“Oh, this matter has spread quite quickly. However, they are likely to be disappointed. The True Soul Pills were already exchanged with several other Mahayana cultivators from the Spirit Realm. Even if there were any remaining, I would have naturally consumed them by now—there’s no way I’d carry them around.” Han Li was unsurprised by the news and instead chuckled in response.
“Exchanged with others, already consumed! Such excuses might fool ordinary people, but they won’t hold much weight against true powerhouses who dominate entire realms.” Tian Fei’er glanced sideways at Han Li, her tone laced with amusement.
“Whether they believe it or not is up to them. If anyone dares to act recklessly, I won’t mind teaching them a lesson.” Han Li smiled faintly, unperturbed.
“Giggle, it seems Fellow Daoist already has a plan for this matter. I must have overstepped. However, our clan’s Elder Jin has expressed interest in meeting privately with Brother Han regarding the True Soul Pills.” Tian Fei’er frowned slightly before suddenly smiling again.
“Elder Jin? The one hailed as the foremost of the True Dragon Clan—the Golden Dragon Grand Elder?” Han Li’s expression finally shifted slightly.
“Fellow Daoist need not worry. The Dao Fruit Assembly is an opportunity for powerhouses to gather and exchange treasures. While Elder Jin is indeed interested in the True Soul Pills, he would never use the occasion to force transactions. If you truly have no intention of trading the pills, there’s no need to meet him.” Tian Fei’er adopted a serious tone.
“Your clan is indeed magnanimous. Unfortunately, the True Soul Pills are crucial for my tribulation. Even if I had any left, I wouldn’t consider trading them.” Han Li pondered for a moment before shaking his head.
“Brother Han, don’t dismiss it so hastily. Elder Jin also asked me to relay another message: what he offers in exchange for the True Soul Pills holds even greater value for overcoming tribulation than the pills themselves. As you know, our clan differs from ordinary beings—we have little interest in ascending to the Immortal Realm. Thus, treasures others might covet are useless to us.” Tian Fei’er seemed prepared for Han Li’s response and spoke calmly.
“What? Something more valuable than the True Soul Pills for tribulation? If that’s truly the case, I might reconsider. Very well, once we reach Dragon Island, I’ll decide whether to meet Elder Jin in private.” After several shifts in expression, Han Li finally made up his mind.
“If Brother Han agrees, I’m certain Elder Jin won’t disappoint. Moreover, if the True Soul Pills do end up in our clan’s possession, a mere hint of it would deter others from troubling you further. This would greatly benefit you as well.” Tian Fei’er clapped her hands lightly, smiling.
“Heh, let’s hope so.” Han Li chuckled ambiguously.
“Time is running short. Let’s set off. Though Dragon Island is near the Moksha Realm, the journey will still take considerable time.” Tian Fei’er tactfully changed the subject, dropping the matter of the pills.
Han Li naturally had no objections and nodded in agreement.
With that, Tian Fei’er raised her arm toward the sky, summoning something from the clouds.
A series of neighs echoed from a seemingly ordinary white cloud, and a magnificent white carriage pulled by several red beasts emerged. The carriage was over a hundred feet long, crafted from jade-like material adorned with intricate patterns. The four beasts pulling it had dragon-like horns, crimson scales, and hooves, their bodies shimmering as if wreathed in flames—a fearsome hybrid of horse and dragon.
“These are our Dragon Island’s unique Savage Horses. Though not suited for combat, their strength and endurance are unmatched. They can gallop through the void for months without rest.” Tian Fei’er explained, noticing Han Li’s interest.
“Fascinating. I’ve seen so-called ‘dragon horses’ before, but none compare to these in majesty. Does your island trade such spirit beasts?” Han Li marveled, examining the creatures closely.
“Heh, these low-tier spirit beasts are indeed available for trade. However, due to certain peculiarities, only those bred on Dragon Island retain their splendor. Off the island, their bloodline weakens until they become indistinguishable from ordinary dragon horses.” Tian Fei’er replied casually.
“A pity, then.” Han Li sighed, disappointed.
Had these Savage Horses been able to reproduce elsewhere, bringing a few pairs back to the human race would have been immensely useful.
“Giggle, Brother Han needn’t fret. Dragon Island has far more to offer than just these horses. I’m sure our other unique treasures will astound you.” Tian Fei’er laughed lightly before floating gracefully toward the carriage.
“Oh? If that’s the case, even without the Guangling Dao Fruit, this trip won’t be in vain.” Han Li replied, transforming into a streak of light and soaring upward.
Moments later, the four Savage Horses let out long neighs and charged forward, pulling the carriage through the void.
Han Li, standing at the rear, found the ride remarkably smooth—as steady as solid ground. Intrigued, he examined the seemingly ordinary carriage beneath him.
“No need to inspect it further, Brother Han. This Wind Spirit Chariot is forged from a unique spirit copper found only on Dragon Island. It’s a hundred times lighter than ordinary spirit metals and can channel wind-attribute spiritual power. Quite a rare material elsewhere.” Tian Fei’er explained with a smile.
“I’m beginning to believe your words, Fairy Tian. I look forward to reaching Dragon Island soon.” Han Li smiled.
“Since Brother Han wishes it, I’ll lend a hand.” Tian Fei’er’s eyes sparkled as she formed a series of hand seals, sending spells into the four Savage Horses.
The beasts roared, their bodies swelling as crimson light enveloped them. Tusks sprouted from their mouths, and their eyes turned golden-red. Their legs blurred, and their speed doubled, the carriage now a streak of red light hurtling through the void.
—
Months later, Han Li emerged from a grand hall floating in the endless starry sky, accompanied by Tian Fei’er, stepping onto a plaza outside the entrance.
Looking up, he saw a colossal green moon hanging in the sky, nearly blotting out half the stars.
No—it was a massive, crescent-shaped island, dotted with tiny structures and enveloped in a faint green glow.
“So this is Dragon Island. It matches my expectations.” Han Li murmured, gazing at the green “moon.”
“Our island wasn’t always like this. It took generations of ancestors reshaping it with immense power to achieve this form. Now that your invitation has been verified, you’re free to come and go during the Dao Fruit Assembly—just avoid the restricted areas. As for me, I must attend to my duties and can no longer accompany you.” Tian Fei’er said, her tone turning serious.
“Thank you for your guidance, Fairy Tian. Now that we’re here, please tend to your affairs.” Han Li nodded.
“Before I leave, don’t you have anything else to say to me?” Tian Fei’er asked, a playful smirk on her lips.
“Oh? What might that be? Feel free to speak plainly.” Han Li feigned ignorance.
“Hmph, so you won’t ask unless I bring it up. Fine, take this—it’s the promise I made to you. Whether it helps you obtain the Guangling Dao Fruit is up to you.” Tian Fei’er rolled her eyes and flicked her sleeve, sending a white jade slip flying toward him.
“Ah, you’ve remembered. My thanks.” Han Li’s eyes lit up as he caught the slip, smiling.
“With this, my debt is repaid. Farewell.” Tian Fei’er bowed slightly before turning back toward the hall.
Han Li watched her disappear inside before tucking away the jade slip and heading toward a pale-white teleportation array at the plaza’s edge.
Though unguarded, the moment Han Li stepped onto the array, a stone stele rose beside it, bearing an oval indentation.
Han Li flicked his sleeve, sending a silver light—the scale given to him by Fan Paozi—into the indentation.
The scale emitted a peculiar ripple, activating the array. Runes surged, and with a flash, Han Li vanished.
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