Chapter 1067
Mutual Alliance, Heavenly Secrets
Although there is now a gap in their cultivation levels, Song Qingming and Xia Mo had known each other since they were at the Golden Core stage and had gone through many life-and-death adventures together.
Seeing that Xia Mo seemed a little unaccustomed to it, Song Qingming thought for a moment and then composed himself.
"Fellow Daoist Xia, I wonder why you've traveled so far to find me. Is there something you need?"
Not long ago, Song Qingming learned from Long Ziyun that "Baihua Palace" had reached a cooperation agreement with "Sihai Business Alliance".
He thought they should be busy preparing to operate the "intercontinental teleportation array" at this time, but he didn't expect Xia Mo to suddenly come to the Floating Cloud Mountains to find him.
After congratulating the other party on their cultivation advancement, Song Qingming finally remembered to ask them a question.
Upon hearing this, Xia Mo smiled and extended her hand to Song Qingming, inviting him to join her.
“Fellow Daoist Song, it might be inconvenient to talk here. I have another place to stay on the mountain below. Why don’t we go there and talk it out slowly?”
"Then I, Song, will humbly accept your offer!"
Following Xia Mo, they descended from mid-air and soon arrived at a nearby mountain with little spiritual energy, where they found what appeared to be a man-made cave.
Upon entering the cave, one finds it fully equipped with tables, chairs, and benches, and filled with various household items, resembling a monk's cave dwelling.
Seeing Song Qingming's surprised expression, Xia Mo took the initiative to explain, "I didn't know that Fellow Daoist Song had gone out on business. Actually, I arrived here three months ago."
"Oh! So Fellow Daoist Xia arrived three months ago. Since you already knew I wasn't on the mountain, why did you stay here waiting for me?"
Upon hearing this, Xia Mo immediately reached into her person and took out a round compass.
"Has Fellow Daoist Song forgotten that I have practiced the art of celestial secrets?"
After my recent breakthrough in cultivation, I feel I've also improved considerably in this area. I specifically chose to stay and wait for you this time, precisely because I timed it perfectly.
"Hehe, I didn't expect your Heavenly Secrets Techniques to have improved so much. I'm quite envious!"
Song Qingming had witnessed Xia Mo's "Heavenly Secrets Technique" when they first went to the "Northern Frontier," so he was naturally aware of it.
However, he did not expect that the other party would go to the trouble of using the Heavenly Secrets Method to deduce things just to see him once.
Upon hearing Xia Mo's explanation, Song Qingming was somewhat surprised, but immediately offered his congratulations again.
Seeing this, Xia Mo smiled but didn't say anything. Instead, she invited Song Qingming to sit down at a stone table and brought him a pot of brewed spiritual tea.
"Fellow Daoist Song, the reason I came to the Floating Cloud Mountains to find you is first and foremost to thank you for helping to introduce our cooperation with the Four Seas Business Alliance."
If it weren't for the help and recommendation of fellow Daoists, our Hundred Flowers Palace would probably not have received such a good opportunity. Our sect will definitely remember this kindness.
If there is anything we can do to help you in the future, please don't hesitate to ask, Fellow Daoist Song.
"You're too kind, Fairy. I only did a small favor; I dare not accept such a great favor!"
Previously, when Long Ziyun approached "Baihua Palace" for cooperation, she brought with her a letter of recommendation personally written by Song Qingming.
Now that the two parties have officially reached a cooperation agreement, it is not surprising that Xia Mo could come to express her gratitude on behalf of "Baihua Palace".
When Xia Mo raised her glass in thanks, Song Qingming quickly exchanged a few polite words and also picked up his own teacup.
Now that Xia Mo has advanced to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, the "Hundred Flowers Palace" has reached a cooperation agreement with the "Four Seas Business Alliance" to jointly operate the soon-to-be-completed intercontinental "teleportation array".
If nothing unexpected happens, the strength of the "Hundred Flowers Palace" sect will definitely see a significant improvement.
Song Qingming was equally surprised to receive a promise of gratitude from Xia Mo.
