Chapter 1195: Heavenly Scar

The Sinful Abyss was anciently known as the Heavenly Mark.

It is the largest abyss in the Northern Dipper Realm. This Heavenly Mark runs almost straight from north to south, traversing most of the Sinful Abyss and dividing its entire territory into eastern and western halves.

After cultivators discovered the Sin God Palace deep within the Sinful Abyss, some began calling the Heavenly Mark the Sinful Abyss. Later, the name "Sinful Abyss" also became a general term for the surrounding factions.

According to the geomantic map drawn by Senior Sister Qing Jun, most of the prominent sects in the Sinful Abyss were built along the Heavenly Mark. To be as close as possible, some sects were even situated very near each other, sharing a major spirit vein.

Although spirit veins can be moved, doing so requires the cost of setting up formations. Super spirit veins, especially those serving as a sect's foundation, cannot be moved too far.

The reason for this proximity is the abundance of cultivation resources within the Heavenly Mark.

It is said that the narrowest part of the Heavenly Mark is nearly a hundred miles wide, while its widest point is immeasurable. For mortals, it is nothing short of an insurmountable chasm. It is rich in spiritual herbs and treasures, and those with great fortune can even obtain relics from ancient cultivators, leading to rapid advancements.

However, opportunity always comes with danger. The deeper one ventures into the Heavenly Mark, the more constricted the terrain becomes, and it is also riddled with ancient restrictions, making it extremely perilous and having claimed the lives of countless cultivators.

It is somewhat similar to the Boundless Valley, though much larger in area, and certainly incomparable to the Ancient Immortal Battlefield.

The Sin God Palace is located in the deepest, most dangerous, and most central part of the Heavenly Mark.

Since its discovery, the Sin God Palace has always appeared simultaneously with the Ziwei Palace, indicating intricate connections between the two secret realms.

In the past, during periods of more harmonious relations, cultivators from the three regions jointly explored both secret realms on multiple occasions, attempting to uncover their mysteries and, in so doing, reveal the secrets of the Ziwei Palace. Unfortunately, they returned empty-handed each time.

It wasn't until Old Devil Ye led his troops to appear within the Ziwei Palace's immortal formation and ambushed cultivators from the two regions that it was finally confirmed that the Sin God Palace and Ziwei Palace were connected.

"...The Sinful Abyss has deployed heavy forces, with most experts currently on the Skyward Plateau. This leaves its interior largely unguarded. Going to the Sinful Abyss now would be safer than at other times."

The Snake King explained.

Qin Sang thought to himself, it was quite a coincidence that the Snake King also intended to go to the Sinful Abyss.

The Snake King had just mentioned that the Grand Demon's dwelling was deep within the Heavenly Mark, but that was still very vague.

He was already planning to go to the Sinful Abyss. Traveling with them meant that, regardless of the treasures found, they could assist each other in case of unforeseen circumstances. However, Qin Sang did not immediately agree, preferring to clarify the details first.

"Besides the two of you, fellow Daoists, who else will be joining us?"

Qin Sang assumed that, without exception, they would all be Demon Kings; only they would have the leisure to go treasure hunting in the Sinful Abyss under such circumstances.

To his surprise, the Snake King shook his head and said, "To be frank, Qian Ji's strength is insufficient; he cannot come. Our other companions are not Demon Kings from the Celestial Demon Mound either, but fellow Daoists I befriended during my travels in the desert."

"There are also fellow Daoists at the Transformation Stage in the desert?"

On second thought, the Northern Dipper Great Desert is so vast that even if it's barren, it's perfectly normal for a few Nascent Soul cultivators or Grand Transformation-stage Demons to emerge.

The Snake King nodded, "Precisely! That cave dwelling was actually discovered by another fellow Daoist. After the gambling duel, I immediately sent them a message, intending to invite Fellow Daoist Mingyue to accompany us. They were concerned that since you had only recently advanced to the Transformation Stage, your divine abilities might not yet be perfected, and you could potentially hinder us. I hadn't been able to persuade them until you recently slew Old Devil Pei in battle. When that news spread, shaking the cultivation world, they finally acknowledged your extraordinary strength and agreed. If you feel that leaving now would be difficult to explain to the human race, you could have Qian Ji temporarily take your place at Threefold Pass; after all, we're all family..."

The Snake King spoke at length, having clearly anticipated and addressed all of Qin Sang's concerns.

After hearing this, Qin Sang's face showed a hint of hesitation, and he countered, "May I ask, fellow Daoist, how confident are you about this treasure hunt? What is the exact location of that dwelling?"

He sensed that something wasn't quite right.

Demon King Qian Ji's strength was not weak among those at the early Transformation Stage; he only lost so quickly because Qin Sang's abilities happened to counter his. Yet, he was deemed unqualified to join them.

Even with the Heavenly Eye Butterfly to assist in breaking restrictions, they were still so cautious, indicating the immense danger involved.

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang felt inclined to back out.

The Snake King hesitated for a moment, then said, "I hope fellow Daoist will understand. I can only disclose all the information once you agree. Alternatively, you could make a Heart Demon Vow..."

Qin Sang had a good impression of the Snake King and didn't want to deceive him with a Heart Demon Vow. He waved his hand and said, "I'll name a few places. Please just tell me if the Grand Demon's dwelling is located near any of these..."

Qin Sang then listed several place names consecutively.

The Snake King readily replied without hesitation, "I didn't expect Fellow Daoist Mingyue to be so familiar with the Sinful Abyss! Indeed, the dwelling is located near one of those places. You should now understand why we are so cautious."

Qin Sang chuckled.

The places he had just named were the mountain gates of prominent sects in the Sinful Abyss, as well as several important secret locations similar to the Sin God Palace. Some of these were places even Senior Sister Qing Jun would avoid.

"I'm afraid I may not be up to the task..."

Qin Sang muttered.

He pondered whether it was worth taking such a significant risk to infiltrate a Grand Demon's dwelling.

Seeing this, the Snake King quickly urged, "In a few months, the ancient restrictions will enter a weakening phase. We've also gathered several methods to bypass these restrictions during this time. If we can gain the assistance of Fellow Daoist Mingyue and the Heavenly Eye Butterfly, we'll surely navigate this with ease and enter the Demon King's dwelling without alerting the Sinful Abyss. Their hesitation has primarily stemmed from their reluctance to share the treasures with an additional person. Once the task is complete, Fellow Daoist Lu, who discovered the dwelling, will choose one item first, and the rest will be distributed equally. However, in my opinion, these are secondary. The most crucial aspect is the cultivation techniques and secret arts collected by the Grand Demon; no one shall monopolize them; they will be shared by all!"

The Snake King's tone was full of enticement.

An ancient Grand Demon's dwelling that had never been opened before was a tremendous temptation for any Demon King.

Unfortunately, he had encountered Qin Sang.

"Thank you for your generous offer, but I'm afraid I cannot accompany you," Qin Sang said, standing up and bowing.

"Will you not reconsider, fellow Daoist?"

The Snake King was incredulous.

Before coming, he had never imagined that Demon King Mingyue would refuse.

Finding a cultivation technique or Daoist art within an ancient Grand Demon's dwelling that could inspire future cultivation would make the trip worthwhile.

Obtaining an ancient tribulation-transcending secret art would be an even greater stroke of luck.

Demon King Mingyue was proficient in Lightning Escape techniques, and with his other divine abilities and treasures, he possessed ample self-preservation capabilities. If even such a minor danger could deter him, he would be unworthy of the title 'Demon King'!

"You overestimate me, fellow Daoist..."

Qin Sang didn't explain much.

He couldn't very well explain that he was merely an imposter Demon King, and demonic cultivation techniques and secret arts held little allure for him.

The *Celestial Demon Refining Form* only allowed him to cultivate the body refining aspect. Even when he unexpectedly obtained the Azure Luan's essence blood, he could only integrate it into his wings.

If the risk hadn't been so significant, he might have considered it.

He wasn't about to stir up trouble in an enemy's lair, expending immense effort for secret arts that he, with high probability, wouldn't even be able to cultivate. Qin Sang would not engage in such a pointless endeavor. (To be continued)