Chapter 1772: City Within the Bottle

The Mortal Realm

After learning about Tao Heng Mountain’s registers, Qin Sang did not give an immediate reply, stating he needed some time to consider. Daoist Tao expressed his understanding, acknowledging that choosing a Daoist register is the most serious decision in a cultivator’s life, and one could never be too cautious.

Upon leaving the Register Conferral Hall, the two returned to the main hall, where Daoist Tao mentioned several additional benefits to increase his offer. After several days in the mountain, Qin Sang decided to depart. Daoist Tao’s attempts to persuade him to stay were unsuccessful, so he personally escorted Qin Sang out of the mountain. Watching Qin Sang’s receding figure, Daoist Tao knew that his chances of recruiting him were slim, and he couldn't help but shake his head with a soft sigh.

After leaving Tao Heng Mountain, Qin Sang returned directly to Yunfeng City without lingering, then took a teleportation array north. After several transfers, he finally arrived at an immortal city built on water, named Right Sash Pass. Numerous stone pillars were plunged into the water, rising hundreds of *zhang* above the surface. Streets and houses were constructed between these pillars, collectively forming the immortal city. Each stone pillar was carved with runes, protecting them from water erosion. Should an external enemy invade, the pillars could instantly transform into the foundations of a grand city-protecting array. The layout was ingeniously designed.

Qin Sang walked along the streets, gazing down at the river surface and paying particular attention to the stone pillars. After walking for a short while, he looked up. This immortal city had no walls, and from Qin Sang’s position at its edge, he could see beyond the city at a glance. Looking as far as the eye could see, he saw a great river like a jade belt. Its wide surface shimmered with rippling light as vast river water flowed from the southwest, passing beneath the immortal city.

This river was precisely the San Yuan River, which flowed past the Xuanji Sect's mountain. This river flowed through Baishi Province, absorbing countless waterways, and finally merged into the west side of Star Island Immortal Lake. The confluence of the river and lake was only about ten *li* from this immortal city. It was said that on the east side of Star Island Immortal Lake, there was also a great river comparable to the San Yuan River. Star Island Immortal Lake was vast beyond compare, with countless rivers converging into it. These two great rivers, in particular, were the grandest, like two flowing sashes of the Star Island Immortal Lake.

This immortal city was precisely located at the pass where the river and lake met, thus it was named Right Sash Pass. On the east side, there was a corresponding Left Sash Pass. Due to their location, these two pass cities were second only to Hu Zhong City in renown. Hu Zhong City was located in the center of Star Island Immortal Lake. It was the second immortal city of Gushan Province, after Hemming Mountain, and considered the foremost immortal city in the hearts of Gushan Province cultivators. This city was also one of Qin Sang's destinations for this journey.

Upon arriving at Right Sash Pass, there were no more teleportation arrays further ahead, so Qin Sang had to fly into Star Island Immortal Lake. According to his understanding, it would take about ten days of flying before reaching a teleportation array that could send him to the heart of Star Island Immortal Lake. From there, he would still need to fly for some distance to reach Hu Zhong City. The layout of Star Island Immortal Lake appeared to be artificially divided into several layers. Such an arrangement would only be made for defense against external enemies, allowing for immediate severance of internal and external connections and the establishment of layered defenses should any unforeseen circumstances arise.

After leaving the city, Qin Sang followed the San Yuan River to its mouth, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the river and lake confluence before activating his escape light and entering the immortal lake. Star Island Immortal Lake was as vast as a sea; to mortals, it was simply the sea. After flying for a while, Qin Sang couldn't help but exclaim, "The name 'Star Island' is indeed well-deserved." It was his first time seeing such a densely island-studded lake. Islands of all sizes were scattered like stars, and many of them emanated a cultivator's aura.

Star Island Immortal Lake and Hemming Mountain, one in the north and one in the south, had completely opposite atmospheres. Here, people wore relaxed smiles on their faces, a sight rarely seen at Hemming Mountain, where tension and grimness prevailed. In Gushan Province, it was exceedingly difficult to find such a peaceful and tranquil place. The breeze was gentle. On the lake, sails fluttered like banners. Qin Sang noticed treasure ships traveling back and forth among them. After a moment's thought, Qin Sang dispelled his escape light, landing on a boat's bow. After negotiating with the boatman, he stepped into the cabin.

Over a month passed. The boat jolted. "Reporting to the Immortal Master, we've arrived at Du Family Island." A respectful voice came from outside the cabin. Qin Sang disembarked and went ashore. The island was similar in size and purpose to an immortal city, featuring a teleportation array. All cultivators in the vicinity wishing to travel to the heart of Star Island Immortal Lake had to first come to Du Family Island.

"Finally, almost there..."

In the heart of Star Island Immortal Lake, Qin Sang slowly flew at a height of a hundred *zhang* above the water's surface. Gazing ahead, a topographic map of Star Island Immortal Lake flashed through Qin Sang's mind; Hu Zhong City was not far ahead. At this moment, Qin Sang turned his gaze northward for a moment. Daoist True Sword's dojo was named Sword Heart Island, located north of Hu Zhong City. Qin Sang decided to first enter Hu Zhong City to investigate before visiting Daoist True Sword.

Swish!

Qin Sang landed on the lake surface; Hu Zhong City was right in front of him. Some called Hu Zhong City "Hu Zhong Island," because the city itself was an island. Wooden paths extended from the shore, serving as docks for boats to berth and also as entrances to the city. Qin Sang surveyed the immortal city. The island's terrain was not flat, featuring rolling hills and vast stretches of forests. However, pavilions and towers could be seen both on the mountains and within the forests, some densely clustered, others sparse.

"Hu Zhong City is probably even larger than Hemming Mountain," Qin Sang thought to himself. He then stepped onto a wooden path, paid the entrance fee to the guards, and entered the immortal city. After entering the city, Qin Sang's first goal was to find an auction house or trade guild within. Qin Sang effortlessly discovered that the largest auction house in the city belonged to the Gushan Guild. This guild was also quite interesting, bearing the name 'Gushan'. The Gushan Guild had established its auction house on Hu Zhong City's highest peak, which was also the most bustling area of Hu Zhong City. At the summit of the highest peak stood a massive nine-story wooden building that was particularly eye-catching.

Qin Sang arrived in front of the wooden building, looked up at it for a moment, then stepped inside, releasing a wisp of his aura. "Greetings, Immortal Master..." A young man approached with a wide smile. Qin Sang directly asked, "When does the auction begin?" The young man paused for a moment, his smile unchanged. "Immortal Master, you've arrived at a fortunate time. An auction is about to begin. It's just that..." Without waiting for the young man to finish, Qin Sang said, "Lead the way."

The young man knew that some cultivators had peculiar temperaments, so he dared not be slow. He bowed and led the way, quickly explaining the auction rules to Qin Sang. He wondered internally, the aura the other party revealed likely belonged to an Ascendant Profound True Person. This auction was for the Cavern Spirit stage of cultivation, which probably wouldn't catch a True Person's eye. Qin Sang, however, did not change his decision. He followed the young man into a large hall on the third floor and found a seat at the back. Soon, the hall was filled with cultivators. Qin Sang swept his gaze around, discovering that Golden Core cultivators were the most numerous.

Before long, a middle-aged man ascended the stage. The subsequent proceedings were almost identical to the auctions he had experienced before. However, Qin Sang remained quite interested, watching various unfamiliar treasures being auctioned off. "Yu Liu Jin, with its unique properties, can be used to forge Golden Seal Altars for various Daoist registers. I'm sure many fellow Daoists have heard of this treasure's illustrious name. Fellow Daoists whose registers align with it should not miss this opportunity. The starting bid is five hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones..." The middle-aged man's tone was fervent. He forcefully unveiled the red silk cloth on the jade plate, revealing a goose-yellow, brocade-like treasure, shimmering like silk and flowing like water.

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang also leaned forward slightly and carefully examined the Yu Liu Jin. Cultivators in this realm also used spirit stones for transactions; they could use them normally. Yu Liu Jin was the treasure with the highest starting bid so far, and Qin Sang could guess the reason. In this realm, spiritual items that could be used to forge altars and ensure the stability of Daoist altars were the most favored. As soon as this item appeared, many cultivators' eyes indeed grew fervent.

"Five hundred fifty thousand!""Six hundred thousand!"

The price quickly soared to an astonishing height. The successful bidder was overjoyed, but also felt quite a pinch. Qin Sang watched for a while longer, gaining a general understanding, then stood up and walked out. The young man had surprisingly remained outside. He quickly stepped forward and said with a fawning smile, "Did these treasures fail to impress the Immortal Master? It's my fault for having no discerning eye. In half a year, there will be a True Person-level auction. I wonder if the Immortal Master would be interested?"

As he spoke, the young man handed over an invitation. Qin Sang unfolded it and saw that this was essentially an invitation, which listed some of the treasures along with brief descriptions. The young man promptly reminded him, "This auction primarily operates on a bartering system or uses Dao Court merits for transactions. Immortal Master, if you plan to attend, you should prepare in advance." Qin Sang hummed in acknowledgement. Just like in the Storm Realm, transactions among cultivators above the Nascent Soul stage rarely involved spirit stones anymore. However, this realm had an additional alternative.

The treasures listed were only considered decent in the eyes of Soul Transformation cultivators. However, Qin Sang still decided to accept the invitation to broaden his horizons. He inquired in more detail and couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. This auction was already the Gushan Guild's top-tier auction. The next level up was a grand auction held only once every few decades, which would still be over ten years away. The so-called "True Person level" actually referred to Ascendant Profound True Persons. Qin Sang, however, was more interested in transactions among Soul Transformation cultivators.

"There wouldn't be too many Soul Transformation cultivators outside the Daoist Sects..." Qin Sang mused internally. The Daoist Sects controlled high-level Daoist registers and would not allow too many powerful individuals to emerge outside their domain. These Soul Transformation cultivators generally did not reveal themselves; transactions only took place among themselves. He was currently an outsider and needed to find an introducer.

The reason he wanted to participate in such a trade fair was due to the current limitations on his strength. He wanted to acquire a few defensive treasures, preferably a pseudo-spirit treasure or even a true spirit treasure suitable for a strength-oriented cultivator. If possible, he was willing to trade his Four-Chariot Teng Snake Seal. Since this spirit treasure came into his possession, it had mostly been used by his clone. Although Qin Sang's true body had mastered the Treasure Communication Art, he could not unleash the treasure's full power. Now that his clone was gone, it would be better to exchange it for a spirit treasure more suitable for himself. However, finding a perfectly suitable trade was not easy.

Qin Sang considered his own situation. He still had quite a few items of unknown origin in his possession, such as the three damaged treasures he obtained from the Formless Immortal Sect: The Shadow Sword, the Broken Drum, and the Scroll! The Formless Immortal Sect did not know the details of these three treasures either and had placed them in the Langhuan Jade Pavilion. Qin Sang had studied the Dao of artifact refining for many years but was also helpless with them. However, the strength and foresight of cultivators in this realm were far superior to those in the Storm Realm. Perhaps a master artifact refiner could discern their true nature and restore them.

Pondering these matters, Qin Sang left the Gushan Guild, first renting a secluded cave abode on the island, then began gathering information about the various sects and forces in Star Island Immortal Lake, especially those that conferred registers to outsiders. He had already collected some information at Hemming Mountain, but it would certainly be more complete here, allowing for cross-verification.

Several months later.

