Chapter 2302: Frost Valley

**Martial Arts and Immortal Cultivation**

The Spirit Realm's final barrier, the World Barrier, left by the Jade Emperor, was shattered during the last demonic tribulation. The extent of its destruction is unknown, but Master Ning's tone indicates a grim situation.

Now, the World Barrier requires powerful cultivators to guard it, constantly fending off the Demon Realm. Not just humans, but all races would be unable to escape harm if the Demon Realm's army were to invade the Spirit Realm.

The Fiend-kind are responsible for guarding the World Barrier near the Sea of Mist.

It's likely that the Witch Tribe's powerful cultivators entered the River of Karma not merely for cultivation, as Wu Yan claimed, but because there's also a World Barrier near the Witch Tribe's territory.

As for the Fengju Jade Gate, Qin Sang had only lingered around its periphery, yet he saw scenes of shattered lands everywhere. It's not surprising that there were broken sections of the World Barrier there as well.

The powerful cultivators from various races are preoccupied with the World Barrier and the Demon Race. Those not guarding the barrier must focus on arduous cultivation to prepare for the next demonic tribulation. In some ways, this is certainly a good thing for Void Refinement cultivators like them.

When the tiger is away, the monkey rules the roost!

However, this doesn't mean they can act recklessly. Qin Sang recalled the commotion caused by the emergence of the Sword Pavilion at Fengju Jade Gate; any major incident would still draw out the powerful cultivators.

Countless memories and thoughts flashed through Qin Sang's mind in an instant. His expression remained unchanged as he nodded slightly.

Seeing that Qin Sang seemed to have dispelled his doubts, Jiu Mie pressed on, saying, "As long as you agree, Master, the reward will not disappoint you!"

"Oh?" Qin Sang slightly raised his eyelids and calmly asked, "What reward are you two willing to offer?"

Jiu Mie and Wu Yan exchanged glances. "Brother Xia mentioned that you cultivate a spirit butterfly in the mid-stage of its sixth transformation," Jiu Mie said. "Presumably, you're here to find opportunities for it. What do you desire, Master? Spirit pills and wondrous medicines, or insect-controlling secret arts?"

"I want pills that can help her break through to the late stage of the sixth transformation. Can you two provide those?" Qin Sang sneered.

"Hmph!" Wu Yan's gaze turned cold, and anger began to swell within him.

Jiu Mie, however, was a smooth operator. He chuckled and shook his head, saying, "You jest, Master. Although this venture carries some risk, it's not truly that dangerous, nor is it worth such precious pills. If, at that time, you find the enemy too formidable to overcome and decide to retreat, there's nothing I can do to stop you. How about we offer pills that can enhance the cultivation of spirit insects instead?"

The City Lord of Guangsha chimed in, "Pills capable of enhancing the cultivation of mid-stage sixth-transformation spirit insects are highly sought after even within the Witch Tribe. Even Fellow Daoist Jiu Mie rarely gets more than a few each time."

"Indeed," Jiu Mie nodded. "We both have clan support, which is how we've accumulated some resources. We can spare a few for you, Master."

Qin Sang remained noncommittal.

Jiu Mie then asked, "Could you tell us what kind of spirit butterfly it is, Master? You see, elixirs must be tailored to the insect. Some elixirs are only suitable for a particular type of spirit insect, or even just one specific kind."

Qin Sang hesitated for a moment, then said, "Heaven's Eye Butterfly."

"A Heaven's Eye Butterfly!" Jiu Mie was surprised.

Wu Yan's gloomy gaze also suddenly brightened.

"It's recorded that Heaven's Eye Butterflies are born with a spiritual eye ability," Jiu Mie said, "not only capable of seeing through illusions but also exceptionally effective at deciphering formations and restrictions?"

"That's right," Qin Sang nodded.

"Excellent!" Jiu Mie clapped his hands, a look of delight on his face.

They had initially thought Qin Sang's expertise in evasion techniques would be a great help, but they hadn't expected an even greater surprise.

Their primary objective was to attack the secret realm's grand formation. With the Heaven's Eye Butterfly's assistance, they would face far fewer troubles!

Wu Yan said in a hoarse voice, "I have a bottle of Nancang Pills. I can initially promise you three, Master, and then increase the number proportionately based on how long you persevere."

"The main ingredient of the Nancang Pill is the Nancang Fruit, which is quite valuable and widely adaptable. Even the Heaven's Eye Butterfly can absorb and refine it..." Jiu Mie explained the pill's properties to Qin Sang, adding, "If we succeed in breaking into that secret realm, I will also seize the opportunity to acquire some spirit insects. Although these spirit insects are rare mutant species, they are currently dormant as eggs, making their value immeasurable. I will offer this Nine-Descent Flying Dew as compensation: for every three mutant spirit insect eggs obtained, I will give you one drop, Master."

As he spoke, Jiu Mie took out a jade bottle containing half a bottle of pale blue spiritual liquid.

A subtle aura leaked out, and Qin Sang immediately felt his Heaven's Eye Butterfly stir within his Qi Sea, attracted by the Nine-Descent Flying Dew.

"Mutant species?" Qin Sang thought to himself, *No wonder Jiu Mie is so keen; he stands to gain from this too.*

"Our Witch Tribe not only captures wild spirit insects but also rears them ourselves, studying their bloodlines and crossbreeding them to cultivate mutant species that didn't exist in the world," Jiu Mie declared proudly. "If we are fortunate enough to cultivate exceptionally powerful mutant species, our clan can even prosper greatly because of it! Therefore, while many human cultivators understand insect control, they cannot compare to our Witch Tribe!"

"If you are interested, Master," Jiu Mie said proudly, "it would be fine to give you a few insect eggs, but you wouldn't know how to cultivate them, and you would only waste them."

Qin Sang knew that Jiu Mie's words were true.

The Witch Tribe possesses divine bloodlines, inherently bestowed with knowledge and clarity. This talent, absent in humans, not only manifests in their witch curses but also aids in cultivating spirit insects.

"I have little interest in those mutant species," Qin Sang said, "but the elixirs you two offer are hard to refuse." Qin Sang's tone shifted. "I also brought two juniors with me."

Jiu Mie looked at City Lord Xia.

City Lord Xia said, "You can rest assured, Master, to leave them at Qingyan Temple. I guarantee not a single hair on their heads will be harmed!"

Qin Sang shook his head. "I promised them I would take them to the Witch Tribe to do something."

Jiu Mie frowned slightly and said to Qin Sang, "This operation requires secrecy to avoid alerting our rivals. Bringing two juniors would be inconvenient. Please have Brother Xia's people take them to the clan next time they go. After the matter is concluded, you can pick them up, Master."

He didn't press Qin Sang about what he intended to do in the Witch Tribe. Although curious, he didn't want to invite trouble.

"Alright!" Qin Sang agreed, and everyone was pleased.

For Qin Sang, the main purpose of this trip was to gain a deeper understanding of the Witch Tribe; the remuneration was secondary.

Jiu Mie looked at City Lord Xia. "Brother Xia, please contact a few more fellow daoists. We will await good news here."

Qin Sang and the others established a cave dwelling nearby and waited for three full months.

During this time, City Lord Xia brought several human experts. Some were unwilling to take risks, while others were persuaded by the terms offered by Jiu Mie and Wu Yan.

One day, as Qin Sang was in seclusion, he heard Jiu Mie's voice from outside.

"Master, it's time to depart."

Inside the cave dwelling, sword light flashed, then suddenly retracted, transforming into a Gray Oriole Sword that flew into the small grotto-heaven.

Qin Sang's eyes flickered, and a sword shadow seemed to gradually vanish within them. The sharp aura around him also became peaceful.

He was comprehending the Four Symbols Sword Formation. The first three formations were complete, with only the last one remaining: the Northern Black Tortoise Sword Formation!

His cultivation was far superior to before, and his comprehension proceeded quite smoothly. However, he didn't become complacent, as completing the comprehension of the four individual sword formations didn't mean the Four Symbols Sword Formation was perfected.

The biggest challenge was how to integrate the four sword formations to create the true Four Symbols Sword Formation.

Flying to the mountain peak with Jiu Mie, Qin Sang saw three more people besides Jiu Mie and Wu Yan, all human cultivators.

As expected, Li Province had many Buddhist cultivators; among the three, two were Buddhist cultivators – a gaunt old monk and a nun – along with a captivating woman in a red dress.

However, the strongest among the three, the old monk, was only at the mid-stage of Void Refinement, and the woman in red was only at the early stage of Void Refinement. Qin Sang had become the highest cultivated among the group.

Jiu Mie and Wu Yan only dared to invite a helper more powerful than themselves because they were certain Qin Sang wouldn't covet their objective.

This situation was rare. Usually, when accompanying outsiders, Qin Sang was not the most outstanding in cultivation, accustomed to staying in the shadows. Now, everyone would be looking to him, so he hoped this venture would go smoothly.

"Greetings, Daoist Qingfeng." All three had heard City Lord Xia speak of Qin Sang and immediately bowed.

The woman in red also restrained her alluring demeanor, appearing very respectful.

"Allow me to introduce them, Master," Jiu Mie began. "This is Master Huixing, this is Divine Nun Heyun, and this is Fairy Huajing..." Jiu Mie then bowed to all of them, saying, "On this venture, we sincerely hope that the four of you will cooperate wholeheartedly to help us breach that secret realm!"

"This humble one will certainly follow Daoist Qingfeng's lead," Fairy Huajing said with a light chuckle, covering her lips. Though she restrained her seductive charm, she still stirred the hearts of men.

Everyone looked at Qin Sang.

"You flatter me, Fairy," Qin Sang replied. "This humble daoist alone cannot achieve much. As fellow humans in a foreign land, we must assist each other."

Qin Sang greeted them one by one.

Seeing that he displayed no arrogance, everyone's expressions relaxed.

As if he hadn't heard, Jiu Mie's expression remained unchanged. He summoned the giant dragonfly, flashed onto its wings, and gestured with his hand, saying, "Please, everyone!"

The group landed on the giant dragonfly's back and settled into a cross-legged position. The giant dragonfly vibrated its wings, swooped down, and drilled into a crack in the mountain.

Deep underground, darkness enveloped them, with only the flames on the giant dragonfly's wings flickering like will-o'-the-wisps.

Unhindered by earth and rock, it sped through the underground with lightning speed.

"This must be the Azure Nightmare Dragonfly, right?" Fairy Huajing touched the wing beneath her. Her palm felt no burning sensation even when it made contact with the flames.

"The Witch Tribe's insect-controlling techniques are indeed impressive," Master Huixing praised.

A flicker of pride crossed Jiu Mie's eyes. Catching sight of Qin Sang, he suppressed the thought; there was indeed little for him to be proud of in front of Qin Sang.

As the Azure Nightmare Dragonfly traveled underground, Qin Sang took the opportunity to consult Jiu Mie on the art of insect control.

After their discussion, Jiu Mie was also greatly surprised, thinking to himself, *It seems it was no accident that this person could cultivate a Heaven's Eye Butterfly at the mid-stage of its sixth transformation.*

Wu Yan was taciturn by nature, and the others had no opportunity to interject. They were all astonished to see Qin Sang discussing insect control at length in front of a Witch Tribe expert.

In fact, the *Panhu True Scripture* cultivated by Qin Sang was passed down by the Ghost Mother, a genuine Witchcraft method that might not be inferior to the inheritance of the Dongyang Clan.

His search for the Haobo Clan on this trip was merely a pretense; his true goal was to find the Ghost Mother, but he hadn't mentioned the name 'Ghost Mother' to anyone yet.

In Qin Sang's eyes, the Ghost Mother was shrouded in mystery. He didn't know her true status within the Witch Tribe and worried that carelessly revealing his connection to her might cause trouble.

The green mountains were like painted brows. The mountain breeze gently swept through the forest, making the green waves ripple and rustle.

Just then, a streak of light flew in from the sky, revealing a person. As they were about to activate the mountain protection array, spiritual light surged above the forest, forming a human figure – it was Jiu Mie.

The person quickly bowed. "Greetings, Uncle!"

"Did you bring the items?" Jiu Mie asked.

"Yes, I did," the person said, taking out a jade slip and respectfully presenting it.

"Go now," Jiu Mie waved him away. "Handle any clan matters as you deem fit. Do not disturb me without my command."

Jiu Mie waved him away, then his divine sense probed the jade slip. After a quick scan, he mused for a moment before flying to the back mountain and arriving at a cave dwelling.

"Master, there's news regarding the Haobo Clan you wished to investigate."

Qin Sang walked out of the cave dwelling.

Jiu Mie and the other person had brought them here, and Wu Yan had then left alone. It had been over three years since their departure, and there had been no news, making them wonder what exactly they were waiting for.

Fortunately, this mountain was rich in spiritual energy, a true cultivation treasure land, allowing everyone to feel at ease.

"Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist!" Qin Sang took the jade slip.

Jiu Mie said, "As I suspected, the Haobo Clan existed in ancient times but has since vanished without a trace, and their modern lineage is unknown. I ordered my people to search the archives, but only these two ancient texts mention them, and only briefly. To find detailed information about the Haobo Clan—whether their inheritance was severed or if they changed their beliefs and surnames over time—there's probably only one place to inquire."

Qin Sang checked with his divine sense; it was indeed as Jiu Mie had said.

However, the records here did corroborate with the inheritance he had received, providing a valuable clue.

"Are you referring to the Taihao Clan, Fellow Daoist?" Qin Sang looked up.

"Precisely! Over countless years, many clans' treasured collections have been dispersed during major upheavals, but the Taihao Clan's records are the most completely preserved."

Jiu Mie asked curiously, "Are those two juniors you brought descendants of the Haobo Clan?"

"When this humble daoist encountered them, few of their clan remained. They only remembered the name 'Haobo Clan' and didn't even know how their ancestors reached the East Sea. This humble daoist promised to help them reconnect with their ancestral roots," Qin Sang replied.

"It's likely that during times of turmoil, the entire clan was captured and taken to the East Sea," Jiu Mie said, glancing at Qin Sang.

In ancient times, the East Sea was dominated by Daoist sects and demon races, so the mastermind was likely a Daoist cultivator.

"The Taihao Clan..." Qin Sang's brow furrowed slightly.

These past few days, he had devised a rough plan, intending to start with the Taihao Clan.

The Taihao Clan recorded many secrets, making it easier to find information about the Ghost Mother there. However, the deeper his understanding of the Witch Tribe, the more he sensed their wariness towards humans.

Unlike the strangely shaped Fiend-kind, the Witch Tribe and humans bear no physical differences. The distinction lies in their internal bloodlines. The Witch Tribe possesses divine blood, which, when combined with human blood, evolves into a unique divine aura and essence, forming the distinct heritage of the Witch Tribe. Both sides have consequently developed methods to differentiate between Witch Tribe members and humans based on this.

Qin Sang could use a breath-concealing secret art to hide his aura, and normally, he could have the Heaven's Eye Butterfly fight to pass through. However, if his true self were to act, his real identity would be exposed.

It would be best to find a way to disguise himself as a true member of the Witch Tribe.

As Qin Sang pondered this, he suddenly saw Jiu Mie's expression shift slightly. He retrieved a wooden talisman from his mustard seed artifact.

"It's a message from Wu Yan!" After reading it, Jiu Mie was overjoyed. "That fellow is finally ready!"

With that, he channeled the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, his voice echoing across the mountain peak, rousing Huixing and the other two. "Fellow Daoists, the time has come! Come with me quickly to Frost Valley!"

A moment later, three streaks of light flew out from various parts of the mountain. Immediately, the five individuals concealed their presence and quietly departed.