"Hundred-Node Earth Bamboo..."
Qin Sang committed the name to memory and offered his thanks.
Master Lingxu nodded with a smile.
In truth, he had no pressing business at the Xuanji Sect this time. He was acting out of personal interest, wishing to step forward in person to lend greater weight to Qin Sang's standing.
Though he did not know what Real Person Cuiwei was scheming, how could Master Lingxu fail to deduce that tearing down that dharma edict was bound to be nothing good?
Under the rules established by the Dao Court, someone like Master Lingxu—who was not adept at fighting and specialized solely in the alchemical dao—enjoyed ample protection, yet certain matters remained unavoidable.
That Master Lingxu commanded such great renown was due first to his truly extraordinary alchemical attainments, and second to his gentle temperament and habitual kindness toward others.
Learning that the one who took down the dharma edict had returned safe and sound, Master Lingxu was genuinely pleased for him. Doing whatever lay within his power now served as compensation.
To his surprise, Qin Sang had produced such an extraordinary pill formula, making Master Lingxu proclaim the journey well worth the effort. His feelings toward Qin Sang were no longer mere pity; he truly wished to forge a friendship.
Qin Sang was unaware of this, though he harbored the same desire to befriend this grandmaster of alchemy.
With both minds in accord, their conversation naturally flowed with great delight.
By the time they reached the Xuanji Sect, Master Lingxu was already addressing Qin Sang as Little Brother Qingfeng.
***
"The Xuanji Sect is right above."
Master Lingxu pointed skyward.
At this moment, they stood upon the surface of a river nearly a thousand li wide. Its waters surged eastward, said to ultimately empty into the Star Island Immortal Lake of Jushan Diocese.
Along the riverbanks rose undulating ridges, the mountains resembling verdant dragons.
Amid the peaks, one stood out conspicuously, towering like a crane among a flock of chickens. The surrounding peaks reached no higher than ten thousand zhang at best, yet did not even reach half this mountain's height.
Qin Sang channeled his ocular power and peered toward the summit. Above the mountainside, scarcely any vegetation could be seen; all was sheer, vertical rock wall, as though hewn by knives and axes, exceptionally steep and perilous.
Facing the broad river, a flight of stone stairs had been manually carved into the rock, but its sheer danger meant probably only immortal cultivators dared tread upon it.
Reaching the peak, a thin mist drifted about, emitting a faint, crystalline luster like a sheet of starlight. The silhouettes of pavilions and towers within the mist could only be seen indistinctly.
Master Lingxu soared through the air toward the peak, and Qin Sang followed closely behind.
Before they reached the summit, the clear strike of a sounding stone suddenly rang out. The mountain gate of the Xuanji Sect swung wide open, and several cultivators emerged to welcome them.
The leader was an acquaintance of Master Lingxu.
After asking for Qin Sang's name and title, the person said, "Master Lingxu, Real Person Qingfeng, our Palace Master requests your presence."
Before long, the group arrived at an astral pavilion. Master Lingxu gave a hearty laugh. "Marvelous! Truly marvelous! To happen upon Real Person Xingqiong just as she leaves seclusion—this old daoist was previously worried that an unannounced visit might disturb your quiet cultivation."
A woman's voice came from within the pavilion. "I had intended to enter seclusion yesterday. Yet Master Lingxu's fame is so resounding that the moment you two arrived at the Sanyuan River last night, the soldiers under the Dragon Lord's command recognized you..."
As the voice carried out, Qin Sang saw a Daoist nun descending from the astral pavilion. Her cultivation was comparable to Master Lingxu's, also at early Deity Transformation.
The nun did not look young, nor were her features particularly delicate, yet an air of majesty that others lacked rested between her brows.
Upon seeing her, the Xuanji Sect cultivators bowed in succession. "Greetings, Sect Master."
This woman was none other than the Sect Master of the Xuanji Sect, Real Person Xingqiong. Dismissing her disciples, she made an inviting gesture toward the astral pavilion with a pale hand. "Honored guests, please enter."
"A bit of empty fame—hardly worth mentioning."
Master Lingxu shook his head slightly and beckoned Qin Sang to ascend the astral pavilion.
Once the three were seated, Master Lingxu exchanged a few pleasantries before getting straight to the point. "This old daoist has come today to make a request of you, Real Person."
With that, he gestured toward Qin Sang. "I once owed Little Brother Qingfeng a favor and promised to assist him with one matter. Regrettably, what he seeks does not concern pill refinement, so I could only thicken my skin to come knocking on your door."
"Oh?"
Real Person Xingqiong looked toward Qin Sang upon hearing this.
She had already been assessing him in secret. She sensed his blood and qi were surging and abundant, indicating a powerhouse who cultivated the Dragon-Tiger Altar, yet his aura was remarkably veiled—so much so that she could not see through it. Pressing her inspection too closely would be overly discourteous, so she had merely been guessing at his identity.
"May I ask what Real Person Qingfeng seeks? Our sect has received Master Lingxu's benevolence on numerous occasions. So long as I can assist the two of you, I shall not shirk the task."
Master Lingxu stroked his beard and smiled.
Receiving Master Lingxu's cue, Qin Sang rose and cupped his hands. "I wish to request a talisman from you, Real Person—the Northern Palace Southern Dipper Preservation Talisman!"
"That talisman?"
Real Person Xingqiong furrowed her brows slightly. "Real Person Qingfeng ought to know that the Northern Palace Southern Dipper Preservation Talisman possesses no offensive capability. It is a talisman belonging to the department of prayer, supplication, and form-refinement. Moreover, it is difficult for it to produce any effect on fellow daoists outside our Xuanji Sect, and might instead backfire. Furthermore, because its grade is exceedingly high and my cultivation is still modest, the success rate of crafting it into a spirit talisman is not high. Our sect currently holds none in reserve."
Among Daoist talismans, incantation talismans and physical spirit talismans shared common ground in some respects; certain incantation talismans could be crafted into spirit talismans, but all were of extraordinary value.
"I understand! I am currently cultivating a secret art that requires external aid. A sudden notion struck me, and I thought of your sect's Northern Palace Southern Dipper Preservation Talisman. Regardless of whether it proves effective, I will bear all consequences alone... Might I trouble you to personally display your divine ability?"
Qin Sang swiftly explained his intention.
"This..."
A hesitant look appeared on Real Person Xingqiong's face. She glanced at Master Lingxu, wavered for a moment, and said, "I am currently cultivating a Daoist method and must remain in seclusion for about two years. Can Real Person Qingfeng wait that long?"
"I can wait! I certainly can wait!"
Not expecting things to go so smoothly, Qin Sang was overjoyed and repeatedly thanked them both.
There was nothing further for him to do here. Qin Sang tactfully took his leave and was guided by a Xuanji Sect cultivator to the guest quarters to rest.
That night, Qin Sang and Master Lingxu departed the Xuanji Sect.
Qin Sang had already agreed to meet Real Person Xingqiong two years later in Star Valley within Jushan Diocese. He had originally intended to wait the two years at the Xuanji Sect, but realizing he might need to make some preparations before the astral essence body infusion, he chose to return first.
After escorting Master Lingxu back to his residence, Qin Sang did not linger long, bidding farewell and departing.
Returning to Mount Heming, Qin Sang consolidated his cultivation while preparing for the upcoming breakthrough. His remaining merit was now virtually exhausted.
As the appointed time drew near, Qin Sang left Mount Heming alone and headed straight for Star Valley.
Compared to twenty years ago, Star Valley had not changed much.
Returning to the subterranean cavern, Qin Sang thoroughly scouted the underground river, finding no trace left behind by Real Person Zhijian.
Over the past twenty years, Qin Sang had remained in secluded, arduous cultivation, never seeing Real Person Zhijian again. Along the way, he had received a letter from him delivered via Real Person Guzhou, containing merely cordial regards and an invitation for Qin Sang to visit him as a guest at Star Island Immortal Lake.
Such warm hospitality was hard to refuse.
Qin Sang mused inwardly, *If this breakthrough goes smoothly, I might as well make a trip to Star Island Immortal Lake to pay Real Person Zhijian a visit.*
Amid his contemplation, Qin Sang began making various arrangements within Star Valley.
One refined astral essence stone after another flew out in all directions. A grand formation composed of astral essence stones soon encompassed the entire Star Valley. When the time came, Qin Sang would make his breakthrough within the valley; even if some mishap occurred, this formation would be able to withstand it to some degree.
Speaking of which, he had originally learned this formation from his senior sister.
Thinking of his senior sister, Qin Sang could not help but drift into a daze.
During all these years since arriving in this realm by accident, Qin Sang had deliberately avoided thinking about those old acquaintances.
After a long time, Qin Sang let out a barely perceptible sigh, gathered his thoughts, and returned to his labors.
***
The appointed day finally arrived.
On the morning of that day, Qin Sang halted his cultivation and waited until midday, when he finally sensed a familiar aura flying toward this location without the slightest concealment.
He flickered out of Star Valley and saw two streaks of light flying in from the distance—none other than Real Person Xingqiong and Real Person Fuji, who had received him at the Xuanji Sect.
"Real Person Qingfeng, forgive our delay."
Real Person Xingqiong landed before Qin Sang.
"It is rather that the location I chose was too remote," Qin Sang replied with a smile, inviting the two into Star Valley.
Sensing the abundant astral essence power within Star Valley, Real Person Xingqiong understood at once and nodded. "You have chosen a precious land, Real Person."
Following behind, Real Person Fuji swept his gaze across Star Valley, his eyes brightening. "This formation is quite fine."
"I am not adept in the Dao of formations and merely set it up with difficulty. There remain many points I do not understand, and I was just hoping to ask you for guidance, Real Person."
Qin Sang immediately produced a blank jade slip and inscribed the formation within it.
"This..."
Real Person Fuji looked hesitantly toward his Sect Master.
Real Person Xingqiong smiled faintly. "Rest assured, Real Person Qingfeng. Since this is Master Lingxu's commission, I shall naturally spare no effort."
"Thank you for your trouble, Real Person!"
Qin Sang bowed solemnly.
***
Late at night.
It happened to be a moonless night; the starry sky was blanketed with stars, and the celestial river gathered from the myriad points of light was exceptionally brilliant.
Qin Sang sat cross-legged upon a stone platform at the bottom of Star Valley.
The two Real Persons of the Xuanji Sect stood atop the eastern peak.
They had already discussed the details during the day. Real Person Xingqiong observed the celestial timing, then nodded to Real Person Fuji.
Real Person Fuji leaped outward and promptly summoned his talisman altar. The talisman seal within his altar was distinct from the Celestial Pivot Court's Seal of Manifest Proclamation to All Spirits; instead, it was an illustrated scroll depicting the seven stars of the Big Dipper, the first four stars shining particularly bright.
Two gates swung open on the talisman altar.
At Real Person Fuji's command, his spirit soldiers and divine steeds divided into four squads and flew out in four directions, primarily guarding the east—the direction of Guifang Kingdom.
At the same time, Real Person Xingqiong had flown into midair without anyone noticing, summoning her own talisman altar and calling forth her troops.
Instantly, baleful qi pierced the heavens, and banners blotted out the sky.
Down in Star Valley, Qin Sang's expression shifted slightly. He could sense that while Real Person Xingqiong had no Deity Transformation great demons following her, two demon commanders at the late Transformation stage commanded her forces.
Moreover, merely executing a single talisman incantation, Real Person Xingqiong might not necessarily reveal her full strength.
Qin Sang secretly marveled at the profound foundations of the sects in this realm; yet even one as powerful as the Xuanji Sect could only live under the Dao Court's sway.
Immediately after, fluctuations of true essence rolled in from above.
Qin Sang assumed a solemn expression, cast aside all stray thoughts, and waited quietly.
The spirit soldiers deployed, flanking and guarding Real Person Xingqiong. Commanders waved spirit banners, and the forces instantly shifted formation, assembling into an intricate tactical array with their auras seamlessly unified.
At this moment, Real Person Xingqiong stood upon the dharma altar, pacing the Big Dipper steps, her eyes profound as the stars.
She raised her right hand and tapped her finger into empty space.
The Big Dipper chart in the altar trembled gently, and a streak of flowing light shot forth from it, seemingly encasing the shadow of a talisman that fused into Real Person Xingqiong's fingertip.
As her finger traced through the air, exceedingly intricate talismanic characters emerged one after another in the void.
"Towering stands the astral palace, true spirits of the celestial river.
Gathering essence in the Northern Palace, the stars descend upon the Southern Dipper.
Swiftly!"
At that instant, all living beings within a thousand li of Star Valley felt a sudden resonance in their hearts. Looking up at the sky, they bore witness to a wondrous spectacle.
The silver river illuminating heaven and earth became brighter than ever before, the stars bursting with resplendent radiance.
Then, the silver river truly began to flow. As if drawn by some attraction, the starlight converged toward a single direction in unison—the position of the Big Dipper!
In a flash, the seven stars of the Big Dipper stood out prominently against the myriad stars of the celestial river.
The seven stars linked together.
At this time, the starlight of the myriad river stars surged forward. As the starlight poured in, the seven stars of the Big Dipper grew increasingly dazzling.
In the next breath, the starry sky seemed to tremble. The interconnected seven stars resembled an opened celestial bow, loosing all the gathered power of the stars toward the Southern Dipper.
At this very moment, a star arrow could be seen with the naked eye traversing the celestial expanse, piercing the starry sea and closing in upon the Southern Dipper's astral domain in an instant.
The six stars of the Southern Dipper shifted in response, swallowing all the starlight. Then, the six stars suddenly flared with brilliant light, and starlight cascaded down from the heavens!
A wondrous gleam appeared in Real Person Xingqiong's eyes. Tilting her arm downward, she pointed toward Qin Sang from afar.
Like a surging river, a majestic astral power crashed into Star Valley, submerging Qin Sang in an instant.
The infusion of starlight simultaneously triggered an anomaly within Star Valley.
The accumulated astral essence power within Star Valley was fully mobilized, rushing madly toward Qin Sang.
At this moment, Qin Sang was bathed entirely in starlight, surrounded by dense astral essence power.
The celestial phenomenon in the sky gradually dissipated, yet the light within Star Valley grew more and more dazzling, illuminating the surrounding sea of purple bamboo with crystalline clarity.
Just then, points of light rose from within Star Valley, linking together into a vast net that covered the entire valley and locked the starlight inside.
Everything seemed to return to normal.
Real Person Xingqiong stowed her talisman altar, glanced at the sealed Star Valley, and said to Real Person Fuji as he rushed over, "Let us depart."
Their journey had been solely to fulfill Master Lingxu's commission. Whether Qin Sang succeeded was none of their concern, nor were they obligated to protect him.
Qin Sang had never harbored any unrealistic hope that they would guard him, which was why he had sealed Star Valley directly with the grand formation.
Real Person Fuji acknowledged her command, looking back repeatedly as they departed, intensely curious whether Qin Sang could succeed. To warrant such a massive display, it had to be a remarkable divine ability.
Yet he never imagined that someone would use the Northern Palace Southern Dipper Preservation Talisman to achieve a breakthrough.
Inside Star Valley.
Qin Sang remained completely focused, circulating his cultivation technique with all his might as ethereal, profound astral essence power poured into his body through the crown of his head.
His skin instantly took on a layer of blood-red, as though fresh blood might seep out at any moment.
The familiar agony struck; flesh, blood, and marrow felt as if they were being twisted by knives.
The stronger the physical body, the more difficult it was to break through and rebuild anew. Qin Sang's physique was far superior to what it once had been, yet undergoing the astral essence body infusion once again still subjected him to terrifying torment.
However, Qin Sang was already long accustomed to it. His only fear was that the astral essence power might not be abundant enough, not potent enough!
Qin Sang's body seemed like a bottomless pit, ceaselessly absorbing all the astral essence power. The astral essence converged into a torrent, rolling through Qin Sang's body again and again.
Exchanging blood and tempering bone, transforming sinews and cleansing marrow.
It was precisely through baptism and metamorphosis time and again that a practitioner of the strength path tempered the physical body to the utmost limit.
*Swish!*
Phoenix wings manifested upon Qin Sang's back.
Immediately after, an Azure Luan dharma idol emerged above his head, shimmering with faint light, seemingly undergoing a transformation as well.
Having broken through in both divine consciousness and realm ahead of time had already laid a solid foundation for this breakthrough. However, Qin Sang's greatest worry had been that, not being a descendant of the Heavenly Demons, he might repeat the failure of last time.
Fortunately, what he feared did not come to pass!
*Boom! Boom! Boom!*
Peals of thunder echoed relentlessly within Qin Sang's body, making him yearn to roar toward the heavens. His blood and qi materialized into physical substance, a streak of bloody light shooting straight toward the celestial river, only to be blocked by the grand formation.
Finally, his aura seemed to cross a certain threshold, suddenly surging wildly.
Breakthrough!
Chapter 1768