Chapter 62: 魔门

The Human World

After Qin Sang and the others had finished paying their respects to the Ancestor, Uncle-Master Yue continued, "Our Patriarch was a Nascent Soul cultivator. Later, seeing no hope of breaking through to the Soul Transformation stage, he founded the Kuiyin Sect here, passing down its spiritual lineage. He passed away at the age of 1,083. Currently, the three Golden Core cultivators in our sect are all disciples of Patriarch Kuiyin. You should know that our Kuiyin Sect, like other cultivation sects, determines seniority based on cultivation level. If you successfully break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, you can become a disciple of one of the Golden Core cultivators, and from then on, you will be my junior siblings..."

Liang Yan interjected with a grin, "Then I'll have to call you Uncle-Masters."

"On this Yinshang Cliff, there are numerous cave dwellings. Nearly a thousand Qi Condensation disciples reside here, but you can't see them now because they are all cultivating diligently in their cave dwellings. From now on, you will be fellow disciples. Our sect does not forbid internal sparring, but you are strictly prohibited from killing fellow disciples. Violators will face severe punishment! Did you understand?"

Uncle-Master Yue's tone carried a strong warning. Qin Sang and the others naturally hastened to agree.

Seeing that they were relatively obedient, Uncle-Master Yue's expression softened slightly. He slapped his storage pouch, and seven streaks of dark light flew out. Each streak contained two items: a grey cloth pouch and a yellow-white pearl the size of a longan.

"This is a Spirit-Warding Pouch. Later, when you venture deeper into the Yinshang Abyss, activating this pouch will prevent malevolent yin energy from invading your body. This pearl is a Warm Yang Pearl. You can carry the Warm Yang Pearl with you when you cultivate; it will warm your body and automatically block out surrounding cold energy. If you encounter any ghostly entities within the malevolent yin energy, you can activate the yang energy within the Warm Yang Pearl to drive them away. However, the Warm Yang Pearl is only effective against weaker ghostly entities. Under no circumstances should you venture deep into the malevolent energy."

The pouch and the pearl landed in each person's hand. Qin Sang clenched his hand around them. The Spirit-Warding Pouch felt like coarse cloth, while the Warm Yang Pearl emitted a faint warmth. Both were Dharma artifacts, but their grade was not high; they were merely low-grade Dharma artifacts, though their functions were unique.

Qin Sang was examining the Spirit-Warding Pouch when Uncle-Master Yue's words made him pause. He couldn't help but ask, "Uncle-Master Yue, is the bottom of the cliff entirely filled with malevolent yin energy?"

Uncle-Master Yue nodded. "The reason the Yinshang Abyss is so intensely cold is precisely due to the malevolent yin energy at the bottom of the cliff."

Seeing everyone's slight change in expression, Uncle-Master Yue smiled and said, "Don't be overly alarmed. Malevolent yin energy isn't entirely harmful. The reason our sect can sell so many Dharma artifacts is precisely because of the malevolent yin energy. Furthermore, in our Kuiyin Sect, there's a unique secret technique that allows us to cultivate by utilizing malevolent yin energy. However, before that, you will need to change your cultivation techniques."

Hearing this, Qin Sang suddenly had a strong premonition.

Uncle-Master Yue pointed his finger at each of them. "Qin Sang, your original cultivation technique is the *Netherworld Scripture*, so you don't need to change. Tan Hao, you too; you can continue cultivating the *Yin-Magnetic Sword Scripture*. Of the five of you, three cultivate water-element techniques, and all of you must switch to the *Netherworld Scripture*. Tan Jie, your earth-element technique must be changed to the *Earth Essence Secret Chapter*. Shi Hong, you also need to switch to cultivating the *Yin-Magnetic Sword Scripture*."

As soon as he said this, the crowd erupted in an uproar.

Switching cultivation techniques was not that simple. Although their cultivation wouldn't regress, they would have to start cultivating the new technique from scratch. During this period, their cultivation wouldn't advance an inch. While the cultivation speed would be quick, it would still delay them. Furthermore, they had immersed themselves in their original techniques for many years. Familiarizing themselves with new techniques from the beginning would inevitably require time for refinement. The three who cultivated water-element techniques were especially worried. Everyone knew that the *Netherworld Scripture* was one of the most difficult basic water-element techniques to cultivate. Only Qin Sang lowered his head, remaining silent.

The several people wore troubled expressions and murmured amongst themselves. Uncle-Master Yue's gaze suddenly turned cold, and he barked, "What is this disorder?! Since the sect has instructed you to change your cultivation techniques, there is naturally a reason for it! Take them!"

Seven more streaks of light flew out from his storage pouch. Each streak contained a book and a small banner.

Qin Sang took them, his eyes narrowing slightly. These items were incredibly familiar to him. The book was indeed half of the *Netherworld Scripture*, and the banner was none other than the Yama Banner! However, the King Yama design on this Yama Banner was much lighter in color than his own, with sparse lines, making King Yama appear dull and lifeless, not nearly as vivid.

At this moment, Liang Yan, who was standing nearby, bowed and said with a smile, "Uncle-Master Yue, please don't be angry. After all, changing cultivation techniques is a significant matter, and it's normal for our junior siblings to have some doubts. Your disciple will explain everything clearly to them shortly, and I believe they will surely understand the sect's good intentions."

Only then did Uncle-Master Yue withdraw his intimidating gaze, letting out a hum. He said, "This secret technique is a top secret of the sect. No one is allowed to leak it, or they will be dealt with as traitors to the sect. The reason you are not permitted to descend the mountain without permission before reaching the Foundation Establishment stage is precisely this. Liang Yan, take them out now. Assign each of them a cave dwelling, and ensure they cultivate diligently. Oh, and by sect rules, if any of you can break through to the sixth level of the Qi Condensation stage within two years, you will be rewarded with a top-grade Dharma artifact. This is a one-time opportunity, so make the most of it."

Hearing about the top-grade Dharma artifact reward, everyone's eyes immediately lit up, and their faces filled with excitement. Rogue cultivators were mostly impoverished, and few possessed even a high-grade Dharma artifact. They couldn't afford top-grade Dharma artifacts, only drooling with envy at the sight of them. Suddenly, their resistance to changing cultivation techniques seemed less intense. They all bade farewell to Uncle-Master Yue and eagerly went out to choose their cave dwellings.

On the mountain path, Liang Yan began explaining the functions and taboos of the Yama Banner. Qin Sang was already very familiar with the Yama Banner. He pretended to listen to Liang Yan while his mind wandered. The Yama Banner was a top secret of the Kuiyin Sect, meaning the black-robed fiend who died at Song Hua's hands was very likely a Kuiyin Sect disciple.

No wonder, when he left Ghost Mountain Market, he had felt an eerie chill observing the three Uncle-Masters' combat methods – it truly was a demonic sect! Even now, whenever he thought of that mummified corpse, Qin Sang felt a lingering fear. His initial enthusiasm for joining a cultivation sect had suddenly been doused. Qin Sang gazed up at the misty sky, his eyes deep, a hint of doubt stirring in his heart.

Having just descended two steps, a sudden shriek erupted from a nearby cave dwelling. This was immediately followed by an incredibly terrifying roar; ghastly howls mixed with screams, making it exceptionally chilling. Except for Qin Sang, the others' faces turned pale with fright. Liang Yan moved in a blur, kicking open the cave dwelling's entrance. Inside, a young boy of similar age to them was writhing on the ground, clutching his head, his face streaked with bloody tears, appearing utterly deranged. Seeing Liang Yan, a flicker of hope appeared in the boy's eyes. He clutched at the ground with his arms, veins bulging on his palms, struggling to crawl forward and beg Liang Yan for help. The next moment, the expression on the boy's face suddenly froze, his twisted body fell heavily to the ground, and he ceased to breathe.