Chapter 1361: Diamond Reality

Rain hit the bluestone.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, although my main cultivation is the Crimson Profound Scripture, I began my cultivation through the sword path and never slacked off thereafter. I had always believed I had made considerable achievements in swordsmanship. However, after listening to your discourse today, I realize there's always someone better, and realms beyond what I know! Your insights are truly original, yet they point directly to the profound truths of the Grand Dao..."

A Nascent Soul cultivator, clad in a crimson long robe, slightly bowed and cupped his hands towards Qin Sang.

Qin Sang's expression remained calm as he listened to these seemingly flattering words. He recognized the person.

This was Jiang Xue, one of Ancestor Scarlet Hair's two Nascent Soul disciples. The largest orthodox sect in the Minor Cold Domain had split into two under their leadership, and they harbored mutual animosity, each contending for the title of the legitimate Pure Yang Sect. The ultimate result was a lose-lose situation; others took advantage of their vulnerability, both sides suffered heavy losses, and the sect began to decline.

While Jiang Xue was flattering Qin Sang, a female cultivator at the other end of the immortal platform revealed disdain in her eyes. This was Chi Tan, Ancestor Scarlet Hair's other disciple. The two were like fire and water; they almost never appeared in the same place unless it was a major event like Blood Lake or Ziwei Palace. Qin Sang felt deeply honored that both of them had personally come to offer their congratulations today.

"However..." Jiang Xue's tone shifted, and he said seriously, "Just listening to Fellow Daoist Qin's discourse, I always feel like there's a barrier between me and the Grand Dao. I would presumptuously ask for a brief exchange or a few pointers from you, Fellow Daoist Qin. What are your thoughts?"

Jiang Xue's cultivation was similar to Qin Sang's, so it wasn't a case of a senior bullying a junior. Judging by his tone, he didn't seem to be looking for trouble. Everyone looked at Qin Sang.

Qin Sang glanced at Jiang Xue. Discussing profound principles and exchanging pointers was a normal custom, but for some reason, he felt Jiang Xue had an ulterior motive. In recent years, he had been diligently cultivating with single-minded devotion, only tending to the affairs of Azure Sheep Temple and paying little attention to external matters. Unable to fathom Jiang Xue's intentions, Qin Sang was nonetheless unafraid. Without hesitation, he nodded in agreement.

Jiang Xue's expression brightened. He thanked Qin Sang, and a ball of crimson profound light flew from between his eyebrows. He then said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Qin, please make the first move!"

Qin Sang did not stand on ceremony. He summoned the Golden Sinking Sword, which, with a slight tremor, transformed into a ray of sword light. Holding back the Seven Souls Killing Formation, it flashed forward, stabbing towards the light ball in front of Jiang Xue! Nothing special could be discerned with the naked eye, but all those present were top masters. They immediately recognized the peril of this sword, and some felt a cold sweat for Jiang Xue.

"Excellent!" Jiang Xue exclaimed.

The light ball flickered and condensed inward, revealing a spiritual sword. Instantly, the spiritual sword transformed into a crimson rainbow, meeting the Golden Sinking Sword. The spiritual sword's fluctuations were incredibly subtle, and its sword light was supremely restrained, leaving the rest of the immortal platform entirely unaffected. However, all the Nascent Soul cultivators present could sense that Jiang Xue's sword was extraordinary, as he had uniquely integrated the Crimson Profound Scripture into his swordsmanship. What he had said earlier about having made considerable achievements in swordsmanship was certainly not an exaggeration.

'Clang!'

The two spiritual swords touched and instantly separated. A faint, obscure light erupted, but before it could dissipate, it was swiftly absorbed back into the Golden Sinking Sword's body. Such precision in control was truly exquisite.

The Golden Sinking Sword remained stationary. Jiang Xue's spiritual sword, however, was forced back three feet, immediately revealing the disparity in skill!

Jiang Xue retracted his spiritual sword and praised, "Fellow Daoist Qin, your swordsmanship is profoundly skilled; I am truly impressed! It's a pity Martial Nephew Han isn't here. Although he is only at the Golden Core stage, his attainments in swordsmanship are exceptionally deep. If he could receive guidance from you, he would surely make rapid progress."

The Nascent Soul cultivators were surprised, wondering about Jiang Xue's sudden mention of Martial Nephew Han and his intentions. Did he wish to introduce a disciple to Qin Sang?

Chi Tan, on the other side, suddenly became alert.

"Han..." Qin Sang's eyes flashed, and he immediately remembered someone. It was Master Han, who had almost led him into the Han Family Stronghold back then! The Han family was indeed a cultivation family affiliated with the Pure Yang Sect.

"Is Brother Han at Azure Sheep Temple?" Qin Sang's gaze pierced through the clouds and mist, looking down the mountain.

Jiang Xue shook his head. "After Martial Nephew Han learned of Fellow Daoist Qin's name, he found it hard to believe. Later, upon confirming it was truly you, he was greatly encouraged. He has been in secluded cultivation for years, diligently striving to catch up to your pace. I only later found out that Martial Nephew Han and Fellow Daoist Qin actually shared such a connection. I can only lament that we were blind back then, missing out on a genius like Fellow Daoist Qin!"

Qin Sang chuckled, "If I had had the opportunity to join the Pure Yang Sect, my path of cultivation would probably not have been so difficult."

The two of them were speaking in riddles. The Nascent Soul cultivators were filled with doubts. They all knew Qin Sang had once been a disciple of Mount Shaohua, but they couldn't understand how he had become involved with the Pure Yang Sect.

Chi Tan's expression turned serious, and she secretly discussed something with Si Di and Yao Jing. After the Pure Yang Sect split, she befriended the neighboring Grand Unity Elixir Sect and received support from Daoist Chongyi. Jiang Xue, meanwhile, formed a formidable alliance with the Mountain Form Sect, with the shadow of Earl Dongyang behind them. After Si Di and Yao Jing took over the Grand Unity Elixir Sect, they followed Daoist Chongyi's will and continued to support Chi Tan. The sect master of the Mountain Form Sect had not formed a Nascent Soul long ago, and their foundation was far inferior to that of the Grand Unity Elixir Sect. Earl Dongyang's plans had all been disrupted by Qin Sang, and he had lost the will to contend for supremacy. The Mountain Form Sect gradually showed signs of retreating, making Jiang Xue's situation increasingly difficult. Chi Tan had already seen the dawn of victory, but unexpectedly, Jiang Xue suddenly brought up 'Martial Nephew Han,' who seemed deeply connected to Qin Sang.

After a small trade fair was held, the Nascent Soul cultivators, each with their own thoughts, concluded the discourse and successively bid farewell to Qin Sang. Qin Sang personally saw them off.

The grand ceremony concluded. Everything settled down. Jing Yu needed to return to the Thousand Mountains Bamboo Sea to train the fat chicken, so he also departed with his little demons. Azure Sheep Temple was now on the right track and no longer required Qin Sang's constant attention.

Qin Sang, carrying the white cat, flew towards Peach Blossom Valley.

Not long after they entered Peach Blossom Valley, a figure appeared outside the valley. It was Jiang Xue. Qin Sang personally came out to greet him.

An hour later, Jiang Xue flew out of Peach Blossom Valley, his expression a mix of joy and worry.

Inside the cave dwelling. Qin Sang toyed with the jade cup in his hand, murmuring softly, "Vajra Fruit..." Just moments ago, Jiang Xue had informed Qin Sang about the situation of the Han family head. Jiang Xue had been worried that the Han family head might have mistaken the person, and thus dared not bring him to visit presumptuously. Now that he knew it was true, he would certainly arrange for the Han family head to visit in the future.

During their conversation, Qin Sang heard Jiang Xue speak of his grievances with Chi Tan and the Grand Unity Elixir Sect, and he understood Jiang Xue's intentions. Jiang Xue intended to form an alliance with Azure Sheep Temple. Qin Sang was indifferent; after all, even if Jiang Xue were to perish, it wouldn't be difficult for him to protect the Han family head's life. He made no promises, choosing instead to wait and see Jiang Xue's sincerity.

Instead, Jiang Xue inadvertently revealed something to Qin Sang. The legendary Ten Divine Woods had appeared in the Minor Cold Domain three times. The first was the Blood Mulberry of No-Exit; now that the Blood Lake had been destroyed, it was likely that the Blood Mulberry that had fallen into it had also met a tragic end. The second was the true form of Wandering Cloud Child, which had turned into charred wood during the lightning tribulation. The third was a single Vajra Fruit!

Back then, to contend for the Vajra Fruit, Ancestor Scarlet Hair, without hesitation, used the full might of the Pure Yang Sect to decisively destroy the Blood Nether Sect. However, the Blood Nether Sect disciple who had obtained the Vajra Fruit was very alert and had escaped before the sect was annihilated. Ancestor Scarlet Hair ordered his disciples to search everywhere, tracing the trail all the way to the desert, where they found a suspected trace left by the Blood Nether Sect disciple. However, they ultimately failed to capture him. Since then, the Blood Nether Sect disciple and the Vajra Fruit had completely vanished without a trace.