Chapter 2145: 弘道传法

The altars were constructed according to the rituals of the Daoist Heavenly Court, categorized into Governing Altars, Pacification Altars, Capital Altars, and Branch Altars. Since there were no major Talismanic sects here, a Grand Ancestral Altar was not established.

The Storm Realm lacked the immense power and vast territories of the Heavenly Court, so the regulations were scaled down accordingly.

The Governing Altar was strategically placed near the teleportation array leading to the Western Lands. This location, approximately in the center of the Storm Realm and not far from Qingyang Temple, was the ideal choice.

Qin Sang named the Daoist sanctuary "Qingyang Governorate," and this Governing Altar became the Qingyang Governing Altar.

Should the Qingyang Governing Altar one day connect with the Divine Court, or even condense a "Du Gong Seal" and be elevated to one of the Heavenly Court's official governorates, Qingyang Temple would truly become renowned throughout the myriad realms!

Below the Governing Altar, four Pacification Altars were established.

During the Heavenly Court's prime, its laws were strict, and there were fixed regulations for everything, including the names of Pacification Altars and Capital Altars. For instance, a name like "Jiazi Tongxuan Zhizhen Pacification Altar" or "Lingzhen Yingmiao Altar" would have "Jiazi" as the sequence number, followed by the altar's specific name.

Given the decline of the Heavenly Court and Qingyang Governorate's yet-unmerged status, Qin Sang didn't feel it necessary to rigidly adhere to every rule, to avoid appearing abrupt to the cultivators of the Storm Realm. When naming the Pacification Altars, he continued to use the names of the four regions from when he was in the lower realm.

The first Pacification Altar was established on the eastern coast, governing the original Northern Barrens, Central Plains, and the Eastern Sea, including the Witch Tribe's territory. It was the strongest and most central of the four Pacification Altars, named "Jiazi Central Plains Pacification."

The second Pacification Altar was established in the Northern Sea, the place where Qingyang Temple rose to prominence. It governed the four territories of the Northern Sea, with room for future expansion northward, and was named "Yichou Northern Sea Pacification."

The third was located in the Western Lands. The climate and landscape of the Western Lands had undergone significant changes, and its population was steadily growing. Furthermore, the vast regions extending outward from the Western Lands, including three island chains, would eventually be incorporated into the Qingyang Governorate, making it the Pacification Altar with the greatest future potential. It was named "Bingyin Western Lands Pacification."

The fourth was established in the Canglang Sea, governing the Canglang Sea and the Demon Sea. To the east, it could monitor the Evil River, and to the south, it commanded vast maritime territories. It was named "Dingmao Canglang Pacification."

Below these four Pacification Altars, Capital Altars and Branch Altars were established as deemed appropriate.

Additionally, Qin Sang instructed Li Yufu to establish a Capital Altar in the refuge. Even though the external threat was gone, this location could not be abandoned, and cultivators would remain there year-round as a fallback.

Only with regard to the Divine Dao did Qin Sang hesitate.

Fortunately, the Divine Dao within Qingyang Governorate was just beginning, so it wasn't a major concern. Qin Sang emulated the Talismanic World, using immortal officials to regulate spirits and deities, tasking them with overseeing the mortal realm.

By this point, Qin Sang had already established the rudimentary form of a governorate. Conventionally, he could expand outward from here, conquering territories, establishing more Pacification Altars and Capital Altars, and attracting more cultivators to accept Daoist talismans and practice Daoist arts.

The wider the territory, the more cultivators who accepted talismans, the stronger the Governing Altar's power, and the greater the potential to connect with the Divine Court, condense the Du Gong Seal, and be elevated to an official governorate.

Unfortunately, this was the Mist Sea. The territory could not exceed the former lands of the Changyou Clan, and the Storm Realm could not possibly contend with the entire Alien Race. Once it reached its limits, it would have no choice but to remain dormant here.

If Qin Sang truly committed to the Great Vehicle Path, such a Qingyang Governorate would be insufficient to help him reach the Integration stage. It could only serve as a temporary measure, requiring him to seek out other places to establish Daoist sanctuaries in the future.

"Do you have suitable candidates in mind for the masters of the four Pacification Altars?" Qin Sang asked Li Yufu.

Where there are Pacification Altars, there must be immortal officials to oversee them.

As the Emissary Lord of the Five Thunders Institute, Qin Sang had the authority to act at his discretion, appointing internal positions within the Institute and reporting his actions to the Divine Heavens' Upper Palace afterward.

Within the official ranks of the Five Thunders Institute, below the Emissary Lord, were the Assistant Minister of the Nine Heavens' Golden Palace (Third Rank), the Deputy Emissary of the Divine Heavens' Jade Pivot, and the Deputy Emissary of the Five Thunders Institute.

The Fourth Rank included the Minister of the Jade Mansion and the Five Thunders Commander. The Assistant Fourth Rank included the Minister of the Jade Mansion and the Grand Commander of Five Thunders.

Below them were the Fifth Rank Minister of the Jade Mansion and Five Thunders Director; and the Assistant Fifth Rank Minister of the Upper Clarity Bureau of Life, Jade Mansion, and Grand Master of Profound Heaven.

The Sixth Rank included the Minister of the Upper Clarity Bureau of Life, Jade Mansion, the Five Thunders Examiner, and the Five Thunders Demon Subduer.

The Assistant Sixth Rank included the Five Thunders Exorcist and the Five Thunders Evil Slicer.

Numerous other official positions were also delineated based on different responsibilities, such as the Immortal Official of Records, the Immortal Official of Endorsements, the Immortal Official in Charge of Registers, the Imperial Secretary, the Imperial Law-Keeper, the Immortal Minister of Peace and Transformation, the Divine Heavens' Law Enforcement Immortal Official, the West Terrace Rain and Wind Official, the Administrator of Peace and Transformation, and the Divine Heavens' Messenger, among many others. All these ranks and positions had varying degrees of seniority.

From the names of the official positions, it was clear that during the Heavenly Court's prime, the Assistant Fifth Rank was a significant threshold, indicating a position of high authority and power, not easily attainable by ordinary individuals.

Qin Sang benefited from the Heavenly Court's decline, receiving an extraordinary appointment. The immortal officials under him would also benefit, with Soul Transformation cultivators now eligible to serve as masters of Pacification Altars, granted the Fourth Rank title of Minister of the Jade Mansion and Five Thunders Commander, and so on down the hierarchy.

"Your disciple is willing to personally oversee the Central Plains Pacification Altar," Li Yufu said with a bow.

As the abbot of Qingyang Temple, he represented Qin Sang's will and bore an unavoidable responsibility. The Central Plains Pacification Altar was the strongest and most complex, requiring someone of sufficient stature to oversee it, and Li Yufu was the only suitable choice.

As he was not yet a Void Refinement cultivator, he could only temporarily assume the duties of Deputy Emissary of the Five Thunders Institute, later overseeing the Governing Altar on Qin Sang's behalf, though his actual rank would remain Fourth Rank Five Thunders Commander.

"Palace Master Bao Zhengnan wrote that Fellow Daoist Bao Xi is willing to switch to cultivating thunder techniques. In my disciple's opinion, Fellow Daoist Bao Xi could oversee the Western Lands Pacification Altar. Palace Master Tong and Master Shi are unwilling to change their cultivation methods. Abbess Yunxin recently relinquished her position as abbess and seems to intend to convert from Buddhist to Daoist cultivation. We could either ask Palace Master Tong to designate an expert from the Xuan Tian Palace, or invite Abbess Yunxin to come out of retirement to oversee the Canglang Pacification Altar. The contributions of the Four Saints Palace and Xuan Tian Palace in numerous battles are undeniable, and Immortal Fairy Liuli's benevolence has benefited the entire realm, which will surely gain widespread acceptance."

Li Yufu clearly had a plan prepared and spoke eloquently, "For the last Pacification Altar, the Northern Sea Pacification Altar, your disciple believes we can allow other factions to jointly nominate a candidate, demonstrating benevolence and virtue."

Qin Sang nodded subtly, acknowledging Li Yufu's thorough consideration.

He had not only ensured that the master of one Pacification Altar would not be from their direct lineage, preventing a single faction from dominating within the Pacification Altars, but also considered the perspectives of other forces. This was truly a path of balance.

Not to mention, the nomination process among other factions would undoubtedly involve a struggle. The chosen candidate would have no foundation in the Northern Sea, which was Qingyang Temple's ancestral home and also harbored the immense Xuan Tian Palace, making it difficult for the master of that Pacification Altar to accomplish much.

Furthermore, within the Heavenly Court's system, a Pacification Altar master could not act arbitrarily; crucial positions would only be filled by those trusted by Qingyang Temple.

"With Qingyang Governorate in your hands from now on, this Daoist will have no further worries," Qin Sang said with satisfaction.

Li Yufu showed no hint of complacency, bowing as he replied, "Uncle-Master, you praise me too much."

As they spoke, they arrived at the Governing Altar.

From a distance, its appearance had transformed dramatically.

What was once an immortal city built around the ancient teleportation array had now expanded, leaving several mountain peaks at its center.

The terrain of the mountains was not particularly rugged. They were shrouded in mist, with lush forests and dense bamboo groves. At the foot of the mountains stood a memorial archway, bearing five golden characters that read "Qingyang Governorate Governing Altar," guarded by golden-armored sentinels.

While it lacked the grandeur of the Baishi Governorate Governing Altar Qin Sang had seen, its pavilions and terraces nestled among immortal clouds and ancient trees, with a bustling immortal city outside, created a sense of tranquil dynamism, refreshing depth, and an aura of both mystery and majesty.

The ancient teleportation array was located near the foot of the mountains, restricting access for ordinary cultivators.

Closer to the mountaintop were several golden halls. One of them was the Grand Talisman-Bestowal Hall of the Talisman Bestowal Bureau, which also housed the Governing Altar.

The two landed in front of the golden hall. Li Yufu stepped forward to open the hall doors, revealing an altar with its foundation already laid.

In fact, various Daoist altars were, to some extent, interconnected. Their true essence lay in what was inscribed within them, such as the thunder talismans like the Oath of Thunder Sacrifice in a Thunder Altar, or the Du Gong Seal and official talismans in a Talisman-Bestowal Altar.

In ancient times, a Talisman-Bestowal Altar was more comprehensive than a Thunder Altar, capable of bestowing talismans, establishing Four Divine Posts, summoning deities and generals, and performing thunder talismans and thunder techniques.

Qin Sang could also integrate a Thunder Altar into the Governing Altar for easier command. However, a single altar handling too many functions could lead to conflicts, depending on the altar master's cultivation and control abilities.

Since this was his first time establishing an altar for bestowing talismans, he decided to build the Governing Altar from scratch. Its dual purpose was to protect Qingyang Governorate and to bestow talismans. He would consider merging altars only when the Governing Altar had grown to a certain extent. Nevertheless, preparations for future integration were already underway, with the three core branch altars positioned close to their respective Pacification Altars.

Li Yufu stood respectfully at the entrance. Qin Sang entered the Grand Talisman-Bestowal Hall, and his Thousand-Jin Ring pulsed with light. Countless spiritual materials flowed out like water, transforming into various shapes before him.

Qin Sang personally took action, and the Governing Altar quickly took shape. Other than being slightly larger than a Pacification Altar, its form was essentially identical, without any further mystical features.

*Hum!*

The Governing Altar trembled slightly.

Qin Sang gracefully floated above the Governing Altar. With a subtle thought, a hint of green light shot forth from his glabella, instantly illuminating the entire hall and manifesting an illusory talisman altar.

Li Yufu, who had gained some understanding of the Heavenly Court, felt the mysterious aura emanating from the talisman altar. His gaze towards it held both a hint of awe and a touch of eagerness.

The Altar-Protecting Divine General, Ancestor Lei, was intentionally hidden by Qin Sang. As Qin Sang's thoughts flickered, the Golden Book of Imperial Edicts and the Five Thunders Institute Seal in Ancestor Lei's hand flew out of the talisman altar, hovering above the Governing Altar.

Simultaneously, the Divine Heavens' Thunder Seal within the talisman altar was activated, emitting three beams of green light that coalesced before Qin Sang into three illusory talismanic scrolls: the First-Tier Grand Supreme Orthodox One Youth Spirit Official General Talisman, the Second-Tier Flowing Gold Fire Bell Talisman, and the Third-Tier Five Thunders Secret Talisman.

The Golden Book of Imperial Edicts emitted a golden light, transforming into a blank golden talisman. A talismanic scroll adhered to it, solidifying into a true golden talisman. Immediately, the Five Thunders Institute Seal split into an illusory imprint, which merged into the golden talisman.

The golden talisman vibrated, its aura suddenly changing drastically, emitting a strange power.

All three golden talismans fully materialized, transforming into three points of golden light that rotated as they descended into the Governing Altar.

Inside the Governing Altar, the three golden talismans revolved around each other, sometimes separating, sometimes converging. Within the golden light, the faint outline of a golden seal occasionally appeared, its shape resembling the Divine Heavens' Thunder Seal. Conventionally, once the Governing Altar was completed and connected to the Divine Court, it would use these three golden talismans as a foundation to condense the Du Gong Seal.

Qin Sang immersed his consciousness into the Governing Altar, activating the golden talismans and fully urging them to sense the Divine Court. As expected, there was no response, like a stone sinking into the sea.

However, the presence of the Five Thunders Institute Seal on the golden talismans meant that Qin Sang could bestow talismans upon others. The only difference was that during the ritual of bestowing talismans, the step where the talisman was burned and a petition submitted would not reach the Divine Court, but instead fly to the Governing Altar.

With no result from his attempt, Qin Sang gave up, withdrew his consciousness, and channeled his true essence furiously into the Governing Altar. The Grand Talisman-Bestowal Hall shook violently as the Governing Altar erupted with a pillar of green light, shooting through the dome and soaring into the clouds.

At that moment, throughout the immortal city outside and over half of the Central Plains, a green rainbow could be seen shooting straight into the heavens. Immediately afterward, all Pacification Altars, Capital Altars, and Branch Altars manifested anomalies, emitting green light and echoing the Governing Altar from afar.

This spectacle caused widespread alarm among the people of the Storm Realm, who feared another major event was about to occur.

The celestial phenomenon did not last long. If anyone had been near the Pacification Altars and Capital Altars at that moment, they would have seen a faint golden gleam appear as the green light retracted, merging into the altars.

At this point, all altars possessed the ability to bestow talismans, with the grade of talismans they could confer varying according to their level.

Only the Governing Altar could bestow the highest-grade, Third-Tier Five Thunders Secret Talisman.

Qin Sang slowly opened his eyes, looked at Li Yufu, and said, "Choose an auspicious day, invite all fellow Daoists, and come to the Governing Altar for a ceremony where I will bestow your talisman!"

Li Yufu would be the first to receive a talisman.

"Which cultivation method have you chosen?" Qin Sang asked.

Daoist scriptures and talismans varied; even with the same "High-Ranking Divine Heavens Talisman," one could cultivate different methods.

"This disciple feels it is more suitable for my own constitution!" Li Yufu replied respectfully.

Qin Sang produced several thunder scriptures for Li Yufu to choose from.

Among the superior thunder scriptures recorded in the Five Thunders Institute Seal were various profound texts, also listed.

Of course, there were also ordinary thunder scriptures, and common Five Elements thunder techniques, providing methods for cultivators with all five elemental spiritual roots.

For outsiders, Qin Sang would naturally not make superior thunder scriptures so readily available, imposing restrictions and conditions.

Qin Sang nodded and took out a jade slip. "This scripture originated from the era of the Heavenly Court's Divine Heavens Grand Administrator. It is an ancient thunder scripture of immense power. It won't be easy for you to fully comprehend it, having switched to the path of thunder cultivation midway. Although I am not a true thunder cultivator, I have some insights into this path, which I have appended to the scripture."

"Thank you, Uncle-Master, for imparting the technique!"

Li Yufu knelt on both knees, raised his hands, and solemnly accepted the thunder scripture.

Soon after, various factions received invitations and arrived at the Governing Altar to observe the ceremony.

Under the gaze of all present, Qin Sang activated the Governing Altar, lit incense and offered prayers, submitted a report to the Divine Heavens' Upper Palace, and personally bestowed a talisman upon Li Yufu.

Along with him, two or three dozen other Soul Transformation cultivators who had decided to switch to cultivating thunder techniques also received talismans.

Some individuals were still hesitant, but quickly regretted it, as only the initial bestowment of talismans would be performed personally by Qin Sang. Afterwards, once Li Yufu received the Five Thunders Secret Talisman and condensed his own talisman altar, he would act on Qin Sang's behalf to bestow talismans at the Governing Altar.

This meant that the first group to receive talismans could proclaim themselves disciples of the Emissary Lord outside, and even if they weren't direct disciples of Qingyang Temple, this connection alone would be enough to inspire envy.

With Li Yufu and others having received the Five Thunders Secret Talisman, candidates were found for the masters of the four Pacification Altars, and the masters of the Capital Altars and Branch Altars also assumed their respective duties. Qingyang Governorate gradually began to operate smoothly.

From that point on, the Heavenly Court's thunder techniques began to flourish!

Periodically, countless cultivators and mortals received talismans at various Branch Altars.

In the Grand Talisman-Bestowal Hall.

Qin Sang sat cross-legged above the Governing Altar, concentrating as he sensed something.

"So, establishing a Governing Altar has this kind of benefit..."

Qin Sang murmured.

He sensed that as more and more people received and practiced talismans and thunder techniques, connecting with the Governing Altar, its power was subtly increasing, and the golden seal manifested by the three golden talismans became increasingly solid. The Governing Altar could even assist its master in comprehending thunder techniques, with the effect becoming more pronounced as the altar grew stronger.

Unfortunately, his foundational cultivation method was not a thunder scripture, and he had already reached the peak of the Five Thunders Secret Talisman's cultivation. He still did not know where to receive the Fourth-Tier Purple Void Thunder Management Treasure Talisman.

Nevertheless, there were still aspects he could learn from.

After all, propagating the Dao and imparting techniques was also a path to Great Vehicle enlightenment!