Chapter 2273: Bone Luan

Wuxia and Xianxia

Before the ancient tomb.

Wind and clouds swirled.

"Senior, the formation has been set up."

Qin Sang raised his arm, and dozens of peculiar leaves flew from his palm. Like floating catkins, they scattered and drifted into the void.

Imperceptibly, the formation was activated.

This grand formation, vast enough to encompass the entire ancient tomb, served to sever all connections between the tomb's interior and exterior.

After repeated investigations, Qin Sang confirmed that there were no guardians inside the ancient tomb at this time; a family residing near the tomb was responsible for guarding it.

However, when the tomb was first built, the Azure Phoenix Clan had set up a warning formation within it. Should any outsider intrude, an alarm would immediately sound, alerting the entire clan.

Only a handful of people within the entire Azure Phoenix Clan knew this secret, and the Mysterious Azure Phoenix was one of them.

The formation Qin Sang had deployed was taught by the Mysterious Azure Phoenix. It was specifically designed to counter the warning formation, allowing Qin Sang to steal the phoenix corpses without anyone knowing.

The prerequisite was that no Azure Phoenix cultivators would come to investigate the ancient tomb. If a member of the tomb-guarding family had a sudden whim to check, or if a powerful Azure Phoenix individual suddenly died and needed to be interred in the tomb, Qin Sang would be exposed.

For the Bone Phoenix, taking some risks was worthwhile!

After exchanging a few words with the Mysterious Azure Phoenix, Qin Sang silently flew towards the ancient tomb, quickly feeling the impact of an invisible airflow.

Just then, an azure light shimmered around Qin Sang, making him incredibly light, drifting with the wind. He seemed to have transformed into a sheet of paper, allowing the airflow to manipulate him without any resistance.

Surprisingly, his body slowly thinned, eventually becoming as delicate as a cicada's wing, almost transparent, like a painting imprinted on fine silk.

Floating and drifting with the currents.

In this manner, Qin Sang entered the interior of the airflow and saw a white stone wall standing tall in the void. The wall was towering and majestic, carved with countless strange and intricate, elusive patterns.

At this point, the "canvas" that Qin Sang had become was blown by the airflow, slowly drifting towards the stone wall, then pressing tightly against it.

The stone wall and its runes remained unresponsive.

The "painting" began to fade, its colors growing lighter until only a human-shaped outline remained, and finally, even the outline vanished.

Qin Sang thus disappeared into the stone wall.

As the saying goes, "one finds shade under a large tree." Without the guidance of the Mysterious Azure Phoenix, Qin Sang alone would never have been able to bypass the ancient tomb's protective formation, let alone isolate its warning formation.

Thus, with the help of the Mysterious Azure Phoenix, Qin Sang navigated through layers of formations and restrictions, successfully entering the ancient tomb's interior. Before him lay a vast and empty void, boundless and expansive, with points of starlight twinkling within it.

Qin Sang looked towards the nearest point of starlight, faintly discerning white palaces where the remains of powerful Azure Phoenix individuals were interred!

Each point of starlight was a mausoleum, varying in design; some were opulent and exquisite, others embodied a return to simplicity.

Even though they had died many years ago, powerful auras still clung to their remains. These auras collided within the void, creating an endless ripple. Qin Sang's expression grew serious, as he sensed several auras that seemed unusual, unlike what a mere corpse should possess.

"Senior..."

Qin Sang told the Mysterious Azure Phoenix about his discovery, and understanding immediately flashed in his eyes.

The Mysterious Azure Phoenix had instructed him to steal precisely these few unique phoenix corpses.

These phoenix corpses had been preserved in the ancient tomb until now because the unique environment of this secret realm kept them from decaying for years. This environment also caused the corpses to undergo mutations. Without the suppression of formations and restrictions, these remains might even develop consciousness, becoming demonic creatures similar to Bone Phoenixes.

It was precisely this mutation that laid a solid foundation for Qin Sang to refine Bone Phoenixes. The deeper the mutation, the greater the chance of success.

Qin Sang looked around, selecting his targets. It wasn't that he didn't want to take all the phoenix corpses, but each mausoleum was part of the grand formation. Stealing a phoenix corpse would be equivalent to damaging the formation. To avoid alerting the tomb-guarding family, he had to plan carefully and make choices.

"Let's open this mausoleum first!"

Soon, Qin Sang locked onto a target, soared over, and saw a mountain peak suspended in the void.

The aura of a phoenix corpse emanated from within the mountain.

Qin Sang circled the peak, observing it carefully for a while, then consulted the Mysterious Azure Phoenix.

Immediately, Qin Sang summoned his Azure Phoenix Dharma Idol. The idol flapped its wings, suddenly unleashing dozens of bolts of lightning. The lightning, like sharp arrows, shot forth, striking the mountain almost simultaneously.

Numerous hollows appeared in the mountain out of thin air, yet they didn't trigger any tremor in the grand formation. Qin Sang flashed into one of the hollows, going directly to the mountain's interior. When he clearly saw the scene within, his heart trembled slightly. A massive stone platform held an Azure Phoenix, lying prostrate with its eyes closed as if asleep. Its entire body of azure feathers was as vibrant as new, glowing with a thunderous luster, and a powerful aura washed over him.

No one would have imagined that this was a phoenix corpse!

"Pardon my intrusion!"

Qin Sang bowed respectfully and immediately began to retrieve the phoenix corpse according to the method taught by the Mysterious Azure Phoenix.

Before long, a ring of azure lightning enveloped the phoenix corpse. As the ring contracted inward, the corpse's luster was gradually suppressed, and its body began to shrink.

Qin Sang continuously cast spells, sending streams of incantations towards the phoenix corpse. The corpse grew smaller and smaller, eventually shrinking to the size of a fist, enveloped in azure lightning, and flying towards Qin Sang.

"It's done!"

Qin Sang reached out to cup the lightning orb, sensing it silently. He mused, "This Azure Phoenix was likely a late-stage Void Refinement expert in life. There are no external injuries on its body, but I wonder what caused its demise."

After putting away the phoenix corpse, Qin Sang headed straight for the next mausoleum.

Next, Qin Sang moved between the mausoleums, replicating the process, and ultimately obtained seven phoenix corpses!

Collecting seven phoenix corpses was the limit. Qin Sang departed the ancient tomb without a moment's hesitation.

The tomb-guarding family remained completely unaware until Qin Sang vanished into the distance with the phoenix corpses.

Upon reaching the pre-selected corpse-refining site, Qin Sang took out the first phoenix corpse and recalled the method for refining Bone Phoenixes. He had long since memorized this technique, observing the corpse while pondering and mentally rehearsing the steps.

Once Qin Sang felt a degree of confidence, he consulted the Mysterious Azure Phoenix once more, then selected the phoenix corpse with the lowest cultivation level in life, preparing to begin. Bang!

The phoenix corpse landed, heavy as a mountain.

Qin Sang's expression darkened. The Azure Phoenix Dharma Idol appeared behind him, staring intently at the phoenix corpse, its gaze like knives, able to penetrate fur and dissect flesh.

"Crack!"

Suddenly, a bolt of azure lightning fiercely struck the phoenix corpse, splitting into countless threads of lightning that spread across it. These threads formed shimmering thunderous runes that continuously flashed, sinking into the phoenix corpse's body.

All these lightning threads were true Azure Phoenix lightning, and the phoenix corpse's aura immediately changed.

At the same time, Qin Sang summoned various spiritual materials and precious medicines.

Some were refined into essences, which, with the power of the true Azure Phoenix lightning, were directly infused into the Azure Phoenix's demon body.

Others were refined into spiritual pills or medicinal soups and fed into its mouth.

Qin Sang worked non-stop, his movements swift and dazzling. As effort pays off, the phoenix corpse suddenly trembled, its entire body shimmering with azure lightning, as if about to revive. However, it then emitted a strong, foul odor.

This odor was so potent that even spells couldn't block it.

Qin Sang frowned slightly, endured the stench, and continued to cast spells.

Strange changes appeared on the phoenix corpse. First, the luster faded from its feathers, which then fell off like withered leaves, leaving it looking like a plucked chicken.

Then, its exposed skin began to shrivel, its flesh losing vitality, eventually peeling off in chunks and dissolving into a pool of thick, putrid liquid on the ground, the stench unbearable and the sight horrifying.

The phoenix corpse transformed into a Bone Phoenix, with only stark white bones remaining throughout its body, and an eerie light gleamed within its hollow eye sockets.

"Senior!"

Qin Sang called out softly, summoning the Mysterious Azure Phoenix.

Relying solely on his own power, despite thorough preparation, he had little confidence.

This was the most crucial moment. If the phoenix corpse continued to decay, its skeleton would also corrode, losing all value. This step absolutely required the power of the Mysterious Azure Phoenix!

No sooner had he called for help than Qin Sang received a response: a divine ability was transmitted to him.

Qin Sang closed his eyes tightly, placing his hands flat on his knees, palms facing upward. Above his palms, a mass of azure lightning materialized out of thin air. The lightning initially tumbled erratically but quickly transformed into an octagonal lightning mirror.

The lightning mirror shimmered, and a beam of azure light shot towards the Bone Phoenix.

The thick liquid on the ground instantly evaporated, and the changes on the Bone Phoenix's body ceased abruptly, stopping its decay.

"Clatter..."

The Bone Phoenix's joints rattled violently. Qin Sang's expression was solemn as he exerted his full power.

Suddenly, the Bone Phoenix raised its neck high, emitting a sharp shriek. Its bony wings spread wide, and countless bolts of azure lightning surged out from every joint and crevice. Sensing the fluctuations of this azure lightning, Qin Sang was secretly astonished. The Mysterious Azure Phoenix had not been exaggerating; the Bone Phoenix truly had the potential to regain its former strength!

In an instant, the Bone Phoenix's appearance transformed dramatically. Azure lightning filled its body, manifesting a brand-new form, and its feathers were restored, looking utterly lifelike.

However, the lightning aura was ultimately illusory. Any Void Refinement cultivator could discern its true nature as a Bone Phoenix.

The azure lightning converged, and the "reborn" Bone Phoenix circled above Qin Sang, emitting calls.

Qin Sang heard a sense of closeness towards him in its cries, and its manipulation was effortless. He couldn't help but nod slightly.

The first Bone Phoenix was born!

For this, Qin Sang had spent a significant amount of time. He quickly began to meditate and recover, then proceeded to refine the second phoenix corpse.

One after another, Bone Phoenixes were born in Qin Sang's hands. Unfortunately, even with the Mysterious Azure Phoenix personally intervening, there was one failure. Ultimately, only six Bone Phoenixes were successfully refined! Of these six, two were comparable to late-stage Void Refinement cultivators, three to mid-stage Void Refinement cultivators, and one to early-stage Void Refinement cultivators. If he possessed this power in the real world, Qin Sang could walk unhindered, as long as he didn't encounter mighty experts beyond the Integration Stage!

Moreover, individual strength was secondary. The Mysterious Azure Phoenix had taught Qin Sang a Bone Phoenix Battle Formation, which allowed them to unleash power far beyond their individual capabilities. "The battle formation... can fight powerful enemies... furthermore..."

The Mysterious Azure Phoenix instructed Qin Sang, "In the future... nurture the Bone Phoenixes with your essence blood... and when your connection with them reaches... a certain level, you will be able to... use the Bone Phoenix Battle Formation as a conduit... to bear divine abilities for you..."

Hearing this, Qin Sang's eyes flickered.

This was the method the Mysterious Azure Phoenix had conceived. No matter how strong the Bone Phoenixes were, they were ultimately still within the Void Refinement realm. Yet, he wondered what percentage of the Mysterious Azure Phoenix's divine abilities the Bone Phoenix Battle Formation could bear?

Refining the Bone Phoenixes had taken a considerable amount of time. The supreme treasure was about to emerge, so Qin Sang made a brief stop before hurrying back to Mount Yuji.

At the Mount Yuji cave dwelling.

The Heavenly Omen reappeared.

As before, the Mysterious Azure Phoenix successively transmitted the Heavenly Awakening Thunder Robe and the Young Azure Phoenix to Qin Sang. The difference was that Qin Sang now had six Bone Phoenixes by his side! A dizzying sensation later, Qin Sang found himself in that familiar world once again.

He expertly pinpointed the location of the divine mountain and immediately set off, soon encountering the first powerful member of a Foreign Race.

This individual was a mermaid.

Qin Sang glanced casually, seeing that she was already entangled by a demonic shadow and in a precarious situation, a reflection of most survivors' plight.

"Swoosh! Swoosh!"

Two Bone Phoenixes attacked simultaneously, pouncing on the mermaid from left and right.

The demonic shadow had already worn the mermaid down, and caught off guard by the sudden attack, she was utterly unable to resist. She was instantly severely wounded, defeated, and possessed by the demonic shadow.

Qin Sang rushed forward, encountering Ji Xia again along the way. Her situation was precarious, so this time, he chose to intervene, helping Ji Xia destroy the demonic shadow. He did not reveal his identity to her, continuing on his journey.

Upon reaching the vicinity of the divine mountain once more, Qin Sang's expression subtly changed. He mused, "They're finally here!"

At the summit of the divine mountain, five figures were conspicuously floating, encircling the supreme treasure. Their vital energies were interconnected, forming an impenetrable defense with no gaps.

"The Feathered Race Prince, Xi Rui..."

These individuals made no attempt to conceal themselves, and Qin Sang spotted these two at a glance.

The others were largely as Qin Sang expected, except for the absence of the Mermaid Queen and the presence of Yuan Jian.

It seemed these individuals had already broken free from the demonic shadows.

Each of them came from extraordinary backgrounds. Yuan Jian was the most surprising to Qin Sang; could it be that this person hadn't revealed his true strength in front of the demonic shadows before? However, Qin Sang only gave Yuan Jian an extra glance. Compared to Yuan Jian, the Feathered Race Prince and Xi Rui were the opponents truly worth paying attention to. Their absence earlier indicated they had been gathering allies.

Qin Sang was not in a hurry to act. He specifically hastened to the location where Mount Daiyu Immortal Mountain was stored, and his expression brightened with delight. "Next time, or the time after, I should be able to summon the Immortal Mountain back!"

At the summit of the divine mountain.

Xi Rui and the others stood ready, unaware that Qin Sang was nearby.

"Fellow Daoist Xi Rui, I heard your clan possesses a unique detection divine ability, unparalleled in the world. Have you discovered anything?"

The Feathered Race Prince transmitted his voice secretly.

"I haven't detected any anomalies!"

Xi Rui glanced outward. "This person has succeeded so many times; their concealment abilities must be extraordinary! It seems the Fellow Daoists from the Mermaid Race landed quite far away and haven't arrived yet. Otherwise, we might have been able to force this person's true form out this time!"

"Just forcing out his true form? Fellow Daoist, you think too highly of him! If this person truly possessed such strength, he wouldn't need to act so secretly and furtively. With the five of us united, if he dares to show himself, we'll ensure he never returns!"

The Feathered Race Prince snorted coldly, his heart filled with extreme irritation.

He wished to rescue his kin, but he first needed to find them. Moreover, even if he found them, it would be too late to act. By now, he surprisingly had only one helper left, and his advantage was completely gone!

Before his words faded, Xi Rui and the others' expressions suddenly changed.

"Shriek!"

Suddenly, phoenix cries rang out, one after another, echoing in their ears.

Everyone's pupils suddenly constricted as several azure figures materialized out of thin air, then charged directly towards them.

Qin Sang held nothing back. Six Bone Phoenixes, along with the Young Azure Phoenix, advanced abreast, launching their assault!

I returned home last night and wrote a chapter first. I'll rest for a bit and then write the next one; it will be a bit later.