“A few days ago, we witnessed the celestial phenomenon when you advanced, Senior. We’ve come specifically to congratulate you on your great progress in divine abilities!” The ox-headed beast finally snapped out of its shock at the two “Han Lis” and hurriedly bowed, its face filled with reverence.
By now, it naturally understood that the “Han Li” before it was the real one!
“Oh? How did you know I would definitely succeed in my advancement? What if I had failed?” Han Li chuckled, neither confirming nor denying.
“Senior, you jest. Others might fail, but with your immense divine abilities, how could such a thing happen?” The three-headed serpent swayed its middle head, flattering in response.
Han Li gave a noncommittal laugh, then swept his gaze over the group of demons. Suddenly, his expression darkened. “Enough. Stop beating around the bush. I already have an inkling of your purpose here. You claim to be offering treasures? State your intentions directly. I don’t have much time to waste here.”
With Han Li’s current cultivation—more than double that of an ordinary early-stage Void Refinement cultivator—even without deliberately releasing any aura, the mere chill in his voice caused the spiritual energy in the hall to churn violently.
The four demons felt the air around them tighten as if weighed down by ten thousand pounds. Their bodies swayed, nearly toppling them to the ground.
“Senior, please calm your anger! We truly came to offer treasures, with no ill intentions whatsoever!” The ox-headed beast’s expression changed drastically as it frantically mobilized its magic power to resist the pressure, shouting at Han Li in panic.
“Offering treasures for no reason? Fine. Let me see what you have. If it interests me, I’ll hear what else you have to say. If it’s utterly useless, you can leave immediately.” Han Li’s tone was indifferent.
As he spoke, the inexplicable pressure in the hall dissipated, allowing the four demons to straighten up again.
Not daring to delay, the ox-headed beast quickly exchanged a glance with the golden ape beside it.
The ape hesitated briefly before reaching into its body and pulling out a pitch-black wooden box. It then stepped forward and respectfully presented it with both hands.
Without a word, Han Li flicked his sleeve, and the box flew into his grasp with a *whoosh*. A flash of azure light later, the lid opened on its own, revealing its contents—a fist-sized crimson fruit covered in a web of silver threads, its surface shimmering with light.
Han Li’s eyebrows rose in surprise. Without waiting for the demons to explain, he extended two fingers and lightly tapped the fruit, channeling his divine sense into it.
Within moments, his expression shifted several times—from surprise to curiosity, then to deep contemplation, and finally to a mix of doubt and intrigue.
The four demons exchanged glances but dared not speak.
After a full cup of tea’s time, Han Li exhaled and withdrew his fingers.
“This is a Blood Apricot. Impressive that you managed to find such a thing,” Han Li remarked casually as he closed the box, his lips curling into a faint, enigmatic smile.
“Senior’s insight is unparalleled, recognizing its origin at a glance. We found this in a ruined ancient site within the Black Veil Mountains. We’ve come specifically to offer it to you!” The ox-headed beast was inwardly startled that Han Li had identified the fruit but replied with utmost deference.
“Hmm, if I recall correctly, this item has the miraculous effect of blood replacement and body refinement—a rare spiritual medicine for demonic beasts during advancement, something seen only once in a millennium. Since you’re willing to part with it, your request must be significant. This item is indeed useful to me. State your terms.” Han Li narrowed his eyes, speaking unhurriedly.
After exchanging glances, the ox-headed beast coughed lightly and spoke again. “Since Senior has seen through our petty thoughts, we won’t hide anything. The four of us are here out of desperation—it’s a matter of life and death!” Its voice carried a pleading tone.
Han Li remained expressionless, silently watching the beast.
Forced to continue, the beast smiled weakly and cautiously added, “Our obligation to offer tribute to the Skywing Tribe surely hasn’t escaped your notice. But the spiritual resources in the mountains are dwindling. In another thousand years, we’ll have nothing left to give. That’s why we’ve come to beg for your help in removing the ‘Slave Marks’ from our bodies, freeing us from this island. If you agree, we’re willing to offer not only this Blood Apricot but also other rare treasures we’ve collected over the years. Though our abilities may be insignificant in your eyes, we have some talent for treasure hunting and won’t disappoint you.”
“Slave Marks? So that’s why you haven’t fled far—you’re truly bound by the Skywing Tribe’s restrictions. Let me take a look.” Han Li’s expression shifted slightly as he suddenly reached out and made a grasping motion in the air.
A burst of golden crystalline light shot from his fingertips.
Before the ox-headed beast could react, it felt its body tighten as an invisible force yanked it forward, rendering it immobile in mid-air just inches from Han Li.
The beast let out a startled cry, its petite frame helplessly suspended. The other three demons recoiled in alarm, their expressions wary.
Ignoring them, Han Li focused solely on his task, his eyes flashing blue as his divine sense pierced through the beast’s body, inspecting it for anomalies in both flesh and soul.
Realizing Han Li’s intent, the three demons relaxed, holding their breaths as they watched intently.
Suddenly, Han Li’s expression turned peculiar. With a light chuckle, he raised both arms and flicked his fingers rapidly.
*Whoosh! Whoosh!*
Dozens of translucent azure threads shot from his fingertips, vanishing into the beast’s body in an instant.
Muttering an incantation, Han Li severed the threads and sent several spell seals flying.
The ox-headed beast convulsed violently before stiffening. Amidst a flash of azure light, a crimson worm-like shadow, wrapped in azure threads, was slowly dragged out from between its brows.
The shadow, several inches long, was faint and translucent. But as soon as half of it emerged, it twisted and froze, resisting further extraction despite the glowing azure net.
Simultaneously, the beast’s face contorted in agony, its mouth opening soundlessly before it slumped unconscious.
Han Li frowned briefly, then narrowed his eyes. With a low shout, a blue glint flashed in his pupils.
A massive azure roc phantom materialized behind him, letting out a piercing cry that shattered metal and stone.
The three demons, previously transfixed, collapsed to the ground, their limbs numb.
No wonder they reacted so weakly—the Heavenly Roc was infamous for devouring other demons. These three, mere mid-tier beasts, couldn’t withstand its aura at such close range.
At that moment, the roc’s beak darted forward like lightning, snatching the crimson shadow from the beast’s head and swallowing it whole.
With another cry, the phantom dissipated into nothingness.
Trembling, the three demons clambered to their feet, their faces pale with terror as they stared at Han Li.
Ignoring them, Han Li examined the ox-headed beast before nodding in satisfaction. With a flick of his wrist, the azure threads retracted from its body.
As the threads vanished, the beast’s eyelids fluttered, though it didn’t awaken immediately.
Han Li frowned slightly before flicking his sleeve, sending a wave of azure spiritual light into the beast’s body.
The beast shuddered, its fur bristling, before its eyes slowly opened.
“Well? Can you feel whether the Slave Mark remains?” Han Li leaned back in his chair, his tone leisurely.
Dazed at first, the beast quickly complied. Moments later, its face lit up with ecstasy.
“It’s gone! Truly gone! Thank you, Senior, for your great kindness!” The beast prostrated itself in gratitude.
The Slave Mark had felt like a persistent parasite since its implantation. Now freed, the beast was overjoyed.
The other three demons erupted in celebration, congratulating their companion before turning hopeful eyes to Han Li.
“Don’t rush. One at a time.” Han Li smiled faintly, pointing at the golden ape.
The ape eagerly bounded forward…
Within the time it took to finish a meal, all four demons were cleansed of their Slave Marks.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, they bowed repeatedly.
“Leave now. This was merely a transaction. By the way, when is your next tribute to the Skywing Tribe due?” Han Li suddenly asked.
“Senior, rest assured—we recently delivered our last tribute. The Skywing Tribe won’t return to this island for centuries,” the ox-headed beast replied hastily, guessing Han Li’s concern.
“Good. Then you may go.” With that final worry dispelled, Han Li waved them off.
Centuries from now, he’d be long gone. Even if trouble arose, how could it possibly find him?
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage