After learning about the talismanic registers of Mount Taoheng, Qin Sang did not give an immediate answer, saying he needed some time to consider it.
Real Person Tao expressed understanding; choosing a talismanic register was the most serious matter in a cultivator's lifelong Dao path, and one could never be too cautious.
Leaving the Register Conferment Court, the two returned to the main hall, where Real Person Tao mentioned further benefits, sweetening the deal.
Qin Sang stayed in the mountains for several days before taking his leave. Unable to persuade him to stay longer, Real Person Tao personally escorted Qin Sang outside the mountains.
Gazing at Qin Sang's receding figure, Real Person Tao knew deep down there was little hope of recruiting this man, and could not help shaking his head with a soft sigh.
Leaving Mount Taoheng, Qin Sang returned directly to Yunfeng City without stopping, then took a teleportation formation northward.
After several transfers, he finally arrived at an immortal city built upon water, named Right Belt Pass.
Pillars of stone were driven into the lakebed, rising hundreds of zhang above the water's surface, upon which streets and dwellings were constructed to form an immortal city.
Every stone pillar was carved with runes that protected it from water erosion; in the event of an enemy invasion, the pillars could instantly transform into the foundation stones of a city-protecting grand formation—an ingenious layout.
Qin Sang walked along the streets, glancing down at the river's surface and paying particular attention to those stone pillars.
Before long, he raised his head.
This immortal city had no walls. Standing at the city's edge, Qin Sang could take in the view outside at a glance.
Looking as far as the eye could see, he beheld a mighty river resembling a jade ribbon, its broad surface shimmering with ripples. The surging waters swept in from the southwest, flowing beneath the immortal city.
This river was none other than the Sanyuan River that ran beneath the mountain of the Xuanji Sect.
It flowed through Baishi Diocese, absorbing countless river systems, before finally emptying into the western side of Star Island Immortal Lake. The confluence of river and lake was only a dozen or so li away from this immortal city.
It was said that on the eastern side of Star Island Immortal Lake, there was another great river comparable to the Sanyuan River.
Star Island Immortal Lake was unimaginably vast, meeting with innumerable rivers, but these two great rivers were by far the grandest, like two fluttering ribbons framing Star Island Immortal Lake.
This immortal city happened to sit at the gateway where river and lake converged, thus earning the name Right Belt Pass, with a corresponding Left Belt Pass situated to the east.
Due to their locations, these two pass-cities were second in fame only to Huzhong City.
Huzhong City sat in the center of Star Island Immortal Lake. It was the second-largest immortal city in Jushan Diocese after Mount Heming, yet in the hearts of Jushan Diocese's cultivators, it was the foremost immortal city of all.
This city was also one of Qin Sang's destinations on this trip.
Arriving at Right Belt Pass, there were no more teleportation formations leading onward; Qin Sang had to fly into Star Island Immortal Lake.
According to what he knew, it would take roughly ten-odd days of flying to reach a teleportation formation that could send him into the heart of Star Island Immortal Lake, after which he would still need to fly another stretch to reach Huzhong City.
The layout of Star Island Immortal Lake seemed to have been artificially partitioned into several tiers. Such an arrangement was typically made only to guard against external enemies; if an unforeseen event occurred, the inner and outer areas could be severed immediately to establish layered defenses.
Exiting the city, Qin Sang followed the Sanyuan River to the river mouth, admired the splendid scenery where river and lake converged, and then flew into the immortal lake in his flight light.
Star Island Immortal Lake was as vast as a sea; in the eyes of mortal men, it truly was a sea.
After flying for a while, Qin Sang could not help but sigh in admiration. "The name 'Star Island' truly lives up to its reputation."
It was his first time seeing a lake or sea so densely packed with islands. Islands large and small were scattered like stars, and on many of them, the auras of cultivators could be sensed.
Star Island Immortal Lake and Mount Heming lay to the north and south, respectively, and their atmospheres were polar opposites. The people here wore relaxed smiles—a sight rarely seen at Mount Heming, which was steeped in tension and chilling solemnity.
In Jushan Diocese, finding such a peaceful, tranquil place was exceedingly rare.
The breeze was gentle and warm.
Sails fluttered like banners across the lake's surface, and Qin Sang noticed treasure ships shuttling back and forth among them.
After pondering for a moment, Qin Sang lowered his flight light and alighted on the bow of a ship. Following a brief discussion with the shipmaster, he stepped into the cabin.
Over a month later.
The ship's hull jolted.
"Reporting to the exalted immortal, we have arrived at Dujia Island."
A respectful voice sounded outside the cabin.
Qin Sang disembarked and went ashore. The island's scale was comparable to an immortal city, and its function was similar as well. A teleportation formation was set up on the island; cultivators in the vicinity wishing to travel into the interior of Star Island Immortal Lake all had to come to Dujia Island first.
...
"Almost there at last..."
In the heart of Star Island Immortal Lake, Qin Sang flew slowly about a hundred zhang above the water's surface.
Gazing ahead, the topographical map of Star Island Immortal Lake flashed through Qin Sang's mind. Huzhong City was not far ahead.
Just then, Qin Sang turned his gaze to glance toward the north.
Real Person Zhijian's Daoist sanctuary was named Jianxin Island, situated north of Huzhong City. Qin Sang decided to enter Huzhong City to scout around first before paying a visit to Real Person Zhijian.
*Whoosh!*
Qin Sang touched down near the lake surface, and Huzhong City loomed right before him.
Some called Huzhong City "Huzhong Island," for one city occupied the entire island.
Wooden walkways stretched out from the shore, serving as docks for ships and as thoroughfares into the city.
Qin Sang observed this immortal city. The island's terrain was uneven, featuring undulating mountains and vast stretches of forest, but pavilions, towers, and courtyards could be seen perched on the hillsides and tucked within the woods, some clustered densely and others spaced far apart.
*Huzhong City might be even larger than Mount Heming,* Qin Sang thought to himself. He stepped onto a wooden walkway, paid the city entrance fee to the guards, and entered the immortal city.
Upon entering the city, Qin Sang's first goal was the auction houses or merchant chambers.
Without breaking a sweat, Qin Sang found out that the largest auction house in the city was an asset of the Jushan Guild. This merchant guild had quite an intriguing name, styled after "Jushan" itself.
The Jushan Guild had established its auction house on the highest peak of Huzhong City, which was also the city's most bustling district.
At the top of the highest peak stood a massive, nine-story wooden pavilion that was exceptionally eye-catching.
Qin Sang arrived before the wooden pavilion, glanced up at it, stepped inside, and released a wisp of his aura.
"Greetings, exalted immortal..."
A young man walked up with a broad smile.
Qin Sang asked directly, "When does the auction begin?"
The young man started slightly, but his smile did not waver. "The exalted immortal arrives at a fortunate time; an auction happens to be starting shortly. It is just that..."
Without waiting for him to finish, Qin Sang said, "Lead the way."
Knowing full well that some cultivators had eccentric temperaments, the young man did not dare show any neglect. He bowed, led the way, and quickly explained the auction's rules to Qin Sang.
Inwardly, however, he was murmuring to himself. From the aura this person exhibited, he was very likely a Shengxuan Real Person, whereas this auction was only at the Dongshen ritual rank level—scarcely worthy of a Real Person's attention.
Qin Sang, however, did not change his mind. Following the young man into a grand hall on the third floor, he found a seat near the back.
Before long, the hall was filled with cultivators. Glancing around, Qin Sang noted that the majority were Core Formation cultivators.
Soon, a middle-aged man took the stage.
The proceedings that followed were virtually identical to the auctions he had attended in the past, yet Qin Sang watched with keen interest as items he had never seen before were auctioned off one after another.
"Yuliu Brocade! Possessing unique properties, it can be used to forge the Golden Seal Altars of multiple talismanic registers. I am sure many fellow Daoists have heard of this treasure's illustrious name. For those whose registers align, this is an opportunity not to be missed! The starting bid is five hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones..."
The middle-aged man spoke in an impassioned tone as he pulled back the red silk covering a jade platter with a flourish, revealing a treasure that resembled pale-yellow brocade, flowing like fabric yet gleaming like water.
Hearing this, Qin Sang leaned forward slightly to inspect the Yuliu Brocade closely.
Cultivators in this realm also used spirit stones for transactions; they could utilize spirit stones normally.
The Yuliu Brocade commanded the highest starting bid so far, and Qin Sang could guess the reason. In this realm, spiritual items that could be used to cast an altar and ensure its stability were the most sought-after.
Once this item was unveiled, the eyes of quite a few cultivators burned with desire.
"Five hundred and fifty thousand!"
"Six hundred thousand!"
...
The price quickly climbed to a staggering height. The successful bidder looked radiant with joy, yet visibly pained by the expense.
Qin Sang watched a while longer to gain a general understanding, then stood up and headed outside.
The young man had actually been waiting outside the entire time. He hurried forward, smiling obsequiously. "Could it be that these treasures failed to catch the exalted immortal's eye? Blame this lowly one for lacking vision. Half a year from now, there will be an auction at the Real Person level. I wonder if the exalted immortal might be interested?"
With that, the young man handed over an invitation slip.
Qin Sang opened it and saw that it was essentially an invitation card, listing some of the treasures along with brief descriptions.
The young man took the opportunity to advise him, "This auction mostly conducts transactions through barter, or trades using Dao Court merit. If the exalted immortal plans to attend, it would be wise to prepare in advance."
Qin Sang gave a quiet acknowledgment. Just like in the Storm Realm, transactions among cultivators above the Nascent Soul stage rarely involved spirit stones.
Here, however, there was an additional currency substitute.
The items listed were merely decent in the eyes of a Deity Transformation cultivator, but Qin Sang still decided to accept the invitation to broaden his horizons.
After inquiring in greater detail, however, he could not help feeling a wave of disappointment.
This auction was already the highest-tier auction the Jushan Guild held regularly; anything higher was a grand auction held once every several decades, which would not occur for another dozen-odd years.
The so-called "Real Person level" actually referred to Shengxuan Real Persons, whereas Qin Sang was far more interested in attending transactions among Deity Transformation cultivators.
*There probably aren't many Deity Transformation cultivators outside the Daoist Sect...*
Qin Sang mused to himself. The Daoist Sect held a tight grip on the higher-tier talismanic registers and would never permit too many formidable figures to emerge outside its fold.
Such Deity Transformation cultivators rarely revealed themselves to the world, and their transactions were kept strictly among their own circles. As an outsider, he would need someone to introduce him.
The reason he wished to attend such trade gatherings was that his current strength was subject to severe limitations, and he wanted to acquire a few defensive treasures—ideally a pseudo-spirit treasure or even a spirit treasure suitable for a strength cultivator.
If possible, he was willing to trade away the Fourfold Tengshe Seal.
Ever since this spirit treasure had fallen into his hands, it had mostly been wielded by his avatar. Although Qin Sang's true self had mastered the Tongbao Formula, he could not bring out its full might.
Now that his avatar was gone, trading it for a spirit treasure better suited to himself made more sense.
However, encountering a mutually fitting trade was no simple matter.
Reflecting on what he owned, Qin Sang still possessed quite a few items of unknown origin—for instance, the three damaged treasures obtained in the Wuxiang Immortal Sect:
The Chengying Sword, the broken drum, and the scroll painting!
Even the Wuxiang Immortal Sect had not known the origins of these three treasures, placing them inside the Langhuan Jade Pavilion.
Qin Sang had delved deeply into artifact refinement for many years, yet he had remained utterly helpless before them.
However, the prowess and horizons of cultivators in this realm far surpassed those in the Storm Realm. Perhaps a master refiner could discern their secrets and restore them.
Mulling over these thoughts, Qin Sang left the Jushan Guild. He first rented a quiet cave dwelling on the island, then set about gathering intelligence on the sects and factions across Star Island Immortal Lake, particularly those that conferred registers upon outsiders.
He had already collected some information at Mount Heming, but the records here were bound to be more comprehensive, allowing him to cross-reference them.
Several months later.
Qin Sang sat cross-legged inside the cave dwelling. Several jade slips lay on the ground, and he held one in his hand.
