Chapter 1896: Nirvana

The Mortal Realm

In the Daoist sect, those whose cultivation reached beyond the Dongzhen Dharma rank were all respectfully addressed as Celestial Masters.

Celestial Master also signified status.

With the decline of the Daoist sect, True Monarch Zhang, who commanded the Daoist court and whose cultivation surpassed all other Daoist masters, was the undisputed leader of the Daoist sect and could truly be called a Celestial Master!

Moreover, his transformation into the Emperor Gouchen had already endowed him with power comparable to a Celestial Master.

"Whoosh!"

From the imperial chariot, a bridle woven from starlight shot out, looping towards the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon.

The Five-Clawed Golden Dragon dared not resist, allowing the bridle to encircle its neck. It then soared into the sky, riding golden clouds, pulling the imperial chariot through the South Heaven Gate.

The imperial chariot entered Thunder City, traversed the Nine Heavens, and ascended directly to the Nine Heavens' Gate.

Here, primal energy was chaotic, purple clouds emitted a radiant glow, and nature arose spontaneously, containing both clarity and turbidity, motion and stillness.

Light permeated above and below, illuminating endlessly.

There were no springs or autumns, no winters or summers; it was neither hot nor cold, and the light was gentle, causing all withered things to spring to life.

Amidst the murmuring spiritual winds and auspicious clouds filling the sky, an ancient palace stood.

This palace was not as brilliantly golden as the temples of other gods, nor did it possess any divine aura. It resembled an ordinary stone hall, its doors tightly shut, suspended in the void, utterly silent and formless.

This palace was precisely the origin of the Daoist court—the Divine Empyrean Upper Palace, also known as the Nine Heavens Golden Palace!

People found it hard to imagine that the legendary Daoist sacred land was such an ordinary stone hall.

The Five-Clawed Golden Dragon pulled the imperial chariot to the palace entrance and then prostrated itself before it.

Celestial Master Zhang rose from the imperial seat, gazing at the sacred land he had only read about in Daoist scriptures. Even with his temperament, he could not suppress his excitement.

The Divine Empyrean Upper Palace had been silent for too long, and the Daoist sect had declined for too long!

Countless ancestors had toiled arduously, tirelessly seeking, only to ascend with regret.

Finally, through his hands, the long-sealed palace doors were about to be opened!

From this moment, the Daoist sect would flourish!

"He once questioned the Three Pure Ones,Prosperity and decline, all recorded in scrolls.Recalling distant scenes of the Divine Empyrean,"

Celestial Master Zhang, filled with emotion, chanted softly. Pausing before the last line, he looked up at the highest heavens, his voice abruptly rising.

"The Golden Palace, with the moon at the third watch!"

"Roar!"

The Five-Clawed Golden Dragon let out a resonant roar, echoing Celestial Master Zhang's emotions with profound empathy.

Just as the Daoist sect was trapped in this realm, so too was the Guifang Kingdom.

Unfortunately, the Guifang Kingdom had lost.

A sense of melancholy flashed in the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon's eyes, and it lowered its head.

Celestial Master Zhang raised his hand towards the Divine Empyrean Upper Palace. The palace doors slowly opened, and a streak of light immediately shot out, flying directly into his hand.

Within the light was a square seal, inscribed with 'Seal of the Three Treasures of Dao, Scripture, and Master'!

The Daoist sect possesses the Three Treasures: Dao, Scripture, and Master.

The Treasure of Dao refers to the legendary Dao Venerable, born before chaos, prior to ultimate emptiness, at the beginning of primal energy.

The Treasure of Scripture refers to the Daoist canons, true scriptures, and all forms of Daoist magic.

The Treasure of Master refers to the Daoist ancestors and all true cultivators who attained enlightenment.

One of the most important Daoist precepts, the 'Three Refuges' within the 'Three Refuges and Five Precepts,' requires one to take refuge in the Three Treasures of Dao, Scripture, and Master before entering the Dao, to demonstrate sincerity.

The Seal of the Three Treasures of Dao, Scripture, and Master was the supreme divine seal of the Daoist sect, the very nexus of the divine court!

Celestial Master Zhang tightly clasped the Seal of the Three Treasures of Dao, Scripture, and Master, just as the woman's voice reached him.

He laughed heartily in response, "Why not!"

With that,

Celestial Master Zhang, holding the Seal of the Three Treasures, rode the imperial chariot, keeping pace with the Earth-Slayer Sword, and broke through the boundaries of the realm!

The divine blade was unsheathed.

The sword sliced through the void!

Qin Sang watched the Earth-Slayer Sword pierce the void, his eyes filled with complexity.

Undoubtedly, the green-clad boy was the sword spirit of the Earth-Slayer Sword.

The Earth-Slayer Sword had followed him for many years, its spirit always dormant.

Qin Sang had only received brief hints from the sword spirit and had never directly communicated with it until today, when he finally saw its true form.

He had guessed that the 'Primordial Spirit Sword Nurturing Chapter' and the Earth-Slayer Sword had extraordinary origins, but now it seemed they far exceeded his imagination.

The woman actually intended to use the Earth-Slayer Sword against a Mahayana-stage powerhouse!

Qin Sang overheard the sword spirit's conversation with the woman, which brought him immense shock and bewilderment.

According to the woman, she had been wading through the River of Karma, sinking into it, constantly searching for and calling out to the Earth-Slayer Sword and its master.

If she was Blood Moon, could it be that the demonic sounds of the Heavenly Dao that troubled cultivators of an entire realm were merely her calls to the sword spirit?

Recalling it, according to the descriptions of Saint King Qinghu and Saint Huiguang, the demonic sounds of the Heavenly Dao should have appeared after the Immortal Palace's ascension.

Could it be that the fluctuations from the Immortal Palace's ascension attracted her, and because she was submerged in the River of Karma and unable to extricate herself, her voice sounded like demonic music, which cultivators of the Storm Realm mistakenly identified as the demonic sounds of the Heavenly Dao?

The more Qin Sang thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.

He had speculated countless times about the origin of the demonic sounds of the Heavenly Dao, considering various possibilities, and had not forgotten to search for answers while perusing Daoist classics.

He had never imagined such an absurd and incredible answer!

If True Master Zilei, Master Zhitan, and others—brilliant talents whose paths were severed by the demonic sounds of the Heavenly Dao—were to know the truth, they would surely die with unseeing eyes.

The world is unpredictable; a single action by a mighty cultivator can bring utter devastation to lower-level cultivators!

It was truly disheartening.

But if 'Blood Moon' was not an enemy, then who was the powerful foe they were currently facing?

What was the origin of that palm print, and the enemy who crossed the blood pool, and how did they know the Earth-Slayer Sword was with him?

"Could it be..."

A thought struck Qin Sang.

Among the forces he had encountered from outside the Storm Realm, besides the Daoist court, there was one other!

The scene from years ago, escaping through the Star Platform opened in the Wushen Mountain shrine, flashed in Qin Sang's mind.

The Star Platform had provided guidance, and starlight had fallen, but it was blocked by a blood-red rainbow.

He had originally considered the other party a savior, but could the truth be entirely contrary to what he believed?

If this was the truth, then 'starlight' had targeted the Earth-Slayer Sword at that time, and the woman had been saving him, sending Venerable Tianyue to this realm to guide him, while she herself had been entangled with the formidable enemy until now.

Wouldn't he have walked straight into a trap, and even proactively provoked a Mahayana-stage powerhouse?

Qin Sang nearly broke out in a cold sweat. He instinctively glanced beside him, realizing that the woman had not left with the Earth-Slayer Sword, suggesting it was not her true form.

The woman also looked over.

"You must have many questions. What do you want to ask? There's not much time; I cannot maintain this form for long."

Only then did Qin Sang notice that the woman's figure was becoming increasingly ethereal.

For a moment, he didn't know where to begin asking. After a slight hesitation, he said, "What virtue or ability do I possess?"

What virtue or ability did he possess to warrant the woman's extensive protection?

She not only blocked powerful enemies for him but also sent Venerable Tianyue into this realm, meticulously planning various opportunities.

If it were merely to retrieve the Earth-Slayer Sword, the woman could have simply had Venerable Tianyue take it directly; why go to such great lengths?

The woman gazed distractedly at the Cloud Roaming Sword beside Qin Sang, her voice tinged with sorrow. "The fact that you are his successor is enough!"

"Successor? Of the Primordial Spirit Sword Nurturing Chapter?"

Qin Sang frowned, pressing, "Who is he? And what is your identity, Senior?"

"Some revere him as Emperor Ziwei, others call him Sword Venerable Ziwei, but he dislikes these titles. However, his personal sword is quite fond of the name 'Emperor Ziwei Sword'..."

Before she finished speaking, the Earth-Slayer Sword, which was about to break through the realm, seemed to sense something and emitted a sword cry.

"As for me," the woman revealed a look of wistfulness and reminiscence, murmuring softly, "I am his foremost sword attendant."

"Emperor, Sword Venerable, Emperor Sword, Sword Attendant..."

Qin Sang pondered the meaning behind these titles. Just as he was about to speak again, he felt a stir inside his sleeve, and a red light shot out.

Without his summoning, the Sun Divine Tree appeared on its own.

'This fellow wasn't dead after all!'

Qin Sang grumbled inwardly. Just moments ago, he had called out to the Vermillion Bird hatchling with no response, yet now it had come out on its own.

Accompanying the red light was a flurry of urgent chirps.

"You, you, you..."

The Sun Divine Tree hovered before the First Sword Attendant. The nine firebirds on its branches all came to life, glaring angrily at the woman.

"It's you!"

"It's you!"

"It's you!"

All nine firebirds simultaneously raised their wings, trembling as they pointed at the First Sword Attendant. It was evident that the Vermillion Bird hatchling was extremely agitated, seemingly recognizing the First Sword Attendant.

Its chirps were unusually sharp, and the nine firebirds' eyes were wide with anger, looking more like they had encountered an enemy than an old acquaintance.

A thought flickered in Qin Sang's mind. He remembered the Vermillion Bird hatchling mentioning that it vaguely recalled being gripped by the neck by a hand.

Could it be that the First Sword Attendant had captured the Vermillion Bird hatchling back then and forced it to stoke the flames under the alchemy furnace?

"Ah! It was you! It was you!"

The Vermillion Bird hatchling grew increasingly agitated.

However, it seemed to be overly excited, repeating itself without making much sense.

The First Sword Attendant ignored the sun firebirds, gazing at the roots of the Sun Divine Tree. Suddenly, she smiled. "So it's that little fire crow."

As she smiled, much of the hostility in her demeanor dissipated.

The sun firebirds froze in unison, then ruffled their feathers furiously.

With both new and old grievances, the Vermillion Bird spirit's anger flared, and malice filled its heart. It shrieked furiously, "I am a Vermillion Bird!"

The First Sword Attendant remained unmoved, continuing, "I didn't expect the Sword Pavilion to have fallen, yet you, little fire crow, are still alive. This must be your destiny..."

"Ah! Ah! Ah!"

The Vermillion Bird hatchling was overcome with rage.

The Sun Divine Tree swayed, and the nine sun firebirds seemed about to take flight.

Unexpectedly, the First Sword Attendant extended a finger and lightly tapped the Sun Divine Tree, instantly immobilizing all the divine birds.

The fiery power within the divine tree also completely solidified.

Hidden within the Vermillion Bird True Feather, the Vermillion Bird hatchling sensed the First Sword Attendant's immense power, and its cries abruptly ceased, replaced by terror.

It then remembered that this person could easily crush it like a chick back then, and now, if she wished it harm, it would be utterly powerless to resist.

"Poof!"

The nine divine birds dispersed simultaneously.

"Whoosh!"

The fiery power within the Sun Divine Tree was completely stripped away, transforming into a ball of flame, with two fiery feathers floating at its center.

One was a Vermillion Bird True Feather, and the other a Heavenly Phoenix True Feather!

With the flames stripped away, the Sun Divine Tree's trunk still glowed crimson. After years of refinement by the Vermillion Bird True Flame, it seemed to have undergone an unknown transformation.

The First Sword Attendant singled out the Vermillion Bird True Feather, holding it suspended at her fingertip. Trembling and terrified auras emanated from within it.

Before the Vermillion Bird hatchling could beg for mercy, a faint cracking sound came from the Vermillion Bird True Feather.

Its downy feathers fell away, and its shaft became covered in cracks, finally shattering into a raging inferno.

"Ah! Help!"

From within the fierce flames came the Vermillion Bird spirit's screams.

Qin Sang vaguely guessed what was happening. He did not stop the First Sword Attendant, his heart filled with immense shock.

