Chapter 1587: Gu Jing

Martial Arts and Immortals

Su Zinan returned to the Chinan Archipelago and left with his people that same night, disappearing without a trace.

The two attempts to open Wu Wang Temple seemed like a farce. First, Eight Scenery Temple and Sweet Dew Monastery, and then Su Zinan, all suffered losses at Wu Wang Temple, yet none of them could even pass through the outer turbulence.

However, what everyone was most concerned about now was no longer Wu Wang Temple. The fact that the successors of three Soul Transformation cultivators repeatedly challenged Wu Wang Temple despite the danger, coupled with Su Zinan's final conversation with Master He Gao, added fuel to the already rampant rumors.

Qin Sang didn't know if Su Zinan came looking for someone, but he felt that Su Zinan's words and actions seemed to deliberately stir up trouble. Perhaps it was a bit of both.

As the commotion subsided, Qin Sang did not linger long at the Chinan Archipelago. He packed up and returned to the Central Plains.

On the boat, Qin Sang sealed the cabin with restrictions and took out the strange-faced man's disciple's belongings. He had failed to capture the disciple alive, so he wondered if he could find any clues among these items. Besides the spatial pouch, Qin Sang had also snatched his spirit beast bag.

With little hope, Qin Sang opened the spatial pouch. What first caught his eye were jade bottles of various colors, which he had seen the strange-faced man's disciple use before. They contained all sorts of potent poisons. In the two Southern Barbarian provinces, where poisonous miasma was rampant, collecting these toxins was not difficult. A single type of poison had little effect on Nascent Soul cultivators; only when used with a secret technique, as the strange-faced man's disciple did, could it pose a threat. Unfortunately, when facing Qin Sang, his Fat Silkworm had a full meal and was now sound asleep.

Qin Sang knew little about poisonous arts, so he set aside these jade bottles for now. The remaining items were some poison pills. He then activated his spiritual sense to unlock the spirit beast bag's restrictions, revealing a dazzling array of poisonous insects inside. The sheer number of them was astonishing. Unlike the Five-Colored Poisonous Spider and the Poisonous Scorpion, these were mostly naturally occurring poisonous insects. There were also a few that Qin Sang couldn't quite identify, with their cultivation levels primarily concentrated at the second and third transformations. Among them, exotic insects were only a minority. However, cultivating so many high-level spirit insects was by no means an easy feat.

Qin Sang opened an insect jar. Without needing to bother Fat Silkworm, he covered his palm with protective spiritual essence and grabbed out the poisonous insect inside. This was a colorful moth with brightly patterned wings and a gray body. Qin Sang found similarities to three types of poisonous moths he recalled, as if the characteristics of all three were concentrated in this single colorful moth. Precisely because of this, Qin Sang couldn't quite determine the colorful moth's exact species.

"All three characteristics are very distinct. This can't be a coincidence. Is this a Gu worm that's just begun to be cultivated?" Qin Sang pondered. He had previously speculated that the Five-Colored Poisonous Spider might have been cultivated using Gu cultivation techniques. Seeing these Gu worms, he now felt his suspicion was largely confirmed. However, the Five-Colored Poisonous Spider was already fully formed, making it impossible to discern how many poisonous insects it had merged. This colorful moth, on the other hand, had only just begun its transformation.

"Interesting. Using the method of Gu cultivation to merge the characteristics of various poisonous insects and enhance their power... I wonder if this can be replicated in other spirit insects..."

Qin Sang continued to search through the spatial pouch. With a rustle, dozens of jade slips appeared on the table. Qin Sang read through them one by one. The strange-faced man and his disciple were most skilled in Wood-element divine abilities, but Qin Sang found no content related to their fundamental cultivation path. There were only a few insignificant methods for refining Wood-element magical artifacts. It was logical; since the strange-faced man could place a restriction on his disciple's Nascent Soul, he surely wouldn't allow him to carry anything important.

"Hmm?" As his spiritual sense swept over a particular jade slip, it caught Qin Sang's attention. He drew it into his hand and examined it closely.

"The 'Gu Sutra'! It's actually an inheritance from Myriad Poison Mountain!"

Myriad Poison Mountain was a super sect in the Barbarian Province, on par with Southern Province's Taiyue Sect. As its name implied, Myriad Poison Mountain cultivators excelled in the art of using poison, which gave them a unique advantage in the Barbarian Province. Because the Barbarian Province was sparsely populated and spirit insects were common, some Myriad Poison Mountain cultivators also raised spirit insects and excelled in the art of controlling them. Qin Sang had previously suspected that the strange-faced man and his disciple might have originated from Myriad Poison Mountain. However, since Myriad Poison Mountain had no masters renowned for Wood-element divine abilities, he hadn't dared to make a definitive statement.

After reading the 'Gu Sutra', Qin Sang was somewhat disappointed to find that the jade slip contained only half of the secret technique. However, the content of the technique brought him significant insights. The 'Gu Sutra' mostly discussed how to cultivate highly venomous insects, but a portion of it was also applicable to other spirit insects. This cultivation method was similar to the Gu cultivation technique Qin Sang had heard of before, but the difference was that the 'Gu Sutra' not only allowed spirit insects to devour each other but also used special elixirs as an aid.

The biggest hidden danger of Gu cultivation techniques was that the cultivated Gu worms would become violent, and their intelligence would also be affected. Following the steps in the 'Gu Sutra' could minimize these hidden dangers, but the prerequisite was ample preparation and a systematic approach, avoiding any shortcuts. If used properly, one could even induce the Gu worms to mutate in the direction the master desired. Of course, one could also disregard the hidden dangers and use Gu cultivation techniques to quickly select the fiercest Gu worm among them to gain powerful assistance. The strange-faced man's disciple had indeed used this method. The strange-faced man's Jade Armor Beetle must have also drawn inspiration from similar techniques, but it had already exceeded the scope of the first half of the 'Gu Sutra'.

Qin Sang had been immersed in the art of controlling insects for many years and had inherited knowledge from both human and witch tribes. Based on his experience, he judged that the methods described in the 'Gu Sutra' were feasible. However, only his Fire Jade Centipede was suitable. Fat Silkworm and Heavenly Eye Butterfly were too important; Qin Sang could not afford any mishaps with them. Cultivating Gu worms required devouring spirit insects with similar attributes. Qin Sang couldn't immediately figure out how to classify the Heavenly Eye Butterfly. If he accidentally induced it in the wrong direction and it lost its ability to control heavenly lightning, he would be utterly despairing. The Fire Jade Centipede was simpler. Its treasure-hunting ability was inherently based on a keen sense for fire-element treasures. Collecting spirit insects with fire-element talent for the Fire Jade Centipede to devour, and only using Gu cultivation techniques to help it break through to the fourth transformation, the impact should be controllable. Qin Sang looked at the insect jars on the table. He decided to first comprehend the 'Gu Sutra' and use these insects for experimentation. If the Fire Jade Centipede was slow to transform, he would then consider using this method.

Upon returning to Zhuozhou, Qin Sang immediately sent all the poisonous insects to Loutai Temple, handing them over to Zhou Ruan and his wife. He also gave them a large sum of spirit stones and instructed them on how to cultivate the Gu worms. Zhou Ruan and his wife dared not refuse Qin Sang's orders, and as they were gaining a secret technique, they were naturally very pleased. Meanwhile, Qin Sang returned to Misty Water Market and entrusted Six Provinces Hall with collecting third-transformation fire-element spirit insects and various spirit herbs needed for refining auxiliary elixirs. There were quite a few cultivators skilled in alchemy in the Central Plains, so finding an alchemist was not difficult.

Subsequently, both Qin Sang's main body and his clone continued to focus their energy on cultivation, hoping to master the secret technique as soon as possible. Unbeknownst to them, another twenty years passed.

Flying Cloud Ferry.

Late at night, Flying Cloud Ferry was brightly lit. Above the lake, a city that never slept, towering a thousand zhang high. The magnificent Immortal City displayed its grand scale at night. The bright moon cast its clear glow everywhere. Steam rose from the lake, and a faint mist floated, cloaking the Immortal City in a mysterious aura. It was said that the abode of immortals could be no more beautiful than this.

White jade bridges spanned north, south, east, and west, their crisscrossing paths too numerous to count. Luminous pearls on the bridges shone brightly, complementing the brilliant moon in the sky. Built from flawless, top-grade beautiful jade, the bridges wove into a net, resembling colossal white dragons stretching to the various peaks along Flying Cloud Ferry's banks, jointly supporting the vast Immortal City. Above the jade bridges, magnificent palaces and jade pavilions were stacked, with carved railings and jade architecture gleaming and sparkling. They resembled individual stars embedded in mid-air, colorful and radiant, sparking the imagination. Below, two rivers converged, their waters flowing rapidly. In the turbulent river, another underwater Immortal City was reflected. The river surface was teeming with boats, countless pleasure boats among them, appearing as if they were sailing through the void, entering a fairyland. This drew passengers on the boats out of their cabins, one after another, to gaze blankly at the Immortal City in the sky, filled with both envy and anticipation.

Although it was late at night, the Immortal City was bustling with activity. Regardless of whether they were cultivators or mortals, peddlers or laborers, all were treated equally in the Immortal City. Everyone traversed the jade bridges, either by foot or by renting mounts and beast carriages from relay stations. Spirit beasts of various forms were everywhere; creatures resembling dragons, phoenixes, and Qilin could be seen at every turn. Of course, these were merely superficial resemblances, and it was impossible for them to truly possess divine beast bloodlines. Even cultivators liked to seek auspicious signs. The Immortal City was divided into twenty-two districts according to the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. The Heavenly Stem districts were the highest class, while mortals primarily frequented the Earthly Branch districts. Spirit beasts and beast carriages galloped along the center of the bridges.

Zhou Jin, riding a spirit beast said to be a Dragon Horse, unhurriedly made his way towards the Ding District of the Immortal City. He suddenly heard a clamor and glanced towards the area below the bridge, where he saw a ball of blazing fire soaring upwards. It was surprisingly a spirit beast resembling a fire phoenix. The 'Fire Phoenix' disregarded the Immortal City's rules, soaring over the water. Its flame-like wings suddenly flapped, and it abruptly ascended into the sky, scattering tiny bits of fiery rain. Amidst countless amazed gazes, the Fire Phoenix soared straight up and finally landed in front of a jade building in the Ding District, where it prostrated itself as a Daoist dismounted.

"A true man should be like this!" Zhou Jin muttered to himself, his face full of envy. This 'Fire Phoenix' was indeed one of the Immortal City's highest-grade mounts, truly dazzling. Of course, he could grit his teeth and afford to rent one. But the Immortal City was full of hidden masters. As a mere Core Formation cultivator, he truly dared not act ostentatiously here. Not long after arriving, he had already encountered several Core Formation cultivators whose cultivation was higher than his, and all of them were obediently riding beast carriages. As for Nascent Soul cultivators, unless they chose not to conceal their cultivation, one wouldn't recognize such a master even face to face.

"One day, if I can reach Senior Qin's level of cultivation, I'll come back and enjoy this experience again." Zhou Jin set a goal for himself, then squeezed his legs hard. The Dragon Horse, whose intelligence was not low, immediately understood, raised its head, neighed loudly, and galloped forward.

After a burst of galloping, Zhou Jin entered the Ding District and only then realized there was more to it inside. What was visible from the outside was only half of the Ding District; the other half was concealed by a grand formation, making it quite secluded and tranquil. Zhou Jin remained discreet, riding his mount to a quiet small courtyard. Just as he stopped, the courtyard gate opened from within, and a young man walked out. Seeing Zhou Jin, the young man showed the joy of meeting an old acquaintance and bowed respectfully. "Xie Liu greets Temple Master Zhou," he said. The young man was a rising star of the Xie family.

Five years ago, Jiang Mu was transferred by Six Provinces Hall from Misty Water Market to Flying Cloud Ferry. Most treasure exchange meetings and auctions were held at Flying Cloud Ferry. Following Jiang Mu's suggestion, Qin Sang also moved there, renting a cave abode in the Jia District. He also had the Xie family send someone to set up an outpost at Flying Cloud Ferry at his disposal.

Handing the Dragon Horse to Xie Liu, Zhou Jin hurried into the courtyard and whispered, "Quickly send a message. I have something important." Xie Liu's expression tightened. Daring not to ask more, he hurriedly entered the secret chamber and activated its restrictions. He knew the restrictions here were for transmitting messages, but not to whom. After he was done, Xie Liu settled Zhou Jin, then kept to his duties and went to cultivate.

Jia District Cave Abode.

Qin Sang awoke, then flashed and disappeared. A figure suddenly appeared before Zhou Jin. He hurriedly stood up and bowed, "Greetings, Senior Qin."

"Sit down. What is the important matter?" Qin Sang sat down and asked.

Zhou Jin dared not sit. He opened the spirit beast bag at his waist and took out an insect jar. "This junior followed your command and cultivated this Gu worm using the secret technique. I was able to control it before, but recently, as I was preparing to let it devour more poisonous insects to break through, an anomaly suddenly occurred. If I force its advancement, it might go out of control. This junior dared not decide on my own..."

Qin Sang took the insect jar, opened it, and saw a colorful poisonous moth. It was precisely the poisonous moth that combined three characteristics. He had set a plan and ordered Zhou Ruan and his wife to continue cultivating it, and now it was completely unrecognizable. Qin Sang picked up the poisonous moth and carefully sensed it. In just twenty years, the poisonous moth had advanced from the early Third Transformation to being on the verge of breaking through to the late Third Transformation. The speed was undeniably fast, but the cost was equally significant, not to mention the vast resources he had provided. The poisonous moth's temperament had become extremely ferocious, to the point that Qin Sang, a Nascent Soul cultivator, could not completely subdue it. This was the consequence of seeking quick success and instant benefits. Qin Sang had anticipated this when he handed it to Zhou Jin, as he needed such a counter-example to assess the severity of the hidden dangers.

"You did well." Hearing Qin Sang's praise, the apprehension in Zhou Jin's heart finally subsided.

Qin Sang asked Zhou Jin for the elixirs and the two poisonous insects prepared for consumption. He then entered a quiet chamber, used restrictions to create a sealed area, placed the three poisonous insects together, and took out an elixir, crushing it into powder and sprinkling it inside. Besides the poisonous moth, there were also a centipede and a poisonous ant.

After consuming the elixir powder, the three poisonous insects showed varying degrees of agitation. The poisonous moth was the most severe, becoming completely feral. Its wings flapped violently as it sprayed a cloud of poisonous mist, enveloping its two opponents. Its opponents did not show weakness either. A bloody struggle ensued, with the centipede and poisonous ant ultimately failing, their bodies devoured by the poisonous moth. Qin Sang watched coldly from the sidelines, occasionally throwing in various elixirs.

"Crunch... crunch..."

Horrifying crunching sounds echoed in the quiet chamber. After devouring the enemies' bodies, the poisonous moth was silent for a short while. Its aura then suddenly surged, breaking through to the late Third Transformation in one go, but its temperament simultaneously became even more violent.

"Thump, thump, thump..."

Trapped within a ball of light, the poisonous moth tirelessly and frantically crashed against the light barrier. Qin Sang's fingers tapped continuously, sending multiple restrictions into the ball of light, forcibly restraining the poisonous moth, which only then calmed down. After careful examination, Qin Sang obtained the information he wanted and gained a significant understanding of this secret technique.

Fat Silkworm crawled onto Qin Sang's shoulder, greedily staring at the poisonous moth. Already impatient, it received Qin Sang's nod of approval and swallowed it in one gulp. Qin Sang looked at Fat Silkworm with a suspicious expression. "This fellow just swallowed the Gu worm raw. How is that different from Gu cultivation itself? It won't cause any problems later, will it?" This was already the third Gu worm. If it could bring a significant improvement to Fat Silkworm, he would then consider cultivating its food this way. Otherwise, Qin Sang couldn't afford such a massive consumption of resources.

Returning to the Jia District, Qin Sang contacted Jiang Mu to purchase the last items needed and began preparations to help the Fire Jade Centipede transform.

My relatives and colleagues are successively getting sick, and it's truly unavoidable. I'm sure it's only a matter of time for me as well. I'm truly overwhelmed and physically and mentally exhausted right now. All I can say is that I'll do my best to provide updates during this time, but I might need to take leave at any moment. I just hope to get back on track as soon as possible.