Chapter 2043: Front Station

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"Is this the territory of the Abyssal Race?"

Qin Sang pointed towards the Sea of Mist.

Its location seemed to be northeast of Kanzhou, and directly adjacent to it.

Elder You looked over and quickly replied, "Precisely! The Abyssal Race resembles humans in appearance, but they reside year-round in the Sea of Mist and are quite aloof, not close to either humans or demons. I have never ventured into the Sea of Mist myself; the map only provides a general location and cannot be relied upon."

Qin Sang suddenly realized, "Is the Abyssal Race so mysterious that even Elder You hasn't encountered them? I've heard rumors elsewhere that some believe the Abyssal Race are actually half-demons who miraculously rose to power."

"Half-demons are half-demons, and the Abyssal Race are the Abyssal Race; they cannot be confused. Both half-demons and the Abyssal Race exist in Kanzhou, and I have encountered both. As long as you've seen them, you'll know that half-demons are simply not comparable to the Abyssal Race," Elder You shook his head, showing considerable disdain for half-demons. "Half-demons are hybrids resulting from the interbreeding of human and demon bloodlines. While there are indeed prodigies who combine the advantages of both races, the vast majority inherit the weaknesses of both. Not only are their appearances often grotesque, but the conflict between their bloodlines is difficult to reconcile, often leading to various congenital deficiencies. The more convoluted their ancestral bloodline, the more pathetic they become. The Abyssal Race, like us humans, receive education from a young age and understand propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame. They are not as brutal as demons; some of their customs are even more refined than ours. Even when captured and enslaved, no one looks down on them."

"Servants?"

Qin Sang pondered this.

Elder You nodded and chuckled, "Just like capturing demons to sell as spirit beasts, there are also audacious individuals who capture members of the Abyssal Race as slaves. Abyssal Race servants are highly sought after in Kanzhou. They are excellent at managing cave dwellings and handling mundane affairs, and having them serve guests is a great source of prestige. Some Abyssal Race members possess special innate abilities, making them even more useful than spirit beasts once subdued. The top noble clans among them are incredibly valuable; for example, the Winged Royal Family, who claim to be descendants of sky gods, are almost impossible to acquire even with spiritual treasures."

As expected, such borderlands between different races were rife with slave trade.

If humans could capture demons and the Abyssal Race, the other races could naturally enslave humans. In their eyes, human cultivators were equally valuable.

This back-and-forth only deepened the animosity.

Qin Sang had initially thought that if the Sea of Mist was far from Kanzhou, and the Abyssal Race and humans did not interfere with each other, there would be no enmity between them, making the issues in the Storm Realm much simpler to resolve. But once a blood feud had been forged between the two races, he feared he would be powerless, however well-intentioned.

Seeing Qin Sang remain silent, gazing at the Sea of Mist as if deeply interested, Elder You misinterpreted his intentions. He said, "Very few cultivators in Kanzhou can gain the loyalty of an Abyssal Race member. At least for now, there are no open markets for selling the Abyssal Race. In fact, if cultivators capture descendants of powerful demon tribes, most transactions are private and not openly auctioned within the state. If Elder Qin wishes to purchase servants, there are more opportunities in Lanshazhou."

Lanshazhou referred to the vast sea area east of Sleepless City. It was not one of the Eight Great Heavenly States but was named "Zhou" in imitation of Kanzhou.

According to Elder You, Lanshazhou was filled with countless factions, a mixture of different races, and a multitude of powerful cultivators, making its situation intricate and complex.

Qin Sang nodded secretly, understanding that this must be a rule set by the upper echelons of Kanzhou to avoid provoking the Abyssal Race and major demon tribes, thereby maintaining superficial peace.

Lanshazhou was a gray area tacitly agreed upon by all races, serving as a buffer zone for conflicts.

This also showed that Elder You's map was indeed roughly drawn, and Kanzhou and the Sea of Mist should be quite distant. Otherwise, if they were too close, confined to a small area, and competing for cultivation resources that concerned their cultivation paths and prosperity, conflict and slaughter would be inevitable. The slave trade would also flourish, impossible to restrict.

To journey to the Sea of Mist, he first needed to understand the Abyssal Race and find a safe passage. These could all be sought in Lanshazhou.

"The Sea of Mist is unique, so it must produce peculiar treasures. Our human territories surely possess treasures that the Abyssal Race might need. Does our Alliance have no dealings with the Abyssal Race?"

If possible, Qin Sang preferred to approach the Five Elements Alliance to contact Abyssal Race members who were on good terms with the Alliance. With a foundation built over many years, it would be easier to interact with them and then use that connection to inquire about the Abyssal Race's internal affairs.

Elder You's tone became evasive, "It is rumored that merchant caravans from the Abyssal Race visit periodically, but they only interact with forces they approve of. Our Alliance's branch has not yet ventured beyond Kanzhou, so we dispatch people to Lanshazhou to purchase these treasures. If Elder Qin has any needs, you may instruct the Alliance's stewards to seek them out."

