Chapter 1871: Diamond

The Human World

Swoosh...Thump! Thump! Thump!

The flower field shook violently, accompanied by mountains cracking open. Huge boulders rolled down, but just as they were about to crash into the flowerbeds, they were flung away by an unseen force.

Qin Sang was under immense pressure at this moment, sweat beading on his forehead. As long as the Healing Altar remained unstable, he dared not relax for a single moment.

Numerous breaches had already appeared in the large formation of the flower field. Qin Sang summoned his Cloud Roaming Sword and deployed the Seven Constellation Sword Array to stabilize the formation, but even this could not reverse the trend of the flower field's collapse.

Boom!

A loud rumble came from the ground, an unusual sound. Qin Sang's expression changed upon hearing it. His spiritual sense swept over the area, and he immediately discovered a tear appearing at the edge of the flower field.

Immediately after, tearing sounds erupted from all directions, and the flower field began to shatter from the outside inward. After some thought, Qin Sang decided to focus the power of the flower field's grand formation to protect the flower spirits, leaving the outer sections to their fate.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Massive rocks broke off from the ground, mountains crumbled, and the cracks continued to spread inward. Flower spirits were planted in vast patches within flowerbeds made of piled bones, located in the center of the flower field space. However, their root systems were connected to the earth's ley lines, which would cause immeasurable harm to the flower spirits.

Qin Sang had no better option than to ensure the flower spirits' survival. He would slowly nurse them back to health once the Healing Altar became calm again, which was better than uprooting them directly.

Rumble...

Tremors continuously echoed from outside. Qin Sang couldn't discern whether it was caused by the illusion storm, the battle outside, or a combination of both. He looked up, but the illusions and auspicious clouds obscured his view of the outside of the Healing Altar. Yet, a persistent sense of oppression lingered in his heart—a primal suppression, a fear of the powerful.

As expected, powerful cultivators at the Integration stage were likely engaged in a fierce battle. The aura within the Healing Altar was too chaotic for Qin Sang to distinguish how many such powerful figures there were. However, Qin Sang was no longer as tense as before. The oppressive feeling he initially sensed from above the Healing Altar had gradually receded over time, thus reducing the chances of the Healing Altar being affected. Now, he only needed to worry about the illusion storm.

After a long while, Qin Sang detected a change in the tremors, and his face lit up with joy.

"Finally, it's weakening..."

The next moment, the smile on Qin Sang's face froze. He hastily formed hand seals, true essence gushed from his body, and he exerted himself to condense nine spiritual seals, flicking them towards the nine most crucial nodes of the grand formation. At the same time, an extremely powerful fluctuation spread from the depths of the Healing Altar, causing all affected illusions to unleash astonishing phenomena.

Crack!

A thunderous roar echoed throughout the space. The ground was suddenly torn open by a massive rift that sliced through the entire landmass, almost splitting the flower field in two. Several flowerbeds unfortunately lay in the path of the rift. Fortunately, Qin Sang reacted quickly, and with a wave of his sleeve, flower spirits rose from the ground one by one.

Poof!

The white bones turned to dust, rendering these flowerbeds almost useless. The uprooted flower spirits tightly closed their buds, their spiritual light dimming, indicating severe damage to their vitality. Fortunately, such a violent tremor occurred only once.

After the tremor, the illusion storm seemed to have reached its limit and stopped expanding; the previous surge felt more like a brief, intense flare-up. Tremors continued to arrive, but they were within a tolerable range. Qin Sang waited a while longer, and only after confirming that the storm should not expand further did he feel relieved. He looked down at the flower field below and flashed down to land.

Scanning the surroundings, Qin Sang began to busy himself, his figure darting around the flower field to inspect the damaged areas of the grand formation. Finally, Qin Sang selected spiritual materials from his Qianjun Ring, summoned the Nine Nether Demonic Flames, and immediately began refining formation tools on the spot to repair the grand formation. To fully restore the grand formation, he would still need to return to Jushan Prefecture and acquire many spiritual materials.

After a period of busy work, Qin Sang reactivated the grand formation, and the outer barrier of the space immediately became much more stable. Only then did Qin Sang have time to inspect the flower spirits. After examining them, he couldn't help but sigh softly.

