“It seems we’ve been talking for too long, and Sister Lanying is getting a bit impatient. What problem have you encountered at Guangyuan Zhai that requires her help?” Zi Ling’s face flushed slightly upon hearing the voice transmission from the flaxen-robed girl, but she quickly composed herself and asked with concern.
“No need, the main purpose of my visit has already been resolved. The question I have now is just a minor one,” Han Li replied nonchalantly.
“I see. Then I’ll remove the restriction first and have a word with Sister Lanying,” Zi Ling said, visibly relieved, nodding as she spoke.
Han Li naturally had no objections.
With a graceful motion, Zi Ling reached out, and the restriction token reappeared in her palm with a flash.
A flick of her wrist—
The surrounding light barrier burst with a soft “puff,” vanishing into thin air.
Moments later, the flaxen-robed girl descended from the fifth floor with “Aunt Zhu,” both smiling.
What followed was much simpler.
In front of Zi Ling, Han Li recounted in detail the peculiarities of the mysterious green energy within his body to Lanying.
The flaxen-robed girl, true to her reputation as the master of Guangyuan Zhai, though not highly accomplished in cultivation, was exceptionally knowledgeable. After pondering for a long time based on Han Li’s description, she actually identified the true nature of the green energy.
“What? You’re saying this is the infernal yin energy accompanying the Yin-Yang Great Five Elements True Light, which is why it’s so hard to expel?” Han Li nearly jumped up upon hearing the name of the green energy from the flaxen-robed girl.
“It seems Brother Han has also heard of the Great Five Elements True Light. While I’m not entirely certain, I’m about seventy to eighty percent confident. The Yin-Yang Great Five Elements True Light is said to be able to merge with any cultivation technique or supernatural power, even earning the title ‘Mother of All Arts.’ However, if the true light itself remains in a place of profound yin, untouched by sunlight for years, it may mutate into this kind of infernal energy. It’s said that in ancient times in the demon realm, there was once an Ancestor who possessed the Yin-Yang Great Five Elements True Light. By integrating it into his demonic arts, he amplified their power to such an extent that he overpowered two other Ancestors of equal standing, nearly dominating the entire demon realm. Had he not mysteriously disappeared during a journey to another realm, the demon realm might not be as it is today,” the flaxen-robed girl said with grave seriousness.
“I’ve read about this in an ancient demonic tome. But the main reason that Ancestor nearly unified the demon realm was due to the Heaven-Sundering Demonic Art he cultivated. That art has long been hailed as the foremost in the demon realm, with countless practitioners over the years, yet only that Ancestor fully comprehended its mysteries. Combined with the amplification from the Yin-Yang Five Elements True Light, it’s no wonder no one could rival him at the time. Brother Han, how did you come into contact with this infernal yin energy? Have you encountered the Great Five Elements True Light? I’ve heard its form is quite unstable—it could be a small rock or an unremarkable piece of deadwood!” Zi Ling, surprisingly familiar with the legend, couldn’t help but interject.
“No, I’ve never seen the Yin-Yang Great Five Elements True Light. This infernal energy accidentally entered my body from a piece of ore. Since then, it’s clung to me like a parasite, impossible to fully expel,” Han Li replied with a bitter smile, though his mind was in turmoil.
The Yin-Yang Great Five Elements True Light was precisely the power one of the Five Extreme Mountains of Yuanhe should possess.
This true light had long vanished from the human realm, and compared to the other extreme mountains, Han Li had little hope of finding it.
Never did he expect to stumble upon a clue in the demon realm, and one so closely tied to the mysterious green energy that had plagued him.
Though this was far from actually obtaining the Great Five Elements True Light—even if found, the quantity might not suffice to forge an extreme mountain—it still kindled a glimmer of hope in Han Li’s heart.
It seemed he would have to stay in the demon realm a while longer.
“Hmm, obtaining it from a piece of ore isn’t surprising. Though the Great Five Elements True Light has been absent from the demon realm for ages, ores tainted with its mutated infernal energy are occasionally discovered. However, no matter how extensively the local powers excavate the sites, they never find anything more. It’s speculated that while there might be one or more sources of Yin-Yang Great Five Elements True Light underground nearby, their locations have shifted dramatically for unknown reasons, making them impossible to locate. The ore Brother Han encountered likely originated from such a source,” the flaxen-robed girl mused, nodding thoughtfully.
“If this energy remains in the body for long, are there any harmful effects? Is there a way to expel it?” Zi Ling, recalling something, hurriedly asked.
“Though this mutated infernal yin energy isn’t the true light itself, for certain demon realm cultivators practicing unique arts, it’s actually a rare boon. However, as a human cultivator, Brother Han, it’s harmful with no benefits. Prolonged exposure will cause meridians to atrophy and the body to stiffen. By then, it would be a serious problem! But don’t worry too much, Brother Han. Others have been afflicted by this before, and a mighty figure devised a method to refine it. If you follow the prescribed incantation, you can refine the infernal yin energy within your body,” the flaxen-robed girl said confidently.
“So that’s how it is. Since Sister Lanying mentions it, Guangyuan Zhai must have this refining incantation. As far as I know, your establishment has always been fond of collecting various techniques and secrets,” Zi Ling said, her expression easing as she chuckled.
“Well… this particular incantation, I truly don’t have. It’s such an obscure technique, useful to almost no one, that our establishment never bothered to collect it. However, I do know who currently possesses it. But obtaining it…” The flaxen-robed girl hesitated, her expression turning uncertain.
“What is it? Judging by your demeanor, Fairy, the incantation isn’t easily obtained. Are there difficulties?” Han Li, sharp as ever, noticed her hesitation and pressed the question.
“To be frank, Brother Han, the incantation is held by a late-stage Body Integration old monster. He’s notoriously temperamental, and his powers surpass even Aunt Zhu’s. Though our establishment has traded with him a few times and can contact him, I can’t guarantee he’ll part with the incantation,” the girl explained slowly.
“That’s no issue. As long as you can reach him, I’m willing to pay any price. He wouldn’t cling to a useless incantation and turn down a windfall, would he?” Han Li smiled, his worries dissipating.
“With your word, Brother Han, I’ll naturally contact the old monster and secure a satisfactory answer for you,” the flaxen-robed girl agreed without further hesitation.
Zi Ling, watching from the side, exhaled softly, her anxious expression finally fading.
“However, since I’ve helped Brother Han resolve such a significant problem, shouldn’t we discuss compensation?” the flaxen-robed girl said with a bright smile.
“Naturally. Name your price in demon stones, Fairy,” Han Li replied with a chuckle.
“Let’s not. For anyone else, I might shamelessly demand an exorbitant sum. But since Brother Han is an old acquaintance of Sister Zi, and she’s my dear friend, I’ll cover the cost this time!” The flaxen-robed girl blinked, suddenly adopting a stern expression.
Han Li was taken aback but, after a brief pause, nodded with a light laugh.
“Since Fairy Lanying insists, I’ll graciously accept.”
“You agree just like that, without even a token refusal?” The flaxen-robed girl widened her eyes, her expression turning peculiar.
“Since it’s your kind offer, how could I refuse? Unless Fairy Lanying has more to say?” Han Li replied with a teasing smile.
“Not even a word of thanks. It feels like this favor was given too lightly, with hardly any gratitude in return!” The flaxen-robed girl pouted, shooting Han Li a sidelong glance.
Han Li’s lips curled slightly, but he remained silent, smiling.
Zi Ling, listening to their exchange, wore a faint smile and said softly, “Enough, you two. One is pretending modesty after gaining an advantage, the other is angling for a powerful ally. Why beat around the bush? Just speak plainly. Brother Han, Sister Lanying is indeed like a sister to me. If the opportunity arises, do lend her a hand.”
“If it’s within my power, I’ll help Fairy Lanying. But let’s be clear—my assistance is for her alone, not Guangyuan Zhai,” Han Li said solemnly, his smile fading.
“Truly? Then I’ll hold you to your word!” The flaxen-robed girl blushed slightly but beamed with joy.
“However, I won’t be staying in the demon realm much longer. Once I return to the human realm, coming back won’t be so easy,” Han Li added meaningfully.
“Brother Han must have forgotten—Guangyuan Zhai operates across realms! Tearing through the void for cross-realm teleportation might be nearly impossible for ordinary Body Integration cultivators, but for us, it’s not insurmountable,” Lanying laughed, surprising Han Li with her words.
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