Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Steward Xu Sheng hadn’t been himself recently. He rarely went out on patrol and delegated duties of interrogating prisoners. He would lock himself in his room for entire days, and when he occasionally came out he would seem to be in a trance. Many faintly guessed that perhaps this person who was normally cold, indifferent, and didn’t care about women had suddenly started to have a revival of his springtime. Could the lord steward be lovesick? But no one had heard of him coming into contact with any girls these past days. Just who was the young lady?

His bewildered subordinates were full of random guesses. Of course, none of them imagined that their guesses weren’t even close to the truth. He wasn’t lovesick. Rather, he was thinking about something even more important. For instance, his future. For instance, his heart that had already accepted its fate.

During the gambling fight of Heavenwait Temple, if one earnestly calculated things, Xu Sheng should have been the most nervous person. Besides Qin Yu, he was the one who had profited the most from the Black Demon Sect cultivators who joined in the betting ring.

At first, when he learned that Jiang Taishou had mentioned the gambling fight, Xu Sheng had been frightened into a cold sweat. He thought that this surname Ning was finished and he would be buried along with him. Jiang Taishou might not have stirred many waves within the sect, but he was known for his cruelty and mercilessness. This was something that all veterans of the Black Demon Sect acknowledged.

After a bout of despair, after a spell of hate, Xu Sheng fired himself up and threw his entire fortune into the betting ring, gambling that this surname Ning would win.

This was his only choice. Otherwise if this surname Ning was eliminated, he would be buried with him. What would be the point of leaving behind so many spirit stones? But the result was…he had won!

Standing in the great square outside Heavenwait Temple, Xu Sheng could never forget that surname Ning reviving from death and finally turning the entire game around. He had sobbed tears of joy.

Only someone who was at death’s door and managed to survive could understand how precious life was.

After receiving the spirit stones from the betting ring, Xu Sheng was only happy for several days. Then, he decided to ponder how he wanted to live out the rest of his days.

He originally thought that after being subdued and controlled by this dark star from the Giant Monster Sect, even if he managed to preserve his life he would still fall into an eternal dusk without light. But, he never imagined that he would actually be hugging such an incomparably thick thigh!

Tuba and Tutou, those two barbarians had strength comparable to a Blue Sea. And what was even more crucial was that Xu Sheng was well aware of Qin Yu’s details and history. Just where had those two barbarians come from?

This surname Ning was covered with layers of secrets. Although secrets sometimes represented dangers, they could also sometimes represent good fortune. At the very least, he now knew that this surname Ning’s alchemy skills beat Jiang Taishou’s. Although he didn’t know what his cultivation was, but if he could subdue two barbarians that were similar to a Blue Sea in strength, how could this person be weak? If he had the chance to thoroughly hold onto this thigh, there was a chance he could rise to the peak of his life and break through the shackles of his destiny.

When Xu Sheng thought of this, he would always be extremely excited. After careful consideration, he decided to bet his future on Qin Yu! But, what left Xu Sheng depressed was that after the gambling fight of Heavenwait Temple, this surname Ning had gone into seclusion without leaving and hadn’t even called him in for a meeting. Thinking about it further, this was about right. After all, Xu Sheng was just a chess piece that was casually picked up. This surname Ning likely never considered how else to use him.

This caused Xu Sheng, who had been thinking of attaching himself to Qin Yu, to suffer great mental stress. He racked his mind until it hurt but he still couldn’t figure out how to approach Qin Yu. Just as Xu Sheng was worried, he heard a knock on the door. His complexion darkened and he coldly said, “Come in!”

A subordinate came in with an uneasy look. Even an idiot could see that the steward was in a bad mood. But since he had been ordered, he didn’t dare to delay any further. He braced himself and said, “Steward, Grandmaster Yao sent someone over. They said they had something to tell you…”

“What did you say!?” Xu Sheng stood up.

His body trembling, the subordinate cried out, “Grandmaster Yao sent someone over.”

“Hahahaha! Good, too good!” He reached out a hand and slapped the subordinate’s shoulder. “You did well, you have a bright future!”

After finishing speaking he nearly ran out, leaving the completely dumbfounded subordinate behind. Since when had the steward become subject to such swiftly changing moods?

