A phantom coalesced from divine sense spanned the space ahead, blocking the white cloud's path. Its eyes burned with piercing radiance as it bowed in midair toward Lu Zhang before gradually fading away.
*Whoosh!*
The white cloud came to an abrupt halt.
Lu Zhang's arm trembled faintly, a concealed red glow flickering within his sleeve, his aura held tight and obscure. Once the phantom of divine sense vanished, his expression eased slightly. Lowering his gaze, he swept his eyes across the picturesque lake and mountains below, settling upon one of the peaks.
A man stood on a stone platform at the summit, looking up at him. When their eyes met, the man offered a faint, acknowledging smile.
After a brief contemplation, Lu Zhang dispersed the white cloud beneath him and flashed down onto the stone platform. "Are you Fellow Daoist Qin, who had the local Commandery Governor pass word that you wished to see me?"
As he spoke, Lu Zhang discreetly sized Qin Sang up. He sensed no aura of a great cultivator from Qin Sang; unless it was an intentional disguise, the man's cultivation should be comparable to his own, standing out only in his mastery of divine sense.
Using materialized divine sense to seize the upper hand was an imposing display, yet it had shown no hostility.
A slight offense, but not out of line.
With Lu Zhang's magnanimity, he naturally would not take offense over such a thing.
Moreover, materializing divine sense was itself proof of formidable prowess; the man had the right to be haughty.
"It is indeed I," Qin Sang said, cupping his hands in greeting. "This poor Daoist should have gone in person to Mount Bunian to pay my respects to Fellow Daoist Lu. Beset by petty affairs, I had no choice but to trouble you to travel from afar. I hope you will not take offense at my presumption."
Upon the stone platform sat prayer mats and a jade table. A red-clay stove rested upon the jade table, its pot brewing exquisite spirit tea that Qin Sang had pocketed from Xuantian Palace, curls of tea mist rising in delicate plumes.
This tea grew atop snow peaks and was bathed in wind and snow year-round, endowing it with a brisk, refreshing aroma.
The rising vapor actually took the shape of the tea tree itself, vivid and lifelike, lingering without dissipating.
Qin Sang gestured toward a prayer mat. "Please!"
Having boldly displayed his strength earlier, he now lowered his posture in speech.
Even if Lu Zhang had harbored any displeasure, it would be inappropriate to vent it now.
He cast a glance over the prayer mats and jade table, entirely composed. Gathering up his Daoist robe, he sat down smoothly and raised a hand to stop Qin Sang from pouring the tea. "Fellow Daoist Qin has graced Zhuozhou with your presence, yet Lu only learned of it now. I can only blame Mount Bunian for failing in our hospitality—I am truly ashamed! Liu Xi, come down and serve tea!"
"Understood!"
The young man in tight-fitting attire had only just recovered his wits. Seeing the two grand figures exuding nothing but harmony, he breathed an inward sigh of relief and hurriedly flew down, taking his place beside the jade table to wait on them with the utmost reverence.
"Splendid tea!"
Lu Zhang took the initiative as a guest, taking a sip. The lingering fragrance coated his mouth, and he could not help but be visibly moved, expressing lavish praise.
Qin Sang smiled. "It is well that you like it, Fellow Daoist. This is an unearthly spirit tea I harvested on an immortal mountain beyond the seas. A moment ago, I was worried it might not catch your discerning eye."
Lu Zhang's expression stirred slightly. His eyelids lifted, gazing through the tea mist. "Fellow Daoist hails from the Eastern Sea?"
"Indeed," Qin Sang said, setting down his teacup. "This poor Daoist is a rogue cultivator from beyond the seas. I had long heard that Zhongzhou is vast and abundant, a sacred land of cultivation. Touring here has proven the rumors true; it has broadened my horizons immensely."
Understanding dawned on Lu Zhang. Earlier, he had mentally run through all the top experts among the various sects of the Nineteen Misty Rain Prefectures, yet none matched this man, leaving him to wonder from which faction such an expert had suddenly emerged.
Learning that Qin Sang hailed from the Eastern Sea made Lu Zhang all the more curious about his purpose. "What trouble could Fellow Daoist Qin have encountered to summon me here? Or could it be that some blind disciple of Mount Bunian crossed you, in which case Lu shall apologize on their behalf?"
Qin Sang nodded and spoke plainly. "Fellow Daoist Lu possesses piercing vision, though this does not concern me, but rather a friend of mine, Daoist Qingfeng. As it is inconvenient for him to come, I am acting on his behalf."
