Radiant Gold Sword Cave

The Western Lands were surrounded on all sides by flame storms, leaving almost the entire realm in conditions similar to the Western Desert. In the outer reaches of the Western Lands, oases and living creatures were virtually nonexistent. Only toward the center did moisture gradually increase, yet it was far from abundant. Compared to other domains, the Western Lands as a whole were arid and desolate. Cultivators, like mortals, settled wherever there was water. Among the domains Qin Sang had traveled through, the North Sea and the Canglang Ocean were predominantly vast waters, yet places suitable for life were far more plentiful than here in the Western Lands. The Western Lands had the sparsest population, and here, survival was the hardest for mortals. En route to Great Compassion Zen Temple, Qin Sang intentionally slowed his flight speed to take in the customs and culture of the Western Lands, discovering that the Dharma flourished widely here. The Buddhist sects of the Western Lands differed somewhat from those in Zhongzhou. Passing oasis after oasis, Qin Sang frequently saw Buddhist disciples walking the mortal world, channeling water vapor to nourish the land and sparing the mortals of the Western Lands from being displaced whenever an oasis dried up. While discussing the Dharma and the Dao with Master Zhitan and the others, Qin Sang learned that among the Western Lands' Buddhist sects, monks from certain temples made the universal salvation of all sentient beings their lifelong vow and practiced it personally. Some attained enlightenment through their deeds and became true holy monks, yet there were also many gifted individuals whose personal cultivation was derailed as a result. Naturally, the Western Lands did not belong entirely to the Buddhist sects; there were other lineages as well, though none matched the Buddhists in strength. As they traveled, Qin Sang and Master Huaiyin exchanged their insights on body cultivation. Qin Sang had originally intended to seek advice from Master Huaiyin on this journey; since the monk had brought it up of his own accord, Qin Sang was more than happy to oblige. Qin Sang had already cultivated the *Heavenly Demon Refining Form* to the middle stage of the fourth transformation. In terms of realm, he was merely one notch below Master Huaiyin, giving him the standing to converse as an equal rather than merely seek guidance one-sidedly. Moreover, one practiced Buddhist teachings while the other practiced demonic methods—two completely different heritages. By comparing and confirming their understandings against one another, both gained valuable insights. The two engaged in animated conversation, inadvertently leaving the others neglected. From Master Huaiyin, Qin Sang learned that body cultivation methods had existed in Great Compassion Zen Temple since ancient times. However, restricted by the cultivation environment of this world, pure body cultivators like Master Huaiyin were exceptionally rare. "For Grandmaster to focus on the Dao of body cultivation and still achieve such heights, this humble Daoist truly admires you," Qin Sang could not help but praise. Master Huaiyin showed no sign of complacency. Looking at Qin Sang, he spoke with profound meaning, "The reason our temple has been able to perpetuate the lineage of Guardian Vajras, besides possessing a relatively complete method, lies in another factor..." Noticing the unusual tone in his voice, Qin Sang's eyes flickered. "May I ask what that might be?" As he spoke, he glanced at Master Zhitan beside them. How could he fail to realize that this was undoubtedly a secret of Great Compassion Zen Temple? Under normal circumstances, it would never be revealed to an outsider like him; Master Huaiyin bringing it up was clearly an invitation for him to ask. Master Zhitan smiled without speaking, showing no intention of stopping Master Huaiyin. Master Huaiyin pressed his palms together and said, "Our temple possesses a secret ground named the Radiant Gold Sword Cave. It was likely a place where ancient sword cultivators sparred or engaged in battle. Over the long ages, the sword intent within the cave faded away, yet for reasons unknown, the sword qi underwent a mutation, transforming into radiant gold sword qi and enduring to this day. In truth, it can hardly be called sword qi anymore; sword cultivators can no longer comprehend peerless ancient sword techniques from it. However, for body cultivators like us, it is an invaluable treasure ground. Drawing radiant gold sword qi into one's body within the Radiant Gold Sword Cave to temper the physique yields twice the result with half the effort! Without the Radiant Gold Sword Cave, this monk would likely have had to endure far more trials to attain today's cultivation." Qin Sang had not expected Master Huaiyin to hold nothing back, laying bare the origins and purpose of the Radiant Gold Sword Cave. Wasn't this tempting him to pay a visit to the Radiant Gold Sword Cave? Advancing the realm of the *Heavenly Demon Refining Form* was currently Qin Sang's top priority; having encountered a treasure land like the Radiant Gold Sword Cave, there was no reason to miss it. He also understood clearly in his heart that for the other party to reveal the Radiant Gold Sword Cave unprompted, they must have something they wanted from him. Having already reached the pinnacle of this realm, Qin Sang had no fear of others harboring ulterior motives. He said immediately, "Nothing escapes Grandmaster's discerning eyes. This humble Daoist is indeed seeking such an opportunity. What must I do for your temple to permit me a trip into the sword cave?" "Since True Monarch requests it, our temple will naturally open the doors wide! After meeting with the abbots of the various temples, this monk will immediately escort True Monarch to the sword cave," Master Huaiyin answered decisively, but then shifted his tone. "However..." "Huaiyin," Master Zhitan suddenly interrupted Master Huaiyin, then turned to Qin Sang. "Let this monk speak of my own affairs to True Monarch. I wish to ask True Monarch to protect my Dharma during a breakthrough!" "Protect your Dharma?" Qin Sang was slightly taken aback, then suddenly realized what it meant. A look of surprise crossed his face. "Could it be that Grandmaster wishes to attempt the Deity Transformation stage right now?" Given the strength of Great Compassion Zen Temple, what else in this realm could possibly require an outsider to protect his Dharma? Qin Sang could only think of this single possibility. "Indeed!" Master Zhitan nodded. "This... why must Grandmaster be in such a hurry?" Qin Sang truly had not expected anyone to actively attempt a breakthrough while being fully aware of the Demonic Voice of the Heavenly Dao. Unless one's lifespan was nearly exhausted or the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation was imminent and known to be insurmountable, now that Qin Sang had brought news of the Ascension Platform, hope had returned to this realm. What harm would there be in delaying for a time? "This monk began preparing to assault the barrier to Deity Transformation long ago, gathering momentum for an entire tribulation's cycle. In three years' time, the period will be fulfilled, and I ought to break through in one surge of momentum. As the saying goes, the moon wanes once full; when the opportunity arrives, delaying serves no purpose. If I succeed, I can join hands with True Monarch to weather this realm's great catastrophe; if I fail, it will serve as a warning to those who follow that the Demonic Voice of the Heavenly Dao is not to be taken lightly, and that they must assist True Monarch with all their might for a sliver of hope to survive." Master Zhitan pressed his palms together, his expression serene. Worry showed in the eyes of Master Huaiyin and the others. Qin Sang fell silent. In fact, Qin Sang had sensed earlier that after he asked Master Xingji to inform the Poison King and the others about the Demonic Voice of the Heavenly Dao, they had not fully believed it. Some likely thought it was alarmist exaggeration. Were it not for the temptation of the Ascension Platform, those people might not have put forth their full efforts. At the root of it, it was because Qin Sang was an anomaly. Having cultivated to such a level, who would consider themselves inferior to others or think their own mental fortitude lacking? If Qin Sang could succeed, why couldn't they? The world held more treasures than just Spirit Calming Incense; so long as they prepared adequately, it might not be impossible. Yet Qin Sang could not explain the true reason. "Does Grandmaster possess Spirit Calming Incense?" Qin Sang asked. Master Zhitan nodded. "Years ago, I obtained the formula from Saint Huiguang and refined a stick. Alas, the spiritual herbs required for superior-grade Spirit Calming Incense are exceedingly rare; though our temple searched the entire Western Lands, we could not gather them all. In addition, our temple possesses a supreme Buddhist treasure capable of protecting my Essence Soul, resisting the harm brought by the bifeng wind so that I may subsequently face the inner demon tribulation in optimal condition. However, this treasure must be controlled by another party to protect my Dharma from a distance, and the higher their cultivation, the stronger its effect. Inviting True Monarch to take action is precisely to control this treasure. Rest assured, True Monarch, this is a tribulation-crossing secret treasure; it will not cause the heavenly tribulation to spill over onto True Monarch, but will merely consume a vast amount of True Monarch's true essence." Master Zhitan explained in detail. To think such a treasure existed in this world. It was exceedingly difficult for cultivators to borrow outside strength when crossing heavenly tribulations. If an outsider interfered, not only would the tribulation mutate and intensify in power, but the person who intervened would also be drawn into the tribulation. Hearing this, Qin Sang immediately thought of Liu Li and hurriedly inquired, but the answer disappointed him. The treasure was named the Mingwang Scroll, depicting an image of the Immovable Mingwang. It was a heritage secret treasure of Great Compassion Zen Temple, and only those who cultivated the fundamental techniques of Great Compassion Zen Temple could receive its protective power—not even Master Huaiyin, who hailed from the same sect, could do so. It was said that originally there had been three tribulation-crossing secret scrolls, corresponding respectively to the Three Disasters. The other two were incomplete. The Buddhist sects of the Western Lands emphasized cultivating the mind, and in truth had desired the other two scrolls more; who could have foreseen that the Mingwang Scroll would now turn out to be the most vital? Qin Sang sighed inwardly, but without hesitation, he decisively agreed. "Rest assured, Grandmaster. This humble Daoist will certainly lend a hand!" The monks were overjoyed at his words. "Since the two Grandmasters have brought up these matters, this humble Daoist will hide nothing either. On this journey, I originally intended to seek instruction from Master Huaiyin regarding a secret technique—the one Master Huaiyin used back at Dishou Mountain to reverse injuries. I am also preparing for the future; if I am forced to cross east into Guixu, having this secret technique for protection could grant a glimmer of hope." Qin Sang said sincerely, "Rest assured, Grandmaster, I will not take advantage of someone in need. My request for that secret technique will not be conflated with this matter. Regardless, in protecting Grandmaster's tribulation, I will spare no effort." Master Zhitan nodded. "This monk trusts True Monarch. However, this secret technique is the true transmission of Huaiyin's lineage, so it depends on Huaiyin's wishes." "Once we return to the temple, this monk will pass this *Inner Lion Seal* to True Monarch," Master Huaiyin agreed immediately without hesitation. Qin Sang's expression softened slightly. "Does Grandmaster have any requests?" Master Huaiyin hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "If the Ascension Platform is found, this monk only asks that True Monarch reserve a spot for me beside it. I ask for nothing else." As they spoke, Great Compassion Zen Temple came into view. Great Compassion Zen Temple was built beside a lake. This lake was the largest in the Western Lands. Standing on its shore, one could not see the opposite bank, and anyone unaware might mistake it for an ocean. When they arrived, the abbots of the various temples had already been waiting at Great Compassion Zen Temple for a long time. In name, it was a Grand Water and Land Dharma Assembly. Qin Sang showed himself at the assembly, repeating what he had done in Zhongzhou. Once the assembly concluded, Master Zhitan went into secluded meditation to await his breakthrough three years later, while Master Huaiyin led Qin Sang to a meditation hall to impart the technique. Inside the meditation hall, the two sat cross-legged on prayer cushions, facing each other. Master Huaiyin transmitted the teaching mind-to-mind. He joined two fingers and tapped toward the space between Qin Sang's eyebrows. A beam of golden light flew out, and Qin Sang slowly closed his eyes as a profound secret technique surfaced in his mind. "*Inner Lion Seal*..." As Qin Sang comprehended the secret technique, Master Huaiyin's voice reached his ears, sounding somewhat ethereal. "The *Inner Lion Seal* is one of the Nine Radiant Seals passed down from antiquity. It is said that the Nine Radiant Seals have some historical connection to the Daoist sect as well, but their true origin can no longer be verified. Each seal serves a different purpose, each endowed with marvelous divine powers. Our temple holds the legacy of only the *Inner Lion Seal*, and merely half of it at that... "Even though it is only half a seal, its divine power is extraordinary. With True Monarch's current physical realm, you should just barely be able to execute it. "As for the function of this seal, True Monarch may regard it as restoring oneself. When heavily wounded—even if one's foundation is injured—so long as there is time to form the seal, one can swiftly recover, turning defeat into victory or even reversing life and death, just as this monk did that day... "Yet because it is only half a seal, the secret technique is flawed. "This monk knows not how powerful the complete *Inner Lion Seal* might be, but this half-seal has many limitations that must not be overlooked. "First, for each injury, the esoteric seal can only be cast once. If cast consecutively, the backlash upon oneself could very well cause the physical body to collapse on the spot. "Second, after executing the esoteric seal, it is best to leave the perilous situation as quickly as possible, for this is not true recovery. Once the duration of the esoteric seal expires, the injuries will rapidly worsen, becoming even more severe than before." ... Combining Master Huaiyin's guidance, Qin Sang quickly gained a general understanding of the *Inner Lion Seal*. He could not help marveling at the technique's profundity, wondering just how formidable a complete *Inner Lion Seal* would be. Just as Master Huaiyin said, this secret technique could not truly heal injuries, yet in critical moments, it was equally capable of saving one's life. "Thank you for transmitting the method, Grandmaster," Qin Sang said, rising to bow in gratitude. He did not set about comprehending the *Inner Lion Seal* right away; there would be plenty of time while traversing the storm belts later on. Speaking of which, this was the second type of Buddhist seal he had obtained. Previously, he had acquired the *Seven Master Buddha Seals* from Jinghai Sect. Though less profound than the *Inner Lion Seal*, it was an art of slaughter. Qin Sang had previously mastered the Auspicious Seal, Lotus Seal, Wheel Altar Seal, and Demon Subduing Seal. After breaking through, he could cultivate the fifth and sixth seals: the Vajra Great Wisdom Seal and the Vajra Heavenly Armor Seal. Master Huaiyin also stood up and said, "This monk will now open the Radiant Gold Sword Cave. During these three years, True Monarch may cultivate inside the cave." With that, Master Huaiyin led Qin Sang away from Great Compassion Zen Temple. Surprisingly, the Radiant Gold Sword Cave was located beneath the very lake before the temple. Neither of them needed true essence for protection as they dove deep into the water. Just as Qin Sang estimated they were nearing the lakebed, Master Huaiyin ahead of him formed an incantation gesture. Qin Sang felt the fluctuations of a Buddhist restriction. Then, beneath the dark waters of the lake, faint Buddhist light emerged, revealing a towering mountain beneath it! As it turned out, they were far from the lakebed; the true bottom lay beneath this mountain. *The seas turn into mulberry fields; what great changes time brings!* Qin Sang sighed inwardly and followed Master Huaiyin through the restriction, entering a cave. Moisture was kept outside, leaving the cave dry and crisp. Standing at the entrance, Qin Sang could already feel an exceedingly sharp aura emanating from within the cave. Before even seeing the so-called radiant gold sword qi, he already had the illusion of being pierced by ten thousand swords! When his eyes fell upon the interior of the Radiant Gold Sword Cave, he could not help but pause and stare for a long time. Blinding golden light filled the cave, and streaks of radiant gold sword qi, nearly corporeal, swam about within the chamber like genuine golden swords. Master Huaiyin unexpectedly instructed him not to resist the sword qi, but to let the radiant gold sword qi pierce into his body—almost masochistically allowing the sword qi to tear at his flesh! "Not only does it have the effect of cleansing the meridians and rebuilding anew after destruction, but the strange energy within the sword qi—which this monk calls radiant gold qi—can also merge into oneself, strengthening the physical body. True Monarch already possesses Deity Transformation cultivation. As long as you can endure the pain, use your true essence to protect your vital organs, and absorb more of the radiant gold sword qi, the effect should far exceed what this monk achieved back then..." Master Huaiyin stepped into the sword cave, letting the sword qi pierce right through him. Golden light flashed brilliantly across his body, yet his expression remained utterly unmoved. The reason he said "back then" was that Master Huaiyin had already refined the Xin Metal Source Crystal; unlike in the past, he now absorbed the Geng metal qi drifting through the void, so this Radiant Gold Sword Cave held little significance for him anymore. Qin Sang nodded and stepped into the cave. A streak of radiant gold sword qi struck straight at him. Suppressing the true essence within his body, he allowed the radiant gold sword qi to plunge into his flesh, and a tearing agony washed over him. He concentrated on feeling it; after the sharp pain passed, an inexplicable energy seemed to melt into his body. Master Huaiyin instructed Qin Sang on how to absorb the radiant gold sword qi, then took his leave. Cultivating in the sword cave, one lost track of the passage of time. In the blink of an eye, three years slipped by.