Chapter 1654: Initial Encounter

Heavenly fire receded.

The stench of blood, which had been completely incinerated, slowly seeped out from the mutilated corpses and the female cultivator, filling the entire cave dwelling once more.

The female cultivator sat disheveled, like a madwoman. Her expression was twisted, alternating between terror and blankness, with blood and saliva dripping from the corners of her mouth. Her aura was rising, as if absorbing the essence blood and Nascent Soul power of the white-robed Taoist.

*Thump!*

Blood dripped onto the ground.

The sound seemed to jolt the female cultivator awake. She gave a sharp shiver, and an unusual light appeared in her hollow eyes as she stiffly and slowly turned her neck. She completely ignored the mutilated corpse of her senior brother before her.

Her gaze fixed on the Crimson Fire Sword next to the fire shield. When the white-robed Taoist perished, the Crimson Fire Sword had been on the verge of breaking through the fire bell. However, because the heavenly fire was diverted by the female cultivator to ambush the white-robed Taoist, the Crimson Fire Sword was also flung away, falling to the ground. Beside it lay the Fire-Rhinoceros Pendant and a thumb ring it had dislodged.

The female cultivator crawled closer, using both hands and feet, and grabbed the spiritual sword.

The Crimson Fire Sword, now masterless, lost its fiery aura, revealing its true form. The sword body seemed to be crafted from some type of crystal, similar to the Firefly Dharma Chain on the female cultivator's wrist.

Reflected in the sword, the female cultivator saw her own face. She raised a bloody hand and gently touched her features, her fingertips tracing over her face, from forehead to mouth, then to her ears, meticulously caressing with a hint of novelty in her gaze. In the process, the bloodstains were smeared everywhere, turning her face into a grotesque mask, completely obscuring her delicate features.

Suddenly, her movements paused. She stared intently at her reflection in the sword. An instinct that was not her own told her that this did not look good.

She tilted her head, drew a wisp of heavenly fire from the fire bell, and it burst apart, forming a fiery ring around her body, sweeping away the bloodstains. Finding the smell of blood offensive, she incinerated both the mutilated corpses and the bloodstains, also erasing all traces of the battle.

The cave dwelling became clean and clear.

The female cultivator smoothed her Dharma robe. Looking at her face again, she found it much more pleasant. Her lips twitched, forming a clumsy, strange smile. Finally, she smoothed the corners of her mouth with her finger until the smile became more appealing. After practicing a few more times, she mastered it.

She grasped the sword, testing its balance and finding it quite suitable. She summoned the thumb ring and the two spatial pouches, using the heavenly fire to directly destroy their restrictions, scattering their contents across the ground. She touched this, looked at that, discarding most items like trash. She ate everything edible. Her gaze finally rested on the Fire-Rhinoceros Pendant.

“Heavenly tribulation…”

The female cultivator's tone was completely different from before; though mumbling to herself, it was sharp and strange, like the strained voice of someone struggling to speak, and her expression seemed somewhat dazed and unclear.

After examining the Fire-Rhinoceros Pendant for a long time, the female cultivator decided to take it with her. She then held the Crimson Fire Sword upside down, braced her legs, slowly stood up, and took a step forward.

*Thud!*

Despite the smooth floor of the cave dwelling, the female cultivator tumbled straight down, landing squarely on her face.

“Ugh…”

She propped up her upper body, looking disheveled, then let out a giggle. There was a hint of innocence in her laughter. She clambered back up, gained her balance, and her walking became much more coordinated. In a few steps, she had completely familiarized herself with the body, striding with great speed.

Stepping out of the cave dwelling, the female cultivator suddenly turned her head to the west, as if listening intently to something. Moments later, her body flickered, and she vanished into thin air.

***

Qin Sang and the other two continued their pursuit.

However, Qin Sang distinctly felt that Su Zinan and Mo Xingdao had grown cautious. They were no longer as aggressive as before, shifting their focus to dealing with the divine prohibitions.

