Chapter 1524: Storm

The Human World

Since Liuli dared to take this action, she must be confident.

Qin Sang’s expression was grave.

Shi Xue was even more nervous.

What cultivator attempts a breakthrough without being in their peak state? Liuli was taking such a tremendous risk; failure was a minor concern. Should she incur a backlash, she might be unable to stabilize her cultivation, fundamentally damaging herself and leaving irreparable hidden injuries.

Yet on Liuli's face, there wasn't the slightest trace of hesitation or worry; she was incredibly focused.

In the wilderness.

Vegetation had turned to charcoal, large pits marred the landscape, and all vitality had been extinguished.

Only Liuli sat alone amidst it all, contending with the Great Dao and with herself.

Her expression fluctuated. Shi Xue believed Liuli was in pain from forcing a breakthrough, but only Qin Sang knew clearly that she was enduring the most violent backlash from the evil cultivation imprint.

Every minute and second felt incredibly long, making one unbearably anxious.

Liuli's aura fluctuated significantly, sometimes strong, sometimes weak, and the fluctuations became increasingly frequent, making it extremely unstable and prone to losing control at any moment.

It seemed Liuli was about to face another painful failure.

However, in Qin Sang's view, Liuli was consistently able to maintain her mental focus, and the situation was gradually moving in a positive direction!

A rumbling sound…

The tribulation clouds had clearly dispersed, and the sky was bright.

Yet a muffled, thunder-like sound emanated from the void.

In an instant, the spiritual energy between heaven and earth suddenly stirred, surging wildly towards the center of the wilderness. Spiritual energy surged like a tide, gathering around Liuli at an extremely fast pace.

At this moment, Liuli’s body seemed to become a funnel, absorbing spiritual energy like a whale swallowing rivers. Simultaneously, her aura grew stronger and stronger, breaking through the bottleneck with an unstoppable momentum!

“It’s done?”

Shi Xue looked at the astonishing celestial phenomena in the wilderness, still finding it somewhat unbelievable.

Her junior sister had actually done it!

Qin Sang nodded, his eyes openly showing his admiration for Liuli. “Congratulations! To break through under heavenly tribulation, besides Liuli, few people could probably achieve it.”

“I share in your joy…”

Shi Xue grinned broadly, genuinely happy for Liuli from the bottom of her heart.

Qin Sang waved his hand, conjuring several formation flags to seal off the wilderness with a grand formation. He turned and said, “Let’s return first, so as not to disturb her. She has just broken through and still needs to stabilize her realm.”

Shi Xue reluctantly glanced at Liuli and then followed Qin Sang back to the Taoist temple.

On the way, Qin Sang looked Shi Xue up and down, his heart stirring slightly. He said with a smile, “Should I congratulate the sect leader in advance?”

“Thanks to my junior sister’s guidance,” Shi Xue replied with a smile, though her tone was humble, “I gained a deeper understanding of the Ice Soul Divine Light, feeling as if a veil had been lifted. My own cultivation has also benefited. However, whether these insights will enable me to break through is still unknown; I don’t possess my junior sister’s remarkable talent.”

Hearing this, Qin Sang nodded gently. It seemed Liuli had made progress in improving the Ice Soul Divine Light.

Two years later.

Green Ram Island.

Waves gently lapped against the rocky shore, splashing up white foam and creating a pleasant, rhythmic sound.

On a standing rock by the shore, five people stood.

Qin Sang and Liuli stood side by side, their backs to the azure sea and sky, looking at the three people who were seeing them off: Tan Hao, Jing Yu, and Shi Xue.

During these two years, Liuli stabilized her cultivation and returned to the Northern Star Realm with Qin Sang to examine the ruins left behind after the Ziwei Palace ascended.

After the two of them had dealt with all miscellaneous matters, they decided to set off.

Qin Sang primarily arranged matters for Green Ram Monastery and several old acquaintances, having no lingering worries himself.

Green Ram Monastery had settled into its routine, and his task was thus complete.

Liuli’s situation was even simpler.

Her involvement with the Profound Heaven Palace was never deep to begin with. Following her master’s orders, she returned to Listening Snow Tower, always presenting herself as a cold beauty, and had almost no friends besides Shi Xue.

