It matched the description in the Heavenly Yin Corpse Art; this Flying Yaksha had indeed transformed and evolved from a Foundation Establishment stage living corpse.
The sudden pause of the ghostly claw earlier had been Qin Sang attempting to influence its movements through the Heavenly Corpse Talisman.
A Flying Yaksha was a refined corpse equivalent to the Golden Core level.
Naturally, a Flying Yaksha's strength was somewhat inferior to that of a true Core Formation stage cultivator.
The Heavenly Yin Corpse Art forcibly promoted a Foundation Establishment cultivator into a Flying Yaksha, leaving it inherently deficient.
Even so, it could firmly overpower any False Core stage cultivator.
Their clash moments ago had proven as much. Qin Sang and Yunyouzi's combined sword strikes had been effortlessly shattered by a single punch from the Flying Yaksha. The disparity in strength was simply too vast.
Though prepared in advance, their escape had still been fraught with peril. In the tunnel, the Flying Yaksha had nearly swatted the flying boat out of the air several times.
Facing a refined corpse of this level, Qin Sang had been uncertain whether he could still influence it using the Heavenly Corpse Talisman.
After testing the waters, Qin Sang found that when pushing his spiritual sense to the limit to activate the Heavenly Corpse Talisman, he truly could cause a slight hitch in the Flying Yaksha's movements.
Although this effect was very limited and Qin Sang could not employ it repeatedly, in the heat of a fierce clash, it was a potent wildcard of immense utility.
The spirit bamboo flying boat landed in a safe spot, and as expected, the Flying Yaksha did not pursue them outside.
Yunyouzi looked on with an expectant gaze, not daring to disturb Qin Sang's thoughts.
After pondering for a moment, Qin Sang had formed a plan. "Senior, this figure is indeed connected to the secret technique in my possession, and I can influence it, but I still need to test it a few more times..."
"Good!"
Yunyouzi placed full trust in Qin Sang's words and naturally raised no objections. After briefly adjusting their breath and recovering, the two returned to the entrance of the ice hall once more.
After several more probes, Qin Sang gained a deeper understanding of the Flying Yaksha.
What the Flying Yaksha was most renowned for was its mastery of the Five Elements evasion techniques, which allowed it to appear and disappear like a phantom. Yet because of the Heavenly Corpse Talisman, Qin Sang could use the talisman to detect its movements whenever it drew near.
In addition, its physical body was terrifyingly robust, extraordinarily hard, and possessed immense regenerative capability.
The ebony sword could leave only faint marks on it, which were instantly healed by the frenzied surge of earth fiend qi; it was fundamentally impossible for Qin Sang to exhaust the creature's earth fiend qi.
However, his objective was not to slay the Flying Yaksha, so these factors mattered little.
The most terrifying aspect was the corpse poison coursing through the Flying Yaksha. Qin Sang was resolved that under no circumstances could he allow himself to be wounded by it.
Qin Sang rehearsed the scenario countless times in his mind. Stalling for fifteen breaths was something he might manage, but attempting to slip past the Flying Yaksha, delve into the side chamber, and search for the corpse and relics would surely be certain death.
The side chamber where the Flying Yaksha resided was in the innermost depths of the ice hall, and there was no telling how deep it went.
Over such a long distance, it was impossible for Qin Sang to fend off the Flying Yaksha while simultaneously activating the Nine Dragons Heavenly Chariot Talisman to flee. Even if he managed to rush in, he would only be trapped and slaughtered by the Flying Yaksha inside the ice hall.
Unless he found another way...
Qin Sang turned his thoughts to the only two refined corpses left in his corpse puppet pouch.
One baleful corpse, one living corpse.
Within a certain range, he could perceive the surroundings through their soul imprints, so he could send a corpse inside to act as his scapegoat.
Yet by doing so, the refined corpse would undoubtedly perish, unable to escape the Flying Yaksha's vicious clutches.
A baleful corpse was one thing, but a living corpse was exceedingly difficult to refine; losing one would be heartbreaking.
This move was akin to gambling with a precious refined corpse.
Yet Qin Sang did not hesitate for long. One had to give something up to gain something in return; if he could obtain the secret method to refine a Flying Yaksha, losing a living corpse would be well worth it.
Returning here would be no easy feat. Yunyouzi's preparations were extraordinarily complex, and Qin Sang had no confidence he could replicate them on his own.
With that thought, Qin Sang made up his mind and nodded to Yunyouzi, signaling that he was ready.
Firm of resolve though Yunyouzi was, even he felt a ripple of unease at this moment. Cupping his hands, he said in a heavy voice, "Brother Qin, I have already left a letter with my sect. If this old Daoist does not return, take my token to the Taiyi Dan Sect. I have bequeathed several relics to you as a small token of my gratitude; I only hope you will not look down upon them... This old Daoist's future rests in your hands!"
"Rest assured, Senior, this junior will give his all!"
Qin Sang's expression grew solemn as he suddenly felt a crushing weight settle upon his shoulders.
Yunyouzi turned and stared at the silent ice hall at the end of the passage. It seemed like the gaping maw of a ferocious beast, wide open and waiting to swallow any intruder whole.
Lost in thought for a brief spell, Yunyouzi suddenly wore a smile of relief. Raising his palm, the Flawless Pearl flew out, radiating a brilliant glow.
Qin Sang immediately sensed a majestic wave of demon qi emanating from the Flawless Pearl. He wondered inwardly: Did this bizarre magic tool possess other capabilities as well?
Sensing Qin Sang's curiosity, Yunyouzi explained, "The Nine Splendors Azure Frost Grass was not entirely ineffective after all. With my cultivation having improved, I can tap into more of the Flawless Pearl's divine abilities. With the aid of the pearl and these magic tools, I should be able to conceal myself from that creature's senses for a brief period."
Saying this, Yunyouzi retrieved two peculiar magic tools shaped like silver awls.
"Brother Qin, this old Daoist shall go ahead! May fate bring us together again!"
Before his voice finished echoing, Yunyouzi vanished from the spot.
Qin Sang silently counted the passing seconds. Moments later, yin qi surged from his palm, and ten ghost banners slowly emerged.
As Qin Sang shifted his incantation seals, the Ten Directions Yanluo Banners unfurled and spun rapidly around him, emitting mournful ghostly wails. Finally, they formed an array formation, which Qin Sang gathered before him, primed to unleash at any moment.
To trap the Flying Yaksha, nothing short of the Ten Directions Yanluo Array would do.
Back in the Heavenly Corpse Cave, Qin Sang had already tested that Yin soul silk was exceedingly effective against living corpses. Now that all ten Yanluo Banners were gathered, the power of the Ten Directions Yanluo Array was multiplied, and its efficacy would be even more pronounced.
This array, paired with the Heavenly Corpse Talisman, was the source of Qin Sang's confidence.
Next, Qin Sang patted his corpse puppet pouch. The baleful corpse and living corpse took their positions side by side behind him, following him step for step.
Before the Flying Yaksha, they were far too fragile. Qin Sang did not intend to use them to entangle the creature; instead, once an opportunity arose, he would direct them inside to search for the corpse and relics of the Heavenly Corpse Sect cultivator.
By the time Qin Sang finished preparing the Ten Directions Yanluo Array, all was still dead silent ahead.
This interval had been enough for Yunyouzi to slip into the ice hall, enter that side chamber, and make his preparations. Evidently, Yunyouzi's methods had worked; the Flying Yaksha had not detected his movements.
Now was the time!
Qin Sang kicked off hard from the ground and lunged toward the ice hall without hesitation. After a few flashes, he arrived at the entrance.
Before he could even steady his footing, Qin Sang's expression tightened, warning bells blaring in his mind. He could not see through the Flying Yaksha's evasion technique, but through the faint aura of the Heavenly Corpse Talisman, he could sense that it was already right before him.
His deliberate clamor to draw the Flying Yaksha's attention had indeed worked.
"Here it comes!"
Qin Sang suddenly opened his mouth and let out a long cry, letting Yunyouzi know that he had engaged the Flying Yaksha.
The two of them had to act in tandem, racing against every passing second!
Chapter 384