“It seems you haven’t taken it to heart, fellow Daoist. However, these three demonic scourges are indeed extraordinary. Brother Han, since you’ll be crossing the entire desert, it’s best not to underestimate them. The three scourges are the Soul-Snatching Wind, the Earth-Devouring Sand, and the Illusory Howling Demon Wolves. I assume you’re already familiar with them. But their levels of danger differ drastically. Among them, adult Illusory Howling Demon Wolves only possess Void Refinement cultivation, yet they always move in packs. Even the smallest pack consists of seven or eight adult wolves. Encountering them would leave one severely weakened even if they barely manage to kill them. That said, this scourge poses the least threat to you. Though the wolves move swiftly in the desert, they’re still slower than the Eight-Legged Demon Lizards. As long as you spot them early, you can easily shake them off. Of course, if Brother Han lacks a demon lizard for transport, the situation would be entirely different. As for the Earth-Devouring Sand, it ranks second only to the Soul-Snatching Wind in the Illusory Howling Desert…” The yellow-haired man began explaining in detail.
Though Han Li was already familiar with some of what the man said, he still listened attentively with a smile.
Over half a month later, Han Li, who had been resting with his eyes slightly closed atop the demon lizard, suddenly opened his eyes. His gaze pierced through the dim sandstorm, faintly spotting a patch of green over ten miles away.
At that moment, the pleasant voice of the purple-haired woman rang out ahead.
“Fellow Daoists, we’ve arrived at the Silver Sand Oasis. Our Bai Family has a small outpost there. We can rest and prepare before driving away that demonic beast. The spirit vein is only half a day’s journey from the oasis.”
“Excellent! This Venerable has spent an entire month on this demonic beast and is thoroughly sick of it. Once we arrive, I’ll rest properly and feast. Brother Bai, you’d better hand over what you promised me there,” Venerable Luanlong said, patting his round belly with gleaming eyes.
“Haha, don’t worry, Brother Luanlong. I know your demonic arts require consuming that item to reach their peak. Once we reach the oasis, I’ll present it to you immediately,” the yellow-haired man replied with a laugh before the purple-haired woman could respond.
“Good. After consuming it, my magic power will temporarily increase by at least thirty percent, giving us a better chance against that demonic beast. And its taste is truly unparalleled—rarely found in this world. I’ve only had it once before, yet I still remember it vividly,” Venerable Luanlong nodded in satisfaction.
“Naturally. Our Bai Family went to great lengths to obtain even that small amount,” the purple-haired woman added with a charming smile.
Han Li, overhearing this exchange, felt slightly puzzled but quickly dismissed it after a brief thought.
Soon, the group arrived at the small oasis on their demonic lizards.
As soon as they entered, the relentless sandstorm abruptly ceased, as if an invisible force shielded the oasis.
The oasis spanned only a few miles, with low shrubs dotting its edges. At its center lay a small black-green lake half a mile wide. Beside it stood a cluster of gray structures, seemingly molded from compacted sand yet unnaturally sturdy.
The buildings covered only a few acres but emitted peculiar energy fluctuations, suggesting powerful restrictions.
Han Li’s gaze swept over the lake before settling on the structures. They were dome-shaped, no more than thirty feet tall—noticeably shorter than typical buildings.
The yellow-haired man dismounted first, storing his demon lizard in a spirit beast ring. Frowning at the distant buildings, he suddenly let out a dragon-like roar.
The sound echoed into the sky like rolling thunder, yet no one emerged from the buildings.
His expression darkened, and he gestured to his companions.
Bai Yunxin and five other Bai Family members cautiously approached the structures. As they neared, Bai Yunxin waved a black iron token, summoning a surge of black mist that engulfed them, silencing all sound.
The purple-haired woman and Venerable Luanlong watched intently, their expressions grave. Only Han Li remained calm, though unnoticed by others, his pupils flickered with blue light—his Spirit Eyes piercing the mist effortlessly.
After refining them for over a millennium, his Spirit Eyes now possessed extraordinary abilities, making such trivial barriers meaningless.
A short while later, the black mist dissipated, revealing Bai Yunxin and the others. She bowed deeply to the yellow-haired man.
“Elder, the restrictions are intact, but the stationed disciples are all missing.”
“All missing? There’s only this oasis nearby—where could they have gone?” the man said coldly.
“I… I truly don’t know. There are no signs of struggle,” Bai Yunxin replied nervously.
Just as the man was about to press further, Han Li interjected with a smile, “Brother Bai, regardless, let’s discuss this inside. This isn’t the place for details.”
“Ah, you’re right. My oversight. Fellow Daoists, let’s proceed,” the man said, his expression softening.
“Then this Venerable won’t stand on ceremony!” Venerable Luanlong chuckled, vanishing from his mount and reappearing behind Bai Yunxin before striding toward the largest building.
The yellow-haired man smiled wryly, then led Han Li and the others inside.
Soon, the group gathered in a hall while Bai Yunxin and the others stood guard outside.
“I’ve scanned the area with my divine sense. As Yunxin said, there’s no trace of struggle, and the restrictions remain untouched. The disciples must have left voluntarily,” the purple-haired woman said, seated on a cushion with a frown.
“According to our orders, they were to monitor that demonic beast. Could it have devoured them all? But even then, someone should’ve remained here,” the man mused.
“Enough. They’re just low-level disciples—why fuss? Hand over that item so I can feast before we continue,” Venerable Luanlong cut in impatiently.
“Brother Luanlong, rest assured. We’ll honor our promise. Fifth Sister, give it to him,” the man said, amused by the other’s eagerness.
The purple-haired woman smiled, flicking her wrist. A white mist sprayed from her storage bracelet, depositing a crystalline jade box on the table.
Venerable Luanlong’s eyes lit up. He snatched the box midair and flipped it open.
Han Li and Han Qizi peered inside. Han Li’s pupils contracted sharply, while Han Qizi gasped in surprise.
Inside lay a grain-like fruit—half a foot long, thick as a baby’s arm at one end and needle-sharp at the other. Blood-red and exuding an intoxicating fragrance, it made one’s mouth water instantly.
“Is this… Bloodfang Rice?” Han Li murmured, stunned yet uncertain.
“Brother Han’s knowledge astounds me! This is indeed a rare millennium-old Bloodfang Rice. Consuming it enhances vitality, refines the body, and for those like Brother Luanlong who cultivate blood-based demonic arts, it can temporarily boost magic power by twenty to thirty percent. It’s also one of the rewards we promised him. Its taste is peerless—a single bite leaves a lingering fragrance for months.”
“I’ve only heard of it—this is my first time seeing it. Rumor has it Bloodfang Rice requires extreme conditions to grow, nourished only by the blood of certain rare beasts. Even the lowest quality takes a century to mature. For Brother Bai to obtain a millennium-old one is truly remarkable,” Han Li said slowly, his expression complex.
Bloodfang Rice was a specialty of the demon realm, exceedingly rare even there. Han Li had long planned to acquire some during his journey, as it was one of the few items still capable of enhancing his physique.
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