At the sight of the figure in the bloodlight’s actions, the golden-masked man, who had been sitting quietly in a corner of the formation, also stood up with a sharp gleam in his eyes.
If someone were truly causing trouble at the gathering, as the organizer, the Black Domain certainly wouldn’t stand idly by.
“Fellow Daoist, don’t misunderstand. I bear no ill intent. It’s just that this Sinister Cloud is of great use to me. Please wait a moment longer and let me think of another way to see if I can exchange for the spiritual treasure you desire. If I still can’t, I won’t hinder your departure any further,” the figure in the bloodlight hastily explained, waving his hands in urgency.
“Wait a moment longer? Fine. Seeing how determined you are to obtain the Sinister Cloud, I’ll give you the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. If I still don’t get what I want, I won’t waste any more time here,” the figure in the black mist hesitated briefly before nodding in agreement.
It was clear that the bloodlight figure was determined to obtain the Sinister Cloud, while the black mist figure placed immense importance on the desired Heaven-reaching Spiritual Treasure, unwilling to let even the slightest opportunity slip by.
Seeing his request granted, the bloodlight figure exhaled slightly in relief. His mind raced, and with a pained expression, he slapped his storage bracelet, producing a golden scroll, which he then held aloft.
“In the past, I once risked my life to explore an ancient ruin and obtained a sealed scroll of unknown origin. The seal on it is incredibly profound, and I admit I lack the means to open it without damaging the scroll, so I’ve kept it hidden until now. But I believe it contains astonishing secrets because the seal is inscribed in Golden Seal Script. I’m willing to trade this, along with the Pure Bright Pill, for an offensive-type spiritual treasure from the Myriad Spirit Ranking,” the bloodlight figure declared solemnly.
“Golden Seal Script?”
“Could it be something from the True Immortal Realm?”
His words stirred another wave of murmurs, with many showing keen interest.
They weren’t worried about deception—whether the seal had been tampered with was immediately apparent to their discerning eyes.
Unfortunately, while many were tempted by the offer, none possessed the required item for exchange and could only watch helplessly.
Han Li stared at the golden scroll, his face revealing a flicker of interest, yet he remained seated without moving.
As time passed and no one stepped forward from the surrounding stone pavilions to make the exchange, the black mist figure grew increasingly disappointed, while the bloodlight figure became visibly frantic.
A Sinister Cloud refined from millions of souls was a rarity unlikely to appear again at any other auction. Once its owner left, it would be carefully hidden, never to surface again. Even if he later acquired the desired treasure, the chance to exchange would be lost.
This Sinister Cloud was crucial for surviving his impending Great Heavenly Tribulation. Without it, he was almost certain to perish. How could he not desperately seek it?
Could it be that no one at this gathering possessed an offensive-type Heaven-reaching Spiritual Treasure?
As the time granted by the black mist figure neared its end, the bloodlight figure gritted his teeth and slapped a peculiar blue pouch at his waist.
A burst of blue light swirled, and in his hand appeared a translucent blue ice cage.
The cage was only about a foot tall, adorned with several gold and silver talismans. Inside stood a pristine white spirit bird, its body crystalline, perched proudly on a silver crossbar, gazing indifferently at the world outside.
“A Heaven and Earth spirit bird, inheriting part of the Heavenly Phoenix’s bloodline—an adult Ice Phoenix. Though its aura is only at the Core Formation stage, this is due to injuries that caused it to regress from a transformed state. With proper nurturing, it can regain its original cultivation within a few centuries. Moreover, I guarantee that once transformed, this Ice Phoenix will be a peerless cauldron, still possessing her primordial yin. The benefits of harmonizing yin and yang by absorbing her Heavenly Phoenix essence need no elaboration. Its efficacy in breaking through bottlenecks may not match the Pure Bright Pill, but it’s close. Even if her primordial yin isn’t taken, taming her would yield a spirit beast of limitless potential. I offer this Ice Phoenix, along with the two previous items, in exchange for the Heaven-reaching Spiritual Treasure this fellow Daoist seeks. This is all I have. Such an opportunity won’t arise again,” the bloodlight figure’s voice grew hoarse, his eyes bloodshot, as if pushed to the brink.
No wonder—anyone seeing their salvation within reach yet unattainable would be equally desperate.
But the surrounding pavilions remained silent.
“Fellow Daoist, if I exchange these three items for your…” the bloodlight figure turned to the black mist figure in a last-ditch plea.
“No. I’ve made myself clear. Unless it’s an offensive-type treasure from the Myriad Spirit Ranking, no other rarity will suffice,” the black mist figure shook his head firmly.
The bloodlight figure’s face darkened with despair.
Then, a calm male voice suddenly rang out, like celestial music to his ears.
“Very well. I’ll make the exchange.”
At first, the bloodlight figure couldn’t believe what he heard. Stunned, he erupted in joy.
“Truly? Please, come up at once!”
His gaze snapped toward the pavilion where the voice originated.
The black mist figure also stiffened, equally excited.
The speaker was none other than Han Li.
Ever since the bloodlight figure produced the caged Ice Phoenix, Han Li’s expression had turned peculiar. After a moment’s thought, he spoke without hesitation.
At Han Li’s voice, curious glances from others instantly turned his way.
But he ignored them. A flash of cyan light, and he shot forth as a streak, landing on the platform in an instant.
“Fellow Daoist, do you truly possess a Heaven-reaching Spiritual Treasure?” Even with Han Li standing before him, the bloodlight figure couldn’t help but ask, his voice trembling.
Han Li smiled faintly, first glancing at the snow-white Ice Phoenix in the cage before replying calmly, “I do have a formidable offensive-type Heaven-reaching Spiritual Treasure. But whether it’s currently on the Myriad Spirit Ranking, I can’t say for certain. You’ll need to judge for yourselves.”
“Then please show it to us,” the bloodlight figure’s initial joy dimmed slightly, but hope lingered in his tone.
The black mist figure remained silent, observing coldly.
Without delay, Han Li produced a towering black blade, exuding an ancient, primal aura.
This was the colossal blade he had obtained after slaying that formidable Rong tribesman in the Moon Realm, a treasure no less potent than the Ruler Measuring Ruler.
Both items surely belonged on the Chaos Myriad Spirit Ranking!
“The Shadowlight Blade!” Before the bloodlight figure could react, the black mist figure exclaimed in recognition, his face alight with delight.
“You recognize this blade?” the bloodlight figure asked eagerly.
“Of course. Though it’s among the lowest-ranked on the Myriad Spirit Ranking, it’s still listed. I wouldn’t seek such treasures without knowing them. But I must verify its authenticity,” the black mist figure replied, suppressing his excitement.
“Excellent! Fellow Daoist, would you…?” The bloodlight figure turned to Han Li with newfound courtesy.
“Certainly. But shouldn’t I also inspect your items?” Han Li chuckled, flicking his wrist to toss the black blade to the black mist figure.
“Naturally. Examine them closely,” the bloodlight figure agreed readily, handing over the pill bottle, scroll, and ice cage to Han Li.
Han Li’s eyes flashed blue as his spiritual sense enveloped the three items for scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the bloodlight figure retrieved the black bowl from the black mist figure to verify the Sinister Cloud’s million-soul count.
Their inspections were swift. The black mist figure channeled spiritual power into the blade, gave it a test swing, then nodded in satisfaction and stored it away.
“Haha, perfect. This Sinister Cloud is exactly what I need,” the bloodlight figure laughed, having confirmed the cloud’s potency. Without another word to Han Li or the black mist figure, he transformed into a streak of black light, piercing the white barrier and returning to his pavilion.
Han Li smiled faintly, stowing the scroll and pill bottle after his examination. His gaze lingered on the caged Ice Phoenix.
He noticed a fleeting glimpse of human-like sorrow in its silver eyes before they turned cold again.
Without comment, Han Li summoned a spirit beast ring, absorbing both cage and bird. He gave a slight bow to the black mist figure and departed in a streak of light, returning to his seat.
The black mist figure chuckled darkly and vanished in a swirl of black wind.
With that, others quickly took the stage, and the exchanges resumed.
Han Li leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, his face calm but his mind turbulent, unable to settle for a long while.
Half a day later, the golden-masked man declared the gathering concluded.
Like the other Void Refinement elders, Han Li declined the golden-masked man’s invitation to a feast. Guided by an attendant, he exited the Black Domain space, emerging silently at an unfamiliar exit before swiftly flying back to Nine Immortals Mountain.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage