Chapter 1601: Withering Elder Demon

"What rumors have you heard?" Qin Sang retorted, knowing Jiang Mu wouldn't speak carelessly.

Jiang Mu handed Qin Sang a jade slip. "There are indeed rumors, but none can be confirmed. It's hard to tell what's true and what's false! From certain clues, we've discovered that seemingly ordinary forces and individuals are actually far more complex than they appear..."

Qin Sang quickly scanned the slip. It contained nothing but speculative rumors. He chuckled, "True hidden powers wouldn't emerge so quickly, would they? What are they conspiring to do? Surely not overthrow the Eight Scenery Temple and the Sweet Dew Zen Monastery."

"These two immortal sects are massive entities; for now, no one dares to challenge them. But if no Soul Transformation cultivators emerge for a long time, it's hard to say. Someone will certainly have ideas about them."

Jiang Mu paused, his voice turning mysterious. "Just one thing, Elder Qin, aren't you curious? Even the Heavenly Vault Tower, the foremost demonic sect, only has sporadic appearances of Soul Transformation cultivators. So why can the Eight Scenery Temple and Sweet Dew Zen Monastery continuously produce them? Are all the world's most brilliant talents gathered by these two immortal sects?"

"Brother Jiang means that the two great immortal sects possess some secret Soul Transformation technique, and its success rate is remarkably high..." Qin Sang wasn't surprised.

In fact, after learning about the Eight Scenery Temple and Sweet Dew Zen Monastery, he had similar suspicions. Ever since True Monarch Huang Xi and Saintess Liaosu, both sects have produced a continuous stream of talents, firmly cementing their dominant positions; this is by no means a coincidence.

"I'm just idly speculating; don't take it as fact." Although he said that, Jiang Mu didn't believe he was wrong. "These things are still too far for me. I prefer to stay grounded and hope to one day catch up to Elder Qin's cultivation. However, for mighty cultivators like Elder Qin, Soul Transformation isn't an illusion; it's something to strive for at all costs! It's inevitable that some people share my thoughts and are secretly plotting. Great cultivators outside the Daoist and Buddhist factions are powerful reinforcements and natural allies. Once Elder Qin appears in Jinyu State, someone will surely come looking for you."

As he spoke, Jiang Mu subtly glanced at Qin Sang.

Lone cultivators at the late Nascent Soul stage were extremely rare; Qin Sang was an anomaly. Jiang Mu had always suspected that Qin Sang was a master from some faction in disguise, making it easier for him to act. He didn't know what their Hall Master had secretly discussed with Qin Sang years ago.

"Thank you for the reminder, Brother Jiang. I am a lone wolf, unafraid of powerful enemies, but I won't let myself be exploited. I hope Hall Master Mu can offer some guidance when the time comes..." Qin Sang thought to himself that one of his reasons for personally going to Jinyu State to attend the Ullambana Festival was precisely this.

Even without Soul Transformation cultivators, the Eight Scenery Temple and Sweet Dew Zen Monastery were not to be trifled with. He was alone and his divine abilities were not yet perfected. The best option was to sit back and watch the tigers fight.

Qin Sang wouldn't take sides before understanding the full situation.

However, he was very interested in the forces lurking beneath the surface, especially the Formless Immortal Sect. He wondered if he might encounter any 'remnants' of the Formless Immortal Sect during this trip.

As they spoke, the two flew to the northern bank pier of Feiyun Crossing.

Three treasure ships were waiting there, scheduled to depart the next day.

On board were personnel dispatched by the Six States Hall to the Jinyu Gate, along with large goods that couldn't fit into spatial bags. The cabins were packed to the brim. The quality of the items might not have been exceptionally high, but their sheer volume made their combined value astonishing, which explained Jiang Mu's caution.

Jiang Mu offered Qin Sang the best cabin.

Qin Sang accepted without ceremony, entering seclusion within the cabin. He didn't emerge for days, not even showing himself when the treasure ship set sail.

The fleet sailed north along the Feiyun River, passing through Longju Pier and entering Zhuo State. Along the way, they learned that the Longju Grotto-Heaven's team had already departed by cloud-boat.

It was when they were about to leave Zhuo State and enter Zhaoyao State.

Late at night, the full moon reflected on the river.

