As if sensing Han Li’s hostility and wary expression, the vast, sky-blotting dark clouds began to swirl rapidly, swiftly contracting toward their center. In an instant, black qi surged and demonic energy intensified.
A chill ran through Han Li’s heart, and he was about to unleash his puppets in a preemptive strike when Xuan Gu’s icy voice echoed in his ear.
“Kid, don’t act recklessly. He’s just trying to intimidate you, not actually planning to kill you. Let’s first see what this rebellious disciple wants from you!”
Xuan Gu’s message left Han Li momentarily stunned before clarity dawned on him. Suppressing his impulse, he spoke calmly and respectfully, “Venerable Ji Yin, what guidance do you seek from this junior by gracing me with your presence?” Han Li’s voice was low and steady.
“To remain so composed after surviving my strike—it seems you have quite the nerve,” came Ji Yin’s evasive reply from the clouds, a statement Han Li couldn’t quite decipher as praise or disdain.
“Given Venerable’s status as a Nascent Soul cultivator, whether this junior has nerve or not makes little difference if you truly intend to eliminate me,” Han Li replied, his brows furrowing slightly before his expression returned to normal. Knowing Xuan Gu was still lurking nearby, he felt somewhat reassured.
If he joined forces with this old demon who knew the weaknesses of the Profound Yin Art, they might stand a chance against Ji Yin. Of course, this relied on Xuan Gu actually intervening in a conflict between Han Li and Ji Yin—something Han Li had no confidence in. Thus, he had no intention of provoking the other party.
Just then, the dark clouds in the sky finally coalesced completely. After flickering a few times, they dissipated with a soft “pfft,” revealing a middle-aged man and a short, ugly youth—none other than Ji Yin and Wu Chou.
“You are Han Li, a rogue cultivator from Heavenly Star City. Am I correct?” the middle-aged man asked, eyeing Han Li with keen interest.
“Indeed, I am Han Li. It seems Venerable is well-informed,” Han Li replied with a faint, resigned smile.
“No need to worry. I’m not here to cause trouble, nor am I holding a grudge over the incident with the Miaoyin Sect. The earlier attack was merely because that formation was in the way, so I dismantled it,” Ji Yin said with a light smile.
“In the way? More like trying to intimidate me with sheer power!” Han Li thought to himself, though outwardly he maintained a respectful tone. “Then, Venerable, what brings you here…?” Though he knew the other party was waiting for this question, Han Li had no choice but to play along.
Upon hearing this, Ji Yin chuckled, his eyes scrutinizing Han Li from head to toe until Han Li felt uneasy.
“Do you recognize this?” Ji Yin suddenly produced a small, pale object in his palm, his expression turning stern. Without waiting for Han Li to get a clear look, he gently tossed it toward him.
A flicker of suspicion crossed Han Li’s face. As the object flew toward him, he flicked his sleeve, catching it and carefully bringing it before his eyes.
The item was small and incomplete, but Han Li recognized it instantly—it was a segment of pure white silk spun by the Bloodjade Spider.
Han Li was taken aback, wondering how the other party had obtained it. After a moment’s thought, he recalled using the Bloodjade Spider to break through the blockade of demonic corpses during the battle with the Hidden Fiend Sect. Ji Yin must have acquired it then.
What was the purpose of this inquiry? Han Li’s expression shifted slightly as countless suspicions flooded his mind.
However, Ji Yin gave him no time to ponder. After a brief hesitation, Han Li answered truthfully, “Of course, I recognize this. It’s the silk spun by my spirit beast. Is that why Venerable has come?” Han Li wore a puzzled expression, as though he found it hard to believe.
But upon hearing this, Ji Yin’s face broke into a smile.
“Good, very good! I sought you out precisely to see this spirit beast of yours. Release it and let me have a look!” Ji Yin said with evident excitement, his voice surprisingly gentle.
Yet, Han Li’s guard went up. In that smile, he detected a well-concealed glint of greed, though it vanished as quickly as it appeared.
For a Nascent Soul cultivator to show such interest in his Bloodjade Spider was hardly a good sign. Though uneasy, under Ji Yin’s gaze, Han Li could only steel himself and utter a single word: “Alright.”
“Buying time is all I can do for now,” Han Li thought gloomily.
He raised his hand and lightly tapped a spirit beast pouch at his waist. A streak of white light shot out, landing before him. As the light faded, a millstone-sized white spider appeared, its fierce eyes scanning its surroundings.
The moment the Bloodjade Spider appeared, Ji Yin’s eyes lit up, fixed intently on it as though beholding an incredibly rare treasure, his delight growing visibly.
“Excellent! It truly is a Bloodjade Spider! Haha…” After a long moment, Ji Yin withdrew his gaze and suddenly burst into laughter, the sound reverberating through the air and causing Han Li’s expression to shift. The power of a Nascent Soul cultivator was indeed unfathomable!
Yet, Han Li’s expression turned grave. He knew the real topic was about to begin.
Before Ji Yin could speak, however, Xuan Gu’s anxious voice echoed in Han Li’s ear.
“How do you have a Bloodjade Spider? Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier?” Xuan Gu’s voice was filled with regret and fury.
“Why should I tell you?” Han Li felt a surge of anger at the words.
But he quickly calmed down. If even Xuan Gu was this agitated, it seemed the Bloodjade Spider held some great secret. Would this turn out to be a blessing or a curse for him?
As Han Li pondered, Xuan Gu’s urgent voice sounded again.
“That rebellious disciple Ji Yin will surely invite you to the Inner Hall. Just agree. I’ll follow secretly and assist you.” Perhaps realizing his tone was inappropriate, Xuan Gu’s voice softened, though his words remained earnest.
Hearing this, Han Li grew even more uneasy. He had a vague sense that he had been dragged into a whirlpool because of the Bloodjade Spider, where a single misstep could mean certain doom.
While Han Li was lost in thought, Ji Yin finally spoke, saying exactly what Xuan Gu had predicted.
“Han Li, would you like to see the Inner Hall? I can safely take you in and out!” Ji Yin said amiably, his words dripping with temptation.
“The Inner Hall?” Han Li was startled.
That place was extremely dangerous for Core Formation cultivators. Although the treasures there far surpassed those in other parts of the Void Palace, Han Li had never considered entering, knowing his limits. Now that he had obtained the Ninecurl Spirit Ginseng, which was immensely useful for forming a Nascent Soul, he had even less desire to take such risks.
As for Ji Yin’s promise of safe passage and Xuan Gu’s urging, Han Li dismissed them outright. He had no intention of trusting either.
After all, he only had one life to lose!
With this in mind, Han Li forced a smile and declined, “The Inner Hall is beyond this junior’s capabilities. I’ll content myself with the first two levels and skip the Inner Hall. Such fortune is not for me.”
Upon hearing this, Ji Yin’s expression darkened, his eyes turning sinister.
Beside him, Wu Chou suddenly erupted in anger, “Han Li! My grandfather has chosen not to hold your past offenses against him, and now he even kindly offers to take you to the Inner Hall. How dare you refuse? Do you look down on our Extreme Yin Island?”
Ji Yin did not stop Wu Chou, merely watching coldly with displeasure.
Han Li fell silent. Xuan Gu’s voice urged him to agree, but how could Han Li yield so easily?
“No. Although I don’t know what Island Master Wu wants me to do in the Inner Hall, I doubt it’s merely for sightseeing. I’d rather spend my time searching for treasures in safer areas,” Han Li replied calmly.
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