Chapter 1178: Gold Sinking Sword

"This is one of the core formation artifacts for controlling the Cold Bell Grand Formation, Fellow Daoist Mingyue. Should the Abyssal Sinners launch an attack, you can operate this artifact to manifest the formation's seventy-two variations according to the situation, countering them. We know only a few demon clan Daoists have come to reinforce us, and we hope to catch the Abyssal Sinners off guard. Therefore, please try not to reveal your presence too much in the camp, lest spies see you and leak information."

Jing Lin handed Qin Sang a blue bell, advising him carefully. They had brought Qin Sang in secretly just moments before.

The bell was about the size of an adult's fist. Its entire body was ice-blue, covered in intricate runes both inside and out, crafted from an unknown spiritual material. Holding it, one felt a cool sensation. As Qin Sang activated the secret technique Jing Lin had imparted to him, he could sense the intricate connection between the bell and the spiritual formation's power, instantly grasping the myriad transformations of the grand formation.

The Cold Bell Grand Formation was extremely comprehensive, combining both defense and offense. Its most powerful aspect lay in the seventy-two hidden cold bells scattered around, which could vibrate to unleash invisible and intangible sound wave attacks. Of course, they couldn't entrust Qin Sang with full control of the entire formation. Qin Sang's role was merely to operate the formation using the bell, coordinating with them against the enemy.

Qin Sang then inquired about the recent situation, gaining a general understanding. In front of Triplefold Pass, there was another pass, serving as an outpost. As long as the front remained stable, Triplefold Pass would temporarily be safe.

"From now on, you will be stationed at the command center, Fellow Daoist! During normal times, you can simply cultivate in the tower." Jing Lin and the other person led Qin Sang to a quiet room on the top floor, not assigning him any additional tasks. This was in accordance with their prior agreement.

With nothing urgent to do, the three chatted for a long time. Their conversation covered not only the Abyssal Sinners and the conflict in the Three Domains but also worldly affairs, cultivation techniques, Daoist arts, and even heterodox practices. Qin Sang had been to the Canglang Sea, and Jing Lin and his companion had traveled through the Northern Star Desert during peacetime. All were well-traveled and knowledgeable individuals, and they enjoyed their conversation immensely. Qin Sang gained a great deal from their insights, feeling that his trip was truly worthwhile.

After their enjoyable conversation, the two bade farewell. "Fellow Daoist Si, please wait. I have something to ask of you," Qin Sang called out to Si Di. Jing Lin, understanding the hint, took his leave.

Qin Sang stated his purpose: "Fellow Daoist, since you are from the Taiyi Pill Sect, I wonder if there are any younger disciples from your sect in the camp who are skilled in alchemy. I need to refine a certain pill; its formula is quite complex, so I would feel more at ease entrusting it to an alchemist from your esteemed sect. I am willing to offer remuneration."

Originally, Li Yu Axe could have refined it. However, as the sole successor of the Roaming Cloud Daoist, Li Yu Axe had been left behind by Qin Sang. Here, he could only seek assistance from an alchemist of the Taiyi Pill Sect.

"Oh? Fellow Daoist needs a pill refined? Having a junior do it might not be entirely reliable. Though I am not particularly skilled, I have also studied alchemy. Conveniently, not far east of Triplefold Pass, there was once a large market town of the Skybound Alliance, which has existing fire chambers."

Si Di surprisingly offered to personally handle it. Qin Sang waved his hand. "No need to trouble you, Fellow Daoist. Although the refining process for that pill is tedious, its grade isn't high, and it's not for my own use. Golden Core stage juniors should be capable of it."

"I see. Junior Sister Weng happens to be in the camp. She has extraordinary talent in alchemy and received personal instruction from our master. I'll have her come over." Light shimmered on Si Di's fingertips, forming a small bird that flew out of the tall building.

Moments later, a female cultivator at the Golden Core stage, appearing as a young woman, hurried over. "Senior Brother, did you call for me?" The female cultivator, surnamed Weng, paid her respects. It was her first time seeing a Demon King, and she was extremely curious, especially drawn to the wings on Qin Sang's back. These magnificent phoenix wings clearly captivated the female cultivator, whose eyes were filled with admiration.

Si Di explained the situation, and Qin Sang took out the pill formula. After carefully examining it, the female cultivator confidently agreed to the task, stating that once the spiritual ingredients arrived, she could begin refining the pill.

After seeing the two off, Qin Sang closed his quiet room and began familiarizing himself with the Cold Bell Grand Formation as quickly as possible.

That evening, Tan Yien reported that Tan Hao's old friend was not there and decided to search elsewhere. "You go with him," Qin Sang summoned Fat Chicken, giving the command. It was somewhat dangerous for Tan Yien to travel between the various camps. Fat Chicken, being skilled in stealth and disguise, was powerful enough. Fat Chicken's earlier resolve to die rather than acknowledge a master seemed to have vanished. Ever since Qin Sang had formed his Nascent Soul, Fat Chicken had been utterly obedient, even styling himself as Qin Sang's loyal lackey. Fat Chicken thumped its chest, guaranteeing to bring the person back safely.

In the blink of an eye, a month had passed for Qin Sang at Triplefold Pass. Ten-odd days earlier, the spiritual ingredients had arrived, and the female cultivator surnamed Weng went to the market town to refine a bottle of Firemelt Pills. Qin Sang fed one to his Fire Jade Centipede every two days. Surprisingly, after only two Firemelt Pills, the Fire Jade Centipede began to grow restless, a clear sign of impending metamorphosis. By the time it consumed the fourth pill, its entire body curled into a ball, expelling a crimson light cocoon, and falling into a deep sleep.

Qin Sang speculated that this was likely due to its previous consumption of Fiery Gold Gilt; otherwise, the Firemelt Pill's effects wouldn't have been so immediate. He held the light cocoon in his hand. Qin Sang chanted incantations, sending streams of restrictions into the light cocoon and employing a secret technique of the Spirit Control Sect to subdue the Fire Jade Centipede. After years of nurturing, the Fire Jade Centipede no longer resisted him, but only by performing this ritual would it truly acknowledge him as its master.

The secret technique was nearing completion. A faint resistance emanated from within the light cocoon, a subconscious struggle from the spirit insect, much weaker than if it were conscious. This was precisely why the success rate of using the secret technique at this time was highest. Perhaps sensing Qin Sang's aura, the resistance quickly vanished, and the secret technique was successfully completed.

"The Fire Jade Centipede's potential definitely can't compare to the Heavenly Eye Butterfly, but it's still a rare insect. After advancing to the third transformation, it should prove somewhat useful..." Qin Sang gazed at the light cocoon, recalling how the Fire Jade Centipede, even in its first transformation, had been able to sense the Crimson Gold Vine. Even if its only enhanced ability was treasure-seeking, it was worth cultivating. He didn't expect to possess another fourth-transformation spirit insect. The Heavenly Eye Butterfly's advancement was purely a stroke of luck and not something that could be replicated.

Putting away the light cocoon, Qin Sang pondered for a moment, then left Triplefold Pass and flew towards the market town, intending to personally refine a flying sword. The market town was built within a canyon, where the atmosphere was warm and spring-like. It was quite large and had once been very famous. When the army arrived, everyone was forced to evacuate, and the market town was temporarily abandoned.

Qin Sang found a fire chamber and retrieved spiritual materials like Golden Sinking Wood. Over the past month, he had already made detailed plans. The process was quite smooth, and he successfully refined a shimmering, golden medium-grade flying sword, less than a foot long, as if forged from pure gold. He named it the Golden Sinking Sword. With Golden Sinking Wood as the primary spiritual material and refined personally by Qin Sang, it felt more comfortable to use than other spirit swords, serving as a replacement when the Ebony Sword was unusable.

"The flying sword is refined. Once the seven sword souls begin merging with the seven souls, completing the first step, it will be able to unleash part of the Seven Souls Killing Array's power, enhancing the sword formation's might even further. While the Abyssal Sinners are still inactive, focusing on cultivation is the priority..." Qin Sang thought to himself, then returned to Triplefold Pass by the same route.