With that, Qin Sang recounted the matter of the Xie Clan.
However, it diverged somewhat from the truth.
In Qin Sang's telling, his external incarnation, Daoist Qingfeng, became an estranged blood descendant of the Xie Clan who had drifted abroad. Having attained success in his cultivation, he learned of his heritage and returned to the clan, only to discover that their ancestral land had been usurped. Enraged, he naturally intended to seek justice.
"Daoist Qingfeng is unmatched in benevolence and righteousness. I made his acquaintance during my travels and once received his aid. Invited to lend a hand this time, I could hardly decline. However, I know well that the Nineteen Misty Rain Prefectures conceal crouching tigers and hidden dragons. Fearing that reckless action might stir up great unrest, I urged him not to act on impulse. A subsequent inquiry revealed that the Luoyan Sect does indeed share deep ties with the Liuxu Sect. Thus, I have invited Fellow Daoist Lu to uphold justice, confident that Mount Bunian will surely restore fairness to the Xie Clan."
Qin Sang explained the rationale with an earnest tone.
He had severed his true body from his external incarnation, playing two distinct roles.
Once the phantom had transformed into a corporeal nascent soul, the link between the external incarnation and the primary body became far less conspicuous.
Unless the opponent's divine sense far exceeded Qin Sang's, or they engaged in an intense battle where he lacked the spare capacity to conceal the connection, this deceptive ruse would not easily be exposed.
During his voyage across the storm belt, Qin Sang's divine sense had made substantial progress, placing him among the preeminent even among late Nascent Soul cultivators.
Hearing this, Lu Zhang looked thoughtful. Leaning back slightly, he countered, "If Daoist Qingfeng was able to assist you, Fellow Daoist, his cultivation must be no small matter?"
"His realm is comparable to ours," Qin Sang replied.
Lu Zhang's expression grew solemn. "If two Daoists step forward together to reclaim the Xie Clan's ancestral land, wouldn't it be as easy as turning over a hand? Would the Liuxu Sect really offend you two over a mere Luoyan Sect?"
Qin Sang replied, "I have heard that the Liuxu Sect possesses a profound background and acts imperiously. Though Daoist Qingfeng and I possess some modest cultivation, our roots here are shallow. If the Liuxu Sect insists on protecting the Luoyan Sect at all costs, we worry the situation will become difficult to resolve. Furthermore, I cannot remain in the Nineteen Misty Rain Prefectures indefinitely. In managing the Xie Clan in the future, Daoist Qingfeng will find it hard to stand alone, so we hope Mount Bunian and Fellow Daoist will offer some care and support."
In truth, Qin Sang knew very well that the likelihood of the Liuxu Sect offending two Nascent Soul cultivators for the Luoyan Sect was low.
There were three reasons he had summoned Lu Zhang.
First, should the Liuxu Sect happen to know of the Qingxu Illusory Realm, seeing two Nascent Soul cultivators arrive to seize Mount Pu would easily invite suspicion and potentially cause complications.
Second, the external incarnation would later serve as the Xie Clan Patriarch, operating out in the open to investigate information.
How could one tolerate another sleeping beside one's own bed?
If an unknown Nascent Soul faction suddenly cropped up within their sphere of influence, the Liuxu Sect might endure it temporarily, but future friction would be inevitable.
Such was the relationship between the Liuxu Sect and Mount Bunian.
Qin Sang had thus seen an opportunity.
Mount Bunian would surely be glad to see someone drive a wedge into Fudu Commandery to help pin down the Liuxu Sect.
Third, by taking this chance to connect with an elder of Mount Bunian and establish friendly ties, he could integrate into the Nineteen Misty Rain Prefectures aboveboard, making future endeavors far more convenient.
Severing ties with the external incarnation was necessary because two top experts appearing simultaneously in one place would easily attract the gaze of other factions.
With late Nascent Soul within reach, Qin Sang required a quiet environment to cultivate and had no desire to become the center of the world's attention.
Lu Zhang was a shrewd man and caught the underlying meaning, yet he was in no hurry to state his position. Taking a light sip of the spirit tea, he said, "What you have said, Fellow Daoist, is merely one side of the story. Lu must meet both the Xie Clan and the Luoyan Sect to uncover all the facts before deciding who is right and who is wrong."
Qin Sang clapped his hands and smiled. "We shall do as Fellow Daoist Lu says!"
***
The terrain of the Liuxu Sect was rather peculiar.
The sect was built in the midst of a vast marshland, set amid picturesque waters and mountains of exquisite beauty.
On the perimeter of the great marsh stood six wondrous peaks arranged in six directions.
All six mountains were of equal height. From afar, they seemed ethereal and formless; only upon drawing near did one realize immortal peaks lay here. These were the six gates of the Liuxu Sect's grand protective array. Once activated, they would instantly transform into gates of death.
A figure hurriedly rushed into the mountain gate, facing no obstruction whatsoever as he headed straight for the Liuxu Sect's forbidden grounds.
Just then, a Liuxu Sect cultivator swept past on an escape light in the distance. Spotting this person, he veered closer and called out, "Why are you in such a rush, Sect Master Mo? Could there be news of that tribulation-transcending Nascent Soul expert?"
It was Sect Master Mo arriving in person.
The moment a Nascent Soul cultivator had arrived at his doorstep, Sect Master Mo had known the game was up.
He had acted decisively. Seeing that the Nascent Soul cultivator had not resorted to slaughter, he knew the man had reservations about the Liuxu Sect. Fearing his disciples would not explain things clearly, he had simply come to seek aid in person.
Sure enough, that Nascent Soul expert had not made things difficult for him and had allowed him to leave.
With his sect hanging by a thread, how could Sect Master Mo be in the mood for pleasantries? He merely cupped his hands and hurried off, leaving his old friend thoroughly bewildered.
With three Nascent Soul cultivators in one sect, even without backing, the Liuxu Sect was a force that could not be overlooked in Zhongzhou.
The youngest Nascent Soul in the sect went by the Daoist name Luorong. Sect affairs were largely overseen by him, while the other two paid no heed to worldly matters and would only show themselves if a major crisis arose.
Daoist Luorong looked at Sect Master Mo standing below. Having listened to his report, his expression remained entirely unruffled, like an ancient well.
Having laid out the full story yet receiving no response from Daoist Luorong, Sect Master Mo did not dare raise his head. After a spell of suffocating silence, he gritted his teeth and said, "Martial Uncle, your disciple has another suspicion, though I do not know if I should speak it."
The Luoyan Sect shared deep ties with the Liuxu Sect.
Every generation of talented disciples would be sent to the Liuxu Sect to cultivate for a time.
Sect Master Mo had once been a nominal disciple to a Liuxu Sect cultivator who had been on good terms with Daoist Luorong during his life, allowing Sect Master Mo to forge a connection.
"Speak."
"Does Martial Uncle still recall that mysterious Nascent Soul who transcended tribulation earlier? You once remarked that the power of that heavenly tribulation was limited, making it very likely someone who had just broken through to the Nascent Soul stage. By such coincidence, two Nascent Soul cultivators of unknown origins have appeared in Fudu Commandery one after another. Could they be... the same person?"
Sect Master Mo's tone suddenly grew filled with righteous indignation. "Having just formed his nascent soul, he dares stretch his hand into Fudu Commandery—isn't he being far too arrogant!"
"Insolence!"
Daoist Luorong barked sharply, "If I hear you gossiping about a Nascent Soul again and stirring up trouble, I will never spare you!"
Sect Master Mo was terrified. His body shook, and he fell silent as a cicada in winter.
After a pause, Daoist Luorong said impassively, "Since a Nascent Soul has stepped forward to reclaim the Xie Clan's ancestral land, return it to them. The Luoyan Sect will go back to wherever it came from."
"Ah?"
Sect Master Mo had never imagined that, without even meeting the man once, Daoist Luorong would choose to back down directly.
If it were merely a newly advanced Nascent Soul who knew not the heights of heaven and depths of earth, the Liuxu Sect would have no need to fear him.
Startled, he looked up, only to lock eyes with a pair of profound, piercing orbs. The gaze stabbed into his heart like a sword, making him feel as though he were plunging into a boundless void. His eyes grew dazed, gripped by profound dread.
Then, a cold snort exploded in his mind, startling Sect Master Mo out of the nightmare.
"What a fine act you master and disciple put on! The Xie Clan has fallen to such depths—by what virtue or ability could they persuade a Nascent Soul Patriarch to stand up for them? Exactly why did the Luoyan Sect forcibly occupy Mount Pu, and how dare you conceal it from me!"