Thinking that his unintentional act that day might bring him considerable help in the future, Song Qingming couldn't help but show a hint of joy on his face.
After putting down her teacup, Xia Mo pondered for a moment before calmly asking:
"Fellow Daoist Song, besides thanking you for your help, there is something else I would like to discuss with you."
"If you have something to say, please don't be shy, fairy. Just say it."
"Our sect has agreed with the Four Seas Merchant Alliance to jointly operate the intercontinental teleportation array. This matter will inevitably affect the interests of the Yunyang Sect, and the cultivation world of the East Sea will probably not be too peaceful in the future."
I came to the Floating Cloud Mountains to find you this time because I wanted to ask you if you would be willing to form an alliance with my Hundred Flowers Palace.
"If you are willing to lend a helping hand in times of crisis, our sect can share 10% of the annual revenue from the teleportation array with you free of charge."
"I'm afraid I can't agree to your request to form an alliance with your sect."
Our Free and Unfettered Sect is located far away in the Floating Cloud Mountains. The mountains are high and the roads are long, so it's really not appropriate for us to rashly interfere in the affairs of your East Sea cultivation world. We hope Fellow Daoist Xia can understand."
In the world of cultivation, sectarian conflicts are a common occurrence, no matter where they are. These are not unusual things.
However, these are all internal matters of the cultivation world in the East Sea. Once external forces intervene, the situation becomes unpredictable and could easily provoke dissatisfaction from other neutral sects.
Moreover, the "Xiaoyao Sect" is located far away in the Fuyun Mountains, and it is not easy for them to cross tens of thousands of miles to interfere in the affairs of the cultivation world in the East Sea.
Although Xia Mo's offer of 10% of the annual revenue from the "intercontinental teleportation array" was indeed tempting, Song Qingming rejected it without hesitation.
Hearing Song Qingming directly refuse, Xia Mo did not seem surprised. She raised her arm and gently waved to him.
"Fellow Daoist Song, you misunderstand. I am not seeking an alliance with your Xiaoyao Sect, but only to cooperate with you alone!"
"You're not joking, Fellow Daoist Xia, are you? You're only going to cooperate with me!"
Upon hearing this, Song Qingming looked at the other person again, his gaze now showing a hint of seriousness.
Xia Mo poured Song Qingming another cup of spiritual tea, nodded earnestly at him, and said, "Fellow Daoist, you heard me right. My purpose in coming here is simply to form an alliance with you."
The Floating Cloud Mountains are far from the cultivation world of the East Sea. Even if our two sects have a good relationship, it will not be easy for us to form an alliance to deal with other powerful enemies. I know this without you reminding me.
Since Hundred Flowers Palace has decided to cooperate with the Four Seas Merchant Alliance, it is natural that it would not be without preparation. We have already reached an alliance with the surrounding sects and ceded some of our profits to them.
In addition, just in case, I would like to discuss an alliance treaty with Fellow Daoist Song separately.
"If you are willing to lend a helping hand to us in dealing with the Yunyang Sect at a crucial moment, our sect is willing to give you one-tenth of our annual teleportation array revenue."
"Even if you want to cooperate with me, you shouldn't have to give up even a tenth of the profits. With such a generous offer, I believe few other sects in the East Sea would refuse!"
After hearing Xia Mo's explanation, Song Qingming finally understood the purpose of her trip, but his doubts did not diminish.
If it's not necessary for the two sects to form an alliance, but simply to ask Song Qingming to lend a helping hand at a crucial moment, it wouldn't be too difficult for him.
After all, it wasn't a grand affair; he was simply going to the East Sea alone. He could go anytime, and as long as he wore a mask that blocked divine sense when he made his move, he wouldn't have to worry about his identity being exposed anytime soon.
However, if Xia Mo were to ask him to take action alone, she would have to share 10% of the profits earned from the "Intercontinental Teleportation Array" with Song Qingming free of charge. This deal clearly puts Song Qingming at a disadvantage.
Hearing Song Qingming's doubts, Xia Mo said dismissively, "Fellow Daoist is right. If you just want to find a Nascent Soul sect as an alliance partner, there is no shortage of candidates in the East Sea."
However, the ally our Hundred Flowers Palace needs now is not ordinary combat power, but a Nascent Soul stage expert whose cultivation level can rival mine.
Fellow Daoist Song, your cultivation has now broken through to the sixth level of the Nascent Soul stage, and you also have the help of the puppet array. I believe that with your strength, you should be not far from being comparable to a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.
Moreover, given your cultivation speed, you will certainly have a great chance to advance to the late Nascent Soul stage like me in the future. The reason I offered you such a high price is naturally due to this consideration.
I predicted back then that Fellow Daoist Song would successfully form his Nascent Soul, and I still have complete faith in that intuition.
After Xia Mo finished speaking, she looked at Song Qingming again, her eyes revealing a serious expression.
Using 10% of the profits from the "Intercontinental Teleportation Array" to hire an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator is a bad deal for Hundred Flowers Palace.
However, if the other party is a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, then the situation is quite different.
Even though Xia Mo has broken through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, the current strength of the "Hundred Flowers Palace" is still somewhat inferior to that of the "Yunyang Sect".
However, if another late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator were added, the balance of power between the two sides would shift, and the "Hundred Flowers Palace" would have no need to fear the other party.
Xia Mo was willing to offer 10% of the annual revenue from the "Intercontinental Teleportation Array" to Song Qingming for help, clearly because she valued his current combat strength, which was comparable to that of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.
After all, Xia Mo had already seen that Song Qingming had scared off several Nascent Soul experts from the demon race in the Tower of Babel by himself, demonstrating strength far exceeding that of his opponents of the same level.
Moreover, given Song Qingming's current age, there is still a great chance that she will be able to break through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm in the future. If she is right after her gamble, then the Hundred Flowers Palace will not have suffered a loss in this deal.
Seeing the other party's confident expression that he would break through to the late Nascent Soul stage in the future, Song Qingming found it difficult to answer and could only look at the other party calmly.
After a long silence, Song Qingming's expression changed and a smile appeared on his face.
"Since Fellow Daoist Xia has such confidence in me, I cannot let you down. I can agree to this alliance and lend a hand when your sect needs it."
"However, before that, I have a small question, and I hope Fellow Daoist Xia can clear it up for me first, so that we can proceed with our alliance." "Hehe! Since Fellow Daoist Song has agreed, then from now on we are allies. Please feel free to speak your mind; whatever I know, I certainly won't intentionally conceal."
Upon hearing that Song Qingming was willing to agree to the alliance she proposed, Xia Mo's face immediately lit up with joy, and she quickly responded.
"Back in the East Sea, you were certain that I would eventually succeed in forming my Nascent Soul. Was this just a momentary intuition on your part, or was it related to something else?"
Although the bet from back then is long gone, I still have some doubts about it. Could you please give me a truthful answer, Fairy?
"Fellow Daoist, are you referring to the bet from back then...?"
When Song Qingming suddenly asked about the bet they made years ago, Xia Mo's previously happy expression froze instantly. Clearly, she hadn't expected him to want to know this.
"What's wrong, Fairy Xia? Is there something you can't answer?"
Seeing the sudden change in Xia Mo's expression, Song Qingming asked again, somewhat puzzled.
After pondering for a moment, Xia Mo's face finally returned to normal. She sighed softly at Song Qingming, then cupped her hands and replied, "Fellow Daoist Song, I'm sorry about this."
When I believed you would break through to the Nascent Soul stage, it wasn't just because of my intuition, but because I used the secret method of divination to predict your future.
"Through my deductions, I concluded that your Nascent Soul aura far surpassed that of other Golden Core cultivators in the sect, which is why I risked making this bet with you."
"What? Fellow Daoist can even deduce the Nascent Soul aura on a cultivator's body? This Heavenly Secret Technique actually has such supernatural power!"
Could it be that the fairy's belief that I can break through to the late Nascent Soul stage is also a result of your secret deduction?"
Upon hearing Xia Mo's apology, Song Qingming was immediately shocked and looked at her in disbelief.
