Chapter 2284: Joining Forces

“Although this soul-snatching technique is eerie, there’s no need to worry too much if one is prepared beforehand. However, according to legends, the Cheqizi is one of the ten most infamous ferocious beasts from the ancient Asura Realm. It is said to be formed from the malevolent energy of countless beings and possesses several sinister innate abilities. Tsk tsk, I never expected to encounter such a beast in this realm,” Han Li remarked with astonishment.

“Be careful, Fellow Daoist Han. This beast has no physical form, and its abilities seem to reside entirely in its pair of malevolent wings. I’ve fought it several times before, and it’s indeed quite bizarre. However, your Evil-Warding Divine Thunder seems to have a restraining effect on it,” Mo Jianli said, his complexion slightly improved as he exhaled.

“Hmm, I noticed that too. It does seem afraid of the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder,” Han Li replied with a light chuckle, reaching out with one hand to grasp the air before him.

A flash of cyan light appeared between his fingers, and a hazy green sword materialized. With a slight flick, a colossal sword beam over a hundred zhang long flashed into existence above the monstrous beast.

With a thunderous roar, the sword beam, now wreathed in golden lightning, slashed downward with immense force.

Upon seeing the terrifying aura of the sword beam mixed with golden lightning, the Cheqizi let out a low hiss. Its wings trembled violently, and with a loud “bang,” its body instantly transformed into a blue-green mist, shooting toward the ground at lightning speed.

The mist rolled and blurred before vanishing into the earth without a trace.

Han Li was momentarily stunned but immediately activated his sword technique without hesitation.

The colossal sword beam descended several times faster than before, flashing down with unbelievable speed to strike the spot where the mist had disappeared.

A deafening explosion echoed as the ground shattered into fragments under countless golden arcs, revealing a trench over a thousand zhang long.

The trench seemed bottomless, and the surrounding earth was scorched black, devoid of any vegetation. Yet, there was no trace of the Cheqizi.

“This creature is quite decisive and not slow at all,” Han Li murmured, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. After a brief thought, he decided not to pursue it.

Though the Cheqizi was notorious, it held little significance for him. Without a compelling reason, he saw no need to chase it down.

“The Cheqizi isn’t entirely unintelligent. It knew it was no match for you and fled immediately,” Mo Jianli said with a relaxed smile.

“Indeed, a cunning creature. But Fellow Daoist Mo, how did you provoke such a beast?” Han Li turned and asked with a nod.

“It was sheer bad luck. I was tracking the whereabouts of the Asura Spiders but accidentally stumbled into the nest of another spider-like monster. Little did I know a Cheqizi was lurking beneath the nest. It chased me all the way here,” Mo Jianli replied, looking somewhat embarrassed.

After all, since advancing to the Mahayana stage, it was rare for him to be pursued so relentlessly.

“I see. If even the Cheqizi exists in this realm, the theory that this is a remnant of the ancient Asura Realm is likely true,” Han Li said, unsurprised.

“Indeed. Most of what I’ve encountered here aligns with records of the Asura Realm. However, I’ve yet to find any trace of the Asura Spiders. We can only stay in this realm for about ten more days, and half that time has already passed. Fellow Daoist Han, have you made any discoveries?” Mo Jianli asked, his brow furrowing.

“Don’t worry, Fellow Daoist Mo. I’ve already located the Asura Spiders,” Han Li said with a light chuckle.

“What? Is that true?” Mo Jianli was stunned before his face lit up with joy.

“In matters like this, I wouldn’t lie,” Han Li replied with a faint smile.

“With your abilities, if you’ve found the Asura Spiders, have you already obtained the Threads of Time?” Mo Jianli asked eagerly, a mix of hope and tension in his voice.

“Not yet,” Han Li shook his head with a strange expression.

“Why not?” Mo Jianli was puzzled.

“Simple—because I couldn’t handle them alone,” Han Li sighed.

“Even you couldn’t? Are there that many adult Asura Spiders in their nest?” Mo Jianli asked in shock.

