“To end up as a monster like those ancient demons through cultivation holds no interest for me,” Han Li said coldly.
“Kid Han, do you really think all ancient demons look grotesque?” The Great Divinity Sovereign fell silent for a moment before speaking in a peculiar tone.
“Senior, what do you mean? Aren’t those who become ancient demons supposed to turn into otherworldly fiends? Can they still retain human form?” Han Li was taken aback and countered.
“You’re mistaken about that. According to the records I’ve seen, human cultivators who ascend to the demon realm retain their original forms even after becoming ancient demons. Of course, if they use demonic arts to transform, that’s another matter. During the final battles between ancient cultivators and demons, a small number of cultivators were lured by high-ranking ancient demons and underwent demonic baptism, directly joining their ranks. This intensified the conflict. It’s said these individuals retained their human appearance and intellect after demonization but willingly served the high-ranking demons. No one knows what hidden motives were involved. Since then, rumors spread that human cultivators who master ancient demonic arts would automatically ascend to the ancient demon realm.”
“As for those grotesque ancient demons, they fall into two categories. The first are the original fiends of the ancient demon realm, the highest-tier beings, referred to as ‘Sacred Ancestors.’ These demons are not only rare but also terrifyingly powerful. Even now, some demonic cultivators invoke their names to borrow demonic energy for spells. The second category consists of demonic cultivators from our human realm—specifically, demon beasts who ascended to the demon realm after mastering demonic arts. Since their original forms weren’t human, they naturally appear monstrous after transformation.”
“Demon beasts? How is that possible? How could they—”
“How could they cultivate ancient demonic arts, right? Don’t ask me—I’m just as puzzled. The records didn’t elaborate, only suggesting that demon beasts had contact with ancient demons far earlier than humans. The specifics remain unclear. However, the high-ranking demon beasts I’ve encountered in the past no longer practice demonic arts or carry demonic energy. Perhaps you’ll find answers in the Great Jin, where the oldest human records are preserved,” the Great Divinity Sovereign replied lazily.
Han Li’s expression flickered as he recalled the “True Fragment of Brahma’s Sage,” a supposed treasure of the demon beast lineage in his storage pouch. The three-headed, six-armed technique inscribed on it bore an uncanny resemblance to the dual-headed, four-armed technique used by the ancient demon he encountered. Could there be some unknown connection?
After a moment of contemplation, Han Li suddenly chuckled to himself. Even if there were hidden ties between demon beasts and ancient demons, what did it matter to him? He wasn’t the type to meddle in affairs or seek answers to every mystery. Some things were better left unclear.
Besides, the True Fragment of Brahma’s Sage in his possession was incomplete. Even if he had the full set of demon beast techniques, he wouldn’t waste time cultivating them—he still had the “Green Origin Sword Art” to master, which would take who knew how long. Moreover, techniques tied to ancient demons and demon beasts were unlikely to suit human cultivation.
Shaking his head, Han Li dismissed thoughts of demon beasts and the fragment, turning instead to a more pressing concern.
“Don’t worry about the puppet materials—whether I go to the Great Jin or not, I’ll gather them for you. But two years ago, you mentioned you’d nearly deciphered the method to forge the Seven Flames Fan. By now, it should be fully resolved. If the forging method is ready, hand it over so I can begin crafting it. With two of my flying swords lost, I can no longer deploy sword formations and urgently need a trump card,” Han Li said bluntly.
After over two decades of interaction, his relationship with the Great Divinity Sovereign had grown more amicable, even bordering on mentorship at times.
“For the Seven Flames Fan, I’ve adjusted the formula by removing irreplaceable materials and substituting others where possible. I’ve devised a method, though I can’t guarantee its success. The resulting artifact shouldn’t even be called the Seven Flames Fan anymore—’Three Flames Fan’ would be more accurate. The original required eighty-one fire-attribute spiritual materials, but I’ve reduced it to thirty-one. Naturally, its power is halved,” the Great Divinity Sovereign explained frankly.
