Chapter 843: The Final Struggle

## The Mortal Realm

The cultivator did not delve deeply into Qin Sang's background. Instead, he asked with interest about the situation in the depths of the Demon Sea. Qin Sang was happy to chat with him, not putting on airs despite his high cultivation, and answered every question. Soon, the two became familiar with each other.

As they spoke, they flew down to the harbor on the auxiliary island's shore. Just as their escape light landed, Qin Sang felt a sudden surge of vigilance. He then sensed several spiritual senses sweep over him, one after another, all belonging to Core Formation cultivators. He didn't know what these people were on guard against. No one appeared even after Qin Sang followed the cultivator into the city. The cultivator was clearly accustomed to this, quickly entering the city and heading straight for a grand hall.

Approaching the hall, the cultivator hesitated, then whispered, "Fellow Daoist, you should know that Great Desolate Island now forbids anyone from returning to Canglang Sea. Especially high-level cultivators like yourself, who can play a significant role in defending the island, cannot be easily released. All cultivators must obey Great Desolate Island's arrangements. For now, you shouldn't think about returning to Canglang Sea. You should carefully consider how to survive the chaotic battle..."

Qin Sang had anticipated this and wasn't surprised. He could only blame himself for being a step too late.

A guard led Qin Sang into the hall, where he saw a stern-looking middle-aged man in armor. This man's cultivation was an astonishing late-stage Core Formation. Qin Sang dared not be disrespectful, so he cupped his hands in greeting and introduced himself, "This humble Daoist's name is Qingfeng, a manager of the Qiongyu Chamber of Commerce in the East Extreme Alliance. Greetings, General."

Xiang Yi was dead, and all traces had been erased by the beast tide. With no more worries, Qin Sang decided to continue acting as Daoist Qingfeng and contact the Qiongyu Chamber of Commerce. Finding the Maoshan Vine and using a teleportation array to return to Canglang Sea were not things a rogue cultivator could achieve. Perhaps the Qiongyu Chamber of Commerce could help. Furthermore, in this situation, everyone had to obey orders. Without connections, one might be assigned the most arduous and exhausting tasks.

Upon hearing Qin Sang introduce himself, the general nodded slightly. He had already been informed of Qin Sang's purpose and mused, "Since Fellow Daoist is a high-level cultivator from the East Extreme Alliance, you must understand the current urgency of the situation. Without orders from Great Desolate Island, I dare not release you directly. Why don't you stay on this island for a while? Coincidentally, the patrol guard team is short of a few commanders..."

"I shall obey the General's command." Qin Sang accepted readily, then added, "However, this humble Daoist has important matters to attend to and dare not delay. I wonder if the General could help me contact the Chamber of Commerce? Once I report back, I can then carry out my duties with peace of mind."

Seeing Qin Sang's sensible approach, the general's expression softened slightly, and he readily agreed to his request. The general then gave Qin Sang some important instructions, summoned a guard, and had him escort Qin Sang to his accommodation. From then on, Qin Sang stayed on this auxiliary island. He had taken on island defense duties many times before, so he was familiar with the task and performed his responsibilities diligently.

More than a month passed in a flash. To his surprise, the Qiongyu Chamber of Commerce had not contacted him. "Could something have happened to Old Zou?" Qin Sang worried secretly, knowing he could only try to befriend more people and find a solution himself. Finally, two months after his return, he met Old Zou.

"Daoist, why did it take you so long to return? I thought something had happened to you in the Seven Kills Hall, and I grieved for a long time, regretting that I should have stopped you from going to that dangerous place!" Seeing Qin Sang, Old Zou appeared very pleased.

Qin Sang sighed and explained, "Old Zou, you may not know, but this humble Daoist indeed encountered a great disaster in the Seven Kills Hall, nearly losing my life. I escaped from within with my injured body, not daring to involve the Chamber of Commerce. I sought a secluded place to heal for many years, only then recovering from my injuries, though my cultivation also stagnated. After emerging from seclusion, I originally planned to come to the Demon Sea to contact you, Old Zou, but unexpectedly encountered this anomaly..."