The flower field was saved, but the condition of the flower spirits was not good. Aside from those he had uprooted, the surviving flower spirits were also withered and disheartened, all having sustained damage. Flower spirits were inherently delicate; even if the Healing Altar and flower field returned to normal, they would require time to recuperate. Before the flower spirits recovered, the supply of flower dew would become an issue.

"Fortunately, there are still the poison fruits..."

Qin Sang transplanted the uprooted flower spirits to other flowerbeds. These flower spirits would recover even more slowly, possibly taking over a hundred years.

The impact of the illusion storm on Qin Sang was not limited to this. Although the storm stopped expanding, it had not subsided. The tremors continued, and the aura within the Healing Altar was incredibly chaotic, with this area being no exception. Before the storm subsided, the Healing Altar was no longer suitable for cultivation; it could only serve as a place for growing flowers.

"It seems I have to return to Sword Heart Island." Qin Sang mused to himself.

After waiting for a long time, Qin Sang flew outside the grand formation, directly facing the impact of the tremors. He left the flower field and traversed along familiar paths. What met his eyes were scenes both familiar and strange. The surrounding illusions had changed to varying degrees, making past experiences not entirely applicable. However, the storm's center was not nearby, so it wasn't unrecognizable; some old paths were still traversable.

Qin Sang surveyed the area and began cautiously exploring towards the center of the Healing Altar. He followed the path he had previously opened, but the further he went, the more difficult it became. With the help of the Heaven's Eye Butterfly, Qin Sang pressed forward until he personally witnessed the illusion storm. His gaze pierced through some shattered illusions, revealing a vast expanse of gloom, like a howling hurricane, its interior incredibly chaotic.

Qin Sang's last shred of hope was shattered. The location of the Crimson Gold Spiritual Needle was inside the illusion storm! Even if he brought Mo Xingdao here, it would be impossible to find a scene that matched his memories. The path to ascension, its future was uncertain. How long would it take for the illusion storm to subside—decades, centuries, or even millennia? Could it even return to its original state?

"From now on, will I only be able to cultivate honestly in this realm, dependent on the Dao Court?" Qin Sang frowned, observing for a long time, when suddenly a gleam flashed in his eyes as he stared intently at one spot. Gradually, Qin Sang's expression relaxed slightly; he discovered that the storm showed signs of receding, albeit very slowly, which was a good omen. Moreover, as the storm receded, the illusions there seemed to show signs of reforming, indicating that their foundation still existed.

"I wonder if the illusions at the storm's center can still recover. Perhaps there's still a chance; the necessary preparations must still be made..." Qin Sang thought of the Grand Unity Star Chariot. If he were to venture into the storm later to scout a path, he might have to rely on the Grand Unity Star Chariot. He decided that once he broke through to the late stage of Nascent Soul, he would fully dedicate himself to improving his artifact refining skills to repair this treasure.

Pondering these thoughts, Qin Sang observed for a while longer, then retreated along the same path. However, he did not return to his dwelling but headed straight for the exit of the Healing Altar.

It was already the tenth day after the great battle. It seemed he was the only one left in the Healing Altar; he encountered no other True Person or Demon Marquis on his way. When Qin Sang reached the auspicious clouds at the outer edge of the Healing Altar, he used his Heaven's Eye and saw that the outside was silent, with no one in sight. Outside the Healing Altar, the land stretched flat for miles. The towering mountains on the other side of the plain had all been leveled, leaving the ground a mess.

Although the battlefield had been cleaned, the smell of blood lingered perpetually, indicating how tragic that final battle had been. He didn't want to be caught in the war, so he deliberately came out a few days later, thus he didn't know which side was the victor. The aura on the battlefield was extremely mixed and filled with the frenzied energy of fierce beasts, making it difficult to discern.

Qin Sang looked up at the sky. The sky was gloomy, as if a layer of haze perpetually shrouded the area. Qin Sang knew this was not normal weather change, but the lingering aftermath of a battle between powerful cultivators. Sensing the lingering aura in the aftermath, Qin Sang still felt a pounding in his heart. It was undoubtedly left by Integration-stage powerful cultivators, and the energies were very chaotic, indicating more than just two or three individuals. From the lingering aftermath, he could deduce that the battlefield had continuously moved deeper into the Cursed Plains, but he didn't know the outcome.

