Gateway of Immortality

After all, this was the most beneficial auxiliary spiritual object for Core Formation in the current immortal cultivation world. Even prodigies born with dual spiritual roots would not pass up the chance to obtain such a treasure if it came their way.

A sliver more hope meant a sliver more possibility.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a streak of light shot out from the crack of the stone door, flashing once in front of Qin Sang before splitting into three rays, each speeding off in different directions.

Three of them!

Qin Sang felt fortunate that he had not returned directly to his sect. Otherwise, facing the pressure of three Golden Core cultivators, whether he could have kept the spiritual herb would have been uncertain.

Although he ultimately failed, at least he had not given up the opportunity without a fight.

The cave dwelling fell silent for a moment before Qi Yuanshou's voice sounded again. "What do you plan to do now?"

What did he plan to do?

A trace of melancholy surfaced in Qin Sang's eyes. He bowed deeply and said, "I beg Senior Uncle Qi to show me a way forward. Is there still any chance for me... to form my core?"

Qi Yuanshou did not answer directly. "Tell me in detail, what changes occurred in your cultivation after you took those two spirit herbs? What insights did you gain?"

"After taking the herbs, the effects were slightly better than those of the Kanli Golden Pill..." Qin Sang answered respectfully.

Qi Yuanshou still did not open the cave dwelling door. Qin Sang stood outside, facing the stone door, and began recounting in full detail the changes that had occurred in his body from the moment he ingested the herbs to the moment the medicinal energy had been exhausted.

He dared not hide a single thing as it concerned his future.

"Five spiritual roots, huh..."

Qi Yuanshou sighed deeply. "It seems that spiritual fruit did not break the shackles of your innate talent after all..."

He even knows about this?

Qin Sang was secretly astonished. He had only joked once about it to Senior Brother Wen when he first joined the sect. Yet somehow, those words had reached Qi Yuanshou's ears.

He had not expected Qi Yuanshou to be paying such close attention to him.

"Innate talent..."

Qin Sang felt a surge of unwillingness. "Is there truly no path left for me? Might any of the other senior uncles or senior brothers know a method of Core Formation? I am willing to do anything!"

He still held three Yan Luo Banners of Ten Directions. Since Founder Kuiyin's banners had already been half destroyed, it was impossible to complete the full grand array; one banner was enough for him.

Even a Golden Core cultivator from Shaohua Mountain would surely find it hard to resist the temptation of an astra, right?

There was also the iron ring left behind by Daoist Jiupao.

He was not greedy, he only sought Core Formation.

To a Core Formation cultivator, trading a Core Formation method for an astra was more than a fair deal. Surely they would not refuse.

All these treasures could be offered!

As for the Nine-Illusion Heavenly Orchid, unless he was truly left with no way out, Qin Sang would never offer it. That herb represented his one sliver of hope for reaching the Spiritual Infant Realm.

Having come this far, as long as he could form his core, the Spiritual Infant Realm was no longer an unattainable dream.

Qi Yuanshou let out a short, cold laugh. "If there truly existed such superior Core Formation methods, why would they covet your Snow Spirit Lotus and Iris Flower? Today's immortal cultivation world is but a broken remnant of a once-prosperous ancient era, where natural treasures were abundant, and secret arts were everywhere. These two herbs are already the finest medicines one can hope to find today. Were it not for the bet between the two sides, would they ever have fallen into your hands? You consumed them, yet this is all the result you achieved. Even if you obtained more herbs, what difference would it make?"

Qin Sang remained silent.

After a long pause, Qi Yuanshou's voice softened slightly, turning faint and distant.

"I will leave you with two pieces of advice. They are lessons I've learned during my decades stationed at Xuanlu Stronghold."

"First: human effort has its limits; never force what cannot be."

"Countless have failed in their attempt at Core Formation, leaving behind only regret. There were plenty with dual or triple spiritual roots who fell short—how much harder would it be for you?"

"Do not let obsession drag you into the demonic path. I would rather not be forced to personally clean the mess."

"Second: each person has their own destiny."

"With your five spiritual roots, reaching the Fake Core Realm within a hundred years is already seen as a miracle by outsiders. Only those who know the truth understand: it was no accident that you survived theSutra of Profound Jade Cauldronduring your early stage of the Foundation Building Realm through sheer willpower, and endured the agonizing pain of thePrimordial Spirit Sword Nourishment.These two arts are your destined paths."

"In the future, perhaps new opportunities will present themselves to help you achieve Core Formation."

"However... as years pass without the slightest glimmer of hope, most find their fighting spirit worn away. You would do well to ask yourself honestly—does your heart of Dao remain steadfast?"

Qin Sang raised his head, answering without hesitation, "My heart is wholly dedicated to the Great Dao!"

Qi Yuanshou let out a faint hum of acknowledgment.

"In that case, I shall give you a command token of the Xuanlu Guards. With this token, you may head to Xuanlu Stronghold and join the Xuanlu Guards to accumulate some merit."

"Three years from now, when the Spirit Tide nears its end, you will have the right, by virtue of your status as a Xuanlu Guard, to enter the Ancient Immortal Battlefield at the first opportunity and patrol the hidden realms."

"At that time, as the Spirit Tide recedes, many hidden barriers will begin to reveal traces. If fortune smiles on you and you discover a few newly opened hidden realms ahead of others, you may encounter an extraordinary opportunity capable of overturning your fate."

"During these three years, you need not go out to fend off the Cloud Beast tides. Simply remain within the stronghold. Now that you have reached the Fake Core Realm, there is no need to cultivate to death. Immerse yourself among mortals, experience the joys of mortal life—there is much subtle wisdom to be gained there as well..."

A streak of flowing light flew out from the cave dwelling, landing in Qin Sang's palm. As the light faded, it revealed a Xuanlu Guards command token.

Three years.

Qin Sang gripped the command token tightly, noting the time mentioned in Qi Yuanshou's words.

In three years, the Spirit Tide would reach its peak, and then end.

The third year was also when the Ziwei Palace was scheduled to open.

The two sides had been locked in intense warfare, only to abruptly cease hostilities. It must have been connected to the opening of the Ziwei Palace. The timeline roughly matched Qin Sang's expectations.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, he lowered his head to glance at the command token. He had seen a Xuanlu Guards command token before from Yu Yangzi. The one now in his hand was identical to Yu Yangzi's, signifying the rank of a team leader.

Ever since the Spirit Tide had arrived, the ancient teleportation array of the Shangyuan Tranquility Palace had been kept active, sending off groups whenever enough numbers had been gathered. There was no rush to embark on the journey.

Still, the sooner he arrived at Xuanlu Stronghold, the better.

He also needed to carefully plan and prepare for his arrangements with Granny Jing and Wandering Man.

With this command token, he no longer had to fear being randomly conscripted for Cloud Beast hunts upon entering Xuanlu Stronghold. Moreover, once the Spirit Tide ended, he could immediately access the Ancient Immortal Battlefield to seek fortune.

It was no small favor. Qi Yuanshou had indeed gone to great lengths for him.

Grateful, Qin Sang bowed deeply and said respectfully, "This disciple will never forget Senior Uncle Qi's kindness and guidance."

"You..."

Qi Yuanshou had only just opened his mouth when he abruptly paused. A faint, nearly imperceptible sigh escaped him before he decisively issued a dismissal. "I shall soon enter seclusion and will not meet with outsiders. Now that you have the command token, head for Xuanlu Stronghold without delay. Do not tarry too long. From here on... you must fend for yourself. Go!"

Sigh...

Before Qin Sang could react, a tightness gripped his body. His vision blurred, and in the next instant, he found himself relocated to the foot of the mountain.

The mist closed behind him, veiling the peak from sight.

Standing within the haze, Gao Yang gave Qin Sang a wave before quickly retreating.

Left with no choice, Qin Sang could only temporarily set aside his questions. He would have to wait for another opportunity to seek Qi Yuanshou's guidance.

Taking flight from his sect, Qin Sang journeyed to a nameless high mountain, where he stood atop its summit for an entire day and night.

He watched the sun rise and set, the moon wax and wane.

Bit by bit, a resolute light returned to his eyes.