Chapter 1945: Metamorphosis

"I'm not going back!"

"Help! They're killing the bird!"

A heart-rending shriek shattered the tranquility above Qingyang Temple. Fortunately, Qin Sang had cast a spell to isolate the sound; otherwise, the patients inside the temple would have been startled.

Qin Sang's avatar was seeing patients in the main hall. His true self stood high in the sky, watching the Vermilion Bird below desperately flap its wings, as if being pursued by death, shrieking and fleeing towards the outside of the Daoist temple. Just moments ago, Qin Sang had used a voice transmission to say he wanted to take it back to the mountain, and the Vermilion Bird had reacted like this.

The Vermilion Bird couldn't help but be agitated. Even though it would be restricted by Qin Sang if it stayed at Qingyang Temple, it would be a bit boring. However, it would see different people every day, watch Qin Sang treat patients in the main hall, and listen to their stories. More importantly, the future held much promise.

The Vermilion Bird calculated: it would endure a little longer, wait for Yu Lang to grow up, for his cultivation to improve, and for the time he should venture down the mountain. When Qin Sang was busy repairing the Thunder Altar and couldn't spare an avatar, it could use the excuse of escorting Yu Lang to legitimately go down the mountain. It was truly like a dragon returning to the sea or a tiger returning to the deep mountains!

Just when it felt the future was promising, it unexpectedly heard Qin Sang intended to take it back. "That dilapidated temple of yours has nothing, fire everywhere, utterly boring! Is that a place for a bird to stay?!"

A bubble formed in the void, trapping the Vermilion Bird inside. No matter how it struggled, it couldn't break free. The bubble carried the Vermilion Bird towards Qin Sang, as it let out desperate wails.

"Have you forgotten you're a Vermilion Bird?" Qin Sang almost chuckled in exasperation.

He wasn't taking the Vermilion Bird back to the temple to control it. Rather, Qin Sang had gained some insights while studying the sword formation, and the Vermilion Bird might be able to help him.

Qin Sang intended to emulate the Seven Mansions Formation and create his own Four Symbols Sword Formation. The Seven Mansions Formation corresponded to the Seven Mansions of the Western White Tiger and would eventually condense the White Tiger's ominous energy. Using this as a reference, the other three sword formations would respectively condense the ominous energy of the Vermilion Bird, Azure Dragon, and Black Tortoise, until all four sacred beast energies manifested, completing the sword formation!

The vast constellations, the Three Enclosures, Four Symbols, and Twenty-Eight Mansions. The Four Symbols were named after four sacred beasts, and Qin Sang wondered what profound mysteries they concealed. During this time, Qin Sang observed the stars at night, feeling the starlight and experiencing the power of the constellations.

In the ethereal realm, it seemed to be inherent; the Four Symbols constellation regions should indeed be named after the four sacred beasts: White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Azure Dragon, and Black Tortoise. Although cultivating the *Celestial Demon Refining Form* also required drawing in stellar energy to temper the body, he hadn't experienced this sensation before due to his limited cultivation and perspective.

It was an indescribable feeling, without any logical explanation. Qin Sang just had this sensation that when his mind sank into the void, it was as if sacred beasts would truly leap out from the starlight, and he would suddenly awaken. However, he wondered if it was due to preconceptions, like daytime thoughts leading to nighttime dreams, creating a psychological suggestion.

This was perhaps the difficulty of seeking the Dao! The Great Dao was ethereal and elusive, and on the path to seeking it, one faced countless trials: wrong paths, temptations, illusions, as well as self-generated hallucinations and inner demons.

Qin Sang couldn't help but reflect on himself. While his true self cultivated and his avatar experienced the world, he had gained much, but his enlightenment of the Dao had not made significant progress, still like looking at flowers through a fog or the moon in the water.

Regardless of whether it was right or wrong, Qin Sang had indeed comprehended something, and it perfectly aligned with the true meaning of the Seven Mansions Formation. He even had a real Vermilion Bird by his side! Perhaps, when he aligned with the stars and created his own Southern Vermilion Bird Sword Formation, the Vermilion Bird could offer assistance.

Qin Sang flicked his sleeve, collecting the noisy Vermilion Bird, and his figure gradually faded.

The evening of the second day after Qin Sang's true self departed. A cloud of white mist drifted slowly from the direction of Jinxian county town. Several people stood atop the white cloud. Among them were Miss Yin and Lin Baoshan.

At this moment, Miss Yin's complexion was rosy, her eyes bright and sparkling with vitality. This indicated an improvement in cultivation that had not yet stabilized. Even the kingfisher on her shoulder was much livelier than before, looking around with great spirit.

Miss Yin stood behind a middle-aged man dressed in brocade robes, whose demeanor was extraordinary. This man was Yin Heqian, the current head of the Yin family.

"Patriarch, Qingyang Temple is not far ahead," one person behind him pointed forward and reminded.

Yin Heqian hummed in acknowledgment and said, "Descend."

The mist dissipated, and the group landed by the roadside outside Qipai Village.

"Who could have imagined that two highly accomplished cultivators, one telling stories in a teahouse and the other treating mortals in an old temple? I had only read about powerful figures experiencing the mortal world in books, but I never expected to see it with my own eyes," a Yin family disciple remarked, standing on tiptoes and looking into the distance.

"Indeed! Those spirits and deities were so evasive, yet we easily found out from mortals..." As they spoke, everyone looked towards the bamboo grove by the roadside. Footsteps and laughter emerged from the bamboo grove. As evening approached, the students were likely heading home.

"It's that young Daoist!" Lin Baoshan whispered, looking at Yu Lang as he emerged from the bamboo grove.

"He's clearly a cultivator, yet he's studying in a mortal school," a Yin family disciple said, looking puzzled.

Yin Heqian scoffed, "I've told you repeatedly to read more! Though mortals lack the power to move mountains and fill seas, there are sages among them with vast minds, who can explore the heavens and earth and serve as models for all generations. For us to learn their classics and comprehend their philosophies is of immense benefit to our cultivation!"

While admonishing his family's disciples, Yin Heqian maintained a normal expression and walked towards Yu Lang. Yu Lang, having been warned by Xiao Wu, knew in advance that a group of cultivators had arrived outside the bamboo grove, so he looked over as he stepped out.

"This must be young Daoist Yu Lang, correct? I am Yin Heqian, the head of the Yin family. I've brought my unworthy daughter here to visit your esteemed master. I apologize for the abrupt visit, but I wonder if it's a convenient time?" Yin Heqian asked amiably.

"Oh! It's you!" Yu Lang recognized the young woman and scratched his head. "Master didn't say cultivators aren't allowed up the mountain."

The group ascended the mountain together. Upon reaching the entrance, Yin Heqian ordered the others to wait and only brought the young woman and Lin Baoshan into the temple. There were still a few patients inside, so Yu Lang and Xiao Wu went to help.

Yin Heqian did not enter the main hall directly. Instead, he honestly took his place at the end of the line, glanced at Qin Sang, and calmly surveyed the temple. The young woman pouted, but dared not show any dissatisfaction, obediently following behind her father.

By the time all the patients had left, it was nearly *xushi* (7-9 PM). The three approached Qin Sang. Yin Heqian bowed, "I am Yin Heqian, greetings, Daoist."

Qin Sang looked up. "Are you here to see a doctor as well?"

Yin Heqian was momentarily stunned, then quickly said, "Daoist, you misunderstand! I came specifically to thank you for rescuing Qiao'er and bestowing upon her a great fortune. Qiao'er!"

"Qiao'er greets Senior! Qiao'er will always remember Senior's kindness." Yin Qiao'er gracefully curtsied.

