"Care to elaborate?" Yuan Ming sat up slightly.

"It's a long story. Back then, after I broke through to the Late Stage of Returning Void, I represented the Daluo Sect in a treasure hunt at a Secret Realm in the Central Continent. Sima Changqin meddled in and snatched a treasure from me, not to mention, his Black Demon severely injured me, which left me with this Spirit Root problem!" Nan Shangfeng's eyes were full of resentment.

Yuan Ming looked surprised; Nan Shangfeng's Spirit Root issue was actually due to Sima Changqin.

"What did you just mention about the Black Demon?" He pondered for a moment and asked.

"That's Sima Changqin's personal guard. Every Guardian has their own protective power, and Sima Changqin, who is nicknamed Qin Mo, has his guards call themselves Black Demon," said Nan Shangfeng.

"Do you still remember the Black Demon's appearance and name?" Yuan Ming was secretly pleased and queried further.

He was worried about how to deal with Sima Changqin, and unexpectedly, Nan Shangfeng provided a clue.

"Of course, I know. The man's name is Wu Li, and as for the appearance, it's like this." Nan Shangfeng waved his hand, and a white light screen appeared in front of him, showing a cold-eyed, slender-eyebrowed young man.

Yuan Ming examined the white light screen and committed the man's image to memory.

"Brother Wan made Sima Changqin lose face today, which really pleases me. But Brother Wan must be careful, Sima Changqin may appear gentle and kind like a good person, but he is actually very deep-minded and is not someone easy to deal with, so beware of his later revenge," Nan Shangfeng warned.

Yuan Ming nodded silently and asked more about Sima Changqin.

Nan Shangfeng didn't hold back and shared everything he knew with Yuan Ming until it was entirely dark and then took his leave.

Yuan Ming saw Nan Shangfeng off and looked towards the City Lord Mansion, his gaze penetrating as if through the Cave Mansion's gates.

He then turned and entered the secret chamber, took out the Stealing Heaven Tripod, and possessed Wu Li.

...

Meanwhile, in a pavilion within the City Lord Mansion, Sima Changqin leaned by the window, looking out at the city's scenery, his face calm, devoid of any extra emotion, revealing nothing of his inner thoughts.

The soft sound of qin and flute echoed within the pavilion, coming from a snow-white screen inside the room, embroidered with five maidens.

The five women seemed to come to life, playing flutes and qin on the screen.

On either side of the pavilion's entrance stood a black-armored guard, one of whom was Wu Li.

The other was a middle-aged man with a broad face, lion nose, and mouth, exuding a fierce aura.

"Fellow Daoist Sima, I apologize for keeping you waiting." The door was pushed open, and it was City Lord Jin Mu.

Wu Li and the black-armored middle-aged man reached out to block Jin Mu, their eyes cold.

"It's no trouble. There are many guests today, and as the host, you must be very busy. Besides, I intended to rest for a while, so how could I mind waiting?" Sima Changqin turned around, waved his hand, and spoke.

Wu Li and the black-armored middle-aged man returned to their positions, allowing Jin Mu to enter.

The five women on the white screen rose together, saluted Jin Mu, and continued playing qin and flute.

"Fellow Daoist Sima, you're too kind." Jin Mu wasn't angered by Wu Li's actions, instead, he glanced at the white screen again, his smile widening.

Sima Changqin and Jin Mu took seats by the table, and Wu Li brewed two cups of Spiritual Tea for them, then returned to stand by the door.

At that moment, a fluctuation arose from the depths of Wu Li's Divine Soul, and an invisible apparition appeared—it was Yuan Ming possessing him.

To deal with Sima Changqin, the first step was naturally to gather his intelligence; what Nan Shangfeng provided was far from enough.

Yuan Ming examined the pavilion's situation and noticed Sima Changqin and Jin Mu seemed to be discussing important matters, a quiet happiness rising in his heart.

This possession of Wu Li was merely to probe the situation, yet he found himself unexpectedly fortunate.

Just then, Jin Mu's voice came: "I wonder if Fellow Daoist Sima has brought any instructions from the Ancestor this time?"

"Recently, the Demon World has been frequently reinforcing the area around the Returning Ruins, and the Three Realms Sect has been quite active as well. The Ancestor and several other Mahayana seniors are handling it; he only instructed me to resolve the Heavenly Fire matter as quickly as possible and return promptly," said Sima Changqin.

"Wasn't there a battle at the Returning Ruins not long ago, and the Demon World suffered heavy losses? It's hardly been any time; they're moving again?" Jin Mu's expression changed slightly.

"The Demon World has never abandoned its intent to destroy the Chuyun Realm; it's no surprise they might attack at any moment. However, according to the information I've gathered, it's because the Six Demon Lords have reappeared and are already at the Returning Ruins, prompting the Demon World to prepare for another offensive." Sima Changqin chuckled and replied.

Yuan Ming was observing the pavilion, especially focusing on the white screen when he heard the name Six Demon Lords—his expression shifted, paying closer attention to Sima Changqin and Jin Mu.

"The Six Demon Lords! Wasn't it said that he perished along with Senior Xia Jie? The Ancestor personally told me that their Divine Soul Lamps at Bright Moon Palace have already extinguished." Jin Mu couldn't control his expression and stood up suddenly.

"The Divine Soul Lamp isn't absolutely foolproof. As far as I know, there are several ways to circumvent it, let alone the Six Demon Lords and Senior Xia Jie," Sima Changqin replied at a leisurely pace.

"So you actually believe the Six Demon Lords have truly returned?" Jin Mu asked.

"Naturally, the Six Demon Lords' Tao Divine Ability is the Six Paths of Reincarnation, controlling the Power of Reincarnation. He was never easy to kill, and for him to still be alive isn't surprising at all," said Sima Changqin.

"If the Six Demon Lords have truly returned, that's quite troubling. His Six Paths of Reincarnation is a force even Ancestor Bing Lan might not withstand. Had Senior Xia Jie not comprehended the 'Great Wish of All Living Beings,' the last great domain war could have put the Chuyun Realm in danger," Jin Mu stated as he calmed down and sighed.

"The Six Demon Lords aren't dead, nor is Senior Xia Jie; City Lord Jin Mu has little to fear," Sima Changqin paused for a moment, then suddenly laughed.

"What! Senior Xia Jie is also alive?" Jin Mu was astonished once again.

"This is just my speculation. Senior Jin Mu, please don't spread it around." Sima Changqin waved his hand and said.

"Of course, Fellow Daoist Sima, rest assured." Jin Mu straightened his expression.

Yuan Ming's eyes flickered. Sima Changqin seemed to know about Xia Jie's situation. Could it be that he came to the Central Continent?

Moreover, both Sima Changqin and Jin Mu referred to Xia Jie as Senior, could it be that Xia Jie is a Mahayana cultivator?

"Well, these matters are not for you and me to decide. When the time comes, we'll act according to orders." Sima Changqin laughed heartily.

"That's true, we should focus on the tasks at hand first. Regarding the Heavenly Fire, how should we proceed, please enlighten us, Fellow Daoist Sima." Jin Mu asked with a smile after.

"We still need to locate the Heavenly Fire first, and only then discuss other matters. Now, the Ten Thousand Demon Country is watching covetously. We certainly don't have enough manpower. It's best to mobilize the scattered cultivators in the city, let them do the hardest work, and we'll conserve our strength to deal with any potential dangers." Sima Changqin meticulously explained his thoughts.

"I was thinking the same thing." Jin Mu nodded repeatedly.

The two then delved into a detailed discussion of the plan, spending quite some time before finalizing everything.

Yuan Ming listened intently to their conversation, feeling that this trip was worthwhile.

The time for possession was almost up. He quietly waited for his consciousness to return to his body.

