Gateway of Immortality

Unexpectedly, Shopkeeper Wu recognized it at a glance and exclaimed in shock, "These are Profound Yin Thunderbolts!"

Seeing Qin Sang's puzzled look, Shopkeeper Wu took the initiative to explain, "Artifact refinement may be a small branch of study, but as you focus on the path of cultivation, Daoist Qin, you may not have heard of the Profound Yin Thunderbolts. Several thousand years ago, Profound Yin Thunderbolts were famous demonic artifacts, originating from a demonic sect called the Youshen Sect. These artifacts once struck fear into righteous cultivators. In the world of immortal cultivation, they were as renowned as Heavenly Thunderbolts. After the fall of the Youshen Sect, the method of refining these thunderbolts was lost, and it's been many years since they’ve been seen..."

As Shopkeeper Wu spoke, he moved closer, holding the Profound Yin Thunderbolts with great admiration, examining them over and over again, as if he wanted to engrave their details into his eyes. His face was filled with fascination as he repeatedly praised, "What fine artifacts! Such exquisite craftsmanship!"

Qin Sang nodded. "I obtained them from a demonic cultivator. What’s so special about these Profound Yin Thunderbolts?"

Shopkeeper Wu, now serious, replied, "It's fortunate that Daoist Qin didn’t allow that demonic cultivator to activate the Profound Yin Thunderbolts! These are one-time-use artifacts, just like the ones I mentioned earlier. With a mere activation of the barrier using one's spiritual consciousness, they can be detonated, unleashing terrifying power. Their might is astounding, and even a Foundation Building cultivator could be severely injured if caught off guard. The only downside is that their range is somewhat limited. The core explosion covers only about one zhang, with the residual impact much weaker."

Hearing this, Qin Sang couldn't help but feel a chill. Back at the bottom of Yuanzhao Peak, when he fell into the Soul-Devouring Array of Three Calamities, he hadn’t witnessed the full explosion, and he hadn’t realized that even a Foundation Building cultivator could hardly withstand it.

The power of the Profound Yin Thunderbolts was far greater than he had imagined.

The two Profound Yin Thunderbolts that Zhao Yan had must have been given to him by Yi Tianye as a defensive measure. To secure the Nine-Illusion Heavenly Orchid, Yi Tianye had clearly spared no expense.

If he hadn’t reacted quickly and fled, he might have been reduced to dust by now.

When the snake demon broke free from the Yan Luo Array of Ten Directions, Qin Sang had been planning to use the Profound Yin Thunderbolts to force it back. However, after some hesitation, he refrained from doing so—fortunately, as it would have been a terrible waste.

After letting Shopkeeper Wu admire the thunderbolts to his heart's content, Qin Sang finally stored them back in his Mustard Seed Pouch.

Shopkeeper Wu, knowing that Qin Sang wouldn't let him keep the Profound Yin Thunderbolts for research, could only watch longingly as Qin Sang tucked them away.

"As Daoist Wu suggested, let’s go ahead and refine an Essence-Devouring Spike! How much will it cost?"

Qin Sang quickly made up his mind. He wasn’t short of top-grade artifacts; what he lacked were life-saving measures for critical situations. No matter how valuable the materials, as long as they served their purpose, he didn’t mind using them.

Shopkeeper Wu responded, "To be honest, Daoist Qin, there is no guarantee of success in artifact refinement, and the grade can vary. I cannot ask for payment upfront. Therefore, we would need to establish some terms beforehand. Of course, I will do my utmost, but if you are concerned, then perhaps we shouldn't proceed..."

Qin Sang understood. Just like breaking through cultivation stages, there were no guarantees of success. If it were that simple, the path of immortal cultivation would be far too easy.

No one intentionally wanted to fail. Given Shopkeeper Wu’s dedication to artifact refinement, it was unlikely he would act against his own interests.

Pointing at the snake demon’s remains, Qin Sang asked, "When refining the Essence-Devouring Spike, are there any materials here that won’t be needed?"

Shopkeeper Wu glanced over and said, "The fangs, scales, and bones should leave behind some excess. I could help you refine a few smaller artifacts from them."

Qin Sang shook his head and lightly gestured with his hand. "You can have them, Daoist Wu. Would it be possible for me to observe your artifact refinement process?"

