Chapter 2042: Virtual Danger

The Sword Slave said, "I sent a message to my master, then returned to wait for you, True Immortal. I haven't seen my master."

They knew what dangers Venerable Tianyue would face, but there was nothing they could do.

Qin Sang sighed, "Are you still going back to White Jade Capital, Fellow Daoist? Did Senior have any instructions for you?"

The Sword Slave said, somewhat bewildered, "My cultivation is too low to assist my master. My master said he wouldn't be settled for a while and told me to decide my own path, without having to confine myself to White Jade Capital anymore. However, I have no relatives or friends in the Great Thousand World, and all my old acquaintances disappeared with the Dao Court. Other than White Jade Capital, I don't know where to go."

Since following Venerable Tianyue, he had considered himself a servant, utterly loyal and strictly fulfilling every command. Suddenly gaining freedom, he found himself at a loss, unsure where to go.

Qin Sang thought for a moment and said, "I am heading to Kanzhou to establish a cultivation ground overseas. You might as well come with me. If you wish to travel the Great Thousand World, the vast East Sea is yours to explore, and we can look out for each other. If you prefer secluded cultivation, I will reserve a cave dwelling for you at my cultivation ground."

He smiled and added, "The cultivation ground I've chosen is in the territory of foreign races, surrounded by enemies. It will likely be hard to find peace, but you certainly won't lack opportunities to hone your swordsmanship."

If Qin Sang were forced to flee, the Sword Slave remaining in Dazhou could have provided support. However, since he had escaped safely, it was better to keep the Sword Slave by his side.

The Sword Slave was a pure sword cultivator who had inherited Venerable Tianyue's true teachings. His swordsmanship was exceptional, making him virtually unrivaled below the Void Refinement stage, undoubtedly a powerful combatant.

During this time, Qin Sang had been pondering how to resolve the crisis and survive in the alien territory after locating the Storm Realm.

Migrating the entire realm was truly the worst possible option.

With countless inhabitants and races in the Storm Realm, even if Qin Sang's small grotto-heaven were perfectly intact, it would take countless trips. Furthermore, the unstable spatial conditions meant that living beings couldn't survive there for long.

Using other magical artifacts for migration would inevitably create a massive stir. Would the foreign races along the way simply stand by and watch? If their path was blocked and they were pursued from behind, how many would ultimately survive?

Qin Sang believed that as long as the Storm Realm had not yet been destroyed, the situation was not critically urgent. Perhaps the Changyou Clan was attempting to monopolize the realm, blocking information to prevent other alien races from interfering. Alternatively, the powerful alien beings might be too proud to concern themselves with it, believing the Storm Realm posed no threat to them, and were allowing their subordinates to resolve it independently.

However, once he appeared in the Storm Realm, the nature of the situation would change.

Once the Storm Realm became a Void Refinement force, the powerful alien beings would surely not stand idly by. Therefore, even if he and Su Nü located the Storm Realm, they could not act simply or rashly by directly repelling the Changyou Clan. They would need to consider the geopolitical environment and employ careful strategies.

The internal situation of the Storm Realm was also complex. Its various regions were originally separated by storms, each with vastly different customs and countless sects. Furthermore, with descendants from the Human, Witch, and Demon races, there were entangled grudges and grievances among them.

Both internally and externally, they would need to painstakingly unravel the complexities and handle them patiently.

Therefore, the Nascent Soul combatants of the Storm Realm would be crucial, serving as the bedrock. He might even have to ask the Sword Slave to lead the Storm Realm cultivators in campaigns across various regions.

Upon receiving Qin Sang's invitation, the Sword Slave accepted without the slightest hesitation, declaring, "I await your command, True Immortal!"

Having gained another significant helper, Qin Sang felt greatly pleased and took the Sword Slave to meet Su Nü and Gu Ya.

After they had greeted each other, Qin Sang merely stated that the Sword Slave was an old acquaintance, without introducing his background. The two women didn't inquire further.

Upon learning of the Sword Slave's cultivation level, Gu Ya was also greatly delighted. With so many masters brought back this time, she hoped the Storm Realm could hold out until the day they arrived!

"This is Xuweicheng."

Qin Sang smelled the slightly salty sea breeze and stepped on the stone slabs on the ground, finding the earth firm.

He looked around. The sky was clear for miles.

Under the azure sky, rooftops stretched like a forest in all directions. The pavilions and buildings here possessed a unique charm, often decorated with marine objects, exhibiting peculiar shapes and vibrant colors. The roof tiles themselves were crafted from special spirit shells, polished to be as clear as glazed glass, shimmering under the fierce sun like tides rippling across the immortal city.

The ground was almost completely flat, with no hills or peaks visible. It was like a vast, flattened pancake, stretching endlessly in all directions, so expansive that the sea itself was out of sight. Were it not for the scent of the sea breeze, one would easily assume they were still on land.

Qin Sang couldn't help but recall the legend of the giant turtle; this immortal city seemed to be laid out flat on a turtle's shell. The Void and Danger constellations are two of the seven northern Xuanwu constellations, so the city being named after them certainly had a reason.

Xuweicheng was the capital of Kanzhou, one of the Eight Great Heavenly States, and was situated in the East Sea. It was said that Kanzhou's territory was almost entirely aquatic, comprising a multitude of islands.

"Brother Qin, did you sense the giant turtle's will?"

Su Nü emerged from behind Qin Sang. She was very interested in the legend of the giant turtle and had just tried to extend her spiritual sense deep underground, but it vanished as if a stone dropped into the ocean, no different from anywhere else.

Qin Sang shook his head. "A giant turtle supporting an immortal city would possess unimaginable cultivation, far beyond what we can perceive. Even if it's still alive, Xuweicheng wouldn't allow anyone to disturb its slumber and would surely have formidable grand formations set up."

The Sword Slave and Gu Ya followed behind them.

Gu Ya was one step closer to her sect, barely able to contain her excitement.

The Sword Slave remained undisturbed by external matters. He merely glanced around before withdrawing his gaze, his mind never straying from his Natal Spirit Sword.

After a brief inquiry to understand Xuweicheng's layout, Qin Sang's first destination was naturally the Five Elements Alliance.

Xuweicheng was generally oval-shaped, with an internal layout resembling the patterns on a turtle's shell, divided into distinct areas. Like other large immortal cities, travel within Xuweicheng also required the use of small teleportation arrays.

Upon arriving at the district where the Five Elements Alliance was located, Qin Sang first rented a courtyard to settle everyone, then proceeded to the Alliance alone.

After Qin Sang left, with nothing else to do, Su Nü planned to invite the other two to go out and explore.

Each of the Eight Great Heavenly States had unique resources. While most other Heavenly States were at most coastal, Kanzhou was the sole maritime Heavenly State, possessing unparalleled advantages over the others.

Unexpectedly, the Sword Slave had already entered meditation in his room.

"I wonder where Brother Qin found this eccentric!"

Su Nü shook her head and didn't insist.

"The Five Elements Alliance."

Qin Sang gazed at the deep courtyard ahead, surprised by the style of the Five Elements Alliance in Xuweicheng.

Throughout the Eight Great Heavenly States, the Five Elements Alliance's sign design and font were identical; only the color differed, indicating hierarchy.

As Qin Sang entered the courtyard, he felt as if he had passed through a layer of formation restriction, and indeed, a hidden world lay within.

The courtyard was deep and sprawling, with each individual section protected by its own independent formation restriction.

From the outside, Xuweicheng appeared to have sparse vegetation, with little greenery. Inside the courtyard, however, clear springs flowed, presenting a tranquil and secluded scene.

Immediately, a maid came forward. Qin Sang presented his token, and the maid's expression turned respectful. She led him into a side corridor, through a passage, and to a small courtyard where an octagonal stone pavilion stood.

