Qinghe Immortal Clan.

Of the "Puppet Array" in Song Qingming's possession, there are still two puppets at the Golden Core level.

As his cultivation level rose to the late Nascent Soul stage, he also felt that the power of the "Puppet Array" in his hand was significantly reduced compared to before, and its ability to enhance him was noticeably diminished.

If all of them could be replaced with Nascent Soul level puppet beasts, the power of the formation should be increased significantly.

Having previously attended several trade fairs, Song Qingming had also seen a mid-Nascent Soul stage puppet at an auction in Xuantian City.

Unfortunately, too many people were competing for it, and the price eventually rose to an outrageous level, so he eventually gave up on competing for it.

Having come to participate in the "exchange meeting," Song Qingming was surprised to find that he would encounter something he liked again, and a sense of anticipation appeared in his heart.

However, "puppet beasts" at the Nascent Soul level are extremely rare in the cultivation world, and their value is even higher than that of magic treasures of the same level.

What the other party wants to trade next is probably not so simple.

Just as Song Qingming's gaze was fixed on the "puppet beasts" on the stage, the man in black, seeing that everyone's performance was quite satisfactory, paused and then spoke:

"Fellow Daoists, I recently explored a cave left behind by a senior and accidentally obtained these items."

They wanted to exchange them for a Mystic Spirit Pill, or a Grade 4 High-Quality Demon Core.

"If anyone can produce them, they can take all three items."

"Mysterious Spirit Pill, Grade 4 High-Grade Demon Core!"

Upon hearing the two items mentioned by the man in black, a chorus of sighs erupted from the cultivators below the stage, and not a single one chose to offer to exchange them for spiritual items.

Both the "Mysterious Spirit Pill" and the fourth-grade superior demon core are precious spiritual items that can help cultivators break through to the late Nascent Soul stage, and are not something that ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators can take out.

Although the three Nascent Soul "puppet beasts" that the other party brought out were worth as much as the "Mysterious Spirit Pill".

However, spiritual objects that aid in breaking through cultivation realms have always been the most sought-after items in the cultivation world.

Even if someone truly possesses a "Mystic Spirit Pill," they generally wouldn't be willing to exchange it for other spiritual items.

Moreover, apart from a very few cultivators like Song Qingming who cultivate "Puppet Array", most Nascent Soul cultivators can only control one or two "Puppet Beasts" of the same level at most.

Even if there are many of them, it doesn't necessarily mean that anyone will need them.

The combined effect of these three Nascent Soul stage "puppet beasts" in a fight against a human is far less direct than that of a high-grade fourth-level magic weapon.

After the man in black robes finished speaking, he waited for a moment, but none of the cultivators present were willing to speak.

This caused a slight hint of disappointment to appear in his previously expectant gaze.

His cultivation had reached the peak of the sixth level of the Nascent Soul realm. The reason he wanted to exchange the puppet for the "Mysterious Spirit Pill" was naturally to break through to the late Nascent Soul realm.

Unfortunately, it seems no one at this "exchange meeting" was willing to bring out such a good item.

After hesitating for a moment, the man in black robes spoke again:

"Fellow Daoists, if you do not have Xuanling Pills or Grade 4 High-grade Demon Cores, you can exchange them for Grade 4 Mid-grade or higher Fire-attribute Demon Cores."

However, you can only exchange for one mid-stage golem beast or two early-stage golem beasts at most.

Knowing he probably wouldn't get the "Mystic Spirit Pill" this time, the man in black robes had no choice but to settle for something else he could use.

Upon hearing what the other party said, Song Qingming, who was sitting below, immediately looked at Song Qingyu beside him.

"Qingyu, could you do me a favor?"

"Seventh Brother, how did you know I still had this?"

Seeing that Song Qingming was staring intently at her, Song Qingyu guessed his intention and used magic to take out a cyan jade box from her storage bag.

Song Qingming took the jade box and glanced at it. Inside was a demon core, about the size of a thumb, and entirely crimson.

This demon core is the same mid-grade fourth-level demon core that Song Qingming and his companions obtained from the "Ancient Cloud Demon Emperor" when they defeated the demon race at Crimson Cloud Mountain.

