Chapter 1531: Ganlu Zen Monastery (4k)

Watching the footage of the fierce beast's might again, everyone instinctively held their breath. The recording abruptly stopped when the purple lightning appeared.

"I wonder who is stronger, the Grand Elder or this fierce beast!" the long-bearded Daoist priest exclaimed, exhaling a turbid breath. A look of longing appeared on his face as he recalled something. "How long has it been since we last saw the Grand Elder in action?"

Beside him, an old Daoist priest whose hair and beard were completely white and who appeared to be the oldest person present, stroked his beard and smiled, sharing in the pride. "I was too young to attend that ceremony back then, and I regret it to this day," the female Daoist priestess, who had been about to sit cross-legged in meditation, chimed in.

The mention of their own Grand Elder, who was no weaker than the mysterious fierce beast, dispelled the oppressive atmosphere brought by the beast. The long-bearded Daoist priest looked at the purple-robed old man and said, "It appears now that the fierce beast is simply wild by nature, with no diminishment in combat power, and its spiritual perception of danger is exceptionally keen. It would be very difficult to lure it into a trap. The 'Sword Jade Thunder Sound Array' and the 'Vajra Subduing Demon Array', two major formations specifically designed for trapping and killing, cannot hold back the fierce beast. Within the storm zone, our own combat capabilities will also be limited. The fierce beast moves freely, so it will be difficult for just a few of us to achieve any effective results."

The purple-robed old man frowned, remaining silent. Seeing this, the long-bearded Daoist priest asked, "If it's inconvenient for the Grand Elder to act, why not ask him to issue a decree, gather the strength of various sects, and jointly hunt the beast?"

In truth, the Eight Scenery Temple already commanded considerable influence within the Daoist sect. The problem was that they weren't dealing with just one fierce beast. No one knew how strong the next fierce beast they lured would be, or if there was a limit to the cultivation world's barrier. If they were to attract a late-stage Soul Transformation beast, or even something more terrifying, everyone would be doomed, with no chance of even escaping back into the cultivation world. Using the purple veil to activate the mysterious ancient forbidden spell on the small island, they could instantly teleport people back to the island's vicinity, but the purple veil had a limited capacity; the few of them were already at its limit. For other sects, as long as the cultivation world's barrier didn't collapse, there was no need for them to worry about the storm zone.

The greatest benefit of hunting fierce beasts would likely be the spiritual materials obtained from their flesh and bones. However, fierce beasts grew in the chaotic spiritual energy of the storm zone, and no one knew what mutations they might have undergone; they could very well be useless to cultivators. If various sects joined forces, the share each would receive would be even smaller, with the bulk going to the Eight Scenery Temple. In such circumstances, only the Grand Elder's personal appeal could convince the various sects to take such a risk.

Hearing this, everyone looked over. The purple-robed old man picked up a crystal. The current master of the Eight Scenery Temple, known for his decisive actions, hesitated for a rare moment before finally saying, "The Grand Elder is not currently in the temple."

Everyone was stunned. The Grand Elder was a supreme figure in the world; it was normal for him to leave the Eight Scenery Temple and travel among mortals, without needing to inform his juniors. However, judging by the temple master's expression, it seemed there was more to it.

"After that major upheaval a hundred years ago, the Grand Elder first visited the Sweet Dew Zen Monastery, and then his whereabouts became unknown; he has been out of contact ever since." The purple-robed old man's tone was grave. The pressure he had faced all these years was immense.

The others exchanged serious glances. The long-bearded Daoist priest whispered, "The communication spell sword from before..."

The purple-robed old man glanced at his uneasy disciples, his expression softening, and chuckled, "It was indeed the Grand Elder, no doubt. However, it wasn't sent to the temple itself, but received by a disciple stationed at an overseas immortal mountain." Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, then collectively gave the old man a look of reproach. They never expected the venerable temple master to deliberately scare them.

Nevertheless, they weren't truly at ease. The Grand Elder's disappearance for a century was unprecedented, and his recent appearance was merely a hurried transmission of a spell sword to an overseas outpost. Whatever had kept him occupied for over a century, he hadn't even had time to send a message.

The long-bearded Daoist priest recalled what the temple master had just said: "Wait, the Grand Elder specifically went to the Sweet Dew Zen Monastery before he left. Could it be that Saint Huiguang also...?"

"It's possible, but it's difficult to verify with the Sweet Dew Zen Monastery." The purple-robed old man looked around at everyone. "Outwardly, we will continue to announce that the Grand Elder is in seclusion. We will gather as much information as we can about the fierce beasts and make a decision once the Grand Elder returns."

When the fierce beast emerged victorious, Qin Sang had already fled far away. He hadn't seen the final outcome, but he could infer some things. He just didn't know if the Eight Scenery Temple had suffered any losses after this battle.

The Eight Scenery Temple dared to hunt a Soul Transformation-stage fierce beast, suggesting that even without a Soul Transformation Grand Patriarch, its strength was likely no worse than the Xuan Tian Palace at its peak. It was a formidable force anywhere.

"Central Continent is not only prosperous with complete inheritances, but also understands this world far better than elsewhere. In the North Sea and Canglang Sea, I've never heard of hunting fierce beasts in the storm." Qin Sang felt he had come to the right place; he could finally uncover a mysterious corner of this world.

He was not in a hurry to contact the Eight Scenery Temple. First, the timing wasn't right. Second, his own cultivation was still shallow; his priority was to find the Buddhist bone relics and improve his cultivation realm. Other information could be gathered slowly and progressively.

With his thoughts racing, Qin Sang continued to fly, finally emerging from the storm zone and arriving in the Central Continent!

*Whoosh!*

Inside and outside the barrier were two completely different worlds. "It doesn't seem much different from the North Sea!" After traveling thousands of miles, he finally arrived. Qin Sang hovered over the sea, murmuring to himself in a relaxed tone, "I wonder where Liuli is now." He hadn't expected to shake off the fierce beast so easily; he would have chosen a closer meeting point.

Qin Sang glanced back. Learning from his experience in the North Sea, he suppressed his aura and slowly flew south, quickly moving beyond the storm zone's influence. The sea surface gradually became calm.

A briny sea breeze swept over. The Eye of Heaven Butterfly came out for a breather, landing on Qin Sang's shoulder. Its wings flapped open and closed, seeming quite content, but in reality, it was helping Qin Sang keep watch on the surroundings.

As he traveled, Qin Sang passed several small islands. Due to the unpredictable weather nearby, the islands weren't suitable for habitation, but there were clear signs of human activity. Qin Sang secretly thought his luck was good, as he hadn't ended up in a barbaric sea region.

After flying for a while, Qin Sang finally saw signs of human habitation on one island, though they were all mortals. He asked the mortals about the nearest prosperous large island and immediately rushed there, indeed finding some cultivators on it.

Qin Sang employed some methods and gathered a good deal of information, gaining a general understanding of the situation and forces in the nearby sea region. However, these low-level cultivators had limited knowledge, so Qin Sang needed to find major powers or Golden Core stage cultivators to obtain the information he truly sought.

The sea regions near the storm zone were very barren. Qin Sang needed to continue south, to a place called White Crow Mountain. White Crow Mountain referred to a city on an island. The city was more famous than the island itself, to the point that the island's original name was forgotten.

White Crow Mountain housed the largest cultivators' market within a thousand-mile radius. It was rumored that Golden Core True Lords often frequented it, and the city lord was extremely mysterious, rarely showing his face.

After confirming the direction, Qin Sang immediately set off. Although he was only disguised as a Golden Core stage cultivator, no one dared to provoke him, and his journey was smooth. Soon, he saw an island protruding from the sea.

This island was comparable in size to Green Goat Island. The docks were lined with countless sails, and crowds bustled about, presenting a scene of prosperity. Having not seen such a sight for a long time, Qin Sang paused for a considerable period before stepping towards White Crow Mountain. He walked leisurely, yet his speed was deceptively fast. Some mortals faintly saw a figure in green robes pass by, rubbed their eyes, but found nothing, thinking they had seen a ghost in broad daylight.

Before long, Qin Sang appeared before the city gates of White Crow Mountain. At that moment, an old man hurriedly emerged from within the city gates. Though his appearance was ancient, his spirit was vigorous; he was a late Foundation Establishment stage cultivator. Sensing the Golden Core aura Qin Sang emitted, he smiled broadly and respectfully bowed, saying, "Senior, your presence honors our humble city! This junior is stationed here by the city lord's command. Should you have any requests, this junior would be honored to assist."

Qin Sang glanced at him, tossed out a bag of spirit stones, and said indifferently, "Take me to the best cave dwelling in the city." He planned to rest well for a while first.

The old man squeezed the bag and, seeing Qin Sang's generosity, his smile grew even brighter: "There are three of the best cave dwellings in the market, and one of them happens to be vacant. Please follow me, Senior!" The old man bowed and led the way, with Qin Sang following behind.

Seeing that Qin Sang was simply walking and looking around with interest, the old man didn't dare to rush him. Instead, he thoughtfully began to introduce the local customs and scenery around White Crow Mountain.

As they spoke, the two arrived at the cultivators' market. The market was built on the mountaintop. On one side was the City Lord's Residence, and the cave dwellings on the other side were reserved for outsiders. The old man's status in the city was clearly not low; cultivators they met along the way showed him great respect, implying he was at least a steward in the City Lord's Residence. Qin Sang was a little curious why such a person was assigned to guard the gate.

The closer they got to the cave dwelling, the more tranquil the surroundings became. Qin Sang didn't hide his gaze as he looked towards the City Lord's Residence, pondering inwardly. He hadn't detected the aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator. White Crow Mountain didn't seem worthy of being a Nascent Soul cultivation ground either.

At this point, the old man, seeing no one else around, slowed down and quietly asked, "May I ask, Senior, are you from the Northern Barrens?"

