The azure miniature figure transformed from Han Li’s Spirit Infant suddenly felt a chill run down its spine, as if it were a mortal being stared down by a ferocious beast.
Without hesitation, the tiny figure formed a hand seal and uttered a low chant.
Though the chant seemed quiet, the moment it was spoken, the surrounding void within a radius of several hundred meters trembled and instantly solidified, as if time itself had slowed.
Seizing the opportunity, the azure figure flickered and vanished like a phantom.
The next moment, amidst the raging winds several miles away, the miniature figure reappeared, its gaze fixed solemnly on a colossal entity in the distance.
Now that they were far enough apart, Han Li could finally discern the true form of the creature—a monstrous, mountain-sized head!
With two violet eyes, golden horns, pale silver scales, and four long tendrils, it was unmistakably the head of a dragon.
“A True Dragon!”
Han Li nearly gasped aloud at the sight.
The next instant, the massive dragon head shook violently, causing the surrounding void to ripple before the frozen space returned to normal.
Yet, the dragon’s gaze remained locked onto Han Li in the distance. Its mouth moved, emitting a deep, resonant voice:
“So, a newly ascended Venerable. Judging by your demeanor, this must be your first time soul-traveling beyond your physical form.”
“You are correct. This is indeed my first venture into the astral winds. Might you be one of the legendary True Dragons? What brings you here?” Han Li’s miniature figure quickly regained composure but remained cautious.
The dragon chuckled. “Heh, though your Spirit Infant is far more stable than most who have been Venerables for years, traces of nascent energy still leak out—a clear sign of recent ascension. To beings of our level, such details are impossible to conceal. As for me, I am one of the True Dragons—the Violet-Eyed Dragon! However, I encountered a formidable foe while traversing the realms and was forced to take refuge here.”
With that, the dragon shook its head once more, and an enormous, mountain-like body emerged from the void.
It was indeed a silver-scaled dragon, though its body was riddled with wounds, many of its scales missing—clearly severely injured.
Han Li was taken aback.
As soon as the dragon fully manifested, its scales shimmered, emitting a blinding silver radiance.
Han Li instinctively shut his eyes. When he reopened them, the colossal creature had vanished without a sound.
In its place stood a silver-robed youth, appearing no older than fifteen or sixteen, his complexion slightly pale as he smiled at Han Li.
“I am Fan Paozi. Greetings, fellow Daoist! Might I know your esteemed name? I once had the pleasure of meeting a fellow clansman of yours—Daoist Mo.”
“So, Brother Fan is acquainted with Mo. I am Han Li. The name of the Violet-Eyed True Dragon has long been renowned. Yet, for one of your stature to be injured—your adversary must be extraordinary.” Han Li feigned surprise, though his miniature figure betrayed no emotion.
Fan Paozi sighed. “Ah, anyone who encounters the Seven-Headed Owl in the void between realms would flee. But this time, I had something of utmost importance and could not retreat. I had no choice but to fight. Though I suffered heavy injuries and lost some of my treasured scales, I managed to crush two of its heads.”
“The Seven-Headed Owl? No wonder. That creature is infamous even among spirit beasts for its bloodlust. For Brother Fan to defeat it speaks volumes of your power.” Han Li couldn’t hide his astonishment.
“Defeat? More like mutual destruction. That beast is vicious but not particularly intelligent. With a little trickery, I secured my prize. Who would willingly tangle with such a monster otherwise?” Fan Paozi smirked.
“Then I must congratulate you on your new treasure.” The azure figure clasped its hands, though a flicker of curiosity crossed its face.
“Thank you, Brother Han. However, this is the first time I’ve been so grievously wounded. The Seven-Headed Owl lingers nearby, refusing to leave. How about we join forces to eliminate it? Your Spirit Infant alone is extraordinary—your true power must surpass ordinary Venerables. Together, we stand a good chance. If successful, you may take its core, while I consume its flesh to heal. What say you?”
Han Li’s miniature figure shook its head vehemently. “Brother Fan jests. I am but a newly ascended junior—hardly fit to challenge such a monstrosity.”
“No interest? A pity. The core of the Seven-Headed Owl is a peerless treasure—whether for cultivation or forging artifacts. Even if you don’t need it, others would trade fortunes for it. Such an opportunity may not come again for centuries.”
“I am but a humble cultivator, unworthy of provoking a beast capable of annihilating entire nations. Please, let us speak no more of this.” Han Li remained resolute.
“Very well. Though I have powerful allies, none are nearby. Ordinary Venerables would only perish against that fiend. I suppose I shall retreat to heal and return to my realm.” Fan Paozi sighed, as if recognizing Han Li’s true strength beyond typical Venerables.
True Spirits, though comparable in rank to Venerables, often outmatch multiple Venerables in combat. Some even rival or surpass true immortals.
“Brother Fan intends to leave?” Han Li inquired.
Fan Paozi laughed. “I was recuperating in a spatial rift nearby. But now that you know of my presence, would your clan rest easy with me lingering? What if the Seven-Headed Owl tracks me here?”
Han Li hesitated, then nodded. “If that beast comes, our human race alone could not withstand it. I shall not insist on your stay.”
“Though we’ve just met, I feel a rare kinship. Allow me to gift you something as a token of goodwill.”
With that, Fan Paozi spat out a silver orb that flew toward Han Li.
The miniature figure caught it, revealing a shimmering silver scale.
“Brother Fan, this is…?”
“In a few centuries, the Golden Dragon Elder of our race will host the ‘Grand Spiritual Dao Fruit Assembly’ on the True Dragon Isle. Only select True Spirits and Venerables are invited. This scale is your pass. When the time comes, it will reveal the location. If you’re free, do attend.”
“The Grand Spiritual Dao Fruit Assembly… I humbly accept. Thank you, Brother Fan.” Han Li examined the scale carefully before storing it away.
Pleased, Fan Paozi added, “I hope to see you there. One last warning: though Venerables can soul-travel, beware of displaying your Spirit Infant before powerful beings. Many True Spirits relish devouring them—the more refined, the tastier. Hah!”
With a booming laugh, Fan Paozi transformed back into his dragon form and vanished in a streak of silver lightning.
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