Chapter 2008: Guest Minister

## The Human World

A row of cloud-reaching buildings stood arrayed. The foremost gate tower displayed a plain wooden plaque inscribed with the characters 'Five Elements Alliance'. It was remarkably ordinary, made from the most common type of spiritual wood, designed not to give guests any sense of pressure or make them hesitate to approach.

Qin Sang had previously passed by the Pavilion of Heaven, which had a completely different style compared to the Five Elements Alliance.

All the way up to the twentieth heaven, guests at the entrance of the Five Elements Alliance were constant, a clear indication of its popularity.

Qin Sang stepped into the Five Elements Alliance, and immediately, a brightly smiling maid came forward to greet him.

However, before the maid could speak, a young man hurriedly walked over, coughed lightly, and said, "You may leave. I will attend to this senior."

Qin Sang had not deliberately concealed his aura.

Even in White Jade Capital, Void Refining cultivators were not ubiquitous, and Body Fusion and Mahayana cultivators were even rarer, like dragons seen only in glimpses.

"Yes!" the maid replied without hesitation, bowed slightly, and gracefully moved aside, her smile undiminished, to greet another guest.

"Senior, please," the young man said.

The young man personally led the way, taking Qin Sang to a quiet room, and ordered fragrant tea and spiritual fruits to be served. His etiquette was impeccable.

"May I ask for your Dharma name, Senior?" the young man asked, bowing slightly.

"This humble Daoist's surname is Qin, and my given name is Sang," Qin Sang replied.

Although he intended to use the Five Elements Alliance to cover his tracks, Qin Sang still decided to use his real name.

Once his identity was exposed while retrieving the sword, forcing him to flee far away, his real name or an alias would become irrelevant. The name 'Qin Sang' could instead become famous throughout the world and be known by old acquaintances.

"Greetings, Senior Qin," the young man said, bowing slightly. "May I know what your needs are? The Five Elements Alliance will do its best to fulfill them. Even if this branch cannot achieve it, our headquarters is in the thirtieth heaven, and I will immediately seek assistance from an elder there."

The Five Elements Alliance not only conducted business in artifact refining but also had branches spread across the eight major heavens, gathering spiritual materials from all over the world. It could be said that if a spiritual material for artifact refining could not be bought at the Five Elements Alliance, then there was little hope of finding it at other merchant guilds.

Qin Sang was not in a hurry to reveal his true intention. He took out a jade slip and asked, "Do you have these spiritual items?"

The young man took the jade slip, probed it with his spiritual sense, and nodded. "Yes, we have all of them. May I ask how much Senior Qin needs? Also, a few of these spiritual items are generally not for external sale. We hope Senior can understand."

Qin Sang frowned. "Generally? Which specific spiritual items are they?"

Among the spiritual items listed in the jade slip, some were indeed what he needed, while others were added randomly to mislead. He had also mixed in some of the spiritual items required for building a Daoist altar.

The young man pointed them out one by one. The Azure Trace Prime Essence was notably among them, and Qin Sang couldn't help but feel fortunate that he had obtained a large quantity in the Azure Sky Grotto-Heaven.

"Since your establishment has these spiritual items, why won't you sell them to me, Qin?" Qin Sang feigned displeasure and snorted coldly. "Are you concerned that I cannot afford the price?"

"Please calm your anger, Senior," the young man said, bowing deeply, neither humble nor arrogant. "These are rules set by the elders of our alliance. As a junior with limited authority, I have no right to change them. If Senior Qin urgently needs this item, I will immediately go invite Elder Qi. Perhaps he can make an exception or two."

Qin Sang softly grunted, "Go on."

"This junior takes his leave!" the young man said.

The young man hastily withdrew. Not long after, the barrier outside the door was triggered.

Qin Sang sat up straight and said in a deep voice, "Please come in."

Immediately, a ruddy-faced old man pushed the door open and entered, with a smile on his face and a genial demeanor.

"Qi Mu greets Fellow Daoist Qin," the old man said. "If the junior was in any way remiss earlier, I hope Fellow Daoist Qin will not take offense."

Alliances like the Five Elements Alliance certainly valued artifact refining skills, but cultivation level was also one of the most important factors. This Elder Qi's cultivation was similar to his own, so it seemed that Void Refining cultivators could become elders in the Five Elements Alliance, though he didn't know how high an 'elder's' status truly was.

Qin Sang processed these thoughts, then stood up and returned the greeting. "Elder Qi is too kind," he said. "Deacon Zhao's authority was limited, so he couldn't meet my requests. I apologize for disturbing your peace, Elder Qi."

"I already know the situation and came specifically to explain to Fellow Daoist," Elder Qi said, motioning for Qin Sang to take the main seat and sitting opposite him. "It's not that we are intentionally targeting Fellow Daoist; our alliance indeed has this rule. Fellow Daoist must also be aware of the value of those spiritual items. Firstly, they are truly rare, and it's quite difficult for our alliance to collect them. Secondly, their quantity is limited. We first need to provide for our alliance's artifact refining grandmasters for their own use, and also satisfy some guests we dare not offend, before we can consider others. Since our alliance has a reputation, we cannot directly tell outsiders we don't have them, as others wouldn't believe us. We just have to spend more effort explaining."

Elder Qi wore a wry smile. These words were quite frank and open.

Qin Sang had anticipated this, but he didn't believe the Five Elements Alliance truly wouldn't sell them. As a business, it was simply that the price offered wasn't high enough.

Transactions at this level would surely require bartering. As long as Qin Sang produced spiritual items of higher value, he didn't believe the Five Elements Alliance wouldn't be tempted.

The problem was, given Qin Sang's wealth, he couldn't sustain such highly inflated transactions for long; it was not a long-term solution.

*Tap, tap...*

Qin Sang lightly tapped the tabletop with his finger. "Fellow Daoist Qi," he asked, "do you mean that if I become one of your own, everything can be discussed?"

Elder Qi paused slightly, carefully scrutinizing Qin Sang, and said gravely, "If Fellow Daoist joins the Five Elements Alliance, you will naturally enjoy many conveniences. However..."

"However what?" Qin Sang asked with a smile. "Does your esteemed establishment only accept artifact refining grandmasters?"

"Of course not. Our alliance would be delighted to have a cultivator of your caliber," Elder Qi said frankly. "But firstly, while enjoying the conveniences, you would also need to work for the alliance. Can Fellow Daoist accept this? Secondly, the path of artifact refining is the foundation of our alliance's existence. Our internal structure is destined to value artifact refining grandmasters more. This needs to be clarified beforehand to avoid any future resentment."

Loose cultivators at the Void Refining stage were rare, though not unheard of. But could such unruly individuals truly settle down in a single organization?

Moreover, in White Jade Capital, there were too many better choices than the Five Elements Alliance.

Elder Qi believed that the likelihood of Qin Sang joining the Five Elements Alliance just for a few spiritual items was small.

Qin Sang saw Elder Qi's attitude and guessed his thoughts, so he stopped probing and said truthfully, "To be frank, I, Qin, have also immersed myself in the path of artifact refining for many years and have personally refined several spiritual treasures."

As soon as these words were spoken, Elder Qi's expression immediately changed.

"Fellow Daoist Qin conceals his true abilities; it was my oversight," Elder Qi said, his gaze clearly much more eager than before.

"Forgive my impertinence, but has Fellow Daoist previously joined other artifact refining organizations, such as the Pavilion of Heaven?" Elder Qi inquired about Qin Sang's background, then, fearing Qin Sang might misunderstand, immediately explained, "Because our alliance is named 'Alliance,' many fellow Daoists within it hold multiple identities, including heads of various sects. However, disputes inevitably exist between major powers, so we need to clarify beforehand to ensure Fellow Daoist can avoid awkward situations."

"I, Qin, am accustomed to solitary travel. Having heard that your esteemed establishment has few restrictions, I decided to visit," Qin Sang said, shaking his head. "I have not yet been to the Pavilion of Heaven."

Elder Qi's eyes grew brighter and brighter.

An artifact refining grandmaster at the Void Refining stage who also traveled alone was truly rare. Recommending such a person to the alliance would be a great service.

Could he have just ascended from a minor realm? That would be wonderful! Such individuals were like blank slates in the grand world, and all possessed excellent talent and infinite potential for the future; they must be retained at all costs!

He wasn't at all worried that Qin Sang was a spy sent by another power with ill intentions. Time reveals a person's true nature, and due to its loose structure, the Five Elements Alliance had countless 'spies' and ample experience dealing with such individuals.

Elder Qi said earnestly, "Fellow Daoist Qin has certainly come to the right place. Throughout the Great Zhou, there is no organization more suitable for Fellow Daoist than our alliance. Joining our alliance will not only grant you conveniences within the alliance but also various benefits externally."

"Oh? What kind of benefits?" Qin Sang asked, his interest piqued.

"For example, the nine major teleportation arrays between the various heavens and White Jade Capital, each teleportation costs a considerable sum. If Fellow Daoist joins our alliance, you will not only enjoy discounts but also be able to bring two disciples each time..." The examples Elder Qi cited sounded mundane, but they were tangible benefits.

Qin Sang couldn't help but sigh with emotion. He had always wondered who controlled the nine great teleportation arrays.

The nine great teleportation arrays were like lifelines to humanity. Since the King of Zhou couldn't even determine his own lifespan, the various factions certainly couldn't tolerate him controlling the nine great teleportation arrays.

Now it seemed that the human race's sects, aristocratic families, and top powers all had a hand in it, and could also get a share of the benefits.

The existence of the Great Zhou indicated that the human race was generally stable internally. In such a situation, various factions checked each other, sought allies, and pursued mutual benefits. Leaning on a certain power would also provide other conveniences, clearly offering more advantages than disadvantages.

"Are these all benefits that guest elders can enjoy?" Qin Sang mused.

"Precisely! If Fellow Daoist Qin truly becomes a member of the Five Elements Alliance, our alliance would welcome you immensely," Elder Qi said enthusiastically.

The Five Elements Alliance was indeed just an alliance initially, but after years of development, its structure had long changed. The alliance would cultivate its own forces, and most core members had grown up within the Five Elements Alliance from a young age.

Others who wished to join had to undergo stricter tests.

Qin Sang remained noncommittal. "Enjoying so many benefits must also entail obligations, correct?" he asked.

"Indeed," Elder Qi replied. "Our alliance's branches are spread across the eight major heavens, and clients commissioning artifact refining are endless. Some commissions can only be confidently completed by artifact refining grandmasters. Our alliance understands that cultivation is paramount for you all, but you must complete one commission periodically to account to the alliance." Elder Qi did not explicitly state what was required for truly joining the Five Elements Alliance.

Both understood that there would undoubtedly be greater restrictions, and these were something Qin Sang could not endure. At least for now, he wouldn't consider joining any force; being a guest elder was sufficient.

There was plenty of time, and Elder Qi would scheme slowly. He was not in a hurry to win Qin Sang over and nodded. "Fellow Daoist Qin," he said, "could you please demonstrate your attainments in the path of artifact refining to me? This would allow me to report to the higher-ups."

"How should I prove it?" Qin Sang asked.

"Any method will do. I just need to confirm it initially," Elder Qi said. "The alliance will then have its procedures."

Qin Sang thought for a moment, and his thoughts stirred.

The quiet room grew cold, suddenly illuminated by sword light. The sword, like autumn frost, lay horizontally between them. It was precisely the Gray Oriole Sword!

"This sword was refined to imitate my soul-bound spiritual sword," Qin Sang said. "It is connected to my mind and spirit. I ask Elder Qi to appraise it."

Qin Sang offered the precious sword.

The Gray Oriole Sword hummed and vibrated, seemingly echoing its master's words, yet also as if unwilling to be judged by others. Its sword cries were filled with arrogance and brimming with spiritual energy.

"A fine sword!" Elder Qi exclaimed.

Elder Qi praised it greatly. With the discernment he had cultivated over many years, he almost instantly confirmed that this sword must have come from Qin Sang's hand and was distinctly different from spiritual treasures refined by others.

"With this spiritual sword, Fellow Daoist Qin's ability is sufficiently proven," Elder Qi said. He stood up and solemnly returned the Gray Oriole Sword to Qin Sang. "Please wait a moment, Fellow Daoist. I will now report to the alliance."

"Please proceed, Fellow Daoist," Qin Sang said, seeing Elder Qi off. He then pondered his upcoming itinerary.

To be prepared for a rainy day, Qin Sang had to consider his future path. He might need to rely on the Daoist altar to continue comprehending the Mahayana Killing Dao.

Once his identity was exposed, there would be no opportunity to collect spiritual items while fleeing, so he could only try to do so now.

Unfortunately, the spiritual items required for the Daoist altar were too vast. Even with the help of the Five Elements Alliance, it would be difficult to gather them all. In the future, he would probably still need the Sword Slave's assistance.

While he was pondering, Elder Qi returned.

While waiting for the Five Elements Alliance's reply, Qin Sang and Elder Qi began to chat idly.

Knowing too little about the grand world, Qin Sang feared revealing his ignorance, so he mainly discussed the path of artifact refining with Elder Qi.

White Jade Capital was the center of humanity in the grand world, where news of various Daoist traditions circulated. Even if Elder Qi hadn't personally witnessed everything, his knowledge was incomparable to Qin Sang's.

After their exchange, Qin Sang could only sigh with emotion that the path of artifact refining in the grand world was indeed profound and extensive, with many extremely mysterious methods he had never heard of.

"I've heard there's a secret art of artifact crafting that allows one to imbue a soul into an artifact, turning it into a spirit race being and granting it new life?" Qin Sang asked, seemingly casually.

"Legend says such a secret art exists, but those who come out claiming to know it are all swindlers," Elder Qi said with disdain. "They prey on those who are desperate, and their actions are despicable. Even if such a heaven-defying, fate-altering wondrous art truly exists in the world, only those peerless great cultivators would be capable of performing it."

He wondered if the Five Elements Alliance had such a great cultivator.

Qin Sang did not ask this question. Even if there was a great cultivator skilled in this art, he had no means to request their assistance. Moreover, the Wandering Sword was too significant to expose.

Next, Qin Sang learned from Elder Qi that in the Five Elements Alliance, besides refining artifacts for clients, one could also contribute in other ways. The greater the contribution, the more benefits one would receive, for example, by voluntarily offering treasures.

This was no secret. Elder Qi directly handed Qin Sang a jade slip.

Probing the jade slip with his spiritual sense, the names were dazzling and made his blood boil.

There were too many heavenly materials and earthly treasures Qin Sang had never heard of. Some only existed in legends or were mentioned briefly in ancient texts, then vanished without a trace, to the point where even the Five Elements Alliance was unsure if they still existed.

The Ten Divine Woods were notably listed, and Qin Sang made a strange discovery.

Among the Ten Divine Woods, the Blood Sang of Boundless Hell was surprisingly ranked first, even higher than Soul-Nourishing Wood.

"It is said that the Blood-Filth Divine Light of the Blood Sang of Boundless Hell can defile spiritual artifacts," Qin Sang asked, pointing to the Blood Sang of Boundless Hell. "But if used against spiritual treasures, its power would be greatly reduced, wouldn't it? Why does it have such high value?"

This question further confirmed to Elder Qi that Qin Sang was not from a major artifact refining power. "Fellow Daoist, you may not know," he explained, "but it is said that if the Blood-Filth Divine Light is refined through a special secret art, it can obscure the spirituality of a spiritual treasure and, with daily cleansing, make it easier to subdue. It also has a certain effect on artifact spirits. One could say it is the most convenient secret art for subduing artifact spirits in the world."