Outside Real Person Zhijian's dwelling.
Qin Sang sat cross-legged, placing the Chengying Sword across his knees, his hand stroking the blade. Following the method Real Person Zhijian had taught him, he sensed the seal.
Real Person Zhijian was attempting a breakthrough. Qin Sang stood guard for him. Sword Slave activated the island-protecting array and stood guard at the entrance of Ling Island.
Vegetation withered and yellowed; another autumn had passed.
The doors to the dwelling opened, and Real Person Zhijian stepped out. Qin Sang had already risen to await him. "Congratulations, Dao Brother!"
In only half a year, Real Person Zhijian had successfully broken through to mid-Deity Transformation, far faster than Qin Sang had expected.
"Thank you, Junior Brother, for standing guard for me."
Real Person Zhijian smiled, his gaze falling on the sword in Qin Sang's hand. "How goes the progress?"
"I have a lead," Qin Sang said confidently.
Most Inheritance Sword Artifacts were refined for later inheritors and bore unique seals requiring special methods to undo. Without knowing the method, he could only follow Real Person Zhijian's advice and expend painstaking effort, trying bit by bit.
Fortunately, as Qin Sang had anticipated, the seal on the Chengying Sword had weakened under the wear of time, and its power was no longer what it once was. He would break the seal before long.
"Dao Brother has just broken through and surely has many pressing matters. I will not disturb you further; I will offer my congratulations another day," Qin Sang said, bowing with his hands clasped, then turned and walked toward his own dwelling.
Real Person Zhijian watched him go, pondered for a moment, then summoned Sword Slave and ordered him to retrieve the talisman-letters delivered to the island during this period.
...
Back in his dwelling, Qin Sang immediately closed off the arrays and restrictions. The Chengying Sword flew from his hand and hovered before him.
Projecting his mind into the sword, Qin Sang wore a thoughtful expression.
Several days later, he suddenly moved, casting several hand seals in succession and striking them into the Chengying Sword from afar.
"Zheng!"
A clear, ringing sword cry rang out. The Chengying Sword suddenly burst forth with dazzling sword light, illuminating the dwelling.
But the sword light vanished in an instant, and the spirit sword returned to stillness.
Instead, joy flickered in Qin Sang's eyes. He raised a hand, and a stream of light wrapped around the sword. Hand seals flashed continuously, the radiance shifting endlessly.
Shortly after, the Chengying Sword began to tremble repeatedly. Finally, a crisp sound like shattering porcelain emanated from the sword body. A piercing sword qi erupted within the dwelling, as if it would slice through the dwelling's array.
Qin Sang's expression changed slightly. True essence surged madly toward the front of his body, almost forming a true essence vortex in the void.
The light dispersed. Inside the vortex was nothing.
Not even a sword shadow could be seen.
But Qin Sang could clearly perceive that powerful sword intent, and the invisible sword vessel carrying it.
Or rather, the Chengying Sword itself was this sword intent given form.
The moment Qin Sang projected his mind into the Chengying Sword, he felt himself instantly drawn into a strange space.
In a daze, he seemed to see a person.
This person had his back to him, standing atop a cloud mountain peak, holding a sword in one hand and slashing forward.
"Swish!"
The sword was drawn.
No cloud surges rose, no mountains crumbled, no rivers flowed backward.
It was an ordinary sword strike, yet it caused Qin Sang's mind and spirit to surge. He abruptly withdrew from the sword, breath slightly ragged, his face showing shock.
That strike was the transmission of sword intent!
The Chengying Sword contained no cultivation method, not a single word or sentence, and even the predecessor's appearance could not be seen clearly—only pure sword intent.
In an instant, Qin Sang understood. The predecessor who refined this sword intent transmission also practiced the Killing Sword Dao.
But likewise, Qin Sang felt that this person's path differed greatly from the Essence Cultivation and Sword Nurturing Chapter.
Though both were the Killing Sword Dao, there were many different emphases and branches; they must not be conflated.
The path of the Essence Cultivation and Sword Nurturing Chapter—also the path Qin Sang sought—placed greater emphasis on "killing," comprehending the sword through slaughter.
