Chapter 2229: Yin-Yang Correspondence Treatise

Mortal World

"This journey to the Immortal City of Yongtu, though it presents long-term concerns, poses no immediate worries. The descendants of deities and our human grand cultivators have established a pure land, and now is precisely when they need manpower. If we offer ourselves, they will surely not make things difficult for us."

Master Tong Shen sighed lightly, "Indeed, I am concerned about my path of cultivation and am hesitant, but not for the reasons you mentioned, my disciple."

Qin Sang listened silently, wanting to ask Master Tong Shen to elaborate, thinking he might be able to offer some insights. However, given his identity, he knew he shouldn't say such a thing.

At this point, Master Tong Shen suddenly changed the subject. "Your senior sister mentioned that you created your own poison pill and used it to kill a Golden Eagle leader nearing the Transformation Realm?"

Qin Sang nodded, cautiously replying, "Forgive me, Master. Your disciple stole a few of your spiritual herbs and haphazardly refined them. I never expected to accidentally create a few poison pills with such formidable toxicity."

Master Tong Shen sternly reprimanded him, "Are you scared now? Fortunately, you were vigilant enough not to test the medicine on yourself. Do you still have any of those poison pills?"

Qin Sang lowered his head. "They were all used to poison the Golden Eagles."

"Oh? Tell me about the pharmacology," Master Tong Shen said. Upon hearing this, he was far too delighted to genuinely scold his disciple.

Qin Sang, of course, had already prepared his explanation. He vaguely described the medicinal principles, causing Master Tong Shen to nod repeatedly in admiration. He marveled at his disciple's extraordinary talent, noting that merely by relying on the pill formulas from the *Clear Dew Reversion Pill Art* and his own explanations, Qin Sang could create such a poison pill. He wondered what astonishing things his disciple might concoct in the future.

Pondering this, Master Tong Shen hesitated, then said, "There's no harm in telling you. Some time ago, I, Senior Lu, and a few other fellow Daoists discovered an ancient cultivator's cave dwelling. It was heavily protected by arrays and restrictions. We had planned to explore it systematically, but then this major upheaval occurred, preventing us from remaining in the Golden Eagle clan's territory. Unwilling to give up, we seized the last opportunity to force our way in. From there, I obtained a secret scroll, which is precisely why I've been so indecisive."

As he spoke, Master Tong Shen actually took out the secret scroll.

The secret scroll was inscribed on three jade tablets, connected by golden threads, emitting a crisp clinking sound.

"Just take a look, my disciple, but don't delve too deeply. Once I've comprehended its mysteries, I will pass it on to you."

Qin Sang respectfully took the tablets. As his spiritual sense swept over them, profound text appeared before his eyes.

"The Chapter on Water and Fire Harmony from the *Treatise on Yin-Yang Correspondence*..."

Qin Sang murmured, reading aloud the first line of text.

Master Tong Shen explained, "The *Treatise on Yin-Yang Correspondence* must be an extraordinary classic, though I don't know who its author was. The Chapter on Water and Fire Harmony might be a fragmented section of this classic, or perhaps not even a fragment, but rather something created by later generations after observing the *Treatise on Yin-Yang Correspondence*..."

Master Tong Shen's voice entered his ears, while the characters on the jade tablets flowed into Qin Sang's mind, each word and phrase seeming to contain profound heavenly principles.

A perfectly natural look of confusion appeared on his face, yet his mind was deeply shaken by the content.

As the name suggested, the *Treatise on Yin-Yang Correspondence* expounded upon the Great Dao of Yin and Yang. The Great Dao of Yin and Yang encompassed all things; there was nothing in the world that could not be interpreted through it. Conversely, there were countless ways to interpret the Dao of Yin and Yang itself.

Water and fire, one yin and one yang.

The Chapter on Water and Fire Harmony did not simply expound on the Dao of the Five Elements, but rather used water and fire to explain Yin and Yang, and it recorded a secret art for cultivating both water and fire simultaneously.

