Автор: sergey

Under the gaze of so many people, Fairy Xu felt apprehension, nevertheless, she waved her sleeve and summoned a white light. It circled above her to reveal a crystalline flying sword.

It was her bonded magic treasure, the Ice Crystal Sword!

To tell the truth, she felt largely helpless.

Even if a trick was done to the Green Wave Sword, she was only given a little bit of time to refine the Myriad Year Profound Jade that was given to her into the sword. However, this still greatly increased the sword strength, so there was a chance to seal the blade in ice.

Although she released her sword, she didnt dare to immediately attack the green sword. Instead, she hesitantly glanced at Han Li.

Han Li took a glance at both of the flying swords and he reached out to one of the swords.

Fairy Xu felt her sword largely tremble. Then, it flew against her control and arrived in Han Lis hand.

He grabbed the swords hilt and flicked his finger against its body, emitting a phoenixs cry.

The sound was extremely pleasant, a near heavenly tone.

The old man couldnt help but sneer.

Although cultivators of their level could use secret techniques to forcefully boost the might of their magic treasures, it was a difficult task to do this to another treasure.

After all, regardless of the nature of the spiritual power and technique will conflict and make it difficult to fuse together.

When he forcefully boosted the power of his disciples magic treasure, he unexpectedly acquired an extremely profound spirit talisman. After spending half a month refining it, it finally became this powerful.

As Han Li was only an early Deity Transformation cultivator, he didnt believe that he could exceed that power in only an instant.

Furthermore, sealing the Green Wave Sword in ice was something that only equivalent ice-attributed power could perform. This in itself was a huge restriction.

As this quickly flashed through the old mans mind, he had no fear of Han Lis action.

A good sword! As if having seen through the old mans thoughts, the corner of Han Lis lip twitched and a silver flame burst out from the hilt of the sword. In the blink of an eye, it wrapped around the sword and disappeared into it.

The crystalline sword turned silver-white in the blink of an eye. The design of a sailing flame bird now appeared on its surface, lifelike in detail as if it had been carved there from the very beginning.

Han Li had used forcefully injected his Spirit Devouring Flame into the Ice Crystal Sword, inducing this bizarre transformation.

The Spirit Devouring Flame was an inconceivable ability that devoured spiritual power. As it was formed from Great Yin Trueflame and Puresun Flame Essence, it could shift between extreme cold and heat, allowing it to fuse into the flying sword with ease.

The old mans eyes widened for a moment and then narrowed his eyes. As for the others, they were greatly shocked.

Then in a gust of wind, Han Li tossed the flying sword back into the air.

Fairy Xu quickly cast a spell seal at it with joy on her face and quickly regained control. Afterwards, she chanted an incantation and flicked her fingers, striking the sword one after another, completely filling the sword with the entirety of her magic power.

Afterwards, the flying sword let out a series of drones and trembled. A layer of silver flames appeared on its surface and wrapped around it, instantly transforming it into a three-meter-long silver flame bird.

The temperature in the entire hall steeply dropped as soon as the flame bird appeared. Even a layer of white shining frost began to appear on the ground.

Fairy Xu let out a delicate shout and the flame bird wildly flapped its wings, changing into the green flying sword.

Seeing that the ice sword was greatly empowered by Han Li, the dwarf let out a trace of terror and could only grit his teeth, casting a spell seal and commanding his own magic treasure.

The green sword blurred as light brightly shined from it. It took the form of a horned green wyrm and fiercely charged forward.

A loud explosion shook the air.

The green wyrm and the silver flame bird collided, weaving green light and silver flames together. The bird then opened its mouth and bit off half of the flood dragons body, devouring it without a trace.

The dwarf loudly shouted and spat out a glob of blood. He was stupefied in fear.

A loud bang sounded from the flame bird and turned into a silver ice mist, covering the damaged green wyrm entirely.

Under the glow of silver light, a loud crack sounded. A thirty-meter-tall boulder of ice appeared in the air.

The flood dragon let out a wail inside the ice and it disappeared, only leaving behind a flying sword that dimly shined.

Unnoticed by everyone, a thin thread of silver light appeared shot out the mist when the Green Wave Blade revealed itself and silently vanished inside of it.

A strange scene occurred.

The dwarf was clearly sixty meters away from his magic treasure, but at the same time his blade was frozen, his body collapsed onto the floor as if he fainted.

This was a heaven-defying ability of the Spirit Devouring Flame.

Even Spatial Tempering cultivators couldnt guard against this ability, let alone the magic treasure of a Nascent Soul cultivator. Even if it was strengthened, it collapsed in a single strike.

When Fairy Xu saw this, she quickly waved her hand in delight.

The silver ice mist condensed back into a silver flying sword and returned to her.

Along the way, a ball of silver flame left the sword and shot back towards Han Li, soon to disappear into his body.

Meanwhile, the old man Huang Bao recovered from his shock and his body in his rage. He soon appeared at his disciples side and he quickly discovered a layer of frost on the dwarfs body. His face was blue as if he died from frostbite.

A frozen soul in his body! When Huang Bao saw this, he wore a face of shock.

Nevertheless, he was still a Deity Transformation-stage cultivator. He instantly waved his sleeve at the huge boulder of ice and released a streak of red light.

Bang. The light quickly coiled around the boulder and a cloud of flame entered the ice.

The temperature in the hall sharply rose and the ice was thawed in an instant and the green flying sword recovered its freedom. It immediately returned into the dwarfs body.

Han Li looked on with an indifferent expression.

To conceal the true abilities of the Spirit Devouring Flames, he reduced its power and had the Ice Crystal Sword itself freeze over the blade. Otherwise, with its abilities as a Heavenly Flame, the ice it left behind wouldnt have been easily thawed. However, he did display a bit of might to make sure they knew better than to bother him.

He previously commanded a trace of the Spirit Devouring Flamess extreme cold and had it enter the flying sword. Through the dwarfs mental connection, he had it invade the dwarfs body.

This ability to freeze the soul and affect the body was an ability he had only been able to use recently.

He also researched related information about this once before. This ability was quite powerful and could only be achieved by a few legendary glacial flames.

As such, it was truly quite effective.

Han Li became an enigmatic figure in the old mans eyes.

The old man quickly took out a fire-red medicine pill and placed it in the dwarfs mouth. He saw the blue color on his face quickly fade away and he let out a breath before looking at Han Li with a wavering expression.

Having thought to himself for a moment, the old man eventually saluted Han Li with a forced smile and said, Brother Hans abilities are quite fearsome. It is my loss. My disciple will drop the matter of marriage. I will bid farewell.

He then brought the dwarf out from the hall.

Han Li returned the salute, but he said nothing else. When he saw all trace of the old man leave, his expression sank. Before Fairy Xu could utter her thanks, he coldly asked, Who is that man?

Fairy Xu was startled. Before she knew the meaning of Han Lis words, the green-eyed man hurriedly explained, Dont worry, Senior Han. Huang Bao and his disciple comes from a small sect known as Quicksand Valley. It isnt some ancient sect. Huang Bao himself is the sects greatest cultivator.

So it was like that. I dont have to worry about any further troubles! Han Li then turned to her and said, Fellow Daoist Xu, this will be the only time I go out of my way to help you. If something else comes to trouble you, youd best fend for yourself!

Fairy Xus heart sank, and she respectfully answered, This Junior understands. Many thanks for your help, Senior. I definitely wont trouble you in the future.

Han Li nodded and then walked out of the hall in bold steps before taking off.

When the green-eyed man saw Han Li left, he wryly laughed and said, That silver flame actually possessed the power of extreme cold and was able to freeze the soul and enter the body. But it doesnt match the glacial flames of legend. Fellow Daoist Xu, Senior Han seems to look after you. Do you know what flame it is?

Fairy Xu let out a sigh and said, Senior Han has a faint relation to my ancestor, but this is the first time Ive heard of this glacial flame. On the patrol, he engulfed an entire fused beastman with that flame. Having that ability isnt so strange, but it seems that he isnt fond of others hearing about him. Brother Zhuo had best keep quiet about this, or else…

When he heard this, his expression changed and he nodded in agreement.

During that time, Han Li was flying towards the market in an azure streak.

According to his information, the auction should begin at noon. It would be at the time he arrived.

Under control of Han Lis spiritual sense, the threads of lightning continued to weave together in the pattern of the branch.

However, this level of control was extremely difficult. Even with his vast spiritual sense and Brightsight Spirit Eyes, he successively failed, resulting in eruptions.

Eight times later, the golden lightning cloth eventually took form, floating motionlessly in the air.

The cloth was the size of a palm, woven in eye-catching lightning patterns. It appeared rather mysterious.

When Han Li saw the finished product, his face slightly changed and he waved his hand, summoning the cloth into his hand.

It was exceptionally soft with a sleek surface. It was actually somewhat more exquisite than silk and he couldnt find anything out of the ordinary with his Brightsight Spirit Eyes.

Han Li gently stroked the golden cloth and examined it for a moment more. His gaze flickered and he tossed the item into the air, striking it with a spell seal.

The cloth turned into a streak of golden light and began to circle from his hands. It rang with soft rolls of thunder.

The cloth dispersed inch by inch, revealing a hollow image of lightning patterns in a faint golden glow. As the translucent pattern appeared, an immense spiritual pressure burst out from it.

This was the mysterious power he sensed from the branch previously.

Han Li narrowed his eyes and attentively stared at the golden pattern. His heart lit up with excitement.

Although he still couldnt completely control the lightning patterns, the force of its spiritual power was over ten times what was originally contained in cloth weaved from Divine Devilbane Lightning. If it was harnessed into an attack, the protective restriction in the stone room might not be able to withstand it.

With that in mind, Han Li beckoned to the lightning pattern.

Thunder clapped and the lightning patterns flashed, returning to its form as cloth and dropping back into his hand.

Soon after, he spat out more lightning, using it to weave together another item of lightning. After another string of failures, he successfully created something.

This time, it wasnt a cloth, but a glistening golden ball. Lightning patterns faintly shined from its surface.

Han Li grabbed ahold of it and thoroughly examined both of the items with his spiritual sense.

A short moment later, he thought of something and spat out a ball of silver flames.

He then pointed at the flame with an incantation gesture.

Bang. The flame ruptured and scattered into countless silver flowers.

