Chapter 2311: Huang Yuanzi

Most of these cultivators were disciples originally taken in by Qilingzi and others, while the rest were new recruits gathered by Hai Daoshao and his companions from the human and demon territories over the past three years.

According to Han Li’s plan, not only would they expand their numbers in these three years, but they would also continue to recruit new disciples every decade or so.

With this approach, he believed that within a few centuries, the number of disciples under his banner would rival that of a major sect. After several millennia of careful development, the island would undoubtedly produce an endless stream of disciples at the Nascent Soul and Deity Transformation levels. Some exceptionally talented disciples might even reach the Body Integration stage.

By now, Han Li had also named his residence the “Green Origin Palace.”

He was confident that the name “Green Origin Palace of Yuanhe Island” would soon resound across the entire Wind Yuan Continent.

At this moment, under the gaze of thousands of Green Origin Palace disciples, Han Li emerged from the silver palace, accompanied by Yin Yue, Zhu Guo’er, and a few direct disciples like Hai Daoshao.

“All rise. I am about to leave the island for a journey. From now on, all miscellaneous affairs on the island will be handled by Yue Tian, while matters within the Green Origin Palace will be overseen by your Aunt Yin Yue. Do any of you have objections?” Han Li turned slightly and spoke calmly to those behind him.

“Your disciples respectfully obey the master’s command,” replied Hai Daoshao, Lan Yao, and the other newly recruited disciples, bowing in unison.

“Are you truly determined not to take me along? Though I’ve fallen to the Deity Transformation stage, my abilities remain intact, and I possess a Body Integration-level spiritual avatar. Even against an ordinary Great Ascension cultivator, I can hold my own,” Yin Yue stared at Han Li and spoke slowly.

“No. Your spiritual avatar has just completed the transfer of true essence and requires a decade of consolidation to fully stabilize. During this time, you must remain in the Green Origin Palace so I can leave with peace of mind,” Han Li shook his head and refused without hesitation.

“Since Brother Han has made up his mind, I won’t press further. Take care on your journey,” Yin Yue sighed, her eyes flickering slightly.

“Don’t worry. If all goes well, I may return within a century. It shouldn’t take too long. Hua Shi, Zhu Guo’er, let’s set off,” Han Li’s expression softened as he smiled slightly before addressing Zhu Guo’er and Hua Shi.

In the next moment, a ripple spread above the silver palace, and a massive pitch-black ark materialized in the air.

Han Li’s figure blurred as he instantly appeared at the bow of the ship.

Zhu Guo’er and Hua Shi respectfully acknowledged his command before transforming into streaks of light and boarding the ark.

Moments later, as the cultivators atop the peak bowed once more, the Ink Spirit Ark emitted a resonant hum and soared into the sky.

With a few sharp whistles of splitting air, the colossal ark vanished beyond the horizon.

—

On a vast emerald-green grassland, tens of thousands of bull-headed, horse-bodied beasts stampeded forward in a desperate frenzy.

Most of these creatures were ordinary animals, lacking even the slightest spiritual intelligence. Only a few had reached the level of low-tier demon beasts—some with wings sprouting from their backs took to the skies, while others stirred demonic winds to propel themselves forward.

Suddenly, a piercing screech tore through the air from behind, followed by a crimson glow unfurling across the sky. Three colossal serpent heads, each as massive as a mountain, emerged above the herd.

Covered in thick, oily green scales, their eyes were a deep yellow with slit-like pupils that gleamed menacingly.

The moment the three heads appeared, they simultaneously opened their maws, revealing rows of dagger-like fangs, and inhaled violently downward.

A thunderous roar shook the entire grassland.

Streaks of azure, yellow, and red light cascaded like a tidal wave, enveloping the land below.

In an instant, every beast—whether awakened or not—trembled violently before being lifted into the air, drawn helplessly toward the gaping maws like moths to a flame.

Within mere breaths, the entire herd of ten thousand bull-headed, horse-bodied creatures had been devoured by the three serpent heads.

The central head let out a satisfied belch, its expression content, before swaying and beginning to fade as if dissolving into nothingness.

But just then, one of the other serpent heads suddenly narrowed its eyes, its pupils flashing with sharp light. It hissed toward an empty patch of the void and boomed in human speech, “Who dares intrude uninvited upon my Jade Plains Abode?”

The words startled the other two heads, which immediately swiveled to glare in the same direction, their eyes brimming with hostility.

