Chapter 2204: Hong Tian

Whoosh!

The wind whipped across the lake surface. Hong Yue descended from the sky and glanced at the young man. The young man's expression tightened. He took a small step back and forced a smile, saying, "Of course, Lord Hong Tian's matters take precedence. I'll simply wait here for True Immortal Qin's return." Hong Yue turned his gaze to Qin Sang and stated unequivocally, "True Immortal Qin, Lord Hong Tian is waiting for you. Come with me."

"Fellow Daoist Qin..." Liuli looked at Qin Sang with concern. Qin Sang's own expression was exceedingly solemn. Qin Sang was unsure of Hong Tian's specific purpose in seeking him out. Before entering the Heart Lake, Hong Tian had treated everyone, including him, equally. Why had his attitude suddenly changed so drastically? Had something unexpected happened in the interim, or was it...? A possibility flashed through Qin Sang's mind, making his heart tremble. However, having weathered countless storms, his composure was as steady as a mountain. He maintained his usual expression, gave Liuli a reassuring look, and then glanced at the young man. He didn't know the young man's intentions, but a summons from a Saint Realm grand elder was clearly more important. Without further ado, Qin Sang lightly pushed off the ground, ascended into the air, and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for leading the way."

Seeing Qin Sang's sensible reaction, Hong Yue's expression softened. He nodded with satisfaction and activated his escape light. In an instant, the two vanished into the horizon.

"This Immortal Maiden..." Once Hong Yue had departed, the young man fixed his gaze on Liuli again, putting on a smile. "Fellow Daoist Qin should return soon. If you have anything to say, tell him directly," Liuli stated, then soared away without giving the young man a chance to speak. The young man's face alternated between green and white, but in the end, he didn't try to stop her.

Liuli, meanwhile, flew directly over the small island and out of the Heart Lake. Qin Sang's summons by Hong Tian was far too unusual; she had to inform Patriarch Yuan Xiang as quickly as possible. Should Qin Sang encounter any trouble, Patriarch Yuan Xiang's intervention might offer a glimmer of hope. Passing through layers of mist, Liuli returned to the mountain peak where they had previously rested. However, the mountain had now been shattered.

Before the mountain fragments, Liuli paused. Sensing the aura emanating from ahead, she continued forward. Before long, she saw a vibrant blue spiritual light piercing through the mist. The spiritual light formed a long, flowing ribbon, its beginning and end unseen, suspended in mid-air like a winding river. Seated cross-legged on the ribbon were several figures, who were none other than Patriarch Yuan Xiang and his companions. The spiritual light ribbon was clearly a manifestation of a spiritual array's power. Patriarch Yuan Xiang and the others had used this array to advance their battle line to this point, securing a larger buffer zone behind them.

They had just repelled a wave of beast hordes and were using the lull in the attacks to recover. Liuli noticed that everyone present was a Void Realm second-tier cultivator, and all of them showed signs of fatigue on their faces. This revealed just how intense the battles had been here during her time in the Heart Lake. It now seemed that being forcibly sent into the Heart Lake might not have been a bad thing after all.

Liuli's arrival startled everyone. They opened their eyes and looked over. Seeing Liuli unharmed, Yuan Jian's pupils deepened slightly. Patriarch Yuan Xiang looked behind Liuli but saw no sign of Qin Sang. His expression grew increasingly solemn. He slowly rose and asked in a deep voice, "Where is True Immortal Qin?"

Liuli landed on the ribbon and transmitted, "Fellow Daoist Qin is fine. He was just summoned by Lord Hong Tian..." "Lord Hong Tian summoned True Immortal Qin?" Patriarch Yuan Xiang was astonished. Liuli had initially suspected that Patriarch Yuan Xiang might have revealed Qin Sang's identity as a Dao Court successor. It now seemed he was entirely unaware.

Rumble... A faint tremor echoed from the void. Patriarch Yuan Xiang glanced back and said, "The beast horde is approaching. Both Grand Elders have strictly ordered us not to retreat a single step. Once we repel this wave, I will find a reason to go and pay my respects to Lord Hong Tian. Immortal Maiden, please don't be anxious. Given Lord Hong Tian's temperament, if he intended to harm True Immortal Qin, he wouldn't send someone to 'invite' him; he would directly strike him down." Liuli nodded. Knowing nothing about Hong Tian herself, she could only trust Patriarch Yuan Xiang's judgment.

Next, she relayed the information she had extracted from Tang Kun to Patriarch Yuan Xiang. A flicker of surprise crossed Patriarch Yuan Xiang's eyes. He had assumed Qin Sang was only looking to preserve his life, but he hadn't expected him to dare set a trap and counter-kill in the midst of battle, and succeed at that. "The beast horde is intensifying. This is no time for internal conflict. After this is over, I will personally demand an explanation from Elder Yuan!" Patriarch Yuan Xiang said, maintaining a calm demeanor.

Having just returned from the Heart Lake, Liuli could opt out of this battle for now and went to find a place behind them to recover. Qin Sang followed Hong Yue, flying high above. There was no sign of the thick mist dissipating; here, clouds and mist were indistinguishable.

"Fellow Daoist Hong Yue, may I ask why Lord Hong Tian has summoned me? I could prepare myself in advance, lest I answer inappropriately and displease him," Qin Sang inquired. "True Immortal has excellent patience, waiting until now to ask." Hong Yue had been secretly observing Qin Sang as well. His tone was not as cold as before. "I am merely the messenger; I do not know the reason. You will find out once you meet Lord Hong Tian, but it should not be a bad thing."

As they spoke, the two flew higher and higher, faintly discerning a traveling palace floating in the mist. The palace seemed surrounded by surging water, not grand but exceedingly refined, fresh, and elegant, possessing a unique charm. "This is King Long Jiao's Water Mansion," Hong Yue said. Qin Sang looked over, realizing that King Long Jiao must be the other Saint Realm grand elder, originating from the Merman race.

Hong Yue led Qin Sang to the right side of the Water Mansion. Soon, they saw the mist condensing, like a white blanket spread across the ground, rising and falling like layered mountains. The cloud-and-mist landscape was grand and imposing. "The Grand Elder is just ahead. True Immortal, please proceed on your own," Hong Yue said, stopping outside the cloud-mountains and cupping his hands in farewell.

Among the cloud-mountains, silence reigned. Only a single meditation mat lay there, upon which a man in a green robe sat cross-legged. The man had sharp, defined brows and bright eyes, with horns protruding from his forehead. An untamed aura emanated from his very being. He slowly opened his eyes, his deep gaze settling on Qin Sang. Despite it being a casual glance, Qin Sang's heart involuntarily tensed. He flew over the cloud-mountains, landed before the mat, and respectfully said, "Greetings, Lord Hong Tian!"

"True Immortal Qin," Hong Tian nodded, his tone rather gentle. "Have we met before?" "This junior once distantly sensed signs of a heavenly tribulation, and the one undergoing it might have been you, Senior. Fearing I might disturb your tribulation, I dared not approach, a decision I deeply regret," Qin Sang replied.

"No wonder! At that time, I was unaware of True Immortal Qin's abilities. Otherwise, I would surely have kept you here to discuss the Dao." Hong Tian smiled faintly. Uncertain of Hong Tian's true intentions, Qin Sang repeatedly said, "I wouldn't dare!"

"True Immortal need not be modest," Hong Tian's tone suddenly shifted. "Was the Si You clan patriarch's attendant killed by you?"

In an instant, Qin Sang's heart gave a sudden leap. His premonition had come true. Fortunately, he was mentally prepared and his expression remained unchanged as he asked, feigning confusion, "I'm not sure who Lord Hong Tian is referring to..." Hong Tian waved a hand, cutting Qin Sang off. "Recently, that young man was the most boisterous, colluding everywhere and asking for help to avenge himself. Now, the talisman mark on him has dispersed, yet you emerged alive and wounded. The outcome speaks for itself."

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang's taut nerves relaxed slightly. What he feared most was not the exposure of the Immortal Child's death, but that Hong Tian had witnessed his process of killing the Immortal Child and others without him knowing. One must remember, at that time, due to the desperate situation, nearly all his trump cards had been revealed! Aside from Mount Daiyu and the Cloud Roaming Sword, the value of this small grotto-heaven alone was immeasurable. According to True Immortal Ning, only Mahayana cultivators could independently open up minor realms, while the domains controlled by Integration realm cultivators were merely rudimentary forms of such realms. They might be able to occupy several minor worlds as their cultivation grounds, but refining them into a thumb-ring would likely not be easy. From Hong Tian's tone, it seemed his judgment was based on the aura of the talisman mark.

Qin Sang remained silent for a long time, then said with a dry voice, "I hope Lord Hong Tian will see clearly. This junior was truly left with no choice. The cause was..." "Haha, you need not be afraid. I have no interest in your grudges, nor will I stand up for him. That young man meticulously set up an ambush but was counter-killed. The old fellow from the Si You clan probably has no face to intervene," Hong Tian said with a mocking expression.

Qin Sang's expression eased slightly, but he grew even more puzzled. If it wasn't to avenge the Immortal Child, why had Hong Tian summoned him? Hong Tian simply sized Qin Sang up and down, then suddenly said, "Two talisman marks dissipated consecutively, and the other person was an accomplice the attendant brought; it seems he was also killed by you. Regardless of how you accomplished it, your mental fortitude and strength are undoubtedly exceptional, rarely matched by anyone. You are precisely the person I'm looking for! I am currently in need of capable individuals. Are you willing to serve me?"

Qin Sang was taken aback. He hadn't expected such a turn of events; Hong Tian's goal was actually to recruit him? "Is Lord Hong Tian asking this junior to pledge allegiance? But this junior is from an outside race..." Qin Sang couldn't fathom what Hong Tian wanted him to do, so he replied carefully, weighing his words. 'Those not of our kind are sure to have different intentions' – this wasn't merely a human belief!

"No matter! A Daoist sect successor is even better; perhaps there will be unexpected effects!" Hong Tian stated resolutely.

Upon hearing this, an image of that secret realm immediately surfaced in Qin Sang's mind, and he instantly had a guess. Within the Heart Lake, the only things connected to the Daoist sect were that island and the secret realm on it. The gathering of the elder disciples of the different clans in the secret realm indeed held a mystery. It now seemed Hong Tian also had designs on that place.

"You've likely guessed." Hong Tian raised his eyes, gazing into the depths of the Heart Lake. "Your allegiance is only temporary; I have no interest in taking an outsider as a permanent subordinate. Of course, I won't use you for nothing; there will be ample benefits for you upon completion."

It sounded like Hong Tian was soliciting Qin Sang's opinion without forcing him, but Qin Sang knew full well that he had no ability to refuse. In fact, his heart had stirred just then. He and Liuli were looking for a way to return to the secret realm, and Hong Tian was offering an opportunity. However, Qin Sang also understood that this matter was certainly not simple; otherwise, Hong Tian wouldn't have emphasized his strength so much.

"Serving Lord Hong Tian is this junior's honor, and I dare not ask for benefits. However, I worry that my abilities might be insufficient and could jeopardize your plans. May I ask what exactly Lord Hong Tian wishes me to do?" Qin Sang replied with a bow. He neither accepted nor refused on the spot.

Qin Sang's cautious demeanor pleased Hong Tian. Hong Tian quietly said, "There are some seeds there that are about to mature. I want you to investigate their whereabouts for me, and ideally, collect some. If you succeed, you may keep one for yourself."

"Seeds?" Qin Sang was puzzled. What did Hong Tian mean by 'seeds'? Flower seeds, tree seeds, or was it a metaphor for something else?

"The time is not yet ripe; I cannot fully describe what these seeds look like or in what form they exist. You will know when the time comes..." He paused, then said with deep meaning, "These seeds are far from ordinary. In the future, when you attempt to break through to the Integration stage, refining a single seed might increase your chances of success."

"What? They can help me break through!" Qin Sang's mind reeled, and a look of shock appeared on his face. The higher the cultivation realm, the rarer the elixirs that can aid in breakthroughs become. Having been in the Great Thousand World for so long, Qin Sang had only heard of a handful of miraculous elixirs effective for breaking through to the Integration stage. These were all rare treasures, long lost to the world. Qin Sang had never dared to hope he could obtain such things. He had originally planned that once everything stabilized, he would travel to the Witch Clan to find Ghost Mother and Liuying, seeking methods to help the Heavenly Eye Butterfly break through. First assisting the Heavenly Eye Butterfly in its seventh transformation, and then letting it nourish himself, seemed like the most feasible path. Additionally, there was the Qilin Origin, but with the passage of time and changes in the world, it was uncertain whether the Qilin Origin still existed or if he, a human cultivator, could even refine it.

Seeing Qin Sang's reaction, Hong Tian was unsurprised. He didn't need to resort to force; no one could refuse such a temptation! Furthermore, the temptations didn't stop there.

Hong Tian continued, "Although there have been anomalies in the Sacred Land, the conflict between the two factions will continue, as it involves numerous opportunities and who they will fall to. Only this way is truly fair. Originally, this had nothing to do with outsiders like you, but I can guarantee your participation, considering it an advance on your benefits. Whatever treasures you can seize will depend on your own capabilities."

With one temptation after another raining down, Qin Sang found himself unable to refuse. However, he understood even more clearly: the greater the temptation, the greater the risk!

"So, the Daoists who came out of the Sacred Land are all looking for these seeds?" "Precisely. But your competitors aren't just them. At the final critical moment, some might disregard propriety and personally intervene!" Hong Tian observed Qin Sang's reaction with interest. Seeing his composure remain undisturbed, he was even more pleased. "However, you need not worry. By then, I will also intervene to protect you."

Hearing this, Qin Sang couldn't help but offer a wry smile. It would be fine if Hong Tian could intervene in time, but what if he reacted too slowly? Wouldn't that mean certain death for him?

"Didn't you say earlier that you couldn't enter the Heart Lake?" "Did I say that?" Hong Tian flatly denied it, smiling. "However, we do have concerns and cannot act carelessly. Moreover, there are more important matters at hand right now. I am tied up here and cannot free myself, which is why I need you to represent me. Once the situation is settled and the power within the Heart Lake subsides, it will ultimately be a contest between us. Hmm, to use a crude analogy... imagine a pot of delicious food, most of which has already been divided among others, leaving only one bowl. This bowl was originally meant for us latecomers. Those old fellows got a head start and have already taken a full scoop, yet they are still greedy and want to reach in again. It would be good if they managed to get something, but if not, it wouldn't be a great loss. Therefore, our true opponents are not many, and you don't need to worry about offending those old fellows."