“You could say it’s useful, or you could say it’s useless. It depends on the intentions of the spirit insect’s owner!” Xu Ling’s cold demeanor shifted as he spoke with a broad smile.
“Intentions?” Han Li’s eyes flickered with confusion.
“Indeed. If you merely wish to cultivate mature spirit insects, then this Netherworld Spirit Milk would naturally be of no further use to them. However, if you seek to advance them further, this spirit milk becomes indispensable.” The old man spoke with profound meaning.
“Advance further?” Han Li seemed to recall something, his face revealing a look of astonishment.
“Exactly. The specifics can be discussed in detail later. I never expected you to possess mature Gold Devouring Beetles as well. In that case, the ownership of this Netherworld Spirit Milk becomes secondary. I wish to discuss another transaction with you, young friend. However, this matter is rather confidential and must be discussed privately. Jin Yan, Qing Yuanzi, I trust you two won’t object?” The Xu Ling elder first spoke amiably to Han Li before turning to Qing Yuanzi and the other with a calm expression.
Though his demeanor appeared composed, his words carried an unyielding tone that brooked no refusal.
“As long as you’re not forcing an unfair trade, I naturally have no objections,” Qing Yuanzi said, his heart chilled by the faint glint of cold light in the elder’s eyes.
“I also have no objections! Brother Xu Ling, proceed as you wish,” Jin Yanhou added with a smile.
“Good. Then I shall take my leave.” Clearly satisfied with their responses, the Xu Ling elder nodded before suddenly opening his mouth. A flash of black light later, a miniature pavilion half a foot tall was expelled from his mouth.
The pavilion was pitch black, its surface densely inscribed with various runes and enveloped in a faint black mist, exuding an air of profound mystery.
“Young friend Han, bring your Gold Devouring Beetles and join me in my Black Wind Pavilion for a discussion.” With a hand seal, the elder enlarged the pavilion to about ten feet tall before turning to speak.
Without waiting for Han Li’s response, he waved his sleeves, collecting his own Gold Devouring Beetles before shrinking rapidly to a mere inch in height and vanishing into the pavilion in a flash.
“Esteemed seniors, I must also beg your pardon.” Though inwardly uneasy, Han Li knew refusal was impossible. He offered a wry smile to Qing Yuanzi and the others before speaking.
“Very well, young friend Han, go ahead without worry. Since Brother Xu Ling has given his word, he won’t act in a manner unbecoming of his status. However, if his terms aren’t too unreasonable, it would be best for you to agree.” Qing Yuanzi frowned slightly as he offered his advice.
“Thank you for your guidance, Senior Jiang. I know what to do.” Han Li replied solemnly, collecting the dozen or so golden beetles before transforming into a green thread and entering the pavilion.
The moment Han Li stepped inside, the pavilion was engulfed in rolling black mist, severing all connection with the outside world.
“Brother Jiang, aren’t you concerned? Though this old monster can be erratic at times, his immense power is undeniable. If he truly intends to harm young friend Han inside, we wouldn’t have time to intervene.” Jin Yanhou suddenly transmitted his thoughts to Qing Yuanzi.
“Brother Jin Yan, you overthink it. Though the old monster can be domineering, he’s never broken his word in our dealings. We can rest assured on that count. Besides, while I owe young friend Han a significant debt and wish to look out for him, I must do so within my means. I have no desire to truly offend this old monster, lest I find myself without a place in the Netherworld.” Qing Yuanzi replied impassively.
“That’s true. The old monster’s abilities are such that even against a True Spirit, he could hold his own. We pale in comparison. But even if Gold Devouring Beetles are rare, his reaction seems excessive. Moreover, he already possesses the same spirit insects. Brother Jiang, can you guess his intentions?” Jin Yanhou nodded before posing another question.
“How could I possibly fathom the thoughts of such an old monster? Most likely, young friend Han’s Gold Devouring Beetles hold some use for him.” Qing Yuanzi’s eyes flickered as he evaded the question with a laugh.
“Is that so?” Jin Yanhou’s lips twitched as he smirked.
Qing Yuanzi merely smiled faintly, offering no further response.
Meanwhile, within the first-floor hall of the black pavilion, the shrunken figures of Han Li and the elder were deep in conversation.
“Young friend Han, take a seat. My Black Wind Pavilion is half a spatial treasure, capable of altering its size and blocking all external detection. No third party’s divine sense can penetrate here.” The elder seated himself grandly at the head of the table, addressing Han Li with a smile.
“Thank you, senior. Then I shall not stand on ceremony.” Han Li bowed respectfully before taking a seat at the lower end of the table.
“Before discussing our transaction, I must confirm one thing. Young friend Han, approximately how many mature Gold Devouring Beetles do you possess? Can you give me an exact number?” The elder struggled to contain his excitement as he posed the question.
“An exact number…” Han Li’s expression shifted slightly, hesitation evident in his voice.
“Ah, my question was rather abrupt. The terror of Gold Devouring Beetles lies in their numbers, so exact figures are indeed sensitive. Let me rephrase: are there more than five thousand?” The elder quickly amended his query, though his gaze grew tense as he awaited Han Li’s response.
Clearly, the answer held great significance for him.
“Yes.” After a moment of rapid deliberation, Han Li answered truthfully.
Though he wished to deny it, he feared the consequences if his answer displeased the elder. Lies were fragile in the face of true power.
“More than five thousand! Excellent. In that case, we can proceed with a significant transaction.” Xu Ling’s joy was palpable as he repeated his approval.
“Senior, does this transaction relate to the number of my Gold Devouring Beetles?” Han Li ventured cautiously.
“Of course! I wish to acquire five thousand mature Gold Devouring Beetles from you. As for compensation, name anything in my possession, and I won’t haggle.” The elder’s eyes gleamed as he made his startling proposal.
“Five thousand Gold Devouring Beetles?” Though he’d suspected as much, Han Li couldn’t hide his shock at the confirmation.
“Senior, this request is too much. Five thousand mature beetles constitute the vast majority of my cultivation efforts. I had hoped to use them as a trump card should I ever reach the Mahayana stage.”
“True, such a number of mature Gold Devouring Beetles is of unparalleled value. But where there’s value, there can be exchange. Among the spirit insects I haven’t yet shown you, two or three rival your beetles in fame. And that damaged Profound Heaven treasure is likely worth more than five thousand beetles.” The elder’s smile faded, his tone turning chilly.
“Senior jests. Those unshown spirit insects are your lifebound companions. As for the Profound Heaven treasure, though it tempts me greatly, I dare not accept it. Such a treasure would bring me more misfortune than benefit. Might you first reveal your purpose for needing so many beetles? I could then make a decision. I’m also curious—since these beetles are already bound to me, you surely don’t intend to wield them in battle. And the precise requirement of five thousand puzzles me further.” Han Li spoke slowly, feigning helplessness.
“…Hmph! You’ve got nerve, probing my affairs!” The elder’s brows shot up, his face frosting over.
“Forgive my impertinence, senior. But cultivating so many beetles to maturity has cost me untold effort—I treasure them as my own life. Without understanding their intended use, I cannot lightly part with them.” This time, Han Li stood firm.
“Your reasoning has merit. Very well, I’ll disclose my purpose. But once you hear it, you cannot refuse this transaction. Otherwise…” The elder’s eyes narrowed before he smiled again.
“Understood. I agree.” After a long moment of internal struggle, Han Li took a deep breath and consented.
“Ha! Wise choice, young friend Han. Listen well: I seek your beetles to cultivate the legendary Gold Devouring Beetle King. The method requires a vast number of mature beetles. The five thousand figure is because I already possess another five thousand. Combined, they suffice for my needs. More would be superfluous.” The elder finally revealed his astonishing motive.
“The Beetle King! Then your earlier collection of Netherworld Spirit Milk was…” Han Li’s expression shifted as he blurted the question.
“The spirit milk is another means to cultivate the king, though with enough mature beetles, it becomes unnecessary.” The elder replied without hesitation.
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