Chapter 1117: Green Copper Block

"How is your Grand Patriarch?" Qin Sang asked, concerned, upon hearing that Yun Youzi was eager to go into secluded cultivation.

"Please don't worry, Senior Martial Uncle," Li Yufu replied. "The Grand Patriarch isn't injured; it seems he's had another realization and needs to go into seclusion to fully comprehend it."

Without delay, the two flew straight back to the cave dwelling.

Tan Yien and Bai Hanqiu had been waiting for a long time and immediately came forward to pay their respects.

Yun Youzi was in quiet cultivation.

While waiting, Qin Sang resolved some of the cultivation doubts that Li Yufu and the other two had encountered.

When they first met, Li Yufu had sensed that Qin Sang had only recently broken through to the mid-Core Formation stage. Yet, in just over a decade, Qin Sang had advanced to the late Core Formation stage.

Unaware of the full details, Li Yufu and the others held Qin Sang in immense admiration.

As night fell.

Qin Sang was instructing Li Yufu in swordsmanship when he suddenly stopped speaking.

"Brother Qin!" An old man in a long robe emerged from the cave dwelling and stopped, looking at Qin Sang.

"Senior!" Qin Sang stood up abruptly.

The two exchanged glances, then spontaneously burst into hearty laughter that echoed through the clouds.

After bowing to Yun Youzi, Li Yufu and the other two quietly withdrew.

Qin Sang and Yun Youzi sat facing each other.

Qin Sang observed his old friend.

After many years, Yun Youzi still appeared just as old.

Just as Li Yufu had said, Yun Youzi's cultivation had reached perfection, just a step away from forming a Nascent Soul, surpassing even Qin Sang's own level.

"I truly didn't expect to have the chance to see you again, my friend!" Yun Youzi exclaimed with emotion.

The world of cultivation was unpredictable and fraught with danger; every parting could be a permanent farewell. Moreover, Qin Sang had been harmed by a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"When I left Ziwei Palace, I didn't see you and had a bad feeling. Later, I lay low near Shaohua Mountain, making various inquiries, and happened to meet Mu Yifeng, only then learning about what happened at the Black Pagoda. Although you escaped their clutches, you subsequently vanished without a trace, and with Tianshan shrouded in immortal restrictions, I was powerless to look for you..."

"I was fortunate to escape with my life, and because of that, I even encountered some opportunities, a blessing in disguise..." Qin Sang recalled the events of that day, sighing with emotion.

Though a century had passed, they could feel that the other's disposition hadn't noticeably changed. Both had remained true to their original aspirations, and thus, there was not the slightest hint of unfamiliarity between them.

"I didn't expect you to have such experiences, my friend, gaining so many fortuitous encounters and breaking through to the late Core Formation stage in just over a hundred years." Yun Youzi, seeing Qin Sang's cultivation level, had a look of profound wonder in his eyes.

"Senior, you flatter me. Li Yufu told me that you were already at the peak of the Core Formation stage many years ago. I am still far behind you," Qin Sang said, admitting his inferiority.

Yun Youzi waved his hand and said earnestly, "No, I should thank you, my friend, for helping me be reborn from the ashes..."

Qin Sang listened intently to the story.

After Qin Sang left that year, Yun Youzi immersed himself in the Southern Bright Lihuo, using the demonic flame to temper his soul.

Several times, Yun Youzi was nearly incinerated by the Southern Bright Lihuo. Yet, relying on the Three Light Jade Liquid and his powerful will, he persevered, resolved the hidden dangers, and achieved a new lease on life.

Not long after leaving Ziwei Palace, Yun Youzi successfully formed his Core, and his cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds.

"Senior, is that green copper block still in your possession?" Qin Sang asked, seizing the opportunity.

"It's on me. Do you need this item, my friend?" Yun Youzi took out the green copper block from his mustard seed pouch, saying with some confusion, "The green copper block is a fragment of an ancient treasure, but its former power no longer remains, nor can it be reforged."

Qin Sang, who had been wanting to ask Yun Youzi for his opinion, explained, "I have an idea, though I'm not sure if it's feasible. Since the Southern Bright Lihuo fears the green copper block, perhaps we can use its power to subdue the spirit fire and gain an astonishing great divine ability."

