Chapter 1868: Capricious Emotions

Upon hearing this, not only did Marquis Goldenflame and Qing Yuanzi exchange bitter smiles, but even Han Li’s eyelids twitched violently, his heart filled with astonishment.

“I have some matters to discuss with you this time. Let’s sit down below first. Goldenflame, your Jade Spirit Wine is quite excellent—bring me seven or eight jugs,” the old man said nonchalantly, his eyes flickering slightly.

“Seven or eight jugs? Brother Xuling must be joking! The Jade Spirit Wine takes three hundred years to brew a single jug, and the ingredients are extremely rare. I only have three or four jugs in total—how could I possibly offer you seven or eight?” Marquis Goldenflame’s face twitched, torn between laughter and exasperation.

“Haha, three or four jugs will do. Enough for me to enjoy a few cups,” the old man chuckled, his eyes gleaming as he laughed heartily.

Without waiting for further objections from Marquis Goldenflame or Qing Yuanzi, he formed a hand seal, and the giant beetle beneath him vanished with a *poof*, dissolving into a wisp of black smoke.

The smoke coiled like a spirit snake before disappearing into his sleeve.

Then, with a flash of movement, the old man transformed into a streak of dark light and descended toward the palace below.

Marquis Goldenflame sighed in resignation, raising a hand to summon the three golden-armored guards suspended in midair.

The guards, who had been spinning uncontrollably, immediately stopped as the white silk binding them shattered into pieces.

Though still dizzy, they quickly steadied themselves and hurriedly bowed to Marquis Goldenflame, their faces flushed with shame. “Thank you, Master, for saving us! We are incompetent and have disgraced you!”

“It’s not your fault. The intruder’s power was such that even I had to retreat. Just repair the formations,” Marquis Goldenflame replied, shaking his head. With a surge of golden flames around him, he too shot downward in a streak of light.

“Young friend Han, come along as well. This old monster is truly difficult to deal with—be extra careful later,” Qing Yuanzi sighed. A golden flash at his feet, and he vanished into the void.

Han Li stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, then followed suit, descending swiftly.

Moments later, Han Li and the others reappeared in the grand hall, taking their seats once more.

However, opposite Qing Yuanzi now sat the old man called Xuling.

Without further ado, Marquis Goldenflame clapped his hands lightly, summoning four beautiful maids clad in golden veils. They carried trays of rare spirit fruits, placing them before each person.

“What about the Jade Spirit Wine? Goldenflame, surely you don’t intend to fool me with just these fruits?” the old man scoffed, glancing disdainfully at the offerings.

“Brother Xuling, don’t be impatient. The Jade Spirit Wine must be stored in ten-thousand-year-old Profound Ice to enhance its flavor. I’ve already sent someone to fetch it from the ice vault,” Marquis Goldenflame explained, suppressing his irritation.

“That’s more like it!” The old man nodded, grabbing a peach-like spirit fruit and devouring it in a few bites—even swallowing the pit without hesitation.

Han Li watched silently, momentarily speechless.

Just then, the old man’s gaze inexplicably fell upon Han Li. After a brief inspection, he let out a soft exclamation.

“Young man, judging by your bone age, you’re barely over two thousand years old. To have reached your current cultivation at such an age—your aptitude is truly remarkable. Are you Qing Yuanzi’s clansman?” the old man asked with mild interest.

“Greetings, Senior. Indeed, I am a clansman of Senior Jiang,” Han Li replied respectfully, rising to bow. Though the old man’s tone was complimentary, Han Li felt no flattery—only a creeping unease.

This was someone even Qing Yuanzi, a Mahayana cultivator, found troublesome. Naturally, Han Li wished to keep his distance.

Moreover, the fact that the old man could discern his true age with a mere glance was terrifying. He could only hope the question was casual.

But Han Li’s hopes were dashed.

Upon hearing his response, the old man’s eyes brightened, and he clicked his tongue in admiration. “Excellent, excellent. With such talent, you’re a rarity even in the Spirit Realm. Qing Yuanzi, if I recall, your human race is rather insignificant—a minor clan, no? Yet not only do you have a Mahayana cultivator like yourself, but also a promising junior like Han. Your strength isn’t as simple as it seems. Could it be your race has been hiding its true power?”

“Brother Xuling jests! Our human race is indeed a minor clan. Though I hail from it, I later encountered unique opportunities—otherwise, I’d never have reached my current realm. Thus, I can hardly be considered a pure human anymore. As for Han’s rapid progress, it’s not entirely unusual. Any race may produce one or two prodigies. It’s merely coincidence that you’ve encountered him—hardly comparable to your noble clan,” Qing Yuanzi replied with a dry laugh.

“Is that so? Yet even in our Ephemera Clan, which is far from small, I’ve never seen someone reach late-stage Body Integration at such a young age. Tell me, young friend—would you care to join our Ephemera Clan? If you agree to serve as an honorary elder, our clan will provide all the materials and medicines you need for cultivation,” the old man said, glancing at Qing Yuanzi before turning to Han Li with a smirk.

Qing Yuanzi’s expression darkened, his lips parting as if to speak—but no words came out.

Han Li was taken aback, but after a moment’s thought, he firmly declined. “Thank you for your kindness, Senior. However, my clan is currently facing a great calamity. Though my power is meager, I must return to stand with them. Joining your esteemed clan is impossible.”

“A calamity? What calamity? Hmph! Are you making excuses to brush me off?” The old man’s jovial expression vanished, replaced by a scowl as his voice turned sharp.

With a *boom*, an invisible pressure erupted from him, crashing down upon Han Li like a tidal wave.

“I would never dare!”

Though Han Li knew the old man was eccentric, he hadn’t expected such blatant aggression. Suppressing his alarm, he hastily defended himself as a protective glow enveloped him.

*Boom!*

A tremendous force pressed down on his shoulders, forcing him to slump slightly. His golden barrier flickered wildly, on the verge of shattering. Simultaneously, a series of cracks echoed from within his body as his bones trembled under the strain.

Had Han Li’s physique not been extraordinary, an ordinary cultivator would have either died on the spot or coughed up blood from the sheer pressure.

“Oh? Interesting!”

The old man’s eyes gleamed with surprise, his stern expression melting into intrigue. Yet his seated form suddenly expanded, growing taller as the pressure on Han Li intensified.

*Crack!*

Han Li’s shoulders shuddered, his face paling slightly—but he remained seated, even as the chair beneath him disintegrated into dust.

“Brother Xuling, show mercy!” Qing Yuanzi frowned, flicking his sleeve to release a golden mist that surged between Han Li and the pressure.

A muffled *thud* echoed as the two forces collided and canceled each other out.

Han Li exhaled in relief, the weight lifting from his shoulders. His awe for the old man’s terrifying power deepened.

No wonder Qing Yuanzi and Marquis Goldenflame treated him with such reverence—his strength far surpassed theirs.

“Qing Yuanzi, do you wish to spar with me? Excellent! It’s been millennia since our last bout. I’ve heard you’ve mastered a new technique—perfect for me to test!” The old man’s eyes lit up with excitement, his earlier aggression forgotten as he cracked his knuckles eagerly.

He completely disregarded Han Li now, leaving the younger man blinking in bewilderment.

Was this man truly a battle maniac, or was he feigning madness?

Qing Yuanzi, recalling something unpleasant, forced a smile and waved his hands hastily. “Brother Xuling jests again. How could I dare to spar with you? Han is my clansman—please, show him some leniency.”

“No sparring? What a pity. Fine, for your sake, I’ll spare the boy. I’ve more important matters anyway,” the old man sighed, his enthusiasm deflating instantly.

“Speaking of which, I’m curious. Rumor has it you’ve reached the final bottleneck and have been in seclusion for millennia, preparing for your ascension tribulation. What brings you to the Netherworld River, visiting all of us? Is there truly something urgent?” Marquis Goldenflame asked.

“Of course it’s urgent! Do you think I’d cross realms for leisure? Enough chatter—hand over all your Netherworld River Milk. I’ve brought ‘Five Essence Pills’ and ‘Myriad Earthworm’ eggs to trade for every drop you have!” the old man declared without hesitation.

“What? You want Netherworld River Milk?”

“Why do you need it, Brother Xuling?”

Marquis Goldenflame and Qing Yuanzi exclaimed in unison, stunned.

Han Li, too, was shocked.

“Is it so strange? Do you think my ‘Five Essence Pills’ and ‘Myriad Earthworm’ eggs aren’t worth the trade?” the old man snapped, his expression darkening.

“Of course not! It’s just… I’ve already traded all my milk to Brother Jiang!” Marquis Goldenflame replied, his expression twisting oddly.