Qin Sang shook his head, tidying his medicine box as he spoke. "I already told you, your misfortune was an unintended consequence of being involved with me, so it was only right for me to intervene. Moreover, it was Fellow Daoist Qingyuan who granted you that opportunity. How can there be talk of kindness between us? It's getting late. If you're not here to see a doctor, please leave."

Yin Qiao'er felt a bit flustered. Her usual cleverness seemed to be useless in front of this Daoist. Fortunately, Yin Heqian was calm enough.

"It was presumptuous of us to disturb your peaceful cultivation, Daoist. We shall descend the mountain now. The Yin family resides in Yinping Mountain, on the border of Nanshu Prefecture, in the southern part of Yan State. Should you ever need anything, Daoist, please simply inform me, and I will spare no effort to assist you." Yin Heqian decisively took his leave.

Seeing them exit the main hall so quickly, the Yin family disciples were very surprised.

"Patriarch?"

"We'll talk when we get back!"

Yin Heqian whispered, and upon reaching the foot of the mountain, he ascended on a cloud and flew away. It wasn't until they were almost at the Yin family residence that someone couldn't help but ask, "Patriarch, did you discern the cultivation level of that temple master?"

Yin Heqian frowned, pondering for a long time, then said, "His aura was faint and indistinct, making it difficult to investigate with secret arts. However, this person is at least in the late Nascent Soul stage. As for Qingfeng and Qingyuan, I have never heard of such individuals..."

He paused, then instructed someone beside him, "Send a message to Fellow Daoist Qi and ask him to try and investigate whether they are from Yundu Mountain. However, they might be using aliases, so tell Fellow Daoist Qi that it's fine if he can't find anything, and under no circumstances should he leave any traces. Even if he does find something, do not act rashly."

"Treat it with a normal mindset," that person understood.

"Exactly!" Yin Heqian nodded.

"Father, why don't you send me to study as well? I've never been to school before," Yin Qiao'er said eagerly.

Yin Heqian glanced at his daughter. "It's good that you have such thoughts, but your intention is too obvious, and being superficial will be counterproductive. Moreover, the origins of these two are unknown, and who knows what karmic ties they have. For now, it's best to maintain a somewhat detached attitude. There will always be opportunities in the future."

"Yes!"

Winter gave way to spring. Unknowingly, the scorching summer arrived. It had been half a year since they met Qingyuan.

In the past six months, the Yin family had not visited again, and the spirits and deities of Jinxian county were also very cautious, trying to avoid disturbing Qin Sang. Qingyang Temple remained largely unchanged, with patients seeking treatment arriving daily.

Yu Lang and Xiao Wu went to school to study during the day. In the evenings, after closing the temple, the master and his two disciples each practiced their cultivation.

On this particular day, Yu Lang and Xiao Wu requested leave from their teacher. Patients who came for treatment found that Daoist Qingfeng was not at the temple; only his two disciples were seeing patients.

At this time, Qin Sang was in the cellar. Before him, a talisman floated, shimmering with lightning, which was Taiyi's true form.

This year, Qin Sang had gained much from studying the main altar, making significant progress. Along with this, the pace of helping Taiyi improve and transform was also much faster than anticipated.

Feeling that the time was right, Qin Sang no longer hesitated, deciding to begin working on Taiyi's true form today!

"Taiyi!" Qin Sang let out a low cry.

Lightning flashed on the spiritual talisman, Taiyi's response, indicating it was also ready. Qin Sang's expression was solemn. He flew down onto the main altar and sat cross-legged.

Next, Qin Sang's actions and process were almost identical to when he previously created the Taiyi Thunder Talisman. However, in subtle details, there were changes that were poles apart.

*Crack!*

*Zap!*

Thunder rumbled within the cellar. The thunder carried a sense of determination, like Taiyi's roar.

Taiyi fully trusted Qin Sang, completely opening its mind and true form, obeying his every command. Qin Sang encountered no hindrances; everything proceeded smoothly, but he remained very cautious.

