Chapter 1993: Bright Golden City

Qin Sang's expression turned serious. He wondered if Revered Master Yue was so interested in the Witch Clan's elixir recipe because she cultivated a Witch Clan heritage.

"This elixir recipe was passed down to me by an elder long ago," Qin Sang replied, quietly observing Revered Master Yue.

"That elder is now..." Revered Master Yue pressed on, but seeing Qin Sang shake his head, her eyes dimmed slightly.

Qin Sang offered no further explanation, instead asking, "Does this elixir recipe have any connection to you, fellow cultivator?"

Revered Master Yue quickly composed herself, resuming her normal demeanor. She sighed softly, "One could say there is a connection. You must have noticed that the heritage contained in this recipe is quite unique. In alchemy, the combination of spirit herbs can reflect an interpretation of the Great Dao. Different sects and traditions form different schools of thought. Additionally, the refining method for this recipe differs from what we humans practice."

"You're referring to the Witch Clan, aren't you?" Qin Sang directly stated.

"Indeed, you know of the Witch Clan!" Revered Master Yue showed no surprise. "To be frank, when I first embarked on the path of cultivation, my master didn't understand alchemy. The reason I became an alchemist was because I unexpectedly discovered an ancient book in an elder's abandoned dwelling. This ancient text recorded a Witch Clan alchemy heritage. It was then that I learned there were Witch Clans in the world, besides our human and demon races, and that some legends might be true."

Listening to Revered Master Yue's words, Qin Sang calmly asked, "What legends?"

"Legend has it that the Witch Clan was once a dominant force in the Great Thousand World. Later, as humanity prospered, the Witch Clan was driven to the barren lands by human sages and has since steadily declined. Even here overseas, we find traces left by the Witch Clan, so there seems to be some truth to it," Revered Master Yue said.

Hearing this, Qin Sang fell into thought.

Without waiting for Qin Sang to respond, Revered Master Yue continued on her own.

"Unfortunately, that was the only text. I searched for many years but couldn't find any other Witch Clan ruins. Perhaps they have been erased by time, or maybe that text was brought here from somewhere else. One text alone wasn't enough to get me to where I am today. I was also fortunate enough to acquire some human alchemy secrets and join my current sect. However, my fascination with Witch Clan alchemy has always lingered. It's not just about the sentiment that drew me to cultivation; different traditions mutually reinforce each other, which has greatly aided my own progress. Therefore, when I saw the recipe for the Azurefrost Divine Liquid, I was overjoyed. I initially thought another Witch Clan ruin had emerged, and I couldn't wait to meet the recipe's owner."

Despite having only met Qin Sang once, Revered Master Yue revealed her entire cultivation journey, naturally with an ulterior motive. She looked at Qin Sang with anticipation, thinking that since it was given by an elder, there should be more than just one elixir recipe.

Qin Sang clearly understood her intentions.

There were indeed more elixir recipes. The *True Scripture of Panhu* was a complete heritage, documenting various elixirs used to assist in nurturing lifebound spirit insects. At least for the sections concerning spirit insects of the fifth transformation and below, the content was extremely detailed and extensive. However, most of them either lacked the necessary spirit herbs, required unique refining methods, or even necessitated Witch Clan bloodlines, making them difficult to concoct. Qin Sang could only select a limited number of types.

When spirit insects broke through to the sixth transformation, equivalent to a cultivator's Void Refinement stage, the content greatly diminished, with very few elixir recipes, and the difficulty of refining them would undoubtedly be extremely high. Upon entering the seventh transformation, there were no specific elixirs mentioned. However, the *Spirit Nurturing Method*, the fundamental technique of the *True Scripture of Panhu*, was not restricted by cultivation realm. Ghost Mother had said that this method was a true Witch Clan heritage; as long as the owner's cultivation was high enough, they could continue to nurture their lifebound spirit insects using the *Spirit Nurturing Method*, it was just that auxiliary elixirs were lacking.

