Azure Luan Dharma Idol

Silence reigned within the valley. The starlight no longer converged upon a single point. It scattered and drifted through the interior of Star Valley, though it was noticeably thinner than before. A long time passed like this. Qin Sang sat cross-legged where he was, making no movement whatsoever. His qi and blood receded, yet turmoil still raged within him, as though he could not yet control the newly gained tremendous power of his body. At this moment, Qin Sang was inspecting his inner self, focusing on experiencing the changes brought by his physical breakthrough. This was an unprecedented sensation. Prior to the breakthrough, he had already been able to clearly sense every throb of his flesh, vital blood, and even bone marrow. Now, those throbbings had harmonized into a single unique rhythm, transforming into a surge of essence that blended seamlessly together. This essence was overwhelmingly formidable, brimming with boundless vitality as it circulated through his entire body. Unified as one, it forged an unshakable foundation. With this foundation, evil dharmas could not violate him; it could serve as the very bedrock of Qin Sang's existence in this world. Standing tall beneath these heavens, even if a spell cultivator of the same realm invoked the might of heaven and earth, they could never hope to shake him. Let the winds buffet from east, west, south, or north, he remained steadfast and unmoved! At the same time, the apertures across his body were 'breathing'. Within each aperture, an arching bridge between heaven and earth seemed to be erected, the rhythm within his essence resonating with the external world, allowing him to directly draw upon the world's origin qi to replenish his essence to a certain degree. So long as this essence was not extinguished, even if his body suffered grievous wounds, it could swiftly regenerate and recover, barring certain vital, vulnerable areas. It could be said that Qin Sang's physical body now possessed a portion of the divine ability of an indestructible physique. Qin Sang slowly opened his eyes, a brilliant glint flashing in his gaze, his five senses having grown even sharper. Having undergone three metamorphoses across his origin soul, cultivation, and physical body, his spiritual sense had been elevated each time, reaching heights few in the same realm could ever match. Raising his right arm, he cast his gaze downward toward his right hand and mused inwardly that even if he shattered this hand into powder right now, he could effortlessly regrow the severed limb. Though confident, Qin Sang would never engage in pointless self-mutilation. He continued to immerse himself in contemplation for a while, and sure enough, gained further insights. He looked again at his right hand, clenched into a fist. Outwardly, the right fist appeared completely ordinary. Only Qin Sang knew that he was doing his utmost to rein in the essence within his body and concentrate it at his knuckles. Were an enemy standing before him right now, a single punch would pour the entire might of his body into a single point, erupting with terrifying destructive power in an instant! If he so willed, he could adapt this freely to both fists, both feet, elbows, shoulders, or virtually any part of his body. This was merely a crude application he had just conceived; as his comprehension deepened in the future, it would surely hold boundless potential. After a moment, Qin Sang gathered his thoughts, ceased dwelling on his own body, and looked up at his dharma idol. The Azure Luan dharma idol! The dharma idol still appeared quite ethereal, yet it was distinctly more solid than before the breakthrough. Qin Sang examined the Azure Luan dharma idol thoughtfully. If before the breakthrough the idol had been merely a shadow, it was now transforming toward reality. What this change in the dharma idol would bring him, Qin Sang did not yet know, but he keenly perceived another change brought about by it. His phoenix wings! Back then, Qin Sang had devoured the Azure Luan remnant soul from the stone slab. Because he did not possess a demon body, the Azure Luan source thunder power had remained hidden within his phoenix wings. Qin Sang could sense this tremendous power. In terms of tier alone, the Azure Luan source thunder power was by no means inferior to the Nanming Primordial Fire or the Heavenly Phoenix True Fire. Yet no matter what methods he had attempted, the Azure Luan source thunder power had remained as immovable as an immense mountain, impossible to budge. He recalled that the Vermilion Bird had once remarked that the Azure Luan source thunder power had intangibly merged with his qi mechanism and could be counted as his own strength—he simply had not found a way to command it. With the transformation of the dharma idol, a glimmer of hope finally emerged. The method to command the Azure Luan source thunder power lay with the Azure Luan dharma idol! Sinking his consciousness into the phoenix wings, he could clearly sense the violent aura emanating from the Azure Luan source thunder power just as usual. Yet at this moment, he felt a faint, intangible sense of kinship with that power, forged through the Azure Luan dharma idol. It could be deduced that as the Azure Luan dharma idol gradually solidified, the day would come when he could manipulate this power. However... Qin Sang frowned slightly. After all, he was not a descendant of the Azure Luan; he would likely only be able to employ the simplest, most direct methods of control, which felt like a reckless waste of a heavenly treasure. Or perhaps find a way to fuse it into the phoenix wings to further enhance his escape art? Qin Sang had long known the immense benefits of a top-tier escape art. A moment later, Qin Sang shook his head. It was too early to ponder such matters; he would do better to consider how to temper and refine the dharma idol. At this thought, Qin Sang's expression shifted as he remembered the bone flute. However, he did not immediately take out the treasure to inspect it. The commotion caused by the Northern Palace Southern Dipper Preservation Talisman was too great; this was not a place to linger. Qin Sang rose to his feet. Without any visible motion, an afterimage remained in place, slowly fading away. Standing atop the peak, he retrieved his spirit array, surveyed his surroundings, and departed for another cave dwelling according to his original plan. A desolate mountain somewhere. Qin Sang entered the cave dwelling and impatiently retrieved the bone flute from the Qianjun Ring. Sensing it slightly, Qin Sang's expression stirred. Indeed, there was a change in the bone flute. Heavenly Demon Refining Form had only revealed its first four layers, with the subsequent techniques shrouded in mist. It was the same now, yet the bone flute transmitted a certain guidance. Qin Sang summoned the Azure Luan dharma idol and gently tossed the bone flute upward according to the directive. Whoosh! The bone flute sank into the dharma idol and actually hovered suspended within it. Immediately afterward, it shone brilliantly, its dazzling radiance illuminating the entire cave dwelling. Qin Sang split his attention, watching the bone flute while sensing the dharma idol. The Azure Luan dharma idol seemed unchanged, except that a wisp of its qi mechanism had been absorbed into the bone flute. The bone flute soon withdrew its radiance and dropped down from above. Smack! Qin Sang caught it with his hand and sent his consciousness inside once more, discovering that a layer of the concealing mist had been wiped away, revealing the fifth layer of Heavenly Demon Refining Form! Roughly scanning the contents of the technique, Qin Sang was overjoyed. Though the techniques beyond were still veiled in mist, this layer was sufficient for him to cultivate to a level equivalent to the peak of Deity Transformation. "Hmm?" Just then, Qin Sang suddenly realized something was amiss. Immersing his entire consciousness into the bone flute, he inspected the technique carefully. Gradually, an unusual look flitted across his face. Like the first four layers, the fifth layer of Heavenly Demon Refining Form was divided into early, middle, and late stages, capable of further purifying bloodlines and strengthening bloodline divine abilities. Naturally, this part was something Qin Sang could not cultivate; he could only practice the body-refinement portion. However, upon reaching the fifth layer, Heavenly Demon Refining Form gained an additional effect: refining and condensing the dharma idol! Furthermore, it was specifically for refining the Azure Luan dharma idol! Qin Sang finally understood why he had been unable to see the fifth layer before. Only after his breakthrough, when the Azure Luan dharma idol began transforming into reality, could the bone flute absorb its aura, determine which path he was treading, and thereby generate the corresponding technique. At this thought, Qin Sang could not help being astonished. Could the bone flute adapt and alter its techniques in accordance with the differing bloodlines of various cultivators? There were countless demon races in the world, and their bloodlines were beyond reckoning. Could this bone flute truly encompass everything? Just what kind of treasure was this! Qin Sang gazed at the bone flute in his hand. He had underestimated it previously; it was far more than a simple vessel for recording techniques. After turning it over and examining it for a long while without finding any further clues, Qin Sang had no choice but to put the bone