“The Kunpeng Transformation Technique was indeed obtained from the Skywing branch of the Feiling Clan. As for why the transformation renders one immune to the effects of the mist, I truly don’t know the reason. However, I did ponder it on the way here and have an immature speculation, though I’m not sure if it holds any weight.” Han Li replied cautiously after a moment of thought upon hearing Yuan Yao’s question.
“Brother Han, feel free to speak your mind. Are you really being so formal with us?” Yan Li chuckled, her bright eyes shimmering.
Han Li looked slightly embarrassed and softened his tone.
“Since both of you have cultivated in the Netherworld of the human realm for so many years, you must have heard some rumors about that place.”
“Are you referring to the legends of the Netherworld and the Rahu Beast?” Yuan Yao’s expression shifted as she asked.
“Exactly. The Netherworld is inherently too ethereal, and whether it truly exists cannot be confirmed by anyone. However, I have personally witnessed the Rahu Beast once in the human realm. Though what I saw was less than a millionth of its true form, the scene of its appearance bore an uncanny resemblance to the Ghost Mist.” Han Li replied, his eyes flickering.
“Brother Han, are you saying the Netherworld of the human realm was actually formed by the Rahu’s body?” Yuan Yao gasped, her small mouth agape.
“Though there’s no other evidence, I’d say there’s at least a thirty to forty percent chance. The Kunpeng and the Rahu are natural enemies. After transforming into a Skywing, I can borrow a fraction of the Kunpeng’s power through its true bloodline. If the mist here is indeed related to the Ghost Mist, it’s plausible that I’m exempt from its restrictions.” Han Li explained.
“But if this so-called Nether River is truly the Rahu’s body, how do you explain the differences between this mist and the one in the human realm?” Yan Li couldn’t help interjecting.
“This Nether River is indeed within the Rahu’s body. But do you think this Rahu is the same as the one in the human realm?” Han Li countered with a smile instead of answering directly.
“Brother Han, are you implying that the Rahu here and the one in the human realm are two different individuals? If they’re separate beings, slight differences in the black mist would make sense. I’ve heard the Rahu is astonishingly large, capable of swallowing the sun and moon, and naturally forms independent spaces within its body. The Nether River is clearly much larger than the Netherworld, suggesting this Rahu is far more powerful and immense than the one in the human realm.” Yan Li said, her face slightly pale.
“I’m afraid it’s more than that.” Han Li shook his head.
“Oh? Does Brother Han have further insights?” Yuan Yao asked curiously.
“The mist here is so lifeless—it’s uncertain whether this Rahu is even still alive. Some ancient texts mention that when a Rahu reaches the end of its lifespan, the space within its body doesn’t collapse and can endure eternally.”
“Brother Han, are you suggesting this place is a space formed within the corpse of a deceased Rahu?” Yuan Yao was stunned.
“Haha, that’s just my speculation. The truth remains unclear.” Han Li chuckled, offering no further explanation.
“I think Brother Han’s conjecture is very close to the truth. If so, most things can be explained. Because this Rahu has perished, the Netherworld energy within its body far exceeds that of the one in the human realm, giving rise to so many high-level ghostly creatures. The only question is whether the demon kings are aware or have guessed this. The one thing I don’t understand is how to explain the spiritual energy and ley lines here—the Netherworld in the human realm had no trace of spiritual energy, and no one could mobilize their magic power within its space.” Yan Li said, her eyes gleaming.
“Who knows? Perhaps when the powerful Mayfly Clan discovered this place, they altered its space in some way. Or perhaps the space within a Rahu’s body naturally becomes like this after its death. But none of this is directly relevant to our current predicament, so there’s no need to delve deeper. The only thing I’m interested in now is whether this black mist can truly lead us out of the Nether River. If it’s the same as the Netherworld, there must be a similar exit—one far safer than the spatial node I originally considered.” Han Li said, his eyes gleaming with intensity.
“Brother Han makes a valid point. Did you notice anything unusual in the other patches of strange mist earlier?” Yan Li asked thoughtfully.
“Nothing. Apart from similarly restricting magic power, I found nothing particularly peculiar in the other black mists. Of course, I only searched a few nearby areas. Since these mists are concentrated here, the exit should also be in these waters. Should we search for the exit immediately or stick to our original plan and hide for a while longer?” Han Li asked, his tone measured.
“If the exit might be nearby, we should spend some time searching. It might only take a day or two to find it. Wouldn’t that be more reliable than passively hiding?” Yan Li replied without hesitation.
“Sister makes a fair point. If we stick to the original plan and hide, there’s a chance the demon kings might linger, or the Mayfly Clan’s reinforcements could arrive early, worsening our situation.” Yuan Yao hesitated but ultimately agreed with Yan Li.
Han Li fell silent, deep in thought.
Though both women made compelling arguments, an inexplicable unease nagged at him, making him hesitate.
After careful consideration, he finally spoke:
“We can stay and search for an exit as you suggested. But we can only afford to waste two days. Once that time is up, we must hide immediately. During these two days, we should still be safe.”
Han Li proposed a compromise.
Hearing this, Yuan Yao and Yan Li exchanged glances, deeming it a balanced approach, and nodded in agreement.
“Good. In that case, let’s explore the black mist below first. Even if we find no clues about the exit, I’ll set up a temporary refuge there. If anything unexpected happens, we can hide inside. Since the Kunpeng’s power negates the mist’s restrictions, I have a way to temporarily protect both of you from its effects.” Han Li said with a faint smile.
“Brother Han, do you truly have such a method?” Yuan Yao and Yan Li exclaimed in delight.
Han Li smiled slightly. With a crack of thunder, wings unfurled from his back. With a shake, their colors transformed dramatically—one shimmering with azure light, the other radiating multicolored brilliance. Both wings became crystalline and dazzling.
Han Li had revealed the true form of his Wind and Thunder Wings, an ancient treasure typically disguised as Skywing wings.
The two women were startled, seeing the wings’ true appearance for the first time. Not only had their shape changed, but the overwhelming spiritual pressure emanating from them also paled their faces.
At that moment, Han Li’s azure wing flickered, and two crystalline feathers shot out, stopping before the women.
“Try these. They’re condensed from the Kunpeng’s aura—they might have some miraculous effects.” Han Li said warmly.
Yuan Yao and Yan Li exchanged doubtful glances.
Yan Li, however, immediately grabbed the feather before her and channeled her magic power into it.
With a soft *pop*, a halo of azure light enveloped her.
“Oh, this does seem remarkable. I’ll test it first. If it fails, Brother Han, you must rescue me!” Yan Li laughed brightly.
“Of course. I’ll stand guard for you.” Han Li replied without hesitation, transforming back into the azure roc and diving into the black mist.
Yan Li, bathed in azure light, prepared to descend.
“Be careful, Sister!” Yuan Yao urged.
“Don’t worry, with Brother Han watching over me, what could go wrong?” Yan Li replied cheerfully, slowly descending.
Yan Li’s figure vanished into the mist, and soon her delighted voice echoed:
“It works! Though most of my magic power is still restricted, I can fly and use basic techniques and treasures without issue!”
“Excellent. Miss Yuan, come down as well. Let’s inspect this area thoroughly.” Han Li’s voice, tinged with satisfaction, emerged from the roc.
Relieved, Yuan Yao smiled and prepared to descend with her feather.
But then—
A sudden upheaval!
The previously calm mist churned violently, and a monstrous whirlwind erupted, transforming the mist into a colossal vortex. Wails and howls filled the air.
Han Li’s roc form stiffened. Though the gale was fierce and a powerful suction pulled from below, it couldn’t fully restrain him—only slowing his movements slightly.
With a flap of his wings, he darted to Yan Li’s side, grabbing her and attempting to flee.
But then—
Thunder roared across the vortex, and countless pitch-black lightning bolts materialized everywhere.
Han Li’s heart sank—this scene was all too familiar.
The lightning struck faster than thought, and the unnatural force hindered his agility.
A black flash—and the azure roc and Yan Li vanished without a trace.
From above, Yuan Yao watched in horror. Before she could react, the vortex expanded violently, engulfing her.
Amidst the black lightning, she too disappeared.
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