The river surface shimmered with moonlight.

The moving treasure ship suddenly stopped.

Qin Sang sensed something unusual. He pushed open his door and saw Jiang Mu standing at the stern, his expression solemn, gazing at the center of the river.

Behind them, the roar of water sounded as a tall, multistoried ship swiftly advanced through the river's center.

Under the moonlight, the ship resembled a massive black beast, imposing and unconcerned, as smaller vessels along its path scattered to get out of its way.

The multistoried ship bore no flags or other identifiers.

Only its high, upturned bow had an ancient mirror embedded, reflecting a bright moonlight that illuminated a large section of the river. Anyone touched by this moonlight felt an inexplicable sense of restraint.

Qin Sang was no exception. While it didn't affect him, it was quite uncomfortable.

He vaguely sensed several subtle yet formidable auras from within the ship.

"It's the Heavenly Vault Tower!" Jiang Mu whispered, then immediately issued orders for their treasure ship to change course and yield to the multistoried ship.

Qin Sang inwardly thought, 'No wonder.'

The foremost demonic sect, even without considering Soul Transformation cultivators, might not be weaker than the Eight Scenery Temple and the Sweet Dew Zen Monastery!

His gaze shifted to the ancient mirror at the ship's bow. He asked in a deep voice, "Is that the Heavenly Vault Tower's sect-protecting treasure — the Heavenly Vault Ancient Mirror?"

Jiang Mu slightly shook his head. "It's a replica. Its power is far inferior to the true Heavenly Vault Ancient Mirror. Legend has it that the real mirror cannot leave the Heavenly Vault Tower, but I don't know if that's true! However, it's said that this replica was forged using a special technique, perfectly integrated with the ship's talisman array, allowing it to unleash extraordinary power."

As the two exchanged whispers, the multistoried ship drew closer, its wake forming two thick walls of water that surged towards them.

Just as it was about to pass them.

A soft "Oh?" suddenly echoed from the multistoried ship. Then, their treasure ship abruptly stopped, halting beside them as the water walls subsided. The two ships were now less than a thousand zhang apart.

Jiang Mu's expression changed.

On the multistoried ship's bow, light and shadow rippled, revealing a figure who stood gazing at them. "May I ask which fellow Daoist from the Six States Hall this is? Is Hall Master Mu present?"

The speaker was a young man.

The young man wore brocade robes. His face was somewhat gaunt, with high cheekbones, and he looked excessively young, yet he had white hair and white eyebrows that hung long.

Jiang Mu cupped his hands and bowed, then said in a deep voice, "Jiang Mu of the Six States Hall greets Master Kurong. Our Hall Master has been delayed but will arrive shortly."

As he spoke, he transmitted a message to Qin Sang, his tone grave.

"This person is Old Demon Kurong!"

Qin Sang stood with his hands behind his back, half a step behind Jiang Mu.

"Master" was an honorific for mighty cultivators in the Heavenly Vault Tower.

Qin Sang had long heard of Old Demon Kurong.

This person's current fame wasn't as great as the Heavenly Vault Tower's Sect Master or Grand Elder, but he was considered the top candidate for the next Sect Master of the Heavenly Vault Tower, destined to become the foremost figure in the Demonic Path.

Old Demon Kurong was already somewhat famous before reaching the Nascent Soul stage. He cultivated a bizarre demonic art of the Heavenly Vault Tower, which caused him to show signs of aging at a young age, appearing like a centenarian.

Not only his appearance, but his internal vital energy would correspondingly weaken, and even his lifespan would diminish.

Practitioners of this demonic art would wither overnight, forced to overcome various disadvantages and race against time to achieve breakthroughs. Only those with extraordinary talent dared to cultivate it.

As their cultivation advanced, this state would improve, and the practitioner's appearance would become increasingly youthful.

Upon becoming a mighty cultivator, a vast new realm awaited them!

Since the Heavenly Vault Tower's establishment, only a handful of individuals had successfully mastered this demonic art. Old Demon Kurong had not only achieved success in his cultivation but was also the youngest among them.

"If he's not here, he's not here. Why say he'll arrive shortly? Are you afraid I'll destroy your fleet?" Old Demon Kurong chuckled eerily, his long eyebrows twitching. His gaze shifted, noticing Qin Sang behind Jiang Mu. He eyed him, revealing a look of surprise. "This fellow Daoist looks somewhat unfamiliar."

