Chapter 1329: Opening the Altar to Lecture on the Dharma

"Try this array diagram." Qingjun took out the Devil-Binding Chain and a new array diagram.

Only then did Qin Sang learn that Qingjun had spent these years comprehending the Devil-Binding Chain.

Last time, Qingjun had restored an array diagram based on Qin Sang’s rubbing. It allowed her to activate the Devil-Binding Chain, but only part of its power could be unleashed, and there were major restrictions when using it.

Later, Qingjun had exchanged insights with Bai and made new discoveries, but she only had time to enter seclusion after the great battle ended.

Judging from Qingjun’s confident expression, she was clearly very satisfied with this array diagram.

Qin Sang activated the fire lotus seed and summoned the devilish flames.

Whoosh! The devilish flames had only just appeared when Qin Sang’s vision blurred. Dozens of long, snake-like phantoms of the Devil-Binding Chain shot out from Qingjun’s hand.

In an instant, the devilish flames were completely surrounded by the phantoms. They shrank into a fireball, trapped inside the cage formed by the Devil-Binding Chain.

Qin Sang was startled. He had not even noticed when Qingjun had set up the array diagram.

He still remembered that last time, Qingjun had needed to make preparations in advance, making it very impractical on the battlefield. This time, it was astonishingly fast!

He looked at Qingjun and found that the array diagram was now floating above her head.

The array diagram and the Devil-Binding Chain in her hand had formed an intimate connection, giving the impression that they were one seamless whole, with no distinction between them.

Seeing Qin Sang’s astonished expression, Qingjun explained, "Our previous conjecture was wrong. We thought the array diagram and the Devil-Binding Chain were two separate things, but in truth, they were meant to be one. I changed my approach, and sure enough, it worked. The moment the Devil-Binding Chain was activated, the array diagram could be triggered at once. There was no need to set up the array in advance. Try it..."

Qingjun handed the Devil-Binding Chain to Qin Sang and taught him how to activate it. After testing it, he found that it was indeed so.

Qin Sang was overjoyed. "Even the original array diagram couldn’t have been faster than this, could it? With this, the Devil-Binding Chain has become far more practical. If used by surprise, even an ancient devil of extraordinary strength would find it difficult to evade."

Qingjun nodded. "Exactly. When I was comprehending the array diagram, this was precisely the point I focused on. Time was limited, and part of the array diagram still hasn’t been fully understood. The Devil-Binding Chain’s current power is merely passable, but it is usable!"

"There are still four years. Senior Sister, you’ll definitely be able to further perfect the array diagram," Qin Sang said expectantly.

He hurriedly memorized the array diagram. In the future, when he repaired the black iron column, he could borrow Qingjun’s line of thought and recreate the Devil-Sealing Pillar.

With the Devil-Binding Chain in hand, he would have a little more confidence the next time he faced Old Devil Ye.

Qin Sang stayed in Peach Blossom Valley for several days, cooperating with Qingjun as she continued comprehending the Devil-Binding Chain. Afterward, he hurriedly left again and headed for Xuling Sect.

At the forbidden ground, Fire-Hating Pavilion, Qin Sang and Bing Han sat facing each other, while the mysterious white copper hovered between them.

Bing Han’s eyes were tightly closed as she used a secret technique to investigate it.

Not long afterward, Bing Han slowly opened her eyes.

"How is it?" Qin Sang asked.

After much thought, he had decided to consult Bing Han before refining the astra and ask her for assistance.

Bing Han pondered for a while before saying, "Daoist Qin, your analysis was correct. At most, I could only reach this point as well. However, I do have some thoughts that you may use as reference."

Qin Sang thought inwardly that he had made the right decision in coming here and quickly said, "I hope you won’t withhold your guidance. I will certainly offer generous thanks!"

"Daoist Qin, you have spent so much effort on this. It seems like you intend to refine an extraordinary astra." Bing Han glanced at the white copper, then changed her tone. "However, I can only offer you a few suggestions and would not dare claim credit. If you find them useful, I do have a presumptuous request. Would you be willing to leave behind a copy of your insights of artifact refinement in Xuling Sect?"

Qin Sang naturally agreed at once. He could do it now.

He had studied artifact refinement in Xuling Sect, so this could be considered repaying kindness with kindness.

Bing Han said, "Important matters come first. There is no rush. It won’t be too late after you have refined this astra. In addition, if you are willing to give the juniors some guidance, that would be even better."

Qin Sang thought for a moment. "After I finish refining the treasure, I will open an altar and lecture on the Dao of artifact refinement at Yuanshen Sect. I will also take the opportunity to organize my own understanding. When the time comes, Xuling Sect disciples may come and listen!"[1]

***

Two years later, a figure flew out of Xuling Sect.

It was Qin Sang.

His expression was relaxed, and there was a faint smile in his eyes, as though he had encountered some great joyous event.

That was indeed the case!

After ten years of arduous study, six years of preparation, and another full two years of seclusion in the mountain within the mountain, Qin Sang had finally refined that astra!

He had received successive assistance from his senior sister and Bing Han, and he had also borrowed the power of the devilish flames and fire at Xuling Sect.

After flying out of Xuling Sect, Qin Sang paused slightly. He spread open his palm, summoned the astra, and admired it carefully for a long while. Then he laughed aloud and sped away, clearly extremely satisfied with this astra.

Not long after he left, Xuling Sect suddenly fell into a commotion. Disciples rushed about spreading the news that Qin Sang was going to open an altar and lecture on the Dharma.

Three months later.

Yuanshen Sect.

The disciples of Xuling Sect, Yuanshen Sect, and Qingyang Temple gathered at Yuanshen Sect. Regardless of whether they were proficient in artifact refinement, none of them wanted to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Li Yufu finished handling his trivial affairs early and waited at Yuanshen Sect.

Shangguan Lifeng, Mei Gu, Tan Yi’en, and the others arrived one after another.

"Senior Brother, I heard Master will only lecture on artifact refinement this time and won’t touch on anything else?"

Mei Gu had been traveling through the desert. After receiving Li Yufu’s message, she had hurried back.

Shangguan Lifeng was somewhat disappointed. "He won’t lecture on the Sword Dao?"

After Qin Sang passed the Qingzhu Sword Scripture to him, he ordered him to comprehend it on his own. Even when Qin Sang occasionally gave him pointers, he only touched on the subject briefly.

Shangguan Lifeng knew Qin Sang was tempering him, but he did not know what level he had to reach before meeting Qin Sang’s expectations.

"That’s right. This time, he will only lecture on artifact refinement. However, there is no need for you to be anxious. In a few more years, Senior Uncle will open a dojo!" Li Yufu revealed a mysterious smile.

Everyone hurriedly asked why.

"According to the customs of Beichen Realm, when a Spiritual Infant grandmaster establishes a sect, he must invite fellow Daoists far and wide to witness the ceremony and strengthen his prestige. As a return gift, he must publicly lecture on the Dao for at least three days. When the time comes, the gates will be opened wide, and ten thousand cultivators will gather. It will certainly be a grand event. Today is merely a rehearsal!"

Seeing that Mei Gu and the others were indeed full of excitement, Li Yufu smiled inwardly and continued, "The Dao of artifact refinement is also part of the Great Dao. If you can gain some comprehension from it, it will greatly benefit your future cultivation. That is why I told you to hurry back."

***

The next morning, on a mountain before Yuanshen Sect’s forbidden ground.

The disciples of the three factions gathered on the mountain. Some sat, while others stood. Qi Refining, Foundation Building, and Golden Core cultivators were all present, filling the mountains and plains in a truly spectacular scene.

Even Bing Han and Qingjun had emerged from seclusion and come to listen.

The mountain was utterly silent. Everyone held their breath and looked expectantly at the empty stone platform on the summit.

Just then, demonic qi surged into the sky outside Yuanshen Sect. Jingyu had actually led the demons of Thousand-Mountain Bamboo Sea here to listen to the lecture as well.

Seeing the gathered great demons, the disciples of the Yuanshen Sect and Xuling Sect fell into a commotion, while Li Yufu and the others went forward to welcome them warmly.

Purple qi came from the east. A figure appeared out of thin air on the stone platform.

Li Yufu stepped forward. "We respectfully welcome Senior Uncle as he begins his lecture on the Dao of artifact refinement!"

Everyone bowed in unison.

Qin Sang sat upright on the stone platform. He nodded to his senior sister, Jingyu, and Bing Han, then let his gaze fall upon the cultivators of the three factions and said calmly, "Today, I will speak only of artifact refinement."

1. Opening an altar is usually used in Christian setting, when an invitation is gestured for people to come to the front during a service. In this case, it's used in a Daoist setting, where people are invited to listen to the lecture on Dharma. ☜

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