“Is Elder Che really planning to enter the spatial node soon?” Feng Laoguai, clearly hearing this for the first time, couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.
“Indeed. But this so-called ‘soon’ likely means preparing for another century or two. After all, only the heavens know how dangerous entering a spatial node truly is,” Xiang Zhili replied solemnly.
“So, Elder Che’s lifespan must be nearing its end. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so impatient, unwilling to search more carefully for a more suitable node,” the horse-faced elder remarked after a long pause, letting out a deep sigh.
“Elder Che refused to elaborate, but it’s almost certainly the case. Otherwise, given his cunning and cautious nature, he wouldn’t be in such a hurry. And truth be told, it’s not just Elder Che—our own lifespans are also dwindling within the next few centuries,” Xiang Zhili’s expression darkened.
“Fellow Daoist Han, we’ve spoken at length. What are your thoughts?” Feng Laoguai, though also looking troubled, suddenly turned to Han Li and asked.
“Senior Brother Xiang’s reasoning is sound. I, Han Li, truly don’t have much time left to personally search for spatial nodes. I can hand over the materials to you all, but on one condition: if you do find a suitable spatial node, I hope you’ll notify me promptly so I can inspect it and make preparations. I don’t wish for any of you to conceal anything from me,” Han Li replied calmly, his tone indifferent.
“What condition? Even if you hadn’t mentioned it, we would have done so anyway. Who knows, we might even enter the spatial node together to support one another,” Xiang Zhili said with a pleased expression, inwardly satisfied that Han Li hadn’t made excessive demands.
Han Li nodded and flicked his hand, sending a streak of white light toward Xiang Zhili—an ordinary-looking white jade slip.
Xiang Zhili’s eyes lit up as he caught it. After scanning it briefly with his spiritual sense, his face brightened with joy.
“Excellent! Not only does it contain additional data on spatial nodes, but it also includes the setup method for a reverse-channel teleportation array. If we can decipher this array, we might uncover even more. Since you’ve been so generous, Fellow Daoist Han, we naturally won’t go back on our word. Here are two long-range communication talismans. Keep them with you. Once we locate a spatial node, we’ll notify you immediately.” Overjoyed, Xiang Zhili retrieved two jade talismans from his sleeve and tossed them over.
Han Li caught them with a flick of his hand and stored them away.
Feng Laoguai had been watching Han Li closely. Seeing him hand over the jade slip, the coldness on his face softened slightly.
“By the way, Fellow Daoist Han, there’s something else I must mention. Given your current abilities, ordinary late-Nascent Soul cultivators are no match for you. Thus, the restrictions that apply to us Deity Transformation cultivators will now extend to you as well. You’ll need to be more cautious from now on. Incidents like the Yin Luo Sect affair must not happen again,” Xiang Zhili added after storing the jade slip, his tone urgent.
“Restrictions?” Han Li’s expression shifted slightly.
“It’s nothing too complicated. Given the immense power of Deity Transformation cultivators, if any one of them were to act recklessly, it could disrupt the order of the human realm. Thus, since ancient times, all Deity Transformation cultivators in the human realm have agreed to a set of rules. Once one reaches this stage, they are forbidden from fighting among themselves and from interfering in the affairs of the cultivation world. Your recent massacre of so many Yin Luo Sect Nascent Soul cultivators, including a Great Cultivator, has already caused unnecessary chaos in the Great Jin. However, since you were unaware of these rules and hadn’t yet reached Deity Transformation, we’ll let it slide this time. But now that Brother Feng and I have confirmed your strength—though not yet at the Deity Transformation level, you’re close enough—once I notify the others, you too will be bound by these restrictions. At the very least, you can’t slaughter large numbers of Nascent Soul cultivators or interfere with a sect’s rise or fall. Of course, these restrictions work both ways—no other Deity Transformation cultivator will be allowed to attack you arbitrarily either,” Xiang Zhili explained with a smile.
Han Li was momentarily stunned but soon chuckled.
“To be honest, unless absolutely necessary, I’ve never involved myself in sect affairs. As for the Yin Luo Sect incident, their cultivators came after me first in the South Sky. I merely retaliated. Such incidents won’t happen again,” Han Li clarified.
“The Yin Luo Sect matter is in the past. It’s best if you think that way. By the way, do you have any pressing matters? If not, why not accompany Brother Feng and me to Demon Mountain? I can introduce you to Fellow Daoist Hu. He’s planning to take several Nascent Soul female cultivators as concubines and has sent me an invitation. Fellow Daoist Feng, you must have received one too, right?” Xiang Zhili abruptly changed the subject.
