Gateway of Immortality-Chapter 280: The Guiyuan Array

Qin Sang’s goal was to gain Yu Kong’s trust, and the first step was to demonstrate his worth and show some strength. Ideally, he wanted to draw Yu Kong to approach him first.

His second objective was to make sure that Yu Kong and the others knew he was not someone to be trifled with, so that when danger arose, he would not be treated as cannon fodder.

This had been Qin Sang’s plan all along. Otherwise, in his true nature, he would never have been so high-profile, drawing attention to himself.

Showcasing his strength was necessary, but it couldn’t be overdone.

With the ebony sword and the Thousand-Mechanism Sword Array, he had enough power to intimidate them.

He couldn’t reveal the Yan Luo Banner, the jade ruyi talisman astra, or the Nine-Dragon Heavenly Chariot Talisman—those methods had to remain hidden.

The ebony sword forced Yan Wu back. With a whoosh, it flew back, flashing briefly before Qin Sang recalled it into his body.

The circular sword array was still hovering in the air. Only after a brief moment did the sword qi dissipate, but the intense sword intent lingered in the air, leaving everyone feeling its pressure for a long time.

Everyone’s expressions were different.

As soon as the ebony sword appeared, Shangguan Lifeng’s eyes lit up. His gaze fixed firmly on the sword, and he didn’t look away until Qin Sang had stored it away. At that point, his eyes revealed a strong battle intent, though he quickly suppressed it.

"Good sword!"

The Xiu Sisters exchanged a glance, and out of respect for strength, even though Xiu Zhiying remained cold and Xiu Zhirui still maintained her charming demeanor, both softened slightly and cupped their hands in respect to Qin Sang.

"Daoist Master Qingfeng’s swordsmanship is truly divine. I admire it greatly."

Only Yan Wu seemed to be humiliated by Qin Sang’s display, his face turning a dark shade of iron.

Had he fought directly, Yan Wu might not have been so embarrassed.

He wanted to save face, but he knew deep down that since the Daoist had revealed his life-bound spiritual sword, it was very likely that he possessed even more powerful techniques.

Rashly stepping forward would only lead to disgrace.

Yan Wu cast a cold, sullen glance at Qin Sang, snorted disdainfully, and without a word, turned and walked into the room, slamming the door shut with a bang.

The Xiu Sisters and Shangguan Lifeng also returned to their rooms. After all, they were strangers to each other and not familiar, so there was no need for idle chatter.

Despite Yan Wu’s hostility, Qin Sang remained calm, while Yu Kong, as though he hadn’t noticed Yan Wu’s actions, cupped his hands and praised, "Daoist Master, what a marvelous sword! What excellent swordsmanship! With your help and the aid of several fellow Daoists, how could we not succeed in our endeavor?"

"Daoist Master, please rest in this room for now. Just open the barrier, and you need not worry about being disturbed. You can focus on your cultivation in peace." Yu Kong led Qin Sang to an empty room and explained how to control the room’s barrier.

Qin Sang looked around and found the room cramped, furnished in a very simple manner. The space was small, only about a quarter the size of an ordinary room, and there was only a single meditation mat inside.

Yu Kong explained, "Cave dwellings in Xihuang Town are extremely expensive. My humble means can only afford to rent this small courtyard. I’ve given the largest room to the Xiu Sisters. The others are indeed a bit cramped, so I hope you won’t mind."

"For cultivators like us, a place to rest is all that is needed," Qin Sang replied, shaking his head to show that he didn’t mind.

He then asked with some curiosity, "Daoist Yu, I heard from the old manager that you are proficient in an array technique that can reliably help us pass through the protective array and enter Qiuhong Market. May I ask the name of this array, and when do we begin practicing it?"

Yu Kong lightly tapped his forehead, chuckling with self-reproach, "I nearly forgot to mention it, Daoist Master! It seems that I got so excited by seeing your great strength and the immense help you’ve brought, that I let this important matter slip my mind..."

Though Qin Sang knew that Yu Kong was pretending, it was clear that his flattery was quite effective. Most people, no matter how composed, would likely feel a little pleased at such praise.

Yu Kong was good at winning people’s favor.

Qin Sang remained cautious and humbly replied, "I have humble skills, far from your level, Daoist. As long as you don’t mind my weakness, I will do my utmost to maintain the array and follow your lead."

Yu Kong nodded slightly.

"To be honest, the old manager may have exaggerated. The array I’m familiar with is called the Guiyuan Array. Its power is not as great as the old manager described. However, since I’ve entered Qiuhong Market once before and gained some understanding of the protective array, I’m confident in our chances. Also, this array requires at least nine people to exert its full power. With you included, we already have six people. We just need to recruit three more, and then we can begin practicing the array."

Like the Nine Radiant Galaxy Array, the Guiyuan Array also requires nine people to form the array.

However, nine was the extreme number, so it was entirely normal. Qin Sang nodded, not asking further questions.

Yu Kong seemed very interested in Qin Sang and did not rush to leave. Instead, he subtly tried to probe into Qin Sang’s background.

"I’ve been active outside Xuanlu Stronghold for some time. I heard there was an ancient herb garden discovered here, and that spiritual herbs had appeared, so I hurried over. I didn’t expect Qiuhong Market to have so many mysteries. If I’d known, I would’ve invited a few more friends along, and wouldn’t be in such an awkward position..." Qin Sang said, his face showing frustration.

Yu Kong shook his head and sighed. "I didn’t expect rumors to have spread all the way to Xuanlu Stronghold."

"Daoist Yu, you also consider it a rumor?"

Qin Sang feigned surprise and asked eagerly, "Is it true that there are no spiritual herbs in Qiuhong Market?"

Yu Kong’s gaze flickered, but his expression remained calm. He glanced at Qin Sang and replied with certainty, "It’s indeed a rumor. Every time a hidden realm like Qiuhong Market appears, such rumors spread. This time, however, the rumors have spread so widely that many Daoists, like yourself, have been deceived. If someone says there are a few spiritual herbs hidden in a certain Spirit Treasure Pavilion in Qiuhong Market, that could be true. But the rumor claims there is a hidden herb garden that has never been discovered—anyone who has been to Qiuhong Market would never believe it. I don’t know what the purpose of spreading such a rumor is, or what the rat behind it seeks."

From Yu Kong’s words, Qin Sang could detect no deception. After arriving in Xihuang Town, he had inquired several times and found that the information he received was similar to what Yu Kong had just said.

A thought flashed through Qin Sang’s mind. He didn’t forget to continue playing along with Yu Kong, furrowing his brow in thought and staying silent.

Yu Kong, noticing Qin Sang’s demeanor, offered reassurance. "Daoist Master, you need not worry. Even if the herb garden is just a rumor, Qiuhong Market still contains many hidden treasures, including spiritual herbs and pills. I happen to know a few things. If you are interested, once we enter Qiuhong Market, we can continue cooperating. We can divide the treasures fairly according to our needs. What do you think?"

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"Uhh..."

Qin Sang hadn’t expected the ebony sword’s effect to be so effective. On just the first day, Yu Kong was already extending an invitation.

He was tempted to accept, but it didn’t align with the cautious persona he had been cultivating in front of the old manager. Reluctantly, he decided to pass on this opportunity, his face showing hesitation.

"You don’t need to rush to answer, Daoist Master."

Yu Kong stepped toward the door, speaking as he walked. "We still have plenty of time together. In due course, you will come to know my character."

Qin Sang let out a quiet sigh of relief and nodded vigorously.