“Brother Han, if you have any doubts, feel free to ask. This matter is of great importance, and perhaps we indeed overlooked some details,” Zi Ling said, slightly impressed by Han Li’s calm demeanor upon hearing about the Spirit Candle Fruit and the Creation Pill.
“Although I also visited the Mulan Grassland, why did you seek me out? Shouldn’t Nanlong Hou be the most likely to know the method of entering the Falling Devil Valley? Or do you have another way in?” Han Li stroked his chin and asked solemnly.
“We are aware that Nanlong Hou might know the entry method. But given his temperament and reputation, how could we dare to share such a secret with him? As for Brother Han, both Sister Mei and I trust you completely, knowing you are not one to forsake righteousness for profit. Regarding the entry method, we learned from a Ghost Spirit Sect disciple that they seem to be researching a way to enter the valley, which is nearly perfected. However, the specifics remain unclear. But when the spatial fissures in the Falling Devil Valley stabilize next time, the Ghost Spirit Sect will surely act. By then, we can easily gather the details and sneak in. The problem is, the environment where the Spirit Candle Fruit grows is said to be extremely harsh. Without great power, it’s impossible to approach it. If Brother Han feels his cultivation is insufficient, we understand. After all, even if we safely enter the valley, the dangers within are countless, and the outcome is unpredictable,” Zi Ling said, her expression growing hesitant by the end.
“The Ghost Spirit Sect also has an entry method? This is the first I’ve heard of it. But from your tone, everything is still vague, with no concrete information. Very well, the spatial fissures in the Falling Devil Valley won’t stabilize for several more years. By then, once we confirm the existence of the Spirit Candle Fruit and it’s not just hearsay, I’ll take the risk for the Creation Pill. As for my cultivation, don’t worry. If I can’t handle it, most mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn’t stand a chance either,” Han Li said after a long silence, exhaling deeply.
Han Li chose not to mention Nanlong Hou’s contact with him. Facing the Falling Devil Valley, the most perilous place in the South Heaven, even with the lure of the Spirit Candle Fruit, he had to weigh the risks carefully. Perhaps the Ghost Spirit Sect’s method was safer. If so, there was no need to bring up Nanlong Hou in front of these three women.
Seeing Han Li not immediately agree, Zi Ling wasn’t disappointed but rather pleased. Knowing his cautious nature, she understood his words were practically a commitment. Moreover, his tone suggested his rumored extraordinary abilities were true, increasing their chances of obtaining the Spirit Candle Fruit.
With a smile, she said, “The reason we sought you urgently is that without a capable ally, all efforts would be futile. But with your promise, we can now proceed with confidence. We’ll gather more details, as we sisters also plan to enter the valley. We wouldn’t gamble with our lives lightly.”
“What? All three of you want to enter?” Han Li was startled, his face filled with shock.
“Do you think we want to? We have no choice. Most ancient texts only describe the wonders of the Spirit Candle Fruit but rarely mention its limitations. Once plucked, it cannot be preserved and must be refined into medicine within half a day. After that, its efficacy diminishes drastically, vanishing completely after three days. Worse, the Creation Pill made from it has the same restriction—it must be consumed shortly after refinement. Knowing the valley’s dangers, we still have to take the risk. It’s better than spending centuries stuck at a bottleneck,” Zi Ling said with a bitter smile.
“I’ve read many ancient texts but never heard of this restriction,” Han Li frowned.
“Uncle Han, this is a secret tome passed down in our Song family. I’ve made a copy for you to see,” the Song woman unexpectedly took out a jade slip and handed it to him respectfully.
Han Li’s eyes flickered with surprise as he accepted it and immersed his divine sense into it.
The tome detailed ancient elixirs and spiritual medicines, many of which Han Li had never heard of. It even mentioned the Nine-Curve Spirit Ginseng and the pill formulas he obtained from the Profound Bone Demon, stirring his excitement.
With his current knowledge, many of these elixirs would be invaluable to a Nascent Soul cultivator, though their ingredients were exceedingly rare. Still, it was better to be prepared.
His powerful divine sense quickly located the section on the Spirit Candle Fruit, confirming its limitations. After reading, Han Li’s brow furrowed.
After a moment, he withdrew his divine sense, silently stroking the jade slip in contemplation.
“I’ve heard from Sister Zi Ling that Uncle Han is highly skilled in alchemy. This tome is useless to our Song family—its ingredients are beyond our reach. If you don’t mind, please keep it as compensation for your help,” the Song woman said tactfully.
Han Li was taken aback but then smiled meaningfully. “I never take advantage of others. If the Spirit Candle Fruit exists in the valley, I’ll benefit greatly and need no further reward. But this tome is indeed useful to me. In exchange, take this bottle of cultivation-boosting pills, suitable for your current stage.”
He tossed her a small green vial.
The woman caught it hesitantly, unsure how to react.
Zi Ling chuckled. “If he’s giving it to you, take it. Brother Han’s alchemy is exceptional—these are likely made from high-grade demon cores. A fair trade.”
Grateful, the Song woman carefully stored the vial.
Han Li smiled, tucking away the jade slip. “Since the Spirit Candle Fruit and Creation Pill cannot be preserved, you truly have no choice but to enter the valley. If you focus solely on the fruit and avoid other dangers, your chances of survival are decent. For now, gather the auxiliary ingredients for the pill. Some are rare, though not as elusive as the Spirit Candle Fruit. Other details can wait until everything is clear. This matter is still distant—if we lose the war against the Mulan, the valley will be the least of our concerns,” Han Li said gravely.
“Uncle Han doesn’t foresee victory against the Mulan?” Mei Ning couldn’t help asking.
“Hard to say. On the surface, our united forces and home advantage should give us the edge. The three great cultivators of the South Heaven and the Long Han couple from the Heavenly Dao Alliance should counter the Mulan’s high priests. But those black-robed outsiders are a wild card. Any upheaval will likely stem from them,” Han Li said ambiguously.
“So the odds are fifty-fifty?” Zi Ling frowned.
“Roughly. But the most likely outcome is…” Han Li’s voice trailed off, leaving the women puzzled.
“Enough speculation. No one can predict the outcome before the battle. Focus on preparing for the valley. Some things are beyond our control,” Han Li said dismissively.
The conversation shifted to lighter topics, with the women sharing their recent experiences and expressing curiosity about Han Li’s escape from the Mulan high priest.
Amidst the pleasant fragrance and the women’s charming company, time flew by.
As dusk fell, Han Li rose to leave, accompanied by the Song woman. Zi Ling and Mei Ning saw them to the valley’s entrance.
Before departing, Mei Ning seemed to hesitate, biting her lip as if wanting to say something.
Noticing her flushed cheeks and Zi Ling’s teasing gaze, Han Li felt a pang of awkwardness. Without lingering, he summoned a green mist, enveloping the Song woman as they flew back to Tianyi City.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage