“If Brother Han has truly come for this purpose, I’m afraid achieving your goal on this trip will require considerable effort,” Yuan Yao sighed softly, her voice tinged with melancholy.
“Sister Yuan, what do you mean by that? Could it be that Senior Jiang has changed his mind about the Netherworld River Divine Milk?” Han Li was startled by her words.
“Given my adoptive father’s status, he would never go back on his word once given. However, some unforeseen circumstances arose that even he couldn’t control. As for the details, he will explain everything clearly to you once we return to his residence. I won’t say more here. But Brother Han need not worry too much—this matter isn’t entirely beyond negotiation,” Yuan Yao replied, her tone shifting to one of deeper implication.
Han Li was still puzzled but nodded and fell silent, lost in thought as they flew onward.
Yuan Yao, sensing his contemplation, tactfully refrained from further interruption and simply smiled as she accompanied him.
Meanwhile, Qing Yuanzi flew ahead without looking back, seemingly oblivious to their conversation.
The three streaks of light—one leading and two following—soon vanished beyond the horizon.
The site of Han Li’s earlier battle with the fish shopkeeper was now eerily empty.
After most of the day, the trio finally arrived at Qing Yuanzi’s residence.
Han Li followed them into the cave abode, entering a hall that still felt somewhat familiar.
The small azure figure stretched lazily, then suddenly shimmered with green light, transforming into the size of an ordinary person. He casually took a seat at the head of the hall and said indifferently to Han Li, “Since you’ve now reached the Body Integration stage, there’s no need for excessive formality in my presence. Take a seat.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Senior!” Han Li bowed respectfully before sitting in a lower seat.
Yuan Yao, meanwhile, gracefully positioned herself behind Qing Yuanzi.
At that moment, a round-faced maiden in white robes entered, carrying several cups of spiritual tea. She placed one before Han Li and said cheerfully, “Greetings, Brother Han! I never expected you to return so soon!”
This was none other than Yan Li.
“So it’s Fairy Yan! It’s been years, yet your charm remains undiminished,” Han Li replied with a smile.
“As a half-ghost, my appearance naturally doesn’t change. But you—your cultivation seems even more profound than before. I can’t even discern your exact realm now. Could it be that Brother Han has advanced to the Body Integration stage?” Yan Li responded with a smile, then suddenly paled as she scrutinized him.
Yan Li was now at the early Void Refinement stage, but discerning Han Li’s Body Integration cultivation was beyond her.
“I’ve indeed been fortunate enough to reach the mid-Body Integration stage,” Han Li replied calmly.
“Body Integration… and already mid-stage?” The woman before him froze in shock.
“Enough, Yan Li! If you wish to catch up, you can do so after I finish my discussion with Han,” Qing Yuanzi interjected impatiently.
“Of course. I was momentarily distracted,” Yan Li quickly replied, bowing before serving Qing Yuanzi his tea and standing beside Yuan Yao.
“Han Li, I hadn’t expected your arrival at this time. My main spirit infant is currently in seclusion, comprehending a great divine ability, so I cannot meet you in person,” Qing Yuanzi said abruptly.
“I wouldn’t dare impose, Senior. That you’ve graced me with your presence through your avatar is already an honor,” Han Li replied solemnly.
Pleased by Han Li’s deference, Qing Yuanzi nodded and cut straight to the point: “Since you’ve used the artifact I gave you to return to the Netherworld River, I assume you’ve gathered many of the materials I requested. How much have you collected? If you’ve secured even two-thirds, I’ll consider the task complete.”
“Senior Jiang, all the materials I’ve gathered are in this storage bracelet. Please inspect them yourself,” Han Li replied, producing an emerald-green storage ring from his sleeve and presenting it with both hands.
“Haha, you seem quite confident, Fellow Daoist Han. Let me take a look,” Qing Yuanzi said, his face lighting up with delight as he took the ring.
With Han Li watching, the Great Ascension cultivator closed his eyes and probed the ring with his spiritual sense.
Yuan Yao and Yan Li also turned their attention to Qing Yuanzi, hoping to gauge his reaction.
Han Li, however, remained perfectly composed.
Given Qing Yuanzi’s immense spiritual power and experience, examining the materials took little time.
At first, his expression was blank, but soon it shifted to surprise and astonishment.
Finally, his face lit up with mingled joy and excitement.
Yuan Yao relaxed at this sight but couldn’t help glancing curiously at Han Li.
As Qing Yuanzi’s adoptive daughter, she knew the extent and rarity of the materials on his list—so much so that she had long doubted Han Li could fulfill the task.
Yet Qing Yuanzi’s reaction suggested Han Li had gathered most of them, far exceeding expectations.
Beside her, Yan Li also regarded Han Li with a mix of awe and complexity.
“Excellent! Apart from a few materials even I might struggle to find, you’ve collected everything else. This is beyond my expectations. With these, my chances of surviving the next heavenly tribulation will increase by twenty percent,” Qing Yuanzi declared, his excitement palpable.
“These materials only increase your odds by twenty percent?” Han Li was taken aback.
Many of these items were nearly extinct in the Spirit Realm, some only obtainable from forbidden gardens in the Moon Realm.
“Fellow Daoist, at our level, ordinary means of resisting tribulation are useless, and external aids are scarce. A twenty percent increase is already generous. But let’s set that aside. I promised you Netherworld River Milk in exchange for these materials. Do you still wish to proceed with that trade? If not, I can offer alternatives of equal value,” Qing Yuanzi said, carefully storing the ring.
“Senior knows how crucial this milk is for my advancement. I must have it,” Han Li replied firmly, recalling Yuan Yao’s earlier hints.
“In that case, things may prove complicated,” Qing Yuanzi mused, frowning slightly.
“Senior seems troubled. Could you explain the issue? I recall you previously had some of the milk in your possession,” Han Li pressed.
“Had you come a century earlier or a few centuries later, this wouldn’t be a problem. But the milk I had has been borrowed for urgent use. In a few hundred years, I might procure more,” Qing Yuanzi admitted with a sigh.
“Borrowed?” Han Li’s expression darkened.
“Indeed, by a senior elder of the Ephemera Clan, an old acquaintance. He aided my refuge here, so I couldn’t refuse,” Qing Yuanzi explained.
Han Li’s face grew grimmer.
“But don’t despair. If you truly need the milk, there may still be a way,” Qing Yuanzi added with a faint smile.
“What do you mean? Is there another source?” Han Li perked up.
“Naturally. Though rare, the milk is distributed among a few other powerful beings here. Half goes to the Ephemera Clan; the rest is divided among us. However, these individuals are eccentric and no weaker than I, with whom I have little rapport. I can approach them, but success isn’t guaranteed. Rest assured, even if I fail, I’ll compensate you fairly,” Qing Yuanzi said confidently.
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