Gateway of Immortality-Chapter 814: Steward

Quheng Island.

After entering the city, Qin Sang concealed his identity and began making discreet inquiries. It did not take long for him to identify his target.

Even on a large island like Quheng Island, late-stage Core Formation experts were rare. Unless one lived in seclusion for years on end, it was impossible for no information about them to circulate.

This man’s name was Luo Daotong. He did not cultivate on Quheng Island itself but was the island master of an island called Liangqiu Island. This identity matched the Island Master Luo mentioned by Hanhai Sect's leader.

What was strange was that Qin Sang found no information about his origins, as if he were merely a rogue cultivator.

It was obvious to Qin Sang that this man could not truly be a rogue cultivator. He had simply never revealed his lineage.

Qin Sang also learned that Quheng Island did not have only one island master, but two, one from the righteous path and one from the devilish path, both of them formidable Spiritual Infant grandmasters.

The righteous and devilish paths had agreed to designate Quheng Island as the main island of the Windy Archipelago, ruling the archipelago from here. This formed a balance where the two island masters kept each other in check, yet without causing large-scale turmoil or disputes.

After all, the Windy Archipelago was far from stable, and its resources could not yet be divided. The southern region was the most chaotic of all, and neither the righteous nor the devilish path had been able to extend their influence there.

With such threats present, the two island masters could only maintain cooperation.

Otherwise, not only would they fail to gain any advantage, but they might also allow areas that had been painstakingly pacified to fall into chaos again. If that happened, they would be left empty-handed, and the alliance leader would not let them off lightly.

Despite his efforts, Qin Sang was unable to determine which of the two island masters stood behind Luo Daotong.

By now, Qin Sang was no longer a newcomer to the world of cultivation. He clearly understood that in truth there was no strict dividing line between the righteous and devilish paths. Both were equally ambitious, and whoever emerged victorious would be deemed righteous. It was best to treat them simply as two major factions. He could not assume that Senior Qingzhu’s killers had to be from the devilish side.

He dared not provoke the island masters of Quheng Island directly.

To uncover the truth, he would have to start with Luo Daotong.

Luo Daotong’s cave dwelling was on Liangqiu Island, openly displayed for all to see.

Going there directly was out of the question.

Qin Sang believed that with the star turban, the Blood Defilement Divine Light, and the Two-Headed Hou, he had the means to seize this man if he struck unexpectedly.

However, attacking in the heart of the enemy’s territory carried too many uncertainties.

Moreover, with such a mysterious background, Luo Daotong would surely have no shortage of treasures. If Qin Sang failed to capture him or became locked in a stalemate, giving Luo Daotong a chance to call for help, matters would become troublesome.

The distance between Liangqiu Island and Quheng Island was not great, and a Spiritual Infant grandmaster could arrive quickly. At that point, Qin Sang would fail to capture his target and might even lose his own life.

He would at least have to wait until Luo Daotong left the island.

If the strike missed, he could still retreat swiftly.

Such an opportunity would be difficult to find. Qin Sang sat in a tavern for a long while, deep in thought, before deciding to first find a cave dwelling to settle in and proceed slowly.

Leaving the tavern, Qin Sang used his movement art to fly toward the mountain.

The best cave dwellings on Quheng Island were located at the summit.

Before long, he reached the cave dwelling rental area. Halfway up the mountain stood several grand pavilions, with the glow of protective barriers shimmering outside. Cultivators came and went, evasion lights rising and falling.

This place marked a boundary. Mortals were not permitted to go higher, where the cultivators’ cave dwellings were located.

Qin Sang glanced over the buildings and their signboards before choosing one to enter.

Inside the spacious hall were more than a dozen sand tables, each displaying the miniature shape of the main peak of Quheng Island.

The peaks were covered with densely packed colored dots of light. Qin Sang quickly realized these dots represented individual cave dwellings.

Several cultivators were gathered around some of the sand tables.

"Daoist, are you here to rent a cave dwelling?"

A young cultivator approached. Looking closely, Qin Sang was surprised to find that he was a Foundation Building cultivator.

"That’s right. I am new here and looking for a place to stay. What do these lights mean, and how can I rent a suitable cave dwelling?" Qin Sang’s expression remained calm as he nodded.

.The young cultivator studied Qin Sang. "Pardon my boldness, but may I ask where you have cultivated before? Do you have a jade token?"

Qin Sang’s expression darkened. "Why? Must one have a jade token to rent a cave dwelling? I am not a cultivator from around Quheng Island. I came from the south."

Given the importance of his task, he did not wish to reveal his identity. He used the Spirit Evasion Art to conceal his cultivation, making him appear to be an early-stage Foundation Building cultivator. Only someone stronger than him would be able to see through the disguise.

The jade token was a unique form of identification used on Quheng Island.

The young cultivator looked suddenly enlightened. "You misunderstood, Daoist. I meant nothing by it. Since you came from the south, I imagine you are drawn here by the island’s reputation. For a cultivator of your level to brave the dangers of a long sea crossing to reach this place is no easy feat."

Qin Sang’s expression eased slightly. He sighed. "Indeed, I only wish to find a safe place where I can cultivate in peace. Taking such a risk is worth it."

"You are right, Daoist. For us small folk, all we seek is stability."

The young cultivator seemed to empathize. He suddenly pulled Qin Sang outside the pavilion and whispered, "To tell you the truth, I have had much the same experience. Since you are new here, there are things you may not know. Renting a cave dwelling is actually not cost-effective. The ones on the island are far too expensive, and with little income, I quickly emptied my savings when I first arrived and almost ended up sleeping on the streets. If you plan to stay long term, take my advice: Do not only look at the main island. I can show you another path."

Here, the young cultivator paused deliberately.

Qin Sang instantly understood and already guessed most of it.

Seeing Qin Sang remain silent, the young cultivator continued, lowering his voice even further. "With your cultivation, you’d be more than qualified to serve as a steward on a nearby small island. Not only would you have a cave dwelling, but you’d also earn spirit stones. Why not? All it requires is a little of your time, and when storms or sea beasts attack, you must help defend and protect the mortals. The spiritual qi on the smaller islands is thinner, but still just about enough for cultivation."

Hearing this, Qin Sang nodded inwardly. Pursuing Luo Daotong wouldn’t be achieved overnight, and having a legitimate identity near Liangqiu Island was indeed a good approach.

"How does one become a steward? I’d gladly accept it if you could guide me."

"You could apply on one of the major islands, but first you’d need to wait for them to recruit stewards, and then you’d have to compete with others. It’s full of uncertainties."

The young cultivator lowered his voice again. "I happen to know a senior with some influence. As long as it’s not one of the core islands, he can put in a word. Of course, he won’t help for free, so..."

He rubbed his fingers together meaningfully.

Qin Sang smiled inwardly. He naturally didn’t care about a small sum of spirit stones, as long as the matter could be arranged.

Nor did he fear being cheated. Producing a small pouch of spirit stones, he handed it over. The young cultivator’s face lit up with joy.