Chapter 2020: Black Hole

The designated meeting point was within a stable illusory realm created by divine ability.

When Qin Sang arrived, Young Master Xin and Steward Luo were already there, joined by several Xin family cultivators who had returned ahead of schedule.

Elder Pei sat cross-legged on a nearby rock, his breathing deep and steady, deep in meditation. It was unclear if he had been cultivating there the entire time, or if he had just returned.

"Elder Qin, have you discovered anything?" Steward Luo eagerly inquired the moment Qin Sang arrived.

Among those present, Qin Sang and Elder Pei possessed the highest cultivation, making them the only ones capable of venturing deeper. Elder Pei, mindful of his status, disdained such minor scouting tasks, and no one dared to press him. Their only hope for information lay with Qin Sang.

"Uncle Luo," Young Master Xin gently interjected, his voice calm and unhurried. "Elder Qin has just returned and likely needs to rest. We can discuss this later, once everyone has assembled."

"The Young Master is absolutely right," Steward Luo replied, abashed. "This old servant was merely flustered with worry. Please forgive me, Elder Qin."

"It's no matter," Qin Sang said plainly, unconcerned by such a minor transgression. "While I'm keeping an eye out for you, my primary objective is to locate the Earth Brilliance Jade Rosevine for myself. In the past year, I haven't come across any area that triggered a reaction from my talismanic fire."

A year had passed since they entered the Abundant Ju Jade Gate, yet they had explored only a small fraction of it. Beyond the unexpected encounter with Su Nü, little progress had been made on their other objectives.

Upon hearing this, Steward Luo's disappointment was palpable. He knew rushing was futile; for high-level cultivators with extended lifespans, a single year was inconsequential. It wouldn't be unusual for this search to span eight to ten years.

Steward Luo respectfully invited Qin Sang to the main seat on the carriage, but Qin Sang's gaze was fixed on the Xin family cultivators standing nearby. These were all Xin family Nascent Soul cultivators who had previously led scouting missions and were now back to report.

"Have any of you fellow Daoists found signs of the Earth Brilliance Jade Rosevine?" Qin Sang asked.

The cultivators glanced at the carriage, then each produced a jade slip, which they presented to Qin Sang.

"Elder Qin, we haven't located the Earth Brilliance Jade Rosevine," one began. "However, as you instructed, we diligently explored and documented every marked location we passed. Please take a look."

Qin Sang collected the jade slips, then boarded the carriage and settled behind the jade table, examining each slip individually.

These cultivators had been quite thorough; the records in the jade slips were exceptionally detailed, clearly indicating diligent exploration. Any attempt to fabricate information would have been immediately apparent to Qin Sang.

One by one, Qin Sang reviewed the locations and dismissed them.

While rumors often painted these places as incredibly mysterious and perilous, in reality, most were exaggerated. To lower-level cultivators, they might indeed seem enigmatic, but as tales spread and distorted, their formidable reputations proved largely unfounded.

As Qin Sang reviewed the jade slips, the other scouting teams began to return, with Qu Zhen eventually arriving with two cultivators from the Hengsha Association. Fortunately, all the teams had only sustained minor casualties due to unforeseen circumstances, and no complete losses had occurred.

The combined reports revealed no significant findings, necessitating further division of their forces.

"From now on, you will gradually explore deeper," Young Master Xin advised. "It will become increasingly perilous, so everyone must proceed with caution and prioritize safety."

"Understood!" the cultivators chorused, bowing before preparing to disperse. At that moment, Elder Pei's eyelids fluttered. He emerged from his meditation, his voice cold. "How long will it take these useless individuals to find anything? I have no intention of wasting my time on you all. Give me some talismans!"

Witnessing Elder Pei's decision to act personally, both the Xin family's master and servant were delighted. They immediately presented him with a stack of talismans. "We appreciate your effort, Senior Pei."

Elder Pei grunted, pocketed the talismans, then transformed into a streak of white light and vanished into the depths of the void.

Qin Sang instructed the Hengsha Association to continue as planned, then excused himself from Young Master Xin. After flying for some distance, he arrived in an expanse of dark void, where he abruptly halted his escape light. "To whichever fellow Daoist has been following me for so long," he stated calmly, "why not reveal yourself for a conversation?"

"Elder Qin's spiritual perception is indeed sharp," a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Elder Pei.

Qin Sang showed no surprise at his appearance. "Since Elder Pei made no effort to conceal his aura, I presumed you harbored no ill will towards me. Otherwise, I would have already fled."

"Is that so? How could a distinguished Elder of the Five Elements Alliance be a coward?" Elder Pei's eyes flickered with a hint of disbelief. "However, you were correct about one thing: I bear you no ill will."

He then turned his gaze toward the interior of the Abundant Ju Jade Gate. "This place is fraught with peril; I've only ventured here a handful of times in my memory, so my understanding is limited. Perhaps we could travel together? Not only would we offer mutual support, but it's said countless treasures lie within the fragments of the ancient Sword Pavilion. If we join forces to seek them, we can split the spoils evenly, each taking what we desire. The Xin family's affairs are merely secondary; I made a promise to the previous Xin family patriarch, and it's solely out of respect for that promise that I agreed to assist them. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother."

"I see," Qin Sang said, feigning admiration. "Elder Pei is truly a man of his word!" He then continued with a regretful expression, "Regrettably, to me, nothing is more crucial than finding the Earth Brilliance Jade Rosevine. The matters of the ancient Sword Pavilion and the Xin family are of secondary importance. If we were to travel together, I fear I would only impede Elder Pei's grand treasure-hunting endeavor."

"Is that so? It appears we are not fated to journey together, Elder Qin," Elder Pei said with a sardonic smile. "In that case, I wish Elder Qin success in achieving his desires sooner rather than later."

"I shall take your auspicious words, Elder Pei!" Qin Sang cupped his hands in a gesture of farewell, then took flight.

As he watched Qin Sang's retreating figure, Elder Pei's gaze gradually turned frigid. With a flicker, he vanished, leaving behind only a cold snort.

En route to Su Nü's secluded cultivation spot, Qin Sang pondered the relationship between Elder Pei and the Xin family. Based on his observations, the matter seemed far more complex than Elder Pei had implied. However, Qin Sang had no desire to delve deeper, nor did he wish to become entangled or align himself with either side.

Should a dispute genuinely arise, he would simply act opportunistically, or, if necessary, withdraw entirely.

Su Nü's secluded cultivation retreat was a valley. Inside, clear springs flowed and verdant trees thrived, creating a veritable paradise. It was difficult to discern whether it was an illusory realm formed by divine ability or a truly existing place.

The moment he entered the valley, Su Nü's voice echoed from within: "Brother Qin, are you back?"

Qin Sang answered, inwardly sensing something amiss. Su Nü's voice sounded unusually frail.

Before he could fully respond, Su Nü emerged from a treehouse nestled within the woods, her appearance startling Qin Sang. She was utterly pale, seemingly frail, and flew out looking like a specter, like a patient on the brink of death.

How long had he been away? What could have transpired in such a short time?

"Please forgive my appearance, Brother Qin," Su Nü said, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Earlier, I was pursued by two adversaries, leaving me with a lingering ailment that has been slow to heal. While it normally doesn't affect me, I worried it might impede you during our future exploration of the Sword Pavilion. Coincidentally, I know a secret technique, and I thought to use it to cure my ailment, but I overlooked the inherent dangers. Unexpectedly, in my haste, I made a mistake midway and nearly suffered qi deviation..."

Hearing this, Qin Sang felt a surge of helplessness, unsure how to respond. For a dignified Void Refinement cultivator to make such a blunder, it could only mean Su Nü was excessively self-reliant, unwilling to depend on others. Indeed, powerful individuals often harbor an unyielding pride.

"Are your injuries severe?" Qin Sang observed Su Nü, noting her faint and unstable aura. Even if she hadn't truly suffered qi deviation, her strength was undoubtedly greatly diminished, and her injuries were clearly worse.

"Fortunately, I realized something was wrong and stopped in time," Su Nü sighed. "I only lost some vital energy, and the persistent ailment is now mostly resolved. However, I might need to enter seclusion for a few years, meaning I won't be able to explore the Sword Pavilion with you during that time, Brother Qin."

"Don't overthink it," Qin Sang reassured her. "Focus on your recovery. The Sword Pavilion fragments have existed for ages; a few more years won't matter. I'll gather information and study the ancient restrictions within the Sword Pavilion on my own for now. Once you emerge from seclusion, we can resume our exploration together."

"Thank you for your understanding, Brother Qin," Su Nü said, her delicate hand producing a green jade pendant. "I won't be able to spare any attention during my seclusion. This jade serves as the key to the valley's formation. With it, Brother Qin, you may enter and exit the valley freely whenever you wish to return and rest."

Qin Sang found it impossible to refuse and accepted the jade pendant. Yet, despite Su Nü's composed expression, Qin Sang secretly resolved to visit the valley less frequently in the future. No one, after all, desired company while in a vulnerable state of healing.

After a brief exchange, Qin Sang, without entering the valley, bid Su Nü farewell.

After flying a short distance, Qin Sang turned back, gazing towards the valley. He frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, then shook his head and sped towards his predetermined destination.

Su Nü's seclusion was, in fact, a fortunate development; he no longer needed to contrive reasons to keep her at bay.

For Qin Sang, securing an escape route was paramount, as it directly impacted his life and safety. This route had to remain entirely in his control and unknown to anyone else, including Su Nü.

As for the Ziwei Palace, Qin Sang's primary concerns were the Tianshan Mountain that sealed Bingyao, and the teleportation array leading to the Seven Kills Hall.

This array was situated within a Sword Path Grand Hall. Qin Sang recalled that when the Immortal Palace emerged, that area also underwent massive changes, with divine peaks erupting from the ground. He wondered if this specific location had separated from the main Ziwei Palace. If he could find the Sword Path Grand Hall, he might be able to access other Sword Pavilions directly.

