Chapter 2296: Initial Entry into the Origin Sea

Wuxia & Xianxia

Such formidable enemies exist outside, powerful enough to shatter the world barrier!

All the continents Qin Sang had visited were flourishing, their cultivators engrossed in disputes over profit, oblivious to the constant threat that was being held at bay by powerful beings from beyond their realm.

As the saying goes, 'When the sky falls, the tallest stand beneath it.' Although Qin Sang didn't feel the immediate pressure, his spirits were heavy. True Immortal Ning's demeanor suggested that the powerful figures were not optimistic about the coming demonic tribulation.

Qin Sang was no longer weak; he wouldn't be unknowingly sent to the battlefield, but he still lacked the power to control his own destiny. When the demonic tribulation arrived, no one would be able to stand apart. If they failed to overcome the demonic tribulation, what fate awaited the beings of this realm?

This was not for Qin Sang to dwell on. His only desire was to protect himself and his loved ones when the demonic tribulation arrived. All he could do now was to cultivate diligently and become stronger!

"Therefore, today is unlike the past," True Immortal Ning turned, gazing at Qin Sang meaningfully, "and the various factions' attitudes toward the Dao Court will no longer be the same. You must have heard that the governance of good deeds in Ganzhou was inspired by the Dao Court."

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang had a sudden realization, grasping True Immortal Ning's intention in revealing so many secrets.

The news of the shattered world barrier should not be spread, as it would cause immense turmoil and endless panic among the beings of this realm. True Immortal Ning intended for Qin Sang to convey to the Dao Court that their circumstances were no longer as they once were.

In the past, the Dao Court was besieged, losing all twenty-four primary territories and retaining only four lesser ones, which sealed off a realm. It was unclear what the Tai Shang Dao Lineage's attitude towards the Dao Court was back then. However, the cultivators of the Daoist Dan Ding Sect, also known as 'Overseas Loose Immortals' in Da Zhou, likely had no desire to see a Dao Court asserting dominance over all beings.

Now, with the external threat of demonic tribulation and the shattered world barrier, the situation was entirely different. The Dao Court no longer held its former prestige and posed less of a threat to other factions.

Regrettably, Qin Sang, as a mere 'proxy envoy,' had no idea where the Dao Court was, and could only offer vague affirmations.

"Junior Brother, someone's here."

Two young men, clad in valuable armor, stood before a grand hall. This was a teleportation hall, and it was their turn to guard it. Perhaps from boredom, one of them was dozing off. The other youth sensed a fluctuation within the hall and quickly nudged his companion. Both immediately straightened up.

*Swish!*

Spiritual light illuminated the hall. As the spiritual light slowly faded, two figures emerged from within.

Both young men were disciples of Qingyang Temple. They were about to pay their respects to Shen Chen when they suddenly noticed Qin Sang, and their hearts were deeply shaken. They had seen portraits of Qingyang Temple's past patriarchs in the sect master's hall.

"Disciples pay respects to the Patriarch! Pay respects to Chief Shen!"

Fervent reverence shone on their faces.

Qingyang Temple still followed its former customs, dividing its lineages based on their inheritance. Each lineage had a chief, and above them all was Temple Master Li Yufu.

"Oh, it's you two brothers," Shen Chen recognized them, beckoning them closer. "Has there been any trouble in the alliance recently?"

While Shen Chen spoke, Qin Sang extended his divine sense, taking in the entire surrounding landscape.

He still remembered that when he and Silu first arrived, this was merely a desolate sea area, dotted with tens of thousands of islands and reefs, large and small, all barren and uninhabited. Now, there was no trace of the past. On these islands and reefs, some boasted various magnificent buildings, others were lush with planted vegetation, and still others had been cleared because they obstructed the way.

Centered around the teleportation array, the islands and reefs were meticulously arranged in layers, forming a 'Myriad Islands Array.' This careful planning was evident. Numerous ship sails dotted the surroundings, and cultivators were visible everywhere. As the headquarters of the Qingyang Alliance, it certainly lived up to its esteemed reputation.

The Qingyang Alliance had been established for over two hundred years. After two centuries of development, it was well-established in every aspect, requiring no further concern from him.

At this moment, Qin Sang's expression subtly changed. A ball of Buddhist light appeared in the sky, from which a monk emerged. The monk wore a kasaya, with ordination scars on his head and a fair complexion. He appeared younger than the two Qingyang Temple disciples. He was Liaofan, Junior Brother to Master Liaochen of Ziyun Mountain.

"This humble monk, Liaofan, greets True Immortal Qin."

Liaofan, startled by Qin Sang's divine sense, came to investigate. He recognized Qin Sang at a glance, his expression softening slightly as he performed a respectful bow.

"Master Liaofan is too kind. This humble Taoist was rash and disturbed your cultivation," Qin Sang returned the bow, sizing up the monk. He noted the monk's mid-stage Void Refinement cultivation, but his robust aura suggested he was likely not far from the late stage.

With such a powerful cultivator overseeing the Qingyang Alliance, they could rest easy. Moreover, the grand array Liaofan used for cultivation was also a formidable defensive formation. Even if strong enemies attacked, Liaofan could withstand the initial assault until reinforcements arrived.

"No matter!" Liaofan smiled, "I have long heard of True Immortal Qin's renowned name and am finally honored to behold your true visage."

Given Qin Sang's cultivation and his relationship with True Immortal Ning, Liaofan dared not show him the slightest disrespect. Ziyun Mountain's dedicated support for the Qingyang Alliance stemmed partly from perceived benefits and partly from their regard for Qin Sang and Liuli. Ultimately, however, it was due to True Immortal Ning's influence.

Meanwhile, cultivators from the Qingyang Alliance also received word, and several streaks of light flew towards their location.

Liaofan, not one for many words, greeted Qin Sang, bowed again, and then quietly vanished.

"Gu Ya pays respects to Senior Qin."

The one leading them was Gu Ya of the Void Spirit Sect. As the current sect leader of the Void Spirit Sect, she had personally joined the Qingyang Alliance, holding an important position. Furthermore, the first branch of the Qingyang Alliance in Kanzhou was the Void Spirit Sect's annex that she had established there. As a result, the Void Spirit Sect had benefited immensely, with its overall strength now surpassing many old established powers in Beihaijing. This only deepened her reverence for Qin Sang.

"Senior Qin, the two Witch clan members sent by Fellow Daoist Mingqiu have had their five senses sealed and are currently in the ship's cabin..." Gu Ya reported.

Qin Sang intended to take them to the Witch clan but wished to keep the location of Qingyang territory secret. Therefore, he sealed their five senses, planning to unseal them upon reaching Kanzhou.

"Very well, if there are no urgent matters in the alliance, let us depart today," Qin Sang said.

"Understood!"

Soon after, a treasure ship departed the Qingyang Alliance, setting sail southward. The treasure ship followed the same route Qin Sang had taken years ago, bypassing Yuanhai from the south before entering Kanzhou. The purpose was to avoid merchant ships coming from the Water Department, ensuring no mutual interference.

The weather was fair, and the sea was calm and ripple-free. The treasure ship cut through the waves. Qin Sang stood on the deck, hands clasped behind his back, gazing southwest.

As they drew closer to Yuanhai, the treasure ship encountered a wave of venomous beasts. The guards onboard immediately activated the ship's defensive arrays, unleashing streaks of profound light onto the sea. Soon, bluish-green blood seeped from the water, emitting a pungent, foul odor.

Gu Ya approached the deck, carrying a wooden box filled with jade slips. "Senior Qin," she said, "these are the texts collected by the Commerce Alliance, all related to Yuanhai."

Having subordinates was indeed convenient; such information gathering tasks were naturally handled by them. Qin Sang had long ago instructed Su Nu that once the Qingyang Alliance was established, they should gather information about Yuanhai in Kanzhou and compile it into volumes.

Qin Sang activated his divine sense, and the contents of the jade slips flowed through his mind. He discovered that most were legends circulated in various regions or compiled by later generations. Authentic ancient texts related to Yuanhai were exceedingly rare, and there was no trace of Yuanhai's lineage. However, a significant number of notes left by previous explorers of Yuanhai were present, and these could be cross-referenced, making them highly credible.

Legend held that Yuanhai was once a Mahayana cultivation ground, possibly concealing Mahayana inheritances, which drew countless individuals to it, one after another. Even without the Mahayana inheritances, Yuanhai gave birth to countless unique venomous beasts and toxins, making it a source of rare poisonous materials and certain special spiritual medicines.

Based on these notes, there were three primary routes to enter Yuanhai. Two of these paths entered from the north and south sides of Yuanhai, respectively. Another entered from the west but was also situated towards the north. Fewer individuals approached from the east, and no clear patterns for entry existed there.

The discovery of these patterns indicated the high degree to which Kanzhou cultivators had explored Yuanhai. Of course, this information was limited to the outer perimeter of the Misty Sea; powerful cultivators capable of exploring its core would not easily disseminate such knowledge.

Last time, he had no time. This time, having no urgent matters, Qin Sang decided to explore Yuanhai on his way. After carefully analyzing the notes, Qin Sang decided to enter Yuanhai via the southern route.

"Hmm?"

Qin Sang suddenly retrieved a jade slip. A scene described within it sparked some connections in his mind. Then, the Thousand Jin Ring shimmered, and an array disk flew out from it.

The array disk was square, with countless runes etched upon it, though one corner remained conspicuously empty, indicating its creator had yet to complete it. Nevertheless, the array disk already possessed partial power. Qin Sang infused true essence into it, and immediately, streaks of icy blue light radiated from the array disk. Illuminated by the blue light, Qin Sang appeared to be covered in a thin layer of ice, with countless snowflakes fluttering in the void.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear these were not true snowflakes, but tiny ice crystals. Most of these crystals were hollow, though a dozen or so contained sealed yellow specks of light.

Qin Sang summoned these yellow specks of light closer. They resembled tiny yellow insects, and with his expertise in the path of poison, it was easy to discern that they were not living creatures, but a very dangerous potent element. These yellow insect-like forms were identical to a potent poison described in the jade slip – a peculiar toxin born from the Sea of Poisons, whose bizarre and terrifying toxicity could make anyone's face change.

This array disk was clearly refined specifically for capturing this peculiar poison and was a relic of Xie Tianjiao. Years ago, in the Holy Land of the Alien Race, when Qin Sang and Liuli ventured into the Jie Gou clan's Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace, they encountered Xie Tianjiao. His attempts to scheme against them failed, and he was captured alive by Qin Sang, eventually dying within the Thunder Palace.

"It seems Xie Tianjiao was from Kanzhou and had also explored Yuanhai..." It was quite normal for Kanzhou's poison cultivators to visit Yuanhai.

However, Xie Tianjiao appeared to possess a profound understanding of Yuanhai. According to the jade slip's description, that peculiar poison was something others avoided at all costs, with no known antidote to date, yet he was able to capture it. Unfortunately, Qin Sang had sent Xie Tianjiao into the Thunder Palace to scout ahead, where he met his demise.

Qin Sang rummaged through Xie Tianjiao's belongings once more and soon found a roll of silk. He slowly unfurled it to reveal a depiction of some disordered lines.

"Is this a nautical chart?"

Qin Sang frowned, scrutinizing the silk. The silk itself was a treasure, though its purpose was unclear. It contained only brief annotations, making it difficult for outsiders to comprehend; perhaps only its true owner understood its meaning. He could only make conjectures, cross-referencing them with the notes. His intuition told him that this map was very likely related to Yuanhai. If it was indeed an internal map of Yuanhai, its previous owner must have explored quite deeply!

"Toad Nectar Island..."

Qin Sang then discovered a token bearing these three characters. Aside from this, there was nothing to prove Xie Tianjiao's identity or sect, which made him quite mysterious. The more he considered it, the stranger Qin Sang found it. He regretted killing Xie Tianjiao somewhat, but at the time, the situation in the Holy Land had been uncertain, and he had been solely focused on unraveling the secrets of the Thunder Palace, leaving no time for such considerations.

"Could Toad Nectar Island be the location of his cave dwelling?"

Qin Sang held the token, examining it repeatedly before handing it to Gu Ya. "Upon reaching Kanzhou," he instructed, "have the alliance thoroughly investigate the origin of this token."

"Your junior obeys!"

Gu Ya solemnly put away the token, while Qin Sang resumed his study of the silk.

The treasure ship sailed south, reaching Yuanhai's southern region, then began to skirt its edge, turning west. After some further travel, they occasionally encountered other treasure ships. However, wary of one another, all parties would tacitly detour in advance to avoid direct confrontation.

"The path to enter Yuanhai is somewhere in this vicinity..."

On this day, Qin Sang emerged from his cabin, instructed Shen Chen, Gu Ya, and others to proceed to Kanzhou ahead of him, then departed the treasure ship alone, flying towards Yuanhai. Following the notes' guidance, Qin Sang swiftly located the entrance to that path.

"Ugh, what a horrible smell!"

Not long after flying forward, Qin Sang encountered a yellow cloud, simultaneously assailed by waves of foul, nauseating stench. The Vermillion Bird perched on Qin Sang's shoulder, covering its mouth with a wing, its face contorted in disgust.

This yellow cloud, immense in scope, had existed for a very long time. Not only did it reek terribly, but it also possessed powerful corrosive properties. While most would choose to avoid this yellow cloud, it was ironically the safest place. A significant reason was that even venomous beasts detested its stench and would keep a wide berth.

Qin Sang summoned his Phoenix Wings, and lightning crackled around him, forming a lightning shield that expelled the surrounding foul air.

*Whoosh!*

A streak of lightning pierced the yellow cloud, vanishing into its depths in the blink of an eye.

Given Qin Sang's strength, there was no need to strictly adhere to the so-called safe path. He fixed his attention on the direction of that peculiar poison and headed directly for that sea area.

The array disk was unfinished, suggesting that Xie Tianjiao had not yet begun collecting that peculiar poison. Perhaps the poison held a unique significance for him, or perhaps Xie Tianjiao was blocked by it during a previous entry into the Misty Sea, prompting him to create this array. Regardless, Xie Tianjiao must have visited that place, perhaps one marked on the silk. If he could find clues there, it would be a breakthrough in deciphering the silk nautical chart!

While flying, Qin Sang meticulously sifted through Xie Tianjiao's belongings multiple times, attempting to find new clues.

The round cauldron Xie Tianjiao used in combat was his Natal Spirit Treasure; its spiritual essence had vanished with his death. However, he also possessed two other poison-path spirit treasures, one of which was designed to analyze and resist external poisons. Qin Sang planned to refine it for his own use.

In addition to these treasures, Xie Tianjiao had left behind some cultivation techniques and secret arts. Unfortunately, none represented his primary cultivation lineage. Qin Sang took them out one by one for study, gaining considerable insight into the path of poison, yet he could not deduce Xie Tianjiao's sect or master.

As he sped through Yuanhai, a series of bizarre and fantastical scenes unfolded before Qin Sang.