“Let’s divide these spiritual medicines equally as agreed.” Dantian gazed at the densely packed jade boxes floating in the void, unable to conceal his excitement.
“Hold on, Fellow Daoist! Although we initially agreed to split these medicines equally, the spirit stones and Moonlight Essence later were all provided by me. I demand an extra ten percent share of these medicines.” Though equally thrilled, Colorful Glaze shook her head with a coy smile.
“An extra ten percent? Are you planning to go back on your word, Fairy? As for the spirit stones, Fellow Daoist Dantian and I will compensate you separately later. As for the Moonlight Essence, even if it’s a supreme body-refining elixir, how can it compare to an extra ten percent of immortal-grade spiritual medicines? At most, we can offer you five or six extra plants as compensation.” Thousand Machines’ expression darkened as he spoke coldly.
“Fine, five it is.” To everyone’s surprise, Colorful Glaze agreed immediately, her face still wearing a playful smile.
Thousand Machines was momentarily stunned but quickly realized something, his face twisting into frustration. However, after a disdainful snort, he chose not to retract his words.
Dantian, witnessing this exchange, crossed his arms and smiled faintly.
The three immediately began dividing the hundreds of spiritual medicines in the jade boxes. After intense bargaining, they finally distributed them all.
“Heh, with these medicines, the bottleneck that has trapped me for years should no longer be a problem.” Dantian stored his share of jade boxes with satisfaction.
“However, that young man must still have some medicines he didn’t hand over. Aren’t you two interested?” Thousand Machines’ eyes flickered strangely as he suddenly spoke.
Dantian and Colorful Glaze instantly understood his implication, but after exchanging glances, both showed hesitation.
“If it were just him alone, the three of us joining forces would be no issue. But don’t forget Venerable Weng’s recent orders—he specifically instructed us to unseal the teleportation array for that boy. This suggests he likely has ties to Venerable Weng. Moreover, based on my disciple’s account of the herb garden’s scale, he’s probably handed over most of the medicines. Even if he kept some, it wouldn’t be much. Risking Venerable Weng’s wrath for a few leftovers isn’t worth it. Besides, that boy is quite capable and cooperative. There’s no need to push further.” Dantian’s expression shifted before he finally shook his head.
“I agree with Brother Dantian. Offending Venerable Weng, even as members of the Sacred Clan, would be disastrous.” Colorful Glaze nodded gravely.
“If you both feel that way, consider my earlier words unsaid. Indeed, I was being greedy.” Thousand Machines laughed it off, swiftly dropping the matter.
Without the support of Colorful Glaze and Dantian, he abandoned any further schemes.
—
Meanwhile, Han Li was already descending the mountain path, his sleeves fluttering in the breeze, his expression serene.
Yet, unbeknownst to others, his mind churned with thoughts about the gains and losses of this transaction.
On the surface, trading so many immortal-grade spiritual medicines for mere materials and pills seemed like a significant loss. But in reality, he knew he hadn’t lost anything—in fact, he’d gained a tremendous advantage.
The reason was simple: for every medicine he handed over, he had deliberately kept a backup specimen. With the help of his mysterious small vial, he could cultivate them again in abundance with some time.
Thus, his only “loss” was the extra time required.
As for the Scarlet Luo Fruit and Erosion Poison Grass, since accelerated growth might not work, he had only surrendered a few plants while retaining most of them.
And the seven or eight unique medicines and the mysterious silver lotus pod? He hadn’t handed those over at all.
In essence, Han Li had traded nothing of real value for substantial benefits from Thousand Machines and the others, leaving him in high spirits.
After descending the mountain, Han Li found lodging at an inn-like establishment on a nearby peak.
Over the next three days, he didn’t stay idle. Instead, he roamed the material shops of Fuhu City, purchasing large quantities of local specialties from the Thunder Continent. Planning to return to the Wind Continent, he stocked up for future needs.
On the fourth morning, Han Li left his lodgings and headed straight out of Fuhu City.
Qingjiao Peak, located a hundred miles west of the city, was an unremarkable mountain in the vast range. Its only distinguishing features were its evergreen trees and a shape resembling a soaring flood dragon.
Arriving above the peak in a streak of azure light, Han Li scanned the area with his formidable spiritual sense, confirming it was empty—Xiang Zhili hadn’t arrived yet.
After a moment’s thought, he flicked his sleeve, releasing over a dozen array flags that vanished into the mountainside. Then he descended to the summit, sitting cross-legged on a flat rock and closing his eyes.
Hours passed.
Suddenly, Han Li’s eyes snapped open as he looked toward Fuhu City. A streak of light shot across the sky, landing swiftly on the peak.
“Junior Brother Han, my apologies for the delay. I hope you haven’t waited long.” The light faded, revealing a yellow-robed elder—Xiang Zhili—who clasped his hands apologetically.
“No matter. I haven’t been here long. Now, Senior Brother, you can speak plainly.” Han Li replied calmly.
“Of course. But first, I’d like you to see something.” Xiang Zhili reached into his sleeve and produced a gleaming green jade box, offering it with a smile.
“Is this what you wanted to give me? What is it, so mysterious?” Han Li’s gaze fixed on the box. His spiritual sense recoiled upon contact, piquing his interest—the box was sealed with an intricate restriction.
“Open it, and you’ll know.” Xiang Zhili’s smile turned enigmatic.
Nodding, Han Li took the box. It was unnaturally light, as if empty. After a brief pause, his eyes flashed strangely. Suddenly, he tossed the box into the air and slashed at it with a ten-foot-long azure sword beam.
“Ah!” Xiang Zhili cried out, too late to stop it.
With a crack, the box split open, revealing a golden talisman covered in silver patterns, surrounded by shimmering runes.
“This ‘Titan Talisman’ was something I stumbled upon in the human world. Only those at the Deity Transformation stage or above can refine and wield it. It saved my life crossing the spatial nodes. But now that I’ve fallen to the Core Formation stage, it’s useless to me. I’m giving it to you, Junior Brother. In exchange, I ask you to do me a small favor upon returning to the human race—nothing beyond your capabilities.” Xiang Zhili spoke earnestly, ignoring Han Li’s abrupt action.
Han Li frowned but didn’t respond. Instead, he reached out, and the talisman flew into his hand.
Sensing its pure spiritual energy, Han Li’s brow twitched. Suddenly, several crystalline threads shot from his forehead into the talisman.
“Solidified Divine Sense!” Xiang Zhili gasped, his face briefly contorted with shock.
Then, disaster struck.
The talisman, once radiant, turned pitch-black. A gray mist erupted, and a cluster of pale threads shot toward Han Li at blinding speed.
Yet Han Li seemed prepared. A golden barrier flared around him, impervious to most attacks.
But the threads pierced through effortlessly, embedding themselves in his body. Instantly, a numbing cold spread, paralyzing him.
At the same time, Xiang Zhili’s body exploded, revealing a bloody silhouette that lunged at Han Li with a gory aura.
The scent of blood filled the air as the crimson figure closed in.
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