Qinghe Immortal Clan.

When Song Qingming first met Xiao Ziliang, he mentioned that he was looking for a high-level ice-attribute magic weapon.

As a native Nascent Soul cultivator who has lived in "Xuantian City" for many years, Xiao Ziliang has naturally built up some connections in the surrounding area.

Even though he himself did not possess any high-level ice-attribute magic treasures that met Song Qingming's requirements.

Xiao Ziliang agreed to help inquire about the item.

"Zhongyuan Immortal Continent" is, after all, a sacred place for the human cultivation world. Its resources, including both cultivators and high-level spiritual objects, are several times greater than those in other cultivation worlds.

After nearly half a year of inquiries, Xiao Ziliang finally obtained clues about this item.

Only then did he rush to the mountaintop to pay his respects to Song Qingming.

"Fellow Daoist Song, a few days ago, I learned from a friend that a great cultivator hunted down a level four Wind Phosphorus Beast in the Northern Underworld Immortal Continent and brought back the beast materials from it."

This Wind Phosphorus Beast is a rare ice-attribute demon beast in the cultivation world, and its cultivation has reached the late Nascent Soul stage.

"If we can obtain the materials from the other party, and ask a fellow Daoist from the Tai Zhen Sect for help, crafting a high-grade fourth-level magic weapon shouldn't be difficult."

"A Wind Phosphorus Beast at the late Nascent Soul stage, is this news true?"

Although Song Qingming had never been to "Beiming Immortal Continent", he had seen the Wind Phosphorus Beast in many ancient books.

This demon is a rare high-level ice-attribute demon beast, and can even cultivate to the fifth level of the Nascent Soul realm when it grows up.

Apart from the extremely cold and icy land of "Beiming Immortal Continent," it is rarely seen in other cultivation worlds.

If we can find a piece of material from the "Wind Phosphorus Beast", we can spend some spirit stones to hire a high-level weapon refiner.

Just as Xiao Ziliang said, there is indeed a great chance of refining a high-level "ice attribute" magic weapon.

"Fellow Daoist Song, rest assured, I learned this news from a very close friend, and it is absolutely true."

However, I had already asked that fellow Daoist if I could exchange it for spiritual items, but the other party was not satisfied with what I offered.

Whether this matter will succeed or not, I'm afraid Fellow Daoist Song will have to make the trip himself to find out.

Seeing that Xiao Ziliang's tone still carried a hint of regret, Song Qingming quickly understood what he meant.

This guy must have found out about this news a long time ago, but he just wanted to make some spirit stones from it, and he failed.

Left with no other choice, I had to take the initiative to visit him and tell him about the matter.

Seeing this, Song Qingming immediately cupped his hands and said, "Fellow Daoist Xiao, rest assured, whether this matter succeeds or not, I will remember your kindness."

"I would appreciate it if you could guide me, fellow Daoist. I will personally go and meet this person to see if we can accomplish this."

"Hehe! This fellow Daoist is not far from Xuantian City, but he has only been away for a few days. I will leave this matter to him."

Seeing that Song Qingming had been persuaded, Xiao Ziliang's face lit up with joy, and he smiled and agreed.

After agreeing to depart the following day, Xiao Ziliang took his leave.

A dozen days later, outside a lush, green mountain located to the west of "Xuantian City".

Two streaks of light flew over quickly and soon stopped in mid-air.

Upon arriving here, Xiao Ziliang immediately took out a silver talisman from his person, then cast a spell to activate it, transforming it into a beam of light that flew into the large formation in front of him.

A short while later, as the great array's restrictions fluctuated, a circular gap was quickly opened.

"Fellow Daoist Song, please!"

Led by Xiao Ziliang, Song Qingming soon arrived at the entrance of a grand hall on the mountaintop, where four women dressed in red robes were already waiting.

Looking over, Song Qingming saw that these women in red were dressed in gorgeous clothes, with delicate features, charming faces, and graceful figures.

What's somewhat surprising is that they were all at least at the Golden Core stage, with two of them even reaching the late Golden Core stage.

Unexpectedly, the master of this mountain has gathered so many beautiful and high-level female cultivators under his command.

Upon seeing Xiao Ziliang and Song Qingming land, the women all stepped forward and bowed in greeting.

"Greetings, seniors!"

