Expounding the Dao

"See how this formation diagram works." Qingjun brought out the Demon Binding Rope and a new formation diagram. Only then did Qin Sang realize that Qingjun had spent these past years meditating on the Demon Binding Rope. Previously, based on the rubbing Qin Sang had made of the formation diagram, Qingjun had reconstructed a version capable of driving the Demon Binding Rope. However, it could only unleash a portion of its might, and there were severe constraints when casting it. Later, Qingjun had conferred with Bai and made new discoveries, but it was not until the great war ended that she had time for secluded cultivation. Judging by her confident expression, she was clearly very satisfied with this new diagram. Qin Sang stimulated the fire lotus seed and summoned the demonic fire. *Whoosh!* The demonic fire had barely appeared when Qin Sang's vision blurred. Dozens of illusory images of the Demon Binding Rope shot forth from Qingjun's hands like serpents. In an instant, the demonic fire was encircled by the phantoms, condensed into a fireball, and trapped within the cage formed by the Demon Binding Rope. Qin Sang was startled. He hadn't even noticed when Qingjun had laid down the formation diagram. He remembered that last time, Qingjun had to make preparations beforehand, which was very impractical in battle. This time, it was remarkably fast! He looked toward Qingjun and saw that the formation diagram was floating right above her head at this very moment. A close connection existed between the formation diagram and the Demon Binding Rope in her hands, giving the impression of seamless unity, indistinguishable from one another. Seeing Qin Sang's astonishment, Qingjun explained, "Our previous assumption was flawed. We thought the formation diagram and the Demon Binding Rope were two separate things, but in truth they were meant to be one. Once I shifted my approach, it proved successful. By activating the Demon Binding Rope, the formation diagram is triggered immediately without any need to set up the formation in advance. Give it a try..." Qingjun handed the Demon Binding Rope to Qin Sang and instructed him on how to activate it. Trying it out, he found it was indeed as she said. Qin Sang was overjoyed. "Even with the original formation diagram, the activation speed couldn't possibly be faster than this, right? With this, the Demon Binding Rope is far more practical! With the element of surprise, even the strongest ancient demon would find it difficult to dodge." Qingjun nodded. "Indeed. When I was studying the formation diagram, this was precisely the point I focused on. Time was limited, and there is still a part of the diagram I haven't fully grasped. The Demon Binding Rope's current power is barely satisfactory, but it is certainly usable!" "There are still four years left. Senior Sister will surely be able to refine it further," Qin Sang said expectantly. He promptly memorized the formation diagram. In the future, when restoring the dark iron pillars, he could draw on Qingjun's approach to recreate the Demon Sealing Stakes. With the Demon Binding Rope in hand, he would have that much more confidence the next time he faced Old Demon Ye. Qin Sang stayed in Peach Blossom Valley for several days, assisting Qingjun in comprehending the Demon Binding Rope. Afterward, he departed in haste and headed for the Xuling Sect. Forbidden grounds, Yanhuo Pavilion. Qin Sang and Bing Han sat facing each other, the mysterious white copper suspended between them. Her eyes tightly closed, Bing Han was probing it with a secret art. Before long, she slowly opened her eyes. "How is it?" Qin Sang inquired. After weighing the matter back and forth, he had ultimately decided to consult Bing Han, a grandmaster of artifact crafting, before forging the treasure, and ask for her assistance. Bing Han pondered for a moment and said, "Fellow Daoist Qin's analysis is correct. Even I can only achieve this much at most. However, I have a few thoughts that you may take into consideration." Qin Sang thought to himself that he had indeed come to the right person, and said repeatedly, "I hope you will not hesitate to give your guidance, Fellow Daoist. Qin will surely express his gratitude with generous gifts!" "Fellow Daoist Qin has expended so much painstaking effort. It seems you intend to forge an extraordinary magic treasure." Bing Han glanced at the white copper, her tone shifting. "However, I can only offer you a few suggestions and dare not claim any credit. If you find them useful, I have a presumptuous request: could you leave a copy of your insights into the Dao of Artifact Crafting here at the Xuling Sect?" Naturally, Qin Sang readily agreed; he could even do so right away. Having studied artifact craftsmanship at the Xuling Sect, doing this was only returning a favor. Bing Han said, "Important matters take precedence; there is no rush for this. It won't be too late once you have forged this magic treasure. Furthermore, if you are willing to give some pointers to the younger generation, that would be even better." Qin Sang thought about it. "After the treasure is forged, I will open an altar at the Yuanshen Sect to expound the Dao, focusing primarily on the Dao of Artifact Crafting, while also taking the opportunity to sort through my own knowledge. Disciples of the Xuling Sect will be welcome to attend!" ... Two years later. A figure flew out of the Xuling Sect. It was Qin Sang. At this moment, his expression was relaxed, and a trace of a smile played at his eyes, as though he had met with some joyous occasion. And that was indeed the case! Ten years of hard study, six years of preparation, and Qin Sang had spent another two full years in secluded cultivation within the Mountain within the Mountain. Aided successively by his senior sister and Bing Han, and drawing upon the power of both demonic fire and subterranean Yan flame, he had finally forged that magic treasure! Flying out of the Xuling Sect, Qin Sang paused slightly, opened his palm, and summoned the magic treasure. After admiring it carefully for a long time, he let out a hearty laugh and sped away, clearly immensely pleased with the treasure. Not long after his departure, a sudden commotion arose in the Xuling Sect. Disciples hurried to spread the word, and the news that Qin Sang was about to open an altar to expound the Dao swept through like a tide. Three months later. The Yuanshen Sect. Disciples of the Xuling Sect, Yuanshen Sect, and Qingyang Temple gathered together at the Yuanshen Sect. Whether proficient in artifact crafting or not, none wished to miss this once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity. Li Yufu had wrapped up his trivial duties early and was waiting at the Yuanshen Sect. Shangguan Lifeng, Meigu, Tan Yi'en, and the others arrived one after another. "Senior Brother, I heard that Master will only be lecturing on the Dao of Artifact Crafting this time and touching on nothing else?" Meigu had been traveling in the desert when she received Li Yufu's transmission and hurried back. Shangguan Lifeng was a bit disappointed. "He won't be speaking on swordsmanship?" After Qin Sang passed him the *Qingzhu Sword Scripture*, he had ordered him to comprehend it on his own. Even when he occasionally gave pointers, he only touched upon things lightly. Shangguan Lifeng knew in his heart that Qin Sang was tempering him, yet he did not know to what degree he had to progress to meet Qin Sang's expectations. "Indeed, this time is strictly about artifact crafting. However, there is no need for you to worry. In a few years, Senior Martial Uncle will establish a dao arena!" Li Yufu wore an enigmatic smile. The others hurriedly asked for the reason. "According to the conventions of the Beichen Realm, when a Nascent Soul patriarch establishes a sect, fellow daoists from far and wide are invited to attend the ceremony and bolster the sect's prestige, and the patriarch must lecture openly on the Dao for at least three days as a gesture of courtesy in return. When that time comes, the doors will be thrown wide open, and ten thousand cultivators will gather. It will surely be a grand occasion—today is merely a rehearsal!" Seeing Meigu and the others beam with excitement, Li Yufu smiled inwardly and continued, "The Dao of Artifact Crafting is also a Great Dao. If you can gain some enlightenment from it, it will be of immense benefit to your future cultivation. That is why I called you all back in such haste." ... Early the next morning. On a mountain before the Yuanshen Sect's forbidden grounds. Disciples of the three sects gathered upon this mountain, some sitting, some standing. From Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment to Core Formation, they filled the mountain and covered the slopes—a truly spectacular sight. Even Bing Han and Qingjun had emerged from seclusion to listen. Silence reigned over the mountain. Everyone held their breath, gazing with anticipation at the empty stone platform at the mountain peak. Right at that moment, towering monster qi rose outside the Yuanshen Sect. Jingyu had actually led the demons of the Thousand Mountains Bamboo Sea to attend the lecture as well! Seeing the host of great demons, the disciples of the Yuanshen Sect and Xuling Sect fell into a commotion, while Li Yufu and his companions went out to warmly welcome them. Purple qi swept in from the east. A figure materialized out of thin air atop the stone platform. Li Yufu stepped forward. "We respectfully welcome Senior Martial Uncle to expound the Great Dao of Artifact Crafting!" The assembled crowd bowed in unison. Seated upright upon the stone platform, Qin Sang nodded to his senior sister, Jingyu, and Bing Han. Letting his gaze sweep across the cultivators of the three sects, he said calmly, "Today, we speak only of artifact crafting."