The Imperial Martial Pill Venerable

The Vast Sea Divine Palace was situated on a vast sea on the continent. Though not as grand in scale as the Celestial Dragon Sea Region, it was by no means an insignificant power. It ruled over thirty-six surrounding islands arranged in a ring, and at the very center of these islands stood a palace.

This was the heart of the Vast Sea Divine Palace... the Sea King Hall.

Riding a light skiff propelled by Yun Loxi, an Extraordinary Strong Person, they shot towards the Sea King Palace like an arrow. Qin Ya deployed a True Essence Qi Shield, isolating them from the violent sea winds created by their immense speed.

"Sorry to trouble you, Cloud Island Master," Qin Ya said with a faint smile.

Yun Loxi was an Extraordinary Strong Person, so he could have flown directly to the Sea King Hall. But since Qin Ya and Shangguan Yue had not yet reached the Extraordinary Realm, they were unable to fly. As for Yun Loxi, his own Realm was not high enough to carry two people in flight.

Thus, this was the only way to get there.

Fortunately, the skiff beneath them was made of special materials. It was one of the common modes of transport among the Thirty-Six Islands, which was why it could withstand the powerful True Essence of an Extraordinary Strong Person like Yun Loxi. An ordinary skiff would have shattered to pieces long ago.

"It’s nothing. It was no trouble at all," Yun Loxi said with a laugh.

Suddenly, as they sped forward, Qin Ya’s heart skipped a beat. His gaze fell upon one of the islands. "Cloud Island Master," he asked, "what’s the story with that island?"

Yun Loxi’s expression changed slightly. "Master Qin, that island is not one of the Vast Sea Divine Palace’s Thirty-Six Islands. Sixteen years ago, the Supreme Elder moved it here from a distant place using a staggering display of power. It’s named... Demon Trapping Island!"

"Demon Trapping Island?" Qin Ya asked, his curiosity piqued.

At this, Shangguan Yue piped up excitedly, "Brother Qin, I know about this! They say a terrifying Female Demon is imprisoned on that island."

"Is she from the Demon Race?" Qin Ya asked.

"I think so? It’s called Demon Trapping Island, after all. Who else would they imprison there if not someone from the Demon Race?" Shangguan Yue said, sounding a little unsure.

Yun Loxi shook his head. "Strictly speaking, the one imprisoned on that island is not of the Demon Race. The stories say that Female Demon was once from the Human Race."

"A Demon Seed!" Qin Ya said gravely.

"Precisely, a Demon Seed," Yun Loxi said. "Judging by your reaction, Teacher Qin, you must know of them. This Female Demon became a Demon only after a Demon Seed was planted in her."

"Is there only one Female Demon on Demon Trapping Island?" Qin Ya asked.

"Yes, only one," Yun Loxi replied. "Sixteen years ago, the Supreme Elder fought a heaven-shaking battle with the Female Demon and personally sealed her here."

"Why not kill her?" Qin Ya said indifferently. "After having a Demon Seed for sixteen years, she must have been fully transformed into one of the Demon Race by now. Why wasn’t she killed?"

The Human Race and the Demon Race were mortal enemies. This was an iron law of the Azure Sky Realm.

Yun Loxi shook his head. "That, I do not know. However, for the past sixteen years, Demon Trapping Island has always been a taboo topic in the Vast Sea Divine Palace. Few people mention it, and over time, most have gradually forgotten about it." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"I see."

A hint of curiosity flashed in Qin Ya’s eyes as he gazed at the island, which faintly exuded a black, demonic air. However, it was ultimately a private matter of the Vast Sea Divine Palace, so he pushed aside the thought of prying. Soon, the three of them arrived at the Sea King Hall.

The palace before them glowed with a faint blue luster, a resplendent sight. After the three entered, Shangguan Yue went to find Shangguan Feiying.

"Haha, Master Qin, you honor us with your presence. What brings you here?"

Shangguan Feiying’s gaze softened as he looked at the youth before him. ’There’s an inexplicable sense of familiarity,’ he thought. ’Especially his features... they’re so similar to hers, as if they were carved from the same mold.’

Qin Ya sensed something unusual in Shangguan Feiying’s attitude towards him, but he didn’t dwell on it. ’It’s probably just because I saved his daughter, Shangguan Yue,’ he concluded.

"Forgive my unannounced visit," Qin Ya said calmly.

"Nonsense. I am honored by your visit," Shangguan Feiying replied.

"I’ve come this time mainly to discuss a deal with the Vast Sea Divine Palace," Qin Ya stated his purpose directly, a faint smile on his lips.

"A deal?" Shangguan Feiying’s expression grew serious. "You shouldn’t say that. Master Qin, you saved my young daughter’s life. It is a debt I can never repay. If there is anything you require, you need only ask."

"A debt of gratitude is one thing, but business is business," Qin Ya said coolly. "I am willing to temporarily become the Vast Sea Divine Palace’s Alchemist. You will provide me with sufficient medicinal ingredients, and I will produce Elixirs for you. What do you say?"

Qin Ya was an Alchemist far surpassing the Eighth Grade. An offer like this was enough to make anyone ecstatic. For the Vast Sea Divine Palace, having such an Alchemist was like giving a tiger wings; it would bring about a monumental change for the entire Divine Palace.

"What are your terms?" Shangguan Feiying asked. "Since you say this is a deal, Master Qin, what are your terms?"

Qin Ya smiled indifferently. "The Palace Master is indeed a straightforward man. In that case, I won’t beat around the bush. My condition is simple: I want half of the finished products."

"Oh?" Shangguan Feiying’s brow furrowed. "Half?"

"What? Does the Palace Master think that’s too much?" Qin Ya said. "You only need to provide the ingredients; I can guarantee a one hundred percent success rate. Even if I take half of the finished Elixirs, the half you’re left with will be worth more than ten times the value of the raw materials."

Shangguan Feiying thought for a moment, then said, "Fine. It’s a deal."

"Starting today, Master Qin will be the Vast Sea Divine Palace’s Honored Guest Elder, with a status equal to that of the Thirty-Six Islands’ Island Masters," Shangguan Feiying said with a smile.

In his heart, he was indescribably pleased.

An Alchemist far surpassing the Eighth Grade, one with a one hundred percent success rate... for any Sect, such a person was a treasure beyond compare.

"Then I will take my leave."

"Won’t you stay a little longer? Let me show Master Qin around."

"That won’t be necessary. The Palace Master should focus on preparing the first batch of ingredients for refining. I will take my leave." After speaking, Qin Ya departed without another word.

Shangguan Yue tried to leave with him, but Shangguan Feiying made her stay.

"You unfilial daughter, I still haven’t settled accounts with you for sneaking off to the Hidden Dragon Valley Secret Realm," Shangguan Feiying said sternly, his brow furrowed.

"Father, please forgive me just this once."

"Don’t even think about it. You’re grounded for three months. You are not to set foot outside your room."

"What?!" Shangguan Yue practically jumped. "Grounded for three months? For someone as lively and active as her, that’s practically torture!"

"Father, isn’t this punishment a little too cruel?" Shangguan Yue said pitifully.

Shangguan Feiying showed not a hint of mercy. "It’s for the best. Three months of confinement will give you a chance to properly keep your mother company. She’s been worried sick over you these last few days."

Before he could finish speaking, Shangguan Yue had already bolted for the door. "Where do you think you’re going, you little scamp?" he called out in surprise.

"I’m going to see Mother!" And with that, she was gone in a flash.

"Heh. Such a whirlwind." Shangguan Feiying gave a wry smile. Then, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. ’Qin Ya... Master Qin... how very interesting.’