“Although it’s still somewhat unrefined, its power is undeniable and capable of breaking the Netherworld River’s restrictions. However, from your earlier spellcasting, I’ve gleaned some insight into why Fellow Daoist Han isn’t affected by the divine lightning’s backlash. When you initially refined the Golden Lightning Bamboo treasure, was your mana already several times stronger than your peers, as it is now?” Six-Legs nodded before suddenly asking.
“Indeed, in my early years, I practiced an unusual cultivation technique. Although my progress was slower than most, my foundation was indeed deeper than my peers. So, the reason I’m unaffected by the divine lightning’s backlash is because of this?” Han Li, who had already landed on the ground, replied in surprise.
“While it’s not the sole reason, it is certainly a significant factor. After all, mana is the foundation of all supernatural abilities. The same technique wielded by cultivators of different strengths will yield vastly different results. With mana far surpassing your current realm, Fellow Daoist Han can naturally suppress the backlash of the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder. Moreover, since you were previously unaware of the true method to wield the thunder, the backlash was likely negligible,” Six-Legs calmly explained.
“So, you’re saying that in the future, when I use the Thunder Summoning Technique, I might still face backlash?” Han Li’s expression darkened.
“Not necessarily. Your immunity thus far could also be due to consuming rare spiritual treasures, possessing unique artifacts, or practicing extraordinary techniques that help suppress the backlash. At the very least, from your earlier demonstration, I saw no signs of backlash. While I can’t speak for the future, at your current level, you needn’t worry about it,” Six-Legs replied, his tone unshaken.
Though Han Li wasn’t entirely convinced, his expression remained troubled.
The implication was clear: even if he was safe now, there was no guarantee he could continue suppressing the backlash of the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder after further breakthroughs.
The white-haired beauty narrowed her eyes after hearing Six-Legs’ words and suddenly turned to the woman shrouded in black light, coldly asking, “Sister Mu Qing, you gathered us here not just to witness Fellow Daoist Han’s Thunder Summoning Technique, did you? What else do you have to say?”
Mu Qing was momentarily taken aback before chuckling lightly.
“Indeed, I do have something to discuss with you all. Since even Brother Six-Legs agrees that Fellow Daoist Han can now fully wield the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder, I propose that for the next two years, he need not return to Sister Lan’s place. Instead, he should stay in my Wood Essence Cave to master the thunder-wielding techniques. What do you think?” Mu Qing stated her intentions plainly.
“Even if Fellow Daoist Han has mastered the Thunder Summoning Technique, our methods of wielding the thunder still differ in nuances. Having him study under me for two more years is hardly unreasonable. Besides, this was agreed upon earlier. If Sister Mu intends to renege, I won’t stand for it,” the white-haired beauty retorted, her tone icy.
“Sister Lan, that’s not quite fair. Our goal is merely to use Fellow Daoist Han’s Evil-Warding Divine Thunder to break the Netherworld River’s restrictions. There’s no need for redundant measures. As for prior agreements, circumstances change, and adjustments are only natural,” Mu Qing replied with a faint smile.
“Brother Six-Legs, Fellow Daoist Di Xue, what are your thoughts? Do you agree with Sister Mu?” The white-haired beauty ignored Mu Qing and turned to the other two.
“I know nothing of thunder-wielding techniques, so I have no opinion. The two of you can decide,” one of the blood-robed figures chuckled dismissively, clearly unwilling to get involved in their dispute.
The white-haired beauty was momentarily puzzled by his response but then shifted her gaze to the enigmatic Six-Legs.
Six-Legs, cloaked in black, lowered his head in contemplation.
“Both of you make valid points. On one hand, Fellow Daoist Han has mastered the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder, making further tutelage under Sister Lan unnecessary. On the other, altering prior agreements isn’t fair to her. Here’s my proposal: reduce the two years to one. After that, Fellow Daoist Han can reside alone to refine his skills,” Six-Legs finally declared.
The white-haired beauty frowned, while Mu Qing fell silent.
“I know neither of you is satisfied, but remember: our grand endeavor is at hand, and we can’t even be certain of entering the Netherworld River. If personal grievances hinder our cooperation, all your schemes will come to naught. Do you truly wish to forsake this once-in-ten-millennium opportunity?” Six-Legs’ voice turned icy before either could protest.
The two women exchanged glances, their expressions shifting.
The white-haired beauty’s eyes flickered before she suddenly transmitted a message to Mu Qing.
Upon hearing it, Mu Qing’s face paled. After a long pause, she hesitantly asked, “Is it true? You’d really give me that?”
“Sister Mu knows well that as a ghostly cultivator, that item holds no value for me,” the white-haired beauty replied calmly.
“Very well, I accept your terms,” Mu Qing conceded, seemingly swayed by the offer.
“Good. I trust Sister Mu won’t go back on her word this time,” the white-haired beauty smiled before vanishing in a gust of gray light.
The blood-robed figures exchanged glances, while Six-Legs remained unfazed.
“Fellow Daoists, Sister Lan and I have reached an agreement. Fellow Daoist Han need not return to her. For the remaining time, he may reside alone to refine his thunder-wielding techniques. What do you think?” Mu Qing asked pleasantly.
“As I said, I leave it to you two,” the blood-robed figure replied with a strange laugh.
“As long as it doesn’t affect our mission, I have no objections,” Six-Legs added coldly.
Mu Qing was visibly pleased.
Han Li, however, sighed inwardly.
Clearly, some agreement concerning him had been made without his knowledge, leaving him uneasy.
Soon after, Six-Legs and the blood-robed figures departed.
At Mu Qing’s summons, Han Li followed her back into the hall.
“Fellow Daoist Han, you’ve heard our discussion and must have questions. Now is the time to clarify some matters. I’ll answer three of your questions—no more. In exchange, you must assist me with one task in the Netherworld River. Agreed?” Mu Qing said calmly from her golden flower throne.
“One task?” Han Li asked warily.
“Indeed. After two years of guidance and answering your questions, is this request unreasonable?” Mu Qing’s gaze bore into him.
“Not at all, but—” Han Li forced a smile.
“Rest assured, it won’t exceed your capabilities. Ultimately, it merely involves your Evil-Warding Divine Thunder. Did you truly believe we’d favor you otherwise?” Mu Qing’s tone turned sharp.
Han Li relaxed slightly. After a moment’s thought, he replied solemnly, “Very well. Within my limits and without endangering my life, I agree.”
“Clever wording. But no matter. Ask your questions,” Mu Qing sneered, crossing her arms.
“First, what exactly is the Netherworld River, and what dangers lie there?” Han Li asked directly.
“The Netherworld River is an isolated space we discovered centuries ago in the abyss’s depths, teeming with yin energy and malevolent spirits. Its perils are countless—some ghost kings rival our strength, and certain areas are lethally treacherous. In fact, our group once numbered five. One perished during our initial exploration due to inadequate preparation. Its dangers are beyond imagination,” Mu Qing explained gravely.
Han Li’s heart sank. “The name ‘Netherworld River’—is there a reason for it?”
“Ah, does this count as your third question?” Mu Qing laughed melodiously.
“Of course not. My third question is—” Han Li hurriedly denied.
“Never mind. I’ll explain freely. The space is enveloped by a ten-thousand-zhang-deep layer of eerie yin water. Ordinary beings lose their souls upon contact, their bodies transforming into yin corpses doomed to drift eternally. Hence, the name,” Mu Qing interjected, her voice chilling.
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