Just as Han Li was inwardly alarmed and suspicious, Feng Xi chuckled lightly and asked, “I heard that a few years ago, while Fellow Daoist Wu was protecting Fellow Daoist Gui during his seclusion, you were ambushed by several human cultivators. Although you eventually repelled them, you still suffered some losses. Could it be that this is why your Flood Dragon Clan decided to intervene? Your spirit beast clans have always been notoriously protective of your own!”
“In recent years, those human cultivators on the islands have indeed grown too arrogant. They actually believe this sea territory belongs to them and treat us shape-shifted demonic cultivators as if we were no different from those low-level demonic beasts still trapped in their animal forms. They are simply bringing about their own destruction. My incident was merely one of the triggers.”
At this point, the Flood Dragon paused briefly before continuing with a calm expression, “The most important reason is that humans killed a seventh-grade Suanni beast from the royal family of the Ten-Thousand Zhang Sea. This enraged the old Suanni so much that it did not hesitate to expend its vital essence to issue the Ten-Thousand Demon Decree, leading tens of thousands of demonic beasts to overrun the human islands in one fell swoop. Our Flood Dragon Clan intervened not to avenge the Suanni Clan, but because a sacred object passed down through generations of our sea clan, the ‘True Fragment of Brahma’s Holiness,’ was on that slain Suanni beast and was taken by the humans. Although this object was already incomplete and held little practical value, it is, after all, one of the great inherited treasures of our demon race and must never fall into the hands of human cultivators.” The Flood Dragon cast a cold glance at Han Li, a fierce look flashing across its face as it spoke.
“I had heard about the killing of the Suanni beast, but I was unaware that the True Fragment of Brahma’s Holiness had been lost. Without this inherited treasure, the Suanni beast clan will find it even harder to maintain their position as the royal family of the Ten-Thousand Zhang Sea. Could it be that the Flood Dragon Clan intends to take control of this sea territory?” The Wind Splitter Beast’s expression shifted slightly as it directed a strange smile at the Flood Dragon and asked.
“That, I do not know. After all, I rarely involve myself in the clan’s affairs. However, I am very interested in the ‘Triple Brahma Sage Art’ recorded on that True Fragment of Brahma’s Holiness. I heard this technique is an ancient secret art passed down from the primordial demon race, possessing immense power. It’s a pity that the several fragments recording this technique have long been scattered and lost, making it impossible to restore the complete art.” The Flood Dragon first showed an expression of keen interest, then spoke with regret.
“Haha! Brother Wu, you are too greedy. What ancient secret art? I think it’s merely a rumor. I refuse to believe the Flood Dragon Clan’s ‘Dragon Transformation Art’ is in any way inferior to this technique.” The Turtle Demon suddenly interjected with a laugh.
“That is also true. When our clan’s Dragon Transformation Art is cultivated to its pinnacle, one can transform from a flood dragon into a true dragon. Naturally, it is also one of the top techniques of the demon race.” Upon hearing this, the Flood Dragon couldn’t help but show a trace of pride on its face, speaking with some self-satisfaction.
Feng Xi, however, simply smiled without commenting on the matter.
“True Fragment of Brahma’s Holiness?” Sitting to the side, Han Li’s expression remained unchanged on the surface, but inwardly, his heart stirred as he thought of the copper piece he had acquired not long ago.
That copper piece recorded a demonic cultivation technique, and it seemed quite powerful. Could it really be such a coincidence that these two demons were discussing this very object? Although he didn’t know the specific purpose of the “True Fragment of Brahma’s Holiness,” hearing it described as an inherited treasure of the demon race indicated it was undoubtedly a hot potato. Could that dark-skinned cultivator be the culprit who triggered the deep-sea beast tide? With his mid Core Formation cultivation, it wasn’t impossible for him to have slain a seventh-grade demonic beast.
Han Li muttered to himself internally, though he wasn’t particularly panicked.
He was currently in a classic case of having so many debts that he no longer worried about them. With his life hanging by a thread at any moment, having one more hot potato didn’t bother Han Li in the slightest. Perhaps feeling that Han Li’s presence made it inconvenient to discuss more confidential matters.
Feng Xi then turned to Han Li and said indifferently, “Fellow Daoist Li, you have only recently entered the late Core Formation stage and still need to consolidate your realm. I wouldn’t want any accidents occurring due to a sudden depletion of your spiritual power during the treasure refinement process. Please follow this light and return to your room to rest and cultivate for a while.”
After saying this, the Wind Splitter Beast raised a hand, and a white ball of light flew from its fingertip toward a side door.
Han Li had no choice. He could only force a smile, stand up, and follow the light ball out of the hall. Truthfully, he would have liked to hear more about these demonic secrets!
