Chapter 1838: What Is God?

**The Mortal Realm**

A sword's hum seemed to originate from within Qin Sang's heart. His spirit trembled, and he immediately retreated to a safe place, calming himself into meditation.

Inside his Purple Mansion, his Primordial Spirit, clad in Yin-Yang armor, concealed its Buddha's Light. With a subtle thought, Qin Sang withdrew the Yin-Yang armor. The Buddha's Light immediately filled the space, alongside brilliant sword light! Then, a small, crystal-clear sword emerged from his Primordial Spirit, circled briefly in the Purple Mansion, and flew out from between his eyebrows! Qin Sang opened his eyes, gazing at the spirit sword, filled with emotion. "Old friend, it's been too long!"

The Cloud Wanderer Sword seemed to sense Qin Sang's thoughts. It hovered before him, its blade trembling, emitting a buzzing hum, brimming with spiritual vitality! With his spirit connected to the sword, Qin Sang carefully sensed it, murmuring, "This is the Spirit Embryo..." The Cloud Wanderer Sword had clearly entered the Spirit Treasure level, directly skipping the pseudo-Spirit Treasure stage to birth a Spirit Embryo. From this 'Spirit Embryo,' Qin Sang sensed a familiar aura. The Scorched Wood True Spirit—Yun Youzi's lingering true spirit—had nurtured this Spirit Embryo. Only with the formation of a Spirit Embryo can an artifact achieve Spirit Treasure status.

Although the Cloud Wanderer Sword had been dormant for several centuries, this period wasn't truly long enough for a Spirit Treasure. If not for that trace of true spirit, it would have taken even longer, especially since Qin Sang's cultivation was low and his knowledge limited, offering almost no assistance beyond letting it naturally develop. Among Qin Sang's current treasures, the Palm Sword forged from deer antlers integrated into his gauntlet, and the Bright Mountain Armor merged with True Treasure fragments, might in some aspects rival certain Spirit Treasures, but none had formed a Spirit Embryo. The Palm Sword was merely a pseudo-Spirit Treasure. The Bright Mountain Armor lacked spiritual essence entirely, being a special existence forged from unique materials; essentially, it was just a magic treasure. While their power was not weak, their potential couldn't compare to true Spirit Treasures.

Nurturing the spirit of an artifact was a closely guarded secret in the art of artifact refining. Qin Sang had secretly learned some genuine techniques from Master Gu, but he still didn't know how to quickly nurture a spirit. Possessing a Spirit Embryo meant the Cloud Wanderer Sword had the potential for further transformation: to birth an Artifact Spirit and become an Acquired Spirit Treasure! "An Artifact Spirit..." Qin Sang knew this step was still far off, but he couldn't help but wonder if Yun Youzi would awaken once the Cloud Wanderer Sword developed an Artifact Spirit. For centuries, he had refrained from using his life-bound spirit sword, solely to protect Yun Youzi's true spirit, hoping for the day they would reunite. The cool sword light reflected on Qin Sang's face, his expression tinged with melancholy as if lost in remembrance.

*Buzz…* His thoughts were interrupted by the spirit sword. "Later, you'll fight alongside me again!" Qin Sang whispered. In an instant, the sword light flared, and a surging sword intent, accompanied by a clear, resonant hum, shot into the air. The sword tip spun, aimed at the illusion that had just forced Qin Sang back, and slashed through the air. Sword energy like a rainbow tore open a doorway! Qin Sang's robes flapped as he stepped inside.

Two years later.

Ju Shan Prefecture, Star Island Immortal Lake, a deserted island in the northern region. Qin Sang sat cross-legged on a reef, with a formation array set up around him, and summoned his Talisman Altar. The Fire Jade Centipede flew out of the altar, landed in Qin Sang's palm, and swallowed its last Azure Frost Pill. "Success or failure hinges on this!" Qin Sang lightly touched his glabella, and his essence blood transformed into a blood seal, which flew into the flames covering the Fire Jade Centipede's body and then dissolved. The next moment, the blood seal spread beneath the Fire Jade Centipede, forming a complex diagram in mid-air. Every line on the diagram was composed of fresh blood, all from Qin Sang's essence blood.

As blood qi permeated the air, the flames on the Fire Jade Centipede's body, and even its body itself, gradually turned crimson, transforming it into a Blood Centipede. At this point, the Fire Jade Centipede curled into a ball, enduring the pain from the pill's energy surge. Qin Sang temporarily ignored it, focusing on perfecting the seal formation. This was a secret technique recorded in the *Panhu True Scripture*. It couldn't directly increase the Fire Jade Centipede's chances of breaking through, but it could stimulate the essence blood power the centipede had absorbed during this period, paving the way for it. Coupled with the two previous Azure Frost Pills used as a foundation, this was already Qin Sang's greatest support for it.

The seal formation was complete! A dazzling blood light erupted, blocked by the outer formation. Within the blood light, the Fire Jade Centipede let out a hiss, soaring into the air like a blood dragon swirling. Qin Sang exhaled softly, stopping his movements, and gazed intently at the Fire Jade Centipede, awaiting the moment of its breakthrough.

*Whoosh, whoosh…* Blood-red flames permeated the air, roaring continuously. The Fire Jade Centipede's aura fluctuated violently, then transformed into a surge, assaulting the bottleneck to a higher realm. Qin Sang's expression was serious. He could feel the Fire Jade Centipede's fervent desire, and the difficulty of its breakthrough. After all, the Fire Jade Centipede's potential was inferior to the Sky Eye Butterfly, and it hadn't undergone any mutations. While some rare spirit insects like it might forcibly initiate a fifth transformation due to extreme luck, only a very few succeed, and even then, their path forward remains arduous unless they encounter further fortuitous opportunities.

The hissing grew sharper, and the Fire Jade Centipede's body tensed, shooting straight into the clouds like an arrow released from a bowstring. Its aura simultaneously surged dramatically. Qin Sang instinctively stood up, then his pupils contracted slightly, and he sighed softly. The surging aura, at the peak of its ascent, abruptly receded. The Fire Jade Centipede's form froze mid-air, unable to continue its upward surge. Its desperate hisses echoed in the high heavens as it circled tirelessly, filled with endless unwillingness. Qin Sang empathized with this unwillingness, having experienced similar setbacks himself. With a sigh, he gently beckoned. The Fire Jade Centipede slowly descended into his palm, remaining motionless, like a child who had erred.

"You still have a long time ahead..." Qin Sang murmured. Spirit insects do not face the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation, so they have a chance until their lifespan is exhausted. However, he couldn't expend any more energy on the Fire Jade Centipede in the near future. With all three Azure Frost Pills consumed, the cumulative effect of the medicinal power had disappeared. More Azure Frost Pills wouldn't yield better results than this attempt. He could only wait for the Fire Jade Centipede's own fortuitous encounter. While Qin Sang himself was making rapid progress, the Fire Jade Centipede had stagnated and could no longer keep pace with him.

Qin Sang felt a tinge of sadness, but he was also somewhat mentally prepared. As he continued to advance, old acquaintances would inevitably be left behind. Just as Princess Dongyang was left behind by him, and just as he was left behind by Senior Sister Qingjun. If they couldn't catch up, they might reunite in the future, or they might be separated forever by death. The Fire Jade Centipede had merely accompanied him for a longer time.

After returning the Fire Jade Centipede to his Talisman Altar, Qin Sang dismantled the formations on the reef and flew towards Sword Heart Island. He visited True Lord Zhi Jian on Sword Heart Island to discuss sword arts and inquire about the recent situation, then left Star Island Immortal Lake to meet Mo Xingdao.

When he saw Mo Xingdao again, there was a noticeable change. His features were vibrant, his eyes bright and lively, just like an ordinary person's. It was almost impossible to tell with the naked eye that he was a puppet. "Thank you for sending those spiritual materials, Fellow Daoist. With this puppet body, I can hope to restore my cultivation," Mo Xingdao's gratitude toward Qin Sang was heartfelt. If not for Qin Sang's full assistance, his fate would have been uncertain. "I also hope you recover soon, so we can explore the Prefecture Altar together," Qin Sang nodded with satisfaction.

Detecting a hidden meaning in Qin Sang's words, Mo Xingdao's eyes lit up. "Have you entered the Prefecture Altar again, Fellow Daoist? Any gains?" "I've been in many times, but I haven't pinpointed the Red Gold Spirit Needle's location yet, though I have some clues," Qin Sang paused, then waved his hand to display a series of scenes. "Fellow Daoist, take a look. Do any of these feel familiar?" He showed him various illusions he had encountered within the Prefecture Altar. Mo Xingdao watched intently, amazed by the strangeness of the illusions and also awed by Qin Sang's strength. Although he didn't see Qin Sang entering the illusions, these images conveyed the inherent dangers within.

After a brief exchange, Qin Sang left Mo's residence and began his return journey. Although he had ascertained earlier that the general situation hadn't changed much—the Ghost Fang Nation and the Daoist Court were still in a standoff—Qin Sang preferred to take a longer route given his previous experience. He returned safely to his cave abode.

As always, Qin Sang entered meditation to cultivate. However, not long after, he slowly awoke and retrieved an item: the Thunder Turtle's demonic core, whose luster was now very dim. After entering the Spirit Transformation stage, Qin Sang had primarily relied on the power of the Thunder Turtle's demonic core to forge his Talisman Altar. The Thunder Turtle had been at the mid-Spirit Transformation stage during its life, but with constant usage, a single demonic core was insufficient to support his cultivation to the peak of the mid-Spirit Transformation stage. "What a pity, I haven't found any Spirit Transformation stage fierce beasts in the Sinister Barrens," Qin Sang frowned. With his current strength, he would even dare to fight and potentially kill a late-Spirit Transformation stage fierce beast. However, the Sinister Barrens were currently unsafe, and Qin Sang didn't want to stay there too long unless absolutely necessary. He might have to try the Azure Luan's Original Thunder Power later.

After pondering for a moment, Qin Sang summoned his Talisman Altar and continued to draw thunder power, outlining talismanic forms. During this period, Qin Sang's activities were regular: perfecting his Talisman Altar and cultivating simultaneously. Every so often, he would venture into an illusion, and if he encountered resistance, he would return to contemplate how to overcome it. In his third year of cultivation, Qin Sang once again left his cave abode. Before leaving, he had already made up his mind, determined to find the Red Gold Spirit Needle in one go.

Passing through various illusions, Qin Sang smoothly arrived at the point where he had stopped last time. Ahead lay a vast expanse of white mist. The mist was like a great river within the Prefecture Altar, its ends out of sight, stretching horizontally across the front, flowing from right to left. What appeared to be a gentle flow of mist actually contained a force more terrifying than rapids. Qin Sang recalled his previous experience; he had only managed to reach halfway, because the Cloud Wanderer Sword was useless here, forcing him to cross relying solely on his physical body. However, after returning and deep contemplation, Qin Sang had a flash of insight, realizing he might have overlooked something. He was here now to verify this conjecture.

With the Cloud Wanderer Sword hovering above his head, Qin Sang only activated the Great Vajra Wheel Seal and stepped into the mist. The moment he entered the misty river, torrents rushed at him. Qin Sang's figure swayed; he only sought to protect himself, making no counterattacks, like a small boat drifting with the current. Drifting languidly, carried downstream by the mist, Qin Sang, who seemed to have given up resistance, suddenly had a flash of brilliant light in his eyes. An overwhelmingly powerful sword intent erupted. The Cloud Wanderer Sword vanished in a flash, replaced by the Sword Stars Hanging Illumination. The same Seven Constellations Sword Array, when deployed with the Cloud Wanderer Sword versus the Grey Oriole Sword, exhibited a clear difference in power. The Cloud Wanderer Sword was his life-bound spirit sword, connected to his spirit, and its inherent grade also surpassed the Grey Oriole Sword, so this difference was not surprising.

The sword stars appeared. Only the rolling mist was locked within the sword array. Qin Sang stared at the center of the array, gradually smiling. "As expected, something is meddling from behind. It doesn't seem like a living creature. Speaking of which, I haven't seen a true living creature in the Prefecture Altar..." The chaotic mist, confined and unable to escape, gradually coalesced into the outline of a tiger or leopard in its center, roaring at the sword stars.

While Qin Sang was absorbed in cultivation and exploration, he was completely unaware of the sudden shifts in the outside world.

In the northern part of White Stone Prefecture, a certain Jing was shrouded in gloomy clouds, with heavy snow falling, entering deep winter overnight. A Daoist arrived amidst the wind and snow, his expression solemn, his hurried pace taking him into the Jing Altar. "Subordinate greets Investigative Commissioner, sir!" Those he met along the way bowed and saluted. This person was True Lord Wan, whom Qin Sang had met once in the Ju Shan Prefecture Altar years ago. He seemed to be on urgent business, only managing a slight nod to his comrades as he rushed past, causing everyone to wonder what major event had occurred.

True Lord Wan headed straight for a quiet main hall deep within the Jing Altar. He slowed his pace outside the door, tidied his Daoist robe, bowed, and requested an audience. "Enter," a deep, aged voice came from within the hall. True Lord Wan gently pushed the door open and entered, seeing an old Daoist seated behind a table. He respectfully called him "Senior Uncle." The old Daoist was none other than a Grand True Lord of the Northern Apex Exorcism Institute. His official rank was the third grade, a Senior Minister of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace, a Nine Heavens Investigative Inspector, and a co-judge of Exorcism Institute affairs! True Monarchs held a transcendent status, and the Daoist Court was generally managed by Grand True Lords. This old Daoist's position in the Northern Apex Exorcism Institute was second only to the full third-rank Nine Heavens Inspector, making him extremely influential. True Lord Wan addressed him as Senior Uncle, indicating a close relationship.

"What is the rush?" the old Daoist shifted his gaze, his expression placid. True Lord Wan said solemnly, "The Ghost Fang Nation has begun its move." "Oh?" The old Daoist's eyes flickered. "Are you certain?" True Lord Wan nodded. "The experts from both Institutes have been entangled with the demons in the Sinister Sea for years, with mutual attacks and defenses, largely a stalemate. However, a decree just came down from the Daoist Court. It's confirmed that the treasure we contended with the demons over last time did not fall into the Ju Shan Prefecture Altar later, but rather originated from *within* the Altar!" The old Daoist pondered, then nodded, saying, "Since this has been confirmed, given the nature of those demons, they won't wait a moment. They must already be gathering a large army, preparing for a full-scale invasion of the Altar." "This disciple requests an edict! I shall immediately gather personnel and enter the Altar to slay demons and subjugate devils, absolutely preventing them from succeeding," True Lord Wan bowed, volunteering for battle.

The old Daoist rose, walked out of the hall, and gazed at the gloomy, snow-filled night sky, his expression unreadable. He sighed softly, "A storm is brewing! The demons' conspiracy has been exposed; this time, they will surely be frantic. There will be a fierce battle, and I shall go with you." True Lord Wan was overjoyed. "With Senior Uncle overseeing from outside the Altar, all evil will surely be averted!" "No," the old Daoist gently shook his head. "I will enter the Ju Shan Prefecture Altar with you all."

"This..." True Lord Wan was momentarily stunned. To his knowledge, the Ju Shan Prefecture Altar was one of the most unique places in the world. Grand True Lords entering it would trigger a riot of the Altar's divine illusions, leading to mortal danger. This had been verified countless times throughout history and was unavoidable. Catching sight of the old Daoist's profound eyes, True Lord Wan suddenly understood, his face paling with alarm. "Senior Uncle, you intend to..." Grand True Lords were not entirely incapable of entering the Altar. For instance, by self-severing their cultivation! "Please reconsider, Senior Uncle!" True Lord Wan was terrified, kneeling and pleading urgently. Self-severing one's cultivation, falling back to the Cavernous Profundity Realm, would be incredibly difficult to recover from, even if possible in the future. For a Grand True Lord's esteemed body to personally venture into such danger, any accident could lead to irreparable destruction, a tremendous loss for the Daoist Court. True Lord Wan couldn't imagine how crucial this matter was to the Daoist Court to make Senior Uncle make such a decision! What exactly were the Daoist Court and the demons fighting over?

The old Daoist slowly walked back to his table and sat down, gently stroking the jade table. "With your current cultivation, you are now qualified to know some secrets..." The old Daoist's eyes were deep, as if recalling something, then he suddenly posed a question. "What is a god?"