Chapter 1270: Sandworm Beast

“Brother Han, you’re not even thirty yet, right? To have already cultivated the Vajra Art to such a level at such a young age—no wonder Team Leader Zhang holds you in such high regard,” the blue-robed girl asked with a teasing smile.

“You flatter me, Miss Liu’er. Though I’ve signed the blood oath contract, I actually know very little about the Tian Dong Trading Company. Could you enlighten me a bit?” Han Li replied with a faint smile.

“It seems Brother Han isn’t from our Tian Yuan Realm, or you wouldn’t be asking such a question,” Liu’er said, covering her mouth with a light laugh, her eyes sparkling.

“Oh? Is the Tian Dong Trading Company well-known around here?” Han Li’s eyes flickered with interest.

“Famous? Brother Han, you jest. Our company is one of the three largest trading houses in the Tian Yuan Realm, with branches in hundreds of cities, large and small. Our headquarters is even located in the Tian Yuan Holy City,” the blue-robed girl said, her lips curling with pride.

But to Han Li, who had just ascended to the Spirit Realm, this meant nothing. In his mind, hundreds of cities weren’t particularly impressive—even a small country in the Mortal Realm had far more. Yet this girl seemed to think it was a grand achievement. Was she just naive, or was the Spirit Realm truly different from the Mortal Realm?

Though puzzled, Han Li showed no outward reaction. Instead, he nodded as if impressed. “Ah, so our company is indeed quite sizable. But earlier, I overheard some of you discussing that the caravan is heading to Anyuan City. Where is that, and how many days’ journey is it?”

“You’re quite sneaky, eavesdropping on our conversation,” the youngest-looking red-robed girl suddenly giggled.

Han Li coughed lightly, at a loss for words. The girls had been talking so loudly earlier that it was hardly eavesdropping.

“Quan’er, don’t be rude. Brother Han, please don’t mind her. She’s young and means no harm,” Liu’er scolded the red-robed girl before apologizing to Han Li.

In her mind, Han Li, despite being a newcomer to the Tian Dong Trading Company, had already demonstrated exceptional physical cultivation at such a young age. He was sure to be highly valued by the company in the future. She didn’t want her sisters to antagonize him.

Han Li smiled and was about to respond when the carriage suddenly jolted—the giant tortoise had come to a halt.

Liu’er blinked in surprise but quickly regained her composure. “Uncle Wang, what’s happened?”

“Miss, the Crimson Larks ahead have spotted a swarm of Sandworm Beasts. They seem to be targeting the caravan,” the elderly coachman outside replied.

“Just a few Sandworm Beasts? They act on instinct. Send some men to drive them off. There’s no need to halt the caravan—we’re already behind schedule,” Liu’er said impatiently.

“But among them is a low-tier Sandworm Demon. It’s developed some intelligence. If we don’t kill it, there could be serious trouble,” the old man said with a bitter smile.

“A low-tier demon? That’s troublesome. But Team Leader Zhang has reached the fifth layer of the Tiger Tyrant Art, hasn’t he? With the Golden Glow Sword artifact Madam personally bestowed, he should handle it easily,” Liu’er said without hesitation.

“You’re right, Miss Liu’er. But the demon is accompanied by several mutated Sandworm Beasts. Team Leader Zhang and the others might be at risk,” the old man hesitated before adding.

“Mutated beasts? That is dangerous. But aren’t there cultivators like Daoist Nan Qizi in the caravan? They could intervene,” Liu’er said, her tone softening.

“Team Leader Zhang already asked, but they refused. The Daoists are from Mount Gou Lou. They won’t act unless the beasts attack them first,” the old man sighed.

“How troublesome. I told you we shouldn’t hire cultivators from Mount Gou Lou—they have too many restrictions,” the red-robed girl grumbled, wrinkling her nose.

“It’s not their fault. Mount Gou Lou specializes in insect-controlling techniques. They have fewer reservations about other beasts, but encountering Sandworm Beasts was unexpected. Fine, Madam left me in charge of that thing before she left. I’ll release it to assist Team Leader Zhang. Inform him—I’ll be out shortly,” Liu’er said after a moment of silence, her expression grave.

“If it’s that thing, the Sandworm Beasts won’t stand a chance,” the old man said, visibly relieved.

“Sister Liu’er, are you sure about releasing it? If something goes wrong, Madam might punish you,” Xiang’er said worriedly.

“Don’t worry. After years of Madam’s training, it’s developed some intelligence. It can hold its own against low-tier demons. A few mutated beasts won’t be a problem,” Liu’er said confidently before stepping out of the carriage.

“I’m not comfortable with this. I’m going to watch,” the youngest red-robed girl said, biting her lip before darting out after her.

Xiang’er and the last white-robed girl exchanged glances and smiled wryly. Without a word, they followed suit.

In moments, the spacious carriage was empty save for Han Li.

Sitting in his seat, he gazed at the half-open door, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

Soon after, a piercing tiger’s roar filled the air, brimming with bloodlust and savagery.

Han Li’s expression shifted. Slowly, he stood and walked to the door.

Pushing it open, he stepped onto the tortoise’s back and surveyed the surroundings.

Under the glow of seven bright moons, everything was clearly visible.

The caravan stretched over a li, with over thirty giant tortoises like the one beneath him. Most carried massive cargo boxes, each guarded by four or five armored men. Riders on giant wolves patrolled the flanks, maintaining tight security.

But what caught Han Li’s attention was the commotion near another tortoise.

A crowd had gathered, including Nan Qizi, the scarred man, and the four girls. At the center stood a two-zhang-tall object wrapped in glossy black cloth, from which low growls emanated. The cloth shimmered with runes—a low-grade magical artifact.

Liu’er held a token, releasing waves of blue light as she chanted.

With his spirit-washed eyes, Han Li could see, even from this distance, a green bracelet on her wrist embedded with tiny spirit stones.

His expression shifted thoughtfully.

So, these “spirit artifacts” required activation by another item for mortals to use. And once the spirit stones’ energy was depleted, the artifact would become useless.

As he pondered, the black cloth absorbed enough blue light before dissolving into smoke, revealing an exquisite silver-white cage.

Inside crouched a crimson tiger-like beast.

Apart from its blood-red fur, it resembled an ordinary tiger. Yet the onlookers regarded it with fear.

Spotting the crowd, the beast’s eyes gleamed with malice. Without warning, it lunged at the bars, shaking the cage violently.

The crowd recoiled, stepping back in alarm.

Liu’er took a deep breath and raised her token again. This time, it emitted a bloody red glow.

At the sight, the beast immediately calmed, lying docilely in the cage.

Team Leader Zhang and the others sighed in relief.

Just then, bird calls echoed from above, urgent and rhythmic, as if signaling.

“The Sandworm Beasts are closing in! Form a defensive circle—hold your ground, don’t engage. Once we kill the low-tier demon, the rest will scatter!” Zhang barked.

The caravan erupted into motion. The middle section held firm while the front and rear tortoises converged. Guards brandished weapons, and wolf riders rushed to the center.

At Liu’er’s command, the cage was opened, releasing the beast.

“Young Master Han, you’re still recovering. It’s safer inside the carriage. Sandworm Beasts can’t jump well, and the carriage is made of ironwood—you’ll be fine,” the old coachman said, turning to grin at Han Li.

“Thank you for your concern, elder. But I’ve never seen Sandworm Beasts before. I’d like to observe. If it gets dangerous, I’ll retreat,” Han Li replied lightly.