Gateway of Immortality

Never judge others by your own standards, especially when the other party was a Spiritual Infant cultivator.

With this lesson firmly in mind, Qin Sang followed behind Dongyang Bo. Their path remained clear and unhindered as they moved easily through the horde of demonic beasts, arriving at the stone hall without incident.

The vulture-like demonic beasts had stirred the entire mountain into chaos upon detecting intruders. They surged forth in a frenzy, darkening the skies.

For every pair that came, Dongyang Bo struck them down.

If a group attacked, he wiped out the whole pack.

Corpses littered the stone mountain. Black blood soaked the rocks, releasing a foul stench that filled the air.

In the end, even the beasts grew terrified of the slaughter. They circled above in shrieking disarray, no longer daring to land.

Others climbing the mountain seized this opportunity. While Dongyang Bo held the beasts' attention, they ascended at full speed and entered the stone hall safely without suffering the slightest harm.

Only when Qin Sang and his group stepped into the hall did the demonic beasts finally retreat. They quieted down and flew back to their perches. Looking back, the mountain rocks were still teeming with them, just as densely as before, not a single one seemed missing, which was rather baffling.

A stone passage stretched ahead, connecting a series of halls.

Inside the stone hall, the space was empty and wide.

At the far end, a faint glimmer of light flickered, suggesting the presence of a door.

Qin Sang glanced around.

He had clearly seen several people enter ahead of them, but the hall now stood empty. It seemed they had all passed through that door already.

Beyond the door appeared to be yet another vast space. Qin Sang found himself wondering just how large Ziwei Palace truly was.

The thousands of interwoven palaces below the mountain alone were already a marvel of grandeur.

His anticipation swelled. How much more awe could Ziwei Palace still have in store?

"Daoist Dongyang's swordsmanship is divine. I've benefited from tagging along."

A sudden chuckle echoed in the stone hall.

Startled, Qin Sang swept his gaze around and noticed a new figure had appeared at the entrance, gradually solidifying from illusion into reality. It was an old man in hemp robes.

As soon as Qin Sang saw the man's face, recognition struck him. He was a Spiritual Infant cultivator from the Tianxing Alliance. He was one of the few who had not only survived the great battle, but emerged in remarkably good shape. His strength clearly spoke for itself.

Dongyang Bo looked entirely unsurprised and responded with a smile, "They were just Corpse Vultures, their poison merely corpse poison. Surely such creatures would be nothing to Daoist Dongyun? I wouldn't dare take the credit."

"Those Corpse Vultures came from an immortal tomb. Their poison is bizarre indeed," the hemp-robed elder replied, shaking his head as he walked forward slowly, "Your sword art happens to be ideal for countering them. As for me, I'd have needed some effort."

His withered, yellowed face was deeply lined, and his dull, cloudy eyes lacked vitality. He looked like a man truly at the end of his life.

Qin Sang couldn't tell whether this was the elder's natural state, or the result of exhausting too much of his essence in battle.

Dongyun's lifeless pupils stirred faintly as he turned to fix his gaze meaningfully on Chenyan. "You must be Daoist Chenyan. I go by the name Immortal Dongyun. I hadn't heard that Shaohua Mountain had such an exceptional talent as yourself. You quietly formed your Spiritual Infant without alerting the world; quite the well-kept secret. Were you two planning to surprise us all at the heavenly mountain?"

"Greetings, Daoist Dongyun," Chenyan replied with a clasped-hands salute, offering no further response.

Dongyang Bo chuckled lightly. "Why have you come alone, Daoist Dongyun? Has Daoist Master Zhenyi decided not to go to the heavenly mountain? You know well, victory and defeat are common in battle. The Sin Abyss's tricks won't last forever. As long as our two domains remain united, advancing and retreating as one, we will surely triumph."

Immortal Dongyun nodded. "Well said! Though we mourn, we will not crumble. We must avenge our fallen comrades. As for those who lost their bodies, it falls to Daoist Master Zhenyi to see to them. I had no choice but to go ahead. Once his affairs are settled, I doubt he'll miss the treasure hunt at the heavenly mountain..."

He continued walking deeper into the stone hall. But after only a few steps, something seemed to occur to him. He turned around and swept his gaze over the group, then asked softly, "Which one of you is Qin Sang?"

Every eye turned to Qin Sang, expressions varied and curious.

Even Qiu Mubai and the others looked utterly bewildered.

Qin Sang himself was thoroughly puzzled. He had never met Immortal Dongyun before and had no idea why the man would be asking for him by name.

Still, Dongyun's tone sounded friendly, not hostile.

Qin Sang glanced at his own grandmaster for guidance. Seeing Dongyang Bo nod, he quickly stepped forward and bowed. "Junior Qin Sang greets Senior."

Immortal Dongyun gave him a once-over, nodded, and said, "Not bad."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Qin Sang utterly confused.

"No need to be surprised! The reason we were able to detect Wuji Sect's leader's unusual movements and make early preparations is all thanks to Daoist Master Chongyi's warning. And Daoist Master Chongyi, in turn, learned it from a disciple of their sect named Wandering Man. Earlier, during the Spiritual Infant cultivators' meeting, the Taiyi Core Sect's Wandering Man was summoned to explain the situation. He personally mentioned that you also played a role. He recounted in detail how you encountered Wuji Sect's leader and Huang Tian in Endless Valley, and how you discovered signs of their union." Dongyang Bo took the initiative to explain.

"This time, the Sin Abyss' plot was unraveled, and the two domains averted disaster. Though your actions were unintentional, the Spiritual Infant elders still owe you a debt of gratitude."

"For now, our focus must remain on Ziwei Palace, so we haven't had the chance to discuss your matter. Once we return, you will be duly rewarded."

"I heard from Fengming that you failed to form your core despite taking both the Snow Spirit Lotus and Iris Flower."

"But worry no more. With so many Spiritual Infant cultivators present, there's bound to be a way to forcefully elevate both your cultivations. When the time comes, we will also help you prepare a life-bound astra most suited to you. That is the least we can do."

"However, even if you receive a reward of immense proportions, do not grow arrogant or complacent. Do not assume that possessing such external aids means you can rest easy. Do you understand?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang quickly suppressed the joy rising in his heart, straightened his posture, and bowed respectfully. "I understand. I will keep your teachings close to heart."

Dongyang Bo gave a brief nod. "Let's go."

He and Chenyan took the lead, walking ahead.

Qin Sang followed behind, unable to stop his mind from wandering to the future.

He had thought he would need to go through great effort to prepare his life-bound astra. Never had he imagined there would already be one practically waiting for him within easy reach.

All this from a single unintentional act. It was all thanks to Wandering Man not forgetting him!

"Congratulations, Junior Brother Qin!"

Even Qiu Mubai was filled with envy at Qin Sang's fortune.

What he envied most, however, wasn't the chance to form a core but that Qin Sang would so effortlessly obtain a life-bound astra.

Back then, his grandmaster had instructed him that once he formed his core, he would have to gather the materials for his life-bound astra himself as a trial.

As for Mu Yifeng and the others, they envied Qin Sang even more for having Spiritual Infant cultivators aiding him. With such support, forming his core was guaranteed, bringing him a step closer to the Great Dao.

Little did they know, Qin Sang no longer needed help.

Still, Qin Sang was quite pleased.

He didn't need assistance to form his core, but he could certainly ask to exchange the reward for something else. With so many Spiritual Infant grandmasters around, healing his hidden internal injuries would be a simple task.