Chapter 1462: Diamond Freedom (4k, Two in One)

Wuxia and Xianxia

Tong Lingyu spoke at length, hoping Qin Sang would recognize the difficulty and withdraw. Revealing the *Tongbao Art* was an implicit warning to Qin Sang not to harbor absurd notions, as Qin Sang did not cultivate an Ice Path technique and thus could not gain the spiritual treasure's approval. Tong Lingyu had not expected that even one-tenth of the Four-Coil Tengshe Seal's power would not cause Qin Sang much trouble. Most cultivators, upon witnessing this move, would have already bowed their heads in defeat. She was reluctant to use her full power because, while spiritual treasures are potent, they consume an immense amount of true essence. This was not the Profound Heaven Palace, and she did not want to expend so much true essence in a pointless struggle, thereby increasing her own risk.

The sky was filled with scattered demonic flames, which flew towards Qin Sang, gathered in front of him, and transformed back into a Blazing Dragon, quietly crouching at his feet, its aura subdued. Qin Sang remained silent, looking down at the demonic flames. He recalled his experience of confronting the Four-Coil Tengshe Seal and secretly made an assessment. Just now, he hadn't felt unmatched; he was not yet at his limit. If what Tong Lingyu said was true, the demonic flames he wielded through the Fire Lotus and the Eighteen Demonic Banners were slightly stronger than one-tenth of the Four-Coil Tengshe Seal's power, but definitely couldn't withstand two-tenths of its power. Tong Lingyu likely held back some information in her last statement. If Tong Lingyu were to use her full power, the Eighteen Demonic Banners would be no match for the Four-Coil Tengshe Seal in a direct confrontation, and his defeat would be inevitable. Indeed, there was no need to continue fighting.

Of course, this did not mean Qin Sang feared Tong Lingyu. Spiritual treasures only represented a part of her strength; many decisive factors determined life or death for cultivators. Although it was merely a sparring match, a direct and head-on confrontation, the Four-Coil Tengshe Seal hadn't displayed many variations. However, it was evident that it was an offensive spiritual treasure. At the very least, Tong Lingyu couldn't catch and kill Qin Sang with just the Four-Coil Tengshe Seal. Extraordinary evasion techniques were Qin Sang's confidence when facing other powerful cultivators. Qin Sang also sensed some of Tong Lingyu's concerns, guessing that wielding a spiritual treasure must consume a tremendous amount of true essence. This was also one of the reasons why Nascent Soul cultivators couldn't unleash the full power of a spiritual treasure. He just wondered how much power the Profound Heaven Palace Master could unleash when personally wielding the Four-Coil Tengshe Seal. This thought flashed through Qin Sang's mind, but he didn't ask, knowing that Tong Lingyu certainly wouldn't answer.

He shifted his thoughts back to himself, his gaze sweeping over the demonic banners. Originally, he had great expectations for the true body of the demonic flame sealed within the banners, even harboring many unrealistic fantasies. He hadn't expected such a vast difference between Dharma treasures and spiritual treasures! The Illusory Spirit Sect and Bing Han were perhaps too optimistic about the difficulty of refining spiritual treasures. Making an estimation based on this: if he refined the true body of the Nine Nether Demonic Flame sealed within the Eighteen Demonic Banners into a Fire Lotus, its power might be comparable to a spiritual treasure due to the refinement process, but it would just be a divine ability at the Spirit Transformation stage. This was only a vague conjecture, as Qin Sang's mastery of the *Fire Seed Golden Lotus* was still shallow. However, if he could complete the refinement before reaching Spirit Transformation, this divine ability would be powerful enough to defy heaven. Other Nascent Soul cultivators, even those wielding spiritual treasures, could only unleash a fraction of their power. And with the Fire Lotus refined from the complete demonic flame, he might even have the power to contend with Spirit Transformation cultivators!

