Chapter 1907: Daoist Descends the Mountain

The Mortal Realm

The Mortal Realm

This was a good opportunity to take Xiao Wu into the mortal world, to let her experience the ways of the world and to verify his ideas.

Qin Sang deliberated.

Xiao Wu had been sitting upright all along, her black eyes fixated solely on Qin Sang, her master, indifferent to everything else. Only when the Vermilion Bird circled in front of her would she glance at it, behaving very docilely.

But the more docile she was, the more abnormal it seemed.

As a 'baby' newly born, everything in the world should be new to her; she should be curious, not so indifferent.

The Vermilion Bird’s senses were also sharp; it noticed the anomaly and honestly returned to Qin Sang’s side, not daring to provoke Xiao Wu too much.

With a plan in mind, Qin Sang raised a finger and pointed into the empty space in front of him. Spiritual energy vibrated, and a Daoist priest appeared.

The Daoist priest resembled Qin Sang by about thirty percent. He wore a square scarf on his head, stood tall and graceful, dressed in a simple green robe and plain shoes, appearing ethereal and otherworldly.

With a slight flicker of his eyes, the Daoist’s expression became lively, possessing a natural air of elegance and spirit. He cupped his hands and bowed to Qin Sang, his demeanor unrestrained and graceful.

At the Void Refinement stage, some things were no longer limited to the level of 'techniques'.

Qin Sang did not use any secret arts.

This was another marvelous application he had comprehended from his Dharma Body; it could be seen as an avatar of an immortal or Buddha from myths and legends.

The avatar would enter the mortal world, while the true body remained in secluded cultivation, ensuring neither was hindered.

Of course, the inheritances of top sects, with their superior avatar and clone secret arts, each had their unique wonders. An avatar separated by Qin Sang in this manner certainly could not compare.

"Still missing something..."

Qin Sang rubbed his chin, examining the avatar. With a slight shift of thought, the avatar's facial features changed only subtly, yet it added a touch of world-weariness.

"Now he looks like a wandering Daoist."

Qin Sang was satisfied. He waved his hand, and a mass of precious light in the fire chamber suddenly brightened, flying out of the fire chamber by itself, piercing through the air.

The avatar turned to look outside the door, raised his right hand, and the precious light flew into the cave dwelling, landing precisely in the avatar’s hand.

This treasure was precisely the Earth-Traveling Boat Qin Sang had obtained from the demon roc's relics.

Next, a blue light flashed on Qin Sang’s body, and an object flew out. It was a humanoid spiritual wood, specifically the Dao-Evolving Tree, which had been refined using the 'Post-Heaven Wooden Figure Tablet'.

Whoosh!

The Dao-Evolving Tree merged into the avatar's body, and the avatar’s body immediately solidified, as if it possessed a real flesh and blood body.

This avatar only had the strength of the Spirit Transformation stage, but it could control the elemental energy of heaven and earth to a certain extent, whereas ordinary Spirit Transformation cultivators could only borrow heavenly might.

With the help of the Dao-Evolving Tree, it could exert even greater power in places with abundant spiritual wood energy.

Moreover, Xiao Wu was accompanying him.

When the avatar entered the mortal world for experience, it could not use the art of 'Returning to Origin and True Self' once it left the cultivation ground by a thousand li. However, Qin Sang's true body could sense the avatar's experiences.

Should any unexpected event occur, the true body could detect it in time. And since it would be traveling in the mortal world, Qin Sang was confident there would be no problems.

"Take these with you too..."

Qin Sang's mind sank into the talismans altar, sensing the Five Thunder Envoy Seal. He copied the profound scriptures and secret manuals within the seal, transforming them into a streak of spiritual light, and projected it into the avatar's forehead.

When the avatar descended the mountain to travel, it could conveniently comprehend thunder techniques in its leisure time.

In the future, Daoist thunder techniques might be an important reliance for him.

"I want to go too! Me too!"

Seeing Qin Sang's actions, the Vermilion Bird actually guessed what he wanted to do, its eyes immediately lit up, and it cried out to go along.