"Northern Barrens?" Qin Sang immediately recalled a few phrases from his jade slip. The Northern Barrens referred to the vast region north of the Central Continent's cultivation world. Since it still went by that name after many years, it seemed the customs and geography of the Central Continent hadn't changed much. This island was not far from the Northern Barrens, so he hadn't strayed off course.

"Why do you ask?" Qin Sang's eyes narrowed slightly, feigning anger, as he stared coldly at the old man.

The old man felt his entire body stiffen and a chill spread through his heart. He quickly said, "Senior, please don't misunderstand, this junior has no intention of prying into your affairs. In recent years, many powerful cultivators like yourself have been drawn by rumors of fierce beasts appearing in the storm, traveling thousands of miles from the Northern Barrens. It is precisely for this reason that the City Lord specifically ordered this junior to guard the city gates, to prevent any ignorant individuals from offending esteemed seniors."

Rumors of fierce beasts! In recent years! Qin Sang keenly caught the key points in his words and snorted, "Why couldn't this old man have come from the Western Desert?"

The Western Desert was similar to the Northern Barrens. The Buddhist bone relics, and his agreed meeting place with Liuli, were located in the Western Desert. The old man chuckled apologetically, "Senior must be jesting. Legend says the Western Desert is the westernmost extreme of the world, and its very edge is also an endless storm. Why would one risk such a perilous journey just to see fierce beasts?"

Qin Sang nodded, feigning disinterest in arguing further. He said lightly, "This old man has been in secluded cultivation for many years and only recently emerged, traveling to this vicinity. Why have I never heard of fierce beasts in the storm zone before?"

The old man suddenly understood. "This junior was presumptuous! To be frank, fierce beasts have only appeared in recent years. It's unknown which senior first spotted them, causing widespread panic. There are rumors that the fierce beasts' lairs have always been nearby, but they stayed hidden, fearing the world's barrier. Now that they are out causing trouble, it suggests the barrier is on the verge of collapsing and can no longer suppress them, meaning the world will... will face its end..." As he spoke of the end, the old man's voice could not hide his fear, a primal terror.

Storms, barriers, and the cultivation world — these were ingrained concepts for him since birth, existing for countless years. Now, they might be shattered, ushering in a drastic change. These words provided Qin Sang with a wealth of information.

So, he had misunderstood everything before! Based on his experiences in the storm zone, the fierce beasts' lairs certainly weren't near the cultivation world; rather, they had wandered in from unknown places. It turned out that fierce beasts had only appeared in recent years. No wonder Xiao Xiangzi hadn't mentioned them at all on the sea map.

Qin Sang chuckled bitterly to himself. He and Liuli had chosen a "perfect" time to depart, precisely encountering such an event. Fortunately, their luck was good; they only encountered fierce beasts twice along the way, averting danger each time. It might also be that the change had just occurred, and there weren't many fierce beasts roaming outside yet.

How would he return to the North Sea in the future? He certainly didn't believe his luck would hold out every time.

"Are they fleeing, or are they drawn by something? What change has occurred deep within the storm zone?" Qin Sang pondered silently, thoughts rapidly flashing through his mind.

To his knowledge, the greatest upheaval in the past century or so had been the ascension of the Ziwei Palace, an unprecedented event. Was there a connection? Qin Sang couldn't be sure; his understanding of the cultivation world was still too limited. The Central Continent, with its numerous immortal sects, might know the reason.

The old man observed Qin Sang's expression. Seeing him remain silent for a long time, he continued on his own, "If Senior is curious, please do not go looking for fierce beasts yourself. Fierce beasts are the most terrifying creatures in the world; they move like thunder, capable of devouring sun and moon, and destroying all things. Legend has it that a Nascent Soul grand elder once perished in the mouth of a fierce beast, utterly powerless to resist. Now, the storm zone has become a forbidden area, Senior, please do not test its dangers!"

The old man racked his brains, using all his effort to describe the horror of the fierce beasts. Qin Sang knew well that this rumor was indeed true. If a Nascent Soul cultivator were to be overconfident and directly encounter a fierce beast, it would surely be a dead end.

"If Senior is truly curious about the fierce beasts, this junior has a good idea," the old man paused, "My City Lord was fortunate enough to obtain a Shadow Glowstone, which has an imprint of a fierce beast's image. Senior can rest assured, the source is absolutely reliable."

Qin Sang glanced at him, then directly pulled out a bag of spirit stones and tossed it over. The old man weighed it, his face breaking into a wide smile. He rubbed his thumb and forefinger together, chanted a spell, and a dark shadow rose into the air from the City Lord's Residence. It was a black eagle. The black eagle, holding a crystal in its beak, flapped its wings and landed on the old man's shoulder, tilting its head to observe Qin Sang. A segment of footage was looping within the Shadow Glowstone. It showed a skeletal monstrous bird, its entire frame exposed without a shred of flesh, two points of crimson light glowing in its empty eye sockets, flashing through the storm.