Chapter 1082: Ice Spirit Fruit

“Void Heaven Hall?” Han Li muttered to himself, his heart filled with astonishment.

The three white jade palaces, though differing in size, were identical in style to the Void Heaven Hall that had appeared in the Chaotic Star Sea.

Crafted from flawless white jade, they were exquisitely ornate, emitting a faint, ethereal glow.

However, compared to the floating palace he had seen in the void, these three halls were only one-third the size of the Void Heaven Hall.

Suppressing his shock, Han Li scrutinized them once more and confirmed that he wasn’t mistaken. The three halls undoubtedly had some connection to the Void Heaven Hall, though their gates bore no plaques or inscriptions.

A flicker of surprise crossed Han Li’s eyes, but he casually remarked to the Ren surnamed cultivator,

“So this is the inner palace of the Small Extreme Palace? Truly a spiritual paradise. But these three halls seem quite ancient. Why are they identical in style? Do they have some special origin?”

“Ah, you mean the Void Spirit Halls? These three halls have existed since the founding of our sect. It’s said they were built by our founding ancestor and several close friends using immense divine power. They hold profound mysteries within!” the Ren surnamed cultivator replied offhandedly, glancing at the halls.

“Void Spirit Halls?” Han Li murmured, a strange glint flashing in his eyes.

“What, Brother Han is interested in them? Unless a major event occurs, these halls remain sealed. Only with the approval of over half the elders can they be opened. As for the reasons behind this, I’m afraid I cannot disclose them lightly!” Noticing Han Li’s keen interest, the Ren surnamed cultivator smiled mysteriously.

Seeing his expression, Han Li chuckled and refrained from further inquiry. Pushing further would risk probing into sect secrets—a taboo he had no intention of crossing.

Besides, even if these halls were connected to the Void Heaven Hall, it had little to do with him. He had already obtained the Void Heaven Cauldron, the most prized treasure of the Void Heaven Hall.

“Brother Han, please follow me! The Bai Ning Pavilion is over there. It seems Junior Sister Bai holds you in high regard—this pavilion is where she entertains her closest friends. It’s quite elegant and tranquil,” the Ren surnamed cultivator said, appearing well-informed about Bai Yaoyi’s affairs.

“Is that so? I’m truly flattered,” Han Li replied with a faint smile.

The Ren surnamed cultivator chuckled and led Han Li toward a cliffside, where they landed before a three-story pavilion.

Constructed from emerald-green wood and partially embedded into the cliff, the pavilion stood over ten zhang tall on each level. Above its entrance hung a pale yellow plaque inscribed with three silver characters: “Bai Ning Pavilion.”

As soon as Han Li’s feet touched the ground, a white-robed woman emerged to greet them.

“Greetings, Uncle Ren! And this must be Senior Han?” The refined-looking woman was momentarily surprised but quickly bowed respectfully.

“Indeed. Is Fairy Bai inside?” Han Li asked calmly.

“My master has just concluded her seclusion and is stabilizing her spiritual power. She instructed me to welcome you, Senior Han, and hopes you won’t take offense at her absence,” the woman said, stepping aside to make way but conspicuously ignoring the Ren surnamed cultivator.

“Niece Yan, I must speak with your master. There are matters I need to discuss with her,” the Ren surnamed cultivator interjected without hesitation.

“Uncle Ren, this puts me in a difficult position. As you know, my master has long refused to see you. Last time, Junior Sister Gong let you in and was severely punished afterward!” The woman sighed, her face full of reluctance.

“This time is different. I’ve accompanied Brother Han here. Surely your master wouldn’t refuse to see him as well?” The Ren surnamed cultivator flushed but quickly shifted the focus to Han Li.

Han Li blinked but said nothing, his lips quirking slightly.

“This…” The woman hesitated.

“Yan’er, let your Uncle Ren Bi in. I’ll see him once more,” a melodious voice suddenly rang out from the pavilion—Bai Yaoyi’s voice.

“As you command! Uncle Ren, please enter.” The woman relaxed and stepped further aside.

Ren Bi’s face lit up with joy upon hearing Bai Yaoyi’s voice. He immediately began transmitting a message, seemingly eager to converse with her even before entering.

“Senior Brother Ren Bi, if you have something to say, come inside and discuss it properly. Leaving Fellow Daoist Han waiting outside would reflect poorly on our Small Extreme Palace’s hospitality,” Bai Yaoyi’s calm voice carried no hint of secrecy.

Han Li stroked his chin, smiling silently.

“My oversight! Brother Han, let’s continue inside,” Ren Bi said awkwardly.

“Not at all. Brother Ren is clearly a man of passion,” Han Li replied with a grin, now understanding why Ren Bi had been so eager to accompany him. It seemed the man harbored deep feelings for Bai Yaoyi.

This realization eased Han Li’s wariness considerably.

Guided by the woman, the two entered the Bai Ning Pavilion.

The first floor was modest in size—a square of about twenty zhang in length and width. Simple bamboo furniture adorned the space, with pots of unfamiliar pale yellow spiritual flowers in each corner. The blossoms, fist-sized and fragrant, filled the pavilion with spiritual energy, drawing Han Li’s gaze more than once.

Bai Yaoyi did not appear immediately, but as Han Li and Ren Bi took their seats, her apologetic voice drifted down:

“Brother Han, please wait a moment. My cultivation technique is somewhat unique, and I’ll be down shortly after stabilizing my energy. In the meantime, please try our Small Extreme Palace’s Ice Spirit Fruits.”

At her words, the woman clapped her hands lightly, and two young white-robed maids entered, each carrying a vermilion tray bearing a cluster of thumb-sized, crystalline berries—lustrous and pearl-like.

Placing the trays on the table, the maids withdrew respectfully.

“The Ice Spirit Fruits are unique to our Small Extreme Palace. Even we elders receive only a few clusters annually. They’re sweet and brimming with pure icy spiritual energy. For cultivators of ice-attribute techniques, regular consumption aids cultivation,” Ren Bi explained before popping one into his mouth.

Following suit, Han Li plucked a berry and bit into it. A surge of icy energy swirled in his mouth—indeed, it was pure frost spiritual power.

Though Han Li didn’t cultivate ice-attribute techniques, his mastery of the Purple Apex Extreme Fire and the Lunar True Flame rendered the cold negligible. The energy was swiftly absorbed as it slid down his throat.

Intrigued, he picked up another berry and ate it.

Ren Bi, observing this, couldn’t hide his surprise.

The Ice Spirit Fruits were renowned for their benefits, but non-ice or fire cultivators needed to convert the cold energy carefully to avoid internal damage. Yet Han Li, whose aura had always been purely wood-attribute, consumed them without hesitation—even two in succession, something Ren Bi himself wouldn’t dare.

As the Small Extreme Palace elder marveled inwardly, footsteps sounded from above. A graceful, fair-faced woman in white robes descended the stairs.

Han Li narrowed his eyes and rose with a hearty laugh.

“Fairy Bai, it’s been over a decade. I trust you’ve been well?”

“Junior Sister Bai, you’ve finally agreed to see me!” Ren Bi exclaimed joyfully.

“From our parting, I knew Brother Han wouldn’t seek me out without reason. I’ve been expecting your visit for years—your arrival today is later than I anticipated. As for Senior Brother Ren, were it not for Brother Han, I wouldn’t have consented to this meeting,” Bai Yaoyi said warmly to Han Li before turning a stern face to Ren Bi, her tone hardening.

“I’ve found a solution this time! I won’t disappoint you!” Ren Bi blurted out urgently.

“A solution? If that’s all, we’ll discuss it later. Brother Han has traveled far—let’s set this aside for now,” Bai Yaoyi shook her head.

“Very well. I’ll find another opportunity to explain. Just seeing you again is enough for now,” Ren Bi conceded with a forced smile.

Bai Yaoyi nodded expressionlessly and took the host’s seat, prompting Han Li and Ren Bi to sit as well.

“Fairy Bai’s cultivation has advanced notably since we last met,” Han Li remarked after studying her.

“Brother Han flatters me. In terms of divine abilities, even two of me combined would pale before you,” Bai Yaoyi replied with a radiant smile.

Her memories of Han Li’s prowess in the Yin Yang Cave and Kunwu Mountain remained vivid, hence her utmost respect and caution in his presence.

Ren Bi, hearing her high praise, reassessed Han Li with newfound astonishment.

Bai Yaoyi continued,

“Ten years ago, Brother Han mentioned visiting our palace. You wouldn’t have said so without reason. May I ask your purpose?”

“Since you ask directly, I’ll be forthright. I’ve come to seek Fairy Bai’s assistance with a matter,” Han Li replied after a brief pause.