Qin Sang stayed outside the Healing Altar for a while, then returned to his dwelling. He needed to observe for a while longer before he could leave with peace of mind.

Inside the dwelling.

Qin Sang took a medicinal pill, sat cross-legged to regulate his breathing, and slowly awoke when his injuries had healed. As the saying goes, calamity is often intertwined with fortune, and fortune conceals calamity. In this upheaval, Qin Sang lost much, but he also gained a great deal. Fighting a Demon Marquis, slaying a Demon King—after this battle, reaching the late stage of Nascent Soul was just around the corner.

True Person Zuo, in an effort to recruit him, had guided him on the path of Void Refinement. However, due to the interference of the Demon Saints, the final battle did not occur, and Qin Sang could be considered to have gotten a bargain. Although he still needed to exchange his battle merits for it, True Person Zuo certainly wouldn't have been so dedicated if the situation hadn't been urgent.

Thinking of his gains, he had to mention the beginning of it all. The Qianjun Ring flickered with spiritual light, emitting two golden rays that landed in Qin Sang's palm, shining brilliantly. The Vajra Fruit was very heavy.

"Vajra Fruit, the fruit of the Vajra Bodhi Tree, gathers the essence of the precious tree, ranking among the Ten Great Divine Woods, and is hailed as the strongest and most resilient wood in the world..." Records concerning the Vajra Fruit flashed through Qin Sang's mind. It was said that treasures refined from the Vajra Fruit were exceptionally hard and difficult to destroy. However, using it to refine swords was not a waste, as weapon-type treasures crafted from the Vajra Fruit were incredibly sharp, specifically designed to break through defensive divine abilities.

"Although there are only two, they can significantly strengthen the Cloud Roaming Sword's blade..." Qin Sang mused inwardly, summoned the Cloud Roaming Sword, and put away one of the fruits.

Buzz!

The spiritual sword hummed softly, its light enveloping the Vajra Fruit. The precious sword, being sentient, seemed to know the Vajra Fruit was a good thing and was somewhat impatient. Qin Sang smiled, silently activated his profound arts, and guided the Cloud Roaming Sword to absorb the divine wood. The sword light pulled the Vajra Fruit, causing it to slowly rise from Qin Sang's palm. The Vajra Fruit rotated slowly within the sword light, its outer skin beginning to 'melt'.

Seeing this long-unseen sight, Qin Sang couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. He composed himself and fully focused on controlling the sword. Ultimately, the Cloud Roaming Sword transformed into a sword embryo, swallowing the Vajra Fruit and converting it into the purest spiritual wood energy, which it gradually absorbed. The sword embryo hovered before him. Qin Sang sensed it carefully, and after a moment, he secretly nodded. The Cloud Roaming Sword had already advanced to a spiritual treasure, no longer what it once was. Its speed in devouring divine wood far surpassed before; it wouldn't take too long to 'digest' this Vajra Fruit.

He put away the spiritual sword. Next, Qin Sang gradually took out his other spoils of war, sorted and counted them. Then, he remembered there were two captives in the Talisman Altar: a female demon's soul essence, and a Demon Marquis under the command of the Spirit Specter King. If he continued cultivating in the Healing Altar, having them with him would be inconvenient. Since he had decided to return to Sword Heart Island to cultivate, he could leave them behind. The path to ascension was uncertain, and he only had Mo Xingdao as an assistant by his side; he didn't have enough manpower. Both demons were pragmatic individuals; it shouldn't be difficult to subdue them.

However, Qin Sang was not in a hurry to release them. He stood up, walked out of his dwelling, cast a glance around, and then flew out of the flower field. Two months passed, and the tremors from the storm still lingered, though the surrounding illusions were slightly more stable than before.

After a series of flashes, Qin Sang appeared above the blue sea of light. He leaned down to look at the surface, sensed for a moment, and then plunged into the sea of light. He rapidly dived. Qin Sang headed straight towards the direction of the Secluded Valley. Upon reaching the location, what he saw was an endless, deep blue.

