Longevity: Start by refreshing your entries through farming.

Chapter 866 The Method of Returning
The great battle at the Golden Turtle Water Palace is about to break out.

Qin Ming immediately summoned Fairy Lan Bing to hurry on their way. The enormous Ice Crystal Nether Sparrow tore through the void and landed above the battlefield in no time.

Just as the powerful demons were engaged in a fierce battle, a violent fluctuation came from the void, carrying with it a vast spatial power.

Sensing the commotion, the one-eyed owl of the Night Owl Clan immediately looked up.

Suddenly, a long, long rift opened in the void, and out flew a magnificent ice crystal bird, upon which stood a burly giant with silver-white fur.

The moment Qin Ming appeared, his powerful aura overwhelmed all the demons present. The bloodline pressure of the ancient true spirit spread out, causing the demons to tremble involuntarily.

"It's the White Ape Demon General himself who has arrived!"

Emperor Chen Saint Son deflected the attack of the Devouring Sky Rat, transformed into a black giant owl, and fled into the distance. His gaze toward Qin Ming was filled with extreme fear.

He was very clear about the strength of the White Ape Ancestor. Someone who could kill Ao Yu Demon General was no ordinary person.
The moment One-Eyed Owl saw the white ape appear, his expression became extremely solemn, and he pondered for only a couple of breaths.

He transformed into a giant one-eyed black owl, spread his wings, and fled into the distance, showing no intention of engaging Qin Ming in direct combat.

Although One-Eyed Owl boasts that he is rarely matched below the Fusion Stage, he only managed a draw against Xuan Shui Crocodile just now. If White Ape Demon General joins the battle...

The situation on our side will definitely become one-sided.

Therefore, he was an extremely decisive person. Without lingering for a moment, he directly ordered the army of the Holy Feather Demon Kingdom to retreat.

Seeing this, the Devouring Rat wanted to chase after him with its black steel fork, but it found that the Holy Son of Emperor Dust activated a seventh-order talisman, which produced a large number of blood-red runes that enveloped his entire body, and he disappeared into thin air.

It was impossible to detect even the slightest trace of its aura, presumably because it had been transmitted to an extremely distant place.

"Hehe! This is a seventh-tier Blood Flame Annihilation Talisman. Even a cultivator in the early stage of the Integration Realm might not be able to catch up with it." Gu Chang'an, who was beneath it, laughed knowingly.

Upon hearing that it was a seventh-tier escape technique talisman, the Devouring Sky Rat immediately wilted.

But when it saw Qin Ming arrive, its aura instantly surged, and it deliberately raised its voice and roared a few times into the air.

"Wow! You're really fast!"

"You mere demon prince, come back and fight me for another three hundred rounds, and I'll show you my power!"

In any case, when it comes to imposing presence, I absolutely cannot be outdone by the Xuan Shui Crocodile in front of my master.

It said this, but seeing that Qin Ming and the Xuan Shui Crocodile did not seem to be chasing after them, it did not move its body at all.

Half an hour passed.

The Devouring Rat then put away its steel fork and walked over, asking Qin Ming suspiciously:

"Lord Demon General, aren't we going to give chase?"

Qin Ming glanced at it and said, "Don't you know the saying 'don't pursue a desperate enemy'? Besides, if we keep chasing them, we'll be entering the territory of the Holy Feather Demon Kingdom."

"Go and capture those remnants of the Golden Turtle Clan and interrogate them."

"Yes! Your humble servant obeys!" Upon hearing this, the Devouring Rat realized what was happening and immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute.

Then, with a swift and powerful movement, he captured the Golden Turtle Clan Chief and several demons.

Seeing that the matter was settled, Qin Ming immediately headed home.

However, he saw that the one-eyed owl of the Night Owl Clan was indeed quite remarkable, as he was able to fight the Xuan Shui Crocodile, who had grown to its current level, to a standstill.

This is enough to demonstrate its formidable strength.

In addition, he was also quite curious about the Night Owl Clan's covetousness of the Golden Turtle Water Palace.

Under normal circumstances, a figure like Emperor Chen, the Holy Son, would not personally engage in plotting a rebellion.

There must be a sufficiently large benefit for One-Eyed Owl and Emperor Dust Saint Son to personally take action.

Xuan Shui Crocodile also put away his black wolf-tooth club. His gaze fell on the club itself. After Qin Ming refined it with the soul bone of the Crying Soul Rhinoceros, the power of this treasure had increased several times.

This is why he was able to hold his own in today's contest with One-Eyed Owl.

Not long after.

The Devouring Rat ordered his men to capture the three members of the Golden Turtle Clan. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, even the Holy Son of the Night Owl Clan fled upon seeing the White Ape Demon General.

They immediately gave up struggling, and two of their clansmen, fearing they could not withstand the torment of the soul search, needed to end their own lives immediately.

However, they were forcibly immobilized by the binding power emitted by the Devouring Sky Rat.

"Hmph! You three, if you tell me the truth, you can avoid some physical pain!"

The Devouring Rat immediately captured the three demons and took them back for interrogation.

After half a day had passed.

White Ape Island.

After hearing the results of the torture and soul search, Qin Ming showed a rather surprised expression.

"Are you saying that the Holy Feather Demon Kingdom's recent large-scale military campaign, even going so far as to instigate the Golden Turtle Clan, is part of a grand scheme, and they are already preparing to launch a war against the Myriad Ze Demon Kingdom?"

The Devouring Rat nodded and replied, "That's right, Master. The Golden Turtle Water Palace is located in a very dangerous area. The Holy Feather Demon Kingdom wants to take control of this region in one fell swoop. They want to send their army through here secretly, then take over the four major water palaces, including our Thunder Swamp Water Palace, and launch a full-scale invasion of the Myriad Swamp Demon Kingdom."

"So it turns out the demon race isn't a monolithic entity after all. This is how it is in the spirit realm of the demon race; they start fighting amongst themselves first," Qin Ming said casually, stroking his chin.

"Alright, organize this important intelligence. I estimate I'll have to make a trip to the capital myself to meet the Demon Emperor."

"You did a good job. I'll give you a major commendation. Now, tell me, what reward do you want?"

Upon hearing this, the Devouring Rat beamed with joy, its entire body trembling. Wasn't this exactly what it had fought and died for?

It rubbed its little hands together, looking expectant, and said, "Ahem! Master, you've upgraded the second brother's natal spirit treasure, so shouldn't my 'Immortal-Slaying Halberd' also be upgraded?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming reached out and patted its head, saying, "Your black steel fork is already a sixth-tier spiritual treasure. It's perfect for you right now. If you were to upgrade it any further, you wouldn't be able to wield it properly."

“The Xuan Shui Crocodile is different from you. His black wolf-tooth club is extremely compatible with the power of his physical body and can guide and unleash the power of his bloodline lightning, thus enabling him to break through the shackles of rank.”

"How about this, next time the Mystic Spirit Immortal Peach ripens, I promise you an extra one to take as your share. Are you satisfied?"

Upon hearing about food, the Devouring Rat immediately stopped moving and nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice: "Thank you for the gift, Master!"

A few days later.

Qin Ming took the intelligence he had gathered and personally went to the capital of the Wanze Demon Kingdom to report to the Bai Ze Demon Emperor.

After all, this was the first mission assigned to me by the other party, and I can say that I exceeded expectations.

When he arrived at the main hall, he ran into an old acquaintance, none other than the Crimson Scale Demon General who had visited him before.

The Crimson Scale Demon General, dressed as a red-robed boy, had just come out of the main hall when the two met face to face.

"Huh? It's Brother White Ape. You've already completed the mission of quelling the border rebellion so quickly?"

Keep in mind that less than half a month has passed. Upon seeing him, Qin Ming immediately told him about the situation: "That's right, it was just the annihilation of a small tribe, so it went relatively smoothly."

"But later it got involved in some secrets of the Holy Feather Demon Kingdom, so I made a trip in person to report the matter to the Demon Emperor."

This concerned the neighboring Holy Feather Demon Kingdom, and upon hearing this, the Crimson Scale Demon General was extremely surprised:
"Although I've heard that the Golden Turtle Clan is colluding with external forces, I didn't expect the situation to be this serious. Brother White Ape, would you mind telling me a little about it?"

Qin Ming immediately said, "I wouldn't easily say this to others, but since it's Brother Chi Lin, it's naturally no problem."

He then briefly explained the situation to the other party.

Chi Linzi was also greatly shocked when he heard that war was about to break out.

His face showed a mixture of emotions, and he immediately said, "I didn't expect the Night Owl Clan to actually dare to do such a thing. This matter is probably related to the situation in the Spirit Realm."

"Oh? Brother Chi Lin, what makes you say that?" Qin Ming asked, having heard about the demon race in the Spirit Realm.

I never expected that this old guy would have information about the spirit world.

Seeing that Qin Ming was being honest with him, the Crimson Scale Demon General did not hide anything from him.

"It's like this, Brother White Ape, you probably don't know this, but within our demon race's territory in the Spirit Realm, the Night Owl Clan's Emperor Hao, the Demon Emperor, is personally overseeing it."

"Emperor Hao, the Demon Emperor, is a proponent of war. However, in recent years, the demon race in the Spirit Realm has gradually lost power in the struggle between humans, demons, and monsters. In addition, they suffered heavy losses due to the insect plague, which eventually led to the loss of the Tianji Mountain Range, which fell into the hands of the human race."

"The upper echelons of the ancient demon realm have decided to reinstate Emperor Hao, the Demon Emperor, in the spirit realm, preparing to allow our Wanze Demon Kingdom to take over."

"This is almost certainly true. A hundred years from now, when the boundary between the Ancient Demon Realm and the Spirit Realm intersects again, our next batch of clansmen can descend to the Spirit Realm through the interdimensional passage of the 'Little Cang Realm'."

"I was just reporting this matter to the Demon Emperor when I unexpectedly ran into you, Brother White Ape."

