Chapter 1986: Trivial Matters

The Human World

The peaks stretched into the clouds, and the sky was bright and clear. Towering mountains rose amidst a vast expanse of misty waters.

Qin Sang raised his hand and pointed at the mountain. Immediately, the mountain began to crack, earth and stone peeled away, gathering into strange rock formations, or carving out sheer cliffs. Soon after, torrents erupted and waterfalls cascaded, sculpting the mountain into a wondrous celestial peak.

A gentle breeze carried grass seeds, scattering them across the mountains. Spiritual energy transformed into sweet rain, nourishing the land. On the barren earth, tender shoots sprouted, bursting with vitality. Small beasts were relocated from elsewhere; before their fear subsided, they were drawn by the abundant spiritual energy, chirping and excitedly running and playing in the mountains.

The entire scene, like a painting, had completely come alive.

With a flick of his hand, Qin Sang created clouds and brought rain. Spirit beasts gathered, and auspicious clouds swirled, sweeping away the gloomy aura of Luohun Abyss. A ghostly domain transformed into an immortal realm!

Qin Sang repeatedly flicked his fingers, and beams of light, like arrows, transformed into banners, sinking into the earth to form a protective mountain formation. As soon as the grand formation was complete, a thin mist rose from the ground, obscuring vision. From outside the mountain, only a hazy, indistinct view could be seen, making it appear even more mysterious and dreamlike.

Old Ancestor Minghu's former cave dwelling was relocated to the mountaintop; aside from a few murals, almost no trace of its original appearance remained. Qin Sang sculpted a few more details, thoroughly satisfied. He imparted to Ling Shi and others the method for entering and exiting the mountain gate, instructed them to go to the Fire Domain to retrieve the demon soldiers from the former dojo, and then flashed into the cave, gazing at the murals in a trance.

***

Qingyang Temple.

The scenery around Qingyang Temple was now vastly different from before. The mountain where the temple stood was raised ten thousand feet, serving as the main peak, with the main altar located at its summit. The surrounding terrain also underwent various degrees of alteration, giving it the grandeur of a major immortal sect. Qin Sang expended considerable effort in drawing spiritual veins and setting up grand formations, laying the foundation for Qingyang Temple. Although this place was inherently less favorable than Luohun Abyss, after centuries of nurturing, it could transform into a holy land for cultivation.

The area below the mountain remained as it was: Qipaicun, the school, Qinggui Town, Jin County... Mortals could not perceive these changes; the old temple still remained in the mundane world, where Yulang would frequently arrange for disciples to provide free medical consultations. A new temple was to be built on the mountaintop, though for now, there were only a few thatched huts to accommodate Yulang's family.

Inside one of the huts, Yulang and Taiyi sat before blueprints outlining their ideal temple, discussing and making revisions. Tao Tu sat by the doorway, leaning against the frame, gazing out at the mountain in a daze. The main peak soared high, offering an expansive view of the vast rivers and mountains below, an excellent vista. Dressed in simple cloth, with a blade of grass in his mouth, he appeared listless, no one would guess he was once a highly influential general.

After settling a detail, Yulang turned to see Tao Tu's expression, sighed inwardly, and asked, "Have you made up your mind?"

"Will Qingyang Temple accept me?" Tao Tu countered, raising his eyes.

"Master said he would no longer involve himself in temple matters. You're homeless; how could I refuse you?" Yulang walked to the door, looking east. "But you are Master Yunxian's personal disciple. To change sects without Master's permission, wouldn't that be betraying your master and ancestors?"

"Disciple?" Tao Tu let out a self-mocking, cold laugh. "Why didn't Master take me with him?"

Little did he know that after Master Yunxian returned to his mountain, he broke out in a cold sweat upon learning the truth, retreating into his sect and daring not to step into the mortal realm again.

Yulang knew his friend's emotional knot was hard to untie. "Master Yunxian taught you Dao methods and guided your cultivation. Although he used you, he bore you no ill will. He left you a sound transmission talisman before he left, showing he acknowledges you as a disciple. To enter Yundu Heaven and become a direct disciple of a Deity Transformation cultivator is a dream for countless people."

Tao Tu gazed silently at the sky, then glanced at the land of Yan Kingdom, muttering, "Yundu Heaven is too far from the mortal realm."

Yulang sighed inwardly, thinking, "Different paths, different aspirations. That's probably how it is." Tao Tu was his dearest friend, and they were kindred spirits. He also wished Tao Tu would stay, but he didn't know which choice would be better for him; Tao Tu had to decide for himself.

"You must meet Master Yunxian eventually. Senior Taiyi and I will be visiting Yundu Heaven soon; you should come too," Yulang said.

Tao Tu nodded non-committally.

***

Just then, a streak of light flew up from below the mountain and landed outside the temple. It was Sha Jiayu. He first bowed to Taiyi, then handed Yulang a jade slip, saying, "These past few days, I traveled the mortal world and found dozens of children of excellent aptitude. I've placed them in the temple below. You can test them and admit them into the sect." The jade slip meticulously detailed the children's backgrounds and Sha Jiayu's evaluations.

Yulang and Taiyi exchanged glances. "To settle various matters so quickly, Elder Brother's tireless efforts are indispensable," Yulang said. "Senior Taiyi and I both wish to invite you to join Qingyang Temple. What are your thoughts, Elder Brother? If you wish to revive the Sha family, you could also serve as an honored guest of Qingyang Temple..."

Sha Jiayu shook his head. "Do you remember what I, your elder brother, said before? Once you settle down, I would go out and travel. Now is the time for me to leave. I came here to bid you farewell." He paused, then hesitated, "In the future, I hope you, my brother, can consider looking after the Yin family to some extent."

To ask a Foundation Establishment cultivator to look after a family with Nascent Soul cultivators might sound utterly ridiculous. However, Yulang's identity was that of the current master of Qingyang Temple; even the Sect Master of Yundu Heaven would not dare to slight him. Qingyang Temple oversaw the mortal realm and would not interfere with the cultivation world, but who would dare ignore Qingyang Temple? Just a single word from Yulang would ensure no one dared provoke the Yin family.

Yulang could feel Sha Jiayu's deep affection for him and was extremely reluctant to part. "Yesterday, the Yin family sent word by flying letter that they will visit in three days. Elder Brother, why not wait a little longer?" He knew that Sha Jiayu felt guilty for having used Nianhui, and Nianhui still harbored feelings for him. They were lovers destined to be together, yet prevented from becoming a couple by various coincidences, grievances, and entanglements—a truly lamentable situation. If they could express their true feelings face to face, perhaps they could resolve their inner turmoil and start anew.

"No need!" Sha Jiayu felt too ashamed to face Nianhui. He clasped his hands in farewell, turned, and rode his escape light, vanishing into the air.

As the streak of light disappeared into the horizon, Yulang thought to himself, "The entanglements of love and hate in the mortal world are truly complex and hard to untangle. Even cultivators are caught in them, unable to break free." He wondered if his Master could ever sort them out.

"He'll come back when he figures things out, perhaps in less than a century," Taiyi said, patting Yulang's shoulder before stepping out of the thatched hut and walking towards the mountain summit.

A stone dwelling had been established on the mountain peak to house the main altar; it was a forbidden area of Qingyang Temple. Taiyi approached and saw the stone dwelling's door half-open. His face immediately lit up with joy. He brushed off nonexistent dust from his robes, bowed deeply, and exclaimed, "Greetings, Lord Emissary!"

"Come in."

Qin Sang looked at Taiyi as he entered and asked in a deep voice, "Are you willing to join the Five Thunder Court?"

Taiyi's heart trembled. Overwhelmed with ecstasy, he prostrated himself, crying out, "Disciple is willing!" After gaining sentience, he had always yearned for the Dao Court; how could he not be willing?

Qin Sang's thoughts stirred slightly, activating the Talisman Altar. The Five Thunder Emissary Seal within the altar vibrated faintly, emitting a golden light. Qin Sang's voice resonated within the stone dwelling, booming like thunder, imbued with majestic heavenly might.

"I, the Emissary of the Five Thunder Court, holding the Seal of the Five Thunder Emissary, issue orders from the Five Thunder Court. By your merit, Disciple Taiyi, for slaying evil and vanquishing demons, and for protecting the mortal realm, I hereby bestow upon you the rank of Sub-Grade Four, Jade Mansion Senior Minister, Five Thunder Emissary!"

As Qin Sang uttered each word, the golden light vibrated with it, forming a shining golden character in the air. As the Emissary of the Five Thunder Court, he possessed the authority to confer ranks. Within the Dao Court, official positions of Grade Four and above originated from the Nine Heavens Golden Palace; Qin Sang could only bestow up to Sub-Grade Four. In truth, during the Dao Court's heyday, Taiyi's cultivation would not have qualified him for a Sub-Grade Four position, as even the Emissary of the Five Thunder Court was merely a Grade Three official.

As the last golden character solidified, golden light rippled, and the imperial decree transformed into a scroll, flying towards Taiyi. Taiyi's long-cherished wish was fulfilled, and he was overwhelmed with emotion. Qin Sang was the Five Thunder Court Emissary by the Celestial Master's decree; the imperial decree he issued was legitimate from the Dao Court and would be recognized by other Dao Court cultivators in the future. Taiyi had been granted a rank but no official position, nor any specific duties, merely because the Five Thunder Court was nominal. Qin Sang had no subordinates under his command, so he couldn't find a task for him. Qin Sang was still considering whether to establish a branch here, construct a ritual altar, and impart teachings and talismans. The opportunity for the Dao Court to truly revive remained slim.

"From now on, you will cultivate here. Take these; thoroughly comprehending them will greatly advance your cultivation." Qin Sang then handed Taiyi a jade slip and a mustard seed pouch. The jade slip contained insights he had gained from the Thunder Altar, and the mustard seed pouch held various spiritual items to aid Taiyi's cultivation.

Qin Sang was preparing for his own departure. When he left, he planned to leave Taiyi behind. His two demon marquises had to accompany him, and if Taiyi were taken as well, the remaining forces would be too weak. Qin Sang was also unsure when he would find the Dao Court, so Taiyi, instead of constantly traveling with him, would be better off staying to guard Qingyang Temple and cultivate with the Thunder Altar. Moreover, after Qin Sang left, no one at Qingyang Temple would be able to manipulate the Thunder Altar. Taiyi, having gained sentience from a lightning talisman, was naturally attuned to thunder. If he could advance to the late Deity Transformation stage and preside over the main altar, he might be able to activate the Sacrificial Thunder Oath. Of course, its power would certainly not match Qin Sang's direct manipulation, but it should still be able to threaten Void Refinement cultivators, deter minor villains, and ensure peace in the area. Before leaving, Qin Sang needed to help Taiyi raise his cultivation as quickly as possible.

Taiyi took the jade slip and was immediately engrossed in its contents, absorbed and entranced. Qin Sang did not disturb him. He called Yulang, gave him some instructions, then left Qingyang Temple and headed directly north.

***

The Fire Domain.

Qin Sang arrived at the location of the former dojo. He released his aura and waited for a moment until a purple streak of light suddenly arrived. Old Man Guyun bowed and said, "Since the Coiling Dragon Heavenly Pillar is here, let's move the other ruins over."

The two immediately split up. Qin Sang headed west, and Old Man Guyun went east.

Qin Sang had a clear understanding of the locations of all the ruins. He arrived at a volcanic belt on the westernmost side of the Fire Domain, where a ruin was situated beneath a volcano. Qin Sang floated above the crater, formed a claw with one hand, and forcefully grasped downwards. Magma inside the volcano erupted. After the eruption ceased, Qin Sang activated the vital energy of heaven and earth, uprooting several volcanoes. Immediately afterward, the ruins slowly emerged from the magma. This ruin was a stone disk even larger than a mountain, its edges full of gaps. Inscribed with countless strange runes, the stone disk emitted the fluctuations of ancient prohibitions.

Having unearthed the stone disk, Qin Sang headed north, with the disk trailing behind him, as if he were flying while holding a mountain. In this manner, he relocated the ruins one by one, bringing them back to the former dojo. Old Man Guyun worked faster and was already waiting there. The two fixed the ruins in the sky; their enormous shadows covered the ground, resembling a cluster of meteorites.

Below, magma churned as the ruins moved up. Qin Sang took out the Coiling Dragon Heavenly Pillar and inserted it into the ruins. The core of the ruins had been separated and destroyed by Qin Sang during his battle with Old Ancestor Minghu. Although Qin Sang had copied the ancient prohibitions, restoring them was no easy task.

For now, they put aside the Coiling Dragon Heavenly Pillar. Qin Sang and Old Man Guyun began to collaboratively piece together the ruins. They sat cross-legged in the air, communicating telepathically. Although they were not masters of formations, they each possessed unique insights into the Dao of formations and prohibitions. Through their exchange, both gained inspiration and gradually began to discern some clues. They worked together to move one of the ruins. The ruin fell to the earth, landing next to the original ruin. The two ruins did not touch, and there was a large empty space between them, but the moment this ruin landed, subtle, almost imperceptible fluctuations appeared in the prohibitions of both ruins, resonating with each other. Then came the second, the third... Unbeknownst to them, five years had passed.

For five years, the two remained still, constantly shifting the positions of the ruins, as if assembling a broken jigsaw puzzle. With Qin Sang's and Old Man Guyun's actions, all the ruins had landed on the ground, scattered here and there, a chaotic mess. From above, it looked like a ruined city, devastated by war and then submerged by a great flood, leaving it riddled with holes. However, in the eyes of Qin Sang and Old Man Guyun, these fragments secretly conformed to a certain pattern and could be regarded as a whole.

After five full years, the two moved for the first time, floating above the Coiling Dragon Heavenly Pillar. With the ruins as a reference, they could finally discern some clues from the Coiling Dragon Heavenly Pillar. They deliberated for a long time, then exchanged glances, each flying to opposite ends of the ruins and jointly activating the vital energy of heaven and earth.

The situation changed dramatically. The ancient prohibitions within the ruins were triggered one after another. Within the hurricanes formed by fire, golden light points suddenly flashed. The golden points multiplied, and the ruin fragments transformed into gold, connecting into a single piece. A dull sound emanated from the ruins. Suddenly, golden light shot into the sky, and a golden dragon was born within the light. To be precise, it was only the outline of a dragon. This golden dragon, with its majestic horns, coiled on the ground, poised to soar into the heavens and command the winds and clouds. The ruin fragments were parts of its body, and the twinkling golden points were its shining dragon scales. Its body was broken, but its majesty remained undiminished. Immediately afterward, a golden dragon phantom ascended into the air, clawing and roaring fiercely as it charged towards the Coiling Dragon Heavenly Pillar. The dragon's body coiled around the heavenly pillar, its head raised to the sky, mouth agape, roaring at the heavens.

Alas, this awe-inspiring sight lasted only a brief moment before the dragon phantom vanished. This dragon phantom contained a certain variation of the Coiling Dragon ancient formation; it was the key to comprehending the Coiling Dragon ancient formation, exactly what the Jitian Sect needed. Qin Sang recorded the entire process. At the appropriate time, he would present it to the Jitian Sect along with the Coiling Dragon Heavenly Pillar.

Old Man Guyun bid farewell. "I have an appointment with Daoist Yu from Guhe Garden; it's time for me to depart."

After seeing Old Man Guyun off, Qin Sang returned to his new dojo, sealed his cave dwelling, and retrieved Old Ancestor Minghu's relics.