At the entrance of his dwelling, Xu Sheng looked at the person who arrived. He frowned and said, “Aren’t you Jiang Taishou’s disciple? How come you came here looking for me?”

“Steward Xu, please do not misunderstand. I have been taken in by Grandmaster Yao as one of his followers. Today, the grandmaster assigned me the duty of coming here to request Steward Xu deliver some criminals for experiments.”

Xu Sheng’s heart leapt in his chest. He maintained his composure and said, “So that’s how it is. Brother has become one of Grandmaster Yao’s followers. That is truly enviable. Please wait a moment, I will immediately go to the dungeon and make preparations.”

Walking toward the dungeon, Xu Sheng’s thoughts raced. This surname Ning had replaced that surname Yao, so he simply didn’t need any criminals for experiments. Moreover, if he did need them, he wouldn’t do something so troublesome as sending someone here and directly informing him. If he simply sent a message, did he fear someone would refuse him?

There had to be another matter happening here, and it definitely wasn’t something small. Otherwise, that surname Ning wouldn’t be so careful. If that surname Ning thought about using him in this situation, could it be that he was actually highly regarded?

Xu Sheng’s spirits were lifted. He rushed forward like a tiger. This was a good chance to handle something beautifully and obtain the approval of that surname Ning.

An hour later, Xu Sheng led several criminals to Grandmaster Yao’s residence. As he recalled the chief steward’s dark and gloomy expression, Xu Sheng coldly sneered. Initially, the chief steward had forced him to deliver criminals here but now he was desperately trying to claw back that assignment so he could be on better terms with Grandmaster Yao…humph, all he said was that the grandmaster had personally assigned him to deliver criminals and that old fool almost choked on his words. Just recalling that scene left him hopping with joy.

As long as he could truly become one of the grandmaster’s people, there were sure to be more of these happy opportunities in the future. Xu Sheng took a deep breath. He absolutely could not miss out on this opportunity!

After passing a message and sending off the criminals, Xu Sheng really did obtain a chance to see Grandmaster Yao.

He quickly entered the main hall and then fell to his knees, displaying his supreme reverence and respect. “Subordinate greets master. I congratulate master for winning the gambling fight and becoming the number one alchemist!”

Qin Yu had a light expression. “Rise. The reason I called you here today is because there is something I need you to do. Take this jade slip outside the Black Demon Sect and crumble it. Remember, I don’t wish for a second person to know about this.”

Xu Sheng cupped his hands together. “This subordinate understands.” He received the jade slip with both hands and carefully put it away. “Does master have any other orders?”

“Just this. Now go.”

Xu Sheng bowed once more and withdrew several steps before turning and leaving.

The task that this surname Ning had given him was beyond his expectations. To just bring this jade slip outside the sect and crumble it? That was enough? This was much simpler than he expected. But, it was also likely that there was some massive peril hidden within it.

Just who was this surname Ning? He was a remnant from the Giant Monster Sect, someone who had a blood feud with the Black Demon Sect. Once he crumbled this jade slip, it might mean a storm of blood and death would come raining down.

But he had to do it…

Xu Sheng clenched his teeth. He wasn’t some saint that would sacrifice himself to save others. Moreover, there weren’t many people he had attachments to in the Black Demon Sect.

At the most, if a disaster truly occurred, he would find some way to preserve his most trusted subordinates.

“Bah! Xu Sheng you idiot, this is your best chance to survive! Once you handle this matter well, that surname Ning will definitely acknowledge you!”

Shua –

After a moment of hesitation, Xu Sheng’s speed exploded and he soon arrived at the entrance of the sect. As one of the stewards of the dungeon, he was responsible for handling criminals from inside and outside the sect, as well as torturing them for information. He possessed considerable authority and was someone that no one wished to offend.

After all, no one knew whether or not there would be a day when they would fall into the dungeon. Even if they were fine, there was always a chance that their relatives or friends might be thrown in one day, right?

“Steward Xu, where do you plan on going?” A Black Demon Sect cultivator greeted with a smile.

Xu Sheng awkwardly laughed. “Brother must know that staying too long in a place like the dungeon is far too oppressing for the mind. I haven’t been feeling too good recently so I decided to go out and vent a little, getting rid of the blood that’s been rushing to my head.”

