Chapter 1723: Not Failing

The Mortal World

The river meandered by, and villages dotted its banks. Compared to other parts of Nanzhou, this area was quite populous.

In the mortal world, reverence for both Taoism and Buddhism was widespread. Although this place was remote, there was a Buddhist temple nearby where nuns practiced, named Lianxi Temple.

The name 'Lianxi' was derived from the Lianxi River. Lianxi Temple was a mortal temple, and its nuns were all ordinary people. No one had ever heard of any supernatural occurrences there; the local villagers simply went to burn incense and pray for peace of mind.

Qin Sang landed by the river and stood still, introspecting. The poison bead slowly rotated within his dantian. Its colorful glow circulated, yet appeared somewhat dim. Inside the poison bead was another black orb, which upon closer inspection, proved not to be a solid entity but rather composed of misty smoke—the very poisonous power of the Myriad Poisons Mountain's sacred artifact.

Qin Sang had promised to give the Bloodlust Miasma Spirit's primordial poison to the Poison King, receiving the toxic smoke in exchange. The idea of fusing the Gu King with the sacred artifact's toxic power to recreate the primordial poison of the Bloodlust Miasma Spirit was merely a hypothesis of the Myriad Poisons Mountain's ancestor, one that had never been proven. Qin Sang, unfamiliar with the true teachings of Myriad Poisons Mountain and unable to control the sacred artifact, managed to achieve this feat with the help of the poison bead. Within half a year of cultivating at Myriad Poisons Mountain, he saw progress, fusing the first wisp of primordial poison and delivering it to the Poison King as promised.

Refining the primordial poison was no easy task, and even with Qin Sang's cultivation, it couldn't be done overnight. So, he had the Poison King extract the sacred artifact's toxic power, sealed it with the poison bead, and brought it out to slowly refine it. This time, he had overdrawn the sacred artifact's fundamental energy even more severely than before due to his unhealed old wounds. After returning it to the forbidden zone, it lay motionless like a dead insect, and it was uncertain how long it would take to recover.

Having obtained the Bloodlust Miasma Spirit's primordial poison, the Poison King could use it to verify his cultivation techniques and attempt to break through to the Soul Transformation stage. With his insights, future generations of Myriad Poisons Mountain would also benefit. In the past, even if the sacred artifact slumbered for a thousand years, he would have been content.

Qin Sang withdrew his divine sense, looked up at the small temple on the mountaintop, and began walking up the mountain path. He only encountered two pilgrims on the way, indicating that Lianxi Temple was not particularly prosperous.

Behind Lianxi Temple lay Banyue Temple, which was Banyue Temple's lower courtyard in the mortal world. To visit Banyue Temple, one had to ask the abbot of Lianxi Temple to announce their arrival. Banyue Temple was forced to remain hidden from the world due to its connection with Wuxiang Immortal Sect. Qin Sang only learned of the relationship between Lianxi Temple and Banyue Temple through Liu Li's guidance.

The abbot of Lianxi Temple seemed to know something. Upon seeing Qin Sang, without waiting for him to state his identity, she respectfully bowed, invited him to sit, and then went to the back hall.

Qin Sang did not release his divine sense and patiently sat there for the duration of an incense stick. Feeling a familiar aura approaching, he stood up and saw an elderly nun enter. Qin Sang already knew that this elderly nun was Yunxin, the current abbess of Banyue Temple. "Greetings, Reverend Yunxin," Qin Sang stepped forward and bowed deeply. "I was fortunate to receive your assistance in my time of peril. I regret not having been able to thank you in person then. Please do not hold it against me."

Reverend Yunxin quickly returned the bow. "True Monarch Qin, you overstate my role. I did very little; it was my junior sister who rescued you without hesitation and who also engaged the demon king. The peerless secret manuals you bestowed upon us have benefited us immensely, and I have always felt unworthy of such generosity. Furthermore, I heard that you cleared Wuxiang Immortal Sect's name during the grand ceremony, allowing its descendants to finally see the light of day. It is I who should be bowing and thanking True Monarch Qin..." After some polite pleasantries and mutual praise, their relationship instantly became much closer.

Qin Sang glanced behind Reverend Yunxin, noticing no one else had accompanied her. Reverend Yunxin, keenly aware of Qin Sang's gaze, immediately invited him to be a guest at Banyue Temple, adding, "My junior sister, Liu Li, is currently in secluded cultivation. I have already sent someone to inform her, and I presume she should be emerging from seclusion now."

Banyue Temple was situated deep in the uninhabited mountains. Qin Sang followed Reverend Yunxin, soaring for a while. He faintly sensed changes in the ethereal qi and his eyes flickered, but he said nothing. Then, he saw the mountain shadows shift and tree shadows sway, revealing several serene temples ahead.

Reaching a stone pavilion within the temple, they settled down, and Qin Sang discussed the matter of the Ascension Platform with Reverend Yunxin. More than half a year had passed since the grand ceremony. The news Qin Sang announced at the ceremony had long since spread throughout the entire cultivation world, from the Northern Wilderness to the South Sea, from the East Sea to the Western Desert, shaking all of Central Continent. Sects and forces of all sizes, and even rogue cultivators, were searching everywhere for the Ascension Platform.

The top sects, with their great cultivators, were the most diligent, having searched their own forbidden grounds countless times. Alternatively, the search for the Ascension Platform could begin with ancient devils. Ancient devils, like the Ghost Mother, whose cultivation was sealed and who were unaffected by the demonic sounds of the Heavenly Dao, might still be barely surviving somewhere. These ancient devils would certainly know the location of the Ascension Platform. However, one would first need to find demon-sealing grounds similar to ancient cultivator ruins, and ordinary people should not act rashly to avoid releasing devils.

Master Xingji and others were stationed in the Central Plains, collecting information from all directions and contacting the Dragon Whale Grand Sage of the East Sea demon race to exchange secrets. It was an unprecedented sight for the human and demon races of this world, across all sects and traditions, to work together so diligently on a single task. From land to the deep sea, the footprints of cultivators from this world could be found everywhere. Although the Ascension Platform had not yet been found, some unknown secret realms were unexpectedly discovered, and those with profound fortune gained immense opportunities as a result.

However, too few descendants of Wuxiang Immortal Sect dared to reveal themselves. Qin Sang wanted to ask Reverend Yunxin to step forward and contact these individuals, as Banyue Temple should have connections with some of them. Reverend Yunxin readily agreed.

As they spoke, Qin Sang's expression shifted slightly, then Reverend Yunxin also sensed it. She rose with a smile and said, "I just remembered something and must excuse myself for a moment. Please wait, True Monarch..." "Please, Reverend, take your time." Qin Sang bowed slightly.

No sooner had Reverend Yunxin left than the figure of a female lay Buddhist appeared at the end of the stone steps outside the pavilion, walking through the thin mist. She wore a monk's robe, and her monk's hat covered her dark hair, but it could not conceal her exquisite beauty. Their eyes met. Qin Sang stood up, quietly watching the woman until she reached the pavilion.

Behind the trees in the distance, a young nun peeked out. Seeing the scene, she couldn't help but giggle, only to have her mouth covered by a companion who dragged her back, adding a touch of liveliness to the picturesque mountain wilderness.

"Congratulations on reaching the Soul Transformation stage, Fellow Daoist," Liu Li said, looking deeply at Qin Sang, her voice uncharacteristically wavering, as if in admiration. The circumstances of their first meeting were difficult to recount. At that time, Qin Sang had just reached the Foundation Establishment stage, using a spirit medicine obtained through desperate means, while Liu Li was only a step away from the Nascent Soul stage. The gap between them was more than just heaven and earth. Later, Qin Sang was forced to leave, and when they met again, his cultivation had already surpassed hers. Now, the disparity was growing even wider. Liu Li found it hard to imagine how someone with a five-spirit root aptitude could have reached this point, or what immense perseverance was required to steadfastly arrive at today.

"And congratulations, Immortal Liu Li, on breaking through to the late Nascent Soul stage," Qin Sang quickly returned the greeting. He had just been wondering how to broach the subject of the Heavenly Dao's demonic sounds to Liu Li. Her experiences were quite the opposite of his, though her hardships were perhaps no less. Before the Nascent Soul stage, he struggled every step of the way, while Liu Li had a smooth journey. After the Nascent Soul stage, as the effects of his cultivation technique and the jade Buddha became apparent, his path to cultivation could be considered smooth, but Liu Li was trapped by the imprints of an evil technique, enduring many trials. Liu Li, with her firm resolve, relentlessly fought against the imprints, and heaven rewards the diligent: she finally found a way out through Buddhist teachings, only to encounter the demonic sounds blocking her path, almost severing the immortal path in this realm. Fate could be truly cruel!

The two sat opposite each other in the pavilion. Qin Sang waved his hand, setting up a barrier outside the pavilion to prevent prying eyes. Those inside could see everything normally outside, but those outside would only see a black curtain. Liu Li slightly raised her head, looking at him with a questioning gaze.

"Immortal Liu Li, have you forgotten your vow to rescue your master?" Qin Sang asked, a seemingly rhetorical question. Based on his understanding of Liu Li, rescuing her master was her lifelong obsession, for which she even practiced an evil harvesting technique; how could she forget? Liu Li indeed frowned, but seeing Qin Sang staring at her as if he were serious and awaiting her answer, she silently replied, "I have not." "That's good!" Qin Sang nodded. "I have already broken through to the Soul Transformation stage. As is customary, after a period of secluded cultivation, I can journey eastward. After ascension, I will do my best to help you investigate your master's whereabouts, and if there's an opportunity, I will also intervene to rescue her."

As it concerned her master's safety, Liu Li could not refuse. Her lips parted slightly, about to express gratitude, but Qin Sang interrupted her. "However, I would much prefer to see you rescue your master with your own hands. That way, your efforts will not be in vain, and outsiders like me cannot possibly be as dedicated as you." Qin Sang's words were somewhat strange, seeming to encourage her. Liu Li did not need encouragement, but she could see Qin Sang's good intentions and said, "I will not slacken."

"I believe in your firm resolve, Immortal Liu Li, and with your talent, you have the confidence to attempt Soul Transformation. But things are unpredictable..." Qin Sang sighed softly, no longer hesitating, and recounted the changes in the Heavenly Dao to Liu Li in full detail. He held nothing back, revealing the threat of the Heavenly Dao's demonic sounds and all his speculations about the celestial changes. The stone pavilion was silent. Qin Sang watched her quietly, without speaking. Liu Li kept her head down, gazing at the stone table between them, her expression unreadable. After an unknown period, she finally raised her head, her demeanor and tone as cold as ever. "Because of the celestial changes, you are searching for the Ascension Platform."

Qin Sang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Liu Li's resolve was extraordinary; despite such a major blow, she had not lost her spirit. "Exactly," Qin Sang nodded. "But we must consider: what if there is only one Ascension Platform?" Liu Li's lips twitched. She knew her own situation best; she had successfully suppressed the evil technique's imprints with the help of Buddhist teachings, which was why she could break through to the late Nascent Soul stage so smoothly. However, the imprints were not entirely removed, and the hidden danger remained. While others might have a glimmer of hope, with the Heavenly Dao's demonic sounds, the inner demon tribulations, and the imprints attacking simultaneously, she would have no chance of survival.

"Immortal Liu Li, do you still remember what Senior Ghost Mother said?" Qin Sang suddenly asked an seemingly unrelated question. To solve Liu Li's predicament, the Ghost Mother had uttered four words: "Diverting is better than blocking." While her words to Liu Li back then weren't so direct, they implied the same meaning. Liu Li's eyes flickered.

Qin Sang then spoke as if reflecting, "Cultivators constantly speak of transcendence, viewing emotions and desires as obstacles to cultivation, some even fearing them like tigers. But in my opinion, true cultivation lies in being neither bound by emotion nor by emotionlessness. Do you agree, Immortal Liu Li?" Liu Li stared fixedly at Qin Sang. Qin Sang met her gaze without flinching. His Qianjun Ring flashed, and two items flew out from it. Coincidentally, both were semi-finished spiritual embryos: one was the Heavenly Exquisite embryo, and the other was the High-Grade Soul-Suppression Incense medicinal embryo.

"If the Ascension Platform cannot be found, then the Return to Emptiness is inevitable. The Azure Fox Saint King holds a grudge against me, and Saint Huiguang also plotted against me. I am alone and isolated, so I must find allies... Immortal Liu Li, you are the only person in this realm I can absolutely trust. Helping you is also helping myself." Qin Sang placed the two treasures on the stone table. Under the influence of the Heavenly Dao's demonic sounds, an ordinary person undergoing the inner demon tribulation would face certain death, let alone Liu Li. To help her achieve Soul Transformation, these two treasures were clearly insufficient. He also needed to address the imprints of the evil technique. During this time, Qin Sang had been pondering this matter, but any attempt would require Liu Li's willing cooperation. Qin Sang did not force her to accept them immediately.

Placing the treasures down, Qin Sang continued, "Immortal Liu Li, do not rush to refuse. I intend to unite the cultivators of this realm and will soon journey west, traveling through various regions, and then explore the edges of the Return to Emptiness. A cycle of sixty years might not be enough. These two treasures will be temporarily stored at Banyue Temple. During this time, I hope you will give it thorough consideration before making a decision." Refining the Heavenly Exquisite might be possible, but gathering all the spiritual herbs required for the High-Grade Soul-Suppression Incense was likely beyond Liu Li's individual ability. Qin Sang would naturally also search for them during his travels. Leaving the two treasures was to show Liu Li his determination. In Qin Sang's view, as long as Liu Li could accept herself and they worked together, no difficulty would be insurmountable! Even if the evil technique's imprints could not be removed and Liu Li truly became a Profound Maiden, as long as she could achieve Soul Transformation and ascend, it would be worthwhile. In the vast myriad worlds, with endless mysteries, it would not be too late to seek a solution then. Of course, different people have different convictions, and Qin Sang could not impose his ideas on Liu Li; he could only let her come to her own realization.

With that, Qin Sang placed his hand on the stone table, stood up, and without a trace of reluctance, turned and walked out of the pavilion. Reaching outside, he suddenly stopped. "Immortal Liu Li, you should know my character. If you release your inner conflicts, regardless of whether the imprints can ultimately be removed, I have but one promise..." Qin Sang stood with his back to Liu Li, gazing at the vast land beyond the mountains. It was early morning, golden light surged in the east, and the sun was about to emerge. "No matter what, I will not let you down!"

Qin Sang did not bid farewell to Reverend Yunxin either. He strode down the mountain, his Daoist robe fluttering. Just as the morning sun peeked over the distant mountains, its dazzling golden light illuminated the outline of Qin Sang's retreating figure, reflected in Liu Li's eyes. His eight words echoed resonantly in the pavilion.

Inside the pavilion, two priceless treasures, enough to drive the world mad, lay before Liu Li, yet she did not spare them a glance. She stared at Qin Sang's retreating back until he vanished amidst the mountain mist. A gentle breeze blew, tree shadows swayed outside the pavilion, and all was silent.

Ever since Qin Sang's arrival, all the nuns of Banyue Temple had been observing the stone pavilion. Seeing Qin Sang descend the mountain so quickly and depart without a word, they were all very surprised, including Reverend Yunxin. Back then, Liu Li had rescued True Monarch Qin regardless of her own safety, and judging by True Monarch Qin's demeanor, he was not without affection for Liu Li. What was even rarer was that both possessed extraordinary talent, making them such a suitable match; they should not repeat the tragedy of their ancestors. They had expected to witness a beautiful union. "What happened? Go check on junior sister..." A nun, in her haste, was about to rush towards the stone pavilion but was stopped by Reverend Yunxin, who then sent everyone back to the monastic hall.

Leaving Banyue Temple, Qin Sang randomly chose a mountaintop to sit cross-legged. Facing the morning sun, he inhaled purple qi and meditated for a long time before rising and setting off again.