Gateway of Immortality-Chapter 830: The Decision

When Qin Sang arrived at the small courtyard, Madam Liu was already waiting for him.

In the few short years since leaving Seven-Kill Hall, her cultivation had advanced greatly. She was now only a single step away from the late stage of the Core Formation Realm.

Despite her progress, there was no joy on her face. Instead, her brows carried a trace of weariness and worry. The years spent tracking Xiang Yi had taken a heavy toll on her.

"I finally see you again, Daoist Master," Madam Liu said softly, her tone tinged with faint reproach. When Qin Sang had left Tianxing Island, she had been no match for Xiang Yi and had thus missed a perfect opportunity.

Knowing he was at fault, Qin Sang replied, "I had no choice at the time. There was a matter of utmost importance that needed urgent handling. Madam, you have investigated Xiang Yi for many years, surely you have made some progress?"

Madam Liu was a shrewd woman. She allowed herself a brief show of displeasure, but did not dwell on the past. Her expression grew serious. "It is fortunate you returned when you did. Otherwise, I would have truly despaired."

"What do you mean by that?" 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Qin Sang opened the array, invited Madam Liu into the house, and set up a sound-proofing barrier. Then, the two sat down.

Once seated, she explained, "Do you still remember what I told you before? Xiang Yi is highly valued by the leader of the merchant alliance. After leaving Seven-Kill Hall, he would quickly reach the peak of the late stage."

"Of course I remember. Do not tell me he has already broken through?" Qin Sang said gravely.

In the past, Qin Sang had faced opponents who were at the peak of the late stage, but there had always been a reason he came out on top.

The youth from the Xiyou Alliance had been caught off guard by the Blood Defilement Divine Light, which destroyed his poison-warding artifact, allowing Qin Sang to kill him in the poisonous mist. The mysterious body cultivator had been burned alive by the Dongming Cold Flame.

The refined soul he had encountered not long ago had been perfectly countered by the Jade Buddha.

Madam Liu said, "I have been concerned about this very matter. After returning, I immediately began investigating Xiang Yi’s whereabouts. Before his breakthrough, there was still a slim chance, but you were away. I dared not act rashly, afraid of alarming him, so I had no choice but to give up, watching helplessly as the villain roamed free...

"Fortunately, heaven is just. Xiang Yi did not remain in seclusion for long before being forced to come out, and he has yet to break through. Daoist Master, you must have heard of the recent upheaval in the Demonic Sea?"

"You mean the demon race uprising?" Qin Sang nodded. In recent days, rumors of it had grown more and more frequent.

"It is said that the demon race has stirred up trouble, with beast tides breaking out again and again in the Demonic Sea. Even some of the great islands that have stood for many years have been attacked. But I believe this is just another cycle, the same back-and-forth struggle as before. No matter what, the human race and the witch race will never give up on the Demonic Sea."

Madam Liu gave a quiet hum in agreement. "Whatever the demon race’s true aim, and however the war develops, it is beyond our control. The beast tides are actually to our advantage. The merchant alliance is deploying its top experts to the Demonic Sea, Xiang Yi included. He has been forced to interrupt his cultivation to take orders. Right now, he is on an island in the Demonic Sea. When he returns, he will surely shut himself away to break through. This may be our only chance..."

After pausing slightly, Madam Liu continued, "Moreover, killing him in the Demonic Sea has another benefit. With the current chaos, if Xiang Yi were to die there, the alliance would likely think he was simply careless and became food for a demonic beast, never suspecting us..."

"It seems you have made thorough preparations." Qin Sang studied her closely.

She was right. The timing was excellent. The only issue was that entering the Demonic Sea now would mean going against the current, with the risk of being drawn into the wider conflict.

Madam Liu’s desire for vengeance clearly outweighed concern for her own safety. Xiang Yi had to be killed. Otherwise, Qin Sang would never feel at ease. But losing his own life in the process was not worth it.

He remained silent, weighing the risks. In the end, he decided the trip was worth making.

The demon race might be powerful, but the human and witch races had entrenched themselves in the Demonic Sea for many years. Their strength was not to be underestimated, and they would not be defeated so easily.

He was confident in his improved swordsmanship, his star turban for protection, and the Two-Headed Hou whose power had recently soared. Even if danger arose in the Demonic Sea, he had the means to deal with it.

Killing Xiang Yi would remove a thorn in his side and bring him a sizable gain, freeing him from distractions that could delay his cultivation.

He had to reach the late third stage of the Heavenly Demon Body Refinement before Seven-Kill Hall opened again, and time was already tight.

Xiang Yi, being a trusted aide of the Dongji Alliance's leader, would surely have considerable wealth. Madam Liu had promised that all spoils from killing him would belong to Qin Sang.

There was also another, unspoken motive. Qin Sang wanted to take this opportunity to visit Huntian Island to see if he could acquire more Dongming Cold Flame.

He was still thinking of the Dongming Cold Flame. The power of the Flame Orb was still fresh in his mind.

If he could refine a few more Flame Orbs, he would be able to walk unhindered through the Core Formation Realm.

The Dongming Cold Flame was guarded by men sent by the Huntian Island's master. After stealing one wisp, Qin Sang had not dared return, fearing a trap. Neither Transformation Realm demonic beasts nor late-stage Spiritual Infant grandmasters could subdue it, yet he had taken some away. If the island master knew, he would never let Qin Sang live.

Now, with the demon race causing chaos, the Huntian Island's master would be too preoccupied to care. It was the perfect chance. But he did not know if the Dongming Cold Flame was still there.

Madam Liu watched him nervously, waiting for his answer.

"Besides me, have you found any other helpers?" Qin Sang asked without rushing to promise anything.

She gave a bitter smile. "Most of the savings my husband left me are already gone. Even if I found others, once they heard we were targeting a late-stage expert and the alliance leader’s confidant, who would dare come? Only a friend of mine is in the Demonic Sea right now, watching Xiang Yi, but she formed her core not long ago and cannot offer much help. My plan is to lure Xiang Yi off the island once we arrive, and attack him outside. I spent a great effort acquiring a rare talisman. Once activated, it can temporarily suppress Xiang Yi’s true essence, reducing his strength. But it needs time to activate, and during that time, you would have to keep Xiang Yi occupied for me..."

To convince him, Madam Liu laid out her plan in full, holding nothing back.

Qin Sang gave an inward nod. Of course, he would not put complete faith in her plan. Once there, he would first assess the situation and adapt accordingly. Even if the assassination failed, he could still retreat unharmed.

"Very well, I will go with you. However, this is sudden, and I have some matters to arrange. Wait for me one night. We will leave at dawn tomorrow." Qin Sang nodded in agreement.

Madam Liu’s face lit up with joy. "There is no time to lose. Daoist Master, we must act quickly!"