Chapter 1422: Three Choices

The two customers appeared to be a middle-aged couple, engaged in conversation with the shopkeeper.

One was at the early Void Refinement stage, while the other was at the mid-stage. As for the shopkeeper, upon closer inspection, he turned out to be a terrifying late Void Refinement cultivator.

How could someone of such cultivation be running a shop here?

Han Li was inwardly shocked.

The couple glanced over as soon as they noticed someone entering.

They discerned Han Li’s mid-Deity Transformation cultivation and found his face completely unfamiliar, which greatly surprised them.

The gaunt shopkeeper, however, merely gave Han Li a brief glance before ignoring him and continuing his languid conversation with the couple.

“If you haven’t found a Spirit-Absorbing Stone, then forget about the Purple Immortal Wood! As for high-grade spirit stones, do you think I lack such things?” The gaunt middle-aged man spoke with an arrogant tone.

“Brother Yu, exchanging a Spirit-Absorbing Stone for Purple Immortal Wood is far too harsh a condition. That item can only be found in the deepest parts of the Abyss. Not to mention cultivators like us at the Void Refinement stage—even the elders of our clan wouldn’t dare venture that deep,” the still-graceful woman said with visible reluctance.

“That’s not my concern. Do you think my Purple Immortal Wood just fell from the sky? Without a Spirit-Absorbing Stone, this discussion is over,” the shopkeeper retorted coldly, his eyes rolling dismissively.

The couple’s expressions darkened at his words. No matter how much they pleaded afterward, the old man remained unmoved.

In the end, the pair could only leave, their minds heavy with frustration.

They never exchanged a single word with Han Li.

“Kid, what brings you here?” The shopkeeper sat down behind his desk as soon as the couple left, his tone impatient.

“I heard that you have Green Luo Fruits for sale. Is that true?” Han Li asked calmly.

“Green Luo Fruits? Those are among the rarest items in my shop. A mere Flying Spirit General like you couldn’t possibly afford them. Don’t waste my time—leave now.” The middle-aged man was momentarily taken aback by Han Li’s question, but after scrutinizing him, he snorted dismissively and outright ordered him to leave.

“Without hearing your conditions, how can you be sure I can’t trade for them?” Han Li smiled faintly, not moving an inch.

“Hmph! You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!” The gaunt man’s temper flared as one of his silver wings lashed out toward Han Li from a distance.

With a dull thud, an invisible force surged toward Han Li, causing the surrounding air to vibrate.

Han Li’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t dodge. Instead, he raised a hand and lightly slashed through the air with a finger as if wielding a sword.

A golden streak flashed, effortlessly splitting the force in two. It swept past Han Li on either side, producing a thunderous roar.

“Oh? No wonder you’re so confident—you do have some skill.” The shopkeeper’s eyes gleamed with surprise.

“Do I now qualify to discuss a trade with you?” Han Li asked, his expression unchanged.

“Fine, you’ve earned the right. But don’t get your hopes up about the Green Luo Fruit—it’s beyond your reach,” the shopkeeper replied indifferently.

“Without even telling me the conditions, how can you be sure I can’t meet them?” Han Li countered with a faint smile.

“Since you’re so confident, and I have no other customers right now, I’ll humor you. The rarity of the Green Luo Fruit speaks for itself. To trade for it, I’ll give you three options. If you can fulfill any one of them, the fruit is yours.” The shopkeeper’s tone softened slightly after a brief pause.

“Three options? It seems the Green Luo Fruit isn’t easy to obtain. Otherwise, you wouldn’t offer so many choices.” Han Li chuckled wryly.

“Exactly. First, if you can produce the legendary Netherworld Lotus or Dark Blood Crystal, I’ll hand over the Green Luo Fruit without another word.” The gaunt man smirked.

“Those two items are mere myths—whether they even exist is debatable. There’s no way I could have them.” Han Li shook his head.

“Heh, myths?” The man’s lips curled in mockery.

“Since the first option is impossible, the second is something you could theoretically obtain. If you have five or six hundred top-grade spirit stones, I might reluctantly sell you a Green Luo Fruit.”

“Five or six hundred top-grade spirit stones? That’s daylight robbery. Even the elders of my clan couldn’t produce that many. That’s also beyond me.” Han Li’s expression darkened.

Had the man asked for a hundred or so, Han Li might have gritted his teeth and traded some of his stored spiritual medicines to gather the sum. But five or six hundred? He dismissed the idea outright.

“Hmph! The fruit is mine. If I say it’s worth that much, then that’s the price.” The shopkeeper shrugged.

Han Li could only remain silent.

“If the first two options are unacceptable, the third is even more impossible. Still want to hear it?” The man’s voice turned frosty.

“Please, go ahead.” Han Li’s tone was grim.

The shopkeeper’s expression turned peculiar. After a long pause, he said, “This last condition isn’t for just anyone. Before I explain, answer me this: Are you proficient in lightning techniques?”

“Lightning?” Han Li’s pupils contracted in surprise.

“Yes. If you lack lightning-based abilities or only have a superficial understanding, there’s no point in continuing.”

“I do have some skill in lightning manipulation.” Han Li found the question odd but answered honestly.

“Words mean nothing. Demonstrate first, and then I’ll decide if you’re worthy.” The man’s eyes gleamed with skepticism.

“Very well.” Han Li’s wings trembled slightly.

A deafening thunderclap erupted as countless silver arcs crackled across his wings, coalescing into over a dozen fist-sized lightning orbs that pulsed menacingly around him.

The sheer power within them made the shopkeeper’s eyes narrow with delight.

“Impressive. You weren’t exaggerating. Since you have such mastery, you may hear my final condition. It’s simple: Instead of trading for the fruit, you’ll help me subdue a lightning-attribute spirit beast.”

“Subdue a spirit beast?” Han Li’s eyes flashed with surprise.

“Think it’s easy? Let me be clear—this beast is special. Though I’ve captured it, I’ve been unable to tame it. Many have tried and failed, some even suffering backlash. But if you’re truly skilled with lightning, you might have a chance. Just know—if you’re injured or killed, I won’t lift a finger to help.”

“A lightning-attribute beast? Could you at least tell me what kind?” Han Li frowned.

“Not yet. If you agree, I’ll take you to see it. Then you’ll understand.” The man’s eyes gleamed with cunning.

Han Li stroked his chin, inwardly cursing the vagueness. Still, his mind raced as he weighed the risks.

A late Void Refinement cultivator unable to subdue a captured beast? There had to be more to it. But since the man insisted on someone skilled in lightning, perhaps there was some sincerity in his request.

After a long silence, Han Li asked, “What level of subjugation do you require?”

“Assist me in forcing it to submit and undergo my binding ritual.”

“In that case, I’m willing to try.” Han Li made his decision.

“Good! I’ll need four days to prepare the ritual. Return then.” The shopkeeper smiled.

“I’ll be here.” Han Li clasped his hands and left without another word.

Watching Han Li depart, the gaunt man stroked his goatee, excitement flickering in his eyes.

Exiting the shop, Han Li didn’t leave the trading hall immediately. Instead, he returned to the information pillars, hoping for more discoveries.

By dusk, as the hall prepared to close, Han Li finally emerged, his expression pleased.

His haul had been substantial. Beyond locating the Green Luo Fruit, he’d found several rare materials in the Skywing Clan’s market—items nearly impossible to obtain among humans. Some were for forging treasures, others were rare herbs.

One herb, in particular, was a perfect match for the Golden Marrow Crystal Worm—a key ingredient for refining the Vajra Fata’s Dharma Form.

With just two more herbs, he’d have all he needed to manifest the true form of the Dharma Idol.

Lost in thought, Han Li transformed into a streak of azure light, speeding toward his residence.

Tomorrow marked the third day of his agreement with the Skywing elder.

Yet, as he flew, a faint smile played on his lips—as if he’d already forgotten the matter entirely.