“Dealing with beings of the same rank is no simple matter. This humble Daoist must carefully consider it.” Daoist Sanquan frowned deeply, replying only after a long pause with a grave expression.
“Naturally, that is only proper. Here’s my proposal: Huang will wait here for a few days. If within three days, you are willing to lend me your aid, we shall set off together. If not, I will seek out Fellow Daoist Chouyuan of the Bloodgrudge Gorge. His Bone-Sucking Great Art is remarkably effective against peers.” Huang Yuanzi spoke with an unchanged expression.
“Very well. In three days, I shall give you my answer.” Daoist Sanquan nodded impassively, then formed a hand seal and vanished from the sky above the grassland in a blur.
Huang Yuanzi chuckled darkly, flicking his sleeve to release an object.
With a thunderous boom, golden light erupted across the grassland as a resplendent palace materialized out of thin air.
Several stunningly beautiful palace maidens emerged from its gates, bowing gracefully to Huang Yuanzi and addressing him as “Master.”
Smiling faintly, Huang Yuanzi strode confidently into the palace.
…
Near the Flying Spirit Clan’s territory, a massive black ship soared through the sky.
On its fore and aft decks stood over a dozen formidable crystal-armored puppets. Whenever a reckless sea beast leaped from the waters, several puppets would raise their arms, unleashing a dense barrage of light beams that instantly riddled the creatures with holes, reducing them to nothing.
In the ship’s topmost level, within an elegantly furnished hall, Han Li sat on a pale silver chair, eyes slightly closed in contemplation.
Flowerstone Ancestor and Zhu Guo’er stood respectfully behind him.
Though the Ink Spirit Holy Ship expedited their journey and Han Li was no stranger to the untamed wilds, it had already been over two years since their departure from the Boundless Sea.
On another chair nearby sat a cold-faced woman in white robes, her eyes faintly red, with a peculiar crimson sigil flickering between her brows.
“Fellow Daoist Xuepo, we are about to enter the Flying Spirit Clan’s territory. Given the vastness of the Wind Yuan Continent, I presume this is your first time here?” Han Li turned to the woman with a smile. She was none other than the blood incarnation of Ice Soul Fairy.
Two years prior, after leaving the Boundless Sea, Han Li had not immediately ventured into the wilds but first visited the Xu Family to retrieve her.
Hearing his question, she bowed slightly and replied respectfully, “Senior Han, I have indeed never encountered the Flying Spirit Clan before. However, I’ve heard they possess several divine abilities linked to ancient true spirits, earning them considerable renown.”
“The Flying Spirit Clan was one of the places I visited during my travels. An old friend of mine resides here in seclusion, so I thought to pay him a visit. But regarding the matter of the intercontinental teleportation slots you mentioned—are you certain of their reliability? It would be unfortunate if we traveled all this way only to be disappointed.” Han Li’s tone shifted slightly as he posed the question.
“Rest assured, Senior. The Helian Commerce Alliance is one of the few covert organizations spanning three continents in the Spirit Realm, rivaling even superpowers like the Horned Race. Only they possess the means for cross-continental teleportation. Due to special circumstances, the Alliance auctions a limited number of teleportation slots periodically. Had my original self not once been fortunate enough to become a VIP member of the Alliance, granting access to these auctions, I would never have known of this. This year marks the next auction. Missing it could mean waiting decades, even centuries, for another. Thus, the auction will undoubtedly attract numerous powerful figures from various races.” Xuepo explained in detail.
“I’ve since learned a bit about the Helian Commerce Alliance. Had I known of these auctions back then, my return from the Thunder Continent might have been far less troublesome. That said, given my status at the time, I likely wouldn’t have qualified to participate.” Han Li chuckled lightly.
“Indeed. The auction of intercontinental teleportation slots is a monumental event even for the Helian Commerce Alliance. Outsiders wishing to participate must either be introduced by a member, hold significant status within their race, or possess at least Body Integration cultivation to attend unconditionally. With your stature, Senior Han, the auction organizers would likely welcome you with open arms.” Xuepo smiled gracefully.
“I hope it proceeds as smoothly as you say. Also, I should mention—though our agreement stands, once we teleport to the Thunder Continent, we cannot immediately proceed further. I must linger there briefly to search for something. I hope you’ll understand, Fellow Daoist Xuepo.” Han Li nodded, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.
“I’ve waited this long; a little longer is inconsequential. Attend to your matters freely, Senior. I have no objections.” Xuepo replied without hesitation.
“Your understanding puts me at ease. Rest assured, the item I seek shouldn’t be difficult to find. We won’t linger overly long on the Thunder Continent.” Han Li smiled faintly in satisfaction.
Given the colossal size of the Ink Spirit Holy Ship, its entry into Flying Spirit territory naturally drew the attention of many powerful clansmen. Yet any who sensed the ship’s Mahayana-level aura recoiled in shock, keeping a wide berth.
Wherever the black ship passed, the Flying Spirit Clan’s higher-ups feigned ignorance, daring not to obstruct it in the slightest.
By the fifth day, the ship had penetrated deep into Flying Spirit territory, skimming over a vast lake when a hoarse, aged voice called out from ahead: “Which esteemed guest visits our Flying Spirit Clan? This is Yuelong. Might I request an audience?”
As the words faded, dark clouds churned ahead, and a gale swept forth, revealing a monstrous thousand-zhang-long bird with nine heads. Each head was ferociously grotesque, yet its plumage shimmered in dazzling hues. The overwhelming spiritual pressure it exuded rivaled that of the black ship.
The voice emanated from one of the creature’s massive heads.
“So it’s Fellow Daoist Yuelong! I am Han Li of the human race, merely visiting an old acquaintance here. There’s no cause for concern.” A green figure materialized on the ship’s bow—Han Li, standing straight as he addressed the behemoth calmly.
“Han Li? The same human who reportedly slew the Mother of Phantom Insects in the Demon Realm?” The nine-headed bird’s voice sharpened with surprise.
“Unless there’s another ‘Han Li’ among humans, then yes, that would be me. Though I’m curious how you know of my modest reputation.” Han Li’s eyes glinted briefly as he countered.
“Hah! The illustrious Fellow Daoist Han in the flesh! Your presence honors our humble clan. You must visit my abode! A dear friend of mine once joined the campaign against the Mother of Phantom Insects in the Demon Realm. Upon returning, he spoke endlessly of your lifesaving grace and your prowess in slaying the Mother.” The nine-headed bird erupted in joy, transforming into a two-zhang-tall, unsightly elder clad in multicolored feathers, leaning on a plain yellow wooden staff as he gazed eagerly at Han Li.
“Ah, I see. Might I ask which race this friend belongs to? Perhaps I recall him.” Han Li inquired further.
“My friend is Yuan Fei of the Longbody Clan. Does that ring a bell?” Yuelong replied promptly.
“Longbody Clan, Yuan Fei… Now that you mention it, yes. One of the cultivators trapped in the Primordial Demon Territory, if I’m not mistaken.” Han Li tilted his head slightly in recollection.
“Indeed! The Longbody Clan neighbors our Flying Spirit territory, and Yuan Fei and I share a deep friendship. Though his powers are considerable, his ordeal in the Demon Realm cost him dearly. He’s currently in seclusion, recuperating. Otherwise, he’d have rushed to greet you personally. But my abode isn’t far. You simply must visit!” Yuelong pressed warmly.
“Since Fellow Daoist Yuelong insists so earnestly, I shall impose briefly.” After a moment’s thought, Han Li acquiesced, seeing no polite way to refuse.
“Excellent! Follow me!” Delighted, Yuelong stamped the air and surged forward as a raging gust.
“Wait here. I shan’t be long.” Han Li instructed Flowerstone, Xuepo, and the others before transforming into a green streak that pursued the elder.
Flowerstone Ancestor and the others bowed in acknowledgment.
As Mahayana cultivators, Han Li and Yuelong’s speed defied comprehension. Though neither exerted full effort, within slightly over an hour, they had traversed millions of miles, arriving above a lush mountain-ringed basin.
At its center stood a towering stone pagoda, over a thousand zhang high with more than a hundred tiers. Surrounding it were numerous other structures, all keeping a respectful distance of at least ten li from the colossal tower.
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