Chapter 1535: Snowy Mountain Range

The Mortal Realm

Perhaps needing to urgently return and digest the seven-colored energy mass, the insect cloud no longer plundered life force in its path, rushing back to its nest.

The fat silkworm gritted its teeth and grumbled.

Although it had obtained the amber insect crystal, it had lost some of its essence. While this wouldn't cause irreversible damage, it would require a long period of rest to recover, delaying its advancement.

In its simple understanding, not gaining an advantage meant suffering a loss. The last time it felt this way was when it had fallen into Qin Sang's hands.

Qin Sang watched the gradually disappearing insect cloud, still recalling the recent strange experience.

The true Insect King was at least a Four-Transformation Spirit Insect!

Wild Four-Transformation Spirit Insects were indeed rare.

Firstly, the growth of a spirit insect was exceptionally difficult.

Secondly, wild spirit insects hid themselves extremely well. Some spirit insects, proficient in concealment abilities, when deliberately hiding, could deceive the perception of even higher-ranked enemies.

However, the true Insect King's ability was not merely concealment.

Otherwise, the Heaven-Eyed Butterfly would certainly have detected its presence.

In the insect-controlling ancient texts of both races, there were only a few brief mentions of the Corrupted Phosphorescent Fireflies, describing them as a swarm with only simple instincts, seemingly nothing noteworthy.

Unexpectedly, the Corrupted Phosphorescent Firefly King was so peculiar.

"Hmm," he thought. "Perhaps there isn't an Insect King, but rather a mutation in the collective consciousness of the swarm." Qin Sang recalled the feeling of being watched by the swarm. This thought flashed through his mind, and then he considered another possibility: "Perhaps the true Insect King is actually another spirit insect, with special abilities, enslaving this swarm of Corrupted Phosphorescent Fireflies..."

While pondering these questions, Qin Sang originally wanted to retrieve the amber insect crystal to examine it. Unexpectedly, the fat silkworm had already stuffed the entire crystal into its mouth and was struggling to swallow it.

Its small eyes darted around, clearly on guard against Qin Sang.

It knew Qin Sang had two other spirit insects, and the coquettish butterfly was his favorite.

In fact, the Heaven-Eyed Butterfly had not shown any interest in the amber insect crystal.

Qin Sang smiled helplessly. Could he really snatch away the treasure this creature had obtained by sacrificing its essence?

After swallowing the amber insect crystal, the fat silkworm dragged its bulging body back. Its eyelids began to droop, unable to hide its exhaustion, and it nearly fell asleep on the spot.

Qin Sang did a quick check, confirming there was nothing amiss. He let it return to deep sleep, hoping the fat silkworm would advance after refining the insect crystal.

The matter here was settled.

Qin Sang returned to the stone cave and, seeing that Zhou and Ruan were obediently waiting within the spirit array, took them along. They traveled slowly, stopping and walking, until they left the Skyfissure Valley.

Outside Skyfissure Valley.

Three figures slowly flew through the mountains and forests.

"Reporting to senior, ahead is Loutai Temple, where we cultivate," Zhou Jin said.

Zhou and Ruan led the way, with Zhou Jin occasionally turning his head to introduce the nearby terrain to Qin Sang.

This place was several thousand li away from Skyfissure Valley, more barren than other areas, and rarely visited by cultivators.

Loutai Temple had some fame among mortals, but no one would have imagined that a small daoist temple, where cultivators resided, was hidden behind it.

The temple was hidden deep within the mountains and forests.

The environment was very secluded and peaceful.

Zhou and Ruan were legitimate descendants of the Daoist sect. For reasons unknown, the founder of Loutai Temple had chosen to establish a daoist site in the Northern Barrens. Its lineage continued, but it could not be called prosperous, with only the two of them remaining in this generation.

A few young Daoist priests, Zhou Jin's disciples, also remained at the temple.

They stayed at the Daoist temple for a few days.

Ruan Yu completely absorbed the medicinal power of the Serpent Shadow Grass. Her chronic illness improved, and her originally sallow complexion gained some color.

At this moment, however, there was no joy on her face, only worry.

