Chapter 2108: Good Take Care

Upon receiving Si Lu’s message, Qin Sang and Ji Hong immediately set off, returning to Storm Realm ahead of time to arrange the reception.

This time, the Zhu Yan clan sent only Yuan Miu. Si Lu accompanied him, and the two concealed their tracks, quietly arriving at Storm Realm without alarming the Chang You clan or other foreign races.

They landed in the Western Land, where traces of the great war between the two clans were visible everywhere on the ground. These traces clearly showed the war's brutality; it was truly a blood feud.

The Western Land was vast, desolate, and covered in yellow sand, with no signs of human presence even in the oases. Although the Chang You clan had retreated, the cultivators of the Western Land were not eager to return to their homeland. They remained wary of the Chang You clan's potential return, a concern confirmed by Qin Sang's pronouncements at the Qingyang Temple ceremony.

After flying through the desert for a while, they finally sensed the presence of cultivators.

"Slow down," Yuan Miu said.

They slowed their flight and from a distance saw an oasis nestled among the sand dunes. Within the oasis stood a Buddhist temple, but no civilians were present. The temple emanated a golden glow, its gates tightly shut, appearing quiet and serene. However, with their cultivation levels, they could sense numerous cultivators hidden within the temple, and the atmosphere felt grim.

"This is an annex of the Grand Compassion Zen Temple," Si Lu explained. The temple served as a type of outpost. Si Lu did not elaborate, trusting that Yuan Miu would discern its purpose.

Yuan Miu nodded silently, and they continued flying forward. They soon encountered several more temples, all in similar states. As they continued, they finally saw ordinary people working diligently. This area, very close to the Grand Compassion Zen Temple, had not been affected by the war in recent years, presenting a scene of prosperity.

"I had no idea so many foreign races resided here before," Yuan Miu remarked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

Si Lu glanced at him. On the journey, Yuan Miu had been quiet and difficult to read. However, his current tone and expression suggested he held no prejudice against humans.

"Please, Fellow Daoist Yuan, this formation leads to Central Continent. Brother Qin should already be waiting on the other side for your esteemed arrival," Si Lu said, gesturing as he led Yuan Miu towards the ancient teleportation array.

The guards stationed at the teleportation array had already received their orders; they stood in formation and saluted. These were carefully selected warriors, all seasoned in battle and brimming with martial spirit, chosen to impress the Zhu Yan clan. Upon seeing them, Yuan Miu's eyes sparkled with admiration, and he immediately commended them.

The two stepped onto the teleportation array. With a flash of light, they found themselves in Central Continent, where Qin Sang personally waited outside the formation. He laughed heartily, cupped his hands, and said, "Fellow Daoist Yuan, it's been a long time."

"Fellow Daoist Qin!" Yuan Miu's eyes lit up. He stepped forward, eagerly grasping Qin Sang's arm, and exclaimed, "Since our last parting, Fellow Daoist, you've been on my mind constantly!"

Li Yu Fu and the others nearby couldn't help but exchange glances.

Qin Sang inwardly grumbled; hearing such words from the old monkey felt truly awkward. He smiled and said, "Our last battle, Fellow Daoist, greatly benefited me as well; it revealed many of my own deficiencies."

Yuan Miu's eyes brightened even further. "Indeed, great minds think alike! In that case, why don't we have another bout?"

Qin Sang and Si Lu exchanged a glance; Yuan Miu's demeanor was quite revealing. Qin Sang's tone relaxed. "I've been working on my shortcomings these past few years, and my divine abilities haven't advanced significantly. Even if we were to fight again, I wouldn't be able to offer you much of a surprise."

"No matter! No matter!" Yuan Miu shook his head repeatedly. "After you left, I've been racking my brain, pondering how to break your Golden Sun Great Law. I've made some slight progress and was hoping for an opportunity to test it against you."

