Chapter 1831: Mid-Transformation Stage of the Divine Spirit

The Human World

Physical Manifestation of Dharma!

Through his contemplation, Qin Sang gradually understood that this was the true essence of the Sun Wheel Seal.

Once a cultivator unleashes this seal, they mobilize all the primordial essence in their body, using their qi and blood to manifest the golden sun, radiating light upon the world and erupting with terrifying power.

It can burn mountains and boil oceans, its might unrivaled!

Having just inherited this technique and only grasping its superficial aspects, he could already foresee the dreadful power of the fully mastered Sun Wheel Seal.

If an opponent were slightly weaker, they would likely be incinerated on the spot, leaving no trace of their remains.

This was a seal of immense destructive power, one that even the Great Vajra Wheel Seal could not surpass in that regard.

Qin Sang recalled his previous speculation: the Great Vajra Wheel Seal excelled in its comprehensiveness, while other seals, like the Inner Lion Seal, likely specialized in certain aspects. This was now confirmed with the Sun Wheel Seal.

Mastering this seal would not bring a significant personal power boost, but it granted a formidable divine ability for defending against enemies.

However, this seal differed from the Inner Lion Seal. The Inner Lion Seal's power lay in healing and recovery; though equally profound, it wasn't complex.

Guided by Master Huaiyin back then, Qin Sang had mastered the Inner Lion Seal in a short time.

The Sun Wheel Seal, however, was different. Its complexity was in no way inferior to the Great Vajra Wheel Seal; in fact, it surpassed it, particularly in the subtle aspects of circulating primordial essence and mobilizing qi and blood.

There was no powerful being to help him decipher this seal; he could only comprehend it through his own efforts.

The monastic projections on the seventh floor served only to transmit the technique, while the eighteen bronze monks on the sixth floor could merely be considered introductory guides to this seal.

Whether one could cultivate it depended entirely on their innate comprehension.

The Nine Great Luminous Seals shared interconnected profound principles, and Qin Sang had already cultivated the Great Vajra Wheel Seal. He was confident he could master the Sun Wheel Seal, but couldn't be sure how long it would take.

"Physical Manifestation of Dharma... Manifestation... Dharma..."

As Qin Sang pondered, a thought stirred within him, and a flash of inspiration struck.

Since it was a physical manifestation of dharma, could he mobilize true essence to enhance the golden sun's power, or even simultaneously tap into his spiritual and physical cultivation?

Once this idea appeared, it lingered persistently. This was not baseless speculation; Qin Sang himself was a dual cultivator of spiritual and physical paths, and he had received this very inspiration from the Sun Wheel Seal.

When his cultivation was still low, Qin Sang had seen more than one cultivation method that combined spiritual and physical cultivation. Although these methods were crude and offered uncertain prospects, they proved that people continuously explored this path.

If even low-level cultivators pursued it, then certainly many high-level mighty cultivators would. When one reaches the end of a certain path with no way forward, they would undoubtedly try other avenues, drawing parallels and even integrating different approaches.

In the vast world, there must surely exist top-tier cultivation methods that combine spiritual and physical paths, or even spiritual, energy, and physical cultivation!

Compared to creating one's own cultivation method, developing Daoist divine abilities that merge spiritual and physical aspects might be easier.

The Nine Great Luminous Seals were all distinct, and each should represent a peak in some aspect of body cultivation.

Would the ancient masters who created these Buddhist seals have made such attempts?

Qin Sang thought it highly probable, but his current level of attainment was insufficient to verify it.

He stored this thought in his heart. His immediate task was to calmly comprehend this seal; only then could he consider other matters. However, this idea provided Qin Sang with a new direction for understanding the Sun Wheel Seal.

"Hoo..."

True Tathagata Venerable exhaled a long breath, a lingering expression on his face, as if still immersed in the seal, unable to pull himself away.

Qin Sang immediately roused himself and looked at True Tathagata Venerable, who was still savoring his recent experience. He smiled and said, "With this seal, fellow Daoist will have divine assistance, and your next heavenly tribulation should pose no obstacle."

True Tathagata Venerable rose and bowed deeply to Qin Sang. "This humble monk is dull-witted, but fortunately received the true transmission of the Dharma Seal, all thanks to your efforts, Daoist Master. This humble monk and all in my temple are eternally grateful."

Qin Sang smiled and stood up. "Venerable, why do you say that? This humble Daoist also witnessed a true Buddha, and it will benefit me for a lifetime."

This was, in essence, the agreement they had reached. Qin Sang's help to Mirror Terrace Temple in opening the pagoda was also a benefit to himself.

The space on the seventh floor contained only the illusory figure transmitting the dharma; there were no treasures like jade slips or magical artifacts.

There wasn't even a simple record. They didn't even know the dharma name or origin of the holy monk who transmitted the dharma.

The two could only bow towards the empty space.

Having received the true transmission, there was no need to remain in the pagoda; they could return and slowly comprehend it.

Before their departure, True Tathagata Venerable hesitated, a look of indecision on his face, and asked tentatively, "Dare I ask, Daoist Master, if the 'Seven Masters Buddhist Seal' you cultivate can be transmitted externally?"

Hearing this, Qin Sang's expression remained unchanged, as he had already anticipated True Tathagata Venerable's question.

The 'Seven Masters Buddhist Seal' had deep origins with the Great Vajra Wheel Seal. Whether it aided in comprehending the Sun Wheel Seal or not, True Tathagata Venerable would undoubtedly want to obtain it.

Unfortunately, this seal was extraordinary; it was one of the true Nine Great Luminous Seals and, in Qin Sang's view, of extremely high value.

If Mirror Terrace Temple offered a spirit treasure in exchange, he might agree.

Qin Sang pondered, then said, "Henceforth, every few years, this humble Daoist will visit your esteemed monks to discuss dharma and cultivate the Dao. How does that sound?"

True Tathagata Venerable's eyes showed disappointment. Qin Sang's words clearly indicated his stance: it would not be easily transmitted.

What supreme treasure could Mirror Terrace Temple offer to impress the other party?

True Tathagata Venerable mentally reviewed his temple's treasury, but could only sigh. He pressed his palms together and said, "In that case, we are indebted to Daoist Master!"

He would still owe Qin Sang a favor. Qin Sang using the 'Seven Masters Buddhist Seal' to comprehend the Sun Wheel Seal and sharing his insights with them would be beneficial to Mirror Terrace Temple.

"The Buddhist principles of the Sun Wheel Seal are profound," Qin Sang said with a smile as he returned the bow. "This humble Daoist would also like to ask the esteemed monks of your temple for guidance on Buddhist teachings."

Cooperation would benefit both parties, and discussing the Dao would also be advantageous to him.

In Central Continent of the Storm Realm, he had, for a period, studied Buddhist scriptures. Now, reflecting on them, he realized that their doctrines were markedly different from those of the Vajra lineage.

Different Buddhist doctrines meant different orthodox lineages.

Mirror Terrace Temple originated from the Vajra lineage, so it would surely offer him some inspiration.

As they spoke, the two exited the Vajra Pagoda. Outside, daylight was bright. True Tathagata Venerable said, "This humble monk plans to close the temple and seal the mountain, relocating with my disciples to the interior. Once we've chosen a new location, I will send word to Daoist Master."

Hearing this, Qin Sang asked in surprise, "I observe that the Daoist Court has not yet made a move. Is the situation truly this dangerous?"

"Past great wars have always had omens, and the chaos of the demon gods is the most obvious sign. There will eventually be widespread disorder. In the past, only core disciples would be moved to preserve the lineage, but this humble monk has a premonition that the devastation this time will far exceed previous ones. Our temple has no external aid and is situated in a vulnerable position. Our only choice is to depart and avoid disaster," True Tathagata Venerable sighed.

Qin Sang realized that the Buddhist sect in this realm was weak, and it was precisely this prudence that allowed Mirror Terrace Temple to survive until now.

Returning to the temple, Qin Sang stayed for several more days, meditating and studying scriptures, gaining considerable insights.

Shortly after, he bid farewell to True Tathagata Venerable and returned to Pot Island. Coincidentally, Master Lingxu sent a Daoist Court envoy with several Yinghua Pills.

In return, Qin Sang selected a pill formula from the 'Panhu True Scripture' and asked the envoy to deliver it back.

With these minor matters concluded, Qin Sang didn't linger. He asked his acquaintances among fellow Daoists to keep an eye out for spiritual materials and precious medicines, then immediately set off north. The journey was smooth, and he returned to his Flower Field Cave Abode.

Upon returning to his cave abode, Qin Sang first attempted to comprehend the Sun Wheel Seal. Recognizing it wouldn't be achieved overnight, he set it aside and prioritized cultivation.

The path of cultivation methods was now clear to him, and with the aid of his poisonous techniques and the tribulation lightning from his ascension, it was time to focus on arduous cultivation and break through to the Mid-Stage Soul Transformation realm!

He summoned the Heavenly Eye Butterfly, fed it a Yinghua Pill, and mentally instructed it to guard him. Then, he immersed himself in meditation, circulating his spiritual energy throughout his body.

Time flowed by.

Unbeknownst to him, over twenty years had passed in a flash.

For a Soul Transformation cultivator, twenty years was nothing; comprehending a single Daoist art could take just as long, and secluded cultivation for decades or even centuries was common.

Yet, Qin Sang's cultivation had made astonishing progress in just two decades, a speed unimaginable to ordinary people.

During these years, Qin Sang returned to Jushan Prefecture several times, each visit brief and hurried.

After all, he had too many things to do.

He debated swordsmanship with True Lord Zhijian, discussed Buddhism with the esteemed monks of Mirror Terrace Temple, and conversed with Master Qi about the art of artifact refining, continuously improving the method for forging his precious armor.

Master Lingxu and Master Gu also exchanged letters with him.

Additionally, Qin Sang, as per their agreement, managed to procure various rare medicinal ingredients, sending them to the Demon Kingdom to be given to Mo Xingdao.

A portion was for forging altars, while another part helped Mo Xingdao repair his puppet body and recover his cultivation.

The rest of his time was spent in arduous cultivation.

Such smooth cultivation was an experience Qin Sang had never had before; he could never have imagined achieving such rapid cultivation progress during the Soul Transformation stage.

Despite the hardships of the past, Qin Sang had never given up; now, he would not slack off in the slightest.

At this point, it was the twenty-third year after that great battle.

The cave abode was as quiet as ever.

The Heavenly Eye Butterfly seemed to sense something, continuously flying around Qin Sang, the arcs of electricity on its wings casting flickering shadows within the cave abode.

Qin Sang sat cross-legged on his meditation cushion, his aura almost imperceptible, as if he were in a deep sleep.

Gradually, the Heavenly Eye Butterfly's wing beats slowed, finally transforming into a streak of light and entering Qin Sang's qi sea.

A long period of silence followed.

Until several days later.

'Snap!'

A jade bottle on the ground shattered, and the flower dew automatically flew to Qin Sang's lips, where he swallowed it.

Soon after, Qin Sang's aura suddenly began to fluctuate violently, immediately causing spiritual energy within the cave abode to surge and ripples to form in the void.

The intensity of the ripples was visible to the naked eye and even affected the area outside the cave abode.

The mountain peak where the cave abode was located seemed to be shrouded in a layer of shadow.

This state continued for several hours. Fortunately, there was a protective formation, or else this mountain would have been razed to the ground.

A thunderous rumbling echoed throughout the Flower Field space.

The phenomenon continued to expand; dark clouds appeared out of nowhere above, continuously gathering over the cave abode.

The dark clouds grew increasingly heavy, as if the sky itself were about to collapse.

Before long, muffled thunder rumbled from within the cave abode. The spiritual energy oscillations intensified sharply, and the world's primordial qi began to revolve around this peak, forming a visible vortex of spiritual energy.

The dark clouds descended with it.

The black cloud vortex enveloped the peak, spinning faster and faster, causing the surrounding mountains and the earth to tremble.

Suddenly, an earth-shattering roar exploded from the center of the vortex, and the world's primordial qi poured frantically into the cave abode.

Qin Sang's body was like a bottomless pit, devouring countless spiritual energies.

His body trembled slightly as he fully circulated his cultivation method, making a concerted effort to break through the bottleneck!

'Boom!'

Finally, the clouds dispersed and the mist cleared. Qin Sang's aura crossed a certain boundary, surging dramatically, then abruptly halted its ascent, becoming stable.

Mid-Stage Soul Transformation!

The world's primordial qi slowly calmed down.

Just like Qin Sang's thoughts, which gradually settled into tranquility.

He opened his eyes, a lingering surprise in their depths. In a mere seventy years, both his physical body and true essence had broken through, a feat that would make anyone ecstatic.

Qin Sang himself had not anticipated achieving such accomplishments in such a short time.

Gently clenching his fist, Qin Sang felt the immense power of his physical body, as well as the surging, majestic true essence flowing like a great river within him.

Based on past experience, Qin Sang had been prepared for several failures, keeping an eye out for pills to aid in breaking through bottlenecks, and even considered waiting until the Heavenly Eye Butterfly's cultivation caught up before making a full assault on the bottleneck.

