Upon clearly seeing the corpse, the two women were naturally overjoyed.
Qing Xiao let out a long sigh of relief and bowed deeply to Han Li, saying,
“Thanks to Senior Han’s intervention, otherwise, who knows how many fellow cultivators from the Fire Coral Archipelago would have perished this time.”
“Indeed. Even Silver Shark Hermit was no match for this monster. Had it gone on a rampage in these waters, it would have been a great calamity for us all. Many thanks to Master Han for displaying his divine might and eliminating this fiend!” The black-skirted young woman spoke with even greater reverence than before.
“It was nothing. Though the creature was somewhat troublesome, my techniques happened to counter it. However, this beast doesn’t seem like a sea demon. Do you know where it came from?” Han Li waved his hand dismissively and asked casually.
“We have no idea. This thing appeared here for the first time. At the time, dozens of fellow cultivators had gathered here to discuss how to deal with that sea beast. Suddenly, this moth-like creature burst out of the mist surrounding the island and flew onto the shore. Caught off guard, many cultivators with insufficient cultivation were instantly killed by its roar. Fortunately, Silver Shark Hermit intervened and held it off for a moment, allowing the remaining few to escape. Otherwise, had it unleashed its full power, none of us would have survived.” Recalling the horror of the monster, Qing Xiao couldn’t help but show a trace of lingering fear.
Han Li frowned slightly and nodded, then turned his gaze to the group of young men and women emerging from the pavilion. He asked casually, “Are these people natives of this island? Their physiques seem somewhat unusual, yet they aren’t cultivators.”
“Ah, these are the Frost Essence Clan. Though they cannot commune with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, they are exceptionally intelligent and can exhale a chilling breath. Upon reaching adulthood, their appearances remain unchanged until the moment of their death, when they suddenly age. They are a relatively rare race, numbering only about ten thousand in the entire Fire Coral Archipelago. Since they cannot produce cultivators, they usually attach themselves to more powerful clans or seek the protection of a high-ranking sect. This group was originally under the care of Silver Shark Hermit, serving as attendants.” The black-skirted young woman explained.
“But now that Silver Shark Hermit is dead, they will likely have to seek new patronage.” Qing Xiao sighed, seemingly sympathetic toward the Frost Essence Clan.
“Oh? This race is truly peculiar!” Han Li, hearing of such an exotic race for the first time, couldn’t help but examine the group with renewed interest.
Upon hearing the women’s words, the young men and women, led by their female leader, began kowtowing repeatedly to the three of them.
“What? Do you wish to pledge yourselves to Master Han for protection? If so, Master Han, you might as well take them in. They are the best candidates for attendants—whether managing the affairs of a cave abode or tending medicinal gardens, they have unique talents.” The black-skirted young woman seemed to have noticed something and smiled suggestively.
“Oh? They know how to cultivate spiritual herbs?” Han Li was somewhat surprised.
“More than just knowing. Even ordinary high-ranking cultivators pale in comparison to their talent for herb cultivation. And since these individuals were chosen by Silver Shark Hermit, they must be the finest of their race. If released into the world, many high-ranking clans would likely compete for them.” Qing Xiao also smiled.
“Unfortunately, I’ve always preferred to travel alone and dislike having others around. If the two of you are interested, you may take them in yourselves.” Han Li shook his head without hesitation.
“Well, since Senior Han has spoken, I won’t stand on ceremony. My cave abode happens to be short on attendants. Sister Qing, shall we split them between us?” The black-skirted young woman blinked her beautiful eyes and smiled at Qing Xiao.
“My island already has plenty of attendants. If Sister wishes, you may take them all.” Qing Xiao replied generously.
Hearing this, the black-skirted young woman no longer hesitated and asked the Frost Essence Clan if they would follow her.
Having witnessed the death of their former master, the Frost Essence Clan naturally agreed without protest, bowing respectfully in acceptance. Under the young woman’s instructions, they began cleaning up the largest ice hall before inviting Han Li and the two women inside.
“Master Han, what are your plans now? Do you still intend to hunt that sea beast?” Qing Xiao, seated on a stone chair in the hall, asked.
“Since I’ve come this far, I won’t give up easily. I must at least make an attempt.” Han Li, seated between the two women, replied calmly.
Hearing this, Qing Xiao and the black-skirted young woman exchanged glances.
“What? Do you two doubt my ability?” Han Li raised an eyebrow and asked coolly.
“With the divine might you displayed in slaying that monstrous moth, how could you not stand a chance against the sea beast? However, Master Han, you should know that our previous ability to track the beast relied heavily on Silver Shark Hermit’s Silver Glow Shark. Now that both are dead, finding the sea beast again won’t be easy.” The black-skirted young woman hurriedly explained.
“Is that so? How did the Silver Glow Shark track the beast?” Han Li paused, then asked after a moment of thought.
“From what Silver Shark Hermit told me, the Silver Glow Shark possessed an innate tracking ability. Once it had seen something, it could sense its presence within a radius of ten thousand miles and slowly locate it. Previously, we would first approach the waters where the sea beast was active and let the Silver Glow Shark lead us to its hiding place.” Qing Xiao added gravely.
“In that case, it does complicate things. It seems I’ll have to venture into the beast’s territory alone and rely on luck.” Han Li frowned slightly.
“If you insist on hunting the beast, perhaps you could wait another month. Some of the fellow cultivators who gathered at Blue Lake Island may still be alive, and many others haven’t yet arrived. If we could rally them to assist in the search, it would be better than going alone.” The black-skirted young woman suggested after some thought.
“That likely won’t help. As I recall, Qing Xiao mentioned that the sea beast is quite formidable. If we split up, individuals would struggle to hold it off, but searching together would make it even harder to find. Moreover, such a prolonged search would inevitably breed resentment. It’s better for me to act alone. If others wish to join, fine. If not, I won’t force them.” Han Li grinned, revealing a row of white teeth.
Hearing this, the two women could say no more.
“If by some chance I do retrieve the Void Cloud Crystal, I hope the two of you will assist me in repairing the teleportation array.”
“Rest assured, Senior. As long as we have the Void Cloud Crystal, repairing the teleportation array will be our responsibility.” The black-skirted young woman smiled brightly.
Qing Xiao also gave her assurance.
Pleased with their responses, Han Li nodded in satisfaction.
The rest was straightforward. After clarifying the general whereabouts of the sea beast and how to contact the two women, Han Li transformed into a streak of azure light and departed.
Qing Xiao and the black-skirted young woman escorted him to the hall’s entrance, watching as his azure light vanished into the sky. Their expressions were complex.
“Even now, I can hardly believe Senior Han truly slew that monstrous moth. His cultivation seems no higher than Silver Shark Hermit’s, yet the latter couldn’t last more than a few moments against the creature.” The black-skirted young woman murmured.
“Didn’t Master Han say his techniques countered the moth? That’s why he could kill it.” Qing Xiao replied after a pause, her tone somewhat odd.
“Sister Qing, do you truly believe that excuse? I, for one, don’t. That moth’s demonic power alone was at the ninth rank of the high-ranking clans—two whole realms above us. How could mere ‘countering’ bridge such a gap?” The black-skirted young woman smirked.
“What exactly are you implying?” Qing Xiao sighed.
“Nothing much. Sister Qing, you still lack a cultivation partner, don’t you? With Master Han’s formidable abilities, wouldn’t he make an excellent candidate? If you’re not interested, I might just take the opportunity myself.” The black-skirted young woman giggled.
“Sister, what nonsense are you spouting? I’ve only met Master Han twice. How could I entertain such thoughts?” Qing Xiao’s jade-like face flushed crimson as she retorted angrily.
“What’s the harm? If I recall correctly, you’ve been stuck at the fifth rank for years. With a partner of such power, dual cultivation could easily help you break through. As for familiarity, that’s no obstacle. As long as he remains in these waters, you’ll have chances to meet again. With your beauty and talent, I doubt he’d remain indifferent.” The black-skirted young woman covered her mouth, laughing.
“Enough of your wild talk. Master Han will eventually return to his own continent. How could he stay here long? And for all we know, he may already have a cultivation partner.” Qing Xiao’s blush finally faded as she regained her composure.
“Ah, that is a problem. But that sea beast is cunning, and its territory vast. Finding and killing it won’t be easy. As long as he can’t repair the teleportation array, he’ll be stuck in the Fire Coral Archipelago. In that case, whether he has a partner or not makes little difference.” The young woman shook her head repeatedly.
This time, Qing Xiao didn’t respond. She merely gazed toward the horizon where Han Li had disappeared and let out a nearly imperceptible sigh.
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