Chapter 1474: Washing Pool

'Clink!'

Liu Li gently set down her jade cup.

Qin Sang had a faint premonition and straightened his expression as well.

"Qin... Daoist priest, have you heard the legend of the Buddhist Washing Pool?" Liu Li asked softly.

In the North Sea Immortal Cultivation World, Buddhism was in decline, incomparable to Daoism. Qin Sang had cultivated for several centuries, and the Buddhist sects he encountered were few and far between. Among them, only the Jinghai Sect was notable, but its lineage had also been severed, and it suffered the calamity of annihilation.

However, legends about Buddhism were not few. The Washing Pool was said to be one of the Buddha's supreme treasures. It was rumored that even a mortal without any cultivation, upon entering the Washing Pool, could cleanse themselves of all karma, achieve enlightenment, and escape the cycle of reincarnation. Daoism also had similar legends: a mortal consuming a Nine-Reversal Golden Elixir would ascend to immortality in a single step. Even among these wondrous legends, the Washing Pool and the Nine-Reversal Golden Elixir were considered among the most incredible, seeming more like figments of mortal imagination. Cultivators would not harbor such unrealistic fantasies.

Qin Sang had heard some of these legends, more or less, but had never paid them any mind. He nodded slightly, smiling as he retorted, "Fairy, surely you're not going to tell me such a divine artifact truly exists in this world?" Even if the Washing Pool genuinely existed, it could only be found in the Immortal Realm or the Buddha Lands.

Liu Li did not answer directly but turned to look at Shi Xue, seemingly seeking her permission.

Shi Xue cleared her throat and said to Qin Sang, "Daoist priest, you are an honored guest elder recognized by myself, the Head, and Hall Master Jiang. Revealing this secret to you is not breaking the rules. However, before that, we need you to swear an oath upon your inner demons that the contents of our upcoming conversation will never be revealed to a fourth person!"

Qin Sang's expression flickered slightly, finding it somewhat unbelievable. Does the Profound Heaven Palace truly possess a Washing Pool? What Qin Sang found even stranger was why Shi Xue and Liu Li were telling him this.

Without the slightest hesitation, Qin Sang, with great familiarity, swore an oath upon his inner demons, promising never to reveal the secret. Shi Xue nodded to Liu Li.

Only then did Liu Li turn to Qin Sang and continue, "Only the four main lineages know the full extent of this secret. Within the Profound Heaven Palace's sacred land, there is a Washing Pool. Its efficacy cannot compare to a Buddhist holy relic, but if a cultivator enters it, they can increase the speed at which they absorb spiritual energy during future cultivation. This is equivalent to indirectly enhancing their talent, and it even has some effect on cultivators with Heavenly Spiritual Roots. According to our predecessors' deductions, the worse one's spiritual root talent, the better the potential enhancement."

As she spoke the last sentence, Liu Li slightly emphasized her tone. When she was at Shaohua Mountain, she had already thoroughly investigated Qin Sang. She knew he was born with Five Spiritual Roots, the worst talent among cultivators, making it highly unlikely for him to achieve anything in the immortal path; otherwise, he wouldn't have had to indenture himself to reach Foundation Establishment. Yet, she had no idea what fortuitous encounter this person had later stumbled upon, allowing him to reach this stage with only an incomplete cultivation method that split the soul. This was Liu Li's greatest puzzle after reuniting with Qin Sang.

Shi Xue leaned back slightly in her chair, savoring her tea, waiting to observe Qin Sang's reaction. Liu Li had not revealed Qin Sang's information to her. Shi Xue estimated that Qin Sang's talent was likely also Heavenly Spiritual Roots, or at least Dual Spiritual Roots. However, no matter how good one's talent, they couldn't resist the allure of the Washing Pool; this was a lifelong benefit and a great opportunity. Improving cultivation speed, even if it only saved a year of arduous cultivation, meant an extra sliver of hope for breaking through a bottleneck and an additional possibility of entering a higher realm. Aside from her stubborn junior sister, Shi Xue found it hard to imagine anyone refusing such a temptation.

"What?"

As Shi Xue had expected, even with Qin Sang's temperament, he was extremely surprised and incredulous upon hearing Liu Li's words. After cultivating for several centuries, Qin Sang had repeatedly recognized the harshness of the immortal cultivation world. Insufficient talent meant difficulties everywhere, requiring every possible means to compensate. Methods to improve talent acquired after birth were extremely rare. The only one Qin Sang knew was the 'Soul Nurturing Sword Chapter,' and it was precisely by relying on this technique that he reached his current stage. Even if the Washing Pool only increased the speed of spiritual energy absorption and didn't truly enhance talent, it was still something all cultivators yearned for. It was no wonder the Profound Heaven Palace could flourish indefinitely with grand cultivators emerging constantly, as they exclusively possessed the Washing Pool. With the killing talismans inscribed on his natal spiritual sword, Qin Sang's cultivation speed already surpassed that of Dual Spiritual Root cultivators. If he could gain the opportunity to enter the Washing Pool, he might even catch up to or surpass Liu Li in the future.

However, Qin Sang did not let his head be swayed. He never believed in such good things falling from the sky. He quickly suppressed his fantasies, his gaze sweeping over Shi Xue and Liu Li's faces. After a moment of contemplation, he countered, "What do you two fairies mean by telling this secret to me? The Profound Heaven Palace surely wouldn't grant the qualification to enter the Washing Pool to an outsider guest elder, would it?"

Seeing Qin Sang recover his composure so quickly, a hint of surprise flashed in Shi Xue's eyes as she explained on Liu Li's behalf. "Only when the sacred land opens can one enter the Washing Pool. The area outside the Washing Pool has been sealed by powerful restrictions for an unknown period. Each time, only one person has the chance to enter, and sometimes, they must contend with each other. If no one enters within the allotted time, the Washing Pool will close on its own. Furthermore, to prevent the opportunity from being wasted by ordinary individuals, the Washing Pool has an ironclad rule..."

At this point, Shi Xue revealed a helpless expression, saying glumly, "One must be a Nascent Soul cultivator and break through to the Mid Nascent Soul stage within three hundred years of forming their Nascent Soul, which is before the first Heavenly Tribulation arrives, to be qualified to enter the Washing Pool."

This restriction completely discouraged most cultivators in the Profound Heaven Palace, including Shi Xue herself. She had already passed her first Heavenly Tribulation and was still stuck in the Early Nascent Soul stage, making her an 'ordinary individual' in this context. Shi Xue's anxious concern for Liu Li, leading her to seek the 'Divine Maiden's Heart Canon' from the Luo family, was not unrelated to the Washing Pool. Liu Li's talent was exceptional. If she hadn't been entangled by emotional distress, she would surely have broken through to the Mid Nascent Soul stage before her first Heavenly Tribulation arrived, and with her powerful Ice Soul Divine Light, she would have secured the qualification to enter the Washing Pool. In the future, Liu Li could potentially succeed to the position of Grand Elder and revitalize the Listening Snow Pavilion.

The Washing Pool was perhaps left behind by a Profound Heaven Palace ancestor to ensure its perpetual prosperity. Unfortunately, after several internal strifes, the Profound Heaven Palace lost many of its ancient texts, and it is now impossible to know which ancestor's legacy it truly is. Throughout the long history of the Profound Heaven Palace, most of those who ascended to the positions of Grand Elder and Palace Master were seniors who had emerged from the Washing Pool. While their exceptional inherent talent was a reason, the role of the Washing Pool should not be overlooked; it served as icing on the cake.

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang subconsciously looked at Liu Li, instantly understanding many things. Calculating the time, Liu Li's first Heavenly Tribulation was not far off. No wonder Shi Xue was so worried that she was acting erratically. Her last attempt to break through the bottleneck was her final chance, but it ended in failure. However, if both of them had agreed to cultivate the 'Divine Maiden's Heart Canon,' Liu Li could have used dual cultivation to resolve the evil technique's imprint and potentially seized the opportunity to break through. But Liu Li showed no hesitation whatsoever, willing to miss out on a great opportunity rather than succumb to the evil technique's imprint. Qin Sang observed carefully, finding no trace of regret in Liu Li's expression. One could only say that good talent allowed for willfulness.

"This condition is indeed somewhat stringent. Even your four main lineages cannot guarantee that cultivators capable of breaking through to the Mid Nascent Soul stage before the first tribulation will always appear, can you?" Qin Sang shifted his gaze from Liu Li's face and continued to question Shi Xue. The current state of Listening Snow Pavilion is an example; even main lineages can decline.

"Indeed," Shi Xue admitted frankly. "Once a disciple with sufficient talent appears, all four lineages will spare no effort to cultivate them. Even so, it's difficult to guarantee that someone can be sent to contend for the Washing Pool every time. However, the Washing Pool opens roughly once every three hundred years. Besides those seniors who have already entered, those who failed to secure a spot last time can continue to participate in the competition before their second Heavenly Tribulation arrives. Additionally, we have tried various methods. For example, when an exceptionally talented individual appears in a branch lineage, we absorb them or even merge the branch lineage into a main one, though this is quite troublesome. Others resort to unorthodox methods, even unsavory demonic evil arts, to forcibly raise their cultivation realm, even if temporarily. Even if it leaves some hidden dangers, it's worth it if it can secure the qualification to enter the Washing Pool." As she spoke, Shi Xue subconsciously glanced at Liu Li. Her obtaining the 'Divine Maiden's Secret Canon' for Liu Li was precisely out of this mindset. However, Liu Li did not accept.

As Qin Sang listened to Shi Xue's explanation, his thoughts stirred. He indeed met the requirements, and Qin Sang was confident that as long as he could enter the sacred land, the qualification to enter the Washing Pool this time would undoubtedly be his, unless Tong Lingyu and the Palace Master personally intervened.

Qin Sang's expression shifted slightly, his eyes flickering. He vaguely guessed some things, gave Liu Li a deep, meaningful look, and pointedly said, "Unfortunately, I do not belong to a main lineage, nor a branch lineage; I am an outsider." The reason guest elders are called 'guest' elders is that they are not required to bear the responsibility of continuing the sect's lineage. Correspondingly, they are not qualified to delve into the sect's true secrets. How could the Profound Heaven Palace grant such a significant opportunity to an outsider?

Shi Xue opened her mouth, about to explain. Liu Li, who had been silent, finally spoke, "At the beginning of the reconciliation between the four lineages, there was a resolution. External cultivators who sincerely join the Profound Heaven Palace can also be treated equally, but they must have a convincing reason and sufficiently deep ties to ensure they will not betray the sect." She paused slightly, then stated gravely, "For example, a marriage alliance!"

Before Qin Sang could speak, Shi Xue interjected and added, "The Profound Heaven Palace occupies an entire realm and has never lacked geniuses. Such matters are not common, but they are not without precedent. However, these cultivators, like those seniors who have participated in the contention multiple times, will face restrictions. For Profound Heaven Palace cultivators, the difficulty of the restriction test is lowered by one level when they participate for the first time. But these individuals must overcome the full set of restrictions, and only those with extremely strong cultivation, like yourself, Daoist priest, would have any hope." As she spoke of these things, Shi Xue kept looking at Qin Sang, her tone relaxed. Having personally witnessed Qin Sang's methods, she understood his strength better than anyone. As long as Qin Sang was willing to act, he was sure to succeed.

"I'm a bit confused, Daoist priests. Are you suggesting a marriage alliance between me and a fellow Daoist from Listening Snow Pavilion, after saying all this?" Qin Sang frowned.

"With me," To his surprise, Liu Li stepped forward proactively, "It doesn't involve anyone else."