With killing intent bearing down upon him, Sect Master Mo was shocked into realizing he had been blinded by greed. Terrified out of his wits, his knees gave way, and he fell to his knees with a thud, no longer daring to hide anything. "Martial Uncle, quell your fury! We only heard that a great secret lay hidden within Mount Pu. Recalling that the Xie Clan's ancestors once flourished and produced a Nascent Soul Patriarch, we were moved to usurp Mount Pu. But as this matter remained unverified, we dared not disturb you, Martial Uncle. After driving the Xie Clan from Mount Pu, I searched the entire mountain and kept watch on the Xie Clan. Seeing no unusual movements from them, I thought we had overthought things. Now, I am certain that Mount Pu must hold an unspeakable secret—please examine this clearly, Martial Uncle!"
Feeling the crushing pressure lift, Sect Master Mo's heart still pounded frantically. In that instant, he had felt as though his soul had left his body and death was at hand.
The Luoyan Sect had previously harbored ambitions of monopolizing the secret, which was why they had not reported it to the Liuxu Sect, intending to slowly swallow the Xie Clan. Never had he expected Daoist Luorong to see through it at a glance.
Sect Master Mo's wits were quick enough to conjure such words in an instant.
He knew this pretext could not fool Daoist Luorong completely.
However, so long as he could redirect Daoist Luorong's attention toward the Xie Clan and unearth their secret, he could atone for his fault through merit.
***
Mount Pu.
Currently Mount Luoyan.
Sect Master Mo had ordered the Luoyan Sect disciples to withdraw into the core array of the main peak, yielding the outer peaks and clearing out the grand guest reception hall.
Sheltered by the grand array on the main peak, and with their sect possessing strength far superior to the Xie Clan's, the Luoyan Sect disciples were nonetheless uneasy and filled with worry.
Not everyone could withstand the oppressive aura of a Nascent Soul Patriarch.
What was more terrifying was that they were actually pitting themselves against a Nascent Soul expert!
Qin Sang's external incarnation sat quietly in the hall, awaiting the arrival of the Liuxu Sect's expert.
Mount Pu had been altered beyond recognition by the Luoyan Sect, yet some places still retained traces of the past.
For instance, the Xie Clan Stone faintly visible on the main peak.
Returning to their ancestral land and seeing these sights filled the Xie Clan members with boundless emotion. Previously, the Luoyan Sect had forbidden the Xie Clan from taking half a step near Mount Pu; they could only reminisce about their ancestral home through descriptions in jade slips and old shadow-retention recordings.
For a time, the Xie Clan members could hardly contain their feelings. Some beamed with joy, while others wept tears of sorrow, their hatred for the Luoyan Sect reaching an absolute peak.
Who would the Liuxu Sect send?
How would they respond?
Qin Sang was not worried in the slightest. His gaze pierced through the hall, looking toward the Xie Clan Stone.
The Xie Clan Stone resembled a stone stele, nearly a hundred feet high, standing before what had once been the Xie Clan's Dharma Transmission Hall. On the surface, it served only to test the spiritual root aptitude of younger generations and store cultivation methods and secret arts.
After being driven off Mount Pu, the Xie Clan had erased the cultivation methods and secret arts within, and now the Luoyan Sect used it for the same purpose.
Little did they know that the Xie Clan Stone was precisely the entrance to the Qingxu Illusory Realm.
Suddenly, Qin Sang sensed something. He rose, walked out of the hall, and stood with his hands behind his back, gazing beyond the mountains.
Knowing the greatest hurdle was upon them, the Xie Clan members hastily collected their thoughts, gripped their magic tools, and gathered behind Qin Sang.
Beyond Mount Pu.
An imperial carriage glided through the air.
Pulling the carriage were not living creatures, but cloud-horses formed from wind and mist.
Daoist Luorong sat upon the carriage, having come in person, accompanied by Liuxu Sect disciples standing solemnly at his side.
Having narrowly escaped disaster, Sect Master Mo still harbored lingering fear. He wished only that Daoist Luorong would claim the treasure and not vent his wrath upon the Luoyan Sect, daring not harbor any extravagant hopes of gaining benefits.
Mount Pu came into view.
Spotting Qin Sang before the grand hall, Sect Master Mo felt a chill run through him. "Martial Uncle, that's him!" he said in a low voice.
Before his words could fade, Sect Master Mo was astonished to discover that Daoist Luorong, who had been composed and unhurried just moments ago, suddenly shot to his feet.
He had always kept his emotions hidden, yet his expression had now turned exceedingly grave.
Qin Sang had not deliberately concealed his incarnation's cultivation realm.
Though separated by a great distance, Daoist Luorong could still clearly feel the crushing pressure stemming from a disparity in cultivation realms!
Chapter 1544