“Although the Replenishing Essence Pill can restore a portion of your vitality, Fellow Daoist, you will still need a period of proper recuperation to fully recover. However, the Blood Gu Insect is extremely rare in our Wind Yuan Continent. How did you fall victim to such a scheme?” Han Li first smiled, then asked with keen interest.
“Since Senior Han knows of the Blood Gu Insect, you must also be aware that it is not native to the Wind Yuan Continent. I was ambushed in the Blood Sky Continent and infected with the insect. If not for my unique physique and a secret technique to suppress it, I would have turned into a pool of tainted blood before returning to my clan,” Xue Hun sighed in reply.
“So, Fellow Daoist did indeed go to the Blood Sky Continent. But according to Fellow Daoist Xu Jiao, you originally planned to visit the Thunder Continent. How did you end up in the Blood Sky?” Han Li nodded and inquired.
“Initially, I did go to the Thunder Continent. However, after recovering some of my memories, I realized I had no choice but to proceed to the Blood Sky Continent. It was something I hadn’t anticipated,” Xue Hun replied with a bitter smile.
“I see. But as far as I know, the Blood Gu Insect is a top-tier spirit insect even in the Blood Sky Continent, not something ordinary cultivators can control. It seems you stirred up quite a bit of trouble there,” Han Li mused, his tone laden with implication.
“More than just trouble—this time, I narrowly escaped death and made several formidable enemies. If I were to return alone, I doubt I could leave unscathed,” the woman in white said softly.
“Oh? From your tone, Fellow Daoist, you still intend to return to the Blood Sky Continent?” Han Li’s smile faded as he frowned slightly.
“Indeed. I must return to the Blood Sky Continent. According to my newly recovered memories, Bing Po disappeared there. I’ve already found some clues, but to truly recover my original body, another trip is inevitable,” Xue Hun replied after a moment of contemplation, her voice tinged with resignation.
“So, Fellow Daoist Bing Po vanished in the Blood Sky Continent. No wonder the Xu Clan had no leads before. But why did you gift the Void Heaven Cauldron as a congratulatory present? Shouldn’t it still be of great use until you recover Fellow Daoist Bing Po?” Han Li showed no surprise, merely smiling as he posed the question.
At these words, a strange expression flickered across the woman in white’s face. Suddenly, she turned to Xu Jiao and the other Xu Clan disciples and commanded, “You may leave now. I have matters of utmost importance to discuss privately with Senior Han. I will summon you if needed.”
“Yes, Senior. We shall wait outside,” Xu Jiao and the others exchanged glances before obediently withdrawing from the hall.
“Senior Han, should these fellow Daoists also…?” The woman in white glanced at Silvermoon, Li Rong, and the others, hesitating.
“It seems what Fellow Daoist Xue Hun wishes to discuss is indeed of great importance. Silvermoon, you may also step aside,” Han Li said calmly after a brief pause.
Silvermoon, Li Rong, and the others nodded without objection and exited the hall. Though silent, Crab Daoist followed them with an impassive expression.
In the blink of an eye, only Han Li and the woman in white remained in the grand hall.
“Now, Fellow Daoist, you may speak freely of whatever secrets you wish to share,” Han Li said, his lips curling into a faint smile as he regarded her.
“Forgive my presumption, Senior Han. What follows is not for others to hear. Would you like to know the true purpose of the Void Heaven Cauldron’s creation? I propose to trade this secret with you,” the woman in white said solemnly.
“True purpose? A trade?” Han Li’s interest was piqued.
“Indeed. I assure you, Senior, this secret will bring you immeasurable benefits,” Xue Hun stated gravely.
“Oh? If this secret is as valuable as you claim, a trade is certainly possible. But first, you must convince me,” Han Li replied impassively.
“Very well. I knew you would be interested, Fellow Daoist Han. The true origin of the Void Heaven Cauldron traces back to a fortuitous encounter I had in the human realm. It was crafted based on a page from the Golden Jade Tome. Its true purpose is not for combat but as a key…” Xue Hun’s eyes gleamed as she began her tale.
Han Li listened quietly at first, his expression gradually shifting from amusement to gravity, and finally to a flicker of astonishment.
Half a day later, Han Li departed the Xu Clan under their respectful farewells, boarding a massive white vessel that sped toward the heart of the human territories.
“Brother Han, what did Fellow Daoist Xue Hun discuss with you for so long?” Silvermoon asked curiously.
“Nothing much. Just an agreement,” Han Li replied with a smile, glancing at her.
“An agreement?” Silvermoon blinked, her expression thoughtful.
“Or you could call it a trade,” Han Li added nonchalantly.
Silvermoon smiled gracefully and pressed no further. Though equally intrigued, Li Rong knew better than to pry, unlike Silvermoon.
Zhu Guo’er, however, asked without hesitation, “Senior Han, now that we’ve visited the Xu Clan, where are we headed next?”
“Next… of course, to the Sacred Island. Fellow Daoist Li, you’ll guide us,” Han Li said plainly to Li Rong.
“Rest assured, Senior. I will ensure you reach the Sacred Island swiftly,” Li Rong replied eagerly.
“Good. I, too, wish to arrive as soon as possible,” Han Li said leisurely.
As his words faded, the jade vessel trembled slightly before accelerating dramatically, transforming into a streak of light that vanished into the horizon.
Two months later, in a remote mountain range straddling the border between humans and demons, a vast sea of mist stretched endlessly, covering nearly a third of the range. Deep within the mist, a dark island floated hundreds of feet above the ground, encircled by hundreds of massive boulders resembling meteors. Each boulder bore pavilions and platforms, manned by stern-faced guards. Ships and chariots patrolled the skies, weaving through layers of visible barriers.
This was the Sacred Island, the revered sanctuary of both races.
At the same time, in a grand hall at the island’s center, over a dozen elders in varied attire sat with anxious expressions.
“Sister Li should be arriving soon, shouldn’t she?” a fair-faced man finally asked an elderly man.
“Fellow Daoist Xun, there’s no need for impatience. Since Sister Rong sent word of their arrival today, they will surely come,” the elder replied calmly.
“I know, but it’s past noon already. I fear something might have delayed them,” the fair-faced man sighed.
“With Senior Han accompanying them, what could possibly go wrong?” a woman in a white fur coat chuckled.
“Indeed, given the power Senior Han displayed at the celebration, even Senior Mo and Senior Ao Xiao pale in comparison. That’s why we’ve all been waiting here patiently,” the elderly man said wryly.
“Still, rumors are just rumors. It’s hard to believe Senior Han could so effortlessly cripple the hidden Great Ascension cultivator of the Yaksha Clan, the Black Owl King,” the fair-faced man murmured skeptically.
“Even if exaggerated, Senior Han’s prowess is undoubtedly beyond that of ordinary new Great Ascension cultivators. With Senior Mo and Senior Ao Xiao trapped in the Demon Realm, he’s our only hope for their rescue. In any case, we must support him fully,” the elder asserted.
“Of course, with a new Great Ascension cultivator emerging, the Sacred Island must assist. But given how we previously offended him due to his disciple… do you think he harbors resentment?” the fair-faced man asked worriedly.
At this, several elders shifted uncomfortably.
“Fear not. Senior Han’s magnanimity matches his cultivation. Our actions were for the good of our races. He won’t hold it against us,” the elder said dismissively.
Relieved, the others relaxed slightly.
Just then, a melodious voice rang out from the hall’s entrance: “Ah, you’re all here! That saves me the trouble of summoning you.”
Three women entered—Li Rong, Silvermoon, and Zhu Guo’er. Han Li and Crab Daoist were conspicuously absent.
“Sister Li! Fellow Daoist Linglong! Has Senior Han arrived?” the elder exclaimed, rising in surprise.
“Senior Han has indeed arrived on the island, but he went elsewhere first. Rest assured, he will join us shortly,” Li Rong said with a radiant smile.
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