Qin Sang sat cross-legged in his cave abode, with several jade slips placed on the ground and one in his hand. The one in his hand contained information Qin Sang had carefully selected from the vast amount of data and painstakingly verified, largely confirming its authenticity. The jade slip recorded several sects that Qin Sang believed might be suitable for him and offered a chance for him to receive a register.

The first sect was the Vermilion Flame Palace. The Vermilion Flame Palace was a sect in Star Island Immortal Lake whose members were conferred the Seven Star Vermilion Flame Register, which was precisely the Fire-element Daoist register Qin Sang was looking for. The Vermilion Flame Palace conferred registers to outsiders, and Qin Sang had already investigated and listed the conditions for such conferrals. One condition was particularly difficult: only disciples of the Vermilion Flame Palace's subordinate sects could obtain the qualification to receive a register, or descendants of benefactors who had rendered great service to the Vermilion Flame Palace. To obtain the Seven Star Vermilion Flame Register, he might have to find a way to infiltrate one of its subordinate sects. This was not the first time Qin Sang had done something like this, so he didn't find it particularly difficult. However, this approach might require him to lie low in the Vermilion Flame Palace for a long time.

He pondered for a moment, then looked at the second sect he had chosen — the Left Thunder Mansion — and the third sect — the Right Thunder Mansion. Qin Sang was quite surprised when he first learned about these two sects. Not only were the names of the two sects similar, but their mountain gates were both in Star Island Immortal Lake. Although Qin Sang had not found definite evidence, all indications suggested that these two sects might have once belonged to the same school and had split into the Left and Right Mansions for unknown reasons. Currently, the Left Thunder Mansion and Right Thunder Mansion were located in the eastern and western parts of Star Island Immortal Lake, respectively. They were not on good terms, and their disciples often engaged in conflicts.

Both the Left Thunder Mansion and Right Thunder Mansion had their own ancestral altars and could confer registers. Even the name of their registers was the same: the Exalted Divine Heaven Register. As for whether there were differences between the registers of the Left and Right Mansions, Qin Sang was still unsure. The Exalted Divine Heaven Register belonged to the Thunder-element Daoist registers, which was one reason Qin Sang had selected them. Both the Left and Right Mansions conferred registers to outsiders, unlike the Vermilion Flame Palace, which restricted conferrals to subordinate sects. However, it was said that their conditions were quite stringent and not easy to fulfill.

The three major sects were all top-tier forces in Star Island Immortal Lake. Although one could not simply measure the quality of a Daoist register by the strength of the sect, this still indicated certain things. There were also several other sects as backups. If possible, Qin Sang preferred to obtain a Daoist register from one of these three sects. The choice among the three major sects still required careful consideration.

Choosing the Left or Right Thunder Mansion would not require him to bother with disguises and might be easier. However, Qin Sang was unsure when he would be able to control the elemental thunder power of the Azure Luan. If he couldn't control it even by the late Soul Transformation stage, it could be troublesome. Forging an altar with a Thunder Tortoise demon core would probably only sustain his cultivation up to the mid-Soul Transformation stage. The advantage of the Vermilion Flame Palace was its Fire-element Daoist registers. He possessed various spiritual flames, and once the Vermilion Bird hatchling awakened, it could also assist him.

But no matter which sect he chose, there was still one point Qin Sang had to consider: as top-tier forces in Star Island Immortal Lake, these three sects likely had Soul Transformation level powerful cultivators overseeing them. Register conferral needed to take place at the sect's ancestral altar. If he were to suppress his cultivation to participate in the conferral, there would be a risk of exposure.

As Qin Sang was pondering, the restriction outside his cave abode was suddenly triggered. The voice of a maid came from outside. "Reporting to the Immortal Master, Master Qi's disciple has opened the cave abode's restriction. It is said that Master Qi has completed his refining and has just come out of seclusion." "Understood," Qin Sang said in a deep voice. He put away the jade slip, stood up, and walked out, deciding to first visit this Master Qi. Master Qi was a renowned artifact refining master in Hu Zhong City, who had previously been in seclusion for refining.

(End of chapter)