Inside the Lingxiao Imperial Carriage, Qin Ming’s powerful Divine Thought had already discovered the approaching figure.

In mid-air, as the voice fell, a gray-robed figure abruptly appeared before the Lingxiao Imperial Carriage.

As the Escape Light dissipated, Lii Qianjie’s form was revealed.

Qin Ming seemed unperturbed, but Qi Xiaoyu beside him was as if facing a formidable enemy, knowing well that such a notorious person was not easily trifled with.

Qin Ming put away the Lingxiao Imperial Carriage, both standing facing Lii Qianjie in mid-air.

"So it’s Fellow Daoist Lii. May I know why you have blocked our path?"

Lii Qianjie showed a trace of smile on his scarred face, "I am here for the Divine Infant Mushroom. This item is extremely important for me, and I hope Fellow Daoist Qin can grant me this favor."

"I am willing to exchange two Top-Grade Spirit Stones. Is that acceptable?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming furrowed his brows, thinking to himself that this guy must be quite wealthy, daring to offer even Top-Grade Spirit Stones for a single Spirit Plant.

"There’s no need. I fear I cannot agree to this matter."

Seeing Qin Ming unmoved by persuasion, with such a firm attitude.

The smile on Lii Qianjie’s face vanished, replaced by a darkening cloud.

The next moment.

Boom!

His Late-stage Nascent Soul Spiritual Pressure suddenly unleashed, causing the surrounding Spiritual Qi to tremble, winds stirred, and sea waves surged.

In an instant, a fierce aura accumulated from years immersed in the Killing Dao came upon them.

Seeing Qin Ming’s refusal to hand over the Divine Infant Mushroom, he was prepared to take decisive measures.

"Since Fellow Daoist Qin refuses to cooperate, I have no choice but to take it by force."

Lii Qianjie coldly declared, his Divine Thought transformed into a colossal invisible hand, aiming to crush Qin Ming and Qi Xiaoyu.

Qi Xiaoyu suddenly felt an overwhelming pressure descend upon him, his face turning pale.

"Humph! The Outer Sea cultivators indeed act overbearingly, but if you think you can handle me, you’re sorely mistaken." Qin Ming calmly remarked.

Boom!

His Late-stage Nascent Soul Mana Cultivation erupted! Releasing Divine Thought comparable to Nascent Soul Great Perfection, similarly transforming, manifesting into a fist larger than the opponent’s giant hand, punching out at the phantom image of the hand!

In mid-air, an almost suffocating collision of Divine Thoughts occurred, even causing the space to distort...

It was as though a curtain was being torn apart.

A terrifying energy burst spread around, sweeping up a storm of Spiritual Qi.

Amidst the clash of two Late-stage Nascent Soul Great Cultivators, the heavens and earth changed colors!

The entire Celestial Vault dimming and becoming dreary.

Lii Qianjie’s face changed drastically, a painful sensation from his Sea of Consciousness, his released Divine Thought unexpectedly crushed by Qin Ming in an instant.

He showed an uncertain expression, quickly retreating his Divine Thought Power, "Late-stage Nascent Soul?"

After a brief encounter, Lii Qianjie could discern that the other’s Divine Thought far exceeded his, even seeming to have a sense of facing a Nascent Soul Great Perfection Cultivator.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, hold your hand!"

"So you are also a fellow of Late-stage Nascent Soul; forgive my rashness."

Taking a slight loss in their short exchange.

Lii Qianjie felt great apprehension, hastily calling Qin Ming to cease.

"You randomly attacked Qin impulsively; do you believe I have no temper?" Qin Ming retracted his Divine Thought, eyeing the opponent coldly, "I would like to see whether the overseas cultivator’s Divine Techniques are as exaggerated as the rumors suggest."

Upon hearing this, Lii Qianjie’s scarred left side of the face felt a fiery sting, "Fellow Daoist Qin, perhaps look at this before deciding to act."

With that, a white stream of light shot out, landing steadily in front of Qin Ming and Qi Xiaoyu.

Qin Ming did not take it but merely released Divine Thought to glance briefly.

"The whereabouts of the Heart Inquiry Fruit?"

Qi Xiaoyu was utterly bewildered.

"Hehe! How about it?" Lii Qianjie confidently remarked, "Since Fellow Daoist Qin won’t trade the Divine Infant Mushroom, then once the Spirit Plant heals, I only need three drops of Essence Blood."

"I trade the whereabouts of the Heart Inquiry Fruit with you, deal?"

"Since both our intentions are clear, and our cultivation on par, why engage in such a struggle?"

"Additionally, I’ve heard Fellow Daoist Qi seeks the location of Deep Sea Profound Iron and Late-stage Tier Four Flood Dragon Blood. I have detailed information that I can share freely with you two."

Qi Xiaoyu watched in awe, as two Late-stage Nascent Soul Great Cultivators casually clashed, triggering drastic shifts in Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.

Outer Sea cultivators were explosive, resorting to force at any disagreement.

If not for Qin Ming today, if it were anyone else, they would indeed be seized by this individual.

Simultaneously admiring Qin Ming’s formidable cultivation strength.

In the Cultivation Realm, the strong were revered everywhere.

After hearing Lii Qianjie’s words, Qin Ming’s expression softened, unapologetically stating, "In the future, Fellow Daoist Lii better not flaunt Divine Thought Power before me; lest next time, I may not be as restrained as today."

Listening to Qin Ming’s frank threat, Lii Qianjie’s scarred face twitched, forcing a smile, "Absolutely, certainly."

"Fellow Daoist Qin’s methods, I’ve indeed learned them."

He then continued, "Deep Sea Profound Iron lies within the Molten Fire Abyss of the Outer Sea, and as for Late-stage Tier Four Flood Dragon Essence Blood, it’s available at the Outer Sea power’s auction."

"Thus, considering a transaction with Fellow Daoist Lii is not out of the question." Qin Ming pondered briefly, then said.

"Hehe! Indeed, Fellow Daoist Qin acts boldly!" Lii Qianjie, unafraid of Qin Ming reneging, promptly produced an ancient scroll map and tossed it to him, "The specific location of the Heart Inquiry Fruit is marked here."

Opening the scroll, Qin Ming saw an expansive sea and island expanse, a conspicuous spot marked.

"Dark Sea, Dragonbone Reef?"

"Hehe! Precisely, Dragonbone Reef was formed by the ancient demise of Flood Dragons into a vast coral island, but occupied by the Demon Race, with a Tier Five Heart Inquiry Fruit Tree standing there for ages, although not easily obtained."

"Should Fellow Daoist Qin desire, I could collaborate with you to plot this; with our dual methods, obtaining a mere Spirit Fruit would be achievable?"

Qin Ming set aside the map without immediately agreeing, pondering slightly before saying:

"However, the Outer Sea is too distant. If spiritual objects can be gathered in the East Sea, there’s no need to go so far."

"This matter can wait until the two of us return to Celestial Wave Immortal City before deciding."

"Oh ho ho! Fellow Daoist Qin, take your time. I, Lii, am mainly here for the matter of the Divine Infant Mushroom, so I have plenty of time to wait." Lii Qianjie continued with great certainty, "However, both the item Fellow Daoist Qi needs and the Heart Inquiry Fruit are Tier Five spiritual objects, only available in places rich in spiritual qi like the Outer Sea, where resources are abundant. They probably can’t be found within the Five Great Cultivation Realms of the Human Realm."

"Even if they did exist, those Divinity Transformation Sects are unlikely to trade them. Presumably, Fellow Daoist Qin, you are quite aware of this as well."

Qin Ming nodded slightly, acknowledging that Lii Qianjie spoke the truth.

"However, I must remind the two of you, Daoists, that a decision must be made within the next three years at the latest," Lii Qianjie suddenly mentioned.

Qin Ming furrowed his brow and asked, "Why?"

"Because in three years’ time, the Spirit-Devouring Tide between the Outer Sea and the East Sea will begin again, and it will last for hundreds of years. By then, it will be impossible to go to the Outer Sea." Lii Qianjie explained.

Qin Ming nodded slightly, noting this matter.

It seemed that Lii Qianjie held the key to accessing the Outer Sea.

The Outer Sea and the Five Great Cultivation Realms were in a state of isolation, without interaction, known only to those adventurers who dared to tread such paths.

"In that case, in three years, Fellow Daoist Lii may come to Celestial Wave Immortal City to find me."

"It’s a deal."

After some discussion, Qin Ming continued to steer the Lingxiao Imperial Carriage and left the place.

Lii Qianjie’s gaze flickered as he watched Qin Ming leave: "Who would have thought that such a person would emerge in the Cultivation Realm while I’ve been away from the East Sea for hundreds of years. Even I cannot gauge this person’s depth..."

After a long while.

His figure suddenly transformed into countless points of light and disappeared above the East Sea.

...

Celestial Wave Immortal City.

Upon arrival, Qin Ming and his companion paid a visit to Duke Xia Yuan, who arranged two superior cave mansions for them on the Holy Mountain.

The mid-stage Nascent Soul City Lord, Master Longyang, had also fallen within the Primordial Extreme Mountain, resulting in Duke Xia Yuan’s promotion to True City Lord.

After a long absence, Qin Ming exchanged pleasantries with him.

Subsequently.

Qin Ming had Captain Shi Jin of the Black Sail, who had been stationed in Celestial Wave Immortal City, take Qi Xiaoyu to various merchant shops to gather spiritual materials, hoping for some fortune.

If they could gather the needed items in the East Sea, there would be no need to venture to the Outer Sea.

Qin Ming took advantage of this moment of free time.

In the cave mansion atop the Holy Mountain, Qin Ming entered the Little Spirit Realm.

Upon entry, he immediately noticed the Heaven-Devouring Rat and Little Silver Fox watering the Divine Infant Mushroom by the Earth Spirit Spring.

"It’s over, it’s over, Tian Ling’er might be dying!" The Heaven-Devouring Rat was frantically pacing as the watering with the Spirit Spring showed no improvement.

"Brother Mouse, don’t worry, Elder Qin should have a way." The Little Silver Fox fluttered her big watery eyes, comforting him.

Then she cast the Spirit Rain Technique, taught by Qin Ming, to once more nourish the white Lingzhi before them.

Upon seeing Qin Ming enter, the two Golden Boy and Jade Maiden quickly stopped their actions, excitedly saying:

"Master, you’re here, that’s great!"

"Tian Ling’er is about to wilt. Please, take a look!"

Qin Ming nodded and looked at the Divine Infant Mushroom, then his Nascent Soul emerged from atop the Purple Mansion Spirit Platform.

The Nascent Soul, appearing as a young boy, opened a vertical pupil at the center of its brow: it was the Cyan Emperor’s Dharma Eye!

In the next moment.

The Dharma Eye erupted with a burst of cyan light, and instantly, an incredibly rich vitality emanated from it.

The cyan profound light swept over the Divine Infant Mushroom.

In the unknown depths, a vitality of spring from the cycle of the four seasons descended upon the spirit plant like a nourishing rain.

In an instant.

The once feeble Divine Infant Mushroom began to visibly regain its vitality, as if resurrected.

As time passed.

Qin Ming continued to use the Cyan Emperor’s Dharma Eye, with effects surpassing those of the "Regenerative Spirit Seed" entry.

After half a day.

With Qin Ming’s careful treatment, the Divine Infant Mushroom began to exude a dense purple mist, continuously lingering.

The entire spirit plant was revitalized, like a rebirth, sprouting new branches and leaves.

Moreover, under the nurturing and healing of the Cyan Emperor’s Dharma Eye, it seemed to gain additional benefits.

Then.

In the excited gazes of the Heaven-Devouring Rat and Little Silver Fox, an inexplicable aura resonated through heaven and earth.

The spirit plant before them began to transform, taking the form of a young girl, exactly the well-behaved Tian Ling’er from before.

During this time, Tian Ling’er had seemingly become clearly aware of everything going on.

She opened her large, watery eyes and bowed deeply to Qin Ming, saying, "Tian Ling’er is grateful for Elder Qin’s rescue!"

However, she seemed still unable to accept the demise of her master, True Monarch Dragon Wood, and hugged Qin Ming’s pant leg, sobbing softly.

Qin Ming gently patted her head, sighed softly, and comforted her, "The Great Dao is ever-changing, may you find peace and move forward."

"From now on, you shall cultivate by my side."

Tian Ling’er wiped her small face with her hands and obediently nodded, "Tian Ling’er thanks Elder for taking me in."

Afterwards.

Qin Ming let the Heaven-Devouring Rat and Little Silver Fox play with her, to help ease her mind.

With the company of these two, she should be able to recover soon.

Qin Ming then went to sit cross-legged beneath the Lifebound Spirit Plant, the Immortal Vine Tree.

He took out three jade bottles containing the spiritual objects ’Purifying Flame Glaze,’ ’Spiritual Radiance Purifying Essence Water,’ and the Lifebound Essence Blood of the Tier Five Ape Ancestor.

"Now that I have reached late-stage Nascent Soul, I should be able to refine this Tier Five Essence Blood. I wonder how much it will enhance my body refining cultivation in the ’Demon-Monster True Power Technique’?"

...