Chapter 1985: Alliance

Minor Grotto-Heaven!

Qin Sang was also surprised by Jitian Sect's grand gesture. According to Gui Mu, the Grotto-Heavens in the Grand World are not secret realms sealed by spiritual arrays, but might actually be Minor Worlds!

For Void Refinement cultivators like them, Minor Worlds aren't that tempting, as most Minor Worlds cannot compare to the Grand World and cannot sustain Void Refinement cultivators' cultivation. However, for a sect, controlling a Minor World holds extraordinary significance for its development.

The value of a Minor World is immeasurable; it possesses abundant resources. Some nurture billions of inhabitants, some give birth to unique creatures, and some produce special treasures.

Jitian Sect's generosity shows their extreme importance for the Coiling Dragon Ancient Array, which they are determined to obtain. A great reward attracts brave individuals. Even those factions that found the ancient array ruins, and stayed to comprehend them, probably couldn't resist the temptation.

Qin Sang looked at the Coiling Dragon Sky Pillar in his hand, feeling somewhat tempted. Previously, he had considered keeping the Coiling Dragon Sky Pillar. Comprehending it thoroughly, even if it couldn't restore the Coiling Dragon Ancient Array, would significantly enhance his understanding of array formations and restrictions. He might even be able to create a small-scale Coiling Dragon Array based on the Sky Pillar.

"It might not be a complete Minor Grotto-Heaven, right?" Qin Sang said calmly.

Minor Worlds vary in their evolutionary stages. Those that haven't evolved all things and are desolate, or are shattered beyond repair, or have been extensively plundered by Jitian Sect, would have their value greatly reduced.

"Daoist Master, you see clearly," said Old Man Guyun. "Jitian Sect has only released a piece of news. As for what kind of Minor Grotto-Heaven it is, and how much value it retains, that will only be announced at the Jitian Assembly. Existing Coiling Dragon Sky Pillars are extremely rare. If you offer the Coiling Dragon Sky Pillar, Daoist Master, there's a strong chance you'll obtain the Minor Grotto-Heaven."

Old Man Guyun felt quite envious. Since Jitian Sect was offering it as a reward, they certainly wouldn't use an abandoned Minor Grotto-Heaven, as that would only make them a laughingstock. A Minor Grotto-Heaven, at the very least, could serve as a retreat. In times of calamity, one could hide within the Minor World and seal the Dao Marker Gate to avoid disaster.

It was a pity the Coiling Dragon Sky Pillar fell into this person's hands. This person had eradicated Patriarch Minghu, displaying astonishing audacity. Old Man Guyun wouldn't idly dream that the other party would share it with Yundutian.

*Would it have been better if I had joined forces with Patriarch Minghu that day?* This thought flashed through Old Man Guyun's mind. For years, Yundutian and Luohun Abyss had been entangled in grievances, often ending in compromise. If it were Patriarch Minghu, he would likely have compromised in the end, with the two sects joining forces to acquire the Minor Grotto-Heaven and then dividing it. But it's hard to say. If he had fallen or even been severely injured, Yundutian would also decline from then on, just like Luohun Abyss.

Firstly, he had too many concerns; secondly, Qin Sang had seized the initiative, making him afraid to act rashly. Now that the overall situation was decided, it was too late for regrets.

Qin Sang changed his tone and asked, "When is the next Jitian Assembly?"

"The Jitian Assembly has no fixed date, only a general timeframe. A Jitian Token will be sent by emissaries ten years in advance. Jitian Sect is so eager; it's better sooner than later, so it's probably within the next century," Old Man Guyun mused.

"At that time, Daoist friend, please don't forget this humble Daoist. Take this humble Daoist along to broaden my horizons," Qin Sang said.

"To travel with Daoist Master, this old man couldn't ask for more." Old Man Guyun readily agreed, but his mind began to ponder the deeper meaning of Qin Sang's words. *Bringing him along... does he not intend to participate in the Jitian Assembly under the name of Qingyang Temple?*

Qin Sang himself was a Void Refinement cultivator, with a mysterious and unfathomable background. Although Qingyang Temple's foundation was somewhat lacking, obtaining a Jitian Token wouldn't be difficult. *Could it be that I guessed correctly before? Does this person really have some secret they don't want exposed under Jitian Sect's nose?*

Qin Sang indeed did not want Qingyang Temple to step into the limelight. For an unknown individual and an obscure sect to suddenly emerge, directly acquire a Jitian Token, and offer a Coiling Dragon Sky Pillar would be too conspicuous and eye-catching, making them easily targeted. If the secret of the Thunder Altar were discovered, who knows what kind of commotion it would cause. Besides him, none of Qingyang Temple's four Soul Transformation cultivators were in the late stage, making them far from comparable to other factions. His successor also only had Foundation Establishment cultivation. Once he left, Qingyang Temple wouldn't even find someone capable of overseeing the main altar.

Qingyang Temple was meant to grow steadily, but Qin Sang, in his quest for enlightenment, ruthlessly eliminated demons, causing Qingyang Temple to leap into prominence as a force on par with Yundutian. Qin Sang's original intention in founding Qingyang Temple was to leave a legacy in the Grand World. Now, he wouldn't be tied down by Qingyang Temple, confined to one corner.

This Jitian Assembly was an opportunity to gather information about the outside world. When the time was right, he would definitely leave. After he leaves, how will Qingyang Temple sustain itself without being seen as vulnerable prey by others? If Qingyang Temple and Yundutian unite and establish a firm foothold in this region, there will be little to worry about. Not only did he want Yundutian and Qingyang Temple to unite, but he also wanted Yundutian to have reservations, preventing them from treating Qingyang Temple as a mere subordinate to be manipulated at will. The background he created made Old Man Guyun hesitant to act, but for both sides to advance and retreat together, shared interests are the most stable foundation of an alliance.

The Coiling Dragon Sky Pillar was the best bargaining chip.

Qin Sang said meaningfully, "At the Jitian Assembly, I would trouble Daoist friend to help this humble Daoist acquire the Minor Grotto-Heaven. I hope Daoist friend won't decline." He truly couldn't spare the extra effort. Qin Sang had already decided to offer the Coiling Dragon Sky Pillar to Jitian Sect, and moreover, he intended to present this treasure through Old Man Guyun's hands!

"Are your words true?" Old Man Guyun was startled, his expression serious as he gazed at Qin Sang.

Qin Sang chuckled, "This humble Daoist has been in secluded cultivation for many years, rarely venturing out, and has no external connections. To acquire the Minor Grotto-Heaven, it truly requires Daoist friend's considerable effort at the Jitian Assembly." With so many eyes on a Minor Grotto-Heaven, even offering the Coiling Dragon Sky Pillar wouldn't guarantee absolute success. Moreover, after obtaining the Minor Grotto-Heaven, one must also have the strength to hold onto it. If the Dao Marker was sufficiently hidden, it would be fine. But if the Minor Grotto-Heaven's Dao Marker was leaked and targeted by villains, Qingyang Temple would not be able to defend it.

Old Man Guyun's heart fluttered. If he assisted Qingyang Temple in acquiring the Minor Grotto-Heaven, how could Qingyang Temple not share it with Yundutian? Even if they could only get a small portion of the Minor Grotto-Heaven, he believed no sect would refuse. The only concern was whether Daoist Master Qingfeng had some hidden agenda that would be detrimental to Jitian Sect. If Yundutian allied with Qingyang Temple, they wouldn't be able to absolve themselves.

Qin Sang was well aware of Old Man Guyun's concerns. His gaze drifted into the distance, piercing through the ravines and looking towards the heavens. "This humble Daoist has painstakingly cultivated for many years, finally reaching the Void Refinement realm and breaking free from the shackles of longevity. I have long heard of the vastness of the Grand World; would it not be a regrettable matter if I could not travel extensively and witness its myriad landscapes?"

These words were half-true, half-false. Qin Sang was not someone who couldn't endure solitude; as long as he could become an immortal, what did it matter if he was confined to one place? However, the karma he was entangled with was too vast; he had to find the Sword Pavilion and couldn't stay in one place indefinitely. More importantly, the Great Ascension Killing Dao was the Dao of the *Purple Micro Sword Scripture*, the Dao of Purple Micro Sword Venerable, but it was not necessarily his Dao. Traveling through the Grand World, witnessing various Grand Daos, and seeking his own Dao during his travels would be better than simply sitting idly in a cultivation cave.

