Chapter 693: Chapter 693

"Up ahead is Siming Island. If all goes smoothly, once I pass it, I’ll reach Huntian Island in a little over two months!"

It wouldn’t have taken this long by boat, but Qin Sang had taken many detours. Along the way, he had indeed witnessed several skirmishes along the main routes, each time avoiding them early, focusing on travel above all else.

Of course, he had also been attacked by powerful great demons. When he could kill them, he did so. When not, he used the Nine-Dragon Heavenly Chariot Talisman to escape.

He had stopped here for two reasons. First, he was physically and mentally exhausted and needed a few days’ rest. Second, after consuming countless spiritual herbs, the Sky-Eyed Butterfly had finally reached the peak of its first metamorphosis and was now ready to undergo metamorphosis.

With a flash of light from his dantian, the Sky-Eyed Butterfly fluttered out, circling Qin Sang before finally landing on his shoulder, radiating a sense of closeness.

The blue light on its wings had grown more vivid, and the wing patterns were even more beautiful than before.

Qin Sang smiled slightly and flipped his palm, taking out a vial of Crimson Fire Gilded Gold.

The moment it sensed the scent of the Crimson Fire Gilded Gold, the butterfly darted toward him and hovered eagerly above the jade vial, clearly unable to wait.

Since it could aid the butterfly’s metamorphosis, Qin Sang did not hold back. He opened the vial and poured a single drop into his palm.

The Sky-Eyed Butterfly immediately pounced joyfully and began to feed, bit by bit.

The Crimson Fire Gilded Gold shrank visibly as it was consumed. Yet even after finishing, the butterfly lingered, reluctant to leave. Qin Sang had no choice but to pour out a second drop.

He recalled how Elder Di Que had fed two Fire Jade Centipedes just one drop of Crimson Fire Gilded Gold each, and both had immediately begun their metamorphosis. It seemed the Sky-Eyed Butterfly was far greedier than them.

Then again, perhaps it was due to their differing circumstances.

Before obtaining the Crimson Fire Gilded Gold, the Fire Jade Centipedes had already reached the peak of their first metamorphosis long ago and had been stuck at a bottleneck for many years, making it easier for them to undergo metamorphosis.

After finishing the second drop, the butterfly grew drowsy, fluttered slowly, and then landed in Qin Sang’s palm, curling up around his finger and falling into a deep sleep.

Qin Sang held it up and observed it for a while but saw no signs of metamorphosis. He was not anxious, though. Taking advantage of its slumber, he sat down and entered meditation to regulate his own breath.

Over the next few days, every time the butterfly awoke, Qin Sang would feed it another drop of Crimson Fire Gilded Gold, along with several other spiritual herbs he had long prepared, all known to aid in metamorphosis.

On the evening of the third day, the eyes on the butterfly’s wings suddenly opened, emitting beams of sky-blue light. A mist-like blue glow enveloped the butterfly completely.

Under the starlight reflected on the rippling sea, the Sky-Eyed Butterfly looked like a small blue star.

It now lay dormant within a cocoon of glowing blue light, its wings folded around it, forming a chrysalis-like shape.

Qin Sang grinned in silence. The Crimson Fire Gilded Gold truly lived up to its reputation as a divine herb. The butterfly had officially entered its metamorphosis. He shook the jade vial. There was still plenty left, enough for a third metamorphosis in the future.

He had also rested enough. Storing the butterfly back into his dantian so it could undergo its transformation in peace, he resumed his journey.

In a desolate stretch of sea, despite the clear skies and lack of storms, towering waves surged continuously. Within the crashing surf came the clamor of clashing metal and furious shouting.

Looking closer, one could see more than a dozen figures locked in fierce combat at the heart of the waves. All manner of artifacts collided violently, and among them darted several strange insect shadows.

It was a clash between human cultivators and witch cultivators. With no room for negotiation, the two sides had fought the moment they crossed paths.

The battle was at its peak.

Far off on the horizon, a streak of evasion light suddenly approached. Its owner seemed to notice the battle and came to a sudden halt, watching from afar.

The cultivators on the battlefield soon noticed the new arrival. Both sides grew wary.

They had been evenly matched so far, and though the humans were slightly disadvantaged, they still held cards in reserve. This unexpected presence, if powerful, could easily shift the balance.

Realizing this, both sides instinctively regrouped and kept a wary eye on the distant figure.

Unexpectedly, the evasion light lit up once more, this time surging forward with aggressive momentum, heading straight for the battlefield. The sheer speed of the newcomer made everyone’s expression change.

"A Core Formation cultivator... This is bad! Reinforcements for humans are here!"

Among the witch cultivators, an elder who was clearly their leader turned pale. "Retreat!"

In contrast, the human cultivators were invigorated and launched a fierce counterattack, tightly entangling their opponents and preventing them from escaping. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ noᴠelfire.net

The mysterious figure soon arrived. The witch cultivators, now demoralized, lost all fighting spirit. In the ensuing chaos, several of their number were slain, and the rest fled in disarray.

The humans gave chase for a while but eventually gave up when it became clear they could not catch any more.

"Many thanks for your timely aid, Daoist. I am Han Cuo. May I ask your name?"

The human leader was a square-faced middle-aged man with a commanding presence. Although naturally dignified, he now wore a friendly expression as he cupped his hands toward the young man before him. "For someone so young to already possess such cultivation... I am truly impressed!"

That young man was none other than Qin Sang.

After a long and arduous journey, Qin Sang had finally arrived near Huntian Island. Upon discovering signs of unrest there as well, he gave it some thought and decided to first make contact with the cultivators of Huntian Island to gather information about the current situation.

Earlier, he had observed that the cultivators engaged in battle were not very strong. Only a few were early-stage Core Formation cultivators; the rest were all at the Foundation Building Realm. Thus, he had revealed himself, forcing the witch race to retreat.

"My surname is Qin. Daoist Han flatters me. My cultivation art is rather unique and has the effect of preserving appearance, which is why I appear young," Qin Sang replied calmly.

He was not wearing a hooded cloak or mask and had revealed his true face.

In a situation , concealing one's identity too much would only arouse suspicion. Qin Sang had worn a disguise earlier to guard against Black Witch Palace, but since entering the Demonic Sea, that had become unnecessary.

Han Cuo was momentarily surprised but did not press the matter. He then introduced Qin Sang to the other cultivators.

One after another, the others expressed their gratitude to Qin Sang and even offered him a share of their spoils. Qin Sang accepted them with a smile and without the slightest hesitation.

Once they had become better acquainted, Han Cuo gave Qin Sang a once-over and said, "You seem unfamiliar. I take it you’ve only recently arrived at Huntian Island?"

"That’s right. I was hunting demons on another island when chaos suddenly broke out. I decided to take the risk and come to Huntian Island. I didn’t expect things here to be unstable as well," Qin Sang replied with a bitter smile, glancing around.

Han Cuo chuckled. "With a war raging between the two races, where can you find a peaceful place? But if you’re looking for some stability, it’s not impossible. Just go up to Huntian Island. The island master strictly forbids fighting. The inside and outside of the island are like two different worlds."

Qin Sang swept his gaze across the group. "If that’s the case, why haven’t you all gone ashore?"

Han Cuo replied, "Where there is danger, there is opportunity. While others shy away from it, I embrace it. As for the others... The area around Huntian Island is actually even more dangerous. Their cultivation levels are too low, and they were a step too slow. Now, even if they want to go ashore, they don’t dare to. They’ve been forced to remain outside. But with your strength, Daoist, reaching Huntian Island safely shouldn’t be a problem."