"After Patriarch Chifa fell, it appeared as though he had left behind two Nascent Soul disciples for the Chunyang Sect, but in truth, it planted the seeds of calamity. The two had never gotten along. When one became sect master, how could the other possibly accept it? They viewed each other as sworn enemies, like fire and water, tearing the sect apart from within and causing its steady decline. Seeing an opportunity, outsiders fanned the flames, and Daoist Chongyi played a part in this. Daoist Chongyi's next heavenly tribulation is approaching; if he fails to cross it, he will follow in Patriarch Chifa's footsteps. This move was also meant to pave the way for the Taiyi Dan Sect to become the hegemon, and other factions were just as happy to see it happen. No one expected him to actually succeed... The new sect master wasn't foolish either, allying with the Shanxing Sect, a newly risen major sect nearby. The result was that the Chunyang Sect split into two. Now, both claim the other is a traitor and that they themselves are the true successor of Patriarch Chifa."
Though Qingjun seemed aloof from worldly affairs, she saw through everything clearly.
Understanding dawned on Qin Sang.
He pondered privately. Even though the Chunyang Sect had fractured in two, things had mostly stabilized, and both sides would likely start cleaning up the chaos below.
Li Yufu's cave abode was not far from Great Sui; he would have to tell them to keep a low profile.
"Do you have any plans to expand the Yuanshen Sect, Senior Sister?" Qin Sang asked curiously.
Senior Sister Qingjun acted with casual abandon, often vanishing for decades at a time and caring nothing for the Yuanshen Sect. He wondered what she was truly thinking.
"Taking over the Yuanshen Sect was merely a whim of mine, just so I'd have people to run minor errands for me," Qingjun replied casually.
Upon returning to his cave abode, Qin Sang set to work.
First, he reviewed the *Heavenly Demon Transformation*, ensuring there were no flaws and that his cultivation of it had reached completion.
Afterward, he departed Peach Blossom Valley, traveling between various market fairs, and paid a visit to Tan Yi'en and Bai Hanqiu.
Not only did Bai Hanqiu have the medicinal pills Qin Sang had given her, but she also frequently received guidance from Tan Yi'en and Li Yufu, allowing her to break through to the eleventh layer of the Qi Refinement stage.
For a cultivator with four spiritual roots, such speed was nothing short of astonishing.
"This is a nominal disciple token of the Yuanshen Sect. If anyone comes looking for trouble, show it to them. In the coming years, I must avoid a formidable enemy and will rarely show myself. When you go out to temper yourselves, do not mention me..."
Qin Sang had come to arrange an escape route and safe arrangements for them.
He looked at Bai Hanqiu, who was no longer a young girl. "Hanqiu, take these pills. You have roughly ten years to prepare for Foundation Establishment. If Foundation Establishment proves hopeless, you may go to the mortal realm to choose an heir or leave behind a bloodline for the Bai family."
Though harsh, Qin Sang spoke plainly without sugarcoating.
Bai Hanqiu was no longer an innocent girl ignorant of the world; she knew how to face reality, and mere words would not shake her Dao heart.
"Disciple obeys!"
Bai Hanqiu's expression did not waver in the slightest, though a flicker of resolute determination flashed in her eyes.
Tan Yi'en had also broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage two years prior.
After giving them both some pointers, Qin Sang returned to Peach Blossom Valley.
One month later.
Two escape lights sped across the Yuncang Great Marsh, flying straight southward. They were none other than Qingjun and Qin Sang.
The silhouette of a massive island came into view ahead.
"This is Cangheng Island," Qingjun's voice transmitted over.
Qin Sang gazed as far as his eyes could see and noticed a towering peak in the center of Cangheng Island. For convenience, it had been named Cangheng Peak. Atop Cangheng Peak stood a magnificent palace complex, the site of the alliance conference between the two realms.
Surrounding the mountainside, row upon row of buildings stood closely packed together, stretching all the way down to the ground. It was indeed an imposing city.
In the blink of an eye, the two flew into Cangheng Island, their speed unreduced as they headed straight for Cangheng Peak.
Before they even reached the city's perimeter, two Core Formation stage cultivators flew out from within. Sensing Qingjun's aura, their expressions shifted slightly, and they asked respectfully, "Has Senior come for the alliance conference?"
"That is correct. I am well aware of the city's rules. You may step down."
Qingjun descended to the ground and brought Qin Sang into the city on foot.
The two cultivators withdrew without hesitation, making no attempt whatsoever to question her identity.
"Flying is prohibited within the city; even Nascent Soul Patriarchs must lead by example. I will head to the Alliance Hall first. Make your way there as quickly as you can, and wait outside for word from me."
Although Qingjun had concealed her cultivation and wore a veil that exposed only her lively eyes, her flowing red dress remained extraordinarily eye-catching.
Walking beside her in his hooded cloak, Qin Sang was almost entirely ignored.
"Understood!"
The two went their separate ways, and Qin Sang seized the opportunity to visit the various merchant guilds.
Treated as an honored guest by the Celestial Alliance's merchant guilds, Qin Sang could not help but recall how, back then, they had fought desperately for the high-level gambling match between the two realms. Perhaps some of the adversaries he had clashed with were even in this city right now.
Only after forming a Nascent Soul could one become a chess player; otherwise, one was doomed to remain a chess piece.
This was the largest trading hub between the two realms, so it did not take Qin Sang long to purchase everything he needed before setting off toward the mountain summit.
Surrounding the perimeter of the Alliance Hall were numerous pavilions and towers of varying designs. Figures were sparse, lending the area an air of refined seclusion.
Furthermore, the outside was sealed off by restrictions, barring unauthorized persons from entering.
Qin Sang retrieved his Yuanshen Sect elder medallion and swept it before the restriction. The light screen opened up a passage.
One of the bamboo pavilions belonged to the Yuanshen Sect, staffed permanently by low-rank female cultivators. Seeing an elder of their sect arrive, though they did not recognize him, they were still exceedingly welcoming.
"Has the Sect Master already gone to the Alliance Hall?" Qin Sang asked, glancing toward the center of the pavilion.
A female cultivator stepped forward and replied, "Reporting to Elder, the Patriarch went over not long ago. It is said that all the other invited Patriarchs have arrived as well..."
Before the disciples of the Yuanshen Sect, Qingjun had always maintained the identity of Leng Yuntian.
"You may withdraw. Do not disturb me without my order," Qin Sang said indifferently.
The female cultivators withdrew with looks of disappointment.
Sitting cross-legged in a quiet chamber, he waited for news. His mind was calm, devoid of nervousness.
He had not expected to face Dongyang Bo so soon.
Since escaping Ziwei Palace, this would be his first time confronting Dongyang Bo face-to-face. He wondered what kind of expression the man would wear.
An incense stick's time later.
A beam of flowing light flew into the bamboo pavilion.
"It's time!"
Qin Sang caught the streak of light in hand, cast off his cloak, rose to his feet, and strode out of the bamboo pavilion toward the Alliance Hall.
"Are you Elder Qin of the Yuanshen Sect?"
A guard stationed outside the hall called out in inquiry.
Qin Sang nodded and displayed his medallion, passing through without hindrance.
The moment he stepped into the hall, Qin Sang felt a wave of formless pressure, and his heart sank slightly. Those attending the alliance conference were the paramount figures of both realms, placing him under tremendous strain.
Bowing in salutation before the entrance, he said, "Qin Sang, Elder of the Yuanshen Sect, pays respects to the seniors."
A multitude of gazes settled upon him.
Qin Sang distinctly felt one gaze among them piercing into him like a sharp blade.
"You are Qin Sang? Come in."
A familiar voice sounded, which Qin Sang recognized as Daoist Zhenyi.
Without looking left or right, he walked over and came to a halt behind Senior Sister Qingjun.
In an instant, his gaze swept over the figures seated throughout the hall.
Some were faces he had seen in the past.
Including the two in the master seats: Daoist Zhenyi and Demon Monarch Tongyou.
There were also Daoist Chongyi, Sect Master of the Taiyi Dan Sect, and Granny She of the Spirit Imperial Sect.
However, Granny She had actually formed a Nascent Soul by now. Beside her stood a half-human, half-snake grotesque figure—her spirit beast, which was already at the peak of the Demon Core stage and the sole demon beast present.
Even more importantly, seated just below Demon Monarch Tongyou was a brocade-robed man.
Dongyang Bo!
Noticing Qin Sang's gaze, Dongyang Bo showed not the slightest trace of anger. Instead, he smiled and nodded at him.
Chapter 1128