"Elder Qin, please wait in the pavilion. This servant will go and fetch Elder You."

The maid bowed and withdrew.

Upon entering this area, Qin Sang sensed a pure earthly fire aura, knowing there must be a superior fire chamber within the courtyard.

"If Xuweicheng is built on a turtle's back, why would there be underground fire veins? Where does the city's abundant spiritual energy originate? Could it be vitality plundered from the giant turtle itself?"

This thought suddenly flashed through Qin Sang's mind.

In moments, sensing someone approaching, Qin Sang looked out of the pavilion and saw a man in black robes slowly walking towards him. He had a cold expression, plump features, and black hair, his age indiscernible. He was presumably Elder You.

This person's cultivation was similar to his own. The true head of Kanzhou's Five Elements Alliance was likely someone else, but Qin Sang wasn't yet qualified to be received as a guest of honor by such a figure. Being received by Elder You was thus entirely appropriate.

Elders of the Five Elements Alliance also held different ranks. Someone like Qin Sang only had the title of guest elder and no right to interfere in the Alliance's affairs.

Elder You wielded significant power within the Alliance. If he were dispatched to another immortal city, he would be a regional lord, whom no force would dare to underestimate.

Qin Sang rose, cupped his hands, and bowed respectfully, "Greetings, Elder You."

"Elder Qin is most courteous."

Elder You returned the greeting, his cold expression softening slightly. After they were seated, he got straight to the point: "Elder Qin, you've come from another Heavenly State? May I ask what important matter brings you here, and do you require any assistance from the Alliance?"

The Five Elements Alliance would do its best to fulfill the requests of every guest elder, as long as they were not overly excessive.

Seeing that Elder You disliked beating around the bush, Qin Sang stated his purpose directly: "I have always been without a fixed residence, drifting from place to place, which is not a sustainable long-term solution. I've come to Kanzhou this time to see if there's a suitable place for cultivation. Does the Alliance happen to have a detailed sea map that I could examine?"

Elder You's spirit brightened upon hearing this. "Is Elder Qin planning to stay in Kanzhou long-term?"

If he were merely a passing guest elder, he wouldn't be of much help to their branch, so a simple courtesy would suffice.

However, if he intended to settle in Kanzhou, that would be a different matter entirely, and he would certainly be worth winning over.

"What are Elder Qin's plans? To seek refuge under another's protection, or to establish his own cultivation ground? If it's the former, the Alliance has several vacant cave dwellings for Elder Qin to choose from. Additionally, I have cultivated in Kanzhou since childhood, and through my connections with the Alliance, I have ties with many prominent sects. I can also introduce Elder Qin to them. With Elder Qin's capabilities, as long as the news spreads, those sects will surely vie to invite him. Elder Qin, please rest assured, our Alliance does not impose many restrictions, and there is no conflict between these two paths."

Elder You was indeed considering Qin Sang's options.

Qin Sang remained noncommittal. "I don't know much about Kanzhou, so I'd like to understand the region better before making a decision."

"That is perfectly reasonable; I was being presumptuous," Elder You nodded and immediately ordered someone to bring the sea map.

The sea map was inscribed on a jade slip. Qin Sang's spiritual sense swept over it and instantly grasped its full scope.

It seemed Elder You was not using this to make things difficult for him; he had presented the entire sea map of Kanzhou.

On the sea map, points of spiritual light dotted like stars, primarily marking all important immortal cities and prominent sects in Kanzhou.

Elder You explained that other blank areas were not ownerless; rather, their situations were unstable, with ownership changing periodically. Since these were not major forces, their impact was minimal, and they weren't bothered to be marked in detail.

Even in the Eight Great Heavenly States, stability was relative.

The sea map didn't reveal much information. If Qin Sang were truly to establish a cultivation ground here, he would need to explore it in person. He naturally didn't have that much time, so after a quick scan, he looked towards Kanzhou's eastern border, only to find little information about the external areas.

He didn't find the location of the Mist Sea, which was his primary concern.

Qin Sang flicked his finger, and his true essence materialized into a sea map, pointing to an immortal city on the eastern border. He asked curiously, "Is this the Alliance's furthest branch?"

This city was built on Sleepless Island and thus named Sleepless City.

Sleepless City had teleportation arrays connecting to other immortal cities and was almost directly adjacent to Kanzhou's border. Other immortal cities were similar; these cities served as gateways to Kanzhou, steadfastly holding their positions.

Judging by Elder You's tone, Kanzhou had not expanded its territory for a long time.

"The situation in the sea doesn't seem optimistic..."

Qin Sang thought to himself.

The Five Elements Alliance had a Wuyushan branch in the dark regions beyond Duizhou, but outside Kanzhou, there wasn't a single branch.

Elder You looked where Qin Sang pointed, nodding in agreement. He vaguely guessed Qin Sang's intention, thinking to himself that this person likely didn't wish to be restricted and aimed to establish a cultivation ground in the deep sea.

"Elder Qin, as you're new to Kanzhou, there's something you should know. Beyond other Heavenly States, the nearby territories are generally dominated by our human race and are influenced by Dazhou, allowing for communication. Kanzhou, however, is different. The sea here is rampant with demonic creatures. In the vast ocean, countless demonic tribes reside, and the aquatic races of the East Sea are simply innumerable..."

As he spoke, Elder You seemed to recall something, remarking with a hint of emotion, "I have heard a saying since childhood that the sea was originally not our human race's territory. It was only by continuously sending reinforcements through grand teleportation arrays that we managed to gain a foothold and gradually develop it into a Heavenly State. The East Sea has a Dragon Palace that rules over all demons, said to be the king of the East Sea's aquatic races. However, I have cultivated for thousands of years and cannot recall how many demonic uprisings have occurred, yet I have never actually seen a true dragon emerge from the Dragon Palace."

"True Dragon?"

Qin Sang's expression grew serious.

Many legends spoke of the existence of true dragons, invariably describing them as sacred and auspicious beasts blessed by the fortune of heaven and earth. If true dragons existed in the world, they would undoubtedly be top-tier experts.

The situation in the East Sea was quite complex.

There were the Eight Great Heavenly States of the human race, the alien races of the Mist Sea, and the mysterious Dragon Palace. Who knew how many other races and forces also existed?

Elder You also drew a wisp of his true essence, applying it to the edge of the sea map. A mist rose and then transformed into another sea map.

However, the content of this sea map was much more simplified and vague compared to Kanzhou's.

Qin Sang discovered that there were also human sects and forces within it, and quite a few of them.

"This map was drawn ten years ago. The situation in the deep sea is even more volatile than in Kanzhou and requires re-surveying.

"Elder Qin, please see, these sects were all founded by our human race. Each possesses formidable power and a long heritage, and it is rumored that there are also unknown, peerless masters cultivating in seclusion in the deep sea.

"But Elder Qin, do not assume that because there are no Dazhou Heavenly Laws there, you would be truly unrestrained. Our cultivation levels are not yet sufficient to act with impunity.

"To establish a foothold there, race is not the primary consideration. One must possess enough strength to deter external enemies and form alliances with other forces. Even within these alliances, there are rules, which might even be harsher than the Dazhou Heavenly Laws.

"As I just said, there is no peaceful haven in the East Sea!"

Qin Sang followed Elder You's pointers, examining each one, and discovered that the deeper into the sea he looked, the weaker the human race's influence became.

There were also demonic tribes there, creating a situation where humans and foreign races lived intermingled. It was unknown whether they could coexist peacefully.

Suddenly, Qin Sang's heart stirred as he saw a mark Elder You had made in the distant sea, bearing the words 'Mist Sea'.