Baishi Diocese

At the Northern Pole Exorcism Court. The one receiving Qin Sang was still that Nine Heavens Wandering Officer. "Fellow Daoist has completed the dharma edict so swiftly?" Looking at the unharmed Qin Sang, the Wandering Officer had a touch of surprise in his expression. Qin Sang found this puzzling. On the surface, this dharma edict seemed exceptionally dangerous since it required infiltrating a demon marquis's fief. In reality, compared to those edicts calling for gathering intelligence or ambushing and slaying demon commanders, the difficulty was not even in the same league. Had Real Person Zhijian not stirred up that turmoil, things would have gone even smoother for him. "Fortunately, I have not failed my mission." Qin Sang presented the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower. The Wandering Officer reached out to take it. After a careful inspection, an odd look flashed deep in his eyes. He then produced a thumb-sized jade talisman and handed it to Qin Sang. "This is Senior Lingxu's token. Inside is a special mark left by Senior Lingxu. Carrying this to Senior Lingxu's residence in Xuyi Jing of Baishi Diocese, Fellow Daoist will be able to meet him." The location of Master Lingxu's residence was no secret; Qin Sang had already inquired about it beforehand. Solemnly accepting the jade talisman, Qin Sang cupped his hands. "If the Wandering Officer has no further instructions, this poor Daoist shall take his leave." "Please, suit yourself, Fellow Daoist." The Nine Heavens Wandering Officer escorted Qin Sang out of the hall. Standing before the great hall, he pondered for a long time, then abruptly seemed to realize something and hurried away. …… Ten days later. Real Person Cuiwei entered the Northern Pole Exorcism Court. Seeing the Nine Heavens Investigating Officer, the guards bowed one after another. Those among them with sharp eyes noticed that Real Person Cuiwei's expression was somewhat somber. Secretly startled, their demeanor became all the more deferential, fearing they might draw his ire. Walking straight into his official residence, Real Person Cuiwei had just sat down when the Nine Heavens Wandering Officer strode in. "Greetings, Revered Master." After performing a formal bow and seeing his master's expression, the Wandering Officer understood the reason. A few days earlier, he had received an intelligence report that his master's scheme had failed and that he had fled Guifang Kingdom in disarray, though the specific details remained unclear to him. Watching his master's expression carefully, the Wandering Officer ventured, "Marquis Liu, that demon..." "Your master overestimated himself!" Real Person Cuiwei sighed. Having nothing to hide before his own disciple, he recounted the reason for his exposure, concluding with a self-deprecating smile. "As the saying goes, blessing lurks within misfortune. Who would have thought Marquis Liu was so vigilant as to have invited an expert to oversee his fief long ago? Had your master not been exposed prematurely, forcing Marquis Liu to mobilize in haste without full preparation, our losses might have been even greater." Hearing this, a look of realization dawned on the Wandering Officer's face. "So that was it! When Real Person Qingfeng brought back the Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower earlier, I thought..." "Real Person Qingfeng?" Real Person Cuiwei lifted his eyes. "The man who took the dharma edict—he returned?" "He returned ten days ago. His aura seemed completely intact, completely unharmed. At the time, this disciple had not yet received the intelligence report, so I did not question him further," the Wandering Officer nodded. Real Person Cuiwei leaned back slightly and gave a soft chuckle. "For this man to evade Marquis Liu's eyes and ears and return unharmed, his abilities are not bad at all. It is his good fortune as well." How precious was a token from a grandmaster of alchemy! In ordinary times, a mere dharma edict to harvest a spirit herb could hardly earn such an opportunity unless the herb happened to be urgently needed by the grandmaster. The Wandering Officer lowered his voice. "Initially, this disciple was unaware of the inside story. Seeing him return unexpectedly, I investigated him more thoroughly. I can confirm that 'Qingfeng' is an alias, and his identity was entirely fabricated." Real Person Cuiwei was not at all surprised by this. In Jushan Diocese, such occurrences were all too common. Aside from those wanted by the Dao Court, many cultivators outside the Daoist sects also preferred to disguise their identities. This was a survival strategy for living in the cracks between two colossal entities. If one offended the Dao Court or Guifang Kingdom, they could discard the identity immediately and reemerge clean as a whistle. Real Person Cuiwei grunted an acknowledgment, his tone placid and unruffled. In truth, that dharma edict was part of the plan to draw the snake out of its hole. The Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower was real, but behind Master Lingxu's issuance of the edict lay Cuiwei's own shadow. Once the plan was set in motion, whoever accepted the edict would undoubtedly face a nine-in-ten chance of death, if not certain doom. Because the herb-gatherer's strength could be neither too great nor too weak, and within the Daoist sects, cultivators of such caliber were either pillars of a sect or held high positions in the Dao Court—the loss of even one would be a grave blow, and his colleagues would not simply sit by and allow it—the candidate could only be sought outside the sects. When Qin Sang accepted the dharma edict, his information had already landed on Real Person Cuiwei's desk. Upon learning that this Real Person Qingfeng was the very person who had exposed the conspiracy behind the demon god and slain a demon commander under Marquis Liu, Real Person Cuiwei had been overjoyed. Through the dharma edict, one could send someone to their death without leaving a trace, but it was impossible to handpick the candidate with absolute precision. What if the person turned out to possess a deep background—would he use them or not? One could say the catalyst for this entire matter was linked to Real Person Qingfeng. The man could not possibly be a spy for Guifang Kingdom, making him the most fitting candidate imaginable. "Hmm?" Noticing something odd in his disciple's expression, a sudden flash of insight struck Real Person Cuiwei's mind. Previously, he had suspected nothing. The demon god's rampage had not been confined to that single place; it was by no means an isolated incident. During this period, reports of demon gods appearing had come from various regions, which had drawn their serious attention in the first place. What if Marquis Liu had deliberately done the opposite—what if this person was a spy planted by him? Sacrificing the life of a demon commander to lay an ambush in the fief in advance and lure Cuiwei into a trap... Thoughts churned in Real Person Cuiwei's mind, though reason told him the probability was exceedingly low. Whether to infiltrate Guifang Kingdom was a decision that lay entirely in his own hands. Within the Dao Court, those colleagues privy to the matter had all opposed the plan. It was Cuiwei himself who had resolved to take the risk in order to obtain more precise intelligence and claim credit before the diocesan altar. For Marquis Liu to mobilize so grandly for something so nebulous and uncertain would hardly be worth the effort. "Have you uncovered his true identity?" Real Person Cuiwei pressed. The Wandering Officer replied shamefacedly, "Not yet! However, this person once entered this location and held a letter-talisman from Real Person Zhijian. He should share no ordinary relationship with him..." As he spoke, the Wandering Officer channeled his true essence, conjuring out of thin air a projection of a corner of the immortal city, pointing to a courtyard within it. Real Person Cuiwei's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Real Person Zhijian who recently leveled Mount Lingdu?" The Wandering Officer nodded. Real Person Cuiwei half-closed his eyes, leaned back against the couch, and pondered for a moment before saying, "There is no need to investigate further." "Understood!" …… Inside his cave dwelling, Qin Sang knew nothing of these matters. Having obtained the token, Qin Sang did not immediately set off for Baishi Diocese to visit Master Lingxu. Instead, he returned to his cave dwelling to resume his arduous cultivation. *Heavenly Demon Refining Form* had yet to reach completion; Qin Sang planned to set out only when he was on the verge of a breakthrough. Mount Heming was a rare place where one could cultivate in peace. Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, eighteen years had passed. Over these eighteen years, Qin Sang had spent his days in rigorous cultivation, rarely venturing out. Only when he required pills would he leave once to exchange merit with the Dao Court. In reality, with the spirit fluid of the Dragon Transformation Pool and the uniquely endowed environment of this realm, Qin Sang's need for external resources was not great. He had purchased large quantities of pills only to reach the peak as quickly as possible and leave ample buffer time. Effort never betrayed the diligent. After a full eighteen years, Qin Sang had finally cultivated *Heavenly Demon Refining Form* to the peak of the fourth layer! Inside the cave dwelling. Qin Sang rose abruptly and flashed outside, resembling a ferocious beast. Resting in the outer chamber, the bei demon shuddered violently and rolled to its feet, every hair on its body standing on end. Sensing the aura radiating from Qin Sang, the bei demon's pupils dilated, revealing deep-seated terror. "Congratulations, Upper Immortal, on perfecting your divine art!" The bei demon prostrated itself on the ground. Because its talisman altar had been confiscated and it had obtained no demon talisman, it had feared that continued cultivation would lead to mental derangement. Over the years, it had made virtually no progress, playing the role of a watchdog for Qin Sang. Qin Sang felt the abundant strength within his body and smiled slightly. "In a few more years, I will send you to the demon kingdom." Once his strength cultivation broke through, he would regain power equivalent to the Deity Transformation stage, counting as an expert of some standing in this realm. The few secrets the bei demon knew were merely its own guesses. Even if it spoke of them, no one would believe it; they were of no consequence. Dismissing the bei demon, Qin Sang turned his palm and brought out the bone flute. The bone flute was smooth and white, emitting a faint luminescence that gave it a warm, lustrous feel. It was from this very treasure that *Heavenly Demon Refining Form* had been obtained. However, ever since Qin Sang had begun cultivating this method up to the present day, the art within the bone flute still displayed only the first four layers, while the rest remained shrouded in mist. Even though Qin Sang was only a step away from a breakthrough, the bone flute showed no change. *Will the subsequent cultivation methods only appear after the breakthrough?* Qin Sang withdrew his divine consciousness, lost in thought. …… Baishi Diocese. Xuyi Jing. Wearing a crane-feather cloak, Qin Sang appeared before a bamboo forest. Lush and verdant, the bamboo grove exuded a refreshing natural tranquility. A winding path led deep into the woods. Sensing this rare, serene ambience, Qin Sang marveled inwardly. This place was the core area of the immortal city of Xuyi Jing's altar. To plant such a vast bamboo grove in land where every inch was worth its weight in gold—this was truly the embodiment of the great recluse hiding in the bustling city. Standing before the path, Qin Sang cupped his hands toward the empty bamboo grove ahead. "This poor Daoist, Qingfeng, comes to pay his respects to Master Lingxu." Before long, an attendant boy walked out of the bamboo grove, returned Qin Sang's bow with meticulous courtesy, and after inspecting the token, said in a clear voice, "Real Person, please enter." In the depths of the bamboo grove stood only a few thatched cottages. Contrary to Qin Sang's expectations, meeting Master Lingxu proved remarkably easy. Master Lingxu was an elder with crane-white hair and a youthful complexion, holding an ebony dragon staff, his eyes exceptionally bright and piercing. He made no attempt to conceal his aura, showing a cultivation of only early Deity Transformation, yet his renown far exceeded that of any peer at the same level. "Greetings to Master Lingxu." Qin Sang gave a deep bow. Master Lingxu stroked his beard and smiled. "Real Person Qingfeng, this old Daoist remembers you. Thanks to the complete Four Seasons Dream-Transforming Flower you brought back last time, its medicinal potency being of the finest grade, this old Daoist successfully concocted that furnace of spirit pills of superior quality. I had long wished to meet you, never expecting to wait eighteen years." "This poor Daoist was cultivating at Mount Heming for eighteen years and did not realize he kept the master waiting so long," Qin Sang said. "Have you come today to use this token?" Master Lingxu glanced at the jade talisman in the boy's hand. "I recall the Dao Court sending a transmission to inquire—you wish to use the token in exchange for my requesting the sect master of the Xuanji Sect to act?" "Precisely!" Qin Sang nodded. "Heheh..." Master Lingxu shook his head slightly. "Every person who seeks out this old Daoist asks me to refine pills. You are the first to give up an opportunity for pill refinement to pursue something else instead." With that, Master Lingxu stood up, tapped the dragon staff lightly on the ground, and began walking outward. "This old Daoist happens to have some business of my own and intended to visit an old friend at the Xuanji Sect anyway. Handling both matters together will be just right." Qin Sang was momentarily taken aback, then overjoyed, and quickly followed. Master Lingxu stepping in personally was far more certain than sending a letter. The two first went to the teleportation array of Xuyi Jing. With Master Lingxu present, they faced no questioning or inspection whatsoever. When Qin Sang stepped out of the teleportation hall, what met his eyes was a spectacle far grander than the immortal city of Xuyi Jing. The immortal city before him seemed built in the heavens. Below, celestial clouds curled in an endless expanse, buoying up this colossal city. It was the hour of sunset, and Qin Sang happened to be looking westward. At the far edge of the immortal city... Rosy clouds spread across the horizon, bathed in pervasive golden radiance. In the depths seemed to stand immortal peaks and tiered golden halls ascending straight to the azure heavens, resembling the palaces of the celestial realm. "The legendary Nine Heavens Golden Palace could hardly surpass this." Qin Sang could not tear his gaze away for a long time. This place was Baishi Diocese! This "Baishi Diocese" referred specifically to this immortal city, the seat of the diocesan altar of Baishi Diocese! It was said that the Great Real Persons of the Northern Pole Exorcism Court—the Secondary Third Rank High Ministers of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace and Nine Heavens Surveillance Envoys, the Principal Third Rank High Immortals of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace and Nine Heavens Investigating Envoys, and immortal officials of even higher official rank—resided within those cloud palaces and immortal chambers. Qin Sang had long admired this place from afar; without Master Lingxu accompanying him, he would not have dared venture here alone. Master Lingxu did not notice Qin Sang's distraction. Pointing outside the city, he said, "From here to the Xuanji Sect is another five days' journey. Let us not delay and leave the city promptly." After leaving the city, Master Lingxu wished to enjoy the scenery and declined to ride in beast-drawn carriages or treasure coaches. Qin Sang was only too glad to oblige, taking the opportunity to build a good rapport with him. Using their own feet instead of carriages, they flew unhurriedly at low altitude. The vicinity of the diocesan altar was the region with the most refined cultural influence and where the Daoist sects' strength was at its most formidable. Before traveling far, they had already passed the mountain gates of several sects. Master Lingxu was not aloof as rumors suggested, but quite conversational, and Qin Sang took care to accommodate him, making the interaction pleasant for both. Finding an opening, Qin Sang consulted Master Lingxu about the Qingshuang Pill. "Eh? This pill seems somewhat different from what this old Daoist has studied... Could you produce the pill formula for this old Daoist to examine?" Upon hearing Qin Sang's description, Master Lingxu became keenly interested. Qin Sang had no objection and presented the formula at once. To his surprise, once Master Lingxu laid eyes on the pill formula, he became entirely engrossed, remaining silent for a full day and night. Qin Sang patiently stood guard over him. "Phew! What an exquisite pill formula! The Dao of Alchemy is vast as the sea indeed; what this old Daoist knows is mere skin and fur!" Master Lingxu let out an emotional sigh and looked at Qin Sang with some eagerness. "Where did Fellow Daoist obtain... Ah, forgive this old Daoist's presumption!" The Qingshuang Pill was part of the Witch Clan's legacy. In the Dao of Alchemy, there was a vast difference between the Witch Clan and the human race. Qin Sang had realized this years ago when he had practiced alchemy through his incarnation. "If the master is interested, this poor Daoist will search carefully again upon my return. Should I acquire any similar formulas, I will deliver them to the master's residence at once," Qin Sang replied with measured words. The *Panhu True Scripture* was an esoteric scripture of insect control passed down by the Ghost Mother. Among the pill formulas recorded within were many whose value exceeded that of the Qingshuang Pill, but Qin Sang had no intention of revealing them directly. "Then this old Daoist will thank Fellow Daoist in advance!" Master Lingxu reined in his delight and said thoughtfully, "The final ingredient you lack, the Heavenly Centipede Root, should currently be called Hundred-Node Earth Bamboo if I am not mistaken. Unfortunately, this old Daoist has no lead on its whereabouts for now. In the future, if Fellow Daoist manages to gather all the ingredients in the formula, this old Daoist will refine a furnace for you free of charge."