"So that's it." Yun Youzi smiled upon hearing this. "I had a similar thought before, but after obtaining the green copper block, I found it almost impossible to achieve. If you have a good method, my friend, feel free to take it and try. This treasure was originally obtained by you at great risk; it rightly belongs to you."

With that, Yun Youzi, without further ado, handed the green copper block to Qin Sang and also gave him a jade slip.

It contained Yun Youzi's insights.

"Then I shall not refuse, Senior."

These insights greatly inspired Qin Sang, so he unhesitatingly accepted both items.

Afterward, Qin Sang and Yun Youzi discussed the major events that had occurred in the Lesser Cold Domain over the past century.

Yun Youzi, being a Core Formation cultivator, had a different perspective from Qing Jun.

"You've taken on two disciples, my friend. Do you also intend to establish a sect?" Yun Youzi asked, changing his tone.

Qin Sang explained, "They are both descendants of old acquaintances. When I first returned, I urgently needed an identity to move about in the cultivation world. Later, I met a senior, and due to some past connections, I received his care, so for now, I don't need to worry about my safety. My focus is still on cultivation. Li Yufu mentioned that you also wish to revive the Azure Sheep Temple?"

"It's not me; it's Yufu," Yun Youzi shook his head. "He has always been the inheritor of the Azure Sheep Temple. After you told me about Yufu's talent, I conceived this idea and deliberately kept him distanced from the Taiyi Alchemy Sect. You, my friend, also have a deep connection with the Azure Sheep Temple. Since you also wish to establish a sect, let Yufu cultivate under you in the future and continue the lineage of the Azure Sheep Temple."

"Forming a Nascent Soul is incredibly difficult. I don't even know what my chances are; it's too early to talk about that now." Qin Sang shook his head, feeling that Yun Youzi's tone was somewhat off, almost as if he was entrusting someone to his care. "Senior, what do you mean by this? Are you preparing for a long journey?"

"My friend, I witnessed firsthand your journey to this point with your five-element spirit roots. If you cannot break through to the Nascent Soul stage, I don't know who can." Yun Youzi seemed to have immense confidence in Qin Sang.

"No, it's not a long journey. These past years, while refining my cultivation, I've also been settling external affairs, preparing for the Nascent Soul formation and the tribulation that comes with it. Previously, I had also asked two old friends to look after Yufu, but now that you've returned, my friend, no one is more suitable than you."

"Senior, are you preparing for the tribulation already?" Qin Sang was both surprised and delighted.

He was surprised because the Nascent Soul tribulation was indeed terrifying, and unlike himself with the jade Buddha and body cultivation, Yun Youzi would have to rely solely on himself to overcome the Inner Demon Tribulation. However, given Yun Youzi's disposition, he should not fear it.

"Although the Nascent Soul tribulation is difficult, with your cultivation and mental fortitude, Senior, you will certainly turn ill fortune into good and pass through it with ease."

Yun Youzi laughed heartily, "I appreciate your auspicious words, my friend! I've made ample preparations and just need to refine a few more spirit pills. I estimate I can find a place for my tribulation within three to five years. At that time, I hope you can come and guard me."

"Please rest assured, Senior, I will certainly come in person." Qin Sang understood that he, merely a Core Formation cultivator, was hardly qualified to guard Yun Youzi. Yun Youzi was inviting him to observe his tribulation, which would be of immense benefit.

"Senior, do you still remember the Three Light Jade Liquid? It should be helpful for your tribulation. Unfortunately, I've used the spiritual liquid many times over the years to seek refuge, so very little is left," Qin Sang said, feeling ashamed, as he took out the jade bottle with only a thin layer of the liquid remaining.

"I recall you have the Nine Illusory Sky Orchid, which requires the Three Light Jade Liquid to ripen..." Yun Youzi said hesitantly.

Hearing Qin Sang say the spiritual medicine was already mature, Yun Youzi's eyes lit up. He unhesitatingly took the jade bottle. "Thank you, my friend. With the help of this divine liquid, I'll have a few more assurances for passing the tribulation!"