Gateway of Immortality-Chapter 342: Rules

Wandering Man's tone dipped slightly but quickly returned to its usual nonchalance, just as it had when he discussed the Resentful Flame Azure Lotus back in the ancient cultivator's ruins.

Qin Sang admired his composure.

"Did the Dark Patterned Heyun Pill have no effect at all?" Wandering Man asked.

Qin Sang then described in detail the changes he experienced after consuming the Dark Patterned Heyun Pill, leaving nothing out, and looked at Wandering Man with eager anticipation, awaiting his analysis.

Wandering Man fell silent in deep thought. After a long pause, he finally spoke. "Brother Qin, one thing is certain: the Dark Patterned Heyun Pill, along with other foundation-repairing pills, is effective for you. If the pill were ineffective, it wouldn’t have restored even a fraction of your injuries. That leaves only one possibility—the quality of the Dark Patterned Heyun Pill isn’t high enough!"

Qin Sang nodded; he had considered this as well. He quickly asked, "Senior, do you know of any spiritual pills superior to the Dark Patterned Heyun Pill?"

After some thought, Wandering Man shook his head. freewёbnoνel.com

"It’s difficult!"

"The Taiyi Core Sect has no shortage of pill formulas, and the Core Formation seniors in the sect possess profound expertise in alchemy."

"But firstly, even the most skilled alchemist cannot work without the right materials. If the spiritual herbs can’t be gathered, their hands are tied."

"Secondly, the Dark Patterned Heyun Pill is already superior to similar pills like the Heyun Pill and Five-Herb Divine Ointment. It’s considered top-grade among foundation-repairing pills, especially since the one you consumed was refined with a thousand-year-old Dark Patterned Yellow Essence."

"To surpass the Dark Patterned Heyun Pill, you’d need to rely on extremely rare natural treasures—or hope to stumble upon a divine pill in some hidden realm or ancient residence."

"Even when such items appear, they are priceless treasures that can’t be bought with spirit stones."

Seeing Qin Sang’s disappointment, Wandering Man offered some comfort. "Don’t lose hope, Brother Qin. This is far from a desperate situation. The Dark Patterned Heyun Pill is effective for you. One option is to consume several more of these pills; perhaps their combined effect could achieve a breakthrough and heal your injuries."

This suggestion was the only feasible path Qin Sang could think of as well.

However, obtaining more Heyun Pills wasn’t easy. The first Dark Patterned Heyun Pill had only restored half of his Qihai; who knew how many more pills would be needed?

Taking a deep breath, Qin Sang steadied himself. He had already anticipated this outcome before coming here and quickly adjusted his mindset.

Wandering Man was right—this was far from the end of the road.

With determination, Qin Sang resolved to persist in his pursuit.

"Senior, have you heard any news about heavenly treasures like the Daojing Grass or Purple Cloud Fruit?" Qin Sang asked.

There were two paths: one was to gather spiritual pills, and the other was to search for natural treasures.

Qin Sang intended to pursue both routes simultaneously, hoping one would lead to an opportunity.

"Natural treasures..." Wandering Man murmured, pausing before changing the subject. "Brother Qin, did you attend the auction half a month ago? Did you see the Ziwei Secret Talisman in person?"

Qin Sang froze momentarily, then asked in surprise, "Senior, are you here for the Ziwei Secret Talisman? Do you intend to buy it?"

He had been puzzled about why Wandering Man had left seclusion and traveled all the way to Yinshan Stronghold.

The mysterious Core Formation cultivator who owned the Ziwei Secret Talisman had demanded an astra in exchange. Could it be that Wandering Man intended to meet this condition?

Wandering Man chuckled self-deprecatingly and waved his hand.

"That Ziwei Secret Talisman is likely the first one to appear publicly since the Spirit Tide began. The news caused quite a stir."

"The number of Ziwei Secret Talismans is limited. At the next auction, Core Formation cultivators from all over will undoubtedly flock to compete for it. You can imagine how fierce the competition will be."

