Qinghe Immortal Clan.

"Floating Clouds Mountain Range," Qin State, in a stone pavilion outside Wanxiu Mountain.

As a white streak of light descended from the distance, a man dressed in white strode into the stone pavilion.

The cultivators who had been waiting there quickly bowed respectfully to the newcomer.

"Uncle Xu, has the Myriad Spirits Sect agreed to cooperate with us?"

After glancing at the group, the white-robed man shook his head slightly and said, "Several of the Supreme Elders of the Myriad Spirits Sect happened to be in seclusion. I only met one of their Golden Core cultivators in charge."

It seems they guessed why I came, which is why they deliberately made an excuse not to see me. I can't count on them.

"Well, Uncle Xu, do you think we should try going to the Starry Sky Sect next? I heard that their strength was originally above that of the Free and Unfettered Sect, so they should be able to help."

"The Starry Sky Sect and the Free and Unfettered Sect have always had a good relationship, so searching for them probably won't yield any results!"

After waving his hand to reject the suggestion of the disciple beside him, the man in white thought for a moment and then said to everyone, "The situation here in the Floating Cloud Mountains is indeed more complicated than we thought when we came."

"There's no point in staying here now. Let's head straight to the vicinity of Red Cloud Mountain and check out the situation. Maybe we'll find something unexpected."

"Disciple obeys."

After giving a brief instruction to everyone, the man in white led them directly away from the stone pavilion.

In a secret chamber atop Wanxiu Mountain, Wang Yan, Chu Lingyun, and Liu Heyuan sat at the head of the table, while an elderly man with white hair stood respectfully below.

"Has this person revealed his specific identity?"

"Reporting to the Supreme Elder, that senior only said that his surname was Xu and that he came from Pingzhou in Donghuang Kingdom, but did not reveal his specific identity."

“Pingzhou of Donghuang Kingdom, it seems that Junior Sister Chu guessed correctly. He should be a cultivator from Qingyang Holy Sect.”

"A few years ago, Song Qingming sent us a message informing us of his feud with the Qingyang Holy Sect. We didn't expect them to come knocking on our door so soon."

Senior Brother Wang, do you think we should send a message to Chiyun Mountain about this and remind them?

Upon hearing Chu Lingyun's suggestion, Wang Yan pondered for a moment but then shook his head.

"Qingyang Holy Sect is one of the ten major sects of Donghuang Kingdom. Its strength is far above ours. We may have trouble if we offend them rashly. We should not get involved in this matter rashly."

With the impending chaos of demonic beasts, the sect's situation is no longer what it used to be. We can't afford to offend either the Qingyang Holy Sect or the Xiaoyao Sect now.

Besides, we're not even sure if this person is from the Qingyang Holy Sect. If we're wrong, wouldn't we offend people from both sides?

“Brother Wang is right. Since we can’t afford to offend any of them, we might as well pretend we don’t know anything about this. Anyway, the other party hasn’t revealed his identity to us.”

"Since you all say so, let's leave it at that for now!"

Seeing that Wang Yan and Liu Heyuan had reached a consensus, Chu Lingyun hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.

".."

"Floating Clouds Mountain Range" refers to a high mountain in the north.

Lying on the flying boat, Chu Ling looked at the green-robed man sitting in meditation with his eyes closed not far away, her eyes filled with doubt and a hint of fear.

In her previous memories, she remembered being buried under shattered bones and falling into a bottomless cave.

When he woke up, he suddenly found himself on a flying boat.

All of this felt like a dream to her; she had no idea what had happened in between.

Not knowing who the other person was or what his purpose was, Chu Ling was terrified and pretended to be unconscious the whole way, not daring to make a sound.

She only dared to open her eyes when the person in front of her seemed to have exhausted his magical power from traveling and needed to meditate to recover.

Looking around, she found the environment completely unfamiliar and had no idea where she was.

Seeing that Song Qingming remained motionless, Chu Ling hesitated for a moment before carefully standing up and leaping over the flying boat to escape.

Unexpectedly, before she could take a few steps, a strange voice suddenly came from behind her, interrupting her.

“This place is teeming with demonic beasts. If you leave the formation by more than a hundred paces, you will be devoured by a demonic beast in less than a quarter of an hour.”

"Senior, where...where am I? Am I still alive?!"

In response to Chu Ling's question, Song Qingming nodded slightly and explained, "You were abandoned in the Heavenly Demon Cemetery by those demons, and I brought you out."

Don't worry, I'm not a demon; I'm a human cultivator just like you!

"Human cultivator, senior, how did you escape?"

Upon hearing Song Qingming say that he was a human cultivator, Chu Ling immediately asked him a question with excitement.

Only then did she realize that she was not dead, that none of this was an illusion, and that she had truly survived.

“I am not controlled by the demon race, nor do I need to escape. This place is full of demon beasts and is not safe. You should be patient for a few days. Once we cross the Floating Cloud Mountains and return to the south, we should be safe.”

"Senior, are you from the south?"

After the conversation, and seeing Song Qingming alone in the "Heavenly Demon Tomb", Chu Ling suddenly remembered something her elders had told her before.

Their ancestors were not born to be enslaved by the demon race; they also had their own territories and cultivation sects.

It was only tens of thousands of years ago that the ancestors of the human race were defeated and fled to the Floating Cloud Mountains, which is why they fell into the hands of the demon race and became slaves of those ruthless demons.

Seeing that the person in front of her was not only incredibly powerful, able to escape from the "Heavenly Demon Tomb," but also willing to take her along, Chu Ling immediately thought of this possibility.

Upon hearing this, Song Qingming smiled and nodded.

"I didn't expect that you, with your low cultivation level, would be so quick-witted. You're right, I do come from the south."

A few days ago, when Song Qingming left the "Heavenly Demon Cemetery", he happened to encounter this woman in an underground cave halfway and took her out with him.

After all, the other party was a human cultivator, and now that he had encountered him, how could he stand by and watch him die?

Upon confirming that the person before her was indeed a human cultivator from the south, Chu Ling immediately knelt down, tears streaming down her face.

"Thank you so much, senior, for saving my life. I, Chu Ling, will definitely repay your kindness in the future!"

"It was fate that I met you that day. This matter was just something I did on a whim, so you don't need to take it to heart."

This place is not safe yet. Once we reach a safe place to the south, you can decide where you want to go!

Song Qingming's cultivation had already reached the Nascent Soul realm. When he heard a mere Qi Refining cultivator in front of him saying something about repaying a debt of gratitude, he didn't pay much attention and simply waved his hand at him.

After reminding the other person, Song Qingming ignored him and closed his eyes again to meditate and recover his magical power.

Chu Ling, who was standing to the side, quietly got up and carefully sat down to the side.

After a while, Chu Ling suddenly stood up again and asked Song Qingming:
"Senior, do you have any on you?"

"what happened?"

"Goo."

As the two were talking, a voice suddenly came from Chu Ling, making her feel embarrassed.

Song Qingming then realized that the person in front of him was only at the Qi Refining stage and had not yet abstained from grains. He had been traveling for so many days without eating or drinking, which was indeed a bit difficult for her.

With a gentle tap on his waist, a white crane puppet appeared beside Song Qingming and then quickly left the spot.

".."

By the time Song Qingming had recovered his magical power, a pile of fragrant, roasted monster flesh and blood had already appeared beside Chu Ling.

Seeing Song Qingming get up and walk over, she quickly picked up a large piece of roasted meat and carefully placed it in front of him.

"Senior, would you like some?"

"No need, take these leftovers with you. It will take us at least another month to cross the Floating Cloud Mountains from here."

"Don't worry, senior, I understand!"

After packing up all the roasted meat that was already cooked and putting it into the flying boat, Chu Ling didn't forget to bury all the excess flesh and blood in the deep pit next to her before returning to Song Qingming.

After hesitating for a moment, Chu Ling bowed again to her savior.

"Senior, I would like to ask you a question. When will we human cultivators be able to drive the demon race out of the Floating Cloud Mountains and rescue our people who have been captured by them?"

Standing on the flying boat, Song Qingming suddenly heard Chu Ling's question and fell silent.

When Song Qingming first came to the "Northern Frontier", he had already seen many human cultivators like her who were born in the territory of the demon race and were kept and enslaved.

These human cultivators living here are like demonic beasts in the eyes of humans. They have no control over their own destiny and can only live under the threat of the demon race for their entire lives.

Even with natural talent for cultivation, they can only reach the Golden Core realm at most, with no path to enlightenment to speak of.

Human cultivators with special skills, like those in "Tianfeng City," can still survive under the protection of the demon race by relying on their own abilities, without having to worry about their safety all the time.

If one encounters a human cultivator or mortal who is bloodthirsty and brutal, such as the "Celestial Fox Clan," it is also a common occurrence to be thrown into the Celestial Demon Cemetery as a sacrifice without a word of disagreement.

Faced with Chu Ling's hopeful eyes, Song Qingming pondered for a moment before shaking his head.

"The human and demon races of the Floating Cloud Mountains have been fighting each other for tens of thousands of years. I can't answer your questions right now!"

"However, although our human cultivators are weak now, countless ancestors have fought against the demon race in the northern frontier for tens of thousands of years and have never forgotten to reclaim the entire Floating Cloud Mountain Range."

I believe that sooner or later we will be able to rescue them all.

Although your cultivation level is not high now, your talent is no less than others. If you cultivate diligently in the future, you may see that day come too.

Will I really have the chance to see that day?

"It will happen..." After comforting Chu Ling for a few moments, Song Qingming pulled her onto the flying boat, then transformed into a streak of white light and disappeared from the mountaintop.

".."

Outside a cave on the back mountain of "Floating Cloud Mountain Range" and "Red Cloud Mountain".

Song Linyu, dressed in a purple robe, stood respectfully in front of Li Xuanyi and Song Qingyu.

Not far away, besides Song Yuanhao and his wife, there were also Bai Jingyun, Wei Yunlong and several other fellow disciples, all there to see Song Linyu off as he entered seclusion to form his core.

"Lin Yu, this is an exorcism talisman I drew before. It can be used in critical moments to help you fight against your inner demons. Please accept it."

Song Qingyu cultivated the path of sword cultivation and did not spend much time studying the "Hundred Arts of Immortal Cultivation". The only skill she had broken through to the third level was the talisman-making technique that she had practiced the earliest.

With his mid-level third-grade "talisman maker" skills, he can also draw low-level third-grade spiritual talismans such as "exorcism and suppression talismans".

Faced with the talisman personally presented by Song Qingyu, Song Linyu hurriedly stepped forward, cupped her hands in thanks, and carefully accepted it.

After Song Linyu accepted the talisman, Li Xuanyi walked up to him with a concerned expression and said:

"In the past few years, your temperament has improved a lot, and you have two experiences in forming the core. I wouldn't say it's a sure thing, but you at least have a considerable advantage over others."

This longevity fruit was prepared for you when I came; please keep it safe.

"I have prepared so many spiritual items for this Core Formation, this item is no longer of much use to me, so Master should take it back."

Upon seeing Li Xuanyi suddenly take out a jade box, Song Linyu immediately declined, not daring to accept this spiritual object.

For this Core Formation, Song Linyu had prepared five elemental spiritual objects, including "Crimson Gold Jade Stone" and a "Jade Dust Pill," in addition to the Concealing Yuan Technique passed down from the Song family.

The probability of this person forming their core is about 50% to 60%, far exceeding that of other people forming their core for the first time.

The "Longevity Fruit" is a rare spiritual item in the cultivation world, capable of extending the lifespan of a Foundation Establishment cultivator by about ten years.

Song Linyu had failed to form her core twice. Now that she was in seclusion, her lifespan had reached two hundred years, making her one of the older cultivators in seclusion who were trying to form their core.

Although a Foundation Establishment cultivator is two hundred years old, they are not yet at the point of declining vitality. However, cultivators generally prefer to be as young as possible when they are in seclusion to break through to a higher realm.

When a cultivator goes into seclusion to form their core after the age of two hundred, it will inevitably have some impact on their energy.

The reason Li Xuanyi brought her a "longevity fruit" was to minimize the impact of insufficient lifespan on Song Linyu.

After years of tempering his mind, Song Linyu is now full of confidence in achieving the Golden Core stage.

He felt that even without the "longevity fruit," it wouldn't have much of an impact on his future core formation, which was why he dared not accept this precious item.

Previously, Li Xuanyi's master had already spent tens of thousands of spirit stones to help her form her core, and had even specially asked Song Qingyu to deliver a "Five Elements Spiritual Object".

The "Longevity Fruit" in front of us costs at least tens of thousands of spirit stones, and it is often priceless and unavailable in the market.

Such a great favor made Song Linyu feel unworthy of it, and he dared not accept the spiritual object before him.

Seeing that the other party refused, Li Xuanyi was already prepared and quickly said, "I prepared this longevity fruit for you when I came. If you don't want it, do you expect me to take it back?"

Since you call me Master, it is my duty to help you form your Core. Let's not talk about this anymore.

"It's rare for Senior Sister Li to be so considerate of you, Lin Yu, so please don't refuse. Right now, the matter of forming your core is the most important thing for you. Don't worry too much about these spiritual items; use them when necessary."

"As long as you successfully form your core, you'll have plenty of opportunities to repay this kindness in the future, so don't worry too much."

"Uncle-Master is right. It's rare for Senior Li to have such a kind heart towards you. Lin Yu, please accept it for now! No matter what, I'll still be here for you in the future."

".."

After listening to Song Qingyu, Bai Jingyun and others' persuasion, Song Linyu slowly nodded and put away what she was holding, and then bowed to Li Xuanyi.

"Thank you, Master and Ancestor, for your care! I will certainly live up to everyone's expectations in the rain."

After getting up, Song Linyu turned around with a determined look and walked into the cave behind him. Soon, a magic array enveloped the mountaintop.

After leaving Bai Jingyun and Wei Yunlong to guard the place, Song Qingyu led Li Xuanyi, Song Yuanhao, and others to the "Huixian Pavilion".

After everyone was seated and had taken a sip of the spiritual tea, Song Yuanhao suddenly stood up and said to Song Qingyu:

“Grandmother, a few days ago, Fellow Daoist Situ came to visit and said that there was a fellow cultivator from out of town who wanted to stay at Chiyun Mountain, and asked her to come and inquire about the news.”

"You're talking about a rogue cultivator at the Golden Core stage. What is this person's cultivation level, and are they connected to any other sects?"

Since the great battle between the "Hundred Flowers Palace" and the "Yunyang Sect", the entire cultivation world of the East Sea has been in turmoil. Many rogue cultivators with high cultivation levels have chosen to temporarily leave the East Sea to avoid disaster.

In the past ten years or so, Chiyun Mountain has also received many independent cultivators from the East China Sea.

However, most of those who come to seek refuge are Foundation Establishment cultivators, and those with Golden Core or higher cultivation levels are not common, which is why Song Qingyu asked a question with some surprise.

Upon hearing this, Song Yuanhao quickly explained, "I have already inquired about the situation. This person's name is Han Ruilong, and he has a cultivation level of the fifth level of the Golden Core stage."

He came from the East China Sea to seek refuge a few years ago and has been staying near Zheng State for almost two years. He has also dealt with people from the Tianxing Sect, so it seems that there shouldn't be any major problems.

"Great-aunt, would you like to take some time to meet this person?"

"Now that you're handling things down the mountain, I won't interfere anymore. Since you don't think there's a big problem, then you can decide what to do!"

Upon hearing that this person was only a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, Song Qingyu's doubts gradually subsided, and she nodded to Song Yuanhao.

His gaze then turned to Zhang Yurong, who was sitting to the side.

"Since we both have time today, why don't we invite Siqing to play a few rounds of Jade Cards with me?"

"Uh! Last time I lost more than a thousand spirit stones in one game. I'm so poor lately that I can barely afford pills, and my cultivation has been delayed."

"Grandmother, shall I go and call Junior Brother Linrui to keep you company?"

"Lin Rui is such a blockhead. All he does besides cultivation is research puppets. Don't use him as a shield."

Today, I'm going into seclusion to form my core in the rain. It's rare for everyone to be so happy, so don't spoil my fun, you little rascal.

Otherwise, I'll talk to Senior Sister Bai and ask her to transfer Yuan Hao to Ancient Cloud Mountain. Don't blame me if your cultivation slows down then."

"Hehe! My great-aunt has given the order, how could I, Yu Rong, dare to disobey?"

Seeing Song Qingyu staring intently at her, Zhang Yurong complained repeatedly, but her body moved to the side involuntarily.

Before long, Song Siqing, who had received the news, also rushed over, and the four of them quickly sat down at a table.

Seeing that he had reported most of the matters at hand, Song Yuanhao did not dare to stay and disturb them, and soon left "Huixian Pavilion" with the others.

".."

Zhang Yurong and Song Siqing were both people who frequently interacted with others in the marketplace and were very perceptive.

After the two sat down at the table, Song Qingyu and Li Xuanyi were soon beaming with smiles.

Although winning or losing a few hundred spirit stones is not much for these Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators, everyone was very happy after the jade token battle.

After seeing the two younger generation off, Song Qingyu had a table of spiritual food brought from the foot of the mountain and enjoyed a good meal with Li Xuanyi.

After a satisfying meal, as darkness fell, the two went to the window to enjoy tea and admire the moon.

At the foot of the mountain, red lanterns lit up the ground, creating a dazzling spectacle. At the summit, the bright moon hung high, and the starry sky was vast. At this moment, "Chiyun Mountain" was a rare and beautiful sight.

"Qingyu, Yu Rong's aura has changed quite a bit recently. Not only has her cultivation broken through to the sixth level of the Golden Core stage, but her skin has also become smoother than before. Has this girl obtained some treasure again?"

Hearing Li Xuanyi's doubts, Song Qingyu quickly waved her hand and said, "I already asked last time, it's not some kind of treasure."

"It's a cultivation technique passed down to them by Seventh Brother. She and Yuan Hao have made considerable progress recently, probably saving them over a decade of arduous training!"

"You've only been cultivating for a few years and you've already saved yourself more than a decade of hard training. What kind of cultivation technique is so powerful? Qingyu, why didn't you tell me sooner?"

In recent years, Li Xuanyi has often accompanied Song Qingyu and others to play with jade pendants on "Red Cloud Mountain". She has always been curious about the sudden changes in Zhang Yurong.

They thought the other party had obtained some high-level spiritual item, which was why their magical power had suddenly increased so much.

Seeing Li Xuanyi staring at her with curiosity, Song Qingyu hesitated for a moment before smiling and slowly speaking to her:

"This technique was passed down to them by Seventh Brother, so I don't need to care about it."

But don't worry, Senior Sister Li, you can also cultivate this technique. Seventh Brother will pass it on to you sooner or later, and then you'll definitely save a lot of time from arduous training.

Perhaps their cultivation level will catch up with mine soon.

"Qingyu, tell me quickly, what kind of cultivation technique is it? I can cultivate it but you can't. Is it because Junior Brother Song is unwilling to teach it to you?"

"My master said that the path of sword cultivation requires a down-to-earth approach, and this technique is useless to me!"

Seeing Li Xuanyi's puzzled expression, Song Qingyu smiled slightly, then turned her gaze to the window.

".."

Just as the two were talking, their divine senses suddenly detected a powerful aura rapidly approaching the summit from the north of "Red Cloud Mountain".

"Huh! It's so late already, I didn't expect there would be someone so blind as to come knocking at this hour."

Seeing that the aura was somewhat unfamiliar, Song Qingyu and Li Xuanyi exchanged a glance and immediately flashed to the outside of the "Meeting Immortals Pavilion".

As the two figures passed through the "mountain-protecting formation," a white streak of light appeared in the distance, heading straight for the mountaintop.

Sensing that the newcomer's cultivation level was no lower than her own, Song Qingyu immediately summoned her natal flying sword and then gave instructions to Li Xuanyi, who was standing beside her.

"Senior Sister Li, you stay here, I'll go and deal with this demon!"

(PS: Sorry I didn't watch the game today, I had to go out because of something urgent.) (End of Chapter)