Regardless of what commotion this action would cause in the Sanyang Sect, Qin Sang drifted down outside the mountains and walked farther and farther away, reflecting on the register conferment process he had just undergone.
The Supervision Master had shattered the golden talisman without completing the final step of burning the register, failing to present a memorial to the Divine Court or proclaim it to the Yin and Yang, which equated to a failed conferment.
However, when his divine sense and essence blood had merged into the blank golden talisman, many insights had arisen within him.
Combining those with the secrets he had previously learned, Qin Sang gained a deeper understanding of ancestral altars and talismanic registers.
That golden talisman could only be considered a blank talismanic register.
When his divine sense, essence blood, and the golden talisman merged, Qin Sang had felt nothing out of the ordinary.
Only after the Sanyang Sect disciples had their talismans stamped with seals and burned as memorials did their golden talismans transform into true talismanic registers.
From this, it was evident that burning the register to submit a memorial was the crucial step.
If one were to draw an analogy, it could be compared to certain mortal nations where officials had the authority to scout and recommend worthy men under their jurisdiction. Yet they still had to submit a memorial to the prime minister or even the emperor to obtain the imperial court's approval before those worthy individuals could receive official appointments.
A talismanic register was like the imperial court's credentials and seals of office. Only with credentials and seals in hand could an official assume office, or a military general mobilize troops.
As for the so-called "court," various explanations existed. Some called it the firmament or the Great Dao, while others referred to it as the Divine Court or Heavenly Court.
What these cultivators obtained was not an official post, but the qualification to cultivate in this realm. Through the talismanic register, they secured a place in this chaotic world and attained the acknowledgment of heavenly deities, enabling them to petition gods and summon immortals.
Because of this, in Qin Sang's eyes, the Sanyang Sect's Transmission Masters and Supervision Masters resembled officials holding the right to recommend candidates.
They possessed the power of recommendation, but lacked the authority to confer appointments. They could only open the altar and submit memorials, acting as intermediaries.
In fact, they might not even possess the power to control ancestral altars or talismanic registers.
After all, altars for conferring registers were extraordinarily scarce throughout Jushan Diocese, and no sect could construct a register altar on its own; every single one had been passed down from antiquity.
For this very reason, the persons presiding over the conferment ceremony could not detect Qin Sang's cultivation. Even if someone could see through his disguise, it would be whoever received the burned register and memorial.
Qin Sang looked up at the sky. The azure dome stretched far and vast, its furthest reaches unknowable.
Where was the talismanic register sent?
Where... were the gods?
Were there heavens beyond the heavens?
He had originally regarded the legends of the Daoist sects with skepticism, but the existence of talismanic registers compelled him to ponder deeply.
Could the Two Courts of the Daoist Court be that very "imperial court"?
Did burning the register and submitting the memorial send it directly to the Two Courts of the Daoist Court?
If he was ultimately destined to draw the attention of the Two Courts, his actions over all these years would appear utterly laughable.
However, Qin Sang felt that was unlikely. What merged into the blank register was merely a wisp of divine sense and a single drop of essence blood; his cultivation should not be so easily uncovered.
Moreover, if the Two Courts could truly control the ancestral altars of every sect, they could unilaterally decide who received registers and who did not. Cultivators in Jushan Diocese would never escape the Daoist sect's grasp, rendering decrees and merit points completely unnecessary for placating them.
More importantly, Qin Sang had constantly wondered what the existence of talismanic registers signified.
The world was in chaos, overrun by the ancient qi of the six heavens. Even Deity Transformation cultivators were helpless against it, some nearly ruining their Dao paths. Could this simply be the worldly rule of the Great Dao in this realm?
If so, allowing cultivators to practice in such an environment meant the talismanic registers possessed a power bordering on reshaping heaven and earth. What manner of mighty being could wield such terrifying power?
Qin Sang believed that the talismanic register's role was merely to communicate with this great power and shelter the cultivator. As for the origin of that power, it was beyond his capacity to fathom.
If the Two Courts possessed such power, they likely would have wiped out the demons and ghosts of Guifang Kingdom long ago.
Perhaps, above the vast heavens, a Heavenly Court and true gods really did exist!
Qin Sang could not help but shake his head and retract his gaze.
Regardless, if he wished to continue cultivating, he had to adapt to local ways. A talismanic register was essential. Overthinking was futile; he only needed to proceed according to plan.
Do one's best and leave the rest to fate.
After this test, Qin Sang was confident he would not be exposed during register conferment. His next objective was to secure the High Shenxiao Register!
***
A flash of brilliance flared.
Qin Sang stepped out of the teleportation array. Before he could steady his footing, several armored cultivators surrounded him.
Unsurprised, he retrieved a square seal carved with thunder seal script and handed it to their leader, who promptly permitted him to pass.
The figures on the streets were sparse, far less bustling than the immortal cities Qin Sang had previously seen.
He cast a few casual glances around, quickly lost interest, and walked briskly toward the city center. Before long, he arrived before a magnificent mansion. After sending word ahead, he entered the manor and met a dignified Daoist.
"Is Fellow Daoist Master Mingyue?"
The Daoist possessed sword-like brows and star-bright eyes. In the depths of his pupils, two bolts of lightning seemed to flicker, casting a bright, piercing gaze upon Qin Sang.
"Indeed. Greetings, Master Zhang," Qin Sang said, cupping his hands and presenting the square seal.
The man before him was a master of the Thunder Left Manor, and this immortal city was also a property of the manor.
The Thunder Left Manor's next altar opening for register conferment was half a year away, whereas the Thunder Right Manor's would take two years. Thus, Qin Sang had approached the Thunder Left Manor first.
He was still using the pretext of seeking a register for a disciple to make contact, which led him to this city.
"Fellow Daoist's deep care for your disciple is something I understand well," Master Zhang said gently. "However, this task requires infiltrating a demon kingdom and is fraught with perils. Might Fellow Daoist reconsider? Perhaps your disciple possesses exceptional aptitude and has no need to take such risks."
Each time the Thunder Left Manor conferred registers, they reserved a portion of quotas for cultivators outside their sect, but these could not be bought with spirit stones.
There were two methods to obtain the High Shenxiao Register.
The first was for the prospective recipient to undergo an aptitude test alongside the Thunder Left Manor's disciples. Those with extraordinary talent could directly secure a quota.
The second was for the candidate's master or senior to perform a task for the Thunder Left Manor. It was said to be extremely difficult and perilous.
Naturally, the degree of danger depended on the practitioner's strength.
Considering that the rules for receiving the second-tier Flowing Gold Fire Bell Register would undoubtedly be stricter than those for the entry-level register, Qin Sang intended to have Master Qi step forward when advancing his register at the Thunder Right Manor. For now, he would handle this task himself.
"Thank you for your kind intentions, Master Zhang, but I have already made up my mind," Qin Sang replied, shaking his head.
He had no idea how the Thunder Left Manor tested aptitude. If he displayed extraordinary talent and attracted undue attention, unforeseen complications might arise. Making a trip himself was far safer.
Seeing his resolve, Master Zhang said no more. Turning his palm, he produced a jade slip.
Qin Sang took it and saw a map of a demon kingdom recorded within. It could not be called detailed, but certain locations were marked in blood-red, making them quite striking.
"We refer to this domain as the Thunder Hawk Demon Kingdom. Its ruler is a Golden-Winged Thunder Hawk. Marked on the map are the fiefdoms of the sovereign's direct descendants. We hope Fellow Daoist can bring back the primordial essence blood of the Thunder Hawk royal lineage..." Master Zhang explained.
Qin Sang memorized the map and mused, "Must it be royal members at the demon commander rank?"
"No. Any royal descendant will do, provided you gather a sufficient quantity of primordial essence blood. However, do not let your guard down. Those enfeoffed as royals all possess formidable bloodline power. The sovereign values them dearly, and they never lack powerful guards at their sides. Furthermore..." Master Zhang paused briefly. "Fellow Daoist arrived a bit late. Two fellow Daoists already set out several days ago. You had best depart as soon as possible."
"Does Master mean the three of us are competing for a single quota?"
Seeing Master Zhang nod, Qin Sang frowned slightly.
With his strength, this task was not difficult to complete; his only concern was having someone beat him to it.
Without lingering, Qin Sang bid Master Zhang farewell and left the city.
This city was situated southeast of Star Island Immortal Lake, bordering several demon kingdom territories.
Though both factions belonged to Jushan Diocese, there was no harmony between humans and demons, and clashes broke out constantly.
Flying eastward for less than three days, Qin Sang entered the borders of the Thunder Hawk Demon Kingdom. Having memorized the map, he formulated an initial plan based on the locations of the royal fiefdoms.
***
More than ten days later.
Qin Sang reappeared at the border of the Thunder Hawk Demon Kingdom and retrieved a jade vial.
The vial was filled with golden essence blood that glittered brightly in the sunlight—the royal essence blood of the Golden-Winged Thunder Hawks.
The sovereign of the Thunder Hawk Demon Kingdom was merely at the late Transformation stage. Had Qin Sang attacked with full strength, the entire demon kingdom would have been unable to withstand him.
However, Qin Sang did not wish to cause an excessive commotion and invite suspicion. Were it not for the worry of someone beating him to the prize, he would have preferred to wait even longer.
After scouting patiently for several days, he learned that several royal descendants were venturing out together, allowing him to gather all the required essence blood in a single stroke.
Though those royal descendants were guarded by Transformation-stage great demons, how could they possibly detect Qin Sang's movements? Qin Sang had succeeded without anyone noticing.
***
"This..."
Master Zhang took the vial full of glittering golden blood, casting an astonished glance at Qin Sang.
"It truly is royal essence blood! I never expected Fellow Daoist to be so swift!"
Cultivators infiltrating a demon kingdom had to exercise the utmost caution and secure their retreat before striking. He had assumed it would take at least a month or two.
Qin Sang chuckled. "It was also thanks to good fortune. I happened upon several young demons traveling together. I happen to be skilled in breath-concealment arts, and while their guards were powerful, their spiritual sense was not keen enough. I exploited that opening, knocked the young demons unconscious, and drew their blood."
Master Zhang looked enlightened. No wonder he had received no reports of anyone raising a massive disturbance in the demon kingdom.
"Please keep this thunder talisman safe, Fellow Daoist. On the day of register conferment, your disciple may enter the mountain with this talisman."
Master Zhang produced a silver-glowing talisman that seemed woven from threads of lightning.
Qin Sang stored the talisman away, expressed his thanks, and returned to Star Island Immortal Lake to wait quietly on Huzhong Island.
During this period, Qin Sang frequently visited Master Qi, receiving his guidance. His understanding of artifact crafting deepened day by day.
What delighted him most was that some of this experience could be applied to nurturing the Yunyou Sword. With his expanded horizons, Qin Sang gained a degree of control over the sword's state, rather than feeling as bewildered as before.
If his assessment was correct, within a century, the Yunyou Sword should be able to give birth to a spirit embryo and advance straight to a spirit treasure!
The reason he estimated a century was merely that his attainment was not yet deep enough; it might happen even sooner.
Normally, crafting a spirit treasure would take far longer than a few centuries. After all, it had not been long since Qin Sang broke through to the Deity Transformation stage.
The Yunyou Sword was his natal magic treasure, and the speed of its nurturing was closely linked to his cultivation level.
Crafting a spirit treasure required the right timing, favorable terrain, and human harmony; only with the convergence of numerous conditions could a spirit embryo be born.
Moreover, the Yunyou Sword had integrated Yunyouzi's true spirit, making the birth of a spirit embryo far easier than creating one from nothing. Were it not for Qin Sang's concern over harming Yunyouzi's fragile true spirit, the process might have been even faster.
Add to that the fact that the body of the Yunyou Sword had been tempered with Soul-Nurturing Wood, one of the Ten Great Divine Woods, and that Qin Sang continually refined it with the Essence Sacrificing Art, dawn had finally appeared on the horizon!
Confirming this brought Qin Sang immense joy.
Once it formed a spirit embryo, the true spirit would stabilize, and he would no longer have to worry when wielding the spirit sword against enemies.
Furthermore, the Yunyou Sword would transform directly into a spirit treasure. As his natal spirit sword, no other spirit treasure could match its harmony with him.
Of course, to unleash the sword's full might, he needed to restore his cultivation as soon as possible.
Subsequently, Qin Sang remained at Master Qi's residence, rarely even stepping outside. He continually cast the Essence Sacrificing Art in his cave dwelling to refine the Yunyou Sword, venturing out only once on the day the Jushan Assembly held its auction.
Just as the attendant had described, treasures at the auction were traded either through bartering or with Daoist Court merit points.
"Wind-Returning Armor."
With a thought, a suit of azure armor materialized over Qin Sang, enveloping his entire body and even covering his face.
This armor was something he had traded for at the auction, belonging to the grade of top-grade magic treasures.
Qin Sang had naturally wanted an armor comparable to a pseudo-spirit treasure, and had even entertained thoughts of refining one himself. But after consulting Master Qi and considering his current wealth, he temporarily set the idea aside.
Aside from that, the auction brought an unexpected pleasant surprise: Qin Sang obtained two materials for the Imperial Bell True Talisman at once, leaving only Kundi Blood Sand remaining.
Several months passed in the blink of an eye.
In a certain body of water in the eastern part of Star Island Immortal Lake, thousands of islands connected in an unbroken expanse. Cultivators passing through preferred to take a detour of several days rather than dare to trespass.
For this was the mountain gate of the top sect in Star Island Immortal Lake—the Thunder Left Manor!
In three days, the Thunder Left Manor would open its altars to confer registers.
Several days prior, the subordinate sects of the Thunder Left Manor had begun sending their newly initiated disciples over.
Each register conferment ceremony was a rare, grand event.
Upon the largest peripheral island stood a jade stele inscribed with the words "Thunder Left Manor."
A bustling stream of people moved before the stele, with streaks of light flying in and out continuously.
This was Guest-Welcoming Island, where disciples awaiting their registers stayed.
Without anyone noticing, Qin Sang stepped down alone from a treasure ship, oriented himself, and walked toward the pavilion beside the jade stele.
"Which subordinate sect are you from? Why haven't your sect elders accompanied you?" a female cultivator asked, looking at Qin Sang with a frown.
"My master had other pressing matters. I came alone."
Qin Sang behaved respectfully, presenting the thunder talisman.
Seeing the talisman clearly, the female cultivator cast an astonished look at Qin Sang and handed him a token. "Take this token to the other side of Guest-Welcoming Island and choose a room in Abode Block Jia. Someone will come fetch you in three days. Oh? I forgot you haven't begun cultivating yet. I'll have someone guide you over..."
A Thunder Left Manor disciple led Qin Sang to the abodes and settled him in.
Three days later, the restriction outside his door was stirred.
Qin Sang pushed open the door and stepped out. A handsome youth with a sword at his waist looked at him with a smile. "Little brother, you're here for the register conferment ceremony, right? Follow me."
The handsome youth gathered several more candidates, and together they boarded a flying boat, soaring through the sky toward the depths of the archipelago.
The flying boat cruised amid the clouds.
Before long, dense storm clouds loomed ahead, accompanied by endless rolls of thunder.
*Whoosh!*
The flying boat plunged into the heart of the dark clouds, descending sharply toward a gloomy island.
Chapter 1775