Chapter 1463: Xiaoxiangzi (4k, Two in One)

"I haven't fully grasped the first 'Auspicious Seal' yet, but it's already effective in combat. My understanding of the first seal is making the 'Lotus Seal' easier to comprehend than anticipated. Each seal in the 'Seven Masters Buddha Seal' is unique, but they are intrinsically linked, with earlier seals forming the foundation for later ones. While I've seen other Taoist techniques that similarly branch out into different moves, none compare to this one in that regard. I wonder if this is a characteristic of body-cultivation divine abilities..."

Qin Sang withdrew his thoughts from the divine ability, a new understanding dawning on him.

He put away the jade slip, removed the restrictions, and flew out of the carriage with Tong Lingyu. In the distance, a black line appeared on the eastern horizon, stretching north to south as far as the eye could see.

It was the Hidden Sun Realm, one of the Four Realms of the Northern Sea!

Tong Lingyu put away the carriage and the fish whistle. She then rewarded the abyssal whale by feeding it a few spirit pills, patting it with a smile. "Go back now!" she said.

Perhaps due to the spirit pills, the abyssal whale's intelligence seemed to have increased; its eyes were more vibrant and lively. After gazing at Tong Lingyu for a moment, it slowly swam towards the deep sea.

*Splash!*

Jets of water gradually receded into the distance.

Its whale song echoed mournfully.

The abyssal whale, reluctant to leave, bid them farewell with its calls.

Tong Lingyu turned, observing Qin Sang still gazing at the Hidden Sun Realm. "Our current location is in the southern part of the Hidden Sun Realm," she explained. "If we land here and head directly east, we'll reach Xuan Tian Palace. Xuan Tian Palace is situated on Lingxiao Peak, which is naturally surrounded by seventy-two cold springs forming seventy-two lakes. These lakes are scattered among the mountains like stars, perpetually enveloped in cold mist, appearing almost ethereal from a distance. Among them, the 'Immortal Spring' at the foot of Lingxiao Peak is the most miraculous, never freezing no matter how severe the cold. The other seventy-one cold springs also possess their own unique mysteries..."

Tong Lingyu invited Qin Sang to depart, and as they flew, she began to tell him more about Xuan Tian Palace.

Qin Sang had previously gathered information from various sources, so he now had a clearer impression of the Hidden Sun Realm and Xuan Tian Palace.

The environment of the Hidden Sun Realm was distinctly different from other parts of the Northern Sea.

The realm suffered from harsh cold year-round, with only a quarter of the year free from snow. Mortals had to race against time to cultivate and harvest, as any delay would result in blizzards destroying everything.

Consequently, although the Hidden Sun Realm was flat and expansive, its population was sparse.

Originally, the Hidden Sun Realm, like the Crescent Moon Realm, had numerous immortal cultivation sects. However, Xuan Tian Palace later unified them, with other sects either disappearing or being absorbed into Xuan Tian Palace.

Currently, Xuan Tian Palace was divided into four main lineages: Xuan Tian, Heavenly Mountain, Purple Cloud Pavilion, and Snow Listening Tower. It was rumored that only the Xuan Tian lineage was the direct line of succession for Xuan Tian Palace.

However, with the passage of time, past events were no longer verifiable, and rumors often contained inaccuracies.

Outsiders had no way of knowing whether there were internal divisions or hidden dangers within Xuan Tian Palace.

After listening carefully to Tong Lingyu, Qin Sang asked, "Are all four lineages located on Lingxiao Peak?"

"No," she replied.

Tong Lingyu performed some unknown Taoist technique. As soon as they reached the shore, two soft calls echoed from deep within the snowy mountains. Two exceptionally majestic spirit birds, entirely white with feathers like strands of ice, flew out of the snow and gracefully circled Tong Lingyu.

The carriage was attached to the spirit birds, and they soared eastward through the air.

"Lingxiao Peak is a restricted area of Xuan Tian Palace," Tong Lingyu explained. "Only the Palace Master typically cultivates there. The elders of Xuan Tian Palace and the various halls each occupy one of the seventy-two springs. Among the four lineages, only the Xuan Tian lineage is located among the seventy-two springs. Heavenly Mountain, Purple Cloud Pavilion, and Snow Listening Tower are situated in other parts of the Hidden Sun Realm, with the Snow Listening Tower being in the north. The various lineages only convene on Lingxiao Peak for significant events, such as the opening of a sacred ground."

