Chapter 1922: Fu Ling

The mother of the three girls drank the elixir water, recovered her energy, and came up to help with the work.

The mother was even busier than her daughters.

She first removed the wild grass stuffed inside her daughters' clothes, revealing their figures. Then, she fetched water to wash the dirt from their faces and necks, tidied their hair, and brushed off the dust from their clothes, making them as clean as possible.

"Back home, we were always clean; never this messy. The world is too chaotic, and I had no choice but to do this, no choice... Little girls love cleanliness, but there was nothing I could do. It's my fault for being useless, I'm sorry for giving birth to you and not being able to protect you..."

The mother murmured, as if explaining something to someone, and then she started wiping away tears.

The three girls were all well-mannered and clever. Without their mother explicitly saying anything, they understood her intentions. With reddened eyes, they worked diligently, showing their efficiency and industriousness.

Mortals could not see the Earth God; in their eyes, only Qin Sang stood there.

The Earth God calmed his emotions. Without offering any excuses, he tightly gripped the jade pendant in his hand. A flash of white light enveloped him, and he materialized, though only the mother and her daughters could see him.

"Oh!"

The three girls and their mother were startled when they suddenly saw a small old man appear beside Qin Sang.

However, thinking that Qin Sang was an immortal, another immortal appearing was nothing strange.

The Earth God looked at the mother, his gaze sharp and insightful. He coughed and said, "Do not harbor such delusions. The Daoist priest is a peerless immortal, immensely powerful. What kind of remarkable individuals has he not seen? For you to encounter him today and be reborn is already a blessing from your ancestors; you should be content."

The mother's thoughts were exposed with a single sentence, and she looked ashamed. She mumbled softly, "My three daughters are obedient and sensible, they know how to serve others, and their hands are quick. I saw that the young immortal doesn't have a maid, so it would be good if he could take one..."

The Earth God shook his head and sighed softly. He couldn't blame her for such delusions; when mortals encountered immortals, who could resist seeking an immortal connection?

Among these people, countless others harbored the same thoughts as this mother.

"Whether there is a destined connection or not, fate has already decided. To foolishly seek an immortal connection will only lead to disaster."

The Earth God spoke from the heart, offering a warning. He then tapped his staff on the ground and said, "I am the local Earth God. Due to the chaos in the world, there has been no incense burning for a long time, and my temple has been abandoned. Considering your mother and daughters' simple nature, and observing that you appear to be educated, I wish to re-establish my divine status. I need someone to manage the secular affairs in the temple. Are you willing to serve as temple stewards?"

"Willing! Of course, we're willing! Quickly, pay your respects to Grandpa Earth God!"

The mother's face lit up with surprise. She was about to pull her daughters down to kneel and bow on the spot, but the Earth God stopped her.

"You are to help the Daoist priest finish distributing the elixir water. Then, take this stone tablet and find a place to stay in Du-zhi Kingdom. The tablet has divine power protecting you. Once the tablet heats up, it will guide you to the temple..."

The Earth God took out a palm-sized gray stone tablet, on which his image was carved lifelike.

Having just received the jade pendant, he felt burdened with a heavy responsibility. He needed to carefully think things through, clarify the situation, and only then consider establishing the temple.

More disaster victims continued to arrive, and Qin Sang and Xiao Wu stayed there for three days.

Many people who drank the elixir water were reluctant to leave. It was only when they realized there were no further benefits, and the immortal had no intention of taking disciples, that they departed for Du-zhi Kingdom.

On the evening of the third day.

Figures on the dirt road became sparse.

Xiao Wu and the three girls, having some free time, squatted in front of the stove, gazing at the stars in the sky and occasionally adding firewood to the flames.

"Little Immortal Sister, look how bright that star is!"

The youngest girl, whose nickname was Yin'er, pointed to a star in the sky and said crisply.

The two older girls were more sensible, always treating Xiao Wu with a bit of reverence and caution. Yin'er, on the other hand, was the most familiar with Xiao Wu.

Qin Sang had cast an illusion on Xiao Wu, and after three days of constant companionship, they still hadn't discovered that Xiao Wu was blind.

The miraculous phenomenon of the three moons shining together had ended in the latter half of that night. The blood moon and dark moon had disappeared, and now only a bright full moon hung high in the sky.

"Mom and Dad said that star is called the Matchmaker Star. If we worship the Matchmaker Star, the Matchmaker will send us a good man."

Though Yin'er was young, she knew quite a bit. A shy expression appeared on her small face, and she suddenly asked, "Little Immortal Sister, will you get married someday?"

"Get married?"

Xiao Wu hesitated. She had heard and seen so many stories and understood the meaning of marriage, but she had never thought about it for herself.

"No," she shook her head slightly, "Why would I get married?"

"Can't immortals get married?"

Yin'er felt sorry for Xiao Wu. "Mother says that if you get married, you'll have someone to rely on, someone who can protect us, just like Dad."

Xiao Wu shook her head and said, "I don't need anyone else to protect me. My master will protect me."

For these three days, Yin'er and her sisters' father spoke little, remaining silent. He continuously picked up and moved firewood, using this method to numb himself. His wife also did not speak to him.

"Slap!"

Hearing Yin'er's words, the father, who was huddled behind the firewood pile, slapped himself hard across the face and buried his head in his hands.

The mother heard the suppressed sobbing. With a complex look in her eyes, she walked over and embraced her husband. The two cried bitterly in each other's arms.

The flames in the stove crackled, and the daughters did not notice anything unusual.

Qin Sang sat on the ground nearby.

While Qin Sang was still there, the Earth God was busy taming the group of demons.

Some demons were unruly, so the Earth God activated the jade pendant, making them suffer until they understood his power, thus becoming docile.

As for those whose demonic nature was difficult to remove, they were precisely used for execution to establish authority.

Lord Luo and Vermilion Bird, having nothing to do, helped the Earth God tame the demons. Within three days, these demons became completely obedient to the Earth God, lining up in the distance, silently awaiting orders.

"They're finally here. Three days to arrive; their reaction is indeed a bit slow."

Qin Sang, who had been in meditation, suddenly opened his eyes. His gaze was like lightning as he looked up towards the direction of Du-zhi Kingdom.

The Earth God was initially confused, but soon felt two rapidly approaching auras. In the distance, he saw two white streaks of light flying across the night sky.

"White Refining Escape Technique; it's the immortal cultivators from Crane Control Pavilion," the Earth God whispered.

Among the famous sects he had previously mentioned to Qin Sang, Crane Control Pavilion was one of them.

Crane Control Pavilion was a righteous immortal sect in Du-zhi Kingdom, originally as renowned as Dragon Guard Mountain.

Crane Control Pavilion cooperated with the Divine Dao, actively descending from the mountains to protect the peace within the territory, deterring demons from invading. Dragon Guard Mountain, however, ended up relocating its sect.

Qin Sang had anticipated this. As the disaster victims entered Du-zhi Kingdom, the cultivators within Du-zhi Kingdom would surely come to investigate upon learning what had transpired here.

"Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Two streaks of escaping light approached from a distance, abruptly stopping midway. They had seen the group of demons in the distance.

Only after confirming that Qin Sang and the Earth God were unaffected did they approach, descending from the sky.

The arrivals consisted of an old man and a young man, both clad in Daoist robes. Each rode a white crane, which were extraordinarily majestic and clearly possessed cultivation.

The old man was surprisingly a Nascent Soul cultivator.

The Earth God recognized the old man's identity, his face showing surprise. He quickly stepped forward and bowed, "This humble deity greets Pavilion Master Su."

This person was none other than the current Pavilion Master of Crane Control Pavilion!

"You are the local Earth God, aren't you?"

Given Pavilion Master Su's status and cultivation, he normally wouldn't need to pay attention to a mere Earth God. Yet, he meticulously returned the courtesy, then cupped his hands respectfully towards Qin Sang, his expression solemn.

"And this Daoist priest is?"

