Chapter 1872: Trivial Matters

## The Mortal Realm

Upon learning that Qin Sang intended to stay, the Sword Slave delightedly said, "This old servant regularly cleans the True Master's cave abode..." He then quickly stepped forward to lead the way.

Qin Sang secretly shook his head. The cave abode, both inside and out, was protected by spirit formations, keeping it spotless. Why would it need cleaning?

When Qin Sang first met the Sword Slave, the latter already possessed late-stage Nascent Soul cultivation. Now, observing his aura again, he was just a step away from Soul Transformation. In the Storm Realm, he would be a powerful overlord, yet the Sword Slave truly considered himself a servant. Qin Sang wondered how deeply indebted the Sword Slave was to True Master Zhijian.

Qin Sang found it inconvenient to comment on this, and he understood that the Sword Slave's heartfelt reverence was for True Master Zhijian; his respect for Qin Sang was merely a result of this connection.

Outside the cave abode, exotic flowers and rare plants competed in beauty, vibrant and fresh, just as they had been when he left.

"My thanks, fellow Daoist," Qin Sang said, cupping his hands. The Sword Slave demurred, bowing before withdrawing.

Qin Sang glanced at True Master Zhijian's cave abode, then waved his hand to deactivate its protective formations and pushed the door open, entering.

Sitting cross-legged on a meditation mat, Qin Sang pondered what he needed to do next. Only after dealing with these minor affairs could he fully dedicate himself to secluded cultivation.

War was imminent, and Star Island Immortal Lake might not escape the flames of conflict. He wondered how many peaceful days were left.

Tapping his fingers lightly on his knee a few times, Qin Sang's mind stirred, and he summoned the Talisman Altar.

The Talisman Altar's gate opened, and two spirit essences flew out—they were the two Demon Marquises Qin Sang had captured.

*Thud!* The two demons hit the ground stiffly. Both were bound by restrictions that sealed their five senses, making them appear to be in a deep sleep. At this moment, they were only spirit essences, manifesting in their beast forms.

Marquis Gui belonged to the Gui Dog clan; at a glance, he might be mistaken for a fox demon. The female demon was a beast covered in green scales, resembling a horse in appearance, though a closer look revealed differences.

*Poof! Poof!* Qin Sang flicked his fingers, sending out two streaks of light that pierced the demons' brows.

The two demons shuddered, then instantly awoke. Instinctively, they flipped over and leaped up, their faces full of vigilance. When they saw Qin Sang before them and realized they were only spirit essences, they finally recalled their encounter at the Administration Altar, and their faces immediately fell in despair.

Marquis Gui, making a snap decision, jumped back to the ground, covered his head with his front paws, and prostrated himself before Qin Sang, not daring to move.

The female demon stared blankly for a moment, then let out a long sigh, planting her four hooves on the ground and lowering her head. She remembered Qin Sang's previous promise not to kill her, but it was clear he wouldn't easily release her either.

The two demons adopted a posture of awaiting their fate.

Qin Sang recalled that the female demon's title was Marquis Luo. His gaze swept over the two demons as he asked, "Your physical bodies are destroyed. Do you have any way to restore them?" Demonic cultivators highly valued their physical bodies and bloodline abilities. Qin Sang was unsure if the demon race in this realm possessed methods for cultivating spirit essences alone; otherwise, the two demons' usefulness would be limited.

Hearing this, the two demons' hearts stirred. His tone didn't sound like he intended to kill them. Could it be...

Marquis Gui cautiously raised a front paw, peered out, hesitated, and then gritted his teeth, saying, "This humble demon has comprehended a Natal Divine Ability. As long as some of my vital blood essence remains, there is hope for reshaping my body. When my physical body was shattered by...by the Celestial Master, I secretly used my divine ability to extract a portion of my vital blood essence..."

This was clearly not the Jushan Administration Altar, and the Great King had not rescued him, crushing Marquis Gui's last hope. He did not want to die. Hearing a different meaning in Qin Sang's words, he vaguely guessed some of the truth and decided to reveal everything, seizing this sole chance for survival. In fact, not all demon beasts in the Ghost Fang Kingdom resisted acknowledging a master to the point of rather dying than submitting. After all, their ancestors were once the troops under the Daoist True Masters.

"Oh?" Qin Sang studied Marquis Gui with a strange gaze, making Marquis Gui's heart uneasy. He had been completely unaware when he confined Marquis Gui's spirit essence. Considering the previous encounters with Marquis Xia and Marquis Dingxiang, the divine abilities of the demon race in this realm were extraordinarily profound.

Qin Sang nodded slightly, noncommittally, then looked at Marquis Luo.

Though Marquis Luo appeared rough, her mind was perceptive, and she also guessed that Qin Sang intended to subdue them. Her expression shifted from joy to worry. She did not possess the same profound divine ability as Marquis Gui. "Reporting to the Celestial Master, this humble demon was originally from the Shadow Horse clan of Luo River. My bloodline underwent a mutation, awakening a trace of Cloud-wrestling Azure Lightning Beast bloodline, which is how I attained my current state. If I wish to seize a body, I would need the physical body of a Shadow Horse that has awakened or is about to awaken the same bloodline to have any hope of recovering my full strength..."

Among the Shadow Horse clan, those who awakened the Cloud-wrestling Azure Lightning Beast bloodline were one in ten thousand; at least for now, she couldn't think of a suitable option.

After confirming the location of Luo River in the Ghost Fang Kingdom, Qin Sang temporarily set aside the idea of helping her. He said calmly, "Are you willing to open your minds and allow this humble Daoist to set up restrictions? If you follow me, your past transgressions will be forgiven, but in the future, crimes will be punished, and merits will be rewarded!"

Qin Sang did not promise any grand opportunities, nor did he directly produce the *Celestial Demon Refining Formations*. His tone even carried a hint of chilling indifference.

Upon hearing this, the two demons' minds, for some unknown reason, settled. They exchanged a glance, then both prostrated themselves, saying, "This humble demon is willing to follow Master."

Having subdued the two demons, Qin Sang pointed to a corner of the cave abode, instructing them to cultivate on their own.

Marquis Luo could only refine her spirit essence for now, while Marquis Gui had manifested vital blood essence and was beginning to restore his physical body. They would not hesitate to request anything they needed from Qin Sang.

Watching the two demons, Qin Sang mused to himself, "Counting Mo Xingdao, there are four now..."

To brave the Illusionary Realm Storm, four Soul Transformation cultivators were not enough, especially since Mo Xingdao and the two demons were only at the early stage of Soul Transformation.

"War isn't entirely bad. It's the perfect time to fish in troubled waters and seize the opportunity to subdue a few more Demon Marquises..."

Qin Sang was thoughtful. Even without cultivating a Troops Altar, he could still train forces using the Talisman Altar.

Demonic cultivators subdued midway would not be completely subservient, but as long as they could help him find the path to ascension, their potential disloyalty was acceptable.

After staying on Sword Heart Island for several days, Qin Sang activated his escape light and flew towards Gourd Island.

Gourd Island's defenses were even stricter. Qin Sang passed through several checkpoints before reaching Master Qi's residence.

Master Qi had passed away, yet the plaque bearing 'Qi Manor' still hung on the gate.

"Senior has returned!" Seeing Qin Sang, Master Qi's disciples were overjoyed. They immediately went to wake their fellow disciples who were in seclusion, and the manor instantly buzzed with activity.

Master Qi's eldest disciple was the last to arrive. He hurried to Qin Sang and presented a talisman message. "Senior, this is a letter for you that arrived at the manor not long ago."

Qin Sang took it, swept his spiritual sense over it, and saw that the sender was Master Gu.

After reading it, Qin Sang frowned, pondered for a moment, then put the letter away. He walked towards Master Qi's former fire chamber and instructed the eldest disciple to gather his junior brothers.

Although Qin Sang only allowed them to address him as 'Senior,' the disciples still revered him as they would a master, acting with utmost respect in his presence.

Qin Sang did not disappoint their expectations and tested each of them individually.

Master Qi had three true lineage disciples, all currently in the manor. Their talents were not as exceptional as Master Qi's, but they excelled in diligence. In Qin Sang's view, they were competent and capable of maintaining what existed, but it would be difficult for this generation to restore the Qi Manor's former glory.

After the examination, Qin Sang kept the three disciples and handed them a jade slip and a storage artifact. "Take these treasures and exchange them for the spirit materials listed on the jade slip. During this period, I will remain in the manor. You may observe while I refine artifacts."

The three were overjoyed and immediately took their leave to carry out the order.

Qin Sang instructed them to gather spirit items for refining formation artifacts, which he intended to use to repair the Flower Field Grand Formation. The principles were similar.

With war approaching and minds unsettled, many cultivators brought out their long-held treasures to exchange for items that could save their lives.

Qin Sang stayed at Qi Manor for a year, during which he successfully refined all the formation artifacts, a process that went even smoother than expected. He also fortunately managed to exchange for several precious spirit materials capable of re-refining the Bright Mountain Armor.

The disciples reluctantly saw Qin Sang off as he left the manor.

After leaving Gourd Island, Qin Sang flew steadily across the water, idly toying with a jade token in his hand.

He entered the northern region of Star Island Immortal Lake via a teleportation array, then flew north for a while. A spiritual island shrouded in mist appeared in his sight.

This island was much larger than Sword Heart Island, but its spiritual charm was lesser, capable of supporting at most one Soul Transformation cultivator. In the past, such islands always had owners, and finding a spiritual island like this in Star Island Immortal Lake was not easy.

With the turbulent situation, cultivators had fled into the inner lake to avoid disaster. Qin Sang rented this island from a sect, paying fifty years of rent upfront.

"Fellow Daoist Mo, you're finally here."

Qin Sang landed on the shore, activated the jade token, and opened the spiritual island's restrictions. The mist parted, revealing a stone path and a stone pavilion inside. Before Qin Sang's words fully faded, a figure flashed forth from before the stone pavilion—it was Mo Xingdao.

"As that badger-like demon hosted me, I couldn't just eat and live for free; I had to share some of Master's burdens. I helped clear a few obstacles for it before departing, which caused some delay," Mo Xingdao explained.

Months earlier, Qin Sang had sent a message to Mo Xingdao, instructing him to leave the demon kingdom.

Remaining in the demon kingdom, once the great war began, the Ghost Fang Kingdom would surely conduct strict investigations, which would be extremely inconvenient.

"Oh?" Qin Sang smiled. "Hasn't it already become a State Preceptor? What other obstacles could there be? Does it perhaps intend to seize control of the demon kingdom?"

As he spoke, Qin Sang gestured to Mo Xingdao and stepped forward, pointing towards the island's peak. "Take a look at the cave abode I've prepared for you, fellow Daoist..."

Mo Xingdao followed, chuckling, "It's all thanks to your excellent teaching, fellow Daoist. Given more time, working in collusion with the snake demon, it truly might succeed in secretly replacing the old order and becoming the ruler of the kingdom."

Seeing Mo Xingdao in good spirits, Qin Sang glanced at him from the side, then cupped his hands in congratulations: "Congratulations, fellow Daoist Mo, on overcoming the difficult stage and restoring your Soul Transformation cultivation!"

Fellow Daoist Mo's appearance was identical to his former physical body; it was impossible to tell that it was a puppet body.

Unexpectedly, Mo Xingdao looked at Qin Sang and offered a bitter smile.

The last time they met, Qin Sang's *Celestial Demon Refining Formations* had not yet achieved a breakthrough.

Although Qin Sang did not display his vital energy, Mo Xingdao could feel an even greater oppressive force standing beside him than before, indicating that Qin Sang had made further progress, a depth he simply could not fathom.

The gap between the two, who were once equals, was growing ever wider.

Upon reaching a stone pavilion on the island, the two sat down casually. Mo Xingdao then eagerly pressed, "How is your exploration of the Jushan Administration Altar progressing, fellow Daoist?"

The original plan was for Mo Xingdao to accompany Qin Sang once he recovered his cultivation.

Qin Sang sighed softly and briefly informed Mo Xingdao of what had happened at the Administration Altar.

"The rumors are actually true!" Mo Xingdao murmured. Hidden in the demon kingdom, with limited access to information, he had heard many rumors over the past year. He had approached Qin Sang with a sliver of hope for confirmation, but the outcome was worse than he had imagined.

He raised his head, gazing towards the northern horizon, somewhat disheartened.

Qin Sang understood Mo Xingdao's feelings and comforted him, saying, "The Great Sage's strike should not have destroyed the path to ascension. This humble Daoist believes there's always a way out, and I will exhaust every possible method. Rest assured, fellow Daoist Mo."

Mo Xingdao suddenly stood up, bowed deeply to Qin Sang, and said hoarsely, "All of my hopes rest solely on you, fellow Daoist. Whatever your command, I, Mo, will not shrink from a thousand deaths!"

"There's no need for such formality," Qin Sang said, shaking his head and sighing lightly, then helped Mo Xingdao to his feet.

The two discussed further. Qin Sang left the jade token controlling the spiritual island's restrictions with Mo Xingdao, then activated his escape light and flew out of the island.

He first returned to Sword Heart Island. Learning that True Master Zhijian had not yet emerged from seclusion, he left Star Island Immortal Lake and traveled southwest, visiting Revered Zhenru at the New Mirror Terrace Temple to discuss the Sun Wheel Seal.

After staying for over a month, he bid farewell to Revered Zhenru and continued his journey westward.

Upon reaching White Stone Administration, Qin Sang first visited Master Lingxu, presented a new elixir formula, and collected the newly refined Yinghua Pills. Finally, he arrived at the White Stone Administration Altar, cupping his hands to a Golden Armored Guard and saying, "This humble Daoist, Qingfeng, has an old appointment with True Master Zuo. I have come specifically to visit; I hope you will convey my arrival."

The Golden Armored Guard, who had initially been full of vigilance, heard this and his eyes gleamed. He scrutinized Qin Sang before saying, "True Master Zuo long ago instructed us to keep an eye out. Since it is Daoist Priest Qingfeng, there's no need for an announcement. Please follow me."

As he spoke, clouds formed beneath the Golden Armored Guard's feet. He gestured for Qin Sang to step on and then ascended into the sky on the cloud.

Standing on the cloud, Qin Sang looked down and saw the Merit Hall and the Talisman Bestowal Hall that he had visited before.

The cloud continued without stopping, heading directly towards the golden palace deep within the Administration Altar.

Qin Sang vaguely felt they had passed through several layers of formations. The view ahead became increasingly clear, and a magnificent expanse of golden palaces came into view.

The scale of these golden palaces was comparable to that of the Jushan Administration Altar, but they showed no signs of dilapidation.

As he drew closer, Qin Sang could feel the powerful aura emanating from several of the golden palaces, indicating they were likely the residences of Grand True Masters.

The Golden Armored Guard was accustomed to this, but Qin Sang's mind remained taut.

The cloud descended, landing on a platform. The Golden Armored Guard then led Qin Sang on foot to the front of a golden palace before respectfully withdrawing.

True Master Zuo, having already received the message, stood before the palace. Seeing Qin Sang, he greeted him with a smile, "Daoist Friend Qingfeng, I trust you have been well."

Seeing True Master Zuo personally welcoming him, Qin Sang was flattered. He quickly stepped forward and bowed, "Qingfeng greets Senior Zuo. Over the past year, I have been entangled with various matters and was unable to fulfill my appointment in time. I hope Senior will not take offense."

Qin Sang had originally intended to wait for True Master Zhijian to emerge from seclusion and invite him along to visit True Master Zuo, but too much time had passed, and he could no longer delay.

The two entered the palace and took their seats.

Qin Sang took out a jade box and presented it. "The Spirit Nether King's Demon Core is here."

True Master Zuo treated it as an ordinary item, not even opening the jade box to inspect it. He simply placed it casually on the table. "The Great Sage's intervention caused turmoil at the Administration Altar. This humble Daoist was eager to rescue people and could not attend to you, Daoist friend. I trust you weren't injured?"

Qin Sang secretly observed True Master Zuo, sensing that his aura had not changed much since they were at the Administration Altar. This indicated that restoring cultivation after intentionally suppressing it was not an easy feat.

"Thank you for your concern, Senior. This junior saw the situation was dire and found a place to hide, so I was unharmed. However, I wonder about that final Divine Court..."

Qin Sang asked tentatively.

"The appearance of the Divine Court was a deception, actually a conspiracy by the Ghost Fang Kingdom," True Master Zuo said calmly, his tone revealing no emotion.

Qin Sang was startled, not having expected this outcome. He couldn't guess the Ghost Fang Kingdom's true intentions. Seeing that True Master Zuo was unwilling to elaborate, he found it inconvenient to press further.

True Master Zuo handed Qin Sang a jade slip and said, "Daoist Friend Qingfeng's contributions have already been acknowledged by the Daoist Court. Presenting the demon core will allow you to claim your reward."

Qin Sang had rendered service and received benefits; what followed was merely a formality.

While Qin Sang examined the jade slip, True Master Zuo paused, then added, "Daoist Friend Qingfeng, do you still remember what this humble Daoist said before? Your divine ability is most suited for battlefield combat; you would be a rare and fierce general! If you are willing to serve the Daoist Court, this humble Daoist is willing to personally recommend you."