“I’m not sure how many adults there are, but I did discover one Asura Spider comparable to a True Spirit in their nest,” Han Li said slowly.

“What? That’s impossible!” Mo Jianli’s face paled.

“Not only that, there’s also another Mahayana-level being whose strength rivals that Asura Spider. And the adult Asura Spiders I saw numbered at least three. After a brief skirmish, I retreated immediately. To capture them all, the four of us must join forces. There’s one more thing you should know—these Asura Spiders have also subdued many powerful beasts near their nest, including numerous at the Deity Transformation and Void Refinement stages, and likely some at the Body Integration stage as well,” Han Li explained gravely.

“If the Asura Spiders are that powerful, we truly can’t handle them alone. It seems we’ll have to risk our lives this time,” Mo Jianli said, his expression grim.

“Thus, if we want the Threads of Time, we must work together. By the way, have you encountered Xue Ran and Hei Lin on your way here?” Han Li nodded slightly before changing the subject.

“I didn’t meet them directly, but I found traces they left in a dense forest. Judging by their direction, they were heading this way,” Mo Jianli replied after a moment’s thought.

“Then they shouldn’t be far. Our next step is to find them as soon as possible,” Han Li mused.

“Agreed. Let’s act together to locate them quickly, then discuss our alliance,” Mo Jianli agreed without hesitation.

After a brief discussion, the two soared into the sky, each heading in a different direction.

…

Half a day later, atop an unnamed mountain peak, Han Li and Mo Jianli sat cross-legged on a large bluestone.

Opposite them, the two other Mahayana cultivators, Xue Ran and Hei Lin, were also seated.

Mo Jianli had encountered them by chance a few hours after parting with Han Li and immediately shared the details before summoning Han Li.

Now, the four had gathered in this secluded location.

Han Li had just finished explaining the strength of the Asura Spiders and proposed an alliance.

“If these Asura Spiders are as powerful as you say, even our combined forces might not guarantee victory. My brother and I can barely handle either the Asura Spider Matriarch or the other Mahayana-level being. Can you and Fellow Daoist Mo manage the rest?” Xue Ran stroked his chin, speaking gravely.

Han Li smiled but didn’t answer immediately, turning instead to Mo Jianli.

“What do you think, Fellow Daoist Mo?”

“I may not be able to fight the Matriarch or the other Mahayana-level being, but I can stall the three adult Asura Spiders for a while,” Mo Jianli replied after a moment’s hesitation, gritting his teeth.

“Just stalling? Does that mean Fellow Daoist Han is confident in facing one of the two powerful Mahayana beings?” Hei Lin smirked, casting a sidelong glance at Han Li, clearly skeptical.

“Indeed, that’s my intention. Which of the two do you and Fellow Daoist Xue Ran plan to take on?” Han Li asked calmly.

Xue Ran and Hei Lin exchanged glances, surprised by Han Li’s confidence.

After a long pause, Xue Ran spoke slowly, “If you’re truly that confident, we’ll give it our all. Since you mentioned the Matriarch is the strongest, we’ll take her on. But let’s be clear—we’re all here for the Asura Spider cores. If we win, how will they be divided?”

“Simple—whoever kills the spider keeps its core,” Han Li replied without hesitation.

Mo Jianli’s expression flickered slightly, while Xue Ran and Hei Lin looked pleased.

“Spoken like a true man! But that might put you at a disadvantage, Fellow Daoist Han.”

“A disadvantage? Not necessarily. If I finish my opponent early, I might find other adult Asura Spiders in the nest. In that case, I won’t hold back. Or if any of you struggle, I might step in,” Han Li said lightly, chuckling.

“If you can defeat your opponent faster than us, it’s only fair for you to intervene. We won’t complain,” Xue Ran laughed, brimming with confidence.

“Since we’re all in agreement, let’s rest for half a day and head to their nest at dawn. Time is short, and we must act quickly,” Han Li suggested with a smile.

This time, Xue Ran and the others nodded in agreement.

“But before that, let me handle a small nuisance first,” Hei Lin suddenly stood, a strange glint in his eyes.