Chapter 1663: Emperor’s Bestowal

The Mortal Realm

The connection was broken!

Qin Sang had been closely monitoring the Fire Jade Centipede's reaction. As it tumbled out of the crevice and escaped the Five Elements Divine Restriction, its agitation ceased. Kun Dao's whereabouts were now unknown.

Unlike the murky depths of the Nine Earth Magnetism, the outside world was brightly lit, clear as day. Qin Sang stood on a rock, the sound of rushing water filling his ears.

Qin Sang composed himself and looked behind him, seeing a rock wall and a waterfall. The water flowed in slender streams, not loud, but rather imparting a fresh and elegant sensation.

The water fell into a small stone pool, whose surface remained perpetually level with the bank. No matter how much water poured in, it never overflowed.

This was clearly the result of some kind of restriction, though not a lethal one. The surroundings appeared tranquil, which was why Qin Sang had chosen this spot to emerge.

Despite the beauty of the scenery, it felt devoid of human presence.

Qin Sang shook his head slightly, stepped off the rock, and looked down.

Without a doubt, he had passed through the Five Elements Divine Restriction and entered the interior of Dishou Mountain.

The view was identical from both above and below: layers upon layers of clouds and mist formed a towering, multicolored wall encircling the entire Dishou Mountain.

Yet, there were differences.

From below, the Heavenly Ladder on Dishou Mountain appeared to be directly exposed. However, Qin Sang now had a peculiar sensation that an inexplicable force in the air seemed to isolate Dishou Mountain from the outside world.

If this force truly existed, it could be inferred that the entire Dishou Mountain was enveloped by it, its edges merging into the clouds and connecting with the Five Elements Divine Restriction.

Because of this sensation, Qin Sang found it difficult to tell whether the vast blue sky he saw was real or an illusion.

It was as if he had been thrown into a barrier, with the Five Elements Divine Restriction serving as its entrance.

Of course, this was merely Qin Sang's conjecture; otherwise, there was no discernible difference between the inside and outside of the cloud formations.

"That woman must be hiding somewhere, licking her wounds..."

Qin Sang sneered.

Kun Dao's injuries from the heavenly thunder and the Death Seal were genuine, especially Su Zinan's Death Seal, which appeared quite sinister and difficult to resolve.

Qin Sang wasn't afraid of Kun Dao pursuing him; his only fear was that she would be scared off, leaving the crimson immortal pendant's whereabouts unknown once more.

This woman had the advantage of the terrain, but neither Qin Sang nor Su Zinan feared her. With their keen insight, they could naturally tell that Kun Dao's control over the Five Elements Divine Restriction was limited, and her own power was not truly formidable.

When the situation was chaotic, her lurking in the shadows, like a venomous snake, would indeed be dangerous, requiring vigilance.

In a direct confrontation, Qin Sang did not believe he would lose.

He turned and looked up, and from his position, he could faintly discern flickering white lights on the southern slopes of Dishou Mountain, which must be the Heavenly Ladder he had seen earlier.

According to Zhu Wudao, the Heavenly Ladder was the only path to the Wordless Jade Tablet; there was no alternative route. Dishou Mountain was a critical stronghold of the Wuxiang Immortal Sect, heavily laden with restrictions and formations, so even powerful cultivators like them had to proceed with caution on the mountain.

Faint outlines of palaces and pavilions were dimly visible among the mountain forests. Each location was shrouded in mist and heavily guarded.

"Can she manipulate the restrictions and spiritual formations in other areas, or is she limited to controlling only the Five Elements Divine Restriction?"

Qin Sang pondered, telling himself to be cautious in his future actions.

Kun Dao was nowhere to be seen, and Su Zinan, Poison King, and the others had also been flung to unknown locations.

Qin Sang flipped his palm, retrieving the golden sword.

Thinking of the Fervent Snow Pill he had just destroyed, Qin Sang felt a pang of regret. However, he had no choice but to act decisively, or Su Zinan would have claimed it.

After enduring the impact of the Nine Earth Magnetism, the golden sword's luster had significantly dulled, turning a dark gold.

Qin Sang sent a wisp of his spiritual sense to touch the golden sword. His brief assessment surprised him: the golden sword was neither a spiritual treasure nor a magical artifact, but rather a treasure similar to a jade slip.

Due to its unique material and refining technique, the sword's inner sword intent remained, serving as both protection and a seal. Had it been an ordinary jade slip, it would have been destroyed in the explosion.

Being sealed within such a valuable golden sword suggested it contained either a top-tier cultivation technique, a secret art, or some crucial information.

The jade sword was likely similar, a pity it was destroyed.

Qin Sang's interest in the golden sword significantly grew, but after probing it, he found it quite troublesome.

The golden sword had been repeatedly battered, weakening its seal significantly. While it wasn't difficult to break, it had also become very sensitive. Forcibly cracking the seal might cause it to collapse entirely, repeating the fate of the jade sword.

Just as Qin Sang hesitated, a burst of light suddenly soared from the direction of the Heavenly Ladder.

Someone had already entered the Heavenly Ladder. Qin Sang's expression tightened, and he no longer lingered. While analyzing the golden sword's seal, he swiftly moved towards the Heavenly Ladder.

The Wordless Jade Tablet remained the most important objective of this trip; the immortal pendant would come second.

Dishou Mountain held a transcendental status, and the Wuxiang Immortal Sect had meticulously arranged its scenery, making every step a new, breathtaking view.

Qin Sang did not linger on the beautiful scenery. He swept through the mountains, trying to avoid areas with restrictions, but it still took considerable effort to reach the vicinity of the Heavenly Ladder.

Along the way, Qin Sang had gained a fairly good understanding of Dishou Mountain's layout.

It was no wonder one had to ascend via the Heavenly Ladder. Most of Dishou Mountain's structures were situated on either side of it, with majestic pavilions and towering multistoried buildings. Even large areas were sealed by thick fog, giving the entire mountain an ethereal, unworldly appearance.

*Swish!*

A wisp of clear wind swept onto the Heavenly Ladder, revealing Qin Sang's figure.

He looked up to see a grand archway bearing the characters 'Di Shou' in powerful, vigorous calligraphy. A single glance caused his eyes to sting slightly, as if sword intent crisscrossed within, piercing directly into his inner core and unsettling his spirit.

It must have been inscribed by a peak sword cultivator!

Qin Sang knew that passing through the archway marked the true ascent of Dishou Mountain.

He looked around but still saw no sign of Su Zinan or the others. Looking further up the Heavenly Ladder, he saw that its upper reaches were obscured by shifting winds and flickering lights, triggered by the intruders, making any figures invisible.

Qin Sang stepped through the archway, and for a moment, his scalp tingled as if a sword truly pointed at his head, a clear display of power.

Along the way, he discovered traces of broken restrictions, with lingering auras whose characteristics were quite distinct, indicating the work of True Immortal Zilei.

However, signs of combat were scarce, preventing Qin Sang from determining the outcome of the clash between the Daoist and demonic factions.

He paused briefly, then accelerated, quickly ascending tens of thousands of steps. His figure suddenly halted as he used his Heavenly Eye Divine Ability to spot two individuals: the two True Immortals of Baguan View.

The moment Qin Sang saw them, True Immortal Zilei seemed to sense something, abruptly turning around. Purple lightning flickered in his eyes, and his sharp gaze pierced directly towards Qin Sang.

Qin Sang's gaze narrowed slightly, but his expression remained unchanged as he stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

Only then did he notice that the two True Immortals were obstructed by a strange, grayish wind swirling into a massive vortex, firmly blocking their path forward.

The strange wind possessed considerable power, yet it made little noise; Qin Sang could only hear a faint whistling.

In front of the wind vortex.

True Immortal Hegao conjured a Green Silk Treasure Umbrella. The umbrella spun on its own, emitting streaks of azure light that continuously merged into the wind vortex, yet it seemed to have little effect.

"I didn't expect Old Devil Fan to have refined an Yinxuan Wind Pearl," he muttered. "The wind formation activated by Zhu Wudao, empowered by the wind pearl, has become a major problem..."

True Immortal Hegao's brows were tightly furrowed as he racked his brain, pondering how to break through the wind vortex.

The Yinxuan Wind Pearl was a secret treasure of Tianhao Tower, requiring the collection of five types of naturally occurring yin winds from heaven and earth, supplemented by various precious spiritual materials for its refinement. Being a single-use item made it even more valuable, and it had been a long time since anyone was known to have refined one.

When combined with Tianhao Tower's Yin Xuan Demonic Formation, this treasure's power surged.

Old Devil Fan currently lacked the manpower to set up a full demonic formation, but unexpectedly, using the pearl here, combined with the Heavenly Ladder's existing wind formation, achieved a remarkable effect, blocking their path.

As he spoke, True Immortal Hegao noticed True Immortal Zilei's movement and said in a deep voice, "Someone else has entered?"

True Immortal Zilei hummed in acknowledgment, withdrew his gaze, and continued observing the wind vortex.

True Immortal Hegao, however, was distracted. He snorted, "With Sect Master Yue absent, these devils and monsters see our insufficient numbers and dare to scheme."

True Immortal Zilei was unconcerned. "Zhu Wudao broke the Jade Pavilion, creating a flaw in the sword formation, so it's normal for them to enter. There's no need to pay them any mind; just focus on Zhu Wudao."

"I'm just afraid that if a fight breaks out later, someone will try to fish in troubled waters."

Given True Immortal Hegao's temperament, he would have preferred to eliminate all demonic cult villains and Wuxiang Immortal Sect remnants, but the current situation and their strength did not allow it.

With the path to the immortal palace cut off, they had to seize the opportunities on Dishou Mountain before all other forces converged, or their efforts would be utterly in vain.

True Immortal Zilei's next words, however, greatly surprised True Immortal Hegao.

"I've consulted ancient texts and found a record stating that Dishou Mountain possesses a Wordless Jade Tablet of mysterious origin, said to contain an opportunity for Spirit Transformation, allowing one to comprehend profound mysteries. Having entered the mountain, I observe that the phenomena at the summit perfectly match the ancient texts, so it seems the record is true. Zhu Wudao must have revealed this secret, offering the Wordless Jade Tablet in exchange for their assistance. Since they are drawn by the Wordless Jade Tablet, let them contend for it."

True Immortal Zilei's tone was calm, completely unconcerned about the Wordless Jade Tablet.

"An opportunity for Spirit Transformation? How can we simply give it away?" True Immortal Hegao was puzzled. What was all their hard work for if not to obtain the opportunities within the Immortal Palace Sword Tomb and achieve Spirit Transformation?

He couldn't understand why his senior brother, the Sect Master, had changed his mind.

"Junior brother, there's something you don't know," True Immortal Zilei said, shaking his head. "That Wordless Jade Tablet is quite peculiar. For some unknown reason, only by diligently cultivating on Dishou Mountain for a very long time, allowing one's spiritual aura to deeply merge with the tablet, can one truly comprehend its profound mysteries. While other cultivators can gain some benefits, the effect is far less significant, making it of limited use to me, like a chicken's rib—more trouble than it's worth. Zhu Wudao must also be aware of this, which is why he isn't afraid of others competing with him."

"This..."

Hearing these secrets, True Immortal Hegao grew even more confused. "If that's the case, why would Zhu Wudao risk being hunted by us, insisting on entering Dishou Mountain?"

If it was as True Immortal Zilei described, the Wordless Jade Tablet wouldn't be worth Zhu Wudao risking his life for, unless something else was attracting him.

"This person is likely after a spiritual treasure," True Immortal Zilei said gravely. "This treasure is deeply hidden within the Wuxiang Immortal Sect, its origins unknown. Since its acquisition, it has been sealed away in Dishou Mountain and rarely activated. Apart from high-ranking Wuxiang Immortal Sect members, no outsiders know its form or where it is stored. Rumor has it that its power is unmatched, and it made significant contributions during the demonic calamity. Back then, there were confident claims that it was the number one spiritual treasure in Zhongzhou!"

True Immortal Hegao was startled and suspicious. "The number one spiritual treasure in Zhongzhou? What a bold claim! How does it compare to our Eight Scenic Palace Lantern?"

"Their uses are different; they cannot be compared. If it's as powerful as rumored, even if I, your brother, fail to achieve Spirit Transformation, I wouldn't fear any Spirit Transformation cultivator while holding that spiritual treasure."

True Immortal Zilei was tracking Zhu Wudao precisely for this treasure.

True Immortal Zilei knew that without access to the sword tomb, ordinary opportunities would be insufficient to elevate him to Spirit Transformation. He had personally instigated this chaotic situation, and to protect Baguan View, he had to find another way, thus setting his sights on that mysterious spiritual treasure.

This treasure was stored on Dishou Mountain and disappeared without a trace after the Wuxiang Immortal Sect's demise. It was highly probable it was still on the mountain.

Zhu Wudao's actions also indicated that Dishou Mountain still contained valuable treasures; if not that specific spiritual treasure, then something else. Keeping a close eye on him was definitely the right course of action.

However, he didn't know where the treasure was located or what it looked like, and the situation didn't allow for a slow search. Zhu Wudao would be an excellent guide.

True Immortal Hegao, thinking further, pressed, "If the spiritual treasure is so potent, why wasn't it used when the Wuxiang Immortal Sect was wiped out?"

True Immortal Zilei sighed. "Back then, the patriarchs of the Daoist Temples and Zen Monasteries were alarmed to discover that the surviving masters of the Wuxiang Immortal Sect had been afflicted by demonic corruption and had sealed themselves within Dishou Mountain. One must understand that demonic corruption is terrifying; while it can be purged in its early stages, once the demonic intent takes deep root, it becomes irreversible. That demonic calamity had already devastated the two Southern Barbarian Prefectures, and the cultivation world had suffered immensely. If such a disaster were to strike again, it would be unstoppable. To prevent future calamities, the patriarchs took action against the Wuxiang Immortal Sect to eradicate this latent threat. When they launched their attack, they sealed off Dishou Mountain without hesitation, preventing anyone from entering, naturally meaning no one could retrieve the treasure from the mountain..."

Behind the wind vortex.

Zhu Wudao and Old Devil Fan stood, one seated and the other standing.

They were not far from the Daoist True Immortals, but the wind vortex between them acted like an impassable chasm. Seeing that the combined power of the wind pearl and the vortex was sufficient to block the two True Immortals, both their expressions became quite relaxed.

Zhu Wudao sat cross-legged, his eyes slightly closed. His fingers moved like a spinning wheel, emitting streams of hand seals that flew not into the wind vortex, but towards both sides of the Heavenly Ladder.

On the stone steps flanking the Heavenly Ladder, talismans were secretly embedded at regular intervals.

Old Devil Fan stood beside Zhu Wudao, manipulating the wind pearl. He looked up at Dishou Mountain's summit, then down at Zhu Wudao, chuckling, "As expected of a Wuxiang Immortal Sect successor, junior brother, you understand this place remarkably well. All formations and restrictions here are at your complete command."

Zhu Wudao continued his actions, modestly saying, "Senior brother, you flatter me. What I know is merely superficial; I can only gradually activate the talismans on the jade path. If you hadn't assisted with the wind pearl to buy us some time, this formation wouldn't have materialized, and it would have been impossible to stop them even for a moment."

"That old ox-nosed Zilei is indeed not to be underestimated, but junior brother, you needn't worry," Old Devil Fan said leisurely. "That old Daoist, as the mastermind behind this chaos, has undoubtedly incurred the wrath of many. Baguan View will face plenty of trouble in the future. As long as the Spirit Transformation opportunity you spoke of is real, I, your senior brother, will guarantee your safety."

"The Wordless Jade Tablet is right above us. Once this formation is complete and they are trapped, I will take you there, senior brother."

Zhu Wudao said calmly.

As he spoke, the hand seals he cast increased, and faint, clear glows began to shine on either side of the jade steps. Then, lantern-shaped illusory figures slowly ascended.

These were not lanterns, but wind cages, hollow in the center, with streams of azure wind energy circulating within.

While a single wind cage possessed no great power, numerous wind cages together immediately formed a massive wind formation.

In an instant, fierce winds raged up and down the Heavenly Ladder!