Here, there were magma seas everywhere; usually, not a single person was seen. Qin Sang was in secluded cultivation year-round, and it could only search for treasures with the Fiery Jade Centipede nearby. It had long felt bored and restless.

Descending the mountain for experience—such a fun thing—how could it be left out?

This fellow's mind was entirely not on cultivation.

Qin Sang sighed inwardly. "If you hide the patterns on your feathers, I can consider taking you down the mountain," he said.

"No!"

The Vermilion Bird hopped outside the door, its face full of vigilance.

The biggest difference between it and a fire crow was the strange and beautiful patterns on its body; it often admired itself.

If the patterns were hidden, it would truly be as ugly as those fire crows.

"Then just stay on the mountain obediently and keep the Fiery Jade Centipede company!"

Qin Sang showed no mercy at all. He waved his hand, and the stone door slammed shut with a 'bang'.

Three days later.

Marquis Luo and Marquis Gui, who were drilling demon soldiers, noticed a change in the spiritual aura at the mountain peak. They looked up and saw a Daoist priest emerging from the cave dwelling on the peak.

The Daoist priest, holding a little girl's hand, rode the clouds and wind, gracefully descended the mountain, and landed by the lake.

The Vermilion Bird flew around them, flying back and forth excitedly.

"You will descend the mountain with them."

Marquis Luo heard Qin Sang's voice and, without hesitation, respectfully answered, "As you command."

Marquis Luo conjured up a demonic wind, followed closely, and landed beside the Daoist priest.

It belonged to the Shadow Horse clan, but had awakened the bloodline of the Cloud-Battling Green Lightning Beast. Its entire body was covered in green scales, with lightning flickering between the scales, making it far more majestic and powerful than an ordinary Shadow Horse.

A flash of green light.

Marquis Luo concealed its green scales and lightning, retracted its divine attributes, and its body also shrunk considerably, becoming a rather spirited green horse. Its four hooves stamped the ground, and it snorted.

Qin Sang had subdued Marquis Luo earlier, planning for it to help him assault the Jushan Zhizhi Altar and promising to help it find a suitable physical body. However, unexpected events frequently occurred, and it had been delayed until now. So this time, he would let it descend the mountain with them.

A hint of envy flashed in Marquis Gui's eyes. Marquis Luo had become the master's avatar's mount; spending day and night together was an opportunity anyone would envy.

Without the master's permission, it could only watch enviously.

However, staying at the cultivation ground as a guardian spirit beast was not without opportunities. Occasionally receiving a few pointers could greatly benefit it.

More than a hundred years ago, it had thus broken through to the mid-Spirit Transformation stage.

Marquis Gui lay on a gray stone at the foot of the mountain, watching Marquis Luo depart, thinking quietly.

On the mountain peak.

The Heavenly Eye Butterfly, which had already entered the late stage of the fifth transformation, stood on Qin Sang's true body's shoulder, gazing at the receding figures down the mountain together with its master.

Under the setting sun.

A Daoist priest, holding a little girl's hand, seemingly walked slowly, but each step could easily cover a hundred zhang.

A green horse, without needing a lead, followed closely, trailing behind them.

And a restless fire crow, sometimes perching on the green horse's head, sometimes landing on the Daoist's shoulder, constantly chirping, disrupting the serene scene.

The Daoist, the little girl, a bird, and a horse.

Gradually disappeared into the distant mountains.

The mortal world was to the south.

They did not use any special movement techniques and traveled southward at a leisurely pace.

Indeed, this place was vast and sparsely populated; after traveling for a long time, not a single person was seen. Only a few times did they sense hidden auras in the mountains; these were likely cultivators in secluded practice.

Continuing southward, the underground magma veins gradually became calmer, and different landscapes began to appear on the surface; the ceaseless firelight was fading.

If they kept going, they would transition from the dense, net-like magma rivers to equally desolate deserts.

They should soon see signs of cultivators.

Qin Sang suddenly stopped. Xiao Wu, noticing this, also stopped, raising her small head to look at Qin Sang with a puzzled expression.

Along this journey, Qin Sang didn't have much to say. Xiao Wu followed him very patiently and never asked questions on her own.

Qin Sang picked up Xiao Wu, placed her on the horse's back, and reached out to help Xiao Wu close her eyes. He instructed, "Xiao Wu, don't open your eyes from now on. In front of others, call me Master."

Xiao Wu showed no resistance at all. With her eyes closed, she softly said, "Master."

The Vermilion Bird was perched on the horse's head, its head bobbing, drowsy. It was startled awake by their conversation, its beak opened, just about to speak, but it was forced back by Qin Sang's sharp gaze.

"There are no outsiders here anyway, what's wrong with this Vermilion Bird saying a few words..."

The Vermilion Bird mumbled softly.

Before descending the mountain, Qin Sang had set many rules for it, including not speaking casually.

To go out and play, it could only endure humiliation and bear the burden!

The sandstorms were like knives.

Waves of deadly heat were carried by strong winds from the north. Fragile vegetation simply couldn't withstand this hot wind. Thus, there was only endless yellow sand around, not a single oasis could be found.

It was almost impossible for mortals to live here.

However, for cultivators, such heatwaves were nothing.

This place was located at the edge of the Fire Domain; its danger was much less than the Fire Domain, and one could enter the Fire Domain to search for treasures at any time, making it the best place to settle.

It was unknown how many years ago, various market towns spontaneously formed here. Later, after changes, the market towns that did not perish merged into a town, and the name "Four Flames Town" has been used ever since.

The reason for this name was because a fiery vein once passed through here, making Four Flames Town surrounded by fire on all four sides.

Later, the fiery vein died out, but no one bothered to change the name.

Cultivators who came here all knew that Four Flames Town was safe inside. Not only were there cultivators gathered from all directions, but also descendants of cultivators living within the city.

The city was bustling, very lively.

Four Flames Town also had city walls on all four sides. The walls were more for show; the true protection for Four Flames Town was a grand formation.

The four city gates were always open, allowing unrestricted entry and exit.

"Looking at this situation, is the Cinder Wind coming?"

In front of the west city gate, some people were queuing to enter the city. Two of them felt the hot waves blowing from behind, looked around, and one of them spoke.

The Cinder Wind was a natural disaster here, a wind carrying fire, blowing from the Fire Domain, like heavenly fire, covering the sky and earth.

The Cinder Wind was not only terrifying to behold, but its power was also chilling.

If it was a powerful Cinder Wind, even Foundation Establishment cultivators had to seek refuge in Four Flames Town.

"Doesn't look like it," the other person shook his head. "I heard that before the last Cinder Wind arrived, the sky was completely red, as if burned through by fire. Cultivators who were searching for treasures in the Fire Domain fled in a panic, swarming into the city."

As they were speaking, they suddenly noticed faint figures appearing vaguely in the sandstorm in the northwest direction, as if there were people.

"No way, is someone really fleeing back?"

That person's face was full of surprise. Then he saw an unusual combination.

When he clearly saw the small figure on the horseback, he couldn't help but frown and say, "Why would someone bring a child to such a dangerous place?"

Four Flames Town was safe, but only within the city. Such a delicate little girl; the aftershocks of a cultivator's battle could shatter her to pieces.

"Watch your words!"

His companion quickly covered his mouth and warned him with a look.

The newcomers were strangers. Daring to roam the world with a child—who knows what abilities they possessed?

Four Flames Town was full of hidden masters; careless words and actions would surely lead to disaster. Such incidents were common.

Everyone in front of the city gate noticed and silently observed Qin Sang and his companions.

"That horse is good!"

"What a spirited little girl, why doesn't she open her eyes? What a pity, she's blind..."

Vague voices arose from the crowd, fading quickly; it was unclear who spoke.

"Xiao Wu, that's Four Flames Town ahead, how do you feel?" Qin Sang asked with a smile.

"So many people..."

Although Xiao Wu had her eyes closed, she was fully aware of everything.

"Yes, all sorts of people."