Seeing that the demon core in his hand was well preserved and of good quality, Song Qingming immediately used a spell to send a telepathic message into the stage.

Shortly after receiving a response, Song Qingming walked directly onto the stage with the demon core.

Besides Song Qingming, another Nascent Soul cultivator also received permission to trade; it was Lu Yuan, the one who organized this "exchange meeting".

Only after a layer of restrictive barrier descended did the man in black robes speak to Song Qingming and Lu Yuan:

"Both of you fellow Daoists possess demon cores, but I only have these three puppet beasts on my body."

"I wonder if any of you want this mid-Nascent Soul stage puppet beast? How about we discuss it first and then make the deal?"

Hearing what the man in black robes said, Lu Yuan glanced at Song Qingming not far away, then smiled and spoke first:

"Fellow Daoist Song, to be honest..."

Those two early-stage Nascent Soul puppet beasts are of little use to me. The main reason I came here today is for this mid-stage Nascent Soul puppet beast.

If you are willing to give this item away, that would be the best outcome, and we would both get what we want.

If you, fellow Daoist, are also after this mid-Nascent Soul stage puppet beast, then I will have no choice but to withdraw from this transaction and not compete with you for it.

The value of two early-stage Nascent Soul "puppet beasts" is roughly equivalent to that of a mid-stage Nascent Soul "puppet beast".

However, for cultivators in the late Nascent Soul stage, a mid-Nascent Soul "puppet beast" would obviously be more helpful in combat.

Lu Yuan stated his purpose directly from the start, which did not surprise Song Qingming.

After only a slight hesitation, Song Qingming smiled and took the initiative to cup his hands, saying, "I am new to Xuantian City, and I will definitely need Fellow Daoist Lu's help in the future."

Since you've already taken a liking to this item, I, Song, can only grant your wish and exchange it for the other two puppet beasts.

Although Lu Yuan's cultivation level was not much different from Song Qingming's, both were at the eighth level of the Nascent Soul realm.

However, as a late-stage Nascent Soul elder of the "Tai Zhen Sect," this person is backed by a Nascent Soul power, and his status is far beyond that of ordinary cultivators of the same level.

If he didn't have an extremely high status and extensive network of connections, he wouldn't have been able to gather so many Nascent Soul cultivators in the city to participate in the "exchange meeting".

Even if he didn't want to befriend such a powerful Nascent Soul cultivator, Song Qingming didn't want to offend him easily.

Moreover, exchanging two early-stage Nascent Soul "puppet beasts" wouldn't have a significant impact on Song Qingming.

He immediately went along with it and did the other party a favor.

He immediately handed over the mid-stage Nascent Soul "Puppet Beast" to Lu Yuan.

"Hehe! It's rare to see Fellow Daoist Song being so public-spirited, so I won't stand on ceremony with you."

"If you need any help in Xuantian City in the future, fellow Daoist, please feel free to come to me."

Upon hearing Song Qingming's words, Lu Yuan's originally calm face immediately revealed a hint of joy.

Seeing that Song Qingming and Lu Yuan had already discussed how to exchange them, the black-robed cultivator standing to the side immediately handed the "puppet beasts" in his hands to the two of them respectively.

He then took the demon cores from the two of them and examined them carefully.

A moment later, all three nodded with satisfaction, and the deal was considered successfully completed.

He traded a mid-grade level 4 demon core for two early-stage Nascent Soul "puppet beasts".

For Song Qingming, this deal not only allowed him to gain a small advantage, but also gave him what he wanted.

He was also very happy as he walked down from the stage.

Fortunately, Song Qingyu did not refine the demon core directly or use it to make pills after obtaining it.

Otherwise, I fear I would have missed this opportunity to exchange for puppet beasts today.

Soon after this transaction concluded, another Nascent Soul cultivator took the stage.

Even as the "exchange meeting" was about to end, Song Qingming couldn't help but take the initiative to go on stage and bring out a few spiritual items.

He shouted on stage for a long time, and although he didn't get what he wanted most, he did get a high-grade level four spirit talisman.

".."

As the last cultivator stepped down from the stage, and seeing that no one else had any intention of going up, Lu Yuan went up again to announce the end of the "exchange meeting".

Just as Song Qingming got up, preparing to leave with Li Xuanyi and Song Qingyu.

Unexpectedly, Lu Yuan sent him another telepathic message, inviting him to stay and enjoy the banquet, and exchange cultivation experiences.

Faced with Lu Yuan's invitation, Song Qingming accepted without hesitation.

Besides Song Qingming and the other two, Lu Yuan also left behind more than a dozen people, including a man surnamed Qi, all of whom were cultivators at or above the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

During the banquet, everyone enjoyed wine and chatted, and soon they became quite familiar with each other.

As one of the few great cultivators present, Lu Yuan and Song Qingming naturally sat down together and took the initiative to exchange cultivation experiences with him.

Upon learning that Song Qingming had only been a little over two hundred years since he formed his Nascent Soul, and had already advanced to the late Nascent Soul stage, Lu Yuan was somewhat surprised and inquired about the origins of his sect.

Song Qingming had already registered his identity when he entered the city, and naturally did not intend to hide it too much.

He generously told the other party that he came from "Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent".

Just as Lu Yuan and Song Qingming were chatting, the man surnamed Qi suddenly walked up to Song Qingyu and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Fellow Daoist Qingyu, I've heard that you also cultivate the path of swordsmanship. I've always been quite interested in this. I wonder if I could ask you for some guidance?"

"Fellow Daoist, you are too kind. Qingyu's cultivation is far inferior to yours, and I am afraid I am powerless to disappoint you."

As fellow sword cultivators, Song Qingyu had already sensed a trace of sword intent emanating from the person before her since participating in the "Exchange Meeting".

For some reason, Song Qingyu didn't seem to want to talk to him much.

Especially during the previous "exchange meeting," the other party deliberately sat next to her, and his gaze was always intentionally or unintentionally fixed on her, which made her feel a little disgusted.

Seeing that the man surnamed Qi was trying to get information out of her, Song Qingyu politely replied to him.

But he quickly turned his attention to chatting with Li Xuanyi, leaving her standing aside.

The man surnamed Qi didn't seem to care about Song Qingyu's deliberate snub. Instead, he smiled slightly and turned to go somewhere else.

".."

It wasn't until the moon was high in the sky that Song Qingming and his two companions, each having gained something, chose to bid farewell and return to their cave dwelling on the mountain.

Not long after Song Qingming left "Tianyun Tower", another figure quickly walked out from inside.

The person who came gazed in the direction they left, lost in thought for a long time, before quietly turning around and leaving the spot.

".."

On top of the mountain.

As soon as Song Qingming and his two companions entered the cave, they discovered a red ball of light floating in mid-air.

Looking at the red ball of light in front of him, which seemed somewhat familiar, Song Qingming immediately used magic to capture it in his hand.

"Seventh Brother, who sent this communication talisman?" "It was sent by Fellow Daoist Li. He must have something to discuss with me. You all stay here, I'll go out for a bit and be right back."

If Xiao Ziliang, or anyone else, comes looking for me, just say I'm in seclusion refining a magical artifact.

After giving the two women some instructions, Song Qingming used his "Illusionary Transformation Technique" to change his appearance before turning and leaving.

"Xuantian City" is different from other cultivator cities in the outside world. Even when it is late at night, cultivators in the city can still come and go freely.

Although most shops on the streets of Fangshi have closed, many lights are still on all night.

Following the street, he turned and came to a secluded alley. A figure wearing a straw hat quickly blocked Song Qingming's way.

"Is it Fellow Daoist Li?"

Faced with Song Qingming's question, the man in the straw hat did not speak, but nodded slightly and turned to enter a courtyard with lanterns hanging nearby.

Seeing this, Song Qingming did not hesitate and followed the other person inside.

".."

A moment later, the two arrived at a secret room, where the man removed his bamboo hat to reveal his face.

It was Li Xianyun, whom Song Qingming hadn't seen for several years.

"Fellow Daoist Li, how did you get into the city?"

When the two met last time, Li Xianyun was afraid of being exposed, so he did not dare to enter "Xuantian City". He did not expect that the other party would ask to meet him here this time.

Seeing Song Qingming's doubts, Li Xianyun quickly explained:

"Fellow Daoist Song, rest assured, I entered this time using someone else's identity, and no one will know that you and I are in contact."

"Oh! I see. I wonder what brings Fellow Daoist Li here to see me? You didn't just come to catch up with me, did you?"

Upon hearing Song Qingming's direct question, Li Xianyun paused for a moment before taking out a storage bag from his person and placing it in front of him.

"This is?"

"Fellow Daoist Song, this contains the belongings of my master and junior sister, as well as a few items that I, Li, gave to you."

My junior sister once told me that she wanted to return to her roots in the East China Sea, but unfortunately, I have not been able to fulfill her wish all these years.

Li is in some danger now, and it's unlikely he can fulfill her wish.

I would like to trouble Fellow Daoist Song to visit Qinlong Island in the East Sea after you return to Donghuang Immortal Continent and help my junior sister and the others find a scenic place.

"If I, Li, am able to return alive someday, I will certainly repay this kindness, fellow Daoist!"

Faced with the somewhat heavy "storage bag" in Li Xianyun's hand, Song Qingming also fell silent and did not take the item directly.

After a long while, he finally spoke with a serious expression:

"Fellow Daoist Li, although I don't know what trouble you've encountered."

However, since we've known each other for a while and you've actually accepted me as a friend, I, Song, still want to ask one more question.

Fellow Daoist, what trouble have you encountered? Is there anything I, Song, can do to help?

Although I don't have any connections or many friends in Zhongyuan Immortal Continent, I may not be of much help.

But at least I should be able to protect my fellow Daoists and get them out of here.

As the saying goes, a gentleman's revenge is never too late.

We are both Nascent Soul cultivators, so why rush things?

"As long as you can advance to the late Nascent Soul stage, or even the Deity Transformation stage in the future, I think these things will not be difficult for you."

"Fellow Daoist Song, I am deeply grateful that you consider me a friend and have spoken so frankly."

"As Nascent Soul cultivators, you and I enjoy a lifespan of a thousand years, so we can do many things slowly."

In order to cultivate the Great Way, one must be free from desires and wants.

They can even forget their loved ones, forget their hatred, and forget everything that has ever happened to them.

But in life, there are always some things that can't be let go of with just a few words.

"Since entering the Taoist path, Li has been a person who follows his heart and acts swiftly, and never makes excuses for himself."

I have already sworn an oath to Heaven to avenge my junior sister.

If one cannot personally avenge one's enemies, one will be tormented by inner demons and unable to achieve clarity of thought, making it impossible for one's cultivation to improve further, let alone break through to the late Nascent Soul stage.

My mind is made up, fellow Daoist, there's no need to try to persuade me.

I only hope that Fellow Daoist Song can agree to this matter, which would fulfill my last wish.

In this way, Li could leave with peace of mind.

When Song Qingming learned that Li Xianyun's enemy was extraordinary and unwilling to let him get involved, he wanted to persuade him not to take the risk rashly.

But at this moment, seeing the unwavering determination in Li Xianyun's eyes, he remained steadfast in the slightest.

After a moment's thought, Song Qingming nodded and accepted the "storage bag" that the other party handed him.

"I'm counting on you, Fellow Daoist Song!"

Looking at Li Xianyun, who was bowing respectfully before him, Song Qingming raised his hand and cast a spell to take out several more talismans from his person and put them into the other's hand.

"Fellow Daoist Li, even if you are unwilling to ask for my help, accepting these talismans shouldn't put you in a difficult position!"

"Thank you, fellow Taoist!"

This time, Li Xianyun did not refuse the high-level talisman offered by Song Qingming, and accepted it with a hint of gratitude.

Seeing that the other party was about to leave wearing a bamboo hat, Song Qingming said again, "Fellow Daoist Li, have a safe journey."

As I said before, if you absolutely need any help, please don't hesitate to contact us. Don't be shy about it.

"Very well! If we ever meet again, I, Li, will certainly return to Donghuang Immortal Continent with you."

After speaking, Li Xianyun bowed again and then turned and left the courtyard.

Gazing at the retreating figure of the other person in the distance, Song Qingming stood there lost in thought, remaining motionless for a long time.

After a while, he left the place under the moonlight.

".."

Inside the cave at the top of the mountain.

Upon learning that Li Xianyun was going to seek revenge alone, Song Qingyu and Li Xuanyi, who were sitting next to him, also showed worry on their faces.

When Song Qingming told the two of them about Li Xianyun's situation, Song Qingyu offered to help him.

However, Li Xianyun was proud and had made a vow to the Heavenly Dao to avenge his junior sister Long Yue himself, so he insisted on not letting others interfere in this matter.

The reason Lin Xianyun handed over the "storage bag" containing her family's belongings to Song Qingming was because she knew that she would probably have a hard time getting away safely from this trip.

That's why, just in case, he personally explained his final arrangements to him.

"Seventh Brother, you've known Daoist Li for many years, why is he so insistent on not letting us help him?"

"Fellow Daoist Li made a vow to Heaven, and this matter has taken deep root in his heart. If he cannot personally kill his enemy, he is afraid that he cannot get rid of this inner demon by relying on others."

If he can overcome this hurdle, avenge himself, and shatter his inner demons, his path will definitely extend far beyond this.

But if he couldn't overcome that inner demon, he would be tormented by it for life, unable to break through his cultivation level, which would be tantamount to death for him.

"Husband, Fellow Daoist Li has done so much for Fellow Daoist Long. He is truly a man of great loyalty and righteousness. I sincerely hope that he can get through this safely."

"I hope so!"

".."

While Song Qingming and the other two were secretly praying in the cave for Li Xianyun, who was going to seek revenge.

Unexpectedly, less than half a month later, Xiao Ziliang took the initiative to come to their door and told them some rather surprising news.

The "Tianyunlou" exchange meeting concluded that day.

One of the Nascent Soul cultivators was ambushed and killed several days after leaving Xuantian City, and died mysteriously outside.

The person who suddenly perished was the man surnamed Qi who had tried to strike up a conversation with Song Qingyu.

Upon hearing this news, Song Qingming and the others were also quite surprised.

Just as he was wondering if the other party had offended someone at the "exchange meeting" and thus suffered this misfortune.

A letter from Lu Yuan at the foot of the mountain invited Song Qingming, who was unaware of what had happened, to the "Tianyun Tower".

At first, Song Qingming thought that the other party was just inviting him to a banquet.

As soon as he stepped into the pavilion, he was surprised to find several unfamiliar Nascent Soul cultivators already standing inside, one of whom had even reached the half-step Divine Transformation realm.

Upon seeing Song Qingming, everyone's eyes immediately locked onto him.

Sensing that something was amiss, Song Qingming looked at Lu Yuan with some confusion.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, may I ask who these gentlemen are?"

"Hehe! Fellow Daoist Song, let me introduce you. These two Fellow Daoists Qi specifically want to meet you and ask you about some things."

I took the liberty of inviting you over, fellow Daoist. I hope you won't take offense, Fellow Daoist Song.

Fellow Daoists, although I haven't known Fellow Daoist Song for very long, he is a very kind person. Please feel free to ask me anything.

"My name is Song Qingming. Greetings, fellow Daoists."

"What do you two wish to inquire of me? Please speak frankly!"

Upon hearing that the other party had come specifically to find him, Song Qingming quickly cupped his hands and asked, but his face showed a very puzzled expression.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Song!"

When Song Qingming bowed respectfully, the two men surnamed Qi returned the bow slightly.

Then, one of the thin-faced old men, whose cultivation had reached the half-step Nascent Soul stage, looked at Song Qingming and asked:
"I heard that Fellow Daoist Song came from Donghuang Immortal Continent. I wonder if you know this person?"

After the thin-faced old man finished speaking, he raised his hand and released a beam of spiritual light, and in an instant, a scroll appeared in his hand.

As soon as the other party unfurled the scroll, a portrait of a young man in a green robe with bright eyes and a piercing gaze appeared directly before Song Qingming's eyes.

After glancing around at the top, Song Qingming quickly shook his head along with the others.

"I don't know him!" (End of Chapter)