Shortly after, Mo Lingwei retreated.

"I wonder how Brother Su is progressing with his attempt to reach the Nascent Soul?" Qin Ming pondered this and immediately called Hua Tianxiong over to inquire.

"Master, Brother Su is now a famous Golden Core Cultivator here in Great Jin. After his last failure, he has spent decades honing his Divine Techniques on the Demonic Battlefield, slaying countless Demonic Cultivators, and two years ago, he once again entered closed-door training."

"Before he retreated, I met with Brother Su once. He said this time he was more confident than before, but breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm is not easy; it will depend on his performance at the crucial moment."

Hua Tianxiong reported truthfully.

Qin Ming nodded slowly, "Brother Su has a resolute mind and exceptional luck; I hope he achieves his goal this time."

Hua Tianxiong suddenly remembered something and said to Qin Ming, "Oh right, Master, Master Nalan Xi from Vast Sea Immortal City recently broke through to the Late-stage Golden Core. She has also sent out invitations to Wangyue Island. I heard you have a good relationship with Master Nalan; are you considering attending?"

"Oh? I didn’t expect Fellow Daoist Nalan to have broken through. I’ve been idle lately, so I might as well go." Qin Ming was slightly surprised.

It seems that the Celestial Demon Tribulation, though a disaster for the Human Realm, also presented some opportunities.

Presumably, Nalan Xi gained something while resisting the Demonic Path. After all, she had been stuck in the Mid-stage Golden Core for over a hundred years.

"What? A feast?" The Heaven-Devouring Rat’s plump face showed a hint of excitement.

These years of farming and cultivating on Wangyue Island had stifled him.

Though Qin Ming, after reaching the Nascent Soul, rarely attended such gatherings, Nalan Xi was one of the few Daoist friends he knew from his early years.

He decided to make an appearance.

A few days later.

Qin Ming took the Heaven-Devouring Rat to the Vast Sea Immortal City. For them now, this distance was covered in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Inside the Vast Sea Immortal City, lanterns were lit, seemingly celebrating Master Vast Sea’s breakthrough.

Before Qin Ming even entered the city, his powerful Divine Thought detected that Wei Wuya, Guu Qingzhao, and Huangfu Qii were all present.

On Vast Sea Peak, everyone was inside Nalan Xi’s Cave Mansion, celebrating, toasting, and conversing.

Suddenly, outside the Immortal City, a Lingxiao Imperial Carriage radiating five-colored light flew in, exuding extraordinary grandeur.

The expressions of all the attending Golden Core Masters changed drastically at this sight.

"Why has Elder Qin come?"

Nalan Xi suddenly felt flattered and surprised.

This was a complete reversal of when she first summoned Qin Ming back in the day...

Her feelings were almost identical to what Qin Ming had felt at that time.

Before anyone present could react, the five-colored glow collected, the imperial carriage was stored away, and Qin Ming appeared before them.

"Welcome, True Monarch Wangyue. Junior apologizes for the lack of greeting from afar!"

"Junior greets the Heaven-Devouring Demon Saint!"

The crowd hurriedly bowed and greeted him.

With a spring breeze on his face, Qin Ming casually waved his hand and said, "Fellow Daoists, no need to be formal. I came to congratulate Fellow Daoist Nalan. It’s been a long time since I’ve gathered with you all."

Nalan Xi, Guu Qingzhao, and others felt a mix of emotions.

Once upon a time, they sat at the same table as Qin Ming, drinking and celebrating as comrades.

Now, he had become someone they could only look up to, the gap widening ever more.

Since Qin Ming had fought Demon Monarch Qishang to a standstill at Wangyue Lake, he had become an unreachable figure in the eyes of many cultivators.

After taking his seat, Qin Ming took out a jade box and handed it to Nalan Xi as a congratulatory gift.

"This is Demon Flame Wine; it can help Fellow Daoist Nalan reach Golden Core Perfection during his next breakthrough."

Hearing Qin Ming’s explanation, Nalan Xi was immediately thrilled and repeatedly expressed thanks.

The others all looked on with extreme envy.

"No need to thank me, Fellow Daoist Nalan. My master has plenty of fine wine. By the way, Fellow Daoist Nalan, has my favorite Spirit Taro Roasted Chicken been prepared?"

With a wave of his sleeve, the Heaven-Devouring Rat mingled with everyone, and various wines and delicacies were continually brought out...

Meanwhile.

In the Blood Realm, Demon Monarch Qishang, accompanied by Xuan Ce of the East Sea Dragon Palace, arrived at a fiery, demonically charged Flame Mountain Range.

"Fellow Daoist Xuan Ce, the Dragon Spine Mountain of the Demon Flood Dragon Race is here."

...