The Elemental Star Stones on Zhitian Peak were the key to setting up the Small Polaris Array and entering Ziwei Palace.

In the past, Small Cold Domain and Tianxing Alliance had treated Zhitian Peak as a battlefield of rivalry, deciding through contest which side would provide the remaining spiritual materials for the array.

Qin Sang had secretly brought Qingjun inside and ambushed an elder of Yuanshen Sect. Only then had he learned that a teleportation array had been hidden within, linking to another immortal residence.

That immortal residence had once been under the Yuanshen Sect’s control. Now, it had likely fallen into Qingjun’s hands.

They arrived before the grave. After offering their respects, they returned to the wooden house.

Qingjun said, "The immortal residence and the teleportation array are still there. But entering Zhitian Peak is not easy. Both domains must decide together to open the peak’s barrier before the teleportation array can take effect. And the key to opening the barrier is not held by one or two factions alone. Everyone must agree..."

"So that’s how it is..." Qin Sang frowned.

No wonder Qingjun had been certain she could ambush the Yuanshen Sect cultivators at Zhitian Peak. They too would have needed to wait for the barrier to open before entering to steal the Elemental Star Stones.

"Will the two domains organize another contest and take the Elemental Star Stones in advance?" Qin Sang asked after a moment of thought.

Qingjun shook her head. "The two domains joined forces against Sin Abyss. They do not want internal conflict to flare up again, so they abolished the contest system. Before Ziwei Palace last emerged, they opened Zhitian Peak together to retrieve the stones. The spiritual materials for the array were also split evenly between the two domains. Unless some new opportunity arises, this arrangement is unlikely to change."

"This..." The answer far exceeded Qin Sang’s expectations. He had not imagined that entering Zhitian Peak would involve so many complications.

If he had to wait until the next emergence of Ziwei Palace and then slip into Zhitian Peak, who knew how many years that would take?

Although Ziwei Palace had shown unusual activity recently and its intervals of emergence had shortened, the pattern remained impossible to predict. Even taking the shortest interval as reference, it equaled the time he had been trapped in Canglang Sea, more than one hundred thirty years.

He had returned for less than thirty years. His cultivation was about to reach the peak of the Golden Core Realm. Was he supposed to stare at the Du’e Pill and wait another century?

"Has there been any sign of a Spirit Tide in the Ancient Immortal Battlefield?" Qin Sang thought.

Each previous emergence has come sooner than the last. Will Ziwei Palace appear even earlier this time? Qin Sang thought.

Qingjun saw through his thoughts. "We had similar suspicions. We have sent people to monitor changes in the Ancient Immortal Battlefield. So far, there has been no news. It likely will not come as quickly as we imagined. But if you absolutely need Zhitian Peak, there may be another way. It depends on whether you have the courage... " Her tone shifted with subtle meaning.

Qin Sang was startled and pressed urgently, "Senior Sister, what method do you have in mind?"

Anyone who had cultivated to this level was not timid. The question was whether it was worth the risk.

"Do you remember when the cultivators of the two domains were ambushed by Sin Abyss at the celestial array outside Ziwei Palace?" She pointed at him.

"If you and that disciple of the Taiyi Core Sect had not warned everyone in advance and exposed the Wuji Sect's leader as a traitor, the two domains would have suffered catastrophic losses. The Sin Abyss might already rule the region.

"No matter what, the cultivators of both domains acknowledge your contribution. I owe you as well. While in Ziwei Palace, they decided to reward you both.

"That Taiyi Core Sect disciple used his merit to repay his sect. After you disappeared inside Ziwei Palace, Dongyang Bo likely had no face to claim your credit, so the matter faded away.

"So much time has passed that you may not gain great benefits from it. However, persuading them to open Zhitian Peak and allow you to enter to absorb star essence should be possible. Since the great array in the inner hall of Ziwei Palace changed, the power of the outer celestial array has weakened as well. In the future, entry into Ziwei Palace may not require the Small Polaris Array at all. Zhitian Peak is no longer as critical as before.

"Sin Abyss has begun stirring again. The two domains are preparing to assemble at Cangheng Island in Yuncang Marshlands to discuss resistance. I returned for this matter.

"You may come with me." After speaking, Qingjun smiled at Qin Sang with a playful glint in her eyes, as though amused at his predicament. It was an expression she had rarely shown before, one that suited her youthful appearance.

Cangheng Island was a large island within Yuncang Marshlands. It had once been obscure, but after the alliance between the two domains, its location between their territories made it ideal as a meeting place.

As relations thawed, trade between cultivators flourished. A sizable city soon formed on the island, and in recent years it had grown increasingly prosperous.

"Dongyang Bo will be there as well, I assume?" Qin Sang asked with a bitter smile. He understood why Qingjun had teased him. He had not yet reached the Spiritual Infant Realm. Appearing before Dongyang Bo now would be like walking into a trap.

Qingjun nodded. "Not long after leaving Ziwei Palace last time, Dongyang Bo’s cultivation advanced significantly. Although Daoist Master Chongyi raised two Spiritual Infant juniors for the Taiyi Core Sect, he himself had made little progress for years. In Small Cold Domain, Dongyang Bo’s strength ranks just below Devil Lord Tongyou. Among the righteous path, he stands as leader. Of course he will attend."

"How do you compare to Dongyang Bo, Senior Sister?" Qin Sang asked, seeing her good mood and growing curious.

He had never been able to see through Qingjun. Dongyang Bo’s strength had shocked him as well. No wonder Shaohua Mountain’s status had continued to rise. Dongyang Bo now dominated the righteous path and was undoubtedly at the middle stage of the Spiritual Infant Realm.

Facing such a formidable enemy, Qin Sang would only dare appear openly after forming his Spiritual Infant. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Qingjun smiled. "From what I know of Dongyang Bo, his recent breakthrough likely hid something unusual. We shall see. If you stay by my side, he will not dare to attack you publicly. You are now an elder of Yuanshen Sect. After returning, cultivate there and focus on preparing for your Spiritual Infant Realm's breakthrough. Dongyang Bo’s ability as a master is far inferior to Daoist Master Chongyi’s. None of his disciples have reached the Spiritual Infant Realm. The palace master of Shangyuan Tranquility Palace, who advances in step with Shaohua Mountain, has shown little improvement as well. With your strength, you don't need to fear them."

Qin Sang thought to himself that his senior sister truly concealed her depth.

He rose and paced back and forth, pondering. After a while, he decided. "Thank you, Senior Sister! I will accompany you to Cangheng Island!"

With her shielding him from Dongyang Bo, he could seize this opportunity. This concerned his Spiritual Infant breakthrough. How could he hesitate now? At worst, he would remain hidden until he succeeded.

The pills assisting Spiritual Infant formation had already been prepared for him by Wandering Man. He had acquired most of the remaining spiritual materials.

From Qingjun's tone, Sin Abyss would soon return. Turmoil loomed. He had to break through as soon as possible.

"The alliance assembly will take place in one month. Make your preparations," Qingjun said with a nod.

Afterward, Qin Sang inquired further about the situation.

Qingjun pondered and said, "It is unclear what Sin Abyss is planning. As for Small Cold Domain, during the years I was absent, I heard of a major event upon returning. Cunyang Sect recently split apart."

"Cunyang Sect split?" Qin Sang had long heard of unrest within Cunyang Sect. He had not expected the division to come so quickly.

In recent years he had devoted himself to cultivation and comprehending the sword scripture. He had rarely concerned himself with external affairs and had heard little news.