Chapter 357: No Connection

"You've done very well!"

Qin Sang didn't feel much affection for the Qin family. However, since he had taken over Qin Sanwa's body and inherited this karmic connection, for his peace of mind, he asked Wu Chuanzong to look after Qin Sanwa's immediate family on his behalf.

Wu Chuanzong, however, treated Qin Sang's words as an imperial decree. He couldn't have done a better job, transforming the Qin family from mere farmers into an influential aristocratic clan.

Qin Sang had originally intended to leave after seeing an old friend. Noticing Wu Chuanzong's reluctance to part and Madam Wu's hesitation, he recalled his own past journey to seek immortality. He then said in a deep voice, "You just heard it yourself; cultivating immortality isn't as wonderful as one might imagine. I can barely look after myself, let alone take on disciples. I can only send them to a relatively stable place for them to cultivate diligently on their own. If any descendants of the Wu family aspire to the immortal path, you can bring them here, and I will test their aptitude. Of course, whether they ultimately pursue immortality will depend on their own wishes."

He had neither the energy nor the ability to protect them.

Even if some of these descendants truly possessed spiritual roots, at most, he could only point them toward Han Family Stronghold. Their future achievements would entirely depend on themselves.

After a moment of hesitation, Qin Sang added, "Descendants of the Qin and Bai families who are in the imperial capital can also be called over."

Qin Sang sent Wu Chuanzong to gather the younger generation. After some thought, he took out a piece of white jade and fashioned several jade pendants from it.

It was the fourth watch of the night.

A sudden commotion erupted at the Grand Tutor's mansion.

A dozen or so young men and women were forcibly pulled from their sweet dreams. Initially grumbling under their breath, they became exceptionally excited upon realizing they had been brought to the Grand Tutor's mansion and gathered together, chattering excitedly.

"So it's the Grand Tutor who summoned us late at night. No wonder our parents were so anxious..."

"I wonder what important matter requires our presence so late? Could it be that Grandpa has recognized our talents and intends to appoint us to important positions?"

"Why are only the children from our three families here?"

"Brother Qin possesses both literary and martial talents; he is sure to be highly valued by the Grand Tutor. We should congratulate Brother Qin first..."

"Sir, everyone has arrived."

Wu Chuanzong came to the door and reported softly, but receiving no reply, his expression subtly changed. He hurriedly pushed the door open and entered.

He saw the candlelight flickering in the room, but the figure was gone.

On the table, there was a jade bottle and three white jade pendants.

Suddenly, Qin Sang's voice echoed in his ears.

"Chuanzong, these descendants do not possess spiritual roots, meaning they are not destined for the immortal path. This may not necessarily be a bad thing.

"Please give this bottle of elixirs to Water Monkey on my behalf. I won't go to see him myself.

"These jade pendants bear an enchantment I left. Each of your three families has one. Should your family face a calamity of extermination, drop a drop of your essence blood onto the pendant to activate its power and save your family from danger.

"Remember, this item can only be used once before it is destroyed. Furthermore, only the bloodline of your three families can activate the enchantment. Do not use this item to commit wrongdoing; consider it my final aid to you.

"Chuanzong, after this farewell, it is unlikely we will meet again. Please take good care of yourself..."

The voice became ethereal, gradually fading into the distance.

"Sir!"

Wu Chuanzong prostrated himself, weeping bitterly. Then, suddenly remembering something, he hastily looked up and shouted into the empty air, "Sir! Before the late Emperor passed away, she left a sacred decree that her coffin should not be interred in the imperial mausoleum but buried on Mount Chaoxing! The late Emperor was diligent in governance, lived a life of austerity, never married, and had no descendants. She once said that the person who could win her affection must be an extraordinary man, possessing the same unwavering determination as herself..."

After a long while, a soft sigh echoed from the void, "I know..."

A look of relief appeared on Wu Chuanzong's face, and he sank to the ground.

Mount Chaoxing.

This sacred royal mountain was rumored to be a dwelling place for immortals.

The mountain's forbidden areas were off-limits to all.

On the back side of Mount Chaoxing, a blank stele stood alone.

The mountain rose a thousand feet high, seemingly capable of plucking the sun and moon.

From this vantage point, one could gaze down upon the imperial capital, or look up at the vast sky, as if meeting the gaze of immortals.

Suddenly, a figure appeared on the small path in front of the blank stele. It was unknown how this person had bypassed the protection of countless imperial guards. He carried a wine pot in one hand and a wine cup in the other, walking step by step until he reached the blank stele.

He stood motionless before the stele for a long time.

The person who arrived was Qin Sang.

Recalling that night before his departure, when he, ignorant of the immensity of the world, had used Mount Chaoxing as a metaphor to declare his ambition to seek immortality, Qin Sang murmured, "You still remember... Fortunately, I never forgot either, otherwise how could I face you upon my return?"

Opening the wine bottle, a rich aroma wafted forth. The immortal brew, Green Rainbow Wine, truly lived up to its reputation.

Qin Sang poured a cup of wine and placed it before the blank stele. He said softly, "A toast to you! Congratulations, you fulfilled your dream, ascending to the position of a human monarch as a woman, leaving behind the legend of an eternal emperor... The path of immortality is harder than I imagined, but I won't give up. I hope that even in the netherworld, you will bless me..."

Qin Sang lifted the wine pot and took a large gulp, realizing that even with his spiritual power sealed in his Qi Sea, his Foundation Establishment stage body could easily resist the alcohol's effects.

He stood up and began to walk back.

He began with heavy steps, then broke into a rapid stride.

A gentle breeze accompanied him, and the bright moon was his companion.

Cuiming Mountain.

Daylight had fully arrived. Many devotees had ascended the mountain early to offer incense and pray for blessings.

The steamed bun shop in Sanwu City was still there. The current owner was the grandson of the previous one and, naturally, did not recognize Qin Sang. The meat buns were as delicious as ever, and Qin Sang enjoyed a hearty meal. He then arrived at Cuiming Mountain, found an secluded spot, and revealed himself.

Following the mountain path from his memory, he ascended the steps. He was surprised to find that Qingyang Temple had been completely renovated.

The stone plaque inscribed with 'Qingyang Temple' above the doorway was still there, but the characters had been repainted, and the crooked wooden door had been replaced with a new one.

Qin Sang felt a stir of curiosity and entered the temple. His gaze swept around, revealing that the layout hadn't changed much from his memory, but the halls and walls were newly built with green bricks, indicating that Qingyang Temple's patronage was much more prosperous than before.

Just then, a peasant man, supporting an elderly woman, pushed open the door of Qingyang Hall and emerged, repeatedly turning back to thank the Taoist priest.

This scene felt familiar.

However, their clothes, though not luxurious, were neat. While not wealthy, they were not like famine victims—their bodies weren't exposed, their faces weren't sallow and emaciated, and they weren't seeking credit.

As he traveled, Qin Sang observed casually, but he could still discern that the current Great Sui dynasty was vastly different from decades ago. The Empress had governed Great Sui exceptionally well, and it was thriving.

Qin Sang wore a simple long robe, a spiritual artifact with its aura contained, yet its extraordinary material was evident. Coupled with Qin Sang's calm demeanor, it was clear he was no ordinary person.

The mother and son, fearing they might offend Qin Sang, carefully walked out. Before leaving Qingyang Temple, they looked back at Qin Sang with some concern.

Qin Sang noticed their subtle actions and, with a quick thought, understood that they were afraid he might pose a threat to Qingyang Temple.

It seemed the Taoist priests in the temple were very popular.

Qin Sang eagerly walked to the front of Qingyang Hall, pushed open its doors, and couldn't help but feel greatly disappointed.

Just as before, many patients sat quietly inside Qingyang Hall, waiting to be seen.

However, the one seeing patients was a young Taoist priest, around twenty years old, not the old Taoist.

Mingyue was not there.