Chapter 1553: Lanhu Island

“What? That Void Cloud Crystal was swallowed by that sea beast, and it’s still roaming nearby waters?” Han Li found it hard to believe.

“Exactly. Back then, that sea beast rode the tides, stirring up waves until it reached the teleportation formation and swallowed most of it in one gulp—the Void Cloud Crystal was inside. Originally, the beast had left these waters, but about a hundred years ago, for some unknown reason, it was spotted again in the deep sea to the south. A dozen or so Upper Clan members encountered it, but only two escaped—the rest perished. Over the next few decades, the people of our sea repeatedly gathered forces to hunt and kill the beast in hopes of reopening the teleportation formation. But this creature is immensely powerful and cunning. When faced with large numbers, it hides deep in the ocean and refuses to surface. When alone, it ambushes isolated individuals. We’ve lost many people in the process.” Qingxiao sighed, sounding helpless.

“What kind of abilities does this beast possess to be so troublesome?” Han Li asked, his expression turning curious.

By common sense, no matter how high a sea beast’s cultivation was, if pursued by a group of cultivators, it should have no chance of survival.

“We still can’t identify its species—it seems to be a mutated sea beast. From a distance, it resembles a giant whale, but it can freely alter its size. Moreover, its innate water escape technique has been enhanced through mutation, allowing it to traverse thousands of miles in an instant. Even if we corner it, it can easily break free with this technique, making it impossible to trap. And this beast is exceptionally violent. Aside from the Silver Shark Venerable, the strongest in our sea, no one dares to face it alone.” The woman frowned, clearly frustrated.

Hearing this, Han Li’s earlier excitement faded, and he too felt the difficulty of the situation.

After a moment of thought, he asked skeptically,

“After so many years, could the Void Cloud Crystal still be intact inside the beast? Might it have already been absorbed or refined?”

“Rest assured, Senior Han. The Void Cloud Crystal possesses spatial properties—unless attacked with spatial force, it cannot be destroyed. That sea beast, though possessing mixed attributes, has no spatial abilities. After years of pursuit, we’re absolutely certain of this.” The woman spoke with conviction.

Han Li nodded, finally setting aside his doubts, and fell into contemplation.

“Fellow Daoist Qing, do you know the approximate location where that sea beast appears?” Han Li asked.

“Does Senior Han intend to hunt it?” The woman’s eyes flashed as she asked solemnly.

“Indeed. Flying directly back to the Thunder Continent is impossible—even if I traveled nonstop, it would take at least half a year. Spending so long in the deep sea would almost certainly lead to my demise unless my powers increased tenfold. But if I want to return to my original continent, I must first reach the nearest Thunder Continent, where a cross-continental super teleportation formation might exist. You’ve repeatedly attempted to kill that beast to repair the formation, haven’t you?” Han Li stroked his chin and replied calmly.

“Senior speaks wisely! Although the spiritual veins in this sea are decent, spiritual medicines and auxiliary materials for cultivation have become extremely scarce. Many are stuck at bottlenecks, unable to progress. In a few thousand years, the remaining elixirs here will be nearly exhausted. If Senior truly intends to hunt this beast, why not join forces with us?” She paused, then smiled and added candidly, “To be honest, I left my cave this time precisely because the Silver Shark Venerable is organizing another expedition to kill the beast. My original purpose in visiting you was to extend an invitation.”

“If you can truly repair the teleportation formation, I have no objection to cooperating,” Han Li replied without hesitation.

“Senior need not worry—we have all other materials and formation masters ready. With the Void Cloud Crystal, we can fully restore the formation.” Qingxiao was overjoyed.

“That would be ideal.” Han Li nodded.

“With Senior’s assistance, success is far more likely. The Silver Shark Venerable has arranged to gather at Blue Lake Island to the south in four months before setting out to hunt the beast. If Senior is truly interested, just present this Silver Shark Token when you arrive.” Qingxiao flipped her palm, producing a gleaming silver token, which she handed over.

Han Li waved a hand, and the token flew into his grasp. He examined it briefly—shimmering silver, seemingly pure, with a large “Shark” character embossed on its surface.

Without any visible reaction, Han Li stored the token away.

Pleased by Han Li’s swift agreement, Qingxiao chatted with him a while longer before respectfully taking her leave.

As she transformed into a streak of white light and shot into the sky, the wooden hut’s restrictions reactivated, and the door slowly closed.

Over two months later, a clear, resonant roar erupted from the foot of the mountain, soaring into the heavens.

Every Fire Yang Clan serpent-person on the island heard it, and regardless of rank, all turned in surprise toward the source.

The woman, who had been discussing matters with high-ranking serpent-people in the great hall, stepped outside at the sound and gazed toward the mountain, her expression shifting.

Moments later, the roar ceased abruptly.

A streak of azure light shot from the mountain, reaching great heights in an instant before circling and streaking toward the island’s edge.

Soon, the azure light appeared over the sea a thousand miles from Fire Cloud Island, speeding south without pause.

Within the light, Han Li’s face was expressionless as he propelled himself forward, deep in thought.

If this joint hunt succeeded, he could reach the Thunder Continent and find another way back to the Wind Origin Continent.

If it failed, he would have to remain in this sea, waiting for another opportunity or continuing the pursuit of the beast.

With his small vial and ample supply of elixirs, he could sustain his cultivation for a long time.

But truth be told—

Having been away from the human race for so long, he had no idea of its current state.

Had war broken out with the allied forces of other races? Was Sky Abyss City still standing?

Though his time in Sky Abyss City had been brief, as a member of the human race, he could not bear to see his people face annihilation.

Another reason for his urgency was Nangong Wan’s potential ascension to the Spirit Realm.

Though it was unlikely she had reached the Nascent Soul stage so quickly, fate was unpredictable.

If his beloved wife had encountered some fortuitous opportunity and ascended already, she might now be in the human lands.

With his current power, he could establish himself among humans and protect her directly.

The thought of Nangong Wan’s face stirred even his usually detached heart, but he quickly refocused and continued his journey.

To his surprise, the journey was smooth.

Aside from slaying two foolish demonic birds, he encountered no sea beasts. Over a month later, guided by his sea chart, he arrived at an unfamiliar stretch of ocean.

As he sped forward, his divine sense swept the waters.

According to the chart, he should have reached the so-called “Blue Lake Island,” yet the sea ahead was empty.

Puzzled, he flew another hundred miles before suddenly adjusting his course and accelerating.

Soon, he entered a bizarre region.

The weather shifted abruptly—snow began to fall, thick flakes swirling in a biting wind.

Strangely, the sea below showed no signs of freezing, instead emitting waves of heat.

The clash of hot and cold air created dense white mist.

After flying through the snow for a while, Han Li reached down and scooped up seawater—it was scalding hot.

Raising an eyebrow, he pressed onward into the thickening fog.

As he advanced, the snow grew colder, while the sea below boiled like a cauldron, some areas bubbling violently.

Unfazed, Han Li continued until, after dozens of miles, the mist suddenly cleared.

Ahead lay a crystalline ice island.

The snow had stopped, but the air was even colder. The sea had frozen into a thin layer of ice, all heat gone.

Without hesitation, Han Li shot toward the island.

From a distance, it was sizable—several times larger than Fire Cloud Island.

This had to be Blue Lake Island.

In a flash, he reached its edge.

But before he could enter, a deep, thunderous roar erupted from the island’s depths.

At the sound, Han Li’s face changed drastically, and his blood surged as if boiling.