Chapter 501: Human Effort Has Limits, Do Not Force Everything

After all, this was the most effective auxiliary spiritual item for Core Formation in the current cultivation world. Even a gifted genius with dual spiritual roots wouldn't miss an opportunity to obtain such a spiritual medicine.

A little more hope means a little more possibility.

"Whoosh!"

A streak of light suddenly flew out from the crack in the door. It flashed before Qin Sang, then split into three streams that shot off in different directions.

Three of them!

Qin Sang felt fortunate that he hadn't returned directly to his sect. Otherwise, facing the pressure from three Golden Core cultivators, it would be uncertain if he could have kept the spiritual medicine.

Although he had ultimately failed, he wouldn't simply hand over the opportunity.

After a moment of silence in the cave abode, Qi Yuanshou's voice was heard again. "What are your plans now?"

What plans?

A hint of despondency flickered in Qin Sang's eyes. He bowed respectfully and said, "I beg you, Uncle-Master Qi, to guide this disciple. Is there still any chance for me... to form a Core?"

Qi Yuanshou did not answer directly. "Elaborate on the changes in your cultivation when you consumed these two spiritual medicines, and what insights you gained."

"After consuming the spiritual medicine, the effect was slightly better than the Kanli Golden Core..."

Qi Yuanshou still did not open the cave abode. Qin Sang stood outside, facing the stone door, and meticulously described every subtle change within his body, from the moment he took the medicine until its efficacy was exhausted.

He dared not conceal anything, as it concerned his future.

"Five spiritual roots..."

Qi Yuanshou sighed faintly. "It seems that spiritual fruit didn't completely break the limits of your talent..."

He knows even this?

Qin Sang was secretly surprised. A casual excuse he had made while chatting with Senior Brother Wen, shortly after joining the sect, had actually reached Qi Yuanshou's ears.

He hadn't expected Qi Yuanshou to pay so much attention to him.

"Talent..."

Qin Sang was unwilling to give up. "Does this disciple truly have no path left? Do any other Uncle-Masters or Elder-Masters have a Core Formation method they can teach me? This disciple is willing to do anything!"

He had three Ten Directions Yama Banners in his possession. Since half of Patriarch Kuiyin's Ten Directions Yama Banners had been destroyed, it was impossible to complete the grand formation, and one would be sufficient for his own use.

Even a Golden Core cultivator from Mount Shaohua would surely not be able to resist the temptation of a magic treasure, right?

And there was also the iron ring left by Daoist Jiu Pao.

He wasn't greedy; he only sought Core Formation.

For a Core Formation cultivator, exchanging a Core Formation method for a magic treasure would be an incredibly profitable deal. They would certainly not refuse.

All these items could be offered!

As for the Nine Illusory Sky Orchid, unless he was truly at his wits' end, Qin Sang absolutely would not offer it for exchange. This spiritual medicine represented a glimmer of hope for forming a Nascent Soul.

Having come this far, as long as he could achieve Core Formation, the Nascent Soul stage would not be out of reach.

Qi Yuanshou chuckled. "If there were truly superior Core Formation methods, would they still covet your Snow Spirit Lotus and Iris Flower? The current cultivation world is merely a fragmented realm, no longer the prosperous era of ancient times where natural treasures were abundant and secret techniques were ubiquitous. These two spiritual medicines are already the best that can be found today. If not for the opportune two-realm gambling match, how would they have fallen into your hands? You consumed them, yet only achieved this effect. What difference would it make if you obtained other spiritual medicines?"

Qin Sang fell silent.

After a period of silence.

Qi Yuanshou's tone softened as he spoke calmly.

"I will give you two pieces of advice, which are also the insights I've gained from guarding Xuanlu Pass for several decades.

"First, human strength has its limits; do not force things.

"From ancient times to the present, countless individuals have failed at Core Formation and died with regret. Many with dual or triple spiritual roots have also met this fate, let alone you?

"Do not fall into the demonic path due to obsession. I do not wish to personally purge a disciple.

"Second, each person has their own destiny and opportunities.

"With your five spiritual roots, reaching the Half-Core realm within a hundred years is considered a miracle by outsiders. Only those aware of the inside story know that it is normal for you to have endured The True Scripture of Profound Female Jade Cauldron and tolerated the pain of the Chapter on Cultivating the Soul-Sword through sheer willpower during the early Foundation Establishment stage. These two cultivation methods are your fated opportunities.

"In the future, perhaps another fated opportunity will help you achieve Core Formation.

"However... as time passes, many lose their fighting spirit when they see no glimmer of hope. You might as well ask yourself, is your Dao heart firm?"

Qin Sang raised his head and said without hesitation, "This disciple is wholeheartedly devoted to the Great Dao!"

Qi Yuanshou acknowledged with a "Hm."

"In that case, I will give you a Xuanlu Guard token. Take this token to Xuanlu Pass, join the Xuanlu Guard, and gain some experience.

"Three years from now, when the spirit tide is nearing its end, you can use your Xuanlu Guard identity to be among the first to enter the Ancient Immortal Battlefield and search for secret realms.

"At that time, as the spirit tide recedes, some hidden restrictions will reveal traces. If you are lucky enough to find a few newly opened secret realms and get there first, you might encounter an unparalleled opportunity that could change your destiny against the will of heaven.

"For these three years, you won't need to go out to resist the cloud beast tide; just stay within the pass. Since you are already in the Half-Core realm, there's no need for relentless cultivation. Blend into the mortal world and experience the joys of mortals; there's much fascination there too..."

A streak of light flew out of the cave abode and landed in Qin Sang's palm. As the light dissipated, a Xuanlu Guard token was revealed.

Three years.

Qin Sang held the token, noting the time mentioned in Qi Yuanshou's words.

Three years later, the spirit tide would reach its peak, then end.

The third year was also the time when the Ziwei Palace would open.

The sudden cessation of the fierce two-realm war must be related to the opening of the Ziwei Palace. This timeline was roughly what Qin Sang had expected.

As Qin Sang pondered these things, he lowered his head to look at the token. He had seen a Xuanlu Guard token from Yu Yangzi; this one was identical to Yu Yangzi's, signifying the rank of captain.

Since the spirit tide began, the ancient teleportation array of the Shangyuan Pure Peace Palace had remained open. It would activate once enough people gathered, so there was no need to rush.

However, it would certainly be better to go to Xuanlu Pass as early as possible.

The agreements with Granny Jing and Daoist Yunyou would require careful planning and early preparation.

With this token, he wouldn't fear being suddenly conscripted to hunt cloud beasts after entering Xuanlu Pass. Furthermore, after the spirit tide ended, he could be among the first to enter the Ancient Immortal Battlefield to seek opportunities.

This was no small favor; Qi Yuanshou had indeed gone to great lengths.

Qin Sang was very grateful, and said respectfully, "This disciple will always remember Uncle-Master Qi's kindness and care."

"You..."

Just as Qi Yuanshou began to speak, he paused suddenly, let out a nearly imperceptible sigh, then decisively issued a dismissal. "I will be entering secluded cultivation from now on and will not see outsiders. Take the token and go to Xuanlu Pass quickly. Do not delay too long. From now on... take care of yourself! Go!"

"Alas..."

Caught off guard, Qin Sang suddenly felt his body tighten. Then his vision blurred, and he was teleported to the foot of the mountain.

He saw the thin mist close, and the green peaks disappeared.

Gao Yang stood in the mist, waved at Qin Sang, and then hurried back.

Qin Sang had no choice but to temporarily give up. He would seek guidance from Qi Yuanshou later, when the opportunity arose.

He flew out of the sect.

Qin Sang arrived at an unnamed tall mountain and stood on its peak for a day and a night.

He watched the sun rise and set, and the moon appear and hide.

His gaze gradually became resolute.