Qinghe Immortal Clan.

"Well, I can't avoid it today anyway. Since you two fellow Daoists also have this intention, then wait a moment while I go out to greet them."

When Wang Lingji heard Song Qingming speak earlier, he naturally sensed that the other party intended to stand up for him.

In Wang Lingji's view, it was highly unlikely that Song Qingming alone could make the Yunyang Sect, the number one sect in the East Sea, concede to him.

That's why he looked slightly puzzled and didn't immediately agree to Song Qingming's words.

But when he heard Ling Zhentian speak up, Wang Lingji's previously hesitant gaze suddenly became firm.

After all, the person in front of them was a powerful cultivator in the late Nascent Soul stage, and there were few in the entire East Sea cultivation world who could be compared to him.

Perhaps the Yunyang Sect wouldn't be too wary of Song Qingming, but they would never dare to offend a powerful cultivator like Ling Zhentian.

Having made up his mind, Wang Lingji immediately bowed to the two men in thanks, and then calmly walked out of the cabin.

After Wang Lingji left, Song Qingming looked at Ling Zhentian with some surprise.

During the banquet, Song Qingming and Wang Lingji were exchanging toasts, but this guy had shown little interest in it.

Unexpectedly, when he heard him ask to meet someone from the "Yunyang Sect," he seemed to suddenly perk up, and a cold glint appeared in his eyes.

Seeing Song Qingming looking at him with some confusion, Ling Zhentian raised his wine glass to him and calmly explained:

"I simply don't like being disturbed. If Fellow Daoist Song feels that I'm not needed, you can do it yourself in a moment."

After speaking, Ling Zhentian's aura changed and quickly subsided, making him appear to outsiders as at most a Nascent Soul early-stage cultivator.

Upon hearing this, Song Qingming immediately understood what the other party meant and smiled as he raised his glass in response.

"I might disturb your wine tasting later, so I, Song, will offer you a toast as an apology."

"It's alright."

The two had just shared a drink when three figures quickly approached from outside the cabin door.

“Fellow Daoist Wang, last time I sent someone to visit, but unfortunately I heard that you were out. I suppose you have some doubts.”

I specifically invited Fellow Daoist Yuan here this time to eliminate any worries you may have.

"As long as Fellow Daoist Wang agrees to join our alliance, we will naturally be one family from now on. I can bear witness to this. From now on, the two of you can turn hostility into friendship. What do you think, Fellow Daoist Yuan?"

"Hehe! Although I and Fellow Daoist Wang had some past grievances, those things are long gone."

Since Fellow Daoist Qin has said so, Fellow Daoist Wang can rest assured that our Huayuan Sect will never hold past matters against you again.

The man in the golden robe who spoke had already reached the sixth level of the Nascent Soul realm. He was none other than Yuan Yushan, the Nascent Soul patriarch of the "Huayuan Sect," who had clashed with Wang Lingji over the spiritual treasure in the past.

Seemingly worried about the past grudge between Wang Lingji and Yuan Yushan, Qin Guangde specially brought him along as well in order to win him over.

Although Yuan Yushan verbally said he would no longer hold a grudge against what happened back then because of Qin Guangde's presence, he still looked at Wang Lingji with some displeasure.

Clearly, he still hasn't forgotten the humiliation of losing the bet back then, not only missing out on the Nascent Soul artifact but also losing an important magic treasure.

Faced with Qin Guangde and his companion's sincere attempts to win him over, Wang Lingji nodded and replied while leading the way, "I would naturally welcome Fellow Daoist Yuan's intention."

However, this alliance is rather hasty for me. May I have time to consider it?

"My two fellow Daoists, why don't you take a seat and rest for a while? I happen to have two friends here who need to be entertained, and I'd like to introduce you to them."

"Oh! I thought you were just being polite to me, but I didn't expect you to actually have a guest here. I'd like to see which one it is?"

"I've heard that Fellow Daoist Wang has been living a secluded life these past few years. Why would someone suddenly come to visit? Could these two friends you mentioned be from the Hundred Flowers Palace?"

Upon hearing that there were still passengers in the cabin of Wanglingji's ship, Yuan Yushan couldn't resist making a sarcastic remark to Qin Guangde.

Upon hearing this, and seeing that Qin Guangde's expression also changed slightly, Wang Lingji quickly explained:

"Fellow Daoist Yuan is too kind. These two are my good friends from the outside world, not from our East Sea cultivation world."

"I just happened to be passing through our Windless Island today, which is why I specially arranged to entertain you all here. It was by no means an intention to neglect you."

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Wang, please don't take offense. I was just joking!"

Seeing a hint of something inexplicable in Qin Guangde's eyes, Yuan Yushan immediately knew when to stop, and waved goodbye to Wang Lingji with a smile.

After the three entered the cabin, Wang Lingji immediately pointed to Song Qingming and Ling Qingming and introduced them, saying, "Gentlemen, these two are my good friends, Fellow Daoist Song and Fellow Daoist Ling."

This is Fellow Daoist Qin from the Yunyang Sect, and Fellow Daoist Yuan from the Huayuan Sect.

As soon as Wang Lingji finished speaking, Yuan Yushan, who was sitting in front of him drinking, suddenly froze, his smug expression of wanting to see him make a fool of himself.

The familiar face before him, combined with Wang Lingji's introduction, instantly brought back the unforgettable nightmare in Yuan Yushan's heart.

"Ah! Fellow Daoist Yuan has arrived."

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Song!"

Seeing Song Qingming smiling and greeting him from ahead, Yuan Yushan couldn't help but shudder as he spoke, never expecting to encounter this person again here.

If he had known beforehand that the guest Wang Lingji was hosting today would be this jinx, he probably wouldn't have agreed to help, no matter how sweet Qin Guangde's words were.

Seeing Yuan Yushan greet Song Qingming with an awkward expression, Qin Guangde, who was standing to the side, also noticed the strangeness between them and quickly asked:

"Brother Yuan, do you also know this Fellow Daoist Song?"

"Uh, we met once before."

Faced with Qin Guangde's doubts, Yuan Yushan was only thinking about how to leave this place as soon as possible, and hurriedly nodded and explained.

After listening to this, Qin Guangde still felt a little strange, but he didn't ask any more questions. He took the initiative to step forward and cup his hands in greeting to Song Qingming.

"I am Qin Guangde of the Yunyang Sect. Greetings, fellow Daoists!"

"Fellow Daoist Qin, you are too kind. I have long admired the Yunyang Sect and it is a rare opportunity to get to know them."

"Hehe! I, Qin, came here today on behalf of my sect to invite Fellow Daoist Wang to the alliance meeting, but I didn't expect to run into you two again."

Our sect also enjoys making friends with fellow Nascent Soul cultivators from outside. If you two fellow Daoists think highly of my Yunyang Sect, why don't we go and visit Lingkong Island together?"

Although Song Qingming and Ling Zhentian both intentionally used secret techniques to conceal their cultivation levels, Qin Guangde was, after all, a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

Even at such close range, it was immediately clear that the two possessed extraordinary cultivation levels.

Now, he not only had his sights set on Wang Lingji, but also seemed to have designs on Song Qingming and the other two, wanting to try to bring them together to the "Lingkong Island" alliance meeting.

Although Song Qingming and Wang Lingji are both Nascent Soul cultivators from elsewhere, if they can be persuaded to join the alliance, they will suddenly gain several more powerful Nascent Soul warriors.

If this matter can be brought to fruition, it could be a tremendous asset to the Yunyang Sect, which is currently engaged in a major battle with the Baihua Palace, and could even determine the outcome of the battle.

At that time, Qin Guangde himself will also be able to make unparalleled contributions to the sect.

Although this move may not necessarily succeed, the potential future benefits alone are enough to make him willing to give it a try.

But as soon as Qin Guangde finished speaking, Song Qingming smiled and shook his head at him.

"I appreciate Fellow Daoist Qin's kind offer, but I've come here today to invite Fellow Daoist Wang to a meeting, so I'm afraid I won't have time to visit your Yunyang Sect!"

"What? You want to form an alliance with Fellow Daoist Wang? Are you really people sent by the Hundred Flowers Palace?"

Upon suddenly hearing that Song Qingming wanted to form an alliance with Wang Lingji, not only was Qin Guangde surprised, but Wang Lingji also looked somewhat taken aback.

Seeing Qin Guangde looking at him warily, Song Qingming calmly waved his hand and said, "Fellow Daoist Qin, you misunderstand. We two just happened to be passing by and were not sent by anyone."

Now that Fellow Daoist Wang has agreed to form an alliance with me, I, Song, advise you that your Yunyang Sect should refrain from further attempts to harm him!

"Hmph! Fellow Daoist, you really have a big mouth. How dare you disregard my Yunyang Sect like this? Today, I, Qin, would like to see just how capable you are."

Fellow Daoist, would you dare to offer some guidance?

After Qin Guangde finished speaking, a flash of light appeared in his hand, and he directly took out a flying sword magic weapon from his body and aimed it at Song Qingming in front of him.

"Uh, Fellow Daoist Qin, please don't be angry."

Since Fellow Daoist Wang and the others are unavailable today, let's discuss the alliance further when we get back!

Seeing that Qin Guangde was about to fight Song Qingming, Yuan Yushan, who was standing to the side, immediately spoke up to persuade him and tried to stop the conflict between the two.

However, Qin Guangde did not understand Yuan Yushan's well-intentioned reminder and said directly to him, "Today I only want to learn a few moves from this Fellow Daoist Song, and I don't need Fellow Daoist Yuan to help me."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yushan's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

More than a hundred years ago, he had already suffered a great loss at the hands of Song Qingming and almost lost his life.

Now that the opponent's cultivation is even stronger than before, he wouldn't dare to fight him again even if he had two lives.

Seeing that Qin Guangde wouldn't listen to his advice at all, and that Song Qingming's gaze suddenly turned to him, Yuan Yushan immediately swallowed the rest of his words.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, the outcome of a martial arts duel is uncertain. It is not a good thing for you to seek instruction from me, Song. You should think this through carefully."

Seeing Song Qingming looking at him seriously, Qin Guangde immediately replied, "Hmph! As long as you can defeat the flying sword in my hand, my Yunyang Sect will never interfere with your alliance with Fellow Daoist Wang in the future."

If Fellow Daoist Song is afraid, it's not too late to take back these words and leave.

"My Yunyang Sect is, after all, the number one sect in the East Sea, and Senior Brother Yuyang is a powerful cultivator at the ninth level of the Nascent Soul stage. As long as the two of you don't openly oppose us in the future, our sect naturally won't deliberately cause you trouble."

Although Qin Guangde was somewhat annoyed by what Song Qingming said, he was still a Nascent Soul cultivator and did not completely lose his rationality because of it.

At this moment, they kept bringing up the "Yunyang Sect" in their words, simply to use the sect's power to put pressure on Song Qingming, hoping to make him think twice and make concessions. After all, the "Yunyang Sect" is the number one sect in the East Sea, and it even has a late-stage Nascent Soul Grand Elder in charge. Once Nascent Soul cultivators from outside know this, they generally wouldn't dare to offend them easily.

However, Qin Guangde obviously did not expect that Song Qingming, who was sitting opposite him, would not buy into his act.

"What a fine number one sect in the East Sea! Since Fellow Daoist Qin insists on seeking your guidance, I, Song, will take a look at your supernatural abilities today."

Seeing Qin Guangde looking at him with arrogance, Song Qingming simply nodded in response with a calm expression, and then used magic to break through the cabin and arrive above the treasure ship.

Seeing that the opponent had accepted the challenge, Qin Guangde was in a difficult position, but he still gritted his teeth and followed Song Qingming to the airspace above the battlefield.

The next moment, two extremely powerful auras enveloped the entire sea surface.

Although Qin Guangde's cultivation was slightly inferior to Song Qingming's, he had already reached the peak of the fifth level of the Nascent Soul realm, so the difference in their cultivation levels was not significant.

In his view, Song Qingming was most likely a rogue Nascent Soul cultivator like Wang Lingji. Even if his cultivation was slightly higher than his own, his supernatural abilities probably wouldn't be very strong.

Qin Guangde himself, as one of the five Nascent Soul elders of the Yunyang Sect, also possesses a treasure passed down through the sect.

Although his supernatural abilities only rank third in the sect, there are not many opponents in the entire East Sea cultivation world who can reliably defeat him.

Even Yuan Yushan, who came with Qin Guangde at the sixth level of the Nascent Soul stage, was defeated by him during their sparring session.

Once everyone else in the cabin had caught up, Qin Guangde took the initiative and unleashed a beam of sword light from his flying sword, aiming straight for Song Qingming's face.

"The Five Elements Divine Light Mirror!"