Back in the "Hundred Flowers Palace" in the East Sea, when Xia Mo, a Nascent Soul cultivator, took the initiative to make a bet with him, Song Qingming only felt a little strange and didn't think much of it.
It wasn't until he successfully formed his Nascent Soul and learned that Xia Mo had cultivated the "Heavenly Secrets Deduction Technique" that he gradually sensed a hint of doubt.
Now, taking this opportunity to confirm the matter with Xia Mo in person, Song Qingming finally had a complete answer to the doubt that had been buried in his heart for many years.
Thinking of Xia Mo's "Heavenly Secrets Deduction Technique," which could actually discern whether a cultivator had any hope of breaking through their realm, Song Qingming felt an even stronger sense of fear towards this secret technique.
Upon hearing Song Qingming's surprised words, Xia Mo's face also showed a hint of surprise, and she quickly shook her head.
“Fellow Daoist Song, you misunderstand. I did indeed deduce your Nascent Soul Qi back then, but that’s all. I’m not here to form an alliance with you for that reason.”
After speaking, Xia Mo paused for a moment before continuing to explain the "Heavenly Secrets Technique" she cultivated to Song Qingming in front of her.
"Fellow Daoist Song, the so-called Heavenly Secrets Techniques, although they can glimpse some heavenly secrets in advance, also have many limitations in using the secret methods of Heavenly Secrets for deduction."
Even though I have achieved some success in this path now, I still cannot break these ironclad rules.
First of all, the Heavenly Secrets Method can only be used to deduce things or people that one is familiar with, and cannot directly deduce the future path and destiny of every cultivator.
Secondly, this secret method is only accurate when used on cultivators of a lower cultivation level than oneself. However, it is difficult to deduce any results when used on cultivators of the same or higher cultivation level.
With my current level of cultivation, the most I can do with Fellow Daoist Song using divination techniques is to see if you will pass by here in the near future; I cannot deduce anything else.
This secret technique can indeed be convenient for us Nascent Soul cultivators at times, but it's not as powerful as you might think.
Moreover, the accuracy of using this secret technique is sometimes hard to say.
When I deduced your Nascent Soul fortune, it was only slightly stronger than others; it didn't mean I could be 100% certain that you could form a Nascent Soul.
For example, this time I only predicted that you would return to Crimson Cloud Mountain, but the timing was wrong quite a bit. Otherwise, I wouldn't have waited here for you for months in vain!
"I see. In that case, your divination techniques are no longer effective against me!"
"Yes! Fellow Daoist Song, rest assured, back when you were still in the Golden Core stage, I could indeed see some of your destiny."
However, your cultivation level is now not far from mine. Even a more powerful divination master would likely not be able to discern anything, unless you encounter a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Hearing Xia Mo's explanation, Song Qingming's expression softened considerably, and he nodded slightly.
What the other party said is probably true; after all, the "Art of Heavenly Secrets" is a secret method that goes against the laws of heaven.
If one could truly see the paths and destinies of fellow cultivators of the same level with ease, then the supernatural power of a cultivator practicing this secret technique would be far too outrageous.
I'm afraid everyone in the cultivation world would be scrambling to learn these secret methods for discerning the secrets of heaven, and "heavenly divination masters" wouldn't be as rare as they are now.
Seeing that Xia Mo was still staring intently at him after explaining, Song Qingming finally smiled and said:
"Fellow Daoist Xia, rest assured. I asked you these questions mainly to resolve a long-standing doubt in my heart, not to pursue the bet from back then."
We've known each other for so many years. Even without that bet, if you ever need my help, I, Song, will do my best.
"Hmm! With Fellow Daoist Song's words, I'm relieved!"
"Fellow Daoist Xia, I would like to ask again, if there are any other people, please help me deduce their Nascent Soul fortune, and see if you can find any opportunities related to the Nascent Soul."
Upon hearing Song Qingming's sudden question, Xia Mo hesitated for a moment, but quickly nodded to him.
