Looking once more at the projection of the ferocious beast displaying its terrifying might, everyone still held their breath involuntarily.
The imagery came to an abrupt halt right as the purple lightning appeared.
"I wonder who is stronger—our Supreme Elder or this ferocious beast!"
The long-bearded Daoist exhaled a breath of stale air from his chest and sighed with emotion. Reminded of something in the past, a look of yearning came over his face. "How long has it been since we last saw the Supreme Elder fight?"
"Ever since that year's Zhongyuan Dharma Assembly, when our Supreme Elder subdued the Buddhas with his sword, who has dared act insolently before him? In all the mortal world, how many are even worthy of his personal intervention?"
Beside him, an elderly Daoist with pure white hair and beard—evidently the most senior figure present—stroked his beard and smiled, beaming with shared pride.
"Back then, I was still too young to qualify for the assembly, and it remains a lifelong regret," the Daoist nun chimed in, having intended to sit in meditation before speaking up.
Mention of their Supreme Elder, whose power rivaled the mysterious beast, dispersed the stifling gloom the monster had cast over them.
The long-bearded Daoist turned to the purple-robed elder and said, "From what we have seen, the beast is mad by nature, yet its combat prowess is not diminished in the least, and its instincts for danger are extraordinarily sharp. Luring it into a trap will prove exceedingly difficult. The Sword Jade Thunder Sound Formation and the Vajra Demon-Subduing Formation—two grand arrays specifically designed to entrap and kill—could not suppress it. Furthermore, within the storm belt, our combat power is constrained. The beast comes and goes as it pleases. With just the few of us, achieving any meaningful result will be very hard."
The purple-robed elder knitted his brows in silence.
Seeing this, the long-bearded Daoist consulted him, "If it is inconvenient for the Supreme Elder to take action himself, why not request an edict from him to rally the strength of all sects and hunt the beast together?"
In truth, Bajiguan wielded more than enough influence across the Daoist sects.
The problem was that they would not be facing the same beast each time.
No one knew how powerful the next beast drawn in might be, nor whether the boundary of the cultivation world had its limits.
If they inadvertently lured in a beast at the late Deity Transformation stage or something even more terrifying, everyone present would perish without even a chance to flee back into the cultivation realm.
Using the purple veil to activate the ancient, mysterious restriction on the islet allowed people in the vicinity to be instantly teleported back, but the veil's capacity was limited. Their small group was already the maximum it could accommodate.
For the other sects, as long as the boundary of the cultivation realm did not collapse, the storm belt was not yet their concern.
The greatest benefit of slaying such beasts was likely the spiritual materials garnered from their bones and flesh.
Yet these beasts grew within the storm belt, where spiritual energy was chaotic and disordered. No one knew what mutations they had undergone, and their remains might well prove useless to cultivators.
If the sects formed an alliance, what each received would be even less, with the lion's share going to Bajiguan.
Under such circumstances, only the personal intervention of the Supreme Elder could possibly convince the various sects to take the gamble.
Hearing these words, everyone turned their eyes toward him.
The purple-robed elder picked up the crystal.
As the current monastery master of Bajiguan, he was known for his decisive and resolute manner, yet he hesitated for a rare moment before speaking. "The Supreme Elder is not in the monastery at present."
The others were taken aback.
The Supreme Elder was a figure at the apex of the world. Leaving Bajiguan to roam the mortal realm was entirely normal and required no notification to juniors like them.
Yet looking at the monastery master's expression, the matter seemed far from simple.
"Following that great upheaval a hundred years ago, the Supreme Elder first visited Ganlu Monastery, and after that, his whereabouts became unknown. There has been no word of him since."
The purple-robed elder's tone was grave.
One could well imagine the pressure he had borne all these years.
The cultivators exchanged serious glances.
The long-bearded Daoist asked in a low voice, "Then the message sword from before..."
The purple-robed elder swept his gaze across his uneasy sect members, his expression softening as he chuckled. "It was indeed from the Supreme Elder, without question. However, it was not sent directly to the monastery, but received by a disciple stationed at an overseas immortal mountain."
The crowd let out a long breath of relief, casting accusatory looks at the elder.
None of them had expected the master of their monastery to deliberately frighten them like this.
Even so, they did not truly relax.
For the Supreme Elder to disappear for a century was unprecedented, and his recent reappearance had amounted only to a message sword hastily delivered to an overseas outpost.
Whatever had occupied him for over a hundred years had left him without even the time to send word back.
The long-bearded Daoist recalled what the monastery master had just mentioned. "Wait... before the Supreme Elder departed, he specifically went to Ganlu Monastery. Could it be that Sage Huiguang also...?"
"It is possible, but it would be improper to seek confirmation from Ganlu Monastery."
The purple-robed elder looked around at the assembly. "To the outside world, we shall maintain that the Supreme Elder is in seclusion. We will do our utmost to gather intelligence on the ferocious beasts, and await the Supreme Elder's return before making any further decisions."
***
By the time the beast claimed its total victory, Qin Sang had already flown far away.
He had not witnessed the final outcome, but he could piece together a rough idea.
He simply did not know whether Bajiguan had suffered casualties after the battle.
To dare hunt a Deity Transformation beast meant that even if Bajiguan lacked a Deity Transformation patriarch, its strength was likely no less than Xuantian Palace in its prime. Wherever it went, it would be a colossal entity.
*Not only is Zhongzhou prosperous and its inheritances intact, but its understanding of this world far surpasses other places. In the North Sea and Canglang Ocean, I never heard of anyone hunting beasts in the storms.*
Qin Sang felt that he had come to the right place. At last, he could lift a corner of the veil obscuring this world's mysteries.
He was in no hurry to make contact with Bajiguan.
First, the timing was not right.
Second, his own cultivation was still relatively shallow. His top priority was to locate the Buddha bone relic and advance his cultivation realm; other information could be gathered gradually and methodically.
With thoughts churning within him, Qin Sang flew on without stopping, finally clearing the storm belt and arriving in Zhongzhou!
*Whoosh!*
Inside and outside the boundary were two entirely different worlds.
"It doesn't look much different from the North Sea!"
Having finally arrived after trekking tens of millions of li, Qin Sang hovered over the sea and murmured in a lighthearted tone, "I wonder where Liuli is right now."
He had not expected to shake off the beast so easily. Had he known, he would have agreed on a closer meeting point.
Qin Sang glanced back over his shoulder.
Mindful of the lessons learned in the North Sea, he restrained his aura and flew steadily southward. Soon, he had moved beyond the storm belt's zone of influence, and the sea grew progressively calm.
A briny sea breeze blew past.
The Heavenly Eye Butterfly came out to stretch its wings, alighting on Qin Sang's shoulder. Its wings opened and closed languidly, seemingly at ease, though it was actually keeping watch over the surroundings on his behalf.
Along the way, Qin Sang passed several small islets.
Due to the erratic storms and rain, the islets were unsuitable for habitation, yet they bore clear signs of human activity. Qin Sang mused that he was lucky not to have landed in some desolate, untamed sea.
After flying for a time, Qin Sang finally spotted signs of life on an island, though they were all mortals.
From the mortals, he learned of the largest and most prosperous island nearby. Without pausing, Qin Sang rushed over, and sure enough, he found cultivators there.
Employing a few subtle techniques, Qin Sang gathered a great deal of information, gaining a general understanding of the situation and local factions in the surrounding waters.
However, these low-level cultivators possessed narrow horizons. If Qin Sang wished to obtain the details he truly needed, he would have to find major factions or Core Formation cultivators.
The sea areas bordering the storm belt were extremely barren.
Qin Sang needed to continue southward to reach a place known as White Raven Mountain.
White Raven Mountain referred to a city upon an island.
Because the city was more famous than the island itself, no one remembered the island's name anymore.
White Raven Mountain boasted the largest cultivator market within a thousand li. It was said that Core Formation masters frequently appeared there, while its city lord was an enigmatic figure who left barely a trace of his movements.
Having confirmed the coordinates, Qin Sang set off immediately.
Though he merely disguised himself as a Core Formation cultivator, no one dared cross him. His journey was smooth and unhindered, and before long, an island emerged from the sea ahead.
This island rivaled Qingyang Island in scale.
Masts crowded the docks, and people bustled in a scene of thriving prosperity.
Not having witnessed such a spectacle in a long time, Qin Sang lingered for a moment before strolling toward White Raven Mountain. His pace appeared unhurried, yet it carried him forward with deceptive speed.
A few mortals caught a vague glimpse of a blue-robed figure drifting past, but when they rubbed their eyes, nothing was there, leaving them to wonder if they had seen a ghost in broad daylight.
Before long, Qin Sang arrived before the city gates of White Raven Mountain.
At that moment, an elderly man hurried out from within the gates. Though aged in appearance, he was hale and hearty—a late Foundation Establishment cultivator. Sensing the Core Formation aura Qin Sang was projecting, he beamed with a broad smile and bowed deferentially. "Senior's arrival brings great glory to our humble city! Junior has been stationed before the gates by order of the city lord. If Senior has any instructions, junior will gladly attend to them."
Qin Sang glanced at him, tossed over a bag of spirit stones, and said flatly, "Lead me to the finest cave abode in the city."
He intended to rest properly first.
The old man squeezed the pouch. Seeing Qin Sang's generosity, his smile widened further. "There are three top cave abodes in our market, and one happens to be vacant. Senior, please follow me!"
Bowing low, the old man led the way while Qin Sang followed behind.
Seeing that Qin Sang was walking entirely on foot and observing the surroundings with interest, the old man did not dare rush him. Astute and tactful, he began introducing the local customs and conditions around White Raven Mountain.
As they conversed, the two arrived at the cultivator market.
The market was built atop the mountain summit.
On one side stood the City Lord's Estate, while the cave abodes on the opposite side were reserved for visiting guests.
The old man's status in the city was clearly not low; cultivators they met along the way treated him with great deference. He was at least a steward of the City Lord's Estate.
Qin Sang found it curious that someone of his standing would be assigned to guard the gate.
The closer they drew to the cave abode, the more tranquil and secluded the surroundings became.
Without concealing his gaze, Qin Sang looked toward the City Lord's Estate and pondered silently. He did not sense the aura of any Nascent Soul cultivator.
White Raven Mountain hardly seemed worthy of being a Nascent Soul expert's domain either.
At that point, seeing that no one was around, the old man slowed his pace and asked in a low voice, "May I ask if Senior hails from the Northern Desolation?"
"The Northern Desolation?"
Qin Sang instantly recalled fragments from the jade slip.
The Northern Desolation referred to the vast territory lying north of Zhongzhou's cultivation world. Even after so many years, it still bore that name, which meant the geography of Zhongzhou had not changed drastically.
This island was not far from the Northern Desolation; he had not drifted off course.
"Why do you ask?"
Qin Sang narrowed his eyes slightly, feigning displeasure as he glared coldly at the old man.
The old man felt his entire body tighten. A chill gripped his heart, and he stammered hastily, "Please do not misunderstand, Senior! Junior had no intention of prying into Senior's background. In recent years, many experts like Senior have been drawn here from the Northern Desolation across tens of thousands of li, lured by rumors of ferocious beasts appearing in the storm. For that very reason, the city lord specially ordered junior to watch over the gates, so that no blind fools would offend distinguished guests like Senior."
*Rumors of beasts!*
*In recent years!*
Qin Sang sharply caught the crucial points in the old man's words. He huffed coldly, "Why could this old man not have come from the Western Desert?"
The Western Desert was similar to the Northern Desolation.
The Buddha bone relic, as well as the rendezvous point he had agreed upon with Liuli, was located in the Western Desert.
The old man offered an ingratiating smile. "Senior must be joking. Legends say the Western Desert lies at the western extremity of the world, bordered by endless storms as well. If you wished to see ferocious beasts, why brave the perils of the journey to travel all the way here?"
Qin Sang nodded, putting on an air of not bothering to pursue the matter further, and said impassively, "This old man has been in secluded cultivation for many years and only emerged recently. Having wandered into this vicinity, how is it that I never heard of any ferocious beasts in the storm belt before?"
The old man came to a sudden realization. "It was junior's presumption! To be entirely honest, the beasts have only appeared in recent years. No one knows which senior spotted them first, but it has stirred up widespread panic. There are rumors claiming the beasts' nests have always been nearby, and that out of fear of the world's boundary, they remained huddled away, not daring to show themselves. Now that they have come out to stir up trouble, it indicates the boundary is on the verge of collapse and can no longer suppress them. The mortal world is about to... about to meet its doomsday..."
When speaking of doomsday, the old man could not hide the dread in his voice—a primal terror rooted in his very soul.
The storms, the boundary, and the cultivation world were fundamental truths he had known since birth, existing for countless ages.
Now, all of it might be shattered in a cataclysmic upheaval.
These words supplied Qin Sang with an abundance of information.
It turned out he had misunderstood from the start!
Based on what he had witnessed in the storm belt, the beasts' nests were definitely not near the cultivation world; they had wandered over from unknown depths.
And they had only appeared in recent years.
No wonder Xiaoxiangzi had made no mention of them on his nautical chart.
Qin Sang smiled wryly to himself. The departure time he and Liuli had chosen could hardly have been better timed—they had run straight into such an era. Fortunately, their luck was decent; encountering only two beasts along the way, they had escaped both perils unscathed.
It might also be that the upheaval had occurred relatively recently, so not many beasts were wandering outside yet.
How was he supposed to return to the North Sea in the future?
He could hardly rely on such good fortune every time.
*Are they fleeing for their lives, or drawn by something? What upheaval has occurred in the depths of the storm belt?*
Qin Sang remained silent in thought, ideas flashing rapidly through his mind.
To his knowledge, the greatest upheaval within the past century was the ascension of Ziwei Palace, an event unheard of in history.
Could there be some connection between them?
Qin Sang could not say for certain; his knowledge of the cultivation world was still too limited.
Zhongzhou was filled with prominent immortal sects; perhaps they knew the cause.
Observing Qin Sang's demeanor and noticing his long silence, the old man spoke up on his own. "If Senior is curious, please do not seek out the beasts in person. They are the most horrifying creatures in this world, moving like thunder, capable of swallowing the sun and moon and obliterating all living things. Legends say that even Nascent Soul grandmasters have perished in their jaws without the slightest power to fight back. Right now, the storm belt has become a forbidden zone. Senior must not test your luck against danger!"
The old man racked his brains, exhausting his vocabulary to describe the horrors of the beasts.
Qin Sang knew full well that this rumor was no exaggeration.
If a Nascent Soul cultivator grew conceited and met a ferocious beast head-on, death would be the only outcome.
"If Senior is truly curious about the beasts, junior has a good suggestion," the old man paused, then continued, "My city lord was fortunate enough to obtain a shadow firefly stone with a projection of a ferocious beast imprinted upon it. Rest assured, Senior, the source is entirely reliable."
Qin Sang glanced at him, produced another pouch of spirit stones, and tossed it over.
The old man weighed the pouch in his hand, beaming from ear to ear. Rubbing his thumb and forefinger together, he cast an incantation. A black silhouette soared into the air from the City Lord's Estate—it was a black eagle.
With a crystal held in its beak, the eagle flapped its wings and landed on the old man's shoulder, cocking its head to study Qin Sang.
A repeating projection played within the shadow firefly stone.
It displayed a monstrous bird composed entirely of an exposed skeleton without a shred of flesh or blood. Within its hollow eye sockets burned two flecks of crimson light as it flashed past through the storm.
Chapter 1530