Chapter 1547: Six Xu Mountain

Having advanced to its Fourth Transformation, equivalent to the Nascent Soul cultivator level, the fat silkworm seemed to have gained no new divine abilities, possessing only the power to repel poison.

Qin Sang had originally thought it would at least be able to use poison against enemies, gaining some combat prowess.

Even a divine ability like the Celestial Eye Light of the Heavenly Eye Butterfly would have played a crucial role in combat.

However, the fat silkworm could only be effective in special environments like the Seven Kills Hall's three poisoned lands, or against poison-wielding opponents like the Frogfish.

How could such a spirit insect survive alone in the perilous cultivation world?

Coerced by Qin Sang, the fat silkworm spat out several clumps of multicolored halos, exhausted and panting with its tongue sticking out, its eyes unfocused. It could only thicken its poison-repelling armor.

Qin Sang reluctantly gave up and turned to check on Dumb Girl.

With just a glance, Qin Sang sensed that Dumb Girl was different from before.

However, this change wasn't outwardly apparent.

She was still a sleeping beauty, her cheeks rosy, eyelids tightly closed, and breathing steady, just as before.

The change originated from her soul.

Qin Sang could clearly perceive that Dumb Girl's soul had become more stable.

This was clearly related to the fat silkworm. With its advancement, the 'anchor' became more solid, allowing Dumb Girl to tightly grasp the rope connecting her to light, even when facing raging winds and waves in the darkness.

Perhaps there were other reasons Qin Sang didn't know about.

The connection between Dumb Girl and the fat silkworm was far closer than he had imagined.

Although Dumb Girl still couldn't respond, her condition had clearly improved. Had it not been for the incident at the Seven Kills Hall, she would certainly be better off now, perhaps even awake.

Finally, he could see hope.

Qin Sang gently rubbed the fat silkworm's head. If Dumb Girl could be awakened, then even if the fat silkworm had no divine abilities, it wouldn't have been raised in vain.

*Whoosh!*

The fat silkworm finally regained its freedom and eagerly burrowed into Dumb Girl's glabella, falling into a deep sleep.

Qin Sang remained rooted to the spot, not rushing to leave.

He hadn't ventured far from the tribulation site, intending to wait and see if any cultivators were alarmed by the heavenly tribulation and came to investigate.

The fat silkworm's tribulation was an unexpected and rushed event, making it difficult to conceal.

A Four-Transformation spirit insect was an absolute rarity in the cultivation world. Once news spread, it would likely attract Nascent Soul cultivators seeking to capture it, and could even draw the attention of major sects.

As Qin Sang expected, his suspicions were confirmed.

Soon after, two streaks of light flew in from a distance. They were two male cultivators, one old and one young, who appeared to be grandfather and grandson, but in reality, neither had weak cultivation.

Moreover, the younger man's cultivation was even higher, surprisingly at the Mid-Core Formation stage, while the elder was only slightly weaker by one stage.

"To casually attract two Core Formation cultivators, it seems the immortal sects in Fudu Commandery wield considerable power..."

Qin Sang observed their movements, musing to himself.

The two headed directly towards the tribulation site.

Although the tribulation clouds had dispersed by then, the Heaven-Earth might carried by the tribulation lightning had not completely vanished, and Qin Sang was unable to clear away this divine power.

Both were quite experienced; even before approaching, they sensed this Heaven-Earth might and immediately recognized it.

"Heavenly tribulation!"

The two exclaimed in shock, exchanging a glance of utter horror.

They had been preoccupied with another matter earlier and hadn't witnessed the tribulation lightning firsthand. Sensing an abnormal fluctuation of spiritual energy from afar, they had decided to come investigate on a whim, never imagining someone would be undergoing tribulation here.

It was common knowledge that only Nascent Soul cultivators were qualified to trigger a heavenly tribulation.

Instantly, both felt a chill down their spines, regretting their recklessness, and instinctively wanted to turn and flee.

However, they had already seen the scene at the tribulation site.

