Chapter 463: Out in the Field Without Victory

A Mortal's World

The view returned, growing clearer with each passing moment.

Qin Sang could finally see things other than white light.

Deep within the white light, the scenery varied.

A large, smooth, mirror-like, grayish-white stone was embedded in the mountain, forming an exceptionally treacherous rock face. In the middle of the dark stone, a deep groove was carved, from which a white line emerged, a spring cascading like a waterfall.

Below the waterfall, a sizable pool had formed. To the left of the pool, a stone pavilion stood perfectly positioned, just at the edge of the mist created by the waterfall.

From inside the pavilion, one could enjoy tea and admire the unusual scenery.

Unfortunately, half of the stone pavilion had collapsed, its stone beams having smashed the stone tables and chairs beneath, leaving debris scattered everywhere and presenting a picture of desolation.

Surrounding the pool was a large expanse of grassland, lush and green with vibrant flowers. The grassland was unobstructed and very peaceful, with no small creatures visible.

The grassland was completely enclosed by a dense forest of ancient, towering trees. Only a small, stone-paved path led into the forest, disappearing among the old trees.

The sights he could see represented only a tiny, insignificant part of the Finger-to-Heaven Peak.

Qin Sang dared not be careless, meticulously memorizing every detail. Unless something unexpected happened, he would likely land in that vicinity.

After clearly observing the waterfall, grassland, and surrounding landscape, Qin Sang's expression suddenly changed dramatically.

This forest was highly unusual.

At the tops of the ancient trees, countless colorful, irregularly shaped streaks of light converged. Interspersed among these shimmering lights were transparent, crystal-like orbs of light.

The number of orbs was far less impressive than the streaks of light, but they emitted remarkably clear starlight, seemingly possessing a purifying effect on the mind, making them hard to ignore.

These orbs and the colorful streaks intertwined, making it difficult to distinguish between them.

Qin Sang learned from Deputy Island Master Xiao that Star Essence Stones were taken from these orbs.

The forest contained many orbs, which should have excited Qin Sang, but he felt no joy. Instead, his expression became incredibly solemn.

Those colorful streaks were definitely not ordinary clouds. Even without direct contact, Qin Sang could already feel an extremely dangerous aura emanating from them, startling him.

They were the remnants of ancient restrictions on Finger-to-Heaven Peak, as Deputy Island Master Xiao had mentioned. Rushing in recklessly would surely lead to a gruesome death.

Due to various reasons, the space within Finger-to-Heaven Peak was highly unstable, as were the lingering restrictions. Some fragments of these restrictions still possessed terrifying power, ready to be triggered, making them very difficult to break through and requiring extreme caution.

However, the colorful streaks were directly beneath him, and the forest had no visible end. If he allowed himself to fall naturally, he would undoubtedly plummet into the forest's boundaries, inevitably colliding with the colorful streaks.

He would die without a burial place!

Qin Sang gasped, realizing the danger of Finger-to-Heaven Peak. If one had bad luck and insufficient strength, there was only death.

He didn't want to die before even beginning his journey. Grandma Jing's wooden carving still showed no reaction, so he had to rely on himself.

He absolutely could not fall into the forest. In this area, only the pool and the grassland seemed relatively safe.

The chaotic suction pulled his body tumbling back and forth. He used his memory to recall the positions of the grassland and the pool, as well as his current corresponding location.

Then, he opened his right hand, revealing the Yin-Yang Compass he had been clutching. It was now ready for use.

It was also his good fortune; the Yin-Yang Compass was perfectly suited for this situation.

The compass's magnetic light flickered.

Qin Sang mentally calculated. When a surge of suction appeared, the Yin-Yang Compass suddenly emitted black magnetic light. The repulsive force canceled out some of the other suction forces, and Qin Sang exerted all his strength, using that suction to instantly shift several yards, moving closer to the grassland.

Thus, black and white magnetic light frequently appeared, alternating back and forth.

Most of Qin Sang's attention was focused on the Yin-Yang Compass, leaving only a fraction of his spiritual power to maintain his green robe. This caused the robe's power to greatly diminish. Under the tearing of the chaotic suction, its luster grew dimmer, and even small tears began to appear.

Seeing this fine magical artifact about to be destroyed, Qin Sang could no longer worry about it.

Fortunately, the sacrifice was not in vain.

As Qin Sang's body rapidly descended, he gradually adjusted his direction, getting closer and closer to the grassland. Finally, at the last possible moment, he left the forest's range, his body almost grazing the edge of a streak of light before crashing down forcefully!

*Bang!*

Grass flew everywhere.

A deep crater was formed in the grassland.

Qin Sang awkwardly picked himself up from the ground, looked up at the restriction he had nearly triggered, and felt a lingering fear.

Seeing that the streak of light remained motionless, he finally relaxed.

Without pausing to celebrate, spiritual energy enveloped his body, flicking off the grass debris. He quickly lowered his head to inspect his green robe.

The green robe had more than a dozen crisscrossing tears, truly a dismal sight. Fortunately, it wasn't completely destroyed; he could still repair it after finding suitable spiritual materials.

He put away the green robe and changed into a slightly lesser quality magical garment.

Deputy Island Master Xiao had once said that one good thing about Finger-to-Heaven Peak was that there were no living creatures. There were no fierce or ancient beasts occupying any part of the mountain; the only danger was the ubiquitous fragments of restrictions.

That's why he dared to stand there so casually.

Qin Sang was about to survey his surroundings when he suddenly felt the wooden carving on his chest move.

The wooden carving automatically flew out.

Then, Qin Sang felt his right shoulder sink. The wooden carving had perched itself on his shoulder.

He turned his head to look, and the wooden carving had come to life, sitting cross-legged on his shoulder and nodding slightly to him.

At this moment, the wooden carving was exactly like a real person, a miniature version of Grandma Jing, not even the size of Qin Sang's palm. Although its ethereal aura remained, the feeling it conveyed was entirely different.

It looked like a dignified little adult, even a bit cute...

A powerful being stood before him, capable of easily crushing him with a single finger.

Qin Sang dared not harbor any disrespectful thoughts and immediately dismissed all distractions.

"I need to fully suppress my cultivation. I can only borrow Fellow Daoist Han's strength to travel..."

Grandma Jing's clear, cold voice came. Qin Sang grunted in acknowledgment. Seeing Grandma Jing sitting like Guanyin, with her eyes slightly closed, he knew she was sensing direction, so he quietly observed his surroundings.

There was only one hour.

After one hour, the suction force above would transform into a repulsive force. The opportune moment would be fleeting, and then Finger-to-Heaven Peak would close again. If he missed it, he might never be able to leave.

The grassland he was on was safe, but there were no orbs of light directly above it. All the orbs in this area were trapped by the forest's restrictions.

To collect Star Essence Stones, he would have to navigate through the gaps in these restrictions.

Qin Sang couldn't help but ask, "Senior, are the Star Essence Stones in this forest easy to collect? It would be great if we could take all of them."

Grandma Jing opened her eyes and nodded, "With the Star Spirit Net, collecting these Star Essence Stones is not difficult, and their number is considerable. However, we cannot take all of them."

Qin Sang asked curiously, "Why not?"