Gateway of Immortality-Chapter 854: Sound Transmission Talisman

Is this man not one of Granny Yue’s accomplices? Su Nu cast a glance at Qin Sang, her thoughts stirring. She could not tell whether he truly had not noticed or was simply pretending ignorance.

Qin Sang’s expression remained calm as ever.

The group returned to the rendezvous point, and not long after, Kong Yun arrived.

All in all, their mission had been a success. Su Nu was safely rescued, none of the four suffered any injuries, and everyone was delighted. They immediately decided to return.

Since the Two-Headed Hou’s existence had already been exposed, Qin Sang no longer kept it hidden. The beast remained outside, carrying the weakest among them—Su Nu—back toward Desolate Island.

On the way, Qin Sang deliberately drew closer to Elder Zhushan, asking him about the Landou Sect and Qiyunzi. Elder Zhushan, intending to befriend Qin Sang, did not expose his inquiries and answered everything candidly, revealing many useful details.

With five experts equal to late-stage Core Formation escorting one Su Nu, the journey back to Desolate Island was smooth and without incident.

But when they neared the island, a suffocating sight awaited them.

Dark masses of demonic beasts blanketed the sea, blocking the way. Their numbers were countless compared to when they had left. The swarm darkened the skies, and among them were powerful auras openly emanating. They belonged to the Transformation Realm great demons, each suffocating in might.

At this sight, everyone’s hearts sank. Who would dare charge through the beast tide at such a time to reach Desolate Island?

Granny Yue, however, appeared confident. She led them on a detour, and to their relief, the beast horde in another direction was thinner. The situation had shifted. The human cultivators and the demonic beasts now stood in battle formation across from each other. The seawater between them was dyed crimson with blood, testament to the ferocity of the fighting.

Granny Yue instructed calmly, "Wait here. I received word long ago that all factions from the Inner Sea will station experts here. The cultivators on Desolate Island are not weaker than the demonic beasts, and they will not sit idle. When the two sides clash, we will take advantage of the chaos to slip in. Once we send the signal, someone will come to receive us."

With no other choice, they withdrew far away and waited patiently.

Several days later, the battle erupted. It was vast and intense. The group seized the chance, rushing forward with Granny Yue’s signal. Sure enough, they were met and escorted safely through.

"Fellow Daoists, take these tokens. Present them at Xiangan Auction House to claim your reward." Granny Yue handed each of them a jade token.

Qin Sang accepted his and bid farewell. Su Nu watched him depart.

Qin Sang noticed her gaze but made no response. On the return journey, he had already sensed something odd in her demeanor. Several times she seemed ready to speak, yet always held back, never uttering a word.

Instead of hurrying to claim his treasures and leave the Demonic Sea, Qin Sang first visited Elder Zhou.

With Xiang Yi removed as a threat, Qin Sang had re-established ties with the Qiongyu Merchant Guild, and it was only wise to cultivate the relationship. With the guild’s backing, many things could be accomplished more smoothly.

Only after visiting Elder Zhou did Qin Sang set out for Desolate Island.

After undergoing several inspections, he entered the island city, went to Xiangan Auction House, and received two items. At last, the weight in his heart lifted.

Inside the auction house, he immediately asked for a private room. Without delay, he brought out the Maoshan Vine.

Among the demon race, this herb was known as the Azure Reed Root. Its rough azure bark made it look just like a tree root, no larger than a fist. It was indeed the very one sent by Xiang Yi.

Qin Sang unraveled the barrier sealing the herb. Azure light washed over him, and an overwhelming medicinal fragrance filled the room.

The three spiritual herbs required for the art each had their unique effect. The Azure Reed Root greatly strengthened the bones and muscles, enhancing physical strength, and its medicinal properties were relatively mild.

If he refined it now, his progress in the Heavenly Demon Body Refinement would advance significantly. But in order to save it for a breakthrough, Qin Sang resisted the temptation, resealed the herb, and stored it together with the Tyrant Blood Fruit.

"Two of the three herbs are in hand. Only the Scorpion Venom Grass remains, but so far there is no trace of it. I’ll need to prepare an alternative. Perhaps the Landou Sect will give me a surprise..."

Qin Sang turned the teleportation talisman in his fingers, lost in thought.

Along with it, he still held another token.

Leaving the auction house, he strode quickly toward the teleportation array. He wanted to depart as soon as possible, lest delay bring unforeseen troubles.

He saw no sign of Kong Yun or Elder Zhushan, and had no idea what rewards they had received.

The teleportation hall was heavily guarded, its defenses formidable. Qin Sang dared not act recklessly. Stepping forward, he presented the token. "I am an old acquaintance of General Mo. Please see that this item is delivered to him."

The guard, sensing Qin Sang’s cultivation, treated him respectfully and departed. Soon he returned, bowing. "General Mo has given orders. Daoist Master, please wait a moment in the Demon-Calming Hall."

At present, no one was allowed to enter or leave the teleportation hall. Without orders, the array would not be activated. If one wished to leave Desolate Island, one had to follow procedure.

Qin Sang said nothing and followed the guard. Inside the Demon-Calming Hall, several people were already seated.

Their attire varied. Some sat with eyes closed in meditation, others idly practiced Dao Techniques. The hall itself was hushed and solemn.

Judging by their garments, most were disciples of major Inner Sea sects. Their bearing was extraordinary, and they had reason for their pride.

Qin Sang swept his gaze around, saw no familiar faces, and quietly chose a seat.

More and more people trickled in. They waited nearly two hours, until dusk deepened, before the mysterious General Mo finally arrived and led them toward the teleportation hall.

Inside, Qin Sang saw just how strict the defenses truly were. Two white-haired elders sat within, and both were Spiritual Infant grandmasters.

Before such figures, even the proud disciples of great sects bowed their heads.

"Senior Feng, these are the people sent today from each faction," General Mo bowed and said respectfully.

Suddenly, one of the old men slammed the table, his beard bristling, eyes blazing with anger. "The Demonic Sea stands at the brink of life and death, our foundations about to be lost. And what do these factions do? With lofty words they press others down, yet they rush to send their disciples to safety! Without trials, let us see how many among them will become worth anything!"

"Enough. Such things are hardly surprising. Why waste your anger?"

The other elder chuckled, then addressed the group kindly. "Stand on the array. Once you return, keep your silence. Do not stir up trouble."

Qin Sang stepped onto the teleportation array. Light flared, and as the world spun, he crushed the teleportation talisman. When the dizziness passed, he stood once more before the familiar teleportation hall.

At last, I’m back! He muttered inwardly, then noticed this hall too was guarded by a Spiritual Infant grandmaster. Alarmed, he quickly bowed.

The elder did not even glance at him.

Qin Sang gave a wry smile at himself and followed the guards swiftly out.

Tianxing City looked the same, but the atmosphere had shifted. Cultivators hurried along the streets, worry etched in every face.

Without pause, Qin Sang returned to his cave dwelling.

He was eager. Having been gone so long, his external incarnation should be at the critical point, only a single step away from completion.

The barrier of his cave dwelling was intact, and he breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped inside. But then he noticed several Sound Transmission Talismans floating in the courtyard,.