Sin Plains

Qin Sang was completely unaware of the conversation between Real Person Zhangui and his companion. Real Person Zhijian was standing by the cliff's edge, waiting for Qin Sang to emerge before activating their escape lights to return to Jianxin Island. "How did it go?" Real Person Zhijian asked. Qin Sang sighed. "The Dao Court wants me to infiltrate Guifang Kingdom." Hearing this, Real Person Zhijian was not surprised in the least. They had discussed it beforehand, concluding that this was the most likely possibility. The Daoist sects possessed countless formidable experts. Tasks that were easy to accomplish and posed little danger could simply be carried out by the Dao Court's immortal officials themselves. Only an unpredictable assignment like infiltrating Guifang Kingdom would be delegated to outsiders. "They want this poor Daoist to investigate a certain secret realm, said to be near the manor of a demon king. The details are still unclear; someone will contact me once I enter Guifang Kingdom..." Qin Sang briefly recounted the contents of the decree. In truth, there was nothing to hide; he would only learn the specifics of the secret realm after arriving in Guifang Kingdom. This also indicated that there would be further uncertainties ahead. "Near a demon king's manor?" Real Person Zhijian furrowed his brows. Qin Sang nodded. That was precisely what concerned him. The so-called "king's manor" referred to the estate of a commandery prince of Guifang Kingdom—in no way comparable to the cave dwellings of demon kings in the Storm Realm. A commandery prince of Guifang Kingdom, commonly called a demon king by the Daoist sects, was equivalent to a Great Real Person of the Dao Court: an expert at the Void Refining stage! Qin Sang could emit demon qi and disguise himself as a demon cultivator, which under normal circumstances should deceive peers of the same realm. Yet who knew whether exploring the secret realm would cause a massive disturbance? Though the decree stated that the realm was some distance from the prince's manor, Qin Sang could not overlook the possibility of drawing the demon king's attention. Qin Sang had never had the chance to witness the divine abilities of a Void Refining stage powerhouse, nor did he wish to test them with his own life. Yet ironically, this decree was the easier of the two options. When Real Person Zhijian asked about the details of Qin Sang's discussion with Real Person Zhangui, he shook his head repeatedly. "Fellow Daoist's luck is truly poor. Neither decree is easy to fulfill; both are fraught with peril." Qin Sang was surprisingly optimistic, however. "Fortunately, I invited you along, Fellow Daoist, and Real Person Zhangui was accommodating. That first decree was likely prepared for a true Dongxuan Real Person. Had it been forced upon me, this poor Daoist would have had no choice but to accept." The two chatted for a while longer before Real Person Zhijian asked what he planned to do. Qin Sang asked in turn, "Have things borne fruit on your end, Fellow Daoist?" Real Person Zhijian nodded. "Though one piece of information hasn't been confirmed yet, it's pretty much settled. Real Person Youhuang, Real Person Guyun, and I are preparing, and it shouldn't take too long. I shall explain the whole story to you now..." Saying this, Real Person Zhijian glanced around, then cast a sound-isolation restriction around them before speaking slowly. Seeing him act with such solemnity, Qin Sang's curiosity was piqued, and he listened patiently. Before long, Real Person Zhijian finished and looked at Qin Sang. "What do you think, Fellow Daoist?" Qin Sang fell into pensive silence. Real Person Zhijian and the others actually planned to venture deep into the Sin Plains to confront the demons of Guifang Kingdom. "Capturing or slaying a demon marquis is enough to earn qualification for register advancement?" Qin Sang asked in a deep voice. "Capturing one alive would be ideal—the Dao Court would shower us with rewards. Even split evenly among us, how could the Dao Court begrudge a single talismanic register? If capturing one alive proves impossible, slaying a demon marquis is still a major meritorious deed. Even if your individual contribution isn't enough, we can share more of ours with you. If you feel indebted, you can simply repay us in the future. As rogue cultivators, it is only right that we watch over and aid one another. Neither of the other two is petty-minded." Real Person Zhijian's tone was full of confidence, as though a demon marquis of Guifang Kingdom could be dispatched with a wave of the hand. Qin Sang also understood that the depths of the Sin Plains differed from Guifang Kingdom