Shi Xue looked helpless. "Within Listening Snow Pavilion, only my junior sister and I, along with another senior sister, have sufficient status and cultivation to persuade the Palace Master and the other three lineages... my junior sister doesn't want to involve us." As she spoke, Shi Xue suddenly stood up. "I just remembered something important I almost forgot. Junior sister, you stay here and discuss this matter with the Daoist priest."

Qin Sang watched Shi Xue's hurried departure, laughing to himself. Only after Shi Xue had gone far, he withdrew his gaze, sighed, and said, "I am indeed quite tempted by the Washing Pool. However, if it's just for show, I'm afraid it won't escape the discerning eyes of the Palace Master and the elders, will it?" This was clearly different from the 'indentured Foundation Establishment.' The last time was a simple transaction, settled after its completion. Had it not been for so many unexpected events, they would have long been strangers. Forming a true Daoist partnership with Liu Li this time would create many future entanglements. It would be fine if it were mutual. Although he and Liu Li had known each other for centuries and shared an ill-fated connection, there were no genuine feelings involved. Liu Li was trapped by the evil technique's imprint, and her feelings for him were also false. Liu Li had resolutely refused dual cultivation, yet she proactively proposed a marriage alliance and presented a grand gift that no one could refuse. It seemed strange no matter how he thought about it.

Liu Li's gaze slightly lowered, and she lightly bit her lip, her tone still cold, "We cultivated the 'Profound Womb Jade Cauldron True Scripture'." Qin Sang understood. The imprint remained, creating a connection between him and Liu Li that others did not possess. If they could use this to deceive everyone, it would indeed be simple.

"I cannot accept benefits without contributing, Fairy. You must have additional requirements, correct? What must I do to earn this opportunity?" Hearing this, Liu Li was not surprised. Given Qin Sang's intellect, it would be odd if he couldn't guess.

"After you enter the Washing Pool, help me retrieve a treasure from the bottom of the pool."

"A treasure inside the Washing Pool?" Qin Sang immediately realized the danger and asked solemnly, "If I take this item out, will it cause anomalies in the Washing Pool, or be detected by the Palace Master and the Grand Elder?" How could a treasure from such an important place be ordinary? If the Profound Heaven Palace discovered it, it wouldn't be surprising if it led to a calamitous slaughter.

Liu Li explained carefully. "This item was accidentally discovered by my master when she entered the Washing Pool; others likely don't know about it. My master tried to retrieve it, but unfortunately, her strength was insufficient. The restrictions at the bottom of the pool are very dangerous. However, my master was already close at the time and attempted to move the item, and the Washing Pool showed no reaction. Unless one's strength is exceptionally great, only by leveraging the Ice Soul Divine Light can this item be retrieved. This is part of why I cultivate the Ice Soul Divine Light. Your strength far surpasses cultivators of the same stage, so there is great hope. At that time, I will condense a strand of Ice Soul Divine Light into a talisman, but its power will inevitably be weakened, and it may not be effective." A complex emotion flashed in Liu Li's eyes. Her cultivation of the Ice Soul Divine Light was originally intended to serve multiple purposes. Even using a treasure inferior to the Yinli Pearl, Liu Li had more than a fifty percent chance of breaking through to the Mid Nascent Soul stage. But all her plans were disrupted after reuniting with Qin Sang. The influence of the evil technique was more terrifying than imagined. Facing Qin Sang directly, the imprint was impacted, the Ice Soul Sealing Emotion failed, directly leading to her breakthrough failure.

Qin Sang pondered silently. Liu Li stating a clear demand actually put him at ease; he could adapt as needed later. Taking some risks for the Washing Pool was worth it. Having figured this out, Qin Sang inquired about the Washing Pool's restrictions. Liu Li handed him a jade slip. "It's all in here." Qin Sang nodded, taking the jade slip, thus agreeing to the matter.

"What else do I need to do now?"

"Stage a grand wedding." Liu Li paused, then added, "A fake one."