Chapter 694: Thousand Island Sea Area

"Go now?"

Qin Sang looked towards Huntian Island, a hesitant expression on his face.

Seeing this, Han Cuo said, "If Fellow Daoist doesn't have urgent matters, there's no need to rush. Once you've ascended Huntian Island, it won't be easy to leave, and you'll miss out on many things. Our human cultivators have established a market-like area outside Huntian Island, where we can exchange goods, share information, and find a place to stay. The cultivators who still dare to stay outside the island at this time are all quite powerful. Sometimes, unlucky cultivators suffer sudden misfortunes and are forced to sell their most cherished treasures. That's why rare and exotic items often appear in the market. Fellow Daoist might want to come with me and take a look; perhaps you'll find something you like. Since Fellow Daoist helped us defeat a powerful enemy, allow us to host you in the market as a small token of our gratitude..."

"Oh? It seems Fellow Daoist Han has gained a lot."

Qin Sang gave Han Cuo a deep look. He wouldn't even go to Duyun Island, so he certainly wouldn't ascend Huntian Island. He had also guessed there might be a market-like area outside Huntian Island, but he didn't expect Han Cuo to bring it up so readily, so he decided to agree. Qin Sang wasn't drawn by the treasures Han Cuo mentioned; he planned to gather the information he needed in the market and then immediately go in search of the Myriad-Epoch Camphor.

"To be honest, Fellow Daoist Qin, what I've gained recently is comparable to nearly ten years of cultivation in the past." Han Cuo gave a non-modest chuckle, then sighed again. "I originally thought that reaching the mid-Core Formation stage would be my limit, but with this progress, I might just see a glimmer of hope for the late stage. Given this opportunity, I'll have to fight for it, otherwise I wouldn't be risking my life staying out here..."

Upon hearing Han Cuo's words, the other Core Formation cultivator also looked sympathetic.

"In that case, I'll accompany you few Fellow Daoists. I hope there will be some gains." Qin Sang pondered for a moment, then agreed. Han Cuo and the others were overjoyed and immediately decided to travel together.

Their direction of flight was precisely opposite to Huntian Island, clearly heading deeper into the demon sea. It was evident that Han Cuo and his group were very cautious, constantly changing direction and maintaining a specific formation. Qin Sang didn't act independently but followed Han Cuo's lead, advancing and retreating with the group. This made Han Cuo and the others think even more highly of him.

Three days later, when they arrived in an uninhabited sea region, Qin Sang noticed Han Cuo occasionally taking out a compass-like magical artifact, seemingly used for calibrating direction or communication. Noticing Qin Sang's gaze, Han Cuo explained, "Because we need to guard against both demon and witch clans, the market doesn't have a fixed location. Instead, a new spot in this sea region is chosen every so often for the market to open. The market is about to open soon, and we were actually heading there when we unfortunately encountered those witch clan rogues, which led to this battle."

"Are there many human and witch cultivators who willingly stay outside Huntian Island?" Qin Sang asked.

Han Cuo changed direction again, then, after a moment of silence, said in a deep voice, "Compared to the cultivators on Huntian Island, those who stay outside are naturally a minority, but their actual number isn't small. If one simply cultivates diligently, apart from those prodigies with Heavenly Spiritual Roots or Dual Spiritual Roots, who dares to say they have a shred of hope of forming a Nascent Soul? The chaotic war between the two clans is dangerous, but in reality, going out to hunt demons on a normal day is also like licking blood from a knife's edge. Many Fellow Daoists share my thoughts, some even more radical than me."

Qin Sang's heart stirred at these words. "Does Fellow Daoist Han mean that late-Core Formation cultivators from both sides have emerged, organized forces, and are now facing off?"

"It's even more terrifying than you imagine!" Han Cuo shook his head, a hint of fear appearing in his eyes. "Without the island lord's restraint, rogue cultivators are even more unscrupulous. Many desperate individuals have joined them, now entrenched in the Thousand Demon Sea Region. They show no mercy to either humans or witches, making it the most chaotic and bloodthirsty place outside Huntian Island. Initially, some unaware cultivators approached the Thousand Demon Sea Region, and without exception, none of them were ever seen again. No one knows which clan the culprits belong to. Unless your immortal path is severed and you're making a desperate gamble, Fellow Daoist, it's best not to go to the southeast of Huntian Island."

"The Thousand Demon Sea Region?" Qin Sang's expression subtly changed.

"Oh," Han Cuo realized, "I almost forgot that Fellow Daoist Qin just arrived at Huntian Island. The situation outside Huntian Island changes daily, so you must not be familiar with it. This is a reconnaissance map I frequently use; I've marked all the recently gathered information on it. It should be helpful to you." As he spoke, Han Cuo tossed a jade slip to Qin Sang and added, "The Thousand Demon Sea Region was already the most dangerous place outside Huntian Island because countless great demons lurked in this area, giving it its name. Within the Thousand Demon Sea Region, there's only one explored shipping route, but it's still full of hidden dangers. Only cultivators in the mid to late Core Formation stage dare to enter it, and those people are now entrenched along this very route."

After quickly examining the reconnaissance map, Qin Sang's last shred of hope vanished. The shipping route in the Thousand Demon Sea Region that Han Cuo mentioned was precisely the only path to the Quehuo Bird's nest! Now, that path had been blocked by rogue cultivators! If he hadn't been cautious, contacted local cultivators, and gathered information, charging in blindly without knowing anything, even with the Nine Dragons Heavenly Chariot Talisman, he might not have been able to protect himself. Cold sweat broke out on Qin Sang's back. He felt immense lingering fear, accompanied by deep worry. With the only path severed, how could he possibly cross the Thousand Demon Sea Region to find the Quehuo Bird? Had he wasted half a year, only to make a futile trip? He wondered if there was another way to the Thousand Demon Sea Region.

Han Cuo was focused on finding the market and didn't notice Qin Sang's unusual reaction.

Soon after, Han Cuo exclaimed softly, "We've arrived!" Then, a small reef, only a few zhang in circumference, appeared ahead. Just as Qin Sang was puzzled, Han Cuo pointed at his compass. Water ripples appeared near the reef, and a cultivator emerged from beneath the surface. "Ah, Fellow Daoist Han has arrived." This person seemed very familiar with Han Cuo, greeting him with a broad smile.

After a brief conversation, the person handed something to Han Cuo and then submerged back into the water. Han Cuo then told the group to conceal their tracks and continue flying in another direction.

Similar situations occurred three times in a row. Qin Sang secretly marveled at the cultivators' caution, understanding that it was a necessary measure given the pressure from the demon and witch clans, so he wasn't impatient.

While worrying about how to cross the Thousand Demon Sea Region, he quietly followed Han Cuo. Suddenly, he heard Han Cuo exclaim softly, "The market is just ahead!"

Qin Sang gazed intently and saw a long, narrow island appear in their view. The island was covered in continuous wild grass and numerous rocky hills, devoid of any human presence, utterly desolate. From a distance, it seemed unremarkable, but in reality, there was more to it than met the eye. Han Cuo led them onto the island and walked directly to a broken cliff face. Qin Sang stared at the cliff for a moment and finally detected a faint anomaly: there was a very subtle yet powerful restriction array within.