“Haha, I understand, I understand. Steward Xu is responsible for interrogating criminals for the sect; that must be exhausting.” The cultivator lowered his voice, “I know a good place that Steward Xu will surely be satisfied with.”

The two people whispered to each other and laughed at the same time, a look of mutual understanding on their faces.

Xu Sheng cupped his hands together and bowed. “Fellow brothers, I will be headed out first. If there is a chance in the future, I will come back to have a drink with all my brothers.”

He casually left the sect entrance and flew to a place where no one was. Xu Sheng took out a jade slip and then crushed it in his hands. After completing this matter, he let out a long breath and the last bits of worry in his heart dissipated along with it. In any case, he had already done what needed to be done. As for the consequences, he would just go with the flow!

But soon, after a moment of hesitation, Xu Sheng lifted his head and soared directly towards that cave of ecstasy he was informed of just now. Since he was putting on an act, he might as well act it out until the end.

And it just so happened that the pressure on him had been far too great, so great that his mind was all mixed up. He would take this opportunity to cheer himself up.

Hehe, you little seductresses, your great lord Xu is coming!

In the main hall, Qin Yu opened his eyes, a happy look on his face.

Xu Sheng was a considerably intelligent person. Just seeing the jade slip must have made him come up with all sorts of possibilities. But even if he was afraid of those possibilities, he still honestly completed his task. He could be considered a somewhat worthy person.

As for the jade slip, that was mostly just a test. Even if Xu Sheng had different thoughts, nothing would be revealed.

But it was best if things proceeded smoothly. Tuba should have received the message by now to avoid purchasing the same four types of high level monster beast blood and souls that he had received.

Once he collected six more kinds, that would be enough to cultivate the first stage for the Purpleback Bluewing Ants.

As for why he had Xu Sheng waste so much time and effort to leave the Black Demon Sect and do that, it was to make provision against any possibilities.

The Monster Raising Mystic Art was far too important. He had to be extra cautious and then add another layer upon that.

Qin Yu didn’t dare to guarantee that his previous explanations had dispelled the Black Demon Sect’s worries toward him in exchanging for high level monster beast blood and souls.

It wasn’t wrong to be careful!

…

The Chief Elder didn’t appear too old. Even if his temples were a little white and he had some wrinkles in the corners of his eyes, this still couldn’t cover up his elegant demeanor. During his youth, he must have been an astoundingly handsome young man. At this time he was drinking tea. He lightly said, “How goes the monitoring?”

Below, a purple-robed cultivator knelt to the ground. He respectfully said, “Reporting to the Chief Elder, we have intercepted all messages transmitted through the sect at this time. Although there are many mentions of the Monster Raising Mystic Art, there has been nothing suspicious. You reminded us to closely monitor several regions, but while there were some anomalies, after further investigation we found that they weren’t related to the Monster Raising Mystic Art.”

The Chief Elder had a thoughtful look. “And Yao Bin’s residence?”

The purple-robed cultivator said, “After Grandmaster Yao exchanged for the high level monster beast blood and souls, he went into seclusion. Besides summoning the dungeon’s Xu Sheng to deliver some criminals for experimentation, he hasn’t contacted anyone else. I have been monitoring Xu Sheng. That person seems normal, without anything unusual about him.”

He stopped for a moment and then continued, “Because Chief Elder told me to pay extra attention, I found a way to obtain some trash from Grandmaster Yao’s alchemy room. Within this trash that was supposed to be incinerated, I found several waste pills. After inspecting them, I found that they contained the four kinds of high level monster beast blood and souls that Grandmaster Yao exchanged for.”

The Chief Elder furrowed his eyebrows together. “I understand. You can go on with your duties. Remember, you must not become lax in monitoring. As long as you discover anything strange, instantly report back to me.”

“Yes, chief.” The Black Demon Sect cultivator bowed and left.

The Chief Elder put down his teacup. He paced back and forth several times, muttering to himself, “Yao Bin…I don’t know why, but I always feel there is something wrong with you…”

Soon, half a year passed.