Qin Sang was curious how Yuan Miu intended to break his Sun Wheel Seal, but now was not the time. "Fellow Daoist, you carry a significant responsibility on this trip, and for us, this matter is crucial to our survival. Until it is resolved, I cannot rest easy. As for sparring, perhaps we could revisit that discussion later?"

"Indeed! Indeed! That's precisely right!" Yuan Miu was not an unreasonable person; his enthusiasm was merely due to encountering a worthy opponent. At Qin Sang's reminder, he recalled his clan's instructions. His expression grew serious, and surrounded by Qin Sang and the others, he flew towards Qingyang Temple.

On the way to Qingyang Temple, Yuan Miu subtly observed Li Yu Fu and the others, confirming that their respect and admiration for Qin Sang were genuine.

Before long, they arrived at Qingyang Temple. The gates of Qingyang Temple were wide open, and the sect was bathed in brilliant auspicious light and vibrant colors. Cultivators stood in formation, and bells and drums chimed in unison, making the ceremony even grander than before.

Amidst a chorus of compliments, Yuan Miu surveyed the gates of Qingyang Temple, then looked up at Luye in the clouds, his eyes narrowing slightly. After gazing for a moment, he turned and spoke to Qin Sang, then flew up to Luye with Qin Sang and Si Lu, landing before the sacred statue.

The sacred statue, though weathered by time, appeared smooth and full like jade. At their level of cultivation, even without practicing the Great Vehicle path, they could sense the sacred statue's profound spiritual energy. Yuan Miu could tell at a glance that the sacred statue was not newly erected.

"Is this sacred statue of you, Fellow Daoist Qin?" Yuan Miu asked, looking at Qin Sang.

Qin Sang nodded. "It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but I performed some insignificant deeds that were remembered by the world. They believed I had passed away, so they erected this stone statue."

"Only by cultivating a lifetime and benefiting a region can one be called a saint. Fellow Daoist Qin, you are too modest," Yuan Miu said, shaking his head.

Qin Sang gazed at the sacred statue, remaining silent. His status as a 'saint' came about through various coincidences. However, regardless of his initial intention, as long as he could protect Storm Realm, he would be worthy of the title. Nevertheless, Qin Sang was still exploring the Great Vehicle path. At the Qingyang Temple ceremony, Qin Sang's display of both benevolence and might won over many hearts, but it did not significantly advance his spiritual cultivation.

Reflecting on his cultivation path since entering the Void Refinement stage, Qin Sang gained a new understanding. The Great Vehicle Killing Path is both a Great Vehicle path and a path of killing. At Moondu Bay, he used the Thunder Altar to destroy Patriarch Minghu and forced back Cloud Capital Mountain, restoring peace to the world. In doing so, he suddenly comprehended many principles within the *Purple Micro Sword Scripture*, bringing him one step closer to the middle stage of Void Refinement, which enabled his smooth breakthrough after seeing the sacred statue.

This profound realization came, firstly, from protecting living beings and following the Great Vehicle path. More importantly, having just broken through to the Void Refinement stage and with his injuries barely healed, he dared to confront two veteran Void Refinement cultivators and two major powers that had long dominated their regions.

Ultimately, cultivating the *Purple Micro Sword Scripture* still hinges on the concept of 'killing'. Slaying each opponent was a trial that refined his courage, conviction, and even his pursuit of the Dao. For the sake of those he protected, he dared to face powerful enemies, knowing that the stronger the foe, the greater his own improvement would be. Simultaneously, the stronger the enemy, the more desperate those under protection would become, and the more grateful and worshipful they would be when clarity finally emerged!

Thus, this act of protecting Storm Realm and repelling powerful enemies was also a journey of enlightenment for Qin Sang. Si Lu was unaware that once the Thunder Altar was complete, Qin Sang had actually hoped that powerful members of the Siyou clan would seek him out. Of course, Storm Realm held special significance and had received Glassy's meticulous effort, so Qin Sang would not intentionally put it at risk. If the matter could be resolved smoothly now, Qin Sang would still prefer it. As for enlightenment, he had ample lifespan and was in no rush. At worst, he could always seek out suitable cultivation grounds elsewhere, as exploitation and oppression were commonplace throughout the grand world.

Yuan Miu could not have imagined the multitude of thoughts that had crossed Qin Sang's mind in such a brief period. Having confirmed Qin Sang's identity, Yuan Miu solemnly asked, "Let me ask you one more thing, Fellow Daoist: Have you decided to lead Storm Continent to align with Fellow Daoist Qu?"

Qin Sang replied firmly, "Precisely!"

"Good. Since it's your own decision, our clan will naturally not interfere unduly." Yuan Miu then turned to Si Lu. "Fellow Daoist Qu seeks a place of refuge for cultivation, which aligns with the ancient alliance's protocols. However, Fellow Daoist Qu, remember not to cause unprovoked trouble, or I will personally drive you out."

Si Lu glanced at Qin Sang. "Brother Qin and his group already have a prior feud with the Chang You clan. If the Chang You clan were to return and we retaliated, that wouldn't be considered unprovoked trouble, would it?"

"Of course not, but we hope your grievances won't involve too many others. I intend to visit the Chang You clan myself to try and mediate this matter. What are your stances on this?" Yuan Miu gazed intently into Qin Sang's eyes.

This effectively meant gaining the Zhu Yan clan's approval, allowing Storm Realm to establish itself legitimately. Furthermore, Yuan Miu's tone suggested that the Zhu Yan clan would not only remain impartial but also seemed disinclined to involve other imperial clans. This was precisely the outcome Qin Sang desired by aligning with Si Lu.

Qin Sang mused, "As outsiders, isolated in the Fog Sea, we naturally do not wish to initiate conflict. If the Chang You clan is willing to concede, I will give it careful consideration."

"That's good," Yuan Miu said, his expression softening. Confident that persuading the Chang You clan would not be difficult, he then inquired about the previous confrontation.

Qin Sang revealed Zai Zhen's name.

Yuan Miu frowned. "When did that boy form ties with the Chang You clan? And who else was present?"

Qin Sang then described the individual who had obstructed Su Nu.

"If he's going to intervene, why be so secretive? I want to see who it is!" Yuan Miu snorted, clearly displeased.

Afterward, Qin Sang invited Yuan Miu to be a guest at the main peak.

After the banquet, Yuan Miu rose and said, "I will now compose a letter inviting Chief Min Zhuo for a discussion. Fellow Daoist Qin, where do you suggest we meet?"

Qin Sang replied, "There's Flame Island, situated exactly between us and the Chang You clan."

"Excellent, that's the spot!"

Yuan Miu dispatched a talisman message that very night, but he himself remained, engaging Qin Sang in a sparring session. Qin Sang reciprocated, fulfilling his request, and gained considerable insight himself from their sparring. Yuan Miu had been studying ways to break the Sun Wheel Seal, and while his progress wasn't substantial, he did help Qin Sang identify several deficiencies. Unfortunately, Qin Sang had already grasped the true essence of the *Purple Micro Sword Scripture* and would inevitably prioritize its cultivation. *Heavenly Demon Refinement* could only remain secondary, and he still had a long way to go before reaching the middle stage of cultivation.

After waiting for a month, the talisman message seemed to have vanished without a trace. The Chang You clan offered no response, not even a single reply. Everyone sensed that something was amiss.

In the main hall, everyone gathered. Yuan Miu speculated, "Could Chief Min Zhuo think I acted unilaterally, without our clan's full knowledge, and not on behalf of the Zhu Yan clan? Does he suspect I've been bribed by you and harbor ill intentions towards them, leading to a misunderstanding?"

"Fellow Daoist Yuan's inference isn't without merit. It seems we'll have to trouble you to make a personal visit," Si Lu remarked.

"Very well, I shall make the journey. You two may proceed to Flame Island and wait," Yuan Miu said.

"Understood!"

