Chapter 1313: Arrangement

Rain Strikes the Bluestone

"The Heavenly Corpse Sect didn't rise for long. It's said to have suddenly declined, and the reasons have long been unknown. Because I cultivate corpse refining techniques, I inquired about the Heavenly Corpse Sect and only then learned a few things. The Heavenly Corpse Sect would turn cultivators into refined corpses while they were still alive. The brutality of this corpse refining technique was rarely matched even among demonic sects, striking terror into anyone who heard of it. It's not surprising that they were jointly exterminated by other forces."

Eager to retrieve the Dead Jade, Judge shared everything he knew without reservation.

Qin Sang recalled the Corpse King he found in the Immortal Tomb and vaguely guessed the reason for the Heavenly Corpse Sect's rapid decline. The Heavenly Corpse Sect Master had entered the Ziwei Palace years ago and, for unknown reasons, died unexpectedly inside. The Corpse King was likely his refined corpse, trapped in the Immortal Tomb ever since, until Bai discovered it.

Aside from the Heavenly Corpse Sect Master, no one knew there was also a mysterious person in the water prison, or perhaps they knew but had no way to establish contact. From then on, the Heavenly Corpse Sect was left without a leader, plagued by internal strife and external threats.

In the cultivation world, countless forces like the Heavenly Corpse Sect were merely fleeting phenomena. Only a few could endure and thrive, typically possessing inherited treasures that protected their sects. For example, the Nascent Soul Talisman Puppet of the Shangyuan Pure Palace.

"In recent years, have you heard of anyone or any news related to the Heavenly Corpse Sect?" Qin Sang pressed.

Judge recalled carefully for a while, then shook his head, saying, "I haven't heard anything. If Fellow Daoist Qin wishes to find a successor of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, I will immediately send people to search. Corpse cultivators are very unique; whenever they need to refine corpses, we can surely find clues."

Judge volunteered.

This was precisely Qin Sang's objective, so he said, "Good! Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist. I want both a successor of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and their cultivation techniques. Also, remember not to publicize this to avoid alerting them; perhaps that person will contact you proactively."

The mysterious person behind the Heavenly Corpse Sect, trapped in the water prison, still managed to establish the sect. He's likely an restless individual. The premature appearance of Ziwei Palace, Old Demon Ye's conspiracy, the mysterious person behind the Heavenly Corpse Sect... The cultivation world appeared calm, but undercurrents surged beneath the surface. If this person intended to re-establish the Heavenly Corpse Sect, the fastest way would be to subdue other demonic corpse cultivators.

Judge discerned the deeper meaning in Qin Sang's words, startled, and became more vigilant.

"The Three Domains War has subsided, so Fellow Daoist won't have opportunities for combat for now. The Dead Jade will remain with me. Rest assured, I won't misuse it. Once you gather all the spiritual materials or find the person I'm looking for, I will immediately return it."

Qin Sang clasped his hand, placing a layer of restriction on the Dead Jade's surface in front of Judge, then put it into his Thousand Jin Ring.

Judge watched wistfully, powerless, sighing inwardly before cupping his hands in farewell.

Once Judge's figure disappeared, Bai emerged from the Corpse Puppet Bag, looking in the direction he left, and said, "This person probably didn't hide anything. That mysterious individual has been sealed for who knows how many years and is likely recovering from injuries. We can only wait for him to emerge on his own... First, take me to the Heavenly Corpse Sect's main altar."

Soon, the two entered the water prison. Bai inspected the seals in the water prison and then circled the Heavenly Corpse Sect's main altar, finding nothing there either.

Next, they returned to the Heavenly Corpse Sect branch altar where they first made discoveries. All indications suggested that Tan Hao had not returned since leaving.

Having found no useful information, Qin Sang informed his senior sister and then left the Abyss of Sin. Although the Three Domains had reached a peace agreement, Qin Sang had killed or injured several Nascent Soul cultivators, so many probably disliked him, which is why he didn't pay visits.

The southern foot of the Tianxing Plateau.

The first tier, Mount Wanye.

Mount Wanye stood tall, its peak perpetually covered in snow. Below the snowline, however, was a lush, vibrant landscape. The mountain was rich in spiritual energy and once housed a sect, which was annihilated by the Abyss of Sin and subsequently occupied by them.

Now ownerless, Mount Wanye was claimed by Qin Sang to serve as the temporary headquarters for Qingyang Temple. Qin Sang did not intend to establish the sect's main entrance here and indicated that only simple protective formations had been arranged. This location was near the grassland, and most of the resources allocated to Qin Sang were within the grassland. Mount Wanye would serve as a transit station in the future, where disciples could also rest.

*Whoosh!*

Two streaks of light, one azure and one crimson, flew through the air. They were Li Yufu and Aunt Mei.

Upon nearing Mount Wanye, Li Yufu's gaze swept across the mountain. He said, "It seems we arrived early; Junior Brother Tan and the others aren't here yet."

Aunt Mei nodded. "Let's wait at the foot of the mountain first. Once everyone arrives, we can go pay our respects to Master."

"Very well." Li Yufu nodded, dismissed his light, and landed on a large rock at the mountain's base, his gaze distant as he surveyed the vast landscape.

They had recently received a message from Qin Sang, instructing them to come to Mount Wanye for a discussion. Envisioning a bright future, Li Yufu was filled with ambition. He turned to look at Mount Wanye, liking it more with each glance. He thought to himself that while the area was a bit small, its rich spiritual energy meant it wouldn't dishonor Qingyang Temple as a sect entrance. He wondered what Master Qin's plans were.

Just then, the sound of tearing air came from afar. In a blink, figures landed before them: Fat Chicken, White Cat, Shangguan Lifeng, Tan Yien, and Bai Hanqiu.

During this period, Shangguan Lifeng had been campaigning with Li Yufu, and they had become very familiar with each other. Li Yufu also knew that Shangguan Lifeng and Qin Sang were old acquaintances, so he dared not neglect him. After greeting Shangguan Lifeng, Li Yufu looked at Fat Chicken and White Cat. "Fellow Daoists, when will Senior Willow and Senior Spirit Monkey arrive?"

"They can't make it," Fat Chicken said, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. "My mother just entered seclusion a few days ago, preparing for a breakthrough. The two seniors need to remain in the Thousand Mountains Bamboo Sea to prevent outside interference."

Li Yufu noticed Fat Chicken's unusual demeanor and comforted him, "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Chillei. Senior Jingyu has the blessings of heaven and will surely succeed in her breakthrough!"

Jingyu's heavenly tribulation was approaching; this breakthrough was a success or death situation and absolutely could not be leaked. Only Qin Sang and Fat Chicken knew about it. Fat Chicken could only suppress his worry and nod gently.

Meanwhile, Bai Hanqiu, who had successfully established his foundation, followed behind Tan Yien. Tan Yien, already in the False Core realm, walked up to Aunt Mei and whispered a few words. Aunt Mei stiffened, her expression turning sorrowful.

With everyone gathered, they walked up the mountain, passed through the dense forest, and arrived at a cave on the summit. The place was adorned in silver, appearing pure and white to the eye. Inside the cave was an ice door, emanating waves of coldness. The ice door opened automatically. The group entered, saw Qin Sang, and stepped forward to bow.

Learning of Jingyu's seclusion, Qin Sang realized he couldn't help much. With Corpse Flower Blood Amber, her chances of a successful breakthrough were still very high.

"Where is Zhao Shanran?" Qin Sang asked.

Aunt Mei said mournfully, "Reporting to Master, Junior Brother Zhao failed to break through to the Golden Core stage and passed away in his cave residence not long ago."

Even the Fiendish Demon Pill couldn't guarantee a successful Core Formation. Qin Sang nodded. Accustomed to matters of life and death, his expression remained unruffled. He said, "I had originally intended for Zhao Shanran to handle the sect's trivial matters in the future, but I didn't expect him to fail this hurdle. Until a suitable candidate is found, the affairs of Qingyang Temple will be divided among the rest of you."