Chapter 830: Decision

The Human World

When Qin Sang arrived at the small courtyard, Madam Liu was already waiting. Only a few short years had passed since she left the Seven Kill Palace, and her cultivation had indeed improved significantly, now just a step away from the late Core Formation stage. Despite her significant progress in cultivation, no joy was visible on her face; instead, a faint sorrow and weariness clouded her brows. Tracking Xiang Yi all these years had taken a heavy toll on her.

"I've finally met you in person, Daoist Priest," Madam Liu said softly, with a hint of resentment in her tone. When Qin Sang had left Tianxing Island, Madam Liu herself was no match for Xiang Yi, missing a prime opportunity.

Qin Sang knew he was in the wrong. "I was also forced by circumstances; there was a crucial matter that needed urgent attention. Madam, you have been investigating Xiang Yi for many years; you must have gained some insight, right?"

Madam Liu was a shrewd woman; she briefly showed her displeasure but did not pursue the matter further. Her expression grew serious as she said, "Fortunately, Daoist Priest, you returned in time, or I truly would have despaired."

"What do you mean by that?"

Qin Sang opened the spiritual array, invited Madam Liu inside to sit, and then set up a sound-insulating barrier.

The two sat down. Once seated, Madam Liu explained, "Daoist Priest, do you remember what I mentioned before? Xiang Yi is highly valued by the Alliance Master of the Merchant Alliance, and after leaving the Seven Kill Palace, he would soon break through to the late-stage peak."

"Of course," Qin Sang replied gravely, "Has he already broken through?"

Qin Sang had previously encountered opponents at the late-stage peak, but his ability to prevail always had a reason. For example, he used the Blood Contaminating Divine Light to ambush the young man from the West Gloom Alliance, destroying the opponent's poison-dispelling artifact and only killing him with the help of the poison mist. The mysterious body cultivator was burned to death by the Winter Nether Cold Flame. As for the Soul Refiner he encountered recently, their abilities were completely suppressed by the Jade Buddha.

"That's exactly what I'm worried about. After returning, I immediately began tracking Xiang Yi's movements. Originally, before his breakthrough, it was a slim chance, but since you were not present, I dared not act rashly for fear of alerting him. I had no choice but to give up and watch that villain continue to roam free..." The Liu couple had a deep bond, and Madam Liu's hatred for Xiang Yi had only intensified. "Fortunately, heaven has eyes. Xiang Yi wasn't able to cultivate in seclusion for long before he was forced to emerge and hasn't broken through yet. You must have heard about the changes in the Demon Sea, Daoist Priest?"

"Are you referring to the demon beast unrest, Madam?" Qin Sang nodded. Lately, various rumors had been spreading. "I've heard about the demon beast movements and frequent beast tides in the Demon Sea, with even long-standing large islands coming under attack. However, I believe this is just another cycle, a back-and-forth tug-of-war like before. Regardless, neither the human race nor the Witch race can possibly abandon the Demon Sea."

Madam Liu hummed in agreement and said, "Regardless of the demon beasts' intentions or how the war evolves, it's beyond our control. The emergence of the beast tides, however, is a good thing for us. To counter the crisis, the Merchant Alliance has dispatched its experts to the Demon Sea, including Xiang Yi. He was supposed to be in secluded cultivation but had to interrupt it to heed the summons and is currently on an island in the Demon Sea. After he returns, he will definitely go into seclusion immediately to break through. Therefore, this might be our only chance..." She paused slightly before adding, "There's another advantage to acting in the Demon Sea: with the current chaos, if Xiang Yi dies there, the Merchant Alliance will only assume he was careless and fell victim to a demon beast, without suspecting us..."

"It seems you have made thorough arrangements, fellow Daoist." Qin Sang gave Madam Liu a deep look. As Madam Liu said, the timing was indeed excellent. The only issue was that entering the Demon Sea at this time would be going against the tide, carrying the risk of getting caught in the turmoil. Madam Liu was eager for revenge and had cast her own safety aside. Xiang Yi definitely had to be killed, otherwise Qin Sang would not have peace of mind, but sacrificing himself would not be worth it. Qin Sang pondered silently. After weighing the options in secret, he felt that a trip there might not be a bad idea. While the demon race was indeed powerful, the human and Witch races, through years of development, also possessed considerable strength in the Demon Sea and would not be easily defeated. He was confident that with his advanced swordsmanship, the protection of the Star Conch artifact, and the greatly increased strength of his two-headed Hou, he would be able to handle any dangers encountered in the Demon Sea. Killing Xiang Yi would not only eliminate a major hidden danger but also provide Qin Sang with a substantial gain, preventing him from being distracted by external matters and delaying his cultivation in the future. He needed to cultivate the 'Heavenly Demon Refinement' to the late third layer before the next opening of the Seven Kill Palace, and time was still very tight. Xiang Yi had high cultivation and was a confidant of the East Pole Alliance Master, so his wealth was certainly substantial. Madam Liu had promised all the spoils from killing Xiang Yi would belong to Qin Sang, in order to persuade him to act. Furthermore, Qin Sang had another intention that he couldn't reveal to outsiders: he wanted to take this opportunity to visit Huntian Island and see if there was a chance to acquire more Winter Nether Cold Flame. He was still thinking about the Winter Nether Cold Flame. The power of the fire beads was still fresh in his memory. If he could refine a few more fire beads, he would be virtually unstoppable in the Core Formation stage. The Winter Nether Cold Flame was guarded by people sent by the Island Master of Huntian Island. After Qin Sang stole a wisp of the cold flame, he dared not return, fearing a trap. Even transformed great demons and Nascent Soul Patriarchs couldn't subdue the cold flame, yet he was able to take a wisp. If the Island Master of Huntian Island knew this, he certainly wouldn't let him off. Now, with the demon beast unrest, the Island Master of Huntian Island was preoccupied and had no time to spare for other matters, presenting a good opportunity. He just didn't know if the Winter Nether Cold Flame was still there.

Madam Liu watched Qin Sang nervously, awaiting his reply.

"Besides myself, Madam Liu, how many helpers have you found?" Qin Sang did not rush to agree; instead, he asked a question in return.

Madam Liu gave a wry smile. "My husband's remaining savings are almost depleted. Even if I found helpers, who would dare come when they hear we're dealing with a late-stage expert, a confidant of the Alliance Master no less? Only one friend of mine is currently monitoring Xiang Yi in the Demon Sea, but she only recently reached the Core Formation stage and can't offer much help. I already have a plan: once we arrive, we'll lure Xiang Yi off the island and deal with him outside. I've spent a tremendous amount of effort to acquire a precious spirit talisman; once activated, it can temporarily suppress Xiang Yi's true essence, reducing his strength. However, the talisman requires time to activate, and during that period, you, Daoist Priest, will need to engage Xiang Yi and buy me time..." To persuade Qin Sang, Madam Liu laid out her entire plan, without any concealment.

Qin Sang secretly nodded. Of course, he wouldn't fully trust Madam Liu's plan; he would first assess the situation and then act accordingly. Even if the assassination failed, he could still escape calmly. "Very well, I will accompany you, Madam. However, as this has come up suddenly, I still have some matters to arrange. Would you mind waiting one night for me? We can depart tomorrow morning." Qin Sang nodded in agreement.

Madam Liu's face lit up with joy, and she eagerly said, "There's no time to lose, Daoist Priest, you must make haste!"