“That makes sense. Even a cultivation family like the Ye Clan can refine a replica of a Heaven-reaching Spiritual Treasure. Given the long-standing heritage of other major sects, it’s indeed highly probable they possess replicas as well.” Han Li pondered for a moment before reluctantly acknowledging this point.
“There’s no need to be too disheartened. Even if they are replicas, the materials used to refine them are far from ordinary. Most of them have likely vanished from this realm by now. The existing ones are probably accumulated over countless years, with materials only occasionally gathered for a single piece. Besides, don’t you already possess the genuine Void Heaven Cauldron? If you could truly master this treasure, there’s likely no one in this realm who could stand against you.” The Great Divination Sage spoke in a somewhat envious tone.
“Master the Void Heaven Cauldron completely? That’s far from easy. Without the cultivation of a Deity Transformation stage, it’s just wishful thinking. But if I truly reached the Deity Transformation stage, I could dominate the human realm even without the Void Heaven Cauldron.” Han Li let out a bitter laugh upon hearing this.
The Great Divination Sage chuckled but said nothing more.
At this moment, the hall was utterly silent except for the figure in white mist still introducing the Mountain-Leveling Seal. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
The host of the exchange, the figure in white mist, sensing that the anticipation had been sufficiently built, decided not to delay any further. After a light cough, they finally began explaining the auction method for this treasure.
“It seems I need not elaborate further—everyone already understands the value of this treasure. For its auction, the Ye Clan has prepared a list of materials. Whoever can provide the most items from this list will obtain the treasure. Of course, if the highest bidder’s materials are deemed insufficient in value, the bid will be invalid. Finally, we’ll also conduct a spirit stone auction, starting at three million as the base price.”
Hearing the astronomical price of three million, even the seasoned cultivators present couldn’t help but stir, though none voiced objections. While this sum might represent the majority of a mid-sized cultivation sect’s spirit stone reserves, compared to the treasure’s value, it wasn’t excessive. In fact, during the actual bidding, the price could easily multiply several times over.
Han Li felt a chill at this price and suddenly had a peculiar thought: if he were to auction his Demon Marrow Crystals, how many spirit stones could they fetch? Probably not a small amount either.
However, the two weren’t truly comparable. The so-called Demon Dao supreme treasure, the Demon Dragon Blade, was something he had researched—only one had been forged during ancient times. It was said that a demonic cultivator wielding this blade had slain a Deity Transformation stage cultivator, suggesting its power rivaled that of a “Heaven-reaching Spiritual Treasure.” But the Demon Dragon Blade was a genuine magic treasure with untapped potential, whereas one or two Demon Marrow Crystals couldn’t possibly forge such a blade. If the crystals were merely used as spiritual medicine to absorb their refined demonic energy, their value would plummet significantly.
As Han Li mulled over these chaotic thoughts, the black-crowned elder produced a jade slip and began reading aloud the list of materials recorded within.
The elder’s voice wasn’t loud, but every cultivator in the hall heard it clearly.
While the others listened intently, Han Li appeared somewhat indifferent, showing no intention of competing for the treasure.
This wasn’t because he wasn’t tempted, but because he knew his limits. As an outsider, no matter how wealthy he was, he couldn’t outbid the local sects of the Great Jin. A treasure powerful enough to influence the balance of power among major sects was no longer something an individual or small faction could possess. Otherwise, given the Ye Clan’s status as the foremost cultivation family, why would they willingly auction the Mountain-Leveling Seal? They were likely pressured by other major powers into offering it as a compromise.
After casually listening to a few materials, Han Li became even more convinced of this.
The materials listed weren’t ultra-rare items like Five Elements Jade or Geng Gold but rather precious resources that major sects typically stockpiled. It seemed the Ye Clan, unwilling to concede entirely, aimed to make the sects pay dearly.
With this in mind, Han Li stood abruptly and headed for the exit.
His action naturally drew attention, especially from those who had noted his earlier display of two Demon Marrow Crystals. Many cast puzzled glances his way.
