether it was the cold old man or the Demon Lord Qi Ying, their gazes toward Wei Tu had subtly changed, becoming more respectful and admiring.

In the ancient world, deceit and treachery are the norm.

People like Wei Tu are truly rare; they are "virtuous and saintly."

"Master Kou is a man of great loyalty and righteousness, I admire him greatly..."

The cold, old man bowed deeply and spoke words of praise.

He befriended Wei Tu, the alchemist, for the sake of future alchemy matters. The more Wei Tu valued "trust and integrity," the more beneficial it was to him, the "employer."

"Young Master Cai is merely a Demon General. If she weren't the daughter of the Demon Lord Kui Dou... she would be quite ordinary in the Primordial Demon Source Realm..."

"...Regarding the ransom, I'm willing to give Master Kou face. One hundred mid-grade magic crystals will suffice."

The cold, old man pondered for a moment, then offered a friendly price that was hard to refuse.

One hundred mid-grade magic crystals would probably cost more than just the right to have one's first night with the Demon Lord's daughter. Not to mention the cost of completely redeeming "Young Master Cai" and returning her to the Kui Dou Merchant Guild.

Of course, this wasn't because he was shamelessly trying to curry favor with Wei Tu, but rather... the current situation between the Thirteen Thieves of Jingyuan and the Demon Lord of Kuidou was quite awkward.

—The Demon Lord of the Dipper has already made preparations for his daughter's death and demise.

Their concessions are detrimental to their reputation.

Not backing down would not only bring no benefit, but would also create a deadly feud with a veteran demon lord.

Wei Tu is precisely the one who breaks the deadlock here!
"However, our transaction at the Star Luo Trade Fair is ultimately a secret matter. To ensure that outsiders do not suspect anything... Master Kou Dan will have to put on a show with me, to perform a..."

The cold, old man spoke again.

Having an affair with the Thirteen Thieves of Jingyuan was also a blow to Wei Tu's reputation.

Wei Tu would certainly not refuse such a request.

After determining the time and place of the rescue, as well as the number of powerful figures from the Thirteen Thieves of the Abyss who would participate... the two, as was customary, exchanged the 'Heavenly Demon Oath' to keep their promise.

After chatting for a while, the two bowed to each other and said goodbye, then squeezed back into the crowd at the trade fair to look for opportunities that suited them.

The Star Luo Trade Fair, a private "underground trade fair," has a high entry threshold, and the cultivators gathered there are all ancient demons with great reputations in various industries.

Even Wei Tu is only barely qualified.

Without the added advantage of being a seventh-tier alchemist, this newly ascended ancient demon was not qualified to be invited by Demon Lord Qi Ying.

If even a small amount of information and resources possessed by some high-ranking demon lords were leaked, it would be a fortune that many early-stage or even mid-stage demon lord cultivators would find hard to come by.

However, before they had been strolling around for long, the cold, old man who had just said goodbye to Wei Tu came to their door again.

"Does Master Kou know any seventh-tier array masters? Seventh-tier array masters with considerable skill in spirit arrays?" The cold old man paused, uttering a question that Wei Tu found quite perplexing.

"A seventh-tier array master?"

"A seventh-tier array master with considerable skill in spirit arrays?"

Wei Tu frowned slightly, not answering immediately. He looked at the cold old man, signaling the demon to explain the reason.

Seventh-tier array masters are not difficult to find in the vast Tianyuan Holy City. However, the requirement of having "a high level of skill in spirit arrays" is quite demanding.

This is not because seventh-order array lineages related to spiritual cultivation are hard to find in Tianyuan Holy City, but rather... it is very difficult for ancient demons who have advanced to the seventh-order array master to also cultivate array lineages related to spiritual cultivation.

Elixirs and demonic pills can also be "refined" by alchemists using external forces.

—Magic power does not come into direct contact.

However, the creation of spirit arrays and demon arrays is different; the array master personally channeling magical power is a necessary step. If the slightest error is made, the array will collapse immediately.

However, "spiritual energy" and "demonic energy" are two fundamentally opposite forces. For an ancient demon to inscribe a spirit array is no different from inscribing a self-destructing array... with almost no chance of success.

but--

Difficult to find does not mean impossible.

Within the "Primordial Demon Source Realm," there exist some seventh-tier array masters who have transformed from spiritual cultivators into "ancient demons."

These people are not considered to be cultivating both immortality and demonic arts, but they still retain a portion of spiritual cultivation power within their bodies, which allows them to inscribe spiritual cultivation formations.

Secondly, some experienced "veteran array masters" can also indirectly inscribe seventh-order spirit arrays by using spirit crystals or spirit slaves.

just.

What puzzled Wei Tu was...

The Thirteen Thieves of Jingyuan, this group of cultivators, should theoretically have no connection with "seventh-order spirit arrays," so why would they suddenly ask this newly acquainted "stranger" about such a rare seventh-order array master...?

Even a fool could guess that there was more to the story.

……

"As a seventh-level alchemist, Master Kou should have more connections than I do... which is why he suddenly asked this question at this moment..."

"There's no need for me to keep you in suspense about this..."

Faced with Wei Tu's questioning, the cold old man did not avoid the topic. He smiled faintly and then gave a casual explanation.

It turns out that the search for these special "seventh-tier array masters" was not for the old man's own needs, but rather because someone at the Star Luo Trade Fair offered a high price for information about such array masters.

Coincidentally, Wei Tu's seventh-level alchemist "spiritual profession" was also quite remarkable in terms of his network of connections, so he decided to ask about it by sheer luck.

After speaking, the cold old man pointed to a plump, beautiful woman sitting in a corner of the hall.

“This demon…” Wei Tu’s eyes flashed as he carefully examined the plump woman.

This woman was a complete stranger to him; she didn't resemble any of the demon lords of Tianyuan Holy City in his memory.

However, this is normal. Most of the ancient demons at the Star Luo Trade Fair disguised themselves to some extent before entering to prevent others from recognizing their true forms.

But the next moment.

As a green light flashed between his brows, his expression became slightly more solemn.

"It was her..." Wei Tu's gaze narrowed slightly. With a thought, his divine sense immediately penetrated the storage bag at his waist and landed on a yellow jade slip inside.

This yellow jade slip is none other than this.

It was one of the two jade slips he obtained from the Weeping River Demon Lord when he left the "Black Mist Swamp".

It contains information about the four demon lords in the "Black Mist Swamp," including the Purple Blood Demon Lord.

The "plump and beautiful woman" before him had a face and aura that were remarkably similar to that of a certain demon lord he had seen on this jade slip.

“…The fourth sister of the Purple Blood Demon Lord—the Remnant Kite Demon Lord.” After comparing them, Wei Tu’s mind sank slightly.

This woman left the "Black Mist Swamp" where she had been "stationed" for many years and made a special trip to Tianyuan Holy City to find a "array master" who could connect the two major array paths of seventh-order magic array and seventh-order spirit array... Even if he was stupid, he could guess that she must have an inseparable relationship with the Yin Crow Secret Realm.

after all.

The Dark Raven Realm is a special place for "immortals and demons to cultivate together," set up by the Seven Treasures Demon Ancestor.

"This matter is very likely a chain reaction after I killed Mr. Jingkong..." Wei Tu's mind raced, and he guessed part of the story.

Because, if you put yourself in someone else's shoes...

If he were the Purple Blood Demon Lord, after seeing that the "Black Mist Swamp" was not safe, how could he not have the idea of ​​developing the "Shadow Raven Secret Realm" as soon as possible and obtaining the opportunities within?

Otherwise, why would they have waited patiently for tens of thousands of years, only to become impatient in the last few hundred years?

"However... while the Dark Raven Tower is a great opportunity, I currently lack the strength to even touch it."

Wei Tu frowned, suppressing the slight greed that was rising in his heart.

The four demon lords of the Black Mist Swamp...

Even at the lowest level, he was still at the mid-stage of the Demon Lord realm.

The Purple Blood Demon Lord is an even rarer "Great Demon Lord," who forced the Weeping River Demon Lord to flee to the Spirit Realm for many years, not daring to return to the "Original Demon Realm."

Compared to him, he was like a chicken egg!

It dies if you squeeze it.

"Secondly, it's not advisable to use the [Boundary-Severing Stone] to go to Lou Boyang's cave dwelling anymore... Although the chances of the Purple Blood Demon Lord discovering that cave dwelling are not high, after all, he hasn't noticed anything unusual for tens of thousands of years... but for safety's sake, it's best not to use it if possible..."

Wei Tu silently warned himself.

But after thinking it over, Wei Tu did not avoid "Demon Lord Canyuan". After pondering for a moment, he exchanged a few words with the cold old man and then walked over to the woman with him.

"Although I don't know any seventh-tier array masters who understand spirit arrays, if we are destined to meet, I will introduce you to them..."

Wei Tu stepped forward and said with a smile.

"Who are you?" The Demon Lord Canyuan frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled by Wei Tu's intentions. She looked at the more familiar, cold old man with her beautiful eyes, signaling the demon to explain.

"Fellow Daoist Liu, this is Alchemist Kou..."

The cold old man coughed lightly, and after considering his words for a moment, he began to talk about Wei Tu's "noble status".

"So it was Master Kou..."

The Demon Lord Can Yuan's pink face changed slightly, and her gaze toward Wei Tu suddenly became more enthusiastic.

What she seeks now is a seventh-level array master, but an "alchemist" is different from other immortal positions... As long as she is determined to cultivate and advance further on her path, she will need the help of a familiar alchemist.

Even if you don't need it, it's best not to offend them.

Secondly, as Wei Tu said, as an alchemist, she has a considerable chance of befriending a "seventh-order array master" who is familiar with spirit arrays... For this reason alone, she has to accept Wei Tu's overtures.

"I have just become a seventh-level alchemist, and I am still somewhat lacking in connections... If there is any suitable business opportunity, I hope Fellow Daoist Liu can introduce me to it..."

Wei Tu revealed the reason why he had come to befriend the Demon Lord Can Yuan.

As soon as these words fell.

A look of realization suddenly appeared on the face of the Demon Lord Canyuan.

At the same time, her guard against Wei Tu also decreased significantly.

Nothing more than that—it's common for alchemists to expand their networks. The "Star Luo Trade Fair" is also a platform established by the Star Luo Mountain Master for exchanging goods and making friends... It's only natural that she was valued by Wei Tu and accepted as a friend during this time.

Although there are many demon lords in the trade fair, there are only a few dozen in total, and she will eventually get a "friend spot".

"It's natural."

The Demon Lord Canyuan covered her mouth and chuckled. With a flick of her hand, she took out a talisman and exchanged contact information with Wei Tu.

"If there is a suitable seventh-tier array master..."

"Master Kou, you must inform me as soon as possible."

After a brief conversation, before Wei Tu left, Demon Lord Can Yuan also reminded him of this matter.

……

It was my first time there.

As a "newcomer," Wei Tu did not achieve much at the "Star Luo Trade Fair."

Of course, there aren't many tangible benefits.

Leveraging this platform and his status as an alchemist, the "connections" he gained here were something that even after hundreds of years of cultivation within the Kui Dou Chamber of Commerce would be difficult to acquire.

Their vision and perspective expanded from the "sub-city" of Tianyuan Holy City to the entire "Primordial Demon Origin Realm".

He is no longer the ignorant fool he once was.

Half a month later.

He kept his promise and went outside the Holy City of Tianyuan.

After killing a scapegoat, they easily snatched "Young Master Cai" from the "lodge" of the Thirteen Thieves of Jingyuan.

"It's Fellow Daoist Kou..."

"You saved me?"

Inside the spirit boat, Cai Xiaozhu, who had just regained consciousness, quickly scanned her body with her divine sense. Seeing that it was not as horrific as she had imagined, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Then she realized that her consciousness and magical power had been restored to "freedom," and there was also a familiar and dearly friendly cultivator beside her.

She gazed at Wei Tu with affectionate eyes, her surprise and emotion evident on her face.

God knows how she spent those nearly seventy years in the lair of the Thirteen Bandits of Jingyuan.

At first, she still held hope for her father, "Kuidou Demon Lord," but as time went by... her heart gradually died and turned into despair.

Because she knew that if the Demon Lord of the Demon Realm truly wanted to save her, and would spare no effort to do so, she could escape from the Demon Cave in less than a year…

The fact that he failed to rescue her within a year or ten years means that her life or death is no longer important to him.

The words fell.

Wei Tu, who had been meditating in seclusion, opened his eyes and nodded.

However, he did not offer any words of comfort.

Based on his experience, it wasn't hard to see the woman's current "gratitude" towards him, as well as the slight resentment she harbored towards her biological father, the Demon Lord Kui Dou...

He was caught in the middle, and whatever he said risked adding fuel to the fire.

However, this was something he had anticipated from the beginning.

No one can remain indifferent to the fact that a loved one is left to die.

He had already considered this when he saved Consort Cai.

But between the father and daughter… his friendship with Consort Cai was still deeper, and he couldn't just stand by and watch her die. Therefore, he could only choose to side with her.

Even so, he understood that Cai Xiaozhu's previous relationship with him was an "investment," not a genuine deep friendship.

It is essentially no different from the Demon Lord of the Dipper...

But the investment has already been made.

He wouldn't mind giving a corresponding reward.

"Fellow Daoist Kou, rest assured, I won't make things difficult for you. As an ancient demon... I already know how to please my father..."

After a moment, Consort Cai's expression returned to calm. She bit her thin lips and solemnly said this sentence.

"but--"

"This time, I won't be returning to the Kui Dou Merchant Guild with you. I... intend to fight to the death and go into seclusion to break through to the Demon Lord realm..."

"That's what Miss Cai said seriously."

This time, although she was kidnapped and lost all her treasures, she had already used a secret technique to refine and integrate the most crucial "breakthrough spiritual item" into her body.

Because of their fear of the Demon Lord Kui Dou, the Thirteen Thieves of Jingyuan did not thoroughly examine every part of her body. Therefore, by sheer luck, these "breaking-level spiritual objects" remained in her possession, without losing a single one.

"It seems that Fellow Daoist Cai has grown considerably in his state of mind after this ordeal..."

Upon hearing this, Wei Tu breathed a slight sigh of relief and nodded in agreement.

This time, he was merely fulfilling his duty to an old friend by saving Cai Xiaozhu's life, and he didn't want to create any future conflict with the Demon Lord Kui Dou...

It was a good thing for him to be able to avoid it and leave the Kui Dou Chamber of Commerce under the guise of a breakthrough.

As for whether this woman can successfully break through...

He was not optimistic.

Reaching the realm of Demon Lord is both easy and difficult, depending entirely on who achieves it. And among the countless "second-generation demons," Cai Xiaozhu is just an ordinary person.

"It is not a state of mind."

Consort Cai shook her head and muttered to herself:

"I just understand... the power to rely on others is only temporary. That kind of borrowed position... is incredibly fragile..." (End of Chapter)