Qin Sang fantasized about that scene but quickly returned to reality, knowing these were just pleasant musings. He hadn't seen Spirit Transformation cultivators but had witnessed the terrifying power of the Demonic Monarch. The *Fire Seed Golden Lotus* was the most difficult to cultivate among all his divine abilities, and it was still unknown how long it would take to refine the true body of the demonic flame. At that time, if the Fire Lotus's level surpassed his own cultivation, Qin Sang wasn't sure if he could wield it freely. If its consumption was as terrifying as a spiritual treasure, it would be extremely disappointing. The good news was that as the Fire Lotus improved, his divine sense would also grow accordingly, which should make a difference.

Seeing Qin Sang remain silent for a long time, Tong Lingyu assumed he was awed by the spiritual treasure's power and didn't rush him. She secretly circulated her true essence, ready to act if Qin Sang still refused to yield. At this moment, Qin Sang gathered his thoughts, looked up, and with a solemn expression, cupped his hands and said, "The power of spiritual treasures is beyond imagination. This Qin is thoroughly convinced. Many thanks for Fellow Daoist Tong's guidance." Seeing Qin Sang indeed give up, Tong Lingyu's expression softened, and she smiled. "Fellow Daoist Qin's banner Dharma treasure is second to none among all the Dharma treasures this Palace Master has seen. In time, Fellow Daoist Qin will surely dominate the Northern Sea!" "Ultimately, it's still far from a spiritual treasure," Qin Sang repeatedly shook his head, as if severely disheartened. Tong Lingyu smiled without speaking.

At this point, Liu Li, seeing the two had stopped, flew back from a distance and stood quietly behind the Grand Elder, unable to help but look at the demonic banners surrounding Qin Sang. She had long known spiritual treasures were terrifying, but only now did she realize she had underestimated the power of Qin Sang's Dharma treasure. No wonder he was so confident.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, do you have any other important matters to attend to? If not, how about we set off for Profound Heaven Palace now?" Tong Lingyu was eager, inviting Qin Sang back to the palace so he could quickly choose a treasure and return the sacred object. Qin Sang considered for a moment and said, "Please wait a moment, both of you. This Qin still has some matters to arrange." Leaving the two women, Qin Sang returned to Pearl Island. He first went to pay his respects to True Immortal Yin Quan, bidding him farewell and agreeing to meet again in the future. He also sent a letter to Tan Hao, informing him of his movements using a secret code. He instructed Tan Hao to cultivate peacefully in the Ghost Mother's cave dwelling, preparing to form his Nascent Soul, and to contact him if needed. Afterward, Qin Sang returned to the small island to meet the two women. The three set off together, flying eastward.

During their flight, Tong Lingyu suddenly took an item from her mustard seed pouch and handed it to Liu Li. "This Yinli Pearl was originally intended to lure that evil creature out and retrieve the sacred object. Now that Fellow Daoist Qin has returned the sacred object, your contribution is undeniable. Consider this treasure a reward from the sect." Qin Sang glanced at it, unsure of its peculiar properties, and subtly looked at Liu Li. Liu Li accepted the Yinli Pearl, her expression still calm, showing no obvious joy. "Thank you for the Grand Elder's bestowal." "I'm a few hundred years younger than your master. I used to call your master 'Aunt Bing.' By rights, we are of the same generation. Your calling me 'Grand Elder' truly makes me feel old." Tong Lingyu was in high spirits, even having the inclination to joke with Liu Li. Tong Lingyu had intended to tease the ice-cold beauty but saw Liu Li's expression turn somber. She quickly stopped, sighing softly, "Your master clearly had the potential of a great cultivator but unexpectedly fell. Fortunately, she nurtured a disciple like you, who surpasses her master, so her life was not in vain. I also experienced qi deviation, making my hopes of breakthrough slim. Otherwise, our Profound Heaven Palace would now have three late-stage cultivators, and looking back, it would truly be considered a prosperous era."

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang subconsciously glanced at Liu Li. Tong Lingyu was apparently unaware that Liu Li's master was not dead but had been trapped in the Ziwei Palace for hundreds of years, her fate unknown only after the Ziwei Palace ascended. Why would Liu Li conceal this from her sect? Was there some hidden reason? Qin Sang discreetly withdrew his gaze. Unsure of the reason, it was best not to pry.