The one in his grip contained selections he had meticulously screened from the labyrinth of information, sparing no effort to verify them until he was confident of their authenticity.
Recorded within the jade slip were several sects that Qin Sang believed might suit him and offer a viable opportunity to receive register conferment.
The first sect was the Vermilion Flame Palace.
The Vermilion Flame Palace was a sect within Star Island Immortal Lake that conferred the Seven Stars Vermilion Flame Register—precisely the Fire Ministry talismanic register Qin Sang had been seeking.
The Vermilion Flame Palace did confer registers upon outsiders, and Qin Sang had already discovered and compiled all their conditions for doing so.
One requirement, however, was somewhat troublesome: only members of subordinate sects under the Vermilion Flame Palace were eligible to receive conferment, with exceptions made solely for descendants of benefactors who had done immense favors for the sect.
If he sought the Seven Stars Vermilion Flame Register, he might have to find a way to infiltrate one of their subordinate sects.
This was hardly Qin Sang's first time doing such a thing, so it posed no great difficulty in principle; the drawback was that it might require him to remain undercover within the Vermilion Flame Palace's sphere for a long time.
He pondered for a moment, then looked at the second sect he had chosen—the Thunder Left Manor.
And the third sect—the Thunder Right Manor.
When Qin Sang had first learned of these two sects, he had been quite astonished.
Not only did the two sects share similar names, but their sect gates were both located within Star Island Immortal Lake.
Although Qin Sang had not uncovered conclusive proof, various indications suggested they had likely once belonged to the same sect, later splitting into the Left and Right Manors for reasons unknown.
At present, the Thunder Left Manor and Thunder Right Manor occupied the eastern and western regions of Star Island Immortal Lake, respectively. They were far from harmonious, and conflict between their disciples was frequent.
Both the Thunder Left Manor and Thunder Right Manor possessed their own ancestral altars and could confer registers, and even the names of their talismanic registers were identical—the High Shenxiao Register.
As for whether any differences existed between the registers of the Left and Right Manors, Qin Sang was still unsure.
The High Shenxiao Register belonged to the Thunder Ministry, which was one reason Qin Sang had singled them out.
Both the Left and Right Manors conferred registers upon outsiders without restricting candidates to subordinate sects like the Vermilion Flame Palace did, but their conditions were said to be quite stringent and difficult to satisfy.
All three sects were top-tier powers within Star Island Immortal Lake. While a sect's strength could not simply equate to the grade of its talismanic register, it was telling nonetheless.
There were several other sects listed behind them as backup options, but if possible, Qin Sang preferred to obtain a register from one of these three.
How to choose among the three sects still required careful thought.
Choosing either the Thunder Left or Right Manor would spare him the trouble of an undercover disguise, which might be simpler.
However, Qin Sang was not certain when he would be able to control the Azure Luan's origin lightning power. If he could not control it even upon reaching the late Deity Transformation stage, that could become problematic.
Using the Thunder Turtle demon core to cast an altar could at most sustain his cultivation up to the mid-Deity Transformation stage.
The Vermilion Flame Palace had the advantage of offering a Fire Ministry register; he held several types of spiritual fires in hand, and once the fledgling Vermilion Bird spirit awoke, it could assist him as well.
Yet regardless of which sect he chose, there was another factor Qin Sang had to consider: as premier powers of Star Island Immortal Lake, these three sects very likely had Deity Transformation-level powerhouses presiding over them.
Register conferment had to be conducted at a sect's ancestral altar. If he suppressed his cultivation to participate, there was a risk of exposure.
Just as Qin Sang was deep in thought, the restriction outside his cave dwelling was suddenly stirred.
A maidservant's voice came from outside: "Reporting to the exalted immortal, Master Qi's disciple has opened the cave dwelling's restrictions. Word has it that Master Qi has completed his refining and just emerged from seclusion."
"Understood," Qin Sang said in a deep voice. He stowed the jade slips, stood up, and walked outside, deciding to pay a visit to this Master Qi first.
Master Qi was a renowned artifact refining master in Huzhong City who had previously been in seclusion refining artifacts.
Chapter 1772