Qin Sang sighed with emotion. He walked towards the two people who had just been discussing them, and cupped his hands, saying, "Fellow Daoists, I apologize for bothering you. This humble Daoist has just arrived, tired from the journey. Could you tell me where in the city one can rest and find food?"

"The largest inn in the city is the Immortal Gathering Pavilion. The ingredients are said to be spirit beasts hunted from the Fire Domain..."

"Immortal Gathering Pavilion also has cave dwellings, but the prices are a bit high..."

The two spoke one after another, pointing Qin Sang in the right direction.

Qin Sang thanked them, stood behind them, and honestly waited in line.

"He's indeed an expert!"

The two exchanged glances, seeing that Qin Sang immediately settled on the Immortal Gathering Pavilion.

They couldn't sense the other's aura; either the other had a treasure that concealed aura, or their cultivation was far higher than theirs.

As long as enough spirit stones were paid, anyone could enter the city.

Qin Sang did not encounter any difficulties. He led the horse into the city, walked through streets and alleys, and headed towards the Immortal Gathering Pavilion.

The Immortal Gathering Pavilion lived up to its name.

In the center of Four Flames Town, aside from some secluded mansions, there was the Immortal Gathering Pavilion. Mortals were not allowed inside.

Outside the city, hot winds raged, but here, there were small bridges and flowing water. The scenery around the Immortal Gathering Pavilion was excellent.

As Qin Sang led the horse to the front of the Immortal Gathering Pavilion, the attendant at the door noticed them and quickly stepped out to greet them.

He picked Xiao Wu up from the horse's back.

The attendant deftly took the reins, holding them gently. He asked enthusiastically, "Are the two esteemed guests staying for the night or dining? I can first take your spiritual horse to a cave dwelling to rest."

How could a cultivator's horse be an ordinary one?

It was not uncommon for guests to bring spirit beasts into the establishment; the Immortal Gathering Pavilion had its own rules and procedures.

Qin Sang held Xiao Wu's hand and glanced inside the Immortal Gathering Pavilion. He saw that the first floor was a large hall, like a mortal inn, with tables set up and guests toasting and drinking.

Some cultivators also enjoyed lively atmospheres.

From the second floor upwards were private rooms and quiet chambers.

The Immortal Gathering Pavilion had spirit formations carved into it since its construction. The private rooms could transform into various sceneries. If a guest wished to hold a banquet in the sky and enjoy immortal-like scenery, it might not be impossible to satisfy.

Qin Sang and Xiao Wu's arrival attracted the attention of some people in the hall. Some glanced and then looked away, while others observed the peculiar pair with interest.

Even in the private rooms upstairs, guests had noticed them.

Third floor.

Inside a private room, an illusory immortal cloud and Jade Pool had been conjured.

Fine wine and delicacies were laid out amidst the clouds and mist. Both the wine and meat emitted spiritual energy. Some cups even glowed with fiery red light; they were definitely not ordinary items.

Several burly men drank wine and ate meat, indulging themselves freely.

More than a dozen dancers gracefully danced around them, their alluring postures captivating, their charms subtly revealed.

"Second Brother."

One of the thin, shrewd men drank a cup of wine, his movements paused, and he nudged his companion beside him with his elbow.

That person wiped his face, the drunkenness completely vanished from his face. He looked past the formation towards the outside of the Immortal Gathering Pavilion, gazed for a moment, and asked in a deep voice, "Are you sure they're new faces?"

"No mistake," the shrewd man said with certainty. "The little girl is so delicate; if I had seen this father-daughter pair before, I would definitely remember."

"Our business has arrived..."

A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Qin Sang's lips. He sent a telepathic message to Xiao Wu.

How could the mere formation of the Immortal Gathering Pavilion block his perception?

Xiao Wu was still confused.

"No need," Qin Sang shook his head. "We are going into the Fire Domain to search for medicine. We will leave the city after a brief rest. Please also prepare some high-grade spiritual beast meat and blood for this humble Daoist's spiritual horse." He then led Xiao Wu into the Immortal Gathering Pavilion.