“The third level of the Refining God Technique! Achieving this realm is far from easy. When I cultivated the second level, I had already exhausted all means. Advancing further in such a short time is nearly impossible…” Han Li replied somewhat helplessly.
“I observed your battle with the Mother of the Moth Spirits’ True Extreme Body from afar through the formation. Your physical strength is formidable, no less than those of the Profound Immortals. With this advantage and some guidance from me, mastering the third level of the Refining God Technique won’t be as difficult as you imagine. Though I never practiced this technique myself, as an Inspector Envoy, I once captured several individuals who cultivated this forbidden art. It was effortless to extract some cultivation secrets from them,” the man said confidently.
“Senior, this puts me in a dilemma. Since cultivating this technique brings endless repercussions, I must carefully consider whether to advance further. Otherwise, even if I ascend to the Immortal Realm, I might end up being hunted by all,” Han Li hesitated before replying with a bitter smile.
“I understand your skepticism. That’s fine. With your current cultivation, even if you cease practicing the Refining God Technique, within a thousand years at most or a hundred at least, you’ll discover the anomalies in your divine sense sea. By then, you’ll naturally seek me out again. As for worrying about the Immortal Realm now, isn’t it a bit premature? It’s more practical to focus on surviving and whether this technique can truly help you ascend,” the man said indifferently, without pressuring Han Li.
“Thank you for your understanding, Senior. This matter concerns my future path of cultivation, so I must be cautious. I need time to consider and will give you a reply soon. However, I have another question,” Han Li said after a long pause, exhaling lightly.
“Oh? What else do you wish to know?” the man asked calmly, unsurprised by Han Li’s response.
“I want to know what the Immortal Realm is truly like,” Han Li asked, his eyes flickering slightly.
“Heh, the Immortal Realm? It’s too early for you now. If you truly wish to know, I’ll share some details before you face the tribulation of ascension. For now, I can only describe it with one word: ‘vast.’ Only in the Immortal Realm will you comprehend the immensity of its domains. Even a lifetime isn’t enough for an immortal to explore even the most insignificant domain. So, even if you practice the Refining God Technique, as long as you avoid major cities, encountering Inspectors like us is unlikely. Generally, it’s quite safe,” the man replied nonchalantly.
“After hearing your words, Senior, my longing for the Immortal Realm has grown stronger,” Han Li said with a faint smile.
“The Immortal Realm’s cultivation resources and treasures are incomparable to the lower realms. Otherwise, why would I strive so hard to return? Since you’re not ready to agree to my proposal, I won’t detain you further. Here’s something useful for you now—consider it compensation for slaying the Mother of the Moth Spirits. I never owe favors,” the man said.
With a “whoosh,” a streak of white light flew out from the alms bowl. Han Li’s divine sense swept over it, and with a flick of his hand, he caught the object—a paper-thin crystalline jade piece inscribed with dense golden and silver runes, unmistakably the Immortal Scripts of Silver Ant and Golden Seal.
“This is a treasure talisman I brought from the Immortal Realm, containing a drop of the rare Violet Cloud Essence. It should compensate for the origin power you lost when igniting your root fire,” the man said impassively.
Sensing the unique immortal aura emanating from the jade, Han Li was overjoyed. He stored it hastily and bowed repeatedly in thanks.
“You may leave. Return when you decide to continue cultivating the Refining God Technique,” the man said. A gray-white light flashed beneath Han Li’s feet, teleporting him away.
“Once you’ve started this forbidden art, giving up is impossible. With his current state, a brief slumber for me will suffice before he returns,” the man murmured after a moment of silence.
The altar trembled violently, and the eight bronze pillars nearby resonated, conjuring a colossal formation beneath the stone forest. In a flash of light, both the stone forest and the altar vanished, leaving the ground barren once more.
…
A year later, atop a towering peak near the edge of the Primordial Demon Land, a black-robed youth sat cross-legged on a boulder, meditating with closed eyes.
After an indeterminate time, his expression shifted. His eyes snapped open, revealing faint purple glints in his pupils.
“Why is it you…?” he muttered, a trace of wariness in his voice.
Moments later, a piercing green streak shot across the sky, arriving abruptly above the peak. As the light faded, it revealed a young man in his twenties—none other than Han Li.
“Fellow Daoist Yuanying, you’re punctual—arriving two hours early,” Han Li remarked with a faint smile, glancing down at the boulder.
The youth below was Yuanying, one of the three Primordial Ancestors of the demon race.
“It wasn’t you who summoned me. Where is Baohua, or is this all her scheme?” Yuanying asked coldly, his expression unreadable.
“Baohua is likely at the Emerald Cloud Valley, a million miles away. I’m here at her request to detain you for a while,” Han Li admitted frankly.
“Emerald Cloud Valley—where Liuji is recuperating. So, Baohua is making her move to reclaim her position as Ancestor. Niepan must also be occupied elsewhere. Among the foreign Grand Ascendants, aside from you, only the Copper Crow Elder could restrain Niepan. I wonder what Baohua offered to enlist your aid,” Yuanying mused, surprisingly composed.
“I didn’t inquire about Niepan’s handler, but it’s likely the Copper Crow Elder. As for rewards, I received some—enough to face an Ancestor,” Han Li replied calmly.
“Rumor has it you played the pivotal role in slaying the Mother of the Moth Spirits. It seems you’ve finally reached our level after ascending. But do you truly believe you can stop me from leaving?” Yuanying’s eyes flashed with purple light, his tone growing icy.
“The credit belongs to all who fought. If you believe you can leave unscathed under my watch, feel free to try,” Han Li said mildly.
Yuanying’s face darkened, hesitation flickering in his eyes. After a long silence, he sighed.
“Regardless, I owe Baohua for freeing me from the seal. For that, I won’t interfere this time. If she succeeds, I’ll acknowledge her as Ancestor. If she fails, there won’t be a second chance—the Three Ancestors must stand united.”
“Wise decision. Since we’re here, why not exchange cultivation insights?” Han Li suggested cheerfully.
“I’m curious about your post-ascension prowess. An exchange would be beneficial,” Yuanying agreed after a brief pause.
Without ceremony, Han Li gestured, lifting another boulder to land near Yuanying. Descending gracefully, he settled opposite the demon ancestor.
…
Far away, above a vast lake, the Copper Crow Elder hovered expressionlessly. Across from him stood a handsome youth clad in crystalline armor, his gaze cold and hostile.
In a bamboo-filled valley, an endless sea of white mist enveloped the landscape. At its heart, explosions and the fluttering of pink petals echoed through the roiling fog.
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