Hearing Han Li’s tone so stiff, the ugly man already felt something was amiss. When a severed head was suddenly thrown his way, he was startled. Without thinking, he dodged aside, letting the object fly past. However, in the brief moment it passed by, he clearly saw the face—pale and lifeless—it was indeed the old man surnamed Ding. His heart trembled violently.
The Skull Head, who had been watching from the side, was equally horrified. Yet, the two seemed accustomed to working together. The instant they sensed danger, they swiftly regrouped, summoning back their Mountain-Splitting Axe and the strange blade from the ongoing battle. Then, with wary expressions, they fixed their cold gazes on Han Li.
Although Han Li was a late-stage Core Formation cultivator, the two men believed that by joining forces, they might not necessarily lose. Thus, they showed little fear.
In the distance, Yuan Yao, shrouded in black mist, was also puzzled by the sudden turn of events. However, being extremely cautious, she neither seized the chance to flee nor dispelled her demonic techniques. Instead, she kept the strange red hammer hovering before her, silently observing the bizarre actions of Han Li and the other two.
Han Li cast a meaningful glance toward Yuan Yao before turning back to Skull Head and the ugly man with a faint smile. Without explanation, he waved his hands, releasing over twenty small azure swords from his sleeves like darting fish. In a flash of brilliance, the swords shot toward his opponents.
Skull Head and the ugly man could hardly believe their eyes, their faces filled with disbelief.
Ordinary Core Formation cultivators typically exhausted most of their resources to refine a single life-bound magic treasure. Yet, this sudden turncoat had unleashed over twenty flying swords. Without hesitation, they realized this opponent was no ordinary late-stage Core Formation cultivator—they stood no chance.
Skull Head’s expression darkened abruptly, and he roared, “Scatter! Save yourselves!”
As soon as the words left his mouth, he transformed into a streak of black light and fled. The ugly man, without a word, retrieved his giant axe and fled in the opposite direction with equal speed, his movements practiced and swift.
Seeing this, Han Li’s face turned cold. He swiftly formed hand seals and lightly pointed at the sword formation. A flash of azure light later, each sword split into three identical sword beams, turning the original twenty-four azure streaks into ninety-six. The sword formation’s momentum instantly doubled. Then, with a flick of his sleeve, Han Li coldly uttered, “Divide.”
At his command, the sword beams obediently split into two groups. The two waves of swords linked their light, trembling with azure radiance, and shot through the air like swarms of green bees, pursuing their targets separately.
The fleeing Skull Head and ugly man glanced back and paled at the sight of this Sword Light Shadow Division technique. Without hesitation, they poured all their spiritual power into their escape.
Han Li remained motionless, a trace of pity in his eyes. The speed of the linked sword beams was beyond what ordinary cultivators could outrun. Unless they possessed heaven-defying treasures like his Blood Cloak or Wind Thunder Wings, they had no chance.
Sure enough, within moments, the sword formation caught up to the two, who had fled over a thousand zhang away. Forced to turn and defend, they summoned their magic treasures, but under the relentless assault of dozens of sword beams, they soon let out agonized screams before being torn apart.
Only then did Han Li calmly withdraw the Sword Light Shadow Division technique, commanding the swords to retrieve the storage pouches from the remains before returning to his sleeves.
As the swords flew back like weary birds, Han Li turned his gaze toward the black cloud not far away, a faint smile playing on his lips.
To his surprise, before he could speak, Yuan Yao’s light laughter emerged from the cloud. “It’s Fellow Daoist Han, isn’t it? Who would have thought that after decades apart, Brother Han’s abilities have reached such heights? This little woman is truly envious.” As she spoke, the black cloud gradually dissipated, revealing a stunningly beautiful woman. Her charming face, capable of shifting between joy and reproach, gazed at Han Li with sparkling eyes, smiling without another word.
“I didn’t expect Sister Yuan to recognize me. I had hoped to surprise you,” Han Li chuckled, no longer concealing his identity. With a wave of his hand, the Disguise Technique faded, and his true appearance was restored in a flash of white light.
“With so many flying swords, it’s hard to believe there’s another in the Scattered Star Seas with such treasures,” Yuan Yao said lightly, though she visibly relaxed upon seeing Han Li reveal his true form.
“Thanks to Brother Han’s timely intervention, this little woman would have surely met her end otherwise,” she added after a slight hesitation, gliding forward gracefully to bow in sincere gratitude.
She understood all too well that with Han Li’s current cultivation, if he meant her harm, she’d have no chance to escape. Thus, she chose to approach openly, hoping to rekindle their past rapport.
Recognizing her intentions, Han Li waved a hand dismissively. “It was mere coincidence. A trivial effort on my part. But Sister Yuan, your cultivation has clearly advanced over the years.”
“Brother Han must be teasing me. While you’ve reached late-stage Core Formation, I’m still lingering in the early stage. Hardly what I’d call progress,” Yuan Yao replied with a playful pout, tilting her head slightly.
Han Li chuckled. “You’re too modest. Though our reunion was fortuitous, there are a few matters I’d like to discuss with you.”
“Of course! If Brother Han doesn’t mind my humble abode, why not continue inside?” Yuan Yao blinked, then covered her mouth with a delicate hand, her demeanor noticeably warmer now that he’d saved her life.
“Then I’ll impose on your hospitality,” Han Li agreed with a cupped-fist salute.
Beaming, Yuan Yao led him down to the verdant mountain and into her cave dwelling. Though not expansive, her residence was elegantly arranged, with exotic flowers lining the corridors, transforming the cold stone into a fragrant retreat.
Han Li couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
Ushering him into a modest stone hall, Yuan Yao served floral tea before seating herself opposite him with a smile.
“Brother Han, your reputation in the Scattered Star Seas has grown considerably. Everyone knows the Void Sky Cauldron—the realm’s greatest treasure—fell into the hands of a Core Formation cultivator named Han. And your rapid advancement to late-stage Core Formation—could it be due to the legendary Heavenmend Pill? Is it truly so miraculous?” Yuan Yao broached the subject directly, her eyes alight with undisguised longing.
Han Li paused, then laughed dryly. Her forthrightness about the cauldron and pill actually reassured him—she harbored no hidden schemes. His impression of her improved further.
“Since Sister Yuan mentions it, I won’t deceive you. The Void Sky Cauldron is indeed in my possession. But my limited knowledge has prevented me from opening it. For now, it’s more burden than boon. As for my cultivation progress, that stems from other opportunities, unrelated to the Heavenmend Pill,” he admitted candidly, confident in his superior strength.
“The cauldron remains unopened?” Yuan Yao’s eyes widened briefly before she stifled a laugh. Though she said nothing more, her skeptical expression spoke volumes.
Han Li frowned but saw no need to elaborate. Clearing his throat, he cut to the chase.
“Does Sister Yuan still possess any of the Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit Liquid? As you know, carrying the Void Sky Cauldron leaves me constantly on edge. My previous supply was nearly exhausted through various trials. If you have any remaining, I’m willing to purchase it at a premium—you’ll not suffer any loss.” Han Li’s gaze was steady. During his time in the outer seas, the spirit liquid had saved his life repeatedly. Recognizing its value, he sought to secure the remaining half-bottle, ensuring a lifeline for future perils.
Yuan Yao fell silent at his request, her brow furrowing imperceptibly.
After a moment, she retrieved a small cyan vial from her waist and placed it on the stone table between them, pushing it toward Han Li without hesitation.
“This contains the Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit Liquid—untouched. No exchange is necessary. Consider it my gift to you,” she said calmly, her eyes meeting his.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage