Chapter 1724: Westward Journey

The Human World

There is no need to dwell on the numerous disturbances in Middle State.

Qin Sang left the Moon-Shrouding Nunnery and then visited the Sweet Dew Zen Monastery. His plan was to first travel west to the Western Lands, inform the Western Lands cultivators about the Ascension Platform, and personally visit Grandmaster Huaiyin. He had learned from the Sweet Dew Zen Monastery that Grandmaster Huaiyin hailed from the Great Compassion Zen Temple, a Buddhist sect in the Western Lands known for its many ascetic practitioners and rare body cultivation lineage. Additionally, he also needed to ask the Western Lands for help in finding fragments of the Earthly Killing Sword. He had always suspected that there were other fragments yet to be collected.

Firstly, each region had a corresponding Immortal Palace, and all of them contained fragments of the Earthly Killing Sword and incomplete cultivation methods. Secondly, due to the cultivation method itself, the person who created the 'Chapter on Nurturing Swords with Primordial Spirit' must have been an unparalleled genius. Could they have stopped at the Void Refinement stage? However, there had always been communication between the Buddhist sects of Middle State and the Western Lands. Grandmaster Xingji confirmed that previously, no Immortal Palaces had been discovered in the Western Lands. It was also possible that a certain cultivator or sect had found an Immortal Palace, kept it secret, and enjoyed the benefits exclusively. Qin Sang alone could not visit all parts of the Western Lands; he needed the assistance of Western Lands forces. If fragments of the Earthly Killing Sword and incomplete cultivation methods were found, he would naturally not take them without offering anything in return.

For this journey, Qin Sang only brought his avatar, leaving the Great Saint Black Lion in Middle State. Once matters in the Western Lands were concluded, he would need to travel to other regions. Unlike the Western Lands, which had ancient teleportation arrays, he would have to traverse through the storm zone, making the Black Lion a hindrance. Leaving the Great Saint Black Lion behind served two purposes: first, as his mount, to oversee Middle State in his stead; second, as the mountain-guarding Great Saint of Azure Goat Abbey, to assist Shen Chen. Aside from being deferential in front of Qin Sang, the Great Saint Black Lion could walk freely anywhere in Middle State; all forces, regardless of race, treated him with utmost respect. Even without considering True Monarch Qin's influence, the Great Saint Black Lion himself was a top-tier expert whom no one wished to offend. After Qin Sang left, the Black Lion enjoyed a rather leisurely and comfortable life.

Qin Sang only took his external avatar on this trip. The external avatar consumed a significant amount of energy, and its second nascent soul was in a weakened state. It could return to the main body for nourishment, which might even accelerate its recovery. Anyway, cultivation was impossible while traversing the storm zone, so it wouldn't affect the main body's cultivation. Bringing the avatar was also a precaution against unforeseen dangers that might arise in the storm zone, such as encountering extremely powerful fierce beasts, just in case.

The golden sands of the Western Desert stretched far and wide. Qin Sang sped westward alone through the sand sea. The closer he got to the storm zone, the higher the temperature. Dry, hot winds blew towards him, carrying rolling heat waves, and the distortion of the void was visible to the naked eye. After flying for a while, a crimson expanse suddenly appeared at the edge of his vision, resembling the most brilliant evening glow. Only after clearly seeing the true nature of the 'evening glow' could one feel its terror; this was not a glow, but clearly an overwhelming blaze!

That was precisely the storm zone, but not the ocean that Qin Sang was familiar with; instead, it was land. On the land, flames shot into the sky, blazing fires forming a storm of flames. Above the firmament, endless tongues of fire and embers drifted, covering the sky and stretching endlessly. Qin Sang could clearly see that the originally invisible barrier was also dyed crimson, as if countless fire spirits were dancing on it, firmly blocking the fiery storm from invading the cultivation world. The invisible barrier separated the inside and outside of the storm into two distinct realms. The opposite side was a world composed of raging fire: the earth was cracked, fissures were everywhere, magma covered the ground, and subterranean flames continuously surged from the cracks, creating towering pillars of fire visible everywhere. It was a miracle that this landmass had endured until now without fragmenting. Swept up by the storm, the lower layer was a storm of magma, and the upper layer was a storm of flames; both were equally scorching, boundless, and capable of incinerating everything, even more terrifying than the storms at sea. Low-level cultivators, if brave enough, could enter the storm zone at sea to explore, but they would never dare to venture deep into the fiery storm for too long.

Qin Sang saw two monks standing outside the barrier from afar. The two also saw Qin Sang and immediately flew through the air. Upon reaching him, they bowed and said, "Greetings, True Monarch Qin. We have received word from the abbot and will now lead you to the ancient teleportation array." The three continued without pause, flying into the fiery storm. A faint blue light emanated from the monks' Dharma robes, as if ripples of water spread from them, encircling their bodies and repelling the fierce flames. These robes were clearly specially crafted to cope with such an environment. Qin Sang, however, showed no apparent action, and the flames could not approach him.

Looking down at the terrain below, Qin Sang mused to himself, 'This landmass has been like this year-round. I wonder if it will give birth to some extraordinary spiritual flame.' Such naturally formed spiritual flames are extremely rare. If of sufficient grade, they could be used to cultivate the 'Golden Lotus of Fiery Seeds'. However, this landmass was boundless, and it was said that this landscape extended all the way to the Western Lands, meaning the two regions were on the same landmass. Late Nascent Soul cultivators could not withstand the constant scorching flames to search deep within the fiery storm; only Qin Sang could do it himself. First, attend to the main business. He could come back to search later if the opportunity arose.

Before long, the two monks leading the way stopped. Beneath them was a boundless lake of magma, where the magma churned into towering waves like seawater, indicating the extreme depth of the lake. The scenery here was monotonous, but Qin Sang keenly noticed that this place was somewhat different from others. "Reporting to True Monarch," one monk pointed downwards, "the ancient teleportation array is at the bottom of the lake."

It turned out that this magma lake was very special, containing an ancient spiritual array. The ancient teleportation array could only exist to this day by relying on this very array. However, after countless years, the spiritual array was already overburdened and almost impossible to repair. Any drastic action might accelerate its destruction, so the Buddhist sects could only perform simple repairs, and the same applied to the other side. Since one could not stay long in the lake, the monks responsible for guarding the ancient teleportation array had to remain outside the lake, thus providing the Ghost Mother with an opportunity. Back then, they only became aware of it when the ancient teleportation array was activated by the Ghost Mother. Qin Sang delved deep into the magma and quickly found the ancient teleportation array. He inserted spirit stones, and with a flash of light, he vanished from the spot.

**Western Lands**

Above a certain magma lake, several figures stood mid-air, all Buddhist monks. The foremost figure was a slender, elderly monk with a benevolent face and white hair. Beside the old monk stood a monk seven feet tall, with an imposing and valiant bearing; this was Grandmaster Huaiyin. The monks silently watched below, seemingly waiting for someone.

A figure suddenly shot out of the magma. Seeing the monks above, the figure paused slightly before flying directly towards them.

"Greetings, True Monarch Qin." The old monk clasped his hands together, uttered a Buddhist chant, and Grandmaster Huaiyin and the others also bowed in greeting.

"Greetings, Grandmaster Zitan," Qin Sang stood firm and returned the bow, "This humble Daoist's presumptuous visit has disturbed the peaceful cultivation of you esteemed monks."

This Grandmaster Zitan was precisely the abbot of the Great Compassion Zen Temple and the foremost expert in the Western Lands. Grandmaster Huaiyin also showed deference as a disciple in his presence.

"Why do you say that, True Monarch? This humble monk is already aware of your conduct in Middle State and is filled with admiration. True Monarch's aspirations are lofty, and your heart encompasses the world; we shall cooperate with all our strength," Grandmaster Zitan's tone was gentle, yet it carried a persuasive power.

Qin Sang then looked at Grandmaster Huaiyin, "After parting many years ago, Grandmaster's demeanor remains as impressive as ever." Observing Grandmaster Huaiyin, Qin Sang was secretly astonished. Grandmaster Huaiyin's complexion was vibrant; it seemed his injuries had fully healed, and he appeared even younger and more valiant than before. Qin Sang noticed that his flesh and blood were as lustrous as jade, and there seemed to be a faint golden glow, remarkably extraordinary. His strength must have improved, perhaps due to refining that Xinjin Origin Crystal.

"Back then, True Monarch's astonishing debut at the Formless Immortal Gate and peerless grace are still deeply etched in this humble monk's memory," Grandmaster Huaiyin spoke with a gentle and pleasant expression, utterly unlike his formidable and unmatched ferocity when engaging in combat.

"This is not the place for pleasantries. Shall we talk as we go?" Grandmaster Zitan interjected.

Qin Sang nodded, "This humble Daoist was indeed intending to visit your esteemed monastery and, while there, observe the customs and traditions of the Western Lands."

Unexpectedly, Grandmaster Zitan shook his head, "There's no hurry to return to the monastery. This humble monk will first take True Monarch to a place and ask you to identify something." Qin Sang was surprised, unsure what he was being asked to identify. The group followed Grandmaster Zitan, flying north. Along the way, Qin Sang learned the truth, feeling greatly surprised and delighted. It turned out that the place they were heading to was actually a suspected Immortal Palace ruin!

The Buddhist sects of the Western Lands and Middle State had a long-standing connection. Before departing, Sagely One Huiguang had also informed the Great Compassion Zen Temple of the situation. Upon learning that the Middle State Immortal Palace had ascended, Grandmaster Zitan speculated that if an Immortal Palace also existed in the Western Lands, it might have ascended together. The terrain around the Western Lands was different from Middle State, being entirely land. An Immortal Palace might leave traces after ascending, so he secretly sent his disciples to investigate. Not long ago, a discovery was finally made. They learned from a small family in an oasis that an ancestor of that family had once ventured into the storm zone during his travels and unexpectedly witnessed an anomalous celestial phenomenon. At that time, crimson flames swept across the sky, like a crimson dragon bursting from the ground, tearing through the void and vanishing. The person was instantly terrified and fled in a panic. Calculating the time, it was precisely the day the Immortal Palace ascended.

Grandmaster Zitan and Grandmaster Huaiyin had just come from there. A bottomless pit remained at the spot, already filled with magma, erasing any conspicuous traces. However, it seemed that remnants of an immortal restriction still lingered deep within the pit. But in the storm zone, even the spiritual energy underground was extremely chaotic. The two Grandmasters felt their power was insufficient after delving a certain distance and were forced to retreat, requesting Qin Sang to go and identify it.

Having explained the reason, they arrived at the location. From above, it looked no different from other places. Leaving the other monks above, Qin Sang followed the two Grandmasters into the magma. Gradually, the two Grandmasters fell behind, and Qin Sang, activating his fiery lotus for protection, delved deeper alone. Upon reaching the deepest point, he activated his Heavenly Eye Divine Ability and investigated for a long time.

A full half-day passed before the three returned.

"The immortal restrictions remaining below are no weaker than those of an Immortal Palace!" Qin Sang said decisively, with a hint of excitement in his voice. He had found fragments of immortal restrictions in the pit, and comparing them to the immortal restrictions within the Inner Palace of the Seven Kills Hall, he felt they were on par. The array restrictions of the Blood Lake in the Minor Cold Domain, the Abyss Ruins of Sin, and the Holy Land of the Profound Heaven Palace could not be compared to the immortal restrictions of the Immortal Palace. This place was very likely where another Immortal Palace had fallen! What that person saw back then was precisely the Immortal Palace tearing through the void and departing.

"The Western Lands indeed have an Immortal Palace; I never expected it to be hidden underground." Qin Sang glanced south. He had just inquired about the Western Lands' topography and learned that this place was in the northern part of the Western Lands. This landmass was boundless, with Middle State located at its eastern end, but the Western Lands were not at its western end; they were surrounded by land on all sides.

"I see this place is not far from the cultivation world; at least Nascent Soul cultivators are capable of reaching its vicinity. Has no one ever discovered anything unusual or entered the Immortal Palace all this time?" Qin Sang pressed on. If there was an Immortal Palace, there could be cultivation methods and Earthly Killing Sword fragments! If they had fallen into the hands of some force, he would have to acquire them no matter what.

Grandmaster Zitan said solemnly, "I do not know what this place looked like before the Immortal Palace ascended, but our humble monastery indeed has no relevant records. This humble monk and previous abbots have also, on many occasions, collaborated with other monasteries to search for Immortal Palaces, but all efforts yielded nothing. And to my knowledge, I have never heard of any sect suddenly prospering or acquiring extraordinary great inheritances." After a pause, Grandmaster Zitan continued, "Before my departure, this humble monk had already sent messages inviting the abbots of other monasteries and fellow cultivators to partake in this grand gathering. They are currently awaiting True Monarch at our humble monastery. If any sect truly did occupy an Immortal Palace alone, now that the Immortal Palace has ascended, there's no need to cling to the secret. Furthermore, True Monarch Qin has arrived with news of the Ascension Platform, so we can use this matter to inquire."

Even without Qin Sang asking, Grandmaster Zitan would proactively investigate this matter. It was not out of covetousness for the other party's treasures. Various signs indicated that the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sound was related to the Immortal Palace's ascension. Perhaps someone had obtained something from an Immortal Palace that could lead to the source of the Heavenly Dao Demonic Sound. The Three Sect Alliance of Middle State had already done this. Once Qin Sang returned to the Azure Waves Sea and Northern Sea, he would also begin his investigation.

Qin Sang nodded and said, "This humble Daoist has been collecting cultivation methods and secret arts related to the Immortal Palaces; incomplete fragments are also fine. If there is any news, I would trouble Grandmaster to send someone to inform this humble Daoist." Grandmaster Zitan naturally had no objections. They did not stay long and flew together towards the cultivation world.

While discussing Dharma and Tao with the esteemed monks and planning the upcoming grand gathering, Qin Sang also pondered the matter of the Immortal Palaces. In the entire Minor Thousand World, the Northern Star Realm and the Northern Sea were not far apart and could be considered a single entity. In fact, the Northern Star Realm had been regarded as one of the four realms of the Northern Sea since ancient times. The Northern Sea, Middle State, Western Lands, and Azure Waves Sea all had Immortal Palaces overseeing them. Such a one-to-one correspondence was definitely not a coincidence. What was the relationship between the Immortal Palaces and the various regions of the cultivation world? Which came first? Did shelters appear first, attracting the Immortal Palaces? Or was it because of the Immortal Palaces that, when this realm was on the verge of destruction, invisible barriers could be erected to protect nearby living beings?

Where was the Demon Sea, and did it have an Immortal Palace and Earthly Killing Sword fragments? If so, what was the location of the Earthly Killing Sword there? Could it be that there was more than one such immortal sword? Also, when he and Liuli traversed the storm back then, they encountered a desolate cultivation world, much smaller in scope than the other regions. Was there an Immortal Palace there? Qin Sang had asked Grandmaster Huaiyin about this. It turned out that Middle State had always known about that place, and for Grand Cultivators, the distance between the two places was not far. It was said that in the past, there were not only living beings but also cultivators practicing there. For some unknown reason, a great plague occurred. When the experts of Middle State went there again, they were horrified to find that all life had perished, and it had become a desolate land. Some suspected that local cultivators had inadvertently brought it out from some ancient secret realm, as such a terrifying plague could not exist in the mortal world, but no one dared to verify it.

While pondering these questions, the group arrived at the edge of the storm zone. As he passed through the invisible barrier, Qin Sang subconsciously raised his hand and clenched it lightly, sighing inwardly, "I only wish that the Immortal Palace's ascension won't affect the cultivation world's barrier, leaving a sliver of hope for the living beings of this realm."

At this moment, the usually taciturn Grandmaster Huaiyin spoke, interrupting Qin Sang's thoughts, "I observe that True Monarch's vital energy and blood are extraordinary. Are you also skilled in the path of body refinement?"