"Founding a sect really isn’t a simple matter," Qin Sang muttered.

After arranging matters for Devilish Flame Sect, Qin Sang set out on his return journey.

Thinking back on how busy he had been these past few days, he actually felt somewhat tired and could not help but sigh inwardly.

Being the supreme authority of a sect, having one’s words carry absolute weight and commands obeyed without question, enjoying the worship of thousands of disciples. Just imagining it felt quite satisfying. Yet in the end, it was not what he truly pursued.

His original intention had only been to accept a few capable disciples. Fortunately, he already had several people he could rely on. Li Yufu and Mei Gu were both capable of standing on their own and would become the backbone of the sect in the future.

Zhao Shanran and Tan Yi’en had slightly poorer talent, but Qin Sang did not lack Malevolent Demonic Pills and intended to help them form their Golden Cores.

Both of them also possessed good character. One assisted Mei Gu and was familiar with the sect’s internal affairs, while the other was socially adept and well suited for handling the sect’s various external and internal matters.

Moreover, Qingyang Temple possessed an advantage similar to that of Yuling Sect, something other sects could not compare with.

By forming an alliance with the demon race within Thousand-Mountain Bamboo Sea, disciples of the sect could attempt to gain the recognition of spirit beasts, thereby establishing a sect that spanned both the human race and the demon race.

As long as the ancient teleportation array still existed, there would be a steady supply of Malevolent Demonic Pills in the future.

Of course, compared to the great and established sects, Qingyang Temple was still far behind, especially in terms of foundation and successors. Even Li Yufu, the one with the highest cultivation, was only at the early stage of the Core Formation Realm. He was still very far from the Spiritual Infant Realm.

Qin Sang understood clearly that none of this could be rushed. With him present, Qingyang Temple’s strength would gradually increase. The framework had already been established. All that remained was to find a place rich in spiritual qi to serve as the sect’s gate.

In the future, Qin Sang would not devote too much of his energy to the sect. His own cultivation was the true foundation.

On the way back, Qin Sang once again detoured past Shaohua Mountain, hoping to see Mu Yifeng.

Last time he had not managed to meet him either. Mu Yifeng had become an ascetic cultivator who spent most of his time in seclusion.

Back then, Qin Sang had not dared to contact Mu Yifeng recklessly, as doing so might have implicated him.

This time, however, Shaohua Mountain had already sealed itself off. Qin Sang still failed to see him.

After thinking about it for a moment, Qin Sang did not feel particularly anxious.

Mu Yifeng would surely go to the front lines sooner or later. If he was there, they could meet then. Qin Sang’s strength was no longer what it had once been. Ensuring Mu Yifeng’s safety would not be difficult.

Afterward, Qin Sang returned to Yuanshen Sect. He planned to wait until he completed the first step of his cultivation art, projecting all the killing symbols into the sword soul and placing the technique firmly on the proper path before venturing out again.

Unexpectedly, when Qin Sang returned, he discovered that the gluttonous and lustful bird duo had arrived and had already been waiting for him for many days.

"Master! You’ve finally returned! I have waited so bitterly! One day apart feels like three years. A year apart feels like—" The fat chicken rushed forward with a fawning expression, speaking endlessly.

Halfway through his speech, he realized that his mouth was moving but no sound was coming out. Seeing Qin Sang’s displeased expression, he immediately understood and quickly shut his beak.

"The white crane didn’t come with you. Where did he go?" No sooner had Qin Sang asked the question than he heard a crane’s cry from afar. The white crane flew over alongside a brilliantly colored spirit bird.

Halfway through the flight, the white crane waved his wings gracefully and bid farewell. The bird lingered reluctantly, her cry filled with sorrow.

"Greetings, Master." The white crane did not dare to behave too flamboyantly in front of Qin Sang and appeared very respectful.

Qin Sang sneered. "You dare to flirt everywhere, even in human territory. I think you’re tired of living! Weren’t you only interested in seducing descendants of the Phoenix Clan? Even a spirit bird at the Ordinary Demon Realm that only recently awakened her intelligence can make you linger?"

The white crane sighed deeply. "The demon race of this world is truly disappointing. I haven’t even seen a single phoenix-blood descendant, so I can only settle for second best. Although she is only at the Ordinary Demon Realm, her wings are exceptionally well formed, straight and elegant, with clearly defined feather patterns. The curve of her beak is breathtaking, especially captivating to the soul. Of course, she also has several flaws. Her plumage colors are overly flamboyant, the color patches are too chaotic, her voice lacks crispness, and so on. But even so, she is quite rare..."

As he spoke, he smacked his beak. A hint of melancholy appeared on the white crane’s face. Having fallen into this place, he did not know when he would be able to return to his homeland in glory. Qin Sang had also imposed a strict order forbidding him from mentioning anything about the Demonic Sea.

Qin Sang’s eyelid twitched. The lustful bird spoke with such authority, yet Qin Sang could not see what made that spirit bird any prettier than the others.

"Speak. What is the matter?" Ignoring the white crane’s lingering melancholy, Qin Sang turned toward the fat chicken.

"Reporting to Master, Elder Willow sent the two of us here. The Feathered Demon King sent word that a council will soon be held in Wanyao City. He asked whether you and the bamboo demon senior have time to attend. It is not mandatory." The fat chicken handed Qin Sang a jade slip.

Qin Sang’s eyes flickered. "Has something changed on the battlefield?"

The fat chicken hesitated. "Elder Macaque just sent back news. Everything at the front seems normal for now.

After examining the jade slip, Qin Sang discovered that one of the purposes of this meeting was actually related to Ziwei Palace.

After pondering for a moment, Qin Sang nodded. "Very well. Go back and inform Elder Willow that I will personally make a trip to Wanyao City."

"Master, Master..." The fat chicken leaned closer with a flattering expression. "If you appear as a demon king without a mount or attendants by your side, wouldn’t that weaken your prestige? The two of us have decent cultivation. Why not let us stay by your side? If there are small matters, we can also help you handle them."

"What a lackey!" Even the white crane could not stand it and mocked quietly before quickly scurrying over as well.

After thinking for a moment, Qin Sang agreed. The fat chicken had roamed the demonic domain for many years. Bringing the two of them along would prevent Qin Sang from accidentally revealing flaws due to unfamiliarity with the region.

Qin Sang simply decided not to return to Yuanshen Sect and instead continued northward, now accompanied by two birds.

He passed by Li Yufu’s cave dwelling along the way. Li Yufu and Tan Yi’en came out to greet him and delivered some good news.

"Senior Uncle, Hanqiu has sensed the opportunity to break through to the Foundation Building Realm and is currently in seclusion attempting the breakthrough."

"Good. This should be her final opportunity. I hope she can seize it. Yi’en, earlier I asked you to contact your father’s old acquaintances. Have you found anything?" Qin Sang looked at Tan Yi’en.

Tan Yi’en replied, "In recent years, following your instructions, I contacted several of my father’s old friends or their relatives. Some died unexpectedly, while others remained trapped at the Foundation Building Realm and were nearing the end of their lifespans, their immortal path already cut off. They had long since lost contact with my father. However, one of my uncles confirmed that during his final years, two seniors maintained close contact with my father. Both are Golden Core cultivators. One is a rogue cultivator, while the other is a disciple of a major sect, but both have been deployed to the battlefield, so it will be difficult to contact them for the time being."

"The battlefield?" Qin Sang’s heart stirred. "I plan to make a trip to Heavenly Demon Hill. I was already intending to visit the front lines after returning. Yi’en, go to Cangheng Island and wait for me first. Then you can accompany me there. Yufu, during this trip to the devilish territory I accepted a disciple. Long ago I planted a seed there, and I did not expect it to grow into such a large tree... If you have time, go lend them some assistance and become familiar with them. In the future, Devilish Flame Sect will also be merged into Qingyang Temple."

Upon hearing this, Li Yufu’s face lit up with excitement. "I will go tomorrow!"

The beginning was always the hardest. He had racked his brains only to realize that founding a sect involved countless complicated matters and was far from simple.

With the foundation of Devilish Flame Sect, developing Qingyang Temple would become much easier.