“That’s fine. Even if its power is diminished, a replica of a Heaven-reaching Treasure would still be formidable enough to overwhelm ordinary cultivators,” Han Li replied without hesitation.
“I’ve recorded the method in this jade slip. Take a look. Even as a replica, some materials will be hard to find. Crafting this fan won’t be easy,” the Great Divinity Sovereign said flatly.
The lid of the bamboo tube on Han Li’s back opened, and a white streak shot out. Han Li caught it effortlessly—a white jade slip.
He calmly immersed his spiritual sense into the slip, scanning its contents. His brow furrowed slightly.
“Most materials can be gathered with time and effort, but the Solar Bird’s plume and the Crimson Fire Flood Dragon’s scales are rare finds. Where would we even begin? The Solar Bird’s plume… Back in the Great Jin, I once saw a young female cultivator from the Yueyang Palace raising one. Even if the original bird is gone, its descendants might still exist. You could try seeking it out. As for the Crimson Fire Flood Dragon, that depends on your luck—though if you go to the Great Jin, it shouldn’t be too hard to resolve,” the Great Divinity Sovereign mused.
“Hmph. After all that, you still want me to go to the Great Jin,” Han Li grumbled, exasperated.
“Heh! I’m urging you for your own good. Only by visiting the Great Jin can you truly understand what a cultivation holy land is. It’s the undisputed center of the known cultivation world,” the Great Divinity Sovereign retorted dismissively.
“Fine. But before leaving the Eastern Yu Kingdom, I have one last task—I need to revisit the Fallen Demon Valley’s outskirts,” Han Li said calmly, storing the jade slip.
“The Fallen Demon Valley? What for?” The Great Divinity Sovereign was startled.
“Relax, I’m not planning to enter. Remember my Heaven-Severing Demon Corpse? As soon as I escaped the spatial rift, I sensed it through a secret art. I want to check if it’s still trapped in the valley and try summoning it.”
With that, Han Li accelerated, transforming into a green streak that vanished into the distance.
Upon entering Changzhou, Han Li immediately returned to the Ten-Thousand Peaks Mountain and the entrance of the Fallen Demon Valley.
After lingering there for two days, he confirmed the demon corpse was still alive inside but trapped somewhere, unresponsive to his summoning spells.
Frustrated, Han Li eventually left, resigning himself to retrieving the corpse during the valley’s next opening—if it survived.
Two months later, Han Li appeared near the Cloud Dream Mountains. As he approached the Falling Cloud Sect’s gates, he encountered patrolling disciples, who erupted in excitement upon recognizing him. They greeted him joyfully and swiftly sent messenger talismans to the sect’s two elders.
Soon, the entire sect poured out to welcome their illustrious Elder Han. At the forefront were Elder Cheng and Lü Luo.
The two elders were overjoyed to see Han Li and promptly ushered him into the sect, dismissing the other disciples.
“Junior Brother Han, I knew your abilities would see you through. But why delay your return? You had us worried sick!” Elder Cheng exclaimed in the main hall, relief tinged with reproach.
“Indeed! An earlier return would’ve spared us much anxiety,” Lü Luo added warmly, his joy genuine.
“You misunderstand, Senior Brothers. I was trapped in a spatial rift until recently. I came back as soon as I escaped,” Han Li replied with a helpless smile.
“Regardless, your safe return is all that matters. And I must thank you for saving my life in the valley. Without you, I’d be bones by now,” Elder Cheng said, rising to bow deeply.
“Think nothing of it. You’ve always treated me well since I joined the sect. How could I not help when you were in danger?” Han Li responded earnestly.
“Such kindness outweighs any past favors. Ah, you must be concerned about Fellow Daoist Nangong. Rest assured, she remains unharmed within the ice,” Elder Cheng said, anticipating Han Li’s foremost worry.
Han Li exhaled in relief. Suddenly, Lü Luo scrutinized him closely, his face alight with astonishment.
“Junior Brother… you’ve reached mid-Nascent Soul stage? When did this happen? Was it some fortuitous encounter in the Fallen Demon Valley?”
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