Chapter 1003: A Long Farewell

Qin Sang followed the two women through the stone path.

Ahead, the path suddenly brightened, revealing a scene like a peach blossom paradise. Vibrant blossoms adorned the landscape, and waterfalls cascaded into flowing springs. Maidens danced among the flowers, while bees and butterflies fluttered around them. Qin Sang took a deep breath, instantly feeling his spirits lift. He had once mused that if he were to forego the pursuit of elusive immortality and instead find a secluded, fairy-tale-like dwelling to spend his remaining days, it would indeed be a life well-lived.

"Our sect has long shown signs of decline," Wang Shi said with a gentle smile, lightly tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "My master, as the sect leader, only had a late Foundation Establishment cultivation. After Master passed away, we set up an additional defensive spirit formation and then went out to recruit some more disciples. Our sect is quite humble; please forgive its appearance, Daoist Priest."

Qin Sang instinctively glanced at Wang Shi, sensing she was different from moments ago, as if some transformation had occurred, though he couldn't pinpoint its cause.

Under the curious gazes of the young maidens, Qin Sang followed the two women into a bamboo building.

"These disciples have good talent," Qin Sang remarked, "you two Daoist friends have gone to great lengths." He couldn't help but smile inwardly, noticing that the Wang sisters' sect consisted solely of female disciples.

Wang Xiang bustled about, first serving spirit tea, then bringing out a pile of spirit fruits, proclaiming them delicious and repeatedly urging Qin Sang to taste them. Qin Sang, not standing on ceremony, chatted with the two women, recounting some past events.

"By the way," Qin Sang asked, "Fei You warned me back then before we parted ways. Has he been here since?"

Wang Shi smiled faintly. "It seems the two seniors' loyalty to the Daoist Priest was not misplaced, and Fei You was certainly thoughtful. He didn't return, but he found a way to send us a message, which is how we learned that the Daoist Priest's strength far exceeded anything we could have imagined." Wang Shi's beautiful eyes flickered with a hint of confusion. "Fei You mentioned that several late Core Formation masters were following the Daoist Priest. Where are the others?"

"Fei You exaggerated a bit," Qin Sang replied. "You've both seen the Two-headed Hou; its strength has greatly increased, and it can indeed contend with late Core Formation cultivators. One of the 'followers' was merely my external incarnation. As for the other Daoist friend, he wasn't following me; he just happened to be there and offered assistance. However..."

Qin Sang gave a bitter smile. "After Fei You left, Old Devil Mou came looking for me. First, my incarnation self-destructed, then I was forced to release the Two-headed Hou, only then did I narrowly escape with my life..." Qin Sang briefly described the situation, causing the two women to gasp repeatedly, their faces filled with worry.

Pursued by Old Devil Mou, he had suffered heavy losses. Qin Sang had had no one to confide in, and speaking now eased some of his pent-up frustration.

"Oh, and another thing!" Qin Sang's gaze sharpened as he said solemnly, "Old Devil Mou might still be alive. He's definitely still looking for me. You and Fei You must be extremely careful in the future; do not expose your true identities."

Wang Shi gasped in surprise. "Righteous and demonic masters gathered to hunt him down on Tianfeng Island; how could Old Devil Mou possibly escape?"

Wang Xiang was both surprised and angry. "That old devil truly deserves to die! Fortunately, my sister and I are careful enough to hide our identities whenever we go out."

"Old Devil Mou's cultivation is second only to Grand Cultivators, and his methods are bizarre. His strength among Nascent Soul Patriarchs is top-tier. It's not impossible for him to have escaped death," Qin Sang explained. He then inquired about Ran Luo's whereabouts.

Wang Shi explained that during the great chaos in the Demonic Sea, Old Zou had become disheartened and withdrawn from worldly affairs. Ran Luo and some other members in the Demonic Sea soon left the merchant guild to make their own way. They still maintained contact. After the Wang sisters received Fei You's warning, they immediately sent a message to Ran Luo, who also managed to hide in time and is now safe.

After their conversation, Qin Sang learned that the Wang sisters' situation was not good. They knew their hope of forming a Nascent Soul was slim, and most of their previous savings from the Demonic Sea had been used to develop their sect. After the recent incident, they dared not casually venture out to seek opportunities. They not only lacked money to buy pills to clear demonic qi, but they didn't even possess their Natal Artifacts. Wang Shi was still using the jade tablet Qin Sang had given her years ago. They had collected some spirit materials for refining magic treasures, but were reluctant to hire a skilled refiner.

"Bring out the spirit materials you've collected for me to see," Qin Sang said. "Since I have nothing pressing to do lately, I'll try to refine artifacts for you."

The two women's faces lit up with pleasant surprise. "Thank you, Daoist Priest." They had never seen Qin Sang refine artifacts, yet they didn't doubt his ability in the slightest.

After clarifying their requirements, Qin Sang went to the market closest to Lingchun Island and rented a fire chamber. Although it wasn't his first time refining artifacts, Qin Sang remained very cautious. He not only aimed for success but also ensured the artifacts would be perfectly suited to the two women as their Natal Artifacts. Since they were only low-grade artifacts, the bones and hides of Demon Core stage demon beasts could be used as refining materials. Qin Sang conveniently added some, slightly increasing the power of the artifacts.

Not long after, two artifacts were brought into being.

Back at the bamboo pavilion, Qin Sang gently lifted his hand, and two streams of light shot forth, floating in mid-air, flickering erratically. They resolved into a phoenix hairpin and an elegant flying sword. Not only were they powerful, but their appearance was also beautiful and enchanting.

Seeing the artifacts, the two women immediately couldn't take their eyes off them.

"This is my phoenix hairpin!" Wang Xiang exclaimed, grabbing the hairpin and refusing to let go. She giggled for a while, then stuck it in her hair bun and danced playfully in front of a mirror, admiring herself.

Wang Shi gently stroked the flying sword, feeling it resonate with her, and couldn't help but be engrossed. Noticing Qin Sang's gaze, Wang Shi's cheeks flushed. She curtsied to Qin Sang. "Thank you, Daoist Priest. Your great kindness needs no words of thanks; my sister and I will certainly remember it in our hearts."

Qin Sang sighed. "I, Qin, don't have many friends in Canglang Sea. These two artifacts are my small token of goodwill. After this parting, I don't know when we'll meet again. You two Daoist friends, please take care."

"Daoist Priest, are you leaving already?" Wang Shi's eyes widened in surprise, detecting an unusual tone in Qin Sang's voice.

Wang Xiang stopped dancing, her delicate brows furrowed.

Qin Sang then gave the two women two masks he had specially refined, capable of hiding their true appearance and aura. He stood up, bowed, and without hesitation, strode outside. The two women quickly chased after him.

At the stone wall exit, Qin Sang turned to bid farewell to the two women, summoned his Flood Dragon Soul and flying carriage, and ascended into the sky.

A long time passed.

"Sister, let's go back," Wang Xiang said softly.

"Mm."

Flying over the boundless sea, Qin Sang looked up at the vast blue sky. Similar partings were not new to him, and he wondered how many more he would experience in the future. More than a century had passed since he left the Minor Cold Domain. Of those old acquaintances, he wondered how many were still alive, and how many had long turned to dust, separated by life and death. However, he mused, he hadn't made many true friends in Canglang Sea, perhaps fewer than his enemies.

Qin Sang gave a self-deprecating smile, collected his thoughts, and looked ahead. He traveled almost continuously, returning to Tianxing Island. After entering the city, Qin Sang remembered the deeds of the Four Sages he had inquired about earlier. He stopped to gaze at the Four Sages Mountain for a while, then walked towards the Teleportation Hall.

Teleporting to Dahuang Island, he knew the way well and went to buy the latest sea map. Ordinary demon beasts posed no threat to him. To comprehend the Killing Talisman, he had to delve deeper into the Demonic Sea to find stronger opponents.