With Han Li’s current strength at the Mahayana stage, he was confident that there were almost no troubles within the human race he couldn’t resolve. Thus, his earlier question had indeed been casual, without a hint of concern.
“Brother Han, since you’re already seated here, I naturally will explain everything clearly. Fellow Daoist Du, since Daoist Han has returned to the city, I will brief him on the relevant matters. I trust you have no objections, especially since this involves his disciple.” The silver-haired elder coughed lightly and spoke solemnly to both Han Li and the white-robed youth.
“My disciple?”
“Of course, no problem!”
Han Li was momentarily stunned.
Du Yu, after a brief contemplation, readily agreed.
“Indeed, this matter does involve one of Daoist Han’s disciples. Brother Han, do you have a disciple who possesses the legendary Hidden Lightning Root?” The silver-haired elder no longer hesitated and asked Han Li directly.
“You’re referring to Hai Yuetian, my disciple. Yes, he does possess the Hidden Lightning Root. However, I have never disclosed this to outsiders. How did you all come to know?” Han Li’s expression shifted slightly as he countered with a question.
“Well… it seems your disciple inadvertently revealed it during a gathering while intoxicated,” the golden-robed monk, Jin Yue, interjected before the elder could respond, clearing his throat.
“I see. That disciple of mine has always been careless, so such an incident isn’t surprising. Brother Gu, please continue,” Han Li sighed, sounding somewhat resigned.
The silver-haired elder gave a dry chuckle and then pressed on with renewed determination.
“Regarding the unique traits of a Hidden Lightning Root cultivator, I believe Daoist Han understands them far better than we do. When the elders of Sacred Island learned of this, they issued an invitation to our city a few days ago, requesting your disciple to visit Sacred Island so they might utilize his Hidden Lightning Root abilities. As for the specifics, it would be inappropriate for me to elaborate further. Fellow Daoist Du Yu can provide the details.”
With that, the elder deftly shifted the responsibility to the white-robed youth.
The other elders of Skydeep City, including Silverlight Fairy, inwardly praised the move.
If the silver-haired elder had explained everything, the Sacred Island envoys might not have objected on the spot, but they would surely have been displeased afterward. By delegating the explanation to Du Yu, even if the outcome remained unchanged, they had at least extended a goodwill gesture to the Sacred Island delegation, making it harder for them to retaliate later.
Du Yu’s eyes flickered slightly, as if instantly grasping Elder Gu’s intentions. He nodded and said, “Since Brother Gu has put it this way, I shall explain the rest. Brother Han, your disciple’s Hidden Lightning Root is of paramount importance to our entire race at this moment. Aside from Senior Mo Jianli and Senior Ao Xiao, our human and demon races have no other Mahayana cultivators. Unfortunately, both seniors have limited lifespans and can no longer serve as our protectors for much longer.”
He paused briefly, and the expressions of those present grew solemn.
“Without Mahayana cultivators, the status of our human and demon races in the Spirit Realm would be precarious. Thus, Sacred Island has been focusing not only on recovering from the losses of the demon calamity but also on nurturing a new Mahayana cultivator. Whether human or demon, the emergence of another Mahayana would ensure our races’ safety for tens of thousands of years. After deliberation, the elders of Sacred Island have decided to pool all resources to help several late-stage Body Integration cultivators attempt to break through to Mahayana simultaneously. Hence, the summons for your disciple was unavoidable. I hope Daoist Han can prioritize the greater good and allow your disciple to visit Sacred Island.”
Du Yu clearly understood that Han Li was now the primary obstacle, so he tailored his words solely to persuade him, deliberately omitting any mention of the Skydeep City elders.
“So, Sacred Island dispatched three envoys just for one of my disciples?” Han Li’s expression darkened, his voice icy.
Anyone could sense his displeasure.
“I can guarantee that your disciple will face no life-threatening dangers on Sacred Island. Moreover, upon success, Sacred Island will spare no expense in rewarding him,” Du Yu replied firmly, though inwardly wary.
“Guarantee his safety? This disciple of mine hasn’t been with me long and his cultivation is still low. If he’s to use his Hidden Lightning Root to help others withstand the True Lightning Tribulation of Mahayana, his own realm would need to be forcibly elevated—a process that inevitably drains his potential and lifespan. Even if he survives, he’d hardly live long enough to enjoy any rewards.” Han Li’s tone grew even colder, laced with unmistakable sarcasm.
“Your disciple may indeed suffer some consequences, but this matter concerns the future of our races. The welfare of one individual versus the survival of our entire race—Daoist Han surely understands the difference,” the yellow-haired, green-eyed man beside Du Yu interjected impatiently.
“I understand the stakes perfectly. But tell me, is it certain that my disciple’s sacrifice will produce a Mahayana cultivator? If the three of you dare swear a Heart Demon Blood Oath to that effect, I might consider sending him with you. Otherwise, why should my disciple suffer for nothing? Do you take me for a fool?” Han Li retorted sharply, his patience clearly wearing thin.
The three Sacred Island envoys stiffened, their expressions darkening.
Meanwhile, Elder Gu and the other Skydeep City elders exchanged glances and remained silent, evidently unwilling to involve themselves further.
“Brother Han, even the slightest chance of producing a Mahayana cultivator justifies the sacrifice. Surely you wouldn’t disregard Sacred Island’s orders and the fate of our races? If so, we three cannot return empty-handed,” the barefooted, ugly woman added threateningly.
“Are you threatening me? You keep invoking ‘Sacred Island’ and ‘the greater good,’ but do the three of you truly represent our races? I may not have cultivated for long, but empty words won’t make me surrender my disciple. Otherwise, what would others think of a master who can’t even protect his own?” Han Li’s eyes flashed coldly as he rebuked them.
The ugly woman’s face twisted in fury, but before she could speak, Han Li cut her off.
“Let me make this clear: unless Sacred Island can guarantee with absolute certainty that my disciple’s sacrifice will produce a Mahayana cultivator, I will not send him with you.”
“Absolute certainty? Do you think breaking through to Mahayana is so simple? If it were, Sacred Island wouldn’t have spent years preparing for this moment. You’re being deliberately unreasonable,” Du Yu snapped, his composure fraying.
“And you demand my disciple’s life without hesitation, yet call *me* unreasonable? Tell me, Fellow Daoist Du, are you one of the candidates attempting to break through to Mahayana?” Han Li countered with a cold smile.
“Yes, I am. Do you doubt my qualifications?” Du Yu’s eyes glinted frostily.
“Qualifications aren’t for me to judge. But since you preach selflessness, would you be willing to surrender all your pills and treasures to me if I were to attempt a Mahayana breakthrough? If you can honestly agree to that, I’ll have nothing more to say.”
“That… I cannot promise. The resources allocated to me belong to Sacred Island. I have no authority to transfer them,” Du Yu replied awkwardly after a pause.
“What a pity. Since you can’t do the same, don’t expect me to sacrifice my disciple for others. If you have no further business here, you may return to Sacred Island.” Han Li waved dismissively, his tone dripping with scorn.
The three envoys’ expressions soured further.
“Brother Gu, Master Jin Yue, you have close ties with Daoist Han. Can you persuade him? If I return without his disciple, Sacred Island will hold your city accountable,” Du Yu said pointedly, turning to the silent elders.
“This… is not our place to interfere. Perhaps both sides could compromise?” the silver-haired elder replied with a forced smile, inwardly cursing.
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