Chapter 2190: Forgetfulness Arrives

"What's wrong with that?" True Master Ning retorted. "Seeking ultimate liberation for oneself, free from emotions, desires, and attachments, isn't that precisely the so-called Lesser Vehicle path? On the contrary, you people, who claim to follow the Dao of nature and live a carefree life, have now begun to covet the Greater Vehicle path. Isn't that ridiculous?"

"It's not about coveting the Greater Vehicle..." The old Daoist replied with a helpless expression. "Even if we are reluctant to admit it, the Greater Vehicle path has now become a prevailing trend, gaining momentum like a raging fire. Not to mention the return of the Dao Court, the Great Zhou imperial court recently held a debate between the Greater and Lesser Vehicles. The Hundred Schools of Thought—including deities, Confucians, Legalists, strategists, agriculturists, and diplomats—are all flourishing, with far-reaching influence. Qianzhou even implemented a system of meritorious deeds long ago. In the Western Buddhist lands, major and minor Dharma assemblies have been held over ten thousand times. Even among the demon race, it is said that dormant forces are stirring, with signs of the ancient demon techniques reviving. Didn't the Divine Sovereign also gather the strength of the entire clan to comprehend the Dao of Dreams?"

"So you also want to change course?" True Master Ning sneered.

"Why do we, practitioners, cultivate the Dao in the first place? The Greater Vehicle path has gained such momentum because, ultimately, the path to ascension is incredibly difficult, almost unattainable. Take our Grand Ancestor, for instance; throughout history, few could match his talent. Or the Jade Emperor, who led humanity's rise, expelled foreign races, established the Great Zhou, and ruled the myriad realms, yet he too met his downfall. And then there's Sword Venerable, who fell into the demonic path in pursuit of ascension, his success or failure and even his life or death still unknown. In comparison, if the Greater Vehicle path can truly open a path to immortality for all beings, what harm is there in us lending a hand?"

The old Daoist straightened his posture, his demeanor suddenly transforming, revealing the air of an enlightened master.

Seeing his change in demeanor, True Master Ning also shed her casual attitude.

"However..." In front of his Senior Sister, the old Daoist's dignified air didn't last long before he retracted it, changing his tone. "Later generations believe that the decline of the Divine Court was 50% due to external factors and 50% due to internal ones, with everyone harboring selfish intentions. To be dispassionate is to be utterly impartial! If there truly emerges someone in the world who cultivates to the supreme Greater Vehicle realm and champions the Dao for all beings in the myriad realms, we hope that person will be truly dispassionate."

"Supreme Dispassion..." True Master Ning murmured, her face suddenly turning frosty as she said coldly, "I will never let my disciple become your puppet!"

"Senior Sister, why would you say that? How could such a figure be seen as a mere puppet..." The old Daoist let out a wry chuckle, sighing softly. "What I'm about to say, I'd only ever say in front of you, Senior Sister. But other fellow Daoists likely share this thought, though none dare to voice it publicly. The legacy left by our Grand Ancestor is most likely connected to the Greater Vehicle path!"

If someone were to inherit the Grand Ancestor's legacy, the Tai Shang Dao lineage would lead all other races and factions in the Greater Vehicle path. At that point, all lineages would collectively promote the inheritor to cultivate the Dao of Supreme Dispassion.

"One who deceives others finds it hard to deceive themselves!" True Master Ning shook her head slightly.

Just then, the scene in the mirror suddenly changed, drawing their gaze. Since the opening of the Homo Sapiens' Sacred Land, the magical mirror had been chaotic, but now the turmoil seemed to be settling.

As if a layer of mist had been parted, the mirror reflected an unidentifiable space, dark and profound. In it was only one object: a white stone sundial. The sundial seemed to be made of ordinary white stone, yet it bore the marks of countless ages, ancient and weathered.

The Spring and Autumn Sundial! Legend has it that the Spring and Autumn Sundial was the spiritual treasure that followed the Dao Monarch the longest and was the first he ever possessed. Although its fame and power might not compare to later Daoist treasures, it was the Dao Monarch's most cherished item.

True Master Ning and the old Daoist gazed at the Spring and Autumn Sundial in rapt attention. In the ethereal realm, there was a subtle connection between the magical mirror and the sundial; if anyone were to gain its recognition, all lineages would know. Despite it being their Grand Ancestor's artifact, they could only glimpse it at this moment. The Spring and Autumn Sundial was in the Homo Sapiens' Sacred Land, and without the permission of the Great Dream Divine Sovereign, even Greater Vehicle cultivators dared not trespass.

The Spring and Autumn Sundial quietly awaited the arrival of its destined individual.

Immediately after, the image in the mirror rapidly zoomed out, remaining hazy as if shrouded in thick fog. Soon, some busy figures appeared in the mirror, seemingly unaware of the outside world.

*Whoosh!* The image suddenly shattered, returning to chaos. Both knew that the Great Dream Divine Sovereign or another Homo Sapiens' powerful being had intervened, unwilling for others to observe the process of enlightenment.

In that brief moment, they had already seen the disciples sent in by the Tai Shang Dao Sect, including Qin Sang and Liuli.

"Is this Senior Sister's new disciple? She... hmm?" The old Daoist was startled, a look of surprise suddenly appearing on his face. Just as he was about to examine her more closely, the image shattered. Nevertheless, the old Daoist still noticed something unusual about Liuli; her expression bore no resemblance to someone cultivating the Dao of Supreme Dispassion.

True Master Ning's gaze softened slightly. She gently plucked a zither string and said wistfully, "Since her beloved has returned, if there is true affection between them, I shall give them a chance."

*Zheng!* The zither's notes drifted faintly, and ripples spread across the lake.

"Senior Sister..." Seeing her expression, the old Daoist couldn't help but recall some past events. His feelings were complex, and he let out a soft sigh.

Sacred Land, Heart Lake. Qin Sang and the others followed Hong Yue, flying deeper into the mist. Everyone was silent, except for Yuan Ren, whose face was filled with excitement.

*Splash, splash...* Before long, the sound of flowing water reached them. Soon, everyone saw an endless expanse of lake water and a small island.

Qin Sang and Liuli exchanged a glance, realizing this must be Heart Lake.

Being sent in to scout was also their opportunity; if the secret realm had not been destroyed, they could seize the chance to acquire the fortuitous encounters within it.

However, with the current anomalies in the Sacred Land, there were too many variables in Heart Lake. They weren't very confident, especially with powerful enemies lurking inside.

The spiritual mist in Heart Lake had not yet dispersed; the mist ahead was hazy and unclear. Even without this anomaly, past experience indicated that Heart Lake was still very dangerous at this time. The best moment to enter would be when the spiritual mist began to dissipate, but the two Integration Stage Grand Beings clearly wouldn't let them wait.

Everyone followed Hong Yue to the island. A moment later, another streak of light flew over from the other side, piercing through the mist and landing nearby. These were the cultivators sent by the Water Department.

Only the Water and Sky Departments sent people, because during the Beast Tide chaos, cultivators who did not belong to these two departments were forced to join them.

Qin Sang and Liuli immediately noticed those human cultivators.

"That Daoist with the sword is from Bichen Pavilion..." Liuli transmitted secretly.

Qin Sang looked at him and saw a tall, elegant young man with a gentleman's sword hanging from his waist, dressed in a flowing green Daoist robe. He was one of their competitors.

As Qin Sang looked over, the other party noticed his gaze, looked back, and nodded with a smile, clearly recognizing their identities.

Next, Liuli introduced the others to Qin Sang. One of them, Liuli didn't recognize, suggesting they might not be from the Daoist sect and, like the demon cultivators, had stumbled in by accident.

There were a total of four Daoist lineage inheritors present, but the Daoist sect had certainly sent in more disciples than this. Qin Sang didn't see the red-dressed girl from Langxian Garden, so it seemed she had been eliminated.

These four were not a unified front; coming from different sects, they also harbored caution towards each other.

Currently, Qin Sang and Liuli knew that their chances of acquiring that Acquired Spiritual Treasure were slim. Their current goal was merely to obtain the Immortal Mountain's essence and successfully pass their tribulation. Their attitude towards the Acquired Spiritual Treasure was "fortunate if we get it." Therefore, no matter how many opponents there were, their spirits remained calm.

Just then, Qin Sang sensed another gaze fixed on him. He frowned slightly, then turned his eyes to meet it openly.

The other person had a beautiful appearance with a blue-scaled fish tail for her lower body. It was precisely the Jiao-girl who had ambushed them outside the Fiendish Lair when they first entered the Sacred Land.

The two sides had a brief skirmish, which was considered a draw, with Qin Sang and Young Master taking the initiative to withdraw. He hadn't expected to encounter her here again.

Moreover, the Jiao-girl, like Hong Yue, led cultivators from the Water Department. Her status was likely equivalent to Hong Yue's, indicating she was a close associate of another Holy Realm Grand Being.

Qin Sang secretly congratulated himself on his decision not to offend her too severely back then, hoping she wouldn't seek personal revenge. However, he was still apprehensive, worried that her nature might be petulant and unreasonable.

Fortunately, the Jiao-girl merely gave him a half-smile before retracting her gaze and speaking with Hong Yue.

The two conversed about something unknown. Before long, Hong Yue turned to face the crowd, flicked his large sleeve, and sent numerous jade slips flying towards everyone.

"Inside are the topographic maps of Heart Lake. You should also have a copy yourselves, but these maps cannot be entirely trusted. Many places in Heart Lake have been completely transformed, and ancient array restrictions have changed. Relying solely on these maps will only lead to your demise!"

Hong Yue's warning confirmed Qin Sang and Liuli's worst fears: if a major change occurred in the secret realm, the preparations True Master Ning made for them might become useless, leaving them to rely solely on themselves.

Their objective this time was Heart Lake, so they had naturally prepared topographic maps long ago. Comparing the two, they found little difference. The map Hong Yue gave them was marked with red lines, radiating outwards from the island where they currently stood.

"The red lines on the map are the routes you are to explore. Now, choose one..." Hong Yue continued.

Qin Sang counted the number of red lines and realized the number of people was exactly twice the number of lines. His heart sank slightly; they might have to split up with Yuan Ren!

As expected, Hong Yue then stipulated that they must proceed in pairs. Yuan Ren didn't care who his companion was; perhaps he even preferred to be alone, so he casually chose a Yu Clan cultivator.

There was no fairness in route selection; the Homo Sapiens cultivators chose first, while outsiders were left until last.

For Qin Sang and Liuli, the best choice would have been the route closest to the secret realm, but Qin Sang chose a different one, a route farther from the secret realm.

Furthermore, to prevent this route from being chosen by others, he secretly transmitted a message to Yuan Ren, asking him to select this path first, with them exchanging routes later.

Yuan Ren readily agreed. Whatever the route, whatever dangers lay ahead, he would accept it gladly. As for his companion, they had no say in the matter before him and could only comply with the arrangement.

Everyone quickly selected their companions and routes.

Hong Yue then took out some jade bracelets and distributed them to everyone. "After entering Heart Lake, if your jade bracelet flashes with spiritual light, immediately activate the restriction within it. Do nothing else..."

As he spoke, his expression darkened. He looked around at everyone and warned, "Do not think you can avoid danger by merely circling around outside. Lord Hong Tian has a way of knowing how far you ultimately traveled. Also, do not assume that once inside Heart Lake, you can hide somewhere and wait until the anomaly ends. There is a peculiar force within Heart Lake; if you stay too long, you will gradually fall into a deep slumber, lose your sense of self, and may even never awaken. It's best not to exceed ten days. Do not say you were not warned!"

Hearing this, everyone was struck with awe and apprehension.

Many present had harbored such intentions. Was Hong Yue's statement true or false? Was he trying to deceive them? They had no way to verify, but if a Holy Realm Grand Being wanted to control them, they certainly wouldn't use such a clumsy lie.

Qin Sang's heart sank. He wondered if the force causing them to fall asleep was the same trouble the Homo Sapiens' ancestors had encountered. If even the Homo Sapiens' ancestors were entangled by it, could the Jade Buddha resist it?

For Liuli, it was an even greater problem. If she were affected during her heart devil tribulation, she would be irrecoverably lost!

"I have said all I can! I wish all fellow Daoists a safe return!"

Hong Yue raised a hand, signaling that everyone could depart.

A moment later, two people took the lead, transforming into streaks of light and soaring away. Subsequently, everyone else set off, and in the blink of an eye, only Hong Yue and the Jiao-girl remained. Hong Yue cupped his hands towards the Jiao-girl and flew back into the sky. The Jiao-girl then also left, leaving the island deserted.

Streaks of light darted across the lake's surface and through the spiritual mist, heading in various directions. The spiritual mist rippled for a moment, then settled back into tranquility.

Unbeknownst to anyone, as they departed, in an area not far from the small island, where the lake water gently lapped against the rocks, a wave formed. At the moment of its birth, it was as if eyelids opened, revealing a dark blue, water-like eye pupil.

A blue glow flickered within the eye. It rotated slightly, focusing intently on the sky, observing the paths of the fleeing lights, and finally settling on one specific location—the route chosen by Qin Sang and Liuli.

*Whoosh!* The wave receded, as if the eye had closed. The pupil appeared and vanished instantly, leaving no trace.

Qin Sang and Liuli remained vigilant, yet detected no abnormalities. They flew across the open lake, with only spiritual mist drifting around them. It appeared very calm, seemingly without any danger.

They flew continuously for a while. Qin Sang mentally calculated the distance, then lowered his light-evading technique, descending onto the lake surface.

After a short wait, the sound of tearing air came from a distance. Yuan Ren and another Homo Sapiens cultivator landed before them. The latter, being sensible, did not ask any questions.

The jade bracelets and routes in their hands corresponded, so they needed to exchange them beforehand.

"True Master Qin, Fairy Liuli, please take care. We shall meet again!" Yuan Ren was somewhat impatient.

"We shall meet again!" Qin Sang cupped his hands in return, ultimately not asking Yuan Ren to help him kill the Immortal Child.

Clan Elder Yuan Xiang had made it clear: the Zhu Yan clan absolutely could not participate in surrounding and killing the Immortal Child unless the Immortal Child first offended them. Having Yuan Ren replace Yuan Jian was already the limit; Qin Sang could not demand too much.

Furthermore, Yuan Ren, though pure-hearted, was not a fool. If Qin Sang tried any subtle maneuvers to drag Yuan Ren into trouble, Yuan Ren would certainly notice. Given Yuan Ren's temperament, he would likely turn hostile on the spot, making things worse.