Chapter 2407: The Human Race Reunites

Half a year later, when the colossal black ark appeared above Tianyuan City, both the human and demon races within the city erupted in excitement.

Not only did numerous elders from both races rush out of their residences to pay their respects on the ark with utmost reverence, but they also swiftly notified Mo Jianli, who happened to be in seclusion near Tianyuan City.

After briefly summoning a few Body Integration cultivators and allowing the human cultivators aboard the ark to choose whether to stay or leave, Han Li took the willing human cultivators from the Small Spirit Realm into the sacred ark to await Mo Jianli’s arrival.

A day later, when a hearty laugh echoed from the distant void, Han Li, who had been conversing with Nangong Wan in the cabin, immediately stood up with a smile and said, “Brother Mo has arrived. Wan’er, come with me to greet him.”

“So it’s Daoist Mo Jianli. Wan’er has long wished to witness his esteemed presence.” Nangong Wan, having heard much about this great human cultivator from Han Li in recent days, smiled gracefully.

Han Li chuckled, flicked his sleeve, and a burst of azure light enveloped both of them before they shot out like a streak of radiance.

Moments later, a flash of light appeared on the ark’s deck, revealing Han Li and Nangong Wan standing side by side, gazing into the distance.

Before the laughter faded, a white rainbow flashed into view, streaking toward them at an incredible speed. After a few flickers, it materialized above the ark.

“Brother Han, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

The white rainbow circled once before dissipating, revealing a spirited elderly man who glanced down at Han Li with a warm smile.

“Thank you for your concern, Brother Mo. Though my journey was brief, I’ve fulfilled a long-cherished wish—I’ve retrieved my cultivation partner from the human realm. Wan’er, come greet Brother Mo.” Han Li clasped his hands and introduced her with a smile.

“What? This fairy is your wife?” Mo Jianli was visibly startled.

“Nangong Wan pays her respects to Senior Mo Jianli. Though trapped in the Small Spirit Realm, I’ve heard much about you from my husband. It is said that the human race relies solely on your strength to endure. I am deeply awed.” Nangong Wan stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

“Fairy Nangong, you flatter me. Please rise. Brother Han and I are close friends—no need for such formalities. From now on, we shall treat each other as equals. If you don’t mind, just call me ‘Brother Mo.'” Mo Jianli examined Nangong Wan with a smile.

Nangong Wan smiled gracefully, recognizing his genuine camaraderie with Han Li, and obliged by addressing him as “Brother Mo.”

Delighted, Mo Jianli pondered for a moment before retrieving a pale silver jade box. “Since you call me ‘Brother Mo,’ I can’t meet you empty-handed. I recently acquired a set of ‘Mystic Maiden’s Shattering Yin Needles’—108 in total, each exquisitely crafted and a rare top-tier treasure. Consider it a gift for you.”

Nangong Wan, well-versed in treasures, knew at once that these needles were extraordinary. After expressing her gratitude, she accepted the box and opened it to inspect.

Inside lay over a hundred slender black needles, each shimmering with crystalline light and exuding a chilling aura. A mere brush of her spiritual sense sent a numbing cold through her.

Startled, Nangong Wan realized the needles were even more precious than she had imagined. She thanked Mo Jianli profusely before carefully storing the box away.

Han Li watched with a smile, making no move to refuse the gift on her behalf.

“Brother Mo, let’s continue our discussion inside. During my travels, I visited the Blood Sky Continent and witnessed many things. I have both good and bad news to share.” After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Han Li’s expression turned serious.

“Oh? Good and bad news? I’m all ears,” Mo Jianli replied, though inwardly wary.

“Please, after you.”

Han Li stepped aside, guiding Mo Jianli and Nangong Wan back into the cabin’s main hall.

Once seated, Mo Jianli cut straight to the point:

“Now, Brother Han, what’s this good and bad news?”

“Naturally. Would you prefer the good news first or the bad?” Han Li smiled faintly.

“To keep my spirits up, let’s start with the good. Even if the bad is dire, at least I’ll have had a moment of joy.” Mo Jianli chuckled wryly.

“Very well. Aside from rescuing Wan’er from the Small Spirit Realm, I also sought to free a fellow human cultivator long trapped on the Blood Sky Continent. The good news is—not only is this fellow now free, but through a stroke of fortune, they’ve recently ascended to the Great Ascension realm.”

“What? Another Great Ascension cultivator among us? Brother Han, you’re not jesting, are you?” Mo Jianli shot up from his seat, his face alight with shock and joy.

“I personally aided in their rescue—how could I deceive you? However, due to unstable cultivation and other reasons, they must remain on the Blood Sky Continent for a few more years before returning.” Han Li replied calmly.

“Ha! If our race gains another Great Ascension cultivator, a delayed return is trivial! What is this fellow’s name? Do I know them?” Mo Jianli laughed heartily before curiosity took hold.

“This fellow… or rather, this fairy was already at the Body Integration stage when she left our race. Her name is Bingpo. I believe you’ve heard of her.”

“Bingpo… the Bingpo Fairy! Now that you mention it, I do recall her. She was a ascended immortal, wasn’t she? Ao Xiao once spoke of her when she reached Body Integration. To think she’s now reached this pinnacle!” Mo Jianli mused before nodding in realization.

“Indeed. Bingpo and I share some history, but even I didn’t expect her to ascend. Yet for our race, this is cause for celebration!” Han Li smiled.

“Absolutely! Never in our history have three Great Ascension cultivators coexisted—and with you, Brother Han, a peerless powerhouse capable of rivaling multiple Great Ascension foes, our race could openly expand its territory and dominate the region!” Mo Jianli’s eyes gleamed with ambition.

“Expand? Now is hardly the time.” Han Li’s expression darkened.

“Why not? With our current strength, races like the Yaksha and Wood Tribe are no match. What concerns you?” Mo Jianli frowned.

“That brings me to the bad news.” Han Li sighed.

“Ah, yes. I was so caught up in joy that I forgot. How grave is this news?” Mo Jianli’s heart skipped a beat.

“Grave? A misstep could mean the annihilation of our entire race.” Han Li’s smile turned bitter.

“What? How could it be that dire? Speak quickly!” Mo Jianli paled.

“I didn’t witness this firsthand, but the information comes from the Heavenly East Alliance. When I left the Blood Sky Continent, the entire realm was in turmoil over this. It involves… a suspected descended true immortal.”

Han Li proceeded to recount the blood sacrifices and the immortal’s involvement in meticulous detail, withholding nothing given the gravity.

“I’ve tentatively agreed to Ming Zun’s proposal for an alliance. If an opportunity arises to suppress this immortal, I may have no choice but to act. If he targets our race, we stand little chance alone. Brother Mo, with your vast experience, do you have any insights?”

After speaking for nearly an hour, Han Li paused and looked solemnly at the elder.

“A true immortal in the Spirit Realm… This is beyond belief! The implications are staggering. Brother Han, allow me a moment to gather my thoughts.” Mo Jianli, stunned, took a deep breath, his face shifting between emotions.

“Of course. Take your time. Wan’er, prepare some spirit tea.” Han Li turned to Nangong Wan.

“Husband, I’ll brew a pot of the Small Spirit Realm’s specialty tea for Brother Mo.” Nangong Wan, who had remained silent until now, rose gracefully.

“Very well.”

Han Li nodded subtly.

With a slight bow to Mo Jianli, Nangong Wan exited the hall.

Soon after, a pot of amber-hued tea was brought in on a pristine jade tray.

Nangong Wan personally poured cups for Han Li and Mo Jianli before resuming her seat with a gentle smile.

By then, Mo Jianli seemed to have reached a conclusion and spoke gravely:

“Brother Han, upon reflection, there’s one matter I’m unclear about. Did the Heavenly East Alliance mention it to you?”

“What matter? Speak freely.” Han Li’s expression shifted slightly.