Han Li chanted and used his spiritual sense to change the form of the flames into thin strings.

A similar scene occurred, but when he weaved it together halfway, the flames burst and turned into a silver fireball.

When this happened, a pensive expression appeared on his face. With another command, the fireball turned into a bird and flew back into his body.

Afterwards, he used his magic power to condense together blue strings, but the result was similar to the spirit devouring flames. His attempt ended in failure.

Han Li didnt continue his experiments and sank into deep thought.

While both lightning objects originated from the same principles, many small details varied. The lightning int he cloth was steady and pure, but the golden orbs lightning was restless and dangerous as if it could erupt at any moment.

As Han Li fiddled with the two items in his hand, he eventually smiled after some meticulous thought.

According to his guesses, the lightning patterns were a type of naturally formed talisman characters. Each pattern should create unique properties similar to the talisman characters formed from Immortal Clans silver runes.

These lightning patterns effects and skillful use werent something he could come to understand in a short amount of time.

As such, Han Li placed the two lightning items in a jade box and carefully sealed them with several restriction talismans before finally putting them in his storage bracelet.

For the rest of the time before the auction, Han Li carefully withdrew his spiritual sense and shut his eyes in meditation.

On the morning of the third day, hl Han Li opened his eyes and withdrew the restriction from the seclusion room before heading out.

When he left the room, he immediately released his spiritual sense out of habit and unconsciously swept his spiritual sense past the entire hall.

As a result, he heard someones voice.

He looked to the side and frowned.

Without making the slightest sound, he walked out of the main hall.

Before he fully made his way out, he heard a mans voice wildly laugh, Fairy Xu, if you cant take a loss, then dont make the bet in the first place. Did you not agree to become my apprentices wife?

The laugh sounded extremely foreign as if it came from a broken gong.

Han Li calmly walked out and swept his gaze across the entire hall.

He saw two pairs of people standing in confrontation.

One of the pairs consisted of a man and a woman. The woman was Fairy Xu, but her face was deathly white. The other was the large green-eyed man, but his face wore an unsightly expression.

They faced two black-robed men.

One of them had a slim face and long triangular eyes, wearing dark azure armor. The other was a pock-marked middle-aged dwarf with diseased hair.

The laugh came from the old man.

Senior Han!

As soon as Han Li appeared, the large man glanced at Han Li and quickly saluted him with a face of deep relief.

Fairy Xu also appeared overjoyed when Han Li appeared.

Han Li stopped and many thoughts quickly flashed through his hand, but his face remained unchanged.

The old mans wild laughter suddenly stopped and he examined Han Li with a trace of surprise. So your esteemed self must be the newly arrived Fellow Daoist Han.

At nearly the same time, Han Li swept his spiritual sense past the old man to discover he was a mid Deity Transformation-stage cultivator. He couldnt help but raise a brow at the old man.

Who are you Fellow Daoists and why are you making a commotion? Han Li coldly asked.

The old man was enraged by Han Lis rude demeanor as his cultivation level was a level above his.

But when he recalled that Han Li was an ascended cultivator, he forcefully suppressed his rage and wore an artificial smile, I am Huang Bao. Leader of the twenty-seventh squad. Ive come here because I have some matters to discuss with Fairy Xu. Itd be best if you didnt interfere.

I have nothing to say to you. Fairy Xu gritted her teeth, This matter only concerns your disciple. Shouldnt Senior stop interfering with this matter and making this bigger than it is?

What? Didnt Fairy Xu miss an appointment with my disciple? Since you didnt say anything, he had requested others to help him. If you have the skill, you can look for help. Otherwise, disaster will befall your Xu Clan. The old mans voice turned cold and he gave the woman a deathly stare.

My affairs have nothing to do with the Xu Clan. Senior cant involve the unrelated. Fairy Xu couldnt help but betray her anger.

The old man laughed. How are they unrelated. The moment you made an agreement with my disciple, the Xu Clan were made witnesses. If you dont keep your word, I will have to seek out the witnesses.

Fairy Xus face paled even further and she glanced in Han Lis direction. Although she didnt say anything, her plea for help was beyond obvious.

As for the green-eyed man, he wore a helpless expression.

Han Li stroked his nose and calmly asked, What was the agreement?

To tell the truth, if it wasnt for the fact the woman was a descendant of Fairy Ice Soul, or the fact they had some friendship between them, he wouldnt have asked.

With his status, he showed his intention to involve himself upon asking that question.

The old mans expression faintly changed.

The dwarf rolled his eyes and chuckled, Its quite simple. I wanted to marry Fairy Xu, and the Ice Crystal Sword is of incredible cold. She promised that if my treasure could withstand a strike of her sword without freezing over, she would agree to marry me. I had already done that, but she planned on reneging her word and has hidden here since.

Is this true? Han Li asked her.

It is true, but something was done to my magic treasures. Otherwise, an early-stage cultivator like him wouldnt have been able to endure my strike. She wore a furious expression and couldnt help but glance at the old man.

Although the old man didnt say anything, his eyes betrayed a trace of smugness.

Regardless of the region, you werent able to freeze over my Green Wave Blade! Now, youll have to agree! The dwarf giggled.

Fairy Xu remained silent with an extremely icy expression.

An icy glint appeared in Han Lis eyes and he imposingly said, So it was like that. However, I dont believe that your magic treasure can withstand her Ice Crystal Sword. Demonstrate this right now. If it is true, I will turn a blind eye to this matter. But if it isnt, I will ask you two to leave. This is the quarters of the fifty-sixth squad, not the seventh-seventh.

Senior, I…

Good, then let it be so. I hope Fellow Daoist Han can remember his own words.

When Fairy Xu heard this, she was greatly shocked. She thought to say something, but the old man agreed with glee.

Because Han Li was an ascended cultivator, the old man was unwilling to incur any grudges over this incident.

The dwarf tactfully spat out a green flying sword and had it circle in front of him, a sinister smile clear on his face.

The flying sword shined dazzlingly with incredibly light. It appeared to be of no small matter.

Han Li narrowed his eyes and blue light flashed from his eyes, clearly seeing through the surface of the sword.

This so-called Green Wave Blade possessed two entirely different concentrations of spiritual power. One was weak, while one was incredibly strong.

It was clear something had been done to this treasure.

Oh, its nothing much. I just cultivated a bit of lightning, so I am curious about this item. Han Li fiddled with the lightning branch and calmly asked, What did you plan on trading this for?

When the old man heard that Han Li thought about purchasing it, the old man was startled and gave Han Li an appraising glance. He hoarsely said, I have yet to find a true use for the lightning wood, so its price is hard to estimate, but it is lightning turned wood. How about this? Recently, Ive wanted to refine a Sky Essence Pill, but Im missing a five-thousand-year-old medicine herb. If you can give it to me, the wood is yours. Of course, I wont refuse top-grade spirit stones if you have them.

How did you know I have medicine herbs? Han Lis heart trembled and his expression behind the white mist sank.

There is no need to be shocked, The old man softly said, Ive cultivated a minor ability that grants me an extraordinary scent of smell. During your trade with the demon woman, I caught a whiff of a medicinal scent coming from that wooden box. It belonged to a three-thousand-year-old medicinal herb. If you can easily take that out, then it is likely you can bring out a five-thousand-year-old medicine herb.

Han Li was left speechless.

He heard Buddhist sects grand techniques were able to strengthen a cultivators five senses. Legend mentioned myriad distant sight, flawless hearing, penetrative sights like his Brightsight Spirit Eyes. From what he said, his abilities mustve reached an inconceivable realm mentioned only in rumors.

Having realized this, Han Lis expression relaxed and he slowly said, That is so. Since youve pointed it out, I do have such a medicine herb. Take a look and see if its suitable.

Han Li had no intention of bargaining. He raised his hand and white light flashed. He tossed a narrow wooden box over to him.

The old man was surprised. He didnt think that Han Li would truly agree to his condition. He happily took the box and took a quick glance at its interior before covering it back up.

Not bad, a genuine five-thousand-year-old spirit herb. I can use it. The old man happily said.

Han Li smiled and his hand blurred, putting away the branch. Then he saluted him and silently departed.

In front of old cunning foxes, the less said the better.

After he left the hall, he took another trip through the market, but with his spirit treasures and countless medicine herbs, there was little that could temp him. Several hours later, he returned to the huge stone pagoda.

When he walked in his squads seclusion room, Han Li waved his hand, striking at the door with a spell seal. He didnt wish to be disturbed.

But Han Li still wasnt at ease. He raised his hand and released several differently-colored streaks of light that disappeared into corners of the room.

His two hands formed a spell seal and a white barrier of light appeared on the walls, thoroughly protecting him from view.

As a result, Han Li was able to take a seat on the meditation mat and take out the half-foot-long lightning branch.

It was only about as thick as a thumb, but its color was exceptionally green. There was also a fine vortex pattern on its surface, but on closer inspection, it looked more like a flame.

He hadnt closely inspected the branch while he was in the Profound Zenith Hall. Now, he brushed his finger lightly past every inch and he closed his eyes.

Underneath the branchs surface, the wood was brimming with violent lightning. It was inconceivable for such a thing to have solid form.

As he mulled over this, he opened his eyes once more and azure light flashed from his hand. He injected some spiritual power into the branch.

The branch trembled and the magic power came back to him, completely repelled.

A trace of astonishment appeared in his eye and he poured in magic power with more force.

The branch trembled and a layer of white light appeared on it. It clashed with the azure light from Han Lis hand, appearing entirely incompatible.

A while later, a slight drone sounded from the light.

Han Li frowned and he waved his hand, vanishing the azure light.

It was clear that forcefully injecting more spiritual power into the branch would cause it to explode.

With Han Lis experience, he had other ways of examining it.

He grabbed the branch and released several arcs of golden lightning onto it.

The lightning jumped on the branchs markings and remained completely still.

Han Li didnt appear dejected. If this branch was easily researched, its previous master wouldnt have sold it at such a low price.

Han Li then tossed it into the air, where it immediately floated in suspension.

He flicked his finger at the branch, and a golden swordlight flew out and chopped at the center of the branch.

A deep clap of thunder sounded. White light arced out and the branch was easily split into two. It then gently fell to the ground.

Han Li then reached out for the two halves and took them into his hand.

Han Li swept his gaze past them and saw silver light shining from the split ends.

Blue light shining from his eyes, he closely looked at it and discovered that the so-called silver light was actually countless thin arcs of lightning waved together in some sort of pattern. It formed an inconceivable design.

It was meticulous and complex.

If it werent for his spirit eyes, he wouldnt have been able see through it.

In the blink of an eye, a layer of green wood immediately formed over the cut ends, creating two independent branches.

Han Li was truly shocked by this.

Controlling lightning and condensing it together was originally something he considered a skill of his. But lightning of this elaborate detail was beyond his abilities and something he never considered.

This was countless times more complex than his nets or condensed balls of Divine Devilbane Lightning. And those methods already required an outstanding degree of control with his spiritual sense.

Han Li took the branches in hand and lowered his head in thought.

Suddenly his gaze flickered and he flicked his finger at once of the ganches.

Golden light flashed and it was again cut into two.

This time, Han Li was prepared and his spiritual sense stirred. He looked at the bared silver opening.

Blue light brightly shined from his eyes and he completely focused on the branchs opening.

This time, however, the designs of the lightning from the opening was vastly different.

A short moment later, the opening was covered again by green wood.

He slowly closed his eyes and began to think about what he saw.

Suddenly, his finger flicked and another piece of the wood was split open. Again, a completely different pattern was revealed and he looked at it with complete focus.

Soon, the branch half was cut into countless small pieces, all lying on the ground.

As Han Li began to show a face of understanding, he spat out a thin swordlight and cut through the center of the other branch half. In a flash of silver light, it split into two even pieces.

He closely examined it once more and he released countless more golden streaks, splitting the wood into thin pieces.

The thinnest pieces were like paper.

Even so, the lightning wood remained extremely stable. It clearly contained a fearsome amount of lightning to not burst out.

Han Li suddenly flipped his hand and took out a white jade slip.

He held onto the jade slip and began to imprint all the patterns that he saw.

Finally, he let out a long breath.

Even with his astonishing level of memory, the many meticulous and complex patterns would be difficult to remember.

With that freed up from his mind, he began to comprehend the lightning designs.

For some reason, why he saw the lightning patterns, he felt a grasp of it, knowing the patterns had to do with the formation of the lightning wood.

He sat down for an entire day, unmoving as he completely looked at the patterns.

Suddenly, Han Lis eye stirred and he flicked his finger. Lightning rang!

A streak of golden lightning shot out and immediately burst, scattering into countless thin arcs.

He chanted an incantation as fingers began to flick through the air.

The arcs of lightning stopped and suddenly condensed together. They began to weave into a strange design, faintly resembling what Han Li saw from the branch.

Just as it was about to take the form of cloth, it ruptured.

The weaved lightning disappeared like a firecracker.

Han Li let out a deep sigh and he couldnt help but show a trace of disappointment, but excitement was still strong in his eyes.

His thoughts were correct. The golden lightning cloth he weaved with the lightning patterns possessed a vague power.

It was a shame that he made an error in weaving the cloth, leading to its eruption before he could research it.

Han Li took a deep breath and he twisted his hands together. A dense bolt of golden lightning shot out, letting out a rumbling sound.

It burst into countless thin arcs of lightning and condensed together again. The threads now appeared in far greater number.

Han Li curiously examined the items on display and swept his spiritual sense past them.

The branch had extremely thin wood spiritual Qi, but it also possessed an intense lightning-attributed power as if it was formed from lightning. He was astonished by its existence.

This immediately reminded him of the Heaven Lightning Bamboo.

But even ten-thousand-year-old Golden Lightning Bamboo didnt possess such fearsome lightning power. Its Divine Devilbane Lightning is usually well restrained.

As for the crimson gem, it let out a fishy scent as if it were the inner core of a beast, but he couldnt tell its origins.

Han Li looked at this with some interest, but after a moment more, he quietly left to another vendors booth.

He then arrived at demon vendor with head-sized chunks of black ore that gave off a chill.

…

Han Li slowly paced through the hall and looked at what was on display. He would occasionally stop and take a close look.

From start to finish, he hadnt said a word as if he were ignoring the vendors entirely.

Han Li quickly looked through all the items on display, but he found himself somewhat disappointed.

Although all the items were rare enough, there was nothing that truly tempted him.

Although these items have come from the wilderness, there were unfamiliar items and would only be useful to an odd few.

Han Li swept his gaze around. Just as he thought about whether he should leave the hall, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.

The white mist around him blurred and he suddenly turned around. The footsteps then came to a stop as if in surprise of Han Lis quick reaction.

The person was a demon cultivator as they were covered in black Qi. They had a slim body and was examining Han Li.

They were both hidden by secret techniques. Apart from a faint silhouette, nothing could be made out.

Is there anything you want from me? Han Li calmly asked.

Did you not find any suitable items, Fellow Daoist? A pleasant female voice spoke from the black cloud.

Yes, I havent found anything that caught my interest. Why did you ask me that?

It appears this is your first time at the Profound Zenith Hall. In truth, apart from what is put on display the truly good items are found in private exchanges, the woman calmly said.

So it was like that. But wouldnt it be easier to find a suitable customer if one showed it in the open? Han Li said with a frown.

So you dont know, Fellow Daoist, or youre being deliberately dense. Even with the concealment pendants and banners, it is still easy to tell one apart. Furthermore, some items are quite provocative so it isnt best to have too many people know about it. Alright, thats enough for now. Do you have any items you wish to trade? The womans impatience seemed to grow colder out of impatience.

So long as you have good items, I am willing to trade. However, I must ask why did you seek me out. Han Li said.

Its rather simple, the woman said with an indifferent tone, I was able to tell that you were most likely someone new to Deep Heaven City when you were closely examining the vendor items. Although our cultivation is restricted, I can tell on closer inspection that you are most likely a Deity Transformation-stage cultivator. You are a suitable person to trade with me, and you werent the first person that I sought out. Tell me what you have that is suitable for a demon. Apart from a few of my own items, Ive also been entrusted to several items by my comrades. Thats why you take out all your good things.

When Han Li heard this, he smiled.

I do have a few things that are suitable for demons. But can I take a look at your things first?

Hmph, the woman coldly chuckled, I have spirit medicines, materials, a few human magic treasures and ancient treasures. What do you want?

Han Lis eyes wandered for a bit and he asked, I dont need any finished goods, but I am interested in materials. Do you have any True Toad spirit blood? I require it.

The woman paused and immediately shook her head, True Toad spirit blood. Hehe, you sure know how to pick them. True Toad Liquid is not only useful to humans but demons as well. No one would be selling it in the Profound Zenith Hall.

If thats the case, then do you have any five-thousand-year-old gold grass and… Han Li didnt pay any mind to the womans mocking tone and promptly listed other materials that he lacked from his pill formulas.

When she heard Han Li, her face turned unsightly. When Han Li was finished, she gloomily said, Dont delude yourself. Those materials are for cultivation progression pills. They are all found in the wilderness, so our demon clan is lacking them as well. We definitely wouldnt be trading those to humans.

Han Li wasnt disappointed by her words and calmly proposed, There is no need to be anxious. I dont even need the right year of the herbs. Saplings and seeds will do as well. I am even willing to trade at cost.

After some hesitation, the woman said with a doubtful tone, In that case, it could be possible, but it is also troublesome as I dont have any of those right now. Let me see what you have.

So long as you can gather them together, I will trade with you the next time I am here. Han Li said with a happy tone.

Yes, but this is something that I must take a look at first. Even if seeds and saplings are commonly scarce when few people wish to buy them. But in case I do find them, what will you be giving to me? I wont be considering spirit stones, even high-grade ones. The woman said with an arrogant tone.

When Han Li heard this, he sent her a voice transmission with a calm expression.

What? You actually have ten-thousand-year-old spirit herbs? The woman trembled inside the fog and she spoke with delight.

Han Li smiled and said, So long as you can find the items I require, I will give them to you.

After her delight passed, doubts filled her mind. Why dont you make medicine pills with those herbs? Why do you want to trade with me?

Please dont ask too much about my circumstances. If you feel that it is suitable, please do your utmost to gather those materials. The next time I come here, I will trade with you. Consider this one to be a down payment. Han Li soon swiped his hand over his storage bracelet and took out a half-foot-long wooden case and casually handed it over to her.

The woman in the black Qi was startled and unconsciously reached out for it. Her expression wavered and she quickly brushed her spiritual sense past the gap in the wooden box.

She yelped and took a long look at the item in the box. Then she slowly opened the lid and her expression turned solemn.

Are you truly planning to use this as a down payment. Dont you fear that I will take it and wont return? The woman coldly said.

This is a trifling three thousand year old herb. With your status, you arent going to do something like that. Additionally, this is a display of sincerity to guarantee your business. So long as you bring those medicine herbs to me, Ill definitely leave you satisfied. He said with a neutral tone.

She flipped her hand and put away the box. Then, she confidently said, It seems you are sincere about the deal, but items you want cant be gathered in a short amount of time. I will need several years to gather the three medicines.

Good, I await good news. Pleased, Han Li saluted her.

To him, a medicine herb of several thousand years wasnt valuable. It was a cheap price to gain her trust. Furthermore, Han Li was confident that his promise of a ten-thousand-year-old medicine herb was enough to have her find his items.

Since Han Li was unwilling to attract too much attention to the human side of the city, this was a suitable method.

The woman nodded and wordlessly left.

Han Li narrowed his eyes to look at the slender silhouette through the black mist. Suddenly, he began to walk to the exit on the human side.

But when he walked past the first human vendor, his eyes were drawn onto the branch once more and he unconsciously stopped. After some hesitation, he walked over.

Could you tell me about the origins of this item? Han Li walked over to the vendor and reached out for the green branch. He then stroked it with his finger.

The origin? I saw heavenly lightning strike dried spirit wood. Afterwards, it grew alive and turned into this spirit wood. I dont know anything about its origins or usage. A hoarse, aged voice spoke from the white mist.

Han Li flipped the branch several times and muttered, Heavenly lightning turned wood. How surprising.

Hehe, rare indeed, the old man chuckled, However, I wont hide this from you. This item contains potent lightning power. Even if you forcefully refine it, you wont be able to use it for tool refinement. I wanted to see if the demons were interested, but it seems you are too!

Han Li rejoiced at being able his wanted items with ease.

He sat in a simple bamboo chair and sipped on some spirit tea in a leisurely manner.

A while later, the middle-aged shopkeeper came back with a storage bracelet.

When he arrived in front of Han Li, he swiped his hand past the storage bracelet and took out a white and a blue jade slip. He then took out a large assortments of boxes and bottles, placing them on the side of the table.

Then he respectfully stood there and waited.

Han Li swept his gaze and summoned the two jade slips into his hand before immersing his spiritual sense into them.

The Clearjade Pill and the True Toad Liquid, Han Li muttered to himself. He frowned and withdrew his spiritual sense.

The Clear Jade Pill was acceptable. It used rare medicinal herbs, some of which he hadnt heard before. A majority of the herbs had to be at two or three thousand years of maturity, but they were considered quite common. As for the True Toad Liquid, it was rather odd. The liquids primary ingredient was the spirit blood of an ancient beast in the wilderness called the green-eyed toad. It had common supplementary ingredients. While both could be used by Deity Transformation-stage cultivators, the Clear Jade Pill was only useful to early Deity Transformation-stage cultivators. It had diminished results in mid-stage cultivators.

The True Toad Liquid is much stronger but was more suited for late-Deity Transformation stage cultivators. If used at mid stage, the overbearing medicinal power could pose a great risk.

With his eyes shut, he began to think about the medicines usage, refinement and portioning. Then he opened his eyes and examined the boxes and medicines on the table.

As the middle-aged shopkeeper said, he lacked about half of the materials required for the medicines. The toads spirit blood obviously wasnt there.

Han Li stroked his chin and asked, Are the missing ingredients something I can purchase at other shops? Since the True Blue-eyed Toad is an ancient beast from the wilderness, it should be difficult to find.

The required materials for the Clear Jade Pill doesnt really need medicines of the right maturation. It can be refined even with plants of lesser age, but its effects will be lacking. They can be acquired so long as Senior has enough spirit stones. As for the toads spirit blood, it is a truly rare material. Although it will go on sale occasionally, it will be immediately bought. There are one of the most in-demand materials for large medicine stores. It wont be easy for Senior to acquire this item. However, there will soon be an auction where it might be sold.

So it was like that. I want those items. After some consideration, Han Li nodded.

Many thanks for your business, Senior. I will give you the bill. Two pill formulas is a hundred thousand spirit stones, the three stalks of five thousand-year-old gold herb is… With a smile, the shopkeeper hastily spoke and began to list out the prices of the items on the table.

Han Li simply narrowed his eyes as he listened, betraying nothing from his face.

After the time it took to finish a cup of tea, Han Li calmly left the medicine store and entered another store nearby.

As such, he began to stroll through all the medicine shops nearby as if planning to visit all the medicine shops on the street.

In other medicine stores, Han Li gathered together eight other useful pill formulas, but they required materials that were even harder to obtain that the spirit blood of the True Blue-eyed Toad. Han Li had no choice but to put them off. So long as he could acquire the required materials for these medicines, he would spare no money.

However, he wouldnt gather extremely expensive materials, but seeds or young stalks.

This way, Han Li could acquire large quantities of materials without bankrupting himself.

As a result, he acquired all the medicinal herbs he required for the Clear Jade Pill and more. After he matured the herbs using the spirit liquid, hed be able to start refining the pills.

Of course, it wasnt easy to refine medicine that could be used by Deity Transformation-stage cultivators. With his attainments in pill refinement, he may need to take multiple attempts to make a pill.

With Han Lis small bottle, he had unlimited attempts, so he had nothing to worry about.

As for the True Toad Liquid, it was something he required.

He would have to purchase it in the coming auction.

Han Li felt somewhat apprehensive.

But before the auction, he would need to acquire more spirit stones. He was currently lacking them, so he would have to trade for more.

In the spirit realm, spirit stones were abundant, causing the price of items to be several times more than in the mortal realm.

Of course, even with more spirit stones in the mortal realm, it would still be impossible to acquire the ingredients needed for Deity Transformation-stage pills.

Han Li with confident that with enough medicine pills, he would be able to advance a grade without a problem.

Having come to that conclusion, he quietly entered an empty corner of a street.

He looked around him to see that no one was looking and a series of cracks sounded from his body. He shortly transformed into a large man with a purple face.

Afterwards, Han Li strut into a large store by the name of the Revival Hall.

In the markets of the spirit realm, thousand year spirit medicines werent as rare as in the mortal realm. But when Han Li presented several stalks of medicine at eight thousand years of maturation, the shopkeeper exchanged them for an astronomical sum of spirit stones without any hesitation.

Han Li grabbed the spirit stones and nimbly departed. He didnt stay in one place for long in order to avoid attention.

Han Li didnt depart from the city. Instead, he walked past several streets and took note of the various magic tools, treasures, materials, and talismans that were on sale.

As a result, he had gained much experience.

It was clear the spirit realm was filled with abundant materials. The quality and might of treasures here far exceeded that in the mortal realm. Even larger stores had fantastical spirit treasures on sale.

As for talismans and secret seals, they were even more fantastical, much to Han Lis surprise. They were beyond the mortal worlds talismans.

There were several talismans among them that were written in silver runes.

The majority of these talismans were either assistive or defensive, with hardly any offensive types among them. The few he saw held astonishing prices. But there were talismans with a silver silhouette that caught his interest.

Han Li asked all the store owners about it and came to know that they all came from the Heaven Spirit Region. These silver rune talismans were puppet talismans.

One can summon the puppet phantom that is inscribed in the talisman. Its abilities and might depend on the refinement quality and the skill of its user.

It was said that the finest puppet talismans could even mimic the cultivation and techniques of its user. It was a rather practical talisman.

After he was finished, his heart stirred and he couldnt help but think of the damaged jade book remnants in his possession.

The talisman attainments it detailed also mentioned the refinement method for a puppet talisman, but he hadnt researched it. As the selling cost of these talismans was incredible, hed have to take a proper look at them.

With that in mind, Han Li bluntly looked for too talisman stores and picked up the materials he needed to refine silver rune talismans in large quantity.

With that done, Han Li leisurely made his way to the auction site, the Profound Zenith Hall where human and demons mixed.

Although the auction was still two days away, he wanted to take a look at what the demons were trading.

After all, demon clan hadnt participated in human auctions.

In order to prevent any clashes from occurring in the hall in the middle of business, human cultivators that wanted to trade needed to carry a palm-sized jade pendant.

So long as the jade pendant was on their body, it would immediately conceal them in a white mist and would also restrict the users cultivation. In addition, if anyone in the hall used their magic power, the grand formation in the hall would not only restrict their abilities, but it would also teleport them outside. They wouldnt be able to enter for a short time.

The demon clans side had a black banner that hid their appearance in a demon cloud as well.

In addition, there were four Spatial Tempering-stage gold guards from both races standing at guard. There were also ten dark azure guards preserving order on either side.

Such power naturally prevented anything unwanted from occurring.

In order to enter, Han Li had to pay a large number of spirit stones. He took a jade pendant from the guard and put it on his waist, producing a white mist around them. Then he walked down a long corridor and through a large gate.

As a result, he arrived in a large hall over a kilometer long with an exact door on the other side.

There were over a hundred white and black balls of mist in the hall, each representing a human or demon.

There were thirty of them sitting cross-legged on the ground with several items laid out in front of them. They were all silent.

Most people stood by the vendor stalls, carefully examined items, or had quiet discussions with the vendors. There were also blurs occasionally spotted in the hall. From time to time, people who hide in a corner and have their secret discussions there.

Han Li stood in place and looked at his surroundings. He then wordlessly walked over to a nearby vendors booth.

The vendor was hidden in a silver mist, showing he was human.

Placed in front of him were two odd items.

One of them was a faint green and resembled a branch. The other was a sparkling crimson stone about the size of a fist.

When the green-eyed man arrived near the Essensefused Mountain, he held out the gourd to the transparent beast underneath.

With a light toss, the gourd spouted out a silver mist in midair, and the mist circled around the huge mountain. It suddenly turned into giant silver characters, entering the body of the huge beast in an instant.

As silver light enveloped the entire monster, its figure quickly shrunk to the size of a fist.

But strangely enough, the Essensefused Mountain shrunk at the same speed as the transparent beast, denying the beast any chance of escape.

The gourd then released another wave of silver mist that enveloped the shrunken beast.

Meanwhile, Han Li pointed from far away and the small black mountain slowly rose into the air, allowing the beast to be absorbed in the gourd.

The green-eyed man hastily put a lid on the gourd and stuck a golden talisman on top of it, finally letting out a sigh of relief.

The others had already withdrawn their magic tools and landed on the ground. But when they looked at Han Li, it was with newfound respect.

The recent battle clearly displayed that their squad leader possessed unfathomably profound abilities. He was by no means an ordinary Deity Transformation-stage cultivator.

While they were overjoyed by this, they also felt a degree of awe.

Take another moment to rest before we continue.

Having taken the mountain back into his sleeve, he simply gave the squad a short word. He walked aloofly to the side and sat down with his eyes closed.

Naturally, none of the others raised any objections. They also spread out and took a moment of rest to recover their magic power.

Fairy Xu, however, remained standing.

After some brief hesitation, she walked over to Han Li and curtsied, Many thanks for Seniors assistance. My Ice Crystal Sword wouldve been destroyed otherwise.

Han Li opened his eyes and gave the woman a probing glance, An Ice Crystal Sword? You mustve refined it from Myriad Year Profound Jade.

Fairy Xus heart trembled, Senior has great wisdom. The primary material in my sword refinement is profound jade!

Han Li slowly asked with a flicker of his eye, Since you use a sword of extreme cold, your cultivation art must also be ice-attributed. Can I ask if you know a person?

Please go ahead, Senior! After a brief pause, Fairy Xu immediately agreed.

Han Li stared at her twinkling iris and continued in sound transmission, There was an ancient cultivator by the name of Fairy Ice Soul. She was an ascended cultivator who practiced techniques of extreme cold. Do you know this person?

When he looked at the woman, he felt an air of familiarity. Upon closer inspection, he found that her eyes appeared to be the same as Fairy Ice Souls image during the opening of the Spirit Void Hall in the North Night Palace. There was a striking resemblance.

Although it was only an image, Fairy Ice Souls irises were flowing with light like twinkling stars. The remarkable sight had left a deep impression on his memory.

Now that he saw the woman cultivated ice-attributed techniques and used a treasure refined from profound jade, he decided to ask her out of curiosity.

Fairy Ice Soul? That was a deceased ancestor of my Xu Clan! Did Senior know her? Could it be Senior also came from the same lower realm!? Fairy Xu quickly replied in voice transmission with complete shock.

Hehe, I definitely didnt know her, but I did benefit from what she left behind in my lower realm. Brushing the rest off with a laugh, he asked, Hm… Why isnt your flying sword completely refined from Myriad Year Profound Jade? Its magic power wouldve been raised by at least another half.

Shocked at Han Lis connection with her ancestor, she soon recovered and replied, Senior must be joking. The Myriad Year Profound Jade might not be as valuable as the top-grade materials found in the wildlands, but it is still very difficult to collect. The profound jade in my flying sword was all purchased at extravagant cost.

Han Li ran through his thoughts and said, So thats the case. I happen to have some Myriad Year Profound Jade on hand. Its enough for you to fully refine the flying sword. Since Fairy Xu has a connection to Fairy Ice Soul, Ill give it to you. This can be considered as returning the favor! He swiped his hand through his storage bracelet and summoned a footlong jade box into his hand before handing it over to her.

Many thanks, Senior! The woman appeared overjoyed and hastily uttered thanks. And when she opened the box, she gasped.

There were four fist-sized lumps of white rock, each emitting a white glacial light.

Not only was it enough profound jade to refine the flying sword, there was enough to craft a magic treasure as well.

A fiery gaze flashed through the womans eyes and she gave Han Li a deep salute after putting away the box.

Han Li waved his arm in a casual manner and resumed meditation.

Be it the Heavenvoid Cauldron, the Glacial Quintessence, or the glacial flames, they all seemed to be largely related to Fairy Ice Soul. Since he acquired much benefit from them in the past, helping out one of her descendants have relieved him of this debt, leaving him with less to worry about the next time he faces his inner demons.

Having acquired this valuable treasure, she tactfully ceased bothering Han Li and quietly departed.

The others naturally took notice of Han Lis actions with the woman from afar.

Seeing her obvious delight at the jade box, a large departure from her usually collected attitude, many grew curious, but none were so foolish as to directly ask them.

About six hours later, Han Li gave the command and they set off.

For the rest of their journey, they didnt discover any other foreign tribes. Having finished their patrol route, they arrived at a predetermined point and awaited the arrival of a Gold Court Boat.

The squad was then taken back to Deep Heaven City in two waves.

In their encounter, they captured a beast that was tamed by the Savage Beastman. When they handed it over to the Foreign Spirit Hall, they acquired a significant reward.

According to the rules, there was a half year of rest after each patrol and they finished their patrol assignment after a ten year period. Afterwards, the patrol area and route would change.

Because Han Li finished the patrol on his own for the first time, he was awarded an Earth Cleansing Pill and he promptly took it.

Soon after, the small squad arrived back at the hall and separated. The cultivators all bid their farewells to Han Li before taking off.

Just as Fairy Xu was about to depart, she said, Senior Han, in two days, there will be a triannual auction for items found from the wilderness. You might want to take a look at it.

Han Li raised his brow and asked, Items from the wilderness? Are you interested in it too?

Senior must be joking. One must be at Deity Transformation-stage in order to participate. As I am only a trifling Nascent Soul cultivator, I dont qualify. In addition, each item is bid at extraordinary prices. They arent something I can hope to afford. Perhaps you might find some luck. She said with a wry laugh.

Thanks for telling me, Fellow Daoist. Ill be sure to take a look. Han Li said with a neutral tone.

Seeing that Han Li received her friendly tip, she respectfully bid farewell.

Han Li glanced at her back and unconsciously narrowed his eyes. frewbovel.cm

In truth, even if the woman hadnt mentioned there was an auction, he had no intention of immediately leaving the city.

Ever since he arrived in the spirit realm, he didnt have an opportunity to acquire suitable pill formulas and medicines. He originally planned on doing so after he finished the patrol. Now that there was an auction happening, he may as well take a look along the way.

After all, he already knew of the inconceivable reputations about items from the wilderness.

With that in mind, Han Li calmly departed from the huge stone pagoda and flew to the location of the market as noted on his map.

The Deep Heaven City Market was extremely large. It had about every rare material from the three human realms and seven demon lands.

The occasional appearance of wilderness items aroused even more activity.

Both city guards and outsiders freely wandered the markets.

But what was most astonishing was the huge light barrier that separated human and demon clans, splitting them into two areas.

At the very heart of the city, there was a huge hall that let to an area where both humans and demons could trade materials or wilderness items.

After all, there were items that werent useful to either humans or demons, but were possibly valuable to the other side.

As for the auction, that would take place at a side chamber in the hall.

In a streak, Han Li landed in a street in the market, next to a medicine shop, and casually walked in.

Senior, what are you looking for? Although my shop may be small, I have many medicines.

The shop wasnt large. There were a Core Formation-stage middle-aged shopkeeper and two Foundation Establishment servants. There were no other guests.

When they saw Han Li walk inside with his dark azure armor, the shopkeeper smiled and personally stood up to welcome them.

Are there any pill formulas and spirit medicines that can progress ones cultivation? Han Li bluntly asked.

For a Deity Transformation cultivator? I have two pill formulas, but many of the required materials are too precious to be held in my store. When the shopkeeper heard there was business, his spirits were roused.

Han Li frowned and said, Oh, then go ahead and take out the pill formulas. Ill take a look.

Yes, please wait a moment Senior. Ill have it right out. The shopkeeper respectfully said. He then gave the order to a servant and hastily gave Han Li a seat with tea. Then he headed into the back of the shop.

A Savage Beastman! Quickly kill him! We cannot allow him to join with the beast. When they saw this strange person, Daoist Priest Man shouted in terror.

When the others heard this, they were aghast.

Without another thought, they released rarely seen ancient treasures in streaks of light.

In a moment, the beastman and the ancient beast was pelted by attacks.

Han Li saw that his subordinates were truly fearful of this foreign tribe.

To the confusion of the cultivators in the squad, Han Li still hadnt taken action. As the beastman was on the verge of transformation, he continued to float in the air with his hands behind the back, leaving the fight completely to them.

As the cultivators felt somewhat stressed, the beastman suddenly counterattacked, blocking them from asking Han Li.

The beastman let out a strange laugh and its shoulder blurred, creating a yellow tornado in the direction of the cultivators. As for the ancient beast, its body began to turn exceptionally green, soon extended its tentacles.

They spread out in green blurs, striking at the air along with the tornado.

Regardless of the magic treasures attacks, be they lightning, flame, or swordlight, they were all swept into the tornado and disappeared. And when they were struck by the tentacles, they were repelled.

The cultivators acted in a panic, unable to cope with what was happening.

As Han Li looked on without lifting a finger, no one noticed the small silver fish in the pond had begun to form two orbs. They sparkled with silver light as if it in the form of silver eyes.

Meanwhile, the calm surface of the water began to violently stir, exposing a transparent ten-meter-large mouth. It had crystalline ice-like fangs.

The pond had turned into a monster with a transparent body.

At that moment the huge transparent monster stirred and pounced at Han Li in midair.

Not only was it transparent, but its movements were silent as if it were formless.

Han Li silently looked at the battle that was unfolding between the beastman as if he hadnt noticed himself being attacked.

Just as the transparent beast was ten meters away from Han Li, its silver eyes flashed and it bared its fangs at Han Li.

Grey light flashed from Han Lis back, and countless thin lines of Divine Essencefused Light directly shot at it.

Alarmed, the huge beast thought to dodge, but it was too late!

With the sound of pattering rain, the grey lines pierced through the huge beasts body and twisted, firmly wrapped around the beasts body.

Han Lis body then blurred, turning to the huge beast. With a brief glance, he opened his mouth and spat out a small black mountain.

It twirled in the air, surging several times in size until it was a three-hundred-meter tall mountain above the transparent beast.

The beast knew things were far from good and it promptly shook its body violently in an attempt to escape.

Unfortunately, it was a water-attributed beast. With a body of the five elements, it couldnt hope to escape the bindings of the Divine Essensefused Light.

The grey lines simply swayed a bit and tightened.

At last, Han Li uttered an incantation.

A roiling sound filled the air and the mountain dropped, crushing the transparent beast underneath.

The impact vibrated the air.

The mountain crushed the transparent beast into the earth, ensuring it was entirely trapped.

He then took an expressionless look at the beast.

However, a loud scream from behind him caught his attention and he slowly turned around with a frown.

The cultivators were still busy in their battle with the beastman, but when the beastman saw the transparent monster restrained by Han Li, it let out a panicked roar.

The beastman no longer controlled the tornado or tangled with the green-eyed man. Instead, he slapped the beast below him and quickly sank inside the giant beast.

Not good, hes about to merge with it. Quickly stop him! The large green-eyed man rejoiced at seeing Han Li silently restrain the other beast, but his face grew tense at seeing what the beastman had done.

Youth Ying and the others were all alarmed and poured as much of their spiritual power into their treasures as they could, doubling all their efforts into attacking.

But even without direction, the tornado still hindered their attacks for a time. In that delay, the skin of the huge beast shined with green light and bumps appeared on the surface of its body.

First a pair of legs, then hands appeared. Finally, its body lengthened and a bald head grew.

Under the control of the beastman, the huge beast turned into a black giant that was a hundred meters tall. Its body was covered in purple-black scales and it had ominous green lanterns for eyes.

When it appeared, it wordlessly raised its hand into the air and fiercely pounded down with black light flashing from its fist.

Booms thundered and a dozen magic treasures were crushed into dust. A majority of them, however, managed to escape high into the air with a wail.

Fairy Xu raised her brow and snorted. Only she deemed to continue her attack and pointed at her snow-white flying sword.

Letting out a keen ring, it turned ten-meters-long and blurred, instantly disappearing.

In the following moment, it reappeared twenty meters above the giant and fiercely chopped down.

She actually planned on beheading the giant in a lone effort.

But greatly against her expectations, the giant was incredibly fast despite its huge size. As soon as the sword moved, it opened its mouth and blew back the sword with a gale.

Soon, it firmly grabbed ahold of the sword with its black-purple hand.

A malevolent expression appeared on the giants face as it pressed its other palm against the sword.

It appeared to want to destroy the flying sword.

Fairy Xus face turned pale.

The sword was her personally bonded magic treasure. If it was destroyed, she would suffer backlash from her mental bond with it.

She was executing spell seals in utmost haste to free it, but despite its violent trembling and the series of white icy Qi, the giant kept its grip steady.

The giant took a deep breath. Just as it was about to press down, space fluctuated nearby. A dense beam of black light struck the giants chest.

In a baffling display, the attack seemed trivially small compared to its giant body, but its tumble several steps back.

The black beam of light only appeared for an instant, and from where it appeared followed a silver flame bird. The fist-sized bird dived at the giant with its wings spread.

Again, the difference in size was incredible, but it stepped back with a fearful expression upon seeing it. Rather than standing firm, it immediately turned around in a mad run.

The giant only took two steps before a sharp wind sounded from below the nearby ground. A dozen red threads flew out and surrounded the giants step. Red light glowed, turning into dense flaming ropes holding down the giants legs.

No longer able to move forward, the giant swiped down in furious alarm, wanting to break the flame ropes.

The silver flame bird never gave it the chance. It swooped forward at lightning speed and struck the giants back as a ball of silver flames.

A muffled crackle snapped, and silver fire spread as the giant was covered in oil. It spread quickly and lit it ablaze.

Yet unable to free itself, the giant could only scream in pain and swept yellow winds around itself, trying to extinguish the flames.

When yellow wind and silver flames touched one another, the wind itself seemed to be lit up. In only a few short breathes, the giant was thoroughly enveloped by both flames and ignited winds.

Soon, the screams stopped and the giant fell onto the ground. The body had been burned to a crisp, leaving no trace of the giants existence. freeebnovl.cm

The black beam of light had unexpectedly appeared afterwards and arrived where the giant once was. The entire scene was witnessed by the squad of cultivators.

Although Han Li already used his Spirit Devouring Flames once before on the sharp worms, it hadnt been in a display as fearsome as this. Now that the cultivators had seen it used on the helpless beastman, they were all mesmerized with disbelief on their faces.

At that moment, Han Li blurred, arriving above the silver flames and beckoning to it.

The silver flames suddenly condensed into a ball and returned back to him in the form of a firebird. As for the fire ropes, they returned into his sleeve in read threads.

Han Li swept his sights to the transparent beast being suppressed by the Divine Essensefused Mountain, and said, Take back the Savage Beastman and have the Foreign Spirit Hall deal with it when we go back to the city.

Yes! Junior Ma will immediately retrieve it! The heart of the large green-eyed man trembled and he acknowledged the command. Then with a flip of his hand, he released a white gourd.

The gourd was inscribed with large quantities of silver runes. It is a specially refined magic tool meant for temporarily detaining foreign beings.

Regardless of the tribe of their many abilities, so long as they arent at true spirit grade, they can be captured by the gourd.

Of course, the beastman had now lost its strength and was completely motionless. It no longer put up a resistance.

The Floating Dawn Swamp was worthy of its ominous reputation.

For some unknown reason, when they entered the swamp, Han Lis spiritual sense couldnt spread past three hundred meters away. There wasnt much one could do to protect themselves from the illusory fog.

But what was most troublesome was the strange Sharp Worms lurking in the dripping sludge.

These worms had centipede-like limbs and body, but countless slender sharp mouths lined its body, all capable of spitting venom that can corrode magic treasures and devour a cultivators protective light.

If it were only one or two, they wouldnt have caught their attention, but these types traveled in groups. Ever since they entered the swamp sludge, tens of worms would simultaneously emerge, all of them about three-meters-long and capable of flight.

Naturally, each time a group of them were disturbed, the squad would scramble to respond.

If they werent given a patrol assignment, they wouldve simply flown over the swamp so they didnt have to deal with the sharp worms.

As a patrol squad, they needed to examine traces of foreign tribes which was impossible to do if they flew high in the air. They were only able to fly at low altitudes.

As such, worm attacks became commonplace but there wasnt anything that could be done to prevent them.

There was even one time when they disturbed a huge number of worms, provoking over four hundred worms from the swamp.

If it werent for Han Lis Divine Essensefused Light, they wouldve swarmed the squad and inflict heavy losses. Instead, the light suspended the worms in midair where they were incinerated by spirit fire.

Initially, they had doubts about Han Lis abilities since they hadnt seen him use them prior, but now, they felt far more at ease.

Of course, the Floating Dawn Swamp had other dangers than just the worms.

There were the ancient Silverhead Beasts that were fond of concealing themselves in the dense jungle. They were able to separate their heads from their body and have their various body parts split, launching different attacks. Han Li found them difficult to deal with.

Fortunately, the beasts movements were slow and the area was difficult to traverse. So long as the squad flew out of their range, the beasts couldnt pursue them.

As such, they werent nearly as dangerous as the sharp worms.

But soon, Han Li and the others came to have a deep understanding as to why the Floating Dawn Swamp was the named the grade one patrolled area.

They had to maintain a heightened level of vigilance nearly the whole time. If they werent careful, they could suffer injury.

Under these circumstances, two weeks passed in the blink of an eye. The squad maintained their vigilance, but they didnt discover any traces of foreign tribes, much to the relief of those in the squad.

The tense atmosphere in the squad eventually eased up.

One day, a group of cultivators in the squad were holding the Foreign Spirit plates in their hand while flying for most of the day. Even high-grade cultivators couldnt help but tire from this. After all, one needed to remain vigilant on patrol and would cause much strain on their mind.

At that moment, they arrived in front of a clear pond three hundred meters wide. There was a small pile of rocks at the pond side with a row of slender green bamboo growing from it. It was a refreshing scene one would find in a painting.

Their spirits were roused.

The large green-eyed man exchanged a glance with the others and he drew close to Han Li. He respectfully said, Senior Han, this place seems quite good. How about we rest for a moment before we continue the patrol.

Thats fine, but be careful. First, take a look if there is anything strange, Han Li calmly said.

On their assignment, Han Li rarely gave orders and was welcoming of the squads proposals.

This caused the distance between Han Li and the squad to unconsciously become closer.

Of course! The green-eyed man said with a smile. He then waved to the others behind him.

Two old men and the pair of women spread out quickly flying in the circle. With no reaction from the Foreign Spirit Plate, they landed next to the scattered rocks near the pond with relief.

They couldnt stay too long, so they simply found a clean area for themselves to sit and rest.

As a Deity Transformation cultivator and someone who cultivated the Great Development Arts, the patrol hadnt taken much strain on his mind. He hadnt joined them as a result, and simply took a leisurely stroll around the pond as he glanced around.

The pond wasnt very deep, but its water was very clear.

Inside the water swam a finger-sized silver fish that appeared harmless.

Han Li frowned when he saw this and unconsciously raised his head and turned to look at the dozen stalks of bamboo.

A few winds seemed to be blowing nearby, but they didnt cause much sound, adding to the serene atmosphere.

The squad cultivators were sitting either at the edge of the water or next to the bamboo forest, all still.

Han Li then turned his glance at the mirror-like surface of the water and muttered to himself for a moment. His eyes became narrow for just a moment. He slowly turned around and lifted his leg in the direction of the bamboo forest.

But in that brief instant, Han Li flicked his fingers hidden inside his sleeves. Red lights flashed and ten red lines sank into the ground.

This all occurred silently and without a trace.

When Han Li slowly walked towards the bamboo forest, he stopped in front of it and looked at it with a calm gaze.

This action seemed somewhat bizarre.

The youth surnamed Yin and the woman surnamed Xu couldnt help but open their eyes when they detected this strange action and gave each other a strange glance.

However, Han Li ignored them and his gaze soon became ice cold. He opened his mouth. A golden light shot out and chopped through the green forest in a crack of lightning.

Then with a crack, a bowl-thick stalk of green bamboo was split through the middle.

Yi! The youth surnamed Yin yelped in shock.

Fairy Xu also looked with wide eyes.

But before they could process what happened, an incomprehensible scene occurred.

A fountain of dark green liquid spouted from the opening of the split bamboo, spreading an incredibly fishy smell in the air.

What was even more astonishing was how the earth rumbled at nearly the same time. A painful roar shook the ground and the green bamboo trembled, turning into thick hair-like tentacles and fiercely striking at Han Li.

As if he could allow such a simple attack to hit him. He disappeared in a blur and appeared above the water, coldly looking down at dancing tentacles that attacked him.

The cultivators that were resting nearby were startled by this sudden change and soared into the air in panic. They even released several of their bladed weapons to strike the tentacles.

When they saw that Han Li chopped off one of the tentacles, they unconsciously took the action lightly.

However, they wholly didnt expect for the tentacle to give a strange metallic clang upon impact, easily repelling the weapons.

In the astonishment of the other cultivators, they also thought to attack when the grey stones at the side of the pond suddenly turned black. The scattered stones twisted together to form skull-sized black scales. They belonged to a huge ancient beast.

The beast appeared round, but one wasnt able to see its nose or mouth. However, there were thin tentacles on its back that were over thirty-meters long. It seemed to be lying hidden next to the pond. The bamboo was a transformation of its flesh.

Cultivators seemed to have been resting on the surface of the beast. It had used some sort of unknown ability to conceal itself not only from their spiritual sense but also from their Foreign Spirit Plate.

Attack! Han Li shouted from the air.

The cultivators felt their hearts trembled and they immediately released their treasures. For a time, various-colored light shined in the air and engulfed the huge beast in a torrent.

The ancient beast had no intention to flee. Rather, the tentacles on its back hurriedly danced, turning into a grey blurs of light, blocking the attacks on its body.

Whenever a tentacle blocked an attack, a rumbling explosion sounded and it fiercely blocked the magic treasure. Regardless of where the treasure struck, they were bluntly repelled, preventing any attack from striking at its true body.

The youth surnamed Ying coldly snorted, clapped his hands together, and raised them. A ball of red and yellow light appeared in each hand, suddenly releasing a hail of fist-sized lightning fireballs upon the beasts face. As for Fairy Xu, a cold silver light glowed from her body and wildly flashed, producing countless ice-attributed balls of lightning.

The two types of lightning flames seemed to merge and created astonishing momentum. A deafening boom resulted, creating blinding lightning, completely enveloping most of the beast.

When the others saw this, they couldnt help but smile.

At that moment, Han Li had yet to take action and was merely observing his subordinates attacks.

Hmph! A bone-chilling snort sounded from the direction of the lightning fireballs.

An otherworldly wind suddenly blew from underneath them.

The wind was hazy and shook, circling itself a few times before stirring up a tornado. It completely swept up the lightning fireballs.

A series of explosions could be heard within the tornado, resulting in both the tornado and lightning flames disappearing.

Youth Ying and Fairy Xu were both greatly alarmed. The others also appeared deeply shocked.

A strange person appeared on top of the huge beast.

The person had green flesh of some unknown hide. It had no clothes, a bald head, and nostrils, but its eyes lacked any emotion.

But what was more strange was that the legs underneath his thighs merged with the huge beast as if they were one and the same. feewenve.com

You have a sharp discerning eye, Senior Han. Unfortunately, Ive been stuck at this cultivation base for several hundred years already. Im not sure if Im going to be able to take that final step before my lifespan runs out, the Daoist priest replied with a wry smile.

Han Li gave him a faint smile in response, and didnt say anything. He pulled the red jade slip off the small golden sword before examining its contents with his spiritual sense.

The other three cultivators waited patiently off to the side.

Moments later, Han Li withdrew his spiritual sense from the jade slip and uttered the name of a place.

Floating Dawn Swamp!

What? How could it be that place?! Zhuo Chong exclaimed upon hearing this. Dongguo Feng and the Daoist priest were also shocked by this development.

Why? Is there something wrong with that place? Han Li asked with furrowed brows.

Thats an understatement! That place is regularly frequented by beings of other races, and many of our fellow Daoists perish there every year! Its an extremely perilous place, Zhuo Chong explained in a grim voice.

And well be the only squad patrolling this place? Han Li asked with a hint of surprise on his face.

That most likely wont be the case. The Floating Dawn Swamp is an extremely massive place, even if we fly non-stop, itll still take us half a month to fly a lap around it. Generally speaking, there would be four or five squads patrolling the place at once, Daoist Priest Ma explained.

If were not the only squad there, then we have nothing to complain about. Well just need to take extra care, Han Li said in an indifferent voice.

Senior Han, you wont be aware of this, but two years ago, Leader Xuan Guang of the 12th squad was attacked by Shadow Tribe beings in the Floating Dawn Swamp, and he perished on the scene along with two of his companions, Senior Xuan Guang was already a mid-Deity Transformation cultivator at he time! Dongguo Feng explained with a fearful expression.

Is that so? Han Lis expression finally changed slightly upon hearing this.

Right at this moment, the sound of footsteps rang out from the passageways on either side of the hall as a few more people emerged.

Among them were five men and a woman, two of which were elderly men, two of which appeared to be a middle-aged couple, and the remaining two were a young man who appeared to be in his late teens, as well as a boisterous-looking burly man.

These were clearly the squad members who had been meditating in the silent cultivation chambers, and they had emerged clearly because they had somehow been alerted to the arrival of the messenger sword.

All of them were naturally rather surprised to see Han Li before extending respectful bows toward him following introductions made by Zhuo Chong.

Han Li naturally responded politely in kind.

After sweeping his spiritual sense through these squad members, he took an extra glance at the teenager, who introduced himself as bearing the Ying surname.

This was at the pinnacle of the late-Nascent Soul Stage, just like Daoist Priest Ma and Zhuo Chong.

Surprisingly, the two with the lowest cultivation bases were the pair of elderly men.

After learning of the fact that they were being deployed to patrol the Floating Dawn Swamp, all of them also became quite concerned.

Alright, we cant change the orders issues by our higher-ups, so well just have to be more careful in the next few years. Lets set off tomorrow, make sure youre all prepared for our journey by then. Han Li issued a few instructions before making his way into one of the passageways.

He then found a silent cultivation chamber for himself and settled in there. Han Lis nonchalant reaction made all of the cultivators present even more concerned. Everyone turned to Zhuo Chong in the end.

The young man who appeared to be in his teens asked, Brother Zhuo, did you inform Senior Han of the perils of the Floating Dawn Swamp?

Of course I did, but it appears that he hasnt really taken me seriously. Zhuo Chong heaved a faint sigh.

We have no choice in the matter anyway. The order was issued by the panel of elders, what are we going to do? Resist the orders? the woman among them said in a resigned voice.

Obviously we cant resist the order, but we have to at least alert Senior Han to the perils of the swamp so he can treat the situation with more caution. If we really encounter those powerful beings from foreign races, we have to at least be prepared, Daoist Priest Ma said with a concerned stroke of his beard.

Zhuo Chong was silent for a moment before saying, Theres no need to be overly concerned, everyone. The Floating Dawn Swamp is indeed quite a perilous place, but truly powerful beings from foreign races are still quite rare there. On top of that, due to how dangerous the swamp is, well receive a handsome reward for our efforts, and well be able to take a long rest after this patrol mission. As long as we can survive these next few years, well most likely be assigned to less dangerous areas thereafter. Youve all heard what Senior Han said, go back and make preparations for our journey tomorrow.

No one else had anything meaningful to contribute to the discussion, so they could only depart amid a rather gloomy atmosphere.

At this moment, Han Li was seated with his legs crossed within the silent cultivation chamber, and there was faint golden light shimmering all over his body. He appeared to be in deep meditation, but there were golden halos flashing erratically behind his head, creating a rather bizarre sight to behold.

A day passed by in the blink of an eye.

When Han Li opened his eyes again and emerged from the silent cultivation chamber, Zhuo Chong and everyone else was already waiting there for him. All of them immediately rose to their feet and extended respectful salutes at the sight of Han Li.

Han Li waved a hand before turning his gaze toward a beautiful female cultivator.

This woman appeared to be in her twenties, and her pristine fair skin was almost translucent. Her eyes were shimmering like a pair of bright stars, and Han Li was struck by a sense of familiarity when he looked at her, as if he had seen her somewhere before.

A hint of surprise flashed through Han Lis eyes upon making this observation.

Senior Han, this is Fairy Xu, shes the direct lineal descendant of an ascended cultivator, Daoist Priest Ma introduced with a smile.

Han Lis heart stirred upon hearing this, but he merely nodded with a calm expression.

The female cultivator also seemed to have a rather cold and aloof personality, and she only extended a clipped greeting toward Han Li before falling silent.

If everyones here, then lets set off.

Han Li didnt delay any longer as he led everyone out of the hall, heading directly toward a teleportation stone hall nearby.

This hall was guarded by another group of cultivators, and there was a golden ark situated within the hall, but there was no need to make use of that treasure seeing as the teleportation was only going to be over a relatively short distance.

After handing over his identification badge for examination, their squad split up into groups of three or four to be teleported in separate bouts.

Amid three successive flashes of white light, all 11 members of the squad were teleported out of Deep Heaven City and appeared in an unfamiliar place. After shaking off the rush of dizziness from teleportation, Han Li inspected his surroundings, and his brows furrowed slightly.

They were situated within a small stone chamber with a one-way teleportation formation underfoot. There were all types runes carved into the walls, all of which were flickering and seemed to have been enshrouded under a restriction.

Daoist Priest Ma and the other cultivators that had been teleported to this place in advance were waiting for them outside of the formation.

Han Li made his way out of the teleportation formation in an unhurried manner before striding toward the door of the stone chamber. He then pulled out his azure jade pendant and waved it at the door.

A burst of azure light immediately shot forth, and the runes on the door flickered before it was slowly opened, revealing a passageway leading upward that was around 10 feet wide.

Han Li immediately shot forth into the passageway as a streak of azure light.

His 10 subordinates also hurriedly unleashed their movement techniques in pursuit. Not long after the final person left the stone chamber, spiritual light flashed from the door, and it slowly sealed shut again. Meanwhile, Han Li had already emerged from the passageway and was standing in the air above a small mountain, surveying his surroundings from his vantage point up above.

They were currently situated within a set of bleak and barren mountain ranges. Around 50 kilometers behind them, a vast expanse of white light could be seen, beyond which lay a massive city wall. Even from such a long distance away, everyone could still see the astonishing spiritual light flashing from the runes on the city wall. freewbnoel.com

Han Li appraised the city wall for a long time with a contemplative look on his face.

As far as he was aware, the wall of Deep Heaven City that was facing the primordial world had no gate. Any humans or demons wishing to access the city from this side had to do so through the teleportation formations within the city.

With this arrangement, the restrictions placed on the city wall would prevent beings of foreign races from being able to infiltrate the city.

However, Han Li wasnt interested in that. Instead, he turned his attention toward another direction.

There, he was greeted by the sight of a string of lush mountains, all of different sizes. A scene of peacefulness and tranquility was portrayed, making it quite difficult to believe that the place was situated within the primordial world.

According to the map, the so-called Floating Dawn Swamp was around 5,000 kilometers away from this place. Due to the special terrain there, cultivators spiritual sense were impaired, which made it the perfect place for spies from foreign races to survey Deep Heaven City from afar.

As such, Deep Heaven City had no choice but to deploy groups of cultivators to regularly patrol the area. However, all of the spies from the foreign races were quite powerful and were especially proficient in concealment techniques. As such, many humans regularly fell prey to these beings and perished within the swamp.

This was why it was regarded as one of the most dangerous areas to be assigned for patrol duties, and all cultivators on patrol duty prayed that they werent assigned to this accursed place.

However, Han Li had been deployed to this area, so he had to take extra care during the next few years.

With that in mind, he glanced at the group of cultivators behind him as he instructed, Lets go.

Thus, their squad of 11 flew into the distance as streaks of light.

A distance of just over 5,000 feet was certainly not difficult to cover for a group of cultivators at or above the Nascent Soul Stage. As such, it didnt take long before Han Li caught sight of their destination in the distance.

A turbulent green light appeared in his field of vision first.

After drawing closer, Han Li managed to identify that this was not some green line, it was instead a vast expanse of murky mist.

He slowed down slightly as he flipped over a hand, upon which a special formation plate appeared over his palm.

Han Li pointed a finger at the formation plate, and a layer of red light immediately lit up over its surface. At this moment, all of the cultivators behind him also brought out identical formation plates and did the same thing.

These formation plates were known as Foreign Spirit Plates, and were treasures assigned to all cultivators from Deep Heaven City on patrol duty. The treasure could allow them to detect the presence of beings from foreign races within a certain distance.

The limitation of this plate was that its detection effect was only applicable toward a single direction, but with so many plates summoned at once, all of which were focusing on different directions, they proved to be quite useful.

Thus, Han Li and his group carried the formation plates in their hands as they slowed down and carefully ventured into the mist.

Soon, all of them had disappeared.

Han Li used the second Nascent Soul to inject some information about language and cultivation arts slowly into the Weeping Soul Beasts spiritual sense. Thankfully, he was able to do this with this second Nascent Soul as a medium. Otherwise, no other Deity Transformation cultivator would dare to adopt such an injection method.

After a while, the black-robed Han Lis wooden eyes gradually became clearer, seemingly having attained a lot of knowledge.

Han Li withdrew his hand seal before waving a hand toward the beast.

The second Nascent Soul immediately flew out of the Weeping Soul Beasts, yet the spiritual light shimmering from the former had dimmed significantly, looking as if it had expended a lot of energy during that process.

The Nascent Soul swayed before disappearing into Han Lis body again.

You understand what Im asking you now, right? Han Li asked.

The Weeping Soul Beast blinked, and only after a long while did it reply, Im imitating Masters form, but I can transform into other forms as well.

Even though it had attained a lot of knowledge, the Weeping Soul Beast was still like a newborn infant, so it didnt even know how to lie. Furthermore, it had been nurtured by Han Li for a long time, and its attempt to escape from Han Lis control was only an unconscious resistant reaction. After attaining intelligence, it no longer had any intention to resist Han Li, and had become extremely respectful toward him instead.

That was why it had decided to transform into Han Li for its first transformation.

Through his connection with the Weeping Soul Bead, Han Li could roughly glean what the Weeping Soul Beast was thinking, and a faint smile appeared on his face. He opened his mouth, and the Weeping Soul Beast disappeared down his throat as a wisp of black smoke.

Can you show me your transformation technique? Han Li was feeling rather curious about the Weeping Soul Beasts abilities.

The black-robed Han Li nodded before letting loose a sharp cry. All of a sudden, it tore apart the black robes as thick long fur sprouted all over its body, At the same, it swelled drastically in size, transforming into a massive black ape around 20 feet tall in the blink of an eye.

Han Li raised his eyebrows upon seeing this.

So its so-called transformation technique was just to switch back to its original form?

Just as a hint of disappointment was welling up in Han Lis heart, the giant ape suddenly let loose a loud harrumph as gusts of Yin winds and countless arcs of black lightning were swept up around it.

Immediately thereafter, its body expanded once again!

The fur all over its body began to turn red as three twisted horns slowly sprouted from above its head. A bulge also appeared on its glabella, following which a crimson demonic eye emerged. At the same time, its face elongated, and its teeth turned into sharp fangs.

It had transformed into a malicious spirit akin to the image on the Weeping Soul Beasts back except it appeared to be even more vicious. Furthermore, its massive body was around 60 to 70 feet tall, and filled up the entire beast room.

What came as even more of a surprise was that three black bone spikes had appeared on the Weeping Soul Beasts back, each of which was around 10 feet in length. There was also black Qi swirling around these spikes, and he could clearly recall that the malicious spirit in the pattern on the Weeping Soul Beasts back didnt possess those spikes.

However, the Deity Transformation Stage ghostly monarch that the beast had devoured was able to manifest similar bones pikes with its hands, could it be that the two were somehow connected?

Just as Han Li was contemplating this notion, the Weeping Soul Beasts body suddenly transformed into a dark cloud before shrinking to become a small black monkey. Immediately thereafter, it jumped onto the black cocoon, tearing it into pieces before feasting on it in large chunks.

Han Li faltered slightly upon seeing this before a faint smile appeared on his face.

It didnt take long for the little monkey to devour the entire massive cocoon, following which it let loose an elated cry and leaped onto Han Lis shoulder, settling there in an intimate manner.

Han Li stroked the Weeping Soul Beasts furry head before stowing it away into his spirit beast bracelet.

After doing all that, he went to the nearby insect room to check on the Gold Devouring Beetles.

These beetles had reached half a foot in length each, and he was very excited to see this.

All of a sudden, he raised a hand, and azure light flashed as that small green vial appeared again.

He looked at the vial for a short while, stroking it silently with his finger.

Come to think of it, this mysterious little vial had become a lot more efficient here in the Spirit Realm.

In the past, it had taken seven days for it to produce a single drop of liquid, but that time had been shortened to three days in the Spirit Realm.

What was most surprising to Han Li was that the phenomenon manifested from the creation of the liquid at night had also been minimized.

In the past, as it basked in the moonlight, all types of strange phenomena would appear, but it only glowed with a faint white light under the moonlight now. Unless one was to inspect it from close quarters, it would be impossible to even identify the fact that it was glowing at all. Even if it didnt manage to catch someones attention, they would only mistake it for a low-grade treasure anyway.

Han Li discovered this after he recovered his magic power.

It was almost certain that the seven moons in the Spirit Realm as well as the increased abundance of spiritual Qi here were responsible for these changes.

This was naturally good news for Han Li!

Not only was he able to extract green liquid from the vial with increased regularity, it had also become more understated and nondescript. He could even use the small vial in public on some occasions and not be afraid of it being noticed by anyone.

Han Li contemplated the situation for a short while before stowing away the small vial. He also stored the Gold Devouring Beetles and Leopard Kirin Beast into his spirit beast bracelet before exiting the cave abode.

He knew that there were most likely people with their eyes on his plot of Spirit Land, so he naturally wasnt going to leave anything important behind in his cave abode.

Moments later, a streak of azure light emerged from within the five-colored mist, traveling toward Deep Heaven City.

Several days later, the streak of light passed over a massive city wall that was several tens of feet tall, thus arriving in Deep Heaven City.

On this occasion, Han Li was already familiar with this place, so he quickly arrived in front of the massive azure tower.

There werent that many cultivators making their way in and out of the tower at this point in time, and Han Li strode in in a leisurely manner.

According to what Zhao Wugui had told him, there was no hurry for him to go and report his plot of Spirit Land. Instead, he visited a place in the tower known as the Heavenly Armor Hall first, and was assigned a suit of Dark Azure Armor.

During his battle for the Spirit Land against the man with the Weng surname, his opponent had also worn a suit of this armor, and it was what had buffered the force of Han Lis punch in the concluding stages of their battle.

He then sought out one of the Black Iron Guards within the tower and inquired about the whereabouts of the 56th squad in the third team, and he headed directly over to that location.

After a series of twists and turns, he finally stopped in front of a mundane-looking gate.

Above the gate was a sign that read C56 in ancient text.

Han Li looked at the shimmering white restriction on the gate before flipping over his palm, following which an azure jade pendant appeared in his hand.

He waved the jade pendant toward the gate, following which a plume of azure light shot forth, and the white restriction on the gate was instantly dispelled.

With his other hand, he gave the gate a casual push, and it opened up quite smoothly.

He made his way through the gate and found himself in a spacious hall. There were some tables and chairs within the hall, as well as two passageways on either side of the hall, seemingly leading to someplace else.

At this moment, there were two cultivators clad in suits of black armor seated next to one another, discussing something in quiet voices.

Both of them immediately turned to Han Li with surprised expressions following his arrival.

Han Li cast his gaze toward the two men, upon which he immediately raised his eyebrows.

What a coincidence!

One of the two men was none other than the green-eyed man with the Zhuo surname who had taken Han Li to the Flying Spirit Palace.

A hint of recognition appeared on his face at the sight of Han Li, following which he hurriedly rose to his feet and extended respectful bow. Greetings, Senior Han. Could it be that youre our new squad leader?

Indeed, Ive been assigned the role of leader of the 56th squad. Ill be in your care from now on. Han Li smiled as he tossed his jade pendant casually through the air.

The mans heart jolted as he caught the jade pendant. He carefully inspected the jade pendant before returning it to Han Li in an even more respectful manner.

Zhuo Chong of the 56th squad pays his respects to the squad leader!

Seeing as Han Lis identity had been verified, the other man, who was a thin man that appeared to be in his thirties, also hurriedly rose to his feet. Dongguo Feng pays his respects to the squad leader.

Han Li waved a hand to brush aside the formalities before asking, Are you two the only ones here?

Aside from Daoist Priest Ma and Fairy Xu who arent here, our other fellow Daoists are all meditating in the silent cultivation chamber. The two of us are here on patrol. Would you like me to alert everyone to your arrival, Senior? Zhuo Chong asked.

Theres no need to disturb them. Ive only just arrived in Deep Heaven City and Im not too familiar with this place yet, so you can give me an introduction about our squad, Han Li replied with a smile.

Ill be sure to tell you everything I know, Senior, Zhuo Chong immediately vowed.

During the following period of time, he introduced all of the members of their squad to Han Li, then also elaborated on the patrol missions assigned to their squad.

Just as Han Li was listening to his introduction, a burst of golden light suddenly flashed before rushing into the hall, hurtling directly toward the three of them.

Zhuo Chong and Dongguo Feng glanced at one another at the sight of the golden light, but neither of them did anything. In contrast, Han Li casually made a grabbing motion, and the golden light immediately fell into his grasp as a small golden sword, attached to which was a red jade slip.

Before Han Li had a chance to extricate the jade slip, someone suddenly pushed open the gate of the hall from the outside. At the same time, the refined voice of a man sounded.

Hehe, was that a messenger sword from our higher-ups? Looks like Im not too late, after all… Huh? Youre… A graceful Daoist priest strode into the hall before faltering at the sight of Han Li.

Brother Ma, this is Senior Han, hes been assigned to be our squad leader, Zhuo Chong hurried introduced.

Senior Han… This junior pays his respects to Senior Han! A hint of surprise appeared on the Daoist priests face as he hurried over to Han Li before extending a respectful salute.

Theres no need for formalities, Fellow Daoist Ma. Looks like youve reached the pinnacle of the late-Nascent Soul Stage, which means youre only one step away from the Deity Transformation Stage. Thats very much worthy of celebration! Han Li carefully appraised the Daoist priest before a warm smile suddenly appeared on his face.