Автор: sergey

We sure found the right person. Brother Han, listen well! Yan Lis face brightly lip up upon hearing his reply and she began to speak to him in voice transmission.

As Han Li attentively listened to her, a pensive expression appeared on his face.

As Yuan Yao quietly stood at the side, her eyes glistened while she looked at Han Lis face.

When Yan Li finished her voice transmission, Han Li let out a long sigh and said, This technique will do. However, I fear that Ill only be able to do this inside the infernal river with the help of you two.

Yan Li giggled and said, Thats right. The Yin Qi in the infernal river only resonates with pure Yin Qi in our bodies. Of course, the ghost matron can also do this, but she wont remove the mark I place down.

Han Li nodded and said, Good, but I have to ask, how do you want me to help you?

Yuan Yao slowly said, I suppose it would be impossible to make the ghost matron completely abandon us, but it would be possible to have her postpone consuming us. So long as we can delay it until after we enter the infernal river, we will have an opportunity to escape their control.

Han Lis brow stirred and he didnt immediately answer. He knew the two would go into more detail.

As a result, Yan Li immediately continued, The ghost matron and the other monarchs view Han Lis assistance with great importance. So long as we leak out that we were old friends of deep importance and Brother Han openly displays affection towards Little Sister Yuan in front of the ghost matron, she would temporarily spare us, even if she had some doubts.

Be affectionate towards Lady Yuan? Shocked, Han Li quickly shot a glance at Yuan Yao.

Despite the many years she cultivated, when Yuan Yao heard Yan Lis words, her face flushed with a deep red, revealing a lovely appearance.

If its only with words, I will do it. However, the ghost matron and Mu Qing have already come to some sort of agreement. I dont know how effective this will be, Han Li warned.

There was something like that? Yan Lis face slightly changed and she wryly laughed.

Yuan Yaos expression faintly changed and she wryly laughed, If thats true, there is some risk. But apart from this plan, we have nothing else. Well only be able to rely on our luck, and how heavily the demon monarchs view Brother Han.

After some thought, Yan Li solemnly said, Lets go with that. Fellow Daoist Han has confirmed our words so we may as well speak of more serious things. Well have the ghost matron believe that Brother Han is infatuated with Junior Martial Sister Yuan. In this case, the ghost matron should be somewhat apprehensive and shouldnt dare to harm us. In addition, the ghost matron knows a bit about our history, so Fellow Daoist Hans disguise as a Flying Spirit Tribe member must be broken.

Han Li shook his head and said, My disguise as a Flying Spirit Tribe member was only temporary to begin with. I dont care if the ghost matron knows or not. They dont care about my identity as a Flying Spirit Tribe member but the Divine Devilbane Lightning I carry.

Yan Li proposed, In that case, were relieved. There is no time to lose. Once the ghost matron emerges from seclusion, lets act according to plan. So long as she doesnt touch on our true plan, Fellow Daoist Han may as well reveal a few details about our time in the mortal world. After all, lies that contain truth are the most convincing.

Han Li lowered his head in thought and felt that there were no problems. He calmly answered, Yes, I can do that. I will do my best to assist you.

The two felt great relief when they heard this and they couldnt help but look at Han Li with a close attitude.

The three then chatted about the particulars a bit more and the two women said their farewells.

Even as the ghost matron was still in seclusion, the two women didnt dare to be careless and hastily returned to the deepest level of the earth abyss.

When Han Li saw the two travel off in Yin winds, soon disappearing from sight, Han Li suddenly shook his sleeve.

A light flashed from his body, taking the form of a three-meter-tall peacock with bright beautiful feathers.

It unfolded its wings and rainbow light glared, causing the nearby space to hum.

The rainbow light swept up in a wind and the peacock turned vague, immediately turning into a rainbow mist, directly heading to the heart of the mountain range.

Not long after, Han Li appeared back in his cave residence and closed the door to his seclusion room once again.

Two months later, a ball of black wind directly made its way to Han Lis residence and bluntly dropped down. Then it vanished as if it sank into the mountain.

The few restrictions Han Li placed down didnt have any effect on it.

After two hours, the gate to Han Lis residence opened and the black Yin wind flew out, flying into the distant sky.

A short time after, the gate slowly closed.

As time quickly passed, the mountain was covered twice over in snow, winter had passed twice.

…

On the seventh level of the earth abyss, dark Qi gathered there the densest.

There were a few powerful earth abyss demons that have yet to gain sentience, but the four demon monarchs held them in fear regardless.

Even the white-haired beauty that was particularly fond of Yin Qi was unwilling to establish her cultivation palace on this floor and instead established it on the floor above.

But one day on the seventh level, countless demons arrived from a desolate grey desert in dense formations of untold size.

Most of them consisted of a few common low-grade earth abyss demons and there were a few that appeared odd.

A portion of them was covered in a large Yin Wind, faintly revealing countless ghost images. Furthermore, they wailed with ghostly howls, causing the other demons to distance themselves in fear.

Above these Yin winds floated the white-haired beauty, and behind her stood eight black figures.

They were all ten meters tall and donned an especially sinister set of armor. There were a few that were unharmed and those that wielded blades. As for their faces, they were blurred and couldnt be seen.

Near the eight black figures, there were two beautiful women floating at their side.

They were Yuan Yao and Yan Li.

And outside the scope of the black winds, there was an arrangement of puppets of various heights and styles.

Most of them were carved out of claw and were ten-meters-tall. Their bodies flickered with a grey, white, and brown light, but they were clearly carved with crudeness. A small portion of them was carved out of black-green wood and there were others were metal-attributed puppets shining with black light.

These puppets were refined meticulously regardless of their exterior material and had a talisman formation on their surface.

However, the most eye-catching of the puppets was a purple-red hundred-meter-tall puppet that had six eyes.

This was the colossal Purpleblood Puppet that was refined underneath Di Xues Bloodflame Palace.

However, this puppet now appeared tens of times smaller, and it no longer appeared as fearsome as before.

On the shoulders of the Purpleblood Puppet stood two crimson-robed men with their hands behind their back.

And at the very front of the puppets and demons, others flew high in the air.

A man entirely wrapped in a black cloak were among them. He was the most mysterious of the four demon monarchs, Liu Zu. Astonishingly, a three-meter-wide eyeball floated above his head and flickered with grey light.

Not far away from Liu Zu floated a huge golden flower.

Mu Qing stood above it and looked up the sky with a raised head. Standing at her side was a golden ape wearing swords behind his back and had bright cold eyes.

Beneath them floated over a hundred high-grade demons with solemn expressions in half-demon form.

And at the apes side, there was an azure-robed youth with his arms crossed, watching everything in silence.

He was Han Li, who had been summoned by force after spending several years in cultivation.

At that moment, he was looking at the puppets and demons around him. His face was expressionless, but his heart felt quite shaken.

From the number of low-grade demons, they mustve represented most of the power the demon monarchs controlled in the earth abyss.

Besides the demons, the ghosts in the black wind and the myriad of puppets were clearly the strongest forces among them.

These forces mustve taken the demon monarchs several hundreds of years to gather.

Their willingness to spend such strength illustrated their determination to succeed in the infernal river. It was unknown what the area contained, but it caused them to risk everything.

As Han Li inwardly pondered, he saw Liu Zu move and his cold voice commanded, Fairy Mu, the time has come. Quickly offer the blood feed and advance the last blood offering.

When Mu Qing heard this, she nodded and waved below her.

The several figures flew out from high-grade demons, each one had bare hands, but had several blood-red pouches at their waist. frewebnoel.o

In the blink of an eye, they flew high into the air and grabbed their pouches, shaking them down into the air.

As a series of pops sounded, crimson light flashed. A dozen streams of blood rivers shot out from the pouches.

A dense mist of putrid blood Qi suddenly scattered and filled the air.

The blood rivers condensed in midair and seemed to concentrate together as if they were alive, turning into a hundred-fifty-meter-wide blood ball.

At that moment Mu Qing stepped on her golden flower and a black formation suddenly flashed from it. Her figure promptly vanished.

In the next moment, the huge blood ball flickered with black light and Mu Qing reappeared near it.

She wore a sullen expression and raised her hand. Suddenly, a small black vial was summoned into the air and flew up to the blood ball.

Forming an incantation gesture, the black vial spun and its lit vanished.

The vial released several fist-sized black-red objects, blurring into the blood ball and disappearing without a trace.

Han Li used his spiritual sense to look at the box and then stroked it, only to remain silent afterwards.

Shortly after, he opened the boxs lid and a pitch-black ball flew out.

The ball spun in front of Han Li and then ruptured into a black mist before disappearing.

At that same moment, he felt an itch from his palm.

As his heart stirred, he suddenly raised his hand.

He saw several small strange characters appear on his hand. They were as small as grains of rice.

Han Li glanced at them and shook his wrist. Azure light flickered and the small characters completely disappeared without a trace.

He pondered to himself for a moment and azure light flashed from his body, flying out of his room in an azure streak. He circled once in the air before flying out of his cave residence.

A quarter-hour later, an azure streak arrived above a nameless valley at the edge of the mountain range with dragon-like speed.

Once the azure light faded, Han Lis figure was revealed.

His eyes flickered as he glanced downward and he slowly descended.

The valley stretched over three thousand kilometers. At the very end of it was a pile of scattered rock.

Han Li landed right in front of it.

When his feet touched the ground, he looked at a huge rock and calmly said, Ive already arrived. Fellow Daoists, please show yourselves.

Hehe, Senior Martial Brother Yan, I told you so. You cant use mere invisibility techniques to hide from Brother Han.

I already knew Fellow Daoist Hans abilities were unordinary, but I may as well test him.

After a few giggles, two pleasant female voices chatted near the huge rock.

Afterwards, the mist of grey light blurred and two beautiful young women appeared there.

One of them had snow-white skin and appeared like a goddess. The other appeared dainty and charming. They were Yuan Yao and Yan Li.

The black wooden box he received inside his cave residence was refined from the Soul Nurturing Wood he originally acquired from Heavenvoid Hall. He recognized it at a glance. rewebnovel.com

Using some mysterious technique, they were able to secretly send it to his secluded room.

Han Li glanced at the two women with an odd expression on his face. He then slowly asked, So it was you two Fellow Daoists! Lady Yuan, I havent seen you since weve last met in the Scattered Star Seas. Are you in good health?

Yuan Yao withdrew her smile and sighed, Brother Han, are you teasing little old me? Do I and my Senior Martial Sister look to be in good health?

Han Li sensed an astonishing Yin QI being emitted from their bodies and he frowned, Ah, my words were mistaken. However, I see that you two arent ghosts. There is something odd about you two.