Qin Sang decided to take Zhou Jin with him and set off together. He would guide him through the most chaotic sections of the Northern Barrens, deliver him to the border of the Nineteen Misty States, and then they would part ways.

Qin Sang would then turn west.

Zhou Jin would enter the Nineteen Misty States alone.

When Qin Sang made his decision, Zhou and Ruan did not dare to refuse, and could only silently endure the pain of parting.

"Junior sister, rest well in the temple. I'll be back soon," Zhou Jin said, feigning cheerfulness. He squeezed Ruan Yu's frail shoulder, then ascended on his sword, flying out of the temple without looking back to catch up with Qin Sang.

The journey was uneventful.

The Nineteen Misty States, also known as the Central Plains by cultivators from the Northern Barrens, actually had no clear boundary with the Northern Barrens.

The division into Nineteen States was rumored to be related to the historical conflicts between Buddhism and Daoism. Originally, there were only the six core states of Jiangzuo, which anciently defined the Central Plains. Later, it gradually expanded to encompass the seven western states, the four northern states, and the two southern barbarian states, forming the current configuration known as the Nineteen Misty States.

It was a prosperous and sacred landscape, often shrouded in a misty haze.

The four northern states bordered the Northern Barrens.

After Qin Sang and Zhou Jin exited the Northern Barrens, they first entered Ze State, one of the four northern states.

Ze State.

As the name suggests, its waters were boundless.

In fact, the entire four northern states were covered with mountains, rivers, lakes, and marshes. While the six Jiangzuo states also had well-developed water systems, they were far less rugged than the four northern states, which often featured vast marshes spanning thousands of li and towering peaks reaching a thousand ren.

It was said that ninety percent of Ze State was covered by marshes and lakes, shrouded in mist, vast in land area but sparse in population.

The mountain towns and market cities of Ze State were like isolated islands in a lake; those unfamiliar might think they had entered the East Sea.

A streak of light flew across the lake surface, swiftly landing on a green peak; it was Zhou Jin.

He walked to a sheer cliff face at the peak and bowed towards the stone wall, saying,

"Senior Qin, I've inquired. A thousand li south from here is Muguan City. There's a Six States Hall inside the city, said to be their northernmost branch."

A 'yuan' (垣) can be considered a city or large market in the cultivation world. They are common in the Nineteen Misty States, and are also called 'xu-shi' (墟市, market ruins) or 'fu-jun' (府郡, prefecture) in other regions.

The Six States Hall is an organization similar to a merchant guild, with deep roots and extensive information.

Named Six States Hall due to its origins in the six Jiangzuo states, it gradually expanded, defeated many competitors, and its influence spread throughout the Nineteen States, becoming one of the most widespread large merchant guilds in the Central Plains.

The name Six States Hall is still used today.

After Zhou Jin finished speaking, there was no response from within the sheer cliff. He maintained his respectful posture and waited for a moment. Suddenly, a flash of light appeared on the cliff face, and Qin Sang emerged from within.

"Catch!" Qin Sang said.

Qin Sang raised his hand and threw something to Zhou Jin.

Zhou Jin quickly caught it with both hands. It felt soft, almost weightless. Upon closer inspection, it was a cloud-like mass of gray gauze, appearing extremely light. It was, in fact, a magic treasure.

"I see you are not skilled in escape techniques and unable to escape in a crisis," Qin Sang said calmly. "This treasure is called Ten Thousand Li Smoke. After you refine it, it can be used to conceal your aura, and, if necessary, you can ride it to fly away."

The Ten Thousand Li Smoke had been casually refined by him using materials from demon beasts he had hunted in Skyfissure Valley.

Compared to the Northern Barrens, the Nineteen Misty States were a prosperous and peaceful era. However, in the cultivation world, there was never absolute peace. Since Zhou Jin was helping him gather information, he first needed to ensure his safety.

Zhou Jin was overjoyed. "Thank you, senior, for bestowing this treasure!"

Traveling together, although Qin Sang rarely smiled, he wasn't unapproachable, nor did he act like a demonic cultivator.

When Zhou Jin encountered difficulties in his cultivation, he hesitated for a long time, then cautiously asked Qin Sang for advice, and received answers that, though few in words, were profound.

At this moment, his feelings for Qin Sang were no longer entirely fear, but also respect. He resolved to do his best. Perhaps not only could his junior sister's chronic illness be cured, but this might also be a great opportunity for them.

"This time, you will enter the Central Plains alone," Qin Sang instructed. "Every so often, leave a token at the Six States Hall. When I return after handling my affairs, I will contact you through the Six States Hall..."

The two flew towards Muguan City. Qin Sang gave his instructions, and Zhou Jin carefully noted them down.

Upon arriving near Muguan City, Zhou Jin bowed in farewell to Qin Sang and disappeared into the vast marshland.

Qin Sang lingered for a moment, then entered the city alone.

The clamor reached his ears.

In Ze State, due to its vast land and sparse population, not only were the walled cities and markets, but even the mortal settlements much larger than elsewhere.

Muguan City was said to be controlled by three major powers, making it intricate and complex. Qin Sang had no interest in understanding this, as he would not be staying long.

His purpose for entering the city this time was, firstly, to establish contact with the Six States Hall to facilitate future actions, and secondly, to purchase geomantic maps and various information about the Western Desert.

The Six States Hall.

Qin Sang deliberately released a wisp of his Nascent Soul cultivator aura. As soon as he entered the Six States Hall, he was invited into a quiet room and personally received by a manager.

This manager was actually a Core Formation stage cultivator, but looked like a plump wealthy landlord, with two wisps of mustache, always smiling and amicable, completely lacking the appearance of an immortal.

The manager secretly sized up Qin Sang, bowed, and said, "Forgive my lack of discernment, junior. May I ask for your esteemed title, senior, and from which immortal realm do you hail?"

"My surname is Qin," Qin Sang said calmly. "I am an overseas rogue cultivator."

Qin Sang's tone was calm.

The manager realized, "So, senior comes from the immortal islands of the East Sea. It's simply my lack of experience... Senior, you probably don't have a Six States Token yet, do you?"

As he spoke, the manager took out a token and presented it with both hands. "The Hall Master has decreed that the Six States Token is only given to Nascent Soul stage seniors. No matter where you are, as long as you show this token, all branch halls will spare no effort to serve you, senior."

Qin Sang had obtained quite a few such items in the North Sea.

He put it away indifferently and asked, "I hear your esteemed hall is well-informed. Do you have any knowledge of the Western Desert?"

The manager nodded repeatedly, without asking Qin Sang's purpose. He excused himself, left the quiet room, and soon hurried back, holding a jade slip. "This is the latest map," he said, "However, due to our hall's limited capabilities, and the Western Desert being vast and ever-changing, it cannot cover the entire Western Desert. It is most detailed in the areas near the seven western states. It also contains some rumors that have circulated from the Western Desert, all included. All are freely given to you, Senior Qin."

Qin Sang's tone was displeased. "Does this old man look like he'd default on a few spirit stones?"

The manager repeatedly said he wouldn't dare, and hastily explained, "Senior, please understand, this has always been the rule of our Six States Hall. Such information is always provided free of charge to Nascent Soul stage experts. For no other reason but to forge a good connection."

"Heh heh," Qin Sang said. "Your esteemed hall has great spirit. No wonder you've grown so large."

Qin Sang nodded and accepted it calmly.

Taking the jade slip, Qin Sang immediately saw Mount Jiuga, which was still a Buddhist holy site.

After a brief stop in Muguan City, Qin Sang left the city and headed west, rushing towards Mount Jiuga to meet up with Liuli.

The direction for this journey was easy to determine; Qin Sang only needed to follow the large Tianpu River westward to reach Mount Jiuga.

Leaving Ze State and passing through Sai State, the northernmost of the seven western states, meant entering the Western Desert.

In the western part of Sai State, one could already see landscapes similar to the Western Desert.

Vast Gobi Desert, a desolate sight.

However, the banks of the Tianpu River remained lush with water plants, and the scenery beyond the pass was no less beautiful than that of the six Jiangzuo states.

The Western Desert was not entirely made up of deserts and Gobi. Its interior had no shortage of oases, rivers, and lakes, and also fertile lands, making it quite rich.

For example, in the northern region of the Western Desert, Mount Xuelian, the source of the Tianpu River, where melting snow nourished large oases, formed vast rivers that flowed through the Central Plains and eventually emptied into the East Sea, making it one of the most important great rivers in the Central Plains' water system.

Legend has it that Mount Xuelian was the birthplace of Buddhism, with numerous Buddhist holy sites, Mount Jiuga being just one of them.

After years of development, the Western Desert was no longer exclusively under Buddhist control. Daoist disciples came out of seclusion to spread their teachings, taking root in the desert oases and establishing sects.

There were also many unorthodox practitioners and demonic cultivators who chose to travel west instead of entering the Northern Barrens. Although it was not as chaotic as the Northern Barrens, the situation was very complex.

Of course, Mount Xuelian remained a reserved area for Buddhism, and external forces found it difficult to penetrate.

Along the banks of the Tianpu River, Buddhist temples and meditation halls were as numerous as stars in the sky, visible everywhere, countless. This river was also the pilgrimage route for Buddhist disciples from the Central Plains.

Buddhism, which was in extreme decline in the North Sea and Canglang Sea, was one of the most important forces in the Central Plains, powerful enough to contend with Daoism.

Qin Sang traveled with Buddhist practitioners, calling himself a layman and adopting the name "Bright Moon Ascetic."

Since he practiced the "Seven Masters' Buddhist Seal," he could indeed be associated with Buddhism.

Leaving Sai State, the scenery became increasingly desolate. The moisture from the Tianpu River could no longer withstand the erosion of wind and sand, and the oases along the riverbanks were gradually compressed, with vegetation becoming increasingly sparse.

After entering the heart of the Western Desert, the scenery was almost indistinguishable from the Great Northern Desert in the Northern Star Realm. Qin Sang, accustomed to such sights, traveled quickly, making almost no stops along the way.

Until he reached the edge of Mount Xuelian, the landscape gradually became fertile again.

Green trees formed lush carpets, and vegetation grew abundantly.

Qin Sang landed on a Gobi beach. Looking deep into the oasis, he saw white-capped mountains and temples standing majestically amidst the snowy peaks, bathed in Buddhist light.

"I wonder if Liuli has arrived," Qin Sang murmured.

Qin Sang murmured, then, recognizing the direction of Mount Jiuga, he vanished.

Mount Jiuga.

Qin Sang's figure appeared at the foot of the mountain, looking at the massive city walls encircling the mountaintop.

As expected, a Buddhist temple was also built on the mountain peak at the center of the city walls, and it was the largest Buddhist temple he had seen on his journey westward.

Among the numerous peaks of Mount Xuelian, Mount Jiuga was not considered majestic or precipitous.

The reason it became a holy site was related to a Buddhist sage who once cultivated here, and the temple was that sage's cultivation ground.

People flowed like weaving threads on the mountain path, with no shortage of Buddhist cultivators. However, like mortals, they chose to walk up the mountain to show respect.

Mount Jiuga was not solely renowned as a Buddhist holy site.

Being located on the southern slopes of Mount Xuelian, it was also a crucial pass from the southern desert into Mount Xuelian. Furthermore, order in the city was stable, and it served as a market city, trusted by nearby cultivators.

Therefore, many people on the mountain path were not dressed as monks, so Qin Sang didn't stand out.

He observed for a moment and noticed that the expressions of these Buddhist cultivators were somewhat strange. There seemed to be a buildup of resentment in their faces. According to Buddhist scriptures, anger should be severed, so these Buddhist cultivators clearly hadn't reached a high level of cultivation.

It would be normal for one or two people to be like this.

But for so many Buddhist cultivators to be like this, it was quite strange.

Qin Sang stepped onto the mountain path, entered the city, and deliberately acted with a high profile, spreading the name "Bright Moon Ascetic." He then found the most famous inn and settled in.

He rested briefly in his room, washing away the dust of travel, while also waiting for Liuli to find him.

If Liuli had not arrived, he would first inquire about the situation in the Western Desert himself and search for information related to the Buddhist bone relic.

Before dusk, the prohibition on his room door was triggered. Qin Sang's heart stirred, a smile appeared on his face, and he opened the door.

"Please come in," he said.

A cloaked figure flashed inside. It was Liuli!