“Haha, it’s nothing. Even if I didn’t mention this matter, sooner or later, another fellow Daoist would have brought it up. And in the future, perhaps I might have some minor matters that require your assistance!” Wan Gu Zhenren said with a beaming smile.
“You’re too kind, Zhenren. If there’s anything I can help with in the future, feel free to ask, Fellow Daoist Wan Gu,” Han Li replied with a smile, whether sincere or not, readily agreeing.
Thus, the two of them grew increasingly amicable as time passed.
After exchanging some insights on cultivation, Wan Gu Zhenren even specially arranged for a troupe of graceful female disciples to perform an alluring and mesmerizing Heavenly Demon Dance for Han Li’s entertainment. Only after this did he personally escort Han Li to the teleportation formation and watch him depart.
As Han Li’s figure vanished in the glow of the teleportation light, the old Daoist’s smile instantly faded, replaced by a hint of gloom.
At that moment, a spatial ripple appeared nearby, and a graceful figure emerged from behind the old Daoist, accompanied by an enchanting laugh: “So, Brother Wan Gu, do you think this person can be swayed? Let’s not waste our efforts only to end up empty-handed.”
The woman was draped in a sheer white veil, her face as radiant as a flower. Not only was her attire identical to the favored concubine the old Daoist had held earlier, but her features were also strikingly similar. Yet, this slight difference made her and the concubine two entirely distinct individuals. Her eyes brimmed with intoxicating allure, and every movement exuded a charm that could drive men wild—far beyond what the concubine could ever match.
Hearing her voice, Wan Gu Zhenren showed no surprise. Instead, he turned and said, “Whether this will succeed isn’t something we can determine now. Though this young man is youthful, anyone who can advance to the Body Integration Stage is no ordinary person. One thing is certain: if we don’t put in more effort to win him over, it won’t happen. Moreover, his potential is immense. In a few hundred years, he might even advance again. Winning him over would be far more valuable than swaying a few unreliable old foxes.”
“Advance to mid-Body Integration Stage? You overestimate this Fellow Daoist Han. Even if he managed to reach the early stage so quickly, each subsequent advancement is incomparably more difficult than the last. Otherwise, why would you and I, after tens of thousands of years in the Body Integration Stage, still be stuck at the peak of the early stage, unable to progress further? And it’s not just us—most of the Body Integration cultivators among humans and demons are in the same boat. Only a handful reach the mid-stage, and even fewer the late-stage. No matter how talented he is, it would take him thousands of years to have a chance at breaking through the early stage. If he could advance to the mid-stage during the upcoming demonic tribulation and agree to protect me, I’d willingly offer myself to him,” the alluring woman sighed softly.
At the mention of the “demonic tribulation,” Wan Gu Zhenren’s expression flickered slightly, a trace of fear flashing in his eyes. But he was no ordinary man, and his composure quickly returned. Coldly, he said, “We both lived through the last demonic tribulation. There’s no need to elaborate on how terrifying the Ancient Demons were. Back then, over half of the Body Integration loose cultivators from both races perished, with only four or five surviving. In contrast, those affiliated with major factions fared far better. The reason is simple: we loose cultivators fought alone, making us easy prey for the high-ranking Ancient Demons to pick off one by one. This time, before the calamity strikes, we must do everything we can to rally other loose cultivators. If we band together, our chances of survival will be much higher.”
“Your words make sense, but I still doubt that expending so much effort to recruit loose cultivators will be effective. Why not disband the Bone Sect and submit to one of the Three Emperors? I, for one, will find a way to join a Demon King’s faction. After all, it’s easier to rest under a great tree,” the woman said with a pout, her eyes flickering.
She was actually a demon!
“Humph, don’t dream of such comforts. Both of us are used to freedom and would never submit to others’ authority. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have rebelled against the Sky Fox Clan, and I wouldn’t have refused the previous Three Emperors’ invitations to remain unshackled all these years. Besides, if we suddenly pledge allegiance now after contributing nothing to these factions, they might welcome us warmly, but we’d inevitably be treated as cannon fodder. When danger arises, we’d be the first to be thrown into the fray. If that’s the case, I’d rather remain alone, free to act as I please. Moreover, even the territories guarded by the Three Emperors and Seven Demon Kings aren’t entirely safe. During the last demonic tribulation, three Demon Kings and one Human Emperor fell. What we’re doing now is preparing for the inevitable. Every additional Body Integration ally increases our chances of survival. I’d rather trust myself than place my life in others’ hands,” the old Daoist retorted darkly.
“If we’re truly going this route, the upcoming Myriad Treasures Convention is the perfect opportunity to connect with other loose cultivators. Otherwise, outside this event, it’s hard to find others. You handle the human cultivators, and I’ll personally persuade the demons. I doubt many loose cultivators are as aware of the demonic tribulation as we are, let alone know it will erupt within a millennium. By the way, before coming here, I briefly discussed this with that Black Wolf. He seemed quite interested, though further talks are needed to fully convince him,” the woman said after a moment’s thought, seemingly persuaded by the old Daoist’s words.
“Excellent! Fellow Daoist Tian Kun Black Wolf once contested the Demon King position against Tian Kui Wolf King and only lost after a day and night of battle. His power is far beyond that of ordinary loose cultivators. As for the humans, I can’t speak for others, but I have some ties with the Heavenly Yin Mountain’s Heavenly Yin Patriarch. He’s attending the Myriad Treasures Convention this time, so convincing him shouldn’t be an issue,” Wan Gu Zhenren said delightedly.
“If we can secure these two, even if we fail with others, we’ll at least have a fighting chance during the demonic tribulation,” the woman said with a radiant smile, her charm intensifying tenfold.
Even Wan Gu Zhenren, a seasoned practitioner of dual cultivation techniques, found himself momentarily entranced by her allure.
“What’s this, Brother Wan Gu? Are you tempted to test the dual cultivation arts with me? If so, I wouldn’t mind experiencing your skills!” the woman teased, her smile growing even more seductive, as if her supple body were his for the taking.
But the old Daoist shuddered at her words and hastily waved his hands with a wry smile. “You jest, Fairy! You’re a Sky Fox—far beyond my reach. I’m no longer young and would like to live a few more years.”
“What a pity. I truly wished to exchange insights on dual cultivation with you. Alas, you lack the courage despite the desire,” the demon woman giggled, her charm deepening.
Muttering a Daoist incantation, the old Daoist averted his gaze and quickly changed the subject. “Speaking of which, Fairy Hua’s Illusory Mystique Art has reached perfection. When you disguised yourself as my concubine, even I, who knew the truth, couldn’t detect anything amiss. I doubt Fellow Daoist Han noticed anything either. The Sky Fox Clan’s talent for concealment and transformation is truly among the top three in the demon races.”
“Humph, Fellow Daoist Wan Gu, do you really think he didn’t see through my disguise?” The woman’s smile vanished, her voice turning icy.
“What do you mean?” The old Daoist was taken aback.
“It’s no surprise you didn’t notice. While I was posing as your concubine, a faint ripple in his spiritual sense was directed solely at me. Had I not been using a sensing secret art and focusing entirely on him, I wouldn’t have detected it either. The strength of Fellow Daoist Han’s spiritual sense is unparalleled in my experience—perhaps even rivaling that of the Three Emperors and Seven Demon Kings,” the woman said gravely after a pause.
“Such a thing?!” Wan Gu Zhenren inhaled sharply, his expression shifting uneasily.
“However, rest assured, Brother Wan Gu. Given his youth and advancement to the Body Integration Stage, it’s understandable that he possesses extraordinary talents in certain areas. Though he saw through my disguise, I had locked my true essence and power using a Sky Fox secret art. Even with his abilities, he couldn’t have discerned my true cultivation level. Moreover, since I never acted rashly, he likely realized we meant him no harm. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have conversed with you for so long before leaving.”
“Your words hold merit. If he asks about it next time, I’ll simply offer an excuse,” the old Daoist said after some thought, his expression easing.
“Even if he learns my true identity, so what? Am I some shameful secret?” the woman huffed.
Wan Gu Zhenren’s face twitched, leaving him with nothing but a bitter smile.
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