Chapter 1475: Heimu and Jinyuan

“I see!” Han Li murmured to himself, gaining a general understanding of the Netherworld River.

“Alright, I can answer one last question. Think carefully,” Mu Qing said coldly.

“I’d like to know what exactly you want me to do once we enter the Netherworld River,” Han Li asked after a moment of consideration.

Though he was also curious about the demon kings’ motives for entering the Netherworld River, he was more concerned with matters directly related to himself. Without clarity on this, he couldn’t feel at ease.

“You really want to ask about this?” Mu Qing seemed surprised.

“Yes, please enlighten me!” Han Li replied firmly without hesitation.

“Since you’re willing to use your last question for this, I’ll tell you. It’s simple—I want you to accompany me to retrieve something of great use to me. However, the place where it’s kept is guarded by extremely powerful demons. Going alone would be difficult, but your Evil-Warding Divine Lightning can suppress them,” the woman said indifferently.

“Demons? I thought the Netherworld River was a gathering place for ghosts?” Han Li frowned slightly, surprised.

“It’s true that ghosts and spirits dominate there, but some demons also reside there. Don’t ask me why—I have no idea,” Mu Qing stated firmly.

Han Li fell silent.

“Don’t worry. With your Evil-Warding Divine Lightning and my assistance, dealing with these demons won’t be a problem. Moreover, if we succeed, I’ll reward you with another treasure. As a Flying Spirit Tribe Saint, you’ll definitely find it interesting,” Mu Qing said, a sly glint flashing in her eyes.

“Another treasure?” Han Li showed a hint of doubt.

“During the Earth Abyss demon tide years ago, I risked killing a Flying Spirit Tribe elder and obtained a vial of their True Saint’s blood. Even if it’s not from your branch, it’s still priceless to any Flying Spirit Tribe member,” Mu Qing declared proudly.

“Which True Saint’s blood is it?” Han Li was genuinely shocked.

“The blood of the Five-Colored Peacock. How about that? Even if you can’t use it, bringing it back to your tribe would bring unimaginable benefits,” Mu Qing said, her tone dripping with temptation.

No wonder!

Not only would the Flying Spirit Tribe, who revered True Saint’s blood as sacred, covet it, but other races would also treasure it immensely.

After all, True Saint’s blood had miraculous effects in alchemy and artifact forging!

And among the many True Saints, the Five-Colored Peacock was renowned, ranking among the most formidable avian True Saints.

Han Li’s heart swelled with joy.

Of the three transformations he had mastered in the “Twelve Earthly Branches Metamorphosis,” one was the secret technique for transforming into a Five-Colored Peacock.

By absorbing this blood, he could immediately practice the corresponding incantation and assume the form of a Five-Colored Peacock.

The more transformations one mastered in the “Twelve Earthly Branches Metamorphosis,” the more terrifying its power became.

According to the technique, each additional transformation increased the power of previously learned transformations by thirty percent.

Theoretically, mastering all twelve and merging them could amplify one’s strength by over fourfold.

Of course, the original transformations would also grow stronger as one’s cultivation advanced.

The multiplicative effect of the “Twelve Earthly Branches Metamorphosis” was built upon this foundation.

Coupled with the various divine abilities of the True Saints, the technique’s fearsome potential was evident.

The Five-Colored Peacock’s signature ability, the “Five-Colored Divine Light,” was legendary in the Spirit Realm.

It was said that wherever this light passed, all things of the five elements would be immobilized—somewhat similar to Han Li’s Magnetic Divine Light, though their true power was worlds apart.

Han Li’s expression remained calm, but the flicker of delight in his eyes didn’t escape Mu Qing.

With a faint smile, she added, “It seems you’re quite satisfied with the Five-Colored Peacock’s blood. Then it’s settled. I’ll give you a small portion now and the rest after the task is complete.”

With that, Mu Qing slapped the golden flower beneath her, and a crimson vial shot out.

She grabbed it and tossed it toward Han Li.

Han Li’s eyes flashed with curiosity as he caught the vial and immediately opened it.

A clear cry rang out, and five-colored light erupted as something seemed about to fly out.

With a snap, Han Li swiftly resealed the vial.

In that brief moment, he had scanned the contents with his spiritual sense.

Though he had never seen this True Saint’s blood before, the overwhelming aura it emitted suggested it was genuine.

“Thank you for the gift, Senior!” Han Li stowed the vial and bowed in gratitude.

“Heh, just don’t forget to lend me your strength when the time comes. You may leave now. Feel free to cultivate anywhere in the Earth Abyss, except above the third layer. In a few years, once preparations are complete, I’ll summon you again,” Mu Qing said, nodding before effectively dismissing him.

After a moment of silent contemplation, Han Li bowed again, surrounded himself in azure light, and flew off as a green streak.

In a few flashes, his figure vanished beyond the palace gates.

Mu Qing watched his departing light, the trace of amusement in her eyes fading entirely.

A moment later, she formed a hand seal.

Black light flashed across the golden flower beneath her, and a black formation appeared out of thin air.

With a flicker, Mu Qing vanished from the flower, and the formation dissipated.

Almost simultaneously, before the heavily sealed gates of the Emerald Song Courtyard in her Wood Spirit Cave, a similar black formation appeared, and Mu Qing emerged.

As soon as she appeared, she glanced at the gates, stepped forward without hesitation, and with a soft sound, the layers of restrictions rippled like disturbed water.

Black light swirled around her, and she melted into the door, disappearing.

On the other side, she reappeared in a vast garden filled with enormous flowers.

These flowers ranged from several zhang tall to mere feet in size, some in full bloom, others tightly budded, each exuding astonishing spiritual energy.

A winding path led through them.

Mu Qing stepped onto the path and walked leisurely through the flowers.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the flowers gave way to a lush green meadow.

At its center stood a towering black pine tree, fifty to sixty zhang tall, its form bizarre.

An invisible line seemed to divide the tree: one half lush and vibrant, the other withered and leafless, as if dead.

Mu Qing’s eyes gleamed strangely as she stopped ten zhang away from the tree.

Suddenly, the lush half of the tree shimmered, and a black mist surged toward her.

Incredibly, the black light around Mu Qing peeled away under the mist, revealing a slender, enchanting figure.

Her true appearance was that of a strikingly beautiful woman with slightly dark skin.

Though not peerlessly stunning, the palpable killing intent between her brows would terrify any ordinary person.

“Is Elder Jin here?” she called coldly after staring at the black tree for a while.

Golden light flashed, and a three-foot-tall golden ape appeared before her, clasping its fists respectfully. “At your service, Master! Jin Ling has been guarding diligently.”

The ape had a white beard, gleaming black eyes, and carried two short swords on its back.

“Rise, Elder Jin. Has anyone spied on this place recently?” Mu Qing asked gently, treating the ape with unusual courtesy.

“No. For the past two years, I’ve stayed by your true form and noticed nothing amiss,” the ape replied firmly.

“Good. You’ve worked hard all these years. You know my weakness—despite my power, my spirit-wood form has its vulnerabilities. I rely on you to protect it,” Mu Qing sighed.

“Master, there’s no need for such words. I was once just a wild ape playing beneath your tree. Without your guidance after gaining sentience, how could I have become Jin Ling today? Besides, last time, I fell for a diversion and nearly let your true form be stolen. If not for your foresight and sacrifice, the consequences would have been dire. Even now, restoring your spirit-wood form will take ages,” the ape said guiltily.

“Last time wasn’t your fault. I underestimated the threat, thinking that with Six-Armed and the others with me, my true form was safe. But the intruder knew the Wood Spirit Cave well enough to sneak in and lure you away. I have my suspicions about who it was, but they were likely acting under orders. I’ve feigned ignorance to avoid alerting them and jeopardizing our Netherworld River plans. Once I return with what I seek, I’ll skin them alive for harming my true form,” Mu Qing said darkly, her eyes flashing with murderous intent.