Old Friends and Bygone Days

Within his divine sense, a cultivator was flying toward him from the distance, possessing a formidable aura—an early Nascent Soul expert. Judging by the trajectory, the cultivator was heading straight for him. Qin Sang glanced at the token in his hand and remained standing where he was, looking toward the approaching figure. Before long, a blue rainbow pierced the sky, revealing a man in a long robe within the light of the escape technique. The man possessed a dignified and heroic bearing, appearing to be in his forties. As he flew, a pale-blue sword light danced around him, drawing the surrounding downpour into rippling waves that circled his body. Through some divine ability, he harnessed these waves to vastly enhance his speed, marking him as an outstanding figure among peers of the same realm. In the incessant deluge of the Rain Desert, the man utilized his surroundings to the absolute utmost. Qin Sang stood motionless, yet until the man actually laid eyes on him, he had not sensed Qin Sang's presence at all. Suddenly catching sight of a figure standing atop the ocean waves ahead, the man was startled. A flash of vigilance crossed his eyes, and he brought himself to a halt before reaching Qin Sang. He did not stow his spirit sword, yet his manners remained impeccable. Cupping his hands, he asked, "I am Zhuo Yunshui, a protector of the Four Sages Palace. Was it Fellow Daoist who activated the Sacred Token just now?" Even as he spoke, his gaze fell upon the token in Qin Sang's right hand, and his expression relaxed slightly. The Sacred Token held an extraordinary status within the Four Sages Palace. Only the palace's most honored guests, or those who had rendered aid in times of peril, were ever bestowed a Sacred Token. Within the Four Sages Palace, only a mere handful possessed the authority to grant one. Ever since the Four Sages established the lineage, it was estimated that only a few dozen Four Sages Tokens had ever been distributed. During the period when the Four Sages Palace declined and withdrew into seclusion, centuries might pass without a single token being issued. With a Sacred Token in hand, this person was at least no enemy. Thoughts turning in his mind, Zhuo Yunshui quietly appraised Qin Sang, his confusion and alarm deepening the more he looked. He knew the identities of nearly everyone who had received a token in recent centuries, yet this man was entirely unfamiliar—Zhuo Yunshui had no impression of him whatsoever. The man was clearly standing right before his eyes, yet in his divine sense, he seemed not to exist at all. Had he not seen him with his own eyes, he would never have believed someone was standing there. Such a circumstance could only mean the other party's cultivation far surpassed his own! Could he be a reclusive expert from some sect? "Is Protector Zhuo referring to this token?" Qin Sang held up the token in his hand. Judging by the man's tone, the Sacred Token seemed to hold exceptional significance within the Four Sages Palace. Recalling the circumstances back then, he realized that this token had likely not been intended for him; the one the Four Sages Palace truly wished to befriend was Senior Qingzhu. Regrettably, they did not know that Senior Qingzhu had succumbed to his severe wounds... Remembering old friends and bygone days, Qin Sang could not help but sigh inwardly. If the opportunity arose, he dearly wished to return to that valley to pay homage to Senior Qingzhu. "Fellow Daoist Bao Zhengnan and I once joined hands to face an enemy in the Hall of Seven Kills," Qin Sang explained. "This token was gifted to me by Fellow Daoist Bao, who told me that if I ever visited the Four Sages Palace, I could activate it in the northernmost reaches of the Rain Desert." "So Fellow Daoist Qin is an old friend of the Palace Master! Pardon my lack of courtesy!" Zhuo Yunshui bowed once more, though judging from his expression, he clearly could not recall who this Fellow Daoist Qin was. Bao Zhengnan had already become the Palace Master of the Four Sages Palace! Qin Sang's expression shifted slightly, though he was not particularly surprised. He listened as Zhuo Yunshui continued, "Since Fellow Daoist Qin has come to visit, our Palace Master ought to have welcomed you in person. Unfortunately, the Palace Master is currently presiding over Tianxing Island and is away from the palace. I am tasked with guarding this region, and upon sensing the resonance of the Sacred Token, I took the liberty of coming out to receive you. If I have caused any slight, I hope Fellow Daoist Qin will not take offense." With that, Zhuo Yunshui pressed no further. Stepping aside with an inviting gesture, he personally led Qin Sang toward the Four Sages Palace as a guest. Before departing, he had already sent word to the palace. Every Sacred Token bore a distinctive mark; surely the Palace Master, far away on Tianxing Island, had already been informed of the visitor's identity, and the elders within the palace would make appropriate arrangements. Looking at Qin Sang, Zhuo Yunshui's doubts only deepened. The Palace Master had presided over Tianxing Island for many years—a fact that was no secret in the Canglang Ocean. If this man wished to visit the Palace Master, why had he not gone to Tianxing Island instead of journeying all the way out here? Could he truly be an ascetic cultivator who lived in deep seclusion, detached from worldly affairs? Qin Sang also gleaned valuable information from Zhuo Yunshui's words. It appeared Tianxing Island had returned to the control of the Four Sages Palace, and the landscape of the Canglang Ocean was now vastly different from how it had been in the past. He wondered what the eventual outcome of that struggle between the righteous and demonic factions had been. He nodded and followed behind Zhuo Yunshui. Zhuo Yunshui had a mind to test his guest, holding nothing back as he drove his flying sword to the limit, pushing his escape technique until his streak of light flew like lightning. Yet just as he was beginning to strain under the exertion, he discovered to his horror that Qin Sang had been following calmly behind him the entire time, maintaining an exact distance of thirty feet—not an inch more, not an inch less. Qin Sang's breathing remained perfectly steady, with only the hems of his robes fluttering in the wind. Filled with shock and awe, Zhuo Yunshui dared harbor no further designs, leading Qin Sang straight to the northeast without distraction. As they approached the Four Sages Palace, two figures appeared in the distance, flying out to meet them. "Greetings, Elder Wu, Elder Xiao." Zhuo Yunshui halted and bowed, explaining Qin Sang's background via divine sense voice transmission. The two elders landed before Qin Sang and cupped their hands. "The Palace Master already knows of Fellow Daoist Qin's visit and is overjoyed. He will return to the palace tomorrow and has instructed us to respectfully receive Fellow Daoist Qin, ensuring no etiquette is neglected." Like Zhuo Yunshui, they were filled with curiosity. They had not taken part in the battle to subdue the demon on Yitian Peak back then, so they did not recognize Qin Sang. "It is kind of Fellow Daoist Bao to still remember me," Qin Sang replied with a faint smile, waving his hand. "There is no need to make such a fuss. I have merely come to visit an old friend." As they spoke, Qin Sang followed the two elders forward. Before long, a vast shadow emerged beyond the curtain of rain. Hovering above the ocean surface, the shadow could be discerned through the downpour as a sprawling complex of palaces, imposing and magnificent. It had to be the legendary Four Sages Palace. The Four Sages Palace was a sanctuary painstakingly created by the Four Sages, truly unique in nature. When sealing itself away from the world, activating the corresponding spiritual formation allowed it to fade into the storm belt, shielded from worldly entanglements. When emerging into the world, it could reveal itself before all as an earthly holy land. Now that the Four Sages Palace stood openly in the world without any concealment, it demonstrated their absolute confidence that no other faction could shake their standing. The depth of the palace's heritage was also evident from the two elders' cultivation, both of whom were in the mid-Nascent Soul stage. Looking down from above, an array of exquisite, splendid palaces filled the view. Almost no vegetation could be seen among the buildings, save for a few patches of green along the fringes that were likely medicinal herb fields. It was a completely different style from immortal abodes nestled deep in mountain forests or hidden within clouds and mist. The Four Sages Palace resembled a city more than anything else. The palaces were arranged in an orderly layout, strictly aligned with the positions of the Eight Trigrams in layered tiers, with the abodes of the Palace Master and elders located at the very center. The further outward one went, the lower the status of the occupants, branching into various functional zones. Qin Sang followed the two elders down to the ground. Dense spiritual energy washed over him; though not quite comparable to Luye, it could still be considered a superior cultivation sanctuary even in Zhongzhou. Furthermore, the Four Sages Palace covered an even greater area than Luye, capable of accommodating an entire sect's cultivation. However, when Qin Sang arrived, he noticed there were few cultivators in the palace. Upon inquiring, he learned that most descendants of the Four Sages Palace had moved their abodes to Four Sages Mountain on Tianxing Island, leaving only a small number behind to guard the Four