Chapter 2236: Exploring the Starry Sky Again

He could cultivate the Sky Demon Forging Form technique by visualizing the Azure Luan, relying on the Jade Buddha to block the star-bane. Qin Sang found it hard to believe that no human cultivators had tried visualizing these demon techniques before. He doubted that among so many powerful human cultivators, none could find a treasure capable of blocking the star-bane like the Jade Buddha.

Perhaps this path was fundamentally unsuitable for humans.

Qin Sang pondered, thinking about the legends concerning the origins of the human race.

He flipped through numerous jade slips, trying to find clues to deduce the identity of the one who had called to him, but his efforts were fruitless.

"We've arrived at Huinyang Valley," Deng Kui announced. "Everyone, split into three teams. After a reconnaissance sweep, each team will take up a position and guard it for three months. Use your Shadow-Capturing Stones to meticulously record all changes in the valley."

Deng Kui made the assignments, and the group split into three routes. Qin Sang followed Deng Kui for a sweep, then chose a position and set up his Shadow-Capturing Stone.

This mission didn't interfere with cultivation, so Qin Sang focused on practicing the Water-Fire Confluence scripture. Three months passed quickly. After bidding farewell to Deng Kui and the others, Qin Sang returned to the sect and continued his cultivation diligently. As their understanding of the Water-Fire Confluence scripture deepened, their cultivation progressed rapidly.

When Reverend Tong Shen returned to the sect, he would call Qin Sang over to inquire about and test his comprehension of the Water-Fire Confluence scripture, sometimes even requiring the aid of the Stone Fetus Fire.

The atmosphere in Yongtu Immortal City grew more tense each day. From the city gates, one could see flying boats coming and going, and cultivators hurrying with anxious expressions. The shadow of war loomed over the Immortal City and everyone's hearts, yet the anticipated large-scale invasion had not yet materialized.

Perhaps the powerful figures on both sides were preparing for the upcoming great war, but a small sect like Yuanjing Mountain, and Qin Sang, who was only at the Core Formation stage, couldn't access that level of information. Apart from being occasionally sent out to complete tasks for the Immortal City, their lives weren't significantly affected.

After some time, Deng Kui finally secured a job for Qin Sang: assisting a senior on a Dharma boat. The immortal guards on this Dharma boat, like Reverend Tong Shen, were responsible for transporting scattered humans and descendants of deities.

"Three years..."

Qin Sang contacted Deng Kui and learned that the Dharma boat was scheduled to depart soon. Due to the long distance, the round trip would take at least three years. Three years was not a long time for cultivators, and one could still cultivate on the Dharma boat. However, it would be impossible to contact the sect, making it difficult to conceal his absence. Qin Sang needed a plausible reason, otherwise Reverend Tong Shen would surely disapprove.

Back at the sect, Qin Sang was contemplating what excuse to use when a transmission talisman flew towards him. Qin Sang immediately flew to the Sect Master's Hall. Seeing his master, senior brother, and senior sister present, he quickly bowed, "Master, you've returned!"

Reverend Tong Shen nodded, motioned for Qin Sang to sit beside his senior brother Qing Yan, and surveyed the four disciples.

"I have something to announce!" Reverend Tong Shen declared. "I will be entering seclusion for quiet cultivation. However, this time, I do not know when I will emerge."

Hearing this, the four disciples immediately realized something and were overjoyed.

"Master, are you about to make a breakthrough?"

Reverend Tong Shen smiled. "It's too early to speak of a breakthrough. However, during this time, I haven't relaxed even for a moment, even when away. And through cultivating the Water-Fire Confluence scripture, I've gained some new insights. If luck favors me, I might just break through the realm barrier in one go."

"Master will surely achieve success!" Qing Hong exclaimed excitedly.

Qing Yan, the most composed, said, "Master, please cultivate in peace. Your disciple will complete the Immortal City's tasks on your behalf." He knew this was paramount: the connection between Yuanjing Mountain and the Immortal City could not be severed. Only by diligently serving the Immortal City could they ensure its future protection.

Reverend Tong Shen hummed in affirmation. "With you there, I am at ease. Furthermore, Qing Hong will be responsible for the sect's mundane affairs. Shuang Luo, Qing Feng, in my absence, you must listen to your senior brother and sister and not act recklessly."

As he spoke the last sentence, Reverend Tong Shen specifically looked at Qin Sang.

Qin Sang feigned grievance. "Master, when have I ever defied your orders? There is one matter I wish to ask for your judgment on."

Reverend Tong Shen replied noncommittally, "Speak."

"Your disciple just received a message from Daoist Deng," Qin Sang fabricated, "The Immortal City has issued a task requiring a three-year guard duty at a certain location. During these three years, one cannot leave or contact the outside world..."

"What kind of place?" Reverend Tong Shen frowned.

"One can only know after accepting the task. It might be to guard an artifact. Although the requirements are strict, the remuneration is very generous. Your disciple is undecided," Qin Sang said, feigning hesitation.

