“Playing games? Over a mere sixth-grade demon core?” Han Li raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and skepticism.
“Hmph, if it were an ordinary sixth-grade demon core, we wouldn’t have given it a second thought. But the core of a Thunder Whale is an exception. Moreover, the moment you appeared, you insinuated that Brother Fan’s demon core was flawed. That alone is worth pondering,” said the previously silent Sun, a grim-faced elder, his tone icy.
“The Thunder Whale you killed must have taken quite some time to subdue. During that prolonged battle, the beast expended most of its demonic energy. By the time you slew it, the core couldn’t replenish its power, so its quality is naturally compromised. It seems you two haven’t slain many high-tier demon beasts, or you’d know such taboos,” Han Li chuckled, his tone nonchalant.
At this, Fan and his companion exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions flickering with doubt.
“Even if what you say about the core is true, how did you enter this place? Brother Fan clearly concealed it with illusions. Did you come here specifically for us?” the white-bearded elder suddenly asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
“A mere illusion array is nothing to me. As for you all, this is my first time in these waters. Why would I seek you out? I’m in a good mood today, so I’ve said my piece. Ask more, and I won’t bother answering. My earlier offer stands. Does anyone wish to trade? I’ve no intention of lingering here,” Han Li said, his face hardening.
Hearing Han Li’s bold tone, the Nascent Soul cultivators in the stone pavilion felt a chill. His mysterious demeanor made them doubt he was bluffing. Fearful, none dared speak further—until the delicate-looking woman in green suddenly asked, “From your tone, you don’t seem to be from the Five Dragon Seas. Might you be from the Great Jin? Do you know Senior Xiang Zhili?”
“You know Xiang?” Han Li’s eyes narrowed in surprise.
“Senior Xiang once stayed on my island for a time, offering guidance in cultivation. His teachings were invaluable. If you address him as an equal, could you be one of the Deity Transformation seniors?” The woman’s eyes gleamed as she rose and bowed deeply, her demeanor now reverent.
“A Deity Transformation cultivator?” The others, who had been seated, jumped to their feet in shock. Fan and the grim elder paled, their faces twisting with fear.
“Since you’ve recognized me, there’s no point hiding it. When did you meet Xiang?” Han Li ignored the others, frowning slightly as he addressed the woman.
“It was over two hundred years ago, before I formed my Nascent Soul. Without Senior Xiang’s guidance, I might still be stuck at the Core Formation stage,” she replied, her face brightening.
Two hundred years ago—that aligned with when Xiang Zhili and the others had discovered the spatial node in the Five Dragon Seas. Han Li’s mind raced, confirming her story. His expression softened. “Since you know Xiang, this simplifies things. Take this demon core and hand over the sea chart.”
With a flick of his wrist, the rare demon core flew toward her. She caught it gracefully, bowed in thanks, and retrieved a pale green jade slip from her storage pouch, offering it to him.
Han Li scanned the jade slip with his spiritual sense, cross-referencing it with Xiang Zhili’s earlier information. In moments, he pinpointed the spatial node’s location—not too far, just a month’s journey. Satisfied, he nodded. “Good. Now, I have questions. Listen carefully.” With his identity revealed, his authority was undeniable.
Truth be told, as one of the pinnacle existences in the mortal realm, Han Li feared little—save the erosion of his lifespan. The woman in green eagerly complied.
Han Li’s lips moved soundlessly, transmitting his questions directly to her. She responded in kind, her eyes flickering with thought. After hearing her answers, Han Li stroked his chin, lost in contemplation.
The other cultivators held their breath, not daring to disturb him lest they invite catastrophe.
“Very well. I’ve obtained what I came for. I’ll take my leave.” Han Li suddenly looked up, chuckled, and vanished in a flash of azure light, leaving no trace.
None could discern how he’d departed. With his exit, the tension in the pavilion dissipated. Fan and the others exhaled in relief, though their eyes lingered enviously on the Thunder Whale core in the woman’s hand.
To receive such a treasure for a mere sea chart and a few words—her luck was astounding.
Noticing their gazes, the woman calmly stored the core and smiled. “Since Senior Han has left, shall we resume?”
“Fairy Bi, the trade can wait! Who’d have thought you’d once crossed paths with a Deity Transformation senior? Truly remarkable,” the blue-robed scholar sighed, his tone tinged with envy.
“That was long ago, when I was just a Core Formation cultivator. I hardly ‘crossed paths’—Senior Xiang merely offered a few pointers,” she demurred.
“Even so, such a connection is the stuff of dreams. But it’s odd—why are these supreme beings from the Great Jin converging in our Five Dragon Seas? Could something major be afoot?” Fan mused, his brow furrowing.
“Perhaps. But if Deity Transformation cultivators are involved, it’s beyond our reach. One misstep, and we’d be crushed like ants. Best not to pry, lest we provoke their wrath,” the white-bearded elder warned darkly.
The others nodded, though their thoughts remained inscrutable.
While the Five Dragon Seas cultivators speculated, Han Li was already a streak of azure light soaring over the ocean, thousands of miles away. From the woman’s answers, he’d confirmed no Deity Transformation cultivators currently resided in the region, easing his final reservations as he sped toward the spatial node.
At his current level, full-speed flight would drain his lifespan by agitating the world’s spiritual energy. Thus, he maintained a steady pace, opting for patience over haste.
A month later, he arrived at an endless sea of mist. Without hesitation, he plunged into the white expanse. After half an hour, he halted abruptly.
Surveying the area, he clapped his hands and shouted, “Break!” Two golden lightning bolts erupted, striking the void. Thunder roared as the mist twisted and dissipated, revealing a clearing several miles wide. Below lay a small island with a cluster of structures.
Han Li’s face lit with joy. “Xiang and the others didn’t lie. They left disciples to guard the node. Though, had I arrived a century or two later, who knows if anyone would remain?”
As he mused, three figures—two men and a woman—flew up from the island, all at the Core Formation stage. Recognizing Han Li from a portrait, they bowed deeply. “Greetings, Senior Han! We’ve awaited your arrival under Senior Xiang’s orders.”
“You’re Xiang’s disciples? You’ve seen me before?” Han Li asked.
“Yes, Senior. We have your portrait,” one replied respectfully.
“Good. You’ve endured much here. I’ll have my disciples relieve you soon. You won’t be trapped here forever,” Han Li said kindly.
Overjoyed, they invited him to rest below, but he declined, insisting on seeing the spatial node first. Obediently, they led him to the island’s edge.
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