The Vermilion Bird Spirit believed it had Qin Sang completely under its thumb, at its beck and call.
Little did it know that Qin Sang was thinking of something else entirely.
An ancient divine beast, a kirin, had transformed into a source seed and drifted into this realm.
This could not help but remind Qin Sang of those "ancients" he had encountered in the past.
According to Ghost Mother, the Immortal Palace had a different origin from the rest, so setting aside the Vermilion Bird Spirit, Bai, and the Demon Monarch who hailed from it...
Even outside the Immortal Palace, ancient paragons remained trapped in this realm.
Among the Witch Clan, there was Ghost Mother.
Among the ancient demons, there was the Jade Bone devil sealed within Sin God Palace, and the demon suppressed beneath Jinghai Sect.
Even among the demon beasts, the Qilin source seed was not the first remnant spirit of a divine beast Qin Sang had encountered. Back when he obtained the stone slab in the Beichen Realm, his primordial spirit had suffered the impact of an Azure Luan's remnant spirit.
The Qilin source seed tempted others into cultivating secret arts, reviving within the cultivator's body.
The Azure Luan's remnant spirit had lain in wait like a hunter by a tree, its spiritual awareness dormant; the moment someone whose aura resonated with the Azure Luan touched the slab, it would awaken and strike directly at their primordial spirit.
When all was said and done, both were methods of body snatching.
Qin Sang could not help drawing connections.
Apart from the human race, he had encountered ancient powerhouses from all three races: the Witches, the Demons, and the Beasts!
These figures from the three races were either sealed away or reduced to remnant spirits, and against all odds, every single one had ended up in this same lower realm. No matter how he looked at it, this could not be a coincidence.
Could it be that an ancient war encompassing every race had erupted in the distant past—one where even these almighty luminaries could not escape unscathed, cast down one after another into the mortal dust, and this lower realm had unfortunately been chosen as the battlefield?
Most intriguing of all, the great figures of these three races seemed to have anticipated their later plight, preparing contingencies in advance to leave this realm. Each displayed their own marvelous methods, none of which followed the conventional path of ascension.
The demons erected an Ascension Platform.
The Witches had guides waiting in the upper realm to breach the realm boundary and ascend.
The demon beasts simply usurped other bodies like cuckoos seizing a magpie's nest to conceal their tracks.
He wondered if any human paragons had suffered a similar fate, and what contingencies they might have left behind.
Qin Sang suddenly frowned. He had a feeling that the great figures of these three races all seemed to be terrified of something.
Were they all like Ghost Mother, trapped below the Deity Transformation stage, unable to break through in this realm and incapable of entering Guixu?
Or was there an unknown peril at the realm's beacon, keeping them too fearful to go near it?
Qin Sang thought once more of the Demonic Voice of the Heavenly Dao, feeling an inexplicable unease toward the Door of the Beacon. If he were fortunate enough to find an Ascension Platform, would he still dare to explore Guixu? Could some great horror lurk within?
He did not know when the Immortal Palace had plummeted into this realm. Perhaps he could glean something from the Vermilion Bird Spirit to verify Ghost Mother's words.
At this thought, Qin Sang suppressed his wandering musings. His gaze swept over the nine chattering divine birds, and he said thoughtfully, "If Senior's words are true and you bear no deception toward this humble Daoist, then you would be saving my life, bestowing a grand opportunity upon me, and even offering protection to my descendants. I truly cannot think of any reason to refuse. However..."
His tone suddenly shifted. "Precisely because of that, this humble Daoist finds it hard to believe there could be such a miraculous bargain in this world. Even if the Qilin's origin essence can be found, it surely will not be easy to subdue, will it?"
The Vermilion Bird Spirit sneered. "Of course it won't be easy! Unless that kirin was already on the verge of death back then, it will certainly have left behind means to protect its origin essence. With your current meager cultivation, don't even dream of it."
Throughout this entire realm, perhaps only the Vermilion Bird Spirit dared to look down upon Deity Transformation cultivators.
Instead of growing angry, Qin Sang smiled. "In other words, Senior also lacks the ability to devour the Qilin origin essence at present? And even if you find it in the future, you do not possess absolute certainty. Bringing this humble Daoist along is actually seeking a helper."
The Vermilion Bird Spirit faltered, then snapped angrily, "There are countless people in this world eager to help this Vermilion Bird seek the kirin's origin essence! You are the only one who doesn't appreciate a favor! If your strength is lacking when the time comes, this Vermilion Bird won't bring a burden along!"
Qin Sang soothed it, "Calm your anger, Senior. This humble Daoist merely wished to confirm that I am not useless to Senior; only then can I follow Senior with peace of mind. Rest assured, Senior, I believe my devotion to the Dao is second to none. Even without the temptation of the Qilin origin essence, my determination to advance will never waver."
The Vermilion Bird Spirit gave a huff, its anger slightly waning.
Looking at the Sun God Tree, a strange glint flickered in Qin Sang's eyes.
He had provoked the Vermilion Bird Spirit with another purpose in mind. Ever since it revealed itself, he had been quietly observing, covertly probing its strength.
"Does Senior not feel uncomfortable anywhere?" Qin Sang suddenly asked an out-of-the-blue question, his expression turning slightly eerie.
"What did you say?"
The Vermilion Bird Spirit was taken aback, completely baffled.
"Nothing," Qin Sang gave a slight shake of his head. "Junior was merely concerned that extracting the essence from the Qilin source seed might clash with Senior's true spirit. If an accident were to occur, not only would Senior suffer a backlash, but Junior would be caught in the fallout as well, only speeding my death."
As he spoke, he could not resist glancing at the Sun God Tree a couple more times.
Ever since showing itself, the Vermilion Bird Spirit had not uttered a single word about the Demonic Voice of the Heavenly Dao. Judging from its tone, there was no sign that it was affected by the demonic voice either. Could it truly be unaware?
One had to know that even the demon spirit of the Five Elements Crown, which had yet to fully form into an artifact spirit, had succumbed to madness under the assault of the demonic voice. Surely the Vermilion Bird Spirit could not be inferior to a mere demon spirit?
How many divine birds could a Vermilion Bird true spirit command if it could not even perceive the Demonic Voice of the Heavenly Dao?
Reflecting on the past, Qin Sang naturally would not have casually spoken of the Demonic Voice of the Heavenly Dao when alone.
And when convening the experts of various territories to discuss vital affairs, he either transmitted sound secretly or kept the Sun God Tree hidden because too many eyes and ears were around.
Seeing that Qin Sang was swayed, the Vermilion Bird Spirit suppressed its temper and explained patiently, "You need not worry about that. The essence within the Qilin source seed exists to keep the kirin's true spirit unclouded; it is the purest essence in the world. Were it not for the source seed having already taken root and sprouted inside you, you could have absorbed it to strengthen your soul. But now that you have merged as one with it, anything you do will only hasten its revival. My extracting the essence is also to better suppress it, pulling out its 'roots' from your body little by little..."
Hearing the explanation, Qin Sang felt a stir in his heart, yet his face showed a troubled look, appearing hesitant and undecided.
The Vermilion Bird Spirit's patience was wearing thin, and it snapped in frustration, "What else are you worried about! Being so irresolute, how have you even managed to stay alive until now!"
"It is not that I distrust Senior. I fully understand Senior's intentions, and swearing an oath to help Senior refine the Qilin origin essence is no issue. But..."
Qin Sang forced a bitter smile. "Looking back on when I obtained that true feather, I was overjoyed, unaware that it was Senior's deliberate design. With Senior lurking by my side for centuries, watching my every move, whenever I think of it, a chill runs down my spine. It truly is... truly is..."
Such a concern was entirely reasonable.
Putting itself in his shoes, the Vermilion Bird Spirit softened its tone and consoled him, "This Vermilion Bird spent the vast majority of that time asleep. It is only natural you couldn't sense me. In light of you bringing me out of that cage, so long as you remain obedient, this Vermilion Bird will do nothing to harm you."
A look of surprise surfaced on Qin Sang's face. "Senior can enter the mustard-seed space inside the Qianjun Ring and sleep there?"
When the Sun God Tree was not in use, Qin Sang had always kept it stored within the Qianjun Ring. This had been his greatest puzzle, for he had tested it years ago: the Qianjun Ring could not contain living beings.
Could the Vermilion Bird Spirit enter the Qianjun Ring as well? Or were existences like artifact spirits and the Vermilion Bird Spirit special and exempt from such restrictions?
"That iron ring of yours is rather peculiar."
The Vermilion Bird Spirit directed the divine birds to look toward Qin Sang's right hand.
On his thumb rested an ordinary-looking, pitch-black iron band.
"When you stored me inside, I was able to attach my spirit to it. In my perception, it was nothing but a pitch-black void, inducing a heavy drowsiness, and without realizing it, I fell into a deep slumber. Later, finding that it had no adverse effect on me, I simply let you be."
"Attach your spirit?"
Qin Sang raised his right hand, examining the Qianjun Ring.
This treasure had been obtained from slaying a remnant of the Kuiyin Sect. Worn inconspicuously on the hand, it was far more convenient than a mustard-seed pouch, and its internal space was ample.
For that reason, though Qin Sang had come across various spatial treasures later on, he had never replaced it.
This treasure had likely been brought out of Ziwei Palace by Patriarch Kuiyin as well, and it possessed its own secrets unbeknownst to others.
At this moment, Qin Sang suddenly recalled another matter. His expression tightened slightly, and with a flash of light from the Qianjun Ring, a bone flute appeared.
The cultivation method Heavenly Demon Refining Form had been obtained from this very bone flute!
At present, Qin Sang only knew the first four tiers of the Heavenly Demon Refining Form; the rest remained shrouded in mist, presumably because his cultivation level was not yet sufficient.
He vividly remembered that the bone flute also possessed wondrous traits: it could not be placed into other spatial treasures and had to be carried on one's person by anyone else, yet it could be kept inside the Qianjun Ring!
Coincidentally, he had also been able to cultivate the Heavenly Demon Refining Form within the bone flute with the aid of the jade Buddha.
Could it be...
Qin Sang's face darkened like the bottom of a wok, his mood plunging. Just how many things of unknown origin were tagging along with him!
"Can Senior discern the origins of this object?"
Qin Sang held the bone flute and opened his palm.
Unsurprised, the Vermilion Bird Spirit replied flatly, "I noticed that bone flute of yours long ago. Do not worry, it has no spirit. Otherwise, attaching my spirit to the Qianjun Ring alongside it would have certainly provoked a reaction. But do not underestimate where it comes from, either—even I cannot see through the material of this bone flute."
Hearing this, Qin Sang felt slightly relieved. He turned the bone flute over and examined it carefully. Judging by its material, it appeared to be some kind of beast bone—yet could there truly be a beast bone that a Vermilion Bird could not identify?
Just then, the Vermilion Bird Spirit suddenly giggled, brimming with gloating amusement. "I wonder what sort of special constitution you possess. Out of the countless cultivators in this world, how is it that so many old monsters have chosen you?"
Hearing the implication, Qin Sang's thoughts stirred. He channeled the Heavenly Demon Transformation, and phoenix wings unfurled broadly behind his back, lightning coursing across the feathers and illuminating the cabin.
The lightning glowed brightly enough to rival the fiery radiance of the Sun God Tree and the Heavenly Phoenix True Feather.
"Does Senior mean the Azure Luan? Could there still be a remnant spirit of an Azure Luan inside me?" Qin Sang glanced sideways at the phoenix wings, his expression remarkably calm—he was almost getting used to this.
There was one thing the Vermilion Bird Spirit had wrong: it was not that those beings had chosen him, but that only he had the fortune to survive them. Their misfortune was simply running headlong into the jade Buddha.
Otherwise, his body would have been seized by the Azure Luan long ago.
"Mhm! Mhm!"
The Sun God Birds nodded repeatedly. "Don't worry, the Azure Luan's spirit has already perished. Who knew you had such ability? How did you devour it?"
"This humble Daoist actually did nothing, nor did I sense the presence of any remnant spirit. Perhaps the Azure Luan was already exceedingly weak, or had even fallen long before."
Qin Sang spread his hands, then asked, "Does Senior have a way to help me refine the lightning power in these wings?"
"No!"
The Vermilion Bird True Spirit refused flatly, then shifted its tone. "This should be a wisp of remnant origin lightning power left by the Azure Luan, distinct from the essence of the Qilin source seed. Moreover, because the Azure Luan's remnant spirit has perished, it cannot erode you the way the Qilin source seed does. This lightning power is masterless, silently merging with your qi and aura, which makes it yours. No outsider can intervene; a single misstep provoking a sudden surge of that power, and even you would not escape unscathed."
"Merging with my qi and aura?" Qin Sang asked, puzzled, looking left and right at the pair of wings. "Why do I feel no such thing?"
At present, he was able to draw upon the Azure Luan's lightning power to execute Thunder Escape only by relying on the Azure Luan manifestation.
From his own perception, he only felt the lightning power in the phoenix wings was extraordinarily violent, entirely beyond his control, so he dared not act rashly.
"Either your realm is insufficient, or you lack the proper method; you can only comprehend it on your own. However, so long as you can refine and absorb this lightning power—or even merely control it—the benefits will be endless. Were it not for your decent potential, why would this Vermilion Bird ever deign to notice you?" The nine Sun God Birds raised their heads toward Qin Sang, their faces brimming with arrogance.
So many secrets resided within his own body.
Qin Sang clicked his tongue internally, not bothering to bicker with it. Withdrawing the phoenix wings, he pondered for a moment and said, "This humble Daoist can agree to Senior's third and fourth conditions, and swear an oath. As for the earlier conditions, I would also like to ask Senior to grant me two requests so that I can set my mind at ease. Rest assured, Senior, they will pose no hindrance to you..."
Hearing his detailed requests, the Vermilion Bird Spirit remained noncommittal. "Swear the oath first."
Qin Sang immediately swore on his inner demons that he would do his utmost in the future to aid the Vermilion Bird Spirit in finding the Qilin origin essence, and that before the origin essence was found, he would not depart from the Vermilion Bird Spirit's sight without permission; likewise, the Vermilion Bird Spirit must not harm him.
The Qilin origin essence was no different from flowers in a mirror or the moon in water; they could cross that bridge if they actually acquired it.
As for how it would be divided when the time came, that would depend on each party's ability.
Once he swore the oath, the Vermilion Bird Spirit suspected nothing and made a promise of its own: "Once I study that feather and tame it, if that secret technique of yours does not conflict with this fire, I don't mind sparing you a wisp."
"Then many thanks, Senior. The stronger this humble Daoist becomes, the more I can aid Senior," Qin Sang said with a smile.
With the Vermilion Bird Spirit's help, refining the Phoenix True Fire would surely be far easier.
"Could Senior now teach Junior how to absorb the essence of the Qilin source seed? Only after confirming this method causes no harm to me can I trust Senior completely and allow you to proceed freely."
The Vermilion Bird Spirit hummed softly, deeply reluctant.
However, it was convinced that the Qilin source seed was already deeply planted inside Qin Sang's body.
Even if Qin Sang learned the method to absorb the essence, without knowing how to turn the tables and suppress the Qilin's true spirit, he would still be doomed and have no choice but to turn to it for help.
Therefore, the Vermilion Bird Spirit ultimately agreed to impart this technique to Qin Sang first to put his mind at rest.
Having received the secret technique, Qin Sang closed his eyes slightly and meditated on it with total concentration.
This secret technique was distinctly different from any dharma method he had cultivated before, but that did not hinder his judgment: it was indeed ingenious and exceedingly profound.
Qin Sang found it utterly novel. Going through it just once yielded immense insight, making him marvel inwardly that the world was truly full of wonders.
Of all the divine abilities and secret techniques, what he had witnessed was merely the tip of the iceberg.
The Vermilion Bird Spirit was already impatient, crying out sharply, "Hurry up and present the feather!"
Qin Sang opened his eyes and gazed at the Sun God Tree. The corners of his lips curved up into an enigmatic smile. A flash of light burst from the Qianjun Ring, and a small box flew out. Opened, inside lay a transparent lotus seed.
"Is this the Qilin source seed Senior spoke of?"
A long silence ensued.
Then, an ear-splitting shriek suddenly echoed through the cabin:
"Impossible!"
Chapter 1739