How do I get to level 8?

Hint 1 of 9:

Have you tried the stairs?

Hint 2 of 9:

Oh, you mean to the REST of level 8, not just the interconnected corridors.

Hint 3 of 9:

Well, there's the easy way, and the hard way.

Hint 4 of 9:

The easy way involves going back up to level 5 and using the portal.

Hint 5 of 9:

The hard way involves a number of stairs.

Hint 6 of 9:

Taking the stairs down in the main area on level 7 will take you to a series
of corridors and staircases that connect all three drow levels.  The way to
level 8 is through here.