Upon hearing Han Li’s words, the three men—the vulture-faced elder and his companions—exchanged bewildered glances, their faces filled with astonishment. What could this Insect Demon mean by such a question? Was he toying with them before delivering the final blow?
“If you intend to take our lives, just do it. Why speak such words?” the fierce-faced man said defiantly, throwing caution to the wind.
“How strange. Was there something improper about my earlier question?” Han Li’s expression darkened, his tone turning icy.
“We had no idea you were here hunting demon beasts, Senior. Otherwise, we would never have dared disturb the Insect Demon. We stumbled upon this place by accident, with no ill intentions. We beg for your mercy,” the Min surnamed cultivator pleaded, sensing a glimmer of hope in Han Li’s demeanor and regaining some color in his face.
“The Insect Demon? You mean me?” Han Li frowned slightly, a trace of doubt flashing across his features.
“You… you’re not the Insect Demon?” the vulture-faced elder murmured in disbelief, his expression shifting from resignation to confusion.
“It seems there has been a misunderstanding,” Han Li chuckled softly. After a moment’s hesitation, he raised his hand and shot three green spell incantations at the collars around their necks. The collars hummed softly before dissolving into swarms of beetles that flew back into the spirit beast pouch at Han Li’s waist.
Relieved and astonished, the three men were overjoyed at their narrow escape. Though still puzzled, they now largely believed they had mistaken Han Li’s identity. After all, given the Insect Demon’s notorious reputation, he would never play such tricks. Still, having witnessed Han Li’s formidable power, they remained respectful and dared not make any rash moves.
“It seems we truly misunderstood you, Fellow Daoist. The Insect Demon would never have spared us so easily. May we ask your esteemed name?” the vulture-faced elder forced a smile and asked obsequiously. He knew well that even if this man wasn’t the Insect Demon, his abilities were no less fearsome, and he could easily end their lives. Thus, he dared not show the slightest disrespect.
Han Li smiled faintly and was about to reply when he suddenly let out a soft “Hm?” and glanced toward the sky.
“It seems you have more companions. They appear to have arrived,” Han Li said leisurely, gazing upward.
The vulture-faced elder was taken aback but then looked in the same direction. However, he saw nothing but empty sky and grew perplexed.
“We did bring some disciples and juniors. They should be arriving around now,” the elder replied honestly, though half-doubting. Just as he finished speaking, a string of light dots appeared in the distance—the late-arriving Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Their speed was far slower than the three Core Formation cultivators, and they had only just arrived by flying on their artifacts.
Seeing this, the vulture-faced elder’s expression shifted. This proved that Han Li’s spiritual sense far surpassed his own, deepening his fear of the man.
“I prefer solitude. Once you’ve settled your disciples, I will wait for you on the other side of the island. I have some questions for the three of you and hope you won’t leave without a word,” Han Li said meaningfully, narrowing his eyes at them. Then, with a faint smile, he transformed into a green streak of light and flew to the other side of the island.
The three men breathed a sigh of relief. Though they still weren’t sure if Han Li was the Insect Demon, he showed no intention of killing them, so their lives were temporarily safe.
After a few solemn words from the vulture-faced elder, the Min surnamed cultivator nodded and flew up to meet the group of Foundation Establishment disciples. He coldly issued an order, and the disciples landed obediently at the edge of the island without joining the three Core Formation cultivators.
The Min surnamed cultivator then returned to the elder, looking troubled.
“Brother Qiu, must we really go?” the fierce-faced man whispered hesitantly as Min approached.
“Brother Xuan, don’t entertain any foolish ideas. You’ve seen his power. Do you really think we can escape? Answer his questions honestly and avoid provoking him. Treat him as if he were a Nascent Soul old monster. With his abilities, he likely scorns killing us,” the vulture-faced elder warned gravely.
“Brother Qiu is right. This man doesn’t seem malicious. Let’s not act rashly,” the Min surnamed cultivator agreed, nodding repeatedly.
Though the fierce-faced man still had reservations, he suppressed his doubts upon seeing their consensus.
The three then obediently flew to the other side of the coral island.
Han Li was seated cross-legged on a flat coral reef, waiting calmly.
“Let’s sit and talk. Please enlighten me on what has happened recently in Qiyuan Island’s sea city. On my way back from the deep sea, I encountered several groups of cultivators. As I recall, this area was rarely visited by cultivators in the past. Weren’t they all hunting demon beasts in the sea abyss? Also, I’d like to hear more about this Insect Demon,” Han Li said casually, beckoning them over.
Despite Han Li’s calm demeanor, the three men grew increasingly uneasy. They responded respectfully and cautiously took their seats nearby.
“You must not have visited Qiyuan Island for two or three years, Fellow Daoist. The abyssal sea has become a forbidden zone for cultivators. Nowadays, not only is hunting demon beasts there impossible, but even mentioning the abyss strikes fear into everyone,” the vulture-faced elder said with a bitter smile.
“Oh? Please elaborate,” Han Li replied without showing any surprise.
“This matter is a long story. It all started with the demon beasts’ frenzy two years ago…” Seeing Han Li listening intently, the elder felt slightly reassured and began recounting the abyssal upheaval and how even Nascent Soul cultivators had been forced to retreat.
Han Li listened quietly until the elder finished, then frowned slightly and murmured, “So, the frenzy of the abyssal sea demon beasts caused many high-level cultivators to perish. Even Nascent Soul cultivators couldn’t hold their ground. No wonder there are so many more cultivators in other sea areas now.”
Outwardly, Han Li appeared unmoved, but inwardly, he was deeply shocked. The demon beasts of the abyss had gone berserk, and even Nascent Soul cultivators had fled in defeat. He sensed something ominous in this news. Was the Outer Star Sea also heading toward chaos?
“Now, tell me about this Insect Demon. Why did you mistake me for him? Do I really resemble him that much?” Han Li asked with keen interest.
The three exchanged uneasy glances.
“Well… at first glance, you do bear a striking resemblance to the rumored Insect Demon. You wield multiple green flying swords, appear young with only Core Formation cultivation, and command swarms of insects…” the vulture-faced elder coughed awkwardly, his voice growing quieter with each point. Indeed, the description fit Han Li perfectly, making Min increasingly nervous.
“How interesting. It does sound like me. Please elaborate further. What exactly has this Insect Demon done to earn such notoriety?” Han Li asked calmly, though a flicker of curiosity crossed his face.
“There are many stories about the Insect Demon, but the most famous is his feat four years ago, where he single-handedly commanded a swarm of insects to kill seven or eight Core Formation cultivators. That battle made him infamous,” Min explained cautiously.
Han Li showed no outward reaction, though his heart skipped a beat.
“After that battle, the Insect Demon vanished. But over a year later, near Qiyuan Island, cultivators began frequently falling victim to ambushes and treasure thefts. Survivors identified the attacker as the Insect Demon, who used swarms of insects to devour his opponents. Such incidents occurred almost every month or two. Rumor has it that he has killed over a hundred cultivators. His reputation is truly fearsome,” Min finished, his face tense with unease.
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