Chapter 1466: The Evil Dragon Clan

In the presence of Han Li and Blood Poison, Mu Qing and the other three Demon Kings discussed several matters in succession.

Their discussions involved various things like “Mystic Ghosts” and “Puppets,” and they seemed to be training troops on a large scale, as if preparing for an attack.

However, what interested Han Li the most was the “Netherworld River” repeatedly mentioned by these individuals.

When he first heard the name, Han Li’s heart stirred, and he immediately recalled the “Shadowy Netherworld” from his past.

Yet, aside from mentioning the name a few times, they said nothing further about the place.

By then, Han Li had already stepped aside, quietly observing these Demon Kings.

To be honest, among the four Demon Kings, the ones he found most mysterious and unfathomable were Six Legs and Earth Blood.

The former exuded an eerie coldness, devoid of any trace of life. Had it not been for his normal speech and behavior, Han Li would have suspected he was an inanimate object.

The latter was baffling because of the existence of two identical figures.

The two blood-robed individuals were indistinguishable in speech, demeanor, and aura, yet both were referred to as Earth Blood.

This was undeniably bizarre.

As for Mu Qing and the white-haired beauty, Han Li had some inkling of their origins.

Mu Qing was shrouded in black light, making it impossible to see through even with his Bright Sight Spirit Eyes. However, the faint emerald glow emanating from within did not escape his notice.

Combined with the incredibly pure wood spiritual power she radiated, Han Li was almost certain that Mu Qing was a rare wood spirit demon, though he couldn’t guess her true form.

As for the white-haired beauty, the density of her yin energy was unlike anything he had ever encountered.

From the earlier discussions among the Demon Kings, Han Li deduced that she was a ghost demon.

Yet, she had refined her ghostly form to resemble a living human, a testament to her immense power.

This also drew his attention to Yuan Yao, who similarly carried a strong yin aura, though she didn’t seem to be a true ghost like the white-haired woman.

It appeared she had undergone some unique transformation. Yan Li was in a similar state.

Despite their low cultivation—only at the early Nascent Soul stage—they were kept close by the white-haired beauty, suggesting either deep favor or some other reason.

The discussions among the Demon Kings didn’t last long. Any disputes were quickly resolved by majority rule.

Within the time it took to finish a meal, Six Legs and the others concluded their discussions and took their leave.

Mu Qing respectfully descended from her golden flower and personally escorted them out.

As the two blood-robed figures passed by Han Li, one of them—Earth Blood—turned his head and asked in a strange voice, “Did you destroy the two blood puppets I sent out?”

After a brief hesitation, Han Li bowed and replied honestly,

“Indeed, it was this junior who destroyed them. I was unaware they belonged to you, Senior. I hope you will not hold it against me.”

“Heh, two measly blood puppets mean nothing to me. But this matter can’t just be dropped. You’ll do a small favor for me in the future to settle the debt.” Earth Blood’s voice echoed in Han Li’s mind via sound transmission.

Startled, Han Li looked up, but the two blood-robed figures had already passed by as if nothing had happened.

Frowning, Han Li sensed trouble brewing again.

The white-haired beauty and Yuan Yao were the last to leave, also passing by Han Li.

The white-haired woman merely smiled faintly at him without a word. Yuan Yao remained expressionless, as if she hadn’t seen him.

Yan Li, however, blinked and gave him a thoughtful glance.

Han Li’s lips twitched slightly before his expression returned to normal. Yet, hidden in his sleeve, his hand clenched into a fist.

“Congratulations, Brother Han. It seems the esteemed ones hold you in high regard,” Blood Poison said with a grin once Mu Qing and the others had left.

“Nothing to celebrate. I’m still utterly confused. Senior Blood Poison, do you know what the ‘Thunder Control Method’ is? Can it truly enhance the power of Divine Devilbane Lightning?” Han Li asked skeptically.

“Heh, I do know a bit about this. In ancient times, Divine Devilbane Lightning was renowned in the Spirit Realm as one of the Five Elemental True Thunder, specifically countering demonic and evil forces. Its power far surpasses even my Heavenly Blood Thunder.

However, this lightning requires a special method to refine and wield; otherwise, less than a tenth of its potential can be unleashed.