The person in the sword valued the sword above all, with the sword governing the killing path. In the eyes of sword cultivators, this might be the orthodox path.
Based on the cultivation process of the Essence Cultivation and Sword Nurturing Chapter, one could see that each time its creator broke through a realm, he gained new insight into the Killing Dao and underwent a transformation.
But changes in swordsmanship were not as obvious as those in the Killing Dao. Even upon entering the Deity Transformation realm, there was still only the Seven Po Killing Formation; fundamentally, it came from the continual evolution of the Seven Killing Talismans.
Precisely because of this, Qin Sang understood that the owner of the Chengying Sword and the owner of the Essence Cultivation and Sword Nurturing Chapter might share some connection, but their paths were not the same.
He needed to follow the path of the Essence Cultivation and Sword Nurturing Chapter. The sword intent within the Chengying Sword could not directly enhance his own path.
Still, accepting the Chengying Sword's sword intent would bring him enormous benefit—at the very least, it would greatly improve his swordsmanship.
Thinking of this, Qin Sang's impatience eased somewhat. After pondering for a while, a light flashed at his brow, and he summoned the Wandering Sword.
The Wandering Sword circled and spun. Its body was translucent, its spirituality already very apparent, transforming toward a spirit fetus.
After consulting Qi and Master Gu in succession, Qin Sang continually improved his sword refinement method, with gratifying results.
A thought stirred, and the Wandering Sword hovered beside the Chengying Sword.
The Chengying Sword was formless; only the Wandering Sword could be seen by the naked eye. Qin Sang prepared to try refining the Chengying Sword with the Wandering Sword.
After unsealing it, Qin Sang had a clearer understanding of the Chengying Sword.
As an Inheritance Sword Artifact, the Chengying Sword had been carefully condensed by that predecessor from sword intent. Not only was it a formless sword, one could say this sword was not a sword—it was itself an extremely pure strand of sword intent.
When the sword intent was refined, it would merge into the refiner's spirit sword's qi mechanism and transform into the spirit sword's sword shadow.
Simply put, the Chengying Sword might merely attach itself to the Wandering Sword rather than merge with it.
After all, tempering one's own spirit sword was part of a sword cultivator's path. The purpose of an Inheritance Sword Artifact was to point the way and quickly increase the inheritor's strength; tempering the spirit sword still had to rely on oneself.
Thus, Qin Sang believed the Chengying Sword might not affect the Wandering Sword's gestation of spirituality.
These were only guesses. If it proved impossible, Qin Sang would only wait until the Wandering Sword gave birth to a spirit fetus before refining the Chengying Sword, or switch to another sword.
The Wandering Sword and he were of one mind.
Qin Sang activated the Wandering Sword, sending sword light to envelop the Chengying Sword, cautiously probing.
An hour later.
The tension on Qin Sang's face gradually faded, replaced by ease. As it turned out, refining the Chengying Sword would not impact the Wandering Sword's spirituality; he could do so with confidence.
However, after some time, Qin Sang still put both swords away and paused the refinement.
Since refining the Chengying Sword offered little help to his cultivation, Qin Sang was not in a hurry. He made cultivation his priority and placed the refining of the Chengying Sword after his comprehension of the Seven Master Buddha Seals.
Although his comprehension time had been short, Qin Sang still benefited immensely.
A sword light leapt out from the Qianjun Ring.
The Grey Oriole Sword appeared, and instantly the scenery within the dwelling changed dramatically, as if the starry sky had been drawn into this sword.
Gazing at the Seven Mansions Division Sword Array, Qin Sang wore a thoughtful expression.
Even before this, he knew he had not yet fully comprehended the Seven Mansions Division Sword Array. Whenever he had time, he would contemplate this array.
Gaining the sword intent transmission had not only greatly increased his swordsmanship but also broadened his horizons.
"Perhaps I am not far from mastering the Seven Mansions Division Sword Array. For now, I can spend more time on it..."
Qin Sang's eyes flickered, and he thought to himself.
...
The news of Real Person Zhijian's breakthrough spread. Real Person Youhuang and others came one after another to offer congratulations.
At this time, Qin Sang would also emerge from seclusion, occasionally making a trip to Kettle City, but he would often consult Real Person Zhijian on swordsmanship.
Feeling that Real Person Zhijian was sincerely guiding him, Qin Sang benefited immensely and felt grateful.
During this period, Master Lingxu sent someone to deliver a bottle of Yinghua Pills. Every so often, Qin Sang had the Heavenly Eye Butterfly take one.
Both man and butterfly advanced rapidly.
One day.
A streak of evasion light flew to the airspace above the waters where Sword Heart Island was located.
The newcomer was a youth with a fair complexion. He circled above the nearby waters for a while, finally found Sword Heart Island, and was overjoyed. He sped up and flew toward Sword Heart Island.
"Who goes there?"
When he came within ten li of Sword Heart Island, a shout came from ahead, and a powerful pressure descended.
The youth's face paled. He hastily stopped. "I am a junior disciple, acting on Senior Bo Xian Zhenren's orders to deliver a letter to Senior Qingfeng."
"Oh? Hand over the letter. I will deliver it to Senior Qingfeng on your behalf." A black-robed elder appeared ahead.
The youth dared not ask further questions. He handed over the letter and respectfully waited outside the island.
Inside the dwelling, Qin Sang received Sword Slave's report and emerged from meditation. He murmured, "I didn't expect to wait ten years. Venerable Qingdan has prepared for so long—is he finally moving?"
He raised a hand, and the letter fell into his palm.
After reading it, Qin Sang said in a deep voice, "Tell him to convey to Dao Friend Bo Xian Zhenren that I will definitely keep the appointment in ten days."
"Yes!"
Sword Slave accepted the order and left.
Qin Sang wore a thoughtful expression.
Ten years had passed. Qin Sang was no longer as interested in the Poison Domain as he had been initially.
Before agreeing to Venerable Qingdan, he had not known the origins of the Seven Master Buddha Seals, nor the details of the Chengying Sword.
As long as he comprehended them, his own combat strength would be assured.
Adding the poison path seemed like biting off more than one could chew. In fact, Qin Sang already felt spread too thin.
Going to the Poison Domain was merely to find a path.
Additionally, Qin Sang wanted to verify whether his understanding of the cultivation method was correct.
He had already made up his mind: he would enter the Sin Plains alone and challenge a demon beast at or above mid-Deity Transformation.
The Sin Plains were filled with countless fierce beasts. If fierce beasts could help him comprehend the Killing Dao, he would never lack opponents in the future.
If the effect was poor, perhaps his understanding was off.
"Wrap this up quickly, then enter seclusion to cultivate."
Qin Sang thought to himself, slowly closed his eyes, and quietly circulated his profound art.
...
Ten days later.
Qin Sang did not alert Real Person Zhijian. He informed Sword Slave and flew northwest on his sword.
Soon, he arrived above a stretch of reefs and islets.
The islets here were small and desolate, devoid of human habitation.
"Real Person Qingfeng is indeed a man of his word. Quickly, please come in."
One person flew out from a small islet—it was Bo Xian Zhenren. Seeing Qin Sang, he smiled with satisfaction.
Qin Sang bowed with his hands clasped, and they landed on the islet side by side.
Bo Xian Zhenren waved his hand, and an immortal mansion appeared: "This is one of my retreats..."
As they spoke, the two entered the immortal mansion and saw Venerable Qingdan.
After brief pleasantries, they got down to business.
Qin Sang looked at Venerable Qingdan and asked, "Where is Real Person Yun Wei?"
Venerable Qingdan shook his head. "Last time, our sect's disciples suffered heavy losses. The remaining numbers are insufficient to set up the array. For these ten years, Dao Friend Bo Xian Zhenren and I have tried to improve the array, but ultimately in vain. Yun Wei and the others have no array to protect them; they would only become our burden. This time, only the three of us will go!"
Bo Xian Zhenren interjected, "Real Person Qingfeng should have made some preparations, right?"
"I have done my best."
Qin Sang nodded.
He had asked Master Lingxu about antidote pills and similar remedies, and found that pills of extremely potent medicinal value were costly—even Master Lingxu could not easily refine them.
Those with slightly weaker potency were not as good as the fat silkworm's toxic core.
Venerable Qingdan nodded. "I have gathered some additional treasures for dispelling poison. The three of us working together can enter the depths of the Poison Domain without issue. For this endeavor, we must prioritize caution. If we fail once, we can come again next time."
Hearing this, Qin Sang frowned slightly.
He truly did not wish to let the other side waste too much time.
Moreover, various signs indicated that the Sin Plains were not peaceful. Demon god sacrifices were rampant in the Sin Plains.
The Guofang Kingdom and the Dao Court—no one knew what they were plotting. Beneath the calm surface, a volcano was brewing.
Under such circumstances, frequently traveling between the two places was hardly wise.
"Have either of you heard any news? How does the Dao Court plan to deal with the Demon God?" Qin Sang asked in a solemn voice.
Venerable Qingdan was taken aback, then looked embarrassed. "I have focused my efforts on the Poison Domain and neglected to keep up with the situation..."
Sects like Lougu Mountain were accustomed to the existence of the Dao Court. The threat of demons was something the Dao Court would handle.
They simply needed to wait for the Dao Court to issue a summons, send people to join the battlefield, and drive back the demons.
Countless years of history had shown that the Dao Court acted fairly enough.
Bo Xian Zhenren snorted coldly. "Have the two Dao Friends forgotten the earth deities? Even the highest-ranking Yue Huang is merely an Ascended Dharma Rank. What kind of god is that? Just a watchdog guarding the Dao Court! If the Guofang Kingdom's demons try this path, what storms can they stir up?"
Qin Sang did not agree with Bo Xian Zhenren's view, but he did not say much more.
Venerable Qingdan said, "Real Person, please rest assured. I have inquired: the Dao Court and Guofang Kingdom have not sent anyone into Jushan Diocese at this time. At least within the Diocese, we are safe. If there is a next time, I will investigate thoroughly."
Afterward, the three discussed the upcoming itinerary.
They had all made their preparations before meeting. No longer hesitating, they set out that very day from this island, flying straight north to the border of Star Island Immortal Lake.
No one contested them for the Poison Domain, so there was no need to rush, nor to fly swiftly as they had last time.
The three concealed their auras, employed concealment techniques, and landed to proceed slowly on foot, so as not to alarm fierce beasts.
They did not fear fierce beasts, but they had to guard against demons from Guofang Kingdom.
Half a month later.
The three stood atop a mountain, gazing ahead at a mountain hollow. Their expressions were grave.
"It is a demon temple. The rumors were true—the demons' demonic grasp is already reaching into the Dao sect heartland," Bo Xian Zhenren said in a deep voice.
It was said that even in Zhong Mao Diocese and Baishi Diocese, the shadow of the Demon God had appeared.
Qin Sang couldn't help but recall the snake demon he had once subdued.
Was the inheritance the snake demon received a dark hand left by Guofang Kingdom, sprouting everywhere and leaving the Dao Court overwhelmed on all fronts?
The Dao Court had not yet launched a large-scale military campaign, with no signs of toppling mountains and breaching shrines or clearing away demonic energy. In the future, the demons would surely grow increasingly arrogant.
"Bypass it."
Venerable Qingdan said in a deep voice.
The three cast a deep glance at the crude temple in the mountain hollow and the kneeling ghost folk, then quietly bypassed the place.
All along the way, they were forced to detour multiple times, avoiding battles as much as possible, and eventually returned safely to Jushan Diocese.
The auspicious clouds enveloping the Diocese had stabilized again, with no more fluctuations spilling outward. Fierce beasts had returned to the plains before the auspicious clouds, making it very lively.
Out of caution, the three scouted the surrounding area for several days to investigate enemy intelligence, then crossed the plains at the fastest speed and entered Jushan Diocese.
Chapter 1806