The Vermillion Bird spirit's cries grew fainter, and gradually, a silhouette emerged within the inferno, resembling a divine bird reborn from fire.

The First Sword Attendant suddenly frowned slightly, then summoned the Heavenly Phoenix True Feather.

"Crack!"

The Heavenly Phoenix True Feather shattered in response, transforming into wisps of Phoenix True Flame, which merged into the raging inferno.

Two distinctly different flames, yet at that moment, they showed no signs of conflict, perfectly integrating.

The silhouette of the divine bird became increasingly clear.

At this point, the First Sword Attendant instructed Qin Sang to separate a wisp of his spiritual consciousness and send it into the flames as well.

"Boom!"

"Caw!"

Flames surged skyward, accompanied by a resounding cry, as a divine bird spread its wings and soared.

It was like a phoenix undergoing nirvana, reborn from fire!

"I have a body! My body has recovered!"

The Vermillion Bird hatchling was overjoyed and incredulous, flying back and forth, scratching itself with its tiny claws, repeatedly checking if it was real or not.

Its joy even overshadowed its resentment, completely forgetting that its 'enemy' was still present.

Its body was only the size of a fist, clearly a young bird, not yet exhibiting the majesty of a Vermillion Bird Saint Beast; it truly resembled a fire crow.

Perhaps because the power of both true feathers was exhausted during its spiritual formation, the fiery aura emanating from the Vermillion Bird hatchling was even weaker than when all nine sun firebirds appeared together.

But everyone understood that the Vermillion Bird had undoubtedly gained a new life, which was of extraordinary significance!

"I suppose I punished you back then. From now on, follow him. If you protect your master well, I will pardon you for your past disrespect!"

The First Sword Attendant showed signs of fatigue, her figure becoming even more ethereal, as she spoke indifferently.

The Vermillion Bird spirit was still immersed in joy, wagging its tail, and completely oblivious to what the woman was saying.

Such divine skill!

Qin Sang was filled with admiration.

Distracted by the Vermillion Bird hatchling, he had now cleared his thoughts. Seeing the situation, he quickly spoke.

Naturally, the first thing he wanted to clarify was matters concerning himself.

"Senior, what do you intend for me to do?"

Qin Sang deeply understood the principle that one gains nothing without effort. Past experience told him that opportunities were not easily obtained.

"With your meager cultivation, what could you possibly do?"

The woman's counter-question left Qin Sang speechless.

"Rumble!"

Suddenly, the earth trembled and the heavens shook.

The tremors seemed to originate from beyond the realm, as a void storm spread through deep space.

She glanced at the deep space and continued, "You have inherited his legacy and gained recognition from his personal sword. Do you know how many people wish to find you?"

Qin Sang had a premonition about this but could only offer a wry smile. Who could have known that the Earth-Slayer Sword and the 'Primordial Spirit Sword Nurturing Chapter' were involved so extensively?

"I need to heal my wounds, and I have many things to do. I cannot protect you indefinitely.

Since you were able to withstand the Ancestor of Thunder, with the Ancestor of Thunder guarding your altar in the future, no one will be able to divine your whereabouts.

Even though the Ancestor of Thunder is a remnant spirit, his Mahayana status remains, allowing him to conceal your aura and deceive others.

As long as you are careful, even if you encounter someone face-to-face, there should be very few in this world who can discern your true origins!"

Upon hearing these words, Qin Sang finally understood.

No wonder Venerable Tianyue had to help him achieve Void Refinement in this realm.

It turned out that they and the Daoist court had an early agreement to secure a protective divine general for him.

After achieving Void Refinement, gathering the power of the Daoist sect to summon the Ancestor of Thunder or another talisman spirit of equivalent status would undoubtedly be much safer.

"Who are our enemies?"

After a moment of silence, Qin Sang pressed, using the word 'our.'

As the saying goes, 'one who inherits the legacy also bears its karma.'

It wasn't that Qin Sang truly trusted the First Sword Attendant and Venerable Tianyue, or that he was ready to completely bind himself to their cause.

He understood another principle even more clearly.

Sometimes, a person's stance is determined at birth.

One can change allegiances, but first, one must be powerful enough to be worth courting by various factions and capable of bearing any consequences!

"What if I told you it's the whole world against us?"

The First Sword Attendant said meaningfully.