“Elder Zhao, apologies for keeping you waiting! This is Senior Han, the owner of those demon beast materials!” The woman from the Mirage Sound Sect spoke respectfully to the gray-robed elder as soon as she entered the room.
“Oh, Fellow Daoist Han! Please, have a seat. I just brewed a pot of Icy Cloud Spirit Tea myself. Would you care for a cup?” The gray-robed elder lifted his head to glance at Han Li and spoke indifferently.
Han Li frowned slightly. The elder’s appearance was rather ordinary, but his cheeks were unusually flushed, as if he had just recovered from a serious illness. A hint of suspicion arose in Han Li’s mind.
His spiritual sense was far stronger than that of cultivators at his level, and he instantly discerned that the elder was also at the early Core Formation stage. Without offering any polite refusal, Han Li sat down directly opposite the elder but discreetly glanced at the freshly poured cup of fragrant tea without reaching for it.
Although the other party didn’t seem to harbor any ill intentions, out of habitual caution, he would never consume anything in an unfamiliar place.
Noticing Han Li’s wariness, the elder showed no displeasure and merely smiled faintly before pouring a small cup for himself and sipping it leisurely. It seemed as though he had momentarily forgotten about Han Li and the others.
“Senior Han! I sought you out on behalf of the Mirage Sound Sect to purchase all the remaining demon beast materials you possess. The price is negotiable.” Fan Jingmei, having just taken her seat, addressed Han Li with an air of elegance and grace, her red lips parting slightly.
“I did have some demon beast materials before, but I just sold the last batch. I’m afraid your sect will be disappointed.” Unclear of the other party’s true intentions, Han Li was not about to admit readily that he still possessed many rare materials. He calmly attempted to shut down the conversation.
Upon hearing Han Li’s evasive response, Madame Fan smiled enchantingly and said in a gentle tone, “Senior Han, your words seem to deceive me. Although our sect isn’t sure exactly how many materials you have left, it must be quite a substantial amount. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been so cautious, selling only to small, external merchants bit by bit, each time to a different buyer.”
“If our sect hadn’t coincidentally been gathering related materials all over Heavenly Star City, we might never have noticed the peculiarity. Senior must be afraid of revealing your wealth! If that’s the case, you can set your mind at ease. Although our sect isn’t a major power, we have always maintained a good reputation in the Chaotic Star Seas. You can sell all the materials to me, saving our sect the trouble of gathering them from various small merchants!”
The woman spoke with a smile, her demeanor composed and effortless. However, a cold glint flashed in Han Li’s eyes, and a trace of anger surfaced. No one would be pleased to find out they had been secretly investigated without their knowledge!
Perhaps sensing Han Li’s irritation, Madame Fan suddenly shifted her tone and offered an explanation.
“Senior Han, please do not blame me for my earlier presumptuous actions. I was pressed for time and had no choice but to mobilize most of our sect’s forces in Heavenly Star City to track you down. I sincerely hope you can help me this once!”
As she spoke, the woman placed herself in a subordinate position, her words and gaze subtly pleading.
Hearing this, Han Li’s anger gradually subsided. He did not respond immediately but instead extended a finger and lightly tapped the tea table before him, his expression unreadable.
In truth, Han Li’s mind was racing, swiftly analyzing the pros and cons of the situation.
Although he didn’t know why this woman or the Mirage Sound Sect urgently needed a large quantity of demon beast materials, it was clear they were convinced he possessed what they wanted. Denying it would likely be useless and might even foster enmity.
He had never heard of the Mirage Sound Sect before, but judging from Elder Zhao’s presence, their strength shouldn’t be negligible. Han Li had no desire to make an enemy without cause.
Moreover, he indeed had an excessive amount of demon beast materials. Continuing to sell them off bit by bit would eventually attract attention. Seizing this opportunity to dispose of them all at once might be for the best. Besides, they were in Heavenly Star City, where cultivator conflicts were strictly forbidden. He wasn’t worried about the other party attempting any tricks during the transaction.
After a moment of silence, Han Li spoke calmly, “Since you’ve put it that way, I won’t hide it any longer. I do have some of the materials your sect wants. I’m just not sure if the quantity will meet your needs.”
Hearing Han Li’s admission, both the woman opposite him and the young girl behind her revealed expressions of joy. Even the elder, who had been focused on his tea as if detached from worldly affairs, glanced sideways at Han Li, visibly relieved.
“How much do you have? I’ll take all of it!” Madame Fan asked eagerly, her beautiful eyes filled with anticipation.
Han Li smiled faintly and casually mentioned an astonishing number, which delighted the woman. Although she had expected Han Li to have a considerable amount, she hadn’t imagined it would be this much. With this, her mission could finally be completed!
“I’ll take all of them! When would you be available? Could we complete the transaction today?” Madame Fan, forgetting her usual restraint, asked with a slightly trembling voice, as if afraid Han Li might change his mind.
Han Li was slightly surprised by her urgency. However, he also wanted to offload these items as soon as possible to avoid complications. After a brief consideration, he said, “Alright, we’ll do it here. Prepare the spirit stones, and I’ll go fetch the materials.” Han Li’s straightforward manner pleased the woman, who nodded repeatedly with a look of pleasant surprise.
Thus, Han Li stood up unhurriedly, calmly took his leave, and strode out of the room.
After Han Li’s figure disappeared from the doorway, the excitement in Madame Fan’s eyes gradually faded.
After a moment of silence, she suddenly turned to the elder and asked, “Elder Zhao, what is his cultivation level? I heard he only recently formed his golden core and likely hasn’t had time to refine a magic treasure. If we were to strike suddenly, could you subdue him instantly? If you’re confident, we could save a massive amount of spirit stones.”
As she spoke these cold words, her elegant demeanor vanished entirely, replaced by a sinister aura that sent chills down one’s spine.
“No! Although he’s only recently formed his core, the cultivation technique he practices is extraordinary. Not only is his spiritual power exceptionally pure, but there’s also a faint leakage of treasure aura from within him. Either he’s already refined a magic treasure discreetly, or he possesses an inherited treasure from someone else. He should not be underestimated!” Elder Zhao shook his head gently in opposition.
“So, he’s likely quite powerful. In that case, how about we drag him into our operation half a month from now? If things go smoothly, we can offer him a favor and win him over. If not, he can serve as a pawn to be sacrificed!” the woman suggested slowly, a cunning glint in her eyes.
“That’s a good idea! But from his speech and demeanor, he appears young yet handles himself with poise and reason. He won’t be easily manipulated. Are you confident? Or are you planning to use seduction?” The elder’s expression darkened as he spoke.
Madame Fan glanced sideways at the elder and suddenly let out a soft, charming laugh, her eyes filled with allure. “Giggle! Elder, are you jealous? Don’t worry, besides you, I won’t let any other man in the Mirage Sound Sect touch me.” She then removed her veil, revealing an enchantingly beautiful face that could captivate anyone.
The elder, whose face had initially seemed somewhat sickly, stared fixedly at her true appearance, his cheeks flushing even more deeply. Seeing this, Madame Fan felt immensely satisfied.
“Elder, you were severely injured while protecting me last time! I’ve always remembered that.” After saying this, Madame Fan swayed her slender waist and slid her curvaceous body into the elder’s arms from a few feet away, her delicate jade-like hands caressing his chest.
At this moment, Madame Fan’s face was full of amorous intent, her large eyes sparkling as if about to drip with water—an utterly captivating enchantress.
The elder’s breathing grew rapid as her hands reached his chest. His own rough hands began to wander restlessly over her fragrant body.
This scene caused the young girl standing behind Madame Fan to blush deeply, biting her cherry lips and bowing her head as low as possible.
“Lian’er! Step outside for a while. Come back to inform us when that person returns,” Madame Fan murmured in a near-moan.
“Yes,” the girl responded promptly, as if granted amnesty, and hurriedly retreated.
But just before she gently closed the door, she faintly overheard:
“That girl has grown quite lovely these past two years. Why not let me train her for a few days? Keep the benefits within the family, right?”
“Pah, in your dreams! I have plans for Lian’er; keep your hands off her! Don’t tell me I…”
Hearing the flirtatious banter between the man and woman inside, the girl sighed in relief and slowly walked away from the door.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage