Chapter 1599: Blood Crocodile Bone Hand

Shen Chen was quite astute. After formally acknowledging Qin Sang as his master, he closely followed him, acting as a devoted disciple.

They returned to Six States Hall.

Jiang Mu dismissed his attendants, and Qin Sang also instructed Shen Chen to wait outside the door.

"There's something I've always been unclear about; perhaps you can enlighten me?"

Jiang Mu personally offered fragrant tea.

Qin Sang took a sip. "Fellow Daoist Jiang, you must be asking about the meteorite fragments. But I wonder, are you asking for yourself, or on behalf of someone else?"

Jiang Mu's gaze narrowed slightly. "If I am asking on behalf of someone else, what then?"

"These meteorite fragments are connected to a secret. Unfortunately, the clues are broken, and I am weak on my own, unable to devote my attention to it quickly. However, while this secret is very important, I have no intention of keeping it to myself. I am open to finding a suitable power to collaborate with."

Qin Sang had essentially made his intentions clear.

If a Transcendence Platform could be found in the future, its activation would require extensive preparations.

He couldn't, like the Jade Bone Demon or Old Demon Ye, slaughter Nascent Soul cultivators in Central Continent to refine Blood Infants. With Bai's guidance, he could choose alternative methods, but they would demand immense resources.

Collaboration was inevitable.

Six States Hall was a good option, but Jiang Mu's status and cultivation were still insufficient.

Jiang Mu fell silent for a moment, then said, "Ten years ago, Hall Master Mu personally visited Feiyun Crossing, intending to call upon you. Learning that you were in secluded cultivation, he did not disturb you. I will now arrange for someone to contact the main hall."

Qin Sang remained at Six States Hall.

As night fell, Jiang Mu brought in an elderly man with a ruddy complexion, a full forehead, and a youthful appearance despite his white hair. This was none other than Mu Tongshu, the Hall Master of Six States Hall.

Mu Tongshu had a kindly face, devoid of the usual gravitas of a grand cultivator. He looked more like a benevolent merchant. In front of Qin Sang, he did not deliberately conceal his cultivation, revealing himself to be a grand cultivator!

"Mu arrived late, making Fellow Daoist Qin wait," Mu Tongshu said with a smile before speaking, cupping his hands in greeting.

Jiang Mu voluntarily exited and closed the door to the quiet room.

"Greetings, Hall Master Mu."

Qin Sang rose and returned the courtesy.

The Hall Master of Six States Hall was truly a grand cultivator!

Confirming it with his own eyes, Qin Sang was still quite surprised.

This person had not appeared at the Treasure Exchange, using other means to project the pressure of a grand cultivator.

In Qin Sang's understanding, major business guilds in the cultivation world were intricately linked with sects, generally occupying a subordinate position, or even being founded by disciples at the behest of their sects.

Central Continent was no exception.

A grand cultivator, as the top combat force of a sect, would not personally manage a business.

The managers of business guilds were at best elders in the mid-Nascent Soul stage from sects, who, with their path to advancement hopeless, would contribute their remaining energy, much like the Pavilion Master of Seven Fragrance Pavilion.

Qin Sang had previously investigated but had not found out which power backed Six States Hall.

Now, it seemed, with this Hall Master presiding, Six States Hall did not need to be subordinate to a sect.

"Are you perhaps wondering why I, Mu, would oversee a small business guild, seemingly lacking ambition?" Mu Tongshu guessed Qin Sang's thoughts and said with a hint of self-deprecation.

Qin Sang shook his head. "Six States Hall is no small business guild. Furthermore, everyone has their aspirations. I am a lone cultivator, worse off than Hall Master Mu."

"That is because you, Fellow Daoist, are a person devoted to the Dao, unburdened by attachments, with only the path of immortality in your heart!"

Mu Tongshu seemed to recall something, a look of emotion on his face. "When I was young, the old Hall Master brought me into Six States Hall and took me as his disciple. Only then did I achieve what I have today, and I cannot abandon this connection."

The two sat facing each other.

Neither was in a hurry to get to the main topic.

After some pleasantries.

Qin Sang subtly inquired about the background of Six States Hall.

Mu Tongshu stated frankly, "You can regard Six States Hall as a sect, only our foundation is built upon commerce, without a grand mountain gate. Operating a business guild in the Central Plains is no easy task, especially since our hall does not wish to be subservient to others. Fortunately, various powers counterbalance each other, allowing our hall to survive in the gaps. However, this also means constant appeasement and suffering various slights. Only when I broke through to the late Nascent Soul stage did our situation truly improve."

His implication was that Six States Hall was not dependent on any power.

Qin Sang secretly nodded. For Six States Hall to maintain its independence and develop into such a significant power, its successive hall masters must have expended immeasurable effort.

This was thanks to the intricate yet long-term stable environment of the Central Plains cultivation world.

All parties needed such a neutral business guild that wouldn't be excessively interfered with by other powers, which is why they tacitly allowed Six States Hall to exist.

Qin Sang toyed with the jade cup in his hand, then said, "Hall Master Mu must already know the reason. To be frank, the reason I went to such great lengths is that the meteorite fragments might involve the secret of transcendence."

"Transcendence?"

Mu Tongshu's pupils contracted, and a look of doubt appeared on his face. "Could this treasure be related to the Eight Sceneries Temple and Ganlu Zen Monastery?"

Although cultivators in Central Continent didn't know the true nature of 'transcendence,' they all knew a public secret.

After Soul Transformation cultivators achieved mastery, they would visit these two great immortal sects.

Therefore, when Qin Sang mentioned 'transcendence,' Mu Tongshu immediately thought of them.

The main hall of Six States Hall was located in Tianzhong Prefecture, situated between the two great immortal sects, so Mu Tongshu knew more about the matter.

Those Soul Transformation cultivators must have reached some agreement with the two great immortal sects. After leaving them, they rarely interfered with the cultivation world again.

The outside world suspected that the two great immortal sects used the method of transcendence as leverage to gain the compromise of other Soul Transformation cultivators, thereby maintaining their own status.

"Not so!"

Qin Sang stated the conclusion he had reached after years of contemplation. "The Immortal and Buddhist sects might know the truth of 'transcendence,' but they do not disclose it to Nascent Soul cultivators like us. Assuming 'transcendence' is real, it's understandable why Soul Transformation cultivators from the Immortal and Buddhist sects would remain in this realm to deter other forces and maintain their dominant position. However, throughout history, there have been other Soul Transformation cultivators, such as Old Demon Lu, who are lone wanderers with no intention of developing forces. Why would they also remain in this realm and seclude themselves for long periods? Evidently, transcendence is not an easy feat even for Soul Transformation cultivators. Furthermore, if the two great immortal sects were to secretly scheme something, how could we guard against it?"

"Do you perhaps know of other methods of transcendence?" Mu Tongshu's face showed shock.

Qin Sang shook his head with a slight sigh. "To be frank, I have no certainty either, otherwise the truth of 'transcendence' would not remain solely in their hands. But even if there's only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, it's worth trying."

He temporarily did not intend to reveal to Mu Tongshu that late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators had hope of transcending with the aid of a Transcendence Platform.

If Mu Tongshu proved unreliable, leaving him out, or if the information leaked, the situation could spiral out of control.

No one knew how many times a Transcendence Platform could actually be used.

Qin Sang worried that other Transcendence Platforms might also be single-use, like the one in Ziwei Palace.

"Transcendence..."

Mu Tongshu was somewhat dazed.

For grand cultivators like them, transcendence was still a very distant matter, separated by the formidable barrier of Soul Transformation. But as Qin Sang said, even a glimmer of hope was worth grasping tightly.

He had to plan far ahead.

Even if he couldn't use it, it could still benefit future generations.

But how to verify the truth of Qin Sang's words?

Mu Tongshu spoke frankly, posing his question.

Qin Sang spread his hands, asserting confidently, "Whether Hall Master Mu believes it or not, I cannot provide any evidence! It's too early to discuss transcendence. First, we need to investigate the origin of these meteorite fragments, whether there are similar treasures in the cultivation world, and their history... Your esteemed hall has branches throughout the Central Plains, and your intelligence network is excellent. It wouldn't require much effort."

Mu Tongshu pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "Would our hall be so fortunate as to invite Fellow Daoist Qin to be an honorary elder?"

"I would be delighted."

Outside Six States Hall.

Qin Sang and Hall Master Mu bid each other a reluctant farewell.

Returning to his cave abode.

Qin Sang called Shen Chen before him. "What cultivation method do you practice?"

"Reporting to Master, it is the metal-attribute cultivation method, the *Yaoguang Art*."

Shen Chen immediately took out a jade slip and presented it to Qin Sang with both hands.

Qin Sang quickly scanned through it.

The *Yaoguang Art* was not a top-tier cultivation method, but several of its associated divine abilities were helpful for artifact refining. In a sense, it was very suitable for Shen Chen.

It wasn't that Qin Sang didn't have better cultivation methods, but after consideration, he decided to let Shen Chen continue practicing the *Yaoguang Art* for now, and only consider changing methods after he achieved the Nascent Soul stage.

Changing cultivation methods required a great deal of effort and could hinder one's cultivation progress.

Qin Sang did not cultivate a similar method, but with his insight, guiding Shen Chen was no problem at all. After a moment's thought, he left numerous detailed annotations in the jade slip and returned it to Shen Chen.

"From now on, remember to focus on your cultivation and raise your cultivation level as quickly as possible. Temporarily, do not distract yourself with artifact refining, but never neglect it. These pills, take them as appropriate."

Qin Sang took out several jade vials from his Qianjun Ring, along with some artifact refining manuals he had collected, and handed them all to Shen Chen.

The pills he had just purchased from Six States Hall. A portion of the crocodile demon's remains was sufficient to pay for them, and Six States Hall even gave him a discount.

It would be a waste not to use his honorary elder status.

Shen Chen took all the items.

Amidst his surprise, he finally understood.

His Master had indeed not taken him as a disciple without reason. Judging by his Master's tone, his current cultivation level was too low; he would only be useful after becoming a Nascent Soul cultivator.

The Nascent Soul stage, for the previous Shen Chen, was something he only dared to dream of. With this "convenient" master, it no longer seemed so distant.

Shen Chen had toiled in the cultivation world for many years and felt no discomfort with this arrangement.

Good fortune never came without reason.

What he feared most was being useless!

Besides, his "convenient" master valued his artifact refining talent, not his life.

Regardless of Shen Chen's thoughts, Qin Sang raised his hand and pressed two fingers to Shen Chen's brow.

Shen Chen felt a momentary daze, and suddenly a partial spiritual formation appeared in his consciousness. He could only see the tip of the iceberg, but he could sense that the formation was extraordinarily complex, unlike anything he had ever seen.

"This is part of a complete spiritual formation. Remember what I said before: you can only study it, do not rashly attempt to use it!" Qin Sang said solemnly.

Shen Chen quickly withdrew his thoughts, speaking with utmost humility. "Your disciple obeys!"

Qin Sang nodded.

Forcing Shen Chen to the Nascent Soul stage might make him like the strange-faced man's disciple, lacking experience and with abilities that didn't match his realm.

However, Shen Chen was unlike Bai Hanqiu and Aunt Mei; he had no prior connection with Qin Sang, so there was no emotional bond.

Qin Sang's decision to take this disciple on a whim was more for his artifact refining talent; combat ability was not important. This was different from taking on a true lineage successor.

He gave a few more instructions.

Qin Sang was about to dismiss Shen Chen, but after a thought, he said, "Stand to one side. I am going to refine something. You can observe. Don't rush to understand anything; just remember it."

"Yes!"

Shen Chen retreated to a corner, both excited and expectant. It was his first time personally observing a Nascent Soul cultivator refine an artifact.

Qin Sang's finger brushed over his Qianjun Ring, and a demon core appeared in his palm—the demon core of the crocodile demon.

The first crocodile demon had been blown apart by the Sun God Bird, leaving only a fragmented corpse; its spirit and demon core were destroyed. However, the demon core of the second crocodile demon had been preserved intact.

The crocodile demon's spirit had dissipated after the soul search. The demon core was now free of the crocodile demon's soul, leaving only a pure and flawless core.

Shen Chen watched in a trance.

"A demon core of a Soul Transformation great demon!"

Shen Chen was greatly shaken, gaining a new understanding of his "convenient" master's power.

Qin Sang gazed at the demon core in his hand.

After killing the crocodile demon and obtaining its bone, Qin Sang had been pondering how to make it his own. The crocodile bone could summon a thousand-zhang giant crocodile, whose power was extraordinary. If he could utilize it, he would gain another formidable means.

Unfortunately, he was not a demon, nor did he possess the crocodile demon's bloodline, making him unable to subdue the crocodile bone.

While he lacked the crocodile demon's bloodline, he had the crocodile demon's corpse and its demon core. This crocodile demon had previously refined the crocodile bone, and the bone had already recognized its aura.

Qin Sang intended to use these to deceive the crocodile bone. He had been cultivating and deducing methods for ten years, and now had a plan.

With the demon core in hand.

A wisp of black flame suddenly bloomed in Qin Sang's palm. The demonic flame's aura was extremely violent, yet it appeared remarkably docile in Qin Sang's hand.

Shen Chen's eyes widened as he watched the demonic flame in Qin Sang's hand, swallowing hard, a mix of fear and envy on his face.

He felt that the demonic flame could easily kill him.

How wonderful it would be if he, too, could subdue such a terrifying demonic flame like his Master.

The demonic flame enveloped the demon core.

The flames seemed incredibly gentle.

Next, the demon core actually began to soften, collapsing from its round shape into an oval, until it eventually became a thin, flat piece.

When cultivators obtained demon cores, most used them for alchemy.

It was Shen Chen's first time witnessing a Soul Transformation stage demon core being used for artifact refining. He completely forgot his previous stray thoughts, focusing intently on Qin Sang's actions.

In Shen Chen's view.

The demonic flame pulsated rhythmically a few times. Qin Sang took out several rare spiritual materials and formed runes that Shen Chen couldn't comprehend. The demon core then drastically changed its shape, ultimately transforming into a transparent glove.

Every step was so fluid and natural, captivating him.

However, Shen Chen didn't understand the power of this glove. It didn't feel like a magical artifact, which puzzled him greatly.

After the glove took shape, Qin Sang took out a small jade vial.

Inside the jade vial was a vibrant red liquid, as pure as a crimson gem. It was precisely the essence blood Qin Sang had extracted from the crocodile demon's corpse.

'Pop!'

The jade vial opened, and the essence blood flew out on its own, hovering above the glove.

Qin Sang's fingers moved like a spinning wheel, drawing a thread from the essence blood. Like embroidery, he wove a hand of blood, which slowly descended and merged into the transparent glove.

Instantly, a brilliant crimson light erupted.

Shen Chen stared intently, seeing a blood-colored glove suspended within the crimson light. It was extremely thin, scarlet like blood, and emanated a terrifyingly fierce aura, as if a great demon had been reborn!

'Whoosh!'

The blood glove flew to Qin Sang's left hand. Its aura and crimson light retracted, and it became transparent again, as if formless and weightless.

Qin Sang took out the crocodile bone, grasped it with his left hand, and removed the demonic flame seal on it.

The crocodile bone began to struggle again.

But this time was different. As soon as Qin Sang activated the blood glove, the crocodile bone gradually settled down.

"It's done!"

Qin Sang's heart swelled with joy.

Though he had consumed the demon core and essence blood of a Soul Transformation great demon merely to refine a tool for controlling the crocodile bone, it was worth it.

"From now on, I'll call you the Blood Crocodile Bone Hand!"