Chapter 280: Return to Origin Formation

Qin Sang's goal was to gain Yu Kong's trust. The first step was to demonstrate his value and show a certain level of strength, ideally to attract Yu Kong to seek him out proactively.

His other objective was to make Yu Kong and the others realize he wasn't someone to be trifled with, preventing him from being used as cannon fodder in times of danger. This was a pre-arranged plan of Qin Sang's; otherwise, by his true nature, he would never have acted so ostentatiously to draw attention.

He needed to display his strength, but not overdo it. The Ebony Sword combined with the *Thousand Mechanisms Sword Array* would be sufficient to deter them. However, the Ten Directions Yama Banner, the Jade Ruyi Talisman-Treasure, and the Nine Dragon Heavenly Chariot Talisman—none of these methods could be exposed.

The Ebony Sword forced Yan Wu back, then flew back with a "whoosh" and was retracted into Qin Sang's body in a flash. At that moment, the circular sword array was still hovering in the air. The sword qi only dissipated the next moment, but the sharp sword intent lingered in everyone's minds, unwilling to fade.

Everyone had different expressions. The moment the Ebony Sword appeared, Shangguan Lifeng's eyes lit up. His gaze was fixed on the sword until Qin Sang retracted it, then it fell back on Qin Sang, a strong fighting spirit emerging in his eyes, which he quickly suppressed.

"What a sword!"

The Xiu sisters exchanged glances. Out of respect for a strong practitioner, both Xiu Zhiying's indifference and Xiu Zhirui's allure lessened somewhat, and they saluted Qin Sang with clasped hands. "Daoist Qingfeng's sword techniques are divine; this humble girl is truly impressed."

Only Yan Wu, whose face Qin Sang had made him lose, was livid. If they had faced off head-on, Yan Wu might not have been so disheveled. He wanted to regain his dignity but knew clearly that since this Daoist dared to expose his Natal Spirit Sword, it indicated he likely possessed even more powerful means than the sword itself. To charge forward rashly would be courting humiliation.

Yan Wu cast a gloomy glance at Qin Sang, let out a cold snort, said nothing, turned, and entered his room, shutting the door with a bang. Following this, the Xiu sisters and Shangguan Lifeng also returned to their rooms. After all, they were strangers and not familiar with each other, so there was no need for idle chatter.

Facing Yan Wu's resentment, Qin Sang's expression remained calm. Yu Kong, as if oblivious to Yan Wu's actions, cupped his hands and praised, "Daoist, what a treasure sword! What magnificent sword techniques! With the Daoist and a few fellow Daoists assisting, why should we worry about failing in our great endeavor?"

"Daoist, please settle into your room first. Just activate the room's restrictions; you won't need to worry about disturbances and can cultivate in peace." Yu Kong led Qin Sang into an empty room and instructed him on how to operate the room's restrictions.

Qin Sang looked around, finding the room narrow and sparsely furnished. It was particularly small, only about a quarter the size of a typical room, with just a single meditation mat inside. Yu Kong explained, "Cave dwellings in Xihuang Town are extraordinarily expensive. My humble savings were only enough to rent this small courtyard. The largest room was given to the Xiu sisters, and the others are indeed a bit cramped. I hope Daoist won't mind."

"For cultivators like us, having a place to stay is enough." Qin Sang shook his head, indicating he didn't mind. Then, with some doubt, he asked, "Fellow Daoist Yu, this humble Daoist heard the old shopkeeper say you are proficient in a certain array formation that can guarantee over 90% certainty of safely passing through the guardian array and entering Qiu Hong Market City. May I know the name of this array, and when will we begin practicing it?"

Yu Kong lightly slapped his forehead, shaking his head and chuckling. "Daoist, if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten! I suppose seeing the Daoist's formidable strength and receiving such great assistance from you made me overly excited, completely forgetting this most crucial matter…"

Although Qin Sang understood Yu Kong was merely feigning, under his seemingly sincere compliments, even most people who could maintain composure would undoubtedly feel a secret delight. This person was indeed skilled at winning people over.

Qin Sang remained vigilant, repeatedly saying he wouldn't dare. "This humble Daoist's meager skills are far inferior to yours, Fellow Daoist Yu. As long as Fellow Daoist Yu doesn't disdain this humble Daoist's weak abilities, I will certainly do my best to maintain the array formation and follow Fellow Daoist Yu's lead…"

Yu Kong nodded slightly. "To be frank with the Daoist, the old shopkeeper exaggerated somewhat. My array formation is called the Returning Yuan Array, and its power isn't as strong as the old shopkeeper described. However, because I've entered Qiu Hong Market City once before and have some understanding of the guardian array, my confidence is indeed high. Additionally, this array requires at least nine people to unleash its maximum power. Including the Daoist, we now have six. Please be patient, Daoist; we will begin practicing the array once we recruit three more people."

Like the Nine Luminaries Star River Array, the Returning Yuan Array also required nine people to complete it. However, 'nine' being a number of extremity was quite normal, so Qin Sang nodded and didn't ask further questions.

Yu Kong seemed very interested in Qin Sang and did not rush to leave, instead subtly trying to ascertain Qin Sang's background. "This humble Daoist has been active outside Xuanlu Pass," Qin Sang said with a look of vexation, "Later, I heard that an ancient medicinal garden was discovered here, with spirit medicines appearing, so I rushed over. I never expected Qiu Hong Market City to have so many intricacies. If I had known, I would have invited a few more friends to come along; then I wouldn't be in such a predicament…"

Yu Kong shook his head and sighed, "I can't believe the rumors have already spread to Xuanlu Pass?"

"Fellow Daoist Yu also says it's a rumor?" Qin Sang feigned surprise, eagerly pressing, "Are there really no spirit medicines in Qiu Hong Market City?"

Yu Kong's eyes flickered. He glanced at Qin Sang without a change in expression and said with extreme certainty, "It is indeed a rumor. Moreover, every time a secret realm similar to Qiu Hong Market City appears, such rumors emerge. Only this time, it has spread very widely, leading many fellow Daoists, like the Daoist, to be deceived into coming here. While it's possible for a few spirit medicines to be hidden in some pagoda or ancient building within Qiu Hong Market City, the rumor specifically claims there's an undiscovered medicinal garden. Anyone who has entered Qiu Hong Market City wouldn't believe it. I wonder what intentions those rats spreading such rumors harbor."

Qin Sang couldn't discern anything new from Yu Kong's words. After arriving in Xihuang Town, he had made numerous inquiries, and the information he gathered was consistent with Yu Kong's statements. This thought flashed through Qin Sang's mind, but he didn't forget to play along with Yu Kong. He frowned deeply and remained silent.

Yu Kong comforted him, "Daoist, there's no need to worry. Even if the medicinal garden is a rumor, Qiu Hong Market City still holds many places with great treasures, including spirit medicines and immortal elixirs. Coincidentally, I know a thing or two about them. If the Daoist is interested, after we enter Qiu Hong Market City, perhaps we can continue our cooperation. We can each take what we need from the treasures we obtain and distribute them fairly. What do you think?"

"This…" He hadn't expected the Ebony Sword to be so effective; Yu Kong had extended an invitation on just the first day. Qin Sang was inclined to accept but it didn't align with the cautious persona he had cultivated in front of the old shopkeeper. He had no choice but to let go of this opportunity, and a look of hesitation appeared on his face.

"Daoist, there's no need to rush your answer." Yu Kong began walking out, saying as he went, "We still have a long time to spend together. By then, the Daoist will know of my character."

Qin Sang let out a sigh of relief and nodded vigorously.