The Secluded Valley had vanished. Qin Sang refused to give up, searching the vicinity for a long time. He even consumed his essence blood to help the Heaven's Eye Butterfly activate its divine ability, but still found no trace of the Secluded Valley. Hovering at the bottom of the sea, Qin Sang fell into deep thought. The Vajra Bodhi Trees had not vanished into nothingness like the other bubbles. Qin Sang intuitively felt that they still existed, but he didn't know where. Although the Secluded Valley had appeared here, there might be other entrances elsewhere. However, the blue sea of light was too vast, and the pressure felt here was immense. Searching it inch by inch would take an incalculable amount of time.

"I'll come back if there's a chance in the future."

Qin Sang transformed into a bolt of lightning, broke out of the sea, returned to his dwelling for a quick check, and then flew towards the Healing Altar's exit. Outside the Healing Altar, there was a deathly silence.

Unsure of the current situation, Qin Sang dared not head directly to Star Island Immortal Lake. Instead, he first went west, took a large detour, and finally traveled from Baishi Prefecture to Jushan Prefecture. He was very careful along the way, and no accidents occurred. He smoothly arrived at Baishi Prefecture, where he immediately sensed a tense atmosphere. A quick inquiry revealed that the Dao Court and the Ghostfang Kingdom were frantically deploying troops along the Yellow Spring Path, with war imminent.

One particular piece of news puzzled Qin Sang. Not long ago, the Dao Court announced that the Palace Master of the Yin Heaven Palace had joined the Northern Pole Exorcism Academy. She was conferred the rank of Third-Grade Nine Heavens Golden Palace Celestial Immortal and Nine Heavens Investigator. The Northern Pole Exorcism Academy even held a special celebration for this at the Healing Altar, with a True Monarch personally conveying the imperial decree, bestowing immense honor.

In Qin Sang's understanding, True Monarchs did not involve themselves in worldly affairs. The Third-Grade rank was the highest official rank for a Dao Court immortal, truly the lord of a prefecture. Third-Grade immortal officials were certainly few and far between. Even with late-stage Void Refinement cultivation, one might not be qualified without sufficient merit or seniority. The relationship between the Dao Court and the Daoist palaces was delicate. Although True Persons from various sects could hold positions in the Dao Court, it would likely be very difficult to reach this rank. What virtues and abilities did the Palace Master of Yin Heaven Palace possess to deserve this? Furthermore, the Yin Heaven Palace was also a branch of the Daoist sect, with its main temple located in the Yellow Spring Path. They spared no effort in slaying demons and expelling evil, so they must have had the Dao Court's backing. The two sides were already close; wouldn't this be an unnecessary gesture?

Qin Sang was utterly puzzled. He returned to Jushan Prefecture with his doubts, and the atmosphere along the way was even more tense than in Baishi Prefecture. With war about to ignite, Jushan Prefecture would be the first to bear the brunt, and cultivators there felt their lives were in peril.

Upon entering Star Island Immortal Lake, Qin Sang was even subjected to an inspection. He only gained permission to pass after showing the Sword Heart Island token given to him by True Person Sword-Wielder. Returning to Sword Heart Island, the Sword Slave sensed the grand formation being activated and immediately came out to greet him.

"This old servant greets True Person."

Even though they were long acquainted, the Sword Slave still bowed without fail. Qin Sang had tried to dissuade him several times to no avail, so he reluctantly let him be. He flashed to the shore and looked towards True Person Sword-Wielder's dwelling, asking, "Is Fellow Daoist Sword-Wielder currently on the island?"

The Sword Slave nodded. "My master has been in secluded cultivation and hasn't emerged. If True Person has important matters, this old servant will go wake him."

"No need!" Qin Sang shook his head, stopping the Sword Slave. "This humble Daoist plans to cultivate on Sword Heart Island. Just inform me when Fellow Daoist Sword-Wielder emerges from seclusion."

Qin Sang then walked towards his own dwelling. Qin Sang had originally intended to inquire about True Person Sword-Wielder's relationship with True Person Zuo, but there would be plenty of opportunities later, so there was no need to rush now.