Chapter 1806: Change in the Sinful Origin

The Mortal Realm

Outside True Master Zhijian’s cave mansion.

Qin Sang sat cross-legged, the Chengying Sword resting on his lap. He ran his hand over the blade, sensing the seal according to the method taught by True Master Zhijian.

While True Master Zhijian was breaking through, Qin Sang acted as his protector. The Sword Slave activated the island’s protective formation and guarded the entrance to the spiritual island.

The plants withered and turned yellow; another autumn had passed.

The door to the cave mansion opened, and True Master Zhijian stepped out. Qin Sang had already risen and was quietly waiting. "Congratulations, Daoist Brother!"

In just half a year, True Master Zhijian had successfully broken through to the Soul Transformation mid-stage, much faster than Qin Sang had anticipated!

"Thank you, Junior Brother, for protecting me during my breakthrough."

True Master Zhijian smiled, his gaze falling upon the sword in Qin Sang's hand. "How is the progress?"

"I've made some headway," Qin Sang replied confidently.

Most inherited swords are forged for future successors, bearing unique seals that require specific methods to break.

Without knowing the specific method, he could only, as True Master Zhijian suggested, patiently chip away at it, trying little by little.

Fortunately, as Qin Sang had expected, the Chengying Sword's seal had weakened over time, its power no longer what it once was. He would be able to break the seal within a few days.

"Daoist Brother has just broken through and must have many important matters to attend to. I won't disturb you for now. I will congratulate you another day," Qin Sang bowed and turned to walk towards his own cave mansion.

True Master Zhijian watched Qin Sang leave, pondered for a moment, then summoned the Sword Slave and instructed him to retrieve the talismans and messages that had been delivered to the island during this period.

Back in his cave mansion.

Qin Sang immediately activated the protective formations. The Chengying Sword flew from his hand and hovered before him.

As his consciousness entered the sword, Qin Sang's face showed a thoughtful expression.

Several days later, he suddenly moved, continuously performing several hand seals and imbuing them into the Chengying Sword from a distance.

'Zing!'

The sword hummed clearly, and the Chengying Sword suddenly burst forth with dazzling sword light, illuminating the entire cave mansion.

But the sword light was fleeting, and the spiritual sword quickly returned to silence.

Instead, a hint of joy flashed in Qin Sang's eyes. He raised a hand, and a stream of light enveloped the sword. Hand seals continuously flickered, and the brilliance shifted unpredictably.

Soon after, the Chengying Sword began to vibrate frequently. Finally, a crisp sound, like porcelain cracking, emanated from the sword, and an incredibly sharp sword qi suddenly erupted within the cave mansion, seemingly capable of slicing through the cave's protective formations.

Qin Sang's expression changed slightly. His true essence surged wildly before him, almost forming a vortex of true essence in the air.

As the light dispersed, the vortex was empty.

Not even a sword's shadow could be seen.

But Qin Sang could clearly perceive the powerful sword intent, and the invisible sword that carried it.

Or rather, the Chengying Sword itself was a manifestation of this sword intent.

The moment Qin Sang's consciousness entered the Chengying Sword, he felt himself instantly pulled into a peculiar space.

In a trance, he seemed to see a person.

This person stood with their back to him, atop a cloud-shrouded mountain, holding a sword in one hand and striking forward with a single slash.

'Swish!'

The sword was unleashed.

There were no surging cloud waves, no collapsing mountains, nor rivers flowing backward.

It was an ordinary strike, yet it stirred Qin Sang's spirit. He abruptly withdrew his consciousness from the sword, breathing slightly, his face filled with shock.

That single strike was the sword intent inheritance!

The Chengying Sword contained no cultivation method, not a single word; he couldn't even clearly see the senior's appearance. There was only pure sword intent.

In an instant, Qin Sang understood: the senior who refined this sword intent inheritance also cultivated the Way of the Slaughtering Sword!

However, Qin Sang also sensed a significant difference between this person's Dao and the "Soul Nurturing Sword Chapter."

Even within the Way of the Slaughtering Sword, there were various focuses and divergences that could not be conflated.

The Way of the "Soul Nurturing Sword Chapter" was also the path Qin Sang sought, focusing more on 'slaughter,' achieving enlightenment in swordsmanship through killing.

