Chapter 1326: Opening the Platform to Teach the Dharma

"How about trying this formation diagram?"

Qing Jun took out the Demon Binding Rope and a new formation diagram.

Only then did Qin Sang realize that Qing Jun had been studying the Demon Binding Rope all these years.

Last time, Qing Jun had restored a formation diagram based on the one Qin Sang had copied, which allowed her to activate the Demon Binding Rope. However, it could only unleash a fraction of its power and had significant limitations during use.

Later, Qing Jun had exchanged insights with Bai and made new discoveries, but she only had time to go into seclusion after the great war ended.

Judging by Qing Jun's confident expression, she must be very pleased with this new formation diagram.

Qin Sang activated the Fire Lotus Seed, summoning the demonic flame.

"Whoosh!"

The moment the demonic flame appeared, Qin Sang felt his vision blur as dozens of long, snake-like phantoms of the Demon Binding Rope shot out from Qing Jun's hand.

In an instant, the demonic flame was completely encircled by the phantoms, shrinking into a fireball trapped within a cage formed by the Demon Binding Rope.

Qin Sang was startled; he hadn't even noticed when Qing Jun had set up the formation diagram.

He recalled that last time, Qing Jun needed to prepare in advance, making it highly impractical on the battlefield. This time, it was incredibly fast!

He looked at Qing Jun and saw the formation diagram hovering above her head.

The formation diagram and the Demon Binding Rope in her hand were intricately linked, giving the impression of a seamless, integrated whole.

Noticing Qin Sang's astonished expression, Qing Jun explained, "Our previous assumption was flawed. We thought the formation diagram and the Demon Binding Rope were two separate entities, but they were originally meant to be one. I shifted my approach, and it proved successful. Now, activating the Demon Binding Rope immediately triggers the formation diagram, with no prior setup needed. Try it yourself..."

Qing Jun handed the Demon Binding Rope to Qin Sang and instructed him on how to activate it. Indeed, it worked exactly as she described.

Qin Sang was greatly surprised and delighted.

"Even the original formation diagram couldn't be activated faster than this, could it? This makes the Demon Binding Rope far more practical! Its suddenness means even the strongest ancient demons would find it hard to evade."

Qing Jun nodded. "Precisely. When I was studying the formation diagram, I focused on this very aspect. Time is limited, and there's still a part of the diagram I haven't fully deciphered. The Demon Binding Rope's current power is satisfactory; it can be put to good use!"

"There are still four years left; Senior Sister will definitely be able to further refine the formation diagram," Qin Sang said, full of anticipation.

He quickly memorized the formation diagram. In the future, when he repairs the Dark Iron Pillars, he can draw inspiration from Qing Jun's insights to recreate the Demon Sealing Stakes.

With the Demon Binding Rope in hand, he would have more confidence facing Old Demon Ye next time.

Qin Sang stayed in Peach Blossom Valley for several days, assisting Qing Jun in studying the Demon Binding Rope. Afterward, he departed in a hurry, heading to the Void Spirit Sect.

Forbidden Grounds, Flame-Hating Pavilion.

Qin Sang and Bing Han sat opposite each other, with the mysterious white bronze suspended between them.

Bing Han's eyes were closed as she used a secret art to examine it.

Soon after, Bing Han slowly opened her eyes.

"How is it?" Qin Sang asked.

After much deliberation, he decided to consult Bing Han, a grandmaster of artifact refining, before beginning the refining process and asked for her assistance.

Bing Han pondered for a moment, then said, "Fellow Daoist Qin's analysis is correct; I can only achieve this much at most. However, I have a few ideas that Fellow Daoist can use as reference."

Qin Sang thought to himself that he had made the right choice, and quickly said, "I hope Fellow Daoist will not hesitate to offer guidance. I will certainly repay you handsomely!"

"Fellow Daoist Qin has invested so much effort; it seems you intend to refine an extraordinary artifact." Bing Han glanced at the white bronze and then changed her tone. "However, I can only offer Fellow Daoist Qin a few suggestions; I dare not take credit. If Fellow Daoist finds them useful, I have a humble request: would you be willing to leave a record of your insights into the Dao of Artifact Refining here at the Void Spirit Sect?"

Qin Sang naturally agreed without hesitation, stating he could do so immediately.

His learning of artifact refining at the Void Spirit Sect was also a form of reciprocation.

Bing Han said, "Important matters come first, so there's no rush for this. It won't be too late after you've successfully refined this artifact. Additionally, it would be even better if Fellow Daoist would be willing to offer some guidance to the younger generation."

Qin Sang considered for a moment. "After refining the artifact, I will give a lecture at the Mirage Gate, primarily on the Dao of Artifact Refining. This will also allow me to consolidate my own understanding. Disciples from the Void Spirit Sect are welcome to attend!"

Two years later.

A figure flew out of the Void Spirit Sect.

It was Qin Sang.

At this moment, his expression was relaxed, and his eyes held a hint of a smile, as if he had encountered something greatly joyous.

And indeed, he had!

After ten years of diligent study, six years of preparation, and two full years of secluded cultivation in the mountain within a mountain, with the successive assistance of his Senior Sister and Bing Han, and harnessing the power of both demonic flame and fiery essence, Qin Sang had finally refined that artifact!

Flying out of the Void Spirit Sect, Qin Sang paused slightly, spread his palm, summoned the artifact, and admired it for a long time. With a hearty laugh, he then sped off, clearly very pleased with his new creation.

Not long after he left, a sudden stir erupted within the Void Spirit Sect. Disciples rushed about, spreading the news of Qin Sang's upcoming lecture like a surging tide.

Three months later.

Mirage Gate.

Disciples from the Void Spirit Sect, Mirage Gate, and Green Goat Abbey gathered at the Mirage Gate. Regardless of their proficiency in artifact refining, none wanted to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Li Yufu had finished his miscellaneous tasks early and was waiting at the Mirage Gate.

Shangguan Lifeng, Aunt Mei, Tan Yien, and others arrived one after another.

"Senior Brother, I heard that Master will only be lecturing on the Dao of Artifact Refining this time, and nothing else?"

Aunt Mei, who was traveling in the desert, rushed back upon receiving Li Yufu's message.

Shangguan Lifeng seemed a bit disappointed. "No lectures on the Dao of Sword?"

After Qin Sang imparted the *Azure Bamboo Sword Scripture* to him, he instructed Shangguan Lifeng to comprehend it on his own. Even when he offered occasional pointers, he would only hint at the key points.

Shangguan Lifeng knew Qin Sang was testing him, but he wasn't sure what level he needed to reach to meet Qin Sang's requirements.

"That's right, only artifact refining this time. But don't worry. In a few more years, our Martial Uncle will establish a new cultivation ground!"

Everyone quickly asked for the reason.

"According to the custom of the Northern Star Realm, when a Nascent Soul Ancestor establishes a sect, they widely invite fellow cultivators to attend the ceremony to enhance their prestige. As a reciprocal gesture, they publicly lecture for at least three days. At that time, it will be a grand event, with thousands of cultivators gathering. Today is just a preview!"

Seeing Aunt Mei and the others indeed full of excitement, Li Yufu secretly chuckled and continued, "The Dao of Artifact Refining is also a grand path. If you can gain some enlightenment from it, it will be immensely beneficial to your future cultivation. That's why I urged you to return quickly."

The next morning.

On a mountain in front of the Mirage Gate's forbidden grounds.

Disciples from the three sects gathered on the mountain, some sitting, some standing. Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment, and Golden Core cultivators were all present, filling the entire mountain—a truly magnificent sight.

Even Bing Han and Qing Jun had emerged from seclusion and came to listen.

The mountain was silent; everyone held their breath, gazing expectantly at the empty stone platform at the summit.

Just then, a surge of demonic energy erupted outside the Mirage Gate. To everyone's surprise, Jing Yu led the demons from the Thousand Mountains Bamboo Sea to attend the lecture as well.

Seeing the group of great demons, the disciples of the Mirage Gate and Void Spirit Sect stirred in alarm, while Li Yufu and others warmly welcomed them.

Purple qi arrived from the east.

A figure appeared out of thin air on the stone platform.

Li Yufu stepped forward. "We respectfully welcome Martial Uncle to lecture on the Grand Dao of Artifact Refining!"

Everyone bowed in unison.

Qin Sang sat upright on the stone platform, nodded to Senior Sister, Jing Yu, and Bing Han, then his gaze swept over the cultivators from the three sects. He calmly stated, "Today, I will only speak on artifact refining."