Seeing that Han Li did not outright refuse, the silver-haired elder secretly rejoiced and spoke even more earnestly, “Fellow Daoist, rest assured. Although we hold the title of Supreme Elders within the sect, we are not required to perform any duties or deal with mundane affairs. Our role is merely as a deterrent, allowing us to focus entirely on our own cultivation. Each year, the sect’s disciples will offer us thousands of spirit stones for our cultivation needs. Moreover, if we require any special spiritual medicines or materials, we can simply instruct the disciples below to procure them, sparing us the effort of searching ourselves. In short, as a Supreme Elder of our Falling Cloud Sect, you will receive treatment no less favorable than in any other sect.”
“Senior Brother speaks truly,” the Lu surnamed cultivator added slowly. “Although Brother Han has successfully formed his Spirit Infant and entered the Nascent Soul stage, you must still be unfamiliar with the intricacies of refining it. While we brothers may not boast of great achievements—having been stuck at the early Nascent Soul stage for centuries—we do possess some unique insights into cultivation. If Fellow Daoist agrees to join our sect, we would gladly share our knowledge to help you avoid unnecessary detours.”
After all, adding a Nascent Soul cultivator to their ranks would instantly elevate the sect’s strength. Though they still couldn’t rival the Ancient Sword Sect, they would now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Hundred Artifices Academy, solidifying the Falling Cloud Sect’s unshakable position in the Yunmeng Mountains.
Listening to their invitation, Han Li found himself somewhat swayed by the Lu surnamed cultivator’s offer. He knew full well the value of guidance from someone who had spent centuries refining their Nascent Soul—it could save him decades, even a century, of arduous cultivation.
As for staying with the Falling Cloud Sect, the thought had crossed his mind before, though he hadn’t seriously weighed the pros and cons. Now that they had extended the offer, he had no choice but to consider it carefully.
Should he continue as a rogue cultivator, accept the role of a Falling Cloud Sect elder, or perhaps seek out a more suitable sect to join?
After a long moment of contemplation, Han Li raised his head and spoke solemnly, “I deeply appreciate the kindness of both Fellow Daoists. However, this matter is of great importance, and I have only just formed my Nascent Soul—my mind is still unsettled. I hope you will allow me a few days to deliberate. I shall give you my answer in three days.”
Hearing this, the silver-haired elder and his companion exchanged glances. After a brief pause, the elder replied somewhat apologetically, “Ah, forgive our impatience. Naturally, Fellow Daoist should take time to consider this carefully. For the next few days, I will designate this area as a restricted zone to prevent any disciples from disturbing your cultivation. We shall return in three days to hear your decision.” With that, the two exchanged a few more pleasantries before tactfully taking their leave.
Han Li politely escorted them to the entrance of his cave abode before returning to the hall, where he sat down with a furrowed brow, deep in thought.
A white shadow flickered outside the hall—Silvermoon had reverted to her original fox form and gracefully padded inside.
“Running low on energy to maintain your human form again?” Han Li remarked, unsurprised as he glanced at the small fox.
“Yes, Master,” the fox replied with a hint of frustration, lifting her delicate head. “With the limited spiritual power of my artifact spirit form and the residual energy from my fox body, I can only sustain a human form for a short time. It will take another month before I can transform again.”
“Once you advance to the eighth-grade demon beast level, you’ll be able to maintain a human form permanently. There’s no need to rush now,” Han Li said calmly.
“True. I’ve endured centuries inside the cauldron—a few more years won’t make much difference. Besides, with Master’s elixirs aiding me, I might even advance sooner than expected,” Silvermoon replied earnestly.
Han Li nodded, then suddenly asked in a serious tone, “Speaking of the Void Heaven Cauldron—I’ve avoided asking about it before, fearing my cultivation was insufficient. But now that I’ve formed my Nascent Soul, you should be able to tell me more. After all, you spent so long inside it—you must know something about how to open it. And I’m curious about what other treasures, besides the Heavenmend Pills, might still be inside.”
“I do know the method to open the cauldron, but I fear Master may be disappointed,” Silvermoon sighed after a brief hesitation.
