Han Li, moving at an astonishing speed that drew sidelong glances from some cultivators, finally arrived at the sea near Heavenly Star City. With just a few days left to reach his destination, he swapped his blood-red cloak for an ordinary flight technique.
This area was undoubtedly a mix of all sorts—even Nascent Soul cultivators might be lurking around. Han Li had no intention of drawing the attention of such powerful figures and opted for a low-profile approach. Fortunately, he hadn’t heard of any members of the Inverse Star Alliance appearing nearby, suggesting he wasn’t too late. This eased his mind considerably.
Ahead lay Southern Ming Island, the last stop before reaching Heavenly Star City. Though small, it housed a large contingent of Star Palace cultivators, serving as an outer sentinel post for the city.
In normal times, the island’s port would have been bustling with ships and cultivators coming and going. But now, from his aerial view, Han Li saw only a scattering of a dozen or so small boats. Cultivators, too, were few and far between.
It seemed both mortal merchants and cultivators were aware of the impending conflict and had wisely chosen to steer clear during this period. Those daring to enter or leave the island now were likely scouts from various factions.
After his long journey, Han Li felt somewhat weary. He decided to make a brief stop on the island to replenish supplies he’d need in the Outer Star Seas. After all, he wasn’t sure what the current situation in Heavenly Star City was like. Stocking up here would be ideal, avoiding any last-minute surprises.
As soon as he descended, Han Li noticed the heightened alertness on Southern Ming Island. The moment he entered the port’s defensive array range, he sensed the scrutiny of at least three Core Formation cultivators. One even tracked him for a considerable distance before finally withdrawing, seemingly satisfied he posed no threat.
Clearly, the Star Palace was also on guard against a surprise attack by the Inverse Star Alliance.
Unhurried, Han Li made his way directly to the island’s market.
The market was located in a small town not far from the port, established for the convenience of passing cultivators and merchants. Han Li had visited once before. While it might not be as famous or expansive as those on larger islands, its offerings were comprehensive and even cheaper than in Heavenly Star City. Many goods destined for the city were unloaded here first, with merchants later transporting them onward.
With no time to waste, Han Li immediately pulled out the Ninecurl Spirit Ginseng formula given by Xuan Gu’s old demon and studied it carefully.
After memorizing the required ingredients and spiritual medicines, he began scouring various shops for them.
…
“Senior, my sincerest apologies! In all my years running this shop, I’ve never heard of an ingredient called ‘Thousand Leaf Dew.’ As for ‘Agate Horn,’ that’s a rare material from the Agate Beast, something ordinary cultivators rarely ever see. I’m afraid you’ll have to try other shops or major auction houses.”
The speaker was a middle-aged cultivator with regular features, addressing Han Li cautiously in a modestly sized hall.
“You’re the largest ingredient supplier here. If you don’t have it, others certainly won’t. And I don’t have time to wait for auctions,” Han Li frowned, tapping the armrest of the wooden chair he sat in, clearly displeased.
The shopkeeper wore an embarrassed expression but could only continue offering apologetic smiles. After all, he was facing a Core Formation expert—not someone to offend lightly.
Seeing the man’s helplessness, Han Li sighed and stood to leave. It seemed he’d have to find another way to acquire the last two ingredients for the Ninecurl Spirit Ginseng. Fortunately, he wouldn’t need it until he reached the peak of late Core Formation stage while condensing his Nascent Soul, so there was no immediate rush.
As the shopkeeper escorted him to the door, however, he seemed to remember something. Hesitating briefly, he added, “Actually, the ‘Thousand Leaf Dew’ might not be unavailable—it could just go by a different name now.”
“Oh? What do you mean?” Han Li paused, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
“It’s not boasting, but I’ve worked here for over a hundred years and have seen all sorts of strange ingredients. If I’ve never heard of something, it’s likely an ancient term that’s since been renamed. I’ve encountered this before. Perhaps the ‘Thousand Leaf Dew’ is just a common spiritual medicine under a different name today,” the man explained honestly.
Han Li’s interest was piqued; the explanation made sense. The Ninecurl Spirit Ginseng was a legendary immortal medicine, and its formula likely dated back to ancient times. It seemed he’d need to consult some ancient texts to identify the true identity of Thousand Leaf Dew.
Nodding slowly, Han Li left the shop in contemplative silence.
Next, he collected every pill formula usable by Core Formation cultivators, preparing for future alchemy endeavors. For auxiliary materials that couldn’t be accelerated with his small vial, he stocked up generously.
His journey to the Outer Star Seas wasn’t likely to be brief, and he didn’t want a lack of common ingredients to hinder his pill refinement plans—or worse, his cultivation progress.
With several ancient treasures at his disposal and some formation flags for support, he felt confident handling sixth or seventh-grade demon beasts. Of course, if he encountered an eighth-grade demon beast, his only option would be to flee. Once demon beasts reached the eighth grade, they could partially shapeshift into human form, their intelligence matching that of humans. Some, with their innate talents, were even more powerful than early Nascent Soul cultivators. Han Li had no desire to cross paths with such fully realized demonic beings.
In just half a day, Han Li gathered everything he needed and left the market, flying straight back to the port.
Dusk had settled, the dimming light casting everything in hazy shadows.
He hadn’t flown far when a dazzling radiance erupted ahead, followed by thunderous booms from the port direction.
Han Li’s expression shifted dramatically. He channeled his full power, transforming into a cyan streak shooting through the sky.
The scale of the disturbance suggested an attack by over a thousand cultivators.
Below, a crimson glow rose from the grand formation, stubbornly blocking most of the assault. Under its protection, white-robed cultivators desperately counterattacked the ambushers above with their magical instruments.
Han Li inwardly sighed. The Inverse Star Alliance moved faster than he’d expected. Despite his haste, the war had erupted right before his eyes.
With the battle begun, Heavenly Star City would have already received word through special channels. Returning now would be too late.
Frustration etched on his face, Han Li hesitated for a moment before stomping his foot. His figure twisted and vanished, concealing himself completely.
He had no intention of getting caught in the conflict between these two major powers, though he quietly extended his spiritual sense, gradually expanding its range. If he guessed correctly, the area near the port was about to become very lively.
Sure enough, soon numerous streaks of light shot over from Southern Ming Island. But upon arrival, they all concealed themselves, quietly landing nearby to coldly observe the battle.
Most were Foundation Establishment cultivators, numbering over a hundred, with a few dozen bold Qi Condensation cultivators mixed in. Only five or six Core Formation cultivators like Han Li were present, the strongest among them a mid Core Formation expert hidden about seven or eight miles away on a hill.
Thanks to his cultivation of the Great Development Technique, Han Li’s spiritual sense far surpassed this person’s, allowing him to spy undetected. Even if an early Nascent Soul cultivator were hiding nearby, Han Li would likely sense some trace of them.
And from what he knew, most Nascent Soul cultivators remained stuck at the early stage their entire lives, unable to advance further.
Relieved to find no such old monsters nearby, Han Li relaxed slightly.
However, since the Inverse Star Alliance dared to attack Southern Ming Island, they surely had at least one Nascent Soul cultivator leading the operation. Han Li had no desire to recklessly reveal himself and encounter such a figure. He could only wait patiently for the battle to conclude before slipping away unnoticed.
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