Chapter 1521: Bamboo Leaves

“Senior, are you so certain that this junior must possess Golden Lightning Bamboo materials?” Han Li showed a trace of surprise and asked slowly.

“Naturally, I cannot be certain. However, the fact that Fellow Daoist Han was able to refine seventy-two Golden Lightning Bamboo flying swords at once suggests there is a considerable possibility that you still have some left. Hence, I brought it up.” The old man surnamed Jiang replied calmly via voice transmission.

“I’m afraid I must disappoint you, Senior. I have no extra Golden Lightning Bamboo in my possession. The amount I obtained by chance back then was just enough to refine those seventy-two swords.” Han Li let out a long sigh and answered truthfully.

“None?” The old man frowned slightly, appearing somewhat surprised.

“Indeed. Although I greatly desire your new sword technique and the method to refine my swords further, I simply lack the means.” Han Li gave a bitter smile.

His words were entirely truthful.

Though he possessed the mysterious small vial and the Golden Lightning Bamboo spiritual root, over the years, the Evil-Warding Divine Lightning contained in his seventy-two swords had always been sufficient for his needs. Moreover, there were countless other uses for the small vial!

Thus, he had never cultivated any extra Golden Lightning Bamboo. Now that the old man had suddenly proposed an exchange involving the bamboo, despite his strong temptation, Han Li had no choice but to refuse.

The old man stared at Han Li for a long while, finding no trace of deception in his expression, before finally saying indifferently, “If you truly have no Golden Lightning Bamboo, then I cannot pass my sword technique to you. By the way, when you harvested the bamboo back then, you must have also collected a considerable number of its leaves, correct?”

The old man seemed to recall something and brought up the topic of the bamboo leaves.

“I did indeed gather many of them. These leaves are quite peculiar—neither metallic nor wooden in nature. I’ve never discovered any use for them, but they don’t seem ordinary either, so I’ve kept them all carefully stored.” Han Li paused briefly before answering honestly.

“You still have all of them? Good, very good. If you lack the bamboo itself, you may give me these leaves instead, and I will still impart the sword technique and refinement method to you. However, I cannot personally assist in refining your swords. Are you willing?” A glint of joy flashed in the old man’s eyes as he asked.

“Of course I am willing!” Han Li replied without hesitation.

Though he knew these leaves must have some hidden value—otherwise, the old man wouldn’t have asked for them—exchanging unknown materials for such a significant benefit was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

Han Li flicked his hand over his storage bracelet, and with a flash of green light, two pale wooden boxes appeared in his palm.

With a flick of his wrist, he tossed them toward the old man.

The old man didn’t move a muscle, but a strange glint flashed in his eyes. The moment the boxes reached him, they halted mid-air as if suspended by an invisible force.

Then, with two soft *pops*, the lids opened on their own, revealing stacks of golden leaves that appeared as if forged from pure gold.

“Excellent, these are indeed Golden Lightning Bamboo leaves.” The old man swept his gaze over the contents and instantly confirmed their authenticity, his face revealing satisfaction.

With a flick of his sleeve, the boxes closed again and vanished into thin air.

Then, he flicked a finger, sending a streak of white light shooting toward Han Li.

Han Li caught it in his palm—it was a pristine white jade slip.

“The new sword technique and refinement method are both recorded within. You may examine them first, lest you think I’ve deceived you.” The old man smiled faintly.

“How would I dare?” Han Li replied, immediately storing the jade slip in his robes without even glancing at it.

The old man nodded approvingly.

“Since I’ve given you the leaves, might Senior enlighten me as to their true purpose? It would greatly broaden my knowledge.” Han Li couldn’t resist asking.

“Heh, does Fellow Daoist Han still have some leaves left? Rest assured, what you’ve given me is enough. I won’t covet your remaining stock. Few among humans know of this, but among the Changyuan Tribe, it is common knowledge—so I’ll tell you. These leaves have two uses. First, they can be refined into a divine lightning called Golden Aura Demon-Slaying Lightning, which surpasses even the Evil-Warding Divine Lightning in power against demonic entities. It is a crucial weapon for those of us who have reached the Great Ascension stage when dealing with Outer Realm Demons. Second, these leaves can be fed to certain spirit insects, greatly increasing the chance of inducing mutations—though this requires consuming a considerable amount.” The old man spoke frankly, clearly in high spirits.

“Outer Realm Demons? What are those?” Han Li asked, puzzled.

“How to describe them… They are somewhat akin to the heavenly tribulations we cultivators face. However, while tribulations in the Spirit Realm occur at fixed intervals, Outer Realm Demons are a form of demonic assault that any Great Ascension cultivator may suffer at any time. They are formless and colorless, resembling inner demons—but a hundred times more dangerous. Typically, they appear when our spiritual power wanes or our minds are unstable. If we fail to resist them, our bodies will collapse, and our souls will be corrupted, turning us into one of them. I sought these leaves to refine Golden Aura Demon-Slaying Lightning, ensuring protection after my tribulation.” The old man, having achieved two goals in one day, spoke at length with evident satisfaction.

Han Li’s expression flickered with contemplation, especially when he heard about the leaves’ effect on spirit insects.

“By the way, Fellow Daoist Han, do you plan to stay here long?” The old man suddenly switched to normal speech, abandoning voice transmission.

“The yin energy here is too dense for prolonged cultivation. Moreover, I have matters to attend to outside and cannot linger.” Han Li hesitated briefly before answering truthfully.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yao’s face paled momentarily before returning to normal.

Only Yan Li, standing beside her, noticed this fleeting reaction.

Yan Li’s eyes gleamed briefly, a strange smile tugging at her lips before she concealed it.

“Oh? In that case, have you found a way to leave this space?” The old man surnamed Jiang looked at Han Li with a knowing smirk.

“I have not yet discovered one.” Han Li rubbed his nose awkwardly.

“Haha, then you needn’t search further. While entering this space may be beyond my control, leaving is another matter. Otherwise, would I dare reside in this Floating Tribe’s sacred land? In a few days, I shall personally send you on your way.” The old man chuckled.

“Many thanks, Senior!” Han Li exclaimed, overjoyed.

“Don’t thank me yet. This assistance is not free—I have another transaction to propose.” Before Han Li’s delight could fade, the old man’s voice transmission reached him again.

“Another transaction?” Han Li was stunned.

“Are you interested in the Netherworld Spirit Milk?” The old man’s tone turned serious.

“Senior possesses the Spirit Milk and wishes to trade it?” Han Li was genuinely shocked.

“Having lived in the Netherworld for so long, it would be laughable if I couldn’t obtain some. The Floating Tribe is aware, but what can they do? The two Nether Lightning Beasts guarding it are no obstacle to me. I take only small amounts each time—even if they knew, would they dare confront me?” The old man snorted disdainfully.

“I certainly desire the Spirit Milk! But I truly possess nothing else worthy of your attention!” Han Li hesitated before speaking reluctantly.

“Who said I demand payment now?” The old man’s voice carried a hint of amusement.

“Then Senior means…?” Han Li’s expression shifted.

“Simple. Due to my need to delay my next tribulation, I cannot leave this space. Yet, I require certain rare materials. If you can gather them for me within a thousand years and deliver them here, I will exchange a vial of Netherworld Spirit Milk. How does that sound?”

“May I first see the list of required items?” Han Li asked cautiously rather than agreeing outright.

The old man, far from displeased, seemed satisfied with Han Li’s prudence.

Without another word, he flicked his sleeve, sending out a green jade slip.

Han Li caught it and immersed his spiritual sense within.

Within moments, his expression fluctuated.

After a while, he withdrew his consciousness and lowered his head in thought before looking up with a strained smile.

“Senior, though the list isn’t extensive, I recognize barely a tenth of these items. Even those I know are exceedingly rare—without great fortune, one might never even glimpse them. You overestimate this junior.”

“Do you think Netherworld Spirit Milk is some common elixir? Even Body Integration cultivators would risk their lives for it. Besides, I don’t demand everything on the list. If you can procure two-thirds and return, the trade stands.” The old man replied calmly.

“Two-thirds? In that case, it may not be impossible.” Han Li murmured after some thought.

“Then Fellow Daoist Han agrees? Consider my assistance in leaving the Netherworld as an advance.”

“How could I refuse?” Han Li rubbed his nose wryly.

“In two days, I shall send you on your way.” The old man smiled faintly, his eyes narrowing slightly.