“Indeed, or else I wouldn’t be here. I heard the three concubines he’s taking this time are not only early-Nascent Soul cultivators but also stunning beauties he’s quite fond of. But honestly, counting this one, this must be the fifth or sixth time we’ve been invited to Demon Mountain for his concubine ceremonies. That old demon really knows how to make a fuss. His demon palace is already filled with beauties sent by his disciples—what’s the point of taking more concubines?” Feng Laoguai frowned, sounding resigned.
“Haha, Brother Feng, you know how it is. Fellow Daoist Hu’s cultivation technique requires him to indulge in women. But when he finds a virgin he truly fancies, he treats it with utmost seriousness, never taking her purity lightly. Instead, he holds grand ceremonies, inviting friends to witness and bestow formal titles. Since he has no official cultivation partner, these titled concubines are vastly different from ordinary maids—each is deeply cherished!” Xiang Zhili laughed.
“Humph! Who cares about his concubines? It’s just that every time we’re invited, we’re forced to part with treasures, which irks me. That old demon is obsessed with face—if you decline his invitation, you’ll offend him. And his tastes are ridiculously high—ordinary treasures won’t suffice,” Feng Laoguai grumbled.
“That’s because we both covet the rare spiritual herbs on his Demon Mountain. If you were like Fellow Daoist Bai, with no desires, attending or not would be irrelevant,” Xiang Zhili said nonchalantly, seemingly unbothered by the invitations.
“The two of you are referring to that fellow from the Heavenly Demon Sect, right? Since I wasn’t invited, wouldn’t it be improper for me to go unannounced? Besides, I haven’t prepared any suitable gifts,” Han Li hesitated.
“Don’t overthink it, Fellow Daoist Han! If I bring a guest to Demon Mountain, what can Fellow Daoist Hu say? Besides, if we do find a suitable spatial node based on your materials, he’ll owe you a great debt. As for gifts, just offer a couple of ancient treasures—no need for anything extravagant. Since you’re not close to him, overly generous gifts might seem odd. In fact, this trip could be an opportunity for you. Demon Mountain’s exclusive ‘Devil Refinement Heavenly Origin Pill’ can aid in breaking through to Deity Transformation. This pill can only be refined using herbs from Demon Mountain—nowhere else. If you can secure one or two, breaking through and sensing the world’s spiritual energy will be much easier,” Xiang Zhili said meaningfully.
“The Devil Refinement Heavenly Origin Pill! Could it be the long-lost ‘Devil Origin Pill’ from ancient times?” Han Li exclaimed in shock.
“Exactly! I’m surprised you know of it. In that case, I needn’t explain further. So, will you join us?” Xiang Zhili asked, pleasantly surprised but smiling.
Han Li’s expression flickered with hesitation.
—
The Misty Moon Mountain Range lay in the northwest of the Great Jin, straddling two provinces and spanning hundreds of thousands of miles. Among its countless treacherous peaks, the tallest soared tens of thousands of feet high, its upper half perpetually blanketed in snow.
At its summit stretched a vast plateau dozens of miles wide, upon which stood a sprawling complex of magnificent palaces, pavilions, and towers—each exquisitely crafted from rare woods or precious jade.
The entire mountaintop was shielded by a massive barrier. Outside, howling winds and icy blizzards raged, but inside, it was eternally spring, teeming with exotic flowers and spiritual plants. Among the palaces, groups of graceful, beautiful women in colorful robes laughed and played, their melodious voices intoxicating to the soul.
This place was like a paradise on earth!
Few in the Great Jin’s cultivation world knew of this place—Demon Mountain. And its grand structures bore a name that struck awe into hearts: the “Demon Palace.”
The master of Demon Palace was none other than one of the Great Jin’s last surviving Deity Transformation cultivators—the Heavenly Demon Sect’s Grand Elder, Hu Qinglei.
This legendary figure, who had dominated the Great Jin over a millennium ago and elevated the Heavenly Demon Sect to the pinnacle of the demonic path, now resided here in seclusion. At this moment, he was hosting a grand banquet in the palace’s largest hall for a select group of honored guests.
The guests numbered no more than seven or eight, seated on either side of the hall. In the center, dozens of enchanting women in palace attire danced with captivating grace, filling the hall with an air of spring.
On the main seat sat a frail-looking old man wearing a wooden crown, reclining lazily against the chairback, his eyes half-closed in contentment.
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