One day passed, and less than ten percent of the work was complete. Xiao Wu and Yu Lang saw off the patients, closed the gate, finished their studies, and then cultivated, just as they did when Qin Sang was present.

This continued until the ninth day. Qin Sang suddenly emerged from the cellar, informed his disciples, left Qingyang Temple, flew swiftly for a while, and arrived at a deserted wilderness.

As he flew, he held the spiritual talisman tightly in his hand. Upon reaching the wilderness, Qin Sang set up formation flags to isolate the area from the outside, gently tossed the spiritual talisman into the air, and then, with lightning speed, pointed a finger, pressing firmly on the location of a talismanic aperture.

Suddenly, the spiritual talisman erupted with countless bolts of lightning, striking out in all directions. This was the final stroke, the one Qin Sang had contemplated for the longest time, and at this moment, he finally executed it!

Qin Sang's expression was solemn as he watched the center of the lightning. A moment later, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

It was done!

*Crack!*

Lightning flashed and thunder roared. The lightning emanating from the spiritual talisman became increasingly blinding, obscuring Taiyi's true form. The lightning began to twist, subtly forming a humanoid outline with discernible limbs and a head, though no clear facial features. However, the aura emanating from this humanoid lightning was unmistakably Taiyi's!

*Rumble!*

Heavenly thunder rolled, deafeningly loud. Thunderclouds gathered high in the sky, thick dark clouds obscuring the sun.

"As expected, there's a heavenly tribulation!" Qin Sang looked up at the sky, a glint of surprise in his eyes. His figure flickered, and he moved out of the tribulation cloud's range. Overcoming the tribulation was something Taiyi had to do on its own.

However, Taiyi's true form had already transformed into the Taiyi Thunder Talisman, so passing the Three Calamities Tribulation should not be an issue. The main concern was the inner demon trial.

The Three Calamities followed one after another, and the tribulation lightning within the clouds was surprisingly golden. In the Great Thousand World, golden tribulation lightning also occurred when demonic beasts underwent tribulation. It seemed that Taiyi was regarded by the Heavenly Dao as a talismanic demon!

Qin Sang stood on the mountaintop, watching the tribulation lightning fall like raindrops, not moving until the very end when the tribulation clouds dispersed. After waiting a while longer, a bolt of lightning flew from the tribulation site and landed before Qin Sang, where Taiyi materialized.

His appearance was still the same, and he was exceptionally excited, bowing deeply: "This junior has finally entered the Soul Transformation stage, not failing to meet Lord Envoy's expectations!"

"Very good!" Qin Sang nodded. "Your cultivation is not yet stable, so continue your secluded cultivation back at Qingyang Temple. Once your cultivation is stable, go out and search for the other Thunder Altars and find all the sub-altars."

"As you command!"

Returning to Qingyang Temple, Taiyi resumed its secluded cultivation in the cellar. The master and his two disciples returned to their normal lives.

"...Only after knowing where to stop can one be stable; only after being stable can one be tranquil; only after being tranquil can one be at ease; only after being at ease can one deliberate; only after deliberating can one obtain..."

Behind the bamboo grove, the sound of reading was clear and resonant. All the students applied themselves diligently to their studies, not daring to show any slackness. It wasn't that they were genuinely striving for self-improvement, but rather they heard that their teacher had failed the autumn imperial examination again this year!

Yu Lang also didn't dare to provoke his teacher at this time, so he swayed his head and recited the scriptures he already knew by heart. Xiao Wu's seat was right next to him.

"Teacher says, read a book a hundred times, and its meaning will naturally reveal itself. But I've already read and memorized the commentaries from various schools of thought, so I wonder how much more I can comprehend..."

Yu Lang was lost in thought when he noticed his senior sister suddenly looked up, then turned her head to glance out the window.

"Senior sister, what's wrong?" Yu Lang looked, but saw nothing.

"Someone... fell from the sky." Xiao Wu lifted the book in her hand slightly and subtly pointed a small finger towards the sky, then towards the window.