After leaving the Seven Kills Hall, he had focused his main energy on the "Celestial Demon Refining Form" and "Origin Seed Demonic Embryo," neglecting cultivation. Moreover, due to constant travel for various matters, his cultivation progress was slow. Old Zou saw that Qin Sang's cultivation indeed hadn't progressed much, just as he said, and didn't probe further. After all, although Qin Sang had joined the Qiongyu Chamber of Commerce, he was an ascetic cultivator with few friends in the Chamber. It was normal for him to be cautious when injured.

When Old Zou inquired about Qin Sang's experiences in the Seven Kills Hall, Qin Sang produced his pre-prepared story. "We followed Fellow Daoist Xiang Yi into a place called the Purple Mist Desperate Land, where poisonous fog permeated everywhere. Fellow Daoist Xiang Yi held an anti-poison treasure, but unexpectedly startled a fierce beast within the poisonous land, causing everyone to scatter. This humble Daoist fortunately escaped the beast's pursuit and fled from the poisonous land. Because of this, I was afflicted by severe poison, greatly weakening my strength and leading to subsequent troubles..."

Previously, Lady Liu had already investigated thoroughly. Xiang Yi would never actively expose his despicable actions; after leaving the Seven Kills Hall, this was how he explained things to others, and Qin Sang's words perfectly aligned. A total of eight people entered the Seven Kills Hall, but only Xiang Yi emerged alive. However, the Seven Kills Hall had a notorious reputation for its cruelty, so even if someone suspected, they couldn't question Xiang Yi on this basis.

As Qin Sang recounted his experiences, Old Zou listened with great interest, showing no intention of stopping him. Qin Sang had no choice but to combine his own experiences and observations, mixing truth with falsehoods, and continued to weave his story. Old Zou occasionally exclaimed in awe and sometimes sighed with emotion. Suddenly, he cupped his hands towards Qin Sang and said, "Purple Mist Desperate Land, Heavenly Pagoda, Flower Immortal Lake... The Seven Kills Hall truly lives up to its notorious reputation. The places you've visited, my virtuous brother, are perilous everywhere, inspiring fear. I admire your ability to escape from such dragon's dens and tiger's lairs! I have an impolite request, virtuous brother. I wonder if you could do me a favor?"

Qin Sang, who needed Old Zou's help, said in a deep voice, "Old Zou, please speak freely. As long as it is within this humble Daoist's power, I will do my utmost."

Old Zou's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed loudly, "Excellent! This elder brother would like to ask you, virtuous brother, to draw a detailed topographical map!"

"The places this humble Daoist visited are only a small part of the Seven Kills Hall. If Old Zou needs it, I have no objections." As he spoke, Qin Sang looked at Old Zou with some surprise, "You want a topographical map? Are you perhaps preparing to enter the Seven Kills Hall?"

Old Zou spread his hands with a bitter smile, "Virtuous brother, look at my cultivation level. How many years has it been since I made any progress? After realizing that the path to immortality was hopeless, I dedicated all my energy to the Chamber of Commerce, toiling in the Demon Sea for many years. Who would have thought that this anomaly would destroy all my foundations, turning them into a fleeting illusion? I was already disheartened, but upon hearing news of you, virtuous brother, I was overjoyed, and a flame was rekindled in my heart. Before my lifespan ends, I want to make one last attempt by going to the Seven Kills Hall! It is said that the Witch Clan will reopen the Seven Kills Hall in over forty years. Time is running out for me. Since you, virtuous brother, have personally entered the Seven Kills Hall, your experience is crucial to me. Also, if I hear any news later, I will still need to trouble you, virtuous brother, to help me verify it."

Qin Sang remembered first meeting Old Zou on the Witch God Continent, and indeed, his aura hadn't changed much compared to now. He hadn't expected that Old Zou, who was so absorbed in business, would suddenly regret his choices and return to the path of cultivation. This anomaly in the Demon Sea had changed the fates of many people.