"It’s said that the talisman’s owner seeks to exchange it for an astra. With such a calculated move and the uproar they’ve caused, even if their wish isn’t granted, the price will surely be exorbitant."

"I don’t have the means to participate in such a contest. I came merely to spectate."

"Of course, if the opportunity arises, I would love to buy one."

Qin Sang raised an eyebrow and asked, "I’ve heard the Ziwei Palace is extremely dangerous. Even Core Formation cultivators struggle to ensure their safety, and for Foundation Building cultivators, entering is akin to certain death. Senior, are you planning to go there?"

Wandering Man nodded.

"Brother Qin, you were just asking about natural treasures, right?"

"The most likely place to find them is the Ziwei Palace!"

"Compared to other ruins or hidden realms on the Ancient Immortal Battlefield, the Ziwei Palace is unparalleled."

"Legend has it that the Ziwei Palace was once a true immortal residence, which fell during the ancient war. It lies dormant in the deepest part of the Ancient Immortal Battlefield, only appearing when the Spirit Tide emerges."

"Inside are countless treasures. It’s even said that secrets to advancing to the Divine Transformation Realm and even beyond can be found there!

"Opportunities for Divine Transformation, treasures that enable one to bypass tribulations, divine pills and arts can only be sought within the Ziwei Palace."

"That’s why, whenever the Ziwei Palace appears, not only do Core Formation cultivators flock to it, but even Spiritual Infant grandmasters rarely miss the opportunity."

"Yet, despite countless attempts over the ages, the palace remains largely unexplored."

"I know a few possible methods to enter, and my seclusion was partly to prepare for this endeavor. However, I’m not certain if I can heal my primordial spirit injuries. If it proves impossible, I’ll venture inside regardless of certain death."

Qin Sang was inwardly shocked. He had guessed that the Ziwei Palace was extraordinary and different from other hidden realms, but he hadn't expected it to contain tribulation-bypassing treasures and mysteries of Divine Transformation.

No wonder it caused such a commotion.

"So, the Ziwei Secret Talisman is the key to the Ziwei Palace? Senior, does one absolutely need it, or is there some other way to gain entry?" Qin Sang asked.

"There is no alternative." Wandering Man shook his head.

"The Ziwei Secret Talisman isn’t exactly a key—it’s more of a qualification. It isn’t directly related to the Ziwei Palace itself but is a commonly accepted rule."

"The Ziwei Palace is located in the core region of the Ancient Immortal Battlefield, an area filled with spatial rifts. To make matters worse, the palace only emerges during the peak of the Spirit Tide, when the battlefield is at its most dangerous."

"Originally, only Spiritual Infant cultivators had the strength to lead their Golden Core disciples to reach and enter the Ziwei Palace.

"Later, some Spiritual Infant cultivators, fearing that after their deaths their sects would lose the opportunity to explore the palace, agreed upon the rule of the Ziwei Secret Talisman. This was done to ensure their successors would still have a chance to access the palace even without a Spiritual Infant cultivator to guide them."

"The Ziwei Secret Talisman provides a rare opportunity for sects without a Spiritual Infant cultivator and for rogue cultivators."

"It’s said that a powerful celestial array seals the exterior of the Ziwei Palace, requiring a large array to first unlock it. According to the established rule, anyone holding a Ziwei Secret Talisman, regardless of their cultivation level, can enter the Ziwei Palace under the protection of the large array."

"Of course, few Core Formation cultivators dare to venture into the Ziwei Palace due to its extreme dangers."

Qin Sang suddenly understood. "So that’s how it works! Does that mean... a single Ziwei Secret Talisman grants qualification to only one person?"

"That’s correct." Wandering Man nodded. "Brother Qin, if you’re seeking natural treasures and are bold enough to take the risk, you might want to find a way to obtain a Ziwei Secret Talisman. Then, look through your sect’s ancient records. There might be detailed accounts or clues about the Ziwei Palace to help you prepare."