Chapter 2146: The First Signs Emerge

“This is my cultivation ground!”

Qin Sang arrived at the mountaintop and slowly ascended into the sky. Surveying his surroundings, he saw endless mountains, rivers, and plains.

Su Nü and Vermilion Bird were cultivating in seclusion at Qingyang Temple. With three Void Refinement cultivators presiding and having gained the approval of the Zhuyan clan, it was no longer considered a minor tribe among the non-human races.

Candidates had been chosen for the four Pacification Altars. Besides the originally designated Li Yufu, Bao Xi, and Master Yunxin, another was jointly nominated by various factions.

This person called himself Daoist Shenqian. He was a Central Plains cultivator who rose to prominence after the cataclysmic changes in the world. A person who could skillfully navigate all situations, he befriended both righteous and evil factions, and even managed to forge connections with the demon race of the East Sea and the Buddhist sect of the Western Lands. He was a rogue cultivator.

He had never joined any sect. Not only did he successfully overcome numerous calamities, but he also earned merits multiple times, repeatedly breaking through bottlenecks with rewards. Ultimately reaching this point, he became the master of a Pacification Altar, possessing a truly legendary aura.

Underneath the Pacification Altars, official positions in the various main altars and sub-altars were gradually being filled.

A corner of the Governance Altar was shrouded in demonic energy, as Dragon Whale had been ordered to lead demon soldiers to guard the area. The rest of the demon soldiers were also dispatched to various locations to guard Qingyang Prefecture.

Additionally, several figures were leading powerful shamans to plant Chi Hua trees. Within Qingyang Prefecture, Immortals, gods, humans, demons, and shamans each held their respective positions, presenting a vibrant and thriving scene.

Just then, a sound transmission talisman flew in. Qin Sang swept it with his spiritual sense and learned that the Grand Tutor was visiting. The Grand Tutor was still en route, having sent an invitation card to Qingyang Temple in advance. Li Yufu happened to be at the temple, and upon receiving the invitation, he immediately reported it to Qin Sang.

"He arrived quite quickly!"

Qin Sang mused to himself, the Grand Tutor had arrived earlier than he expected. No other messengers had been sent to sound him out. The Grand Tutor's direct arrival showed that Emperor Si was determined to acquire this Mirage Jade.

With a single step, Qin Sang vanished from the Governance Altar.

Qingyang Temple.

On this day, the temple gate suddenly opened wide, and bells and drums rang in unison—a courtesy reserved only for esteemed guests. Qin Sang personally went out to greet him.

Outside the mountain, a rainbow paved the way, coming from the far west. Eight celestial horses pulled a grand carriage, traveling upon the rainbow bridge. In the blink of an eye, they arrived before Qingyang Temple.

The Grand Tutor stepped out of the carriage and clasped his hands in greeting with a smile. He said, "This old man has presumed to visit and disturb True Man Qin."

"Grand Tutor's visit brings honor to our humble temple!"

Qin Sang performed a Daoist salute, stepped aside, and invited the Grand Tutor into the mountain as a guest.

The Grand Tutor walked alongside Qin Sang, seemingly having forgotten their past animosity. His tone was friendly. "This old man's surname is Si (祀)," he said. "Grand Tutor is a title bestowed by Emperor Si, merely a nominal one." He continued, "As the saying goes, 'from blows friendship grows.' I deeply admire True Man Qin, and I wonder if I am worthy for True Man Qin to call me Fellow Daoist Si?"

Qin Sang remembered Silu saying that one of the four royal clans had the surname Si (祀), a surname uncommon among the Siyou clan. Could the Grand Tutor be from a royal clan? Why would he join Emperor Si's faction? Whatever hidden circumstances or grudges were involved, Qin Sang had no intention of delving deeper. He readily complied, saying, "This humble Daoist is honored."

The Grand Tutor burst into hearty laughter.

Sensing the Grand Tutor's disinterest in elaborate formalities, Qin Sang waved his hand, dismissing the attendants, and invited the Grand Tutor to Welcoming Peak. Inside the main hall, only Qin Sang and the Grand Tutor were present, seated facing each other.

The Grand Tutor glanced outside the mountain and remarked with emotion, "In just a few decades, True Man Qin's cultivation ground has taken on a completely new look!"

"Fellow Daoist Si, you flatter me," Qin Sang replied.

The Grand Tutor shook his head slightly. "This old man trusts his spiritual intuition," he said. "If King Lu were to launch an attack now, I would certainly do my utmost to dissuade him, and perhaps even save the Lu family from disaster!"

Qin Sang simply smiled, and, knowing the answer, asked, "Fellow Daoist Si isn't here to mourn King Lu, are you?"

"True Man Qin jests," the Grand Tutor said. "How could this old man's intentions be hidden from True Man Qin? The Lu family's Mirage Jade is surely still in True Man Qin's possession, isn't it?" The Grand Tutor simply got straight to the point.

Qin Sang did not deny it, nodding and saying, "Even if I were to trade it, this humble Daoist would first consider the most powerful royal clan. During this time, many Siyou clan experts have also contacted Fellow Daoist Silu, but they were all turned away."

The Grand Tutor breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good!" he said. "May I ask what True Man Qin intends to do with it?"

"Fellow Daoist Si, are you here on behalf of Emperor Si? What conditions has Emperor Si promised?" Qin Sang did not answer, instead asking a question in return.

Qin Sang's question was very direct, aiming to immediately probe the other party's bottom line. The Grand Tutor, however, did not feel offended. Both parties were well aware of each other's intentions, and a direct approach was better. He frankly said, "It depends on True Man Qin's wishes. It could be elixirs, spirit treasures, or other rare artifacts. As long as True Man Qin is willing to trade, your demands will not be too out of the ordinary, and we will do our best to satisfy them."

This condition could be said to be very generous, tantamount to allowing Qin Sang to make any request. The royal clan certainly had the confidence to offer this, but Qin Sang keenly sensed something unusual. Emperor Si seemed a bit too eager. If Emperor Si had always been this generous and genuinely didn't care about the price, he should have sent the Grand Tutor much earlier. The delay until now indicated that Emperor Si's original intention was to prolong negotiations and haggle.

"Is the Sacred Land about to open?" Qin Sang suddenly asked.

"True Man Qin is indeed astute."

The Grand Tutor sighed, knowing he couldn't conceal it. The Sacred Land concerned the interests of every tribe, and if Qin Sang was willing to investigate, he would surely find out. Emperor Si also hadn't expected the signs to appear so quickly, making the situation suddenly urgent. After acquiring the Mirage Jade, they would need to analyze the intelligence left by its previous owners, discern its authenticity, filter for opportunities, and formulate strategies. This intelligence was invaluable. The royal clan had long coveted other Mirage Jades, but unfortunately, they could not seize them without reason; otherwise, they would be unable to account for it to the ancestors in the Sacred Land. Back then, Emperor Si had prevented King Lu from exterminating the Lu clan, precisely because the Mirage Jade of the Yanshan Si family was missing.

"It is rumored that faint signs have appeared in the Land of Corruption, which are still pending confirmation, but it's likely not far from the great tide. Even if it's not this time, it will certainly be the next receding tide."

The great tides and minor tides of the corrupting qi do not have exact timings. Only a general range can be inferred. Minor tides can vary by over a decade, and great tides by several centuries, which is normal. Once the signs appear, it will arrive very soon. Presumably, because it has not yet been confirmed, Clan Chief Yuanxiang has not sent a message. If the next receding tide is indeed the great tide, then only a few decades remain. Qin Sang had previously heard True Man Ning say it would be within a millennium and thought there was ample time. He couldn't help but feel fortunate that he had chosen to improve his strength first, so he could refine the Heavenly Confinement Golden Lock before the next receding tide.

The Grand Tutor was exceptionally frank. Qin Sang realized, wasn't this exactly the situation he wanted?

After a brief contemplation, Qin Sang looked at the Grand Tutor and said, "This humble Daoist is not injured, nor do I lack spirit treasures. However, having heard various rumors about the Sacred Land, although this humble Daoist is an outsider, I can't help but be drawn to it, and am filled with curiosity and anticipation for the Sacred Land..."

The Grand Tutor asked in surprise, "True Man Qin wishes to...?" Qin Sang nodded.

"That's impossible!" The Grand Tutor shook his head repeatedly, stating emphatically, "True Man Qin is not a descendant of our non-human races. How could the Sacred Land allow outsiders to enter..."

"Is there truly no possibility at all?" Qin Sang interrupted the Grand Tutor. "Has the Siyou clan, or indeed the entire non-human race, never had such a precedent? This humble Daoist vaguely heard that there is a rule in the ancient covenant..."

The Grand Tutor was startled, a strange expression appearing on his face. The Siyou clan had never used this rule. After all, the number of entry slots into the Sacred Land was limited, and who would be willing to yield one to an outsider? Furthermore, it required the consent of all Mirage Jade owners within the clan. Emperor Si had probably even forgotten about this rule. Few among the Siyou clan knew or remembered this matter. For True Man Qin to have found out, he was indeed very resourceful.

Before coming, the Grand Tutor had been full of confidence, but he had not anticipated Qin Sang would propose such a condition. He couldn't help but hesitate. Qin Sang did not rush him, patiently sipping his spirit tea.

"If True Man Qin enters the Sacred Land, you wouldn't compete with our clan for opportunities, would you?" the Grand Tutor asked with a frown.

Qin Sang had learned about the Sacred Land through the Mirage Jades of the Hanjiang Lu family and the Yanshan Si family. What if he also targeted a certain opportunity recorded in the Mirage Jade, and clashed with the royal clan? Wouldn't that bring a formidable enemy upon themselves?

"This humble Daoist will try to avoid the royal clan as much as possible. We can establish a sworn oath later," Qin Sang said with a relaxed, teasing tone. "One Mirage Jade grants two entry slots. This humble Daoist only takes one, and the royal clan gets one slot for free. What are you still hesitating about, Fellow Daoist Si?"

The Grand Tutor's expression stiffened. "True Man Qin isn't going to propose other conditions, are you? That's absolutely not possible! Do you know how much it would cost to persuade the other Mirage Jade owners to allow an outsider to accompany them?"

Qin Sang said noncommittally, "Fellow Daoist Si might as well report back to Emperor Si first, and then we can discuss the details later."

Hearing this, the Grand Tutor seemed about to speak but then stopped. He knew time was pressing, yet he couldn't make the decision himself. Emperor Si would have to carefully consider the matter. The Grand Tutor couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He had no intention of lingering, and after conversing with Qin Sang for a while, he rose to take his leave.

Watching the grand carriage depart westward, Qin Sang fell into contemplation. The Grand Tutor had come with a strong aura this time, likely bringing many treasures. However, to gain entry into the Sacred Land, he had no choice but to forgo them.

After seeing off the Grand Tutor, Qin Sang immediately returned to the fire chamber. Inside the fire chamber, eight golden figures were circulating golden liquid around the Heavenly Confinement Golden Lock. The golden lock's repelling force was gradually weakening.

"There should be enough time." Qin Sang muttered after a brief sensing.

Since returning from Ziyun Mountain, he had had almost no time for dedicated cultivation. Aside from the time spent establishing Qingyang Prefecture, his thoughts were almost entirely focused on the sword formations and the Heavenly Confinement Golden Lock. The sword formations had also made significant progress. Before the Sacred Land opened, even if the Eastern Azure Dragon Sword Formation wasn't fully perfected, it could still be used in battle. With three sword formations unleashed simultaneously, their power would certainly reach a new level.

Qin Sang used the golden liquid to empower the golden figures, and then continued to comprehend the sword formations.

After the Grand Tutor left, there was no news for several months. It was clear that this condition was indeed very difficult for Emperor Si. Qin Sang did not wait for the Grand Tutor, but instead waited for Clan Chief Yuanxiang. The news he brought was largely similar.

"Of the next two receding tides, one will certainly be the great tide. True Man Qin can prepare early. For this Yuangao Dharma Assembly, True Man, why don't you travel with us? You can also bring some fellow Daoists and juniors," Clan Chief Yuanxiang said.

"Will it expose my whereabouts?" Qin Sang asked, concerned. According to True Man Ning, he needed to avoid Liuli and remain hidden in the shadows, to avoid being detected by his adversaries.

"No worries. The Yuangao Dharma Assembly comes first, then the Sacred Land. Powerful cultivators from all clans will attend the assembly, as well as many friendly outsiders. There will be countless rare treasures and exotic artifacts; it would be a pity to miss it. The Sacred Land will only open when the assembly is nearing its end. The Sacred Land's gate possesses its own monitoring abilities. As long as True Man Qin obtains the Siyou clan's approval and is empowered by all the Mirage Jades, he will be able to pass through the Sacred Land's gate, without needing to inform other tribes. To avoid trouble, Emperor Si will certainly find a way to help you conceal your identity..."

The Zhuyan clan had already sent many outsiders in, so Clan Chief Yuanxiang was experienced. Qin Sang felt relieved, sighing, "It's a pity there's been no news from the Grand Tutor, and I wonder what Emperor Si truly intends."

"Since he didn't refuse immediately, it means it's negotiable. Emperor Si is likely testing the attitudes of others. Just wait a little longer."

Clan Chief Yuanxiang's visit was not only to deliver news, but also to observe the Governance Altar. Qin Sang was very generous, opening the Grand Hall of Bestowal, and inviting Clan Chief Yuanxiang inside. Clan Chief Yuanxiang marveled and praised repeatedly, exclaiming, "Truly worthy of being a Daoist Court that once shook the Great Thousand Worlds!"

As Clan Chief Yuanxiang had anticipated, not long after his visit, the Grand Tutor finally returned. Qin Sang invited the Grand Tutor into Welcoming Peak. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Grand Tutor got straight to the point, delivering good news.

"During this period, this old man was ordered to contact several fellow Daoists who possess Mirage Jades. It was not easy to persuade them. However, despite the difficulty, it is not without hope."

Qin Sang remained unmoved, listening as the Grand Tutor continued. "Emperor Si must confirm one thing: that our enormous efforts to help True Man Qin enter the Sacred Land will not become a problem for us."

"This humble Daoist said we can establish a sworn oath..."

"Emperor Si wishes for Fellow Daoist Qin to become our ally!" The Grand Tutor interrupted, "After entering the Sacred Land, we ask True Man Qin to first rendezvous with us, and together we will break a seal. True Man Qin can rest assured, it won't take too long. Afterward, True Man Qin will still have ample time to explore the Sacred Land."

Qin Sang frowned. After entering the Sacred Land, he would certainly need to rendezvous with Liuli and the others as soon as possible. Not to mention how long breaking the seal would take, there might also be dangers and other opponents. This meant he would be exchanging one Mirage Jade and himself for only a single entry into the Sacred Land.

Qin Sang let out a cold laugh. "If this humble Daoist could be brought in every time, perhaps it could be considered."

"It might not be impossible, as long as True Man Qin continues to stand with the royal clan. Most of the opportunities in the Sacred Land are useless to outsiders. Compared to others, True Man Qin is, in fact, more trustworthy." The Grand Tutor said seriously, "True Man Qin, don't rush to refuse. Please listen to the following conditions... The royal clan once obtained a treasure in the Sacred Land, named the Flash Pearl. This pearl is a thunder-path exotic treasure. It doesn't possess overwhelming power itself, but it can seal a thunder spell. When encountering an enemy, by activating this pearl, one can unleash the thunder spell against them!"

Qin Sang's expression suddenly stirred.

"True Man, you've also thought of it," he said. "Regarding that seal, we originally had no certainty of breaking it, but with True Man Qin's assistance, it will be different. We wish to ask True Man Qin to activate the Thunder Altar, and cast the thunder talisman that annihilated the Grand Enshriner back then, to seal it within the Flash Pearl. Although this pearl can only seal one thunder spell at a time, it can be repeatedly sealed. Once the task is accomplished, Emperor Si is willing to gift this pearl to True Man Qin as compensation." The Grand Tutor's tone carried a hint of enticement.

Such an exotic treasure actually existed in the world!

Qin Sang's heart pounded. He asked gravely, "Are you certain this pearl can seal that thunder talisman?"

The Grand Tutor paused. He indeed had no certainty, as that thunder talisman was too powerful.

"We'll know by trying!" he said. "Even if it seals a lesser thunder talisman with the power of the Thunder Altar, it will still be a powerful aid."

Qin Sang nodded, and was about to speak, when he suddenly felt a strangeness in his primordial spirit. It was the Wandering Cloud Sword trembling!