While Su Nü recovered, Qin Sang simultaneously explored the Abundant Ju Jade Gate and searched for Sword Pavilion fragments. More often than not, he would merely glance at a location, and if it wasn't what he sought, he would move on.

Subsequently, he meticulously selected several more locations from the records compiled by Qu Zhen and others, personally visiting each. However, his efforts consistently met with disappointment.

Undeterred, Qin Sang persevered in his search, venturing ever deeper into the Abundant Ju Jade Gate.

On this particular day, at the appointed time to meet Vermilion Bird, Qin Sang emerged from the depths and hurried to the location, immediately hearing Vermilion Bird's excited squawks.

"You're finally back! Quick, follow me!" Vermilion Bird exclaimed, tugging impatiently at Qin Sang's sleeve.

Qin Sang quickly scanned his surroundings, noting the absence of the Fire Jade Centipede and the two Demon Marquises. He frowned. "Did you encounter danger?"

"What are you thinking!" Vermilion Bird snorted. "We found an excellent spot. Of the two scouts we sent in, one died. Little Centipede and the others are currently guarding it."

"Oh?" Qin Sang's interest was piqued. He enveloped Vermilion Bird in his true essence, transformed into a bolt of lightning, and sped toward the location Vermilion Bird described.

Traversing expanses of dark void and numerous illusory realms, they eventually reached an area densely packed with such realms.

These illusory realms were tightly arranged, with almost no gaps between them. The resulting conflicts among them were far more intense than elsewhere, making the area appear daunting.

While this was still within expected parameters, as they drew closer to their destination, subtle anomalies began to manifest.

"Well? Isn't it strange?" Vermilion Bird asked, proudly tilting its head. "This Vermilion Bird discovered it first!"

"You did well this time." Qin Sang praised unreservedly.

He sensed an invisible force radiating outwards from within. This power was incredibly subtle yet immensely potent, causing the surrounding illusory realms to distort and thereby trigger conflicts.

The fluctuations from the clashing illusory realms concealed this force, making it detectable only by those with exceptionally sharp spiritual perception. Without Vermilion Bird's alert, even Qin Sang might have overlooked its presence.

They pressed onward, finally reaching their destination. There, they found Marquis Luo and the other demons, with only one captive remaining, as expected.

"This is the place!" Vermilion Bird declared, raising a wing to point forward. Nothing was there but an expanse of infinite darkness.

Unlike the outer void, this darkness was absolute, devoid of even a sliver of light, resembling a dead space.

"There seems to be an invisible void ahead, constantly emitting a powerful suction," Marquis Gui explained, a trace of lingering fear in his voice. "That fellow didn't walk far before he was suddenly pulled in. We didn't even have time to react and save him..."

The captive sent to scout had been instantly pulled in, severing all connection with the restrictions on his body, an ominous sign. For a Nascent Soul cultivator to be swallowed by the darkness so effortlessly, without any chance to resist, underscored the peril. Had they not used a pathfinder, they themselves might have met the same fate.

Despite trying various methods, they still dared not approach too closely, leaving them no choice but to summon Qin Sang.

As he listened to their description, Qin Sang's eyes shimmered with spiritual light, intently gazing into the profound darkness.

Within his spiritual sight, the scene within the darkness slowly shifted, and a portion of a colossal outline gradually became discernible.

The area was not empty; instead, a colossal black disk occupied the space. It rotated upon itself, seemingly very slowly, yet it exuded a sense of immense, irresistible power.

The black disk was not a physical object, but an incredibly profound and constantly flowing force—a super-strong suction that generated tangible fluctuations in the void. At its very center, just as Marquis Gui had described, there appeared to be a void, a vortex capable of devouring all!

What was eerie was the black disk's extreme stability and the unnerving calm of the void's power. If someone were drawn into it, would they be instantly shredded, or transported to an entirely different location?

Could it be a strange passage?

It was precisely this possibility that prompted Vermilion Bird to summon Qin Sang. If the void could be thoroughly investigated, they might uncover the most advantageous escape route.

Yet, with everything ahead unknown, how could one simply rush in? The more Qin Sang observed, the more apprehensive he became. Once drawn into that void, even he wasn't certain he could escape its pull. Even if it were a passage, what if it led to a deeper, more perilous part of the Abundant Ju Jade Gate, a place even more dangerous than the void itself? That would be a death wish.

"My lord, should we send him in again to test it?" Marquis Gui asked, leading forward the last remaining captive.

The captive's eyes were vacant, his expression blank, devoid of any fear. For him, dying here would be a release.

Qin Sang shook his head. A Nascent Soul cultivator, once caught by the suction, would vanish instantly into the void. Furthermore, this captive sought death, making him an unreliable test subject. Qin Sang realized he either had to venture in personally or seek assistance from another Void Refinement cultivator.

With a subtle movement, he cautiously approached the black disk, assessing the suction force and observing the void's shifting characteristics.