Under the relentless barrage of so many thunderballs, the three cultivators were thrown into disarray, utterly unable to react to the fleeing Infant Carp Beast.
However, Han Li, standing nearby, frowned and flicked his sleeve toward the direction of the beast’s escape.
A foot-long flying sword shot out from his sleeve, trembling once before transforming into a golden light over ten zhang long, sweeping toward the beast.
The sword light was so fast that the Infant Carp Beast only saw a flash of gold before its entire body was wracked with excruciating pain, and it lost consciousness. The golden light merely circled the beast a few times, and a spray of blood mist scattered from mid-air—the beast had been instantly sliced into seven or eight pieces, its primordial spirit obliterated in the sword light before it could even escape.
The mutilated corpse plummeted downward!
At that moment, Han Li reached out with one hand toward the distant void and clenched his fingers.
A section of the beast’s remains exploded unnaturally, and a blue orb shot out amidst the gore, turning into a streak of blue light.
With a mere closing of his fingers, Han Li effortlessly captured the Infant Carp Beast’s demon core in his palm.
He glanced at it indifferently, his eyes showing no trace of surprise.
A demon core of this level was naturally beneath his notice.
With the beast’s death, the hundreds of thunderballs that had been relentlessly bombarding the three cultivators dissipated in a flash.
The trio heaved a sigh of relief, their gazes toward Han Li now filled with awe.
Though they had been too preoccupied to act earlier, they had clearly witnessed Han Li effortlessly slay a sixth-grade demon beast with a mere flick of his sleeve.
Their shock was understandable.
They had initially assumed that Han Li, traveling alone, was at most a Core Formation cultivator, but he turned out to be a Nascent Soul cultivator.
However, since they were already deep into the outer sea, where high-level cultivators like Han Li, though rare, were not unheard of, they quickly composed themselves. The three hastily stowed their magic treasures and artifacts before floating over to him.
Before they could approach, the straw-hatted man at the lead bowed deeply and said respectfully,
“Junior Chen Jing of the Qingyang Sect pays respects to Senior. Many thanks for your timely assistance! Without it, we would have been entangled with this beast for much longer, with no easy escape. May I ask for Senior’s esteemed name?”
As he spoke, he discreetly scrutinized Han Li. Though his demeanor was respectful, there was an air of composure about him.
“The Qingyang Sect? Are you a disciple of the Three Yang Sage?” Han Li blinked in surprise, a trace of astonishment crossing his face.
“The Three Yang Sage is indeed my master. Does Senior know him?”
Chen Jing’s spiritual sense swept over Han Li, but aside from confirming that his cultivation was unfathomable—likely at the Nascent Soul stage—he couldn’t pinpoint Han Li’s exact realm. Puzzled, he naturally assumed Han Li was an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.
After all, mid- and late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators were virtually household names in the Chaotic Star Sea.
“Heh, I’ve only heard of his fame but never met him in person,” Han Li chuckled.
At the mention of the Qingyang Sect and the Three Yang Sage, he recalled how Yuan Yao had once killed the Qingyang Sect’s young master, leading to relentless pursuit by the sect. Though the Three Yang Sage was renowned in the Chaotic Star Sea, to Han Li, he was merely a mid-stage cultivator—hardly worth his attention now.
Beyond that incident, Han Li had no other grudges with the Qingyang Sect and certainly no reason to suddenly turn hostile toward these three. Instead, he cut straight to the point:
“You three must be familiar with the nearby seas, correct? Do you know the exact location of Biling Island?”
Though Han Li’s sea chart was detailed, pinpointing a single island in the vast ocean was no easy task. Since he had encountered these three cultivators, he wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip.
At the mention of Biling Island, Chen Jing’s expression shifted, and he couldn’t help but smile.
“Senior is heading to Biling Island to acquire high-grade spirit stones, isn’t he? If so, there’s no need to go all the way there. Several nearby markets also trade in such stones. Of course, if Senior has connections with miners from the Inverse Star Alliance or the Star Palace, the prices would naturally be lower.”
“Markets? Do these markets have a substantial supply of high-grade spirit stones? I’m not looking for just a handful,” Han Li replied noncommittally.
“Senior must be joking! High-grade spirit stones are theoretically equivalent to ten thousand standard spirit stones, but their actual selling price is often double or more. As long as Senior’s purchase doesn’t exceed thirty or forty stones at once, these markets should be able to accommodate you!” Chen Jing replied with a flattering smile.
“In that case, take me to the markets first. If I’m unsatisfied, I’ll make the trip to Biling Island. Consider this demon core your reward for guiding me.”
With that, Han Li flicked his wrist, sending the Infant Carp Beast’s demon core flying toward Chen Jing.
Chen Jing caught it eagerly, his heart swelling with joy.
“Senior can rest assured! I’ve lingered in these waters for over a decade and know these markets like the back of my hand. Leave this matter to me—I won’t disappoint!”
Though still curious about Han Li’s identity, the prospect of obtaining a sixth-grade demon core—a small fortune for a Core Formation cultivator—for such a simple task filled him with delight.
The elderly man and the young girl, whose cultivation was far inferior to his, naturally deferred to him, though their gazes toward Han Li grew even more fearful.
After all, the gap between Foundation Establishment and Nascent Soul cultivators was simply too vast!
Under Chen Jing’s guidance, Han Li and the trio transformed into streaks of light and departed. According to Chen Jing, Biling Island was only half a month’s journey away, and their route conveniently passed by the island where they resided.
Flying eastward without pause for over ten days, an unnamed island finally appeared on the horizon.
The island was sizable, spanning several thousand li, with rolling mountains and lush greenery dominating its landscape.
“This is Thunder Void Island. I have a modest dwelling here, so I’m quite familiar with its markets. This island’s market is one of the largest near Biling Island—I’m certain it won’t disappoint Senior!” Chen Jing explained with a smile as he flew alongside Han Li.
“The spiritual veins here are impressive. No wonder so many cultivators have settled,” Han Li remarked after a brief glance.
“Thunder Void Island not only boasts the best spiritual veins in the vicinity but also produces several rare spiritual herbs. Both the Inverse Star Alliance and the Star Palace once coveted it, but mutual deterrence led to its occupation by a coalition of other forces,” Chen Jing added proudly.
“Among these ‘other forces,’ is your Qingyang Sect included?” Han Li suddenly chuckled.
“Ah, our sect only has a few members stationed here—hardly enough to lay claim to the island,” Chen Jing replied with an awkward laugh, as if harboring some unspoken difficulty.
Han Li had no real interest in the Qingyang Sect’s affairs and let the matter drop with a faint smile.
However, Chen Jing proactively began introducing the island’s major factions and its Nascent Soul cultivators.
“Miaohe the Sage! The Miaohe from the Azure Cloud Sect? He’s here too? I heard he suffered severe injuries in the past,” Han Li interjected upon hearing a familiar name.
“Senior knows of Miaohe’s past? Though his physical form was once destroyed, the Azure Cloud Sect managed to restore his cultivation through a soul transfer. His presence here now is reportedly part of the sect’s bid to claim the island. However, since other factions share the same ambition, the island remains under joint control,” Chen Jing replied carefully, though inwardly intrigued.
“I see,” Han Li said coolly, his expression unreadable.
Soon, the group descended upon the island, heading straight for its center.
After a short flight, a small city nestled between several mountains came into view.
The city, evidently newly built, spanned only about ten li, its structures uniformly constructed from gray-white stone, lending it a neat appearance. Four gates marked its perimeter, with low-level Qi Condensation cultivators entering and exiting on foot, while those capable of flight came and went directly through the air, lending the place a bustling atmosphere.
“How many cultivators reside on this island? Do they all live in this city?” Han Li asked abruptly, narrowing his eyes.
“I’ve never tallied the exact number, but including Qi Condensation cultivators, there must be thirty to forty thousand. Most reside in the city, while others are scattered across smaller settlements. Some, confident in their strength, have carved out their own caves in the mountains,” Chen Jing replied after a moment’s thought.
“Hmm,” Han Li mused, nodding thoughtfully before falling silent.
Soon, they hovered directly above the city.
From this height, the entire city was laid out clearly below.
Han Li’s gaze swept across the scene before settling on eight towering stone pillars resembling sky-piercing towers.
The circular pillars, each fifty to sixty zhang tall, were etched with intricate, glowing runes and formations, their faint multicolored lights eye-catching.
Han Li studied them briefly.
“These eight pillars form the city’s protective formation, designed by a renowned array master of the Chaotic Star Sea. Once activated, its power rivals that of the great sects’ guardian formations. Each tower is guarded around the clock by a Foundation Establishment cultivator, ensuring the formation can be deployed at any moment. It has saved the city from destruction on multiple occasions,” Chen Jing explained proudly.
“Are there still demon beast attacks on the island?” Han Li asked warily.
“Senior need not worry! Those incidents were from years past. Since the mineral veins at Biling Island were divided between humans and demon beasts, the latter have ceased harassing us. Shall we descend? The market is over there. I happen to know a few shops specializing in high-grade spirit stones—I’d be happy to introduce them to Senior!”
Chen Jing pointed toward the southern part of the city, awaiting Han Li’s instruction.
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