Chapter 2143: Chihua Tree

Relatives may still mourn, but others are already singing.

The Storm Realm first experienced a great upheaval, then was entangled with the Changyou tribe for nearly a thousand years, and recently endured an invasion from the Siyou tribe. Now, their suffering has ended, and various factions can finally live in peace.

Old Demon Fang's death caused only a brief ripple in the Storm Realm, which quickly returned to calm.

Soon after, Qingyang Temple once again sent out invitations, inviting various tribes and sects to attend a celebration.

As the saying goes, rewards and punishments must be clear. The previous celebration was for punishment, while this one was a commendation ceremony.

That evening, the celebration concluded successfully in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

In this great battle, those who guarded the branch altars or assisted Qin Sang in deploying the Thunder Talismans were credited with merit. However, the greatest contributions came from those who directly faced the Siyou tribe's army on the battlefield, primarily demon soldiers, but also cultivators from various sects like Huanhen.

Additionally, their contributions during past conflicts with the Changyou tribe would also be considered.

The main rewards were divided into three categories: first, the qualification to serve as an official in the Five Thunder Academy; second, for factions and cultivators unwilling to practice Thunder Arts, they could exchange their merits for Qin Sang or other experts to deduce cultivation techniques for them; and third, which countless people eagerly awaited, was the Azure Spirit Qi!

Since Qin Sang took the Azure Spirit Qi from the Immortal Mountain crack, no new Azure Spirit Qi had appeared. Now, with Mount Daiyu scarred and damaged, Qin Sang dared not act rashly, anticipating that the existing supply was likely the last of the Azure Spirit Qi.

Qin Sang divided it into two, leaving a portion for Qingyang Temple and storing the rest in the Five Thunder Academy. There were strict regulations and corresponding rules for how to obtain the Azure Spirit Qi, modeled after the Taoist Court's merit system.

Regardless of sect or faction, anyone who accumulated enough merit could exchange it for a wisp of Azure Spirit Qi at the Five Thunder Academy.

The Azure Spirit Qi was at the very top of the merit list, making it extremely difficult to exchange for it with merit unless another major war occurred. To some extent, an overly stable external environment was also a disadvantage. The constant expansion of the Taoist Court might be related to this.

More importantly, this system offered everyone a tangible hope, encouraging them to genuinely embrace the merit system and support Qingyang Temple and the Five Thunder Academy.

Of course, there was a shortcut for those wishing to acquire Azure Spirit Qi quickly: they could exchange treasures, cultivation techniques, or Taoist arts obtained from the Immortal Palace, even fragments or damaged artifacts. Qin Sang naturally hoped to acquire more fragmented treasures like the Thousand-Jun Ring or the Ziwei Emperor Sword, or even those comparable to the three fragmented treasures he found in the Formless Immortal Sect.

As the overall cultivation level in the Storm Realm was not yet high enough, the cultivators could do very little, creating limited value for Qin Sang. Thus, the current merit system was only a prototype. It would gradually improve over time as the Storm Realm's strength increased.

The rewards on the merit list would also be progressively added, and it was not ruled out that even more valuable treasures than the Azure Spirit Qi might be offered in the future, until the system operated smoothly.

Li Yufu, on behalf of Qin Sang, briefly explained the merit system to the various factions at the celebration, outlined the promising future of the Storm Realm, and requested their assistance in constructing altars and establishing the Five Thunder Academy.

Subsequently, all factions expressed no objections, affirming that the merit system was a benevolent and virtuous governance that ensured fairness, serving as a solid foundation for the revitalization of the Storm Realm, and willingly pledged their full cooperation. They dispatched their most capable talents to support the preparations for the Five Thunder Academy, firmly upholding the will of Lord Envoy.

Furthermore, tribes and sects planning to relocate to the Outer Sea also attended the celebration. They unanimously declared that even when residing in the Outer Sea, their hearts would remain with the Five Thunder Academy, and they would obey Lord Envoy Qin's decrees at all times and in all places.

Qingyang Temple Forbidden Area.

In the valley, Qin Sang sat cross-legged before the Mount Daiyu Immortal Mountain stele.

The Vermilion Bird flew around the Immortal Mountain, its eyes full of curiosity, repeatedly attempting to enter the mountain's fissure, but was stopped by Qin Sang, much to its displeasure.

Qin Sang glanced at it playfully, "Aren't you the one who loves excitement? Last time you claimed you'd back me up. Why are you hiding now, afraid to show your face?"

The Vermilion Bird landed on the stele and drew back its head, "That Taoist nun is definitely not to be trifled with. You'd better stay far away. Why not be smart and just give your woman to her? Otherwise, if you die, don't drag me down with you."

The Vermilion Bird had always been audacious; it was rare to see it so afraid of someone.

Qin Sang gave it a deep look. "At your peak, how did you compare to her?"

"Definitely a hundred times stronger than her!"

The Vermilion Bird proudly raised its head, its eyes filled with disdain. "This Vermilion Bird could swat her to death with one wing!"

After learning about the tribulation-less Mahayana stage from True Master Ning, Qin Sang began to re-examine the "ancient ones" he had encountered in the Storm Realm.

For instance, the Vermilion Bird and Ghost Mother had certainly been trapped in the Storm Realm for more than three thousand years. If the Six-Nine Heavenly Tribulation had descended, they would have long since turned to dust. The Vermilion Bird had followed him for so long without experiencing a single tribulation; could it be that they were all Mahayana cultivators before?

For a dignified Mahayana mighty expert to have fallen to such a state, was this the so-called Formless Tribulation?

The Vermilion Bird's previous arrogant words might, perhaps, one day come true, and he might genuinely have to rely on it.

"It's a pity the Qilin egg still shows no signs of hatching," Qin Sang murmured.

Just then, Qin Sang sensed that the cave dwelling's restrictions had been triggered. With a sweep of his spiritual sense, he knew who had arrived and forcibly took the Vermilion Bird out of the forbidden area.

"Mingqiu greets Lord Envoy Qin!"

The newcomer was indeed Mingqiu. After the merit system was announced, everyone respectfully referred to Qin Sang as Lord Envoy.

"I called you here to give you some instructions."

Qin Sang instructed the Vermilion Bird on his shoulder, "Go invite Fellow Daoist Jihong here."

The Vermilion Bird reluctantly left.

Qin Sang led Mingqiu into the cave dwelling and took out an ice box and a wooden box. The ice box contained the sacrificial insects collected from Fengju Jade Gate, and the wooden box held the flower tree seeds where the sacrificial insects resided.

Back then, when Qin Sang obtained the small grotto-heaven, he simply collected all those flower trees before leaving.

Unexpectedly, once these flower trees entered the minor chiliocosm, they immediately began to wither. Qin Sang was powerless to save them and lacked the energy to care for them, so they all eventually died.

As the Chihua trees withered, large numbers of sacrificial insects also began to die.

Later, after acquiring the Haobo Clan's secret method for cultivating sacrificial insects, Qin Sang learned that these delicate flower trees, named Chihua, were extremely fragile. Even though he moved the trees along with their soil, even a slight environmental change could cause them to wither.

The Haobo Clan cultivated these flower trees with extreme care, expending considerable effort. However, once a large area of Chihua trees was successfully grown, the rewards were significant. They could serve as habitats for sacrificial insects, soothe them, make them easier to tame, and offered other wondrous uses.

Among their most valuable properties was the ability to accelerate the production of gall crystals by the sacrificial insects.

Although the Chihua tree forest withered, fortunately, some Chihua trees left behind seeds, and Qin Sang also sealed away the surviving sacrificial insects.

After reviewing the entire secret technique of the Haobo Clan, Qin Sang found himself stuck at the first step. He only possessed this one Wuzu secret technique, and without Chihua trees, he couldn't cultivate the sacrificial insects.

Cultivating Chihua trees required two conditions.

First, someone practicing the Haobo Clan's legacy needed to constantly apply the secret technique to the flower trees.

Qin Sang had already given the Haobo Clan's legacy to Old Demon Fang. Under the combined efforts of Wuzu experts, significant progress had been made, and some Wuzu cultivators had begun attempting to cultivate it. This task could be assigned to them.

Second, it required irrigation with special spiritual herbs, most of which were unique to the Wuzu tribe. Qin Sang had searched around but found it impossible to gather them all. This time, he had specifically invited Jihong back from the Siyou tribe to consult him on whether there was an alternative approach.

Qin Sang motioned for Mingqiu to open the ice box, which contained frozen young sacrificial insects.

He had previously collected some special sacrificial insects, which could be considered 'insect kings' among their kind, capable of saving a lot of time in the future. However, these insect kings required the support of a large population, otherwise, they would gradually degenerate. The current task was to first cultivate the insect swarm.

As they were speaking, the Vermilion Bird brought Jihong back.

Jihong and Qin Sang were already well-acquainted. He leaped onto the stone table and asked, "Before I left, Fellow Daoist Silu asked me to relay a message. Recently, Emperor Si has repeatedly sent people to inquire about the Mirage Jade Pendant, fearing that the Lu family's Mirage Jade Pendant might fall into the wrong hands. How should we respond?"

"No rush, let's keep them waiting a bit longer."

With the Mirage Jade Pendant in hand, Qin Sang naturally felt no fear. Once Emperor Si became impatient enough to send the Junior Master to the Storm Sea, the time would be ripe.

Jihong's nostrils twitched slightly, as if he smelled something, and he stared intently at the wooden box. "What's inside?"

"Some tree seeds," Qin Sang smiled. "Fellow Daoist, feel free to open it and take a look."

Jihong was already impatient and leaped to the wooden box. With a click, the box opened, revealing several olive-shaped tree seeds. He carefully took them in his hand, his eyes fixed on them.

"These are Chihua tree seeds. Are you interested, Fellow Daoist?" Qin Sang asked.

Jihong nodded repeatedly, then suddenly shook his head, saying again and again, "It's not easy! Not easy at all!"

Seeing that Jihong immediately recognized the delicate nature of the Chihua tree, Qin Sang secretly thought he had found the right person, and then took out a jade slip.

"It contains an effective cultivation method, but unfortunately, most of the spiritual herbs required are lost. Perhaps you can draw some inspiration from it, Fellow Daoist."

Jihong immediately embraced the jade slip and began examining it intently.

Qin Sang observed that when Jihong was focused, he displayed his true, uninhibited nature. He would sometimes nod his head and mutter to himself, at other times scratch his ears and rack his brains in contemplation, and occasionally lie on the table, resting his head on the jade slip, making Qin Sang almost think he had fallen asleep.

"Do you have any insights, Fellow Daoist?" Qin Sang asked.

Jihong sat up, rubbing his forehead vigorously. "I have inspiration, but it's too chaotic. I need quiet!"

With that, he didn't bid Qin Sang farewell, but grabbed the wooden box and jade slip and rushed out of the cave dwelling.

Mingqiu watched Jihong, secretly marveling. Suddenly, he noticed Qin Sang looking at him and quickly said respectfully, "On behalf of all the Wuzu tribe, this junior is willing to undertake this task and share Lord Envoy Qin's worries!"

Qin Sang nodded, "Cultivating sacrificial insects concerns the future of the Storm Realm. I will designate an area near each altar and establish a special department under the Five Thunder Academy, named Mount Yu Garden, solely responsible for cultivating Chihua trees and sacrificial insects. The immortal officials of this department, except for the Registrar's position, will be chosen by your Wuzu tribe."

Mingqiu was overjoyed upon hearing this. What he feared most was that there would be no place for the Wuzu tribe in the Five Thunder Academy. With the Five Thunder Academy establishing a dedicated department for the Wuzu, they would no longer worry about their standing in True Master Qin's eyes as long as they diligently cultivated the sacrificial insects.

"You may take the secret technique and these sacrificial insects back to study them first. Regarding the cultivation of Chihua trees, you can consult Fellow Daoist Jihong at any time," Qin Sang said.

"As you command!"

Mingqiu bowed and withdrew.

Qin Sang returned to the forbidden area, leaving the Vermilion Bird outside despite its protests.

Gazing at Mount Daiyu Immortal Mountain, Qin Sang fell into contemplation.

After a discussion with True Master Ning, Qin Sang gained a deeper understanding of Mount Daiyu Immortal Mountain.

True Master Ning reminded him that he could temporarily refine Mount Daiyu Immortal Mountain using a method similar to refining magic treasures, with the purpose of shrinking its size and concealing its fluctuations, making it easier to bring into the Sacred Land. However, he warned that this might accelerate the mountain's collapse.

Qin Sang possessed a small grotto-heaven, which allowed him to bypass this step.

During this period, he immersed himself in study and concluded that Mount Daiyu Immortal Mountain was too fragile. Whatever he intended to do with it, it would be safest to wait until it absorbed the immortal mountain's essence and its body was repaired.

Thinking this, Qin Sang abandoned the idea of exploring the immortal mountain's secrets and once again focused his mind on the stone stele.

This time, with ample time, Qin Sang carefully selected ancient restrictions within the mountain. As he gained control over one after another, the Immortal Mountain began to change.

The clouds and mist suddenly dispersed, fully exposing the mountain body.

Immediately after, a faint mist began to emerge from the base of the mountain, slowly spreading towards the summit, appearing softer than before.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but when the mist once again enveloped the Immortal Mountain, Qin Sang opened his eyes to a world of white. He flew outside the mountain and could barely detect any fluctuations from Mount Daiyu Immortal Mountain. This meant its impact on the small grotto-heaven would now be negligible.

Qin Sang raised his right hand, and with a flash of light from the Thousand-Jun Ring, Mount Daiyu Immortal Mountain vanished into thin air, being taken into his small grotto-heaven.

The Immortal Mountain landed steadily on the ground, but due to the mist, it seemed out of place with its surroundings.

Qin Sang waited patiently for a while, seeing no signs of instability in the small grotto-heaven; in fact, it seemed even slightly more stable than before.

Qin Sang recalled True Master Ning's words that the power of an immortal mountain could strengthen a Dharma Domain. Integration stage cultivators controlled Dharma Domains, while Mahayana stage cultivators could open up a new realm. Based on this, he speculated: was a Dharma Domain merely the initial performance of creation, or perhaps the embryonic form of a realm?

If so, then perhaps it was not an illusion.

Returning to his cave dwelling, Qin Sang found several communication talismans trapped by the restrictions at his door. Collecting the immortal mountain had taken a considerable amount of time. Most of the talismans contained reports from Li Yufu, stating that the altars for transmitting decrees had already begun construction.

These matters could be handled by his juniors. The only thing that required Qin Sang's personal attention was the final consecration of the altars.

As the Lord Envoy of the Five Thunder Academy, Qin Sang establishing altars and transmitting decrees here meant the Storm Realm could be considered a "jurisdiction," though at best, it would only be a "roving jurisdiction."

In ancient times, a roving jurisdiction held some hope of connecting with the Divine Court, but now it was almost impossible, and forming a Capital Merit Seal was merely a pipe dream.

After a casual glance, Qin Sang set these communication talismans aside and began to reflect on himself.

Having achieved enlightenment during the great battle, he should now focus on improving his cultivation.

True Master Ning had only said that the Sacred Land would open within a millennium, but did not specify the exact time; it could be a long time from now, or very soon.

The Sacred Land was teeming with experts, and conflict was inevitable. He should first enhance his strength to prepare for his journey to the Sacred Land. The best options were to refine the Trapped Heaven Golden Lock and perfect the Four Symbols Sword Formation.