flute away again. The technique was already imprinted in his mind. Qin Sang contemplated it meticulously, and only after gaining some insights did he begin attempting to cultivate. Clear starlight enveloped Qin Sang. Murky and elusive astral fiend energy seeped into his body alongside the astral essence. With his elevated cultivation, the astral essence he drew grew denser, and the hidden dangers grew correspondingly greater, yet to Qin Sang, it made little difference. The astral fiend energy could not encroach upon his origin soul in the slightest, firmly kept at bay by Buddhist light. A month or so later, Qin Sang leisurely awoke. Thanks to this exceptionally blessed environment, even though the duration of his cultivation had not been long, his progress was remarkably gratifying. Yet there was not much joy in Qin Sang's expression. He focused his attention on the Azure Luan dharma idol and discovered that its refinement was exceedingly slow, having undergone virtually no change over this period. It was foreseeable that refining the dharma idol would inevitably be a long process; for now, he could set aside any thoughts of manipulating the Azure Luan source thunder power. Qin Sang suspected this was also related to his cultivation realm. When he broke through to the middle or even late stage of Heavenly Demon Refining Form's fifth layer, the speed of refining the idol would likely increase as well. Apart from this, refining the dharma idol would bestow other benefits upon the cultivator, but most were related to bloodline divine abilities. As Qin Sang was not an Azure Luan descendant, he could only look forward to the Azure Luan dharma idol continuing to bring transformations to his Thunder Escape technique. As for the inherent abilities of the Azure Luan dharma idol itself, Qin Sang would need to explore them gradually. Familiarizing himself with the technique and consolidating his cultivation. For the next half-year, Qin Sang focused primarily on these two tasks. Half a year later, Qin Sang ceased cultivating and decided to return to Mount Heming. Although this realm was well-suited for strength-path cultivators, Qin Sang could not hope to seek another breakthrough in the short term. Next, it was time to give serious thought to undergoing the tribulation and receiving the register. Qin Sang sensed the aura of the heavenly tribulation once more; that feeling of palpitations had indeed subsided considerably. He mused inwardly that Postcelestial Wooden Man Stele and Seven Masters Buddhist Seal were both top-grade strength-path divine abilities; relying on these two arts, he should be able to weather this heavenly tribulation. If he could craft an Imperial Bell True Talisman, success would be absolutely guaranteed. Prior to this, Qin Sang had considered the Imperial Bell True Talisman; in the event that his breakthrough failed, he might have had to rely on that talisman to survive the tribulation. He had made some preparations toward that end, but one could hardly divide their focus across too many tasks, so he had yet to craft a single one. The Imperial Bell True Talisman required specialized talisman paper and cinnabar, both of which were precious treasures. Furthermore, he was far from proficient in the talisman dao, and there certainly would not be enough time for him to learn it from scratch; he would need to commission a master of talismanry. "During this period, I may as well dedicate myself to comprehending these two divine abilities..." Qin Sang thought. Following his breakthrough, his vision and perspective had broadened accordingly. Looking at these two divine abilities again, as expected, new insights emerged. Many obscurities from before were no longer issues now. With a period of quiet cultivation, both divine abilities were bound to make great strides. "First return to Mount Heming and make arrangements. I will pursue both matters simultaneously; being able to craft the Imperial Bell True Talisman would naturally be best." Having made up his mind, Qin Sang prepared to return. Before that, however, there was still one matter to attend to. Qin Sang first flew north along the route he had taken to Guifang Kingdom previously. Arriving near those demon kingdoms, he opened his spirit beast bag and released the bei demon. "Though these demon kingdoms are vassals of Guifang Kingdom, their rules are not as strict as Guifang's, and there are plenty of loopholes to exploit. With your abilities, it shouldn't be difficult for you to make a name for yourself in a demon kingdom," Qin Sang said. The bei demon prostrated itself completely. "Thank you for your mercy, exalted immortal. This humble demon will never forget your grace in sparing my life." It had not expected Qin Sang to truly let it go and had even prepared itself to remain under his control. "If the exalted immortal has any orders, this humble demon will do everything in its power to carry them out," the bei demon offered proactively. Qin Sang smiled faintly. "What could this meager strength of yours possibly do for Pindao? Wait until you obtain a demon register and restore your power before speaking of that." "As you command!" After performing a grand salute, the bei demon rode a gust of demonic wind and swiftly vanished from sight. Thinking of that snake demon, he wondered what its current status was and whether it had successfully infiltrated Guifang Kingdom. In ordering the two demons to infiltrate the demon realm, Qin Sang had never really expected to gain much from them. After all, relative to Guifang Kingdom as a whole, their cultivation was simply too low. If only he could control a demon marquis. With this passing thought, Qin Sang turned back toward Mount Heming. Returning to the immortal city, Qin Sang first summoned Shi Xuan and the others, instructing them to search for the whereabouts of spiritual materials for the Imperial Bell True Talisman. Then, he went alone to visit Real Person Guzhou at that courtyard. Nearly twenty years had passed, yet the courtyard was virtually unchanged. From the outside, it appeared to be a private residence without any plaque hanging above. Meeting Real Person Guzhou again, the man's cultivation remained stalled at the middle Nascent Soul stage. "Pindao has come to request that Real Person reply on my behalf to Daoist Zhijian. Barring any accidents, Pindao will pay a visit four years from now." Qin Sang produced a letter written in his own hand. Real Person Guzhou sized Qin Sang up secretly, understanding dawning within him. The closer a cultivator drew to their heavenly tribulation, the heavier the tribulation aura clinging to them became, making it difficult to conceal. Judging by Qin Sang's appearance, the heavenly tribulation was likely due within the next few years. With the tribulation looming, it was best not to venture far, lest an unexpected calamity strike when the tribulation descended. "Rest assured, Real Person, Pindao will certainly deliver the letter!" Real Person Guzhou said solemnly. Qin Sang gave a slight nod and brought up his true objective. "Pindao wishes to craft a certain treasure, but finds the spiritual materials difficult to come by. Does Real Person happen to have any channels?" Previously, he had considered that if his breakthrough failed and he could not craft the talisman himself, he would call in the favor to have Real Person Zhijian craft it for him. Now that he had broken through smoothly, this talisman was no longer an urgent necessity, and he could gather the materials at a steady pace. Real Person Guzhou showed no hesitation whatsoever. Having clarified the items Qin Sang needed, he promised to help gather information. Taking his leave of Real Person Guzhou, Qin Sang walked out of the courtyard. Glancing back, his eyes narrowed slightly. He had not deliberately probed into the other party's origins, but from various signs, he could tell that the faction behind them was by no means simple. Getting entangled with such a faction—who could say whether it was a blessing or a curse? Qin Sang shook his head slightly. ... In the time that followed, Qin Sang never stepped foot outside his cave dwelling, dedicating himself to contemplating the two divine abilities. His harvest was bountiful, and his strength grew substantially. Worthy of mention was the Seven Masters Buddhist Seal; while contemplating the seventh seal, the Vajra Great Freedom Seal, Qin Sang discovered that its subtleties far exceeded his expectations, yielding new insights each time. As for Postcelestial Wooden Man Stele, Qin Sang needed only to cultivate it step by step, quietly awaiting the grand completion of the divine ability. During his secluded cultivation, Shi Xuan and Guzhou sent back news one after another, delivering several spiritual items in the interim. Yet they remained some distance from gathering everything, and there was still no definite word on the most important component, Kundi Blood Sand. Since that was the case, Qin Sang dwelt on it no further. On this day. Without alerting anyone, Qin Sang walked out of the immortal city alone, arriving at the location he had chosen long ago to undergo his tribulation, and looked up at the firmament. The aura of tribulation lightning was converging toward this tract of heaven and earth. Qin Sang had previously collected some information regarding cultivators undergoing tribulation in this realm; judging by those accounts, there was virtually little difference from cultivators of the Storm Realm. He wondered what manner of anomaly an otherworldly visitor such as himself might trigger.