Before Qin Guangde's sword light could arrive, a golden bronze mirror appeared in front of Song Qingming, easily blocking all of the opponent's sword light.

When his first attack failed, Qin Guangde immediately cast a spell with all his might, splitting his flying sword into five. Then, five more powerful sword lights attacked Song Qingming again from different directions.

Faced with this attack, Song Qingming's "Five Elements Divine Light Mirror" also quickly separated, blocking all the sword light released by the opponent.

".."

Seeing that Song Qingming's magic weapon easily blocked his more than ten attacks in succession, Qin Guangde immediately realized that his opponent was not simple.

Next, he held nothing back and directly cast a spell to release a small crimson cauldron.

"Red Dragon Cauldron"—I never expected Qin Guangde to use this magical artifact so quickly.

Upon seeing the small cauldron appear before him, Wang Lingji, who was watching the battle from the sidelines, immediately recognized it as a very powerful mid-grade fourth-level magic weapon belonging to Qin Guangde.

Under his spell, the "Crimson Dragon Cauldron" instantly grew dozens of times larger, and the next moment, several crimson fire dragons flew out from within and entangled Song Qingming.

I just cast a spell to defeat one of the fire dragons, but unexpectedly it quickly reassembled itself, as if it could be reborn from the ashes, and it was indestructible.

Before Song Qingming could use his magic to break free from the other party's entanglement, Qin Guangde, who was in the distance, was overjoyed and quickly used his magic to activate the "Crimson Dragon Cauldron," sucking the other party and the fire dragon directly into the cauldron.

"Haha, today I'll show you the power of my Crimson Dragon Cauldron and see how long you can withstand my Blazing Sun True Fire."

Seeing that Song Qingming had been successfully trapped inside the cauldron, Qin Guangde immediately showed a look of joy.

But just as he was struggling to activate the true fire within the cauldron, intending to refine Song Qingming who was trapped inside, a clear bell sound suddenly rang in his ears.

Although he sensed that something was wrong with the bell, Qin Guangde, caught off guard, immediately felt a sharp pain in his mind, causing him to stop casting the spell abruptly.

In that very short time, a beam of light burst forth from the Crimson Dragon Cauldron, emanating from Song Qingming, who was wielding the Illusionary Heart Bell.

"not good,!"

Having just recovered, Qin Guangde saw that Song Qingming had escaped and was about to cast a spell to control the "Crimson Dragon Cauldron" again.

However, he discovered that his magical artifact had been imprisoned within the Five Elements Divine Light Mirror, and for a time he was unable to escape.

Seeing this, Qin Guangde could only release another blue banner, which he waved to summon two spirit tigers, which fiercely spat a ball of blue flames at Song Qingming.

However, the power of this blue flame was clearly inferior to the fire dragon in the "Crimson Dragon Cauldron" just now. Before it could even get close to Song Qingming, it was swallowed by the giant tortoise formed by the magic weapon in front of him.

Meanwhile, Song Qingming, while dealing with the opponent's attacks, had also summoned several puppets to gather around him.

Before long, a sword light array appeared above the two of them, and its power made even Yuan Yushan and the others watching from a distance frown.

Seeing the sword formation taking shape in mid-air, Qin Guangde suddenly sensed a hint of danger.

At this moment, in order to save his life, he didn't care about the "Crimson Dragon Cauldron" that was trapped, and immediately turned around and desperately fled into the distant void.

But by the time he prepared to flee, it was clearly too late.

"Seven Star Sword Light!"

The next moment, seven sword beams descended from the sky, heading straight for Qin Guangde, who was trying to escape.

Even though the opponent desperately used magic to dodge, three of the sword beams still pierced through his body. After screaming, he fell directly into the sea from mid-air.

"Fellow Daoist Qin!"

Seeing that Qin Guangde had obviously been defeated, Yuan Yushan, who was standing to the side, was about to move away from where he was when a powerful aura suddenly enveloped him.

Yuan Yushan looked up and realized that the powerful aura was actually from Ling Zhentian, who was with Song Qingming. His expression immediately changed.

"Could this guy be a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator?!"

Previously in the cabin, because Ling Zhentian had been deliberately concealing his aura, Yuan Yushan had not been able to discern the other party's true cultivation level.