"It's possible that it was Emperor Hao, the Demon Emperor, who was unwilling to give up his power in the Spirit Realm, which is why he started the war between the two countries."

"The resources in the spirit realm are enough to make a great clan prosper for tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of years."

"Otherwise, the Holy Feather Demon Kingdom would never have made the first move."

After listening to the words of the Crimson Scale Demon General, Qin Ming suddenly realized, "I didn't expect that the matter of the Golden Turtle Water Mansion would involve high-level power struggles. It seems that we must proceed with caution."

He had previously learned more or less about the route from the Ancient Demon Realm to the Spirit Realm through the items left behind by Demon General Ao Yu.

It is a special space called 'Xiao Cangjing', whose location is not fixed and is controlled only by the upper echelons of the Ancient Demon Realm.

The ancient demon realm used this place to teleport demon cultivators.

However, there are many restrictions on the ancient demon race going to the spirit realm, and it is not as simple as it seems. It requires a lot of resources to send the demon race to the spirit realm.

It also depends on the right timing of the interface intersection.

"Hehe! However, there is some good news for us." The Crimson Scale Demon General changed the subject and suddenly revealed a meaningful smile.

Qin Ming asked curiously, "Oh? I wonder where Brother Chi Lin got this idea from?"

"The demon race's upper echelons have decided that, in order to replenish the losses caused by the insectoid chaos, our ancient demon realm will once again dispatch a group of high-level cultivators to the spirit realm."

"Among them are three positions for Demon General."

"The Spirit Realm is home to countless races and abundant resources; it is the perfect place for us to make our mark!"

"There are even rare resources that can be obtained in the mid-to-late game, and such opportunities are extremely rare."

“Last time, that damned Ao Yu got a chance, but he didn’t know how to seize it. This time, it’s your and my turn, hehe!” Red Scale Demon General explained the reason.

These words stirred something within Qin Ming.

He had been plotting a way to return to the spirit world, and now this opportunity was right in front of him.
However, he also knew that the resources required for demon generals like them to travel through cross-border channels were incredibly vast.

The fact that the ancient demon realm is preparing to send three demon generals at the Integration level to the mortal realm this time must mean they have certain conditions or requirements.

as predicted.

He heard Chi Linzi continue, "Of course, although the upper echelons of our ancient demon realm are preparing to send two more demon generals than before, the number of slots is limited, so the requirements are quite high."

"The chosen demon general must not only establish meritorious service and achievements within the demon race, but also gain the respect and respect of the people."

"I see, thank you for informing me, Brother Chilin," Qin Ming said, cupping his hands in greeting.

Red Scale Demon General waved his hand and said, "It's alright. This time, Brother White Ape obtained important information about the Night Owl Clan, which is a great achievement and he will be able to gain great merit."

"With Brother White Ape's strength, you might even get a spot among the three."

Qin Ming didn't say anything more. He exchanged a few pleasantries with the other party, then took his leave and entered the Demon Court's main hall.

After meeting the White Ze Demon Emperor.

He then presented the information on the jade slip in his hand to him.

The majestic Bai Ze Demon Emperor, after reviewing the matter of the Holy Feather Demon Kingdom's preparations for war, slammed his fist on his throne in anger.

"Hmph! These treacherous birds actually dared to invade our country and start a war, engaging in infighting. They truly deserve to die!"

The powerful aura emanating from the Bai Ze Demon Emperor caused all the demon ministers in the hall to shudder in unison.

After a long time.

He slowly raised his head, his sharp gaze falling on Qin Ming, and said with admiration:

"White Ape Demon General, you did a great job."

"Next, if I'm not mistaken, those guys from the Night Owl Clan will do whatever it takes to divert attention and provoke a war between the two countries in order to maintain their influence in the Spirit Realm."

"Our western border defense line of Wanze Water Mansion is of paramount importance. I order you to guard the border at all costs. Any questions?"

"If this matter is accomplished, I can grant you one condition."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming's heart stirred, and he immediately stepped forward and replied, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, as long as the Longevity Army of my Thunder Swamp Water Palace is here, we will never allow a single soldier of the Holy Feather Demon Kingdom to cross the border!"

He had been plotting in the Water Palace for so many years, wasn't this the opportunity he was waiting for to return to the Spirit Realm?
He'll run away back to the spirit world, where he can roam freely as a bird in the sky; the life or death of the demon race will be none of his concern.
Qin Ming thought to himself that the day of his return was not far off.

After receiving the order, Qin Ming returned to White Ape Island and began to have the Devouring Sky Rat and the Mystic Water Crocodile deploy their troops.

He then entered the Lesser Spirit Realm again to continue refining the black Demon-Devouring Jade and crafting the secret treasure 'Demon-Refining Bottle'.

In the ancient demon realm, after the Golden Turtle Water Palace incident, the situation has become quite delicate.

After all, this involves a conflict between two major demon kingdoms, which is no ordinary minor conflict.

For the next six months or so.

The Holy Feather Demon Kingdom no longer concealed its true intentions, directly tearing off its disguise and dispatching a massive demon army to launch a war.

(End of this chapter)