“Oh? Even with my current cultivation, I still can’t open it?” Han Li stroked his chin, skeptical.
“Master, you must understand—when I and the other ancient treasures escaped the cauldron, it wasn’t because we could resist its power. It was only because the Dry Blue Iceflame sealing the cauldron was disturbed by the cultivators entering the Void Heaven Hall, giving us a chance to slip free,” Silvermoon explained slowly.
“‘Heavenreach Treasure’? What is that? Isn’t the Void Heaven Cauldron an ancient treasure? From your tone, it seems the Dry Blue Iceflame is key to opening it,” Han Li asked, a trace of doubt crossing his face.
“In truth, Heavenreach Treasures are a subset of ancient treasures—a term used by cultivators of old. Only those ancient treasures with extraordinary powers earned that title, and the Void Heaven Cauldron is one such treasure. Though I don’t know its exact abilities, its power far surpasses ordinary ancient treasures. As for the Dry Blue Iceflame, it is indeed the key to opening the cauldron—or rather, the first step to controlling it. Master must first refine the flame before gaining any chance of mastering this treasure,” Silvermoon’s tone grew solemn.
“A Heavenreach Treasure… If even ancient cultivators held it in such high regard, it must be extraordinary indeed. But if refining the iceflame is only the first step, what comes next? You might as well tell me everything,” Han Li asked, his expression not showing frustration but rather a hint of excitement.
He understood well that the more stringent the conditions for wielding a treasure, the greater its power—far beyond his initial expectations. As long as the Void Heaven Cauldron remained in his possession, no matter how demanding the requirements, he would eventually master it. Of this, he was confident.
“As for what comes next, I truly don’t know. Once Master refines the Dry Blue Iceflame, the next step will reveal itself. That’s all I can say,” Silvermoon shook her head apologetically.
“I see. That does complicate things. But no matter—I’ll focus on refining the iceflame first. By the way, you still haven’t told me what other treasures remain inside the cauldron,” Han Li said, eyeing the fox intently.
“Master, I’m not hiding anything. Aside from two remaining Heavenmend Pills, the cauldron is empty. Over the years it was stored in the Void Heaven Hall, powerful cultivators occasionally managed to disturb the Dry Blue Iceflame, allowing one or two treasures to escape each time. By the time you entered the hall, only the last few remained,” Silvermoon explained hastily, fearing Han Li’s displeasure.
“No matter. At my current cultivation level, ordinary ancient treasures hold little appeal. If I can claim the Void Heaven Cauldron for myself, that would be the best outcome,” Han Li replied calmly, showing no sign of disappointment—as if he had already suspected as much.
“Master’s detachment is admirable. As I understand it, even in ancient times, no more than fifty or sixty ancient treasures earned the title of Heavenreach Treasure. Each possessed earth-shaking, star-moving powers. To be honest, when I first saw Master’s small vial’s ability to accelerate plant growth, I almost mistook it for a Heavenreach Treasure. But upon reflection, I realized that was unlikely,” Silvermoon chuckled.
“Oh? Why is that? Does my vial’s power pale in comparison to those treasures?” Han Li asked, slightly taken aback.
“Not at all. Even if the vial possesses no other abilities, its plant-accelerating power alone surpasses any Heavenreach Treasure. Other treasures, no matter how mighty, still operate within the bounds of this world’s natural laws—they merely amplify or manipulate them. But the vial’s ability defies those laws entirely. I suspect only the Spirit Realm or higher Immortal Realm could produce such an artifact,” Silvermoon said gravely, licking her lips with a pink tongue.
“Are you suggesting my treasure might have been crafted by beings from the upper realms or even immortals?” Han Li couldn’t help but inhale sharply, visibly moved.
“Precisely. That is indeed a possibility,” Silvermoon nodded slightly.
Han Li fell silent, retrieving the mysterious vial from his storage pouch and examining it closely—a rare moment of contemplation, his expression shifting between awe and uncertainty.
After a long pause, he stowed the vial away and abruptly asked Silvermoon, “You must have overheard the two Falling Cloud Sect elders’ proposal. Do you think I should stay or seek a better opportunity elsewhere?”
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