Qinghe Immortal Clan.

"Eh! Fellow Daoist Song, it's you?"

When the woman in blue who had walked over saw Song Qingming, she suddenly showed a rather surprised tone, and Liang Jianxuan and the others next to her immediately turned their attention to him.

"These two fellow Daoists, do you perhaps know each other?"

Faced with Liang Jianxuan's question, Song Qingming quickly nodded to him, and then raised his hand to bow to the woman in blue in front of him.

"When I passed through the Azure Dragon Sect before, I had a brief encounter with Fairy Youlan. It was with Fellow Daoist Youlan's help that I was able to successfully reach the Northern Immortal Cultivation World."

"I never expected to meet a fairy here again; it truly is fate."

"I never expected to meet Fellow Daoist Song here. May I ask why you are here? Could it be that you have also come here specifically to attend the exchange meeting?"

"Your Highness may not know this, but I have actually been living and cultivating in the Golden Sword Workshop for the past few years. This time, I came with Fellow Daoist Liang to broaden my horizons!"

"Oh! I see."

After hearing Song Qingming's explanation, "Fairy Youlan" nodded thoughtfully, then turned around and sat down to the side without saying anything more.

Song Qingming had seen the other two people who came in with her before. They were a Nascent Soul elder surnamed Chen from the Azure Sword Peak of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion, and the blue-clad female cultivator who was accompanying Madam Yuhua.

Having spent the last few years running a shop in "Golden Sword Workshop" and gaining experience, Song Qingming's identity as a Nascent Soul cultivator naturally became known to many Nascent Soul cultivators in "Heavenly Sword Pavilion".

He had accepted Liang Jianxuan's invitations several times to enjoy tea and discuss philosophy. On the mountain, he met several Nascent Soul elders of the "Heavenly Sword Pavilion". The two people who came happened to be people he had met before, so he took the initiative to cup his hands and greet them.

Compared to the domineering "Lady Yuhua," the other Nascent Soul elders, including Liang Jianxuan, whom Song Qingming met, were not so difficult to talk to, and he also returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

After "Fairy Youlan" and her companions entered, seven or eight more Nascent Soul cultivators soon followed.

Originally thinking he was just there to keep company, Song Qingming, sitting to the side, looked somewhat surprised to see that more than a dozen Nascent Soul cultivators had gathered there.

During the years he lived in "Golden Sword Workshop", the Nascent Soul cultivators he had met were mostly Nascent Soul elders from the "Heavenly Sword Pavilion".

This was the first time Song Qingming had seen so many fellow Nascent Soul cultivators from other places in the market, which made him change his opinion of the exchange meeting.

Just as Song Qingming's gaze quietly swept across everyone's faces, a series of light footsteps came from not far from the doorway, and then a bald old man wearing a kasaya walked in.

“Amitabha! This humble monk is Bukong. Greetings to all fellow practitioners.”

"Haha! Greetings, Master. I never expected that even Master Amoghavajra would be here today. It seems that we will have the good fortune to hear your teachings on Buddhism a few more times."

"May Buddha have mercy, Fellow Daoist Liang, please don't be so polite."

As soon as the bald old man entered the hall, Liang Jianxuan, who was sitting to the side, immediately led everyone to stand up and greet him with a smile.

Only then did Song Qingming realize that the person who had come was actually a Buddhist master whose cultivation had reached the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, and a slight look of surprise appeared on his face.

Because "Donghuang Immortal Continent" is dominated by Taoist cultivation, Buddhist cultivation is not prevalent, and there are no large Buddhist or Taoist sects within its borders.

Having cultivated for so many years, this was the first time Song Qingming had ever seen a high-level Buddhist cultivator above the Nascent Soul stage, and his gaze naturally focused on Master Bukong.

Just as Song Qingming looked at the other party, Master Bukong's gaze also shifted to him.

"I didn't expect to meet several new benefactors this time. This humble monk's trip has not been in vain."

After nodding slightly to Song Qingming and the others, "Master Bukong" sat down on a chair at Liang Jianxuan's invitation.

Not long after Master Bukong sat down, three more people walked in from the side of the hall. The one in the lead was also a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, Duan Tianyuan, the peak master of "Golden Sword Peak".

Duan Tianyuan's cultivation had reached the ninth level of the Nascent Soul stage, which was even higher than that of "Master Bukong" sitting to the side.

Upon seeing this great cultivator enter, Song Qingming and the others sitting in the hall quickly stood up and cupped their hands in greeting.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists. I am grateful to all of you for organizing this exchange meeting today. Thank you for your support."

Although Duan Tianyuan's "Golden Sword Peak" and Liang Jianxuan's "Purple Sword Peak" both belong to the "Heavenly Sword Pavilion," the two peaks have always been engaged in open and covert struggles, resulting in a rather tense relationship.

Upon seeing Duan Tianyuan appear as the organizer of the exchange meeting, Liang Jianxuan, who was standing to the side, bowed and greeted everyone else, but there was a clear difference in his expression.

At this point, Song Qingming roughly guessed why "Madam Yuhua" had not personally attended the exchange meeting this time.

".."

At Duan Tianyuan's invitation, more than twenty Nascent Soul cultivators in the hall quickly got up and sat down in front of a huge round table that was five or six zhang wide.

Because the round table was large enough, even with more than twenty people sitting down, there were still plenty of empty seats around it.

Next, as the organizer of the "exchange meeting", Duan Tianyuan first stood up and briefly introduced the rules of the "exchange meeting" to everyone.

Then he took out a lot of spiritual items that needed to be exchanged and placed them in front of him.

Led by Duan Tianyuan, the other cultivators also took out the spiritual items they needed to exchange and placed them directly on the table. In an instant, the entire hall was filled with all kinds of spiritual light.

As a Nascent Soul cultivator, this was not the first time Song Qingming had participated in such an "exchange meeting" organized by cultivators of the same level since he reached the Nascent Soul realm.

It wasn't much different from the "exchange meeting" he had attended in Donghuang Immortal Continent. Here, it was purely a matter of cultivators of the same level exchanging spiritual items with each other.

The only difference is that this place doesn't have the complicated process of the "exchange meeting" that Song Qingming participated in before, which required cultivators to take turns going up on stage to exchange spiritual items.

Instead, all the cultivators' spiritual items were simply placed on the table. As long as you liked something on the table and could produce what the other party wanted, the transaction could be completed immediately.

Seeing everyone taking out their spiritual items and placing them on the table, Song Qingming also took out a level four magic weapon and two sets of high-level "magic arrays" that he had recently refined, placing them in front of him.

Soon, the entire hall was filled with cultivators exchanging telepathic messages, and the scene became quite lively.

Once one's cultivation reaches the Nascent Soul realm, it becomes impossible to buy high-level spiritual items that are useful to oneself in the major markets and marketplaces that are openly open to the public.

Nascent Soul cultivators often need to participate in high-level "exchange meetings" to have the opportunity to exchange useful spiritual items with others in order to find what they want.

Having been in "Xihua Immortal Continent" for so many years, this was the first time Song Qingming had the opportunity to participate. After taking out his spiritual item, he immediately began to carefully examine the round table.

Magical artifacts, talismans, spiritual herbs, refining materials, and so on—basically everything Song Qingming could think of was on the table, and for a moment, he was quite tempted.

Unfortunately, when he inquired about a few spiritual items, he discovered that what the other party was asking for was far too rare, none of which he could currently provide.

This result is similar to what Song Qingming experienced when he participated in other "exchange meetings," since everyone came with the goal of finding the spiritual items they needed.

If you can't offer something truly compelling to the other party, even if you choose to exchange for a spiritual item at a higher price, they may not agree to the deal.

Therefore, although everyone can bring out a lot of precious spiritual items at the "exchange meetings" between Nascent Soul cultivators, very few transactions are actually successfully completed.

A full incense stick's time had passed, and only a handful of people at the round table had managed to exchange for what they wanted.

Most of the others, including Song Qingming, could only look at the many spiritual objects before them with longing, but could not actually obtain them.

"Esteemed benefactor, do you possess any of these two magic arrays, or are they mid-grade level four defensive arrays?"

Just as Song Qingming was scanning other directions, a voice transmission suddenly entered his ears. When he looked up, he realized that the cultivator he was communicating with was none other than the late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, "Master Bukong".

Seeing that the other party seemed to want to inquire about the magic array in front of him, Song Qingming quickly replied with a whispered message.

"I happen to have a set of the Heavenly Gang Eight Extremes Formation. Originally, this formation was only of the fourth-grade low quality, but I later improved it and added some high-grade materials."

In terms of defensive capabilities alone, this formation is already comparable to a typical mid-grade level four formation.

If the master needs it, it can be exchanged for a mid-grade fourth-level spiritual herb, or a pill that is useful for improving cultivation in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

Faced with the inquiry from this late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, Song Qingming dared not be negligent and immediately explained the details of the great formation in his hand, as well as the spiritual items he wanted to exchange.

After receiving Song Qingming's reply, the "Master Bukong" pondered for a moment and then quickly sent another message to Song Qingming.

“Benefactor Song, this humble monk possesses a treasure called the Golden Light Relic, which was formed from the nascent soul of one of our Buddhist predecessors when he passed away.”

This golden relic contains pure primordial energy of heaven and earth. After being refined by a Nascent Soul cultivator, it can greatly enhance the cultivator's physical strength.

I see that Benefactor Song seems to also possess a secret method for cultivating the body. If you cultivate with this item, it will surely help you achieve twice the result with half the effort.

I would like to exchange this item for a magic array with Benefactor Song. I wonder if you would be willing?

"Golden relic?"

Upon hearing that the spiritual item proposed by "Master Bukong" was a high-level body-refining spiritual item that could greatly enhance the physical strength of cultivators, Song Qingming was quite tempted.

However, he didn't know much about Buddhism and had never heard of a high-level Buddhist spiritual object like the "Golden Light Relic," so he looked somewhat troubled.

After thinking for a moment, Song Qingming could only ask Liang Jianxuan, who was standing beside him, for help via telepathy.

"Fellow Daoist Song, this golden relic is indeed a treasure of Buddhism that can enhance a cultivator's physical body. If used to assist in body-refining techniques, it can certainly be of great help to you."

However, there's one thing to note when refining this item: it's best to use Buddhist secret methods to make the most of it. Otherwise, its effects on ordinary cultivators might be slightly less. In terms of value alone, the Golden Relic is a rare and precious item among fourth-grade spiritual objects, no less valuable than the magic array in your possession. You can rest assured about that.

"Oh! I see. Thank you for reminding me, Fellow Daoist Liang!"

Having received the answer, Song Qingming consulted Master Bukong again and finally agreed to the deal.

In addition, he spent some spirit stones to obtain a Buddhist secret technique from the other party that could assist in refining relics.

However, when the "Master Bukong" handed over the secret method to Song Qingming, he bluntly stated that it would be very difficult for non-Buddhists to refine relics with the help of the secret method.

Song Qingming didn't care too much about this. In any case, it was just a few thousand more spirit stones. If it didn't work out, he could just refine the "Golden Light Relic" directly.

Since reaching the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm in his cultivation of the "Heavenly Myriad Spirits Technique," Song Qingming has been searching for spiritual objects that can help him refine his body and assist him in cultivating this technique.

However, high-level spiritual items that aid in body refinement are extremely rare in the cultivation world.

He had finally come across something, so he naturally wouldn't let it slip by easily.

Now that he has obtained this "Golden Relic," his confidence in cultivating his technique to the late Golden Core stage before the next opening of the "Tower of Babel" has increased considerably.

In addition, strengthening his physical body will also greatly improve his own strength, which is also a way for Song Qingming to improve his combat ability.

After completing this transaction with "Master Bukong," Song Qingming didn't get anything good in return.

It wasn't until the "exchange meeting" was almost over that he used the talisman in his hand to exchange some ordinary pills that could enhance the magic power of Nascent Soul cultivators from a Nascent Soul elder of the "Heavenly Sword Pavilion".

After the conference ended and everyone put away their spiritual items, some of them quickly left the scene.

The remaining members, including Song Qingming, stayed behind to exchange their cultivation experiences.

Among them, the "Master Amoghavajra" even took the initiative to go on stage and give a speech on Buddhism to everyone, which made Song Qingming listen very attentively.

As a member of the Taoist sect, Song Qingming had little knowledge of Buddhism before, until he met this "Master Amoghavajra" and finally gained some understanding of Buddhist cultivation methods.

It wasn't until the early morning of the next day that everyone dispersed, and Song Qingming returned to his "Listening to the Rain Pavilion".

After that, Song Qingming didn't leave the house again, focusing all his attention on studying the Buddhist secret technique he had just obtained, wanting to refine the "golden relic" on his body as soon as possible.

But just as Song Qingming was studying the secret technique behind closed doors, an unexpected special guest arrived at "Tingyuxuan" and interrupted his seclusion.

In a secret room behind "Tingyuxuan".

Looking at the "Fairy Youlan" in front of him, who now wore a veil over her face, Song Qingming smiled and poured her a cup of spiritual tea that he had just brewed, then pushed it in front of the "Fairy Youlan".

"I wonder what brings you here today, Fairy? There is no one else here, so please speak frankly."

Song Qingming had just happened to meet "Fairy Youlan" at the exchange meeting, but he thought it was just a coincidence.

Unexpectedly, less than half a month later, the other party suddenly came to visit again, leaving Song Qingming unable to figure out what the other party's purpose was.

After taking a sip of the spiritual tea in her hand, "Fairy Youlan" finally looked up at Song Qingming and said softly:

"Fellow Daoist Song, I have come to see you today to invite you to help me out. I wonder if you would be interested in joining us to explore an ancient cultivation cave?"

"Ancient Cultivator's Cave?"

"Well... thank you for the invitation, fairy. To be honest, I am currently unable to go out and have no interest in this matter."

"Why don't you ask other fellow cultivators, fairy?"

Upon hearing that the other party was inviting him to go on an adventure together, Song Qingming quickly shook his head and refused outright.

Having just obtained the "Golden Relic," he was preoccupied with studying the Buddhist secrets he possessed and had little interest in exploring ancient cultivation caves.

Moreover, Song Qingyu is still in seclusion on the mountain and could come out at any time. Song Qingming also does not want to leave "Golden Sword Workshop" to go out and take risks at this time.

Seeing that Song Qingming had so decisively rejected her, "Fairy Youlan" was surprised and her expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

After a brief silence, she regained her composure and continued, "Fellow Daoist Song, please don't rush to refuse. Why not let me explain the matter clearly before making a decision?"

"It's alright, fairy, please speak your mind. I'm all ears."

Seeing that Song Qingming's gaze had become somewhat serious, "Fairy Youlan" quickly nodded slightly and continued speaking:
"The ancient cultivation cave I am about to explore was left behind by a master of array formations who had reached the half-step Nascent Soul stage. This person was also a renowned array formation master in the cultivation world of Beishan thousands of years ago."

The "array level" in front of him is said to have reached the fifth-level low-grade realm.

The reason I invited you, fellow Daoist, is because we are both masters of formations. Surely you wouldn't miss such an opportunity, would you?

Having finished speaking in one breath, "Fairy Youlan" now focused her gaze solely on Song Qingming's face, confidently awaiting his reply.

Even after hearing this, Song Qingming still didn't immediately agree, instead showing a hint of doubt.

"The inheritance of a fifth-level array master is indeed tempting enough, but I have another question."
"If you want help exploring this place, why don't you just return to the Southern Mountain cultivation world? Why come here to find an outsider like me?"

Faced with Song Qingming's question, "Fairy Youlan" seemed to have been prepared and immediately responded:

"Fellow Daoist, you may not know this, but the demonic calamity in the cultivation world of Nanshan has not yet ended, and our sect simply cannot spare enough manpower to come here and help."

Although I know a few like-minded people here in Beishan, their array formation skills are somewhat lacking, so it would be difficult for them to be of much help if they went there.

Fellow Daoist Song, to be honest, I've been to this place several times, but I still can't get past the restrictions inside by myself, which is why I've come to ask for your help.

I've met Fellow Daoist Song twice. Although we're not exactly close, I still trust him to some extent.

After speaking, "Fairy Youlan" paused for a moment before continuing:

"I saw the array formation that Fellow Daoist Song brought out at the previous exchange meeting. I suppose your array formation skills are about to break through the bottleneck."

If Fellow Daoist Song is willing to lend a hand, I can promise you that as long as I can obtain this senior's array inheritance, I will make a copy and give it to you first.

With this inheritance to aid you, it's only a matter of time before you advance to a mid-grade fourth-level array master. Isn't that enough to warrant Fellow Daoist Song's help?"

After speaking, "Fairy Youlan" turned her gaze to Song Qingming, calmly awaiting his reply.

"It's been so long, is the demonic calamity still not over?"

Upon hearing Song Qingming mention the demonic calamity in the south, "Fairy Youlan's" expression immediately changed, and she sighed, saying:
"Fellow Daoist, you may not know this, but this demonic calamity is indeed quite severe. Almost a third of the sects in our Nanshan cultivation world have been affected."

However, fellow Daoist, rest assured, the Jade Dragon Ancestor of Xuanhuo Palace has already issued a decree some time ago to organize cultivators to go to the Kunyu Mountains to find the source of the demonic disaster.

With her intervention, the demonic calamity should be brought under control quickly, barring any unforeseen circumstances. As for when this turmoil will completely end, that's harder to say.

The "Mysterious Fire Palace" mentioned by "Fairy Youlan" is a top-tier sect in "Xihua Immortal Continent" with a Nascent Soul Ancestor presiding over it, and its strength is no less than that of "Tianyu Sect" in Donghuang Immortal Continent.

Hearing that this demonic calamity had even alarmed the Nascent Soul Ancestor, Song Qingming was quite surprised.

However, these are ultimately matters of the cultivation world in Nanshan, and have little to do with Song Qingming.

His question stemmed primarily from his concern that his future passage back to "Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent" might be affected.

After hearing the other party's explanation, Song Qingming thought for a moment and then changed the subject back to "Fairy Youlan".

"I have another question. Ancient cultivation caves like this shouldn't be easy to find. How did you confirm this place, Fairy?"

"Fellow Daoist Song, rest assured. I have been there several times and have already confirmed these matters."

Besides you, fellow Daoist, I have also invited two others to accompany me. I am quite confident that we can break the restriction.

However, fellow cultivators should know that exploring cave dwellings involves some risks. If we find an empty cave dwelling, we can only blame our bad luck.

Now that I have told you everything I needed to say, if you are still unwilling, then I will have no choice but to consider looking for someone else.

After saying that, Fairy Youlan moved her magic and took out a white talisman and placed it on the table.

“Fellow Daoist Song, I will be leaving the Golden Sword Workshop in a couple of days. If you change your mind, you can activate this talisman at any time.”

Then I will know the news and come to pay a visit.

Before Song Qingming could get up to see the guests off, "Fairy Youlan" took the lead and walked out of the secret room in the back hall, quickly leaving "Tingyuxuan".

It wasn't until "Fairy Youlan" had been gone for quite some time that Song Qingming, who was sitting in the room, got up and picked up the talisman on the table.

With just a quick glance at his hand, Song Qingming put it directly into the "storage bag" at his waist.

He then left the secret room where he was. (End of Chapter)