“Brother Han, I have never forgotten the great kindness you showed me that day. Please, feel free to ask anything!” Bai Yaoyi replied without hesitation.
For her, even if Han Li hadn’t saved her from the ice, the sheer fact that his abilities rivaled those of a late-stage cultivator would have been reason enough to assist him wholeheartedly. After all, befriending someone of such formidable power was something she would gladly do.
“It’s actually nothing too significant. I’ve heard that the North Dark Island is rich in ‘Frostbloom,’ a type of spiritual herb. I need it as the main ingredient for a certain elixir, which is why I made this trip,” Han Li said calmly.
“Frostbloom? That is indeed quite rare. Although not many have use for it, most of the older specimens have already been harvested. However, I can have my disciples check if any new ten-thousand-year-old dark ice has been discovered recently. Only on newly formed dark ice can this flower grow. It shouldn’t be a problem!” Bai Yaoyi, upon hearing Han Li’s request, immediately assured him.
“It’s wonderful that Fairy Bai is willing to help. If I had to handle this alone, it would have been quite troublesome,” Han Li said, visibly relieved.
“This is a small matter, but it might take a few days to get results. Since you’re already here at our Small Extreme Palace, why not stay a while longer? I greatly admire your abilities and would love the opportunity to exchange insights with you,” she said with a smile.
“I’ve long been interested in the techniques of your esteemed palace. It’s said that when it comes to ice-attribute cultivation methods, the Small Extreme Palace possesses some of the finest in the Great Jin. Although my own cultivation isn’t ice-based, all paths of the Dao are interconnected. I’m sure I could learn much,” Han Li replied with a chuckle.
Their conversation flowed naturally, and soon they were discussing cultivation techniques. Since both were at similar stages of cultivation, they quickly delved into deeper topics. Ren Bi, also a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, occasionally interjected with unique insights, making the discussion lively and engaging.
After nearly half a day of conversation, Han Li tactfully excused himself, not wanting to impose on Bai Yaoyi, who had just emerged from seclusion.
Bai Yaoyi didn’t press him to stay further. Instead, she instructed the beautiful Madame Yan to escort Han Li to a guest pavilion, where he could stay until news of the Frostbloom arrived.
With her promise secured, Han Li clasped his hands in farewell and followed Madame Yan out of the pavilion. Ren Bi, however, remained behind, likely continuing their private discussion.
Under the guidance of the Core Formation-stage Madame Yan, Han Li was led to a cluster of elegant buildings nestled against the mountain cliffs—the so-called “guest pavilions.”
From a distance, he could see a dozen or so similarly styled structures. Madame Yan, aware of Bai Yaoyi’s high regard for Han Li, treated him with utmost respect, answering all his questions without reservation, much to his satisfaction.
Soon, they arrived at one of the pavilions. Before they could enter, a petite young woman with a doll-like face hurried out. Dressed as a maid, she immediately bowed to Madame Yan.
“Greetings, Aunt Yan!”
“Niece Hua, this is Senior Han, a distinguished guest of our Ancestor. He will be staying here. Serve him well—any negligence will bring punishment upon both of us!” Madame Yan said sternly.
“This junior will do her utmost!” the maid replied nervously, stealing a glance at Han Li before quickly lowering her head again.
Han Li smiled faintly.
“Senior Han, if you find her unsatisfactory, you may request another attendant at any time,” Madame Yan added.
“No need, she will do,” Han Li said, shaking his head before striding inside.
The two women followed closely.
The pavilion was well-appointed, but what pleased Han Li most was the simple restriction array on the second floor, ensuring privacy from prying eyes.
After dismissing Madame Yan with a few words, Han Li settled in.
Truthfully, he had been traveling nonstop since leaving Snow Ridge Mountain and was in dire need of rest to restore his peak condition.
For two uneventful days, Han Li remained in meditation on the second floor, not venturing outside.
He was well aware that despite the apparent freedom, many high-ranking cultivators of the Small Extreme Palace were likely monitoring his movements. After all, any sect would be wary of an unaffiliated Nascent Soul cultivator suddenly appearing in their midst.
Han Li had no intention of causing trouble. Even though he was eager for news of the Sunfire, he wouldn’t act rashly before securing the Frostbloom and refining the Dark Ice Elixir.
In his mind, lifting Nangong Wan’s Soul-Sealing Curse was the absolute priority.
As for the maid assigned to him, Han Li barely interacted with her beyond a few initial words.
On the morning of the third day, as he sat motionless in meditation, his expression suddenly darkened. A surge of cyan light erupted around him, accompanied by a series of explosive sounds, as if something had violently shattered.
Someone had just brazenly pierced the pavilion’s restrictions with their divine sense, probing directly at him. Han Li had reflexively repelled it.
The intruding divine sense was formidable—easily on par with his own, likely belonging to a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.
Before he could decide how to respond, a voice as delicate as an infant’s whispered into his ear:
“Are you Fellow Daoist Han? This old man is Frost Li the Transcendent. Would you care to meet?”
“Frost Li the Transcendent?” Han Li’s heart tightened. Wasn’t this the grand elder of the Small Extreme Palace?
A figure shrouded in mystery, renowned throughout the North for his immense power, yet no one had ever witnessed him in action. His ascension to grand elder had seemingly happened overnight.
Though surprised, Han Li, confident in his own abilities, felt no fear. After a brief hesitation, he agreed.
“Since Fellow Daoist Frost Li extends such a gracious invitation, how could I refuse? I shall pay you a visit at once!”
“Excellent! My spirit beast will arrive shortly. Follow it, and I shall await you at my abode,” Frost Li replied, his tone noticeably warmer now that Han Li had accepted.
With a flash of white light, the divine sense dissipated.
Han Li didn’t move immediately. Instead, he remained seated, deep in thought, before finally rising and descending to the first floor.
The doll-faced maid, engrossed in a jade slip, startled at his sudden appearance.
Han Li merely nodded at her before stepping outside.
The maid, bewildered, had no idea what had transpired. With her level of cultivation, she couldn’t possibly have sensed the earlier clash of divine senses.
Outside, Han Li immediately spotted what he was looking for—a small, cat-like creature perched on a nearby tree, its golden fur gleaming like pure gold, its yellow eyes fixed on him.
His eyes narrowed as he examined the creature, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
“A Golden Wind Lynx? And a rare twin pair at that!” he murmured.
Legend had it that these beasts always traveled in pairs, male and female, with unparalleled stealth abilities.
The first lynx seemed to confirm Han Li’s identity, letting out a soft cry. Suddenly, from another tree, a second, slightly smaller lynx emerged—barely half a foot long.
Han Li’s heart skipped a beat. Despite his powerful divine sense, he hadn’t detected the second beast’s concealment.
The two lynxes nuzzled each other briefly before darting off in a specific direction.
Han Li, without hesitation, summoned a cyan light and followed closely.
As they moved, something astonishing happened—one of the lynxes blurred and vanished before his eyes.
Alarmed, Han Li swept the area with his divine sense but found nothing.
Gritting his teeth, he channeled spiritual power into his eyes, which glowed faintly blue. Only then did he barely discern a faint, ghostly shadow near the remaining lynx—the invisible twin.
Relieved that he could at least track it, Han Li relaxed slightly. The thought of an undetectable creature lurking nearby was unsettling.
The lynxes’ speed wasn’t extraordinary, just slightly faster than average flight techniques, allowing Han Li to follow effortlessly.
Along the way, they encountered many inner palace disciples. Though startled by Han Li’s unfamiliar face, they quickly recognized the Golden Wind Lynxes and respectfully stepped aside, clearly familiar with the creatures.
A few high-ranking cultivators eyed Han Li’s Nascent Soul-level aura with suspicion but dared not interfere.
Following the lynxes through winding paths and past numerous buildings, Han Li eventually arrived at a stone gate embedded in the mountain cliff.
The gate, about twenty feet tall, emitted a faint yellow glow, its surface covered in shimmering runes—clearly protected by a powerful restriction.
Han Li halted, his gaze sharpening as he studied the gate.
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