"As long as it is someone I know well, I can try to deduce it. However, I can only deduce some things related to their Nascent Soul opportunity, and I cannot accurately tell whether this person has any hope of breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm."
"Fellow Daoist Song, is this question perhaps because of Fellow Daoist Siyuan?"
The only Golden Core cultivators familiar with Xia Mo beside Song Qingming, besides himself and Song Qingyu who had successfully formed her Nascent Soul, were Huang Siyuan and Song Changze.
Song Changze and Liu Yuxin are still far from breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm, so there is no need for them to deduce any Nascent Soul opportunities.
Only Huang Siyuan has remained stuck at the ninth level of the Golden Core realm for so many years.
The only person who could warrant Song Qingming asking this question was his cultivation partner of many years!
Seeing that Xia Mo had seen through his thoughts at a glance, Song Qingming did not try to hide it from her and readily admitted it.
"Siyuan failed to form a Nascent Soul a few years ago, but her injuries have almost healed. I'm thinking of taking her out for a walk sometime in the future to see if I can help her find some opportunities to form a Nascent Soul."
Although the matter of forming a nascent soul is something that we cultivators cannot force, I, Song, still want to do my best to help her fulfill this wish.
If it's convenient for Fellow Daoist Xia, you might as well help us deduce her Nascent Soul formation opportunity. Whether it's accurate or not doesn't matter; consider it my way of wishing her good luck in advance.
"If Siyuan succeeds in forming her nascent soul in the future, I, Song, will never forget your great kindness."
Hearing the hint of helplessness in Song Qingming's voice, Xia Mo paused for a moment before nodding to him immediately.
"Alright! Since you have this request, I will agree to it."
However, I have only recently used a secret method to deduce the spell. It is difficult to guarantee the accuracy of repeated spellcasting in a short period of time, and it is easy to suffer the backlash of the Heavenly Dao. Fellow Daoist, you might as well wait for me for another six months.
When the time comes, I will personally come to Crimson Cloud Mountain to perform divination and spellcasting for you, hoping to offer you some assistance.
"In that case, I'll have to trouble Fellow Daoist Xia!"
Although he knew that Xia Mo's deduction technique was not entirely accurate, Song Qingming was unwilling to miss out on anything that could help Huang Siyuan achieve Nascent Soul formation.
After all, Huang Siyuan has failed to achieve nascent soul formation twice, leaving her with less and less time and opportunity.
Even though Song Qingming had never dared to think about it all these years, he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous about it and wanted to make some preparations in advance.
The method he had just come up with was to take the initiative to ask Xia Mo to deduce her destiny of forming a Nascent Soul.
Regardless of what information Xia Mo deduces next, and whether it will be useful to Huang Siyuan's future Nascent Soul stage, Song Qingming will try to find out.
Seeing that both sides had already discussed the matter, Song Qingming and Xia Mo immediately formed an alliance, promising to lend a helping hand to the "Hundred Flowers Palace" whenever needed.
However, in order to repay Xia Mo for her help in deducing the Nascent Soul opportunity, Song Qingming took the initiative to make some concessions.
He made an agreement with Xia Mo that before his cultivation advanced to the late Nascent Soul stage, he would only need to take away the benefits of Xia Mo's half-finished "teleportation array".
After some initial hesitation, Xia Mo did not refuse the other party's offer, and the two parties quickly signed an alliance agreement.
Having achieved her goal, Xia Mo did not linger and quickly took her leave, returning directly to the cultivation world of the "East Sea".
Song Qingming concealed the empty cave dwelling left behind by the other party before turning around and boarding the flying boat to head towards "Red Cloud Mountain".
Just as they passed through the "mountain-protecting formation" and arrived at the mountaintop, a white figure stepped on a sword and came to greet them. It was Song Shaoyu, who had successfully established his foundation.
Having spent over twenty years on the mountain, Song Shaoyu not only successfully established his foundation, but he also transformed into a refined gentleman. In terms of appearance, he was considerably more handsome than several of Song Qingming's disciples.
"Shaoyu pays respects to the Ancestor!"
"Is your master still in seclusion for cultivation?" (End of Chapter)