“Gathering five types of extreme cold flames—this is truly an extraordinary feat! Only the Small Extreme Palace could accomplish such a thing. Even sects like the Taiyi Sect or the Heavenly Demon Sect might not be able to gather so many cultivators who practice extreme cold flames. However, this method should only be useful for those who cultivate ice-attribute techniques, right?” Han Li exhaled lightly and asked straightforwardly.
“Indeed, this method is only effective for cultivators who practice ice-attribute techniques and possess extreme cold flames themselves. Among the other four, three also cultivate ice-attribute techniques, while only you and another individual obtained cold flames by chance.” Frost Li the Transcendent frowned slightly in response.
“In that case, what price does the Venerable intend to pay for my assistance? Although I don’t know the exact steps of this breakthrough method, it must surely be a taxing ordeal, and there may even be risks for those aiding in the process.” A cold glint flickered in Han Li’s eyes, though his expression remained unchanged.
“Good! I appreciate straightforward people like you, Brother Han. It’s best to lay all conditions on the table. As long as you’re willing to assist, feel free to state your demands. If it’s within my power, I won’t refuse!” Frost Li the Transcendent, far from being angered, actually seemed pleased by Han Li’s directness.
Hearing such an accommodating response, Han Li chuckled lightly.
“Since you’ve spoken so frankly, I won’t hold back. First, I require a detailed incantation of this breakthrough-stimulating method. If the risks are within my acceptable range, I’ll naturally lend my strength. Otherwise, no matter how great the benefits, I won’t take excessive risks. Of course, this secret technique itself can be considered part of my compensation.”
“No problem! I can assure you this method carries no danger—certainly nothing that would harm the assisting cultivators. Though some depletion of vitality is unavoidable.” Frost Li the Transcendent declared confidently.
“A minor loss of vitality is no issue for me. Secondly, as you may have heard, I’ve come here seeking Ice Spirit Flowers to refine a pill. Though I’ve already enlisted Fairy Bai’s help, your assistance would make the task far easier.” Han Li smiled faintly as he spoke.
“Heh, that’s a trivial matter. I can mobilize the entire palace to help you gather enough Ice Spirit Flowers as quickly as possible.” Without hesitation, Frost Li agreed to Han Li’s condition.
“Regarding the secret technique for refining cold flames you mentioned earlier, I’d like a copy of the incantation to enhance the power of my Violet Netherflame.”
“Granted!”
“One last condition—I’ve long heard that the Small Extreme Palace is an ancient sect passed down since antiquity. I have a keen interest in ancient texts. Would it be possible for me to peruse the Scripture Pavilion?”
“This… Very well, I agree!”
When Han Li stated his final condition, Frost Li the Transcendent hesitated briefly before nodding in assent, as if recalling something.
“Since you’ve agreed so readily, I suppose I have no choice but to assist.” Han Li’s expression turned satisfied.
“Haha! Wait here a moment, and I’ll immediately copy the cold flame refinement technique for you!” Frost Li the Transcendent gave a dry laugh, clearly eager to strike while the iron was hot. He retrieved a white jade slip from his storage pouch and began copying the technique into it.
Han Li smiled faintly but said nothing.
A short while later, Frost Li finished copying and tossed another jade slip and a jade pendant toward Han Li.
Without hesitation, Han Li reached out and drew the three items into his grasp with a flick of his hand.
“The second jade slip contains the breakthrough-stimulating method I devised. However, remember—this method is only effective for late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. As for the jade pendant, it grants you access to our Scripture Pavilion. But let me be clear: though our pavilion houses countless texts, they are all protected by special restrictions. You cannot copy them directly—only memorize them by reading. And you’ll have just ten days. Whatever you can read in that time is yours. Any objections?” Frost Li the Transcendent looked at Han Li solemnly.
Hearing this, Han Li was momentarily taken aback. Glancing at the jade pendant in his hand, he gave a wry smile.
“Ten days it is. I’ve already taken these items—it’s not as if I can return them now. Had I known, I would’ve clarified earlier. You truly refuse to suffer the slightest loss.”
“Likewise! Weren’t you the one making exorbitant demands earlier?” Frost Li the Transcendent grinned, his expression shrewd.
“Heh, once I’ve accepted payment, I won’t go back on my word. I’ll head to the Scripture Pavilion first. If there’s news about the Ice Spirit Flowers, you can find me there.” With a low chuckle, Han Li rose to his feet, signaling his departure.
“Then I won’t see you out. Gathering the others will take some time. If you have no pressing matters, feel free to stay at the palace as long as you wish. Should you have any cultivation-related requests, just inform Junior Sister Bai. I’ll instruct her to accommodate you as best she can.” Frost Li the Transcendent also stood and spoke.
“Thank you for your consideration!” Han Li clasped his hands in a casual salute before enveloping himself in azure light and shooting out of the entrance like a streak of green radiance.
As the azure streak vanished down the passage, Frost Li the Transcendent’s smile gradually faded. At that moment, two crystal pillars in the corner of the hall shimmered with light, and a man and a woman emerged from them.
The man appeared to be in his forties, dressed in a plain blue scholar’s robe with an unremarkable face. The woman, in her twenties, wore white robes and bore a striking resemblance to Bai Yaoyi, though her jade-like complexion was unnaturally pale, almost translucent, lending her an eerie air.
“Senior Brother Frost Li, we haven’t tested the purple flames on this man. What if they prove insufficient when the time comes?” The blue-robed man frowned as soon as he appeared.
“His cold flames are somewhat mixed, but they seem to contain traces of Dry Blue Iceflame—their power shouldn’t be lacking. Besides, I no longer have time to wait. If I don’t take this risk, I may never get another chance.” Frost Li the Transcendent sighed deeply and shook his head.
“Is your lifespan truly irrecoverable? From what I’ve heard, the Ten Thousand Demons Valley is stirring again. Low-level demons have been spotted near North Dark Island. Even among recent recruits and returning disciples, some have been possessed by high-level demons. But as per your orders, we’ve kept them under surveillance without alerting them.” The blue-robed man’s expression darkened with worry.
“Don’t startle the snake before it strikes. Given the timing, it’s no surprise—nearly a millennium has passed since the last demon invasion. Why panic now?” Frost Li the Transcendent replied calmly, his expression unreadable.
“But attempting a breakthrough under these circumstances seems too risky. Why not repel the demons first?” The blue-robed man hesitated.
“Repel them? How long would that take? In past invasions led by the Ten Thousand Demons Valley, demonic sieges have lasted over a decade. I have only a few years left—I can’t afford to wait. Moreover, with this breakthrough, Fellow Daoists Ma and Li will also come to the palace. Combined with this Han fellow, we’ll gain three Nascent Soul helpers. Surely they won’t stand idly by if the palace is besieged?” The dwarf stroked his beard placidly.
“But our palace’s Cold Essence was stolen by that traitor. Why not just announce it publicly? Why invite a demonic assault?” The white-robed woman, who had remained silent until now, spoke icily, her voice as frigid as her appearance.
“Junior Sister Bai, you’re oversimplifying things. Not only would publicizing this humiliate the palace and tarnish our reputation as the North’s premier sect, but do you think the demons would believe us if we said the Cold Essence was gone? It’s pointless. You know the ten-thousand-year cycle is approaching—the Ice Jade Cavern in the Ethereal Spirit Hall will soon reopen. With luck, we may gather more Cold Essence. Rumors claim we possess only one vial, but who knows we’ve long used it for cultivation? Otherwise, how could our three great cold flames be passed down through generations? The stolen vial was taken before the cavern’s opening—otherwise, future generations would’ve been unable to cultivate them!” Frost Li the Transcendent sighed, turning to gaze at the blue flames in the nearby cauldron with a trace of relief.
The blue-robed cultivator could only offer a bitter smile.
“Enough. Both of you have stalled in refining your Blackwater Iceflame and Phoenix Departure Iceflame. Once we obtain more Cold Essence, you may each take a few drops. The stronger your flames, the greater our chances of breaking through.” Frost Li the Transcendent abruptly changed the subject.
“Thank you, Senior Brother Frost Li!” The blue-robed man exclaimed joyfully. The white-robed woman remained expressionless, though a glint of delight flashed in her eyes.
Clearly, the Cold Essence was of utmost importance to them.
“Junior Sister Bai, have Yaoyi investigate this Han fellow’s background. He participated in the Kunwu Mountain sealing incident a decade ago, where countless Nascent Soul cultivators perished. For him to emerge unscathed suggests extraordinary abilities.” Frost Li the Transcendent instructed the white-robed woman.
“Understood. I’ll relay this to my cousin.” The woman replied coldly.
“Good. You may both leave now.” Frost Li the Transcendent nodded in satisfaction.
The two promptly took their leave, transforming into streaks of light as they departed.
Frost Li the Transcendent stood motionless for a while before turning back to the giant cauldron, murmuring something under his breath.
Had anyone remained in the hall, they would’ve clearly heard the words “Void Heaven Cauldron” escape his lips.
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