Chapter 1548: Qingxu Illusory Realm

Wuxia and Xianxia

Sect Master Mo, unaware of the full situation, felt increasingly uneasy upon seeing Daoist Luorong's expression, even feeling an impulse to turn and flee.

The entourage arrived at the foot of the mountain.

A flicker of wariness flashed in Daoist Luorong's eyes as he secretly crushed the thumb ring he was wearing.

Qin Sang stepped forward, cupped his hands slightly, and bowed, saying, "You must be Daoist Luorong of the Six Emptiness Sect, correct? My Daoist name is Qingfeng. It's an honor to finally meet you!"

"My Daoist name is indeed Luorong. I consider myself well-connected and frequently interact with fellow Daoists. I don't recall meeting Daoist Qingfeng before. May I ask where you hail from?"

Luorong's expression had returned to normal, and a forced smile appeared on his lips.

"I am but a reclusive, unknown figure," Qin Sang said, "it's normal for you not to know me." He then turned sideways and gestured towards the reception hall. "Please!"

Seeing that Qin Sang was being evasive and unwilling to reveal his origins, Daoist Luorong's expression slightly darkened, and his tone turned cold. "That won't be necessary!" he said. "I've just heard Sect Master Mo explain the situation, and I already know your intentions. Let's deal with the main issue first."

A stir went through the crowd upon hearing this.

The Xie family members stood behind Qin Sang.

The Six Emptiness Sect disciples brought by Daoist Luorong, along with Sect Master Mo, also took their positions on the ground.

The two sides were clearly separated.

Sect Master Mo looked dazed; the ownership of Pushan no longer concerned him.

The Six Emptiness Sect disciples formed a battle formation behind Daoist Luorong, secretly standing guard.

"Fellow Daoist is indeed a straightforward person," Qin Sang remarked. He seemed not to notice the minor movements of the Six Emptiness Sect disciples. He turned his head to look at Pushan's main peak. "This mountain was originally the ancestral land of the Xie family, and their lineage has continued unbroken to this day. The Six Emptiness Sect is the largest sect in the vicinity, Daoist Luo, you must know a thing or two about this, right? The Luoyan Sect once drove the Xie family off the mountain, occupied Pushan, and clung to it, unwilling to let go. This is unreasonable, both morally and legally. Shouldn't it be returned now?"

"Oh?" Daoist Luorong said calmly, "The Central Plains, the Nineteen Misty States... I dare not speak for other states, but at least in Zhuozhou, there is peace and stability everywhere. It's impossible for wicked acts of forcibly occupying others' spiritual sites to occur. Otherwise, you wouldn't need to come here to uphold justice; my Six Emptiness Sect would not let him off either. As far as I know, the Xie family made a transaction with the Luoyan Sect involving Pushan back then, and our sect's inspector acted as a witness. Is this true?"

Sect Master Mo nodded numbly.

From behind, an aging Golden Core cultivator stepped forward. "Reporting to Martial Uncle," he began, "I was indeed responsible for inspecting back then. The Luoyan Sect temporarily borrowed Pushan and mortgaged their sect's most precious treasure, the Azure Vine Veil, to the Xie family, with an agreed date for its return. Now that the date has passed, the Xie family has destroyed the Azure Vine Veil and cannot produce the treasure. According to the previous agreement, Pushan should belong to the Luoyan Sect."

Daoist Luorong let out a faint sneer, shaking his head and sighing as if feeling sorry for Qin Sang. "Did you hear that, Fellow Daoist?" he asked. "You only heard the Xie family's side of the story earlier and must have been misled by many inaccuracies. The Central Plains has its own rules, and these rules must not be recklessly abandoned. You are an immortal figure, free and untroubled; why get involved in this muddy water and damage your own reputation?"

Qin Sang clapped his hands.

Xie Qian stepped forward and presented a wooden box with both hands.

Qin Sang opened the wooden box, took out the azure gauze veil inside, and gently shook it out. The veil unfolded, transforming into a wisp of azure smoke. It was a magic treasure. However, the magic treasure's radiance was dim; its power was less than one-tenth of its peak, and it was impossible for it to recover.

"Whether this treasure was destroyed by the Xie family is still open for discussion," Qin Sang stated. "I daresay I have some insights into the art of artifact refining, and there are no fewer than ten methods to achieve the effect of a treasure self-destructing. Such minor tricks might deceive younger generations, and perhaps your sect's disciples and the Luoyan Sect might be misled, but surely you can see through it, Fellow Daoist? As for why I must interfere..."

Qin Sang did not continue to dwell on the reason for the Azure Vine Veil's damage. His gaze shifted to Sect Master Mo. "Sect Master Mo," he asked, "could you please open the mountain protection formation?"

Sect Master Mo subconsciously looked at Daoist Luorong.

Daoist Luorong's brow furrowed tightly. He said in a deep voice, "Open it!"

"Yes!"

Sect Master Mo hastily flew towards the main peak.

The Luoyan Sect disciples, seeing their sect master's demeanor, became utterly quiet and huddled together. There was not a sound on the main peak.

The clouds and mist on the main peak parted.

Clouds formed beneath Qin Sang's feet, and he led the Xie family disciples, being the first to ascend the main peak.

Daoist Luorong stared intently at Qin Sang's retreating back, then flicked his sleeve and followed.

A moment later, everyone arrived before the Xie Family Stone.

Qin Sang stepped forward alone, reached out and touched the Xie Family Stone, gently stroking it, and let out a faint, almost imperceptible sigh. "The Xie Family Stone was erected by the Xie family ancestors and has always been a symbol of the Xie family. It can test spiritual roots and transmit cultivation methods. But outsiders don't know it has another function: due to its special material, it once integrated the ancestral elder's essence blood. When a Xie family member's bloodline directly touches the Xie Family Stone, it will generate a response."

Before his words had faded, a faint white light lit up at the top of the Xie Family Stone, and its texture actually transformed into warm, lustrous white jade.

This sight not only exceeded the expectations of Daoist Luorong and others, but even Xie Qian and Xie An were stunned.

Qin Sang's words were entirely true. Only the Xie family bloodline could activate such a transformation in the Xie Family Stone. The Xie family was gradually declining, lacking resources, and unable to support all its branch families. Could this Nascent Soul ancestor be a long-lost bloodline of the Xie family?

In an instant, the expressions on the Xie family members' faces changed from shock to ecstasy.

"You are a Xie family member?"

Daoist Luorong's expression also changed. An outsider reclaiming Pushan for the Xie family and the return of a Xie family ancestor were two entirely different concepts. This meant that a new Nascent Soul force would appear within the Six Emptiness Sect's sphere of influence—and a master at the mid-Nascent Soul stage, no less! Before, they might have been able to negotiate, but now they absolutely could not easily admit it!

Daoist Luorong made no attempt to conceal it. He released his divine sense and scanned the Xie Family Stone repeatedly, even stepping forward to test it himself, but could not discern any trickery from Qin Sang.

Qin Sang smiled without speaking. Indeed, only the Xie family bloodline could activate the Xie Family Stone. However, he could also slightly activate the restrictions left by Master Xiaoxiang in the Pure Void Illusion Realm to imitate this effect. The Xie family had yet to fully grasp this layer of restrictions. Back then, Master Xiaoxiang was furious; if the Pure Void Illusion Realm hadn't been too sturdy, he might have directly destroyed this spiritual site. The restrictions left behind were extremely powerful and very hidden. Moreover, Daoist Luorong's cultivation was inferior to Qin Sang's, so naturally, he couldn't see through Qin Sang's methods.

Daoist Luorong's expression shifted erratically as he pondered how to respond. His eyes suddenly glinted, his expression relaxed slightly, and his lips moved as if he were communicating with someone.

Qin Sang did not stop Daoist Luorong. Instead, he raised his head and looked up at the sky.

At this moment, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The sky was azure blue and completely clear.

In the empty void, subtle, water-like ripples suddenly appeared. Then, two figures clad in Daoist robes appeared out of thin air; they were precisely the Six Emptiness Sect's other two Nascent Soul ancestors.

One was a female cultivator, Daoist Jingning, whose cultivation level was similar to Daoist Luorong's, both being at the early Nascent Soul stage. The other was a lean, elderly Daoist holding a horsetail whisk, with an air of immortal grace. He was Cheng Huanzi, the current Sect Master of the Six Emptiness Sect, and had the highest cultivation among the three, being at the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

Upon seeing Qin Sang earlier, Daoist Luorong had sensed trouble and secretly sent a message to his sect. Now, all three Nascent Soul cultivators of the Six Emptiness Sect had appeared at Pushan.

"My Daoist name is Cheng Huanzi." His voice reverberated far and wide. As he uttered the last word, Cheng Huanzi had already appeared beside Daoist Luorong, followed by the female cultivator Jingning, who also flashed into place.

"Senior Brother, Junior Sister." Daoist Luorong bowed.

Cheng Huanzi nodded, looked at Qin Sang, and waved his horsetail whisk. "Our Daoist sect indeed produces many heroes," he said. "I only learned of Daoist Qingfeng's esteemed presence after receiving my Junior Brother's message. I apologize for not welcoming you sooner, and I hope Fellow Daoist will not take offense."

Qin Sang chuckled, his tone not without sarcasm. "I am quite uneasy," he said, "to think that such a small matter between juniors would disturb the three Fellow Daoists' secluded cultivation."

Cheng Huanzi glanced at the Xie Family Stone and said in a deep voice, "I am already aware of the situation's origins. Though my methods are not as exquisite as yours, Fellow Daoist, I also have ways to deceive the heavens and cross the sea, to trigger a reaction from this peculiar stone and impersonate a Xie family member. For Fellow Daoist to use this as proof is hardly conclusive."

Qin Sang's gaze turned cold. He snorted coldly, "Absurd! I wish to return to my ancestral land and revitalize my family. Must I really seek approval from outsiders like you?"

"No, no! Fellow Daoist misunderstands!" Cheng Huanzi shook his head. "In the Central Plains, the immortal path flourishes, far surpassing the Northern Barrens and Western Desert, which is closely related to its long-standing stability. Countless individuals with ulterior motives infiltrate this land, attempting to wreak havoc in the Central Plains. Instances of cuckoos occupying magpies' nests are common, each time leading to a painful disaster. We must be vigilant against them. We too are considering the greater good, identifying evil cultivators, and we hope Fellow Daoist can understand."

Unless absolutely necessary, no sect wished to offend a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator. However, allowing this person to occupy Pushan would lead to even greater trouble later! Their positioning was very deliberate; they fanned out, facing Qin Sang, subtly forming a pincer movement. The three Nascent Soul cultivators' aura merged, silently suppressing Qin Sang.

Qin Sang's gaze swept over the three. He gave a cold sneer, remaining silent.

Cheng Huanzi's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued, "I possess a bloodline testing method. If Fellow Daoist is truly a descendant of the Xie family, you might as well offer a drop of essence blood. If you pass the test successfully, it would at least prove your identity."

The more Qin Sang put on a show, the less Cheng Huanzi believed that such a coincidence could exist in the world. Sect Master Mo's guess was likely true: Pushan contained a great secret!

"Fellow Daoist, I must disagree!"

Suddenly, a strange voice came from afar, rumbling like thunder, and clearly entered everyone's ears.

Strong winds swept across Pushan. A cloud of white mist had appeared in the sky at some unknown point, and two figures were approaching side-by-side.

"Daoist Qingfeng," the voice said, "I am fortunate not to have failed my mission; I have successfully invited Elder Lu to preside over justice."

Qin Sang's true self nodded to his clone, then turned to Cheng Huanzi. "Essence blood is the foundation of a cultivator," he said. "How can it be easily handed over to others?"

The composed look on Cheng Huanzi's face vanished instantly. Firstly, it was because Qin Sang's true self's cultivation was no weaker than his clone's—another unknown Nascent Soul master! Secondly, it was Lu Zhang beside Qin Sang.

"Elder Lu!"

Why was Lu Zhang here now? In an instant, Cheng Huanzi's mind raced, connecting many dots.

"Long time no see, Fellow Daoist, your cultivation has become even more refined," Lu Zhang said, nodding. He explained, "I just happened to be passing by Fudu County and heard about an injustice. On a whim, I came, but I didn't expect the three Fellow Daoists to have already arrived."

Then, without waiting for Cheng Huanzi to speak further, Lu Zhang looked at the Azure Vine Veil in Qin Sang's clone's hand. "Is this the item?" he asked. He beckoned the Azure Vine Veil into his hand. Lu Zhang cupped his hands, and with a brief examination, anger subtly appeared on his face. He sharply reprimanded, "This item was mixed with spirit materials of conflicting attributes during its refining, and it was deliberately concealed. Over time, it would collapse on its own even without being used in combat. The one who refined this treasure deserves death! Who is the Sect Master of the Luoyan Sect!"

Tiny Pushan had unexpectedly gathered six Nascent Soul cultivators. Sect Master Mo could never have imagined things would escalate to this point; he was beyond tears. If he had known this earlier, he would have simply led his people down the mountain from the start.

*Thud!*

Sect Master Mo's face turned ashen as he fell to his knees, desperately making his last struggle.

*Thump! Thump! Thump!*

Sect Master Mo repeatedly kowtowed, weeping profusely. "The Azure Vine Veil is my master's relic," he cried. "This junior truly does not know its origins! Please forgive me, Senior! Forgive me! Martial Uncle, Martial Uncle, save me..."

He pushed all the blame onto his deceased master. A sect master, a dignified Golden Core cultivator, had become a homeless dog. Everyone in the Luoyan Sect was terrified, gripped by extreme fear.

"Scoundrel!" Lu Zhang disdained to pay attention to Sect Master Mo. He looked at Cheng Huanzi and the other two. "This person deliberately used a damaged treasure in his scheme to plot against another's spiritual mountain. His intentions are sinister! What do the three Fellow Daoists think?"

Sect Master Mo was still pleading with Daoist Luorong for help. Daoist Luorong wished he could kick him away.

Cheng Huanzi watched Lu Zhang's actions with cold eyes and surprisingly calmed down. Lu Zhang's appearance here was definitely not a coincidence. In fact, the mastermind was likely the Uncaring Mountain! Whether Pushan had a secret was no longer important; the Uncaring Mountain was merely using this as an excuse to plant a 'nail' in Fudu County. The ownership of Pushan, and whether this person was truly a Xie family ancestor, were no longer important. What Cheng Huanzi cared about now was the Uncaring Mountain's purpose in doing this. The origins of these two Nascent Soul cultivators were unknown, yet they willingly served the Uncaring Mountain. They were clearly targeting the Six Emptiness Sect. Was it merely to contain the Six Emptiness Sect, or did they intend to expel them? Cheng Huanzi regretted not contacting Dragon's Dwelling Grotto-heaven before coming. The appearance of an unknown mid-Nascent Soul cultivator within their territory should have raised their vigilance.

His thoughts flashed rapidly. Cheng Huanzi knew his side was not a match and decided to employ a delaying tactic. He lightly coughed and said, "Whether the Luoyan Sect had malicious intentions and acted deliberately cannot be concluded rashly. It might be a misunderstanding; the Luoyan Sect might even be a victim. Of course, this transaction has lost its basis and thus has no reason to exist. Pushan should rightfully be returned to the Xie family."

Lu Zhang seemed somewhat displeased but did not act out. He returned the Azure Vine Veil to Qin Sang's clone. "I, Lu, cannot stay long," he said. "I trust that the Fellow Daoists will surely ascertain the truth."

Qin Sang's true self said with a smile, "I also believe the Six Emptiness Sect is clear in its rewards and punishments."

No one cared about the fate of the Luoyan Sect and Sect Master Mo. The atmosphere softened.

Cheng Huanzi examined Qin Sang's true self. "And this Fellow Daoist is?" he inquired.

"My surname is Qin, and my given name is Sang. I am an overseas rogue cultivator," Qin Sang replied, still using the same explanation.

"Oh?" Cheng Huanzi's expression shifted. "Did Daoist Qingfeng also cultivate his divine powers overseas? I've heard that overseas Daoist sects are quite different from those in the Central Plains; I have long been curious about them, but unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to meet any overseas Daoists. May I take this opportunity to boldly ask Daoist for some pointers?"

If it were only Qin Sang and Daoist Qingfeng, Cheng Huanzi would not have been so rash. With Lu Zhang present, he was not afraid and took the opportunity to propose a sparring match to test the other party.

Qin Sang's clone was about to step forward immediately but was suddenly stopped by his true self.

"I, Qin, will be returning to my mountain soon," Qin Sang's true self said, "and I have also regretted not having the chance to spar with fellow Daoists from the Central Plains. It seems we share the same thought. I wonder if I have the honor?"