The entire area was charred black, the mountain peak almost leveled by the tribulation lightning, and the whole mountain was a mess, partly due to the lightning and partly to Qin Sang's manipulations.

The destruction caused by the heavenly tribulation was clearly visible, yet there was no sign of the person who had undergone it.

Recalling that the thunder had not lasted very long.

Had that mysterious Nascent Soul cultivator perhaps failed their tribulation?

The two exchanged glances, unable to resist the immense temptation. They boldly approached and thoroughly searched the area, but found no Nascent Soul relics, which left them greatly disappointed.

"Let's quickly go back and report to the Sect Master-Brother. We don't know which Nascent Soul senior passed by and underwent tribulation here. Have the sect elders report it to the Six Illusions Sect; perhaps they can find some clues," said the young cultivator.

The elder stroked his goatee and agreed, "That's right. No matter the origin of that senior, it has nothing to do with us. What a pity, under the heavenly tribulation, not a single trace remains!"

"That senior might not have truly failed their tribulation. Have either of us ever seen a real heavenly tribulation?"

The young cultivator shook his head, sealed the area around the mountain peak with a formation, called out to the elder, and flew away on a streak of light.

Qin Sang stood not far from them.

The two were completely unaware that their entire conversation had been overheard by another person.

Confirming that these two hadn't seen the silver tribulation lightning firsthand and had indeed been misled into believing it was a cultivator undergoing tribulation, Qin Sang decided not to interfere with them and let them leave.

News of a Nascent Soul tribulation, while potentially disturbing the situation in Fudu Commandery, wouldn't lead to it spiraling out of control, and might not necessarily be a bad thing.

"Six Illusions Sect..."

Qin Sang murmured these three words, his figure flickering before vanishing.

Afterward, Qin Sang returned to Fudu Commandery and chose an elegant room in the Six States Hall, waiting for Zhou Jin to arrive.

Two months later.

Zhou Jin arrived as expected.

Upon seeing Qin Sang, Zhou Jin was overjoyed and bowed deeply. "Greetings, Senior Qin."

Qin Sang nodded. "This old man didn't expect to be gone for nearly ten years. You've remained in Fudu Commandery all these years; have you found anything?"

Zhou Jin had been anxious about Ruan Yu's condition. With no news from Qin Sang for nearly a decade, he worried that the senior had met with an accident or had forgotten the matter entirely. He had been on tenterhooks every day but dared not slack off.

Fortunately, his worst fears had not come to pass.

Suppressing his excitement, Zhou Jin spoke rapidly, "This junior followed your instructions. After leaving Zezhou that year, I immediately came to this area to investigate information about Mount Pu and the Xie family..."

Mount Pu, the Xie family.

This was related to the high-grade cultivation ground recorded by Xiao Xiangzi.

The cultivation ground, named Pure Void Illusion, was located on Mount Pu.

The Xie family, having two Nascent Soul cultivators at the time, had secured a place even in Central Continent, a region known for its many experts. The Pure Void Illusion was extremely hidden and had always been controlled by the Xie family, unknown to outsiders.

The Pure Void Illusion served not only as a cultivation cave but also concealed other secrets.

Generations of Xie family descendants had diligently researched it but were never able to unlock the secret. It wasn't until one of the Xie family's Nascent Soul cultivators met Xiao Xiangzi, observed his unique divine abilities, and invited him into the Pure Void Illusion that the secret was finally deciphered.

The jade slip did not contain a detailed record of what benefits the three individuals gained within the Pure Void Illusion.

What was lamentable was that precisely when they had deciphered the secret and were preparing to divide the treasures, the Xie family patriarch, overcome by greed, sought to kill Xiao Xiangzi and claim the treasures for himself.

Xiao Xiangzi must not have broken through to the Soul Transformation stage at that time, otherwise the Xie family patriarch wouldn't have been so suicidal.

Even so, both Nascent Soul cultivators of the Xie family were still counter-killed by Xiao Xiangzi.

Xiao Xiangzi did not annihilate the entire Xie family, but in his fury, he was not about to let them off lightly. He personally sealed the Pure Void Illusion, making it inaccessible to future Xie family descendants.

Cooperation and betrayal occurred constantly in the cultivation world.

Qin Sang was not surprised.

Xiao Xiangzi also didn't feel there was anything wrong with his actions.

This betrayal ignited Xiao Xiangzi's killing intent, nearly leading him to massacre the entire Xie family, pushing him to the brink of demonic deviation. It was this incident that abruptly jolted him, making him realize the influence of inner demons.

He subsequently traveled extensively, refining the Spirit-Suppressing Incense, which allowed him to resolve the hidden danger in time and thus have the opportunity to advance to the Soul Transformation stage.

However, when he later reviewed his past cultivation path, he realized that the other Xie family Nascent Soul cultivator initially had no intention of betraying him and was merely coerced by the Xie family patriarch into acting against his will.

Since the other party chose to attack him, Xiao Xiangzi could not hold back, regardless of whether it was sincere or not.

Nevertheless, much of the anger stemming from the betrayal had dissipated.

Xiao Xiangzi recorded this matter, requesting that whoever obtained the jade slip go to Central Continent, locate the Xie family, and if the Pure Void Illusion's restrictions were still in place, open it and return it to the Xie family, thereby ending this grievance.

Qin Sang had sent Zhou Jin to find the Xie family.

Firstly, to fulfill Xiao Xiangzi's dying wish, and secondly, so he could cultivate in seclusion within the Pure Void Illusion.

With the passage of time, place names change and powers shift. Just like the destroyed cave dwelling in Sky Rift Valley and the renamed Zhulan Temple, Qin Sang wouldn't be surprised even if the Xie family no longer existed or if the Pure Void Illusion had found a new master.

"After this junior arrived here, I traversed Fudu Commandery and the three neighboring commanderies, but couldn't locate Mount Pu. Later, I learned that after Zhuozhou was incorporated into the Nineteen Misty Rain States, Mount Bunian had spearheaded a large-scale geomantic survey, dividing Zhuozhou into various commanderies and changing many place names. So, I found ways to collect ancient books..."

Zhou Jin's tone was light, clearly indicating a discovery. "Three years ago, this junior finally saw the characters 'Mount Pu' in an ancient text. After extensive verification, I confirmed that Mount Pu is indeed within Fudu Commandery, and it is now known as Mount Luoyan! However, the owner of Mount Luoyan is no longer the Xie family, but the Luoyan Sect."

"Luoyan Sect?"

Qin Sang's heart stirred. "Do cultivators from this sect wear jade pendants carved with the character 'Luo' on their waists?"

The two individuals drawn by the fat silkworm's heavenly tribulation had such jade pendants on them.

Mount Pu had indeed changed hands. It was just unknown whether the Luoyan Sect had discovered the Pure Void Illusion.

"Senior has already encountered Luoyan Sect disciples?"

Zhou Jin nodded. "The Luoyan Sect has many powerful experts, so this junior dared not investigate openly. I could only secretly look into the relationship between the Luoyan Sect and the Xie family. Later, I discovered that Mount Luoyan was originally forcibly taken from the Xie family by the Luoyan Sect. The Xie family was forced to relocate from Mount Pu, and their clan has since declined."

With the demise of their two Nascent Soul patriarchs and the loss of the Pure Void Illusion, the Xie family also lost the foundation for their prosperity, moving from peak to decline.

That they could continue their lineage to this day, with their bloodline unbroken, was exceedingly difficult and also benefited from the stable situation in the Central Plains.

Upon learning the Xie family's whereabouts, Zhou Jin immediately sought them out.

Currently, the Xie family had become one of the most ordinary clans in the cultivation world, with the contemporary patriarch possessing only Foundation Establishment cultivation. Their ancestral land, Mount Pu, had been forcibly occupied and even renamed, yet they dared not utter a single word of dissent.

"This junior deliberately approached the Xie family and learned something," Zhou Jin paused. "Back then, when the Xie family relinquished Mount Pu, they made a transaction with the Luoyan Sect. Now, the agreed-upon time has long passed, yet the Luoyan Sect shows no intention of returning it. If Senior wishes to help the Xie family reclaim Mount Pu, this could be a starting point."

Zhou Jin had now mistakenly assumed Qin Sang was an exiled descendant of the Xie family, returning to their ancestral land to seek justice for the clan.

"Is the Luoyan Sect very powerful?"

Qin Sang countered.

From Zhou Jin's tone, it seemed he couldn't force the Luoyan Sect to comply and return Mount Pu to the Xie family through mere cultivation power.

Zhou Jin respectfully said, "The Luoyan Sect's Sect Master is only at the late Core Formation stage; Senior could easily eliminate him. However, there's something else to be wary of: the Six Illusions Sect is behind the Luoyan Sect. The transaction between the Luoyan Sect and the Xie family was witnessed by a representative from the Six Illusions Sect. This junior has been investigating their connection recently and found that the Luoyan Sect's Sect Master has a deep relationship with the Six Illusions Sect. The Six Illusions Sect has three Nascent Soul elders and is a powerful force, dominating the neighboring commanderies. Even Mount Bunian finds it difficult to interfere, and Fudu Commandery's Prefect cannot control matters outside the commandery city."

Zhou Jin had worked meticulously, even uncovering the difficulties Qin Sang would face.

"Well done."

Qin Sang was quite satisfied with Zhou Jin, offering a compliment. Keeping his promise, he took out a jade slip containing a medicinal recipe and a jade box.

Zhou Jin was ecstatic. He quickly extended both hands to receive them, then opened the jade box. Seeing a spirit herb inside, he looked up in astonishment.

"This Black Essence Grass is the main ingredient for the pill formula, which this old man unexpectedly found in the Western Desert. This herb is precious; if you were to search for it yourself, it would take at least ten years, which might delay the treatment of the illness."

Qin Sang paused slightly, looking at Zhou Jin. "This old man is currently short of hands. If you are willing, you can bring Ruan Yu with you to Mount Pu to cultivate."

"Many thanks, Senior!"

Zhou Jin knelt and kowtowed, his gratitude heartfelt.

Next, Qin Sang meticulously questioned Zhou Jin about the details, contemplating his future plans.

If it were only the Luoyan Sect, he could simply go to their doorstep and drive them off the mountain, keeping the impact to a minimum. Now that the Six Illusions Sect was involved, careful planning was necessary.

Of the Six Illusions Sect's three Nascent Soul cultivators, only one was at the Mid-Nascent Soul stage.

Bringing his clone to directly confront them would be satisfying, but he had to consider the subsequent repercussions.

In Central Continent, no matter how high one's cultivation, one could not act recklessly.

Moreover, it was unclear whether the Pure Void Illusion had been exposed. If it became a dispute over a cultivation ground, it would be even more troublesome.

After some thought.

Qin Sang instructed Zhou Jin to take him to the Xie family first.

The Xie family, having been driven off Mount Pu by the Luoyan Sect, lacked the strength to seize good spiritual veins and had only found a low-grade spiritual vein to settle down.

As a result, the Xie family's decline accelerated. Their accumulated ancestral wealth was almost entirely depleted. To this day, even the dignified patriarch had not managed to break through to the Core Formation stage, remaining stuck in the False Core realm.

However, given their previous foundation, the Xie family's mountain-protecting formation was still quite powerful.

"Patriarch Xie, an old friend has come to visit."

Arriving before the Xie family's stronghold, Zhou Jin amplified his spiritual energy and called out loudly.

His voice carried into the Xie family's compound.

Soon after, the mist parted, and a figure emerged. It was Xie An, the Xie family patriarch, whose bearing was indeed extraordinary.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, what a rare guest, what a rare guest," Xie An quickly stepped forward, his demeanor exceedingly warm. Seeing Qin Sang beside Zhou Jin, and unable to discern his cultivation, his heart tensed. "And who might this fellow Daoist be?"

Zhou Jin cleared his throat and said, "This is Senior Qin."

"Senior!"

Xie An was stunned.

Zhou Jin was a Core Formation cultivator, so the senior he referred to... could it be?