Unexpected News

"This poor Daoist is well aware of what kind of place the Hall of Seven Killings is. Alas, I have reasons that compel me to go..." Qin Sang sighed deeply. Seeing this, Ran Luo stopped trying to dissuade him, but shared a piece of news that took him by surprise. "Rumors concerning the Hall of Seven Killings did begin spreading through the Inner Sea a year or two ago, but very few people know about it. I only overheard a little when Elder Zou was chatting with some friends. Supposedly, this time will be different from the past. The next opening of the Hall of Seven Killings might take place in just twenty-odd years." Qin Sang was astounded. "Twenty-odd years? How can it be so soon? Wouldn't that be an interval of only fifty-some years since the last one—a full twenty years shorter than before! Forcing it open without waiting for the immortal formation to reach its low-tide ebb would cost not merely double or triple the price. No single faction could possibly bear that! Did Elder Zou mention the reason?" Qin Sang felt a surge of urgency. Originally, he had plenty of time, more than enough to break through to the mid Core Formation stage. He also would have had ample time to nurture both of his spirit insects to their third metamorphosis so they could be of greater use. With twenty years suddenly cut away, his own cultivation had grown pressing, and the two spirit insects would likely struggle to complete their third metamorphosis before the Hall of Seven Killings opened. "No, Elder Zou doesn't know either." Ran Luo shook her head. "Perhaps something went wrong with the Hall of Seven Killings' immortal formation. But I suspect it isn't that simple, because there is another variable. According to Elder Zou, the number of qualifications to enter the Hall of Seven Killings this time seems to be fewer than in the past; only renowned factions will get a turn. In the past, rogue cultivators could obtain spots through other channels, such as auctions, and finding one wasn't particularly difficult if one put in the effort. Now, I'm afraid it will be exceedingly difficult." The date had moved forward, and the slots were restricted. The sudden turn of events caught Qin Sang somewhat unprepared. He had been reluctant to become too entangled with the factions of the Canglang Sea, maintaining his distance even from the Qiongyu Guild. He had not anticipated that this would turn out to be a mistake. After a moment of contemplation, Qin Sang asked gravely, "Fellow Daoist Ran, does our guild have the capability to secure a qualification?" "I am not sure either. I never imagined going to such a perilous death trap before, so I only listened to it as entertaining gossip." Ran Luo shook her head. Seeing Qin Sang fall silent, she thought for a moment and added, "Even if our guild cannot, the Eastern Pole Alliance certainly can. The power of our merchant alliance is something not even the top sects of the righteous and demonic paths can match. As you are considered a member of our guild, Daoist, you might be able to obtain a qualification through the Eastern Pole Alliance. If you are interested, I can consult Elder Zou on your behalf. Elder Zou has countless old acquaintances; he is sure to have a way." "Then I shall trouble Fellow Daoist Ran," Qin Sang said gratefully. With only twenty-odd years left, he had to devote himself entirely to bitter cultivation to ensure he reached the mid Core Formation stage before the Hall of Seven Killings opened. If he were to return to the Inner Sea and search aimlessly, not only was there no guarantee he would secure an entry spot, but who knew how much time would be wasted? Relying on the Qiongyu Guild and the Eastern Pole Alliance was indeed the best choice. He expected that the qualification would not come easily, and the alliance and guild would likely use this opportunity to impose certain conditions. As long as they were not too unreasonable, Qin Sang resolved to accept them. "Why must you be so polite, Daoist? I still have to rely on you. The newly hired artifact crafters cannot hold a candle to your skill," Ran Luo said with a light chuckle, covering her mouth. "This poor Daoist will not shirk his duty," Qin Sang said, cupping his hands. The two exchanged a few more pleasantries before Qin Sang urged Ran Luo to send the spiritual materials to the fire chamber so he could begin crafting. Ran Luo reciprocated by sending someone to contact Elder Zou, who was currently on another island. After crafting the Primordial Concentric Rings, Qin Sang had made immense progress in artifact crafting. He felt that his success rate in refining magic treasures would not fall short of other crafters. Provided he had the aid of the Nine Nether Demonic Fire. Not to mention the enormous drain and the lengthy process, the residual power of the Nine Nether Demonic Fire was the very reason Qin Sang had not brought this up to Ran Luo of his own accord. When refining magic tools, very little residue of the demonic fire remained, which could be masked through special crafting techniques. However, if a magic treasure ended up like the Primordial Concentric Rings, it would be difficult to explain. Any experienced artifact grandmaster could tell at a glance that whoever refined the treasure possessed a peculiar spiritual fire. That would only invite trouble for no reason. Before finding a way to resolve this issue, Qin Sang felt it was better to keep a low profile. Batch after batch of spiritual materials arrived. Qin Sang stayed inside the fire chamber for over a month without stepping out. One day, after finishing the final magic tool and while regulating his breath, Qin Sang heard a guard knocking on the door. Learning that Ran Luo had come to visit, his heart stirred, and he quickly pushed the door open and stepped out. "Fellow Daoist Ran, is there any news?" "You have worked hard, Daoist." Ran Luo nodded and glanced around before saying, "Elder Zou has learned of this matter and sent a letter. Daoist, please follow me." The two returned to the quiet room at the post, where Ran Luo handed Qin Sang a letter. Its contents were straightforward. Qin Sang scanned it at a glance. As his fingers gripped the paper, his expression flickered through shifting shades, and he lapsed into silence. After a moment, Ran Luo said softly, "The information Elder Zou uncovered should be genuine. Elder Zou said he also did not expect the merchant alliance to make such harsh demands—not only demanding every single spirit stone without a discount, but also requiring everyone to act together." Qin Sang nodded subconsciously. The spirit stones were expected. Though the amount was staggering, selling off the demon cores in his possession would roughly cover it. It was the second condition that caused Qin Sang to hesitate. The Eastern Pole Alliance actually required that all members of the merchant alliance who entered the Hall of Seven Killings obey the alliance's commands and refrain from acting on their own; only after completing their mission could they attend to their personal affairs. As for what the mission was, the alliance had not specified, saying only that it would not take up too much time, shamelessly stamping the word "confidential" onto it. For the Eastern Pole Alliance to act with such boldness showed that gaining entry to the Hall of Seven Killings was truly exceptionally rare. By contrast, the Qiongyu Guild's requirement—or rather, Elder Zou's requirement—was far simpler. Elder Zou hoped Qin Sang would genuinely join the Qiongyu Guild and take charge of affairs on a major island, just like Ran Luo. "This poor Daoist has only recently formed his core. I fear I would hardly be up to the task?" Qin Sang tested the waters. Ran Luo smiled faintly. "Why must you be so modest, Daoist? You dispatched the personal disciple from Black Snake Mountain with ease. Your strength is unfathomable; I can only feel ashamed of my own inadequacy." "Black Snake Mountain is...?" Qin Sang had never heard the name, but a flash of insight struck his mind, and he suddenly realized what she meant. Ran Luo nodded and said solemnly, "The person who intercepted you back then was likely the personal disciple of the Witch Clan's Black Snake Mountain Patriarch. After you slew him, the people of Black Snake Mountain must have lost your trail. When the turmoil between the two clans ended, they sent people to lie low on Duyan Island, secretly investigating your identity. Fortunately, I noticed it in time. Using the island lord's name, Elder Zou arranged to have them driven off the island, and set up several hidden ploys to mislead them. You need not worry, Daoist. Only Elder Zou and I know about this. They will certainly never trace it back to you."