Chapter 725: Unexpected News

"I know very well what kind of place the Seven Kills Hall is, but unfortunately, I have a compelling reason to go there..." Qin Sang sighed deeply.

Seeing this, Ran Luo stopped trying to dissuade him, but then told Qin Sang some surprising news.

"Rumors about the Seven Kills Hall indeed began circulating in the Inner Sea a year or two ago, but only a limited number of people know about it. I only overheard bits and pieces when Elder Zou was chatting with friends. Apparently, this time is different from before; the Seven Kills Hall might open again in just over two decades."

Qin Sang was utterly astonished. "Just over two decades? How could it be so soon? That means only a fifty-year interval since the last opening, twenty years less than before! Forcibly breaking open the immortal formation before its low tide would incur far more than double the usual cost; no major power could bear such a burden! Did Elder Zou mention the reason?"

Qin Sang's heart grew anxious. Originally, he had ample time, more than enough to break through to the Mid Core Formation stage. He also had sufficient time to cultivate both spirit insects to their third transformation, allowing them to play a greater role. With the sudden twenty-year reduction, his own cultivation became pressing, and it would likely be difficult for the two spirit insects to complete their third metamorphosis before the Seven Kills Hall opened.

"No, Elder Zou doesn't know either," Ran Luo shook her head. "Perhaps there's been a change in the Seven Kills Hall's immortal formation, but I suspect it's not that simple, as there's another variable. According to Elder Zou, the number of qualifications to enter the Seven Kills Hall this time seems fewer than before, and only well-known, established powers will get a turn. Previously, rogue cultivators could obtain qualifications through other channels, such as auctions, and it wasn't too difficult if one sought them out. Now, it will likely be very difficult."

With the earlier opening and limited slots, the sudden changes caught Qin Sang off guard. He had been reluctant to get too deeply involved with the Canglang Sea powers, maintaining a certain distance even from the Qiongyu Chamber of Commerce. Unexpectedly, this had turned out to be the wrong choice.

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Sang said gravely, "Fellow Daoist Ran, does our Chamber of Commerce have the ability to obtain a qualification?"

"I'm not sure myself. I never thought about going to such a dangerous place before; I only listened to the rumors as interesting tidbits."

Ran Luo shook her head. Seeing Qin Sang fall silent, she thought for a moment and said, "Even if our Chamber of Commerce can't do it, the East Pole Alliance certainly can. Our Alliance's strength surpasses even the top sects of both righteous and demonic paths. Since you are also a member of our Chamber of Commerce, perhaps we could obtain a qualification through the East Pole Alliance. If you are interested, I can ask Elder Zou on your behalf. He has countless old acquaintances and will certainly find a way."

"Then I will trouble Fellow Daoist Ran," Qin Sang said gratefully.

With only just over two decades left, he had to devote himself entirely to arduous cultivation to ensure he broke through to the Mid Core Formation stage before the Seven Kills Hall opened. If he returned to the Inner Sea and searched aimlessly, not only might he fail to obtain a qualification, but he would also waste an unknown amount of time. Leveraging the Qiongyu Chamber of Commerce and the East Pole Alliance was indeed the best option. He anticipated that obtaining a qualification wouldn't be easy, and the Alliance and Chamber might seize this opportunity to impose certain conditions. As long as they weren't too excessive, Qin Sang decided he would agree to them all.

"Why are you so polite, Daoist?" Ran Luo chuckled, covering her mouth. "I still rely on you. The newly hired artifact refiners simply cannot compare to your skill."

"It's my responsibility," Qin Sang replied, cupping his hands.

After a few more pleasantries, Qin Sang urged Ran Luo to send the spiritual materials to the fire chamber so he could begin refining artifacts. Ran Luo, in turn, reciprocated by sending someone to contact Elder Zou, who was currently on another island.

After refining the Hunyuan Concentric Ring, Qin Sang had made significant progress in the art of artifact refining. He felt his success rate in crafting magic treasures would not be lower than that of other refiners. This was, however, contingent on using the Nine Nether Demonic Flame. Aside from the immense consumption and lengthy duration, the residual demonic flame power from the Nine Nether Demonic Flame was why Qin Sang hadn't proactively mentioned this to Ran Luo.

When refining spiritual artifacts, the residual Nine Nether Demonic Flame power was minimal and could be concealed with special refining techniques. However, if magic treasures were all like the Hunyuan Concentric Ring, it would be difficult to explain. Experienced artifact grandmasters would immediately recognize that the refiner possessed a unique spiritual flame. This would unnecessarily invite trouble. Until he could resolve this issue, Qin Sang felt it was best to remain low-key.

Batch after batch of spiritual materials were continuously delivered, and Qin Sang remained in the fire chamber for over a month without emerging. One day, after he had finished refining the last spiritual artifact and was adjusting his breath, he heard a guard knock on the door. Learning that Ran Luo was visiting, his heart stirred, and he quickly pushed the door open.

"Fellow Daoist Ran, is there any news?"

"You've worked hard, Daoist." Ran Luo nodded, glanced left and right, and said, "Elder Zou has been informed and sent a letter. Please come with me, Daoist."

The two returned to the quiet room in the stronghold, where Ran Luo handed Qin Sang a letter.

The letter's content was simple. Qin Sang quickly scanned it, and as he held the paper, his expression began to shift, and he fell silent. After a moment, Ran Luo softly said, "The information Elder Zou uncovered must be true. He said he hadn't expected the Alliance to have such demanding requirements—not only a considerable sum of spirit stones but also that everyone must act together."

Qin Sang instinctively nodded.

The spirit stones were expected; although the amount was staggering, he could likely gather enough by selling the demon cores he possessed. The second requirement, however, was what caused Qin Sang to hesitate. The East Pole Alliance astonishingly demanded that all Alliance members, upon entering the Seven Kills Hall, must obey the Alliance's orders and not act independently. Only after completing their assigned mission would they be free to pursue their own objectives. The Alliance did not specify the exact nature of this mission, merely stating it wouldn't take too much time, shamelessly labeling it 'confidential.' The East Pole Alliance's brazen confidence indicated that qualifications to enter the Seven Kills Hall were undoubtedly extremely rare.

In contrast, the Qiongyu Chamber of Commerce's requirements were much simpler, or rather, Elder Zou's requirements. Elder Zou hoped that Qin Sang would truly join the Qiongyu Chamber of Commerce and, like Ran Luo, take charge of affairs on a large island.

"I've only recently formed my Core. I'm afraid I might not be up to the task?" Qin Sang probed.

Ran Luo smiled faintly. "Why be so modest, Daoist? Even a direct disciple of Black Serpent Mountain was easily slain by you. Your strength is unfathomable; I truly feel inferior."

"Black Serpent Mountain is..." Qin Sang hadn't heard that name, but a flash of insight in his mind suddenly made him realize something.

Ran Luo nodded, her expression solemn. "The person who ambushed you back then was likely a direct disciple of the Black Serpent Mountain Ancestor of the Witch Tribe. After you killed him, the people from Black Serpent Mountain must have lost track of you. After the great upheaval between the two races ended, they sent people to infiltrate Duyan Island, secretly investigating your identity. Fortunately, I discovered them in time. Elder Zou, using the Island Lord's name, had them driven off the island and laid several traps to obscure their investigation. You don't need to worry, Daoist; only Elder Zou and I know about this. They definitely won't be able to trace anything back to you."