“Go!”
The elderly woman pointed a finger at the faint light shadow in the air and uttered a solemn command. Instantly, a flash of red and white light streaked across as the Thunderfire Spike arrived before the blue crystalline wall in front of her without hesitation, striking it fiercely.
A dull *thud* echoed as arcs of lightning and flames erupted in an instant, engulfing the entire surface of the wall and obscuring the view within.
Seeing this, Han Li’s pupils contracted slightly. Though he hadn’t personally experienced the power of the Thunderfire Spike, judging from the fluctuations of spiritual energy alone, this treasure’s might was undoubtedly extraordinary. No wonder Madam Tai had been so confident in proposing this test.
“However, against the Mystic Divine Restriction, mere brute force alone likely won’t…” Before Han Li could finish his thought, the thunder and flames on the wall had already dissipated.
The Thunderfire Spike floated gently a few inches away from the wall, but the crystalline surface remained unscathed, without even a single crack.
A trace of disappointment flickered across Marquis Nanlong’s face, though he still smiled and said, “Though this treasure is powerful, it still falls short of breaking the Mystic Divine Restriction. Thank you for your efforts, Fellow Daoist Tai. Let’s see if any other fellow Daoists possess the means to dismantle this restriction.”
“Hmph! When did this old woman ever say this was the treasure’s full power? That was merely a test strike. It seems I’ll have to exert its full force after all,” the elderly woman retorted with a cold snort, seemingly unwilling to lose face.
“Oh? If Fellow Daoist Tai has other methods, by all means, demonstrate them!” Marquis Nanlong’s eyes brightened as he spoke with delight.
Without further words, the elderly woman formed a hand seal. The previously motionless Thunderfire Spike transformed into a streak of light and shot back to hover above her head. Under the guidance of her incantations, it began spinning rapidly in mid-air, its speed increasing until lightning and flames intertwined, emitting an eerie, low hum.
Witnessing this, the others perked up, watching intently without blinking.
Moments later, the Thunderfire Spike’s own arcs and crimson flames seemed to truly merge, transforming into a sinister red lightning that danced and flickered across the now-blurred silhouette of the spike, creating an uncanny sight.
At this sight, Han Li’s heart stirred, as if vaguely recalling something, and a thoughtful expression crossed his face. The others, too, looked astonished, their estimations of the Thunderfire Spike’s power significantly revised.
Just then, the elderly woman spat out the word, “Break!” A tearing *zila* sound pierced the air as the nearly invisible, spinning Thunderfire Spike, now wreathed in eerie red lightning, vanished and struck the same crystalline wall once more.
This time, there was no explosion of thunder and fire. Instead, a soft *pfft* sounded as the Thunderfire Spike, aided by its high-speed rotation and the red lightning, pierced through the wall’s surface after only a brief resistance, embedding itself within.
Though its speed drastically slowed upon entering the wall, the spike continued to rotate fiercely under the woman’s control, inching forward.
Marquis Nanlong and the white-robed elder’s faces lit up with joy, while Wang Tiangu and the others’ eyes flickered with tension, unsure whether they hoped for the restriction’s destruction or the woman’s failure.
Han Li, observing this, let out a silent sneer, the corners of his lips curling slightly in faint mockery.
Unnoticed by the others, Yan Ruyan happened to catch Han Li’s expression. Startled, a trace of confusion flashed in her bright eyes.
Yet, after penetrating about a foot into the wall, the Thunderfire Spike met its doom. The previously tranquil crystalline wall suddenly erupted with blue light, and countless scorching white threads materialized within, entangling the spike before tightening violently with a flash.
A deafening *boom* followed as the Thunderfire Spike exploded into nothingness, the wall returning to calm in an instant.
The elderly woman’s face paled instantly before twisting into fury and shock. The Thunderfire Spike had been a painstakingly acquired ancient treasure, now destroyed so easily—how could she not be heartbroken? For a moment, she felt a surge of heat in her chest, nearly vomiting blood.
The others, too, were stunned, their hearts pounding. Yan Ruyan, in particular, shot another surprised glance at Han Li, her face pensive.
Fortunately, the elderly woman was no ordinary cultivator. After her wrinkled face flushed and paled several times, she took a deep breath and suppressed the turmoil within.
“I’ve made a fool of myself before you all. The Mystic Divine Restriction truly lives up to its reputation as one of the Ten Ancient Restrictions. This old woman has no means to break it. But perhaps others among you possess the power to dismantle it!” She turned her head and spoke with a bitter smile before retreating a few steps in resignation.
Marquis Nanlong’s earlier delight had vanished. With a sigh, he said, “Fellow Daoist Tai came so close—what a pity. Does anyone else wish to attempt it?” As he spoke, his gaze lingered on Wang Tiangu and the others, given Wang’s renowned expertise in formations.
Yet, after witnessing the elderly woman’s misfortune, any lingering enthusiasm among the others had extinguished. Who would risk their treasures after such a vivid example?
Wang Tiangu stood silently in a corner of the hall. Though he had some knowledge of ancient formations, the Ten Ancient Restrictions were beyond his experience, let alone his ability to dismantle. Naturally, he wouldn’t step forward to embarrass himself.
But Han Li, who had remained silent until now, spoke calmly, “Though unskilled, I’d like to give it a try. What do you think, fellow Daoists?” His tone was casual.
His words took Wang Tiangu and the white-robed elder by surprise. Marquis Nanlong, especially, showed astonishment but quickly agreed, “Of course! Fellow Daoist Han, please proceed!”
Without ceremony, Han Li stepped forward to the crystalline wall that had resisted the elderly woman’s assault.
Behind Wang Tiangu, Wang Chan stared in disbelief before his masked eyes flashed with scorn. He whispered something to Yan Ruyan, who remained expressionless, seemingly unimpressed. Wang Tiangu, though outwardly composed, inwardly doubted Han Li could succeed.
Standing before the wall, Han Li didn’t act immediately. Instead, he raised a finger, channeled a wisp of spiritual energy, and a several-inch-long green glow emerged from his fingertip. With a flick, the green light swept across the wall’s surface—yet it left no mark, the blue jade-like surface pristine as ever.
Undeterred, Han Li enveloped his entire hand in a green aura and pressed his palm against the wall, remaining motionless as if sensing something.
His odd behavior baffled the onlookers, but none dared interrupt.
Unbeknownst to them, Han Li’s pupils glowed faintly blue as he peered deep into the wall, seemingly straining to discern something.
This scrutiny lasted half an hour, yet none showed impatience or urged him to hurry. Finally, Han Li exhaled deeply, the blue light in his eyes vanishing. Without hesitation, he slapped his storage pouch and retrieved a pile of items—dozens of formation flags of varying colors.
The others blinked in surprise.
“Fellow Daoist Han is also versed in formations? Do you intend to dismantle the restriction with another formation? Have you deciphered the Mystic Divine Restriction’s secrets?” the white-robed elder asked, visibly impressed.
“I wouldn’t call it deciphering. I’ve merely studied some ancient formations before. Consider this a trial,” Han Li replied nonchalantly.
Then, he exhaled a stream of green spiritual essence onto the flags. With a flash, they floated into the air, their tips aimed at the wall under his spiritual guidance, hovering motionlessly.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage