Chapter 1769: Qingluan Dharma Image

The Human World

The valley was silent.The starlight no longer gathered at a single point; instead, it scattered and flowed within the Star Valley, though noticeably much thinner than before.A long time passed like this.

Qin Sang remained seated there, motionless. His vital energy had subsided, but his body still felt turbulent, as if he couldn't quite control his newfound immense power. At this moment, Qin Sang was introspecting, concentrating on experiencing the changes brought about by his physical breakthrough.

It was an unprecedented sensation. Before the breakthrough, Qin Sang could clearly perceive every pulsation in his skin, vital blood, and even bone marrow. Now, these pulsations had transformed into a single, unique rhythm, merging into a unified essence. This essence was incredibly formidable, containing boundless vitality. It flowed throughout his body, unified and complete, forming a solid foundation. With this foundation, evil arts could not infiltrate him, establishing his bedrock for existence. He stood firm in this world; even a fellow cultivator at the same level, wielding the might of heaven and earth, would be unable to shake him. No matter the winds that blow, he would stand unmoving.

Simultaneously, the acupoints on his body were 'breathing.' Within each acupoint, there seemed to be a bridge connecting to heaven and earth, and the rhythm within his essence resonated with the external world. To some extent, he could directly absorb vital energy from heaven and earth to replenish his essence. As long as this essence remained, his body, even if severely wounded, could rapidly regenerate, except for certain critical areas. It could be said that Qin Sang's physical body now possessed some of the divine abilities of an indestructible body.

Qin Sang slowly opened his eyes, which gleamed with brilliance. His five senses had become even sharper. With three transformations—of his primordial spirit, cultivation, and physical body—his spiritual perception had improved across the board, likely surpassing most cultivators at his level. He raised his right arm and gazed down at his right hand, pondering that if he were to shatter it now, even turning it to dust, he could easily regrow the limb. Though certain, Qin Sang wouldn't engage in pointless self-harm. He continued to observe and ponder for a while, and indeed gained further insights. He then looked at his right hand, now clenched into a fist. His right fist appeared normal, but only Qin Sang knew he was meticulously gathering the essence within his body, concentrating it at the tip of his fist. If an enemy stood before him now, a single punch could unleash his entire strength onto a single point, instantly erupting with terrifying power! If Qin Sang wished, he could adapt on the fly, using both fists, feet, elbows, shoulders, or even any other part of his body. This was just a rudimentary application method Qin Sang had just conceived, and with deeper understanding in the future, it held infinite potential.

After a while, Qin Sang collected his thoughts, no longer preoccupied with himself, and looked up at his Dharma Idol. The Azure Luan Dharma Idol! The Dharma Idol still appeared very ethereal, but it was noticeably more solidified than before the breakthrough. Qin Sang thoughtfully observed the Azure Luan Dharma Idol. If the Dharma Idol was merely a shadow before the breakthrough, it was now transforming towards reality. Qin Sang was not yet clear what this change in his Dharma Idol would bring him, but he keenly noticed another change triggered by the Dharma Idol: his Phoenix Wings!

Years ago, when Qin Sang absorbed the remnant soul of the Azure Luan from the stone tablet, the Azure Luan's inherent lightning power remained hidden within his Phoenix Wings because he was not a demon body. Qin Sang could feel this immense power. In terms of rank, the Azure Luan's inherent lightning power might not be inferior to the Naming Li Fire or the Heavenly Phoenix True Fire. However, he had tried various methods, but the Azure Luan's inherent lightning power was like a mountain, utterly unmovable. He recalled that Vermillion Bird had once commented that the Azure Luan's inherent lightning power had invisibly merged with his aura, becoming part of his strength, though he hadn't yet found a way to wield it. With the transformation of his Dharma Idol, a clue finally emerged: the method to wield the Azure Luan's inherent lightning power would lie with the Azure Luan Dharma Idol! He focused his mind on his Phoenix Wings and, as usual, could clearly feel the wild aura emanating from the Azure Luan's inherent lightning power. But at this moment, Qin Sang had an inexplicable feeling of increased closeness to that power, achieved precisely through the Azure Luan Dharma Idol. It could be inferred that as the Azure Luan Dharma Idol gradually solidified, he would one day be able to control this power.

However... Qin Sang frowned slightly. After all, he wasn't a descendant of the Azure Luan, so he would likely only be able to use the simplest and most direct method of wielding it, which felt like a waste of a precious resource. Or perhaps he could find a way to integrate it into his Phoenix Wings to further enhance his escape technique? Qin Sang already knew the immense benefits of top-tier escape techniques. A moment later, Qin Sang shook his head. It was too soon to ponder these matters. Instead, he should consider how to solidify his Dharma Idol. Upon this thought, Qin Sang's expression shifted slightly as he remembered the bone flute.

However, he didn't immediately take out the treasure to examine it. The commotion caused by Beigong Nandou's charm refining was too great, making this place unsuitable for prolonged stay. Qin Sang stood up. Without any apparent movement, an afterimage was left in his place, slowly fading away. Standing on the mountaintop, he put away the spiritual array, looked around, and then proceeded to another cave dwelling as planned.

A certain desolate mountain. Qin Sang entered a cave dwelling and eagerly retrieved the bone flute from his Qianjun Ring. After a brief perception, Qin Sang's expression changed slightly; the bone flute indeed had undergone a transformation. The 'Heavenly Demon Refinement' technique only displayed its first four layers, with subsequent layers covered by mist. It was the same now, but the bone flute transmitted a certain guidance. Qin Sang summoned his Azure Luan Dharma Idol and, following the instruction, gently tossed the bone flute upwards. "Swish!" The bone flute merged into the Dharma Idol, surprisingly suspending itself within it. Immediately, it burst forth with brilliant light, illuminating the entire cave dwelling.

Qin Sang multitasked, observing the bone flute while sensing his Dharma Idol. The Azure Luan Dharma Idol seemed unchanged, except for a wisp of its aura being absorbed by the bone flute. The bone flute quickly dimmed its light and fell back down. "Thud!" Qin Sang reached out and caught it. He probed it with his mind again and saw that a layer of mist covering the technique had been wiped away, revealing the fifth layer of 'Heavenly Demon Refinement'! Qin Sang was overjoyed as he quickly scanned the contents of the technique. Although the later layers of the technique were still shrouded in mist, this layer alone was sufficient to allow him to cultivate to the equivalent of the Peak of Soul Transformation stage.

“Hmm?” Just then, Qin Sang suddenly realized something was amiss. He immersed his entire mind into the bone flute, carefully examining the technique. Gradually, a look of surprise crossed Qin Sang's face. Like the first four layers, the fifth layer of 'Heavenly Demon Refinement' was also divided into early, middle, and late stages, capable of further refining bloodline and strengthening bloodline divine abilities. Of course, Qin Sang couldn't cultivate this part; he could only practice the body-refining portion. However, upon reaching the fifth layer, 'Heavenly Demon Refinement' gained an additional function: solidifying the Dharma Idol! And it was specifically for solidifying the Azure Luan Dharma Idol!

Qin Sang finally understood why he hadn't been able to see the fifth layer of the technique before. Only after his breakthrough, when the Azure Luan Dharma Idol transformed towards reality, could the bone flute absorb its aura, determine his path, and thus generate the corresponding technique. Thinking of this, Qin Sang was inwardly astonished. Could the bone flute adapt and change the corresponding technique based on the bloodline of different cultivators? There are countless demon races in the world, and an uncountable number of bloodlines. Could the bone flute encompass everything? What kind of treasure is this?!

Qin Sang gazed at the bone flute in his hand. He had underestimated it before; it was not merely a container for recording techniques. After turning it over and examining it for a long time, Qin Sang still couldn't discern any clues, so he put the bone flute away again. The technique was already imprinted in his mind.

Qin Sang meticulously studied the technique, and only after gaining some insights did he begin to attempt cultivation. Clear starlight enveloped Qin Sang. Obscure and difficult-to-discern Star Fiend energy and Star Essence power entered his body simultaneously. As his cultivation advanced, the Star Essence power he attracted became denser, and the hidden dangers greater. For Qin Sang, however, it made no difference. The Star Fiend energy could not penetrate his primordial spirit in the slightest, being firmly blocked by the Buddhist light.

A month later, Qin Sang leisurely awoke. Thanks to the unique environment, although he hadn't cultivated for long, his progress was remarkably pleasing. However, there wasn't much joy in Qin Sang's expression. He had focused specifically on the Azure Luan Dharma Idol and found that its solidification speed was very slow, with almost no change during this period. It was clear that solidifying the Dharma Idol would be a long process, so he shouldn't think about controlling the Azure Luan's inherent lightning power for now. Qin Sang suspected it was also related to his cultivation. When he broke through to the middle or even late stage of the fifth layer of 'Heavenly Demon Refinement,' the speed of Dharma Idol solidification should also increase. Furthermore, Dharma Idol solidification would bring other benefits to cultivators, but most were related to bloodline divine abilities. Since Qin Sang was not a descendant of the Azure Luan, he could only hope that the Azure Luan Dharma Idol would continue to bring transformations to his lightning escape technique. As for the abilities of the Azure Luan Dharma Idol itself, Qin Sang would need to gradually explore them.

Familiarizing himself with the technique, consolidating his cultivation. For the next half-year, Qin Sang mainly focused on these two tasks. Six months later, Qin Sang stopped cultivating and decided to return to Crane Mountain. Although this realm was suitable for strength-based cultivators, Qin Sang would not be able to seek another breakthrough in the short term. Next, it was time to seriously consider tribulation transcendence and receiving the immortal decree.

Qin Sang re-perceived the aura of the heavenly tribulation, and indeed, the sense of trepidation had significantly diminished. He mused inwardly that 'The Acquired Wooden Man Stele' and 'Seven Master Buddhist Seals' were both top-tier strength-based divine abilities. Relying on these two, he should be able to transcend this heavenly tribulation. If he could refine a Royal Bell True Charm, it would certainly be foolproof. Before this, Qin Sang had considered the Royal Bell True Charm. If his breakthrough failed, he might have to rely on this charm to transcend the tribulation. For this, he had made some preparations, but it was difficult to focus on two things at once, so he hadn't succeeded in refining even one yet. The Royal Bell True Charm required special charm paper and cinnabar, all of which were precious treasures. Furthermore, he was not proficient in the art of charms, and there wouldn't be enough time for him to learn from scratch; he would need to enlist a master of charms.

“During this time, it might be better to thoroughly comprehend these two divine abilities,” Qin Sang thought to himself. After his breakthrough, his perspective had broadened. Re-examining these two divine abilities, as expected, he gained new insights. Many previously unclear points were now no longer an issue. After a period of quiet cultivation, both divine abilities were sure to make great progress. “First, I'll return to Crane Mountain to make arrangements. It's best if I can do both things simultaneously and manage to refine the Royal Bell True Charm.” Qin Sang made up his mind and prepared to return.

However, before that, there was one more matter to attend to. Qin Sang first flew north, following the path he took last time to the Ghost Fang Nation, arriving near those demon nations. He opened his spirit beast pouch and released the Canine Demon. “Although these demon nations are subordinates of the Ghost Fang Nation, their rules are not as strict, and there are many loopholes to exploit. With your abilities, it shouldn't be difficult to make a name for yourself in the demon nations,” Qin Sang said. The Canine Demon prostrated itself, “Thank you, Immortal, for your compassion. This little demon will never forget your grace for sparing my life.” It hadn't expected Qin Sang to truly let it go, and it had been prepared to remain under Qin Sang's control. “Immortal, if you have any commands, this little demon will strive to fulfill them,” the Canine Demon offered proactively. Qin Sang smiled, “What can your meager strength do to assist this poor Daoist? Talk to me when you obtain a demon decree and recover your power.” “As you command!” The Canine Demon performed a deep bow, then summoned a demonic wind and swiftly vanished. He thought of the Snake Demon, wondering about its current situation and if it had infiltrated the Ghost Fang Nation. By ordering the two demons to infiltrate the demon nations, Qin Sang hadn't actually expected to gain much from them; after all, their cultivation levels were too low for the Ghost Fang Nation as a whole. It would be great if he could control a Demon Marquis. This thought crossed Qin Sang's mind as he returned to Crane Mountain.

Back in the immortal city, Qin Sang first summoned Shi Xuan and others, instructing them to search for the whereabouts of the spiritual materials for the Royal Bell True Charm. Then he went alone to the courtyard to visit Daoist Gu Zhou. Nearly twenty years had passed, but the courtyard remained unchanged. From the outside, it looked like a private residence with no plaque displayed. Upon seeing Daoist Gu Zhou again, the man's cultivation still remained at the Mid Nascent Soul stage.

“This humble Daoist has come to ask Daoist Master to convey a message to Daoist Zhijian: barring any unforeseen circumstances, this humble Daoist will visit in four years.” Qin Sang took out a handwritten letter. Daoist Gu Zhou secretly observed Qin Sang, understanding in his heart that the closer one was to the heavenly tribulation, the stronger and harder to conceal its aura on a cultivator. Judging by Qin Sang's appearance, his heavenly tribulation was likely due in the next few years. With the tribulation approaching, it was best not to venture out to avoid any mishaps when it arrived. “Daoist Master, rest assured, this humble Daoist will deliver the letter!” Daoist Gu Zhou said solemnly. Qin Sang nodded slightly and stated his true purpose, “This humble Daoist wishes to refine a treasure, but the spiritual materials are hard to find. Does Daoist Master perhaps have any channels?” He had previously considered that if his breakthrough failed and he couldn't refine the spiritual charm himself, he would use his favor and ask Daoist Zhijian to refine it for him. Since he had successfully broken through, this charm was no longer an urgent necessity, and he could collect the materials at his own pace. Daoist Gu Zhou showed no difficulty, asked for clarification on what Qin Sang needed, and promised to help gather information.

Bidding farewell to Daoist Gu Zhou, Qin Sang walked out of the courtyard, looked back, and narrowed his eyes slightly. He hadn't deliberately inquired about their origins, but various signs indicated that the force behind them was not simple. Becoming involved with such a force, he wondered if it would be good or bad. Qin Sang shook his head slightly.

For the following period, Qin Sang remained in his cave dwelling, dedicating himself to comprehending the two divine abilities. He gained considerable insights and significantly improved his strength. It is worth mentioning that in 'Seven Master Buddhist Seals,' when Qin Sang meditated on the seventh seal, the 'Vajra Great Liberation Seal,' he found its mysteries to be even more profound than expected, gaining new insights each time. As for 'The Acquired Wooden Man Stele,' Qin Sang only needed to cultivate systematically and await the perfection of the divine ability.

During his quiet cultivation, Shi Xuan and Gu Zhou successively sent back news, and also delivered some spiritual items during this period. However, there was still some way to go before all the materials were gathered, and there was no definite news about the most important material, the Earth Blood Sand. Since that was the case, Qin Sang stopped pondering it further.

One day, without disturbing anyone, Qin Sang left the immortal city alone and arrived at the previously chosen tribulation transcendence location, gazing up at the sky. The aura of tribulation lightning was gathering towards this part of the world. Qin Sang had previously gathered information about cultivators transcending tribulations in this realm. Judging by those descriptions, there wasn't much difference compared to cultivators from the Storm Realm. He wondered what kind of unusual changes he, an outsider from another realm, would trigger.