After comforting Liu Li for a few moments, Tong Lingyu turned to Qin Sang and said, "Fellow Daoist Qin is to be a guest elder of the Listening Snow Pavilion. In the future, you will inevitably deal with Elder Mei and the others. The fewer times you meet them now, the less likely you are to be exposed. Moreover, the sacred object cannot be lost and must be returned to the forbidden area as soon as possible. How about Fellow Daoist Qin and I depart first and hasten back to Profound Heaven Palace?" Qin Sang had no objection, stating that he would follow his host's lead. Upon reaching the vicinity of the Profound Heaven Palace's stronghold, Tong Lingyu and Liu Li left Qin Sang to go back and make arrangements. An hour later, Tong Lingyu returned. To conceal the relationship between Qin Sang and Liu Li, Liu Li had secretly contacted the Grand Elder and did not accompany Tong Lingyu this time.

Qin Sang was about to conjure his escape light and fly through the air. However, Tong Lingyu unclasped an exquisite coral fish whistle from her right wrist. She smiled at Qin Sang, brought it to her cherry lips, and gave a light blow. "This journey eastward is long, so this can save some effort," Tong Lingyu explained. The fish whistle's sound was crisp, melodic, and lingering. As the whistle echoed, the fish whistle quietly melted, transforming into a translucent, ethereal great fish, as if it were the fish's very soul. At this moment, the silver crescent moon had just risen. Faint moonlight spilled onto the vast sea, the water gently rippled, and the soft whistle faded into the distance, emanating a unique tranquility. Qin Sang's gaze was drawn to the great fish spirit. The great fish spirit, its body transparent, leapt from Tong Lingyu's fingertips like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, vividly lifelike and incredibly spirited, soaring high into the sky. It was as if the silver crescent on the horizon was a moon boat in the Milky Way, and it wished to leap onto it. As the great fish spirit leaped, the seawater was inexplicably drawn upwards, silently rising, the currents pulled by the great fish spirit, flowing against the tide.

Before long, a suspended waterfall appeared out of thin air before them, flowing from the sea surface towards the Milky Way. Qin Sang looked up, watching the great fish spirit leisurely weaving through the waterfall, ascending higher and higher into the air. At the same time, the whistle's sound continuously lingered in his ears. Qin Sang vaguely sensed a peculiar ripple spreading outwards from the great fish spirit, but he couldn't comprehend what this ripple represented. Then, Qin Sang suddenly felt something and looked down into the sea. Unbeknownst to him, more and more fish were drawn by the summons, gathering towards them. Some were bizarrely shaped, others brightly patterned. There were even countless glowing fish scattered throughout the school, like the Milky Way reflecting into the mortal world.

Just as they were reveling in the dreamy scenery, the school of fish suddenly stirred. Two domineering blue sharks swam in, circling beneath their feet. Tong Lingyu pointed at the great fish spirit, about to make a move, when she suddenly heard an ethereal call from afar, like a whisper from the deep sea. "Whale song." Tong Lingyu listened intently and smiled brightly. "Good luck, there's actually a Profound Whale swimming nearby." Qin Sang followed Tong Lingyu's gaze. A moment later, they first saw a colossal water column, and the silhouette of a dark shadow appeared on the sea surface, but this was only a portion of the enormous creature beneath the water.

*Splash!* The great fish spirit flicked its tail, leaping out of the waterfall, its body transforming into a blue water orb. The whistle dissipated. The nearby fish lost their attraction, including the two blue sharks, and reluctantly dispersed. The Profound Whale swam over, and the water orb formed by the great fish spirit merged into its head. Next, Tong Lingyu took out a small carriage. With a flick of her hand, ropes automatically wrapped around the Profound Whale's dorsal fin. The carriage, like a boat, settled steadily on the water, trailing behind the whale, its spiritual light flowing and merging with the whale.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, please!" Tong Lingyu gestured with an outstretched hand. Qin Sang flashed into the carriage and sat down cross-legged. Tong Lingyu whispered something into the Profound Whale's ear, then took out a jade bottle, poured out a pill, and fed it to the whale. She gently patted the whale and then boarded the carriage herself. *Whoosh!* The Profound Whale turned its body, raising a massive wave, and headed directly eastward with astonishing speed. The carriage was exceptionally stable, and not a drop of seawater could enter it. Tong Lingyu nodded with satisfaction. She reached out, seemingly grasping moonlight, and with a gentle swipe, it transformed into a thin veil, hanging by the window, blocking outside scrutiny. Qin Sang was glad for the ease. He figured no one would dare block their path midway. He excused himself to Tong Lingyu, set up an isolation barrier around himself, instructed the Heavenly Eye Butterfly to be vigilant, then immediately took out a jade slip, immersed his divine sense, and fell silent. Tong Lingyu took no offense. She also set up a barrier with a light veil and closed her eyes to cultivate quietly. Under the moonlight, only the Profound Whale broke through the waves, its whale song and the sound of the waves composing a beautiful symphony.