Her improvements to the Ice Soul Divine Light were sufficient repayment from them, master and disciple, to their sect.

Although the difficulty of cultivating this divine ability was still very high, at least future disciples of Listening Snow Tower would have hope of mastering it, and the sect would not fall to the lowest rank among the main branches.

“The journey is long and far, fellow Daoists, there’s no need to see us off further!”

Qin Sang cupped his hands and gave a carefree smile.

Only Shi Xue in Listening Snow Tower knew Liuli's whereabouts.

Shi Xue grasped Liuli's hand, advising her with no small amount of worry: “Junior sister, please be extremely careful. If Central Continent is truly as prosperous as described, there will certainly be no shortage of top experts and formidable powers. Alas, you are too rushed; it would be safer to wait until you break through to the late stage before setting off.”

Jing Yu said with a gentle smile, “I have never doubted Fellow Daoist Qin’s ability. Now with Fellow Daoist Liuli’s assistance, you will surely turn calamities into blessings! We will guard Fellow Daoist Qin’s orthodoxy here and await your triumphant return with good news!”

Tan Hao nodded emphatically, “We will not fail your trust!”

At their level of cultivation, they were already familiar with parting ways and death.

There wasn't much small talk.

As the three watched them leave, Qin Sang and Liuli departed discreetly, moving further and further away until their figures vanished into the turquoise waves.

Avoiding public attention, they quietly fled from the Cui Ming Islands. Then they accelerated, racing all the way northeast, eventually reaching the edge of the storm zone directly east of the demon realm.

That’s right, the first step to Central Continent was not south, but east!

The two made slight adjustments in the storm zone, ensuring they were in prime condition, and set off immediately.

Before departing, Qin Sang and Liuli turned back, gazing for a long time. They likely wouldn’t see such a peaceful and serene sight for a very long time.

“Let’s go.”

Qin Sang looked at Liuli and said softly.

Liuli had been continuously looking north. Finally, she gazed deeply into the depths of the firmament and summoned the Ten Directions Earth-Splitting Divine Shuttle.

The two flashed and entered it. The Ten Directions Earth-Splitting Divine Shuttle transformed into a ray of green light and charged into the storm zone.

After their departure, rumors were released from Green Ram Monastery and Listening Snow Tower that Qin Sang and his wife Liuli were both in seclusion on Green Ram Island, jointly comprehending the Great Dao, and would not cease until they broke through to the late Nascent Soul stage.

During Green Ram Monastery’s celebration, Qin Sang had already hinted at this.

After they left, the legend of the Twin Evils of the Northern Star not only showed no sign of fading but became increasingly outlandish. However, no one ever saw the true faces of the Twin Evils of the Northern Star again.

The battle at the Holy Land had far-reaching implications.

For a long time thereafter, the North Sea, surprisingly, had no large-scale conflicts.

The Profound Heaven Palace suffered internal strife, and its vitality was severely damaged.

Tong Lingyu not only had to prepare for her own breakthrough to the late Nascent Soul stage but also had to help Luo Yun heal and stabilize the sect’s situation. She had no energy for expansion; at most, she could spare some forces to carve up some important islands in the Boundless Sea.

Yin Changsheng had fallen, and the Nine-Headed Great Sage was unchecked and restless, ready to act.

However, the Great Peng Sage and many demon kings had perished in the Holy Land. Even if the Nine-Headed Great Sage’s strength was greater and it gathered all the current strength of the demon race, it was powerless to break out of the demon realm and confront the entire human race. It could only retreat into the demon realm and continue to lie low.

As for the demonic path, it lost not only its top experts among demonic cultivators but also many demonic inheritances buried together at the bottom of the Linglong Pagoda. It would probably be difficult for it to regain its influence within a thousand years.

Originally, the Boundless Sea was a paradise for evil cults and demonic practitioners, but now the situation was reversed. These evil cultivators were powerless to stop the infiltration of righteous forces, were frequently hunted down, forced to leave their homes, hide everywhere, and live difficult lives.

The Myriad Demon Assembly, however, continued, but its name no longer matched its reality; it had become a grand event for the entire North Sea.

Green Ram Monastery steadily developed in this environment.

The Twin Evils of the Northern Star were still notorious, and their lingering prestige remained.

Green Ram Monastery and Profound Heaven Palace clearly had a close relationship.

Although the Twin Evils of the Northern Star never appeared, Green Ram Monastery did not lack Nascent Soul cultivators. Tan Hao was openly present, and Jing Yu, who could not openly show his face, was widely rumored to be a mysterious master.

Initially, no one dared to underestimate Green Ram Monastery.

When disciples traveled outside and others learned they were from Green Ram Monastery, they were all treated with great respect.

Until much later, the Twin Evils of the Northern Star completely disappeared without a trace, never publicly appearing again. Their legend gradually lost credibility, and some began to question their existence.

Perhaps they were afflicted by a backlash from a secret art and died in their cave dwelling, having merely pretended to be supernatural all these years.

Perhaps they were severely injured and had long since perished. If they truly suppressed so many demon and monster powerhouses, how could there have been no cost at all?

By then, Green Ram Monastery had already grown and no longer feared rumors.

However, none of this concerned Qin Sang and Liuli, who had already journeyed far away.

They could not have accurately predicted how the North Sea’s situation would develop in the future. Currently, they were fully concentrated, single-mindedly dealing with the storm’s impact.

The sky was dark and the earth was dim.

The hurricanes were like messy ink splashes poured down from the sky, wantonly smearing this realm, shattering all tranquility, and bringing forth a doomsday-like scene.

Amidst the chaotic hurricanes.

A point of green light maneuvered and dodged, rapidly traversing the space.

The green light was not bright; compared to the overwhelming storm, it was as faint as a dying candle, making one unable to help but worry that it could be extinguished by the hurricane at any moment.

Qin Sang, his avatar, and Liuli were squeezed into the interior space of the Ten Directions Earth-Splitting Divine Shuttle, trying their best to reduce the shuttle’s presence to avoid attracting unknown dangers.

At this time, Liuli was controlling the divine shuttle.

Qin Sang looked sideways, gazing profoundly out of the divine shuttle.

He was not unfamiliar with the storm zone, but this time was different.

When he first entered the North Sea, although he expended a great deal of energy, he was certain that as long as he continued forward, he could pass through the storm zone and reach the North Sea.

This journey, however, had an uncertain path ahead.

They needed to detour a long way, passing through one refuge after another, before they could reach Central Continent.

Qin Sang estimated that even if everything went smoothly, it would still take years.

The storm zone, however, was fraught with danger; any slight variable could lead to their demise. After reaching a refuge, they had to be extra careful and cautiously confirm the conditions of the path ahead.

The time spent would multiply.

The first refuge was directly to the east; the sea map depicted a tree, a tree beneath the sea surface.

According to their estimated progress, Liuli and the avatar, controlling the divine shuttle consecutively, should be able to reach the vicinity of that tree before the avatar’s energy was depleted, without needing to consume elixirs or absorb spirit stones.

Qin Sang’s main body had the strongest power.

Unless absolutely necessary, he would try his best to maintain his main body’s combat power to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

Whooshing sounds…

One after another, gray hurricanes almost brushed against the Ten Directions Earth-Splitting Divine Shuttle, sweeping past at extreme speed.

The storms were unpredictable.

Liuli held the Moon-Gazing Rhinoceros Horn in one hand, skillfully maneuvering the divine shuttle to dodge. Sometimes leaping high, sometimes moving in winding paths, she exploited every opening, like dancing on the tip of a blade.

If it were a low-level cultivator, let alone controlling the divine shuttle, facing constant danger with their mental state constantly tense, they would probably collapse themselves in a short time.

As they gradually delved deeper into the storm zone.

Even hiding inside the divine shuttle, Qin Sang still felt increasingly suppressed, and this was not even the most terrifying part of the storm.

Qin Sang gently exhaled, clearing his mind of distracting thoughts, as a demonic banner appeared in his palm.

He immersed himself in meditation, activating the fire lotus in his Violet Mansion, silently refining the demonic flame, and cultivating the “Fire Seed Golden Lotus” technique.

His external avatar sat cross-legged beside Qin Sang, also cultivating a secret art.

Liuli had already kept her promise and passed on the “Ice Soul Divine Light” to him.

After weighing the options, Qin Sang finally decided to let his avatar attempt the “Ice Soul Divine Light” first.

Although it was very difficult, once mastered, the intangible Ice Soul Divine Light could assist his main body in restraining opponents, producing miraculous effects.

It was more suitable for an external avatar than the Netherfall Divine Seal and the Profound Heaven Grand Grasp.

In addition to this.

Qin Sang’s spirit insects were also working hard.

The Heavenly Eye Butterfly had only recently advanced and was still far from the late stage of its Fourth Transformation.

The Fiery Jade Centipede had failed to break through to its Fourth Transformation. This time, Qin Sang had commissioned the refinement of many Fire-Melting Pills, enough for the journey, hoping to use the massive quantity of pills to help it overcome its bottleneck.

The fat silkworm had fallen silent after consuming the toad-fish’s venom sacs, no longer cried out for food, and had been continuously sleeping.

Qin Sang didn’t know if the fat silkworm would undergo metamorphosis. He could only pray it wouldn’t cause trouble in the storm zone. Though the spiritual insect tribulation was weaker, it would still be a big problem in this place.

As for Ya Gu, Qin Sang still had no good way to help her.

He had already fully inscribed the bone curse taught by Bai onto Ya Gu’s body.

The effect was significant.

Ya Gu’s spirit was stable, her aura steady, and her small face rosy; she showed no signs of aging. She looked as if she were asleep, but there were still no signs of her waking up.

Qin Sang could only hope the fat silkworm would advance to its Fourth Transformation, perhaps bringing new changes for Ya Gu.

A rumbling sound…

The hurricanes roared, drowning out the sound of the Ten Directions Earth-Splitting Divine Shuttle’s rapid flight.

In the storm zone, there was no distinction between day and night.

They didn’t know how long they had been flying, but still saw no end.

Even though the divine shuttle didn't consume much energy, Liuli’s true essence had already been depleted by seventy to eighty percent. Her focused expression now showed a hint of fatigue.

Her eyes flickered, and taking advantage of a moment when the storm was less fierce, she woke up Qin Sang’s external avatar.

The external avatar awoke, expressed its appreciation for her hard work, and immediately took over the Moon-Gazing Rhinoceros Horn and control of the divine shuttle.

Liuli nodded, closed her eyes tightly, and began recovering, making every second count.

However, the spiritual energy in the storm zone was too chaotic, unlike the stable environment of a refuge. The efficiency was too low; in such a place, one still had to rely on spirit pills and spirit stones.

Of these two things, she and Qin Sang had prepared a lot.

It differed somewhat from Qin Sang’s expectations.

It wasn’t until the external avatar’s energy was depleted, and Qin Sang took over and flew for a while longer, that they finally reached the location recorded on the sea map.

The scenery in the storm zone was monotonous.

This place was no exception.

Qin Sang glanced at the turbulent seawater below, while secretly performing a mental incantation to sense. A moment later, his expression brightened, and he suddenly controlled the divine shuttle to descend at extreme speed.

The sea was not a pure land; chaotic forces were omnipresent.

Qin Sang dodged the turbulent currents, his target clear. After flying not far, the Heavenly Eye Butterfly was the first to spot a slender shadow.

Just as depicted on the sea map.

It was a tree with a slender trunk, standing unmoving amidst the turbulent currents. Growing from the seabed, its depth unknown, its trunk was straight until it expanded into a crown at its very top.

It was not the kind of tree found on land but more like coral.

The tree crown was about the size of a house, but how tiny it seemed in the vast ocean.

Moreover, the entire coral tree was gray, had no special fluctuations, and was completely invisible from the sea surface.

Qin Sang clicked his tongue in wonder. He truly wondered how the predecessor who drew the sea map discovered this place.

He scanned the surroundings, confirming there was no danger nearby. He controlled the divine shuttle, flying directly towards a branch, and feeling no obstruction, landed lightly.