"After the red-haired grandmaster fell, it looked like he had left Cunyang Sect with two Spiritual Infant disciples, but in truth he had buried a seed for disaster. The two had never gotten along. Once one became sect leader, how could the other accept it? They treated each other like mortal enemies, utterly irreconcilable, and it tore the sect apart from within until it declined day by day. Outsiders saw an opening and fanned the flames. Daoist Master Chongyi seems to be behind it. Daoist Master Chongyi’s next heavenly tribulation was approaching. If he failed to survive it, he would follow the red-haired grandmaster's path. This move also cleared the road for the Taiyi Core Sect to become an overlord. Other factions were happy to see it happen too. No one expected him to actually pull it off... The new sect leader was not a fool either. He joined forces with a newly risen major sect nearby, Shanxing Sect. In the end, Cunyang Sect split into two. Now both sides called the other rebels and claimed to be the red-haired grandmaster's legitimate successors," Qingjun said.

Qingjun looked as if she never concerned herself with worldly affairs, yet she had seen everything with crystal clarity.

Qin Sang suddenly understood. He thought it over silently. Even though Cunyang Sect had split in two, it had more or less stabilized. Next, they would likely begin cleaning up the chaos below.

Li Yufu’s cave dwelling lay not far from Great Sui. He needed to have them keep a lower profile.

"Senior Sister, do you have any intention of expanding Yuanshen Sect?" Qin Sang asked.

Qingjun acted freely. She could vanish for decades at a time, seemingly indifferent to Yuanshen Sect. He did not know what she truly intended.

"I took Yuanshen Sect on a whim. I only wanted them to handle a few errands for me," Qingjun said indifferently.

After returning to his cave dwelling, Qin Sang became busy. He first sorted through the Heavenly Demon Body Refinement, confirming there were no omissions. He had already cultivated it to perfection.

Then he left Peach Blossom Valley, traveled through major markets, and went to see Tan Yi’en and Bai Hanqiu.

Bai Hanqiu not only had the pills Qin Sang had given her, she had also often received guidance from Tan Yi’en and Li Yufu. She had already broken through to the eleventh stage of the Qi Refining Realm.

Among cultivators with four spiritual roots, that speed was astonishing.

"This is a registered disciple token from Yuanshen Sect. If anyone comes looking for you, show it to them. Over the next few years, I will be avoiding a powerful enemy and will rarely show myself. When you go out to train, do not mention me..." Qin Sang had come to arrange a path of retreat.

He looked at Bai Hanqiu, who was no longer a girl. "Hanqiu, these pills are for you. You have about ten years to prepare for Foundation Building. If you fail Foundation Building, you can go to the mortal world and choose a successor, or leave behind the Bai Family bloodline."

Cruel as it sounded, Qin Sang still said it plainly. Bai Hanqiu was not a sheltered child. She could face reality. A single sentence would not shake her Dao Heart.

"Yes!" There was not the slightest ripple on Bai Hanqiu’s face, only a flash of resolve in her eyes.

Tan Yi’en had also broken through to the late stage of Foundation Building two years earlier.

After giving them both some guidance, Qin Sang returned to Peach Blossom Valley.

One month later...

Two streaks of evasion light sped across Yuncang Marshlands, heading straight south. They were Qingjun and Qin Sang.

The outline of a large island appeared ahead.

"This is Cangheng Island," Qingjun sent to him through sound transmission.

Qin Sang looked as far as he could see and discovered a tall peak at the island’s center. For convenience, it was named Cangheng Peak. A magnificent palace had been built atop it, the site of the two domains’ alliance assembly.

Around the slope, buildings spread outward in dense tiers, stretching all the way to the ground. It truly was a formidable city.

In the blink of an eye, the two entered Cangheng Island. Their speed did not slow at all as they headed straight for Cangheng Peak.

Before they reached the city’s edge, two Core Formation cultivators flew out from within. Sensing Qingjun’s aura, their expressions shifted, and they asked respectfully, "Senior, are you here for the alliance assembly?" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"That’s right. I know the city’s rules. Stand down," Qingjun said.

She landed on the ground and led Qin Sang into the city on foot. The two cultivators withdrew at once, not questioning Qingjun’s identity in the slightest.

"Flying is forbidden within the city. Even Spiritual Infant grandmasters must set an example. I will go to the assembly hall first. Come as quickly as you can and wait outside for my signal," Qingjun said.

Even though Qingjun had concealed her cultivation and wore a veil, revealing only her lively eyes, the red dress still drew attention everywhere. Qin Sang, wrapped in a cloak, walked beside her and was practically ignored.

"Yes!" he answered.

After they split up, Qin Sang took the chance to visit the major merchant guilds.

As the Tianxing Alliance’s businesses treated him like an honored guest, Qin Sang could not help thinking back to those days when they had fought and bled over high-level duels between the two domains. Some of the city’s residents might even have been old enemies he had traded blows with.

Only after reaching the Spiritual Infant Realm could one become a player. Otherwise, one’s fate would always be that of a chess piece.

This was the largest trading hub between the two domains. It did not take Qin Sang long to purchase everything he needed. Then he began walking toward the mountain peak.

Outside the alliance hall lay many pavilions and towers in assorted styles. The crowds were sparse, and the atmosphere felt refined and quiet.

A barrier sealed off the outer perimeter as well. Unrelated people were not permitted entry.

Qin Sang took out his elder token and flicked it in front of the barrier. A passage opened within a curtain of light.

One of the bamboo buildings belonged to Yuanshen Sect, and several low-level female cultivators stayed there permanently. When they saw an elder arrive, they did not recognize him, yet they were still warmly attentive.

"The sect leader has already gone to the alliance hall?" Qin Sang asked, looking toward the middle of the building.

A female cultivator stepped forward and replied, "Elder, the grandmaster went over not long ago. I heard the other invited grandmasters have all arrived as well..."

Before Yuanshen Sect disciples, Qingjun always appeared as Leng Yuntian.

"You may withdraw. Without my order, do not come up and disturb me," Qin Sang said coldly.

The female cultivators withdrew, disappointment in their faces. He sat cross-legged in the quiet room and waited for news. His mind remained calm, without tension.

He had not expected to meet Dongyang Bo this soon. Since escaping Ziwei Palace, this would be the first time he faced Dongyang Bo directly. Qin Sang wondered what expression he would wear.

After the time it took an incense stick to burn, a streak of light flew into the bamboo building.

"He’s here!" Qin Sang grabbed the streak of light, removed his cloak, rose to his feet, and walked out. He strode toward the alliance hall.

"You are Elder Qin of Yuanshen Sect?" someone guarding the hall asked.

Qin Sang nodded, displayed his token, and passed through without obstruction.

The instant he entered the hall, an invisible pressure weighed down on him, and his heart sank slightly. Everyone attending the assembly was a top expert of the two domains, and the presence alone made him feel the strain.

He clasped his hands and bowed at the entrance. "I am Qin Sang from Yuanshen Sect. I pay my respects to all seniors."

One gaze after another fell upon him. Qin Sang clearly sensed that one of those looks was as sharp and oppressive as a sword.

"You are Qin Sang? Come in," a familiar voice said. Qin Sang recognized it as Old Daoist Zhenyi.

He did not glance sideways. He walked to stand behind Qingjun. His eyes swept across the figures seated within the hall. Some were faces he had seen before.

The two in the main seats were Old Daoist Zhenyi and Devil Lord Tongyou. There was also Daoist Master Chongyi, sect leader of the Taiyi Core Sect, and Snake Granny of Yuling Sect.

But Snake Granny had already reached the Spiritual Infant Realm. Beside her stood a bizarre figure, half man and half snake, her spirit beast. It was at the peak of the Demonic Core Realm and was the only demon present.

More importantly, seated at Devil Lord Tongyou’s lower side was a man in brocade robes.

It was Dongyang Bo! When Dongyang Bo noticed Qin Sang’s gaze, there was not the slightest anger on his face. Instead, he smiled and nodded at him.