Brother Han is right. Back when my Junior Martial Sister saved me and fell into the ghost mist in the Scattered Star Seas, we drew the support of the Umbra Qi to cultivate the Yin Yang Revolution Art. However, this human-ghost dual cultivation art caused us both to become half-human and half-ghost. But in the end, I have no physical body, so Ive become a burden to Junior Martial Sister Yuan.

Yuan Yaos expression changed and she hastily said, Senior Martial Sister, dont say that. If you hadnt helped me, I wouldve been dead already. And you managed to reach this stage as well.

Yan Li could only bitterly smile and shake her head.

The Yin Yang Revolution Art? Han Li frowned.

Yan Li turned to him and said, Yes, it seems Brother Han knows quite a bit about this technique.

Han Li sighed, I do know a bit about it. Youve lost your right to reincarnate!

He was quite unfamiliar with her, but from what Yuan Yao said in the past, he held her in admiration.

Yuan Yao smiled at Han Li and said, In the past, If my Senior Martial Sister and I didnt jointly cultivate this odd technique, she wouldve already perished in the moral world. As such, I have no regrets cultivating this technique. But Brother Han was also able to ascend to the spirit realm, I admire you quite a bit.

The mortal worlds spiritual Qi is lacking and I cant use common methods of flight in this world. More importantly, why have you appeared here? This isnt human territory, Han Li said with an odd expression.

Yan Li wore a blank expression and answered, Junior Martial Sister and I dont know either. Two hundred years ago, we completed the Yin Rang Revolution Arts. Just after we entered the Deity Transformation stage, a huge Yin Wind suddenly covered us and directly blew us away from our cultivation area, causing us to lose consciousness. When the two of us woke up, we found ourselves in the earth abyss. We soon came across that ghost matron and became her disciples. Since Yan Li and I stayed here for so long, we came to understand that we were in the Spirit Realm and we didnt have the opportunity to arrive at the surface.

When Han Li heard this, he turned silent.

In the mortal realm, many Deity Transformation cultivators were blocked from the spirit realm. Even with their greatest efforts, they werent able to ascend.

But when these two women cultivated their cultivation art to completion, they stumbled their way into the spirit realm.

The world was truly filled with bizarre things.

I also dont understand how you came to the spirit realm. But you most likely didnt arrive in the spirit realm because of your Yin Yang Revolution Arts, and caused the spirit flight tower to refuse you.

After some investigation, we came to a similar conclusion. Yan Li nodded.

Han Li raised his brow and said, Alright, Im sure we can save talk about the past for another time. There must be another reason why youve sought me out.

Yan Li and Yuan Yao exchanged a glance and grew silent.

A short moment later, Yan Li hesitantly said, Since Brother Han and Junior Martial Sister Yuan are old friends, I dont hide this from you. Weve come to find you because our lives are in danger and we need your help.

Preserve your lives? What do you mean, Fellow Daoist Yan? As disciples of that ghost woman, no one in the earth abyss would dare to threaten you. Han Li said with an odd expression.

Yan Li let out a long sigh and betrayed fear from her eyes. The one after our lives is the ghost matron herself.

Her?! Lady Yuan, is this true? Han Li felt his heart tremble. Although he sensed they werent lies, he asked Yuan Yao for confirmation.

Yuan Yao sullenly nodded, Brother Han, If we had any other choice, we wouldnt have risked her discovering us as we sneaked out to see you. Nevertheless, Brother Han doesnt need to worry about anything. For the matter of the infernal river, she is personally refining a great yin-armored ghost monarch and should not come out for some time. This is our only opportunity to save ourselves. Normally, we wouldnt be able to leave the earth palace.

Brother Han had assisted Junior Martial Sister in the past and acted as her protector while she was reviving my soul. She has spoken of you many times. This time, we have no one else to ask for help. I hope that youll be able to save our lives. With that said, her eyes turned pink and she pulled Yuan Yao towards her and they both saluted Han Li.

Han Lis expression changed and he shook his sleeve. An invisible force suddenly divided the air.

As they saluted, Yuan Yao and Yan Li felt the nearby air freeze and the two were forced to break their salute.

The two were delighted.

Han Lis abilities were beyond what they had anticipated, and if Han Li helped them, they would be able to escape.

Han Li didnt accept their salute. His expression changed for a long while as he hesitated, eventually replying with a deep tone, The two of you think too highly of me. You should understand my circumstances as well. I am restricted here and do not have the ability to face that ghost. Furthermore, for what reason will she take your life? Have you verified this?

Yan Li said, If it truly is a misunderstanding, it would be extremely fortunate. In truth, we personally discovered that the ghost was concealing a calamity heart. I wont bother with the specifics, but I can tell you that when the ghost matron took us in as disciples, she was thinking of the pure Yin Qi we condensed from cultivating the Yin Yang Revolution Arts. The ghost has a technique that can consume both our souls and Yin Qi, arousing a surge in her cultivation. As she spoke, she couldnt help but tremble.

Also, our investigations have found that the ghost matron has also had disciples with ghost bodies in the past who quietly disappeared. This is evidence of our assumptions! Yuan Yao said with a paled expression.

Han Li went silent for a moment and his gaze wandered, Even so, you cant count on me. That ghost matron wont let me go. Even if I have some value, after I enter the infernal river, my life will be hard to preserve.

Yan Li smirked and slyly said, There is no need for Brother Han to worry about this. My little sister already thought of something that only asks from a token effort from you. Furthermore, if Brother Han helps us, hell also have an opportunity to escape. We have a method to quickly dispel the mark on your body inside the infernal river.

What! You truly have such a thing! Han Lis expression vastly changed and his heart was thoroughly moved.

Yan Li sweetly smiled and said, For something this important, how could I lie to you. Furthermore, I can tell the method to Brother Han ahead of time, and can determine if its true or false.

Han Li stroked his chin and glanced at Yuan Yao. He then determinedly said, Good! If the method is genuine, Ill do all I can in my power and take the risk of helping you two escape.

After some hesitation, the ape worriedly asked, Since Master understands, I am at ease. But before you head to the infernal river, will you be leaving your tree body here?

Mu Qing calmly answered, Ive considered it. Im prepared to carry my spirit tree body with me.

The ape wore an uneasy expression and said, Master, how can that be! There are many dangers in the infernal river. If Master is trapped or something unexpected happens, youll be able to revive yourself after some time. But if youre trapped in the infernal river, you would lose that opportunity. Furthermore, your spirit tree body cant survive long in storage space. Since the infernal river is a barren place, you wont be able to plant it there.

Mu Qing shook her head, walked up to the tree, and gently stroked its trunk. Dont worry. Since I dare to bring my body into the infernal river, I have high confidence Ill be able to survive. For this reason, I especially refined a storage pearl capable of holding my spirit tree for several years.

Otherwise, I wouldnt feel at ease taking my body to the outside. Even if your abilities are great, only a step away from mine, if someone is determined to conspire against me, you still wouldnt be able to protect my body for long.

Hearing her resolute tone, the ape pondered for a moment and said, Since Master has decided, I will follow the Master into the infernal river and lend you my strength.

Mu Qing sweetly chuckled and said, Dont mention it, I have something else in mind. After all, I may have acquired many capable subordinates over these past years, but you are the only one I trust. After we enter the infernal river, all I need you to do is watch over that Youngster Han. Of course, Ill also have you protect him whenever he is in danger.

A cold glint flashed from the apes eyes and he asked, Him? In two years, Master will be bringing him along?

Mu Qing nodded with a serious face, Thats right. Not only will he be greatly useful in destroying the restriction on the infernal river, but he is also someone crucial in restoring my bodys essence Qi.

The ape slapped his chest in confirmation and said, I will look after this person properly.

Mu Qing muttered to herself for a moment and said, Before I officially enter the infernal river, there is no need for you to worry about this person. Even if we dont do anything, the others need this person to break the seal to the infernal river. They wouldnt do anything to harm themselves. But Ill have to trouble you to look after him after we enter.

Master, dont worry. I, Jin Ling, understand, the ape solemnly answered.

Mu Qing let out a sigh and wore a cunning expression, Good, then I am relieved. For the time being, Ill have you look over this place. Ill call for you when we set off.

…

In the huge world underneath the Bloodflame Palace, two crimson-robed men were standing side by side. In front of them was a mountain-large Purpleflame Puppet.

At that moment, the puppets four front eyes were open. They flickered with a strange crimson light and were staring at the two men. гeewbnovel.com

The men were completely still and were looking into the puppets eyes, appearing completely fascinated.

A long while later, a deep sigh sounded from one of the puppets.

Mu Qing and that ghost woman have come to some sort of agreement, using that brat to jointly divide the devil tomb treasure. Hmph, fortunately, I already anticipated this and had that Han Brat help refine the devilbane armor. So long as that brat brings those spirit servants with him, Ill be able to control them. Even if Liu Zu and the others are sly, its hard to think that they abandoned their plans for the two-headed devil fiend. With my main soul and the puppet fused together and my second soul left behind on the devil body, I have nothing to fear from Divine Devilbane Lightning. So long as I enter the infernal river and acquire that to increase my puppets grade, Ill finally be able to draw on the puppets support to advance in the grand Dao. Hehe, I naturally wont let those two women get their hands on the devil tombs treasure.

An unfamiliar mans voice sounded out from the giant puppet, causing a faint tremor throughout the ground.

The two mens eyes became clear and silently stood in place.

…

On a particularly deep layer of the earth abyss, a black wind was wildly blowing in the canyon. The white-haired beauty floated in midair and fiddled with something in her hand. She glanced down and swept her gaze.

In the black wind blowing underneath, she saw countless figures standing inside it.

Each figure was ten meters tall and they wore a strange black armor, concealing their faces.

The white-haired beauty looked downward for a while and withdrew her gaze, instead looking at the item in her hand.

She had been fiddling with a faint green pearl.

The pearl emitted an exceptionally pure wood spirit Qi. Her face wavered as if there was something she couldnt decide.

…

At the center of the mysterious mountain range on first level of the earth abyss, there was a shrine that was three hundred meters tall. There was a huge grey eyeball on top of it, releasing countless grey thoughts into the surrounding air and absorbing the nearby Yin Qi.

Wearing a black cloak, Liu Zu watched this indifferently with his arms held behind his back. He raised his head and stared deep into the sky, motionless.

His hands outside his cloak were extremely coarse and had grey cracks on their surface.

…

On the other side, an azure streak flew past a pitch-black wilderness.

He was Han Li, an azure-robed youth that had just left Mu Qings cave.

His body was still imprinted with the mark of the four demon monarchs, and he couldnt hide his location from them.

Regardless, Han Li thought to look for a remote location and soon descended.

Any thoughts of escaping only appeared in his dreams. So long as the mark was still there, he wouldnt have any chance of escaping from the demon monarchs.

The demon monarchs hadnt given him much time. It would take several years before he could refine the small vial of Rainbow Peacock blood and cultivate its true spirit transformation.

Fusing himself with true spirit blood wasnt an easy task. It would require particular blood vessels or a secret technique to assist him.

The twelve awakening transformations used a set of arts to resolve this difficult problem.

From this, it was clear to see the resources that were available to the Tian Peng grand elder that originally founded this technique.

Although Han Li knew that he wouldnt be a match against Body Integration-stage opponents with this ability, at the very least, he would have more methods to fall back on.

Of course, if he could think of how to resolve all these problems during this time, he would just destroy their imprint on him and immediately escape.

Although Mu Qing had only chatted about matters related to the infernal river, it must be incredibly dangerous for a Body Integration-stage demon king to perish.

As Han Li inwardly pondered this, he flew for over half a month and eventually arrived at a small-scale mountain range.

The mountain range was already far away from the residences of Mu Qing and the others. The spiritual Qi was also rather dense on the mountain, and it wasnt a place where high-grade demons gathered.

Han Li flew around this mountain range for some time before nodding in satisfaction and landed in the height of the mountains.

Several hours later, Han Li easily carved out the mountain and established a simple cave residence.

He entered the cave and immediately placed down restrictions, releasing white mist around the huge mountain.

After Han Li entered the seclusion room in his cave residence, he sealed the door and planned on entering seclusion.

As time slowly passed, the mountain range passed through the seasons, from spring, summer, autumn, and winter, bringing lush vegetation and snow.

Mu Qing and the others seemed to have forgotten about Han Li for the time being and were busy with their own affairs.

Then two years later, Han Li sat cross-legged on a mat as he fiddled with a common wooden stick.

The stick was blunt on one side and smooth like a knife on the other. There were green and mysterious markings on its surface.

After much maturation, this was the Profound Heavenly Fruit that Han Li didnt know what to do with.

These past few years, Han Li used the mysterious small bottle to pour liquid on it and after many years, the fruit hadnt changed much on the outside.

It simply concealed milky white specks of light deep within it and grew several times thicker. The light also appeared far more provoking.

Han Li attempted to control the fruit several times with magic power and even blood essence, but to no result. This time, the attempt still had no effect.

After a sigh, Han Li could only put the stick back in his storage pouch and lower his head in thought.

Over the two years, he eventually used the awakening art to fuse the Rainbow Peacock true blood with his body. The transformation refinement succeeded and his bodys cultivation greatly increased, much to his surprise.

If he hadnt already cultivated the incantation for the dragon phoenix transformation, he wouldve wanted to fuse the two spirit bloods into his body at once and see if it caused an even greater increase in cultivation.

He also began to use True Toad Liquid. It was a pity that he had so little time as the spirit liquid had astonishing effects. He wasnt able to use it to increase his cultivation by much.

As for the four demon monarchs imprint, it still remained.

As such, it appeared he had no choice but to enter the infernal river.

As Han Li thought about it, his face grew sullen.

A short moment later, his face stirred as he raised his head. He suddenly looked outside his secluded room and wore an odd expression.

He suddenly reached out for the door.

Crack. The doors restrictions fluctuated and a black item shot into his hand.

Han Li stared at it and his expression vastly changed. He suddenly stood up.

It was a foot-long box. Its surface was scorched black and uneven. It looked truly unsightly.

So it was like that! Han Li muttered. He now had a vague impression of the infernal river region.

Mu Qing coldly said, Alright, I will answer one last question. Think about it carefully.

After some thought, Han Li said, I want to know what you want me to do after we enter the infernal river.

Although he wanted to ask about the demon monarchs plans in the infernal river, matters concerning himself were more important. He would feel apprehensive if he didnt ask about this.

You truly want to ask about that? Mu Qing said with surprise.

Thats right. Please answer me! Han Li said with a determined tone.

The woman indifferently said, Since you used your last question, I may as well tell you. Its rather simple. I want you to accompany me in fetching an item of great use to me. However, this item is guarded by an extremely powerful devil wherever it is located. It would be difficult by myself, but with your Divine Devilbane Lightning, youll be able to restrain them.

Han Li frowned and astonishedly said, A devil? Wasnt the infernal river a gathering spot for ghosts?

The majority of creatures there are ghosts and Yin souls, but there are a few devils among them. Dont ask me for the reason since I dont know as well, Mu Qing said with an unquestionable tone.

Han Li felt speechless.

But you dont have to worry. With my help and the power of the Divine Devilbane Lightning, the devils will be no problem. Besides, so long as we acquire what I want, Ill bestow you a treasure. As the holy disciple of the Flying Spirit Tribe, youll definitely be interested in it. A cunning glint flickered in her eyes.

A treasure? Han Li said doubtfully.

When the earth abyss demon wave erupted, I took the risk of killing a Flying Spirit Tribe elder and acquired a vial of true holy blood from his body. According to my knowledge, even if it isnt the blood of your branchs deity, it is still a priceless treasure.

What kind of blood is it? Han Li asked with alarm.

Mu Qing answered with an enticing tone, The true spirit blood of the Rainbow Peacock. What do you think about it? Even if you cant use it, if you bring it back to your tribe, there will surely be great benefits for you.

The Flying Spirit Tribe may view the true spirit blood as a holy item, but even other foreign races view the blood with great importance.

After all, the blood will have miraculous effects when used for tool and pill refinement.

The Rainbow Peacock in particular was exceedingly famous, a fearsome existence even among the top ranks of bird-type true spirits.

Han Li suddenly felt delighted.

Of the twelve awakening transformations, he knew of three transformations, the Rainbow Peacock transformation being among them.

So long as he ingested the spirit blood and cultivated the technique, he could take the form of a rainbow peacock.

Twelve awakening transformations were more fearsome the more transformations one knew.

According to the technique incantation, for each transformation he learned, the might of his original transformations would increase by thirty percent.

If he fused all the transformation he knew into one, the strength of his transformation would be amplified over four times.

Of course, the cultivation realm of the transformation would greatly increase as well, this was the basis on how the transformations strength increased.

In addition, the transformation would also grant access to true spirit divine abilities.

The fearsomeness of the awakening transformations were clear to see.

The Rainbow Peacocks rainbow divine light was especially famous in the spirit realm.

Rumors said that objects of the five elements were restricted wherever the divine rainbow light passed. It had a similar result to Han Lis Divine Essensefused Light, but the discrepancy of their true power was vast.

Han Lis expression remained the same, but his eyes betrayed a trace of delight that hadnt escaped Mu Qings notice.

She smiled and continued, It seems Fellow Daoist Han would be quite satisfied with the Rainbow Peacock true blood. How about this? Ill present a bit less than half of the true blood over to you first. Afterwards, Ill give the other half to you.

With that said, Mu Qing slapped the golden lotus beneath her, causing it to spit out a small bright-red vial.

She grabbed it and tossed it at Han Li.

With an odd look on his face, he caught the vial and promptly opened its lid.

A clear cry immediately sounded from the vial, followed by the glow of rainbow light as if something were about to fly out from it. freewbnoel.com

Pop. Han Li quickly sealed the vial without hesitation.

In that instant, he used his spiritual sense to sweep past the vials interior.

Although he hasnt seen this kind of true blood before, from its astonishing aura it should be the genuine thing.

Many thanks for the spirit blood, Senior! Han Li didnt refuse out of politeness and bowed in thanks.

Mu Qing nodded and chuckled, When the time comes, dont forget to lend me your aid. You may leave now. So long as you dont head to the third level or above, you may choose any place in the earth abyss to cultivate. In several years, well finish our preparations and call for you.

Han Li wore a pensive expression for a moment and saluted her without saying anything else. Azure light wrapped around his body and he flew off in an azure streak.

Several flickers later, Han Li vanished from the hall.

Mu Qing glanced in the direction Han Li departed and watched him until he was out of sight.

A short moment later, the woman suddenly formed an incantation gesture with a single hand.

Suddenly, the golden lotus underneath her flash black and a black light formation appeared in midair.

Mu Qing then vanished from the top of the gold lotus in a blur and the black formation disappeared along with her.

At nearly the same time, Mu Qing appeared in front of the gate to the Jade Song Courtyard inside her Wood Essence Cave.

She raised her head and took a look at the gate placed under layers of restrictions and seals. She then walked forward in a blur, showing no hesitation.

A gust of wind blew and she passed through the restrictions as if they were water, leaving ripples through the air. However, the black light roaming around her seemed to dissolve the gate.

In the next moment, Mu Qing appeared on the other side of the huge gate.

She now stood in front of a huge medicinal garden filled with various huge flowers.

These flowers were astonishing large ranging from a foot long to ten meters wide. There were also flowers that were still buds and those that were fully open.

In any case, every flower was emitting an astonishing spiritual QI.

Between the huge flowers, there seemed to be a zigzagging path inside them.

Mu Qing walked on this small path without hesitation and slowly made her way through them.

After walking through many flowers for the time it took to finish a cup of tea, she arrived in front of a bright green grassland absent of flowers.

At the heart of the grassland, there was a huge black pine tree standing there.

The tree was about two hundred meters tall and was incredibly thick, but its outer appearance was also quite odd.

At the center of the tree, there seemed to be an invisible boundary. Half of the tree was fragrant and lush. The other half of the three were dried out and withered, lacking any leaves as if it were dead.

As Mu Qing looked at the huge tree, she walked up thirty meters away from the tree with an odd expression.

At nearly the same time, the lush half of the huge tree suddenly lit up and a cloud of black mist flew out, directly wrapping around her.

When the black mist wrapped around her, the black light surrounding her shed away to reveal a slender bewitching figure.

Her true appearance was revealed to be a beautiful dark-skinned woman.

The woman might not be considered an outstanding beauty, but the rich baleful Qi gathering at her forehead was capable of striking fear in those that saw it.

After staring at the huge tree for a while, she coldly shouted, Old Jin, are you there?

Gold light flashed from the air and a golden figure appeared in front of her. He saluted the woman and said, Welcome Master. Ive always been here.

The golden figure was a meter-tall dark ape that sparkled with golden light. He wore two shortswords on his back, had a short beard, two pitch-black eyes, and a solemn expression.

Mu Qing raised her hand up at the ape and warmly said, Please rise, Old Jin. During this time, has anyone spied on this place?

The ape answered, No. Ive followed your body closely these past two years and Ive discovered nothing odd.

Mu Qing sighed and said, Very good. Thank you for your trouble, Old Jin. You should know that while my abilities are on par with the others, my spirit tree soul body has a fatal weakness. I have no choice but to have you protect me.