Upon hearing these words, Old Man Guyun's expression subtly changed. His doubts didn't completely vanish but were largely alleviated. No wonder he couldn't ascertain Daoist Master Qingfeng's origins; it was as if he had popped out of a rock crevice. This person very likely left his sect, traveled here, gained some enlightenment regarding the Grand Dao, and needed to verify it. He just happened to encounter the conflict between Yundutian and Luohun Abyss and used it to prove his Dao. It wasn't as full of schemes and conspiracies as he had imagined.

This situation wasn't uncommon, especially for cultivators who had just entered the Void Refinement realm. Having entered a new realm, with the path ahead shrouded in heavy mist, the best option was to travel. This was something Old Man Guyun had personally experienced. The core cultivation method of Yundutian that he cultivated was passed down in an orderly fashion. After breaking through to Void Refinement, he still traveled for a period. This deduction was very logical. Hearing Daoist Master Qingfeng's words, he wouldn't stay here too long and would continue his travels, yet he couldn't abandon his place of enlightenment. Thus, it was natural to draw him in and have him and Yundutian look after Qingyang Temple.

Of course, even if Daoist Master Qingfeng left, Old Man Guyun wouldn't dare underestimate Qingyang Temple. Regardless of Daoist Master Qingfeng's mysterious background, his own strength alone was worth Old Man Guyun making every effort to befriend him. Having understood these crucial points, Old Man Guyun truly began to weigh the pros and cons. The two major factions became closer. However, without Daoist Master Qingfeng, it wouldn't be easy for Qingyang Temple to become a major power, and it wouldn't pose a threat to Yundutian.

He said, partly agreeing and partly with emotion, "So that's how it is! This old man wishes Daoist Master a smooth journey ahead. Alas, I cannot abandon my sect's foundation and travel with Daoist Master. When Daoist Master returns, if this old man is still alive, I hope to hear Daoist Master recount the landscapes along the way, to bring comfort in my remaining years!"

"Daoist friend, you're giving me a farewell order so soon? This humble Daoist will still be neighbors with Daoist friend for some time, perhaps even a few centuries." Qin Sang laughed heartily. He would only consider departing after at least one of his cultivation paths—body refinement, sword arrays, or lightning arts—achieved a breakthrough for self-preservation.

Old Man Guyun smiled slightly, "Once the dust settles here, if Daoist Master has time, perhaps we could take a trip to the Fire Domain. You and I can work together to unearth all the ruins. Afterwards, this old man will go out to gather information and visit a few fellow Daoists, preparing for the Jitian Assembly."

Qin Sang pondered and said, "This humble Daoist should indeed accompany Daoist Master. However, I have just had an enlightenment and need to enter secluded cultivation to consolidate it. I plan to emerge when the Jitian Assembly takes place."

"Very well." Old Man Guyun nodded. "Daoist Master's cultivation, I presume, also requires external aids. This old man can inquire about them along the way." He knew that if Qin Sang was offering the Minor Grotto-Heaven, he certainly had other demands. He simply took the initiative to prompt Qin Sang to state his conditions.

Qin Sang did not stand on ceremony and took out a jade slip. "These spiritual medicines and materials are secondary. This one item, the Jadefrost Divine Liquid, I hope Daoist friend will put more effort into finding."

Old Man Guyun's spiritual consciousness entered the jade slip. He was prepared for Qin Sang to make an exorbitant demand, but upon seeing the long list, his eyelids still couldn't help but twitch. The Jadefrost Divine Liquid was a miraculous elixir recorded in the *Panhou True Scripture*, capable of helping the lifeforce insectoid breakthrough its sixth transformation. Previously, as the Heavenly Eye Butterfly's cultivation hadn't reached the required level, Qin Sang wasn't in a hurry to collect spiritual medicines. Now, the Heavenly Eye Butterfly had cultivated to the peak of its fifth transformation, and once its cultivation was perfectly polished, it could attempt a breakthrough.

The other spiritual medicines were also carefully selected by Qin Sang, greatly beneficial for body cultivators, and prepared for his breakthrough to the sixth layer of the *Heavenly Fiend Body Refinement Art*. For his physical cultivation to break through, he also needed to upgrade his treasures. Previously, he focused on refining the Grey Oriole Sword. The power of items like the Bright Mountain Armor was not befitting a Void Refinement cultivator. Only by upgrading them to true spiritual treasures could his strength reach its peak. These were quite valuable; even for Void Refinement cultivators to collect them would require considerable effort.

"Daoist friend, there's no need to be too eager. The Jitian Assembly is the best time for fellow Daoists to exchange and share resources. There will surely be some trade fairs, and various spiritual items will certainly appear there." Qin Sang saw Old Man Guyun nod and smiled, "This humble Daoist also wishes to participate. I hope Daoist friend can introduce me."

Old Man Guyun nodded gravely. He understood Qin Sang's meaning: these were just for him to prepare in advance. As for the final transaction, it would depend on confirming the Minor Grotto-Heaven's value and how it would be distributed between the two parties. Yundutian would certainly suffer a loss. However, in the long run, it would all be worth it.

The two conversed for a while longer. Old Man Guyun and Qin Sang then agreed on a time to go to the Fire Domain together, after which Old Man Guyun rose to take his leave.

Several days later, Qin Sang stood in mid-air, observing the silent Luohun Abyss. Yundutian's cultivators had already withdrawn. The Corpse Demons of Luohun Abyss were either killed or captured. The once formidable power that shook Twilight Mountain and contended with Yundutian had vanished like smoke.

Several streaks of escape light flew over. Seeing Qin Sang, they all came forward to pay their respects. The arrivals were precisely the two Demon Marquises, with Jingzang caught between them. Marquis Gui stepped forward and presented a round mirror. Infusing it with true essence, the mirror emitted a beam of light that spread out in the void, revealing a topographic map encompassing the entire Twilight Mountain. On the topographic map, there were numerous bright spots, each representing a secret realm, a medicinal garden, or similar location. These past few days, the two Demon Marquises had thoroughly inventoried everything with Jingzang. Luohun Abyss had been managed for several generations, and its accumulated wealth was beyond ordinary imagination. With Qingyang Temple inheriting Luohun Abyss's legacy, the path ahead was smooth, and Qin Sang no longer needed to exert much effort.

"Where is Ling Shi?" Qin Sang nodded and asked.

Marquis Gui sent out a sound transmission talisman. Before long, Ling Shi flew over. "What are your instructions, Senior?" Ling Shi bowed respectfully.

"What are your plans for the future?" Qin Sang wouldn't restrict Ling Shi's freedom; once he no longer needed him to refine potent poisons, Ling Shi would be free to come and go as he pleased.

Ling Shi hesitated before saying, "This junior wishes to join Qingyang Temple. I hope Senior will grant my request."

Qin Sang was not surprised. He nodded and said, "From now on, you shall oversee this place. Tell the cultivators of Twilight Mountain that as long as they behave themselves and do not disturb the mortal world, this humble Daoist will not bother with them."

"As you command!" Ling Shi bowed in response.

"You all go up first." Qin Sang gave the instruction and slowly flew upward. The spiritual energy of Luohun Abyss was naturally much stronger than that of his cave dwelling in the Fire Domain. The main temple would definitely be built on the main altar, but a branch temple could be established here. This place was too gloomy and unpleasant, not fitting the dignified bearing of an orthodox Xuanmen sect.

Qin Sang flew out from underground and raised his hands. "Rumble..." The ground shook, and the stone walls cracked. The cracks grew larger and larger. Just as it seemed about to collapse, it actually began to bulge upwards. Then, a massive shadow began to rise from within the ravine. In the blink of an eye, a towering mountain emerged from the ravine, supporting the former site of Luohun Abyss and soaring into the clouds.

The few Soul Transformation cultivators who personally witnessed a Void Refinement cultivator altering the heavens and earth revealed deep shock and awe in their eyes.