Qin Sang understood, realizing that this trading channel was one of the Five Elements Alliance's cornerstones, likely involving many secrets. As a mere guest elder of the Alliance, the Five Elements Alliance would not disclose such matters to him unless he genuinely pledged his loyalty.

He discreetly refrained from asking further, saying, "To be frank, Elder You, I am indeed seeking spiritual materials to refine a treasure, and I am still lacking several types."

With that, he unceremoniously took out a jade slip and handed it to Elder You.

Elder You took it, read it, and raised an eyebrow. "The treasure Elder Qin intends to refine must be extraordinary!"

As an elder of the Five Elements Alliance, he was also skilled in refining techniques and could discern the nature of the item just from the spiritual materials.

Qin Sang was not afraid of his intentions being seen through. The list on the jade slip was carefully selected by him, and even a master refiner would be unable to deduce the true purpose.

From the Azure Trace Essence in the Azure Void Grotto-heaven, to the transactions with the Qiong Lake forces, and then approaching the Five Elements Alliance in Lotus City before his departure—Qin Sang had spared no effort, spending his accumulated wealth like flowing water without hesitation. He had already gathered most of the crucial spiritual materials needed for the Thunder Altar.

Next, by leveraging the power of the Kanzhou Five Elements Alliance and making a trip to Lanshazhou, he believed it wouldn't be difficult to gather the rest.

The remaining materials were common ones consumed in large quantities during the altar's construction. Acquiring them should not be difficult, and to avoid drawing attention, Lanshazhou was undoubtedly the best choice.

It seemed he needed to go to Lanshazhou as soon as possible. While gathering information, he would collect all the Thunder Altar materials before setting off. With these thoughts in mind, Qin Sang said, "You flatter me, Elder You. I wonder if our Alliance has any in its reserves?"

Elder You stroked his chin, pondering, "Among these, the Ethereal Wind and Golden-Patterned Grass Seeds, our Alliance's treasury seems to have them. As for the others, I can only try my best to gather information for Elder Qin. However, these two items might already be allocated to others, and I cannot make decisions on my own. I must report upwards, and the value of these spiritual materials..."

"Thank you, Elder You!"

Qin Sang rose and bowed solemnly. "For all spiritual materials, I will strive to pay in full. I am not without means, and even if I exhaust my savings, my humble abilities should fetch a decent price."

Elder You smiled. "Elder Qin exaggerates. No matter where, a master refiner is respected. I'm sure many would be eager to owe Elder Qin a favor. Please wait a few days, Elder Qin. I will make the arrangements now."

With that, Elder You was about to summon a maid to select a cave dwelling for Qin Sang in the Alliance for his rest.

Qin Sang politely declined. After leaving the Five Elements Alliance, he visited several other places to broaden his knowledge, then returned to his cave dwelling.

Su Nü and Gu Ya had already returned from shopping and were waiting for Qin Sang in the main hall. They had bought many new and curious items and were currently examining them.

Seeing Qin Sang return, Gu Ya quickly put down a spiritual shell-carved artifact she was holding and rose to greet him.

Qin Sang listened as they recounted their experiences in the city, then asked Gu Ya, "Did you see any members of the Abyssal Race?"

Gu Ya was startled and couldn't help but glance at Su Nü. She knew the matter of the Storm Realm was of great importance and had been very discreet in front of Su Nü.

"No," Gu Ya whispered. She didn't understand Qin Sang's intention and dared not say more.

"You may withdraw for now. I have important matters to discuss with Fellow Daoist Su Nü," Qin Sang said.

Gu Ya assented, bowed, and withdrew.

Su Nü had been smiling throughout. Once Gu Ya had left, she teased, "I wonder what unspeakable secret Brother Qin is preparing to reveal to your humble sister?"

"It is indeed a great secret, and of significant importance. Please don't blame me for being overly cautious, but you must first swear an oath to keep it silent, even from your master, before I can tell you."

Qin Sang said solemnly.

Seeing Qin Sang's serious expression, Su Nü dropped her lighthearted demeanor and said gravely, "Does it concern Brother Qin's safety? If so, it might be better if I don't know."

"It does concern our safety, but it also relates to where we will be going next. Unless you remain in Kanzhou indefinitely, once we arrive at the destination, it will be impossible to hide from you," Qin Sang said.

Hearing this, Su Nü couldn't help but feel curious and immediately made a karmic oath to never reveal the secret.

Watching Su Nü make the oath, Qin Sang softly said, "This begins with you and the Seven Kills Palace when you ascended through the realm barrier. Since then, the Storm Realm has become increasingly unusual..."

In the quiet main hall, Qin Sang slowly recounted some of his observations, combining them with information he had obtained from Gu Ya, selecting content that could be disclosed to Su Nü.

When Su Nü heard this, even with her own karmic ties, she was greatly shocked.

"The entire Storm Realm will enter the Great Thousand!"

Su Nü's eyes widened. Even the Lord and General Bai God were unaware of this.

With her intellect, she had observed Gu Ya's words and actions, and coupled with Qin Sang's extreme caution just now, she had vaguely guessed something.

But she only dared to suspect that Qin Sang had found the Storm Realm's Waymark Gate. She never imagined that the entire Storm Realm would ascend!

"Can a minor world integrate into a great thousand world, causing the great thousand to expand? Or is it that the Storm Realm was originally part of the great thousand world?"

Upon first hearing this, Su Nü's reaction was similar to Qin Sang's.

The reason for such a thought was precisely because the Storm Realm was so extraordinary; otherwise, how could it be chosen by the Ziwei Palace?

Now she could understand why Qin Sang was so cautious. Once the news leaked, countless people would surely seek the lost treasures of the Ziwei Palace.

"I've considered that as well, but matters of realms transcend our understanding," Qin Sang shook his head slightly. "Currently, the situation in the Storm Realm is unclear. After being trapped in the Sea of Mist for centuries, surrounded by other races, it's uncertain whether it can survive. Overthinking is futile."

Su Nü quickly calmed down. "Brother Qin is right. Before the Storm Realm ascended, late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators were considered peak experts. How can they resist the powerful races of the Great Thousand World? We must first find them before we can discuss future matters. So, Brother Qin intends to establish a Daoist sanctuary in the Storm Realm, and these spiritual materials are for refining guardian treasures for the sanctuary?"

Qin Sang nodded. "Indeed, I will personally go and see. If you do not wish to return, remaining in Kanzhou can also provide assistance to me."

Su Nü smiled charmingly. "Does Brother Qin think I am someone who fears hardship? Oh..."

She suddenly understood Qin Sang's intentions. "Thank you, Brother Qin, for considering me! The masterminds who controlled me back then have all perished in the Seven Kills Palace, and the three major merchant alliances have been annihilated. As for the remaining enemies, I sought them out one by one after my cultivation advanced. And Brother Qin saved my life, the Four Sages Palace treated me well, all those beautiful memories are vivid. How could I still harbor resentment towards the Storm Realm? Since I am a cultivator from the Storm Realm, if for no other reason than this karmic tie, I should make this journey."

Hearing Su Nü's words, Qin Sang felt relieved and nodded. "You are right. Even if the Storm Realm cannot withstand the other races, as long as it isn't completely massacred and some of its legacy remains, as fellow inhabitants of the same realm, you and I have a responsibility to bring them out."

Cultivators who could sever all emotional ties were, after all, very few. Even if Qin Sang remained a hands-off manager, he would be unable to stand by if the Azure Sheep Palace faced trouble.

"I will definitely claim a spot in Brother Qin's Daoist sanctuary!" Su Nü showed a playful smile, then pondered, "After locating the Storm Realm, there's another difficulty. The Sea of Mist is occupied by the Abyssal Race. If they don't permit humans to enter, we'll have to find a way to disguise ourselves."

"All of this can be inquired about in Lanshazhou."

Qin Sang already had a plan in mind. Since Su Nü agreed to go with him, he laid it out.

"Unlike other Heavenly States, the immortal cities on the borders of Kanzhou also have large teleportation arrays. Next, you two will go to Sleepless City. You should be able to reach it quickly. First, establish a stronghold in Sleepless City, which might be useful later. At the same time, gather information on the situation in Lanshazhou and try to establish contact with forces there..."

Su Nü detected the hidden meaning. "Brother Qin won't be coming with us?"

"The spiritual materials are not yet fully gathered, and I still need the help of the Five Elements Alliance. However, treasures aren't easily acquired; I might be dispatched by them for a period. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Kanzhou and Lanshazhou must also have intricate connections. With one of us outside and one inside, I believe we'll have some leads before long," Qin Sang said confidently.

Su Nü was meticulous, so these matters could be safely entrusted to her. With her assistance, Qin Sang felt considerably more at ease.

The two discussed for a long time in the main hall. Qin Sang laid out his plans, and Su Nü made some additions. Then, they would each perform their duties to prepare as quickly as possible.

Qin Sang then activated the restriction and summoned Gu Ya, informing her that Su Nü was also an elder who had ascended from the Storm Realm.

Gu Ya was both surprised and delighted. She had previously harbored a slight wariness towards Su Nü, but now knowing they were from the same lower realm, her wariness vanished, and she felt much closer to her.

Qin Sang had intended to awaken Sword Slave as well, as the situation in Lanshazhou was unclear, and more help would be better.

Su Nü spoke to stop him. "Let him stay. Brother Qin will be dealing with the Five Elements Alliance; you should always have someone at your disposal. You can't do everything yourself, lest you lose face among your peers."

Qin Sang thought about it and agreed.

Without further delay, Su Nü and Gu Ya stayed for three more days before setting off.

After seeing the two women off, Qin Sang waited until the appointed time and returned to the Five Elements Alliance to visit Elder You again.