Liu Zu nodded and asked, Although he still isnt very proficient, his might is unquestionable. Hell be able to destroy the Infernal River restriction. However, when I saw his casting, I also saw how he was able to avoid divine lightning backlash. When Fellow Daoist Han originally refined the Golden Lightning Bamboo magic treasure, was your magic power also several times greater than your peers?

Already landed on the ground, Han Li said with an amazed tone, Thats right. Ive long ago cultivated a strange technique. Although my cultivation speed was a bit slower, my cultivation was deeper than my peers. Could it be because of this that I dont suffer divine lightning backlash?

Liu Zu calmly explained, Although it isnt solely due to this, it is the most important factor. After all, magic power is the basis of all abilities. When similar abilities are displayed by those of differing cultivations, the abilitys power is different as well. With magic power far exceeding your realm, you were able to control your Divine Devilbane Lightning and suppress your lightning backlash. In addition, Fellow Daoist Han previously learned a different lightning controlling technique, reducing the odds of backlash even further.

From your words, it seems that backlash is still possible in the future, Han Li said with a changed expression.

Liu Zu continued with a calm voice, Maybe not. In addition to your dense magic power, it is possible youve stayed safe until today because you consumed a worldly treasure, have another strange treasure in your body, cultivating some wondrous technique, youve been able to suppress backlash. At the very least, there is some reason why youve never shown signs of backlash. I wont say anything about the future, but you have no need to worry about it with your present cultivation.

Although Han Li didnt dare to completely accept his words, his expression turned unsightly nonetheless.

Even if he currently had no problems, after his cultivation progressed, he would no longer be able to restrain the divine lightning backlash.

When the beautiful white-haired woman heard Liu Zu, her eyes narrowed and suddenly turned to the woman in the black light and coldly asked, Little Sister Mu Qing, since youve had us gathered here, it cant be only to show Fellow Daoist Hans lightning. What else do you have to say?

Mu Qing briefly paused and soon chuckled. With no intention of hiding her plans, she leisurely said, Thats right. Since Brother Liu Zu recognized the power of Fellow Daoist Hans Divine Devilbane Lightning, I believe in two years, Fellow Daoist Han wont need to visit Elder Sister Lan again. For the remaining years, have him properly practice the lightning control techniques in my cave. How do you feel?

The white-haired womans expression sank and imposingly said, Even if Han Li has a grasp over the lightningwield technique, there are differences in the lightning control techniques we understand. Why cant Fellow Daoist Han learn under me for two years? Besides, weve already come to an agreement on this. I wont accept your changes.

Mu Qing chuckled and casually said, Elder Sister Lans words are wrong. We only want to borrow Fellow Daoist Hans Divine Devilbane Lightning to eliminate the restriction on the Infernal River. Why is there a need to do so much? As for the agreement, since the circumstances have changed, a few temporary changes should be acceptable.

The white-haired woman no longer addressed Mu Qing and turned to the other two, saying, Brother Liu Zu, Fellow Daoist Di Xue, what do you think? Will you approve of Mu Qings words?

One of the crimson-robed men chuckled and casually declined, I dont understand a single aspect of lightning control. Ill leave it to you to decide. It seemed he didnt wish to involve himself with this dispute.

The white-haired woman was stunned at Di Xues response and wore a puzzled expression. She then turned to the mysterious Liu Zu.

Shrouded in his black cloak, he lowered his head in thought.

Liu Zu eventually raised his head and said, Both of your words are reasonable. On one hand, Fellow Daoist Hans control over his lightning is sufficient, and Fellow Daoist Lans tutelage is no longer necessary. On the other, this matter was already decided in advance and it would be unfair. How about this? I view that the two years are unnecessary. How about Fellow Daoist Lan only instructs Han Li for a single year, and for the remaining time, he can stay at his own residence?

When they heard this, the white-haired woman frowned and Mu Qing grew silent.

When Liu Zu saw they were silent, he said with a cold tone, I know you two are unwilling to accept these conditions but dont forget whats important, entering the infernal river. If you harbor resentment and make a mistake during this matter, then all your pettiness will cause you to lose everything. Could it be that you truly wish to renounce your once in ten thousand year opportunity?

With that said, the womens expressions stirred, and they couldnt help but exchange a glance.

The beautiful womans expression stirred and her lips stirred, sending voice transmissions to Mu Qing.

Once Mu Qing heard this, her expression vastly changed. After a while, she eventually said, What you say is true, but are you willing to hand it over to me?

The white-haired woman replied, Little Sister Mu should understand. With my ghost body, the object isnt worth much to me, even if it were more wondrous.

Then I agree to your conditions. The white-haired beauty seemed to hold something extremely important to Mu Qing and promptly persuaded her.

Good. I hope Little Sister Mu Qing wont be going back on her word. The white-haired woman sweetly smiled and rose into the air in a Yin wind, then flying off in a grey streak.

The two crimson-robed men paused when they saw this, but Liu Zu showed no surprise and simply watched the white-haired woman fly off.

Mu Qing grinned and said, Fellow Daoists, Ive already settled things with Elder Sister Lan. Fellow Daoist Han wont need to head over to her. For the remaining time, lets have Fellow Daoist Han live in his own residence and practice controlling lightning. What do you think Fellow Daoists?

With an ordinary expression, one of the crimson-robed men let out an odd laugh and said, I did say Id leave it to you. I wont interfere.

So long as it doesnt affect the important event, I have no objections, Liu Zu coldly said.

Mu Qing was overjoyed.

Han Li originally stood in place and sighed.

Not knowing anything about the circumstances, Mu Qing and the white-haired beauty had come to an agreement. This caused him to feel sullen and apprehensive.

Not long after, Liu Zu and the two blood-robed men departed.

When Mu Qing called out to Han Li, he followed her back into the hall.

Sitting on a huge golden flower, Mu Qing calmly said, Fellow Daoist Han, you shouldve heard us. Now, I will explain a few things to you and resolve your doubts. You may ask me three questions. Take note that you only have three. I will not answer anything past that. But in exchange, I will require you do help me with something after we enter the infernal river region.

Han Li felt his heart tremble and he cautiously asked, Do what?

Mu Qing stared at him and slowly said, In these two years, Ive given you much instruction on cultivation. With the addition of these three questions, Im not asking for much.

Of course, but I… Han Li forced a smile, thinking of something to say.

But Mu Qing then raised her hand and explained, Dont worry, I wont have you do anything outside of your abilities. In the end, I only want to borrow your Divine Devilbane Lightning. Why else do we hold such a favorable attitude towards you?

Mu Qings expression turned sullen.

Han Li felt his heart relax. After a moment of thought, he asked, Since youve said this, I wont decline. So long as its within my abilities and there is no danger to my life, I will agree to help you with this one matter.

Mu Qing darkly smiled and held his arms behind her back, You sure are covering your bases, but that is no matter. Go ahead and ask your questions.

Han Li raised his head and looked at her, asking, I wish to know what is the infernal river area. Also, what dangers are there?

Mu Qing found Han Lis question unsurprising and gravely explained, The infernal river is something we unintentionally discovered in the deepest layer of the earth abyss. It is an independent space, containing Yin Qi filled with various ghosts and harmful spirits. It contains countless dangerous. Let alone ghost monarchs and demons on par with our strength, there are some places that are dangerous beyond our capabilities. That is to say, there were originally five demon monarchs in the earth abyss. During our first venture into the space, one of us perished. Admittedly, we didnt understand much of the space at the time and hadnt made many preparations. However, it is dangerous as one can imagine.

When Han Li heard this, his heart sank and he curiously asked, This infernal river region was something you named. There must be a reason why you call it this place.

Hehe, Fellow Daoist Han, is that your third question? Mu Qing said with a sweet laugh.

Of course not. My third question is…

As Han Li pondered about this third question, Mu Qing stopped him with a laugh and slowly said, It doesnt matter. Ill answer your question for free since it doesnt amount to much. The space is shrouded in a dense bottomless screen of Yin Water. If someone enters the water, a myriad of souls will immediately engulf you and turn you into a Yin corpse eternally flowing in the Yin Water. That is why we gave it that name.

Six days later, Han Li emerged from seclusion.

Although he wore a tired face, he couldnt help but show a trace of joy.

Over the past few days of talisman refinement, he succeeded greatly.

As today wasnt the day Mu Qing would be teaching him lightning control techniques, Han Li decided to take a walk and relax.

After all, he would be in his best state when he was properly rested.

Mu Qings cave wasnt as small as the Bloodflame Palace. Han Li had to tread through the garden in front of his room before making his way to other areas of the cave.

An hour later, Han Li appeared in front of a gate. He looked at the endlessly flickering green light on the gate and couldnt help but lower his head and mutter to himself.

Hes already walked through most of the cave several times.

But there were some areas that were placed under restrictions and were kept concealed.

There were two areas in particular that were placed under heavy restrictions that caused Han Li to feel in awe of them, piquing his curiosity as a result.

One of the areas was a side courtyard named the Jade Song Garden.

After sensing the traces of the pure wood spiritual Qi leaking out of the dense restrictions, he guessed it was most likely a medicinal garden.

What medicines and spirit fruits would be viewed so importantly by a Body Integration-grade demon monarch?

As Han Li thought this, his curiosity grew even greater.

But when he thought of the casual warning Mu Qing gave him, Han Li wryly smiled in his mind and gave up on investigating these places.

Given their harsh restrictions, Mu Qing would definitely pay close attention to these areas.

Although it seemed there was no one nearby, it was likely he was already being observed, so he definitely couldnt do anything out of the ordinary.

Han Li inwardly shook his head and held his hands behind his backs as he walked forward.

Before he made it to the outside, he already walked for two hours. Then, he returned to his

…

In the following year, Han Li spent his days uneventfully.

Perhaps due to being superbly talented with the Dao of Lightning, he didnt find his lessons with Mu Qing on controlling lightning very difficult.

In a short amount of time, Han Li had a good grasp of the technique and only needed to practice.

Mu Qing was happy to see this. When two years passed, Liu Zu and the others were issued an invitation to gather at the Wood Spirit Hall.

Three days later, Han Li arrived in the hall, facing the several demon monarchs.

This time, Yuan Yao and the beautiful women werent present. This left Han Li somewhat disappointed as it proved some of his impressions false.

Di Xues two crimson-robed men gathered there as well.

The white-haired beauty wore an expression of doubt and said with a surprised tone, What? Has Fellow Daoist Han already grasped the lightningwield technique with his Divine Devilbane Lightning? Little Sister Mu, are you telling the truth?

At that moment, she was the only one sitting at the side of the hall.