Qin Sang understood that Ghost Mother might not have been holding back secrets. Spirit insects of the seventh transformation were equivalent to human Integration stage cultivators, extremely rare in the world, and incredibly difficult to nurture. Moreover, the number of spirit insect species was countless, and the higher the realm, the greater the differences in cultivation experience, divine abilities, and racial traits. These were like unbridgeable gaps, making it almost impossible to summarize a universal spirit elixir. At this realm, the spirit insect and its owner had to explore together, pursuing the Great Dao.

Of course, if the opportunity arose, Qin Sang would definitely visit Ghost Mother to find out how Flowing Fire and Fat Silkworm were doing. Ghost Mother had also promised to help him find a way to nurture the Heaven-Gazing Butterfly into a Seventh Transformation Void Butterfly. Back then, he thought it was unattainable and didn't dwell on it, but who would have thought he could reach this stage, making it no longer a distant dream.

"Have you never considered leaving this place to seek Witch Clan heritage elsewhere?" Qin Sang asked.

"I've been to the Sunken Jade Sea, Extreme Heavens Peak... everywhere," Revered Master Yue gently shook her head, clearly indicating no significant findings.

"What about the Great Zhou?" Qin Sang pressed.

Revered Master Yue's expression subtly shifted. "North of Extreme Heavens Peak, the sea becomes increasingly perilous. Not only are there wandering demons, but also various unknown yet extremely dangerous creatures, and mysterious sea regions harboring strange phenomena. Even a Void Refinement cultivator, if slightly careless, could perish upon encountering them."

Qin Sang suddenly understood. No wonder the further north one went, the more vague and unreliable the records on the topographical maps became. With so many dangers between this region and Gen Prefecture of the Great Zhou, it was an impassable chasm for anyone below the Void Refinement stage, and even Void Refinement cultivators wouldn't easily risk it.

"Sea charts detailing safe passages are held by top-tier powers. They paid a considerable price to chart these routes and guard them like treasures, rarely revealing them to others. Furthermore, with an uncertain path ahead, how can I, burdened with the heavy responsibility of my sect and with its fate resting on my shoulders, dare to travel far? I hope my disciples mature soon so I can relieve this burden and journey throughout the Great Thousand World," Revered Master Yue lamented.

Qin Sang empathized with Revered Master Yue's sentiments. He had founded the Green Mountain Temple three times, trying his best to be a hands-off manager. Each time he left, he had to do everything in his power to pave the way for Green Mountain Temple, making proper arrangements and guarding against various threats before he could feel at ease. How much more so for others? Void Refinement cultivators, having cultivated for thousands of years, were entangled in countless karmic ties, and these ties were their burdens. Among them, the master's grace was the heaviest. Receiving favor from one's sect meant bearing its karma. With high hopes from one's master above and dependent disciples below, emotions and gratitude flowed continuously, ensuring orderly succession. Unless one was naturally cold-hearted, how many could remain indifferent?

However, Qin Sang keenly sensed an underlying meaning in Revered Master Yue's words and pressed, "From what you're saying, is there a way to safely traverse the vast sea and reach the Great Zhou?"

As fellow humans, the Great Zhou must have contact with this place, and there might even be a grand teleportation array. The Jitian Sect likely knew about it. Qin Sang had initially planned to use the Jitian Sect as an entry point and had been considering what could persuade them. A few days ago, Qin Sang personally visited Elder Yi of the Jitian Sect, introduced by Old Man Guyun. It was their first contact, and their acquaintance was still shallow, so they didn't delve into deep discussions. Being too eager might alarm the Jitian Sect, and if they discovered the altar array, it would be difficult to explain.

Revered Master Yue's beautiful eyes scanned Qin Sang's face. After a moment of hesitation, she nodded, "The path of alchemy is difficult, and alchemists are easily targeted. Top alchemists from various regions have private connections. To my knowledge, one fellow cultivator has befriended a power in Gen Prefecture of the Great Zhou. That power possesses great divine abilities, capable of traversing the vast sea, occasionally sending rare and precious spirit herbs here from the Great Zhou... that power seems to be called Splendid Gold City."

Splendid Gold City! Qin Sang's heart stirred. Splendid Gold City was one of the powers Qingyuan had mentioned years ago that dealt in transit business. Furthermore, Qingyuan had specifically emphasized that Splendid Gold City was the largest and most well-known power in Gen Prefecture, and crucially, it had an excellent reputation. One could say that as long as an steward of Splendid Gold City was found, Gen Prefecture would not be far. Splendid Gold City had indeed extended its reach here, yet it remained very low-key and unknown, perhaps due to some form of suppression or other reasons. Since she mentioned Splendid Gold City, Revered Master Yue should be trustworthy. If he could connect with Splendid Gold City through Revered Master Yue, he wouldn't need to go to such lengths to appeal to the Jitian Sect. Splendid Gold City, the capital of Gen Prefecture, Mount Yujing... if all went well, he could reach the human holy land via this route and experience the grandeur of humanity in the Great Thousand World. Coincidentally, he possessed what Revered Master Yue desired. Both parties could get what they needed...

Qin Sang said, "To be honest, although my cultivation is not profound, I have a desire to travel the Great Thousand World."

"Oh?" Revered Master Yue pondered, then nodded, "I can contact that fellow cultivator, but I can't guarantee if he will agree."

Knowing Qin Sang's request, Revered Master Yue seemed to gain the upper hand.

Qin Sang didn't mind, smiling slightly. "That elder of mine left this recipe to help me cultivate a divine ability. Additionally, there are several other elixirs that complement the Azurefrost Divine Liquid. I can bring them out for us to study together, fellow cultivator."

"Is that true?"

"Absolutely true!"

Revered Master Yue, being an impatient person, immediately stood up. "I'll contact that fellow cultivator right away. However, I can't guarantee your absolute safety on the journey, and there's also the fee for Splendid Gold City..."

"I'll handle it myself! Regardless of life or death, it will have nothing to do with you, fellow cultivator!" Qin Sang stated firmly.

"Good! As soon as I have news, I will inform you immediately, and also send you the Azurefrost Divine Liquid."

Qin Sang escorted Revered Master Yue out of the treasure garden, saying, "After the Dharma Assembly, you can find me at Cloud Heaven."

Revered Master Yue nodded, and just as she was about to turn and leave, she remembered something. Calculating with her fingers, she said, "It seems we won't make it this time. The next time Splendid Gold City comes over, it will probably be several decades from now."

Only once every few decades? Qin Sang considered this. Both his breakthrough and artifact refining would take time, so he said, "A century is but a flick of a finger. Waiting is no problem."

After his interaction with Revered Master Yue, Qin Sang was no longer as concerned with the Jitian Sect. Of course, he still maintained proper etiquette.

During the subsequent Dharma Assembly, Qin Sang met several Void Refinement cultivators, including Elder Yi of the Jitian Sect. Among them were Grand Elder Le Chengzi of Everlasting Mountain and Elder Fang of the Jitian Sect's Yanyuan Hall. The three discussed the Way of Artifact Refining, greatly benefiting Qin Sang and progressively clarifying his plans for treasures like the Bright Mountain Armor.

The Jitian Dharma Assembly gradually drew to a close. The final month was the highlight of the assembly, with success or failure in acquiring the minor grotto-heaven resting on this single effort. While the Jitian Sect was powerful, it also suffered from the drawbacks of large forces, with numerous internal factions. Old Man Guyun was exceptionally busy, running around, forming alliances, and engaging in diplomacy.

Through Sect Master Yu, they finally gathered some information about the minor grotto-heaven. This minor grotto-heaven was a shattered small-thousand world. It had no inhabitants but produced spirit items. After discovering this minor grotto-heaven, the Jitian Sect did not completely plunder it, retaining some of its value. Among all the rewards, the minor grotto-heaven was the most eye-catching. While other rewards were also valuable, none compared to the minor grotto-heaven. There was some favorable news for them: no news had yet spread about any other power obtaining a Coiled Dragon Heavenly Pillar, which meant their chances of success were high.

