“So, the news about the Spirit Pool was relayed by the Holy Maiden to Brother Long and the others. But Brother Long, your unwavering belief must have its own reasoning, no?” Han Li pondered briefly before calmly addressing the Long Family Patriarch.
At Han Li’s question, the feathered-robed maiden and the disheveled man exchanged glances, their expressions shifting as they turned their attention to the Long Family Patriarch.
“I naturally have my own methods to verify the truth of this matter. However, the specifics are not something I can disclose to fellow Daoists. Fortunately, Fairy Ye’s earlier words indirectly confirm that the Spirit Cleansing Pool does indeed exist somewhere in the Demon Realm. In that case, it all depends on whether we dare to take this risk and seize this immense opportunity. To be frank, this old man, along with the Holy Maiden and Brother Hui, are determined to make this journey. Additionally, several Saint Spirit-level figures from the Spirit Realm will also join us. As for the human race, the Three Emperors and other major factions will certainly not be involved, which is why we sought out the three of you. Heh, originally, I had only planned to invite Fairy Ye and Brother Lin. Daoist Han’s appearance was an unexpected delight. Now, it’s up to the three of you whether you’re willing to gamble and venture into the Demon Realm,” the Long Family Patriarch declared resolutely.
After hearing this, Han Li and the other two exchanged glances, none immediately responding, their expressions varied.
“Brother Long, when exactly do you plan to enter the Demon Realm after the demonic calamity erupts? From what I know, this demonic calamity is far more severe than previous ones. A single misstep could spell doom for our human race. If we leave at the wrong time, our respective factions might not survive the demonic tribulation,” the feathered-robed maiden finally spoke after a long silence, exhaling deeply.
“This old man has naturally considered that. Therefore, the timing for entering the Demon Realm will be several decades after the demonic calamity erupts. By then, the human race should have weathered the most violent phase of the calamity and entered a stalemate, with all factions supporting one another. Under such circumstances, we can find the right opportunity to infiltrate the Demon Realm without major issues. Moreover, Daoist Han, as a rogue cultivator, has no attachments to worry about. As for the Ye and Lin Families, you surely have more than just the two of you at the Body Integration stage,” the Long Family Patriarch replied calmly, a strange glint flashing in his eyes.
“Hmph, Old Monster Long, you’re quite well-informed! Fine, if the Lin Family faces no grave danger during the demonic tribulation, I’ll accompany you on this journey,” the disheveled man was the first among the three to respond.
Clearly, the allure of the Spirit Cleansing Pool and the Pure Heart Lotus was too great for him to refuse, despite his grim expression.
“If there’s a method to conceal our auras and infiltrate the Demon Realm, our chances of survival would naturally increase. But even the most flawless disguise would eventually reveal flaws if we linger too long in the Demon Realm. How long would this journey to the Demon Realm take? If it’s too lengthy, the risk of perishing would be immense. I might need to reconsider before deciding whether to embark on this venture. Of course, if it’s not too long, I wouldn’t pass up such a grand opportunity,” the feathered-robed maiden asked after another deep breath.
“Fairy Ye, your question puts me in a difficult spot. From what I know, the Spirit Cleansing Pool and the Pure Heart Lotus are located deep in the Demon Realm’s heartland. Even under the best circumstances, the round trip would take over a decade. If we encounter complications, it could easily stretch several times longer. And we can’t act immediately after the demonic calamity erupts, so time isn’t exactly on our side,” the Holy Maiden Qianqiu replied with a hint of reluctance.
“Several decades? That’s indeed too long. I might need to deliberate further before giving you an answer,” the maiden replied hesitantly after a long pause.
“No matter. Fairy Ye is free to take her time. However, your Heavenly Phoenix bloodline grants you the ability to shatter void, a tremendous asset for this journey. It would be a shame if you didn’t join,” the Long Family Patriarch responded meaningfully, unsurprised by her hesitation.
“Whether I go or not, I’ll weigh my options carefully,” the feathered-robed maiden said curtly before falling silent.
With that, the Long Family Patriarch and the others turned their attention to Han Li, who had yet to speak.
“Since such treasures exist in the Demon Realm, as a rogue cultivator, I wouldn’t hesitate to take the risk. However, in the next few centuries, I have several pressing matters that demand my time. I may not be able to spare the time for this journey,” Han Li mused before revealing his predicament, much to the others’ surprise.
“I see. Very well, Daoist Han can decide based on circumstances. If time permits, join us. If not, I won’t force the matter. But let me be clear—whether you join or not, keep this confidential. Currently, only a handful know of this. If rumors spread, don’t blame me for being ruthless. I’m not afraid of competition, but if the demons catch wind of this, infiltrating the Demon Realm would become exponentially harder,” the Long Family Patriarch warned coldly, seemingly indifferent to Han Li’s participation.
Han Li merely smiled, unfazed.
The feathered-robed maiden, however, frowned and retorted, “Brother Long, what do you take us for? Why would we do something so detrimental?”
“I merely stated the obvious. I trust none of you are loose-lipped. The decision to take this risk is entirely yours. But before the demonic calamity erupts, I need your final answers. If you decline, I’ll seek replacements,” the Long Family Patriarch added gravely.
“Naturally,” the maiden agreed promptly.
Han Li nodded thoughtfully beside her.
With the discussion concluded, Han Li and the others saw no reason to linger. After exchanging pleasantries, the trio took their leave, escorted out by the Hui Family elder.
Soon, only the Holy Maiden Qianqiu and the Long Family Patriarch remained in the hall.
The yellow-robed maiden’s smile vanished, her eyes flickering with thought. The Long Family Patriarch, meanwhile, stared at the door, lost in contemplation.
Silence reigned.
After a long pause, the Holy Maiden suddenly spoke softly, “I still don’t understand why you insisted on recruiting the Ye Family. Do you truly believe her Heavenly Phoenix transformation is so crucial? The other Saint Spirit I’ve invited is no less capable in void-shattering. Do you doubt my word?”
“Of course not. We’ve known each other for years; trust isn’t an issue. But we’re venturing into the legendary Demon Realm. An extra ally with void-shattering abilities increases our survival odds. Moreover, the Ye Family’s secret techniques rival our Long Family’s. Bringing her along would be a great boon,” the Long Family Patriarch replied calmly.
“Even if Fairy Ye is valuable, why include Daoist Han? He’s only at the early Body Integration stage. If you need more hands, I can recruit a mid-stage expert from my clan,” the Holy Maiden sighed.
“Heh, we agreed our parties would be evenly matched. Surely you’re not reneging? Besides, you underestimate Han Li. Though newly advanced, his strength surpasses even Elder Hui’s. Even late-stage experts like us would struggle to defeat him. Moreover, his Dharma Form seems derived from an ancient demonic technique, allowing him to wield true demonic energy. He could prove invaluable in the Demon Realm. Of course, if he declines, I’ll find another capable rogue cultivator,” the Long Family Patriarch said confidently.
“As the Holy Maiden of the Artifact Spirit Race, I wouldn’t go back on my word. If you’ve already considered everything, I’ll say no more. I’ll leave this Demon Pearl with you—you’ve mastered its usage. Our pact between the Spirit Race and your clan is sealed, so I’ll depart for the Spirit Realm tomorrow. I trust you’ll handle our collaborative affairs diligently,” the Holy Maiden said with a faint smile.
“Rest assured, our alliance benefits us both. I’ll handle matters carefully. Our next meeting will likely be after the demonic calamity erupts,” the Long Family Patriarch nodded, forcing a stiff smile.
The yellow-robed maiden exchanged a few more pleasantries before taking her leave.
Meanwhile, Han Li had returned to his quarters, reclining on a bed in his pavilion, deep in thought.
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