“Fellow Daoist Lan, there’s no need to be overly anxious. What we seek from Fellow Daoist Han is not his cultivation level, but his Divine Lightning power. Even if his cultivation were a rank or two lower, as long as he can unleash the Evil-Warding Divine Lightning, it wouldn’t matter,” Mu Qing chuckled lightly within the black light.
“Controlling the Evil-Warding Divine Lightning is no simple feat. Naturally, the higher the cultivation, the greater the certainty. I highly doubt a Spirit General can truly wield the power of the Divine Lightning. If I recall correctly, to unleash the true might of the Evil-Warding Divine Lightning, one must at least be at the early-stage Spirit Commander level,” said one of the two blood-robed figures, his voice oddly metallic.
“Brother Dihai, rest assured on this matter! Although Fellow Daoist Han is only a high-rank Spirit General, the purity and density of his spiritual power are only slightly below that of an ordinary early-stage Spirit Commander. I believe he can accomplish this task. Unless Brother Dihai has some other method to reliably break the Nether River restriction, making it unnecessary for Fellow Daoist Han to even attempt it,” Mu Qing replied with a meaningful tone.
“If this person can indeed help us break the restriction, it would be a joyous occasion. I have no intention of obstructing; I’m merely overly concerned. Fairy Mu, don’t twist my words,” the other blood-robed figure spoke, his voice identical to the first, as if they were the same person.
The others present showed no surprise at this, and Mu Qing calmly continued, “Since Brother Dihai has no objections to inviting Fellow Daoist Han, that’s for the best. I wonder what Brother Liuzu and Sister Lan think?”
“As long as it benefits our grand plan, I support it,” the mysterious figure in the black cloak replied with eerie calmness.
The white-haired beauty, however, frowned deeply, lost in thought.
“What is it, Sister Lan? Do you have any differing opinions?” Mu Qing asked, her eyes flashing.
“Nothing much. This man’s soul is unusually powerful. I originally intended to refine his spirit into a Silver-Armored Ghost King. Now I’ll have to search for another refining material. Since Fellow Daoist Han was discovered by me and Dihai first, don’t you think it’s somewhat inappropriate for you to keep him, Sister Mu?” the white-haired beauty said slowly.
“Oh? So Sister Lan wishes to personally instruct Fellow Daoist Han. But as far as I know, your cultivation technique is countered by the Divine Lightning. How could you teach him the ways of the Divine Lightning? If this delays our grand plan, wouldn’t you regret it for life?” Mu Qing chuckled softly.
“Is that so? From your tone, Sister Mu, it seems you also understand the Evil-Warding Divine Lightning. Since neither of us has cultivated this divine ability, what’s wrong with me guiding him?” the white-haired beauty retorted coldly.
“I am a Wood Spirit incarnate. The Evil-Warding Divine Lightning was known as the Supreme Wood Lightning among the Five Elements Divine Lightnings in ancient times. If I personally instruct him, it would surely be better than others,” Mu Qing’s expression darkened slightly.
“That’s not necessarily true. In terms of years of cultivation, I am second only to Fellow Daoist Liuzu. Such a long period of cultivation should more than compensate for your minor innate advantage, Sister Mu,” the beauty replied bluntly.
Hearing this, Mu Qing’s expression shifted slightly. Just as she was about to respond, the mysterious figure named Liuzu suddenly spoke, “Fellow Daoists, there’s no need to argue. Shouldn’t we first verify whether Fellow Daoist Han’s Evil-Warding Divine Lightning is genuine before discussing other matters?”
Liuzu clearly held high authority among them. After exchanging wary glances, the beauty fell silent, while Mu Qing turned to Han Li and said calmly, “I presume you’ve heard our conversation clearly, Fellow Daoist Han. Could you release your Evil-Warding Divine Lightning once more so we may confirm it? This matter is of great importance, so I trust you won’t refuse.”
Han Li forced a bitter smile and, without further ado, formed a hand seal.
With a thunderous boom, golden light erupted from his body as countless fine golden lightning threads emerged, swiftly coalescing into several thick golden arcs that coiled around him, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The beauty, Liuzu, and the others in the hall stared unblinkingly at the golden arcs, including Mu Qing, who had seen it before.
Liuzu flicked his sleeve, sending a dark gust of yin wind toward Han Li.
Han Li raised an eyebrow and pointed a finger, sending a golden arc to meet it.
Upon contact, the golden arc exploded with a deafening roar, dispersing the black wind like snow under the spring sun, leaving nothing behind.
“Excellent! It truly is the Evil-Warding Divine Lightning!” Liuzu nodded, a hint of joy in his voice.
“How many such arcs can you release, Fellow Daoist?” one of the blood-robed figures suddenly asked.
“About twenty. But after each release, it takes considerable time to recover,” Han Li replied, his eyes flickering.
He had reduced the actual number of arcs he could summon by two-thirds, not revealing the truth.
“Twenty should suffice,” the other blood-robed figure cackled with delight.
“Indeed. No matter how formidable the Nether River restriction is, it cannot withstand such a barrage of Divine Lightning. Now that we’ve confirmed his abilities, we must decide Fellow Daoist Han’s arrangements. Since Brother Dihai and I are unfamiliar with Divine Lightning techniques, we’ll abstain from this discussion. The issue is that both Fairy Mu and Fellow Daoist Lan wish to instruct him in the ways of the Divine Lightning, which complicates matters. Here’s my proposal: we have several years before our grand plan. Let him study under Fairy Mu for the first two years, then under Fellow Daoist Lan for the next two. The final two years can be for his own comprehension and cultivation. I trust neither of you objects?” Liuzu spoke emotionlessly.
Hearing this, both the beauty and Mu Qing were taken aback.
“An excellent suggestion, Brother Liuzu! I see no reason for further debate,” one blood-robed figure clapped and laughed.
“If Fellow Daoists Liuzu and Dihai approve, I have no objections,” the white-haired beauty nodded slowly after a moment’s thought.
Mu Qing, however, remained seated on her golden flower, silent.
“Fairy Mu, do you disagree with this arrangement?” Liuzu’s voice turned cold from beneath his hood.
“Of course not. Let it be as the three of you decide,” Mu Qing forced a smile after a pause.
“Good. These are minor matters. Our grand plan takes precedence. Fellow Daoist Han, you have six years. If within this time you master the Divine Lightning techniques we teach and unleash its true power, we will take you to a mysterious place where unimaginable benefits await. But if you fail to grasp the true might of the Divine Lightning in six years… well…” One blood-robed figure smirked, his tone a mix of threat and temptation.
Though he left the consequences unspoken, the implication was clear.
Han Li’s expression darkened.
“Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Han. Given your talent to cultivate such abilities at such a young age, mastering the Divine Lightning in six years should pose no problem. However, to prevent any… unfortunate ideas, we must place minor restrictions on you,” the white-haired beauty said, suddenly flicking a gray thread toward Han Li without warning.
Han Li’s face paled as he instinctively tried to dodge, but the space around him tightened, and an immense force pressed down on his shoulders, immobilizing him.
After a fleeting moment of hesitation, Han Li chose not to resist with his divine power, merely watching as the gray thread vanished into his body.
Almost simultaneously, Liuzu, Mu Qing, and Dihai each released a wisp of black energy, green light, and blood mist, which also entered Han Li’s body.
As the pressure lifted, Han Li quickly scanned his body with his spiritual sense, both troubled and relieved.
The four marks embedded within him posed no immediate harm but would make escape nearly impossible.
“Fellow Daoist Han, once matters here conclude, you’ll remain in Fairy Mu’s Wood Spirit Valley for two years. Afterward, Fellow Daoist Lan will arrange for your transfer. That settles it. Now, onto other important matters. Fellow Daoist Lan, I heard your Nether Ghost is nearly complete, except for…” Liuzu dismissed Han Li with a few words, shifting the discussion.
The others interjected occasionally, but from start to finish, these demon kings gave Han Li no opportunity to speak, nor did they seem inclined to listen.
In the presence of four demon kings at the Integration Stage or above, Han Li indeed had no voice. Whether in the human realm or the spirit realm, strength dictated authority. A mere Deity Transformation cultivator was insignificant to these abyssal demons.
Swallowing his frustration, Han Li silently pondered their earlier words.
Though their discussion had been brief, he gleaned the gist: they sought his Evil-Warding Divine Lightning to break a “Nether River restriction.”
But what were these “Divine Lightning techniques” and the “true power” of the Evil-Warding Divine Lightning? Did the lightning have unique methods of control or hidden abilities?
Han Li was baffled.
Suddenly, he sensed someone’s gaze and glanced over to meet the eyes of a young woman—Yuan Yao.
Her expression was indifferent, revealing nothing.
Han Li studied her briefly before calmly looking away.
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