"Uhh..."

Shopkeeper Wu hesitated. These materials were indeed valuable, especially the fangs, of which at least half would remain. If added to a future refinement of a spiritual sword, they could significantly boost its power.

"Don't worry, Daoist Wu. I'll only watch and ask no questions. I’m simply curious to observe the refinement process. If anything involves your family's secret techniques, I will step aside."

Qin Sang was genuinely interested in artifact refinement and alchemy, hoping to broaden his knowledge.

He knew his limitations. Given his talent, it was impossible to divert his focus to other pursuits. However, many low-grade artifacts had extraordinary effects. If he could learn a few techniques, it would save him the trouble of relying on others.

In the end, Shopkeeper Wu couldn't resist the temptation and smiled bitterly. "These are just rudimentary methods, nothing too secretive. If Daoist Qin doesn't mind the mess of this humble abode, please follow me."

…

Ten days later.

Qin Sang walked out of Wenyue Market, riding his Sky Shuttle. Transforming into a streak of evasion light, he flew past the gate of Shaohua Mountain without entering, heading straight for the Guyuan Kingdom.

When he reached a secluded area, Qin Sang raised his hand, and a small, palm-sized horn appeared in his palm.

The horn curved slightly upward, resembling a rhino horn but much smaller after being refined. The entire horn was a translucent water-blue, with golden patterns spiraling around it. At the very tip, there was a sharp spike, shining with a faint green glow.

This was the Essence-Devouring Spike refined by Wu.

Qin Sang inspected the Essence-Devouring Spike briefly before storing it in his Mustard Seed Pouch, a thoughtful expression on his face. He had observed the entire refining process and, as he expected, artifact refinement was extremely complex and required significant time and effort—precisely the resources he lacked.

It was said that pill forging was even more difficult than artifact refinement.

As payment for the Essence-Devouring Spike, Qin Sang had left his nearly worn-out Chi Dragon Sword with Shopkeeper Wu for a year of study. After breaking through to the Foundation Building Realm, Qin Sang had noticed that the barrier on the sword was not demonic in origin but a unique form of artifact refinement barrier.

Shopkeeper Wu had been obsessed with the Chi Dragon Sword, so he was delighted by the opportunity. In return, he gifted Qin Sang a book of artifact refining insights, which might prove useful in the future when Qin Sang attempted to craft his life-bound astra.

As he neared the Guyuan Kingdom, Qin Sang grew frustrated with the slow speed of the Sky Shuttle and summoned his Ebony Sword. Transforming into a streak of sword light, his speed instantly increased significantly.

He hadn’t returned for over a month, and it felt as if he had left his child alone at home. No matter what, he couldn’t shake his unease, his mind constantly gnawed by worry.

Upon returning to his cave dwelling and seeing that the Nine-Illusion Heavenly Orchid was safe and sound, Qin Sang finally felt a sense of relief. He squatted by the pool, scooping up a handful of water, and muttered, "I wonder when the spiritual spring will take form. Until then, how can I feel at ease leaving?"

…

Sealing off his cave dwelling, Qin Sang sat in the lotus position.

Although he had let the snake demon go, the fierce battle had been even more intense than the one with the white rhino demon, and the insights he gained were much deeper, especially regarding the killing symbol.

Entering a meditative state, Qin Sang visualized the killing symbol, which seemed much more solid than before.

The extreme intent of slaughter was channeled into his primordial spirit, where it tempered his spiritual sword.

At that moment, a trace of joy suddenly appeared on Qin Sang’s face. The bottleneck that had troubled him was finally breaking. With just a period of dedicated cultivation, he would smoothly break through, engraving the killing symbol onto his sword and forging his life-bound spiritual sword!

As the seasons changed, time passed day by day. Qin Sang returned to his previous routine, rarely leaving his cave dwelling except for a monthly visit to Huilong Temple. He remained in seclusion for nearly a year until one day, a Sound Transmission Talisman arrived from Huilong Temple.

Qin Sang happened to be at Huilong Temple. After receiving the Sound Transmission Talisman and reading its contents, he pondered for a long while before setting off toward Shaohua Mountain in a streak of evasion light.

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