itself. If the four of them joined forces, ambushing the unprepared with deliberate preparation, their chances of success were indeed substantial. According to Real Person Zhijian, the Dao Court had discovered that the demons of Guifang Kingdom seemed to be plotting something in the Sin Plains, and demon marquises had been spotted there. To avoid alerting the enemy, the Dao Court had not mobilized a grand host. Dongxuan Real Persons of the Daoist sects were often sect leaders or held key positions, making it inconvenient for them to move lightly. Cultivators from Jushan Diocese drew the least attention, which was why rogue cultivators like them had the opportunity to step in. Yet the Dao Court would certainly make other arrangements as well. As long as they were patient enough and waited for the two sides to clash head-on, they would have an opportunity to fish in troubled waters. Real Person Zhijian smiled again. "If we're fortunate enough to uncover the demons' secrets, what would a mere talismanic register amount to? Perhaps we might even be able to ask a Great Real Person to give us guidance in our cultivation." Hearing this, Qin Sang felt his heart pound. Guidance from a Great Real Person was a rare and precious opportunity! Once he advanced to the Five Thunders Secret Register, he would devote himself entirely to cultivating. The Void Refining stage would no longer be out of reach. However, Qin Sang did not let himself be carried away. The demon marquises of Guifang Kingdom undoubtedly knew the danger and would most likely travel in groups; finding an isolated target would not be easy. That was secondary, however; they could simply remain hidden in the shadows and wait patiently for an opening. What Qin Sang worried about was that anything drawing the Dao Court's attention was definitely no small matter. Were only a few demon marquises involved in Guifang Kingdom's scheme, or was a demon king taking part as well? If they attracted a demon king, Real Person Zhijian's seemingly fierce but actually hollow sword strike probably would not scare the opponent off. Realizing what Qin Sang was worried about, Real Person Zhijian shifted his tone. "Fellow Daoist, in all your years of cultivation, have you ever seen a Great Real Person of the Daoist sects take action? Have you ever heard of any Great Real Person gracing Jushan Diocese with their presence?" "Never," Qin Sang shook his head. Though he did not know the exact reasons, he had gathered some information over the years. Unless there was war with Guifang Kingdom, the Great Real Persons of the Daoist sects rarely left the Dao Court's twin dioceses to manifest miracles in the outer world. "Because Great Real Persons do not lightly leave their diocesan altars!" Real Person Zhijian glanced toward the southwest. "Upon reaching the Five Talismans Dharma rank, one pursues the unity of heaven and man, borrowing the creations of heaven and earth to nourish oneself. Their lifespan is virtually boundless, and every gesture carries the might of the world. But precisely because of this, once a Great Real Person ventures too far from their diocesan altar, the aura of their communion with heaven and earth can no longer be concealed. With their slightest movement, wind and thunder follow, and anomalies frequently appear. The demon kings of Guifang Kingdom are no different." Pausing, Real Person Zhijian pointed north toward the Sin Plains. "In this regard, it is actually far less convenient for them to act than for us. Imagine, Fellow Daoist: once a Great Real Person enters the Sin Plains, they are like a blazing beacon in the dark of night, driving the ferocious beasts mad. With such a massive commotion, we would sense a demon king long before they could draw near us." "The unity of heaven and man..." Qin Sang gained a sudden flash of insight. Cultivators at both the Nascent Soul and Deity Transformation stages worried about lifespan. Upon reaching the Nascent Soul realm, one was no longer mortal and had various methods to nourish their origin qi, making lifespan difficult to fix precisely. It depended on the cultivator's techniques, divine abilities, experiences, arts of nourishing life, and environment. There were even differences between body cultivators, spell cultivators, and spirit cultivators. Generally, it was around fifteen hundred years, with a variance of several centuries either way. Deity Transformation roughly doubled that. However, heavenly tribulations were even more terrifying, and most cultivators never lived to die of natural causes. Once one broke through to the Void Refining stage, only heavenly tribulations remained a concern. It was said that the Void Refining heavenly