Dingzhen Pill

"I would gladly hear the details," Qin Sang said, having already formed his own guesses. Real Person Zhijian's following words were indeed just as he had anticipated. "If a fellow Daoist's ancestors left behind an enduring legacy, one can go directly to the Dao Court. The Dao Court places great value on saving face and generally will not make things difficult. For instance, if one's sect had deep ties to the Dao Court in ancient times, or if one's ancestors rendered meritorious service in the great war between the two factions." Saying this, Real Person Zhijian did not pause and continued speaking. If Qin Sang had hailed from such a sect, there would have been no need to consult him in the first place. "If one seeks them out on one's own, the Dao Court offers two choices. If one aligns closely with the Dao Court and is willing to be driven at their beck and call, obtaining a talismanic register is not difficult." "Wouldn't that reduce one to a servant of the Dao Court?" Qin Sang frowned. Qin Sang did not believe the Dao Court would treat such people as their own. Human nature was such that regardless of time, place, sect, or faction, there were always degrees of closeness and distance. The moment a near-fatal task arose, the Dao Court would certainly think of these outsiders first. Under someone else's control, how could one speak of unfettered freedom? Real Person Zhijian explained, "Anyone able to cultivate to this realm possesses first-rate temperament and talent; the Dao Court will not truly treat them like servants. In ordinary times, the Dao Court generally does not interfere. I hear that writs from the Dao Court come with lavish rewards, and if one is unwilling to answer when a writ arrives, they will not force the matter either. But once war breaks out between the Dao Court and Guifang Kingdom, I fear..." Qin Sang nodded; that was easy enough to imagine. A Deity Transformation cultivator could serve as the master of a parish in the Dao Court, so they would not lightly send such an expert to their death. At present, the Dao Court and Guifang Kingdom were merely in a standoff on the surface, still able to exercise restraint. Yet no one could say for certain when the existing balance might shatter. If either side boldly launched a war, dragging Jushan Diocese into the flames of conflict in an instant, it was not as though such a thing had never occurred before. "And what if one does not wish to rely on the Dao Court?" Qin Sang asked. Real Person Zhijian uttered merely four words: "Trade life for register!" Qin Sang exhaled lightly, thinking that it was indeed so. Just like the Dao Court writs at Mount Heming, one had to render meritorious service to the Dao Court to earn the qualification for advancing one's register. However... A thought struck Qin Sang. "The Dao Court wouldn't send people to certain death, would they?" Cultivators of this realm typically advanced their registers when their cultivation reached peak completion, right on the verge of a breakthrough. In other words, cultivators in Jushan Diocese would make contact with the Dao Court while at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage. At that point, they did not yet possess the strength of the Deity Transformation stage. The Dao Court could not possibly give them a Deity Transformation-level writ; otherwise, how would that differ from seeking their lives for profit? To his surprise, Real Person Zhijian shook his head gently. Meeting Qin Sang's astonished gaze, he said, "From what I know, these writs generally fall into two categories. The first consists of tasks that only a Dongxuan Real Person has the ability to complete. The second category is less hazardous, but it often requires dedicating a century or even several centuries. During that time, one cannot afford any distractions, and there is still the possibility of failure. They still have to prepare for their breakthrough—how much time do they have to squander? Those unwilling to be bound by the Dao Court are proud, haughty figures, and they will generally seek their own breakthrough first before going to the Dao Court to answer a writ and advance their register." The Dao Court was ruthless enough! Yet those who dared to break through before advancing their registers for the sake of freedom were no simple figures either. Breaking through to the Deity Transformation stage and breaking through to the Core Formation stage were as different as clouds and mud—the Deity Transformation stage brought heavenly tribulations! Both the Three Disasters tribulation and the heart demon tribulation could be fatal. Undergoing tribulation without advancing one's register meant exceeding the protective capacity of one's register altar. With unstable true essence, crossing the Three Disasters tribulation would be no easy feat. Still, it was somewhat better here than in the Storm Realm where survival was all but impossible. The influence of the ancient qi of the Six Heavens on one's mind was subtle and gradual, unlike the Demonic Voice of the Heavenly Dao, which produced immediate effects. Consequently, the power of the heart demon tribulation would not intensify because of it. Even so, without formidable self-confidence and strength, none would dare attempt such a thing. Yet even after a successful breakthrough, they would have to suppress their true essence just as he did, their strength greatly diminished. How could they possibly complete a Deity Transformation-level writ? Qin Sang voiced this question. "When answering the writ, the Dao Court bestows a Dingzhen Pill. For the duration of the pill's medicinal power, one can recover their peak strength, unaffected by the ancient qi of the Six Heavens," Real Person Zhijian's tone shifted, and he chuckled softly. "In this regard, strength cultivators who cultivate the Dragon Tiger Altar like you, Fellow Daoist, have the fewest misgivings of all." In a flash, Qin Sang understood the reason. Strength cultivators tempered the physical body; their only dread was mental confusion, and the function of the Dragon Tiger Altar was to protect the mind. They could break through without misgivings even without advancing their registers. Their strength would remain undiminished, offering great hope of passing the tribulation. After breaking through, a strength cultivator could still maintain formidable combat prowess, whereas others were forced to suppress their true essence to the Nascent Soul stage. This was also one of the reasons many cultivators chose the Dragon Tiger Altar rather than the orthodox Daoist traditions. "To think such a miraculous medicine as the Dingzhen Pill exists!" Qin Sang sighed in admiration. The Daoist sects were deeply rooted in this realm, and they had certainly worked out numerous methods to counter the ancient qi of the Six Heavens, with talismanic registers being the most thoroughly developed system. The Dingzhen Pill was a medicinal pill; its efficacy could not last indefinitely, and each person was limited to only one, so its value had to be exorbitant. Having traveled through so many places, Qin Sang had never seen it sold anywhere. Real Person Zhijian continued, "Moreover, compared to fellow Daoists of the other two factions, the writ you receive should be somewhat easier." Qin Sang's heart stirred. Judging from Real Person Zhijian's tone, this seemed to stem from the differences among the registers of the three major factions. After pondering for a moment with a solemn expression, Qin Sang asked in a deep voice, "What if I do not wish to advance to a Dragon Tiger Altar register?" With Real Person Zhijian's sharp wit, he instantly caught the profound implication in Qin Sang's words. His gaze suddenly sharpened, and he asked in astonishment, "You are a spell cultivator?" Among the three major Daoist factions, both the Golden Seal Altar and the Soldier and Horse Altar were fundamentally spell cultivators who refined true essence. The Dragon Tiger Altar stood distinct and solitary. It could not stabilize true essence, but it could increase the cultivation speed along the path of strength. For the Dragon Tiger Altar, one could not have one's cake and eat it too. A cultivator could only select one register of the corresponding grade at each boundary of cultivation. Because its register was peculiar and unable to settle true essence, the Dragon Tiger Altar required one to walk the path of strength all the way through. Unless one added a register, switched to an orthodox Daoist register, and started over from the beginning, one could not cultivate both concurrently. While the former two factions could attend to body refinement as well, their own cultivation was already arduous to begin with, and without the boost of the Dragon Tiger Altar, their results fell far short of true strength cultivators. Those who practiced both were exceedingly rare. In truth, Qin Sang's entry onto the path of body refinement had been a twist of fate. *Heavenly Demon Refining Form* had remained stalled throughout the entire Nascent Soul stage. Only after reaching Deity Transformation did he first prepare to cross eastward to Guixu, and later, under the duress of heavenly tribulation, had he been forced to take up this art once more. Qin Sang nodded slightly, though he did not explicitly say whether he had been a spell cultivator from the outset, or had originally been a strength cultivator who had changed to a spell cultivator by adding a register. "No wonder your poison arts are so formidable, Fellow Daoist," Real Person Zhijian shook his head repeatedly, seeming to lament his own lack of discernment. "It is a good thing not to cultivate the Dragon Tiger Altar. You have likely noticed it as well—the Dragon Tiger Altar is not orthodox Daoism, and it cannot go far." Qin Sang's heart moved. "I have heard whispers, though I could never be certain... Is it because of demon registers?" Rumors among cultivators claimed with utter conviction that the registers of the Dragon Tiger Altar were created by drawing inspiration from and mimicking demon registers. This realm was clearly far better suited for strength cultivators, and an immense number of cultivators practiced with the Dragon Tiger Altar, yet the true-transmission disciples of the Daoist sects sneered at it. When things were abnormal, there had to be something amiss! Qin Sang had long suspected this. "Indeed," Real Person Zhijian nodded. "The demon kind possesses innate gifts; the power of their bloodlines can bolster demon registers. We humans lack bloodline divine abilities—how could we ever match them? Although the limits of the Dragon Tiger Altar remain unclear, almost none of the parish masters in the Dao Court are masters who cultivate the Dragon Tiger Altar, which speaks volumes." Hearing this, Qin Sang fell into contemplative thought. An Altar-Protecting Divine General was not something one could invoke and then rest easy forever. A register altar was not only a place to anchor the register, but also a palace to house the spirit. If the altar was unstable, the divine general would not be at peace—this was the greatest hidden peril of the Dragon Tiger Altar! "If you seek an orthodox Daoist register and do not wish to be constrained by the Daoist sects, you must plan carefully, Fellow Daoist," Real Person Zhijian cautioned. "Many thanks for your guidance, Fellow Daoist!" Qin Sang rose and performed a formal Daoist bow. Had he expended some effort, he could have ferreted out this information himself, but it would certainly have been mingled with rumors hard to separate from fact, nowhere near as detailed as Real Person Zhijian's account. Knowing this, he could act with clear purpose in the future. "Why must you be so formal, Fellow Daoist?" Real Person Zhijian waved his hand repeatedly and gave Qin Sang an address. "The Two Courts of the Dao Court specially dispatched a master for this matter, Daoist name Zhangui, who is cultivating in seclusion on a spiritual island in the northern part of Star Island Immortal Lake. When you go to visit Real Person Zhangui, you might as well notify me." "Did you advance your register through this Real Person Zhangui, Fellow Daoist?" Qin Sang committed the location of the spiritual island to memory. Real Person Zhijian acknowledged with a hum, "I have met Real Person Zhangui a few times. While he might not grant special favors, he should not make things difficult for you." Qin Sang considered for a moment. "I need to make some preparations first; I expect it will be a few years before I can answer the writ." Daoist writs varied in difficulty, and the task assigned to him would depend entirely on this Real Person Zhangui's decision. Having someone introduce him was by no means a bad thing. "No matter. I will not be leaving Sword Heart Island anytime soon." With this matter agreed upon, Qin Sang lingered on Sword Heart Island for several more days. Above the boundless expanse of water, two figures flew through the void—none other than Qin Sang and Real Person Zhijian. Neither hurried as they conversed while flying northward. "Our two fellow Daoists are on Youhuang Island, three hundred li away. They should have received my letter by now and will be waiting for us on the island," Real Person Zhijian pointed toward the north. They were currently on their way to meet Real Person Zhijian's friends, both of whom were said to be Deity Transformation cultivators. "Their Daoist names are Guyun and Youhuang. Real Person Youhuang is a Daoist nun, and Youhuang Island is her place of practice. Neither of them is aloof or arrogant..." Real Person Zhijian briefly introduced their identities. Qin Sang noted the details, casting a discreet glance at Real Person Zhijian. He had a lingering feeling that introducing him to these two was not merely for them to become acquainted, but held some other purpose. Before long, the two descended from the sky and landed on a delicate, elegant spiritual island planted with flowers and bamboo. Several beautiful women stood respectfully amid the blossoms. Upon seeing them, they immediately bowed in greeting and led them to Real Person Youhuang's cave dwelling to meet the two masters. In appearance, Real Person Youhuang looked barely sixteen years of age, petite in stature with bright almond eyes. When she smiled, her eyes curved like crescent moons, making her resemble a charming young maiden. The one who drew Qin Sang's attention the most was the other person, Real Person Guyun. Real Person Guyun was slender and tall, standing straight as a pine. He was actually a strength cultivator, and he did not conceal it. His vitality and blood were extraordinarily dense and heavy; even after being tempered by heavenly tribulation, Qin Sang felt inferior by comparison. Real Person Zhijian introduced the three of them. After exchanging greetings, they took their seats as hosts and guests. Maidservants served immortal fruits and fine nectar, all rare delicacies with fragrances that made the mouth water. Qin Sang could not resist drinking a few extra cups. To Qin Sang's surprise, Real Person Zhijian seemed truly to have arranged this solely for them to get acquainted. The group chatted cordially during the banquet. At times they spoke of Daoist secrets, and Qin Sang merely listened quietly. At other times they debated Daoist methods, and only then would Qin Sang speak with measured words, carefully concealing his identity as an outsider from another realm. Not until late into the night did their enjoyment finally reach its end. Real Person Youhuang warmly urged them to stay, and Real Person Guyun and Real Person Zhijian planned to remain for several more days. With his thoughts on the treasure fragment, Qin Sang rose to take his leave. 'Gathering friends between intervals of cultivation, carefree and at ease—it is quite leisure-filled...' Flying out from Youhuang Island, this thought surfaced in Qin Sang's mind. Looking back on the more than eight hundred years he had lived, such leisurely moments had been few and far between. 'Once I obtain a talismanic register, find a cave dwelling, and make a few close friends, we can look out for one another should a war break out. In ordinary times, entering secluded cultivation in peace seems rather pleasant as well...' Qin Sang mused to himself. In the Storm Realm, he had always been driven forward by various events. Due to his lacking talent, he had been forced to fight for certain opportunities. Now he was already a Deity Transformation cultivator, not particularly old, and his cultivation talent had been augmented. Ordinary treasures could hardly catch his eye, so why run about everywhere? Of course, that did not mean he would slacken. "Let me see you off, Fellow Daoist." A voice came from behind as Real Person Zhijian flew up to join him. "What do you think of them?" Real Person Zhijian asked. Qin Sang frowned, puzzled. "Both are exceptional figures." No matter which world one was in, breaking through to the Deity Transformation stage was never simple. At this moment, Real Person Zhijian finally revealed the truth. "In inviting you here, I actually harbored my own private motives." Qin Sang looked at him, completely unsurprised. "Over these years, I have been preparing for a major undertaking that requires entering Nieyuan, and Youhuang and Guyun are both helpers I invited. Speaking of which, this matter is also connected to the Dao Court. Earlier, I thought you might hail from a Daoist temple or monastery, and knowing you to be a man of your word, if I could persuade you to join, you would not only be a trustworthy ally, but could also help investigate certain information we have long been unable to clarify," Real Person Zhijian laid out the whole story without holding anything back. "Oh?" Qin Sang shook his head. "Unfortunately, I am not." "Even so, I still wish to invite you," Real Person Zhijian said earnestly. "If this can be accomplished, not only will there be lavish compensation, but it can directly secure your qualification to advance your register. Moreover, joining forces to look out for one another is safer than going it alone." Qin Sang was slightly taken aback. He had never revealed his true strength before Real Person Zhijian. Generally speaking, someone who had not yet advanced their register was bound to be weaker than one who possessed a register. Real Person Zhijian's invitation to join them seemed born of a desire to look out for him, stemming from the goodwill forged during their two encounters. Without waiting for Qin Sang to reply, Real Person Zhijian added, "Because there is still one matter that has not been clarified, we are also awaiting news, which should be confirmed before long. At that time, I will explain the whole story to you. You need not rush to answer; you can visit Real Person Zhangui first and weigh the difficulty against the Daoist writ before making your decision. Even if you plan to answer the writ, should you have any need of me, I will do everything in my power to assist you!" This was equivalent to offering Qin Sang two choices. What Real Person Zhijian intended to do was certainly more dangerous, but the advantage lay in having allies to watch over each other. Qin Sang pondered for a brief moment and nodded gently. "Let it be as you say, Fellow Daoist. Within three to five years, I should go visit Real Person Zhangui, and I will discuss it with you then." "Good!" Real Person Zhijian halted his flight light. Qin Sang cupped his hands slightly, then drove his flight light straight toward the south, returning to Kettle City.