Only when Ling Zhentian released his aura and locked onto him did Yuan Yushan realize that the seemingly ordinary middle-aged man in front of him was actually a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Fellow Daoist Yuan, do not act rashly!"

"Uh, fellow Daoist, you misunderstand. I wouldn't dare!"

Faced with the fierce sword intent emanating from Ling Zhentian, Yuan Yushan, who felt that he would be torn apart by the sword light in the next moment, immediately chose to beg for mercy.

Fortunately, Ling Zhentian only warned the other party and did not attack him directly. He turned his attention back to the distant battlefield.

This allowed Yuan Yushan, who had been feeling a chill down his spine, to breathe a sigh of relief for the time being. However, he no longer dared to entertain the thought of quietly leaving.

A moment later, Song Qingming, who was standing in mid-air, had a small crimson cauldron in his hand and was looking at it with great delight.

Qin Guangde, who had been fighting Song Qingming, had long since disappeared, as if he had never been there at all.

"This cauldron is of good quality and can be used for alchemy. It will be just right for Siyuan to use when she reaches the Nascent Soul stage."

With a satisfied expression, Song Qingming put the small cauldron into his "storage bag," then looked around again. Seeing that nothing was missing, he turned back to the group.

Seeing the fearful look on Yuan Yushan's face, Song Qingming immediately asked him, "Fellow Daoist Yuan, what happened today?"

"Fellow Daoist Song, spare my life! I was forced to come here today by that Qin fellow; it was not my wish."

I, Yuan, swear to you all that I will not divulge a single word of what happened today, and I guarantee that I will have no further dealings with the Yunyang Sect.

"Fellow Daoist Song, please forgive me this time, considering that I did not intend to offend you!"

Yuan Yushan's words of pleading were as sincere as they had been back then; he was practically kneeling down to Song Qingming in person.

This surprised Wang Lingji and Ling Zhentian, who were standing to the side. They didn't expect that this old man, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, would be just like those low-level cultivators, showing no regard for his reputation when it came to saving his life.

"Since Fellow Daoist Yuan understands these things, I, Song, will not hold today's matter against you. I hope you will behave yourself in the future."

Song Qingming didn't harbor much hatred towards Yuan Yushan, and seeing that the other party was so sensible, he didn't make things too difficult for him.

But just as Yuan Yushan was about to leave, a voice behind him stopped him again.

"Fellow Daoist Yuan, I've recently run into some trouble and am a bit short on cash. I wonder if you could help me?"

"Hehe, it is fate that I have the honor of meeting you today, Fellow Daoist. Fellow Daoist Ling's matter is naturally my matter."

Seeing Ling Zhentian looking at him, Yuan Yushan immediately realized what was happening and reluctantly reached for his storage bag at his waist.

Song Qingming and Wang Lingji simply turned around and pretended not to have seen what was happening.

".."

“Fellow Daoist Wang, although I, Song, have killed this scoundrel today, the people of Yunyang Sect will probably not let this go. Fellow Daoist, you need to make some preparations as soon as possible.”

When Song Qingming destroyed Qin Guangde's physical body with a single sword strike, he captured Qin Guangde's natal nascent soul and even tried to force him to swear an oath that the Yunyang Sect would never harass Wang Lingji again.

Unexpectedly, this Nascent Soul cultivator was trapped and even tried to escape using a secret technique, but was immediately killed by Song Qingming with a single sword strike.

In this way, the other side lost a Nascent Soul cultivator. Even if it could silence Yuan Yushan, the people of the Yunyang Sect would probably still come after Wang Lingji sooner or later.

Faced with Song Qingming's reminder, Wang Lingji naturally understood what he meant and nodded helplessly:
"Alas, even those of us living in the world of cultivation cannot avoid everything."

Wang had only been away for a few days when the Yunyang Sect came knocking on his door. Someone on the island must have leaked his information, and he probably couldn't stay here any longer.

Since there's no way to avoid it, I can only make plans as soon as possible.

Later, Wang planned to contact Fellow Daoist Shen and the others to see if he could take his disciples to the Hundred Flowers Palace to avoid this calamity.

"Very well, take care, fellow Daoist. I'll take my leave now!"

"Take care, Fellow Daoist Song!"

After bidding farewell to Wang Lingji, Song Qingming and Ling Zhentian immediately transformed into two streaks of light and left the waters of "Windless Island". (End of this chapter)