“I spent quite some time in the Blood Sky Continent back in the day, so I do have some understanding of that land,” Xue Po paused before continuing.
“Leaving aside the Blood Path Demonic Arts—which are the most common cultivation techniques in the Blood Sky Continent, with nearly half of its cultivators practicing them—the major Blood Path sects are numerous and powerful, ranking among the top forces there. As for the mysterious inheritance you mentioned, Venerable Han, it does exist in the Blood Sky Continent, and quite a few secretly practice it. However, these practitioners are in direct conflict with the Blood Path sects, and their whereabouts are extremely concealed, making it rare for outsiders to encounter them. I once had the fortune of witnessing a mysterious cultivator who claimed to practice the Witchcraft Path engage in battle. With just a few puppet-like artifacts, he effortlessly annihilated numerous formidable foes. It was truly an eerie and bizarre display of power.”
“The Witchcraft Path—this inheritance appeared a few times in our Wind Yuan Continent in ancient times, but it was swiftly eradicated by the mighty powers of that era. I never expected it to still exist in the Blood Sky Continent. It seems I’ll need to be extra cautious if I go there. By the way, Fellow Daoist Xue Po, which faction in the Blood Sky did you offend?” Han Li nodded and then asked another question.
“The sect I offended was the Blood Bone Sect, one of the major Blood Path sects. But don’t worry, Venerable. At the time, I was only at the Void Refinement stage, and the one I offended was merely a somewhat influential elder within the sect. So many years have passed—it’s unlikely they’d still pursue me relentlessly. If it comes to it, I can slightly alter my appearance to minimize any trouble,” Xue Po replied after a brief hesitation.
“Changing your appearance won’t be necessary. Though the Blood Sky Continent isn’t as vast as the Wind Yuan or Thunder Roar Continents, its size is still immense enough that running into your enemies won’t be easy. And if we do encounter them, since you’re traveling with me, I’ll naturally help you deal with them,” Han Li said nonchalantly.
“Then I’ll thank you in advance, Venerable.” Xue Po’s face brightened with relief.
—
While Xue Po and Han Li conversed, in a certain mysterious hall, the purple-robed woman was respectfully reporting something to the red-haired elder known as Ming Zun.
“So, they accepted the Fragrance Maiden but returned the other gifts,” the red-haired elder remarked, his expression unchanged.
“Yes.”
The purple-robed woman answered truthfully.
“Interesting. It seems this person isn’t so easily swayed, yet he hasn’t outright rejected our alliance either. Feiyun, from now on, if Fellow Daoist Han has any other requests, fulfill them to the best of your ability. There’s no need to report back to me specifically,” the elder chuckled.
“Chief Steward, may I ask why we’re going to such lengths to win over this senior? Even if he’s a Body Integration cultivator with some extraordinary abilities, other seniors of the same level who’ve entered this place before didn’t receive such special treatment,” Feiyun the Fairy asked, puzzled.
“An ordinary Body Integration cultivator wouldn’t warrant such attention from our alliance. But this man—heh—have you reviewed all the information on Fellow Daoist Han?” Ming Zun countered with a smile.
“I have, but the records regarding Venerable Han are extremely vague. Aside from the unusually short time it took him to reach Body Integration and his entry into the Demon Realm, there’s nothing else of note,” Feiyun replied after a moment of thought.
“That’s because Fellow Daoist Han’s rise was so swift that our alliance only recently began gathering information on him. Some critical details haven’t even been recorded yet. But enough—you needn’t overthink it. Just know that if the Spirit Realm were to rank its top ten most powerful figures, Fellow Daoist Han would very likely secure a spot,” Ming Zun said solemnly.
“What? Venerable Han possesses such immense power?” Feiyun’s face paled in shock.
“Hmph, if not for that, do you think I’d go out of my way to befriend him for no reason?” The red-haired elder rolled his eyes.
The purple-robed woman stiffened, quickly lowering her head and murmuring, “I wouldn’t dare.”
The elder said nothing more, merely waving his hand to dismiss her.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Ming Zun flicked his sleeve toward a nearby stone wall. A dazzling light surged forth and vanished into it.
Instantly, the wall buzzed loudly as a layer of white mist churned and coalesced into a hazy human figure.
“Ming Zun, it’s you. Shouldn’t you be preparing for the auction in Wind Yuan? What brings you to contact me so suddenly?” The figure turned its head slightly, its sharp voice tinged with surprise.
“Bi Ying, if I recall correctly, aren’t you still lacking strong allies for that plan of yours?” the red-haired elder asked calmly.
“And if I am? Have you changed your mind and decided to lend me a hand?” the shadowy figure snorted.
“You know full well I swore a blood oath never to set foot in the Blood Sky Continent again. How could I possibly change my mind?” Ming Zun replied coolly.
“Then why bring this up now?” The figure’s tone grew impatient.
“Though I can’t assist personally, I’ve found you a suitable candidate who could prove invaluable,” the elder said smoothly.
“A suitable candidate? You’ve revealed our affairs to outsiders?” The figure stiffened, its voice turning icy.
“Of course not. The stakes of your plan are far too high—I wouldn’t breathe a word without your consent. Or do you take me for a loose-lipped fool?” Ming Zun retorted flatly.
“Good. Then who is this person you’ve found? You know as well as I that ordinary Body Integration cultivators are of little use to us. And the more who know, the greater the risk of exposure,” the figure said, its tone easing slightly.
“Bi Ying, do you really think I’d overlook that? The ally I’ve chosen is none other than this man!” The red-haired elder smirked, forming a hand seal and pointing into the air before him.
With a soft *pop*, a radiant halo bloomed at his fingertip, condensing into a strikingly clear illusory figure—a young man in green robes, unmistakably Han Li.
“Oh? Who is this? His face is unfamiliar. A newly ascended Body Integration cultivator from your continent?” the shadowy figure asked, surprised.
“Spot on, Fellow Daoist Bi Ying. Fellow Daoist Han has only recently reached Body Integration, but his strength is unfathomable. He’d make an exceptional ally,” Ming Zun stated firmly.
“If even you hold him in such high regard, he must be formidable indeed. But for you to be so certain of his power, he can’t be unknown. Has he accomplished any remarkable feats?” the figure asked after a pause.
“Though his deeds are few, one alone is enough to shake the Spirit Realm. Fellow Daoist Bi Ying, are you aware of the recent slaying of the Mother of Screaming Insects in the Demon Realm?” Ming Zun’s eyes gleamed.
“Given how widely that incident spread, even some from the Blood Sky ventured into the Demon Realm over it. I heard the Mother was ultimately slain by the Flower of the Demon Realm’s Ancestors and others. Was this man among them?” The figure’s tone shifted with realization.
“Since you’ve guessed as much, I needn’t elaborate. From what I’ve learned, Fellow Daoist Han was the true architect of the Mother’s demise—the Flower and others merely played supporting roles,” the red-haired elder said gravely.
“Truly? If so, his power must rank among the very pinnacle of the Spirit Realm!” the figure exclaimed, startled.
“Whether he’s truly that strong, I can’t say for certain. But his abilities are indeed profound and unfathomable. I’ve also learned that he’s attending the auction solely for a cross-continental teleportation slot. He’ll likely head to the Blood Sky soon after. Whether you can persuade him then will be up to you—I’m merely passing along the information,” Ming Zun said lightly.
“Very well. If this proves true, I owe you a favor. Unless there’s more, let’s end the communication here. The Seven-Orifice Heart Sound Wall is miraculous, but cross-continental links drain too much spiritual power. A few more sessions like this, and even I’ll be exhausted,” the figure said flatly, its form flickering as it made a hand seal.
With a *bang*, the image on the stone wall dissolved into motes of light and vanished.
Unfazed, the red-haired elder simply smiled and closed his eyes to meditate.
—
As days passed, the auction drew ever nearer.
During this time, Han Li remained secluded in cultivation, never once stepping out. Xue Po, Zhu Guo’er, and the others, however, took the opportunity to explore the town’s various shops, acquiring many rare materials and treasures—each returning with substantial gains.
Naturally, such items held no interest for Han Li, who showed no inclination to visit the alliance’s stores. He simply waited patiently for the auction’s commencement.
A month later, as Han Li sat meditating, a transmission talisman from the purple-robed woman finally arrived. With a faint smile, he rose and left the chamber without a sound.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage