Chapter 1437: The Beginning of the Conference

After activating the Cauldron Token on Bright Pearl Island, Qin Sang soon met with True Master Yin Quan.

True Master Yin Quan scrutinized Qin Sang, feeling that he was somewhat different from four months ago, but he couldn't pinpoint the reason for this feeling. He could never have imagined that Qin Sang could manifest his spiritual consciousness simply by refining an Occult Fragrance Pill.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they got down to business.

“Indeed, there are rumors that Old Demon Hunmo is seeking to acquire certain items, which are said to be related to the demonic path. We haven't received definite news yet.”

True Master Yin Quan spoke candidly, his tone somewhat heavy. The more eager Old Demon Hunmo was, the greater the potential gains upon his success. It's possible that in the future, Old Demon Hunmo will become the foremost figure in the Northern Sea.

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang felt even more certain that his considerations regarding the mysterious ice casket were correct. He had already offended Old Demon Hunmo, and it would be unwise to make an enemy of the Xuan Tian Palace as well. For both Old Demon Hunmo and the Xuan Tian Palace Master, the Storm Belt was not an insurmountable obstacle. And he was not alone in the world.

A thought flashed through Qin Sang's mind, and he spoke cautiously, “I intend to attend the Myriad Demon Convention, both to broaden my horizons, and because I possess three ancient formulas…”

True Master Yin Quan's eyes lit up. Hearing Qin Sang's willingness to sell alchemy formulas, he said with great delight, “Your decision is correct, fellow Daoist. Only our Dan Ding Mountain is interested in such ancient formulas. We can afford them, and we are willing to offer a price that will satisfy you!”

These sects skilled in alchemy truly are wealthy and influential!

Qin Sang sighed to himself and asked, “True Master, you will also be attending, won't you? After all, it's a gathering of demonic cultivators. I feel a bit uneasy. I wonder what contingency plans Dan Ding Mountain has prepared for the True Master to prevent mishaps?”

“This…”

Before he could speak, Qin Sang said, “To be frank, True Master, I have a few enemies, and I'm concerned I might encounter them at the Myriad Demon Convention. I wish to borrow the power of Dan Ding Mountain as a precaution. After the convention, even if nothing happens, I will present the ancient formulas. If I encounter trouble, the remuneration will be negotiated separately. I believe Dan Ding Mountain would not collude with those demonic cultivators.”

Qin Sang himself possessed ample strength and confidence. He would also make his own contingency plans. Dan Ding Mountain was merely a last resort, a preparation for the worst, and likely wouldn't be needed.

True Master Yin Quan understood Qin Sang's intention. After a long moment of contemplation, he smiled and said, “So, merely assisting you in escaping would suffice, fellow Daoist? This humble Daoist is unsure whether to hope you encounter danger or not.”

For him, befriending a Mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator who also seemed to possess many ancient formulas was worthwhile even without additional remuneration.

Qin Sang nodded and chuckled heartily, “As long as the True Master isn't afraid of me attracting demonic cultivators.”

“Are they daring enough to attack Dan Ding Mountain?”

True Master Yin Quan let out a light laugh, then said thoughtfully, “Your words have indeed reminded me, fellow Daoist. I will make the arrangements!”

Next, Qin Sang converted all the unused items in his Qianjun Ring into spirit stones, preparing to give them to Tan Hao later, so he could participate in the auctions held in the preceding days.

A month later.

Qin Sang left Bright Pearl Island, with a more intricately decorated Cauldron Token in his Qianjun Ring.

Hunmo Island.

Thanks to Old Demon Hunmo's reputation, Hunmo Island was arguably the most renowned island in the Boundless Sea at that time. Hunmo Island was vast. Unlike other Nascent Soul cultivators, who sealed off the islands containing their cave dwellings with grand formations, rarely allowing outsiders to enter, Old Demon Hunmo only occupied a stretch of immortal mountains in the northern part of Hunmo Island, which he enveloped in a sea of clouds to serve as his cultivation grounds. The remaining areas were open for both cultivators and mortals to enter and exit, with many prosperous cities on the island.

No one knew Old Demon Hunmo's lineage. Old Demon Hunmo had not founded a sect, and had only a small number of disciples, making him akin to a rogue cultivator.

The Myriad Demon Convention was held in the largest city on Hunmo Island. This city had been renamed Myriad Demon City when the convention was first held.

Myriad Demon City was bustling with people. Figures thronged the streets, shoulders brushing against each other. Cultivators were no longer a rare sight here. Core Formation stage cultivators could be seen occasionally, and even Nascent Soul grandmasters made appearances now and then. Many low-level cultivators also came to join the excitement, or to broaden their horizons with their elders. Fortunately, the city was large enough, otherwise, it might not have been able to accommodate so many cultivators.

On every street, armored guards radiating a chilling aura patrolled back and forth, their eyes filled with intense killing intent, making them seem like killing machines, striking fear into onlookers. Even the most unruly cultivators dared not cause trouble here. If friction arose, at most, a few words would be exchanged. Upon sensing the guards' gaze, they would disperse tacitly.

The Myriad Demon Convention had not yet begun, but private trade fairs were already being held in various corners of the city.

At this time, a sturdy figure entered the city. It was Tan Hao. He had not fully concealed his aura. Those ahead sensed his Core Formation stage aura, and their expressions changed. They instinctively made way for him. Tan Hao perceived the fearful gazes around him, but his expression remained calm, devoid of complacency. He reflected on the junior brother who had joined the Kui Yin Sect with him, now a Mid-stage Nascent Soul master audacious enough to seize opportunities even from powerful cultivators. In comparison, he found it impossible to feel any pride.

Tan Hao patted the mustard seed bag at his waist. It was filled with spirit stones. With Myriad Demon City's map in his mind, Tan Hao strode forward, turned through several streets, and arrived before a magnificent wooden building. He quickly walked inside.

The Myriad Demon Convention would begin in three days. The most important auctions were held here, with auctions held separately based on the value and type of treasures.

Before long, Tan Hao exited the wooden building and navigated through the city once more, drawing on his past experience to visit various trade fairs, both large and small, to acquire items he and Qin Sang needed.

Soon, three days passed.

The atmosphere in Myriad Demon City grew increasingly lively. Countless cultivators gathered in the city, with powerhouses rarely seen on ordinary days appearing frequently. Even the formidable guards felt the pressure and dared not relax for a moment.

The first auction was about to begin.

Wearing a cloak, Tan Hao returned to the wooden building and glanced upwards. Even before the Myriad Demon Convention began, he had already acquired several spiritual items Qin Sang had specifically requested. With some luck, it shouldn't be difficult to gather the rest.

Stepping inside, Tan Hao did not conceal his cultivation level. Immediately, a pretty young woman came forward, her expression respectful. After asking a few quiet questions, she led Tan Hao up the stairs. Strangely, as soon as he stepped onto the stairs, the light suddenly dimmed. The stairs seemed endless. Tan Hao patiently followed the attendant, walking for an unknown distance, until his eyes brightened, and he entered a grand hall.

In the center of the hall was a raised platform. There were already quite a few people here. Tan Hao found a seat and quietly waited for the auction to begin.

Meanwhile.

Inside Myriad Demon City, in an unknown room, several white-robed figures, their auras concealed, sat upright. Two individuals sat at the head. One of them spoke in a husky voice, “Has the Grand Elder not returned yet?”

The person next to him nodded and said, “That news was too ambiguous to seem true. However, the Grand Elder insisted on going. By the time he verifies its authenticity and rushes back from the Demonic Realm, he will likely miss the final trade fair.”