Chapter 346: Endless Valley

"This person is extremely peculiar. They reside in a dark, gloomy part of Boundless Valley, lingering like a wandering spirit, their existence seemingly ancient. Though human in form, they appear to retain some consciousness and possess immense power. Even stranger, this individual is adept at escape techniques, appearing and disappearing unpredictably, and can use incantations, yet they don't seem alive..."

Yun Youzi carefully recounted his understanding of the peculiar individual, his tone filled with doubt. "I initially thought that person might have triggered some strange restriction within Boundless Valley and become trapped there. Only recently did I discover that the fluctuations in Tan Jie's aura bear a striking resemblance to that peculiar individual..."

The more Qin Sang listened, the more he felt that the person Yun Youzi described resembled a living corpse. Moreover, according to Yun Youzi's description, this living corpse was exceptionally powerful. Even if it wasn't a Flying Yaksha, it must have been refined from a cultivator at the False Core stage. Could it be that a master from the Heavenly Corpse Sect met with an accident, and their living corpse became trapped in Boundless Valley?

Boundless Valley is located deep within the Skybreak Mountains, an area surrounded by demonic sects. Legend has it that the valley is like a hellish abyss, fraught with dangers, yet it also harbors heaven-defying opportunities. It wasn't surprising for demonic cultivators from the Heavenly Corpse Sect to be active in Boundless Valley.

Qin Sang deliberated for a moment before cautiously stating, "To be frank, Senior, if that peculiar individual is connected to this unique art, I do possess some means to influence them. However, this influence has its limits; I wouldn't be able to fully control them."

During his time in the Heavenly Corpse Cave, he couldn't even control living corpses from the early Foundation Establishment stage. This was because each Heavenly Corpse Talisman was meticulously crafted by a corpse refiner, imbuing their soul imprint during the refinement process. Even if the refiner died, their soul imprint remained. Unless the original refiner willed it, it was virtually impossible for an outsider to take control.

The owner of that living corpse must surely be dead. Facing an unowned Heavenly Corpse Talisman, while Qin Sang couldn't control it, he could restrict the living corpse's movements using the secret technique from the *Heavenly Yin Corpse Art*. However, if the living corpse was too powerful, Qin Sang couldn't determine how effective this restriction would be. If it truly turned out to be a Flying Yaksha, Qin Sang thought it best not to provoke it.

Yun Youzi furrowed his brow, remaining silent for a long time, then spoke to Qin Sang.

"Brother Qin," he began, "some of the places I know are nearly as dangerous as Boundless Valley, and even if I enter them, they might not cure my hidden injuries. At least, I have definite information that there's a spiritual medicine in Boundless Valley that could be useful to me. While Boundless Valley is fraught with danger, I know a path that allows for safe entry into the valley. I've traversed it before, so there shouldn't be much risk. Once we arrive, I just need Brother Qin to try and see if you can restrict that peculiar individual. There's no need to kill them; just buying a little time would be enough. If it doesn't work, I won't force it, and we'll retreat immediately. If we are fortunate enough to enter, the rest of the journey will be undertaken by this old Daoist alone. Brother Qin needn't continue to risk yourself or wait for me; you can simply leave Boundless Valley quietly. Whether we succeed or fail, this old Daoist will be indebted to you, Brother. Upon returning to my sect, I will shamelessly plead with my martial uncles to acquire a Harmony Pill for you."

Since Yun Youzi had made such an appeal, Qin Sang found it difficult to refuse. He shook his head and said, "Senior, what are you saying? Since you are intent on this, I shall naturally accompany you."

Boundless Valley was located in the Skybreak Mountains, and he was already planning to return to Shaohua Mountain to retrieve Earth Fiend Qi. Stopping by Boundless Valley on his way back wouldn't take up too much time. Furthermore, Yun Youzi had made it clear that the danger was minimal, and he could withdraw at any time. Additionally, Qin Sang was quite interested in that living corpse. If the living corpse's owner died nearby, their remains might still be there, possibly offering clues to the latter half of the *Heavenly Yin Corpse Art*. Even without Yun Youzi's promise, it would be worth the trip.

"When do you plan to depart, Senior?" Qin Sang asked.

Seeing Qin Sang agree, Yun Youzi was quite pleased. After a moment's contemplation, he said, "Besides that peculiar individual, Boundless Valley contains many strange entities and restrictions. I'll need to prepare a few items to gain some additional assistance, which might take some time. How about this: I'll return to my sect now to prepare, and we'll agree to meet at the entrance of Boundless Valley one year from now."

Qin Sang was surprised. "So soon? Aren't you going to wait for the Ziwei Secret Records auction, Senior?"

Yun Youzi shook his head. "This old Daoist can't afford the Ziwei Secret Records anyway. I was only planning to join the festivities, but naturally, healing my injuries is more important. After entering the Skybreak Mountains, Brother Qin, remember to be cautious in everything. It would be best to disguise yourself as a demonic cultivator and not expose your identity as a Shaohua Mountain disciple."

Qin Sang was very confident about this and not worried at all. As long as he revealed his refined corpse, he wouldn't need a disguise; he'd appear more like a demonic cultivator than actual demonic cultivators.

The two discussed further. After finalizing their plan, Yun Youzi left Yinshan Pass that very night to return to his sect and make preparations.

Qin Sang also began to ponder his upcoming itinerary.

They had agreed to meet in a year. Such a short timeframe meant he wouldn't have time to return to Hanging Skull Pass. Fortunately, all was well there, so not returning posed no issue. While he had used the ancient teleportation array from the Supreme Purity Palace on his way here, he would have to travel by foot on his way back. After rescuing Shi Hong, he would head directly south to Shaohua Mountain. Once he had finished refining the living corpse, he would then set off for Boundless Valley, a journey that would nearly traverse the entire Lesser Cold Domain. The timing would be just about right. Thanks to his newly acquired Nether Cloud artifact, the timing wouldn't be too tight; otherwise, it truly would have been a rush.

**Fengcang Market**

There are three safe routes from Yinshan Pass into the Ancient Immortal Battlefield. Each route features a town or market, situated at roughly parallel distances from Yinshan Pass. Fengcang Market was one of them. Though named a market, its prosperity rivaled that of some towns.

The market was similar to Xihuang Town; it wasn't built within a secret realm but was exposed to the open. Its protective array would only be activated when celestial phenomena attacked. However, Fengcang Market's terrain was vastly different from Xihuang Town's.

Fengcang Market was built on a mountain that rose from a swamp. It wasn't particularly tall, a characteristic due to Yinshan Pass's peculiar topography. The protective array's range could encompass the entire mountain, so from base to peak, rows of houses were built densely, layer upon layer, with almost no gaps.

Many cultivators were active in Fengcang Market, and numerous figures could be seen on the streets. Behind the mountain, rows of small courtyards appeared very cramped. There were no lush forests or flowing springs here; no scenic beauty whatsoever. Its only advantage was its tranquility.

Little did one know, these small courtyards and their vicinity were actually a treasured spot within Fengcang Market. The spiritual energy here was extremely dense, suitable for Foundation Establishment cultivators to use as cultivation caves. The small courtyards appeared unassuming but secretly contained powerful restrictions, allowing cultivators to practice safely within without worry. Naturally, ordinary cultivators could not afford to live in such a place.

In one of these small courtyards, there were only three wooden huts, appearing very humble. Silence reigned within the main hall. On a wooden bed, a young man sat cross-legged, deep in cultivation. If Qin Sang were there, he would recognize him instantly: it was Liang Yan!