“This elder from the Yin Luo Sect only knows the method of casting curses, not the incantation to undo them. According to the information I obtained through soul-searching, the incantation to lift the Soul-Sealing Curse is known only to the sect leader and the grand elder of the Yin Luo Sect. The other elders, like the demonic cultivator I killed, only know how to cast the curse but not how to remove it.” Han Li sat on a wooden chair to the side, speaking with a bitter smile.
“No incantation to undo the curse?” The silver-haired elder frowned deeply, unable to believe it.
“Exactly. It seems the incantation to lift the Soul-Sealing Curse is tied to an extremely powerful secret technique of the Yin Luo Sect, passed down only to the sect leader and grand elder. No one else is permitted to learn it.” Han Li’s expression darkened as he spoke without holding back.
“Without the incantation, then what about Sister Nangong…” The silver-haired elder’s face grew solemn.
“Though there’s no direct incantation to undo the curse, there are other methods in this world to break the Soul-Sealing Curse. This demonic cultivator, being an elder of the Yin Luo Sect, had knowledge of several external methods to forcibly break the seal.” Han Li’s eyes flickered as he changed the subject.
“What items can lift the Soul-Sealing Curse? Tell me, Junior Brother Han.” The elder perked up and asked eagerly.
“These items are all rare treasures in this realm, nearly impossible to find under normal circumstances.” Han Li sighed and casually mentioned two of them. Upon hearing them, the silver-haired elder was stunned into silence.
“These things… I doubt they even exist in our Tiannan region, let alone this entire realm.” The elder muttered in disbelief.
“Not necessarily. I happen to know the whereabouts of one of them. However, obtaining it won’t be easy. I need to prepare carefully to have any chance.” Han Li replied calmly, his lips twitching slightly.
The elder looked surprised but, seeing Han Li’s reluctance to elaborate, didn’t press further. Instead, he said earnestly, “Do you need my help or the sect’s assistance? Don’t hesitate to ask, Junior Brother.”
“No, thank you. This isn’t something that can be accomplished with numbers.” Han Li remained silent for a moment before shaking his head in refusal.
“If you’re confident, then I won’t pry further. But remember, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call upon the sect’s resources.” The silver-haired elder stroked his beard and didn’t insist.
“I appreciate your kindness, Senior Brother. I’ll go check on Wan’er now.” Han Li forced a smile and stood to take his leave.
After seeing Han Li out, the elder stood at the temple gate, lost in thought for a moment before sighing lightly and transforming into a streak of light, heading back to his cave abode.
The ice-walled chamber remained undisturbed. Han Li stood silently before the ice, gazing at the innocent face of the girl encased within, his expression distant.
After an unknown length of time, a complex emotion flashed in Han Li’s eyes before he murmured softly, “Wan’er, you’re truly reckless. To seize the brink of life and death to cultivate the most dangerous technique of the Pure Maiden Reincarnation Art—the Charming Maiden Heavenly Moon Technique. Did you not know this is a life-or-death secret art? What if I lift the Soul-Sealing Curse, only for you to perish from the technique? How could I bear that?” His voice grew quieter as he stepped closer to the ice, tracing Nangong Wan’s youthful face through the thick frost.
“You probably didn’t know, but the demonic cultivator who cursed you didn’t know the incantation to undo it. But don’t worry—I found another method to awaken you, using external items to dissolve the seal. Though these items are rare, one of them happens to be in the Fallen Devil Valley. The inner core of an ancient fire beast is nearly impossible to find normally, but there’s an ancient fire toad in the valley that fits the criteria. It seems my trip to the Fallen Devil Valley in a few years is inevitable. While this method only has a fifty percent chance of success, even if it fails, it will weaken the curse significantly, buying us time. By then, I can safely journey to the Jin Kingdom and obtain the incantation by any means necessary.” His voice turned icy by the end.
After venting his frustrations to the frozen Nangong Wan, Han Li spent another quarter-hour in the chamber before leaving, transforming into a streak of azure light and returning to his cave on the Mother-Child Peaks.
In the main hall of his cave, Han Li sat on the master seat, deep in thought, while Silvermoon stood obediently beside him, her dark eyes playfully darting over his face.
“What are you looking at? Do I have flowers on my face?” Han Li asked without raising his head.
“Master jests. I was just wondering about your plans. The time until the Fallen Devil Valley expedition isn’t too long nor too short. And with both Ziling and Marquis Nanlong inviting you, which group will you ally with? Moreover, have you truly considered the risks? The valley is known as the most perilous place in Tiannan. Even with your abilities, the dangers are immense. There must be other ways to save Miss Nangong—why take such a risk?” Silvermoon hesitated before speaking.
“Other methods? You mean the eggshell of the ten-thousand-year Mystic Gold Bird or the fruit of the Bodhi Flower? Those things are likely extinct in this realm. Even if they exist, they’d be hidden in some remote corner, impossible to find. The ancient fire toad’s core is the most accessible. If I follow Frost Li the Transcendent’s map and avoid reckless exploration, I won’t get lost. As for allies, I’ll decide later.” Han Li shook his head calmly.
“If Master has made up his mind, then this servant has nothing more to say.” Silvermoon lowered her head, yielding without further argument.
Han Li smiled faintly and stroked his chin before continuing, “Before the expedition, I plan to visit the Far West to obtain the final two layers of the Great Development Art and see if the Thousand Bamboo Sect has any advanced puppet-making techniques. The ancient puppet methods I acquired in Tiantian City require materials too rare to gather quickly. The main ingredient, ten-thousand-year ironwood, would take too long to cultivate with the green liquid. The Thousand Bamboo Sect, known for their puppetry, should have techniques for Core Formation puppets. With those, my strength will improve before entering the valley. Otherwise, mere years of cultivation or refining treasures won’t make much difference.” His eyes gleamed with confidence.
“Master’s reasoning is sound. I’ll follow your lead.” Silvermoon smiled charmingly after a moment’s thought.
“However, though the Far West borders Tiannan, reaching it is troublesome. We must pass through the Righteous Alliance’s territories and cross an endless desert.” Han Li frowned slightly.
“A desert?” Silvermoon blinked in surprise.
“Yes, and this desert is peculiar. For unknown reasons, it’s perpetually swept by violent hurricanes. Cultivators attempting to cross it must travel on foot—flying would drain their spiritual power too quickly. Though the Far West is known to Tiannan sects, its small size (only two medium-sized nations) and scarce resources, coupled with the desert barrier, have kept it isolated. The Thousand Bamboo Sect has ruled it unchallenged.” Han Li explained.
“If we can’t fly, the journey will take ages!” Silvermoon frowned worriedly.
“It will take considerable time. Even under the best circumstances, the round trip will likely take over a year. Before leaving, I must settle some affairs. During this time, I’ll need your help with something.” Han Li retrieved a jade box from his storage pouch and handed it to her.
“The Profound Heaven Vine! Master, you’re entrusting this to me?” Silvermoon recognized it instantly, surprised.
“If it can’t be revived, it’s just crafting material—nothing special. Meanwhile, I’ll deal with the Wood Spirit Infant, plant the second nascent soul, and handle the Corpse Demon. I found a demonic corpse-refining technique in the Yin Luo Sect elder’s pouch—perfect for utilizing that trapped menace in the Cloud Dream Mountains. With so much to do, I’ll leave the cave’s affairs to you.” Han Li gave her a knowing look.
“Very well. You’re the master, after all.” Silvermoon sighed, accepting the box reluctantly.
Han Li smiled and turned to leave, but Silvermoon suddenly called out, “Master, may I ask you something that’s been on my mind?” Her expression turned serious.
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