"We two have come specifically to visit Fellow Daoist Yang. Please inform him in advance."

"It must be Fellow Daoist Xiao! Please come in quickly."

No sooner had Xiao Ziliang finished speaking than a somewhat rough voice came from the main hall ahead.

Upon hearing this, the woman in red standing to the side immediately turned around and led the two of them directly into the main hall.

As soon as one enters the hall, a clear and melodious tune drifts in.

The hall was glittering with pearls and resplendent with gold, and its decorations were extremely magnificent.

Seven or eight female cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage were dancing gracefully in front of the main hall, while many others around them held musical instruments.

Without exception, they were all beautiful young women.

In the central seat of the main hall, a middle-aged man with a round face sat upright, with two beautiful and charming female cultivators in his arms, enjoying wine and music together.

There was a long wooden table on each side, and although no one sat down, it was already filled with all kinds of fragrant spiritual fruits and wines.

"Fellow Daoist Yang, it's been a long time!"

"Ah! Fellow Daoist Xiao has arrived. And this is..."

The middle-aged man glanced at Song Qingming beside him, and was about to ask a question when he realized that the person in front of him was also a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

The next moment, his expression changed slightly and he suddenly stood up.

"Hehe! Fellow Daoist Yang, this is Fellow Daoist Song Qingming who lives in Xuantian City. He and I are close friends."

"Oh! It's Fellow Daoist Song. I've been rude."

The middle-aged man was named Yang Kaishan, a rogue cultivator who had reached the ninth level of the Nascent Soul stage.

Upon hearing Yang Kaishan's initiative to bow, Song Qingming immediately smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "It's been a long time since I've heard of your great name. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Yang."

"I, Song, have come with Fellow Daoist Xiao to pay my respects and have a request to make."

"Haha, Fellow Daoist Song, there's no need to be so polite. Please take a seat and have a drink first. We can talk about this later."

Under Yang Kaishan's warm hospitality, Song Qingming and Xiao Ziliang also sat down with their hands clasped in greeting.

Several beautiful female cultivators who had been waiting nearby quickly moved closer to them and poured spiritual wine into their cups.

"Although I have cultivated for many years, I still can't live without wine and can't get rid of my bad habit of being a heavy drinker. Fellow Daoist Song, please don't be offended as this is your first time here!"

"Fellow Taoist, you're welcome!"

"Hehe! Brother Yang lives a very enlightened life, unlike us ascetics. He can enjoy fine wine and beautiful women by his side, and his life is carefree and happy."

This made Xiao somewhat envious.

".."

The group toasted and drank together, quickly becoming acquainted.

After several rounds of drinks, Yang Kaishan continued to offer toasts without asking why he had come. Helpless, Song Qingming could only stand up, raise his glass, and say:
“Fellow Daoist Yang, I heard from Fellow Daoist Xiao that you have a material from a level four Wind Phosphorus Beast.”

"I've come to inquire whether you, fellow Daoist, are interested in selling this material."

After speaking, Song Qingming raised his hand and waved it, taking out two high-grade level four magic treasures from his body and displaying them in front of the other party.

When high-level cultivators trade spiritual items, they always look at the value of the items directly and don't need to be too polite.

Seeing that the other party was deliberately remaining silent, seemingly wanting to observe him first.

Song Qingming didn't want to beat around the bush any longer, so he directly stated the purpose of his trip, thus demonstrating his sincerity.

"This is a mid-grade level four magic weapon."

".."

The two level-four magic treasures that Song Qingming took out—a flying sword and a delicate pagoda—were all high-quality level-four mid-grade magic treasures.

The two items together are worth far more than a single high-grade level four demon beast material, and normally they would be enough to be exchanged for a spiritual item.

The moment Song Qingming's two magical treasures appeared in the main hall, they instantly attracted the attention of Xiao Ziliang and the others.

Xiao Ziliang has only been a few decades since he broke through to the fourth-level mid-grade weapon refiner, although he has refined several fourth-level mid-grade magic weapons.

However, its quality is clearly inferior to the two magical treasures that Song Qingming brought out.

With his eyes fixed on the spiritual object in the center of the hall, he understood why Song Qingming had previously looked down on the magical treasures he had brought out, given that Song Qingming possessed so many high-quality magical artifacts.

"You guys go down first!"

