Автор: sergey

As soon as the Inchlight Beast appeared before it, the Lightning Beast opened its beak without any hesitation and swallowed the little beast that was completely powerless to resist. It then let loose a low roar of satisfaction before its body instantly shrank. At the same time, a layer of black mist erupted from nearby to completely obscure it from view.

Within the restriction, everything had reverted back to the exact same scene that Han Li and the others had originally witnessed.

What kind of spirit beast is this Lightning Beast? Ive read countless ancient tomes, but Ive never seen any description of a beast that fits this one, the young man asked with an astonished look in his eyes.

Didnt I tell you that this beasts origins are very unique, and that itd be best if you didnt ask about it? All you have to do is help me tame it. The shopkeepers words seemed to carry a warning.

The young mans expression changed slightly, and he raised no further questions.

A hint of a peculiar light flashed through Han Lis eyes as he suddenly said, You said that this beast is unique in the Spirit Realm, so can I interpret that as an admission that this beast does not hail from the Spirit Realm?

The shopkeepers expression changed drastically upon hearing this, but he immediately forced a smile onto his face as he replied, What nonsense are you spouting, Brother Han? If this beast isnt something from the Spirit Realm, then how could it have appeared here?

Despite the shopkeepers denial, all three men could tell that he was trying to hide something, and they couldnt help but glance at one another with surprise in their eyes.

If this Lightning Beast isnt from the Spirit Realm, then could it be a spirit beast thats unique to one of the lower realms? Wait, no, this beast is clearly no less powerful than a Spatial Tempering being, so theres no way it could exist in a lower realm. In that case, it has to be from a higher realm, it must be from the legendary True Immortal Realm! the young man completely disregarded the shopkeepers warning as he mused.

The armor-clad mans eyes also gradually lit up as he stared at the black mist within the restriction.

However, the shopkeeper seemed to be relieved that they arrived at this conclusion, and a peculiar look appeared on his face as he said, So you truly believe that this spirit beast is from the True Immortal Realm?

Are we wrong? Even if it isnt from the True Immortal Realm, I still think you should reveal its origins to us, seeing as you want us to help you tame it, Brother Yu. Perhaps a better understanding of this beast will be helpful to us in our attempt to subdue it. If you really dont want to reveal anything, then we wont force you to. Well just have to regard it as a spirit beast from the True Immortal Realm, the young man sighed.

You dare to threaten me? The shopkeepers expression instantly darkened.

The young man took a half-step backward in retreat, but his expression remained calm as he said, Even if the three of us were to join forces, wed still be no match for you, so I certainly wouldnt dare to threaten you, Brother Yu. However, dont forget that my elder brother is the youngest elder of the Tian Peng Race. Im sure you wont do something reckless that youll regret later on.

Both Han Li and the armor-clad man were both surprised to hear that the young man was the brother of a Tian Peng Race elder, and both of them were forced to look at him through new eyes.

A hint of wariness flashed through the shopkeepers eyes, and after a moment of indecision, he finally said in a cold voice, I suppose theres no harm in telling you the origins of this beast. Its not something that has to be kept strictly confidential anyway, and it would prevent you three from spinning any more ridiculous yarns. The reason why this Lightning Beast is unique in this world is because it was artificially created by me through gathering the power of lightning, then nurturing it using a secret technique. It is a lightning spirit born from lightning itself, and Ive spent most of my life attempting to create one with only this one resulting in success, so its naturally unique to this world.

A lightning spirit? Everyones eyes widened upon hearing this.

How is that possible? Even the legendary Spirit Tribe hasnt been able to nurture a living being from lightning. You may be an extremely powerful cultivator, but surely this is beyond even your capabilities, Brother Yu, the young man said with a skeptical expression after recovering from his initial shock.

Han Li and the armor-clad mans brows also furrowed tightly.

Much to everyones surprise, the shopkeeper conceded in the end, and revealed, Hehe, I certainly wouldnt have been able to achieve this through my own research alone, but many years ago, when I was traveling through the territories of several foreign races, I was passing through a place where a certain powerful being had fallen, and I just so happened to stumble upon a spirit beast nurturing secret technique that was passed down from the True Immortal Realm. This Lightning Beast nurturing secret technique was the only complete technique that was recorded.

After a brief pause, the young mans demeanor suddenly shifted drastically as he smiled, and said, If its a secret technique that was passed down from the True Spirit Realm, then this is indeed quite plausible. Apologies for my rudeness, Brother Yu.The armor-clad man was also stroking his chin and clicking his tongue with wonder.

The shopkeeper wore an expression of displeasure on his face, and merely harrumphed coldly in response.

Meanwhile, Han Li was scrutinizing the Lightning Beast within the restriction with a hint of intrigue in his eyes.

He didnt know whether the shopkeeper had told the truth, but this beast truly was capable of wielding astonishing lighting power, so even if it wasnt a spirit born from lightning itself, it was still a vastly powerful spirit beast.

However, even if it possessed Spatial Tempering Stage power and was capable of wielding lightning, that still definitely wasnt worth the immense investment the shopkeeper hade made to tame it. After all, just the three items that hed promised to Han Lis trio was definitely not inferior in value to a Spatial Tempering Stage spirit beast, and that wasnt even taking into account all of the time and effort hed expended to nurture this Lightning Beast in the first place.

It appeared this beast either possessed more abilities than it had just displayed or it served an extremely important purpose to the shopkeeper. Otherwise, there was no way that he would sacrifice so much to tame it.

Not only was Han Li aware of this, the armor-clad man and the young man were had also figured this out for themselves.

However, all three of them simply wanted the treasured they were promised, and they were also fearful toward the shopkeepers fearsome cultivation base, so they could only pretend to be oblivious.

The origins of and uses for this strange Spatial Tempering Stage spirit beast were both rather sketchy, but it wasnt worth offending the shopkeeper just to get to the bottom of things.

Alright, everything that needs to be said has been said, lets get down to business. Im going to use the restriction to temporarily immobilize the Lightning Beast, all you three have to do is enter the cage and inject your lightning powers into its body. Remember to keep going until I tell you to stop. Otherwise, all of your prior efforts could go to waste, the shopkeeper announced in an implacable tone.

Han Lis trio expressed no further objections on this occasion.

The shopkeeper nodded before rustling his sleeve, upon which the Xumi Paradise Scroll appeared in his hand once again. This time, he tossed the scroll forward, and it immediately unfurled before him.

Five-colored spiritual light flashed as the artwork of the Xumi Paradise was revealed to everyone again.

The shopkeeper began to chant something before pointing a finger quickly toward a certain spot on the piece of artwork.

Blue light flashed deep within Han Lis eyes, and he was instantly able to glean what the shopkeeper was doing.

The spot that he had pointed to was none other than the tall pavilion that they were currently situated in.

In the next instant, brilliant white light erupted from the artwork, and a burst of white mist suddenly appeared. Within the mist, the walls on the first and second floors of the pavilion slowly backed away before vanishing.

Han Lis expression changed slightly, yet before he could figure out what those changes entailed, tremors suddenly ran through the ground beneath his feet. The actual pavilion that they were situated in tremored violently as white light radiated from the walls around them. They then backed away before disappearing into nothingness.

In the blink of an eye, everyone was situated under the blue sky along with the Lightning Beast. The ground of the pavilion underfoot had also been transformed into a bare plaza.

The black mist within the restriction surged erratically, clearly indicating that the Lightning Beast had also been alerted by these changes.

Han Li stroked his chin while the young man and the armor-clad man glanced at each with surprise in their eyes.

Right at this moment, the shopkeeper let loose a low cry, and a crimson arrow shot forth from within his mouth. The arrow disappeared in a flash into the scroll he was holding, and a loud thunderclap suddenly erupted high up in the sky, following which howling winds were swept up around them.

Arcs of silver lightning peeked through the dark clouds amid an incessant burst of rumbling, and it appeared as if a powerful devil were about to descend upon this world.

Before Han Lis trio had a chance to ask, the shopkeeper took the initiative and provided an explanation for a change. In the past failed experiences, the power of lightning that the three of you possess is most likely insufficient for the task. As such, Ive activated all of the worlds origin Qi within this Xumi Paradise Scroll to manifest the power of heavenly lightning in order to assist you three. After this, the scroll will most likely be ruined, so this is my final roll of the dice. I hope the three of you can help me to the best of your abilities, and if you can help me successfully tame this beast, not only will I give you your promised rewards, Ill also throw in a large sum of spirit stones for each of you.

The shopkeeper spoke in a very solemn and serious voice.

Han Lis trio was elated to hear this, and all of them expressed their willingness to do everything in their power.

The shopkeeper nodded in response before abruptly flapping his wings toward the scroll before him. A swath of white light immediately surged forth, sweeping up the Xumi Paradise Scroll within it.

The scroll rotated within the white light before countless runes of different colors suddenly appeared on its surface. In the end, following a rumbling boom, it transformed into a five-colored pillar of light that disappeared into the dark clouds up above.

An incredible scene then ensued.

After a bout of tumbling and surging, an earthshattering thunderclap suddenly erupted within the dark clouds. Immediately thereafter, an extremely vibrant bolt of five-colored lightning that was as thick as a large bowl shot appeared before flashing through the clouds like a massive five-colored python.

Five-colored heavenly tribulation? the armor-clad man exclaimed in alarm as the sight of this five-colored lightning.

Theres no need for panic. This isnt the true five-colored heavenly lightning that appears during a tribulation transcendence for Flying Spirit True Monarchs, its merely something Ive simulated using a wisp of the worlds origin Qi, and it possesses less than a thousandth of the power of true five-colored heavenly lightning, the shopkeeper consoled in a calm voice.

Han Li and the young man also wore horrified looks on their faces but their expressions eased after hearing this.

However, there was still a hint of shock in Han Lis eyes as he looked up at the five-colored lightning in the sky.

This five-colored heavenly lightning was rumored to be tribulation lightning for cultivators of the Grand Ascension Stage, and even purple-golden tribulation lightning for Body Integration cultivators couldnt even hold a candle to its extraordinary power.

Even if it possessed only thousandths of the power of actual five-colored heavenly lightning, it could still quite possibly be capable of killing anyone of Han Lis trio.

At this moment, the shopkeeper could no longer pay any heed to Han Li and the others. He was busy casting incantation seals toward the 81 copper pillars up ahead.

The piercing spiritual light receded, and when Han Li opened his eyes again, he found himself on a bluestone plaza with a series of buildings of different heights not far up ahead.

Han Li narrowed his eyes and discovered that these buildings were rather familiar. They were none other than the buildings depicted on the small mountain in the Xumi Paradise Scroll. After surveying his surroundings, he heaved a faint sigh of relief.

He was currently situated atop a small green mountain with blue skies and a few white clouds up above.

As expected, he had arrived in a space that was identical to the image on the Xumi Paradise Scroll. This space wasnt very large, looking as if it was only several kilometers in size, but it was surrounded by five-colored walls of light in all directions. The other three people had also arrived in this place not far away from him.

Han Li and the other two men were looking around with curiosity in their eyes, but the shopkeeper was not in the mood for sightseeing as he hovered directly toward the cluster of buildings up ahead.

Han Lis trio also rose up into the air to follow him.

Brother Yu, this Xumi space appears to be completely perfect and intact without anything amiss. What is this flaw you were referring to? the young man couldnt help but ask. Hehe, do you think Ill disclose that information to you? It seems to have nothing to do with our deal, the shopkeeper said in a brusque voice as he rolled his eyes.

A hint of fury flashed through the young mans eyes upon hearing the shopkeepers blunt response, but he forced a smile onto his face, and said, Hehe, I was merely curious and I bear no ill will.

The shopkeeper harrumphed coldly, but didnt follow up with any further insults, presumably because he still had to enlist the young mans assistance in their upcoming task. After flashing through the air several more times, he appeared before a pavilion over 1,000 feet away before stopping in mid-air with his hands clasped behind his back. he pavilion was over 1,000 feet tall, and was split into three levels. The building was rather antiquated with a wide bottom that tapered to a point at the top.

The spirit beast is in this building. Come with me and Ill show you the beast first, the shopkeeper instructed as Han Lis trio gathered around him. The shopkeeper then descended first, and Han Lis trio glanced at one another before following suit.

Rather than landing in front of the entrance on the first floor, the shopkeeper drifted over to a window on the second floor before stopping there. Han Li and the others found this to be rather strange, but they also headed to the same spot.

After looking in through the window, they were greeted by the sight of a murky silver barrier of light. The entire second floor had been sealed by a restriction.

The young mans eyes flashed, yet before he had a chance to say anything, a loud rumbling boom erupted, following which the silver light barrier tremored along with the entire pavilion.

Immediately thereafter, a string of thunderclaps erupted within the light barrier in rapid succession. Thunderclaps were the only sounds that the four could hear, and they felt as if they were situated in a world of furious lightning, causing their consciousness to drift in an unsettling manner.

Han Li was greatly startled by this development, and he immediately activated his Great Development Technique, thereby reinstating his clarity of mind in the blink of an eye. The shopkeeper and the others were all Spatial Tempering cultivators, so they also quickly recovered after unleashing their respective abilities. Even so, the young man and the armor-clad mans faces had paled significantly.

This is the spirit beast you want to tame, Brother Yu? the armor-clad man asked as he stared intently at the window.

Thats right. Rest assured, fellow Daoists, the spirit beast has been sealed, and you wont be in any danger before its released. The shopkeeper wore a calm expression, but there was excitement shimmering in his eyes. He suddenly flipped over a hand, and a scroll appeared in his grasp following a flash of light. It was none other than that Xumi Paradise Scroll.

On this occasion, he didnt unfurl the scroll. Instead, he grabbed one end of the scroll while gently tapping the other end toward the light screen.

A peculiar turn of events immediately unfolded.

The light barrier beyond the wind suddenly shattered like glass before vanishing.

The shopkeeper then flapped his wings and entered the pavilion, leaving an afterimage in his wake.

The armor-clad man and young man immediately followed suit without any hesitation.

Han Li stroked his chin and contemplated the situation for a while before slowly drifting in through the window.

The entire pavilion tremored once again amid a resounding boom, and a burst of lightning-attribute spiritual pressure swept toward him like a physical wave.

Han Lis expression changed slightly, and he was almost unable to repress the urge to evade.

However, he remained in the same spot in mid-air and shielded himself using his Divine Essencefused Light in the end.

Only then did he get a chance to glean his surroundings.

The second floor of the pavilion was far more spacious than hed imagined.

It had an area of 2,000 to 3,000 feet, making this place appear as if it were a small plaza. At the center of the cavernous room stood 81 thick copper poles, all of which were shimmering and engraved with all types of demons and monsters. These copper pillars surrounded an area in the center that was over 300 feet wide, and arcs of black lightning were crackling between the bowls amid rumbling thunderclaps, creating a massive prison-like restriction. Within the massive cage, a ball of black mist that was around 10 feet in size was surging erratically, and resounding thunderclaps rang out incessantly from within. Bolts of silver lightning shot forth occasionally from within the black mist, but they would disappear as soon as they struck the black net of lightning as if theyd met the bane of their existence.

Thats the lightning-attribute spirit beast in there? The armor-clad man faltered slightly at the sight of the mundane ball of black mist within the cage. What? Are you thinking that this spirit beast isnt so remarkable after all? This Lightning Beasts powers are far beyond what you can imagine, the shopkeeper chuckled coldly as he glanced at the armor-clad man out of the corners of his eyes.

Lightning Beast? Han Li murmured to himself with furrowed brows.

Thats right, thats the name of this spirit beast. I wont tell you about this Lightning Beasts origins, but what I can tell you is that there is most definitely only one of this Lightning Beast in this world. The shopkeeper stared intently at the cloud of black mist within the net of black lightning as a hint of deranged insanity appeared on his face.Really? Its attacks dont seem to be all that powerful. The young mans brows furrowed in skepticism.

Attacks? This Lightning Beast isnt unleashing any attacks. The lightning you see is simply something that it was born with. Let me show you the true appearance and power of the Lightning Beast, the shopkeeper said with a derisive sneer on his face.

He suddenly raised a hand to send forth a streak of white light from within his sleeve. The streak of light surged through the air before striking the base of the thickest copper pole before up ahead.

The streak of white light was a snowy white little winged beast with spikes that were several inches long growing all over its body, making it appear as if it were a flying hedgehog.

However, a restriction of some sort had clearly been cast onto it as it was unable to fly at all after landing on the copper pillar, and it merely sprawled down onto the ground, trembling uncontrollably.

Thats an Inchlight Beast! The armor-clad man and young man immediately identified this vicious beast that was vastly renowned within the Flying Spirit Race, and they were barely able to believe their eyes.

These little beasts were extremely ferocious, and they dared to engage even Spatial Tempering Stage beings in direct battle. Even though they were pack-dwelling beasts, all of them were extremely vicious. However, the one on the copper pillar was completely timid and docile, and that came as quite a surprise to the two of them.

Just as they were thinking this, a large azure hand suddenly rushed out from within the black mist, reaching toward the Inchlight Beast like lightning. Before the five fingers on the hand had even made contact with the little beast, arcs of silver lightning shot forth through the air. The little beast as completely motionless as it lay on the copper pillar, and as soon as the azure hand struck the black net of lightning, the little beast was sent flying by the force of the impact.

A low roar erupted from within the mist, and it was filled with unbridled fury. All of a sudden, a burst of piercing silver light radiated from within the black mist, following which a ball of rapidly expanded within the mist with something inside it. Moments later, all of the black mist had been completely dispelled by lightning, revealing a humanoid bird-like demon within the net of lightning.

The creature possessed the head of a dove and had azure skin. There was a pair of blue feathered wings on its back, and its upper body was that of a human while its lower body was that of a bird. A hammer and an awl were present on the respective ends of its arms, and its golden eyes were shimmering with a sinister light. Despite the vast knowledge and experience possessed by Han Lis trio, they still couldnt help but draw a sharp breath upon seeing the true appearance of this Lightning Beast.

Before they had a chance to recover from their shock, the Lightning Beast suddenly let loose a thunderous roar, following which white light flashed, and countless fist-sized balls of white lightning erupted forth.

Almost at the exact same moment, the Lightning Beast flapped its wings in unison, and hundreds of blue feathers shot forth at once. All of them then transformed into arcs of blue lightning that were around a foot in length each. The Lightning Beast then brought its hammer and awl together with a resounding boom, an extremely thick bolt of golden lightning hurtled forth from the pointy end of the awl, transforming into a golden lightning wyrm that swept through the air.

The Lightning Beast had unleashed three different types of lightning-attribute abilities in the blink of an eye, and all three of them appeared to be extremely powerful.

Han Lis trio were all startled to see this as they reflexively retreated. It didnt seem like the thin net of black lightning would be anywhere near sufficient to keep these three lightning-attribute attacks at bay. Only the shopkeeper remained on the spot with a confident smile on his face.

As soon as the three different types of lightning struck the net of black lightning, the 81 copper pillars suddenly buzzed in unison, and the thin net of lightning suddenly thickened by severalfold.

As such, it really was able to withstand the Lightning Beasts powerful attack.

The Lightning Beast let loose a thunderous roar of rage as its golden eyes stared intently at the Inchlight Beast, but it seemed to possess some intelligence as it unleashed no further attacks. Dont worry, this Lightning Binding Light Formation was something I set up after expending an immense amount of effort, and it can specifically restrict this beasts lightning-attribute powers. This Lightning Beast may be powerful, but theres no way that it can struggle free, the shopkeeper chuckled as he suddenly swept a hand toward the Inchlight Beast from afar.

The little beast instantly transformed into a burst of white light and was sent through the black lightning without any impediment, thus landing right before the Lightning Beast.

Aside from the thin shopkeeper and the armor-clad man who had just spoken, there was also a young man with a set of delicate facial features present, and he also wore an expression of displeasure on his face.

Han Li surreptitiously swept his spiritual sense toward them to find that these two were both early-Spatial Tempering cultivators.

Hmph, I never said that I was only going to bring one person with me to help me tame the spirit beast. If anyone wants to leave, feel free to do so. However, dont even think about my Iceheart Crystal, Purple Light Iron, and Azure Shifting Fruit, then, the shopkeeper rolled his eyes with a cold harrumph.

The young man and the armor-clad man glanced at once another upon hearing this while Han Li stood on the spot with slightly furrowed brows.

Alright, so be it. However, if one of us manages to help you tame the spirit beast first, then wouldnt that mean the other two will have to walk away emptyhanded? the young man asked.

Hehe, dont worry about that, I never intended for the three of you to act independently. Instead, all of you are going to need to unleash your lightning powers at once. Otherwise, according to my prior experience, the lightning powers that any single one you possess wont be anywhere near enough. If you three can help me successfully tame the spirit beast, then Ill give all of you the items I promised, the shopkeeper chuckled coldly.

The young man and the armor-clad mans expressions eased upon hearing this, and neither of them raised any further objections.

The shopkeeper nodded with a pleased expression before turning to Han Li, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.

Brother Han, its only been several days since we last met, and youve already progressed from a mid-Spirit General to a late-Spirit General. Thats truly incredible. I must offer you my congratulations. With your recent progression, your lightning powers will have become even more powerful, right?

Thank you for your kind words, Senior. I was merely lucky to have reached this point. As for my lightning powers, they have indeed been enhanced somewhat, Han Li replied half-truthfully with a faint smile on his face.

The armor-clad man and the young man also turned to Han Li with surprise in their eyes upon hearing this conversation.

Good. Seeing as none of you have any objections, then come with me. Ive hidden the spirit beast away in an obscure location, the shopkeeper said.

I have no objections there, but before this, shouldnt you show us the items that you promised us? the young man asked.

The armor-clad man faltered upon hearing this before chiming in in agreement. Han Li didnt say anything, but the expression on his face clearly indicated that he also supported this notion.

The shopkeeper seemed to have anticipated this request, and he said, No problem. Ive already prepared the items in advance, so Id be happy to show them to you now. The ease with which the shopkeeper accepted this request came as a stark contrast to usual stinginess, and the young man was clearly taken aback, having already prepared a response for a refusal from the shopkeeper.

Three wooden boxes of different sizes were hurled through the air, and it appeared that the shopkeeper really was planning to show them the items hed promised them.

The young man and the armor-clad man were both ecstatic. They swept their sleeves through the air, sending forth swaths of light that caught the oncoming wooden boxes.

Han Lis heart jolted as he also caught the box flying toward him before removing its lid.

A mesmerizing medicinal aroma wafted toward him, and a green fist-sized fruit sat within the box. There were even a couple of strange red leaves under the fruit, and Han Lis eyes narrowed slightly as he extended a finger toward the fruit.

The other two people also reached for the items in their respective boxes so they could conduct a more thorough examination.

However, right at this moment, the shopkeeper suddenly warned, I wouldnt do that if I were you. All of the items in the boxes have restrictions set up on them. If any mishaps occur, you wont be able to pay for those things even if you give me everything you own.

All three of them immediately faltered upon hearing this.

The armor-clad man was a little enraged as he grumbled, What are you trying to do, Brother Yu? How are we supposed to be able to ascertain the authenticity of these items without touching them?

With your cultivation bases, youll have a 70% to 80% chance of verifying these items using your eyes and spiritual sense alone. If you want to completely assess the authenticity of these items, then youll have to wait until after the event. If the three of you are unable to help me tame the spirit beast, then there wont be any need for you to verify the items. Besides, with my reputation, are you really concerned that I would try to deceive you? the middle-aged man replied in a nonchalant manner.

The young man stared at the item in the box for a long while before finally making a decision and tossing the box back to the shopkeepers. Alright, well trust you on this one. Im sure Brother Yu wouldnt risk ruining his own reputation over something like this.

The armor-clad man carefully examined the object in his box with a hesitant look, but still reluctantly handed over the box in the end.

After stowing away the two wooden boxes, a pleased look appeared on the shopkeepers face before he turned toward Han Li.

At this moment, Han Li was staring at the azure fruit in the box with blue light shimmering deep within his eyes and a contemplative look on his face.

The shopkeeper faltered slightly upon seeing this before asking, What is it? Are you of the opinion that something is amiss with the Azure Shifting Fruit, Brother Han?

Not at all. Han Li shook his head before replacing the lid on the wooden box and tossing it to the shopkeeper as well. frewebnoel.o

The middle-aged man caught the wooden box before taking another meaningful glance at Han Li, then leading the way out the door.

Han Lis trio naturally followed him out of the shop.

The shopkeeper flew extremely quickly, but Han Lis trio were all powerful cultivators in their own right, and they were able to keep up with ease, flying out of the exchange center before heading directly toward a certain direction in the holy city.

After flying for two hours, they arrived in an extremely secluded corner of the holy city.

There were noticeably far fewer buildings here, and very few people in the area. It was quite a sparsely populated place, and the shopkeeper led them on a descent after arriving at a completely mundane looking short building.

This nondescript building was only just over 300 feet tall, and it was split up into two levels.

As soon as the shopkeepers feet landed on the ground, the doors of the building were immediately flung open, and two men who appeared to be in their twenties emerged from within. They hurriedly extended respectful bows toward the shopkeeper, and greeted in unison, Welcome back, Patriarch!

The two of you, stand guard out here. No one is allowed to enter this place without my permission, the shopkeeper ordered.

Yes! the two men answered without any hesitation before positioning themselves on either side of the buildings entrance. Han Li glanced at the two of them and paid them no further heed after discovering that they were merely Core Formation cultivators.

Meanwhile, the shopkeeper had already entered the building, and the young man and armor-clad man followed suit after a brief hesitation while Han Li brought up the rear.

The room wasnt a very spacious one, and all of the decor appeared to be quite plain and mundane. There were three square wooden tables and a dozen or so wooden chairs, and those pieces of furniture took up most of the area in the room.

There were also several antiquated artworks that were yellow with age hanging on the walls of the room. All of these pieces of artwork depicted demons beasts and scenery, and they werent very noteworthy, either.

Brother Yu, is that spirit beast really here? the armor-clad man couldnt help but ask. This room was quite small, and it really didnt appear as if it could house any powerful spirit beasts, so it was no wonder that the man was having some doubts.

Would I lie to you three? Come with me, the shopkeeper instructed in a brisk tone as he glared at the armor-clad man. He then made his way over to one of the scenery paintings hanging from one of the walls, and he rustled his sleeve to produce a scroll.

The scroll was unfurled to reveal the exact same scene depicted in the artwork on the wall.

Han Li and the armor-clad man both faltered upon seeing this, unable to comprehend what the shopkeeper was doing. However, the young mans expression changed drastically as he caught sight of the two pieces of artwork, and he exclaimed, Thats the Xumi Paradise Scroll! Youre in possession of the Pentaluster Races most prized treasure?

The Xumi Scroll? No way! Arent there only a total of seven of those in the Pentaluster Race? How did you manage to obtain one, Brother Yu? The armor-clad man was very startled to hear this.

Han Li had no idea what this treasure was, but his heart stirred upon hearing the word Xumi as he cast his gaze toward the artwork hanging on the wall.

The slightly yellow artwork depicted a small green mountain, and there was a small cluster of buildings on that mountain, but everything was rather blurry and indistinct.

Hehe, you sure have a strong discerning eye. This is indeed a Xumi Paradise Scroll. However, its not one of the seven scrolls that the Pentaluster Race view as their most prized treasure, this is an imperfect Xumi Scroll, the shopkeeper chuckled.

So its a replica? Both the young man and the armor-clad man faltered upon hearing this.

A smug expression appeared on the shopkeepers face as he replied, Indeed. There arent many people even in the Pentaluster Race who are aware of its existence. Back then, the Pentaluster Race used the spirit bones of a Five-Colored Phoenix to refine a total of 10 Xumi Paradise Scrolls, not seven. Unfortunately, three of them were flawed, and their effectiveness was severely hampered as a result. As such, those three scrolls were hidden very early on, and their existence wasnt revealed to the rest of the world. Due to various reasons, those three scrolls somehow ended up outside of the Pentaluster Race and switched hands between several other races. As for how I came about this one, thats not something the three of you need to know.

Even though its a flawed scroll, obtaining such a treasure is a vast fortune, Brother Yu, the armor-clad man said with an envious expression.

The young man stared at the scroll, and a hint of greed flashed through his eyes.

Han Lis expression remained unchanged, but he was also filled with a sense of yearning.

Xumi treasures were one of the treasures that he wanted to obtain the most after arriving in this Spirit Realm. Unlike the false Xumi space refined using spatial rifts in the human world, this was an independent existence, and was a true spatial treasure that could be carried.

Alright, lets go. The spirit beast is in the Xumi Paradise. The smile on the shopkeepers face suddenly faded as he abruptly rustled his sleeve.

An incredible scene then ensued.

Brilliant five-colored light abruptly erupted from the scroll before transforming into a vast expanse of light that disappeared into the artwork on the wall.

The shopkeeper began to chant something while abruptly pointing a finger at the artwork on the wall.

The same five-colored spiritual light also flashed from the scroll before a swath of light emanated from it.

The five-colored light swept up everyone in the room at the shopkeepers behest. Following a brief hesitation, Han Li relinquished his resistance in the end and allowed the light to enshroud his entire body, but he surreptitiously injected more power into the protective layer of spiritual light around him.

Following another flash of five-colored light, the room was completely devoid of any people.

Jin Yue didnt say anything further about this matter as the giant bird in the sky suddenly withdrew its wings, then quickly shrank down to its original size amid a flash of azure light.

A loud cry erupted from the birds beak, and piercing spiritual light flashed as a half-naked man appeared in its place. The man made a hand seal before slowly descending toward the jade platform with his entire body enshrouded in a swath of azure light.

Jin Yue narrowed her eyes as her gaze fell upon the mans chest.

There, she saw a large azure bird image that was extremely life-like and shimmering with faint spiritual light.

This man was naturally none other than Han Li, who had fused the Kun Peng True Blood into his body and also refined the Kun Peng Relic.

The image on his chest was a sign that he possessed true holy blood and had completely activated it. The same kind of image appeared on the bodies of most holy disciples as well.

With that image on his body, even if the beings of the other races were made aware of that fact that he was not a true Tian Peng being, they most likely wouldnt be able to think of any valid excuses to prevent him for participating in the trial.

Jin Yue heaved a faint sigh and consoled herself internally with that thought.

In contrast, Elder Xu and the beautiful woman were feeling quite disgruntled by the image on Han Lis chest.

He was a human, yet the true holy image that even most higher-ups of the race didnt possess had appeared on his body. That was very disheartening to them.

Golden and silver light flashed and a set of golden and silver robes appeared over Han Lis body. He then descended toward the three elders and cupped his fist in a salute as he said, Thank you for your assistance, Seniors. Ive already attained a decent level of mastery of manifestation techniques. Please offer me your guidance if Im doing something incorrectly.

His attitude had suddenly become extremely sincere and respectful.

Your manifestation technique is quite splendid already, so theres nothing left for us to teach you. You can go back for now. Two months from now, Ill take you to the trial grounds. Ill also bring a replica scroll of the Tian Peng Vow to you so you can record your name on it. During this time, youre free to go anywhere as long as you dont leave the holy city. By the way, I have to tell you something. Even though youve refined the Kun Peng Replica, there may be some residual baleful aura in there that we failed to remove. Itll lurk within your body, but it wont do anything during the near future. Ill help you expel it from our body when you get back from the trials, Jin Yue said in a nonchalant manner.

Han Lis expression changed slightly upon hearing this, but it quickly reverted back to normal.

Rest assured, Senior, Ill be sure to attend the trial in two months.

Jin Yue nodded in response.

Han Li immediately recognized that as his cue to leave, so he extended another farewell salute toward the three elders before flying away as a streak of azure light.

The three elders looked on as Han Li disappeared into the distance, and they didnt discuss anything further, but they all wore contrasting expressions on their faces.

Jin Yue was looking up into the sky completely expressionlessly, but the two other elders both seemed to be deep in contemplation.

Half a day later, Han Li was situated within a room on the top floor of the guest tavern, seated on a wooden bed with his legs crossed.

He was making a hand seal as azure light flashed erratically all over his body.

There was a hint of agony etched on his face, and large droplets of sweat were beading on his forehead.

Following a long sigh, Han Li withdrew his hand seal, and the azure light receded as he opened his eyes again.

Interesting. I didnt think that this Grand Elder Hong Yuns residual spiritual sense would be so violent. If it werent for my Great Development Technique, I would be in some trouble. Thankfully, the spiritual sense hasnt retained any of its spiritual nature, so I can seal it away before refining it little by little, Han Li murmured to himself.

In reality, even though it was only a wisp of spiritual sense, it once belonged to a Body Integration Stage being, so it was still extremely powerful and would most likely take him several centuries to completely refine. However, the benefits that he would reap from doing so would be quite significant as well. After refining this wisp of spiritual sense, his own spiritual sense would increase by almost 50%.

As for the traces of baleful Qi within the relic, he didnt see it as much of an issue as the Provenance True Devil Arts was the bane of such things.

Han Li paused momentarily before abruptly sweeping a hand over the lightning robe he was wearing.

Following a loud thunderclap, the robe disappeared into his body as countless arcs of golden and silver lightning.

As such, Han Li naturally caught sight of the azure bird image on his chest.

Hmph, Tian Peng Image? More like Awakening Image. A hint of surprise appeared on Han Lis face as he gently tapped the image with a finger.

An incredible scene then ensued. Five-colored light suddenly flashed from the azure bird image and in the next instant, it transformed into a five-colored peacock with its tail feathers fully spread open. Brilliant golden light then erupted, and the image transformed into that of a howling golden ape. Finally, white light flashed, and the image completely disappeared.

If Jin Yue and the other two Tian Peng Race elders were present to witness the scenes that had just unfolded, they would be completely flabbergasted.

How could a true holy image take on different forms and disappear of its own accord?

Generally speaking, once true holy images appeared on ones body, it would remain with that being for the rest of its life, and it wouldnt easily take on any changes.

However, Han Li seemed to be very pleased as he looked down at his chest.

Ive already mastered three mantras of the 12 Awakening Transformations. Im missing the true bloods of the Five-Colored Peacock and Giant Mountain Ape so I cant truly transform into those true spirit bodies, but this ability is astonishingly powerful, nonetheless, Han Li murmured to himself.

This cultivation art was something that Han Li had unintentionally obtained from refining some of Hong Yuns spiritual sense, and in theory, it could allow him to take on the forms of 12 different types of true spirits, so its power was undoubtedly downright extraordinary. If he could completely master all 12 true spirit bodies, with the abilities that true spirits possessed, even the true immortals of a higher realm would have to be wary of him.

Of course, that was merely an extravagant dream. Even if he were to completely master this cultivation art, he would still only attain a very small amount of the abilities that the true spirits possessed. Unfortunately, even though the true dragon and the heavenly phoenix were among these 12 forms, he still hadnt obtained their mantras yet. These mantras were hidden deeper within the wisp of Hong Yuns residual sense, and he didnt know how long it would take for him to attain them. Otherwise, with the true dragon blood and heavenly phoenix blood he currently possessed, he would be able to immediately attain two more transformations.

With that in mind, Han Li was feeling rather forlorn.

As for the Kun Peng Transformation, that was the foundation for the 12 transformations, and it was the one that this Grand Elder Hong Yun was most proficient in during his lifetime. Otherwise, despite his extraordinarily powerful body, there was no way that Han Li wouldve been able to master the Tian Peng Transformation Technique to such an advanced degree even though hed just come into contact with it.

A thought then occurred to Han Li, and a deriding sneer appeared on his face.

After refining the relic with Jin Yues assistance, he didnt receive much an enhancement in the power of his spiritual sense, but he did manage to glean some useful information.

This Grand Elder Hong Yun was a brilliant prodigy, the kind that had not been seen for tens of thousands of years. Through his painstaking research of the Tian Peng Transformation, he was able to incorporate many more true spirit transformations into this technique, thereby creating the 12 Awakening Transformations

Unfortunately, even as a Body Integration Stage being and sourcing many types of true spirit bloods over many years, he was only able to invent 12 transformations. After that, his spiritual sense and physical body were no longer able to cope with the demands placed on them, thereby resulting in him being driven insane and killed by backlash from the true spirit bloods.

What was quite strange and perplexing to Han Li was that prior to going insane, this grand elder had refrained from leaving his mantras and cultivation arts to the Tian Peng Race.

Han Li was naturally unaware that back when this Hong Yun was the grand elder, the Tian Peng race had been at the very height of its power. He was able to ascend to the position of grand elder after inventing this cultivation art with his brilliant aptitude, thereby allowing him to rule over the entire Tian Peng Race. As such, not only was this cultivation art the key to his success, it also became his best-kept secret, and he didnt reveal any of it to anyone else.

All of the other elders at the time only knew that Hong Yun had invented a cultivation art known as the Awakening Arts, but they knew nothing else about it.

After that, Hong Yun was driven insane due to true spirit blood backlash and passed away, so the contents of his Awakening Arts remained a mystery.

As for why the Awakening Arts were imbued within the relic hed left behind, that was only something known to the heavens.

Perhaps it was simply an unintentional gesture by Grand Elder Hong Yun after he had gone insane. Alternatively, perhaps he had managed to retain a final shred of sanity right before his death and suddenly wanted to leave this cultivation art behind for his race, thereby deciding to infuse it into this relic.

Han Li didnt delve too much into this matter. Seeing as this cultivation art had fallen into his hands, he naturally wasnt going to return it to the Tian Peng Race. Otherwise, the first thing those elders would think of was most likely how to kill him to prevent this cultivation art from being leaked rather than how to thank him.

Han Li naturally wasnt going to do something so suicidal.

A contemplative expression appeared on his face as he carefully pondered the situation. All of a sudden, a hint of a smile appeared on his face again.

In reality, aside from fusing the Kun Peng True Blood with his body and obtaining the Awakening Arts from the relic, he had also reaped another massive reward that filled him with elation.

Due to the stimulation his body had received during this process, he was somehow able to break through his bottleneck, so he was now at the late-Deity Transformation Stage.

With the assistance of the True Toad Liquid, his cultivation path would progress without a hitch from here onward.

The three Tian Peng Race elders were only astonished by Han Lis exemplary mastery of the Tian Peng Transformation Technique, but they spoke nothing of the sudden improvement in his cultivation base. They had most likely noticed this, but for Body Integration Stage beings like them, such a minor improvement in cultivation base simply wasnt noteworthy at all.

Han Li narrowed his eyes and considered the situation for a while longer before flipping his hand over to produce a green jade vial, then tipping out a few pills from it.

After consuming the pills, he closed his eyes and began to cultivate in a seated meditative state again.

Having just advanced to the late-Deity Transformation Stage, he had to bolster his cultivation base.

A day later, Han Li left his residence in high spirits and headed straight toward the exchange center.

This was the date on which he had agreed to meet the shopkeeper of the Myriad Lightning Shop. He was determined to secure the Azure Shifting Fruit, so he naturally wasnt going to be absent.

The journey was quite smooth, yet when Han Li arrived in that shop on the ninth level again, his expression immediately darkened.

Whats going on? Why are these people here? Am I not the only one you made an agreement with? The one who had spoken wasnt Han Li, Instead, it was a heavily-bearded man in a suit of imposing black armor.

At this moment, aside from Han Li, there were three other people present.

Jin Yue began to chant something in a voice that was very pleasant to the ears, and she pointed a finger at the small vial. An azure thread shot forth from her fingertip before striking the vial, upon which it tremored before rising into the air, heading directly toward where Han Li was situated.

Han Li immediately sat down onto the jade platform with his legs crossed.

At this moment, Elder Xu and the beautiful woman raised their hands in unison to summon an object each, one of which was as crimson as blood while the other carried a refreshing green hue.

They were, respectively, a palm-sized crimson lotus flower and a green banana leaf.

The crimson lotus flower rotated on the spot, expanding to around 10 feet in size and emanating a faint fragrance. Meanwhile, the banana leaf also expanded to around the size of a grown human amid a burst of green light, and a series of strange green runes appeared over its surface, glowing with a dazzling light.

Han Li raised his eyebrows, yet before he could identify what purposes these two items served, the crimson lotus was already descending toward his head.

Han Li was initially startled to see this before he suddenly experienced a rush of weightlessness, having been gently carried up into mid-air by the crimson lotus flower.

The faint fragrance of the lotus flower wafted into his nostrils, striking him with a slightly intoxicating sensation.

However, Han Li didnt panic in response. Instead, he merely sat at the center of the lotus flower with his eyes narrowed, seemingly having fallen asleep, but he made sure to retain a wisp of clarity in his mind.

Elder Xu let loose a low cry and the petals of the crimson lotus flower slowly converged toward the center.

In the blink of an eye, all of the petals had joined together to form a vibrant red flower bud.

Jin Yue flicked both fingers toward the small vial upon seeing this.

Several azure threads shot forth, disappearing into the small vial in a flash.

A ball of green light erupted from the small vial, and its lid abruptly vanished as a ball of azure light emerged from within.

Following a crisp cry, the ball of light receded and transformed into an azure bird that was several inches in size, and it attempted to spread its wings and fly away.

However, Jin Yue was already prepared for this, and she flapped the golden wings on her back.

Swaths of golden light immediately swept forth from her wings, completely enshrouding the azure bird within.

The bird struggled for a while within the light before turning into a small drop of azure liquid with faint undertones of silver light peeking through it.

Jin Yue then made a hand seal with a calm expression on her face before pointing a finger at the drop of azure liquid.

The golden tremored before carrying the azure liquid down toward the flower bud.

The azure drop of liquid then disappeared into the crimson lotus amid a dull thump as golden and crimson light intertwined.

Right at this moment, Elder Xus body swayed and he appeared on one side of the crimson lotus flower in a wraith-like manner. He then raised a hand and placed it on onto the lotus flower before spreading open a pair of silver wings on his back. Silver spiritual light began to surge from his hand into the crimson lotus flower while the beautiful woman appeared on the other side of the flower and replicated Elder Xus actions. However, the spiritual light flowing from her palm was white.

All of a sudden, a buzzing sound rang out from the crimson lotus, and the crimson light on its surface also began to flash erratically.

Right at this moment, the green banana leaf hovering mid-air also descended from above. However, as soon as it came into contact with the crimson lotus flower, the banana leaf self-detonated, following which countless green lines shot forth in all directions before disappearing into the lotus flower.

Immediately thereafter, a series of strange green patterns appeared over the surface of the crimson lotus. In the next instant, the crimson light receded, and the buzzing sound also subsided.

Elder Xu and the beauty paid no heed to this as they both closed their eyes, focusing wholeheartedly on injecting pure spiritual light into the lotus flower.

However, Jin Yue heaved a long sigh of relief upon seeing this, and she smiled as she murmured to herself, Its just as I predicted, the aura within this humans body is able to accept the Kun Peng True Blood. The most important thing now is to see just how much of the Kun Peng Bloods power he can activate as a human.

After that, Jin Yue turned to the other higher-ups of the Tian Peng Race standing nearby, and said in a cold voice, Youve all seen whats happened, the survival of our race hinges on this man. Hence, all of you must keep all information about this man strictly confidential to the outside world. From now on, this man will be known as the third holy disciple that weve been nurturing in secret after sending him far away for cultivation purposes. Understood?

The Spatial Tempering Stage Tian Peng beings stirred as they vowed in unison, Yes, Grand Elder, we wont tell a single soul.

Jin Yue nodded as her expression eased, and she said, I trust that you wouldnt do something severely detrimental to our sect, either. Two months from now, Ill select a few people among you to accompany me and the holy disciples to the trial grounds.

Two months? Why are we going so early? Isnt there still a year left? someone immediately exclaimed.

Apparently, a dozen or so races, including the Chi Rong Race and the Raven Race, requested for the trial to be held earlier than the designated time. Our elders vehemently opposed this proposal on the panel of elders, but it was still passed due to a majority vote.

Why? Surely they have to at least provide a reason for this, another Tian Peng being chimed in in an enraged voice.

Of course theyve prepared a reason for this. They say that the earth abyss has been a little chaotic lately, so its best to hold the trial earlier in case any mishaps occur due to excessive delays, Jin Yue explained in a calm manner.

The demons of the earth abyss have always been sworn enemies of our Flying Spirit Race, when has it not been chaotic over there? Theyre just doing this to target the weaker branches! Another Tian Peng being flared up with rage.

Theres no point in discussing the matter any further. The panel of elders has already delivered their verdict, so we can only accept it. Aside from the upcoming trial that we have to prepare for, there have also been beings of foreign races that have frequently appeared on our territory of late, and theyve been plundering our lands with reckless abandon. Ill assign some troops to some of you to set off immediately and kill off these abhorrent cowards. Make sure to teach all of the other branches a lesson that they wont be forgetting anytime soon. Jin Yues voice suddenly turned frosty and forbidding as she spoke.

Yes, Grand Elder! the Tian Peng beings answered in unison as they lowered their heads.

After that, Jin Yue began to assign missions to everyone, and all of them departed one after another to carry out their designated tasks.

The jade platform became virtually empty in the blink of an eye. Aside from Jin Yue and the two elders, as well as the two servants standing behind Jin Yue, there was no one else standing on the platform.

Jin Yue turned and cast her gaze toward the crimson lotus flower, where the two Body Integration Stage elders were still relentlessly pouring forth their spiritual pour, and the flower seemed to have expanded even further.

At the same time, the green patterns on the surface of the lotus flower also began to flash erratically as if theyd come to life.

Jin Yue suddenly made a grabbing motion toward the silver disk that the other servant was carrying, and a white bead whistled forth from the disk before being drawn into her grasp.

She plucked the bead between two of her fingers and brought it closer to her eyes before conducting a thorough inspection.

All of a sudden, a peculiar look appeared on her face.

Which grand elder passed away to produce this relic? she asked.

Its the relic left behind by the ninth grand elder. According to your orders, we found the relic that had been stored for the longest period of time, and most of the power within it should have faded by now, the servant replied respectfully.

The ninth grand elder? Is that Grand Elder Hong Yun, who invented the awakening ability, but died after going insane? Jin Yues expression changed slightly upon hearing this.

That is indeed the relic left behind by Elder Hong Yun. Due to the strange circumstances surrounding Elder Hong Yuns death, aside from his Kung Peng power, theres also a hint of his residual spiritual sense residing within the relic. If it were to be consumed by a cultivator, the wisp of spiritual sense could potentially result in undesirable side-effects. As such, its been stored in a secret chamber this entire time. If you feel its inappropriate, I can go back and change once right away, the servant explained in an uneasy manner. Theres no need for that, this one will suffice. Jin Yues expression returned to normal as she turned her gaze back to the crimson lotus flower.

At this moment, the green patterns on the surface of the flower had begun to twist and warp, and the entire crimson lotus began to swell and bulge…

Two days later, in the air above the jade platform. frewebnovel.com

A massive azure bird was flying up and down in the sky, leaving a series of afterimages in its wake. Arcs of golden lightning and azure light surfaced over its body and all of a sudden, it came to an abrupt halt and it grabbed the air in the distance with its talons in a vicious manner.

10 white claw projections hurtled through the air, slicing a few faint white marks into space before disappearing in a flash.

It then violently flapped its wings forward and a vast expanse of azure light swept forth before transforming into palm-sized blades of wind, enshrouding an area with a radius of over 1,000 feet.

A loud boom erupted as the massive azure bird opened its beak to blat forth balls of golden lightning, which crashed into one another to transform the space before it into a sea of lightning.

Following a long sharp screech, the azure bird flapped its wings and abruptly disappeared amid a gust of fierce winds.

In the next instant, gale-force winds erupted even higher up in the air, and the azure bird reappeared. Within the halos of azure light, the birds body expanded rapidly, swelling form around 10 feet in size to over 1,000 feet in the blink of an eye. As it spread its wings, it cast a gargantuan shadow over the entire jade platform.

Meanwhile, the three figures standing on the platform were all quite alarmed by the sight of this massive bird.

Grand Elder, did you really only feed him that incomplete relic from the ninth elder? Elder Xu asked in an incredulous voice.

Do you suspect that I fed this human some kind of miracle pill? Jin Yue asked in a cold voice as her expression darkened.

I wouldnt dare to think that. Its just that this man grasped the manifestation technique so quickly, and the true body hes conjured up is superior to that of many Great Spirit Generals. Does he really hail from the human race? Elder Xu mused with a skeptical look.

You were the one who infused his body with the Kun Peng True Blood, shouldnt you know better than anyone whether hes a being from our Flying Spirit Race or not? Having said that, its indeed quite surprising that this man has attained such a powerful transformation. Perhaps the Kun Peng feather and Kun Peng True Blood fused with his body have already changed his constitution somewhat, Jin Yue speculated after scrambling for a reason to explain this situation.

That makes some sense, the beautiful woman sighed.

Meanwhile, Elder Xu still wore a skeptical look, clearly not convinced by this.

Have you agreed to join our Tian Peng Race? A young woman asked with a pair of bright shimmering eyes.

I wont be allowed to leave if I dont agree, right? Han Li sighed in a resigned manner.

At this moment, he was situated within a pavilion with this young woman, along with an elderly man and another beauty.

These two new early-Body Integration Stage Tian Peng Race elders were currently appraising the Thunderstorm Wings on his back with scorching yearning in their eyes.

Youve made a wise decision, Fellow Daoist Han. As long as our races holy disciple can pass the trial, well be sure to repay you. The young womans voice was filled with elation, but her calm tone also suggested that she had already predicted Han Lis answer well in advance.

If the trial really is as you describe, then I really havent offered much assistance here. However, at the same time, I dont want to be completely at your mercy once Ive outlived my usefulness, so I have two conditions. I hope you can accept those two conditions so I can assist your races holy disciple without any qualms or concerns, Han Li suddenly said.

Conditions? Go on, then, the elderly man prompted with furrowed brows.

I want a Kun Peng Relic, as well as the right to record my name on the replica scroll of the Tian Peng Vow, Han Li replied with a faint smile.

You know of those things? All three Tian Peng beings expression changed drastically in unison upon hearing this.

Thats impossible! Our race only has a dozen or so Kun Peng Relics in total, and every one of them was left behind by our races past grand elders when they passed away, how could we give one to you? As for the Tian Peng Vow, our race only has three replica scrolls, and theres no space on them for you to record your name, the elderly man immediately refused with a dark expression.

Indeed, those two items are both extremely valuable to our race. Would you be willing to accept any other conditions? the beautiful woman among the trio asked.

The young woman didnt say anything, but she wore a contemplative look on her face.Im not asking for the Kun Peng Relic solely for myself. Only after consuming the relic will I be able to grasp the power of the Kung Peng and manifest a Kun Peng body. Only then will I be able to pose as your races holy disciple and not have my cover blown by other races. With the relic in addition to the Kung Peng feather and Kun Peng true blood that Ive fused with my body, I should have the right to record my name on a replica scroll of the Tian Peng vow. Thats the only way to show me that your race doesnt harbor any ill will toward me after the even, Han Li said in a calm voice.

How do you know of these things? Did someone in our race disclose this information to you? the elderly man asked with a steely expression.

That shouldnt be the case. Fellow Daoist Han stayed for an entire day within the Omniscient Pavilion in the city, so he most likely gathered this information from the books in there. I almost forget that all humans can possess eidetic memories once they reach a high enough cultivation base, Jin Yue said in a calm voice.

Even so, we absolutely cannot accept these conditions. The elderly man shook his head in a stubborn manner.

Why not? if a holy master doesnt appear among your race during this trial, youll most likely be removed from the 72 branches of the Flying Spirit Race, and youll be forcibly conquered by other more powerful branches. Compared to that, I think what Im asking for is very reasonable, unless the three of you were planning to turn on me after the event from the very beginning, Han Li said in a slow voice.

Both the elderly man and the beautiful womans expressions darkened upon hearing this.

After a brief silence, Jin Yue suddenly said, Alright, I accept your conditions.

You cant… freewebnvel.com

Grand Elder, we should discuss this matter in greater depth!

Both of the other elders hurriedly tried to dissuade her.

Theres no need for further discussion. Its just as Fellow Daoist Han has said, this crisis could quite possibly spell the downfall of our race. In contrast, his conditions are indeed very reasonable. Im making an executive decision here, speak no further on this matter, Jin Yue said in a cold voice as she raised a hand toward the two elders.

The two elders glanced at one another hesitantly upon hearing this, but they decided to keep their mouths shut in the end.

I can accept the conditions you stated, but in order to ensure that youll do everything in your power to assist our two holy disciples to pass the trial, Ill need you to sign a blood vow. If no holy master emerged from our race following the conclusion of the trial, as the Grand Elder, I can sacrifice some of my lifespan to remove you from the Tian Peng Vow, then kill you on the spot. Jin Yues gaze suddenly became as sharp as daggers.

Han Lis heart stirred slightly in response, but he merely put on a faint smile, and said, Rest assured, Senior. If the holy disciples fail to pass the trial due to lack of effort on my part, then Im willing to accept any punishment you hand down to me.

Good. Go back and prepare, Ill send someone to get you tomorrow so we can hold your spirit initiation ceremony and officially welcome you into our race, the young woman said in an implacable voice.

Han Li naturally had no objections, and he immediately cupped his fist in a farewell salute to the tree elders before departing.

The elderly man looked on as Han Li exited the room, then took a deep breath and exhaled before turning to Jin Yue with a heavy expression. Grand Elder, I still oppose this course of action. I can accept giving him the Kun Peng Relic, but if we record his name onto the replica scrolls of the Tian Peng Vow, none of our brethren will be able to do anything to him unless he commits the few extremely severe crimes listed in the vow. Beings from foreign races could easily use this against us and bring calamity to our race.

Im naturally aware of this. However, you seem to have forgotten something, Elder Xu. The Tian Peng Vow can only restrict our brethren, have you forgotten about that traitor from 3,000 years ago? A peculiar look appeared on Jin Yues face as she spoke.

Could it be… The beautiful woman among the trio was beginning to understand where this was going.

Jin Yue gently stroked her hair as she replied, A few days ago, I met the Flying Spirit Generals that have recently returned to the city with the worshipful offerings, and I learned some things about that human from them. According to them, this human cultivator appears to only possess the cultivation base of a mid-Flying General, but hes actually at least as powerful as an early-Great Spirit General. With him on our side, our holy disciples are virtually guaranteed to pass the trial, so Im willing to make these concessions. Furthermore, when all is said and done, as long as this human is willing to stay in our holy city and doesnt come into contact with any of his brethren, we dont have to resort to that final step. What we do have to be wary of is those enemies of our race plotting against us during the trial.

Your wisdom is unmatched, Grand Elder! The two elders were greatly reassured.

On the other end, Han Li had just arrived back at his residence when he encountered a few visitors.

They were none other than Feng Xiao, Bai Lei, and Bai Ning, who had returned to the city with him.

The three of them greeted Han Li in a very warm and enthusiastic manner and stayed to chat with him for the better part of half a day before departing.

After seeing off this trio of siblings, Han Lis smile faded as he returned to the room with a contemplative look on his face and closed the doors.

Sure enough, eight Tian Peng beings came to find him the next morning, four of which were male while the other four were female. Even though their cultivation bases were only at the Foundation Establishment Stage, they were all very young, so their aptitudes were quite brilliant.

After casting a glance at the eight of them, Han Li didnt say anything as he departed behind them toward a certain location in the holy city.

After flying over more than half of the entire city, Han Li appeared within a strange building situated on a corner of the city almost half a day later.

This building was a massive plaza that kind of resembled an arena. The entire plaza was circular in shape and was surrounded by massive stone walls that were roughly 1,000 feet tall, taking up an area of several kilometers.

Atop those stone walls stood hundreds of stone bird statues, and all of them were flashing with different colors of light. They had clearly had some kind of restriction placed on them, and the light emanating from the statues combined to form a rainbow barrier of light that enshrouded the entire plaza.

At the center of the plaza stood a sacrificial-altar-like tall platform that was entirely constructed from pristine and flawless white jade.

Han Li currently stood atop the jade platform with a dozen or so white-robed Tian Peng beings standing around him in a solemn and intimidating manner. There were both men and women among them, and all of them were at the Spatial Tempering Stage.

Jin Yue and the three Tian Peng Race elders stood right in front of Han Li while a pair of young women who appeared to be servants stood behind them, holding a silver disk each.

Fellow Daoist Han, all of the preparations have been made. In order to completely activate the power of the Kun Peng Relic and Kun Peng Blood within you prior to the commencement of the trial, the two elders and I will be unleashing our abilities to assist you in refining those two items in a short time. Well then be bestowing upon you the transformation technique of our Tian Peng Race. I hope you wont disappoint us, Fellow Daoist Han, Jin Yue said as she looked directly into Han Lis eyes.

Rest assured, Senior. Ive already made a promise to all of you, so Ill definitely do everything within my power to assist the holy disciples, Han Li replied in a serious manner.

Good. Fuse the Kung Peng True Blood into your body first and Elder Xu will activate the power of the spirit blood, the forcibly fuse it with your blood so that they become one and the same. The process will be a little painful, but Im sure youll be able to handle it. After that, you can consume the Kun Peng Relic, and Ill personally assist you in refining the relic. You have to take care during this process not to suffer backlash and go into Qi deviation from the power of the relic. After all, youre not a true Tian Peng being, so this procedure may be rather perilous, Jin Yue cautioned.

Han Li naturally nodded in response.

Han Lis willingness to cooperate was very pleasing for Jin Yue, and she also nodded before waving a hand behind her.

One of the female servants immediately made her way over to Jin Yue in a respectful manner before offering the silver disk in her hand to the grand elder.

Jin Yue took an indifferent glance at the silver disk before flicking a slim finger toward the screen of light.

White light flashed erratically before disappearing soundlessly to reveal a small thumbs-sized azure vial. The vial was rather antiquated and appeared to be made from neither metal nor jade.

Jin Yue looked at the small vial as faint silver light flashed from her body, and her expression suddenly became extremely solemn and dignified.

Meanwhile, all of the other Tian Peng beings bowed in unison toward the small vial with expressions of awe and veneration on their faces.

Those two middle-aged Tian Peng beings consisted of a man and a woman, and they appeared to be a couple. They were currently discussing something with the shop owner, and one was an early-Spatial Tempering cultivator while the other was at the mid-Spatial Tempering Stage.

As for that shopkeeper, he was a fearsome late-Spatial Tempering cultivator.

Why would a man with his cultivation base be running a shop here?

Han Li was rather astonished to see this.

At this moment, the couple turned their attention to Han Li. He was clearly an unfamiliar face and only at the mid-Deity Transformation Stage, so they were also quite surprised to see him.

Meanwhile, the thin shopkeeper merely glanced at Han Li before withdrawing his gaze as he said in a lazy voice, Dont even think about my Purple Immortal Wood if you havent found a Spirit Magnet! As for high-grade spirit stones, do you think I lack those?

The thin shopkeeper was certainly making no attempt to keep his wealth a secret.

Brother Yu, asking for a Spirit Magnet in exchange for Purple Immortal Wood is far too unreasonable. Spirit Magnets can only be found deep within the earth abyss. Even the elders of our race wouldnt dare to enter those depths for no good reason, let alone a pair of Spatial Tempering cultivators like my Dao Companion and me, the middle-aged woman argued.

Thats not my problem. Do you think I just so happened to stumble across my Purple Immortal Wood? Dont mention this matter to me again unless you secure a Spirit Magnet, the thin shopkeeper retorted in a cold manner as he rolled his eyes.

The couples expression darkened significantly uopn hearing this. However, no matter what they said next, the shopkeeper refused to make any concessions whatsoever. Int the end, the couple could only depart in a resigned manner.

Throughout this entire process, none of them said so much a single word to Han Li.

After the couple had left his shop, the shopkeeper sat down in his chair with an impatient expression, and asked, What do you want, kid?

I heard that you sell Azure Shifting Fruits here, Senior. Is that true? Han Li asked in a calm manner.

The middle-aged man faltered upon hearing this before carefully appraising Han Li, then letting loose a cold harrumph as he said, The Azure Shifting Fruit is one of the most precious items in my shop, theres no way a mere Flying Spirit General like you can afford it. Dont waste my time.

How would you know if I can afford this item or not if you dont state your price, Senior? A faint smile appeared on Han Lis face, and he refused to leave.

Hmph, looks like you prefer a more violent eviction! The middle-aged flew into a thunderous rage as he abruptly flapped the silver wings on his back toward Han Li.

Following a dull thump, a burst of immense power swept toward Han Li, making even the surrounding air tremor and buzz.

Han Lis eyelids twitched, but he made no attempt to evade. Instead, he merely raised his hand and brought it down as if it were a sword.

A streak of golden light flashed past, slicing apart that burst of enormous power with ease. The vast burst of force brushed past Han Li on either side of his body before landing on the structure behind him with a resounding boom. Hmm? No wonder youve got some confidence, looks like youre not just all talk. The thin shopkeeper seemed to be rather surprised.

Do I have the right to hear your price now, Senior? Han Li asked again with a calm expression on his face.

Alright, I guess you do, but youre still far too arrogant if you think you can satisfy the condition for my Azure Shifting Fruit, the shopkeeper replied in an indifferent manner.

Youll have to tell me the condition first before I can determine whether Ill be able to satisfy it, Han Li prompted with a hint of a smile on his face.

Seeing as youre so confident and I dont have any other customers at present anyway, it couldnt hurt to tell you my conditions. I trust that I wont have to tell you about just how rare and precious Azure Shifting Fruits are. If you want this fruit, Ill give you three choices. You can have the fruit if you can satisfy any of those three conditions, the shopkeeper said as his expression eased slightly.

Three choices? Looks like the conditions will indeed be very stringent. Otherwise, you wouldnt be providing me with so many options, Han Li said with a wry smile.

Hehe, Im glad youre aware of that. If you can supply a legendary Infernal Lotus Flower or Dark Blood Crystal, then I can give the Azure Shifting Fruit to you right away, the middle-aged man chuckled coldly.

Those two items are only rumored to exist, and its yet to confirmed whether they can actually be found in this world or not. Theres no way that I could be in possession of those. Han Li immediately shook his head in response.

Hehe, only rumored to exist, eh? A deriding sneer appeared on the middle-aged mans face upon hearing this. Seeing as you think this first condition is impossible to satisfy, then this second one is definitely achievable. If you have 500 or 600 top-grade spirit stones in your possession, I can reluctantly sell my Azure Shifting Fruit to you.

500 to 600 top-grade spirit stones? Surely you jest, Senior. Even the elders of the Tian Peng Race most likely wont be able to bring out so many spirit stones of that caliber. I cant satisfy that condition, either. Han Lis expression was beginning to darken slightly.

If the shopkeeper asked him for only 100 top-grade spirit stones, then he could sell the spirit medicines in his possession and perhaps scrape together that many. However, 500 to 600 was far too many, and he didnt even consider it to be a feasible option.

Hmph, the Azure Shifting Fruit belongs to me, if I think its worth that price, then Ill naturally state such a condition, the shopkeeper said in an unfazed manner.

Han Li had no response to this.

If you cant accept the first two conditions, then the final one will most likely be even more impossible for you. Do you still want to hear it? the middle-aged man asked in a cold voice.

Please do tell, Senior! Han Li replied with a dark expression.

Upon hearing Han Lis response, a peculiar look appeared on the shopkeepers face. Only after a long while did he continue, The final condition is not one that can just be satisfied by anyone. Before I disclose it to you, I must ask you something first. Are you proficient in wielding the power of lightning?

Lightning? Han Lis pupils contracted in surprise.

Indeed. If you dont possess lightning abilities or only have an insufficient grasp of lightning, then theres no need for me to reveal the third choice to you.

Han Li was a little perplexed, but after a brief moment of contemplation, he still replied truthfully, If its the power of lightning, then I can indeed say that Im rather proficient in it.

Is that so? Your words carry no weight. Show me your skills and Ill be the one to decide whether you have the right to hear the third choice. The middle-aged man showed no intention of being swayed by Han Lis words.

Sure, Han Li answered before gently flapping his wings.

A loud thunderclap immediately erupted as countless arcs of silver lightning abruptly surfaced over his wings. The lightning then intertwined before compressing to form a dozen or so silver balls of lightning around Han Li in the blink of an eye.

Each ball of lightning was comparable to the size of a human fist, and they were crackling and flashing erratically. The fearsome power imbued within these balls of lightning made the middle-aged mans pupils contract, and a hint of elation appeared on his face.

You certainly werent exaggerating! Your lightning prowess is indeed quite remarkable. You have the right to hear the final option. Its actually quite simple, you dont even need to offer anything in exchange for the Azure Shifting Fruit. All you have to do is help me tame a lightning-attribute spirit beast.

Taming a spirit beast? Han Lis eyes lit up with surprise and a hint of excitement.

What? You think its going to be easy? Truth be told, this spirit beast is rather special. Ive already captured it alive, but Ive been unable to tame it. Ive enlisted the help of many people to try and tame it, but all of them have failed. In fact, there were quite a few of them with insufficient lightning powers, and were harmed by backlash from this spirit beast. However, with your proficiency in the power of lightning, it wont be impossible. I have to give you a disclaimer first, though, I dont accept any responsibility if youre injured or killed, the middle-aged man said in a meaningful voice.

A lightning-attribute spirit beast? Would you be able to tell me what spirit beast that is, Senior? Han Li asked with furrowed brows?

Im afraid I cant tell you that for now. If you do decide to help me, I can take you to see this beast, and youll know what it is then. A cunning light flashed through the middle-aged mans eyes.

Han Li stroked his chin upon hearing this, and he was rather unsettled by this mans ambiguous reply, but he still quickly weighed up the situation.

This man was a late-Spatial Tempering cultivator, yet even he couldnt tame this spirit beast, so it had to be quite special in some way. However, he had been quite transparent about the situation aside from his reluctance to reveal just what this spirit beast was, so his offer did appear to be quite sincere.

Han Li only spoke again after a lengthy period of contemplation. When you say tame, what exactly do you need me to do, Senior?

Your job will be to subdue it for me so it accepts my master recognition ceremony, the middle-aged man replied without any hesitation.

If thats all I have to do, then Id be willing to assist you, Senior, Han Li also replied quite quickly. Good! I have to prepare some things in advance for the master recognition ceremony. Come back here to find me in four days, the shopkeeper said as a smile appeared on his face.

Ill be sure do so. Farewell for now, Senior, Han Li said as he cupped his fist in a salute, then promptly departed from the shop.

The middle-aged stroked his goatee as he looked on in the direction that Han Li had departed toward, and a hint of excitement appeared in his eyes.

After exiting the shop, Han Li didnt immediately leave the exchange center. Instead, he returned to the stone pillar for information exchange, hoping to find some other items that would catch his fancy…

Han Li only left the exchange center with an elated expression on his face right on the cusp of closing time.

He had truly reaped bountiful rewards here. Aside from that advertisement for the Azure Sifting Fruit, there were also advertisements on the stone pillar selling many precious materials that were extremely rare among the human race. Some of them were tool refinement materials while others consisted of spirit medicines and spirit fruits.

There was one particular spirit medicine among them that was one of the main ingredients alongside the Golden Marrow Crystal Insect for refining the Provenance True Devil Projection.

That was naturally a source of elation for Han Li. If he could find the other two spirit medicines required, hed have all of the ingredients he needed to manifest the true body.

With that in mind, Han Li flew into the distance as a streak of azure light.

The next day was going to the third day since he made his agreement with the grand elder of the Tian Peng Race. However, Han Li wore a faint smile as he flew through the air, seemingly having already forgotten about this agreement.

Han Li immediately followed a wave of Tian Peng beings toward a certain shop close to the second level.

After withdrawing his wings, he entered through the door as if he really were a Tian Peng being.

After entering through the door, Han Li was immediately greeted by a lively and bustling scene.

He had arrived at a small plaza with an area of several thousand feet, and shops of different sizes stood around the entire plaza. At present, there were several hundred Tian Peng beings filing in and out of those shops.

At the exact center of the plaza stood a bluestone pole that was over 100 feet tall. Light was shimmering atop the pole, and there seemed to be something engraved on the very top.

There were around a dozen people looking up at the pole and discussing quietly among themselves. Han Li made his way over to them with curiosity in his eyes.

At the foot of the pole, he discovered that its surface had been split into two halves down the center. Both halves were riddled with text, and one side was shimmering with a red color while the other half gleamed with a green hue.

Han Li focused his gaze on the two different texts to find that they were all names for items, some of which were very familiar while others were quite alien.

Furthermore, these lines of texts surfaced and vanished intermittently. There was also a middle-aged man who appeared to be a guard seated at the foot of the pole with his eyes half-closed.

At this moment, a man suddenly forced his way out of the crowd, then strode forward and offered a few spirit stones to the guard sitting by the pole.

The middle-aged guard opened his eyes before nodding and handing over a short red stick to this man.

The man picked up the red stick and rapidly swished it toward a certain blank patch on the stone pillar.

Even though the man was moving extremely quickly, Han Li was able to glean his actions using his spirit eyes.

As the short stick swished through the air, a few shimmering red characters appeared before vanishing into the stone pillar in a flash.

Moments later, those red characters surfaced on that same spot.

Han Li was rather surprised to see this.

After a while, someone else strode forward. However, that person completely ignored the middle-aged guard. He merely spread his wings and flew up several tens of feet, then tapped a finger against a few green characters on the stone pillar.

All of a sudden, those characters began to glow with a green light, then quickly disappeared into his finger, making his entire body shimmer with brilliant spiritual light.

Meanwhile, the Tian Peng being that had traced these characters with fingers cocked his head to the side with narrowed eyes, seemingly receiving some kind of information. After a while, he withdrew his finger and turned before flying directly toward the entrance of the hall.

After that, a few more people emulated the first two, either inscribing something on the stone pillar or directly flying toward the pillar to trace the red and green characters.

Han Li stroked his chin upon seeing this, and he finally figured out what was happening.

In order to confirm his speculation, he strode forward and extended a finger toward a line of green text that appeared near the bottom of the stone pillar.

Green light immediately flashed from those characters as a cold sensation traveled straight into his mind, bringing with it a line of information.

Selling first-grade Flowing Light Wood, no purchase limit per person, each block costs 30,000 spirit stones, find me on the fourth level, fifth hall, 31st shop. Han Lis lips twitched and he moved to the other half of the stone pillar, then placed his finger over a line of red text.

A similar string of information appeared in his mind.

Seeking the complete carcass of a Phoenix-Tailed Beast, price will be negotiated face to face, find me on the ninth level, second hall, 10th shop!

A peculiar look appeared on Han Lis face.

He didnt think that the Tian Peng Race facilitated transactions in such a manner.

It was quite clear that the lines of text on this stone pillar were all essentially advertisements for people selling or seeking precious items.

As such, the pillar acted as a universal directory that made things a lot more convenient for both buyers and sellers.

Furthermore, this setup didnt appear to be very difficult to replicate, and there was no reason why it couldnt be implemented in human markets as well. With that in mind, Han Li took a few steps backward and began to carefully inspect the green lines of text, which were advertising items that were being sold.

He was planning to read through this information to see if there were any items that were appealing to him.

Due to the differences between the human and Tian Peng races, many items were referred to as different names here compared to in the human race. However, for some reason, most of the precious items were still known by the same or similar names. In particular, some materials that were extremely valuable to both races were referred to with identical names.

This came as quite a surprise to Han Li when he had first mastered the language of the Flying Spirit Race. However, even though he found this to be rather perplexing, he naturally wasnt going to go around searching for an answer.

He merely appraised the stone pillar in silence, looking for anything that caught his eye.

All of a sudden, Han Li focused his gaze on a line of green text that had just appeared on the stone pillar, and his heart rate abruptly accelerated.

Azure Shifting Fruit! Who wouldve thought that something like this would be sold here? An excited flush appeared on Han Lis face. This fruit was the main ingredient, for a legendary pill, the Heavenshifting Pill, and it was most definitely among the spirit fruits that were most sought after to Han Li.

This spirit pill wasnt as extraordinary as the Black Flame Pills, but three of those pills could improve the probability of a breakthrough for late-Spatial Tempering cultivators by several tens of percentage points. As such, they were most definitely more valuable than Black Flame Pills in the eyes of the majority of high-grade cultivators, including even some powerful beings at or above the Body Integration Stage.

Consuming the Heavenshifting Pill alone could naturally assist a Spatial Tempering cultivator in breaking through a bottleneck, but in reality, most people wouldnt use this spirit pill in such a manner. Most of the people who were seeking this spirit pill intended to consume it in conjunction with other spirit medicines.

This was because not only did the Heavenshifting Pill itself possess an extraordinary effect, it was able to combine perfectly with most spirit medicines without any conflict in medicinal effects. Most incredible of all was that if this pill were to be consumed with other spirit medicines, there was a certain probability that it could enhance the medicinal effect of those complementary pills by 30% to close to 50%.

This meant that if Han Li hypothetically had a spirit pill that could enhance his magic power by the same degree equivalent to the effect of 10 years of arduous cultivation, he could consume it with the Heavenshifting Pill, and there would be a certain probability that he would be a probability that his magic power would be enhanced by the same extent as 12 to 15 years of arduous cultivation. Furthermore, this effect applied to any other pill.

As such, the rarer and more expensive a pill, the more one wanted to consume it with a Heavenshifting Pill. If they were to hit the jackpot and be blessed with the enhancement effect, that would naturally be a vast stroke of fortune.

As for the probability for this enhancement to actually take effect, that was rather difficult to strictly quantify.

There had once been someone whod consumed three or four of these pills in succession, and every pill managed to enhance the effect of the complementary pill that was taken.

There were also stories of people selling everything they owned to purchase a few Heavenshifting Pills as a final roll of the dice, only to completely fail to be blessed with the enhancement effect, thus leaving them in complete dejection and despair.

Even so, as soon as these spirit pills first appeared, countless cultivators had gone insane over them.

All of the Azure shifting Fruits near the three human regions had been taken in just over 1,000 years, and what was even more frustrating was that these fruits took 5,000 to 6,000 years to reach full maturity.

Furthermore, each spirit tree only bore a single fruit, and after the fruit was plucked, the tree would lose all of its spiritual Qi and be reduced to a normal tree.

As such, many major sects and powers had attempted to nurture this fruit on a large scale, but it simply wasnt worth the investment.

As such, in the coming years, there would occasionally be some people who were able to source a few of these fruits from deep within the primordial world, and each and every Heavenshifting Pill that appeared inevitably led to a bloodbath between high-grade cultivators. Most of them fell into the hands of powerful beings at or above the Body Integration Stage.

When Han Li had first heard about this spirit fruit in Deep Heaven City, he was naturally extremely interested in it, and he dreamed of being able to mass-produce it using his green liquid.

Unfortunately, even Azure Shifting Fruit seeds were an extremely rare type of spirit medicine, and it had a very short shelf-life. As such, not even a single one of these fruits could be found in the three regions and seven territories.

Hence, Han Li could only stifle his excitement and lament his bad luck.

However, now that he was seeing this spirit fruit on this stone pillar, he was so excited that he could barely contain himself.

He disregarded everything else on the stone pillar as he immediately flapped his wings and rose into the air, reaching the middle of the pillar in a flash before laying a finger on that line of text.

Brilliant green light flashed, and a string of information instantly appeared in his mind.

However, after assessing the content of this string of information, Han Lis brows furrowed slightly.

I have to meet the seller in person? That might be a little troublesome, Han Li murmured to himself as the excitement on his face faded.

However, seeing as there was a chance to secure Azure Shifting Fruits, he naturally couldnt give up regardless of how troublesome the circumstances may be.

As such, after a brief pause for contemplation, Han Li flew away as a streak of azure light.

After exiting the hall, the flew directly upward, all the way to the ninth level before flying ahead along the passageway.

After a while, Han Li glanced at the line of text inscribed above the gates of a certain hall, and he immediately flew in. This hall was identical to the previous one. Both its area and set up were a mirror-image of the hall that Han Li had just left.

However, there were clearly significantly less Tian Peng beings here than on the lower levels, with only around 20 to 30 people here.

Han Li scanned his gaze around the surrounding shops with narrowed eyes, then made his way toward a medium-sized shop situated at a corner of the hall.

This shop was divided up into two floors, and the interior was obscured by a layer of murky azure light. There was a faint red jade plaque hanging above the door, upon which was inscribed the words Myriad Lightning Shop.

A hint of surprise flashed through Han Lis eyes upon seeing this before his expression instantly reverted back to normal.

He then immediately made his way into the shop beyond the light barrier without any hesitation.

Thus, he arrived in a spacious room that was around 30 to 40 feet in size.

Within the room was a glossy black wooden table and several faint yellow wooden chair, as well as seven or eight wooden shelves that were a little dilapidated. There was a bunch of random merchandise stacked all over the shelves, while a thin middle-aged man who appeared to be the shop owner sat behind the wooden table, along with a pair of Tian Peng beings.

Han Li surreptitiously swept his spiritual sense over these three people, upon which his expression changed slightly.

The young woman calmly said, Thats right. Although you do have the qualifications to join our Tian Peng race, you are a human after all. Even if you pass through the trial, it is impossible for you to become our races holy master. However, Fellow Daoist Han can provide support to the other two holy disciples as a fellow holy disciple and help them pass the trial. If you agree, I wont treat you unfairly. Not only can you fuse a bit of Kun Peng True Blood into you, but well thank you in other ways as well.

Such fortune would cause an ordinary person to rejoice and promptly agree, but Han Li simply blinked and didnt immediately answer.

The young woman didnt urge him and simply remained seated as she stared at him.

In the time it took to finish a cup of tea, Han Li eventually said, For the matter of being a holy disciple, Senior would have an outsider like me enter your race. The trial must be quite dangerous. Could you first give me an explanation?

It is true the trial is quite dangerous. The various races disciples have a sixty to seventy percent chance of failure and injury. Furthermore, the holy disciples cultivation must be at the level of a Flying Spirit General, what is known to you humans as the Deity Transformation-stage. But now, our Holy Master has unexpectedly perished, and our holy disciples are only early Spirit General-stage. They still arent prepared.

If they attempt the trial, they will most likely fail. Although I dont know much about your abilities, since you were able to cross most of the Feng Yuan Continent over here, your strength should be significant. Even with the danger in the trial, it shouldnt be a problem for you.

Han Lis eyes stirred and he solemnly asked, They are only at the stage of a Spirit General?

Dont worry, I wont trick you. The young woman smiled.

With a moment of thought, Han Li eventually said, Ill need some time to consider it.

The young woman appeared calm as if having expected this answer. The matter is extremely important, so consideration is expected. How about this? Ill give you three days before I expect your answer. During this time, you are free to roam the city and no one will come to bother you. Furthermore, Im named Jin Yue. Remember that name.

Han Li uttered a word of thanks and bid farewell without any hesitation.

When Han Li left, he blurred and vanished without a trace. Jin Yue smiled and sipped the teacup that was on the table.

Grand Elder, did you truly release him? Grey light flashed from the wall and two Tian Peng beings appeared.

Jin Yue glanced at a tall red-bearded old man and asked, What? How did you think Id treat that person?

The lofty red-bearded old man rubbed his hands and said, There is no need for us to pass off the foreign being as our holy disciple. Wouldnt it be better to force him to leave behind the wings and select someone better to inherit the true blood?

The young woman sneered and bluntly answered, If it were that easy, why would I go through the trouble of saying that to a foreign being. I would just kill him and take the wings away.

The petite beautiful woman standing at the old mans side hastily fixed her jacket and respectfully said, Then the Grand Elder means…

Jin Yue pondered for a moment and explained, I hold the most understanding of humans among the entirety of the Tian Peng. The humans are different from us in which their bodys powers are common and most of their abilities lie in the treasures theyve refined. Furthermore, they can temper their treasures for long periods and thoroughly refine them with themselves. We can take it away and possess it, but it will be difficult to rid the treasure of the original masters markings in a short amount of time. Furthermore, the treasures might will greatly decrease from when it was used by its original owner. Ive already inspected the treasure to verify this. With the information I have and the trial of the holy disciple soon being imminent, we dont have the time to seize his treasure and bestow it to our kin.

The red-bearded old man shook his head. So it was like that. But even so, must we hand over the True Ancestors Blood to this outsider? This isnt some small matter.

A clear glint shined from the young womans eyes, Elder Xu, are you confused? If our race doesnt pass the trial of the holy disciple, the entire race will be absorbed by the other branches. Giving him some true blood is minor in comparison. Besides, we can consider other options to prevent this from happening.

The dainty middle-aged woman was startled for a moment and smiled, Hehe, the Grand Elders words are reasonable. After this outsider helps us through this calamity, this Spirit General-grade existence will be completely at our mercy.

Jin Yue coldly glanced at the beautiful woman and emotionlessly said, We cannot kill him. Even if he is a foreign being, hes fused Kun Peng True Blood into his body and can be considered half our kin. Our Tian Peng vows will restrict us. Furthermore, he will be our benefactor if he truly aids us through calamity. If it isnt necessary, we mustnt harm him, but well be able to restrict him in other ways. From now on, he wont be able to leave the holy city.

The red-bearded old man said, So thats the case. Should we inform the gatekeepers or send people to follow the outsider in secret to keep him from escaping?

Jin Yue aloofly said, There is no need for Elder Xu to worry. Ive performed a small trick on his wings. If he wants to escape the city, Ill immediately know about it.

The beautiful womans eyes brightly lit up and she grinned, It seems weve been worrying too much.

That isnt so. Our clan has five grand elders and only three of us are in the present. The matter concerning our clans existence is something that we must deliberate. I wouldnt have secretly called you over here otherwise. Do either of you have any objections?

No, the Grand Elders method is reliable. Both the beautiful woman and the old man readily agreed.

The young woman nodded in response.

From the very beginning, none of the three Tian Peng elders had even considered that Han Li would refuse.

This came as no surprise. After all Han Li was only a Deity Transformation-grade outsider. How could he refuse their request?

At that moment, hundreds of kilometers away, Han Li was flying at a low altitude.

Although his expression was ordinary and he appeared at the various buildings below him with interest, he was inwardly pondering about his dilemma.

He had carelessly exposed his identity and found himself in a bad situation. frewebnoel.com

With his rich experience, he figured that no matter if he completed the young womans request, the result definitely wouldnt be good for him.

A bold refusal definitely wouldnt be possible.

As for immediately escaping, the thought had already surfaced in his mind several times.

But after he swept his spiritual sense past his wings, he could only wryly laugh.

The Tian Peng Grand Elder had brazenly placed a marking on the wings. Within a certain area, shed be able to find him without a doubt.

And he wouldnt be able to erase the mark at his current cultivation. At the very least, hed need to spend many days. The Grand Elder could find him countless times during the duration.

It appeared his only option would be to negotiate a few conditions to protect himself.

Otherwise, itd be better to take the risk to flee than to become the holy disciple of foreign race.

As for the conditions, he would properly deliberate them once he understood the general circumstances surrounding the Tian Peng Race.

Fortunately, hes already encountered danger countless times and managed to keep calm even under such a dilemma.

As Han Li slowly flew, thoughts quickly flickered through his mind.

After some time, Han Li arrived at a lofty bookstore in the holy city.

He spent an entire day looking through a small half of the books there before departing with a tired expression.

When he returned to his residence, Han Li shut himself in the honored guest lodge until the morning of the third day. He departed with his objective being the large trade hall that he wanted to go from the very start.

He hadnt encountered any trouble along the way.

As Han Li flew, he eventually arrived at the edge of the holy city and stood in front of a strangely constructed building.

The building was constructed next to a three-kilometer-tall mountain cliff, and in the cliff, a huge rectangular plaza was carved out of it. At the end of the plaza, there was a three-hundred-meter-tall arched gate embedded on top of the mountain wall.

To either side of the arch, a dozen armed guards were standing in formation. Between them, countless Tian Peng beings rushed to and fro the gate.

Han Li simply examined them from a distance for a moment. Then, his wings stirred and he flew among them in a ball of azure light.

A guard in front of the gate noticed Han Li. His expression faintly changed before he gave Han Li a deep salute.

Han Li nodded to him and boldly walked through.

He walked through and saw the space before him brightly light up.

There seemed to be an entirely different world past the gate.

At a glance, he saw long passages that seemingly had no end. There were also lines to lofty buildings that appeared to be walls. Under closer examination, the halls seemed to have over ten stores with each story being a hundred meters tall. And every three hundred meters in width, there would be a thirty-meter tall hall entrance.

Countless Tian Peng beings were flying back and forth, up and down. It appeared this was where the Tian Peng Race traded.

Chapter 1419: Grand Elder

A bright glint shined from the young womans eyes and she casually said, This isnt the place to talk. Follow me. She then turned around and slowly flew off.

Han Lis expression wavered for a moment, but he decided to honestly follow her.

Facing a fearsome existence like a mid-Body Integration stage being and finding him in the holy city of a foreign race, Han Li didnt have any opportunity to escape. And when she hadnt turned hostile, he could only comply with her words.

The young woman appeared calm like a gentle wind as if she didnt possess an ounce of anger, but she flew at an immense speed.

Han Li had to use a majority of his strength to follow her. He couldnt help but feel overwhelmed as he forcefully stifled his wandering thoughts.

After flying for the time it took to finish a meal, the young woman brought Han Li to a solitary cylindrical building that was a hundred meters tall.

I pay my respects to the grand elder. Two young dainty Tian Peng women walked out from the entrance and wore respectful faces.

The young gold-winged woman nodded and walked inside.

Han Li closely followed after her into the building, discovering that the interior was more simple than he had expected.

Apart from a stone table and a few stone chairs, there was nothing else.

The young woman waved her hand and the two maids withdrew. Then, she took a seat and faintly moved her lips, uttering, Sit down. I have questions to ask.

How could I take a seat in front of Senior? I will listen to you with complete attention, Han Li calmly said.

Do as you wish, the woman indifferently replied.

Han Li then remained standing stiff and straight.

After a moment of thought, she asked, Are you a human cultivator?

Startled by her question, Han Li carefully asked, Youve visited humans before?

With fluent human language, she said, Of course, Ive even visited one of your three sovereigns, the Spirit Sovereign. I held his superb attainments in puppet techniques in great admiration. In truth, there have been many powerful existences in the Flying Spirit Tribe that have visited the humans. With regards to the friendly relations between our races, I will answer your questions. But I will expect you to answer my questions as well. Otherwise…

When Han Li heard her threat, his calm expression broke for just a moment.

How did Senior see through my disguise? Regardless of anything else, Ive refined my Thunderstorm Wings to completion. Ive even altered its aura with secret techniques to match your kin. So long as something on Seniors level doesnt touch me or examine my true essence, they shouldnt be able to discover anything wrong. Otherwise, I wouldnt have dared to enter the clan.

This question had left him perplexed.

The young woman smiled and answered, Your transformation is entirely complete. The Kun Peng Qi on your body allowed you to pass through the holy citys grand restriction undetected. If you encountered the other elders in the clan, you would most likely pass them by if they didnt undergo a deliberate examination. However, I am different. As the grand elder, I wield the holy artifact, the symbol of power in the clan. Our Tian Pengs holy artifact can see through all illusions and directly peer into your bodys true essence. No matter how impressive your illusions may be, they are no use against me.

Han Li suddenly came to a realization, but he soon felt extremely gloomy.

Han Li wryly laughed, You mean, if I went to the other branches of your tribe, I wouldnt have been discovered? frewebnoel.o

The young woman smirked and indirectly answered, Of the seventy-two branches, only the You Shui Races holy artifact has a similar ability.

Han Li grew silent for a moment. He eventually asked, What does the holy disciple and the Kun Peng True Blood have to do with what is sealed in the Spiritseal Tower?

The young woman explained, The Spiritseal Tower contains the lesser half of a Kun Peng True Ancestors holy soul, which was gathered at astronomical cost during our golden age. By relying on the holy souls power, our Tian Peng Race was able to persist until today, but there is no need for you to know the specifics. As for the matter regarding the holy disciple, it is quite simple, it is the general title within the tribe for those with the potential to inherit true blood. If a holy disciple is truly capable of inheriting the holy true blood of a race and passes a trial, they could become the races holy master.

Han Li didnt reveal any surprise when he heard this.

He had already guessed as much. He was even disinclined to pursue the topic of the holy master any further.

The young woman blinked and asked, It seems you have no other questions for me, so it should be my turn. The wings on your back shouldve been refined by something from a Kun Peng. it caused the holy spirit to struggle free of the Spiritseal Tower. This is something that rarely occurred since the creation of the tower.

Han Li frowned and truthfully answered, It wasnt anything much. I only refined a remnant fragment of a Kun Peng feather.

The young woman doubtfully said, Kun Peng feather? That cant be. Even if it was a complete Kun Peng feather, it shouldnt have provoked the holy spirit to such a degree.

Im not sure about this myself. Han Li shook his head, also confused over the matter.

After muttering to herself, she indifferently said, Hand over the winged treasure over to me for inspection.

Han Lis heart sank, but when he met her bright jewel-like eyes, he only hesitated for a second before shaking his shoulder. In a flash of white light, the wings disappeared, only for them to reappear in miniature size in his hands.

Han Li raised his hand and presented the small crystalline wings to her.

Han Lis unexpected forwardness had surprised the grand elder.

She looked at Han Lis serene face for a long while and eventually took the wings with a smile.

While nothing odd appeared on his face, he could only wry laugh in his mind.

If he werent facing a mid-Body Integration grade existence, he wouldve refined the wings into his mind. Even if he was forcibly detained, hed most likely be able to still use the wings spatial abilities and directly summon them back. Otherwise, he definitely wouldnt have given them over.

The young woman held the Thunderstorm Wings in hand and closely examined them for a short moment. A curious expression soon appeared on her face.

She flicked her finger and sent the wings back in Han Lis direction.

Relieved, Han Li had the wings silently disappear in a flash of white light and momentarily reappear on his back.

The young woman appeared indifferent at the sight and slowly asked, In truth, not only do the wings have the True Ancestor Kun Peng feather, but it also has the feature of the Heavenly Phoenix. I have a rough understanding of how this came to be, but Id like to hear how you acquired the Kun Pung Feather.

Han Li was surprised when he heard this, but he didnt conceal anything and described the battle he witnessed between the Kun Peng and the Rahu at the realm boundary.

When the young woman finished listening, she appeared pensive. A moment later, she examined Han Li once more and said, Brother Han, would you be interested in entering our Tian Peng Race and becoming our holy disciple?

Han Li was dumbfounded.

Han Li blinked and asked, Did I hear correctly? Does Senior wish for me to join your race?

Thats right. I have a plan in mind, but the matter is incredibly important. Ill need to discuss the matter with the other elders.

Han Li went silent for a moment and eventually noted, But I am a human, not a true Tian Peng being.

So you still dont know. Normally, Kun Peng feathers and other Kun Peng items are left behind from deceased Kun Peng. However, the feather you have refined was an item left behind from a living Kun Peng True Ancestor. The feather contains an aura several times stronger than an ordinary Kun Peng Feather. In addition, this feather most like contains blood essence that you havent yet perceived. Since our Tian Peng Race had been the descendants of a Kun Peng True Ancestor and youve refined the Kun Peng item, you may have refined the Kun Peng blood into your body as well. It wouldnt be mistaken to consider you our kin. Her words left Han Li at an even greater loss.

A short moment later, Han Li woke up from his amazement and he looked at the young woman with narrowed eyes. He laughed and said, I heard that your Tian Peng Races current holy master has already perished, and now there is no one in your race that can inherit the Kun Peng True Blood. It is also said that the Flying Spirit Tribe is possibly removing your race from the seventy-two branches. Could this be true?

How do you know about that? The young womans face slightly changed and the image of a golden bird appeared behind her.

The phantom simply unfolded its wings, but Han Li felt an immense pressure on his shoulder, and he soon heard his bones begin to crack.

With a thud, Han Lis legs sank a half foot deep in the stone floor.

Han Lis complexion also turned incredibly pale.

But at that moment, the young woman frowned and the bird phantom disappeared.

In the blink of an eye, the young woman restored her calm and said, I dont know how you came across this information, but I hope youll keep it secret for the time being. I dont wish for the holy city to fall into chaos. Also, there is a mistake in your words. We do have two holy disciples that can inherit the true ancestor blood that weve kept concealed. However, their cultivation is still too low to succeed in the trial placed by the various races. That is why Ive invited you to join our clan.

After shifting his eyes, a thought quickly went through his mind and he smiled, The grand elder means that Ill be standing in the two holy disciples place as their protector?