It could only be said that the benefits of the ascension tribulation and comprehending the path of cultivation methods were truly immense; he successfully broke through on his very first attempt.

After the surprise subsided, Qin Sang's thoughts stirred. He summoned his seven sword souls, which had indeed solidified somewhat. He knew without testing that the power of his sword formation would have significantly increased.

Sensing the Cloud Roaming Sword within his primordial spirit, he faintly heard a joyous sword hum, as if celebrating his breakthrough.

This sword was his life-bound spirit sword, connected to his will, indicating that its spirituality was growing.

The birth of its spirit embryo was surely not far off!

Good news kept pouring in. Qin Sang had never experienced such a situation; with his mindset, he even momentarily wondered if it was real.

This realm was truly his blessed land!

When he reined in his scattered thoughts, stabilized his cultivation, and continued to circulate his cultivation method, he immediately sighed inwardly, realizing that indeed, misfortune often lurked within fortune.

The lingering benefits of the ascension tribulation were already extremely faint, almost imperceptible, and would not last much longer.

However, being able to support his breakthrough to the Mid-Stage Soul Transformation realm, Qin Sang was very satisfied.

Both the 'Heavenly Demon Refinement' and 'Primordial Spirit Sword Nurturing Chapter' had broken through, and his strength had leaped forward once again, but Qin Sang was not satisfied.

There would be no second cultivation treasure ground like this, and he absolutely could not waste time.

The Heavenly Eye Butterfly flew out from his dantian, fluttering around Qin Sang, excited by its master's breakthrough.

Qin Sang awoke, lifted a finger, and watched with a smile as the Heavenly Eye Butterfly landed on its tip.

His breakthrough had been too rapid, leaving the Heavenly Eye Butterfly behind, but with his vital essence and Yinghua Pills sustaining it, its own breakthrough shouldn't be too far off.

Although this period was short, it represented a comprehensive improvement.

During the process of refining the Kylin Origin Seed, his divine sense had also subtly strengthened, though it was largely constrained.

The Fire Jade Centipede had also broken through to the late Fourth Transformation stage early on, steadily advancing towards the peak of the Fourth Transformation.

Qin Sang pushed open the door and stepped out, looking around the flower field. To have achieved what he had today, he had to thank the Flower Spirits and the 'Poison God Canon'.

Finally, his gaze narrowed slightly, focusing on the Flower Field Aperture in the distant mountains.

He planned to enter the aperture to investigate after his breakthrough, but he needed to make some preparations before acting.

He decided to temporarily halt his cultivation, let the Poison Pearl consume the remaining flower dew to enhance the power of his Poison Dispersion Glow, and go out to collect some defensive treasures.

"Once my cultivation is stable, it will be time to return..."

Qin Sang murmured, quickly gathered the flower dew, and returned to his cave abode.

One year later.

Qin Sang emerged from the Flower Field space. He first checked his markings and found that four of them had been destroyed.

While cultivating in his cave abode, he could only sense the nearby markings. Previously, he had been fully focused on breaking through and hadn't noticed who had entered.

His markings had been destroyed before, as people constantly entered and exited the altar, but it had never triggered an anomaly like the previous one.

He didn't know if they were experts sent by the Daoist Court and Ghostfang Kingdom, or simply people exploring the altar.

After a brief moment of thought, Qin Sang slightly shook his head, deciding to disregard it. He left the altar and headed north, venturing deep into the Sinful Plains for a long time. There, he hunted two fierce beasts, experiencing the improvements brought by his cultivation advancement, before returning to Jushan Prefecture.

He first made a trip to the Demon Kingdom and met Mo Xingdao.

"It seems fellow Daoist's cultivation will recover soon," Qin Sang remarked, observing Mo Xingdao and noting that he had already returned to the peak of the Nascent Soul stage.

Mo Xingdao shook his head and sighed softly. "I am trying my best to merge with this puppet body. The greatest challenge lies ahead, and I'm not yet certain if I can recover to the Soul Transformation stage. I'm currently unable to leave, so could fellow Daoist help me gather information on a few spiritual materials? These materials are extremely rare, and I..."

He was cut off by Qin Sang mid-sentence. "Fellow Daoist, if you encounter any difficulties in the future, please speak freely. This humble Daoist also wishes to find the path to ascension as soon as possible."

Mo Xingdao nodded, speechless.