“It’s quite simple. Fellow Daoist Xuanji and I wish to join forces with Fellow Daoist Han once more—just the three of us—to retrieve treasures from the Fallen Demon Valley. Once we obtain the treasures, our strength will naturally increase significantly, and we’ll no longer need to fear anyone.” Marquis Nanlong’s eyes flickered as he spoke, his expression calm and composed.
Han Li did not respond immediately. Instead, he narrowed his eyes and silently studied the two men before him. Upon hearing that the black ring was the legendary Two Polar Rings, he immediately recalled the other ring he had obtained from Senior Sister Nangong Wan. If he wasn’t mistaken, that one must be the Yang Ring. He never expected that just as he had gathered both rings, their purpose would be revealed to him. Han Li inwardly chuckled bitterly, feeling that fate had an uncanny way of arranging coincidences.
“From what Marquis Nanlong has said, it seems you’ve already found a way to enter the Fallen Demon Valley. But even with the aid of the Two Polar Rings, how confident are you in retrieving the treasures and returning safely? The Fallen Demon Valley is known as the most perilous place in the Southern Sky—no laughing matter. I have no desire to meet the fate of ‘men dying for wealth, birds perishing for food.'” Han Li sighed, his words laced with hesitation.
Upon hearing this, Marquis Nanlong and Xuanji exchanged glances. After a moment, Marquis Nanlong spoke gravely, “Since Fellow Daoist Han has asked so directly, I won’t conceal anything. According to the late Transcendent Cangkun’s records, the Fallen Demon Valley is indeed fraught with dangers. A single misstep could lead to being sucked into unpredictable spatial rifts, and many areas still bear ancient restrictions that are impossible to guard against. To be honest, bringing you into the valley isn’t the issue—I’m at least eighty to ninety percent confident we can enter safely. But as for treasure hunting, that’s harder to predict. The more dangerous the area, the more likely it is to contain treasures. What we might encounter inside, not even I—let alone Transcendent Cangkun—can say for certain. Due to severe injuries, Transcendent Cangkun never ventured deep into the valley’s core, only searching the outskirts for treasures. However, this also means that the valley’s true treasures, untouched since ancient times, remain ripe for the taking. With a little risk, we could return with a full haul.” As he spoke, Marquis Nanlong’s tone gradually took on a persuasive edge.
“Of course, if Fellow Daoist truly wishes to avoid this risk, you could simply sell the Two Polar Rings to us. While we may not have much else, we can certainly offer a substantial amount of spirit stones. But let me be frank—many of the ancient cultivators’ elixirs possess effects beyond imagination. Obtaining them could mean breaking through to the mid or late Nascent Soul stage in no time. Who knows? We might even uncover secrets about the disappearance of Deity Transformation cultivators. After all, once a cultivator reaches Deity Transformation, do they truly ascend to the legendary Spirit Realm, or do they meet some other fate? No one in the Southern Sky’s cultivation world knows anymore. Wouldn’t you like to find out?” Xuanji suddenly interjected.
Han Li’s eyes gleamed with contemplation. After a moment of silence, he spoke words that took the two by surprise: “If I’m not mistaken, the two of you seem particularly eager for me to join this expedition. Might I ask why? There are plenty of Nascent Soul cultivators—why insist on me?”
At this, Marquis Nanlong and Xuanji stiffened slightly before revealing faint traces of awkwardness.
Marquis Nanlong pressed his lips together, then forced a bitter smile. “Even if you hadn’t asked, I would have brought this up. Aside from the restrictions and spatial rifts, the Fallen Demon Valley is home to several ancient beasts that have survived since antiquity. One of them is the Fire Toad, a creature that should have gone extinct long ago. Though it lacks intelligence, it has lived for tens of thousands of years, wielding the terrifying Heavenly Scale Demon Fire. According to Transcendent Cangkun’s records, it surpasses even the flames of a Nascent Soul cultivator by several degrees. When I saw the azure cold flames you wielded—capable of instantly freezing a Nascent Soul cultivator’s body—I knew they were no ordinary ice-based technique. They should be able to counter this Fire Toad.”
“What do you mean? Is this Fire Toad blocking your path into the valley?” Han Li frowned, his expression turning odd.
“Not exactly. The beast is linked to the remains of an ancient cultivator. The skeleton lies in an unusually safe area—no ancient restrictions or spatial rifts nearby—but the Fire Toad has made its nest right beside it. Transcendent Cangkun once tried to claim those remains but retreated after a brief clash with the beast, barely escaping alive after being poisoned by its flames.” Xuanji added, his expression now composed.
“I see. The two of you want me to deal with this Fire Toad so you can seize the treasure.” Han Li chuckled dryly, murmuring to himself.
“Facing the Fire Toad is far safer than dealing with ancient restrictions or spatial rifts. With the right strategy and your ice-based techniques, it shouldn’t be a problem. Besides, we’re not asking you to kill it—just lure it away long enough for us to retrieve the treasure. If we can obtain the ancient cultivator’s storage pouch, its contents will be more than enough to share.” Marquis Nanlong added eagerly.
“According to you two, as long as we only deal with the Fire Toad and avoid other areas, the expedition should be relatively safe.” Han Li tilted his head thoughtfully before responding noncommittally.
“If luck is on our side, the remains’ treasures alone might suffice. There’d be no need to take further risks.” Marquis Nanlong nodded firmly.
“Even so, you could have enlisted the power of the Heavenly Extremes Sect. With an entire sect’s strength, you’d fare better than just the three of us. I refuse to believe the sect lacks other ice-based cultivators.” Han Li’s lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile.
*Ahem!* It seems Fellow Daoist underestimates the lethality of the Northern Extreme Radiance. Even with the Two Polar Rings, their power can only shield three people at most—adding even one more would exceed their capacity. As for the Heavenly Extremes Sect… after what happened with the Ghost Spirit Sect and others, how could I ever trust them again? If not for the fact that you didn’t attack me in the Mulan Grasslands and even aided me before leaving, I wouldn’t have sought you out either.” Marquis Nanlong’s previously dull eyes suddenly flashed with cold intensity, his tone turning sharp.
“So, Marquis Nanlong actually trusts me? I’m truly honored.” Han Li showed no visible reaction, merely smiling faintly.
“Fellow Daoist Han, we’ve laid everything bare. Shouldn’t you give us an answer now?” Xuanji exhaled softly, fixing Han Li with an unwavering gaze.
“When do you plan to enter the Fallen Demon Valley? Is it imminent?” Han Li sidestepped the question, posing one of his own.
“Not at all. While the valley’s spatial rifts are mostly unpredictable, they stabilize for about a year every fifty years. Before entering the Mulan Grasslands, I observed the patterns—the next stable period won’t arrive for at least three or four years. We have ample time to prepare.” Marquis Nanlong replied without hesitation.
“Since there’s still so much time, I’ll need to consider carefully. How about this—I’ll give you a definitive answer one year before the valley stabilizes. Even if I choose not to go, I’ll still lend you the Two Polar Rings.” Han Li stroked his chin, finally settling on a decision.
This ambiguous response naturally left Marquis Nanlong and Xuanji unsatisfied, but Han Li refused to commit outright to such a perilous venture.
Unlike them, Han Li was still young, whereas the two men were clearly nearing the end of their lifespans, willing to gamble everything for one last chance. He, however, had time on his side and saw no need to rush into danger. The world was ever-changing—he could afford to wait and reassess when the time came.
At least Han Li had promised to lend them the rings, so they couldn’t press further. After discussing a few more details about the valley, Han Li tactfully took his leave.
Before departing, Xuanji handed him a token, explaining that any Heavenly Extremes Sect disciple could use it to contact him. Han Li accepted it without ceremony, then left the underground stone chamber and returned to the surface, exiting the shop under the respectful farewell of the middle-aged proprietor.
Standing on the street, he mused that the two men wouldn’t linger long either—especially Marquis Nanlong, whose severe injuries demanded a safe place for recovery. Given the extent of his wounds, it was unlikely he’d fully heal in just a few years. He might even suffer a drop in cultivation.
Shaking his head inwardly, Han Li set the matter aside for now and leisurely made his way back to his residence.
The Fallen Demon Valley was still a distant concern. The imminent invasion of the Mulan shamans, however, was unavoidable—something he couldn’t simply walk away from. Lost in thought, Han Li gradually disappeared into the bustling streets.
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