Black Profound Island was an overseas island, yet because it sat at a vital point along the sea routes, trade flourished. A fairly sizable city even stood upon its main island, named Black Stone City.
The city walls were built from the island's unique black mysterious stones.
The Demonic Sect's stronghold was not located in the chaotic harbor district, where fish and dragons mingled, but hidden in a relatively secluded area at the southwestern corner of the city.
This had once been a folk shrine with a decent stream of worshippers, dedicated to some long-untraceable sea god. Later, for unknown reasons, it had fallen into disrepair, its incense and offerings cut off.
The stronghold had been established within the backyard Zen Room of that abandoned shrine.
The Zen Room had been renovated and carried a rather refined, elegant charm.
Several dim oil lamps flickered in the corners, while several figures sat around an Eight Immortals table.
At their head sat Fang Cheng, Guo Pingling, and Zhao Yuandou, three Demonic Sect experts.
Seated in the place of honor was a fair-skinned man dressed in a brocade long robe, styled like a middle-aged scholar.
He was Jiang Kui, Island Master of Black Profound Island—the "Capsize River Turtle."
"Many thanks to Island Master Jiang for your support these past days and for providing this precious place for us to shelter in. Everyone in our Sacred Gate is deeply grateful." Zhao Yuandou was the first to cup his fists, his tone exceptionally courteous.
Jiang Kui chuckled and waved a hand. "Zhao, you are too polite. It is but a small matter, hardly worth mentioning."
"Ah, Island Master Jiang, this is no small matter."
Guo Pingling took over. "If not for how easy your Black Profound Island is to defend and hard to attack, along