Chapter 2202: Unexpected Change

Qin Sang briefly inspected the skull. After returning, he meticulously refined and consecrated it, restoring it to its original state. However, it was likely unusable within the Holy Land. This battle yielded rich rewards, but the cost was also significant: both his Bright Mountain Armor and the refined corpse were rendered useless.

Qin Sang put away the skull and inquired about Liu Li's ordeal and injuries. Liu Li recounted the entire event. Though she spoke lightly, Qin Sang could sense the thrilling danger within her words. He recalled his own experiences in the Divine Court years ago, finding some similarities, but the key difference was that he was forced, while Liu Li seemed to have sought out her own perilous path. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sigh softly, "There are many opportunities to defeat enemies; there's no need to take such risks."

"But this might be my only chance to overcome my tribulation," Liu Li murmured.

Qin Sang was silent. Liu Li's temperament had changed dramatically, yet the stubbornness rooted deep within her remained unaltered.

Liu Li's tone shifted, becoming lighter. "After that, I mostly relied on the power of the Heavenly Emperor Talisman of Command to drive the cold energy. I only needed to provide simple guidance, which significantly reduced the pressure, so my injuries aren't severe. However, the talisman's power was overused, making it difficult to stabilize again, so I'll need to go into secluded cultivation for a while..."

Even after this battle, the Heavenly Emperor Talisman of Command had not exhausted its power.

Since Qin Sang also needed to heal, they set up some arrangements nearby and both entered a meditative state. Among the enemies who had pursued them, one black-robed cultivator remained alive. However, Qin Sang was no longer capable of hunting him down. If the cultivator was sensible, both sides should be able to coexist peacefully from then on. For safety, they couldn't stay long in the Coiling Dragon Cave, lest the black-robed cultivator bring more help to search extensively. Qin Sang planned to leave once his injuries stabilized.

"It really was him!"

Qin Sang held the transparent centipede in his hand, his eyes glinting with cold light. The transparent centipede let out a painful hiss, its body curling into a ball and trembling uncontrollably. Qin Sang had already interrogated the mastermind: Yuan Jian! It had been speculation before, but now it was confirmed.

The green-robed man didn't know much about Yuan Jian's motives, but he was certain that Yuan Jian wasn't specifically targeting Qin Sang. Instead, he sought something from the High Priest and the Immortal Child, currying favor with them, and Qin Sang was merely a bargaining chip. This whole affair, persisting until now, had been orchestrated by Yuan Jian. If given the chance, Qin Sang definitely wouldn't show mercy, but killing Yuan Jian wasn't the most important task.

He extracted a lot of information from the green-robed man. This person was named Tang Kun. More than ten thousand years ago, one of the Tang family's ancestors broke through to the Saint Realm, elevating the entire family, who then moved together to the Holy Land. In his youth, Tang Kun was not favored by his family, but his luck was exceptionally good. He cultivated step by step to the Void Realm Second Stage, reclaiming his rightful status. Unexpectedly, his ancestor had chosen him for this mission, which filled Tang Kun with ecstasy.

From Tang Kun's account, Qin Sang learned what the true Holy Land was like: it was vast and boundless, with extremely rich spiritual energy, a sacred place for cultivation. However, compared to the wider world, it was also very solitary. The Mystic Race elders intentionally controlled the population, resulting in vast land with sparse inhabitants. The Daoist sanctum had many demonic beasts and ferocious beasts raised by the elders, as well as vast tracts of precious spiritual plants and herbs, which required their descendants to look after. However, these tasks were very easy, and they could even share a portion of the harvest, ensuring they never lacked external resources for cultivation.

In Tang Kun's memory, the ancestor spent most of his time in secluded cultivation. When he occasionally emerged, very few people were granted an audience. Before breaking through to the Void Realm Second Stage, Tang Kun had only received guidance from the ancestor twice. Although only twice, it was something others could only dream of, and Tang Kun had used it to break through his most critical bottleneck.

Qin Sang was surprised to find that the ancestor's image in Tang Kun's memory was very blurry; he dared not pry too much. He continued to question Tang Kun about the reason for their presence here and learned the full story.

"A mark?"

Qin Sang frowned. Before their departure, the ancestor hadn't said much to him, only leaving a talismanic seal on Tang Kun. Once the time was right, the talismanic seal would react, and they would proceed according to its guidance. Previously, they had been preparing to pursue Qin Sang, but a sudden change in the talismanic seal forced them to abandon the chase. And the direction the talismanic seal pointed was none other than this very island!

"Isn't this a place for Daoist lineage disciples to compete? How is it connected to the Mystic Race elders?" Qin Sang was puzzled, feeling something was amiss. Would their plans be affected?

Tang Kun's true body had been destroyed, and the talismanic seal had dissipated with it. Qin Sang found a suspected talismanic mark on the Immortal Child's corpse, but the power within it seemed to have vanished with his death.

"Did the Jie Hook Clan's ancestor leave guidance in the Holy Land? Is this talismanic seal similar?" Qin Sang took out the secret talisman he had obtained in the Green Scorpion Ancient Palace but couldn't discern anything from it. Further thought was useless; it seemed he had to go there himself to find the answer.

Next, Qin Sang sorted through their belongings. There were several spiritual treasures alone, all of extremely high quality. However, subduing spiritual treasures wasn't something that could be done overnight, so he could only look at them for now. Qin Sang picked up the jade bracelet from the Immortal Child. This treasure was called the Imprisoning Earth Divine Ring. Its name suggested a connection to the Heaven-Trapping Golden Lock, and their powers were also very similar. Qin Sang suspected they were part of a set. Simultaneously activating the Heaven-Trapping Golden Lock and the Imprisoning Earth Divine Ring would elevate the power of the illusory domain to another level. Unfortunately, Qin Sang couldn't immediately refine them.

"You're awake?"

Qin Sang looked up and saw Liu Li slowly waking, her aura already stable. He pointed to the ground and said, "We were able to kill them largely thanks to your efforts in holding them back, Immortal Maiden. Pick some for yourself."

As it turned out, Qin Sang's concern was unnecessary; Liu Li unceremoniously took a portion of the spoils. After they finished dividing the spoils, they began to consider leaving the Coiling Dragon Cave. Exiting through the main entrance was absolutely out of the question. Fortunately, the Coiling Dragon Cave was becoming increasingly chaotic, with powerful energies constantly colliding, which should create new paths.

A large hole cracked open in the ground, and two figures flew out from underground. Qin Sang and Liu Li patiently searched and indeed found an exit, directly breaking through the earth and rushing out of the Coiling Dragon Cave. He waved his hand, suppressing the fluctuations emanating from underground. He looked around; seeing no anomalies, he and Liu Li quickly departed. They continued until they reached a secure area, where they stopped and gazed into the depths of the island.

"Four days have passed!" Qin Sang said gravely.

It was now their fourth day since entering; nearly half of the ten-day limit had passed. This was even with them ending their secluded cultivation early; if they waited until fully recovered, it would take even longer. They not only had to use these remaining days to achieve their own goals but also deliver the jade bracelet entrusted to them by Hong Yue deep into the Heart Lake, otherwise they couldn't account to Hong Tian.

Time was pressing, so Qin Sang and Liu Li didn't dare to hesitate, swiftly moving through the thick fog. They had no talismanic seal guidance, so they could only estimate a general direction. Fortunately, they encountered no further dangers along the way and gradually delved deeper into the island's center.

When they reached their destination and saw the scene at the island's center, their ominous premonition came true: a cataclysmic change had occurred, and the landscape described in their records had been completely destroyed. According to records, there was originally a lake ahead of them, as pure as an emerald, serving as one of the entrances to the mystic realm. Now, the lake was gone, replaced by an endless, violent storm and the familiar iridescent glow!

"Could the iridescent glow have seeped into the Heart Lake from here?" Qin Sang's heart sank. Not to mention the danger brought by the glow, the power of the storm alone was terrifying! Qin Sang glanced at Liu Li beside him. For him, it would be best if he could absorb the essence of the immortal mountain to restore Mount Daiyu; even if he couldn't, he would only lose a treasure, and his own cultivation wouldn't be affected. Liu Li, however, was different. If she missed this opportunity, she would only be able to risk forcibly overcoming her inner demon tribulation in the future!

This mystic realm was clearly abnormal. Even if they could enter, and even if the opportunities still existed, there would be no stable environment. Qin Sang's brows were tightly furrowed. At this point, the only option was to go in and investigate.

The two discussed, with Liu Li standing guard outside, while Qin Sang flashed forward, approaching the storm. The moment he touched the iridescent glow, a familiar scene repeated itself: a gray figure appeared from nowhere and launched a fierce attack on him. Fortunately, no demonic beast tide was spawned. Qin Sang charged forward, enduring the gray figure's attacks. As he expected, the storm's power was terrifying, and Qin Sang felt it was difficult to proceed after only a short distance. In fact, further exploration was pointless, as it would be very difficult for Liu Li to stand her ground here. But Qin Sang didn't stop until he found it impossible to continue, only then retreating.

Qin Sang shook his head slightly, seeing the light dim in Liu Li's expectant eyes. He had only seen endless iridescent light and storm, destroying everything here; the mystic realm described in the records no longer existed.

"Let's search elsewhere. The masters from the Holy Land and those few Daoist lineage disciples might know something," Qin Sang said. He didn't want to give up just yet; the records mentioned another entrance, and most other Daoist lineage disciples entered the mystic realm from there.

"Alright!"

Liu Li nodded. The two concealed their figures and flew along the edge of the storm towards the other entrance.

In a valley, four human cultivators sat cross-legged on rocks. They were the four Daoist lineage disciples, including the sword-wielding Daoist. The four periodically glanced towards the mystic realm, their faces pale with frustration. Unlike Qin Sang, they had no enemies here. They had headed straight for this mystic realm upon entering the Heart Lake and arrived early, yet they couldn't gain the upper hand, being blocked by the storm and the iridescent glow.

"Who's there! Come out!"

Suddenly, the sword-wielding Daoist, who hailed from the Green Sun Pavilion, his face darkening, sharply rebuked. *Clang!* His precious sword was drawn from its sheath, pointing towards the mountain peak. The others also reacted, immediately fanning out to surround the mountain peak. They seemed to have set aside their differences, forming a temporary offensive and defensive alliance.

The next moment, an invisible ripple appeared at the mountain peak.

"Everyone, please calm down, it's us," Qin Sang and Liu Li appeared, voluntarily bowing in salute.

"It's you!" A Daoist next to the sword-wielding Daoist pointed at Liu Li and angrily shouted. The others also looked at them with ill intent. Clearly, due to the connection with Mount Ziyun, Master Ning's lineage was the most disliked among all Daoist lineages.

The sword-wielding Daoist had already guessed Qin Sang and Liu Li's intentions. He waved his hand to stop the other Daoist, saying, "As you two can see, the mystic realm has become like this, and everyone is blocked outside. Since you've appeared, do you have any good strategies?" This person seemed to command high respect; everyone else tacitly deferred to him.

"To be frank, we encountered an unexpected incident halfway here, which delayed us. We've just arrived and are still unclear about the full situation. We were about to ask you when these iridescent glows and storms appeared?" Qin Sang paused. "Given the current situation, our previous conflicts are meaningless, and there's also the external threat from the Mystic Race. It might be better to set aside our grudges for now, cooperate, and strategize together. Once we solve the immediate problem, it won't be too late to continue our competition."

That Daoist snorted coldly but didn't refute him. The sword-wielding Daoist's expression softened as he sheathed his sword. "It's best that you two fellow Daoists think this way. Like a red flower, white lotus root, and green lotus leaf, all our lineages are fundamentally one family! We are currently at a disadvantage; only by working together can we overcome this difficulty. To be honest, when we arrived, the mystic realm had already become like this." As he spoke, the sword-wielding Daoist gestured with an open hand, "Why don't you two come down and talk?"

Qin Sang's divine sense swept over the valley, confirming there were no traps. He and Liu Li floated down. Looking around, Qin Sang said, "Your arrangements are too simple. It would be best to set up a larger concealment array."

"Have you discovered something unusual, fellow Daoist?" the sword-wielding Daoist asked, puzzled. There were no signs of a beast tide yet, and the gray figures wouldn't rush out on their own. For now, it seemed safe.

"You don't know yet?"

Liu Li and Qin Sang exchanged glances, then voluntarily revealed information. "From what we know, many Mystic Race elders have sent their younger generations down the mountains and into the Holy Land. Among them are top experts in the late Void Realm Second Stage, and they are converging here."

"What!"

"How many people? Why haven't we encountered them?"

All four were greatly alarmed. The sword-wielding Daoist pressed, his voice grave, "Did you two see this with your own eyes?"

"Indeed!"

Qin Sang nodded. "We felt something was off, so we disguised ourselves to gather this information. Due to concerns about exposure and being outnumbered, we didn't dare to investigate further. Without a doubt, their target is here! As for why you haven't seen them, perhaps they know the inside story and weren't blocked outside, having already entered the mystic realm. Regarding this, we are also completely baffled, wondering why this mystic realm has caught the attention of the Mystic Race elders, and what secrets it truly holds..."

As he spoke, Qin Sang and Liu Li secretly observed the expressions of the four, their gazes finally settling on the sword-wielding Daoist's face, who appeared thoughtful.

"It seems fellow Daoist knows something?" Qin Sang asked.

"It's not exactly a secret. This humble Daoist once heard from my teacher that when the Mystic Race opened up the Holy Land, they sought assistance from the seniors of the Grand Dao Sect. At that time, the Grand Dao Sect had not yet split. One could say that a large part of the Mystic Race's ability to establish the Holy Land relied on the power of our Daoist sect. One of the rewards was a portion of the Holy Land's core area, which was given to the Daoist sect. As for what the Daoist sect used it for, my teacher didn't explicitly say..." The sword-wielding Daoist turned his head to look at the mystic realm. "Now, it seems very likely that this is that place!"

The sword-wielding Daoist's account aligned with Qin Sang's deductions, but it still couldn't explain why the Mystic Race Grand Cultivators sent people here. If this rumor was true, since this place had already been gifted to the Daoist sect, why would they come to contend for it again?

Everyone put their heads together, but for a while, various theories abounded, and no answer could be found.

"What's the use of us just speculating here?!" the Daoist said impatiently. "There must be some of those attracted fellows still lagging behind. Why don't we catch one and interrogate them?!"