"Your senior sisters still need your Stone Fetus Fire to aid their cultivation," Reverend Tong Shen's expression clearly showed disapproval.

Qing Hong and Shuang Luo exchanged glances. "Junior brother has already helped us greatly. Because our progress has been too fast, we've encountered some issues and actually need time to digest them. If Junior brother wants to go, he doesn't need to worry about us. However, Junior brother must inquire thoroughly and ensure there is no danger."

Since that was the case, Reverend Tong Shen said no more. After giving a few more instructions to his disciples, he rose, entered his meditation chamber, and activated the grand formation. With Reverend Tong Shen in seclusion, Qin Sang's subsequent actions would be much more convenient.

Two months later, Qin Sang made thorough preparations and arrived at a mountain peak a hundred li away from the Immortal City. Yellow clouds densely covered the peak, and within them, a massive outline was faintly visible—a Dharma boat.

Qin Sang landed halfway up the mountain. Scanning around, he saw a disheveled old man leaning against a rock, holding a wine gourd. He reeked of alcohol and had bleary, drunken eyes.

"May I ask if you are Senior Zeng Lan?" Qin Sang stepped forward, bowed, and inquired.

Zeng Lan was the person Qin Sang was to follow on this journey, or more precisely, a descendant of a deity. He seemed to have just woken up, his eyes barely open a slit. He burped, "You... uh... who are you?"

"This junior's Daoist name is Ming Yue, and I have been ordered to come and serve under you."

"Oh, so it's you, kid," Zeng Lan gulped down some wine, stood up, and swayed as he flew towards the mountaintop.

Qin Sang had seen all sorts of eccentrics, so his expression remained normal. He followed Zeng Lan and easily boarded the Dharma boat. Once inside the Dharma boat, Qin Sang paid special attention to its layout and restrictions, speculating about its crafting methods. Large artifacts like Dharma boats and ships followed a different path from magical treasures and spirit treasures. Qin Sang hadn't delved much into them, but he had read some relevant texts. With his discernment, he could tell that this Dharma boat was far less refined and logical than those of later eras, with many areas for improvement.

"You'll stay here!" Zeng Lan led Qin Sang into the Dharma boat's interior, pointed to one cabin, then to the one next to it, and glared with his drunken eyes, "I'll be here! On the journey, you're in charge. Don't disturb me, understand?"

"This junior understands. I will ensure no one disturbs you, Senior!"

Qin Sang had more or less figured out Zeng Lan's temperament and was quite pleased with it.

"Smart enough!" Zeng Lan was also satisfied with Qin Sang. He patted Qin Sang's shoulder, entered his cabin, and closed the door with a thud.

Zeng Lan became a hands-off boss, leaving all matters to Qin Sang. Only after the Dharma boat set off did things quiet down. Each cabin was equivalent to a meditation chamber. The Dharma boat flew steadily. Qin Sang stood by the window, gazing at the scenery outside.

A moment later, he returned to the center of his cabin, sat down cross-legged, took out a crimson pill, and swallowed it. This was a Demonic Bane Pill refined from the corpse of a golden eagle. It was almost depleted, so he hoped to kill a few more demon beasts this time. Thinking this, Qin Sang entered meditative trance.

For the remainder of the journey, the Dharma boat was almost constantly on the move. Qin Sang was occasionally woken up and asked to attend meetings on Zeng Lan's behalf. Participating firsthand in discussions among the higher-ups gave Qin Sang a more intuitive and clear understanding of the mission and the current situation.

Geographically, the Phoenix Clan was the largest clan closest to Yongtu Immortal City, and Yongtu Immortal City's defenses were primarily against the Phoenix Clan and its vassals. Should war break out, the enemy attacking Yongtu Immortal City would certainly be led by the Phoenix Clan. Between the Phoenix Clan and Yongtu Immortal City lay a vast region inhabited not only by humans and descendants of deities but also by many demon clans. This area was originally a buffer zone, and both sides tacitly agreed not to invade it. While Yongtu Immortal City was transporting humans and descendants of deities, the Phoenix Clan and other demon clans were also busy transporting their own kin to the rear. This action was akin to clearing the battlefield before a major war. Since most inhabitants here were mortals and cultivators of low cultivation, incapable of influencing the war, both sides tacitly refrained from large-scale slaughter, allowing each other to take their 'people' away.

However, as time passed and interactions between the two sides became more frequent, friction was inevitable. Although both sides exercised restraint and avoided large-scale wars, covert struggles were unavoidable. If they met head-on, an engagement was unavoidable. Sometimes, they would even use the opponent's kin to set traps and lure them in. Qin Sang recalled Reverend Tong Shen returning injured once, likely from an encounter with a demon clan contingent. On this trip, they also had to guard against demon clans and had made various arrangements for this purpose.

Qin Sang returned to his cabin and began to prepare meticulously. Before coming, he had refined many poisoned pills and formation artifacts. His cultivation was also far superior to what it once was. If he seized the opportunity, killing one or two great demons of the Transformation stage would not be difficult. After spending a year and a half on the Dharma boat, they were getting closer to their destination.