tribulation was the Six-Nine Heavenly Tribulation, occurring once every three thousand years, far more powerful than the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation. Thus, breaking through to Void Refining did not mean one could rest easy. When Qin Sang learned that the key to reaching Deity Transformation lay in resonance between heaven and man, he had deduced that Void Refining likely involved seeking the unity of heaven and man. He had not expected that communing with heaven and earth in this world would carry such a drawback. For Real Person Zhijian to execute a sword strike bordering on the Void Refining realm, he must have received a grand legacy, so it was not surprising that he knew these secrets. Hearing this, Qin Sang grew curious about the Dao Court's diocesan altars. As the core of a diocese, an altar clearly served more than just the purpose of conferring registers. This led him to realize that he seemed never to have heard where the diocesan altar of Jushan Diocese was located. After considering for a moment, Qin Sang asked, "How long do you plan to stay in the Sin Plains, Fellow Daoist?" "It's hard to say right now. It depends on how far the location is and what the situation looks like, but it certainly won't be too long," Real Person Zhijian explained. Qin Sang nodded inwardly. In that case, he could accompany Real Person Zhijian first. If they returned empty-handed, he could then go fulfill the decree. No time limit had been specified on the decree, meaning it was likely very generous. Hesitating no further, he nodded in agreement. ... Shortly after, the two returned to Jianxin Island, where Real Person Youhuang and Real Person Guyun were already waiting. Learning that Qin Sang would be accompanying them, the two exchanged glances. They did not appear delighted, yet neither did they object on the spot. Both knew Qin Sang was seeking qualification for register advancement. Real Person Youhuang turned to Real Person Zhijian. "Fellow Daoist Qingfeng only holds a second-rank talismanic register. His altar-protecting divine general can only safeguard a Shengxuan Dharma rank. The influence he suffers in the Sin Plains will certainly far exceed ours, and he will not be able to hold out as long as we can. When the time comes, are we all to return together?" Real Person Guyun added, "Though Fellow Daoist Qingfeng has a Dingzhen Pill, he only has one. The situation we will face on this trip is too complex, so I fear..." The two voiced their concerns. Earlier, Real Person Zhijian had not revealed Qin Sang's capabilities to them. Qin Sang's expression remained calm. Real Person Zhijian smiled. "Real Person Youhuang need not worry. This poor Daoist happens to have several pills for calming the primordial spirit. Though they cannot completely resist the ancient qi of the six heavens, they will suffice as an expedient measure." Real Person Youhuang gave a gentle nod. They would not linger in the Sin Plains for too long; as long as he maintained his sanity, he could slowly recover after returning. Then, Real Person Zhijian looked at Real Person Guyun. "You, however, underestimate Fellow Daoist Qingfeng. Fellow Daoist Qingfeng practices dual cultivation of dharma and body. When we met last time, he displayed formidable strength in body cultivation. In an all-out fight, he has the strength to hold off two opponents. At a critical moment, we may even need to rely on him." "Dual cultivation of dharma and body?" Surprise showed in Real Person Guyun's eyes as he looked at Qin Sang in astonishment. Those practicing dual cultivation of dharma and body were rare in this world. For someone like him who cultivated a Dragon Tiger Altar, dual cultivation was even more impossible. Qin Sang remarked modestly that it was merely good fortune. Since he had already revealed this to Real Person Zhijian, there was no need to hide it from these two, especially since hunting a demon marquis required wholehearted cooperation. "Enough!" Real Person Zhijian checked Real Person Guyun, who seemed eager to test his skills. "I know you are fond of fighting, but now is not the time to spar. Once we enter the Sin Plains, there will be plenty of opportunities for battle." With that, Real Person Zhijian asked Qin Sang, "Before we depart, is there anything else you need to attend to, Fellow Daoist Qingfeng? Let us pool our wisdom and resources, helping each other out to prepare as thoroughly as possible, lest we be caught unprepared." With the Wind-Returning Armor already forged, Qin Sang really had nothing left to do. However, a thought struck him. "Do you remember the Imperial Bell True Talisman, Fellow Daoist? This poor Daoist has been