After clearing the level, the fairies were reborn!

He suddenly realized something. Could the old man who had introduced him to the craftsman so knowledgeably be some kind of hidden master craftsman?

Xu Changqing was slightly taken aback when he heard the question.

Then, a complex and enigmatic smile slowly spread across his wrinkled face.

It seems to contain decades of anticipation, along with regret and a lingering persistence.

"Haha... That's because, for the past few decades, I've been inquiring everywhere and collecting information about using ancient artifacts to forge magical treasures."

He burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the simple house, yet somehow it evoked a sense of desolation.

Under the curious gazes of Xu Ze and Bai Yuxi, the old man slowly took out something.

It was a scale about the size of a palm, displaying a magnificent seven-colored luster.

The scale was as thin as a cicada's wing, yet exceptionally tough. Its surface shimmered with a rainbow-like halo, and its edges were smooth and rounded, exuding a mysterious and ancient aura.

Bai Yuxi let out a soft "Eh," subconsciously tugging at Xu Ze's sleeve. Her glassy eyes were filled with surprise as she whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear:

"Brother, the aura on this scale is so unique!"

"It feels...it feels just as good as Lengyue Qingyu!"

Having seen the clan's most precious treasure since childhood, and being a nine-tailed fox saintess herself, she was extremely sensitive to such treasures.

Xu Ze was equally shaken.

The moment he saw the seven-colored scale, the silent system gave a brief assessment.

【The Seven-Colored Serpent's Reverse Scale】

[Description: Remnants of the ancient, exotic 'Rainbow Serpent' during its molting process, containing a trace of true dragon bloodline and innate water elemental essence; a top-grade forging material.]

These scales are actually from ancient times!

And it's related to snakes!

"Brother, you've got a story to tell too."

Seeing that the other party was able to produce this scale, and that it was clearly something they had treasured for many years.

Xu Ze had some guesses in his mind; the other party's relationship with the demon race was definitely not shallow.

And... it might even be a sad story full of regrets.

No wonder he was so enthusiastic towards me after seeing my relationship with Bai Yuxi.

Just because you've been rained on doesn't mean you want to hold an umbrella for others.

You rascal.

"In the blink of an eye, almost two hundred years have passed since the promise we made back then. Time really flies."

Xu Changqing carefully stroked the seven-colored scale, his gaze becoming distant and gentle, as if he could see a figure from a distant past through the scale.

These few words tell the story of a past filled with regret.

"I wonder if I will be able to fulfill my long-cherished wish of forging a magic weapon with this item in this lifetime."

Although he was at the late Nascent Soul stage, his lifespan was only a thousand years.

I'm no longer young.

Xu Ze remained silent for a long time, unsure how to comfort him.

"Sorry, as people get older, they become more sentimental."

Xu Changqing carefully put the scales away, composed himself, and put on a kind smile again.

"Let's not talk about that, young friend. Since you are determined to forge the sword and have already gained the approval of the fox clan, I do have an opportunity to give you within the Luoxia Mountain area."

Upon hearing this, Xu Ze said seriously:

"Please give me some pointers, brother."

He himself doesn't remember when he stopped treating the people in the game as NPCs.

These are all living, breathing people.

“Deep within the Sunset Mountain Range, there lives another ancient demon clan. Their temperament… well, it’s quite unique. They don’t like to have much contact with the outside world, but they’re not completely isolated.”

"Their tribe may have some ancient stories or artifacts. If you can help them with a little something, you will not only get 'contribution points' from me, but it may also help you find ancient sword blanks or collect other materials."

He kept Xu Ze in suspense, not revealing which clan it belonged to, but instead took out a blank jade slip, quickly inscribed something on it, and handed it to Xu Ze:

"This is a map of their clan's general area of ​​activity, along with some basic precautions."

Whether you can gain their approval and achieve something depends on your own opportunities and abilities.

Xu Ze took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and found the information inside to be clear.

He carefully put it away, stood up, and bowed to Xu Changqing again:

"Thank you so much for your guidance, brother! I am extremely grateful!"

……

Leaving the simple house of the Demon Slayer Alliance branch, Xu Ze led Bai Yuxi down the mountain path.

At the Demon Slayer Alliance headquarters, there are various ways to obtain 'contribution points,' primarily through battle merits.

After all, Dongsheng Shenzhou is the closest place to the Wilderness Domain, the dividing line between the human race and the demon race.

In the face of constant friction and conflict, military achievements are the best testament to one's abilities and the only way to gain the respect of the people.

In this Southern Continent, to gain contribution points...

"We are seeking your help to clear away the low-level miasma vines that are breeding. For every acre cleared, you will be rewarded with five contribution points."

"Request for help! The spirit channel inside the cave is blocked. Fellow Daoist, please clear it. The reward for completing the task is 30 contribution points and 50 spirit stones."

"Urgently need ten 'Heart-Clearing Grass' plants, preferably over ten years old..."

He glanced at the mission details inside the jade slip and couldn't help but find it somewhat interesting.

Most of the tasks on this list are similar to those I did when I was an outer disciple on Inviting Moon Peak!

For example, helping a certain fairy clean up some dirty things, or helping Widow Qin unclog the sewers, etc.

They were just like real-life volunteers.

"Let's go, Xiaobai." Xu Ze smiled and shook his head, then set off according to the directions on the jade slip map.

He also wanted to see what kind of existence the other reclusive demon clan that Brother Xu had mentioned was.

The two left the main peak of Luoxia Mountain and headed towards the secluded valleys deeper into the mountain range.

The mountain mist gradually thickened, filling the air with the scent of damp earth and the exotic fragrance of plants.

They walked through a bamboo forest filled with a pale blue mist, and suddenly the view opened up before them.

It was a tranquil valley surrounded by mountains, with a small lake in the middle. The lake water displayed a dreamlike seven-colored hue, and under the sunlight shining through the gaps in the forest, it shimmered with a mesmerizing halo.

Many exotic flowers and plants I'd never seen before grew along the lake. Some were winding like snakes, while others were crystal clear and emitted a refreshing fragrance.

On several smooth boulders by the lake, Xu Ze spotted several figures.

Those were several women.

They sat or lay down, their postures relaxed, wearing light, gauze-like dresses that shimmered with iridescent colors, outlining their graceful figures.

"Are they all demons who have taken human form?"

Xu Ze looked at the beautiful women not far away and continued to explore with curiosity.

But before he could even take two steps...

Bai Yuxi, standing to the side, seemed to sense some immense crisis and clung tightly to his arm, refusing to let him take another step forward.

"Master, let's go quickly..."

Looking at this innocent little fox with its ears perked up and its wary expression, it was almost as if it was about to breathe on something.

Xu Ze couldn't help but ask curiously, "What's wrong, Xiao Bai?"

I clearly feel that this place is not much different from Qingqiu, right?

These demons don't seem like very dangerous beings; they should be quite easy to get along with.

The girl, however, gripped his arm tightly, as if trying to drag him back the way he came.

"You really can't! There are snake demons in this area!!"

Chapter 57 Enma

In the lake not far away.

Seemingly sensing the presence of outsiders, several women who were playing and frolicking turned around at the same time, focusing their gazes on Xu Ze and Bai Yuxi.

They all possessed an eerie beauty, with rare vertical pupils of various colors, like jewels.

Among them, a woman with long, dark purple hair slowly rose, her red lips slightly parted:

"That nine-tailed fox girl is so rude."

“Exactly, exactly.” Another girl, about the same age as Bai Yuxi, pouted and said discontentedly.

“We, the spirit snake clan, are kind by nature and never do anything to harm others. You’re making it sound like we would eat him.”

She looked somewhat angry, but there was still a hint of curiosity in her eyes towards the handsome human cultivator.

Few people visit Luoxia Mountain.

"A spirit snake?"

Xu Ze's eyes brightened slightly. He stepped forward, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, and said in a manner that was neither humble nor arrogant:

"I came here to pay my respects on the advice of Deacon Xu of the Demon Alliance, and I have no ill intentions."

"I have long heard of the ancient and knowledgeable serpent clan. I have come here with great honor, hoping to have the opportunity to exchange ideas with you."

Seeing the humble attitude of this human monk.

The expressions of these transformed spirit snakes improved slightly.

However, Bai Yuxi still acted like a possessive mother, clinging tightly to Xu Ze's arm, practically pressing her whole body against him.