Jiang Mu gave an embarrassed smile and introduced him, "This is Elder Qin, an honored guest elder of our hall."

Qin Sang nodded with a smile. "I've long admired Fellow Daoist Kurong's renown. Meeting you today, your distinguished demeanor truly shines!"

Old Demon Kurong stared intently at Qin Sang, his surprise and suspicion deepening with each look.

Inside the multistoried ship, other Heavenly Vault Tower experts noticed Old Demon Kurong's unusual behavior.

Several subtle divine senses probed them, which Qin Sang unceremoniously repelled.

Several muffled groans immediately sounded from the ship.

"Don't be presumptuous!" Old Demon Kurong barked at the cabin, his tone entirely different from his previous casualness with Jiang Mu. He then said seriously, "My subordinates were rude. Please forgive them, Fellow Daoist Qin."

"No matter," Qin Sang's smile didn't falter.

"With Fellow Daoist Qin joining, the Six States Hall is like a tiger with wings, truly establishing itself as the number one merchant association in the world! Pardon my poor eyesight, but where is Fellow Daoist Qin's immortal home?"

Old Demon Kurong pondered hard but couldn't place Qin Sang's sect or origin.

Qin Sang said indifferently, "I am a lone individual with no fixed residence, so it's normal that you haven't heard of me. Is Fellow Daoist Kurong the only one attending this Ullambana Festival? Are Sect Master Yu and Elder Fan aboard? I've long admired them as well."

Elder Fan was the contemporary Grand Elder of the Heavenly Vault Tower, holding equal standing with Sect Master Yu within the sect. Old Demon Kurong's status was slightly lower than theirs.

"The Sect Master is at a critical stage of cultivating a secret art and cannot emerge from seclusion. The Grand Elder has other important matters and might not have time to go to Jinyu State."

Old Demon Kurong's answer was surprising.

Qin Sang and Jiang Mu exchanged glances.

In their previous discussions, they had both felt that with the loss of Soul Transformation cultivators' deterrence, the Heavenly Vault Tower would surely not remain idle. Even if they didn't appear personally, they would secretly fuel the flames.

Unexpectedly, only Old Demon Kurong had come.

Or perhaps, they were already hidden in the shadows, beginning their schemes?

Qin Sang inwardly found it strange.

For this Ullambana Festival, Mount Buniang was sealed off, and the whereabouts of two Heavenly Vault Tower masters were unknown. He wondered if other immortal sects would cause any trouble.

The Jinyu Gate wished to host a grand festival unprecedented and unrivaled, but it seemed unlikely to come to fruition.

Old Demon Kurong invited Qin Sang to board his ship for a chat, but Qin Sang politely declined.

The situation was unclear, and he didn't want to get too close to any sect, especially the Heavenly Vault Tower.

They exchanged a few words from a distance.

Old Demon Kurong saw Qin Sang's cold attitude and no longer insisted.

After this brief interlude, the fleet entered the central part of Zhaoyao State, turned east via the largest tributary of the Feiyun River, and sailed into Jinyu State.

The estuary of the Feiyun River tributary was located in Jinyu State, which was also home to the bustling market city of Rainbow City, controlled by the Jinyu Gate.

The Ullambana Festival was to be held in Rainbow City.

Robbing a large merchant association, especially one with a Nascent Soul cultivator overseeing it, in broad daylight, was actually quite rare.

They entered Jinyu State without any alarm or danger.

Even before reaching Rainbow City, they could clearly feel the influence of the Ullambana Festival. Countless treasure ships dotted the river, and various escape lights constantly whizzed across the sky, some traveling alone, others in groups.

Regardless of their cultivation level, no one wanted to miss this grand event that occurred once every five centuries.

Five centuries could span the entire lifetime of a Core Formation cultivator!

The Jinyu Gate, keenly aware of the unrest in the cultivation world, had dispatched its disciples to patrol and set up defenses along the riverbanks to deter troublemakers. This leg of the journey was far more stable than their time in Zhaoyao State.

"Elder Qin, we've arrived at Rainbow City."

Someone outside the cabin had triggered the protective formation.

Qin Sang awoke, dispelled his divine ability, and stepped out of the cabin. He saw Jiang Mu directing the treasure ship to dock and then climbed to the observation deck alone. "What a magnificent Rainbow City!"

Feiyun Crossing floated in the sky.

Rainbow City, on the other hand, was built on mountains.

The two sides of the estuary were not plains; instead, mountain ranges undulated, with peaks standing tall.

All these mountain peaks were utilized, comparable to the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches areas of Feiyun Crossing, divided into different levels and functions according to their location and scale.

Countless rainbow bridges connected the mountains, long or short, crisscrossing in all directions, yet without any sense of disorder, forming a uniquely beautiful landscape.

From a distance, the entire Rainbow City resembled a gigantic rainbow bridge.

The Gate of Mountains and Seas!

The mundane affairs that followed required no effort from Qin Sang. The outpost had sent a disciple to meet him and guide him to the Six States Hall's station. Coincidentally, it was Gong Xingqing, whom Qin Sang had previously intimidated.

Seeing Qin Sang again, now transformed into an honored guest elder of the merchant association...

Gong Xingqing, however, could not forget the feeling of being suppressed by a mighty cultivator's aura. Before Qin Sang, he was subservient and tremulously explained the Jinyu Gate's arrangements.

The north and south sides of the estuary had different functions.

The south side was where mortals, rogue cultivators, and members of smaller sects resided.

The north side was the core of Rainbow City.

The layout of the main peak on the north side was very regular. Qin Sang suspected that someone had used a powerful mountain-moving divine ability to arrange it.

With the main peak at the center, the other peaks were regularly arranged in a Bagua formation, becoming shorter the further they were from the center.

The two grand auctions and the Ullambana Festival were all to be held on the main peak. The Jinyu Gate had completed preparations decades ago. The Six States Hall, being discreet, had established its outpost on a mountain of moderate height on the southwest side of the main peak, in a central location.

Of course, the Six States Hall's trade fairs and auctions would still be held near the main peak.

They flew onto a rainbow bridge.

Qin Sang observed the customs and scenery of Jinyu State with great interest. He inquired about the Six States Hall's personnel and learned that Hall Master Mu and Deputy Hall Master Lei had not yet arrived; only Deputy Hall Master Jiang You was in Rainbow City.

Before long, Qin Sang and Gong Xingqing arrived at the outpost.

Upon meeting Deputy Hall Master Jiang You again, after exchanging pleasantries, Jiang You spoke of Hall Master Mu's whereabouts: "The Hall Master is currently in the East Sea, handling a thorny matter."

"Oh? What important matter is it? Can I be of assistance?"

"It's not a major issue, but it will take some time. The Hall Master's personal involvement is sufficient; otherwise, we would certainly have invited Elder Qin out of seclusion," Jiang You chuckled evasively.

As Qin Sang was merely an honored guest elder, he didn't press further and instead brought up the situation in Rainbow City.

"A month ago, Master Xingji led several Zen masters to Rainbow City and established their residence at the Jinyu Gate. Yesterday, experts from the Eight Scenery Temple also arrived; their numbers are quite substantial, though only True Person Zilei, a mighty cultivator, is leading them. They've found a secluded courtyard on the main peak and rarely venture out. Over ninety percent of the famous sects and factions from the Central Plains have arrived. Apart from Mount Buniang being sealed off, Mount Taiyue's Yue Lingtian and Ten Thousand Poisons Mountain's Poison King are still nowhere to be seen."

Jiang You had been stationed in Rainbow City, so he had a clear grasp of the movements of all factions.

Qin Sang became thoughtful upon hearing this.

The Ullambana Festival was primarily led by the Buddhist sect, but the ceremonies were alternately hosted by both Daoist and Buddhist factions. The Eight Scenery Temple, considering its own Zhongyuan Festival, would typically show face, and in the past, at least two mighty cultivators would attend.

However, True Person Zilei was the Temple Master; with him personally attending, others couldn't really say anything.

Mount Taiyue and Ten Thousand Poisons Mountain were far away in the two Southern Barbarian states, so their late arrival was normal.

Besides these, people from the Northern Wilderness, Western Desert, and Eastern Sea also came to observe the ceremony.

With all factions converging on Rainbow City, experts were as numerous as clouds!