As he reached the doorway, Feng Xi’s warning words followed him: “Under normal circumstances, it would be best if you stayed in your room and did not venture out casually. Otherwise, if I were to misunderstand something, it would be… inconvenient!” The demon cultivator said coolly.
Han Li, with his back to the three demons, stiffened slightly but then walked through the side door without a word.
“Is it alright? This fellow doesn’t seem like he’ll cooperate wholeheartedly. What if something goes wrong at a critical moment during the treasure refinement?” The Flood Dragon gazed in the direction where Han Li had disappeared, a strange light flashing in its eyes.
“Don’t worry! The refinement of the Wind Lightning Wings primarily involves the three of us. This human is merely a tool to provide wood-attribute spiritual power. Once the refinement begins, he won’t have any say in the matter and will have to obediently supply his spiritual power. Moreover, I’ve planted a trace of sinister energy within him. Even if he has other ideas, there’s nothing he can do about it.” Feng Xi’s lips curled into a cold smile.
“Speaking of that Chaotic Sinister Energy, I don’t recall the Green Flame Wine containing such a thing. Did you perhaps tamper with it, Brother Feng?” The Turtle Demon suddenly laughed, playing along.
“Hehe! Of course. The Green Flame Wine I gave him was specially refined. This Chaotic Sinister Energy should actually be called Chaotic Demonic Energy. I obtained it by refining the essence of a troublesome demonic path cultivator I killed years ago. Even if this demonic energy were inside me, expelling it would be quite troublesome.” Feng Xi adjusted the silver crown on his head, a cunning look appearing on his face.
Hearing this, the Flood Dragon and the Turtle Demon exchanged a knowing smile, the last of their doubts finally put to rest.
At this moment, Han Li, following the white light ball, was led to a stone room. The room was quite elegantly furnished, containing a bed carved from white jade, along with some tables, chairs, and a few pots of exotic flowers and herbs.
As soon as Han Li entered the stone room, the light ball burst softly and dissipated on its own. Seeing this, Han Li immediately closed the door behind him. He then quickly took out several array flags of various colors from his robe and tossed them gently toward the corners of the room. Instantly, a small formation array enveloped the room.
Han Li let out a slight sigh of relief. At least he was no longer under constant surveillance.
Although this formation offered no defensive capabilities whatsoever, it could warn against any malicious prying from outsiders. This action would certainly annoy the Wind Splitter Beast somewhat, but it wouldn’t make a big issue out of such a small matter.
Considering this, Han Li turned his thoughts to the matter that concerned him most.
He walked over to the bed, sat down cross-legged, and closed his eyes to inspect his internal condition. After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Han Li opened his eyes, his brow furrowed.
His internal condition remained the same as before; he hadn’t detected anything amiss. It seemed either the demon had been lying, or this sinister energy was indeed difficult to detect before it activated.
Han Li stroked his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly took something out from his person. He stared at it intently for a while, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes.
…
Two days later, the Wind Splitter Beast, Feng Xi, knocked on Han Li’s door again and entered.
“Let’s go. We begin the treasure refinement today. Fellow Daoists Wu and Gui are already waiting for us in the refinement chamber.” As soon as he saw Han Li, the humanoid demon beast said with excitement in its eyes.
He then led Han Li out of the room and straight toward the refinement chamber in his cave abode.
After walking for a short while, the demon cultivator brought Han Li before a blue jade wall. Without hesitation, he slapped the wall with one hand, and a small arched door cracked open in the jade. The demon then stood to the side, gesturing for Han Li to enter first.
Han Li quickly glanced inside. The interior was glowing red, and a wave of intense heat surged out from the doorway. It seemed quite extraordinary!
Han Li’s eyelids twitched slightly. He took a deep breath and walked in. Once inside and able to see the situation clearly, a trace of surprise appeared in Han Li’s eyes.
The Flood Dragon and the Turtle Demon were indeed standing inside the room, but what surprised Han Li was that their location was actually a geothermal fire vent.
A square platform about ten zhang wide stood in the middle of the room, filled with roaring, blazing crimson flames dancing wildly within the pool. Around the platform, a complex and massive refinement array had already been set up. After just a few glances at this array, Han Li was inwardly astonished.
Given his current attainments in artifact refinement and array formation, although he couldn’t immediately grasp its intricacies, this array was absolutely extraordinary and far beyond his ability to set up.
Seeing Han Li enter, the two demons, the Flood Dragon and the Turtle, merely cast him a cold glance before turning away indifferently.
“Good, everyone is now present. I have already explained the refinement principles of the array to Brothers Wu and Gui in advance. As for Fellow Daoist Li, you only need to stand in that corner of the array and do nothing but continuously supply wood-attribute spiritual power to the formation. At this point, Fellow Daoist Li, do not entertain any wild ideas!” Feng Xi pointed to a specific corner of the array and said to Han Li with deep meaning.
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