Grandmaster Yao continued to purchase spirit plant materials. Not only did he pay a high price but the pills he paid them back with were all of an excellent quality. This caused everyone in the Black Demon Sect to be full of praise. Several times, Elder level masters from the sect came to visit Grandmaster Yao. Although it was unknown what pills they specifically asked him to refine, looking at the way they praised and treated him, it was easy to guess the result.

These days, the alchemy grandmaster Yao Bin could be said to have an illustrious reputation in the Black Demon Sect!

On this day, a travel-worn, yellow-faced, and sturdy-looking cultivator arrived at the entrance of the Black Demon Sect. He took out a token for inspection.

“Grandmaster Yao’s token!”

The several guards suddenly smiled. After a few questions they simply let him pass. This cultivator entered the Black Demon Sect and after leaving the line of sight of those people, smiled happily. It seemed that His Highness hadn’t encountered any trouble during this period of time and his status had become even higher.

This person was Tuba, who had been out for half a year on a mission of purchasing high level monster beast souls and blood.

Moments later, Tuba arrived in front of Qin Yu. His bones cracked and he grew back to his original height and appearance. As he did, an invisible energy and ferocious aura swept out through every corner of the main hall. An excited Tutou was stunned for a moment before he said with a strained voice, “Tuba, you broke through!”

Because of the mysterious purple moon hanging above his soul, Qin Yu had an extremely sharp divine sense. He could feel the terrifying blood energy fluctuations emanating from Tuba’s body. Compared to how he was before, he was at least several times more powerful. If he erupted with all of his strength, he could even shake back a Revered Blue Sea master!

“Tuba greets Your Highness!” Tuba fell to his knees and lowered his head.

Qin Yu smiled happily. “Tuba, congratulations!” He was indeed happy. He knew that once Tuba and Tutou left the Infinite Realm and weren’t suppressed anymore, they would grow at an astonishing rate. But, Tuba’s drastic growth even surprised him.

Although the titan tribe only cultivated the mortal body, it was because of this one-minded direction that they were even more terrifying. Even his Undying True Demon Body might not be able to compare to Tuba anymore!

Tutou anxiously asked, “Tuba, how did you make a breakthrough? Tell me!”

He had also been stuck at a bottleneck for many years. After seeing his fellow tribesman make a breakthrough, how could he not be anxious?

Tuba was silent for a moment. He said, “I fought with others and experienced life or death perils. Being placed in desperate situations stimulated my potential, allowing me to take this next step. So, Tutou, I cannot help you with anything.”

Tutou had a disappointed expression but his eyes were actually filled with admiration. “Tuba, you were able to make a breakthrough while being suppressed by your enemies, and knowing you, your enemies must have been dreadful. It would already have been difficult for you to survive. If it were me, I would have died.”

Tuba smiled. He didn’t say anything, though he knew Tutou was right.  

Qin Yu sincerely said, “Tuba, you have worked hard this last half year. I cannot guarantee you anything, but as long as I am able to, I will definitely save your tribe!”

Tuba was overjoyed. Crash! Crash! His head banged against the floor. “Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you, Your Highness!”

Tutou also fell to his knees in happiness.

“That’s enough. Stand up.” Qin Yu’s face turned serious. “Tuba, where are the souls and blood?”

Tuba suppressed his excitement and took out a storage ring from his chest. “Your Highness, these six kinds of high level monster beast souls and blood cost a total of 194 million spirit stones. They are in here.”

Qin Yu received the ring and searched it with his divine sense. Several breaths of time later he nodded in satisfaction and said, “Very good, these souls and blood completely meet the requirements.” He stood up. “I will immediately go into seclusion. You guard the hall; do not allow anyone to disturb me!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Qin Yu entered the training chamber and opened up every array formation. Thinking about it, he took out Ninth Province and had it isolate the outside aura. The Monster Raising Mystic Art was mysterious and formidable. During the process of cultivating the Purpleback Bluewing Ants, there was a chance he would summon the undying remnant soul of the ancestral monster from between the heavens and earth and stir up a storm as a result. It was always best to remain careful.

He clapped his hands and took out the imperial spirit bag. With a thought, the bag opened. Led by the ant king, a troop of Purpleback Bluewing Ants appeared. Their dense numbers were like black clouds. After swallowing up the cultivating pills, their auras were clearly more formidable!