The Central Plains.
Saint Huiguang and the Azure Fox Saint King sat quietly upon prayer mats.
Suspended above their heads was a patch of yellow cloud, seemingly formed from rings of yellow sand slowly rotating around them and reflecting their blurred figures—the very method they used to project their consciousness to Baichuan Market.
Upon hearing the Azure Fox Saint King mention an ancient Spirit Gathering Array, Saint Huiguang opened his eyes and looked over.
Noticing Saint Huiguang's gaze, the Azure Fox Saint King gave a playful smile. "You want the ancient Spirit Gathering Array too? This array holds hidden intricacies—it is effective only for the human race. For non-human races, using it does harm rather than good. If I gave the spirit array to you and the human race flourished in the future, mounting an expedition to the Eastern Sea to wipe out the demon race, wouldn't this king become a sinner of the demon race?"
Saint Huiguang did not answer.
Judging by the Azure Fox Saint King's actions, she likely did not care whether the Eastern Sea's demon race lived or died. Unless her earlier ruthlessness had merely been a facade.
"Old monk, there is no need to waste your thoughts. If this array were truly that valuable, I would have long since used it to force your compliance."
Speaking bluntly, the Azure Fox Saint King said casually, "This array was discovered by this king in a secret realm called Jingkong Island in the Eastern Sea before I broke through to Deity Transformation. It was originally an incomplete array. I once tried to modify the ancient Spirit Gathering Array to adapt it to the demon race, but failed time and again. I can say with certainty that no one in this realm can modify or repair this array. Even if you made a rubbing of it, you humans could never reproduce the Spirit Gathering Array—and not merely because you lack the corresponding heavenly treasures."
For the Azure Fox Saint King to be so confident, she was bound to have solid ground for it.
Saint Huiguang knew well the Azure Fox Saint King's attainments in array formations and restrictions. Her breadth of knowledge was not limited to demon race inheritances, as she had demonstrated back in Wuwang Hall.
During the battle to subdue the demon, the suspended lake and bright moon that trapped the demonic body were grand divine abilities she had created by thoroughly mastering this Dao, with power evident to all.
"This array possesses a potent effect that no other spirit gathering array has: in addition to gathering spiritual energy, it also purifies it. Alas, this king failed to see through the array's profound mysteries," the Azure Fox Saint King said regretfully.
It was difficult for modern immortal cultivators to understand how such a special spirit gathering array operated.
Nevertheless, mystical wonders in this realm were too numerous to count. Within the immortal palace lay existences far stranger than this, completely surpassing their imagination and understanding—all unresolved enigmas.
"After being tinkered with several times by me, making bad matters worse, this ancient Spirit Gathering Array will gradually destroy itself through use. Of course, it will be more than enough for his personal cultivation alone."
A sliver of mockery suddenly appeared in the Azure Fox Saint King's smile. "Judging by his aura, he must have only broken through to the late Nascent Soul stage not long ago, yet he already possesses such peerless combat power. Whether his cultivation is high or low makes no difference; in this realm, aside from you and me, he hardly has any rivals. Once you and I journey east across Guixu, no one will be able to restrain him. Wouldn't having him break through to the Deity Transformation stage as soon as possible suit your wishes perfectly?"
Saint Huiguang lowered his eyes, saying nothing.
The conversation between them did not disrupt the exchange at Baichuan Market.
Through the Azure Fox Saint King's brief description, the incarnation had already learned of this ancient Spirit Gathering Array's prowess, and it would be a lie to say he was not tempted.
If the Azure Fox Saint King was not exaggerating and it truly had such marvelous effects, it would vastly save the true body's cultivation time, leaving much more leeway to make the push for Deity Transformation.
No one would complain that their cultivation speed was too fast.
Yet the incarnation did not relent. "What else?"
"You want a treasure that can break through the bottleneck of Deity Transformation, don't you?"
Seeing through his thoughts, the Azure Fox Saint King smiled ambiguously. "Such treasures are beyond doubt the rarest existences in this entire realm. Even in prominent, prestigious sects, the vast majority can only rely on their own natural talent to attempt the breakthrough; otherwise, how could there be merely a handful of Deity Transformation cultivators in this world? The old monk and I searched Wuwang Hall for several hundred years and only obtained a single Five Elements Pill. I do possess a demon breakthrough secret technique, but it is unsuitable for humans. However, if you have any leads, I can help you secure it."
Every word and deed of the Azure Fox Saint King exuded domineering confidence.
She had indeed thought of coaxing Saint Huiguang into trading Ganlu Zen Monastery's treasures with Qin Sang.
However, such treasures were exceedingly precious. Even with the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sound looming before them, they could not easily be handed over. Moreover, Buddhist secret treasures required cultivating Buddhist Dharma, making them unsuitable for Qin Sang.
Who could say whether the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sound might inexplicably vanish, or if a solution might be found by chance?
Saint Huiguang placed such importance on the Spirit Calming Incense formula precisely because he harbored a sliver of hope that an improved, superior grade of Spirit Calming Incense might possess efficacy exceeding expectations, perhaps winning a glimmer of hope for future generations.
Seeing no fruit from this demand, the incarnation pressed on, "Are there any whereabouts of the Ten Great Divine Woods in the Eastern Sea?"
Because the Wandering Sword harbored Yunyouzi's true spirit, Qin Sang had not incorporated spirit wood into it for many years, fearful of sullying Yunyouzi's true spirit.
For this reason, during the Nascent Soul stage Qin Sang had mostly busied himself with his own cultivation and had not spent much energy gathering spirit wood.
Fortunately, the Wandering Sword possessed a deep foundation, having successively devoured the Boundless Blood Mulberry and the Soul-Nurturing Wood from among the Ten Great Divine Woods, making its material quality far beyond ordinary magic treasures.
With the Ji Yuan Technique, the progress of nurturing it had accelerated significantly.
Once the Wandering Sword birthed its own spirituality in the future, it would be able to continue devouring spirit wood. Gathering some in advance would save him the trouble of rushing about later.
"The Ten Great Divine Woods? You certainly have a big appetite!"
The Azure Fox Saint King snorted coldly, growing impatient.
Unfortunately, the circumstances were stronger than her will. Since she was the one seeking the trade, she could only suppress her anger and say, "There seem to have been rumors of the Ten Great Divine Woods in the past, but once such miraculous treasures appear, they are either taken in secret without anyone knowing, or seized by mighty experts who refine them into handy treasures and carry them out of this realm upon ascension. However, my palace does have a stalk of Grade Seven Azure Spirit Bamboo that has already flowered. Though inferior to the Ten Great Divine Woods, it is still a heavenly treasure rarely seen in this world."
The incarnation's expression shifted slightly.
Grade Seven Azure Spirit Bamboo—he had seen this name in an ancient record.
He knew little of this bamboo's power, but even if the Wandering Sword had no use for it, an entire stalk of Grade Seven Azure Spirit Bamboo could serve as a spiritual medium for cultivating the Postnatal Wood Marionette Monument, and should be a cut above the ancient red mystery tree.
That way, there would be no need to choose between a spirit wood body and an external incarnation.
Before the incarnation could respond, the Azure Fox Saint King took the initiative to offer other treasures. "Seeing how strong your divine consciousness is, far surpassing cultivators of the same rank, could you be a spirit cultivator, or have you cultivated some similar secret technique? I heard that you sought such treasures at the treasure exchange fair and traded Spirit Calming Incense for Near-Dragon Saliva. In my hands, I also have several treasures that aid a spirit cultivator's cultivation. Of course, if you have the confidence to break through to Deity Transformation, I also possess human secret manuals of the Deity Transformation realm..."
The Azure Fox Saint King then swiftly rattled off several names, briefly introducing them.
Her attitude was actually quite straightforward; she simply laid out a list for Qin Sang to choose from.
At this point, Saint Huiguang spoke up to remind them that the duration of the secret technique was almost up, urging him to make a swift decision.
At the side, Mo Xingdao watched all this silently. From the moment he learned of the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sound, his every move was no longer his to decide.
Seeing Qin Sang bargaining with the Azure Fox Saint King while completely in the dark, one could only wonder what thoughts crossed Mo Xingdao's mind.
However, none of the three could see the incarnation's current expression.
Upon hearing the power of one of the secret manuals the Azure Fox Saint King named, the incarnation had fallen completely silent, uttering not a single word while his eyes flickered uncertainly, seemingly deducing something continuously.
In his expression were surprise, astonishment, and a hint of tension.
Reminded by Saint Huiguang, the incarnation composed himself, asked a few questions in a deliberately casual manner, and nearly blurted out an agreement.
Naturally, he still possessed that much composure.
He had to wait until returning to Luye to deduce with his true body the fortune and misfortune of this undertaking, and whether it was worth the risk.
Putting aside distracting thoughts, the incarnation continued to inquire.
There were too many doubts in his heart, and the rare opportunity to consult Deity Transformation cultivators directly had to be seized firmly.
The incarnation's next questions were no longer about the transaction.
"Within the storms, why have the fierce beasts suddenly run amok? As far as Qin knows, fierce beasts never roamed around the cultivation world before; they have always lived in their lair, Guixu. Could something have changed in Guixu?"
When Qin Sang had met Liuli, he naturally learned many secrets from her, including the name of the ascension ground and its general direction.
Records of Moon Concealing Nunnery stated that the Dao beacon was located in the Guixu of the Eastern Sea, where fierce beasts lurked and perils abounded, a place even Deity Transformation cultivators dared not rashly trespass.
For years, the fierce beasts had seemed subject to some form of restraint, generally never leaving Guixu to wreak havoc elsewhere. Having traveled through the Canglang Ocean, the Demon Sea, Zhongzhou, and the North Sea, Qin Sang had never heard of fierce beasts roaming about.
Perhaps exceptions existed, but for fierce beasts to appear in such dense numbers was utterly abnormal.
The Azure Fox Saint King was determined to obtain the Spirit Calming Incense formula.
A thought spontaneously arose in the incarnation's mind: could it be related to this?
"I am also curious why the fierce beasts are running amok. I have already dispatched subordinates to patrol the outer fringes of the storm belt alongside the old monk's disciples, preparing to capture a fierce beast and uncover the reason. If you are willing to lend a hand, I can reserve a spot for you when we hunt the beasts."
The Azure Fox Saint King actually turned around to coax him into pitching in during the beast hunt, completely unsurprised that he had deduced this much.
In fact, everyone who knew the relationship between the Eastern Sea's Guixu and the Dao beacon was guessing that some upheaval had occurred in Guixu.
Yet none could imagine that what had undergone an anomaly was not Guixu, but the entire minor thousand world!
What had been severed was not the path of ascension, but the path to Deity Transformation!
Saint Huiguang explained, "In the past, the reason they were called fierce beasts was that they are innately bloodthirsty and possess low intelligence, driven by cruel instincts. They are one of the most perilous threats in Guixu that one must be vigilant against."
So the fierce beasts had not suddenly gone mad.
The incarnation thought to himself that this was only natural; with the terrifying strength of the fierce beast race, if they possessed intelligence, the cultivation world would have long since become their lair.
"When hunting the beasts, Qin may perhaps dispatch an external incarnation to cheer on the Holy Monk. However, if the Holy Monk obtains any information from the fierce beasts, I hope you will share it with me."
The incarnation posed a condition.
"Agreed!"
Saint Huiguang consented. "Does Almsgiver Qin accept our terms?"
"This incarnation of Qin is alone outside and must first discuss matters with my true body. I will give the Holy Monk an answer as soon as possible."
With that, the luster of the talisman seal in Mo Xingdao's hand faded away.
Silence returned to the cave abode.
The two sand silhouettes melted away like ice and snow, leaving behind a final line from Saint Huiguang:
"Almsgiver Mo, please return to Little Fangcun Mountain."
...
Crack!
The talisman seal cracked.
The incarnation walked out from his hiding place.
Moonlight flowed like water.
This place was far from Baichuan Market, out of sight of its scenery. Without sparing so much as a glance toward Baichuan Market, the incarnation flickered and vanished without a trace.
Afterward, the incarnation sped across the Northern Barrens for an entire month.
He appeared aimless, as if touring the sights of the Northern Barrens, rarely staying in one place. Neither treacherous peaks and foul waters nor the lands ravaged by the Nine Disasters of the Northern Barrens could halt his footsteps.
It was during this period of wandering that the incarnation had communicated with the true body.
No physical contact was required.
Separated by distance, Qin Sang's true body hid within Luye, imperceptibly learning of the incarnation's experiences through their mental link, as well as the contents of the discussions with the Deity Transformation cultivators of the two races.
Even after communicating, he did not summon the incarnation back; before setting out, the incarnation had already prepared to stay abroad for an extended period.
Having learned the details, the true body rose inside his cave abode, his expression shifting unpredictably.
After all, they were of one entity; the true body's expression as he weighed the options closely mirrored that of the incarnation at the time.
It had to be said that the terms offered by Saint Huiguang and the Azure Fox Saint King were exceedingly tempting. Escaping the threat and securing peaceful time to cultivate was something Qin Sang could hardly have asked for better.
Yet he was even more acutely aware that he had to be prepared to abandon this incarnation.
The crux was whether the benefits were substantial enough to make the gamble worthwhile.
...
Not long after the incarnation's negotiation with the Deity Transformation cultivators of the two races, the upper echelons of the Daoist, Buddhist, and Demonic factions jointly departed the Ghost Rock Plateau.
A few personnel were left behind in the ancient mansion to continue exploring, but the three factions' focus was clearly elsewhere.
Thereafter, the higher-ups of the three factions made frequent moves, with all signs indicating that a momentous event was brewing. Well-informed individuals sensed the anomalies and grew uneasy.
Surprisingly, the three factions' first joint move was to publicly vindicate a single person, with Saint Huiguang stepping forward in person.
The Xie clan's ancestor, Daoist Qingfeng!
Only then did the world learn that the rumors were true: at the critical juncture, Daoist Qingfeng had salvaged the collapsing edifice by contributing a supreme demon-subduing treasure, thereby suppressing the demon and sparing living beings from catastrophic ruin.
Even more enviable was the ensuing reward.
Three commanderies, including Bo Commandery, were granted to the Xie clan, with local powers arranged by each faction to evacuate. In addition, various sects pledged comprehensive support, such that calling it an overnight ascent to heaven was no exaggeration.
Aside from being treated as an honored guest by the various sects, Daoist Qingfeng himself seemed not to have received much tangible benefit. Only a select few knew that the greatest prize, the Five Elements Pill, had gone to him.
With Daoist Qingfeng's current prestige, virtually no one would dare openly contend for the Five Elements Pill.
Saint Huiguang had fulfilled his promise.
Far away in the Northern Barrens, Qin Sang was fully aware of it all.
Three years later.
Ganlu Zen Monastery suddenly struck its guest-welcoming Dharma bell.
The chimes rang nine times nine—eighty-one peals—clearly audible even as far away as Feiyun Ferry.
Feiyun Ferry erupted into an uproar.
This was the mark of Ganlu Zen Monastery receiving its most honored guest; the last time it had been struck was when Old Demon Lu, bearing the might of Deity Transformation, had drifted south aboard a light skiff.
Even so, the various sects of the Central Plains had already caught wind of the news through various channels:
The mysterious Daoist Qingfeng had finally made an appearance, paying a visit to Ganlu Zen Monastery.
Indeed, there was no shortage of curious figures from various sects who arrived at Ganlu Zen Monastery ahead of time to witness the sight.
The mountain monastery was serene and tranquil.
Yet today, it bustled with an unusual lively commotion.
A figure ascended the stone steps with calm, unhurried grace, inspiring admiration in all who beheld him.
Eighty-one bell strikes tolled.
The monastery gates of Ganlu Zen Monastery swung wide open.
Master Xingji came out in person to welcome him.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the two exchanged salutations.
Qin Sang's incarnation said in a clear, resonant voice, "From youth, this poor Daoist has held a heart inclined toward the Buddha. Though I entered the Daoist fold, I have never forgotten my aspiration of those early days. I wish to lodge at the monastery for some time, to ponder Buddhist truths and seek the wondrous method of pure tranquility within the Pure Land. Would the Holy Monk kindly accommodate me?"
Master Xingji was slightly taken aback, then said joyfully, "Sadhu! Sadhu! Our Buddha is compassionate, ever accommodating to all sentient beings, throwing wide the gates of expedient means. Only with wisdom and skillful means do we deliver and save sentient beings from the burning house of the Three Realms."
Chapter 1700