Sages Palace itself. The two elders settled Qin Sang in a quiet chamber and ordered fine nectar and immortal fruits to be served. Qin Sang had many questions, but it was unseemly to pry with people he did not know well, so he waited patiently for Bao Zhengnan's return. The following evening. While meditating, Qin Sang sensed the restriction outside being touched. He rose and stepped out to greet his visitors, finding five people waiting outside: Elders Wu and Xiao accompanying two men and a woman. The features of one man and the woman seemed somewhat familiar—they were none other than the siblings Bao Zhengnan and Bao Xi. Upon receiving the news, the two had set off immediately from far-off Tianxing Island, activating an ancient teleportation array leading to the Rain Desert and returning to the palace in just a single day. Bao Zhengnan had changed greatly. Back then, he had looked like a youth, but now he appeared as a middle-aged man in his forties, devoid of his former youthful greenness. Holding the esteemed position of Palace Master and having occupied high status for so long, he carried an impressive authority that commanded respect at first sight. Bao Xi remained as lovely and enchanting as ever, though touched with an added air of mature grace. The third was an unfamiliar young man in white robes, standing beside Bao Zhengnan on the opposite side of Bao Xi. Elders Wu and Xiao treated him with considerable deference. When both sides met, all were momentarily stunned. What surprised Qin Sang was the cultivation level of the three. When they parted, Bao Zhengnan and Bao Xi had both been in the late Core Formation stage. Now, Bao Zhengnan had reached the late Nascent Soul stage, and Bao Xi was in the mid-Nascent Soul stage as well. The young man's aura was only slightly weaker than Bao Zhengnan's; he too was a great cultivator! Back then, of the two top experts of the Four Sages Palace, one had died and one had been wounded. Yet instead of continuing to decline, after several centuries, the palace had produced so many peak powerhouses! Bao Zhengnan and the other two were equally startled by Qin Sang. Before arriving, they had received word from the elders and assumed Qin Sang would at most be on par with themselves. Reflecting on the peerless swordsmanship of that senior back then, it was hardly surprising that he could train such a disciple. Yet seeing him in person, the three discovered that Qin Sang's aura was profoundly obscure—even they could not see through him! However, they merely assumed Qin Sang had attained exceptionally deep attainments in the late Nascent Soul stage, not daring to imagine he had already achieved Deity Transformation. Bao Zhengnan was the first to recover. Cupping his hands, he sighed, "Fellow Daoist Qin, since parting at Yitian Peak, it has been nearly six hundred years, hasn't it?" "Indeed," Qin Sang murmured with deep feeling. "Though centuries have passed, the events of that day remain vivid in my memory. Had those seniors not risked their lives to slay the demon, we would have long since turned to dust in our graves." Speaking of bygone days, the distance between them drew noticeably closer. With a shared smile, Bao Zhengnan introduced the others to Qin Sang. "This is my younger sister; Fellow Daoist Qin surely remembers her. She has mentioned you many times and has finally seen you arrive. And this is my junior brother, Zhuo Ming, who is now the Grand Elder of the Four Sages Palace." "Even as Palace Master, Big Brother still can't break his habit of speaking without thinking. Please don't take it to heart, Fellow Daoist Qin," Bao Xi chided with a light huff. Her beautiful eyes rested on Qin Sang's face for a moment before she covered her lips with a chuckle. "Back then, Fellow Daoist Qin struck the decisive blow against the ancient demon and turned the tide. I remember it as clearly as yesterday. Seeing you today, Fellow Daoist Qin's bearing is as magnificent as ever." ... After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats within the quiet chamber. Elders Wu and Xiao took their leave, while Zhuo Ming remained. He spoke rarely, quietly watching them reminisce about old times. "After all these years, the Four Sages Palace is teeming with talent and producing great experts one after another," Qin Sang remarked, looking at the three and unable to help thinking of Qingzhu. What a pity. Had there been so many experts that day, the situation would never have deteriorated so! Qingzhu would not have died, nor would Bao Zhengnan's two grandmasters have fallen so early. From their earlier conversation, Qin Sang had already learned that shortly after departing the Four Sages Palace back then, the elderly grandmaster of the Four Sages Palace had perished in a heavenly tribulation, reuniting with Fairy Nangui in the Netherworld. Not long after, Sect Master Lingzhuzi of the Tiandao Sect had followed in the old man's footsteps. As for the Demon Lord, after leaving the Hall of Seven Kills, he had vanished without a trace, renouncing all worldly affairs. It was rumored that he had sought out a secluded place to heal his wounds, but with nearly six hundred years having passed without a word, his injuries were likely no lighter than Lingzhuzi's. Moreover, having sacrificed the Lunar Heavenly Ghost Divine Light, he had most likely met an unfortunate end. Add to that the three leaders of the Three Great Merchant Alliances and Old Devil Mou, who had died on Yitian Peak. After the battle on Yitian Peak, both the righteous and demonic factions had suffered catastrophic losses, and the Three Great Merchant Alliances dissolved. It was not just the human race; the Witch Clan had lost their Grand Shaman, and the demon beasts had lost their Flood Dragon King, plunging the Canglang Ocean into surging undercurrents. Before his death, Lingzhuzi had stepped forward in his capacity as the Sect Master of the Tiandao Sect to stabilize the situation. Otherwise, with so few human experts remaining, a massive upheaval would surely have erupted. Now, there was no need to dwell on how events had unfolded—the Four Sages Palace had emerged as the ultimate victor. Guessing the cause of Qin Sang's lament, Bao Zhengnan also felt sorrow at the thought of his two grandmasters. Yet his resolve was firm, and his expression swiftly returned to normal as he said, "Speaking of which, that we can stand where we are today is largely thanks to Fellow Daoist Qin." "Oh?" Qin Sang asked in surprise. "How so?" Bao Zhengnan said solemnly, "Does Fellow Daoist remember the young lady you entrusted to me?" "Su Nü." Qin Sang nodded. Naturally, he had not forgotten Su Nü. Not only was she remarkably gifted, but after becoming a pawn of the Three Great Merchant Alliances' alliance master, she had never once given up. She had mounted all manner of resistance; her firmness of mind and resolve were far beyond what ordinary people could muster. Before coming here, Qin Sang had reflected on the past and felt that among his old acquaintances—excluding the demon race—Su Nü, once freed from her shackles, was the one most likely to achieve extraordinary heights. "It is indeed her!" Bao Zhengnan nodded, pausing for a moment before continuing, "The reasons behind this trace back a very long time. After our ancestral Four Sages established the lineage, their unworthy descendants gradually declined. Yet the ancestors left behind a profound heritage; had an accident not occurred, we could have maintained ourselves for a long time. Even if we could not match our past glory, we would not have been driven into seclusion from the world. The true cause was that several grandmasters discovered a secret realm in the Inner Hall of the Hall of Seven Kills. After studying it, they believed it contained a great legacy, so they gathered the palace's experts and entered to explore. Unexpectedly, they triggered an ancient restriction inside. Not only did they fail to obtain any treasures, but fewer than half managed to escape, and every survivor was wounded. From then on, the Four Sages Palace fell into steep decline." Here, Bao Zhengnan raised his eyes to Qin Sang. "After the battle on Yitian Peak, human experts fell one after another, and with the demon beasts and Witch Clan watching like hawks, our situation was perilous. We had no choice but to wager everything on a single throw and continue exploring that secret realm. When the Hall of Seven Kills opened the next time, during our exploration of the realm, Su Nü stepped forward. According to her, after being possessed by the ancient demon and waking up, although the demon's soul was destroyed, strange residual power remained in her body, granting her grand divine abilities far beyond our reach. She played a tremendous role in the secret realm, helping us unlock it and obtain the legacy within. My sister, Junior Brother Zhuo, and I all benefited from this. Were it not for that fortune, we likely would not be where we are today." Hearing this, Qin Sang was rather surprised as well; he had not expected that rescuing Su Nü would yield such a twist of fate. "Where is Su Nü today?" Qin Sang asked. If Bao Zhengnan and the others could break through to the late Nascent Soul stage, and Su Nü had taken the lead, her cultivation should be no weaker than theirs, right? Bao Zhengnan and Bao Xi exchanged a glance, their expressions turning somewhat strange. "When the Hall of Seven Kills opened, Su Nü was acting alone in the Inner Hall at the end. Unexpectedly, an anomaly struck the Hall of Seven Kills, and we fled in haste. At the very last moment, we saw that Su Nü had somehow appeared atop Yitian Peak. She failed to escape in time, and her whereabouts remain unknown."