At this point, Tong Lingyu sighed softly. "With the emergence of two Great Sages among the demon race, they've become increasingly rampant, frequently infiltrating the Hidden Sun Realm and committing many atrocities. In recent years, our sect's experts have been rotating border defense duties, so the seventy-two springs are no longer as bustling as they once were."

It was currently the cold season in the Hidden Sun Realm.

They hadn't flown far when the sky abruptly darkened, a blizzard raged, and bone-chilling winds swept through the air.

However, the external environment did not affect the carriage, which remained warm and spring-like inside.

Qin Sang looked down. The ground was blanketed in silver, devoid of human traces. Occasionally, during their flight, he would spot a few cities, appearing solitary and isolated in the boundless sea of snow.

The scenery was monotonous.

After a few glances, Qin Sang lost interest and continued to comprehend the 'Seven Masters Buddha Seal'.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but Qin Sang was awakened by the chirping of the spirit birds. He felt the carriage beneath him briefly pause, and when he looked outside again, the scenery was strikingly different.

Before him lay an icy, snowy landscape stretching for thousands of miles.

Snow-capped mountains stretched endlessly, resembling a colossal dragon lying prostrate.

Countless cold lakes dotted the area below the mountains.

In the depths of winter, all the cold lakes were frozen solid. Under the sunlight, they resembled shimmering mirrors embedded in the earth, crystal clear, like the scales of an ancient dragon.

The sight was magnificent, stretching as far as the eye could see.

In the deepest part of his vision, a majestic mountain peak, shrouded in mist, faintly pierced the clouds.

Around the snow-capped mountains and cold lakes, a faint, thin mist lingered, not obstructing their view.

Yet, Qin Sang could sense that this mist was no ordinary phenomenon; it contained the power of a spirit formation. The protective formation of Xuan Tian Palace was incredibly vast, truly befitting the foremost sect in the Northern Sea!

At that moment, the spirit birds broke free from their harnesses, turned their heads to chirp at Tong Lingyu, and then flew into the snowy mountains, disappearing from sight.

"That's Lingxiao Peak," Tong Lingyu said, pointing towards the mountain's silhouette. "The treasury is located at Qingbai Spring, one of the seventy-two springs. We'll go there to select treasures first. Afterward, I will extend my hospitality. I hope you don't mind any shortcomings in my welcome, Fellow Daoist Qin."

Throughout their journey, Qin Sang had not had any change of heart.

Knowing the sacred item would soon be recovered, Tong Lingyu's expression also showed a hint of relief.

With treasures to be acquired, why would Qin Sang mind such trifles?

He followed Tong Lingyu into the grand formation, flying directly towards Lingxiao Peak. The heavy mist obscured the view, allowing only glimpses of the peak's scenery.

The mountain was lush and verdant, still vibrant with the essence of spring even in the depths of winter. Scattered throughout were pavilions and towers, all crystal clear and constructed from profound ice, presenting a remarkably unique sight.

As they neared Lingxiao Peak, Tong Lingyu stopped above a lake.

This cold lake was already frozen, and remarkably, its water was half blue and half white.

Tong Lingyu took out a token, infused it with true essence, and gently waved her hand. The token emitted a phantom image that transformed into a streak of light and disappeared beneath the ice surface.

Moments later, a silent opening melted in the ice surface, revealing an an ice staircase that extended to the bottom of the lake.

"Please, Fellow Daoist!"

Tong Lingyu flashed into the ice cave, with Qin Sang following closely behind. After descending only a short distance, their vision abruptly broadened, revealing that the ice staircase led to a grand hall made of profound ice.

"Greetings, Great Elder."

From the depths of the hall, a person emerged and bowed to Tong Lingyu.

The person was hunched, with white hair, appearing extremely old and frail.

Tong Lingyu quickly stepped forward to support him, calling out, "Martial Uncle Lu..."

Her lips moved slightly, but no sound escaped, as she communicated secretly with Martial Uncle Lu.

Qin Sang stood at the entrance, hands clasped behind his back, observing the hall and the old man silently. He was secretly awed; the old man was also a mid-stage Nascent Soul master, likely not much weaker than Tong Lingyu in cultivation.

The old man's voice was weak, and his vital energy seemed to be failing, suggesting he might be injured.

Qin Sang speculated that he might have barely survived his last Heavenly Tribulation, escaping death but acquiring hidden injuries. Furthermore, with his lifespan nearing its end, he probably dared not exert himself freely.

However, such a cultivator, if forced to fight for their life, would still be formidable and represented a crucial part of Xuan Tian Palace's foundation.

Qin Sang wondered how Tong Lingyu would explain things to him.

The old man raised his shriveled eyelids, glanced at Qin Sang, then pointed a finger towards the ice wall at the back of the hall. He immediately turned to leave, his voice hoarse, "Great Elder, please help yourself."

"Thank you, Martial Uncle Lu."

After watching the old man's figure disappear, Tong Lingyu gestured for Qin Sang to follow her into the ice wall.

At that moment, the ice wall became transparent, revealing the entrance to the treasury.

Qin Sang entered the treasury without any hindrance. He saw rows upon rows of shelves, packed full of countless rare and precious items, gleaming with brilliant light that shimmered and intertwined.

Qin Sang couldn't help but recall a fitting saying: "The dazzling array of flowers gradually blurs the vision."

Tong Lingyu turned around and smiled with a hint of satisfaction, seeing Qin Sang standing rooted to the spot, continuously looking around. "Fellow Daoist, you may freely choose three items from these treasures," she offered.

Jadeite essence, cloud soul crystal, earth decay bone...

Red dragon saliva, green spirit ginseng, shaman fruit...

Bottle after bottle of spirit pills.

Artifacts and magic treasures, piece by piece.

And countless jade slips.

Rare and extraordinary treasures, seldom seen in the outside world, were displayed here like common goods. Although these particular items weren't exceptionally valuable to Qin Sang, their sheer quantity, laid out before him, was still quite astonishing.

Moreover, this was merely the entrance to the treasury.

Qin Sang simply observed, not touching anything, as he slowly moved forward.

Tong Lingyu patiently followed behind him, knowing that these items would likely not impress Qin Sang.

Deeper into the treasury, the more valuable and rare the treasures became.

"If I took all of these back, Green Goat Temple would surely become the foremost sect in the North Star Realm. Once I break through to the late Nascent Soul stage, I might even unify the entire realm," Qin Sang thought.

This thought suddenly crossed Qin Sang's mind, making him secretly chuckle; his ambitions lay elsewhere.

Soon, they reached the deepest part of the treasury. Qin Sang hadn't taken anything yet. Seeing an arched profound ice gate blocking their path, he turned and silently questioned Tong Lingyu with his eyes.

Tong Lingyu stepped forward and opened the archway, reminding Qin Sang, "This is the inner vault. If the treasures here also fail to satisfy you, no one else will be able to offer better terms."

"I am not an insatiable person," Qin Sang replied calmly.

With that, Qin Sang stepped into the inner vault.

The inner vault was much smaller than the outer one, but its treasures were far more valuable.

Qin Sang's gaze swept across the room, and his expression subtly changed as he spotted a jade bottle. He walked over and observed it through the protective barrier.

The jade bottle contained a spirit liquid as clear as water.

At the center of the spirit liquid, a tiny vortex continuously swirled, emitting faint wisps of energy that clung to the inside of the jade bottle, forming a layer of snowflake-like frost.

"Do you recognize this item, Fellow Daoist? We've tried, but it can't be used for refining artifacts, nor do we know what kind of pills require it. Seeing its unusual phenomena, we placed it here..." Tong Lingyu walked over, seeking Qin Sang's insight.

"This is Primordial Yin Water."

Qin Sang offered an excuse. "I once saw it mentioned in an ancient text..."

Primordial Yin Water was one of the three main spirit materials for the Spirit Ascension Ceremony.

Valley Master Mu had thoroughly described the characteristics of Primordial Yin Water: whether it was a single drop or more, a tiny vortex would always form in its center, continuously swirling, making it easily identifiable.

The jade bottle likely contained about four drops.

Qin Sang had not initially planned to use this opportunity to acquire spirit materials for the Spirit Ascension Ceremony, but seeing so much Primordial Yin Water made him hesitate. This item was rare, and he estimated that Hundred Flowers Valley wouldn't be able to offer much in exchange for it.

After a moment of hesitation, Qin Sang decided not to take the Primordial Yin Water rashly. He planned to look at other items first.

Tong Lingyu, however, hoped Qin Sang would choose the Primordial Yin Water. She knew Qin Sang was not being entirely truthful, but since Xuan Tian Palace didn't know how to utilize the item, keeping it there was akin to having waste.

Qin Sang turned and walked towards the section where jade slips were displayed. Tong Lingyu immediately pointed out the 'Cold Netherworld Reverting to Yin Jade Chapter' for him.

Its true name was simply 'Cold Netherworld Reverting to Yin'; the disciples of Xuan Tian Palace had added 'Jade Chapter' because it was recorded on a palm-sized jade screen.

The jade screen was slightly curved, its surface etched with hundreds of tiny characters, forming the general principles of the secret art.

Qin Sang quickly scanned it, finding no discrepancies with what Liuli had previously described.

After reading it, Qin Sang was inclined to choose this external avatar secret art, but he still shifted his gaze to examine other jade slips.

Qin Sang had his own methods for finding cultivation techniques and secret arts. Ideally, he wanted something that could utilize the jade Buddha to avoid dangers and exploit loopholes, thereby achieving cultivation effects far beyond what others could hope for.

Unfortunately, despite hundreds of years in the immortal path, Qin Sang had only acquired a handful of such arts, like the 'Soul Nurturing Sword Chapter'.

There were quite a few jade slips here, with more than half related to ice cultivation.

After a quick glance, Qin Sang didn't find anything that met his requirements. He then used the token Tong Lingyu had given him to touch the restrictive formation on the jade screen.

"I'll take 'Cold Netherworld Reverting to Yin'," he stated.

*Whoosh!*

A streak of light shot into Qin Sang's glabella, imprinting the entire secret art deeply into his mind.

Qin Sang confirmed the secret art was complete, then recollected his thoughts and continued to choose his second item.

There were several spirit materials here that could further enhance his Golden Sinking Sword, but they held little significance for Qin Sang. If he couldn't find anything more suitable, he planned to use his remaining two selections to acquire the Primordial Yin Water and the Kan Mirage Pearl.

As his thoughts raced, Qin Sang quickly browsed through most of the treasury. Just as he was about to move to another section, he suddenly noticed a familiar object on a shelf in the middle of the room.

His gaze narrowed, and profound surprise flashed in his eyes.

It was a crystal-clear, seven-story pagoda!

Its shape and size were roughly identical to the seven-story pagoda he had obtained from the Pure Sea Sect's main hall. The only difference was that his pagoda shimmered with vibrant colors, like Buddha's light, while this seven-story pagoda was entirely pure and transparent, as if carved from profound ice.

"Could these be parts of a scattered set of treasures, requiring completion to be activated?" Qin Sang mused.

Qin Sang instinctively felt a connection between the two pagodas. He maintained a calm exterior, his gaze sweeping over other treasures as he slowly approached the seven-story pagoda.

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a slightly yellowed portrait hanging on the innermost wall of the treasury.

The person in the painting exuded an otherworldly aura, appearing distinguished and extraordinary.

Astonishingly, it was the same person depicted in the statue worshipped in the Pure Sea Sect's Buddhist Hall!

"This..."

Qin Sang's mind reeled.

What was the connection between the Pure Sea Sect and Xuan Tian Palace, that they both venerated the same individual? The Boundless Sea Buddhist Sect had emerged; Tong Lingyu must have received news, so why was she seemingly indifferent?

Too many questions arose in his mind. He turned to Tong Lingyu, pointed at the portrait, and asked curiously, "Fellow Daoist Tong, this painting doesn't appear to be a magical artifact. May I ask who this senior in the painting is?"

Tong Lingyu stepped forward, looked at the portrait, and replied, "This is Senior Xiaoxiangzi."