Perhaps eager to return and digest the rainbow-colored puff of qi, wherever the insect cloud passed, it no longer plundered life as it had before, hastening back toward its nest.
The fat silkworm gnashed its teeth, grumbling incessantly.
Though it had obtained the amber insect crystal, it had lost a portion of its origin. While this would not cause irreversible damage, it would require a lengthy period of quiet recuperation to recover, delaying its advancement.
In its simple worldview, not gaining an advantage was the same as suffering a loss—the last time it had felt this aggrieved was when it first fell into Qin Sang's hands.
Gazing at the disappearing insect cloud, Qin Sang was still turning over the recent experience in his mind, finding it deeply wondrous.
The true insect king was at least a fourth-metamorphosis spirit insect!
Wild fourth-metamorphosis spirit insects were exceedingly rare.
First, because the difficulty for a spirit insect to grow to that level was extraordinarily high.
Second, because wild spirit insects concealed themselves extremely well. Some spirit insects that excelled in stealth divine abilities could, through deliberate concealment, deceive the senses of higher-stage enemies.
However, this true insect king's ability was not mere stealth.
Otherwise, the Heavenly Eye Butterfly would certainly have detected its traces.
In the insect-controlling classics of both races, records regarding rotphosphor fireflies amounted to only a few brief strokes, portraying them as a swarm driven by simple instinct, with seemingly nothing noteworthy about them.
Who could have expected that the rotphosphor fireflies' king would be so peculiar?
"Hmm, perhaps there is no insect king, but rather the swarm's collective consciousness mutated."
Recalling the sensation of being gazed upon by the swarm, Qin Sang entertained this thought, before another possibility occurred to him. "Or perhaps the true insect king is another spirit insect altogether, possessing unique divine abilities and enslaving this swarm of rotphosphor fireflies..."
As he pondered these questions, Qin Sang had originally intended to ask for the amber insect crystal to examine it, only to find that the fat silkworm had already shoved the crystal whole into its mouth and was straining hard to swallow it down.
Its beady little eyes darted around slyly, clearly on guard against Qin Sang.
It knew Qin Sang had two other spirit insects, and that the coquettish butterfly was favored above all.
In truth, the Heavenly Eye Butterfly had shown no interest in the amber insect crystal.
Qin Sang smiled helplessly. Could he really bring himself to rob this fellow of a treasure it had traded its own origin for?
Having gulped down the amber insect crystal, the fat silkworm flew back dragging its bulging, plump body. Its eyelids were already drooping, unable to conceal its exhaustion, and it was on the verge of falling asleep right on the spot.
After giving it a quick inspection and confirming there was nothing amiss, Qin Sang put it away to slumber, anticipating that it might advance once it refined the crystal.
With matters here concluded, Qin Sang returned to the cave. Seeing that Zhou Jin and Ruan Yu had remained obediently inside the spirit array, he took the two with him, stopping and going along the way until they departed Heavenly Fissure Valley.
***
Outside Heavenly Fissure Valley...
Three figures flew at an unhurried pace among the forested mountains.
"Reporting to Senior, ahead is Loutai Temple, where we cultivate."
Zhou Jin and Ruan Yu led the way. Zhou Jin glanced back from time to time, introducing the surrounding terrain to Qin Sang.
This place lay thousands of li from Heavenly Fissure Valley, even more barren than other parts, and immortal cultivators rarely appeared here.
Loutai Temple enjoyed a fair bit of fame in the mortal realm, but no mortal would ever guess that tucked away in the mountain behind it was a small Daoist temple inhabited by immortal cultivators.
A secluded temple hidden amid mountains and forests—the surroundings were exceptionally tranquil.
The two were authentic Daoist disciples. For reasons unknown, the founding ancestor of Loutai Temple had chosen to establish their sacred precinct in the Northern Wilderness. In the generations that followed, the lineage had carried on unbroken without ever truly flourishing; in this generation, only the two of them remained.
A few young Daoist novices who watched over the temple were Zhou Jin's disciples.
After staying at the temple for several days, Ruan Yu thoroughly absorbed the medicinal potency of the snake shadow grass. Her stubborn affliction took a turn for the better, and some rosiness returned to her sallow complexion.
Yet at this moment, no joy showed on her face—only worry.
Qin Sang had decided to bring Zhou Jin with him, escorting him across the most chaotic expanses of the Northern Wilderness to the border of the Nineteen Misty Rain Prefectures before parting ways.
Qin Sang would turn west, while Zhou Jin would enter the Nineteen Misty Rain Prefectures alone.
Having made his decision, neither Zhou Jin nor Ruan Yu possessed the courage to refuse; they could only silently endure the pain of separation.
"Rest and recuperate in the temple, Junior Sister. I will return before long," Zhou Jin said with forced lightness. He squeezed Ruan Yu's frail shoulders, mounted his flying sword, and flew out of the temple without looking back, catching up to Qin Sang.
Nothing happened along the way.
***
The Nineteen Misty Rain Prefectures, also referred to by Northern Wilderness cultivators as the Central Plains, actually possessed no clear boundary with the Northern Wilderness.
Legend held that the division of the nineteen prefectures was tied to a past conflict between Buddhism and Daoism. Originally, there were only the innermost Six Jiangzuo Prefectures, which was what the Central Plains historically referred to. Later, as it gradually expanded, the Seven Western Route Prefectures, the Four Northern Prefectures, and the Two Southern Barbarian Prefectures were incorporated one after another, forming the domain seen today, collectively known as the Nineteen Misty Rain Prefectures.
Misty rain and hazy skies, a splendid and thriving realm.
The Four Northern Prefectures bordered the Northern Wilderness.
Departing the Northern Wilderness, Qin Sang and Zhou Jin first set foot in Zezhou, one of the Four Northern Prefectures.
Zezhou.
As its name implied, it was a land of boundless marshes and waters.
In fact, mountains, rivers, and marshes covered the entirety of the Four Northern Prefectures. While the Six Jiangzuo Prefectures also possessed well-developed waterways, they were nowhere near as rugged and untamed as the northern four, where vast marshes spanning ten thousand li and towering peaks thousands of fathoms high were the norm.
It was said that ninety percent of Zezhou was blanketed by lakes and wetlands, shrouded in clouds and mist, vast in expanse and sparsely populated.
The mountain cities and markets of Zezhou resembled solitary islands floating amidst lakes; anyone unfamiliar with the area might easily mistake it for the East Sea.
A streak of light sped across the surface of a lake and landed hastily upon a verdant peak—it was Zhou Jin.
He walked before a sheer precipice at the summit and bowed toward the stone wall.
"Senior Qin, I have gathered intelligence. A thousand li south from here lies Moguan Rampart. Inside the city is Six Prefectures Hall, which is said to be their northernmost branch."
A 'rampart' could be seen as an immortal cultivation city, a large-scale market fair. They were very common in the Nineteen Misty Rain Prefectures, though other regions called them open markets or prefectural seats.
Six Prefectures Hall was an organization akin to a chamber of commerce, endowed with deep backing and well-informed networks.
It had taken the name Six Prefectures Hall because it originated in the Six Jiangzuo Prefectures. Over time it had grown, vanquishing numerous rivals until its influence spanned all nineteen prefectures, making it one of the most widespread merchant associations in the Central Plains.
The name Six Prefectures Hall had remained in use to this day.
When Zhou Jin finished speaking, there was no reply from within the cliff. He remained in his respectful posture and waited quietly. After a moment, light flashed across the stone wall, and Qin Sang stepped out.
"Catch!"
Qin Sang raised his hand and tossed an object to Zhou Jin.
Zhou Jin hastily caught it with both hands. It felt weightless to the touch, and upon closer inspection, it was a grey, gauzy fabric resembling a wisp of mist, remarkably light—it was actually a magic treasure!
"I noticed your escape arts are lacking; in a crisis, you would be unable to flee. This treasure is called Wanli Yan. Once refined, you can use it to conceal your aura, or ride upon it to take flight if necessary," Qin Sang said indifferently. He had crafted Wanli Yan casually from the materials of demonic beasts he had hunted in Heavenly Fissure Valley.
Compared to the Northern Wilderness, the Nineteen Misty Rain Prefectures enjoyed an age of peace and prosperity, yet absolute safety never existed in the cultivation world. If Zhou Jin was to investigate matters on his behalf, he first had to keep his life.
Overjoyed, Zhou Jin said, "Thank you for the gift, Senior!"
Traveling together along the way, while Qin Sang was not given to laughter or smiles, he was neither unapproachable nor did he act like a demonic cultivator.
Whenever Zhou Jin encountered perplexities in his cultivation, he had hesitated for a long time before gingerly asking Qin Sang for guidance, and had actually received answers—a mere few words, yet every sentence precious as pearls.
By now, his feelings toward Qin Sang were no longer pure fear, but also respect. He had resolved to perform his duties with utter devotion. Perhaps, beyond curing his junior sister's chronic ailment, this might also be a rare opportunity for them.
"This time, you will enter the Central Plains alone. Leave a token at Six Prefectures Hall at regular intervals. Once I finish my business and return, I will contact you through Six Prefectures Hall..."
The two flew toward Moguan Rampart. Qin Sang gave his instructions, and Zhou Jin committed every detail to memory.
Arriving near Moguan Rampart, Zhou Jin bowed to bid Qin Sang farewell, then vanished into the boundless expanse of lakes and marshes.
Qin Sang lingered in place for a short while before entering the city alone.
Clamor met his ears.
In Zezhou, owing to the vast terrain and sparse population, not only were the ramparts and markets much larger, but even the scale of mortal settlements far surpassed those elsewhere.
Moguan Rampart was said to be controlled by three major powers with intricate entanglements. Qin Sang had no interest in looking into them, as he would not remain for long.
His purposes in entering the city were twofold: first, to establish contact with Six Prefectures Hall for future convenience; second, to purchase a map of the Western Desert and gather various intelligence.
At Six Prefectures Hall.
Qin Sang deliberately released a wisp of a Nascent Soul cultivator's aura. The moment he stepped inside Six Prefectures Hall, he was ushered into a quiet chamber and received personally by the manager.
This manager was actually a Core Formation cultivator, yet his appearance resembled that of a plump squire with a mustache, beaming with amiable warmth, completely devoid of any transcendent, Daoist demeanor.
Stealing glances at Qin Sang, the manager bowed and said, "Forgive my clumsy eyes, Senior. Might I inquire as to Senior's esteemed title and where your immortal home lies?"
"This old man is surnamed Qin, a rogue cultivator from overseas," Qin Sang replied in a calm tone.
"Senior Qin." The manager came to a realization. "So Senior hails from the immortal isles of the East Sea. It is only my own lack of experience to blame... Senior must not yet possess a Six Prefectures Token, correct?"
With that, the manager took out a token and presented it with both hands. "The Hall Master has decreed that the Six Prefectures Token is bestowed only upon Nascent Soul seniors. No matter where you may be, as long as Senior presents this token, all branch halls will do their utmost to serve you."
Qin Sang had obtained many such items in the North Sea.
He put it away unconcernedly and asked, "I hear your esteemed hall is well-informed. Do you have information regarding the Western Desert?"
The manager nodded repeatedly without inquiring into Qin Sang's motives. He excused himself, left the quiet room, and soon hurried back holding a jade slip. "This is our latest map. However, due to our humble hall's limited reach, and because the Western Desert is vast and ever-shifting, it cannot encompass the entirety of the Western Desert; it is only most detailed in the areas bordering the Seven Western Route Prefectures. It also contains rumors that have circulated out of the Western Desert. All of this is gifted to Senior Qin free of charge."
Qin Sang sounded displeased. "Do you take this old man for someone who would stiff you for a few spirit stones?"
The manager hastily denied it and explained anxiously, "Senior, please understand. This has always been the rule of our Six Prefectures Hall—such intelligence has always been provided free of charge to Nascent Soul experts. For no other reason than to forge good karma."
"Heh, what grand generosity your hall shows. No wonder your business has grown so vast."
Qin Sang nodded and accepted it without hesitation.
Taking the jade slip, Qin Sang saw Mount Jiujia at a glance, which remained a Buddhist sacred ground to this day.
***
After a brief stay in Moguan Rampart, Qin Sang departed the city and headed west, journeying toward Mount Jiujia to rendezvous with Liuli.
Determining direction for this trip was simple: Qin Sang only needed to follow a great river named the Tiantuo River and head west all the way to reach Mount Jiujia.
Leaving Zezhou and passing through Saizhou, the northernmost of the Seven Western Route Prefectures, one entered the Western Desert.
In western Saizhou, one could already see scenery similar to the Western Desert.
Vast gobi and desolation everywhere the eye could see.
However, both banks of the Tiantuo River were consistently lush with aquatic vegetation, and the frontier landscape rivaled the Six Jiangzuo Prefectures.
The Western Desert was not entirely made up of sand dunes and gobi deserts either; its interior held no lack of oases, rivers, and lakes, as well as fertile lands that were remarkably bountiful.
