Chapter 2350: Tian Ding Palace

Madam Wanhua stood motionless, her face as pale as paper.

At this moment, not only had the entire formation been shattered into disarray by the colossal golden palm, but even the enormous black lion behind the old woman had been compressed into a ball under the overwhelming force, utterly immobilized.

Though several defensive treasures, including an emerald wooden shield, had flown out to protect Madam Wanhua, she knew full well that given the terrifying power displayed by that massive hand, these artifacts would hardly offer any real resistance.

The opponent’s True Devil Body was horrifyingly powerful—merely a single palm had defeated her, even after she had exhausted her trump cards.

This left the usually proud and haughty Madam Wanhua feeling utterly crushed, her heart as lifeless as ashes.

“I concede.”

The giant form of Han Li spoke indifferently before retracting his extended arm.

Almost simultaneously, the golden palm above Madam Wanhua vanished without a trace.

This time, the old woman didn’t even know how she left the barrier, returning to the viewing platform in a daze.

Outside, Qingping Daoren and Xiao Ming exchanged glances, their faces filled with shock.

Inside the barrier, Han Li turned to Qingping Daoren and called out:

“Fellow Daoist Qingping, please come down and enlighten me.”

Qingping Daoren, still reeling from Han Li’s astonishing feat of defeating the old woman in a single strike, paled at Han Li’s words. After a long pause, he clasped his hands and replied with a bitter smile, “Fellow Daoist’s demonic arts are unparalleled. I admit I am no match for you. There’s no need for me to take another strike—I concede defeat.”

This Qingping Daoren was straightforward, openly admitting his inferiority.

Han Li wasn’t particularly surprised by this response and didn’t press further. He simply nodded, withdrew his Vajra Devilish Body, and in a flash, exited the barrier.

“Fellow Daoist Han’s divine abilities are truly unparalleled, the likes of which I’ve never seen before. However, this reminds me of someone. Could you be the Han Li from the Feng Yuan Continent, the one who entered the demon realm and slew the Mother of Soul Devourers?” Xiao Ming stared intently at Han Li, his words deliberate.

“I’m flattered. The rumors are somewhat exaggerated, but I am indeed Han Li of the human race,” Han Li replied calmly, his eyes flickering slightly.

“Haha, so it really is Fellow Daoist Han! No wonder your powers are so extraordinary. You are truly an honored guest. You must stay in our city for a while so we can exchange insights,” Xiao Ming laughed heartily, disregarding the expressions of the other two.

“Since Fellow Daoist extends such a sincere invitation, I naturally won’t refuse,” Han Li replied with a faint smile, also intrigued by the blood path techniques of the Blood Bone Sect.

“Excellent! Madam Wanhua, Fellow Daoist Qingping, let us gather at my abode for a small gathering,” Xiao Ming said excitedly, turning to the other two.

“We came here with a purpose and won’t leave without hearing Brother Xiao’s reply. Lead the way, and we shall trouble you briefly,” Qingping Daoren replied after exchanging a glance with Madam Wanhua, hesitating slightly.

“I’ve already instructed my disciples to prepare a grand feast at my abode, one that will surely satisfy all of you. Follow me, Fellow Daoists,” Xiao Ming chuckled.

With that, the group transformed into streaks of light, shooting toward a massive palace at the center of Blood Crane City.

Much later, as dusk painted the sky crimson, Han Li calmly flew out of the grand palace. Within half an hour, he somehow found his way to a secluded inn-like residence on a remote street and entered a rented courtyard.

At the courtyard’s entrance, Hua Shi and Zhu Guo’er stood respectfully. Upon seeing Han Li, they immediately stepped forward and bowed.

Han Li waved his hand and led them inside. A flash of white light later, the gate shut tightly behind them.

…

At the same time, in a side hall of the grand palace, Xiao Ming, Madam Wanhua, and Qingping Daoren sat around a white jade table, seemingly engaged in a heated discussion.

Xiao Ming’s expression was unreadable behind his mask, save for the occasional flicker in his eyes.

Qingping Daoren and Madam Wanhua, however, wore grave expressions, their faces tinged with anger.

“Xiao, your terms are outrageous! You demand ninety percent of the spoils from the Heavenly Tripod Palace, leaving only ten percent for us? Do you truly take us for fools?” Madam Wanhua roared furiously.

“If either of you possessed a key to the Heavenly Tripod Palace and knew its approximate opening location, you’d be entitled to make such demands as well,” the masked man replied coolly, unfazed.

“We are well aware of your possession of these things, which is why we sought you out before entering the Ten Thousand Moon Mountains. But regardless, leaving us with only ten percent is simply too much,” Qingping Daoren said, his brow deeply furrowed.

“Do you two understand what the Heavenly Tripod Palace is? Without my key, even if you knew the location and arrived early, it would be useless. I paid a steep price for this key. Leaving you with ten percent is already generous,” Xiao Ming retorted firmly.

“Hmph, there’s more than one key to the Heavenly Tripod Palace. The one you hold may not even be genuine. During the last opening, countless counterfeit keys surfaced. While they couldn’t grant safe entry, they were sufficient to sense the palace’s activation time and general location. With some risk, one could still attempt to force their way in,” Madam Wanhua said coldly, glaring at Xiao Ming.

“Counterfeit keys? I’m aware of them. But I assure you, mine is authentic. Otherwise, I wouldn’t dare make such demands,” Xiao Ming chuckled confidently.

“Your confidence is reassuring, but given the number of counterfeit keys in circulation, the palace’s opening will undoubtedly attract many—not just lowly Body Integration and Void Refinement cultivators seeking fortune, but also peers like us. After all, this is the legacy of the Heavenly Tripod Sage, who survived numerous heavenly tribulations and ascended successfully a million years ago. Who knows what treasures and spiritual medicines lie within? At the very least, the techniques and secrets left behind could reveal how he endured those tribulations. This alone would tempt countless old monsters. Without our help, even if you enter the palace, can you guarantee you’ll secure the treasures and leave unscathed? And what if we seek cooperation with other key holders, adding two more competitors?” Qingping Daoren narrowed his eyes, his tone measured.

“Fellow Daoist Qingping, are you threatening me?” Xiao Ming’s voice turned icy.

“This isn’t a threat—it’s a fact. Our presence here demonstrates our sincerity. Besides, if you don’t partner with us, who else can you trust? That Han Li from Feng Yuan Continent is astonishingly powerful. Why didn’t you invite him to join your expedition? Could it be that his strength intimidates even you?” Qingping Daoren said smoothly, his composure fully restored.

“Indeed, I am wary of him and lack the confidence to suppress him, which is why I didn’t mention the Heavenly Tripod Palace. But that alone won’t make me yield,” Xiao Ming replied bluntly.

Qingping Daoren’s expression darkened.

“Fellow Daoist Qingping, this old fiend is too stubborn. Tell him about that matter. With this condition, he’ll have no choice but to relent,” Madam Wanhua interjected coldly.

“What matter?” Xiao Ming was visibly puzzled.

“Do you know the origins of Fellow Daoist Qingping’s lineage?” Madam Wanhua asked mysteriously.

“Fellow Daoist Qingping is…” Xiao Ming’s gaze shifted to the young Taoist, intrigued.

“To my shame, my true inheritance is…” Qingping Daoren sighed softly, his lips moving soundlessly as he transmitted his words.

At first, Xiao Ming seemed indifferent, but soon his eyes lit up with astonishment and delight.

…

Deep within a gorge in the Ten Thousand Moon Mountains, Xue Po sat astride a pitch-black giant eagle puppet, staring intently at a faint white glow on a stone wall.

Within the glow, several bizarre runes flickered intermittently, as if conveying some profound message.

“Heavenly Tripod Palace…”

Xue Po murmured to herself. Suddenly, her mind brightened as long-sealed memories flooded back.

…

Meanwhile, in a stone house with a courtyard in Blood Crane City, Han Li sat cross-legged on a wooden chair, examining a small tripod a few inches tall.

The tripod was pale green, its design ancient and peculiar. The relief carvings of insects, fish, birds, and beasts on its surface shimmered faintly, as if coming to life.

Han Li stroked his chin, studying the tripod thoughtfully.

…

In a pitch-black hidden space within the Ten Thousand Moon Mountains, a melodious sigh echoed:

“At last… at last, the palace gates are opening. After being trapped here for so long, I can finally leave and see the sky again.”