Chapter 1066
Setting Up the Array Platform: Xia Mo's Advancement
Faced with the question from the thin-faced old man, Song Qingming immediately nodded and then handed the "golden rune" back to him.
"Please rest assured, Fellow Daoist Xiao, I have already noted it down!"
Seeing the confidence on Song Qingming's face, the thin-faced old man didn't say anything more and simply nodded slightly to him.
Immediately afterwards, Song Qingming took the initiative to come to the front of the "teleportation array platform", found a suitable position, and began to cast the spell to record the "golden runes" he had just memorized.
At first, everyone was puzzled when they saw Song Qingming memorize those "golden runes" so quickly.
Only when they saw that the other party's spellcasting movements were already very skilled, and that a newly inscribed rune was quickly covered on the "teleportation array platform," did the many cultivators present gradually change their gaze.
The thin-faced old man with the highest cultivation level looked at Song Qingming with even more appreciation in his eyes.
".."
And so, the group stayed in the cave for almost two years, during which time no one left or entered the main hall.
Apart from occasionally taking time to replenish their mana, everyone spent almost all their time inscribing runes.
Only Long Ziyun, the elder of the "Four Seas Merchant Alliance" in charge of this matter, would occasionally go out to help everyone search for the necessary pills and spiritual items.
After everyone's joint efforts and nearly two years of work, Song Qingming and others finally succeeded in recording all the runes on the "teleportation array platform".
After checking that all the runes were normal and correct, the thin-faced old man from the "Four Seas Merchant Alliance" who was leading the group gathered everyone in front of the teleportation array platform to try to activate the array.
As the spirit stones stored around the array platform began to emit spiritual light, a magic array quickly gathered on the teleportation platform, flashing with dazzling white light.
Seeing this, the thin-faced old man immediately threw a black token into the middle.
As the black token was enveloped by the white light on the platform, a powerful spatial spiritual energy quickly filled the entire hall.
After a short while, once the white light dissipated, the black token returned to the thin-faced old man's hand.
The next moment, the thin-faced old man, who had been calm, showed a satisfied smile.
Seeing that the "teleportation array" had been successfully activated by the other party, the cultivators present also showed a bit more excitement on their faces and hurriedly stepped forward to congratulate them.
"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Xiao!"
"Haha, fellow Daoists, you're too kind."
Although it took nearly two years, Song Qingming and the others were overjoyed to see that the project was now complete.
Long Ziyun, who was standing to the side, took the initiative to open the long-sealed door and led everyone away from the hall where they had stayed for two years.
As soon as they stepped into the outer passage, the eager "Old Taoist Qingping" took the initiative to come to Long Ziyun's side.
"Fellow Daoist Long, I have now fulfilled my agreement with your alliance regarding the task of setting up the grand formation, as you promised me before."
"Fellow Daoist Qingping, rest assured, the spiritual items promised to you will be presented by our alliance in person later. However, before that, there is something I would like to trouble you with."
As she spoke, Long Ziyun led everyone to the entrance of a cave next to the passage, and then took out a contract and gave it to Song Qingming and the others in front of her.
"Fellow Daoists, this is a confidentiality agreement regarding our alliance's teleportation array. The array is still being tested, so please do not spread this matter outside after you leave here."
"I'll go in and prepare first. Once everyone signs this confidentiality agreement, you can come in and collect the spiritual items from me. Then, our alliance will arrange for everyone to leave this place."
"We already agreed to keep this a secret, so why do we need to sign some kind of confidentiality agreement? This is too much trouble!"
Upon seeing the "contract" handed over by Long Ziyun, "Old Taoist Qingping" hadn't even opened it to take a look before he started chattering away.
Apart from Song Qingming, who was already used to the other party's actions, the other cultivators present all looked somewhat surprised.
Long Ziyun, standing to the side, smiled slightly, ignored the other party, and turned to walk into the cave next to her.
After glancing at the "confidentiality agreement" in his hand and finding nothing unusual, Song Qingming was the first to step into the cave ahead.
Upon seeing that it was Song Qingming who walked in, Long Ziyun quickly greeted him with a smile.
"Has Fellow Daoist Song already signed the contract?"
Upon hearing this, Song Qingming did not speak, but immediately took out the contract in his hand and handed it to the other party.
After glancing at the signed contract, Long Ziyun immediately nodded, then picked up a wooden box that had been prepared beforehand from the table next to her and handed it directly to Song Qingming.
Upon opening the wooden box and seeing the familiar "Nurture Pill," Song Qingming's face immediately lit up with satisfaction. He promptly took a "storage bag" from his waist.
Before Song Qingming could hand over the "storage bag" containing spirit stones, Long Ziyun immediately waved her hand at Song Qingming.
"Fellow Daoist Song, I think we don't need to give you these spirit stones."
Upon hearing this, Song Qingming looked at the other person with some doubt, only to see Long Ziyun explain to him:
"Fellow Daoist, do you still remember when you introduced me to the Hundred Flowers Palace on Wanhu Island? I recently reached a cooperation agreement with Fellow Daoist Xia and the others. Next, we will work together to manage this teleportation array."
"This matter was made possible thanks to Fellow Daoist Song's introduction. Consider these spirit stones a token of my gratitude; please don't stand on ceremony with me."
"Oh! So, Fellow Daoist Long has already met Fellow Daoist Xia?"
When I wrote the letter of introduction to Long Ziyun, I was just thinking of helping her out.
Song Qingming did not expect that the "Four Seas Business Alliance" would reach a cooperation agreement with the "Hundred Flowers Palace" so quickly.
Upon suddenly hearing Long Ziyun mention this matter, a look of surprise appeared on his face, and he asked her to confirm it.
Upon seeing this, Long Ziyun smiled and nodded, acknowledging the matter once again.
"It's all thanks to Fellow Daoist Song's introduction. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have been able to find a suitable partner in such a short time. When the opportunity arises in the future, I will definitely invite you and Fellow Daoist Xia to have some tea and a chat."
"Hehe! It was nothing, fellow Daoist, you're too kind."
Seeing Long Ziyun's happy expression, Song Qingming didn't refuse her too much and quickly took back the "spirit stone bag" he had just taken out.
Compared to the spirit stones in front of him, Song Qingming's thoughts had involuntarily shifted to another figure in his mind.
"Could it be that she has really broken through to the late Nascent Soul stage?!"
".."
A day later, as several beams of light descended, seven or eight figures suddenly appeared out of thin air above the previously deserted island.
"Fellow Daoists, we will see you off here!"
After bowing to the people in front of them, Long Ziyun and Qi Rong transformed into a streak of light and left the spot.
The people they brought out exchanged clasped hands and quickly transformed into streaks of light, leaving the spot.
Song Qingming, on the other hand, had already boarded the "White Bone Flying Boat" and turned westward back to the cultivation world of the "Floating Cloud Mountains".
Not long after Song Qingming set off, another voice came to his ears from behind.
"Fellow Daoist Song, please wait a moment!"
Upon hearing the familiar voice behind him, Song Qingming showed a hint of surprise and quickly stopped the flying boat beneath him.
Before long, a gray-robed figure, riding on a streak of light, arrived in front of him. The figure raised his hand in a salute and was none other than the "Qingping Daoist" with whom he had interacted twice before.
"Fellow Daoist Qingping, what guidance do you have for me?"
Seeing the old Taoist priest in front of him, Song Qingming didn't particularly like the man's greedy and petty nature.
However, he had no ill will toward "Old Taoist Qingping". Seeing that the other party had come forward as if he had something to say, he quickly put on a smile.
"Hehe! Fellow Daoist Song, your supernatural abilities are truly remarkable. This old Daoist would not dare to offer you any guidance. You are flattering me too much."
After exchanging a polite nod with Song Qingming, "Old Daoist Qingping" cautiously glanced around to make sure they were alone before continuing to speak to Song Qingming:
"Fellow Daoist Song, I have come to see you because I have a favor to ask of you. If you are willing to help, I will be eternally grateful and will remember this favor."
"this.."
"Fellow Daoist Qingping, please feel free to speak your mind. If it is a small favor that is convenient for you, I, Song, will certainly do my best to help."
If it's inconvenient for you to tell me, then just pretend I didn't ask.
Because of the preconceived notion of "Old Taoist Qingping" still lingering in his mind, when he heard the other party suddenly take the initiative to ask him for help, Song Qingming instinctively thought that he wanted to borrow spirit stones from him again, and his heart tightened.
Perhaps sensing Song Qingming's wariness, "Old Daoist Qingping" quickly smiled and waved his hand, explaining:
"Fellow Daoist Song, please don't worry so much. I just want to ask you to help deal with a monster from the outer sea. It's definitely not a difficult task for you."
A few years ago, when I came here as invited, I accidentally wandered into the territory of a level 4 "Sea Fog Beast" because I was not familiar with the surrounding waters, and even had a big battle with it.
Unfortunately, although the old Taoist priest was more skilled than his opponent and managed to injure him, he still lost the initiative in the sea and was ultimately allowed to escape.
This demon's cultivation is only at the mid-Nascent Soul stage. If a fellow Daoist is willing to lend a hand, the two of us working together will surely capture it easily, without any danger.
"A Sea Mist Beast in the mid-Nascent Soul stage. Fellow Daoist, do you wish to hunt this demon to obtain its life-bound elixir?"
Seeing that Song Qingming had immediately expressed his inner thoughts, "Old Daoist Qingping" smiled and nodded, saying, "As Fellow Daoist Song knows, my cultivation has been stuck at the fifth level of the Nascent Soul realm for many years, and I have been unable to make any progress."
This is a rare opportunity to see a level four sea mist beast. If I could obtain its life core and have someone refine it into a spiritual medicine, then my breakthrough in cultivation would be a natural outcome.
"Rest assured, fellow Daoist. I only need the Demon Emperor's Natal Elixir. Fellow Daoist Song can choose any of the remaining materials you wish to obtain. What do you think?"
After saying that, "Old Taoist Qingping" looked at Song Qingming with anticipation, but saw that the other party did not think too much and quickly shook his head at him.
"Fellow Daoist Qingping misunderstands. I do not want to covet these demon beast materials, but rather I do not wish to provoke these demon emperors in the outer sea."
Fellow Daoist, you probably already know that most of these outer sea demon emperors have considerable power behind them and are not so easy to deal with.
If you offend them, you might face retaliation in the future.
"Hehe! I've already inquired, and Fellow Daoist Song is not a cultivator from the East Sea. There's no need for you to worry about these things so much!"
Alright then! If you're willing to help me with this, besides being able to choose any monster material, I can also share the array formation manuals I've studied for many years with you.
"These things should be enough for you to lend a hand, fellow Daoist!"
"Oh! Is this true, fellow Daoist?"
Although "Old Taoist Qingping" was not particularly outstanding in combat, his array formation skills were not much lower than Song Qingming's, and he was also a mid-grade fourth-level "array formation master".
It was precisely because of his profound "array formation skills" that he was specially invited by the "Four Seas Merchant Alliance" to help set up the teleportation array.
Although Song Qingming did not initially intend to help the other party go on the risk of hunting monsters.
However, when he heard that "Old Daoist Qingping" was actually willing to share the array formation manual in his possession with him, he was still somewhat tempted and confirmed it.
"Hehe, since I dare to say it, it is naturally from the bottom of my heart. However, this array manual is the result of my many years of hard work in collecting it."
This can only be copied and shared with fellow Daoists; it may not be shared with others!
"If you can agree to this condition, then this matter is settled."
"I can agree to that, but I have another request to make to you beforehand."
"For this demon hunt, I can only give you a maximum of one year. If you cannot find the Sea Mist Beast within a year, then our agreement will be null and void."
"Okay! It's a deal then."
Seeing that Song Qingming had finally agreed, "Old Taoist Qingping" showed a hint of excitement on his face and then cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Song Qingming.
".."
Several months later, on a coral island in the open sea.
Song Qingming, dressed in a green robe, was standing on a reef on the west side of the island, patiently collecting the scattered battle flags.
Not far away on the sea, a huge figure, over a hundred feet tall, lay face up in the water, the surrounding sea already stained red with blood.
A moment later, a figure flew out from the huge corpse; it was none other than "Old Taoist Qingping," who had come here with Song Qingming.
At this moment, he held a palm-sized, deep blue ball of light in his hand and shouted excitedly at Song Qingming.
“Fellow Daoist Song, I have found the inner core of the Sea Mist Beast. Look at these materials on its body. Which one do you need? Please feel free to take it.”
After promising "Old Taoist Qingping" that he would help him hunt down a level four "Sea Mist Beast", Song Qingming followed him to this sea area.
Finding a Nascent Soul Demon Emperor in the vast outer sea is no easy task for them.
When Song Qingming first arrived in this sea area, he didn't have high hopes.
Unexpectedly, "Old Taoist Qingping" also possessed a Golden Core spirit beast that was extremely adept at detecting the scent of demonic beasts.
After spending several months in the ocean, the two of them actually found the trail of the level four "Sea Fog Beast".
This "Sea Mist Beast" had only recently broken through to the mid-Nascent Soul stage, and it had little power to resist the combined attack of Song Qingming and "Old Daoist Qingping," who were both stronger.
After a fierce battle, the two quickly joined forces to trap him near "Coral Island" with a magic array and successfully killed him.
Having successfully found the desired mid-grade fourth-level demon core on the monster's corpse, "Old Daoist Qingping" was naturally overjoyed and quickly took out a wooden box to carefully put it inside.
Seeing this, Song Qingming, who was standing to the side, did not stand on ceremony with the other party and stepped forward to use magic to remove the horn from the "Sea Mist Beast".
The unicorn horn on the "Sea Mist Beast" is the most valuable material besides its inner core, and it can be used to refine various high-level magic weapons.
After carefully storing the monster material he had chosen, Song Qingming turned his gaze to "Old Daoist Qingping" beside him, who was already smiling as he took out a bamboo scroll from his person.
"Hehe! Since you have helped me fulfill this wish, then I will hand this item over to you, Fellow Daoist Song."
After examining the bamboo slip on his forehead, Song Qingming saw that the inscription inside was exactly what he wanted, and a smile finally appeared on his face.
"I have some urgent matters to attend to back at the office, so I won't keep you here any longer, fellow Daoist."
"Daoyou, we'll meet again!"
After bowing to the "Qingping Daoist" in front of him, Song Qingming turned around and transformed into a ray of light to leave the "coral island".
Seeing Song Qingming's figure disappear, "Qingping Daoist" who was standing to the side turned his gaze to the remaining monster corpses.
Just as the old Taoist continued to dissect the corpse below, a white figure in the distant sky had already seen this scene from afar.
".."
After leaving the open sea, Song Qingming rode the "White Bone Flying Boat" westward.
After more than ten days, the flying boat quickly left the extremely dangerous outer sea and entered the inner sea area where human cultivators were present.
As he watched more and more treasure ships appear in the distance below, Song Qingming gradually relaxed his vigilance and took the initiative to reduce the speed of the flying boat beneath him.
Although helping "Qingping Daoist" hunt the White Mist Beast had delayed him for several months, he was not yet past the agreed-upon time to return to "Chiyun Mountain," so Song Qingming was not in a hurry to travel.
As Song Qingming maneuvered the flying boat forward, he took out the array manual he had just obtained from "Qingping Daoist" and eagerly opened it to examine it.
It must be said that "Qingping Daoist" is indeed quite talented to have raised his array formation skills to such a level.
After only reading the "formation classics" shared by the other party for a while, Song Qingming saw many unique insights into formation research and gained many new understandings.
The information contained here is almost entirely the culmination of the other person's life's work; it's not something you can learn through casual conversation.
As Song Qingming savored the "array manual" in his hand and hurried forward, the flying boat beneath his feet quickly crossed the sea and flew into the land.
Just as Song Qingming's flying boat was only a few hundred miles away from "Red Cloud Mountain", a streak of light suddenly flew out from a desolate mountain below and headed straight for his location.
"This is a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator!"
Sensing the powerful aura emanating from the other party, Song Qingming, standing on the flying boat, immediately put away the bamboo scroll in his hand, and then quickly cast a spell to summon his natal magic weapon, the "Five Elements Divine Light Mirror," from his body.
After the bronze mirror appeared, it quickly grew to more than ten times its original size, and then split into five to protect Song Qingming.
Then Song Qingming produced two more high-level spirit talismans, quickly pouring spiritual power into them, as if ready to activate them at any moment.
After taking these precautions, Song Qingming finally turned his gaze to the approaching streak of light, his wary eyes remaining alert.
As the light drew nearer, a figure in white stopped in front of Song Qingming.
"Fellow Daoist Song, how have you been?"
"So it was you! I didn't expect the rumors to be true. The fairy has indeed advanced to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm!"
Upon seeing that the late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator before him was none other than Xia Mo, the Holy Maiden of the Hundred Flowers Palace, whom he was very familiar with, Song Qingming's previously tense expression immediately relaxed.
When Song Qingming saw a strange late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator suddenly staring at him, he initially thought it might be a cultivator sent by the "Qingyang Holy Sect".
To his utter surprise, it was Xia Mo, whom he hadn't seen for many years, who came.
Song Qingming, who had been wondering whether Xia Mo had broken through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, suddenly saw the real person appear before him.
While full of surprises, this moment also finally confirmed the doubts he had kept hidden in his heart for a long time.
Considering that the other party broke through to the Nascent Soul realm in less than three hundred years, and had already become a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, such talent was truly enviable.
Xia Mo was also somewhat surprised to see the other party looking like they were facing a formidable enemy. She quickly stepped forward and said apologetically:
"Fellow Daoist Song, please don't be offended. I have just broken through my cultivation level and it is not convenient for too many people to know about this. That's why I deliberately hid my identity and waited for you here."
I didn't expect you to almost misunderstand; please forgive me, fellow Daoist.
Upon hearing this, Song Qingming waved his hand somewhat awkwardly, then quickly put away his magical treasures and talismans, and bowed respectfully to the other party.
"Fellow Daoist, you are overthinking it. I, Song, congratulate Fellow Daoist Xia on advancing to the late Nascent Soul stage. I hope to receive your guidance in the future!"
In the cultivation world, cultivation level and strength have always been important symbols of one's status and position. Now, seeing Xia Mo advance to the late Nascent Soul stage and become a true great cultivator, is truly inspiring.
Song Qingming's attitude towards her naturally became more respectful.
Seeing this, Xia Mo seemed to sense the change in his heart, and quickly returned the greeting with a calm bow:
"Fellow Daoist Song, please don't be so polite with me. I was able to break through my cultivation level thanks to your great help back then. I will never forget this kindness in this lifetime."
Please don't treat me like a stranger in the future; just think of me as the Xia Mo of the past! (End of Chapter)