The person within the sword emphasized the sword itself more, using the sword to wield the Dao of Slaughter. In the eyes of a sword cultivator, perhaps this was the grander path.

From the cultivation process of the "Soul Nurturing Sword Chapter," it could be seen that the creator of the cultivation method gained new insights into the Dao of Slaughter and underwent a transformation with each breakthrough.

However, the changes in swordsmanship were not as pronounced as in the Dao of Slaughter. Even upon entering the Soul Transformation realm, there was still only the Seven Souls Slaughter Formation, which fundamentally evolved from the seven killing talismans.

For this reason, Qin Sang understood that while the owner of the Chengying Sword and the owner of the "Soul Nurturing Sword Chapter" might have had some connection, their paths were different.

He needed to follow the path of the "Soul Nurturing Sword Chapter"; the sword intent in the Chengying Sword could not directly enhance Qin Sang's own Dao.

Nevertheless, accepting the Chengying Sword's sword intent still offered great benefits to him; at the very least, it could significantly improve his swordsmanship.

Thinking of this, Qin Sang's urgency lessened slightly. After a moment of thought, his brow flashed, and he summoned the Cloud Roaming Sword.

The Cloud Roaming Sword circled and spun, its body transparent. Its spirituality was already very apparent, and it was in the process of transforming into a spirit embryo.

After repeatedly consulting with Grandmaster Qi and Grandmaster Gu, Qin Sang continuously refined his sword-sacrificing method, achieving gratifying results.

With a slight thought, the Cloud Roaming Sword hovered beside the Chengying Sword.

The Chengying Sword was invisible; only the Cloud Roaming Sword could be seen with the naked eye. Qin Sang prepared to attempt refining the Chengying Sword using the Cloud Roaming Sword.

After breaking the seal, Qin Sang gained a clearer understanding of the Chengying Sword.

As an inherited sword, the Chengying Sword was meticulously condensed by that senior using sword intent. It was not merely an invisible sword; one could say that this sword was not a sword at all, but rather an extremely pure sword intent itself.

As the sword intent was refined, it would integrate with the spiritual sword's aura of the refiner, thereby transforming into the spiritual sword's "sword shadow."

Simply put, the Chengying Sword might merely attach itself to the Cloud Roaming Sword, rather than fully integrate.

After all, refining one's own spiritual sword was part of a sword cultivator's practice. The purpose of inherited swords was to guide and rapidly enhance the successor's strength; refining a spiritual sword still relied on oneself.

Therefore, Qin Sang believed that the Chengying Sword might not affect the Cloud Roaming Sword's nurturing of its spirituality.

These were still just conjectures. If it proved impossible, Qin Sang would have to wait until the Cloud Roaming Sword birthed its spirit embryo before refining the Chengying Sword, or simply switch to another sword.

The Cloud Roaming Sword was in perfect harmony with his thoughts.

Qin Sang activated the Cloud Roaming Sword, transforming it into sword light that enveloped the Chengying Sword, cautiously testing.

An hour later.

The tension on Qin Sang's face gradually faded, replaced by relief. It was proven that refining the Chengying Sword would not impact the Cloud Roaming Sword's spirituality, so he could proceed without worry.

However, after some time, Qin Sang still put both swords away, pausing the refining process.

Since refining the Chengying Sword did not significantly aid his cultivation, Qin Sang was not in a hurry. He prioritized his primary cultivation and placed the refining of the Chengying Sword after his study of the "Seven Masters' Buddhist Seal."

Although he hadn't studied it for long, Qin Sang had still benefited greatly.

A ray of sword light leaped out from the Thousand Jun Ring.

The Gray Oriole Sword appeared, and the scenery within the cave mansion instantly transformed, as if the starry sky had been drawn into the sword.

Gazing at the Seven Constellations Divided Sword Formation, Qin Sang's face showed a thoughtful expression.

Before this, he knew he hadn't fully comprehended the Seven Constellations Divided Sword Formation, and whenever he had time, he would try to understand it.

Receiving the sword intent inheritance not only greatly enhanced his swordsmanship but also broadened his horizons.

"Perhaps, I'm not far from fully mastering the Seven Constellations Divided Sword Formation. For now, I can dedicate more time to it..."

Qin Sang's eyes flickered, and he mused inwardly.

The news of True Master Zhijian's breakthrough spread, and True Master Youhuang and others came one after another to offer congratulations.

Qin Sang would also emerge from seclusion at this time, occasionally visiting Pot-in-the-City, but he frequently sought guidance from True Master Zhijian on the Way of the Sword.

Feeling that True Master Zhijian was genuinely guiding him, Qin Sang benefited immensely and was filled with gratitude.

During this period, Grandmaster Lingxu sent someone to deliver a bottle of Yinghua Pills. Qin Sang would give one to the Heavenly Eye Butterfly periodically.

Both the man and the butterfly were rapidly improving.

One day.

A streak of escape light flew over the waters surrounding Sword Heart Island.

The newcomer was a fair-skinned young man. After circling the nearby waters for a while, he finally found Sword Heart Island, overjoyed, and accelerated towards it.

"Who goes there?"

Ten miles from Sword Heart Island, a shout came from ahead, accompanied by a powerful oppressive aura.

The young man's face turned pale, and he hastily stopped. "This junior is here by order of my master, Hermit Boxian, to deliver a message to Senior Qingfeng."

"Oh? Hand over the letter, and I will deliver it to Senior Qingfeng on your behalf," an old man in black robes appeared ahead.

The young man dared not ask further. He handed over the letter and waited respectfully outside the island.

Inside the cave mansion, Qin Sang received the Sword Slave's report and awoke from his meditation, murmuring, "I didn't expect to wait ten years. Has True Monarch Qingdan finally prepared enough to depart?"

He raised a hand, and the letter flew into his palm.

After reading it, Qin Sang said in a deep voice, "Tell Daoist friend Boxian that I will definitely keep the appointment in ten days."

"Understood!"

The Sword Slave acknowledged the order and left.

Qin Sang's face showed a pensive expression.

Ten years later, Qin Sang was no longer as interested in the Poison Domain as he once was.

Before agreeing to True Monarch Qingdan, he had not known the origin of the "Seven Masters' Buddhist Seal" or the true nature of the Chengying Sword.

As long as he fully comprehended them, it would be enough to guarantee his combat strength.

Adding the path of poison seemed like biting off more than he could chew. In fact, Qin Sang already felt stretched thin.

His journey to the Poison Domain would primarily be to seek a path.

Additionally, Qin Sang also wanted to verify whether his comprehension of the cultivation method was correct.

He already had an idea: to delve deep into the Sinister Wilds and single-handedly challenge a demonic beast above the Soul Transformation mid-stage.

The Sinister Wilds contained countless fierce beasts. If these fierce beasts could help him comprehend the Dao of Slaughter, he wouldn't lack opponents in the future.

If the effect was not good, his understanding might still be inaccurate.

"I need to conclude this matter quickly and then enter secluded cultivation."

Qin Sang mused inwardly, slowly closed his eyes, and silently circulated his profound cultivation technique.

Ten days later.

Qin Sang did not disturb True Master Zhijian. After informing the Sword Slave, he flew northwest on his sword.

Soon, he arrived above a cluster of islands and reefs.

The islands and reefs here were all small and appeared very desolate, utterly uninhabited.

"True Master Qingfeng is indeed a man of his word. Please, come quickly."

A person flew out from a small island; it was none other than Hermit Boxian. Seeing Qin Sang, he wore a look of satisfaction.

Qin Sang bowed, then landed on the island alongside Hermit Boxian.

Hermit Boxian waved his hand, revealing an immortal mansion. "This place is one of my temporary residences..."

As they spoke, the two entered the immortal mansion and met True Monarch Qingdan.

The three exchanged brief greetings before discussing their main business.

Qin Sang looked at True Monarch Qingdan and asked, "Why isn't True Master Yunwei here?"

True Monarch Qingdan shook her head. "Last time, our disciples suffered heavy losses, and the remaining manpower isn't enough to set up the formation. For the past ten years, Daoist Boxian and I tried to improve the formation, but it was ultimately futile. Without the protection of a formation, Yunwei and the others would only be a burden to us. This time, only the three of us will go together!"

Hermit Boxian interjected, "True Master Qingfeng must have also made some preparations, right?"

"This humble Daoist has done his best."

Qin Sang nodded.

He had consulted Grandmaster Lingxu about detoxifying elixirs and found that highly potent ones were extremely valuable; even Grandmaster Lingxu couldn't easily refine them.

As for those with weaker medicinal properties, they were inferior to the fat silkworm's poisonous pills.

True Monarch Qingdan nodded. "This humble Daoist has also collected some poison-warding treasures. With the three of us working together, entering the heart of the Poison Domain will be no problem at all. This operation will still prioritize caution. If it doesn't succeed this time, we'll try again next time."

Hearing this, Qin Sang frowned slightly.

He truly did not wish to waste too much time because of them.

Furthermore, various signs indicated that the Sinister Wilds were far from peaceful, with demonic deity sacrifices rampant there.

The Ghostfang Kingdom and the Daoist Court were plotting something unknown; beneath the calm surface, a volcano was brewing.

In such a situation, frequently traveling between the two places was truly unwise.

"Have either of you Daoist friends heard any rumors? How does the Daoist Court plan to deal with the demonic deities?" Qin Sang asked, his voice grave.

True Monarch Qingdan was startled, then said sheepishly, "This humble Daoist has been entirely focused on planning for the Poison Domain, and thus has neglected to keep up with the situation..."

Daoist sects like Mantis Mountain were accustomed to the Daoist Court's existence, believing that the Daoist Court would handle the threat of demons.

They merely needed to wait for the Daoist Court to issue a decree, send people to join the battlefield, and repel the demons.

History over countless years had proven that the Daoist Court generally acted justly.

Hermit Boxian scoffed, "Have you two Daoist friends forgotten about those earth deities? Even the highest-ranking Mount God is merely at the Ascended Profound Dharma position. What kind of gods are they? They're just dogs guarding the Daoist Court's home! What kind of trouble can the demonic creatures of the Ghostfang Kingdom stir up trying to follow this path?"

Qin Sang did not agree with Hermit Boxian's statement, but he didn't say much.

True Monarch Qingdan said, "True Master, rest assured. This humble Daoist has investigated. The Daoist Court and the Ghostfang Kingdom have not sent anyone into the Gushan Prefecture's altar at this time. At least within the altar, we are safe. If there's a next time, this humble Daoist will certainly investigate thoroughly."

Next, the three discussed their upcoming itinerary.

They had all made preparations before the meeting. Without further hesitation, they departed from the island that very day, flying directly north until they reached the border of Star Island Immortal Lake.

No one was contending with them for the Poison Domain, so there was no need to rush, unlike their previous rapid journey.

The three concealed their auras, employed concealment arts, and walked slowly on the ground, so as not to disturb the fierce beasts.

They did not fear the fierce beasts, but they needed to guard against the demons of the Ghostfang Kingdom.

Half a month later.

The three stood on a mountaintop, looking at a hollow ahead, their expressions somewhat serious.

"It's a demonic temple," Hermit Boxian said grimly. "The rumors are indeed true; the demons' clutches are almost reaching the heartland of the Daoist sects."

It was said that shadows of demonic deities had also appeared far away in the Zhongmao Prefecture and Baishi Prefecture.

Qin Sang couldn't help but recall the snake demon he had subdued back then.

Was the inheritance the snake demon received a hidden ploy left by the Ghostfang Kingdom, spreading everywhere to make it difficult for the Daoist Court to manage all fronts?

The Daoist Court showed no signs of launching a full-scale offensive, destroying temples, or eradicating demonic influences. The demons would surely become even more rampant in the future.

"Let's go around it."

True Monarch Qingdan said in a deep voice.

The three cast a deep glance at the crude temple in the hollow and the kneeling ghost-people, then quietly bypassed the area.

Along the way, they were forced to take detours multiple times, avoiding combat as much as possible, and eventually returned smoothly to the Gushan Prefecture Altar.

The auspicious clouds shrouding the altar had stabilized, their fluctuations no longer overflowing. The fierce beasts had returned to the plains in front of the auspicious clouds, making it quite lively.

Out of caution, the three lingered in the vicinity for several days, scouting for enemy movements, then traversed the plains at maximum speed and entered the Gushan Prefecture Altar.