In fact, Qin Sang had also encountered difficulties. The power and complexity of the Yang Flame Divine Prohibitions far exceeded his estimates, giving Qin Sang a deeper understanding of the Boundless Immortal Gate's profound heritage.

After entering the divine prohibitions, Qin Sang confirmed that Su Zinan and Mo Xingdao could only trail behind, posing no immediate threat. He then focused on devising a method to break through the prohibitions. He tried various secret arts and treasures, but ultimately realized he had to start with the Fire Seed Golden Lotus.

After a careful deduction, Qin Sang discovered that the divine prohibitions seemed to lock onto invaders through the heavenly fire's own senses, automatically attacking discordant auras. He then conceived a strategy: control the Nine Nether Demonic Flame to form a fire cage, and, taking advantage of the heavenly fire collisions, capture a portion of its power.

Inside the black fire cage, the Yang Flame Heavenly Fire automatically contracted into a ball. Qin Sang swiftly changed his hand seals and, with the help of restrictions, forcibly severed the connection between this cluster of Yang Flame Heavenly Fire and the main divine prohibitions. He then immediately refined a wisp of the heavenly fire using the Fire Seed Golden Lotus secret art.

The refining process was unexpectedly smooth. The grade of the Yang Flame Heavenly Fire was lower than Qin Sang had anticipated. However, things were not that simple. Qin Sang perceived that the heavenly fire he had refined and the external Yang Flame Heavenly Fire were fundamentally two different types of spiritual fire. He wasn't sure if this change occurred when he captured it or during the refining process itself.

Attempting to refine the heavenly fire to deceive the divine prohibitions was not feasible! The divine prohibitions, at their root, relied on the restrictions themselves. What he had refined was merely the external appearance of the heavenly fire, a hollow facade. This presented a problem.

The further they went, the more terrifying the heavenly fire became. If they continued, the power in the depths of the divine prohibitions would undoubtedly be extremely dreadful, capable of threatening the lives of Grand Cultivators. Forcing their way through was not an option. Reaching that point, shaking off the pursuers wouldn't be difficult; the challenge was how to pass through the divine prohibitions and reach the Wordless Jade Tablet.

Qin Sang couldn't immediately think of a better solution. The divine prohibitions were, after all, masterless. Qin Sang was confident that with his strength and Eye of Heaven divine ability, he could definitely pass through, but breaking the prohibitions would take time.

While ascending the mountain, Qin Sang noticed spiritual light flickering at the entrance of the Boundless Immortal Gate, indicating that the Cloud Dragon Power was likely waning, and cultivators were entering one after another. This would undoubtedly provide strong assistance to the Taoist sects and the Boundless Immortal Gate. To be even more extreme, news of the hidden abode's emergence must have spread, and experts from all sides were rushing over.

At that time, various factions would gather at the Boundless Immortal Gate. A chaotic battle would be acceptable. However, Middle Continent was accustomed to order, and they would likely first establish a protocol to collectively divide the Boundless Immortal Gate. Those of unknown origin, like them, would be excluded and become targets. How to break this deadlock?

As Qin Sang pondered, Su Zinan and Mo Xingdao faced similar dilemmas. They pursued him, firstly, to find an opportunity to kill Qin Sang, and secondly, to drive Qin Sang deeper into the divine prohibitions, scouting the path for them. Neither of them had forgotten the Wordless Jade Tablet; no one wanted to miss the opportunity for Nascent Soul breakthrough.

As they delved deeper into the Yang Flame Divine Prohibitions, their intent to kill Qin Sang gradually faded. Instead, they had to guard against Qin Sang setting traps using the Yang Flame Divine Prohibitions. Had they not wanted to observe Qin Sang and see what methods he would use to pass through, they might have already given up the pursuit.

Su Zinan knew clearly that killing Qin Sang here was impossible. At this point, he merely kept a lock on Qin Sang's movements, focusing on observing the surrounding heavenly fire and contemplating a way to break through the prohibitions. Mo Xingdao's expression was much the same.

*Whoosh! Whoosh!*

The heavenly fire ahead was attracted, rushing towards them continuously. They cooperated tacitly, using a "four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds" method, swiftly moving between the heavenly fires. Their figures flickered, and the flames could not touch them.

Though it appeared easy, both of them knew that this kind of maneuver had its limits. Unless there was a better method, it would not be enough to pass through the divine prohibitions.

Just then, two clusters of heavenly fire rushed into Su Zinan's vision. Beyond the dazzling firelight, Su Zinan noticed a smaller cluster of heavenly fire. He was a bit surprised, then suddenly saw the small heavenly fire quickly pass through the center of the larger ones. A strong warning sign immediately arose, and he inwardly cried, "Not good!"

“Retreat!”

Su Zinan, who was habitually guiding the heavenly fire's trajectory, immediately stopped his movements and rapidly retreated. Mo Xingdao was even more vigilant, retreating without hesitation.

The next moment, that cluster of heavenly fire tore apart from within, and a firebird spread its wings, flying out gracefully towards them. Unfortunately, it ultimately collided with a cluster of heavenly fire.

*Boom!*

The firebird and the heavenly fire exploded like fireworks, countless streams of fire scattering in all directions. The aftershocks triggered cluster after cluster of heavenly fire, causing successive explosions.

At the same time, a stern voice entered their minds, “Dare to pursue me further, and do not blame this Qin for being ruthless!”

Su Zinan and Mo Xingdao evaded the aftershocks, their expressions extremely serious as they gazed at the chaotic scene before them.

Ahead.

Qin Sang glanced back, accelerating at the same time. Just now, he had used the refined heavenly fire to envelop the firebird, masking its aura. Although the heavenly fire was merely a facade, from the outside, there was no difference.

The firebird was a dead object and would not trigger a significant reaction from the divine prohibitions. Thus, he had quietly left the firebird as a trap, ambushing them. However, the aura of the South Bright Separation Fire was too unique; the heavenly fire could not perfectly conceal it, and over time, it would attract a counterattack from the divine prohibitions. Furthermore, the trap could only utilize three firebirds, as he was not yet able to manipulate six.

Once he got too close to them, it would definitely be perceived, so the trap had its limits. Qin Sang had carefully deduced that even if he refined more heavenly fire or used demonic fire, this kind of trap would be unlikely to have a significant effect because the opponents were now extremely cautious. If he led them deeper into the divine prohibitions, Qin Sang himself would be exhausted dealing with it, let alone making a move.

Knowing that the trap would not have a great effect, Qin Sang still used it. Firstly, to force them back, making his subsequent actions easier. Secondly, it was a warning, primarily aimed at Mo Xingdao.

Qin Sang had once used the Sun God Tree against Elder Wu, which could not be hidden from Su Zinan; he surely knew the power of the South Bright Separation Fire, but he might not have told Mo Xingdao. Once Mo Xingdao knew that Qin Sang wielded such a powerful weapon, he would become wary and hesitant. It would be even better if it directly deterred him.

As he expected, once the firebird appeared, the opponents indeed retreated. Seeing the pursuers give up, Qin Sang continued deeper for a while, then surprisingly reversed course, flying back out towards the periphery of the Yang Flame Divine Prohibitions.

During the period of their pursuit, his clone must have almost passed through the outer mist tide. If his main body couldn't pass through the divine prohibitions, his clone certainly wouldn't be able to either. He planned to meet up with his clone first.

Additionally, Qin Sang had a vague idea. He was concerned that a prolonged struggle with the divine prohibitions would take too long. Weren't Zhu Wudao and the other remnants of the Boundless Immortal Gate afraid of this? Was there a deeper meaning behind Zhu Wudao and the others deliberately damaging the outer formations? Sometimes, taking a step back might reveal a shortcut.

On the other side.

Mo Xingdao narrowed his eyes, staring at the dissipating aftermath of the South Bright Separation Fire, his gaze gloomy: “Is this the most powerful spiritual fire that person wields?” His tone carried a hint of questioning. Su Zinan’s description of this spiritual fire had been too brief; those who heard it only knew it was powerful but couldn’t truly grasp its terror, which was clearly intentional on his part.

“Precisely.”

Su Zinan nodded, his expression unchanged. “That year, Elder Wu was forced back by this firebird. In just a few decades, he has made further progress and become stronger.”

Seeing him speak so casually, Mo Xingdao did not press the topic further, asking what their next step should be.

“It’s not good to chase that Fire Demon any longer… Mo Daoist friend, do you still remember what Elder Zhu said when he urged us to shatter the Jade Pavilion?” Su Zinan thought for a moment, then asked Mo Xingdao in return.

Mo Xingdao answered not by answering the question, “Elder Zhu held the Metal Aspect Token.”

Su Zinan glanced at him and smiled, “So Mo Daoist friend had suspicions early on. The restrictions here adhere to the rule of Five Elements mutual generation. There must be four other elemental divine prohibitions of comparable power to the Yang Flame Divine Prohibitions. His deliberate destruction of the Jade Pavilion implies a variable in the location of the Metal Aspect Divine Prohibitions!”

Mo Xingdao nodded, and both of them began to return. However, their chosen direction differed from Qin Sang’s; they deduced the location of the Metal Aspect Divine Prohibitions and headed towards it.

***

Outside the divine prohibitions.

Below the plaza, a mist tide churned, and a figure emerged from it—it was Qin Sang’s clone. Although the formation within the mist tide was damaged, it remained very troublesome. Fortunately, a connection existed between him and his main body, and by holding onto this faint link, he avoided getting lost in the mist tide, quickly finding a way out of the chaos.

The clone was very cautious. Upon exiting, he instantly moved into an abandoned hermitage, carefully observing the scene above. Blocked by the divine prohibitions, his consciousness could not directly connect with his main body. He didn't understand the environment here, but he knew his main body had already entered and could vaguely sense its location.

Just then, the clone's eyes narrowed. He saw constant vibrations on the periphery of a golden cloud to the west, accompanied by roaring thunder. The momentum and fluctuations were considerable, clearly indicating a powerful battle was taking place. They were fighting their way deeper into the cloud. The depths of the golden cloud also seemed affected, with light and shadow swaying.

“Not the location of the main body…”

The clone’s expression relaxed slightly. He continued to observe, confirmed there was no one else on the plaza, then cautiously approached the golden cloud and entered the Five Elements Divine Prohibitions.

No sooner had he entered than the Fire Jade Centipede suddenly awoke. After devouring the fire spirit, the Fire Jade Centipede had been drowsy. The clone had kept it in his sleeve, occasionally stimulating it to prevent it from falling into a deep sleep. Now, it was suddenly startled awake. Based on experience, this meant it had sensed something.

“Is there a treasure within the restrictions?”

The clone was surprised. Just as he was about to summon the Fire Jade Centipede to pinpoint the direction, the centipede’s agitated state suddenly became extremely severe, letting out sharp hisses.

“What is this?”

The clone froze slightly, immediately realizing something was wrong. The Fire Jade Centipede’s state indicated that a treasure was nearby and was rapidly approaching him. The area was permeated with Five Elements restrictions, yet it appeared empty. But the Fire Jade Centipede’s behavior was definitely not normal!

Without waiting to ascertain the reason, the clone’s eyes suddenly turned stark white. With a *whoosh*, the Ice Soul Divine Light was unleashed directly. White cold energy, like a surging torrent, instantly filled the area around the clone, freezing everything. This place was in the outer periphery, and the Five Elements restrictions had limited power, unable to block the Ice Soul Divine Light.

Unexpectedly, the divine light struck nothing!

The clone’s expression changed. He found it increasingly strange. With the divine light swirling around him, he decisively retreated from the Five Elements Divine Prohibitions. As he withdrew beyond the golden cloud, the Fire Jade Centipede’s state immediately calmed down significantly.

At the same time, in a place beyond the clone's sight, the golden cloud distorted, and a graceful figure suddenly appeared. The other half of her body was still inside the restrictions, invisible. Only this half was exposed.

The female cultivator frowned and retreated back into the restrictions.

The clone sensed something and sharply turned his head, but saw nothing.