Ignoring the stares, Han Li calmly walked to the entrance. Just as he was about to step into the faintly glowing restriction, a familiar voice transmitted into his ear: “Brother Han, leaving so soon?” It was the voice of Elder Fu.
Han Li paused slightly and transmitted back, “I’ve become a target. If I don’t leave now, trouble will follow. I haven’t forgotten your matter, Elder Fu. If it’s not urgent, perhaps we can discuss it in detail a few years from now, after I’ve refined a certain treasure?”
“My matter isn’t pressing. But you’ve kept me in the dark, Brother Han! To possess Demon Marrow Crystals without a hint—no wonder those Yin Luo Sect cultivators pursued you relentlessly. Could you meet me in four years at Chaoyun Prefecture in the Southern Border? I’ll also invite a few others to Twin Scorpion Mountain. I assure you, while your assistance is needed, this endeavor will greatly benefit you as well.” Elder Fu replied without hesitation.
“Three years? That should suffice. I’ll be there. For now, I must take my leave.” With that, Han Li stepped into the restriction without looking back, vanishing in a flash of white light.
A short while later, Han Li emerged from the underground exchange as a streak of azure light, circling briefly above the ravine before streaking eastward without pause.
Shortly after his departure, several other cultivators quietly left the hall. Most, however, remained, torn between the allure of the Mountain-Leveling Seal and the risks of pursuing Han Li. After weighing the pros and cons, they chose to stay—Han Li’s treasures like the Five Elements Jade were rare, but with others already on his trail, it wasn’t worth the conflict.
After flying a thousand miles without stopping, Han Li’s body suddenly emitted a sword cry resembling a dragon’s roar as he passed a mountain peak. His expression darkened, and his flight halted abruptly.
Taking a deep breath, he scanned his surroundings sharply, then flicked his sleeve, releasing dozens of golden flying swords that swarmed above him, forming an imposing golden canopy.
“Your presence is exposed. No need to lurk—show yourself!” Han Li’s eyes flashed with blue light as he coldly addressed an empty spot.
A chuckle echoed as a black streak appeared, revealing a young man resembling Han Li. Dressed similarly in green robes, his ordinary features were offset by pupils glowing with black and purple light.
“So it’s you. How did you find me?” Han Li asked gravely, though he’d anticipated this.
“It seems you know who I am. Your swords are quite spirited, able to warn you of my approach. As for finding you so quickly—I hadn’t expected it either. Luck favors me today.” The youth studied Han Li leisurely.
“With two of my swords in your possession, I’d be a fool not to recognize you,” Han Li replied flatly.
“Indeed, your swords are here.” The demonic doppelgänger raised a hand, revealing two golden swords trembling violently, straining toward Han Li but ensnared by black tendrils.
Han Li’s expression darkened further.
“To forge your swords from Golden Lightning Bamboo—remarkable. No wonder my main soul fell to you in the Fallen Demon Valley. Its death spared me from being devoured, yet also doomed me to never regain my peak demonic power. Should I thank you or kill you?” The doppelgänger smirked.
“You didn’t come here for idle chatter,” Han Li retorted coldly after a pause.
“That depends on your cooperation. Reveal how you obtained so much Golden Lightning Bamboo, and I might spare you. Otherwise, I’ll extract your soul and search it myself.” The doppelgänger glanced at the swords dismissively.
Han Li’s expression remained stoic, though his lips twitched. He exhaled slowly.
“Wanting to kill me and succeeding are two different matters. I’ve no interest in conversation or secrets. Let’s see how your power compares to your main soul’s. Last time in the South, you were severely wounded—I doubt you’ve fully recovered.” Han Li’s eyes narrowed dangerously. The secret of the vial was non-negotiable.
“I’d hoped to let you speak your last words, but since you refuse, so be it.” The doppelgänger’s killing intent surged, his eyes blazing with dark light.
Han Li’s mind raced. His golden swords instantly formed a barrier, while his other hand retrieved a spirit beast pouch containing Gold Devouring Beetles.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage