Chapter 2616 Identity Transformation
Chapter 2616 Identity Transformation
Chapter 2616 Identity Transformation
The cultivators of the Linfeng clan glared at him with hostility.
The Huangting Conference had just ended when forces from Xunzhou poured into the Xunfeng Sea, causing unease among the entire Linfeng clan.
At the Huangting Conference, Huangting Dao and other forces concluded a Huangting Covenant, agreeing that the mining of rare minerals must not be done arbitrarily, but must be carried out under the rules established by Huangting Dao. Of course, Huangting Dao will not act unilaterally, and there will be a consultation process until a result that satisfies all parties is reached.
Huang Tingdao and the Linfeng Clan had a long-standing oath, and for the time being, Huang Tingdao had not shown any hostility towards the Linfeng Clan, nor had he overstepped his bounds. However, the forces that flocked to the Xunfeng Sea, upon learning that the Linfeng Clan had occupied part of the Qi Mine's mining area, often made attempts to spy on it.
The Linfeng Clan has already noticed some ill-intentioned glances. They know full well that those who are not of their kind are bound to have different intentions. Before those forces have even taken control of the Qi Mine, they are probably already plotting to seize the Linfeng Clan's mines.
A mere oath could not possibly bind Huang Tingdao. Back then, Huang Tingdao, concerned for his reputation, made a gentleman's agreement with them, drawing a line as the boundary. Now, times have changed, and powerful forces from Xunzhou have gathered here, making it even less likely that they would obediently comply. Sooner or later, a break will occur.
The entire Lingfeng clan felt the impending storm, and everyone was on edge.
Not long ago, the Holy Spirit appeared and drove this person away. Now he has broken into the territory of the Linfeng Clan. What is his intention?
The members of the Linfeng clan, their eyes gleaming with murderous intent, raised their bows and arrows, pointing them at Qin Sang, ready to strike. Even knowing they were no match for Qin Sang, they were willing to fight to protect their homeland!
The female cultivator holding the bow had a cold look in her eyes, but she remained calm and asked in a deep voice, "Why did you return, senior?"
Qin Sang stood with his hands behind his back, looking relaxed, and said with a smile, "I have been entrusted by someone to give something to the Holy Spirit."
Upon hearing Qin Sang refer to himself as "this humble Daoist," the female cultivator holding the bow frowned slightly, as he had previously denied being from the Huangting Dao sect.
Although they were a different race, the Linfeng clan was quite familiar with the situation in the Great Zhou Dynasty due to their proximity to it.
Xunzhou is not like Kanzhou. Looking at the Taoist forces in Xunzhou, Huangtingdao stands out. There are also some sects that claim to be the origin of Taoism, but they either fail to gain momentum or join Tianshixu, remaining distant from Huangtingdao.
It is said that Huang Tingdao once wanted to support his fellow Daoists in Xunzhou, but was ultimately resisted by the forces led by Tianshixu, and the matter came to nothing.
"May I ask what you have sent, senior? May I pass it on to you?" the female cultivator with the bow asked cautiously.
"It cannot be spoken, it cannot be spoken."
Qin Sang shook his head, "You all go and report this immediately. I will be waiting here."
Seeing that Qin Sang did not seem to be there to cause trouble, the female cultivator with the bow secretly sent back a message, and moments later, a storm was brewing deep within the clan's territory.
The clan's territory is built upon three giant wind eyes. With their unique innate abilities, they draw the wind eyes here and slowly 'tame' them, thus creating a mysterious wind array. Clan members live within these wind eyes.
The fact that the Linfeng Clan dared to build their clan's territory so close to the Great Zhou Dynasty shows that they had absolute confidence that their territory would not be easily conquered.
All the cultivators watched with bated breath as clouds rose and fell over the clan's territory, spreading out in layers of a sea of clouds.
With the wind here, any cloud can be blown away, but the sea of clouds is exceptionally resilient, piling up layer upon layer, eventually extending into a cloud path that leads straight to Qin Sang's feet.
A voice rang in the ears of the female cultivator holding the bow. She bowed in response, dismissed her subordinates, and stepped forward respectfully, saying, "Senior invites you!"
Qin Sang nodded and stepped onto the cloud path. Without needing to fly herself, the cloud path rapidly retreated, disappearing into the depths of the sea of clouds in the blink of an eye.
In a moment, Qin Sang stood still and found himself surrounded by a vast expanse of white. Then he saw a figure emerge from the sea of clouds. At first, the figure was blurry, but it gradually solidified. Judging from its appearance, it was the same Holy Spirit he had encountered before.
"I was impolite to part so hastily that day, as I did not ask for your Dharma name," Qin Sang said, bowing deeply.
"True Lord, you may call me Bei Luo," the Holy Spirit's voice was as calm as ever, yet carrying an aloof indifference. He sized up Qin Sang, "Fellow Daoist, are you the renowned Elder Qin of the Northern Region?"
The Linfeng clan is not out of touch with the news; on the contrary, they are very well-informed.
The holy spirit, whose Buddhist name was Beiluo, had a hint of doubt in his eyes when Qin Sang nodded in agreement.
Why does someone who is clearly an elder of the Five Elements Alliance call himself a member of the Taoist sect?
He didn't delve into the matter further, but changed his tone, "May I ask who entrusted you with this, and what you sent?"
Qin Sang flicked his sleeve, and the talisman flew out, drifting towards Bei Luo on its own.
Upon seeing the talisman, Bei Luo froze, grabbed it, and then his expression changed drastically. He hurriedly said "Excuse me" and turned to disappear into the sea of clouds.
Qin Sang found it strange. She thought that the Linfeng Clan would understand everything once they saw Zhang Tianshi's talisman, so why was Bei Luo so shocked and hurriedly leaving? Was he going to verify something?
Qin Sang waited patiently, and after a full incense stick's time, Bei Luo returned, his expression having returned to normal.
His gaze was complex as he bowed deeply to Qin Sang, "You are the renowned Heavenly Lord of the Dao Court?"
Qin Sang thought to himself that this title was really useful. No matter whether these people were hostile to the Dao Court or not, they would all restrain their sharpness and respectfully address him as Heavenly Lord when they saw him.
"I am ashamed to say that I have only an empty reputation," Qin Sang said very humbly.
“I was unaware that the Heavenly Emperor was in person, and I have been quite impolite,” Bei Luo said, gesturing with his hand. “Heavenly Emperor, please follow me.”
Suppressing his doubts, Qin Sang followed Bei Luo and discovered that Bei Luo had led him into the core of the Linfeng Clan's territory, where they eventually opened a treasure vault.
The storehouse here is filled with a dazzling array of rare items, all produced from unusual mines, neatly arranged in rows and columns.
Qin Sang looked at Bei Luo in surprise.
Bei Luo said, "The Heavenly Lord may take any of the treasures here at will."
What orders did Zhang Tianshi leave in the talisman? This was the culmination of the entire Linfeng clan's efforts, and he just let me use it at will?
The treasure before her was indeed extremely tempting, but Qin Sang was not blinded by it. She secretly pondered the intentions of the Linfeng Clan and the Dao Court, especially what Zhang Tianshi meant.
The real purpose of this trip was not these treasures.
Qin Sang tentatively asked, "What do you plan to do about that crack in the plastic film?"
"The entire Lingfeng clan obeys the Heavenly Lord's command!"
Bei Luo's answer was once again unexpected.
Instructions? How would I know what to do?
Qin Sang cursed inwardly. Zhang Tianshi hadn't left her a single message; who knew what to do?
suddenly……
Qin Sang seemed to realize something and fell into deep thought.
After pondering for a long time, he raised his head and said, "I have other important matters to attend to and cannot stay in Xunzhou for too long. Do you have any solutions?"
Bei Luo glanced at Qin Sang, "Bei Luo will visit Huang Tingdao when the time is right."
At that moment, Qin Sang suddenly understood everything, but what followed was helplessness.
The Lingfeng Clan and the Earth Membrane Fissure were undoubtedly Zhang Tianshi's hidden pawns. His exposure of his identity and being dragged into this should not have been within Zhang Tianshi's expectations.
Zhang Tianshi was unsure of his own intentions—whether it was truly an accident or a ploy to gain a share of the spoils. Having him bring the talisman to the Lingfeng Clan was, in fact, a test of his attitude.
If he is willing to stay, he can act as Qin Tianjun and truly represent the Dao Court in this matter, and the entire Linfeng Clan will obey him.
If you simply agree, you will immediately become a prominent figure, enjoying immense prestige and immeasurable profits.
However, Qin Sang had long been aware that the Dao Court's use of the demonic tribulation to coerce Xunzhou into submission and return to its old territory would not be smooth sailing.
He is the face of the Daoist Court, enjoying endless benefits, but he also has to bear all the open and covert attacks on behalf of the Daoist Court. Once Qin Sang agrees, he will place himself in the vortex of Xunzhou. As the Daoist Court's plan progresses, he will only sink deeper and deeper, with no possibility of extricating himself!
Why couldn't Zhang Tianshi just tell him directly, instead of going through so many roundabout ways?
Ultimately, it's because Qin Sang's identity is too special.
He was a fake Heavenly Emperor, but he was the true successor of Ziwei.
Back then, he was just a minor Void Refinement cultivator, and a hastily cultivated one at that, with the possibility of dying at any moment. Only after he comprehended the Dao Heart and entered the Integration Realm did he have the right to call himself a successor of Ziwei.
Qin Sang not only represents himself, but also has the remnants of the Sword Pavilion such as the First Sword Servant and the Purple Star Child behind him. More importantly, they are allies of the Dao Court.
As two forces that had both risen to prominence and fallen to their lowest points, and were now plotting a comeback, both sides were extremely cautious in their dealings with their allies. Some things were best left unsaid, allowing for flexibility. Zhang Tianshi was unaware of Qin Sang's intentions, nor whether he was acting on someone's orders, so he could only probe in this way, while also demonstrating the Daoist Court's stance.
The Dao Court allowed Qin Sang, or rather the Ziwei lineage, to enter Xunzhou under the cover of the Dao Court, but what changes will occur next is something Qin Sang cannot predict, and the Dao Court's strategy will probably have to change accordingly.
Qin Sang's direct reporting to Zhang Tianshi was too rash.
It wasn't that Qin Sang couldn't think of these things, but rather that he hadn't yet adapted to the change in his identity.
To earn the respect of the Daoist Celestial Master was something Qin Sang could be proud of. Only now did he truly realize that his status was completely different after breaking through to the Integration Realm. His every move could even have a small impact on the situation of the Great Thousand Worlds.
Previously, the Dao Court had been distant towards him, but now they've given him a chance. However, Qin Sang no longer wants it. He knows his own family best; he has no deep-seated plans, this whole affair was purely accidental.
The dazzling treasure trove before him, the future status sought after by thousands, and the endless stream of benefits were all less important to Qin Sang than his own cultivation.
He desperately wanted to return to Qingyang Prefecture, resolve his worldly affairs, and then quickly go into seclusion to advance his Yang Spirit's union with the Dao. Staying here, while offering unparalleled prestige, would also distract him greatly, and he felt overwhelmed and lacking in energy.
Bei Luo, unaware of the true situation, assumed that Qin Sang had come with the Celestial Master's decree.
Qin Sang said without any hesitation, his words enigmatic: "Since you know how to deal with it, I am relieved. The matter is urgent, and I will be leaving Xunzhou soon. If you encounter any trouble in the future, report it directly to your superiors."
Having said that, he turned and walked out of the treasure vault without looking back.
Although Bei Luo was completely confused, he didn't ask too many questions and personally escorted him out of the clan's territory.
Qin Sang bowed to Bei Luo and drifted away without saying goodbye to Luo Xianweng. Nothing here concerned him anymore. Of course, thinking of that dazzling treasure still caused him some heartache.
However, although Qin Sang was unwilling to get involved, he was still able to use his relationship with the Dao Court to try to gain some benefits.
No need for personal involvement anymore; the Yu family has found a place to use their talents, and there's also the Burning Crystal Sect...
"It's time to pay a visit to the Burning Crystal Sect."
Qin Sang muttered to herself.
After flying out of the Wind Sea area, Qin Sang calculated that a celestial city would pass by in two days, so he went there in advance to wait.
……
Suddenly, a shadow fell over the land.
Qin Sang looked up and saw a colossal object riding the wind and waves in the sky. She secretly praised it as a magnificent immortal city. Amidst the drifting spiritual mist, there were not only pavilions and ancient palaces, but also continuous mountain ranges, as if a piece of land had been moved to the sky.
This city is named Taihua City. It doesn't rank among the top cities in Xunzhou, yet it has such an impressive atmosphere.
Qin Sang flew up and, as he approached the Immortal City, he felt a guiding force leading him to the west gate of Taihua City. He revealed his identity as an elder of the Five Elements Alliance and was naturally welcomed into the city.
The entrance fee to the city is not expensive, just spirit stones, but settling down in the city is not so simple. Disciples of some famous sects can be exempted, but it is the most difficult for independent cultivators. It is not easy to live in the immortal city, but the immortal city is the safest place in the cultivation world. There are still countless cultivators who go to great lengths just to occupy a place in the immortal city.
It is said that due to the Flying White Floating Mustard Secret Array, taking the teleportation array in Xunzhou is much more expensive than in other Tianzhou. However, there is one advantage: as long as cultivators have enough patience and time, they can stay in the Immortal City and wait for the Immortal City to take them to their destination.
The Burning Crystal Gate and Immortal Lake are located in the southeast of Xunzhou. It would take years to fly there from Taihua City, and Qin Sang couldn't wait that long.
After enjoying the local customs and culture of Xunzhou, Qin Sang strolled towards the Teleportation Hall.
Compared to Tianzhou, which he had visited before, the crowds near the Teleportation Hall were indeed much thinner.
……
Jianxia City.
Xunzhou is another fairy city. It just happened to fly near Xianlin Lake recently and was about to pass by it.
As Qin Sang walked out of the teleportation hall, the Yu family uncles and nephews, having received the news, were already waiting there.
"Greetings, Elder Qin!"
The two stepped forward to greet each other.
Qin Sang nodded, his gaze sweeping over the people behind them. There were some people in the crowd who looked strange, and they hurriedly disappeared into the crowd when they saw him come out.
Since the turmoil in the northern region spread in Xunzhou, the actions of the Yu family uncle and nephew have affected countless people in the Yunbo Society.
Qin Sang's arrival today confirms the rumors.
After boarding the precious carriage brought by Yu Chang'en, Qin Sang instructed, "Let's go to the Yu family first."
Yu Yin drove the imperial carriage, which sped along the main street, burst out of the city gate, and soared into the sky. After flying a short distance, he saw a vast expanse of blue water ahead, as clear as a mirror, and he had entered the territory of Xianlin Lake.
The Yu family lives on an island on the outskirts of Xianlin Lake.
Qin Sang admired the scenery of Xianlin Lake, while Yu Chang'en served her, reporting on various matters. Finally, he said, "Next month is the day to hand over the tribute to Yinmingshui Prefecture..."
The Yu family has now switched allegiance to Qin Sang. Whether or not to pay tribute, and how much to pay, is entirely up to Qin Sang.
"Just pay the amount you originally agreed on," Qin Sang said calmly.
Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake. Regardless of whether the Gongming Ancestor has perished, it's not advisable to break ties with the Yinming Water Mansion. Doing so would save face for both sides. I only hope that the Yinming Water Mansion knows when to advance and retreat.
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