As the Dharma Assembly neared its end, Qin Sang was meditating in the Brown Peak Treasure Garden, mentally outlining the Qi脈 diagram of the Bright Mountain Armor, awaiting news from Old Man Guyun. Suddenly, he felt his cave dwelling being touched. He saw a sound transmission talisman trapped by a restriction. He drew it into his palm, and Old Demon Zhen's voice emerged from within.

Old Demon Zhen had returned but hadn't entered the city, instead inviting him to meet outside. Qin Sang felt a subtle strangeness. After a moment's thought, he first sent a message to Old Man Guyun, informing him before leaving the city. On a desolate mountain north of the Jitian Sect, he met Old Demon Zhen, who was seated cross-legged on a rock.

Qin Sang scrutinized Old Demon Zhen from head to toe, a peculiar glint in his eyes. "Are you injured, fellow cultivator?" No wonder he suggested meeting outside the city; Old Demon Zhen probably didn't want others to know of his weakness.

"You won't go back on your word, will you, Daoist?" Old Demon Zhen's voice was hoarse.

With a flash of light from the Thousand Jun Ring, Qin Sang immediately took out a jade disc. This jade disc was half black and half white, ancient and imposing, inscribed with the secret art of *Life-Death Reversal*. Its appearance was identical to how it looked when the *Life-Death Reversal* technique was performed. The spiritual essence of this jade was difficult to imitate.

Upon seeing the jade disc, Old Demon Zhen's eyes blazed with light. He exclaimed, "Zhen has fortunately lived up to his word!" Saying this, he raised his hand and took out a jade slip, gesturing for Qin Sang to examine it with his divine sense.

As his divine sense touched the jade slip, Qin Sang immediately saw half a scripture. The words flowed into his mind, profoundly mysterious, revealing the wondrous formation of the starry path: the Sky River Reverse-Kill Formation! The other half was concealed by Old Demon Zhen.

"What a profound and mysterious formation!" Qin Sang praised.

"Heh heh, this formation can serve as a sect-guarding grand formation, Daoist; you definitely won't be at a disadvantage," Old Demon Zhen said, scrutinizing Qin Sang. He was injured and no match for Qin Sang, but he wouldn't allow himself to be easily manipulated. If Qin Sang harbored ill intentions and they began to fight, it would attract experts from the Jitian Sect.

"Here!" Qin Sang flicked his finger, and the jade disc shot towards Old Demon Zhen. Old Demon Zhen grabbed it, praised his straightforwardness, and tossed the jade slip to Qin Sang. Confirming it was the complete Sky River Reverse-Kill Formation, Qin Sang was overjoyed. He expressed his gratitude and was about to return to the city when Old Demon Zhen called out to him.

"Wait, Daoist!" Saying this, Old Demon Zhen took out several artifacts from his spatial artifact. Their forms were broken, yet they emitted a clear, star-like glow.

"What are these?" Qin Sang was drawn to the artifacts.

"These are fragmented formation artifacts. If you re-refine the Sky River Reverse-Kill Formation using them as a foundation, you'll achieve twice the result with half the effort! This should be enough to match the value of the Soul Extinguishing Lamp, right?" Old Demon Zhen asked. One incomplete formation, one spirit treasure lacking a complete treasure art—they seemed to be of comparable value.

Qin Sang, however, shook his head. "Not enough!"

Old Demon Zhen frowned deeply. He had paid an immense price for this trip, and factoring in the elixirs needed for his future recovery, it could be said he had risked everything for this secret art.

"However," Qin Sang's tone shifted. He took out the Soul Extinguishing Lamp and sent it flying towards Old Demon Zhen. "Fellow cultivator Zhen has kept his word, and I am not one to be overly aggressive. If Green Mountain Temple disciples traveling abroad ever offend you, I hope you will be lenient with them."

Old Demon Zhen was momentarily stunned, his lips slightly parted. He then said, "I dislike playing games with people, but I do carry some weight within the Demonic Sect. If anyone dares to harm your disciples without cause, Myriad-Net Island will certainly not allow it!"