"Alright, I will arrange for people to spread the word. Fellow Daoist, you may rest first, and preparations can be made at the latest within three days." Jin Mu said as he stood up.

"Wait, City Lord, there's one more thing I forgot to inquire about. Today, when we met that Fellow Daoist Wan, do you know his background?" At this moment, Sima Changqin suddenly asked.

Yuan Ming's heart stirred as he looked at Sima Changqin.

"Him? I don't have much information at the moment. I only know that he was brought by Nan Shangfeng of the Daluo Sect and is a loose cultivator. The rest needs to be investigated." Jin Mu showed a troubled expression.

"Then I'll trouble the City Lord." Sima Changqin nodded.

After Jin Mu agreed, he left in a hurry, leaving Sima Changqin alone in the room, slowly sipping his tea.

The mist from the tea rose steadily, and when the cup was raised, it even obscured Sima Changqin's face.

In that haze, only his eyes slightly gleamed, resembling the moonlight and stars reflected in water, enigmatic and elusive.

At this moment, Yuan Ming's possession ended, and he returned to his body.

Sima Changqin indeed started targeting him, but his identity was fake, so he wasn't afraid of Sima Changqin and Jin Mu's investigation.

Yuan Ming pondered, considering his next move.

The next day, in the morning.

Yuan Ming was still calmly cultivating in his room when he suddenly heard Nan Shangfeng's voice coming from outside.

"Fellow Daoist Wan, come out quickly, there's big news!" he said loudly.

"What now?" Yuan Ming said helplessly, getting up to open the door and allowing him inside.

"I just received news that after discussion, Jin Mu and my master decided to select people from the city, organize a large team, and head to the Fire Rock Desert to find the Heavenly Fire," Nan Shangfeng said excitedly.

"Oh? They're not planning to use their own people? Aren't they afraid the Heavenly Fire will be obtained by others?" Yuan Ming had already known Sima Changqin's plan but still showed a look of surprise on the surface.

"Usually, they would first use their own people, but the Heavenly Fire appeared suddenly, and the Ten Thousand Demon Country is eyeing it greedily. Waiting for more people to arrive might be too late. Moreover, they are offering rich rewards this time. Anyone participating can receive treasures matching their cultivation as a reward, and if someone finds the Heavenly Fire, they can even have a wish granted by all the Dharma Manifestations," Nan Shangfeng explained.

"With such generous conditions, what are the requirements for participation?" Yuan Ming showed a thoughtful expression.

"There are no requirements, regardless of cultivation level, as long as one is not from the Demon Clan or Demon Country, anyone can sign up," Nan Shangfeng replied immediately.

"…It seems they want to gather more cannon fodder to pave the way for them." Yuan Ming said slowly.

"Though that may be true, as they say, wealth is sought in danger. Just participating guarantees a reward, and the Heavenly Fire is a great opportunity, surely many will be enticed," Nan Shangfeng retorted.

"You probably don't lack these things, so why are you so eager to tell me about it?" Yuan Ming looked at Nan Shangfeng.

"Well... it's for your sake, Fellow Daoist Wan. I thought you seemed quite interested in the Heavenly Fire, so..." Nan Shangfeng's eyes shifted, forcing a smile as he spoke.

"Nice words, but I bet it's because your master is forcing you to go, so you're trying to drag me along as cover." Yuan Ming bluntly exposed his intentions.

Nan Shangfeng chuckled awkwardly, tacitly acknowledging.

However, Yuan Ming wasn't inclined to take issue with it. Nan Shangfeng was right. He did have some thoughts about the Heavenly Fire. Now, being able to search for it openly aligned with his intentions.

"I suppose I can go. Wait a moment, I have some matters to attend to. After I'm done, I'll go with you to sign up." Yuan Ming thought for a moment and said.

"Good, then I'll go persuade Fellow Daoist Wu to join us as well." Nan Shangfeng nodded repeatedly and then turned to walk towards Wulu's room.

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