“Haha, no need for alarm, Brother Sanquan. It’s been years—I trust you’ve been well?” A light chuckle echoed from the void, followed by an unfamiliar voice.

As the words faded, a faint spiritual glow shimmered in the air, revealing a gaunt, yellow-robed man who materialized soundlessly, smiling at the three serpent heads.

“Oh? So it’s Fellow Daoist Huang Yuanzi. No wonder you bypassed the Jade Plains Abode’s restrictions so effortlessly,” the central serpent head replied, its tone noticeably cold.

“You’re mistaken, Brother Sanquan. The restrictions here are formidable—even I couldn’t dismantle them in mere days. The reason I appeared so easily is entirely due to this treasure.” Huang Yuanzi chuckled, flipping his palm to reveal a glowing white sphere. Within it floated a miniature, intricately carved archway, shimmering brilliantly.

“The Nine Illusions Gate! That old freak Jiu Huan treats this treasure as his lifeblood—how did it end up in your hands?”

The central serpent head could no longer maintain its composure, exclaiming in shock.

“Simple—I persuaded him to lend it to me with my silver tongue,” Huang Yuanzi laughed heartily.

“Persuaded? Do you take me for a child? If mere words could borrow such a treasure, I’d gladly pluck off my own head for your amusement,” the central head sneered, its voice turning sinister.

“Words alone might not suffice, but what if paired with an irresistible benefit?” Huang Yuanzi narrowed his eyes.

“What benefit?” The third serpent head, silent until now, spoke coldly.

“Three Longevity Pills—each capable of delaying a heavenly tribulation by over three thousand years. Three pills would give Jiu Huan ten thousand extra years to prepare for his next tribulation, perhaps even saving his life.” Huang Yuanzi grinned.

“Quite the generous offer. The Longevity Pills are sacred treasures of your Long Yuan Clan, coveted by countless outsiders who can’t even glimpse them. No wonder Jiu Huan was willing to lend you his lifebound treasure. But why come to me? I have little interest in Longevity Pills—don’t expect them to sway me.” The central head snorted, its expression fierce.

“Perhaps the pills don’t tempt you, but what about the Nether Prison Scripture? Would that pique your interest?” Huang Yuanzi remained unruffled, his smile turning sly.

“The Nether Prison Scripture?!”

“You possess it?”

“Impossible!”

All three serpent heads recoiled in shock, their voices rising in unison.

Clearly, this scripture held immense significance to them.

“Such a treasure is beyond my reach—I wouldn’t dare claim it. But I do possess clues to half of it. Does that still interest you, Brother Sanquan?” Huang Yuanzi smirked.

“Half? Are you serious?” The central head’s slit pupils gleamed with cold light.

“Would I lie to you after coming all this way?” Huang Yuanzi replied calmly.

“Fine. What do you want in exchange for these clues? Don’t tell me you sought me out just for old times’ sake.” After a long silence, the central head spoke icily.

“You’re as sharp as ever, Brother Sanquan. Indeed, I seek your aid in dealing with a formidable enemy. Besides you, I’ve also enlisted the Immortal Venerable of the Undying Cave.” Huang Yuanzi exhaled, his voice turning grave.

“The Immortal Venerable? You convinced that fiend to act? The price for his help must exceed mine. Who is this enemy that warrants such effort?” The three serpent heads vanished, replaced by a young Daoist priest with serpentine markings on his face. His vertical pupils, identical to the serpents’, fixed on Huang Yuanzi with a predatory gleam.

“Have you heard of a man named Qing Yuanzi?” Huang Yuanzi’s lips twitched as he spat the name through gritted teeth.

“Never. But you’re Huang Yuanzi, and he’s Qing Yuanzi—are you two connected? He must also be a Great Ascension cultivator?” Sanquan Daoist’s expression darkened.

“Our history is irrelevant. All you need to know is that he is my mortal enemy, and only by killing him will you obtain what you desire. Moreover, he is not just any Great Ascension cultivator—he ranks among the most formidable. In a one-on-one fight, I admit I stand no chance.” Huang Yuanzi’s face was grim.

“Such a troublesome foe. Even if the three of us join forces, defeating him might be possible, but killing him? Unlikely. If he can’t win, he’ll simply flee.” Sanquan Daoist frowned.

“Having paid such a steep price to enlist your aid, I naturally have a plan. He is about to face a major heavenly tribulation. Whether he survives or not, it presents a rare opportunity to eliminate him.” Huang Yuanzi spoke with confidence.