Chapter 1128: Confronting the Great Enemy

After the fall of Patriarch Scarlet Hair, it seemed he left Pure Yang Sect with two Nascent Soul disciples, but in reality, he sowed seeds of discord. The two had always been at odds, and when one became the sect master, the other naturally refused to accept it. They viewed each other as sworn enemies, like fire and water, leading to a deep schism within the sect and its gradual decline. External forces, sensing an opportunity, fanned the flames. Daoist Chongyi played a role here. Daoist Chongyi's next heavenly tribulation is approaching; if he fails to overcome it, he will follow in Patriarch Scarlet Hair's footsteps. This move also paved the way for the Grand Unity Pill Sect to become a dominant power, and other forces were happy to see it happen. Unexpectedly, he truly succeeded... The new sect master was not foolish; he allied with the nearby newly risen major sect, the Mountain Form Sect. The result is that Pure Yang Sect is now divided into two, with each side claiming the other is a rebel and themselves the true inheritors of Patriarch Scarlet Hair.

Qing Jun appeared detached from worldly affairs, yet in reality, she possessed keen insight.

Qin Sang realized.

He mused to himself that although Pure Yang Sect was split in two, it had probably stabilized to some extent, and they would likely begin addressing the chaos below. Li Yufu's cave mansion was not far from Great Sui; they needed to keep a low profile.

"Senior Sister, do you have any thoughts about expanding the Primordial Mirage Sect?" Qin Sang asked curiously.

Senior Sister Qing Jun acted freely, disappearing for decades at a time, seemingly indifferent to the Primordial Mirage Sect. Qin Sang wondered what her true intentions were.

"I only took over the Primordial Mirage Sect on a whim, merely to have them handle some miscellaneous tasks for me," Qing Jun said casually.

Back in his cave mansion, Qin Sang began to busy himself.

First, he reviewed the 'Heavenly Demon Refinement' technique, confirming there were no omissions and that he had cultivated it to perfection. Then, he left Peach Blossom Valley, traveled through various markets, and went to meet Tan Yien and Bai Hanqiu.

Bai Hanqiu, not only having the pills Qin Sang gave her but also frequently receiving guidance from Tan Yien and Li Yufu, had already broken through to the eleventh level of the Qi Refining stage. Among four-spirit-root cultivators, this speed was truly astonishing.

"This is a token for the Primordial Mirage Sect's registered disciples. If anyone comes looking, show it to them. In the coming years, I will be avoiding a powerful enemy and will rarely appear. When you go out for training, do not mention me..." Qin Sang's trip was to arrange his contingency plans.

He looked at Bai Hanqiu, who was no longer a young girl. "Hanqiu, these pills are for you. You have about ten years to prepare for Foundation Establishment. If it proves hopeless, you can go into the mortal world to choose a successor or leave behind the Bai family bloodline."

Though harsh, Qin Sang spoke frankly. Bai Hanqiu was not an ignorant girl; she could recognize reality, and a single sentence would not shake her dao heart.

"As you command, Master!" Bai Hanqiu's expression showed no fluctuation, but a hint of resolve flickered in her eyes.

Tan Yien had also broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage two years ago. Qin Sang gave the two some pointers, then returned to Peach Blossom Valley.

A month later, two streaks of escape light streaked across the Vast Cloud Marsh, heading directly south. They were Qing Jun and Qin Sang.

The outline of a large island appeared ahead.

"This is Cangheng Island," Qing Jun transmitted.

Qin Sang gazed into the distance, discovering a high peak at the center of Cangheng Island, conveniently named Cangheng Peak. At its summit stood a magnificent palace, the venue for the Two Regions Alliance Meeting. Around the slopes, circles of buildings were arrayed like fish scales, extending all the way to the ground, indeed forming a grand city.

In a flash, the two flew onto Cangheng Island, their speed undiminished, heading straight for Cangheng Peak. Before they reached the city's edge, two Core Formation cultivators flew out from the city. Sensing Qing Jun's aura, their expressions subtly changed, and they respectfully said, "Senior, have you come for the Alliance Meeting?"

"Indeed. I am aware of the city's rules; you may withdraw," Qing Jun said.

Qing Jun landed on the ground, taking Qin Sang with her to walk into the city.

The two withdrew without hesitation, showing no intention of questioning Qing Jun's identity.

"Flight is prohibited within the city; even Nascent Soul Patriarchs must set an example. I'll go to the Alliance Grand Hall first. Make your way there as quickly as possible and wait for my message outside the hall," Qing Jun instructed.

Though Qing Jun had concealed her cultivation and wore a veil, revealing only her bright eyes, her red dress was still strikingly eye-catching. Qin Sang, cloaked and walking beside her, was largely ignored.

"Yes!"

The two parted ways, and Qin Sang seized the opportunity to visit various merchant associations. Being treated as an honored guest by the Sky-Traversing Alliance's merchant associations, Qin Sang couldn't help but recall how they had fought life-and-death battles over high-level wagers between the two regions back then. There might even be former adversaries within this very city.

Only after forming a Nascent Soul could one become a player; otherwise, one's fate would remain that of a mere chess piece.

This was the largest trading hub between the two regions. Qin Sang quickly purchased all the items he needed, then began walking towards the mountaintop.

Around the Alliance Grand Hall, there were numerous pavilions and towers of various forms, sparsely populated and quite elegant. Beyond them, a barrier sealed off the area, preventing unauthorized entry. Qin Sang took out his Primordial Mirage Sect elder's token and waved it before the barrier; a passage opened in the light curtain. One of the bamboo buildings belonged to the Primordial Mirage Sect, and low-ranking female cultivators were permanently stationed there. Seeing an elder of their sect arrive, they were extremely welcoming, even though they did not recognize him.

"Has the Sect Master already gone to the Alliance Grand Hall?" Qin Sang asked, looking towards the center of the pavilion.

A female cultivator stepped forward and replied, "Reporting, Elder, Patriarch just left a short while ago. It is said that all other invited Patriarchs have also arrived..."

Before the disciples of the Primordial Mirage Sect, Qing Jun always presented herself as Leng Yuntian.

"You may withdraw. Do not come up and disturb me without my command," Qin Sang said coolly.

The female cultivators withdrew, a hint of disappointment on their faces.

He sat cross-legged in the quiet room, waiting for news, his mind calm and not nervous. He hadn't expected to meet Dongyang Bo so soon. This was his first direct confrontation with Dongyang Bo since escaping Ziwei Palace; he wondered what expression Dongyang Bo would wear.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a streak of light flew into the bamboo building.

"Here!" Qin Sang grabbed the streak of light, removed his cloak, stood up, walked out of the bamboo building, and strode towards the Alliance Grand Hall.

"Are you Elder Qin of the Primordial Mirage Sect?" someone guarding the hall entrance asked.

Qin Sang nodded, displayed his token, and was allowed to pass without obstruction. The moment he entered the grand hall, Qin Sang felt an invisible pressure, and his heart slightly sank. The participants of the meeting were all top masters from both regions, making him feel immense pressure.

He walked straight ahead, standing behind Senior Sister Qing Jun. His gaze swept across the figures seated in the hall. Some he had seen before. This included the two on the main seats: Old Daoist Zhenyi and Ghost Lord Tongyou. There was also Daoist Chongyi, Sect Master of the Grand Unity Pill Sect, and Granny Snake of the Spirit Control Sect. However, Granny Snake had surprisingly formed a Nascent Soul by now. Beside her stood a strange half-human, half-snake creature, which was her spirit beast, now at the peak of the Demon Core stage and the only demon race member present. More importantly, there was a brocade-robed man sitting next to Ghost Lord Tongyou.

Dongyang Bo!

Noticing Qin Sang's gaze, Dongyang Bo showed no anger; instead, he smiled and nodded at him.