"This humble Daoist is Qing Feng; I greet Pavilion Master Su," Qin Sang returned the bow.

Pavilion Master Su mentally rotated the name "Daoist Qing Feng" a few times, confirming he had never heard of this person before. "Daoist Qing Feng must not cultivate nearby, I presume? Pardon my presumptuousness, but may I ask where your immortal home is?"

Pavilion Master Su had already seen the group of demons; some of them possessed considerable cultivation, yet they were all well-behaved.

The Earth God clearly did not have the power to subdue this group of demons.

With a Daoist of considerable cultivation arriving here, Crane Control Pavilion naturally wanted to inquire about his purpose.

"This humble Daoist has no fixed abode. I came from the East, wandering until I reached this place. Seeing the suffering of the common people, I casually refined a few low-grade elixirs. I hope I haven't caused any trouble for Crane Control Pavilion and fellow Daoists," Qin Sang said calmly.

"For the Daoist priest to administer medicine and save lives is a benevolent and admirable act. How could there be any inconvenience?"

Pavilion Master Su hesitated for a moment, then probed, "Daoist priest, you must also be displeased with the rampant demons. Do you happen to have any good strategies for expelling them?"

Qin Sang saw at a glance that Pavilion Master Su's concern for expelling demons was feigned; what he truly cared about was Qin Sang's intention for being there.

"Demons are everywhere. Even if there is temporary peace, powerful demons from Twilight Mountain could descend at any time to cause trouble. Unless all sects unite, the immortal path enters the mundane world, and collaborates with the divine path, it will only be a temporary solution, not addressing the root cause, and the situation will not change. This humble wandering Daoist cannot think of any good strategies. To be frank, fellow Daoist Su, I am here to find something."

Qin Sang did not conceal anything and directly stated his purpose.

"Oh? May I ask what the Daoist priest seeks? If it is confirmed to be near Du-zhi Kingdom, I might be able to provide some clues," Pavilion Master Su's eyes flashed as he asked in return.

"This humble Daoist seeks an ancient ritual altar. This altar is divided into three tiers: the upper tier is circular, the middle tier octagonal, and the lower tier square. Its design is ancient, not of this era. It is highly likely already damaged, perhaps only the foundation remains..."

Qin Sang described the various features of the altar to Pavilion Master Su.

Hearing this, Pavilion Master Su pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "I have never heard of such an altar. Since the Daoist priest says it is an ancient artifact, with the passage of time, it might already be deeply buried underground."

Qin Sang showed a hint of disappointment, then added, "This humble Daoist particularly favors lightning cultivation techniques. Therefore, I travel the world, visiting fellow Daoists who also excel in lightning methods to discuss the Dao and exchange insights. If Pavilion Master Su knows of such fellow Daoists, would you be willing to introduce me to one or two?"

Upon hearing this, the disciple standing behind Pavilion Master Su's expression subtly shifted. He glanced at his master's back but remained silent.

Pavilion Master Su, however, shook his head again. "I fear I must disappoint the Daoist priest. Among the fellow Daoists I know, there are no masters renowned for lightning cultivation techniques."

Qin Sang expressed regret, "It seems this humble Daoist will have to search for myself. I might cause some disturbance in the future, and I hope Pavilion Master Su will not take offense."

"No problem! With Daoist Qing Feng here, demons will surely tremble in fear. We would be overjoyed! If the Daoist priest ever needs assistance, please send word to our sect, and I will lead my disciples to help."

Pavilion Master Su had ascertained Qin Sang's intentions. After exchanging some polite pleasantries, without inviting Qin Sang to visit the sect, he found an excuse to take his leave.

The master and disciple ascended on their cranes, transforming into two streaks of white light, and soared away.

Watching their departing escape lights, Qin Sang's eyes flickered. He called out to Xiao Wu, "Things here are settled; it's time for us to go too."

Qin Sang handed the remaining elixirs to the Earth God, then he and Xiao Wu mounted the horse.

The family and the Earth God were all very reluctant to see them go.

"Whoosh!"

The green horse conjured a demonic wind and ascended into the sky.

"Goodbye, Little Immortal Sister! You must come visit us later!" Yin'er shouted loudly from below.

Xiao Wu simply waved her hand, making no promises, as there might not be another chance to visit in the future.

Now, as for Pavilion Master Su and his disciple, after bidding farewell to Qin Sang, they rode their spirit cranes back to Du-zhi Kingdom.

The disciple had been on the verge of speaking but refrained. Only when they were nearing Du-zhi Kingdom's borders, ensuring they couldn't be overheard, did he ask, "Master, isn't Senior Tai Yi extremely skilled in lightning cultivation techniques?"

Pavilion Master Su sat cross-legged on the crane's back, his eyes slightly closed. He said faintly, "Are you suggesting I introduce fellow Daoist Tai Yi to Daoist Qing Feng?"

"I recall you mentioning that Senior Tai Yi once lamented the lack of fellow Daoists to spar with him in lightning cultivation, saying that solitary practice makes it hard to reach the Grand Dao. This Daoist Qing Feng travels far and wide seeking the Dao, so he must also be a master of lightning cultivation. Perhaps he is exactly the person Senior Tai Yi is looking for," the disciple said.

"Ah, you still lack experience. Don't be misled by appearances. Don't assume that just because that Daoist distributed elixirs and helped the poor, he is a good person. Demons and monsters in this world are full of trickery, and it's not uncommon for them to disguise themselves as righteous cultivators."

Pavilion Master Su sighed softly. "Fellow Daoist Tai Yi has lived in seclusion for years. Only a few close friends, including myself, can see him, and he never reveals his true form when slaying demons. I once asked him the reason, but he avoided answering, so he likely has a hidden difficulty. I fear that Fellow Daoist Tai Yi might have provoked a powerful enemy and is hiding here to avoid trouble. If that Daoist priest is here seeking revenge, and we directly lead him to Fellow Daoist Tai Yi, wouldn't that be inviting a wolf into our home?"

He patiently explained the advantages and disadvantages, instructing his disciple.

Only then did the disciple realize, saying with shame, "This disciple was rash."

With Du-zhi Kingdom's border in sight, Pavilion Master Su said, "You go back first. I will go visit Fellow Daoist Tai Yi. If he is not an enemy, all the better; let Fellow Daoist Tai Yi meet that Daoist priest himself."

As he spoke, the master and disciple separated. Pavilion Master Su rode his crane south, flying along Du-zhi Kingdom's border until its southern edge, then over the southern Jing Kingdom, and continued flying for a while longer.

Along the way, Pavilion Master Su periodically cast spells to scan for any pursuit.

"Caw!"

The spirit crane descended from the sky, letting out a cry.

Below were layer upon layer of continuous mountain peaks. Clear green water, like a mirror, nestled among the mountains, with green hills reflected upon it, making the scenery exceptionally picturesque.

"Is that Pavilion Master Su? Why are you not guarding Du-zhi Kingdom and deterring demons at this time, but instead have time to visit my humble abode?"

A deep voice echoed from the mountains, and a white-robed old man appeared on a mountaintop.

The old man's expression and demeanor exuded an ethereal charm, like an immortal being, as he gazed at Pavilion Master Su with a smile.

"I encountered something peculiar, a Daoist priest..."

Pavilion Master Su didn't keep him in suspense and recounted his earlier experience.

Unexpectedly, the moment the old man heard the words "ritual altar," his expression immediately changed, showing an unprecedented urgency. "Ritual altar? What kind of altar is he looking for? What is this person's background?"

Seeing this, Pavilion Master Su realized something was amiss. He opened his mouth to speak but his expression suddenly changed, staring behind the old man as if he had seen a ghost.

Appearing behind the old man was none other than Qin Sang.

The old man turned abruptly, lightning flashing between his palms.

Qin Sang ignored this, studying the old man with a strange expression. "A talisman's spiritual connection... that's quite rare! You call yourself Tai Yi. Are you of the Tai Yi Thunder Drilling Talisman lineage or the Tai Yi Thunder Force Talisman lineage?"