On a vast sea between the human and demon races, amidst an archipelago of over a hundred islands, a colossal island spanning ten thousand miles bustled with activity. Thousands of low- to mid-tier cultivators darted about in streaks of light, busily working across the island.
Centered around the tallest peak of this massive island, grand pavilions and palaces rose from the surrounding mountain ranges.
At the same time, arrays of formation flags and disks were meticulously placed by these cultivators throughout the island, causing ripples of restrictive barriers to emerge in concentric circles.
Deep within the belly of the tallest peak, Han Li was placing a black-and-white spherical stone the size of a human head into a massive formation spanning several acres.
The moment the stone was set in place, the entire formation hummed loudly, and countless golden and silver runes surged forth from all directions.
The black-and-white stone shimmered with a radiant glow, releasing an unusual wave of energy that dissipated into the void.
“Can this formation truly activate the Two-Polar Magnetic Light to defend against enemies outside the island?” Silvermoon, standing behind Han Li and observing everything, couldn’t help but ask.
“Rest assured. This Two-Polar Magnetic Grand Formation was devised after I studied an ancient formation. Beneath this entire island lie several large magnetic veins. If this formation is fully activated, not only can it repel enemies beyond the island, but its range can also be expanded tenfold,” Han Li replied, stroking his chin.
“If that’s the case, Yuanhe Island can be considered secure. I’ve witnessed the power of the Two-Polar Magnetic Light—as long as the magnetic veins remain intact, even a Mahayana cultivator could be temporarily trapped if caught off guard,” Silvermoon chuckled lightly.
“Not just that. I’ve discovered that the entire Boundless Sea’s magnetic veins seem to converge beneath this archipelago. Other islands also have magnetic veins, though none as potent as Yuanhe Island’s. Still, they’re sufficient to set up simplified versions of the Two-Polar Magnetic Grand Formation. When interconnected, these formations can amplify the magnetic light’s power by another third and expand the restrictive range to an astonishing degree,” Han Li said with a hint of pride, glancing at the activated formation.
“If this truly comes to pass, the entire Boundless Sea would be impregnable. Brother Han would have established a true foundation for himself,” Silvermoon mused, her eyes flickering with emotion.
“Ah, so you’re envious? If I recall correctly, the Wolf Clan has sent envoys again. Are you truly uninterested in meeting them? If you returned, the title of Wolf King would undoubtedly be yours,” Han Li turned to her with a smile.
“I have no desire for such a position. Let the elders decide among themselves. Right now, my only wish is to advance my cultivation and reach the Mahayana realm. Only then will I not be left too far behind by you,” Silvermoon retorted, rolling her eyes.
“If Yue’er has no wish to be Wolf King, then there’s no need to return. As for your cultivation of the Emotion-Severing Art, after consulting numerous texts, I’ve discovered it may not be as irreversible as Senior Ao Xiao claimed,” Han Li nodded, his expression turning serious.
“What? You mean the Emotion-Severing Art can be reversed? But Grandfather clearly stated that unless I willingly regress to the Void Refinement stage, abandoning this art would be impossible. And once abandoned, my cultivation would stagnate forever,” Silvermoon exclaimed in disbelief, her joy quickly replaced by skepticism.
“Completely discarding the Emotion-Severing Art is indeed unlikely. But separating it from your body isn’t impossible,” Han Li replied slowly, narrowing his eyes slightly.
“Separating it? What do you mean?” Silvermoon frowned in confusion.
“The method is simple in theory but complex in practice. To put it briefly—you can refine an avatar and transfer all the Emotion-Severing Art’s true essence into it. This way, there’s a high chance the negative emotions will also be expelled from your body,” Han Li explained solemnly.
“And this would free me from the Emotion-Severing Art?” Silvermoon still seemed doubtful.
“An ordinary avatar wouldn’t suffice. Moreover, once the true essence is separated, your cultivation would indeed regress to the Void Refinement stage. The only benefit is that your progress would no longer be hindered, and advancing back to the Body Integration stage would face no bottlenecks. The only drawback is the additional time required for cultivation,” Han Li laid out plainly.
“Merely more time? Compared to resolving the Emotion-Severing Art’s shackles, that’s nothing. But how confident are you in this method?” Silvermoon hesitated.
“Not absolute, but seventy to eighty percent. However, separating the art from your body can’t be done alone. You’d need assistance from someone whose cultivation and spiritual sense far surpass yours. If you’re truly resolved, I’ll personally aid you,” Han Li assured her.
“Seventy to eighty percent is more than enough. But refining an avatar isn’t easy, and from your tone, an ordinary one won’t suffice,” Silvermoon gritted her teeth.
“Don’t worry. Even if it fails, your life won’t be at risk. As for the avatar… I’ve already prepared one for you.” Han Li chuckled, flicking his sleeve. A green figure shimmered into existence beside him.
“Ah! Isn’t that your spirit vessel? Are you giving it to me as an avatar?” Silvermoon gasped, recognizing the figure as Han Li’s Ginseng Immortal Spirit Vessel.
“Correct. This vessel differs from ordinary avatars—it lacks inherent sentience, serving only as an empty shell. Normally, I control it through Qu’er or a wisp of my spiritual sense. Now that my cultivation has advanced, this Body Integration-stage vessel is of little use to me. It’s perfect for you. As a Ginseng Immortal’s vessel, it’s inherently pure, capable of assimilating any true essence. With its peak late-Body Integration cultivation, it can easily accommodate your Emotion-Severing Art’s true essence without risk of backlash.” As Han Li spoke, he formed a hand seal and pointed at the vessel.
The vessel erupted in green light, its form shifting until its figure became slender and graceful, its features transforming into an exact replica of Silvermoon’s—save for its faintly green skin.
Silvermoon stared, dumbfounded.
Han Li gazed at the vessel, a trace of nostalgia flickering in his heart.
He had once hoped that continuous nourishment with the mysterious green liquid would allow the vessel’s cultivation to soar indefinitely.
Yet, for reasons unknown, upon reaching the peak of late-Body Integration, no amount of green liquid could push it further into the Mahayana realm.
Later, in the Blood Crow City of the demon realm, he obtained a Demonic Spirit Bone, hoping it might help the vessel break through.
To his dismay, even after refining the bone, the vessel remained stuck at the Body Integration stage. Qu’er, however, inherited several potent techniques from the bone’s memories—much to Han Li’s disappointment.
Under these circumstances, gifting the vessel to Silvermoon to resolve her Emotion-Severing Art dilemma seemed the most fitting choice.
“Since Brother Han sincerely offers this spirit vessel, I won’t decline. With this avatar, my confidence in this method grows. Time is of the essence—I’ll begin refining it immediately. In a hundred days, we can commence the separation.” Silvermoon exhaled softly, her tone carrying a peculiar note as she addressed Han Li.
“Good. The sooner the Emotion-Severing Art is resolved, the better. While you’re in seclusion, I’ll oversee the completion of the cave abode and all formations. Once done, I’ll assist you fully in separating the true essence.” Han Li nodded with a faint smile.
Silvermoon flashed him a radiant smile, formed a hand seal, and vanished like a wisp of shadow.
Han Li then turned back calmly to test the various restrictions derived from the formation before him.
His urgency in resolving Silvermoon’s dilemma stemmed from preparations for an impending journey to another continent.
Given the unpredictable dangers along the way, he preferred not to risk her accompanying him.
Though confident in his own survival, he couldn’t guarantee the safety of those around him in the vast Spirit Realm.
For this journey years hence, aside from Zhu Guo’er—whose spiritual sense was indispensable for locating the Minor Spirit Realm’s passage—he planned to bring only Stone Flower, adept in water-attribute techniques likely useful overseas.
At this thought, a long-buried silhouette flashed through Han Li’s mind. He inhaled deeply, tucking the memory away once more.
If the journey proceeded smoothly, he would soon reunite with that figure in the flesh.
For now, his priority was perfecting the Two-Polar Magnetic Grand Formation, leaving no vulnerabilities.
…
Three years passed in a blink.
Yuanhe Island was now unrecognizable from its state three years prior.
Not only was spiritual energy denser, but exotic beasts and spirit birds now roamed or soared between its peaks.
Among the pavilions, fully armored puppet guards patrolled fixed routes, their expressionless marches lending a martial edge to the paradisiacal scenery.
Suddenly, several resonant bell chimes echoed from the tallest peak. Countless streaks of light shot skyward from surrounding structures, all converging atop the summit.
“Greetings to the Patriarch! Congratulations on your emergence from seclusion!”
Thousands of mid- to high-tier cultivators bowed deeply before a silver palace, their voices united in reverence.
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