Mu Qing chuckled within the black light and said, I wouldnt lie about something this important. To tell the truth, I was also shocked by how quickly Han Li grasped the most important part of the lightning control method, the lightningwield technique. It was then I realized that Fellow Daoist Han used Golden Lightning Bamboo to forge his personal magic treasures. As such, it is no wonder he was able to quickly control the Divine Devilbane Lightning.

He used Golden Lightning Bamboo as his personal magic treasure? The white-haired woman turned to look at Han Li and deeply said, Fellow Daoist Han, youre awfully courageous. Could it be you didnt know how easily the divine lightning can backlash? It is a miracle youre still alive today.

Han Li was startled when he heard this, Divine lightning backlash? Ive never heard of that before? Could Senior tell me about it?

Did Little Sister Mu not tell you about it? the white-haired woman asked with a frown.

Mu Qing casually answered, Ive already looked into it. Fellow Daoist Han is deeply fortunate. The Divine Devilbane Lightning he controls is incredibly stable and shows no signs of backlash. As such, I hadnt mentioned the matter.

Hmph, those are only your words. Ive yet to see it for myself! The white-haired woman said with a cold tone and examined Han Li once more.

Mu Qing smiled and thought to say something else when Liu Zu suddenly said, Enough rubbish. We were invited here by Fairy Mu, but not to idly chat. Well have to personally see if Fellow Daoist Han truly learned the lightningwield technique.

Liu Zus words were calm and emotionless. However, when Mu Qing and the white-haired woman heard this, their hearts trembled.

The one of the two blood-robed smiled and said, Fellow Daoist Han, since youve learned the offering technique for the Divine Devilbane Lightning, please present it to us.

When he heard the two, he forced down his puzzlement over the mention of this backlash and bowed, Seniors, I will immediately follow your command. Its only that the technique is very powerful, this place…

When Han Li said that, he looked around him.

Fellow Daoist Han, our Wood Spirit Hall has some restrictions in place, but it wont be able to bear the true might of the Divine Devilbane Lightning. Lets head outside. Mu Qing nodded and went out first.

When the other demon monarchs saw this, they exchanged a glance and followed after them.

The demon guards standing at the hall gates were stunned to see so many demon monarchs present.

Naturally, none of them dared to speak.

A short moment later, the party arrived in an empty area in front of Wood Spirit Hall and focused their sights on Han Li.

Han Li wryly laughed in his mind when the many high-grade existences looked at him. But with a calm face, azure light flashed from his body and he shot up sixty meters in the air where he floated motionlessly.

He formed an incantation gesture with his hands and loud explosions sounded as countless golden sparks leaped out and wrapped around his body.

The golden sparks gradually turned dense and began to wildly spread in every direction.

In a short moment, under the immense light, a huge net of lightning began to gradually condense.

At that same moment, as Han Li formed an incantation gesture, strange golden talisman characters began to rush out from his hands and repeatedly vanish into the surrounding lightning.

As the talisman characters entered the dense net of lightning, the net seemed to silently disappear like a popped bubble, turning into a glowing golden halo that was ten meters wide.

Within the halo, Han Lis image became vague, but his voice spoke as it chanted a cryptic incantation.

As the golden halo began to turn, the golden talisman characters roiled without end. Furthermore, a faint buzzing sounded from it, growing louder and more frequent as time passed.

Suddenly, thunder clapped.

For an instant, golden light brightly shined within the halo, only to disappear in the next.

Han Lis image reappeared with one hand forming an incantation gesture. He spread out his other hand above him, seemingly holding up a fist-sized orb a foot above in the air.

The orb appeared unremarkable apart from the uneven talisman markings on its surface. It also shined with a dim light and didnt emit a spiritual pressure as if it were a mundane object.

When the demon monarchs saw this, they watched with wonder.

At that moment, Han Li wore a solemn face and flicked in the direction of the golden orb with a single finger.

Zap. The golden orb shot into the sky in a golden streak.

With a few blinks, it vanished from sight.

At nearly the same moment, a zap sounded from his other hand. In a flicker of lightning, a massive golden talisman character shot high into the air.

A rumble sounded.

The nearby sky was suddenly swept up in a windstorm and dark clouds formed up above where a golden sun can be faintly seen. An astonishing aura capable of worldly destruction suddenly burst out from the golden sun.

Countless arcs of electricity wildly flashed from the surface of the sun, followed by a repeated chain of deafening thunder.

When the others saw this, their expressions changed.

Liu Zu called out, Stop! Cease your casting. There is no need to release the true power of the Divine Devilbane Lightning.

When Han Li heard this, he could only force a smile and say, You were a bit too late. My control over the technique is still lacking. I cannot stop it.

With those short words, the golden sun repeatedly boomed with thunder and blinked, suddenly releasing a barrel-sized golden light beam downward.

Fortunately, the attack landed in an empty area.

The area the beam struck was a stone area reinforced with restrictions. But now, the area had turned to ash and there was a ten-meter-wide black hole heading deep down.

The golden beam had only lasted the span of several breaths. Following that, the golden sun had strangely vanished.

After releasing this strike, Han Lis face turned pale and he gently drifted down with his wings.

At that moment, the black clouds scattered and the sky returned to normal.

With a blur, one of the crimson-robed men and the white-haired woman appeared at the large hole and they looked downward.

They only saw an endless black along with the smell of scorched earth.

With an odd expression, the white-haired woman muttered, It really is the lightningwield technique. The fearsomeness of the Divine Devilbane Lightning is as legend says! We can neither block this attack nor dare to receive it.

The crimson-robed man was shifting his gaze as he looked at the whole as if lost in thought. Liu Zu and Mu Qing remained in their original places.

The two glanced at each other, clearly knowing how powerful Han Lis lightningwield technique was. Mu Qing had already seen Han Li use it several times and was no longer excited by its appearance.

Mu Qing smiled and said, Fellow Daoists, I hope Fellow Daoist Hans display was to your satisfaction.

Han Li was greatly surprised by what Di Xue said. Infusing Divine Devilbane Lightning into a complete formation and infusing lightning during the formation engraving process were two entirely different things.

The former was far easier and the latter required step by step coordination. It would require much attention as one would imagine. Could that be the reason why Di Xue was kind earlier?

Han Li still felt uncertain, but his face remained unchanged and he readily agreed.

Di Xue nodded with a satisfied expression in response to Han Lis respectful display.

He then flew off several steps to the side of the puppet.

He shook his sleeve and summoned a faint red bottle from his sleeve.

Di Xue raised his hand and flicked the bottle.

Its lid opened, shooting out a ball of purple liquid. It circled once in the air before stopping and shining with a faint light.

Di Xue shrouded himself crimson robes, but his eyes turned grave as his hands formed a chain of mysterious incantation gestures.

A strange voice suddenly sounded from behind Han Li, Fellow Daoist Han, be careful! The set of talisman formation inscriptions will cause wonders to emerge from the puppet. Ill explain a bit more in a moment. Itll depend on you how many mysteries youll be able to comprehend. The more you understand, the easier itll be to cooperate with me.

In his alarm, he turned around to find another crimson-robed man. He seemed to be there this entire time, but Han Li hadnt detected his presence.

Han Li cupped his hand and respectfully said, Many thanks, Senior, for imparting the talisman formation to me. I will be diligent.

The crimson-robed man waved his hand, signaling hat Han Li should be paying attention to the actions of the other crimson-robed man.

Han Li looked back over and saw that he was holding a different incantation gesture with one hand. He was chopping his other hand at the ball of purple liquid.

A bang sounded and a small fraction of the purple liquid slit off and burst into fist-sized talisman characters, then shooting off towards the huge armor.

In a flash of light, a series of talisman characters disappeared into the armor, but a series of low hums immediately sounded immediately after and the talisman characters reappeared on the armors surface.

Seeingly waving his fingers with the weight of a boulder, the talisman characters began to reorganize. In the blink of an eye, they transformed into a three-meter-wide purple outline of the formation.

A few talisman characters repeatedly transformed inside as if they had yet to take shape.

As Han Li was entranced, the crimson-robed man to the side explained, This talisman formation is called golden engraving. It has no other use than to make the armor more durable, allowing it to withstand attacks from ordinary magic treasures without damage. The formation is divided into three layers. The first layer is…

As someone with deep attainments in puppet and spell formation techniques, Han Li repeatedly shifted his gaze between the man drawing the formation and one that was giving a lecture. A lecture and demonstration by a Body Integration-grade existence was incredibly rare.

Although Di Xue was only giving a shallow explanation, a few problems that had perplexed Han Li on the topic for ages had suddenly been solved.

In the time it took to finish a meal, Di Xue had finished refining most of the talisman formation and was about to begin solidifying.

The crimson-robed man to the side sullenly said, Youngster Han, its now. You will just have to fuse Divine Devilbane Lightning into the last layers formation core.

Although his voice wasnt loud, Han Li immediately woke up from his scholarly trance.

He wordlessly flew over and clapped his hands together. Rolls of thunder loudly sounded as bolts of golden lightning were released, causing the nearby scales to shine with golden light.

When the crimson-robed man saw the lightning in Han Lis side, a trace of astonishment briefly appeared from his eyes.

…

Half a month later, Han Li once again appeared in a secluded room in the Wood Essence Cave.

He sat down on a mat cross-legged and he fiddled with a white jade badge and muttered to himself.

During the month, he spent day and night underneath the Bloodflame Palace and beside the huge puppet, assisting Di Xue through the daunting experience unharmed.

When the time came, Mu Qing arrived at the Bloodflame Palace and led him back.

Although his mind was greatly exhausted from pouring his Divine Devilbane Lightning into the talisman formation day in and day out, Han Li didnt feel like he suffered a loss.

Let alone anything else, the set of spirit servant refinement methods and the narration of the talisman formation process had benefited him greatly.

And when he departed, Di Xue bestowed him a batch of puppet materials distinctive to the earth abyss and a few rare materials.

Although Han Li knew he had plans in him, he couldnt help but feel satisfied.

However, Han Li hadnt put further thought into the matter. Instead, he was focused on the badly damaged outer page of the Golden Jade Tome.

The outer page recorded many powerful talismans. Among them, he already comprehended the High Zenith Invisibility Talisman and had several of them on hand.

As for the other three talismans, they were the enemy trapping Nine Palaces Heavenly Talisman, the offensive type Heavenly Halberd Talisman, and the puppet talisman Armor Origin Talisman.

The most powerful and profound of these talismans was the Heavenly Halberd Talisman. Even now, Han Li could only rack his head and leave to the side.

He studied both the Nine Palaces Heavenly Talisman and the Armor Origin Talisman meticulously over the past few years and have comprehended them mostly. There were only a few crucial points that evaded him.

But after the month of guidance from Di Xue, a master of puppets and spell formations, and several days of hard study on the spirit servant refinement methods, he resolved these problems and fully comprehended these two talismans. He was now confident he could refine them.

The materials of the two talismans were incredibly rare. But fortunately, they werent priceless or never sold. In Deep Heaven City, he was able to gather many ingredients of the two talismans and he could now make an attempt.

Originally, he would need much more experience before he would be comfortable refining these talismans using his rare and precious materials.

But with the several Body Integration-grade demon monarchs watching him covetously, he didnt have time to waste.

Because of the matters regarding his Divine Devilbane Lightning, he had several more years of safety. But he had no idea if or when the demon monarchs would change their minds.

Since Han Li tread on the path of cultivation, relied on his own strength to ascend to the spirit realm, and achieved his current cultivation, he had never trusted his safety entirely to destiny.

Thus, he set his mind on refining these two talismans with utmost speed as several lifesaving measures.

Han Lis expression varied for a long while and his expression became calm.

He slowly closed his eyes and his spiritual sense fused into the jade badge, reading through the talismans refinement process from start to end.

After confirming there were no problems, he opened his eyes once more.

He shook his wrist at the air and spirit light flashed. A ball of light flew out and whirled in the air.

It was Han Lis storage bracelet. He quickly pointed at it.

A gust of wind blew out, carrying an azure mist. It laid out tens of bottles and jars as well as few jade and wood boxes all on the floor.

Among them, he took a white wooden box into his hand and flipped its lid, releasing a sparkling silver object.

Han Li drew back his fingers, causing it to flicker in front of him where it stopped. It was a delicate beast hide that seemed as smooth as silk.

Not only did the hide sparkle with silver light, but natural talisman designs of various sizes shined from its surface in a gorgeous display.

This was an optimal material for refining puppets, a beast hide of a rare ancient beast by the name of Windfire Beast.

This beast was not only proficient in wind and fire and had the Deity Transformation-stage strength, but it was also fond of Yin-cold and sleep.it would sleep yearlong in dark and moist swamps. It would only wake and leave tracks when it hunted.

Not only would using this beast hide increase the odds of success in refining a puppet talisman, but its might would increase as well. Its value was as high as one would imagine.

At the time, Han Li spent a good deal of effort to acquire many of these hides from various stores in Deep Heaven City in exchange for several myriad year medicine herbs.

Han Li planned on refining the Armor Origin Talisman from the start.

This talisman was like other puppet talismans in that it would turn into a puppet projection when summoned. It would also be granted the cultivation and partial abilities of its user. Its efficacy depended on the talisman quality itself and the cultivation of its controller.

Normally, puppet projection talismans could use only a few abilities and could produce half a users strength at most. Rumors had it there were perfect puppet projection talismans that could replicate a users entire strength. It is said only the humans of the Heavenly Spirit Region could produce them, but it has yet to be seen.

Naturally, these puppet talismans couldnt be limitlessly duplicated, and only early Spatial Tempering cultivators and below could use them. These talismans also were consumed in a single use, and their projections would disappear once their power was consumed.

As Han Lis Armor Origin talisman came from the Golden Jade Tome, its might wasnt comparable to ordinary puppet talismans.

At the level of the Armor Origin Talisman, the puppet projection not only could produce eighty percent of the users strength and a majority of their abilities, but it also allowed use for cultivators at early Body Integration stage and below. Its qualities were clear to see.

As such, it would be equivalently more difficult and complex to create than ordinary talismans.

Were it not for the extreme heat and cold flames contained in his Spirit Engulfing flames, he wouldnt be able to refine them.

Han Li gazed at the beast hide with muddle thoughts before he opened his mouth and spat out a ball of silver flames.

The Spirit Engulfing flames let out a clear cry and soon turned into a foot-long bird. It spread its wings and circled around the beast hide.

When Han Li saw this, he inwardly muttered an incantation. Suddenly, the bird fluttered in circles and rammed into the hide.

With a crackle, the silver flames roiled, wrapping around it.

Within the flames, the beast hide didnt burn. Instead, the talisman designs seemed to squirm in the flames as if they were alive. It was truly a mysterious sight.

After Han Li put away the bamboo tube, Eccentric Di Xue enthusiastically chatted with Han Li for over an hour in the Yinflame Palace before the banquet was over.

Afterwards, with the guidance of the servant behind him, he was led to a quiet side chamber.

Han Li closed the door to the side chamber and immediately took out a set of formation flags with a flip of his hand. Then, he released them into the air, disappearing in a dozen streaks of light.

A barrier of rainbow light suddenly appeared in the rooms walls.

Han Li sighed and sat down cross-legged on a mat before his mind drifted off in thought.

Eccentric Di Xues courteous tone was truly out of place considering he was a Body Integration-grade demon monarch. It left Han Li with an odd feeling.

Could it be that the eccentric had spoken to him in that way because assisting in the puppet refinement would be incredibly difficult?

Han Li shook his head, feeling that it was unlikely. Even if Di Xue didnt do that, Han Li wouldnt have dared to hold back.

Apart from the mysterious Liu Zu, the beautiful woman surnamed Lan, Mu Qing, and Yun Yao were trying their best to entice him. Mu Qing in particular seemed entirely unwilling to let him contact the white-haired beauty.

It seemed in addition to having him eliminate the infernal river restriction, they had another reason for roping him in, most likely having to do with his Divine Devilbane Lightning.

As thoughts quickly formed in his mind, he began to analyze most matters related to this.

After a long while passed, he sighed and he closed his eyes once more.

Although he didnt know what the demon monarchs of the earth abyss were conspiring, if he understood what actions he should take, he wouldnt need to fear for his safety.

Han Lis eyes flickered and soon after, he shook his sleeve, releasing tens of various styled and colored wood puppets. They circled in front of him as they floated in the air.

Blue light shined from his eyes and he began to examine the puppet.

From a long distance away, he wasnt able to grasp the marvels of the spirit servant puppets, and he had no trouble pouring his spiritual sense into one of the puppets through his hand.

A short moment later, Han Li wore an odd expression as he tossed the puppet away and took another.

And he did it again, repeatedly. A while later, Han Li examined every one of the puppets.

The spell formations inside the puppets were profound and complex. With his current attainments in spell formations, he wasnt able to see through their designs, but he was able to leave behind his imprint with ease.

But even Han Li wasnt completely sure of this. After all, puppet techniques involving spirit servants were knowledge far beyond that of the mortal world.

Fortunately, Di Xue had given all related refinement techniques over to him. So long as he wholeheartedly studied them, hed eventually come to understand them.

When that time came, hed fully understand any problems related to them.

But before then, he didnt need to waste any more thought on them. Furthermore, after careful consideration, he would be protected from any surprises.

With that thought, Han Li swiped his hand past his storage bracelet and produced a faint golden box.

The surface of the box was filled with odd decorative designs. From the faint talisman characters roaming on its surface, its mysteriousness was clear to see.

Han Li opened the box and waved his hand to the puppets floating in the air.

Suddenly, a cloud of azure Qi flew out from the box and wrapped around all the puppets, dragging the puppet back into the box.

Once the box was closed, Han Li flipped his free hand and produced several various-colored talismans.

In a flash, the talismans stuck onto the surface of the box and sealed.

With that done, Han Li felt more at ease and took out the bamboo tube recording the refinement process of spirit servants. He inserted his spiritual sense into it and began to study it in detail, quickly immersing himself in the mysteries of this new technique.

It was only when a few light knocks sounded from his door that he suddenly woke up. He stood up, folding the tube into his sleeve with slight reluctance.

He opened the door to reveal a spirit servant shrouded in grey mist.

This spirit servant couldnt speak, but it raised its hand and a blood light burst from its hand. Di Xues relaxed voice sounded out.

Fellow Daoist, please follow the spirit servant for a meeting at the Blood Refinement Hall. I want to officially discuss the matter of the puppet refinement with you.

Afterwards, Di Xues voice came to a stop and the blood light faded.

Lead the way, Han Li bluntly commanded.

The spirit servant bowed and promptly twirled around and gently walked, producing no sound as if nothing were there.

If he hadnt comprehended Di Xues secret puppet techniques the day before, Han Li mightve found this interesting, but now Han Li glanced at the puppet with seemingly no interest.

After the time it took to finish a cup of tea, Han Li appeared at a secret underground area in Bloodflame Palace. When he looked around, he couldnt help but betray his astonishment.

The so-called Blood Refinement Hall was a huge underground hall carved out of crystal. It was over a kilometer wide, and its walls sparkled with white light.

The flowing red lava roiled behind the walls, but the walls were completely stable and the hall was absent of scorching heat.

But what truly surprised Han Li was the three-kilometer-tall puppet standing in the lava underneath the crystal hall.

The giant puppet wore jet-black armor, arms that stretched below the knees, sparkling purple-red flesh, and bowl-sized scales.

But when Han Li looked at its head, he felt his heart tremble.

Not only did the puppet have a single white horn on its head, but it also had a mouthful of lions teeth and six blood-red eyes. Two of them were where one would expect but it also had two on either cheek and two on the back of its head.

Each of the blood-red eyes were slowly looking around, each of them giving off an eerie blood-curling glint.

Having studied the huge puppet for a long while, Han Li deeply sighed and said, This must be Seniors Purpleblood Puppet. It seems to have some intelligence. Could it be he used a secret technique and fused it with a spirit body?

A crimson robed figure appeared in the crystal hall and strangely laughed when he saw Han Lis shocked face. Hehe, it seems Fellow Daoist had spent the night studying the secret puppet techniques I gave him. Thats right, this Purpleblood Puppet is infused with a spirit. However, it isnt a weak spirit body like a spirit servant. Rather, it uses a trace of my spiritual sense.

Han Li wryly smiled and said, So it was like that. I think its an astonishing puppet. Ordinary spirit bodies wouldnt be able to control it. With Seniors immense spiritual sense, even a trace of it wouldnt be a problem.

Now that Fellow Daoist Han has seen this puppet, you should know why Ive had you come to the Bloodflame Palace. I dont want anything from you apart from having you infuse your Divine Devilbane Lightning with your grey armor. Afterwards, Ill change the divine lightning in accordance to the talisman formation. During this process, there cant be any loss of focus or everything will be lost.

Han Li felt his heart trembled and he readily answered, When the time comes, Ill follow your instructions to the best of my abilities!

Di Xue cheerfully laughed when he heard this and said, Very good. Dont worry, Fellow Daoist, I wont have you work for free. Once the puppet is finished, Ill hand over a few things to you in addition to the spirit servant refinement method.

Soon after, Di Xue formed an incantation gesture and chanted a few words.

Suddenly, the huge puppet underneath them began to move. As its six eyes stirred, it formed an incantation gesture with its hands and completely enveloped its body in purple light.

As purple light shined, the lava gradually withdrew, creating a huge purple realm underground.

At that same moment, white light flashed from underneath Han Li and Di Xue and the crystalline floor vanished as if it were an illusion, the two suddenly fell.

Although Han Li was surprised, his wings flapped and slowed his descent.

As for Di Xue, crimson light flashed from his body and steadied himself like a mountain.

Han Li flew quickly and landed on the top of the Purpleblood Puppet. At that moment, one of the blood-red eyes turned and stared at Han Li.

Han Li felt a chill run down his back as his body became sluggish as if an invisible force was covering him.

In the blink of an eye, Han Lis expression changed and a layer of sweat appeared on his brow.

Fortunately, the three-meter-wide demon eye flashed and looked at something else, returning Han Li to normal.

Han Li deeply sighed and wiped away the sweat on his heat. From this experience, he came to view Di Xues puppet with greater importance.

The might of this Purpleblood Puppet might even be a fraction greater than that of the old eccentric himself, why else would a mere look force such pressure onto him?

In that moment, he was nearly forced to use his Law Destruction Eyes out of helplessness to resist that fearsome gaze.

But with the support of the Great Development Technique, he had forced himself to endure it. From this, it can be seen that not only was the puppet extremely powerful, but even the power of its spiritual sense was profound.

Dumbstruck, Han Li didnt dare to linger near the top of the puppets head and quickly descended.

Soon, Han Li arrived in front of the puppets chest where Di Xue was waiting.

Han Li swept his gaze past the black armor and felt stunned. He revealed a trace of doubt.

When he arrived near the armor, he saw that its surface was as shiny as a mirror and that a talisman formation appeared to be absent.

Could it be that the eccentric… Han Li muttered apprehensively.

Fellow Daoist Han, Because I need to conform with the Divine Devilbane Lightning, I will explain a simple explanation about the talisman formation I want to place on the armor. After this is all done, I will seal the talisman formations power and the lightning together. If anything goes wrong, Ill tell you at the time.

Just as Han Li was appraising these strange beings, one of the crimson-robed figures suddenly asked, Are you interested in my spirit servants, Fellow Daoist Han?

Spirit servants? Forgive me for my ignorance, Senior, this is my first time hearing about such things, Han Li replied truthfully.

Hehe, its no surprise that you havent heard of it. These spirit servants are a type of semi-puppets that Ive refined, the crimson-robed figure chuckled with a hint of smugness in his voice.

Semi-puppets? I really would like to know more about them now, Han Li said with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

You seem to be quite interested in these spirit servants, you must also be familiar with the puppetry arts, right? Id be happy to provide some guidance, but lets go to the Yinflame Palace first the other crimson-robed figure interjected.

Han Li naturally wasnt going to state any objections, and he merely nodded in agreement.

Thus, the group entered the palace, and the gates slowly closed behind them.

The Chaotic Turtle Beast that was outside the palace also disappeared into the lava again.

After a while, Han Li and the two crimson-robed figures appeared within a large hall that was over 1,000 feet in area.

Everything in the hall had been constructed from some kind of strange black and red jade, and upon making contact with the material, Han Li was struck by a scorching sensation, which then turned into a flow of icy coolness.

This was quite an interesting material.

Han Li was quite intrigued as he felt the interchanging hot and cold sensation making its way into his body from the jade chair that he was sitting on.

At this moment, he was situated on one side of the hall, while the two crimson-robed figures naturally sat together at the center.

The jade tables before the three of them were all piled full of exotic fruits and delectable wines, and there were humanoid figures enshrouded in pink mist standing off to the side, attending to their needs when required.

Every time someone finished the wine in their cup, one of the humanoid figures would rush forward for a refill in a respectful manner.

These humanoid figures in the pink mist were different from the earlier ones that were enshrouded in grey mist. Not only were all of them quite slender, the mist around them emitted a pleasant fragrance that evoked within one a sense of relaxation.

At such close quarters, Han Li was naturally able to examine these spirit servants from time to time, and a contemplative look appeared on his face.

Have you gleaned the secrets of the spirit servants, Fellow Daoist Han? One of the crimson-robed figures downed his cup of spirit wine before turning to Han Li with a hint of a smile in his voice.

Im afraid I can only identify that these beings seem to be spirits, but also like objects, yet also like neither at the same time. As for the exact intricacies involved, thats definitely beyond me, Han Li replied with a smile.

Youre not wrong! Spirit servants are indeed beings that are a mix between spirits and objects. They possess souls and their actions appear to be identical to that of a normal person, but most of what theyre doing is merely instinctive, and theyre being controlled by me using a puppet secret technique. As for how they came to be, I discovered two types of spirit bodies on the Bloodflame Mountain that are unable to attain intelligence, and I infused them into puppets, the other crimson-robed figures explained, finally revealing the origins of these spirit servants to Han Li.

Infusing spirit bodies into puppets! Han Lis expression stirred upon hearing this, and he instantly recalled back to how he had once infused his second Nascent Soul into his humanoid puppet.

Indeed. These spirit bodies are yet to manifest complete souls, so theyre extremely docile, yet they possess a certain level of spiritual nature, thereby allowing them to complete some simple instructions. On top of that, theyre able to fuse together with puppets, so theyre perfect for refining spirit servants. Its exactly because of this that I decided to settle permanently on the Bloodflame Mountain, the crimson-robed figure explained.

This is also a result of your proficiency in the puppetry arts, Senior. Otherwise, even if others were able to find such spirit bodies, they wouldnt be able to incorporate them into puppets. Di Xue had made the process sound quite simple, but infusing spirit bodies into puppets was extremely difficult. As someone who was proficient in the puppetry arts himself, Han Li was naturally well aware of this.

As such, those words of praise were truly genuine.

The two crimson-robed figures glanced at one another, and one of them offered, If youd like, I can teach you the secret technique required to infuse spirits into objects.

I havent done anything for you yet, Senior, how could I ask for a reward that I dont deserve? Han Li was rather surprised, and a hint of hesitation appeared on his face.

Haha, its just a little trick that I managed to invent during my free time, theres no need for you to be so polite, Fellow Daoist Han. Im going to require a lot of assistance from you in the coming month and a half, and I hope youll help me to the best of your abilities, one of the crimson-robed figures said with a smile, his tone became even more polite.

As such, Han Li could only accept this offering with gratitude.

Senior Di Xue, seeing as Im already here, would you be able to tell me how I can assist you in refining your puppets? Han Li asked.

Theres no hurry. Youve only just arrived at my Bloodflame Palace, so you should drink to your hearts content, then have a good rest. We can discuss those matters tomorrow.The crimson-robed figure waved a hand to brush his question aside.

Han Li could only comply with a wry smile and down another cup of spirit wine.

All of a sudden, one of the crimson-robed figures clapped his hands a few times, and a series of shuffling footsteps sounded from outside. All of a sudden, a peculiar fragrance wafted through the air as 12 beautiful young women in five-colored dresses made their way into the room.

Han Li cast his gaze toward the faint pink mist emanating from the bodies of those women, and he quickly realized what they were.

These women were also spirit servants, just like the other beings enshrouded in pink mist in the room.

However, the pink mist on their bodies had become extremely faint, thereby revealing their true appearance.

Han Li didnt know what materials their bodies had been refined from, but judging from their appearance and complexion, they appeared to be identical to normal Flying Spirit Race women, and they even had a pair of azure wings on each of their backs.

A flash of blue light appeared in Han Lis eyes, yet he was unable to glean any illusionary techniques concealing the bodies of these women, so this was indeed their true appearance.

Han Li was quite astonished that these puppets were able to resemble actual living beings so closely.

Back when he was in the human world, his late-Nascent Soul Stage humanoid puppet was able to fool others into thinking that it was a living being partly due to the fact that its skin had been made from a precious material known as Soft Spirit Jade, which closely resembled human skin. On top of that, very few cultivators in the human world were able to use their spiritual sense to assess the true nature of a late-Nascent Soul Stage puppet, so it was able to regularly confuse his enemies, making them unable to tell whether it was a true human or not.

However, the bodies of these spirit servants had clearly not been constructed from Soft Spirit Jade. Even when he forced his spiritual sense out of his body to examine these women, his spiritual sense was somehow kept out.

Thus, Han Li fell into deep thought as he looked at these women.

If he had to find a difference between these women and normal human beings, then he could only say that the light in their eyes was a little dull, seemingly indicating a slight lack of spiritual nature compared to a normal person.

Just as Han Li was looking on in wonder and bewilderment, a few young men that were also enshrouded in faint grey mist appeared on either side of the hall.

All of them had fine and delicate facial features, and they sat down onto the ground with their legs, holding a series of strange musical instruments in their hands.

Moments later, delightful music began to play in the hall, and the beautiful women put on a mesmerizing dance.

Their five-colored dresses fluttered through the air as they danced gracefully around the hall, sending the peculiar fragrance they were emitting spreading to all directions.

Han Li sat still in his chair, seemingly have been completely entranced by these gorgeous dancing figures as he remained silent with his eyes narrowed.

The two crimson-robed figures glanced at Han Li out of the corners of their eyes, and both of them then looked at one another after witnessing Han Lis seemingly intoxicated state.

After a while, the music stopped and the 12 women also stood motionlessly on the spot.

What do you think of these spirit servant dancers, Fellow Daoist Han? Even though theyre not spirit servant guardians, all of them are proficient in hundreds of types of rare dances, and it took me quite a bit of effort to refine them, one of the crimson-robed figures suddenly said with a smile.

They are indeed quite extraordinary. At the very least, I cant tell them apart from real living beings, Han Li praised in response.

Hehe, seeing as you like them, Ill give you these 12 spirit servant dancers and 24 spirt servant musicians as a gift, the crimson-robed figure said with a smile.

The other crimson-robed figure then raised a hand before Han Lis surprised eyes, and flicked his fingers in quicks succession toward the dancers and musicians.

Plumes of crimson threads shot for from his palm, instantly puncturing all of the spirit servants.

After the crimson threads were withdrawn, all of the spirit servants fell to the ground, completely motionless, as if they had truly become inanimate objects.

At this moment, the crimson-robed figure made a grabbing motion with his other hand.

All of these spirit servants instantly shrank down to wooden puppets that were only around an inch in size each, then flew onto Han Lis table and arranged themselves in a line.

Ive withdrawn the seals within the bodies of these spirit servants. Youll only have to refine them again with the secret technique that Im going to give you, and youll be able to control them, the crimson-robed figure chuckled.

I cant accept this gift, Senior, Ive done nothing to deserve it! A peculiar look appeared on Han Lis face as he looked at the line of wooden puppets on his table.

Hehe, theyre just a few little toys, so feel free to accept them. Unless, are you unwilling to accept them because you think theyre not a worthy present? The crimson-robed figures expression darkened slightly.

Han Lis expression changed slightly upon hearing this, and a wry smile appeared on his face as he cupped his fist in a salute. In that case, Ill have to accept your kindness, Senior.

Thus, he swept a sleeve over the table, and azure light flashed, following which all of the spirit servant wooden puppets disappeared.

Haha, you shouldve accepted them from the start. Heres the spirit infusion secret technique I was referring to earlier, you can take it and have a good look at it tonight. Itll be beneficial to my puppet refinement later on if you could master this secret technique, the crimson-robed figure chuckled with a content nod before raising his hand to send a black bamboo tube flying toward Han Li.

Thank you, Senior. Seeing as these two were essentially forcing these presents on him, Han Li made no further efforts to turn them down as he made a grabbing motion to catch the object in his grasp.

Youre looking for me, Senior? A hint of surprise flashed through Han Lis eyes. Thats right, I am indeed here to see you. Have you forgotten my voice transmission from a year ago? Di Xues voice was just as sharp and metallic as ever.Of course not! What can I do for you, Senior? Han Li was feeling a little uneasy, but he naturally wasnt going to feign ignorance in this situation. You heard him, right, Fair Mu? Han brat agreed to help me voluntarily, so you cant refuse anymore, Di Xue chuckled.

I never refused in the first place, but as Im sure youre well aware, our top priority now is for Fellow Daoist Han to master his Divine Devilbane Lightning as soon as possible. As such, theres no way that I can loan him to you for three months. I can only give you one month at most. Otherwise, youre going to be hindering his progress too much, Mu Qing replied calmly as she took a sip of her tea.

One month is nowhere near enough to finish what Im doing. The puppets Im refining are also extremely important, and cant be delayed. How about this? Hand him over to me for two months, that should just barely suffice, Di Xue conceded.

I can give him to you for one and a half months at most, no more than that! Mu Qing countered in a cold voice. Di Xue paused momentarily before nodding as he said, Alright, one and a half months it is. However, Ill have to borrow your teleportation formation then.

That wont be an issue. Ill teleport both of you straight to the Bloodflame Mountain, but you have to bring him back to me in person. Mu Qings voice eased slightly upon hearing this.Haha, I can certainly do that. Come with me, Han brat, Di Xue chortled with glee as he rose to his feet.

More than half a day later, black light flashed from a teleportation formation on an obscure stone platform in front of a black mountain on the fifth level of the earth abyss. Two humanoid figures appeared on the teleportation formation, and they were naturally none other than Han Li and Di Xue.

As soon as Han Li recovered from his rush of dizziness, he surveyed his surroundings to find that there was another crimson-robed figure standing next to the teleportation formation.

As soon as he caught sight of Han Li, the crimson-robed figure cackled, Youre finally here, Fellow Daoist Han. My four Purpleblood Puppets require an injection of power from your Divine Devilbane Lightning. Only then will they be able to serve a substantial purpose when we get to the infernal river.

Purpleblood Puppets! Han Lis heart immediately jolted upon hearing this.

Hehe, Ill tell you about the specific details when we get there. The crimson-robed figure was acting in a very polite manner, presumably because he required Han Lis services.

Han Li naturally wasnt going to state any objections, and thus, he flew toward the black mountain behind the two crimson-robed figures.

This mountain was around 40,000 to 50,000 feet tall, and the two crimson-robed figures were leading Han Li toward a point halfway up the mountain.

In the end, they arrived on a nondescript cliff over 1,000 feet up the mountain.

One of the crimson-robed figures strode forward and made a hand seal with one hand. He then began to chant something before abruptly raising his other hand. The scenes that unfolded next had Han Li completely flabbergasted,

The entire cliff began to tremor amid a loud burst of rumbling, and black light flashed as a gargantuan moss-covered stone wyrm head appeared. The wyrm head abruptly opened its massive eyes to reveal a pair of crimson eyeballs.

It swept a cold gaze across Han Li and the two crimson-robed figures, then opened its mouth to reveal a passageway that was shimmering with white light. Come in! one of the crimson-robed said emotionlessly before making his way into the passageway with his identical companion. Han Li recomposed himself and carefully examined the wyrm head through narrowed eyes for a moment before entering the passageway.

The passageway inside was remarkably spacious at around 40 to 50 feet tall, and all of the walls were paved with angular black stones. There were thumb-sized phosphorescent beads embedded into the walls at regular intervals, illuminating the path that led deep into the heart of the mountain. The two crimson-robed figures walked side by side and remained completely silent from the moment they entered the passageway.

After traversing through the passageway and descending over 1,000 feet underground, they arrived at a series of seven or eight completely identical entrances placed next to one another on a large plot of empty land.

This was a rather surprising sight to Han Li.

However, neither of the two crimson-robed beings stopped for even a single instant as they casually made their way into one of the passageways.

The entire mountain seemed to have been hollowed out, and there were countless passageways interconnected with one another, making this place resemble a massive diabolical maze.

Through these passageways, one could occasionally catch glimpses of puppets of different shapes and sizes, all of which were wielding different types of massive blades, patrolling through their respective areas.

Some of these puppets were constructed from metal and shimmering with golden light, some were of a murky grey color, having been constructed from rocks and stones, and there were also some agile puppets carved out of a spirit wood.

All of these puppets were emitting astonishing spiritual pressure, and there were even a few special puppets that possessed Deity Transformation Stage power. Han Li was quite astonished by what he saw.

He could tell that Di Xues proficiency in the art of puppetry was most definitely superior to that of the Monarch of Soul Divergence.

Of course, that wasnt to say that Di Xue possessed far superior aptitude than the Monarch of Soul Divergence in the art of puppetry. Not only did Di Xue possess a Body Integration Stage cultivation base, there was a vast variety of materials and resources to be found in the Spirit Realm that couldnt be sourced in the human world, so it would simply be unfair to compare the two. After traversing through this maze-like structure with the two crimson-robed figures for a while, Han Li finally emerged into a cavernous space with a scorching crimson lake down below. This was a natural underground lava lake! There was a crimson palace floating on the surface of the lake, and even though it wasnt an extremely large palace, it was still over 10,000 feet in size.

The entire palace emanated an overwhelming aura of blood and gore, but its construction was absolutely exquisite. There was a massive crimson crystal that was several feet in size attached to the top of the palace, and it was emitting a vibrant crimson light. Han Li couldnt help but falter slightly upon seeing this.

This crystal almost immediately evoked recollections of the strange crystal Han Li had seen on the Spiritseal Tower of the Tian Peng Races holy city. That crystal was just as massive and mysterious.

It appeared that some kind of extremely powerful restriction had to have been placed on those crystals.

The crimson-robed figures suddenly descended after leading Han Li to the edge of the lava lake.

One of them rustled a sleeve, and a yellow bell immediately shot forth from within before landing in his grasp. Yellow light flashed as a crisp clink sounded from the bell, and as soon as Han Li heard this sound, his consciousness immediately began to waver as he was struck by a sense of feebleness. His heart jolted with shock, and he hurriedly activated his Great Development Technique to dispel those debilitating effects. He then hurried retreated a step and appraised the two crimson-robed figures with wariness in his eyes.

He didnt believe that the two would suddenly try to kill him here, but he had never let his guard down even for a single instant.

One of the crimson-robed figures immediately turned around to appraise Han Li with a cold expression, and a hint of surprise flashed through his eyes upon seeing Han Lis ability to retain clarity of mind.

Right at this moment, a burst of violent tumbling and surging suddenly erupted from within the crimson lava in the lake down below, following which a giant beast that was around 100 feet in length emerged.

This was a shelled beast that resembled a giant turtle, but it possessed three elk-like heads with strange vibrant red coral-like horns on those heds.

The beast seemed to have been summoned by the bell, and as it swam quickly toward Han Li and the others as soon as it emerged from the lava.

This is my gate guardian beast, a Chaotic Turtle Beast. This beast possesses a fire spirit body from birth, and can unleash three different types of spirit flames. Its extremely powerful when in its natural habitat of lava, and it took me a lot of effort to tame it. If we want to enter my Bloodflame Palace, well have to get around this beast first, one of the crimson-robed figures chuckled.I am truly in awe of your exceptional powers, Senior! Han Li immediately replied upon hearing this.

He then cast his gaze toward the lava lake as blue light flashed through his eyes, and his expression changed drastically. With the assistance of his Brightsight Spirit Eyes, he was able to see that there were countless transparent threads up ahead, intertwining to encompass the entire lava lake down below.

One end of those threads was connected to the giant crystal on top of the palace, and if someone were to fly down recklessly from above without being aware of the presence of these threads, they would most likely be sliced into countless pieces.

Han Lis lips twitched and he drew a sharp breath upon making this discovery.

At this moment, the Chaotic Turtle Beast had arrived at the shore of the lava lake, and it opened its three mouths to let loose a strange cry that resembled frog croaks.

One of the crimson-robed figures raised a hand upon seeing this, and a black fist-sized ball shot forth amid an aura of blood and gore.

One of the demon beasts heads opened its mouth to lap up the black ball by expelling a burst of red light.

The three heads then let loose low cries in unison, seemingly in a display of joy and elation. It then turned around and laid a thick tail onto the shore of the lake to act as a bridge.

The two crimson-robed figures climbed along the tail onto the creatures back, then turned around to face Han Li. Han Li heaved an internal sigh before also making his way onto the beasts back.

One of the crimson-robed figures shook the yellow bell again, and the Chaotic Turtle Beast swam rapidly toward the Bloodflame Palace at the center of the lake with the trio on its back. The lake wasnt very large, and it only took moments before the beast reached the palace.

The three of them immediately rose into the air and flew over to the palace gates.

Han Li had only just descended onto the ground when the palace gates abruptly opened up from the inside, and two groups of beings emerged.

One group was clad in red armor while wielding fiery halberds, and all of their bodies were covered in scorching flames. The other group consisted of unarmed black shadows that were enshrouded in clouds of grey mist.

Han Li swept his spiritual sense toward them to find that these two groups of beings seemed to possess signs of life, so they didnt appear to be puppets. The two groups of strange beings strode forward at once before extending respectful bows toward the two crimson-robed figures. Open the Yinflame Palace, Im going to give Fellow Daoist Han a warm welcome! one of the crimson-robed figures commanded.

The two groups of beings immediately sprang into action upon hearing this. Most of them rushed back into the palace while the remaining group split up into two neat lines as they stood respectfully on either side of the gates. None of them uttered a single word during this process, and it was as if they were all incapable of speech. Han Lis expression remained unchanged, but a hint of bewilderment welled up in his heart upon seeing this.