collecting spiritual materials everywhere, but unfortunately I'm still lacking Kundi Blood Sand, and there's been no word of it." Real Person Zhijian looked at Real Person Guyun. "I recall that Fellow Daoist Guyun has a piece of Kundi Blood Sand." Real Person Guyun immediately produced the item: a blood-red mineral the size of a fist. Upon closer inspection, it was formed by the fusion of grain-sized crystals. With a bit of refining, it could be turned into cinnabar for drawing talismans. Qin Sang also brought out the spiritual materials he had gathered. Real Person Zhijian examined them and said, "These should be enough to craft roughly three Imperial Bell True Talismans." Real Person Guyun interjected, "This poor Daoist has a good friend skilled in talisman crafting. I can ask him to make them, and I'll supply whatever remaining materials are needed. If more than two are produced, how about giving one to me?" The last sentence was directed at Qin Sang. "Agreed," Qin Sang nodded. In this realm, every cultivator knew how to draw talismans, but success rates varied wildly, and not everyone could become a master. Qin Sang estimated that if he were to craft them himself, making even one successfully would be fortunate. "Splendid!" Real Person Guyun laughed heartily, swept his wide sleeve, and gathered all the spiritual materials. Afterward, the group discussed matters for a while longer before going their separate ways. Qin Sang first returned to Huzhong Island to find Master Qi, retrieved the Wind-Returning Armor, and told him that he would be away for a period of time. Master Qi was surprisingly reluctant to see him go, though whether out of mutual respect for Qin Sang or fondness for the Wind-Returning Armor was hard to tell. After that, Qin Sang surrendered his cave dwelling on Huzhong Island and secluded himself on Jianxin Island to cultivate quietly. To his surprise, he ended up waiting for a full year. During this time, Real Person Guyun visited once to inform Qin Sang that only two Imperial Bell True Talismans had been successfully crafted, so each of them received one. With news continually delayed, whenever the four gathered, even Real Person Youhuang began to wonder if the Dao Court had exaggerated the matter, and whether it would turn out to be nothing more than a farce, leaving their efforts in vain. After waiting several more months, just as Qin Sang was considering whether to head to Guifang Kingdom first to scout around, news finally arrived! ... Jianxin Island. Qin Sang and Real Person Zhijian stood side by side. The elderly servant who referred to himself as an old slave stood attendant nearby. Though his cultivation was decent, he could not participate in a battle of this level and could only remain behind to guard the cave dwelling. *Whoosh! Whoosh!* Two streaks of light arrived together, speeding toward them. Landing, Real Person Youhuang asked eagerly, "Is it confirmed?" Real Person Zhijian nodded. "Fret not, Fellow Daoist, there is no question about the source of the news! The demon marquises of Guifang Kingdom have set out, heading right in that direction. We haven't yet ascertained which demon marquises they are, but time is pressing; we can wait no longer." "How long ago did they depart?" Real Person Guyun pressed. "Two days ago, but the news was only just transmitted back," Real Person Zhijian said in a heavy tone. All of them were top experts in the world, and their speeds would not differ greatly. They had to travel as fast as possible. "There must be more than just us, right? Going a bit slower might not be a bad thing," Real Person Youhuang's expression relaxed instead. "There are bound to be others. Who doesn't know the Dao Court's little tricks?" Real Person Guyun scoffed. As they spoke, everyone readied themselves and headed straight north. They smoothly arrived at the northern shore of Star Island Immortal Lake. Stretching as far as the eye could see were vast swathes of wild grass—thick, yellow blades rising two men tall, resembling a dense jungle. Reaching land, the four continued flying high in the air. The wild grasslands were immensely vast, and it was only after flying for a while that they reached the edge. Fortunately, they did not encounter a single ferocious beast along the way. Real Person Zhijian paused up ahead and warned gravely, "Ferocious beasts run rampant beyond here. Be on your guard, everyone. If you run into any beasts, remember to resolve the fight swiftly!" With that, he handed Qin Sang several jade bottles and instructed him on how to take the medicine. The bottles contained a variety of pills, clearly accumulated by Real Person Zhijian over many years, all given to Qin Sang.