Chapter 2044: 举父

Upon meeting Elder You, Qin Sang noticed he was noticeably more enthusiastic than last time, inviting Qin Sang to sit in the stone pavilion where they had met before.

"I have been waiting for Elder Qin for a long time..."

Elder You produced two jade caskets, pushing them towards Qin Sang. "Please take a look at these two items."

Qin Sang already had a guess. With a wave of his hand, he opened the jade caskets. In one of them, he saw numerous golden grass seeds, resembling a handful of golden melon seeds. From their rounder end, intricate patterns extended, forming a petal design, with even the sepals outlined. They were quite peculiar, and occasionally, electric sparks danced across the petals. These were precisely the Golden-Patterned Grass Seeds.

The other jade casket contained a hazy, ethereal substance, like a wisp of breeze, ready to disperse with a single puff. This was precisely the Ethereal Wind.

Both items were exactly what Qin Sang needed. Elder You had previously mentioned that the Alliance possessed valuable collections, but Qin Sang hadn't expected them to be produced so readily.

The quantity of spiritual materials in the jade caskets was already sufficient. However, though Qin Sang was tempted, he didn't reach out to take them. He looked up at Elder You.

"Elder You, what is the meaning of this?"

So-called guest elders, when highly regarded by their hosts, were naturally treated with the utmost respect, but this usually involved favors that cost little. Qin Sang knew he wasn't yet qualified for the Five Elements Alliance to simply gift him these two items.

Elder You hadn't even stated any conditions, yet he had already presented the two items. How could Qin Sang not feel suspicious?

"Haha, Elder Qin, you've come at a perfect time," Elder You chuckled, his expression relaxed, and he explained, "The Alliance previously received a commission and is currently recruiting personnel. A few days ago, I reported your matter to the higher-ups. They issued an order for me to invite you, Elder Qin. If you agree to undertake this journey, these two items will be your remuneration. Regardless of success or failure, they will belong to you, Elder Qin. If successful, the principal might even bestow generous additional gifts."

Qin Sang glanced over the two jade caskets. As remuneration, they were undeniably valuable, but this also indicated that the task would not be easy.

"What kind of commission is it?" Qin Sang asked.

"Those who seek out our Five Elements Alliance naturally come for artifact forging," Elder You said. "Elder Qin, rest assured, there will be no danger. However, the treasure they wish to forge must be extremely important, and they are very secretive about it; even our Alliance is not privy to the details. Only when you agree and arrive at their sect's mountain gate will you be informed."

Hearing it was artifact forging rather than exploring hidden dangers or seeking treasures, Qin Sang's expression relaxed slightly. As an outsider, if he were to agree to seek treasures with others, he could easily be manipulated without realizing it. Unless absolutely necessary, he would never put himself in a dangerous situation.

The two treasures were conspicuously displayed. It would be a lie to say Qin Sang wasn't tempted, but he needed to clarify a few things. After some thought, he said, "I've just arrived, and my abilities haven't been tested yet. How could such a secretive and generously compensated matter fall to me? Is there some hidden reason, or is the principal difficult to deal with?"

"What need is there for testing? Who would dare question the artifact-forging expertise of our Alliance's guest elders? You needn't worry about the principal; they cultivate profound Daoist techniques and are certainly not demonic practitioners. As for the hidden reason, it's what I just mentioned: the principal has certain concerns and requires someone with a clean background. Most of our Alliance's elders cannot meet this requirement, and the few we recommended were also rejected by the principal. It truly took a lot of effort. Originally, there were plans to dispatch someone from an external Heavenly State," Elder You said, a look of helplessness on his face.

"Clean background?"

Qin Sang's heart stirred. Although Elder You hadn't explicitly stated it, it wasn't hard to guess. When it came to a clean background, he, as an outsider from another state, was the most suitable candidate, having no entanglements with any of the forces in Kanzhou.

"Nothing can be said about it! What requirements are there for the forging process, and how long will it take? Surely these details can be disclosed? Otherwise, if I get stuck there for too long, wouldn't it disrupt my own affairs?"

Although there was a hint of displeasure in his words, Elder You easily discerned that Qin Sang was already tempted. He immediately produced a jade slip. "All the information is contained within this slip."

At the same time, Elder You placed a contract on the table.

Qin Sang took it and examined it carefully. After a moment of contemplation, he uttered a sound of approval. He signed the contract and, with a flick of his sleeve, put away the two jade caskets. "I shall make this trip. May I know which sect or faction the principal belongs to?"

Elder You was delighted. "It is Luohua Temple. A True Person from Luohua Temple is waiting outside. I shall summon him immediately to meet with Elder Qin."

Qin Sang's thoughts shifted. He recalled a name he had seen on a sea chart previously. "Is it a Daoist sect?"

"Indeed!" Elder You nodded.

With the decline of the Divine Court, most Daoist sects in the Great Thousand realm followed the legacy of the Pill Cauldron Sect. Due to his connection with the Talisman Sect, Qin Sang naturally had a favorable impression of Daoist sects. They were always easier to deal with than heterodox or demonic practitioners.

Elder You issued an order. Before long, a maid led in a young Daoist priest. He wore a Daoist topknot and a jade hairpin. His demeanor was clear and bright, clearly possessing late-stage Soul Transformation cultivation.

"This humble Daoist, Yuhong, greets both seniors." True Person Yuhong bowed. Facing two Void Refinement cultivators, he remained neither humble nor arrogant. His gaze shifted to Qin Sang.

"This is Elder Qin, who has already signed the contract," Elder You said. "You can discuss among yourselves when you will return to the mountain. I shall not disturb you further."

Elder You rose, about to leave, but suddenly remembered something and said to Qin Sang, "I have already issued an order, arranging for the various branches of the Alliance to inquire about other spiritual materials. You will need to wait patiently for some time, Elder Qin. Upon your return from Mount Luohua, there should be good news."

"Thank you for your trouble, Elder You!"

Qin Sang rose to see him off, then returned to the pavilion and invited True Person Yuhong to sit. "Does your sect have any other requirements for me?"

"There are no other requirements. May I ask when Elder Qin can depart?" True Person Yuhong sat upright.

Qin Sang pondered for a moment and asked a few more questions. Seeing that True Person Yuhong was very tight-lipped, he said, "After I return and make some arrangements, I will set off tonight."

Leaving True Person Yuhong at the Five Elements Alliance, Qin Sang returned to his cave dwelling, roused Jiannu, and instructed him, "I have been invited to forge a treasure for someone, and I estimate I won't be able to extricate myself for a while. You are to remain in Xuvie City and keep an eye on the Five Elements Alliance."

That night.

Qin Sang and True Person Yuhong left Xuvie City together. After several transfers, they arrived at an immortal city named Yanling.

The immortal cities in Kanzhou were all built on islands. Often, an entire island constituted a single city.

Along the way, Qin Sang learned about the local customs and conditions of Kanzhou. Stability was generally assured within the immortal cities, but not necessarily outside them. In the vast, boundless sea, the deaths of a few individuals wouldn't even cause a ripple. Major powers established their own mountain gates outside the immortal cities, becoming local lords. Conflicts frequently erupted between these various forces, and the immortal cities were powerless to intervene.

Luohua Temple was located outside Yanling City. After leaving Yanling City, the two flew for several days. Ahead, towering mountains and emerald forests appeared on the sea, stretching endlessly as far as the eye could see.

Some of Kanzhou's so-called islands were no different from continents in the eyes of cultivators from minor realms. Countless mortals lived here, with numerous states and Daoist temples, all under the governance of Luohua Temple. The island was abundant in elemental qi and vibrant spiritual energy. Its inhabitants constantly bathed in azure spirits. Mortals here were all sharp-eared, keen-eyed, and agile. Through generations of refinement, their physical foundations would also transform. It became easier for individuals of extraordinary talent to emerge, who could then be inducted into the immortal gates, ensuring the continuity of the lineage. In the eyes of sect powers, this was a superior human stock. Such meticulously cultivated human populations were also highly valuable and could be traded.

Qin Sang deliberately slowed his flight speed, intending to learn some management experience from Luohua Temple for his own Daoist training ground. Since they were already back at their sect's mountain gate, True Person Yuhong did not rush him and patiently followed behind. He would patiently answer any questions Qin Sang had.

He observed that everything under Luohua Temple's governance was orderly. Daoists flew to and fro, each fulfilling their duties. From the quality of the human stock, it was evident that Azure Water Fortress had a shallow foundation and could not compare to Luohua Temple. Seeing one spot, one knows the whole leopard; this was the true heritage of a renowned major sect.

Qin Sang secretly thought that Luohua Temple was not considered a top sect in Kanzhou. It was rumored that the current sect master only had late-stage Void Refinement cultivation. He truly wondered what kind of power those Integration or even Mahayana realm forces possessed. He still had a long and arduous journey ahead of him.

As they were flying, Qin Sang saw strange peaks jutting out ahead, wreathed in immortal clouds. Their aura appeared ethereal. In the distance, there seemed to be a vast, boundless marsh. A few Daoist temples were faintly visible among the mountains. All these sights were shrouded by an inexplicable aura.

"Elder Qin, that is our sect's mountain gate," True Person Yuhong said, flying forward to lead the way.

Before they entered the mountain, they suddenly heard the chime of a Qing, followed by a rushing sound of water. A stream of water shot out from among the peaks, its turbulent waves unfurling all the way to their feet. Then, strains of immortal music filled the air. Teams of immortal maidens, clad in feathered robes and cloud garments, carrying zithers, harps, and pipa, stepped onto the waves and approached. Behind them, powerful attendants stood guard on both sides.

At the very front of the procession was an elder. His physique was exceptionally burly, yet he possessed a scholarly elegance. He bowed to the two with a loud voice.

"Greetings, True Person Yuhong. This esteemed True Person must be Elder Qin, yes? The Temple Master has been waiting for quite some time in the Profound Water Hall."

This person seemed to hold a high position in Luohua Temple. True Person Yuhong stepped aside to avoid the formal greeting and said, "Thank you, Daoist Friend Mi, for leading the way."

"Esteemed True Person, please follow."

The elder named Mi showed a respectful demeanor. He waited until Qin Sang stepped onto the waves and approached him. Only then did he turn and lead the way.

A waterway led directly to the Profound Water Hall, deep within Luohua Temple. As they proceeded along the waterway, the scenery within the sect was fully revealed. Upon seeing the water flowing from the sky, the disciples of Luohua Temple knew that honored guests had arrived. They respectfully bowed from a distance and saw the group past before returning to their own duties.

However, what caught Qin Sang's attention the most was not the scenery or the disciples of Luohua Temple, but rather the elder named Mi, and some particularly striking attendants. Qin Sang noticed that as the elder named Mi moved, his wrists occasionally emerged from his sleeves. They were covered in gray fur, noticeably thicker than human hair. Furthermore, his skin bore peculiar tattoos, though not the divine markings of the Wu tribe. It was unclear whether they were innate or tattooed later.

The attendants were clearly of the same race as the elder named Mi. Some wore only armor. Qin Sang saw through the gaps in their armor that both arms of these attendants were covered in tattoos. There was little individual variation. Their torsos were heavily muscled but devoid of tattoos. What was particularly striking was that their two arms were exceptionally thick and powerful, brimming with immense strength. Aside from their tattooed arms, other than being hairier, taller, and having slightly peculiar features, they didn't differ much from humans.

Recalling Elder You's words, Qin Sang spoke, "Forgive my presumption, Daoist Friend Mi, but are you not human?"

The elder named Mi humbly replied, "How dare I claim otherwise. To the esteemed True Person, we are descendants of the Jufu clan."

True Person Yuhong interjected, explaining, "The Jufu clan is a race of variant humans. Years ago, this branch of their clan was, for unknown reasons, driven out of the Fog Sea. While drifting in the sea, they coincidentally encountered one of our sect's patriarchs. They were then taken in by our patriarch and brought to our mountain. They willingly pledged allegiance to our Luohua Temple, and the Temple Master permitted them to serve within the temple."

The elder named Mi respectfully said, "We are grateful for the benevolence of the esteemed sect, which granted our clan a place to settle and protected us to thrive and multiply."

Qin Sang secretly thought that Elder You's words were true. Although this elder named Mi was of a different race, judging by True Person Yuhong's attitude towards him, he must have gained the Temple Master's considerable trust and wielded significant authority.

"The Jufu clan..."

Qin Sang carefully observed the elder named Mi and his clansmen again. He noticed that while the Jufu clan had robust bodies, their faces were somewhat sharp-chinned and monkey-like. This was even more apparent in the elder named Mi, who showed signs of age. A thought flashed through his mind, and he said, "I once encountered the Changyou clan among your variant humans; they had four ears and lacked your tattooed arms, but their appearance was somewhat similar. Is there a connection between your two clans?"

"The Changyou clan?" The elder named Mi pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Our Jufu clan indeed has some closely related clans among the variant humans, and there seems to be one called the Changyou clan. However, according to the oral traditions of our elders, among the variant humans, apart from the ever-prospering Winged Humans and Merfolk, the other tribes also experience cycles of rise and fall. When our branch was not yet expelled, our clan seemed to have lost contact with the Changyou clan. They might have moved elsewhere, or perhaps they have long since declined. We of this generation only know their name."

Qin Sang secretly nodded. If the Changyou clan couldn't even conquer the Storm Realm, they probably weren't very prosperous.

As they were speaking, the group arrived at the end of the waterway. They saw a magnificent jade hall ahead, and an ethereal old Daoist priest stood before the hall. Upon seeing the old Daoist, Qin Sang's heart subtly quivered. This person's aura was as profound as the sea. It made Qin Sang think of Island Master Meng, whom he had met on his way to Da Zhou. However, facing such a powerful individual now, Qin Sang felt much more at ease than before.

Every generation of Luohua Temple Masters would change their Daoist title to Luohua after assuming the position. This person must be True Person Luohua.

True Person Luohua let out a hearty laugh and flicked his whisk. "This time, I secretly invited Elder Qin here, as I feared too much commotion might draw prying eyes. If there were any lapses in etiquette, I hope Elder Qin will not take offense."

"Temple Master, you are too kind!"

Qin Sang stepped to the end of the water path and stood on solid ground. He slightly cupped his hands in greeting. He and True Person Luohua exchanged invitations, and together walked towards the grand hall. Before entering the hall, Qin Sang already sensed several powerful fluctuations. He knew that he was not the only artifact forger invited by Luohua Temple, and the others in the hall must be fellow Daoists.

True Person Yuhong and the others stood outside the hall.

True Person Luohua looked over and said, "I see Elder Qin has no attendants with him, and seems to be somewhat interested in them. The Jufu clan possesses considerable divine abilities. Do they meet Elder Qin's approval?"

Qin Sang was surprised and paused in his steps. "Temple Master, are you willing to bestow them?" He turned and glanced at the elder named Mi. His clansmen were being given away as gifts, yet the elder showed no trace of humiliation. The other clansmen even puffed out their chests, eager and hopeful to be chosen, taking pride in it rather than shame.

Qin Sang secretly sighed. It seemed this clan had been completely tamed by Luohua Temple, having long lost their vigor.

"To be able to follow Elder Qin is their good fortune," True Person Luohua said indifferently.

"Let's discuss the main business first; this matter can be deliberated later."

Qin Sang neither confirmed nor denied, nor did he refuse. He secretly thought that taking two Jufu clansmen might allow him to leverage their relationship in the future.