'Ding, ding, ding!' A series of bells rang out on the Dharma boat, startling everyone awake.

Qin Sang stepped out of his cabin and waited for a moment outside Zeng Lan's door. Seeing no movement, he activated the restriction, and only then did Zeng Lan push the door open, his eyes bewildered. "What is it?" A dignified cultivator, drunk all day long; Qin Sang wondered what cultivation technique he practiced.

Facing such a Zeng Lan, Qin Sang still maintained respect and said, "Senior, we've arrived."

Zeng Lan uttered an "oh," wiped his face, and grudgingly went to the meeting. Qin Sang was not qualified to participate in this meeting, but he could partly guess that Zeng Lan and the others would likely set up a counter-trap. If there was indeed an ambush ahead, they could catch the enemy off guard.

After staying put for a few days, the Dharma boat continued its journey, increasing rather than decreasing its speed.

Ten days later.

Qin Sang stood on a mountain, gazing into the distance, feeling the ground beneath his feet continuously tremble. The tremors came from ahead, where a riot of colorful, strange lights diffused, shooting straight into the sky, creating chaotic light and shadow.

"There really was an ambush..." Qin Sang rubbed his chin.

Zeng Lan and the others' plan had worked. They proceeded cautiously, intentionally walking into the enemy's 'trap,' and a fierce battle ensued. Those with lower cultivation, including Qin Sang, were left on the Dharma boat. As soon as the battle began, Qin Sang found an excuse to slip away in Zeng Lan's name.

From outside the battlefield, the situation was unclear, but since Zeng Lan and the others dared to actively enter the trap, they presumably had confidence in defeating their opponents. "I wonder if there's a chance for me to pick up some scraps," Qin Sang murmured. His aura suddenly changed, a pair of phoenix wings appearing on his back. He circled around the battlefield and flew towards the rear.

The battle raged fiercely, lasting until nightfall, with no sign of the strange lights dissipating. Qin Sang watched the battlefield from afar for a long time. Finally, he saw a streak of light burst out, streaking across the night sky at an astonishing speed before suddenly vanishing mid-air. Behind the streak of light, two more escape lights pursued, but after a while, they lost their target, circled briefly, gave up the chase, and returned to the battlefield.

Qin Sang stared in the direction where the light had vanished, knowing it was a great demon, but he did not act rashly, continuing to wait patiently. Finally, after a thunderous explosion, ten thousand strange lights burst forth from the battlefield, scattering in all directions. Just then, a figure rushed towards Qin Sang's location.

It was a peacock, its once beautiful tail feathers tattered and stained with blood, and its aura was extremely chaotic. After using several divine abilities in succession, the peacock temporarily shook off its pursuers and fled into the wilderness. When it reached a lakeside, its gaze suddenly turned cold.

"Who's there? Get out!"

"Calm your anger, fellow Daoist!" A gentle voice echoed from the bottom of the lake, and the water slowly parted. Qin Sang flapped his phoenix wings and flew out from under the lake. Although his cultivation in the Sky Demon Forging Form was not high, he still exuded a pure demonic aura.

"Are you a fellow Daoist from the Azure Luan Clan?" The peacock saw the wings on Qin Sang's back, and its tense expression relaxed slightly, but then it felt something was off. Qin Sang could transform into human form, meaning he was at least a Transformation stage Azure Luan, yet his aura seemed inconsistent with his cultivation.

And...

"You..." Just as the peacock uttered a single word, its vision suddenly darkened, and a sky full of lake water pressed down upon it!

A stick of incense later, Qin Sang put the peacock's corpse into his mustard seed artifact, cautiously surveyed his surroundings, and then strode away.

His first attempt was successful, allowing Qin Sang to make a huge profit and refine more Demonic Bane Pills, which greatly advanced his cultivation. After that, every time he went out, Qin Sang hoped to encounter powerful demon cultivators, but opportunities weren't always available. With the help of the Demonic Bane Pills, Qin Sang's cultivation quickly surpassed that of his two senior sisters, eventually leaving even his senior brother Qing Yan behind.

In a secluded valley. Layers of formations and restrictions had already been set up around it. Qin Sang sat cross-legged at the bottom of the valley. Soon, his aura began to fluctuate like tides, rising and falling in an orderly manner. Under his relentless assaults, the bottleneck finally loosened.

'Whoosh!' The Yin Fire floated in the air, and the Three Calamities descended.

"The illusion actually mimics even the heavenly tribulation so realistically..." Facing the Nascent Soul tribulation again, Qin Sang's heart was calm. He passed through the Three Calamities with composure, just as he would in the outside world, without a heart demon tribulation.

His aura slowly calmed down. Qin Sang was not overjoyed by this but immediately began to regulate his breath without rest. The sun rose and set. In the blink of an eye, night fell again. Qin Sang calmly awoke, glanced at the stars high above, and then began to circulate the Sky Demon Forging Form technique.