The content of the jade slip was precisely the *Seven Master Buddha Seals*. This place was far from the Hidden Sun Realm, unreachable in a day or two, so Qin Sang finally had time to study this body cultivation divine ability. He had previously skimmed through it. Now, he started from the beginning again, carefully pondering each word and meditating on it. He cultivated a demon race body refinement technique, which was very different from human cultivation methods. He was completely ignorant of human body cultivation divine abilities, and now, understanding it felt like entering an unfamiliar domain, proving quite arduous. The seven Buddha Seals of the *Seven Master Buddha Seals* were seven distinct moves. However, this divine ability required using Buddhist mudras to mobilize the body's power. The general outline stated: "Form a mudra with the hands, chant the true words with the mouth, and visualize the revered Buddha in the heart." This statement held true meaning and was key to understanding the *Seven Master Buddha Seals*. Qin Sang could only grasp its superficial meaning for now. He understood "mudra" and "true words," but what he found somewhat strange was "visualize the revered Buddha"—the figure to be visualized was not a well-known Buddha or Bodhisattva, but a blurry Buddha statue. He didn't understand why, so he just committed it to memory and continued reading.

The first seal of the *Seven Master Buddha Seals*, the Auspicious Seal, could be barely cultivated by Golden Core stage body cultivators. This was because this seal was not overly domineering and would not cause self-recoil. It was the beginning of the seven seals, and its most important function was to mobilize the body's qi and blood to face the enemy in peak condition, though its power was merely satisfactory. Qin Sang was currently in the early stage of the fourth layer of the Heavenly Demon Transformation, allowing him to cultivate the first four seals. The other three seals were called the Lotus Blossom Seal, the Mandala Seal, and the Demon-Crushing Seal, respectively. Though their hand seals differed, they were all of the same lineage, with power gradually increasing, and all were offensive seals. Qin Sang could still discern some mysteries within these four seals. As for the last three seals, he could only vaguely commit them to memory for now, having no clue about them. They were called the Vajra Great Wisdom Seal, the Vajra Heavenly Armor Seal, and the Vajra Freedom Seal! "Legend has it that Buddhist Vajras are indestructible and cannot be cut. I wonder if these last three seals live up to their names," Qin Sang mused to himself, redirecting his gaze back to the first four seals. Although he was not a Buddhist disciple, his cultivation was sufficiently high. Once he grasped the true meaning of the divine ability, comprehending the first seal wouldn't be too difficult. His only struggle was Tong Lingyu's presence, which left him no opportunity to practice.

Shepherding the whale, they traveled on. The Profound Whale tirelessly journeyed for countless miles across the boundless sea. Qin Sang immersed himself in the *Seven Master Buddha Seals*, increasingly feeling the profound subtlety of the divine ability. It greatly broadened his horizons and even allowed him to reflect upon himself, gaining more insights into body refinement. His cultivation knew no passage of time. One day, Qin Sang was awakened by the Heavenly Eye Butterfly, feeling his barrier being touched. He heard Tong Lingyu's voice: "Fellow Daoist Qin, we are almost ashore."

***

*Author's Note: The author of "Blazing Cloud Immortal," a cultivator-style novel, would appreciate your support through collections and likes. Such novels are rare, so please give encouragement.*