Chapter 801: Four Sacred Mountains

Compared to the Demon Sea, the Inner Sea is inexplicably filled with many more restrictions. Many forces are unwilling to join either the righteous or demonic factions or participate in their conflicts. However, since they cannot openly contend with these dominant powers, they are forced to outwardly comply. It's no wonder that those Nascent Soul cultivators are willing to abandon their established foundations in the Inner Sea to claim islands and rule as kings in the Demon Sea; what they truly seek is unbridled freedom.

After continuous flight, Qin Sang finally spotted the outline of Tianxing Island. This island holds immense significance for humanity, often referred to as a place of genesis or a birthplace of heroes. Later, the teleportation array leading to the Demon Sea was also established on Tianxing Island. Consequently, even though Tianxing Island is not situated in the center of Canglang Sea but rather to the east, it remains a sacred site for humanity. With the righteous and demonic factions agreeing to govern it jointly, Tianxing City on the island gradually developed into the largest human city.

Tianxing City is vast and bustling. Countless cultivators converge here, and with the local mortals, the city is teeming with people, flowing like a continuous river – a sight unseen in the Little Cold Domain. Arriving at Tianxing Island for the second time, Qin Sang was still deeply impressed by the magnificent sight before him. His previous brief visit meant he knew where to rent a cave dwelling.

Within Tianxing City stand four sacred mountains, which are the convergence points of the island's spiritual veins. These Four Sacred Mountains are named in honor of four revered predecessors who, during a time when humanity was weak and on the verge of extinction, turned the tide and rescued the human race from peril. They serve as places of veneration. One of the sacred mountains houses a teleportation array and is the most heavily guarded location on Tianxing Island. The cave dwellings on two other sacred mountains are reserved for cultivators from the righteous and demonic factions within the city. Only the last mountain offers cave dwellings for rent to rogue cultivators or visiting cultivators. Cave dwellings within Tianxing City are expensive, though their quality is undeniable. Qin Sang, having obtained the legacies of two great masters, was well-off enough to afford them, but other cultivators might not be so fortunate.

After admiring Tianxing City, Qin Sang's figure flickered repeatedly, bringing him to a city gate. Simultaneously, streaks of light frequently flashed from all directions as cultivators entered and exited through Tianxing Island's various city gates, demonstrating the dense population of cultivators within the city. Mortals were even more numerous. Roads outside the city crisscrossed, and countless ships sailed beyond the island, painting a picture of flourishing prosperity.

Mortals and cultivators used separate city gates for entry and exit. Tianxing City was protected by a grand defensive array. Qin Sang had no desire to test the strength of the Tianxing City Guard, so he dutifully approached the city gate.

Qin Sang appeared. Although the guard's cultivation was low, he possessed some unknown method to accurately discern Qin Sang's cultivation level. He immediately adopted a respectful demeanor and said, "Junior greets senior. Has senior visited Tianxing City before? If you possess a token, you may enter directly. As a Core Formation expert, senior is exempt from paying spirit stones."

Qin Sang produced a token he had prepared earlier. "After forming my core, I've been active in the Demon Sea. I only have a token from Dahung Island; is that acceptable?" In fact, obtaining such tokens was not difficult; Qin Sang had acquired two on Dahung Island using different identities. The righteous and demonic factions likely prided themselves on their power, fearing no minor disturbances. Both Tianxing City and Dahung Island seemed to possess an open-minded spirit, welcoming all. However, Dahung Island's spiritual veins were vastly inferior to those of Tianxing Island. Using a teleportation array was a considerable expense; one couldn't just teleport for leisure.

"So senior has been hunting demons in the Demon Sea," the guard's tone grew even more respectful as he gestured forward. "Tokens from both cities are interchangeable, please enter, senior."

Qin Sang, however, remained still and asked, "I wish to stay in the city for some time to cultivate and rent a cave dwelling. Is anything else required?"

The guard inquired, "May I ask which sect or force senior belongs to?"

Qin Sang shook his head. "I am a rogue cultivator."

The guard nodded in understanding and gestured towards one of the sacred mountains. "If senior wishes to rent a cave dwelling, simply proceed to Baogu Mountain with your token. There will certainly be a suitable dwelling for senior there. The quality of the cave dwellings improves from the foot to the peak, and prices vary accordingly. If senior requires, this junior can assist you by calling a guide..."

Baogu was indeed one of the Four Saints, and notably, a female Daoist master. As he spoke, the guard gestured, and immediately several individuals, including low-level cultivators and mortals, emerged from behind the gate. Surprisingly, Qin Sang chose a mortal youth. The young man was in his early twenties, with a cunning expression, appearing somewhat roguish. Yet, before Qin Sang, he dared not show the slightest disrespect, having learned of Qin Sang's cultivation from the guard and knowing that a single finger could crush him. He was also extremely surprised that such a powerful immortal master would choose him.

"Take me to a real estate agency where mortals purchase residences. This is your payment," Qin Sang said, tossing a spirit stone to the youth.

Within Tianxing City, apart from the areas near the Four Sacred Mountains, the majority of the city was inhabited by mortals and low-level cultivators. The youth clutched the spirit stone, his face alight with surprise and delight. He repeatedly assented, daring not to waste words, and said, "Immortal Master, please follow me."

Low-altitude flight was permitted within the city. Qin Sang, impatient with walking, lifted the youth by the scruff of his neck and had him verbally guide the way.

A short while later.

After turning several streets, the youth, trembling, pointed towards a small building in the distance and said in a shaky voice, "Reporting to Immortal Master, that is the most renowned real estate agency. They guarantee the best locations in the city, though the prices are a bit higher. Of course, for an Immortal Master, that's surely nothing."

"I understand. You may return now."

Qin Sang set the youth down. He had the youth point out several real estate agencies. He intended to find a suitable time to disguise himself as a mortal and purchase a small courtyard near Baogu Mountain, planning to use it to contact Madam Liu. As the matter involved Xiang Yi and the leader of the East Pole Alliance, it was better to proceed with caution.

After leaving the youth, Qin Sang flew directly towards Baogu Mountain on his sword, locating the cave dwelling rental office at its foot. Even with his substantial wealth, Qin Sang couldn't help but feel a pang of pain upon seeing the rental prices for the cave dwellings. However, the Four Sacred Mountains were situated atop Tianxing Island's largest spiritual vein, where spiritual energy was exceptionally abundant; thus, the high cost was justified. Cultivating in a mountain cave dwelling could indeed significantly accelerate one's progress.

Ultimately, he selected a location as close to the mountain peak as possible, renting it for thirty years in a single payment. After settling the spirit stones, he received the jade talisman for the cave dwelling's spiritual array. This cave dwelling was built into the mountainside, not far from the peak. From its entrance, one could see the sculpture of Baogu atop the mountain. The sculpture's exquisite grace was truly unparalleled, befitting the greatest master of her era.

Qin Sang activated the jade talisman, opening the spiritual array. Upon entering, he found the cave dwelling to be quite spacious, and the surrounding environment exceptionally tranquil. He would not feel confined even if he secluded himself for decades. Accustomed to rigorous cultivation, he paid little mind to such details. After a thorough inspection, he set up a barrier array inside before finally feeling at ease.

"I'll cultivate here from now on. It feels somewhat like a home."

An inexplicable sentiment welled up within Qin Sang's heart. He sat silently in the cave dwelling for a while, resting from the fatigue of his journey, and began to meticulously plan his future cultivation path.

"These matters cannot be accomplished overnight, so there's no immediate rush. However, I need to begin refining the Sword Soul first; it requires some time to incubate before transforming into a Demonic Seed. Once it's complete, I can venture out to search for a suitable corpse. With numerous islands surrounding Tianxing Island, I'm sure to find one..."

Acting on his thoughts, Qin Sang began to study the *Seed Yuan Demonic Fetus*.