For instance, Mount Xuelian in the northern region of the Western Desert was the cradle of the Tiantuo River. Meltwater from the snow-capped mountains nourished vast oases and formed a mighty river that flowed through the Central Plains before finally emptying into the East Sea, making it one of the most critical rivers in the Zhongzhou water system.
Legend had it that Mount Xuelian was the birthplace of Buddhism's revival, boasting numerous Buddhist sacred grounds, of which Mount Jiujia was merely one.
Through years of development, the Western Desert had long ceased to belong solely to Buddhism. Daoist disciples had ventured beyond the passes to preach their doctrines, taking root in the sand seas and oases to establish sects.
There were also many unorthodox practitioners and demonic cultivators who had chosen to head west rather than enter the Northern Wilderness; while not as lawless as the Northern Wilderness, the situation here was nonetheless highly intricate.
Naturally, Mount Xuelian remained the private domain of Buddhism, where external forces found it difficult to penetrate.
Along both banks of the Tiantuo River, Buddhist temples and monasteries were as numerous as stars in the sky, visible everywhere and beyond count. This river was also a pilgrimage route for Buddhist disciples of the Central Plains.
Buddhism, which had declined severely in the North Sea and Canglang Ocean, was one of the foremost powers in Zhongzhou, fully capable of rivaling the Daoist sects.
Qin Sang traveled alongside Buddhist pilgrims, styling himself a lay practitioner with the moniker Pilgrim Mingyue.
Having cultivated the Seven Masters Buddhist Seal, he could pass as having ties to Buddhism.
Leaving Saizhou behind, the landscape grew increasingly bleak. Even the moisture of the Tiantuo River could not withstand the erosion of wind and sand; the oases on both banks gradually shrank, and vegetation grew ever sparser.
After penetrating into the heart of the Western Desert, the scenery differed little from the Great Beichen Desert of the Beichen Realm. Accustomed to such sights, Qin Sang hurried along his way, barely pausing.
Only when he reached the edge of Mount Xuelian did the land become bountiful once more.
Verdant trees provided ample shade, and grass and foliage flourished.
Landing upon a patch of gobi, Qin Sang gazed into the depths of the oasis and saw snow-crowned peaks standing shoulder to shoulder. Amidst the snow mountains, temples stood in orderly dignity, illuminated by universal Buddhist light.
"I wonder if Liuli has arrived yet," Qin Sang murmured. Setting his sights in the direction of Mount Jiujia, he vanished in a flash.
Mount Jiujia.
Qin Sang's figure appeared at the foot of the mountain, gazing up at the massive perimeter wall encircling the summit.
Just as expected, at the center of the walled perimeter atop the mountain peak stood a Buddhist temple—the grandest in scale of any he had seen on his journey west.
Among the peaks of Mount Xuelian, Mount Jiujia could not be considered majestic or perilous.
The reason it had become a sacred ground was tied to an ancient Buddhist sage who had once cultivated here; the temple had been that sage's place of cultivation.
A steady stream of people flowed along the mountain path, including no shortage of Buddhist cultivators. Yet just like the mortals, they chose to ascend on foot to show respect.
Mount Jiujia was not famous solely as a Buddhist sacred ground.
Situated on the southern foot of Mount Xuelian, it also served as the vital choke point for entering Mount Xuelian from the southern desert. Furthermore, order was maintained stably within the city, fulfilling the role of a market town trusted by nearby cultivators.
Consequently, many people on the mountain path were not dressed as monks, so Qin Sang did not stand out.
He observed them for a moment and found the expressions of these Buddhist cultivators somewhat peculiar; indignation and discontent seemed pent up within their countenances. According to Buddhist scriptures, anger and resentment were supposed to be severed; these Buddhist cultivators clearly lacked adequate cultivation.
If one or two acted like this, it would be normal.
For so many Buddhist cultivators to be in this state was rather strange.
Qin Sang ascended the mountain and entered the city. He deliberately acted with high visibility, publicizing the name Pilgrim Mingyue, and then found the most reputable inn to settle down in.
Taking a brief rest in his room to wash away the travel grime, he also waited for Liuli to find him.
If Liuli had not arrived yet, he would first inquire into the situation of the Western Desert himself and seek news regarding the Buddha bone sarira.
Before evening even fell, the ward on his door was triggered. Qin Sang's heart stirred. A smile surfaced on his face, and he opened the door.
"Please come in."
A cloaked figure flashed inside—it was Liuli!
Chapter 1534