Chapter 1475: Meeting the Palace Master

"What if the treasure isn't there? How would I find it?"

Qin Sang briefly scanned the contents of the jade slip.

As expected, the restrictions surrounding the Cleansing Pool were not static. Each lineage guarded its own methods, making it impossible to fully discern all the patterns of the restrictions. More often than not, he would need to adapt on the fly.

He was concerned that the restrictions inside the Cleansing Pool might also change, causing the treasure to move elsewhere.

Additionally, his forceful entry into the bottom of the Cleansing Pool might also trigger unpredictable changes.

Back then, Bingyao lacked sufficient strength and knew little about the situation at the bottom of the Cleansing Pool. Based solely on the information in the jade slip, Qin Sang could not make an accurate judgment.

His cultivation technique differed from that of Liuli and her master, so he couldn't sense the treasure's fluctuations.

The Ice Soul Divine Light that Liuli had sealed within the talisman was inert and could only be used to pry loose the treasure.

The space at the bottom of the Cleansing Pool was indeed small, but it was heavily guarded by ancient restrictions.

Once the time was up, the Cleansing Pool would automatically close and generate a repelling force. Even with the assistance of the Sky Eye Butterfly, it would be impossible for Qin Sang to search it inch by inch.

"There shouldn't be anything else at the bottom of the Cleansing Pool..."

Liuli furrowed her brows slightly, and after a moment of thought, began to speak of another secret.

"My master sensed a familiar fluctuation at the bottom of the Cleansing Pool, which was very similar to that of Taotie Lake, another forbidden area in the Holy Land. She suspected that the restrictions in the two places were connected.

"However, even if the two places are connected, it would still require a very high cultivation level to affect the Cleansing Pool from the outside.

"My master had originally planned that once she was strong enough, she would cooperate with the disciple entering the Cleansing Pool to act in concert and obtain this treasure. Unfortunately, shortly after leaving the Holy Land that time, my master left Xuantiangong and never had the chance to enter.

"At that time, I will simultaneously enter Taotie Lake and activate the restrictions at the bottom of the lake. However, my cultivation level isn't high enough, so I probably won't be able to help you much."

Speaking of her master, a hint of sadness flickered across Liuli's expression. She briefly explained, "My master once said that with the help of this treasure, the perfected Ice Soul Divine Light could be condensed once more, bringing about peculiar changes. I could have used this treasure to save my master, but now it's no longer needed. For me, what's more important is the opportunity to refine this treasure and attempt to break through my bottleneck again."

It wasn't that Liuli hadn't considered the possibility of breakthrough failure; she already had contingencies in place. She was confident that she could convince Qin Sang by offering him the chance to enter the Cleansing Pool.

Once she cleared this obstacle, the imprint of the evil cultivation technique could be slowly dealt with later.

Qin Sang understood immediately, thinking to himself, "So that's how it is."

Looking at Liuli reminded Qin Sang of himself.

At this moment, Qin Sang finally discovered a commonality between him and Liuli.

Though their inner convictions differed and their choices varied, they had similar experiences.

Qin Sang had also been plagued by the hidden dangers of an evil cultivation technique and had relentlessly sought a solution, never giving up. Ultimately, he had arrived at his current state, step by step.

Now, Liuli was in a similar situation.

Only by proceeding step by step and overcoming repeated difficulties and obstacles would the clouds eventually part and success be found.

"Whether it works or not, it never hurts to be more prepared," Qin Sang said, and immediately discussed the details of their plan with Liuli.

A short while later.

Qin Sang and Liuli both emerged from the cave dwelling and flew together towards the main peak.

Shi Xue was in the Great Hall of the Peak Master, absentmindedly handling routine matters. Seeing their figures appear at the entrance, she immediately put down the jade slip in her hand, stood up, and asked repeatedly, "Have you two decided?"

Qin Sang and Liuli nodded in unison.

Shi Xue looked them over, back and forth, a smile playing on her lips. "You truly are a match made in heaven! Alright, jokes aside. I will now draft the invitations and have them sent to Lingxiao Peak and all the various lineages. Given the current invasion by the demon race and these turbulent times, we can forgo many of the usual customs. I will ask Hall Master Jiang to choose an auspicious date. On the day of the grand wedding, we'll simply invite all the lineages to attend the ceremony."

She also understood that Qin Sang and Liuli were merely putting on a show and were not truly becoming cultivation partners.

Formal proposals and betrothal gifts would be omitted if possible, and everything would be kept simple.

However, some necessary rituals still had to be performed.

Liuli was the last disciple of Listening Snow Tower's previous peak master and the junior sister of the current peak master. The grand ceremony certainly had to be conducted splendidly to avoid damaging the reputation of the Listening Snow Tower lineage.

Essentially, cultivators were no different from mortals.

Shi Xue already had a plan for this, and the disciples of Listening Snow Tower would take care of the hard work on their behalf, without Qin Sang and Liuli needing to worry.

Listening to Shi Xue's incessant chatter, Qin Sang felt a sense of unreality. Ever since dedicating himself to the immortal path, Qin Sang had never imagined that he would one day have a grand wedding, and such a complicated one at that.

Given his temperament, even if he genuinely became cultivation partners with a fellow practitioner, he wouldn't make such a grand display. At most, he would place spirit tablets in his cave dwelling and pay respects to his parents from his previous life as a small comfort.

Shi Xue was very enthusiastic about this matter and grew more excited with each detail she mentioned. Suddenly, she remembered something. "I almost forgot," she said, "before the grand ceremony, you both need to go to Lingxiao Peak to pay respects to the Palace Master and the Grand Elder. Especially since Daoist Master wasn't originally a disciple of Xuantiangong, this ritual cannot be omitted. The sooner, the better."

A look of concern flashed across her face. "The Palace Master is extremely perceptive. Are you confident you can deceive him?"

When cultivators become cultivation partners, they must be kindred spirits, and their Dao Rhythms must be harmonious. This cannot be faked, unlike mortals, where simply holding a wedding makes them husband and wife.

Qin Sang and Liuli exchanged glances. "It should be fine," they replied.

"That's good then."

Shi Xue didn't press for details, choosing to trust them. "Please wait a moment," she said. "I will write a letter by hand for you to take to Yuanji Hall and hand it to Hall Master Jiang. Daoist Master should also meet Senior Martial Uncle Jiang."

Following this, Shi Xue rang the ancient bell and issued orders to the disciples of all peaks to prepare to publicly announce Qin Sang's status as an honored elder and this joyous news.

As the bell chimed, figures flew out from every peak.

From across Listening Snow Tower, including two Nascent Soul cultivators who had just returned from the battlefield and were recuperating in the mountains, they gradually arrived at the main peak to assemble.

Just as Qin Sang and Liuli were waiting in the great hall.

Liuli gazed towards Lingxiao Peak, hesitated for a moment, and transmitted a message: "Be careful of the Palace Master."

"Hm?"

Qin Sang's expression suddenly froze as he stared intently at Liuli, his gaze scrutinizing.

Liuli remained silent for a moment, then said: "Before I left, my master warned me about this. She once said that every time she faced the Palace Master, she felt an inexplicable sense of dread. Back then, shortly after leaving the Holy Land, my master left Xuantiangong alone. During her travels, she encountered a great opportunity, discovered the Ice Soul Gangying, and broke through to the late Nascent Soul stage in a very short time. Yet, instead of returning to Xuantiangong, she traversed the storm belt and went to the Northern Star Realm. Even when she was trapped in the Ziwei Palace, my master forbade me from seeking help from the Palace Master."

"Why?"

Liuli's eyes showed a hint of confusion. "Perhaps my master didn't know the exact reason; it was just a feeling. Cultivating the Ice Soul Divine Light makes one's spiritual senses clearer than average. She only said that if I returned to the sect and the Palace Master hadn't perished, I should try to stay far from him and ideally avoid meeting him alone."

Qin Sang's brows furrowed tightly, and he pondered for a long time. Then he looked up and asked, "I heard that Yin Changsheng is from the era before Old Man Hunmo."

"Yes."