“As far as I know, the Illusory Roar Desert is home to a unique and rare demonic beast called the ‘Eight-Legged Demon Lizard.’ Although this beast cannot fly, it moves like the wind in the desert. If we can find a few to ride, we could save nearly half our time,” the Eternal Saintess said slowly.
“If such a beast exists, then the last route is worth considering. After all, this path is far safer than crossing the sea, though it may take a bit longer,” the feathered-robed maiden mused thoughtfully.
“You’re oversimplifying things, Fairy Ye. The demonic core, hide, bones, and flesh of the Eight-Legged Demon Lizard are highly valuable. After years of relentless hunting, this beast is nearly extinct. Any remaining specimens are either hidden deep in the desert or secretly bred by local demonic factions. Obtaining one or two might be possible, but finding enough for all of us is nearly impossible,” the Eternal Saintess sighed, her expression tinged with helplessness.
“If these demon lizards are so rare, perhaps we could substitute other spirit beasts or demonic beasts. I have a few spirit beasts skilled in land travel,” the feathered-robed maiden suggested, her eyes flickering with thought.
“The Illusory Roar Desert suppresses ordinary beasts severely. Even the most agile creatures become sluggish and useless upon entering. Only native demonic beasts remain unaffected, and among them, the Eight-Legged Demon Lizard is the fastest. Other beasts can’t even match half its speed,” the Eternal Saintess frowned.
The feathered-robed maiden’s face fell with disappointment.
Han Li, however, showed a flicker of intrigue.
*She knows so much about the demon realm. The Spirit Tribe’s preparations seem no less thorough than the Long Family’s—perhaps even more detailed. Otherwise, the Long Family Patriarch wouldn’t be unaware of the Eight-Legged Demon Lizard.*
“If we truly want to gather enough Eight-Legged Demon Lizards, it’s not impossible. We could simply uproot those demonic factions and seize the lizards. With our combined strength, it wouldn’t be difficult,” Elder Hui of the Long Family sneered.
“Unless we encounter a Demon Ancestor, we have nothing to fear. But such actions would draw too much attention. If the demonic powers target us or block our path at the other end of the desert, we’d be in serious trouble,” the Long Family Patriarch shook his head after some thought.
“True. Instead of clashing with these factions, we could steal the lizards or trade for them. Given our resources, we can surely offer something of equal value,” the disguised elder Confucian offered a different perspective.
“I believe the Illusory Roar Desert is the safer route,” Elder Golden Drum of the Spirit Tribe stated succinctly.
“I agree with Brother Lin. The sea route is more feasible. The desert route takes too long, and we can’t be sure we’ll find enough lizards,” the feathered-robed maiden sided with the disheveled man after some deliberation.
The others remained silent, weighing the pros and cons carefully.
“Brother Han, which route do you favor?” the Long Family Patriarch turned to Han Li after a moment of contemplation.
“Before answering, may I ask how long it would take to reach the Illusory Roar Desert—months or years?” Han Li replied calmly after a pause.
“Years? No, it only takes a little over a year if we proceed without delay. Why do you ask?” the Long Family Patriarch seemed surprised.
“Judging by risk, I lean toward the desert. But if we can’t secure enough lizards, the time lost would outweigh the benefits compared to the sea route, which takes only a decade. The saved time could offset the risks. So, I suggest we consider both,” Han Li said deliberately.
“How would that work?” the Eternal Saintess asked thoughtfully.
“We could head toward the desert first and attempt to acquire the lizards from local factions. If successful, we proceed; if not, we backtrack and take the sea route. The detour would cost only two extra years—a manageable delay,” Han Li explained seriously.
“That’s an excellent compromise! I support Brother Han’s idea,” the feathered-robed maiden’s eyes sparkled with approval.
“It does offer the best of both worlds,” the Lin-clan man nodded after some thought.
“Eternal Saintess, what do you think?” the Long Family Patriarch turned to her.
“I must consult my clansmen before giving an answer,” she replied after a moment of hesitation.
“Of course,” the Long Family Patriarch agreed readily.
The Eternal Saintess and her Spirit Tribe companions huddled to discuss, while the Long Family Patriarch whispered secretly with Elder Hui.
“Brother Han, your plan is indeed sound. Both the Spirit Tribe and the Long Family will likely agree. But judging from earlier, the Long Family Patriarch favored the desert, while the Spirit Tribe leaned toward the sea. They may have hidden agendas. Regardless of the outcome, we must stay vigilant,” the feathered-robed maiden’s voice whispered into Han Li’s ear.
Han Li glanced at her, but she stood motionless, her expression unreadable.
“Thank you for the warning, Fairy Ye. I’ll be cautious,” Han Li replied equally discreetly.
The feathered-robed maiden gave a faint smile but said no more.
As predicted, the Spirit Tribe agreed to Han Li’s proposal after their discussion, and the Long Family Patriarch raised no objections. The group promptly altered their course, flying westward across the grasslands.
Unbeknownst to them, a faint pink glow trailed far behind in the sky, keeping a distant watch.
Meanwhile, in a hidden Spirit Tribe sanctuary in the human realm, a massive formation over ten li in diameter pulsed with light atop scorched earth.
The formation hummed violently, spewing multicolored sigils that coalesced into thick chains, binding a colossal figure clad in ancient golden armor. Bloody shadows writhed behind it, shrieking eerily.
The giant, his face handsome yet contorted with fury, strained to hold aloft a silver net suspending a massive silver orb. The orb’s surface rippled with intricate patterns, distorting the surrounding space.
“Who are you to possess a Sealing Immortal Pearl? Are you truly a runaway slave from the Immortal Realm?” the giant roared at a golden palace floating high above.
“Your identity matters not. Since you wield the Spirit-Snaring Heaven Net, you are our mortal enemy. Trapped in this Demon-Sealing Formation and suppressed by the Sealing Pearl, this shall be your grave,” a cold, aged voice echoed from the palace.
“You think these petty tricks can kill me? I’ve cultivated a True Immortal Soul! How dare mere mortals dream of my demise? Once I break free, I’ll scatter your souls and melt you all in the forge!” the giant laughed maniacally.
“I know this formation and pearl alone can’t erase a True Immortal’s soul, even if your power is now weaker than mine. But if I seal you and refine you in the Netherworld’s flames for a hundred millennia, your soul will become an Immortal Soul Pill,” the voice replied icily.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage