“Truly worthy of the Spirit Realm. The ‘Taiyi Silver Essence Mushroom,’ which was only a legend in the Human Realm, actually exists here. It’s said that consuming this mushroom can cause silver essence scales to grow on one’s body, making one impervious to blades, water, and fire—no wonder these demon beasts are fighting so desperately. But in terms of defense, it’s far inferior to the Vajra Art, making it rather useless to me! Still, selling it to mid-level body refiners would surely fetch a high price.” Han Li muttered to himself, flipping his hand to reveal a palm-sized emerald-green jade shovel.
Bending down, he carefully unearthed the silver mushroom, admiring it for a moment before storing it in a jade box.
Since entering the Sunset Tomb, Han Li had already collected many legendary spiritual medicines and materials long extinct in the Human Realm. However, given his current standards, most of them, like the Taiyi Silver Essence Mushroom, were of little use.
This was hardly surprising. Items truly beneficial to Deity Transformation cultivators likely wouldn’t be left for ordinary beings from the human and demon races to find. As for the unique treasures of the Sunset Tomb, they were exceedingly rare and hidden in the most obscure places, requiring a needle-in-a-haystack search.
Thus, Deity Transformation-level beings rarely appeared in the Sunset Tomb, with the highest usually being eighth-level demon beasts and human Nascent Soul cultivators.
Beyond the Three Territories and Seven Demon Lands lay the boundless wilderness, teeming with countless natural treasures. The variety was so vast that no one could recognize even a fraction of them. Some could even grant mortals spiritual roots or allow low-level cultivators to advance overnight.
Yet, despite the allure, those below the Nascent Soul stage were better off staying within the safety of human and demon territories. The wilderness was filled with beings rivaling Deity Transformation and Void Refinement cultivators, alongside unimaginable natural disasters.
Reaching the Nascent Soul stage only granted basic survival capability in the wilderness. Whether one could find useful treasures depended entirely on luck and skill.
However, progress slowed drastically after reaching the Nascent Soul stage. Without venturing out for resources, most would stagnate, either dying of old age or perishing in relentless heavenly tribulations.
Thus, countless high-ranking humans and demons left the Three Territories and Seven Lands annually, entering the wilderness. Fewer than a third ever returned, a staggering loss that left the leaders of both races helpless.
To maintain their top-tier forces, they had no choice but to allow it.
Han Li knew some of this and was deeply curious about the wilderness. If not for his current lack of magic power, he might have ventured out himself.
Stretching, Han Li prepared to leave when a rustling sound came from nearby bushes. A yellow shadow flashed into view ten zhang away, revealing a small figure.
“Ah!” Han Li was startled but quickly recognized the creature—the same beast that had once granted him enlightenment. It looked panicked, its fur disheveled.
Delighted yet puzzled, Han Li watched as the beast, recognizing him, hesitated before darting away.
Determined not to let it escape, Han Li flicked his sleeve, sending a silver lasso snaking toward the beast. Enraged, the beast dodged mid-air, turning into a blur and evading the lasso.
The momentary delay allowed a white sword to materialize in its path, transforming into a pale-robed figure—a Spirit General of the Spirit Race.
The beast froze, its fur bristling in alarm.
“Spirit Race!” Han Li gasped, immediately retreating. Spirit Generals, capable of human form, rivaled Deity Transformation cultivators. Without his magic, Han Li had no intention of staying.
The Spirit General glanced at Han Li, sneered, and flicked five white threads—sword threads—toward him.
Recognizing the threat, Han Li drew his black spear, channeling all his strength into a defensive strike. The spear shattered, and the threads tore through his gray armor’s mist barrier.
With a roar, Han Li unleashed two golden fist winds, momentarily trapping the threads in the mist. Seizing the chance, he vanished into the bushes.
The mist exploded, scattering armor fragments. The Spirit General, momentarily distracted, turned back to the beast, which had split into dozens of illusions.
“Where do you think you’re going?” the Spirit General roared, unleashing a barrage of sword qi. Most illusions were destroyed, but the real beast twisted away and fled at incredible speed.
The Spirit General pursued, both vanishing into the distance.
Much later, Han Li emerged from behind a tree. He’d gambled on the Spirit General prioritizing the beast and had hidden nearby, ready to fight if necessary.
Grim-faced, Han Li pondered the implications of a Spirit General’s presence. Was something major afoot? Unease settled in his heart.
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