Qin Sang had just gained some understanding of the Dao of Yin and Yang in the Sun-Moon Palace, so he could see at a glance that what was stated in the secret scroll was not false. It primarily elucidated the principle of Yin and Yang clashing.

In Qin Sang's understanding, the Dao of Yin and Yang encompassed opposition, clash, and even mutual transformation.

The opposition of Yin and Yang was easy to understand. The Chapter on Water and Fire Harmony focused on elucidating the principle of Yin and Yang clashing.

As the saying goes, all things carry Yin and embrace Yang, and achieve harmony by clashing qi. The 'clash' here refers to the 'clash' of emptiness, where the Dao is empty yet its function is inexhaustible. It is through this 'clashing qi' that harmony is achieved, allowing all things to be balanced and to operate ceaselessly.

This is what is meant by Water and Fire Harmony.

The secret scroll stated that by cultivating this art, water and fire would not only avoid conflict but would also complement each other. Moreover, the practitioner's true essence would be exceptionally profound, far surpassing that of their peers. Additionally, during combat, any Daoist art of either water or fire would have its power significantly enhanced.

"It's finished?"

As Qin Sang reached the end, he suddenly realized the content abruptly stopped, and he couldn't help but want to scratch his head.

He hadn't considered changing his cultivation path to the Dao of Yin and Yang for now, but if he were to comprehend deeper aspects of it, it would also benefit his lightning techniques, perhaps even allowing him to amplify their power using the black and white chess pieces.

The content of the secret scroll captivated him, but Qin Sang still felt unsatisfied because it didn't touch upon the Dao of Yin-Yang mutual transformation.

Yin-Yang mutual transformation couldn't be called Water and Fire Harmony; it would be water and fire generating each other, which was true endless vitality!

"What a pity! What a pity!"

Qin Sang secretly lamented the incompleteness but also understood he shouldn't be too greedy. Obtaining this chapter in a mere illusion was an unexpected delight.

The Chapter on Water and Fire Harmony from the *Treatise on Yin-Yang Correspondence* provided him with an excellent direction for comprehending the Dao of Yin and Yang. If Qin Sang were to follow this path, he might well achieve significant accomplishments.

As for whether he would continue down this path in the future, that remained to be seen.

Anyone with foresight could see that the Dao of Yin and Yang was a Great Dao with boundless prospects; otherwise, Daoist sects wouldn't place such importance on it, even regarding it as fundamental.

However, Qin Sang had already made significant progress in the Great Vehicle Killing Dao, and his path forward was promising, so he wouldn't easily change his cultivation path.

For now, Qin Sang could cultivate the *Clear Dew Reversion Pill Art*, supplemented by the Chapter on Water and Fire Harmony. With his current understanding of the Dao of Yin and Yang, he wouldn't even encounter the initial obstacles mentioned in the secret scroll. His cultivation would immediately advance by leaps and bounds, and his combat prowess would far exceed that of his peers.

Qin Sang's thoughts flickered, and he suddenly sat down cross-legged.

"My disciple..."

Master Tong Shen was startled. Seeing that Qin Sang had already entered a meditative state, he quickly swallowed the words on his lips, filled with surprise and uncertainty.

'Gurgle, gurgle...'

A faint sound of flowing water suddenly came from within Qin Sang's body, as if a clear spring was flowing through him.

Master Tong Shen knew that Qin Sang was operating the *Clear Dew Reversion Pill Art*.

However, unlike before, after the technique ran for a few cycles, the sound of the clear spring became increasingly muffled and almost imperceptible, as if it had encountered a blocking rock.

'Thump! Thump! Thump!'

A moment later, the sound of the spring water transformed into a heartbeat-like thumping, like a thunderous drum. Qin Sang seemed to be continuously striking that rock, trying to force a path through.

This effort was in vain, and Qin Sang's expression grew increasingly pained.

Master Tong Shen felt a pang of distress and was about to forcibly awaken Qin Sang when he suddenly realized something and lightly tapped his foot.

The entire mountain peak trembled almost imperceptibly.

Beneath the mountain, changes invisible to ordinary people were occurring.

The underground fiery veins were activated by an unseen force, and a wisp of fiery qi rapidly ascended, passing through the mountain and reaching Qin Sang's body.

The moment it touched Qin Sang, this wisp of fiery qi was immediately absorbed into his body. Then, with a 'rumble,' the obstructing rock seemed to be washed away by the flowing water. Qin Sang's expression instantly relaxed, and his aura gradually underwent a strange transformation.

Master Tong Shen looked at Qin Sang, then at the jade tablets in his hand, his face filled with astonishment, almost to the point of disbelief.

Suddenly, Qin Sang let out a muffled groan, his body spasmed, and the aura abruptly dissipated as the spiritual energy within him began to run wild.

Master Tong Shen reacted with extreme speed, instantly appearing behind Qin Sang. He pressed a finger on his Baihui acupoint andshouted in a low voice, "Focus!"

With his master's help, Qin Sang finally stabilized the spiritual energy within him and slowly came to.

"You succeeded?" Master Tong Shen asked impatiently.

"Succeeded at what?"

Qin Sang looked bewildered.

"Did you cultivate this Chapter on Water and Fire Harmony to completion?" Master Tong Shen asked, pointing at the jade tablets, still disbelieving.

"Your disciple doesn't know either. I just felt a stirring in my heart after reading the content and wanted to try it," Qin Sang said timidly. "I apologize for making Master worry; your disciple knows his mistake."

"You... you really need to change this habit of yours."

Master Tong Shen recalled that in Feng City, Qin Sang had dared to forcefully cultivate a technique as soon as he received it, nearly causing an accident.

That technique, of course, couldn't compare to the Chapter on Water and Fire Harmony, but with a precedent, Qin Sang's actions didn't seem quite so outrageous now.

Master Tong Shen carefully scrutinized his disciple. "Tell me, what did you see in there?"

Qin Sang chose his words carefully, describing content that matched his apparent understanding.

Much of it was childlike and naive, yet as Master Tong Shen savored it, he found it increasingly insightful.

One thing was certain: the Chapter on Water and Fire Harmony was not entirely nonsense.

"Master, did your disciple say something wrong?" Qin Sang asked softly, seeing Master Tong Shen remain silent.

Master Tong Shen lightly coughed and reprimanded him, "In the future, never be so reckless. If I hadn't been here today, the consequences would have been unimaginable. As for this chapter, you must not attempt it again without my permission, understand?"

"Your disciple obeys."

Qin Sang replied, "Master, this is just one chapter from the *Treatise on Yin-Yang Correspondence*. How profound must the complete *Treatise on Yin-Yang Correspondence* be? I truly wonder which senior cultivator created it."

"Indeed!" Master Tong Shen nodded, lamenting, "Unfortunately, I only found this chapter in the cave dwelling, with no other clues. Now that the cave dwelling has been exposed, it has probably been thoroughly plundered by the Golden Eagle clan's powerful cultivators."

As he spoke, he raised his hand, and the jade tablets in his grasp clinked. "The complete *Treatise on Yin-Yang Correspondence* might also have been inscribed on such jade tablets, and was lost for some reason!"

Learning that the cave dwelling had been taken by the Golden Eagle clan, Qin Sang felt disappointed. He currently lacked the power to contend with them, so he could only commit this clue to memory and seek it out when an opportunity arose in the future.

Three mornings later.

The cultivators gathered outside the mountain, preparing to set off for the Immortal City of Yongtu.

The cultivator surnamed Zhou conjured a flying boat.

The journey ahead was long, and they didn't know if they would ever return. Many couldn't help but look back at their homeland, unable to hide their sorrow.

Young Lady Shuang's face no longer showed sadness, having returned to its usual cold expression. Only when she saw Qin Sang did her gaze soften slightly.

"Junior Sister Shuang really seems to like you," Qing Hong whispered, poking Qin Sang with her finger.

"Unfortunately, my heart belongs to someone else," Qin Sang replied.

"Who?"

Qing Hong was excited.

Qin Sang gave her a meaningful glance, then turned and boarded the flying boat.

Qing Hong stood dumbfounded. "No, no, I'm your senior sister! How could this be? Junior Sister will be heartbroken..."

This girl was indeed outwardly strong but inwardly weak. For the next few days, she avoided him, finally giving Qin Sang some peace and quiet.

All the cultivators boarded the flying boats, broke through the air, and vanished westward as streaks of light.

The flying boats were piloted in shifts by Master Tong Shen and others. Qin Sang and the rest could still cultivate on board, though refining pills wasn't as convenient.

That night, the flying boats stopped in a valley. In the dead of night, two more flying boats arrived from other directions, carrying cultivators who had also fled the Golden Eagle clan's territory.

After the rendezvous, the three flying boats traveled westward together. Occasionally, they would encounter other fleeing cultivators along the way, and their group grew larger and larger.

The demonic pursuers they most feared never appeared. They did encounter dangers along the way, even bandits, but fortunately, there were many experts in their group, allowing them to repeatedly turn peril into safety.

Several years passed on this journey. The cultivators were travel-worn, drawing ever closer to the fabled Immortal City of Yongtu.

'Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!'

Strong winds brought swirling sand, obscuring the sky. A yellow mist permeated the world.

From their magical boats, the cultivators looked down at the landscape below. Although not a desert, it was an exceedingly desolate Gobi, even more barren than the area around Lingkong Mountain.

Seeing this scene, the cultivators couldn't help but feel a mix of sorrow and indignation. Had the human grand cultivators also been driven to such a desolate place, only daring to establish a pure land here?

According to legends, the territories of great and powerful clans were fertile lands with vast expanses of rich soil, where spiritual herbs and precious materials were abundant. Yet, humans couldn't even claim a single place comparable to Lingkong Mountain.

"Someone's coming!"

The elder surnamed Zhou, who was piloting the magical boat, detected a presence ahead and transmitted a condensed vocal message.

One by one, the magical boats of various shapes immediately formed a battle array in mid-air, their sharp edges pointing at the approaching figure.

"I am an envoy from the Immortal City of Yongtu. Fellow Daoists, have you come to seek refuge in the immortal city, unable to endure the oppression of foreign races any longer?"

A deep voice, booming, pierced through the swirling sand.

"Precisely!"

The elder surnamed Zhou responded loudly, "We are all homeless. We wonder if the envoy would be so kind as to allow us to settle in the city."

"Of course! Of course!"

The envoy was very straightforward, arriving close by as he spoke.

The cultivators on the magical boats secretly remained on guard, gazing intently. They saw a golden light appear at the forefront, and within the golden light was a human cultivator clad in golden armor.

The envoy smiled and cupped his hands from afar. "The Immortal City of Yongtu was built specifically for people like you. The city is not yet full and can certainly accommodate all of you."

He paused, then proclaimed loudly.

"From now on, fellow Daoists, you will no longer have to suffer the indignities of those foreign races!"

His words were impactful. Reflecting on their past experiences, some emotional individuals shed tears on the spot.

The envoy guided the magical boats to land outside the city.

Qin Sang followed behind Master Tong Shen, walking alongside the elder surnamed Zhou, as they looked towards the immortal city.

What was called an immortal city had no walls; it was an extraordinarily vast spiritual array encompassing mountains and plains.

People came and went within the city, not only humans but also many 'people' with strange appearances.

Qin Sang looked at those strange yet familiar figures, secretly thinking, "I've finally found the Yi people!"

The elder surnamed Zhou walked side-by-side with the envoy and couldn't help but praise the excellent immortal city, asking, "Are there any grand cultivators residing in the city?"