Back then, the Spirit Realm was ruled by several ancient clans. The Evil Dragon Clan, fearing this lightning’s suppression, hunted down and destroyed all Heavenly Lightning Bamboo, nearly eradicating Divine Devilbane Lightning from the realm.

The method to wield it was also lost to time. At least, I don’t know it.” Blood Poison explained in detail.

“Evil Dragon Clan?” Han Li was momentarily stunned.

He had never heard of such a clan among the human or Flying Spirit races.

“Ah, you’ve never heard of them? That’s not surprising. These ancient clans oppressed the other races of the Spirit Realm until they were collectively exterminated.

However, the war was so devastating that over seventy to eighty percent of the Spirit Realm’s races perished.

The current major clans rose to power only after that conflict. Otherwise, they’d never have been able to dominate.

Naturally, names like the Evil Dragon Clan are now all but forgotten.” Blood Poison casually revealed an ancient secret.

Han Li felt dizzy from the revelation. How could such a monumental event be absent from human and Flying Spirit records?

Puzzled, he couldn’t help but ask.

“The ‘ancient times’ I refer to were the primordial era when the Spirit Realm first formed and races emerged.

Your Flying Spirit Race hadn’t even appeared in this realm back then, so of course, there’d be no records.” Blood Poison chuckled.

“I see!” Han Li finally understood.

According to human records, humans appeared in the Spirit Realm even later than the Flying Spirits, so the lack of documentation wasn’t surprising.

As Han Li and Blood Poison chatted idly, footsteps echoed from the hall entrance—Mu Qing had returned.

The two immediately stopped talking and bowed in greeting.

Mu Qing nodded, then floated back onto her golden flower, resting her chin on one hand in silence.

She seemed deep in thought, unable to make a decision, and remained wordless for a long while.

Han Li glanced at Blood Poison in surprise, but the latter remained calm, as if this were expected.

“Han Li, listen well. Regardless of your thoughts, you must master the Thunder Control Method within two years.

If you do, I’ll excuse you from the Ghost Granny’s side during that time. Understood?” Mu Qing’s voice emerged coldly from the black light.

Han Li could only force a smile and reply,

“Since Senior Mu Qing commands it, this junior will do his utmost.”

“Hmph, you’d better. Otherwise, I won’t let you off lightly.” Her tone turned icy.

Han Li’s heart sank, and he fell silent.

“In three days, move to my Wood Essence Cave. I’ll personally instruct you in the Thunder Control Method for these two years.

Blood Poison, you’ll handle all blood sacrifices during this period.” Mu Qing turned and issued an unyielding order to Blood Poison.

“Yes, Master!” Blood Poison was visibly surprised but quickly complied.

Han Li was also taken aback.

“Enough, I’m tired. You may leave.” With a wave of her hand, Mu Qing dismissed them.

Han Li and Blood Poison bowed and withdrew.

“Tsk tsk, Brother Han, what fortune! To receive personal guidance from our master—this is a rare opportunity!” Blood Poison remarked once outside, a strange glint in his eyes.

“Perhaps, but I’m not sure two years will be enough to master the Thunder Control Method.” Han Li shook his head, looking somewhat troubled.

“Haha, if the master says so, she must be confident. Don’t overthink it. I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

With a laugh, Blood Poison transformed into a streak of blood light and vanished into the distance.

Han Li stood still, watching the light disappear before slowly heading back to his residence.

Soon, he was inside his pavilion.

After activating the barriers to prevent any prying eyes, he sat cross-legged on the bed, his expression dark and contemplative.

After a long silence, he raised a hand, spreading his fingers to reveal his palm.

A black mark the size of a grain of rice had appeared—a character reading “Yuan.”

Seeing this, Han Li’s face twisted into a strange expression.

If he had harbored any doubts about Yuan Yao’s identity before, they were now completely dispelled.

This mark had appeared silently in his palm when Yuan Yao brushed past him, without the slightest spiritual fluctuation—undetected even by Mu Qing and the others.

For a mere Nascent Soul cultivator to achieve such a feat was astonishing. No wonder Han Li was so unsettled.

He pressed a finger to the mark, emitting a green light that erased it.

Retracting his hands into his sleeves, he sank into deep thought.

Moments later, he extended a hand again.

With a low rumble, a fist-sized golden lightning sphere materialized, its surface crackling with golden arcs.

Han Li stared at it expressionlessly, his eyes narrowing slightly.