Chapter 148: Arts are Mere Tools

The Dao of Slaughter encompassed all things, containing within it countless paths.

Qin Sang had no idea what the correct method was for cultivating the

Primordial Spirit Sword Nourishment

. In fact, it was possible that every cultivator’s approach differed.

When Senior Qingzhu cultivated this art, in order to comprehend the killing symbol, he might have devoted himself entirely to the Dao of Slaughter, indiscriminately killing men, women, elders, children, cultivators, or mortals alike, ultimately falling into the demonic path. He might have deliberately ventured into dangerous places, risking his life to overcome his inner fears, slaying others as well as himself. Or perhaps he wandered the world with just his sword, only seeking clarity of mind. It could even have been a case of using slaughter to stop slaughter...

But this was definitely not Qin Sang's path.

Without the Jade Buddha protecting his primordial spirit and preventing the encroachment of murderous intent, meditating on the killing symbol during battle could result in his mind being overtaken by killing intent. Losing rational thought, unable to calmly analyze the situation, he would be consumed with nothing but killing, placing himself in extremely dangerous circumstances.

Qin Sang had deliberated for a long time before deciding to give this method a try.

If it proved effective, then undoubtedly, this path would be the most suitable for him.

In his view, the

Primordial Spirit Sword Nourishment

was merely a tool to aid in the improvement of his cultivation. With Senior Qingzhu’s example before him, even his mediocre talent could see a glimmer of hope in reaching the Core Formation Realm. That was why he had chosen this art, not out of yearning for the Dao of Slaughter, nor did he feel much attachment to it.

The obsession in his heart was solely for immortality.

If he could avoid it, Qin Sang certainly did not want to force himself to change his conduct and principles just for the sake of cultivating a particular art.

Just as he had willingly played the role of a furnace to achieve Foundation Building, whatever choices he made would always follow his true heart, so that he would never have regrets or complaints!

Of course, if he were left with no other options, that would be a different story.

The killing intent in the sword qi grew increasingly intense, but Qin Sang remained exceptionally calm, his heart unmoved. His sole purpose was to borrow the killing symbol to simulate killing intent, using battle to validate the killing symbol.

Boom!

Qin Sang’s mind connected with the ebony sword, and the murderous energy of the spiritual sword soared to the skies as it ruthlessly stabbed at the white rhino demon. The sword qi cut through the air like a blade.

...

The disciples at the spirit stone mine had spent a day and a night in fear. Initially, they had seen a flash of evasion light in the night sky, followed by surging waves in the Yuncang Marshlands. Even the island where the spirit stone mine was located was affected, constantly shaking. This was clear proof of the fierce battle taking place in the distance.

But by dawn, all had gone silent, and Qin Sang still had not returned.

Without word from Qin Sang, they did not dare to open the array, let alone venture out to investigate the outcome of the battle. Did the demonic beast win, or did their senior uncle prevail?

Shen Youdao hovered in the air, sticking close to the barrier of the formation, his eyes wide as he gazed longingly at the thin line where water met sky. In his heart, he repeatedly prayed for Senior Uncle Qin’s safe return, even if he came back with broken limbs, so long as he made it out alive.

"If Senior Uncle Qin doesn’t return by dawn, we’ll have to send for help from the sect!"

Shen Youdao said hoarsely, his anxiety palpable.

A cultivator at the Foundation Building Realm, facing a demonic beast whose intelligence has only just begun to develop, surely shouldn’t lack the ability to escape, right?

If Qin Sang had indeed fallen to the demonic beast, and they, the disciples, had remained hiding behind the array without daring to go out, they would surely face severe punishment from the sect. Shen Youdao, already of considerable age, had long given up on cultivating immortality. He had only hoped to amass some wealth at the spirit stone mine before returning to marry several beautiful wives and live a life of comfort. He never imagined things would take such a disastrous turn.

Suddenly, at the edge of his vision, a massive figure appeared, flying through the sky—it was that fearsome white rhino demon!

"We’re finished!"

Shen Youdao’s heart skipped a beat, his eyes went wide, and he almost fainted on the spot.

At that moment, a sudden cheer erupted from below, "Senior Uncle Qin has won! He killed the vile demon!"

"Hmm?"

Shen Youdao, who had been wondering whether he should find a woman to carry on his lineage, immediately widened his eyes upon hearing this. It was only then that he noticed a figure beneath the massive body of the demon—who else could it be but Qin Sang?

It turned out that this demon had been lifted by Qin Sang with one hand, long since devoid of life. Shen Youdao had been too anxious to notice earlier.

"Hurry! Open the array and welcome Senior Uncle Qin!"

Shen Youdao’s grin spread wide across his face.

In a blink of an eye, Qin Sang flew overhead, moving swiftly toward the island. Shen Youdao opened his mouth, ready to offer praise, but before he could speak, a voice came from above, "Take a good look. This demon has been slain by me. Report the news to the sect, and take good care of the spirit mine. Do not slack off."

With that, Qin Sang stowed the corpse of the demon into his Mustard Seed Pouch and left swiftly under the disappointed gazes of the others.

Although the Yan Luo Array of Ten Directions had trapped the demon, giving Qin Sang the upper hand, the beast’s ability to control water was formidable, and its thick hide offered incredible defense. This battle had been grueling.

Moreover, Qin Sang had purposely prolonged the fight, using it to comprehend the symbol, engaging with the demon for an entire day. Only when the beast was covered in wounds and utterly exhausted did he deliver the fatal blow. However, it had cost Qin Sang a significant amount of spirit stones and spirit pills.

After the battle, Qin Sang felt a subtle sense of gain. His understanding of the killing symbol had deepened, and he now sensed that the bottleneck before him was as thin as a membrane, ready to break through with just a nudge. This affirmed that this path was indeed viable.

However, Qin Sang knew well that the first killing symbol was, in essence, only a prelude to the entire art, guiding cultivators to choose the path that suited them best. That was why it had been relatively easy to comprehend. The subsequent steps would not be so simple.

As his evasion light streaked through the sky, Qin Sang was heading toward the location of the snake demon’s cave dwelling.

The corpse of the white rhino demon had been sealed by Qin Sang using a barrier to preserve its blood and qi. He had not yet harvested its materials, as he intended to use the body as bait to lure the snake demon out.

To a demonic beast, the corpse of another beast in the Demonic Spirit Realm was a great supplement, especially a fresh corpse brimming with blood and qi. It was an irresistible temptation.

Several days later, Qin Sang's figure quietly appeared on a treacherous peak.

The peak jutted out from the water like a blade, sharp and imposing. Qin Sang’s figure flashed, and he appeared inside a massive cave on the peak, the same cave where Senior Brother Wang had discovered the snake's shed skin.

Even after all this time, the cave still reeked of a lingering foul stench.

Qin Sang pondered for a moment, then set up the Yan Luo Array of Ten Directions at the entrance of the cave. He took large amounts of the white rhino demon's blood, scattering half into the water and continuing to trail it into the cave. Finally, he placed the corpse at the entrance, using a crude water barrier to cover the cave dwelling. Immediately, the aura of the demon dispersed into the surroundings.

With that, Qin Sang slipped into hiding, waiting in silence.

Splash!

Suddenly, water splashed violently below the peak as a giant wave surged out of nowhere, crashing against the rocky cliffs. The surface of the water then returned to calm, and a faint glimpse of a long white shadow flashed before disappearing back into the depths.

It wasn’t until the white rhino demon’s aura had spread for more than half a day that the snake demon finally showed itself. The creature was incredibly cautious, not rushing into the cave dwelling directly. Instead, every one or two hours, it stirred up the water with small disturbances.

"This snake demon seems to have quite a high level of intelligence."

Qin Sang remained still, observing silently, his mind deep in thought.