Seeing that Song Qingming was staring intently at him, Yang Kaishan's expression turned serious, and he waved his hand to ask all the maids in the hall to leave.

Once only three people remained in the main hall, Yang Kaishan stood up and smiled:

"Hehe! Fellow Daoist Song is indeed a straightforward person. He spent nearly a million spirit stones in one go, which makes this old man a little envious."

However, after so many years of cultivation, I am not lacking in one or two mid-grade magic treasures.

I, Yang, intended to exchange this material for something useful to myself. Fellow Daoist, you should take these things back!

"Fellow Daoist Yang, please speak frankly about what you desire!"

Seeing that the other party didn't seem to be interested in the two magical treasures he had brought out, Song Qingming's expression wasn't too surprised.

He immediately used magic to retrieve all the magical treasures, then looked up and asked Yang Kaishan a question.

Standing not far away, he first stroked his short mustache, pondered for a while, and then spoke:

"To be honest, when I finally brought this back, I originally intended to refine it into a high-level defensive magic weapon."

"If Fellow Daoist Song could offer a high-grade fourth-level defensive magic weapon in exchange, then this item would be yours."

After speaking, Yang Kaishan turned his gaze back to Song Qingming's face, as if trying to discern something.

But Song Qingming only remained silent for a moment before shaking his head at him.

"To be honest, Fellow Daoist Yang, I do not possess any high-grade fourth-level defensive magic treasures. I am sorry to have troubled you."

A piece of fourth-grade superior-quality monster material is extremely precious.

However, it is generally worth only 600,000 to 700,000 spirit stones on the market, which is almost half the value of a defensive magic weapon of the same level.

Although Song Qingming really wanted this item, seeing the other party's outrageous demands, he didn't hesitate to shake his head and refuse.

Even if he didn't have what the other party wanted, he wouldn't have made such an outrageous deal as a seller.

"Fellow Daoist Song, are you leaving already?" Seeing Song Qingming turn to leave, Xiao Ziliang looked somewhat regretful and could only get up and follow him.

But just as the two of them reached the entrance of the main hall, a voice came from behind them.

"Fellow Daoist Song, wait!"

Upon hearing Yang Kaishan's voice, Song Qingming stopped and turned to look at him, a hint of doubt appearing on his face.

Then Yang Kaishan walked over and stopped the two of them with a smile.

"Fellow Daoist Song, I have something else to say. May we speak privately?"

"Please speak freely, my fellow Daoists. I will wait for you outside!"

Seeing that Yang Kaishan wanted to speak privately with Song Qingming, Xiao Ziliang immediately understood, smiled and nodded to the two of them, and took the initiative to leave the main hall first.

Only after Xiao Ziliang's figure disappeared did Yang Kaishan raise his hand to cast a spell to set up a soundproof barrier before turning to look at Song Qingming beside him.

Seeing the other party's caution, Song Qingming remained calm and asked directly:
"Fellow Daoist Yang, please speak frankly!"

".."

Half an hour later, two figures walked out of the main hall.

Standing outside the hall, Xiao Ziliang looked up and saw Yang Kaishan with a slight smile on his face, while Song Qingming's expression was very calm, showing no joy or sorrow.

"Farewell, my two fellow Daoists. I will not see you off any further!"

After bowing to the two people in front of him, Yang Kaishan quickly returned to the main hall.

Song Qingming and Xiao Ziliang returned the greeting and turned to leave.

"Fellow Daoist Song, did Fellow Daoist Yang change his mind again just now?"

After leaving "Yunya Mountain", Xiao Ziliang, who was standing in mid-air, couldn't help but ask a question out of curiosity.

Upon hearing this, Song Qingming shook his head and then took out a spirit stone bag from his person and tossed it to the other party.

"Fellow Daoist Song, what is this...?"

"Although no deal was reached this time, I still want to thank you for your introduction. These are just a small token of my appreciation, please don't find them offensive, Fellow Daoist Xiao."

"Hehe! Fellow Daoist Xiao and I are bosom friends. It was just a small favor. There's no need to be so polite."

".."

In the world of cultivation, human relationships are the same everywhere. Since Xiao Ziliang helped introduce this matter, Song Qingming will still pay the introduction fee regardless of whether it works out or not.

After exchanging a few polite words, the other party quickly accepted the spirit stones, and his gaze towards Song Qingming became more respectful.

Xiao Ziliang quickly forgot about what he had asked earlier and started chatting with Song Qingming about some interesting things in Zhongyuan Immortal Prefecture.

The two chatted along the way and soon arrived near "Xuantian City".

Just as they were about to enter the city, Song Qingming suddenly stopped and turned around, saying apologetically:

“Fellow Daoist Xiao, I suddenly remembered that I promised my wife that I would go outside the city to buy some spiritual items, so I will not accompany you inside.”

"Hehe! Fellow Daoist Song, please go ahead with your business. I, Xiao, will pay you a visit another day."

After bowing to Xiao Ziliang in farewell, Song Qingming turned and walked to the side, where he used magic to take out a talisman from his person.

A beam of light appeared above the white talisman, pointing directly to his side.

After putting away the talisman in his hand, Song Qingming immediately vanished from the spot in a flash.

".."

Before long, a beam of azure light flew over a town dozens of miles away from "Xuantian City" and landed on the ground, transforming into a man in a green robe.

Upon entering the town, Song Qingming's gaze swept across the area and quickly settled on a nearby restaurant. He strode up to the second floor.

As soon as I reached the top of the stairs, a man in a black robe and wearing a straw hat was already waiting there.
After removing his straw hat, a familiar face appeared before Song Qingming.

"Fellow Daoist Song, you've finally arrived!"

"When did Fellow Daoist Li arrive in Zhongyuan Immortal Continent?"

Looking at Li Xianyun in front of him, Song Qingming smiled slightly and immediately took the initiative to step forward and greet him.

After encountering the other party in the "Black Wind Sea", Li Xianyun gave Song Qingming a talisman for communication.

Just outside "Xuantian City", Song Qingming suddenly received a message from the other party, so he took the initiative to send Xiao Ziliang away and rushed over alone.

Faced with Song Qingming's question, Li Xianyun did not rush to answer, but instead invited him to a private room next door.

"After we parted ways that day, I originally wanted to go to Longyun Island to find Fellow Daoist Song, but unfortunately something came up and I was delayed for a while."

I had promised to meet Fellow Daoist Song, and since I also had some business to attend to in Zhongyuan Immortal Continent, I came here directly.

However, due to my somewhat inconvenient status, I am unable to enter the city, which is why I have not taken the initiative to visit you. Fellow Daoist Song, please do not take offense.”

"Brother Li and I have been close friends for many years, how could I dare to be so formal!"

Upon hearing Li Xianyun say that he could not enter "Xuantian City", and remembering that the other party had previously been a bandit cultivator in "Black Wind Sea", Song Qingming quickly realized what was going on and showed a hint of understanding.

"May I ask, Fellow Daoist Li, what exactly has happened all these years? Why haven't we seen Fellow Daoist Long Yue with you?"

"Junior Sister Long, she... she's gone."

"What? Fellow Daoist Long has passed away?"

Upon hearing Li Xianyun's somewhat somber reply, Song Qingming immediately showed a hint of surprise, and couldn't help but recall that figure from hundreds of years ago.

Fairy Longyue was about the same age as Song Qingming. Even if she failed to form a nascent soul, her lifespan shouldn't have ended so quickly.

Seeing Song Qingming's puzzled expression, Li Xianyun picked up the spirit wine on the table, took a sip, and then slowly said:

"Two hundred years ago, my master wanted to help us form our Nascent Souls, so he brought us to Zhongyuan Immortal Continent."

Later, some things happened here. My master and junior sister both perished one after another, and now I am all alone.

The reason I went to Black Wind Sea was because I had offended some enemies, so I chose to hide there.

I never expected to meet Fellow Daoist Song; I truly feel ashamed."

Seeing that although the other party's tone was very calm, their expression was somewhat heavy, Song Qingming hesitated for a moment before asking:
"May I ask, Fellow Daoist Li, what enemies have you offended? Can you trust me to tell you?"

Song Qingming and Li Xianyun were both cultivators from the Wei Kingdom, and the two had some acquaintance.

When he's out and about, he won't stand idly by if he can help.

Faced with Song Qingming's well-intentioned inquiry, Li Xianyun simply shook his head.

"Fellow Daoist Song has cultivated for so many years, you should also know that in this cultivation world, there are some things that you and I cannot change at will."

To be honest, my enemies are no ordinary people.

Since Fellow Daoist Song considers me a friend, how could I, Li, allow you to get involved in these troubles for no reason?

Fellow Daoist, it's best not to inquire about this matter any further, lest you attract the attention of those with ulterior motives.

Today, I, Li, have come to see Fellow Daoist Song to reminisce about old times. Let's have a few more drinks.

After saying that, Li Xianyun regained his composure and picked up the wine glass on the table again.

Upon hearing this, Song Qingming remained silent for a moment before picking up his wine glass and taking a sip.

Li Xianyun was born into a swordsmanship background and his cultivation level had reached the sixth level of the Nascent Soul realm. Apart from late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, there should be few people who could surpass him in terms of supernatural abilities.

Even he was forced to hide in the "Black Wind Sea" by the other party, which shows that this enemy is indeed extraordinary, at least a powerful force with a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

Although Song Qingming's cultivation had reached the eighth level of the Nascent Soul stage, he was unfamiliar with the place and its people when he first arrived.

It's not surprising that Li Xianyun would have this concern.

“Fellow Daoist Song, I have been away all these years. I don’t know how Wei Kingdom is doing now after I left, or when you successfully formed your Nascent Soul.”

After the two drank a cup of spiritual wine, Li Xianyun changed the subject and asked about the events that had happened in Song Qingming's defense of the country and the Floating Cloud Mountains over the years.

Seeing this, Song Qingming told Li Xianyun about all the changes that had taken place in the "Xiaoyao Sect" over the past three hundred years.

This includes his own adventures in the outer seas to form his Nascent Soul, and his breakthrough to the late Nascent Soul stage, leading his sect to defeat the northern demon race and reclaim "Golden Feather Mountain".

Song Qingming informed the other party of everything.

When Li Xianyun first met Song Qingming in the "Black Wind Sea," he was already quite surprised by Song's advancement to the late Nascent Soul stage.

Hearing the news that Bai Yuxian, Song Qingyu, Li Xuanyi, and Feng Yuan had broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, he was even more shocked.

I never imagined that I would have been gone for only a few hundred years.

The "Free and Unfettered Sect" has transformed from an ordinary Nascent Soul sect struggling to survive with only one Nascent Soul cultivator, Li Mufeng, into the number one sect in the cultivation world of the "Floating Cloud Mountain Range" with six Nascent Soul cultivators.

Moreover, under the leadership of the great cultivator Song Qingming, the "Xiaoyao Sect" won the title of one of the "Top Ten Sects" in the Donghuang Immortal Continent Sword Tournament.

Today, the "Xiaoyao Sect" is not only famous in the Fuyun Mountains, but its reputation has also spread throughout the entire Donghuang Immortal Continent.

Upon hearing about the current achievements of the "Free and Unfettered Sect," Li Xianyun was both surprised and very pleased.

As a cultivator born in the Wei Kingdom, Li Xianyun was just a rogue cultivator back then. His parents and relatives had all passed away, leaving him with little to remember him by.

Although Li Xianyun did not join a sect after achieving the Core Formation stage, he still received guidance from Li Mufeng, a Nascent Soul ancestor, and held this senior in high esteem.

It was because of this relationship that he accepted the invitation to return to Wei Kingdom to help fight against the southward invasion of the demon race.

Upon learning that the cultivation world of Wei Kingdom was safe and sound, Li Xianyun inquired about some of his old friends.

However, apart from Bai Yuxian and Song Qingming, all the cultivators of his generation had already reached the end of their lives, which made him feel somewhat melancholy.

"The path to enlightenment is not easy. It is a pity that Brother Yao and Fellow Daoist Chu failed to successfully form their Nascent Souls and will never meet again in this life."

“Fellow Daoist Li, Qingyu and I have rented a cave dwelling in Xuantian City, and we shouldn’t be leaving here anytime soon.”

If you want to find me, or if you need any help, feel free to send someone into the city to deliver a message.

Although my abilities are limited, as long as you trust me, I will certainly do my best.

The two reminisced for a while, and time flew by. Before they knew it, it was sunset, and time to part ways.

Before parting, Song Qingming took out a communication talisman from his person and handed it to the other party before turning around and leaving the restaurant.

(PS: The weather is unpredictable, and Xiaomeng has caught a cold again. Fellow cultivators, please take care of yourselves.) (End of Chapter)