Qin Sang and the other two immediately set off. They departed from the Western Land, heading southwest across the vast ocean until they spotted a fiery red island. The island's reddish hue came from its rocks, though a volcano at its center teemed with surging magma, threatening to erupt at any moment. Qin Sang and Si Lu landed on the island, watched Yuan Miu depart, and then waited quietly.

Meanwhile, at the Chang You Clan's Sacred Lake.

Yuan Miu arrived without delay at the shore of the Sacred Lake. Although the Chang You clan was a small, imperial clan under the Zhu Yan, its heritage dated back to antiquity. Under the ancient alliance, every tribe was considered equal.

Yuan Miu straightened his attire, took out the token signifying his status as a Zhu Yan clan elder, solemnly penned a formal request for an audience, and sent it into the Sacred Lake. The request transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the Sacred Lake's grand formation.

Soon after, the water curtain parted, and several streaks of light shot forth. Leading them was Min Shu, son of Chief Min Zhuo, with the remaining individuals being elders of the Chang You clan. Min Shu's gaze swept over, and upon seeing Yuan Miu standing with his hands behind his back, his expression tensed. He quickly landed before Yuan Miu and performed a profound bow.

"We were unaware of your esteemed arrival, honored envoy, and failed to meet you appropriately. Please forgive our oversight!"

Yuan Miu frowned. "Who are you?"

"This junior is Min Shu, son of Chief Min Zhuo. My father is currently in seclusion, and this junior has been tasked with acting on his behalf," Min Shu replied respectfully.

"Since you are acting chief, did you not receive my talisman message?" Yuan Miu questioned.

Min Shu was startled, then exclaimed, "That talisman message was actually from you, honored envoy? My knowledge is limited, and I dared not overstep my bounds. Upon receiving it, I sent it to my father's residence for him to open personally. However, my father has been in continuous seclusion, which caused the delay. Please, honored envoy, impose your punishment."

Yuan Miu snorted, but decided against getting angry with a junior. He said, "I am here to discuss an important matter with Chief Min Zhuo. Go quickly and inform him."

"This..." Min Shu's face showed hesitation. "My father recently achieved a breakthrough and is currently at a critical stage of stabilizing his cultivation. I'm unsure if he can emerge from seclusion immediately. We humbly request that the honored envoy first enter the Sacred Lake, allowing us to express our sincerity."

Yuan Miu understood. Thinking it wouldn't hurt to let Qin Sang and the others wait a little longer, he said, "The Sacred Lake is an important place for your clan, so I shall not enter. I prefer the mountain wilderness and clear springs, and this spot pleases me greatly. Go and make your report." With that, he settled onto a stone by the spring, closed his eyes, and sat cross-legged.

The others, however, dared not leave. They sent Min Shu to report while the rest waited nearby, ordering immortal fruits and fine wine to be brought from the clan.

They waited until evening, when Min Shu returned, his face uneasy, and reported, "My father is still in seclusion and has given no response."

Yuan Miu simply hummed, his expression unchanged. Ten days passed this way. Min Shu reported daily, but Min Zhuo remained unresponsive. On the tenth day, Min Shu's voice trembled.

Yuan Miu abruptly stood, a flicker of anger in his eyes. Min Zhuo was stabilizing his cultivation, not seeking a breakthrough. Even if he was at a crucial stage and couldn't immediately emerge from seclusion, sending a thought to explain the situation was entirely possible. He was clearly deliberately avoiding a meeting! Min Zhuo had likely guessed his purpose but was stubbornly unwilling to make peace with Qin Sang's faction. The Zhu Yan clan had sent a special envoy, yet he dared to offend the envoy by refusing to meet him, clearly having made up his mind. He was also certain of the Zhu Yan clan's nature, confident they would not resort to coercion or forceful intervention.

In that case, Yuan Miu remaining would only invite humiliation.

"Handle yourselves as you see fit!" Yuan Miu flicked his sleeve and departed.