Автор: sergey

As the war unfolded, a storm roiled within the hill of stones inside Profound Jade Cave. A purple lotus enveloped Han Li as he held his hand in an incantation gesture. An exceptionally thin sliver of purple flames trailed into the huge light sphere in front of him.

In addition to Han Lis own flames, black, white, yellow, and green glacial flames shot into them, all of them coming from other cultivators that were sitting in their lotuses.

At the moment, these five cultivators had pale complexions and tired faces.

The surface of the light sphere was wrapped in wandering flames where a single silhouette was sitting cross-legged.

No longer an old dwarf, Master Arctic Dragon now appeared to be three meters tall and his age regressed to a man of thirty years at the peak of his health. However, his face still contained a strong resemblance to his former self. It was truly an odd sight to behold.

At the moment, pure immense essence pierced into his shoulders, abdomen, and nape in the form of sparkling silver blades. Through they were embedded halfway, they didnt leak even a drop of blood.

But what was most noticeable was the several various-colored light worms emitting from his half-closed eyes. The flesh from his body seemed to be a lair of them, as they continuously burrowed in and out from his flesh.

Each time a worm emerged, Arctic Dragons body trembled and agony briefly appeared on his face.

Under closer inspection, one would astonishedly discover that the worms were condensed from the different glacial flames. And each time the worms reemerged from his skin, it became smaller.

Once the worms shrunk to a certain extent, the light worm scattered in a bang. Immediately after, a strand of flame of an identical color would condense into another worm of light and burrow into Arctic Dragons body.

This scene continued repeatedly.

Also, there was an astonishing sight occurring right outside his Dantian. There was a three-inch-large Nascent Soul that resembled Arctic Dragon. It had its hands clasped in an incantation gesture and its body was covered in layers of flickering blue flames. The light worms seemed to ignore the blue flames and parted through them, only for them to enter through the Nascent Souls nose and leave through its mouth a moment later.

The Nascent Soul was expressionless and the flames pulsed from its body, adding an air of mystery.

After an unknown amount of time, the mans body violently trembled and he suddenly opened his eyes.

Han Li and the others seemed to have been given a sign and they all switched incantation gestures at nearly the same time. The huge light sphere above them collapsed into the various flames that originally formed it and were recalled to their original owners and the lotuses that surrounded each of the cultivators dissolved into air.

Afterwards, they took their medicine pills and they took out their spirit stones before entering a meditative rest.

This had continued as a cycle of several days over a dozen times over already. Each time, they would drain a majority of their magic power, but fortunately, they were rich with spirit stones and medicines and they were able to restore their power after only half a day.

When Han Li and company withdrew their glacial flames this time, Arctic Dragon closed his eyes as if meditating for the spell.

As time slowly passed, the old woman eventually opened her eyes and examined Arctic Dragon still sitting within the sphere of light. She let out a deep sigh, I truly admire Fellow Daoist Arctic Dragon for being able to bear through the pain of the cleansing of five flames. Although we are meticulously controlling the power of the flames, the pain must be worse than death itself. It seems youve cultivated a body forging technique of some sort or your body wouldve already collapsed. It would be impossible to survive relying on spiritual sense alone.

The azure-robed middle-aged man soon opened his eyes and smiled, Lady Long is truly knowledgeable. Senior Martial Brother Arctic Dragon didnt cultivate such a technique long ago. His body is far more durable than that of other cultivators.

No wonder! The grey-robed monk added with a solemn expression, However, weve nearly done everything we can, having already purified his essence several times with our flames. I figured that his body and Nascent Soul have already reached their limits and we are soon approaching the final stage. In two days, well find out if it is a success!

On the side, Han Li calmly stated, But the Profound Jade Glacial Qi inside the formation seems somewhat lacking. Well may need to halt it temporarily to replenish it.

Within the sphere of light, Arctic Dragon yelped with surprise, I didnt expect Fellow Daoist Han to understand the technique to this degree. Thats right, well need to gather more of the Profound Jade Glacial Qi than what we sealed in.

Han Lis heart trembled and looked in his direction.

At an unknown time, Arctic Dragon had stood up and his figure was slowly floating upward from the condensed glacial light. The five blades piercing into his body had disappeared at an unknown time, leaving not the slightest injury behind. His face betrayed an enchanting smile.

Han Li chuckled and casually answered, Really? That was only a guess!

While Master Arctic Dragon took out a blue robe from his storage pouch and draped it over himself, he continued, Brother Han already reached that level of understanding? How do you feel about my odds of success in breaking through this bottleneck? Are your thoughts any different than mine?

Maintaining a calm face, Han Li casually replied, You must be joking! The secret technique is your discovery. How can my understanding be greater than yours?

Arctic Dragon chuckled and said nothing else. With his body still floating in the air, he flicked his fingers and several spell seals shot out, fading into the light barrier surrounding them as soon as they appeared.

The spell formation let out a series of strange drones before suddenly coming to a stop.

The five pillars of light disappeared in the blink of an eye and their respective cultivators floated down from them.

With the barrier gone, the storm of glacial light swept in from the outside but the cultivators were already prepared. They once again enveloped them in glacial flames.

In the coming day, I will make slight revisions to the spell formation. Then, Ill gather back the glacial Qi. Take this opportunity to rest as I still need your help. If we truly succeed, I will agree to any of your requests, so long as they are within reason! Arctic Dragon stretched out his arms before saluting to Han Li and the others. He appeared completely sincere.

The old woman chuckled, Do not worry, Fellow Daoist Shi. Since weve already come to an agreement, well do our best. And if this technique is truly effective in progressing to Deity Transformation stage, we may try to make a similar attempt one day.

The monk calmly added, If any of us manage to enter late-Nascent Soul stage, there could be an opportunity.

Han Li nodded but said nothing.

Arctic Dragon wore a satisfied expression and loudly uttered his thanks, then moving on to make a few alterations to the spell formation.

Han Li and the other two outside cultivators returned to the room of Great Yang Essence Stone to rest. A while later, the azure-robed middle-aged man and Bai Mengxin followed suit.

Although they easily restored their magic powers, their spiritual senses felt drained after controlling glacial flames for several days.

A day quickly passed.

When Han Li and company left the stone room, Master Arctic Dragon was again meditating cross-legged in a sphere of glacial Qi at the center of the spell formation. The sphere of glacial Qi was several times larger than the day before.

It appeared he had done his due diligence. He had spent the entire day exposed to the outside.

Just as Han Li thought to examine the specific changes in the spell formation, he suddenly heard a strange sound from the monks mouth.

He looked behind him and saw that the monk was flying up in the air with an odd expression on his face.

His expression stirred and he quickly looked around him with a slight change in expression.

Not only did the exit to the cavern disappear, but the cauldron used to create it disappeared as well.

Fellow Daoist Arctic Dragon, what is the meaning of this? When the old woman saw this, she lost her calm and wore a vigilant expression.

Arctic Dragon remained completely calm and replied with a smile, Hehe, there is no need to worry. Because I dont wish for anything to disturb us, I sealed the exit for the time being. I suspect Ill also need to draw on the Celestial Blue Cauldrons power to make the breakthrough.

So it was like that! The monk and the woman exchanged a cautious glance. As for Han Li, he narrowed his eyes as he silently looked upward.

The atmosphere in the cavern became tense.

Arctic Dragon chuckled and spoke to the three outside cultivators with a pleasant face, It seems my actions have been inconsiderate and have caused you to worry. Its fine if I dont use the cauldron. How about I have the Celestial Blue Cauldron placed outside of the cave? I will still have to seal the entrance temporarily.

Soon after, he waved his sleeve and a cauldron wrapped in blue flames flew out from the cauldron and instantly flew a kilometer into the air, arriving just underneath the exit.

Although Han Li and the others didnt reveal it, they appeared much more at ease now that the cauldron was far out of reach from Master Arctic Dragon.

After a moment of thought, the old womans tense expression eased and she heartily laughed, Fellow Daoist Arctic Dragon is quite thoughtful! How could any of us harbor doubts of you? We were only curious. Now that were pressed for time, let us continue in having you break through your bottleneck!

Without betraying the slightest emotion from her voice or face, the silver-clothed woman said, In the past before Fairy Ice Soul ascended, she made use of her grand abilities to freeze over the Ice Depth Mountains for over a hundred years and forced us to avoid the North Night Palace cultivators to a certain degree. But after so many years have passed, I have no choice but to take action now that the matter relates to ascension to the spirit realm. Rather, isnt Brother Che worried about losing your incarnation after putting so much effort into developing it?

The child let out a cackle, If it is as you say, this trip will be well worth it even if there must be sacrifice. I only didnt expect for the most possible location for a spatial node to be located in spatial tear inside North Night Palaces Spirit Void Hall.

If it werent for the fact I sent men to investigate this several times, I wouldnt have personally taken action. After all, the North Night Palace is quite powerful. They will not be easily destroyed.

The silver-robed womans eyes flickered to the boy, A spatial node would only be able to continue to exist until now in a spatial tear as large as the one inside Spirit Void Hall. Ive heard you say that youve already checked the other area and found nothing? If we find nothing here as well, what do you plan on doing from now on?

The boy was silent for a moment before letting out a cold laugh, Its very simple. Ill just continue in my search for spatial nodes. In the past, the ancient cultivators managed to find it for themselves. Why cant I do the same?

But we do not have much time left. It is said you were the descendant of an ancient demon from the Spirit Realm. Not only are your abilities vast, but your lifespan is much longer than other demon beasts. But even you must feel your time running thin after all these years. Didnt you already use a secret technique to seal your true body and prolong your life?

Again, why do you ask something you already know the answer to? The childs expression sank as if hurt by what she said.

The silver-robed woman sighed and looked at the grand formation in the distance with a lost expression, You cant continue to ignore the problem. You dont have much time left. A few days ago, I acquired information about the Five Dragon Seas. Eccentric White Deer had perished from age. He is a descendant of a heavenly spirit beast and cultivated ever since the ancient battle against the cultivators.

Ordinarily when ones lifespan becomes bleak, they seal their true body, but that is life without purpose, leading to an unavoidable death.

With a strange light flowing from the Thats why I am willing to take any risk to find any spatial nodes. If Fellow Daoist Phoenix is willing, how about we work together?

Lets wait until after you find the spatial node! North Night Palace will not be so easily defeated!

Please dont worry about that, Fairy Phoenix. In the past, our Myriad Demon Valley have launched attacks several times against their city of ice, forcing the human cultivators to hide in Spirit Void Hall each time. Well be relying Well be relying on your abilities to use the spatial tear in Spirit Void Hall.

That reassuring. Our Ice Phoenix Clans innate abilities to tear space shouldnt disappoint you! The woman replied with a smile.

At that moment, only those three demons spoke. All of the other demons didnt dare to open their mouths as if they had forgotten they were there.

The child faintly smiled and thought to say something when his expression changed and he raised his head to look into the distance.

The old man and the woman sensed something an instant later and turned to look with amazement.

They felt a wave of astonishing spiritual pressure surge from within the glacial mist, soon stretching beyond them.

In the next moment, a bell ring overlapping with a dragon roar filled the air.

The grade eight and nine Ice Sea demon beasts escorting Fairy Phoenix became disoriented from the sound.

However, those from Myriad Demon Valley felt completely fine. They looked at the Ice Sea Demon Beasts with confusion.

As the silver-robed woman was a grade ten demon beast, the bell had little effect on her. But when she heard this, she let out a furious shout, The Sea Calming Bell!? That is one of the treasures of the Ice Sea Clan. So it had fallen into the hands of Fairy Ice Soul at the time!

When the old man the child heard this, they exchanged a glance and revealed their surprise.

Nevertheless, whatever effect the bell had on the metamorphosed Ice Sea demons only lasted for a moment.

The affected demons released their demonic Qi and released their protective treasure, immediately vanishing the influence of the bell rings apart from some lingering dizziness.

When the white-robed woman saw this, her tense face somewhat relaxed, but her body soon blurred as something came to mind and she immediately soared up in a ball of shining light.

Soon after, shining light ruptured in the air, releasing countless fine streaks that soon disappeared.

A moment later, the light faded and the woman floated down onto the ice mountain with a pale complexion.

The old man frowned and slowly said, Did anything happen? Fairy Phoenix used quite a bit of magic power to conduct a search with her spiritual sense.

The woman snorted and an icy glint shined from her eye, At the same time the North Night Palace use Sea Calming Bell, a large number of cultivators were sent to slaughter our low-grade demons. Although I could only sense a small area, a large number of them have already been slain.

Truly? The child pensively asked, Long ago, I did hear of such a strange treasure existing that would disable the bodies of ice-attributed demon beasts. Could that have been the Sea Calming Bell? How did that fall into the hands of those human cultivators?

She let out a deep sigh and recovered her No, that treasure is nowhere as powerful as was said from the legends. It is only a replica of a spirit treasure. Grade eight demon beasts and above are barely affected by it as they can block the effects of the bell rings with their magic power. But lower-grade demons will greatly lose their strength. The treasure had mysteriously disappeared when Fairy Ice Soul froze over our Profound Depths Island.

The old man twirled his beard and asked, It seems Fairy Ice Soul left it behind as one of the methods to restrain your Ice Sea Clan. What do you plan to do now, Fellow Daoist Phoenix? Will you send anyone to save your subordinates?

After mulling over the matter, Theres no point. The effects of the Sea Calming Bell lasts for only a moment. By the time we arrive, it will already be too late. Even if all of my subordinates perished, it wouldnt harm the strength of my clan. And that is impossible in the first place. With the aid of the Sea Calming Bell, itll be lucky if they can even kill half of them.

Nevertheless, I will remember this despicable act. Listen well. When we enter the North Night Palace, we will exterminate all of the low-grade cultivators that remain outside of Spirit Void Hall!

The Ice Sea beasts accompanying her all let out a grunt of acknowledgment.

The child chuckled and said, That is fine. Lets start by breaking the formation. Our Myriad Demon Valley low-grade followers will be completely unaffected. So long as the glacial Qi disperses, well lend our strength. But before then, well need to destroy their grand formation first. Then, he opened his mouth and spat out a ball of black Qi, unveiling itself in front of them as a small grey formation flag.

When the silver-clothed woman saw the flag, her heart stirred and she quickly examined it.

The flag was only six inches large and was enveloped in a layer of grey light. Phantoms of countless demon beasts revealed themselves from the flags surface. It was entirely silent, running contrary to their ferocious images.

The silver-robed woman looked at the banner before glancing at the child, Could that be your valleys Myriad Demon Banner?

The child proudly said, Fellow Daoist Phoenix is quite perceptive! It has been soaked in the demonic Qi for tens of thousands of years. Its power is beyond imagination. Although my incarnation will not be able to display the full power of the banner, with your assistance the grand formation shouldnt last more than a few days!

He pressed his hands together and struck the formation flag with a gray spell seal.

Grey light flourished and the small banner whirled in the air. The myriad of demon beast phantoms it revealed violently stirred.

When the silver-robed woman saw this, she nodded and shouted a command. The demons escorting her soared into the air and spat out mist or magic treasures.

The old man expressionlessly let out his own chain of orders as well.

The Myriad Demon Valley members flew high up and released their treasures.

In the following moment, demon winds nearly enveloped half the sky.

The child bellowed in laughter when he saw this, but his face soon grew tense, uttering a cryptic incantation.

The Myriad Demon Banner grew massively in conjunction to the incantations.

The chants continued for the time it took to finish a cup of tea. In that time, the flag pole turned meter-wide and became a towering three-hundred-meters tall. Each of the demon beast phantoms on the banners surface appeared true to life and flew

Go! The child let out a thunderous shout and urged the spell to activate.

Violent roars deafeningly roared from the phantoms on the banners surface, each of them emitting demonic Qi from their mouths. The clouds of it clashed against the white glacial Qi enveloping the air. The metamorphosed demons displayed their might as well and charged forward.

At the same time, a dozen silhouettes appeared amidst the glacial Qi, hidden within the grand formation. Their hands lit up with light before rushing to confront the demons.

In the blink of an eye, the war was about to unravel.

Several near-transparent demon beasts flew at the top of the white snowstorms and stealthily moved forward in the winterland.

These were demon beasts were known as Glacial Imps, born from glacial Qi. Although they were only grade-six demon beasts, they ruthless cold that froze the air posed little threat to them. Rather, they moved through it with vigor, much like a fish in water.

Suddenly, the Glacial Imp leading them stopped. Its several eyes opened on both of its sides as it doubtfully looked in a certain direction within the snowstorm. The other imps had stopped and done the same.

Suddenly, the sounds of tearing air sounded and several red threads broke through the winds. At incredible speeds, they penetrated the imps.

With the sharp cracks of their demon cores splitting into two, the imps lifelessly dropped to the ground.

At that moment, a silhouette slowly emerged from within the storm, a female North Night Palace cultivator who wore a white cloak.

Her emotionless eyes observed the fluttering snow for just a moment before blurring out of sight once more.

…

In an area fifty kilometers away, there was a six-meter-tall figure with an ox head. It was walking across the sparkling surface of a frozen lake.

A pair of pitch-black horns jutted from its head and its fur flickered with blue light. It carried a huge saber on its back and his buttocks twisted in a ridiculous clumsiness as it walked.

But if a human cultivator were to see this demon beast, they wouldnt be laughing by any stretch as the figure was grade seven demon beast on the verge of metamorphosis.

Due to North Night Islands fully-activated restrictions, all demon beasts below grade eight were forced to tread through the ground, resulting in those less skilled in movement techniques to move forward at a snails pace.

Suddenly, the huge saber on the demon beasts back blurred and seemingly disappeared from sight.

A huge boom soon followed, along with a miserable cry.

A wide and immensely deep cut had appeared on the surface of the lake.

The bull-headed demon then began to leisurely examine it.

In the blink of an eye, mists of blood spouted from the cracks as well as a bisected corpse. From its clothes, it appeared to belong to a disciple from North Night Palace.

The disciple used ice movement techniques to move underneath the lake in preparation to ambush the demon, but he was seen through and was executed in a single strike.

With a trace of savage cruelty on its face, the demon reached out with its hand and summoned the corpse half into its grasp.

It widely opened its mouth and chomped down.

In the time it took to finish a cup of tea, the corpse-half filled the demons stomach to satisfaction.

Similar scenes of slaughter occurred throughout North Night Island, of low-grade demon beasts being ambushed and cultivators being devoured.

However, all battles taking place were against low-grade demon beasts and cultivators at Core Formation-stage and below. Nascent Soul cultivators and grade-eight demon beasts, however, didnt seem to notice these battles as one side stayed inside their city of ice and the other rushed through the snowstorms.

It wasnt that the high-grade demon beasts didnt want to kill the palaces low-grade cultivators, but rather, it was difficult to find them amidst the snowstorms and activated restrictions, not to mention these cultivators were skilled in various evasion techniques.

A few of these North Night Palace cultivators even wore particular magic tools that concealed their scent, making it even more difficult to discover them.

Even if these demons managed to kill a few cultivators on occasion, it would do little to affect the war as a whole. It would be better for them to conserve their strength for the upcoming battle. Every sliver of magic power is significant in a battle of life and death after all.

When the many demons drew close to the city of ice, the beautiful middle-aged Elder Liu was sitting inside a hall in the Hidden Arctic Dragon Boundary. Sitting across from her were two rows of North Night Palace elders, all of them listening to the reports of a white-clothed palace disciple.

The disciple respectfully said, Of the hundred high-grade disciples that were dispatched, thirty-seven of their lifesoul tiles were shattered. From the information weve acquired, there were a hundred twenty-seven demon beasts killed, a majority of them being from the Ice Sea. weve already dispatched the second wave of disciples. It should take about two hours before they group up with the first wave.

After a brief pause, Elder Liu commanded, Thirty-seven disciples have already perished in battle. It should be about time for them to be a few thousand kilometers from the city. Notify Elder Ye that the Sea Calming Bell will be used in two hours. Well be inflicting heavy losses on the low-grade demon beasts. It would be greatly troublesome if we allowed a large number of pests to bother us.

Yes, Palace Lord! A white-haired elder with a child-like face immediately waved his hand and released a sound transmission, sending it out of the hall.

The woman then Junior Martial Brother Ding, make sure the grand formation is fully activated. I suspect that using this treasure will incite the high-grade demon beasts out of grief for their lesser brethren.

Yes! The other elder flew off as soon as he gave his reply.

In addition, youll need to inform the disciples outside of the city to be careful. The suppression of the Sea Calming Bell will only last a half-hour at most. After that, itll be over a hundred years before well be able to use it again. After the elapsed time had passed, the disciples are to immediately return to the city and seal off the secret teleportation formations. We cant have the demons use them to invade!

As you command!

With a string of commands uttered, the other elders began to move and carry out her orders.

…

Hundreds of kilometers away from the icy city, a large group of high-grade demons arrived on top of a small ice mountain.

They were at the very edge of the North Night Palaces protective grand formation. As they looked at the glacial mist flying in front of them, the metamorphosed demons wore a solemn expression.

These demons clearly belonged to two groups. One group numbered about a dozen and were surrounding a tall old man and a short child. The other group consisted of over twenty and were escorting a slender silver-clothed woman.

But oddly enough, these demons all looked quite ordinary. Apart from a few discrepancies in their appearance, they were no different than human cultivators. And even stranger was how each group looked at each other with contempt.

The larger group of demons wore hateful expressions and clothes made of fur. There were even those that left their chest uncovered.

They carried a large assortment of weapons in either their hands or back. They also hung storage pouches made of hide on their waist. While it was unknown why they didnt keep their weapons there, these demon beasts emitted violent intent as they gazed at the other group.

The two groups of demon beasts faced one another with a clear gap between them.

But if any cultivator were to come across them, they would fearfully run away.

They were all metamorphosed demon beasts at grade eight and higher. The old man, the child, and the silver-clothed woman, in particular, were grade ten demon beasts.

Such power would likely be able to instantly crush any of the ten great sects of the Righteous or Devilish Dao. High-grade demon beasts were already more powerful than their equivalently-ranked cultivator counterparts.

The black-robed old man amongst them had a stern and squarish face with spirited eyes, his grey hair faintly glowed with azure light, overall producing an aura of self confidence.

Next to him was the boy that appeared seven years old with a delicate, nearly otherworldly appearance. His irises were faintly red and he wore a faint smile.

The silver-robed woman facing him had snow-white skin and beauty capable of toppling nations.

However, this gorgeous woman was escorted by many formidable high-grade demons, who didnt dare to meet her gaze. They looked down as if in fear.

The old man said with a chuckle, Fairy Feng, I didnt expect that these North Night Palace cultivators were truly willing to attack. They actually released the glacial Qi they were accumulating for nearly a thousand years. Ill have to see how they respond when they encounter another great enemy in the future.

The womans expression stirred and she coldly said, Fellow Daoist Qing, why do you ask despite knowing the answer? The North Night Palace cultivators do not know that our objective this time isnt the Glacial Quintessence, so it is natural for them to hold nothing back. Otherwise,

The child then opened his mouth and spoke with an aged raspy voice, However, I am quite surprised to see that Fellow Daoist Feng had personally made an appearance. For over two thousand years, youve entered seclusion in the icy depths.

The silver-robed woman shifted her gaze to the child and calmly said, If it were for anything else apart from passage up to the Spirit Realm, I wouldnt have left. Didnt you also send your incarnation over here?

The child narrowed his eyes and chuckled, I didnt expect you to readily agree with my proposal! How surprising! It seems youve been dissatisfied with North Night Island since long ago and have thought about exterminating Fairy Ice Souls line of cultivators in the mortal realm. Fellow Daoist Feng, you are relying rather heavily on the power of our Myriad Demon Valley!

The grey-robed old man worriedly said, If it were only the old demons incarnation, we might stand a chance of winning. Weve fully released glacial Qi from the islands restriction and blocked a majority of ordinary demon beasts from entering. Only ice-attributed demon beasts will be immune from the restriction.

It is no matter, the beautiful woman said, The Ice Sea demon beasts will be dealt with using the treasures our ancestors have left behind. After all, the treasures were stored in our sect for countless years so that they would one day be used. Well only need to take particular care of the demon beasts at grade nine and above.

Bai Yaoyi and the old man unconsciously exchanged a glance before wearing an understanding gaze.

The old man cracked a smile, If Milady hadnt mentioned it, we wouldve nearly forgotten about the treasure. With that treasure, the Ice Sea demons will be useless. It is a pity it only works on their lower grade demon beasts, or else it would be a great killing tool.

That will be enough. Against the overbearing number of demons, the odds of defending ourselves arent great. Let us use this time to evacuate the lower-grade disciples and only have useful our useful disciples stay behind. Well be reducing meaningless deaths.

Yes, milady! Both Bai Yaoyi and the old man respectfully acknowledged.

In the following days, the quiet sect was stirred into action. A strained atmosphere from the upcoming war seemed to blossom overnight.

Not only were a majority of the sects spell formation and restrictions activated, but there were masses of low-grade disciples evacuating from the sect. It was unknown where they went.

Two days after the three elders had their conversation, Arctic Dragon opened his eyes from meditation from within the Great Yang Essence Stone room down inside the Profound Jade Cave.

He looked at the other cultivators that were meditating in the room and slowly said, I previously explained the crucial points and techniques needed. With your talents, two days should be more than enough for you to comprehend what to do.

With that said, the others began to slowly open their eyes.

The monk smiled, No problems on my end.

Ive already finished learning it a half-day earlier! The old woman boldly said.

I am also done, said Han Li.

Bai Mengxin and the azure-robed middle-aged man already done this ahead of time of course.

Since youre all ready, lets start! The process of breaking through my bottleneck can take anywhere to several days to many months. Regardless of the possibility of success, I hope youll do your best until the end. In truth, I am somewhat worried about the circumstances on the outside, so I hope for this to finish as soon as possible! Arctic Dragon spoke with a stiff expression.

Naturally, the others raised no objections.

Afterwards, Arctic Dragon and the palace elders took out bundles of formation flags and plates from their storage pouch and began to set them down in the cave, producing several wondrous spell formations.

Although Han Li and the others didnt need to take action, they didnt want to miss an opportunity to observe any secret techniques. With ice flames lit on their bodies, they left the room and observe the actions of the North Night Palace cultivators.

In the time it took to finish a cup of tea, the three palace elders finished placing down their formations.

There was three overlapping spell formation placed with the hill of stones at its center. They created an imposing atmosphere with talisman characters flickering in the air.

Arctic Dragon blurred, arriving midair and examining the spell formations. Then, he spun once around, flicking his fingers at the same time.

He dozed a dozen spell seals at the spell formations, creating a dozen clouds of smoke that disappeared as soon as they appeared.

The entire spell formation began to release low-pitched hums and brightly flicker. This seemed to agitate the Profound Jade glacial Qi that filled the cave, causing it to splatter like water in boiling oil.

As for the glacial Qi concentrated on the large boulder on the center of the hill, it seemed to unaffected.

Floating in the air, Arctic Dragon glanced around him and wore a satisfied expression, Very good! The more Profound Jade glacial Qi may be better, but first, well need to stabilize it to increase the odds of success.

At that moment, Han Lis gaze dropped down to the hill of stones and saw the five pillars of light emerge from the spell formation with the huge boulder at their center.

The pillars each glowed purple, red, white, black, and yellow, taking form from pure spiritual power.

Threads of light continuously flowed in between each of the pillars, almost as if they were one whole entity.

As soon as he saw the formation activate, Han Li flew off in an azure streak towards the purple pillar.

Soon after, the light dimmed to reveal Han Li floating at the top of the pillar.

The other four elders followed suit, each of them flying to their own pillar. They then exchanged a glance with one another and sat down, Han Li included.

In accordance with the secret technique he was given, Han Li began to slowly circulate his magic power and summon the Purple Apex Flames around his body with gradually increasing brilliance.

Han Li suddenly shouted and formed a different hand gesture.

Suddenly, a ball of purple light appeared from beneath him and changed into the form of a three-meter-large lotus, delicate and beautiful.

Han Li continued, lighting the Purple Apex Flames from the lotus in an instant, and provoking it to grow a half larger.

Han Lis brow stirred in surprise when he saw this.

Arctic Dragon hadnt mentioned that the spell formations would raise the powers of the glacial flames to this degree, so it came as quite a surprise. If he could get his hands on the formation, it could prove very useful.

However, Han Li immediately noticed that as the Apex Purple Flames surged, the rate at which his magic power was consumed greatly increased.

There seemed to be a flaw in increasing the power of the glacial flames.

With that in mind, he looked at the cultivators on top of the other light pillars.

The cultivators had done the same, producing glowing nearly-identical lotuses beneath them. They were all sitting above them and experiencing an increase in the flames might.

Han Lis gaze then shifted to the ball of glacial light floating near the cave walls.

The wisp of Great Yin Trueflame was concealed there as it slowly absorbed the surrounding Profound Jade glacial Qi. It had yet to be detected.

Fortunately, Spirit Void Hall has restrictions surrounding it, else he wouldnt have dared to release the flame as it was intelligent.

As Han Li still observed the Great Yin Trueflame, Arctic Dragon said, It seems youve all cultivated a certain degree of control over your frost flames. You should be able to hold out for a while. I am quite relieved. Next, I will enter the center of the glacial Qi. Activate your glacial flames as was planned!

After he said this, the Celestial Ice Flames surrounding his body stirred and slowly descended upon the ball of white glacial Qi.

A series of rumblings sounded and blue flames twinkled, followed by Arctic Dragon entering the ball.

Through some unknown method, the Celestial Ice Flames and the Profound Jade glacial Qi hadnt reacted upon contact, causing the ball of white light to appear like

At that moment, the azure-robed middle-aged man and Bai Mengxin flipped their hand, each producing a blue formation plate. They pressed the plate several times with practiced motions, causing the surrounding spell formations to create a barrier of rainbow light, enveloping all the cultivators present.

Soon after, gales raged outside the barrier, but it completely concealed it from view and silenced its howls.

In the other areas of the cave, their surging glacial Qi had slowly returned to normal with the appearance of the gusts.

The only thing out of place was a thread of scarlet flame hiding at the corner as it consumed the glacial light surround it.

As time slowly passed by, the gales continued to roar around the hill of stones with no other sounds apart from the winds howling.

A week later, the demon beasts outside of North Night Island finally made their grand appearance. They were incoming from two directions, the mainland and the Ice Sea.

Demonic Qi and hostile intent drowned the air.

There were a few clans and small sects that resided nearby, but they were naturally scared and fled.

Against such a large oncoming force, North Night Palace immediately acquired information on it and at the same time, they immediately lifted the restrictions on the islands Heaven Essence Yin Vein, causing the temperatures to massively drop, flooding the island with harsh glacial Qi and snowstorms.

The demons from the mainland, mostly from Myriad Demon Valley, were already prepared. They had their low-grade demon beasts stationed on the outskirts of the island, waiting as the islands store of glacial Qi was exhausted. The tens of demon beasts that were above grade six entered the island in teams.

A majority of the demon beasts from the Ice Sea had no fear of the glacial Qi or storms of North Night Island, thus sending over a thousand demon beasts directly towards North Night Palace.

North Night Island wasnt very large, but when these demon beasts invaded, they seemed to disappear into the snowy landscape itself.

But the high-grade cultivators of the palace wouldnt allow the demons to tread as they pleased. Drawing support from their spell formations and islands glacial Qi, they immediately set off to kill the demon invaders.

Its quite simple, Elder Ouyang said with a wry smile, Apart from the glacial Qi, there are other things in the Profound Jade Cave you must take note of. The pieces of Myriad Year Profound Jade may seem easy to extract, but in truth, every shard in the original vein is fused together using a grand ancient ability. In addition, the cave was further tempered through countless years of exposure to the glacial Qi. Even with particularly vicious treasures, they wouldnt be able to do much harm. Why else would my leave such a large amount of Profound Jade here? If we are able to completely

This Profound Jade cant be acquired? The old woman frowned in disbelief.

Master Arctic Dragon smiled and said, If Madam Long have her doubts, please give it a try. Youll find out for yourself.

Is it really true? Ill have to give it a shot! The old womans hair trembled and she raised her cane, pointing at a bean-sized piece of Profound Jade at the rocks in front of her.

A strand of yellow light was released from the top of the cane and struck the jade.

A muffled bang sounded, followed by a flash of light from the jade piece and little else.

The old womans expression faintly changed and her expression soon sank as hostile intent was made clear on her face. She flicked her sleeve, summoning a simple azure hammer into her hand.

She raised her hand in a blur and the hammer disappeared in a flicker.

A huge explosion sounded, followed by a flash of azure lightning against the jade. When the light faded, a cloud of white smoke was left behind.

The woman was dumbstruck by what she saw.

Arctic Dragon chuckled, Fellow Daoist Long doesnt need to be so startled. Even if you used more powerful treasures, you would only be able to destroy the piece of jade. You wouldnt be able to extract it in its entirety.

The womans face grew unsightly, but she remained silent.

The grey-robed monk standing to the side then said, Fellow Daoist Arctic Dragon, In that case, your sect cant have much Profound Jade. I am somewhat puzzled by the generous reward you had offered us.

Arctic Dragon momentary paused before breaking out into laughter, Haha, you are quite observant Master Mojiu. Although my sect isnt able to excavate the Profound Jade form this cave, our sect does have a method to mine some of it. Junior Martial Sister Bai, can you take out a few pieces for him to see?

Bai Mengxin nodded and slapped her storage pouch, producing a small white bottle into her hand.

As the others closely watched, Bai Mengxin walked several steps towards a pile of rocks in front of her and nimbly opened the bottle, using her magic power to push out a drop of jet-black liquid.

As the drop flew to one of the pieces of profound jade, it left a trail of grey Qi in its midst.

When Han Li saw the liquid, his calm face changed expression for just a moment, but his eyes couldnt conceal his astonishment.

Fortunately for him, the others were entirely focused on the scene before them.

When the liquid made contact with the profound jade, it disappeared from sight.

In the blink of an eye, a layer of grey qi covered the profound jade, followed by a strange crack. The jade piece fell off and was picked up by Bai Mengxin.

The old woman, the monk, and Han Li all wore expressions of shock.

Arctic Dragon chuckled and explained, This is a treasure that the palace founder had passed down. Every ten years, naturally occurring Yin Qi condenses into a single drop of Yin water, and it is only with this water that we are able to extract the jade from the cave intact. As such, we are only able to extract a small amount of Profound Jade every thousand years we open the cave.

So it was like that! The monk exclaimed.

The old woman looked at the Myriad Year Profound Jade that was embedded in the cave all around her. A trace of resignation could be seen from her face.

On the other hand, Han Lis heart was deeply shaken by what he saw.

As for everything else, lets talk about it inside the Great Yang Room! Arctic Dragon then walked towards the red stone room.

The rest of the party followed suit after him.

When they drew closer to the room, they discovered that the stone was translucent and shined with red light. It emitted a broiling heat as if it were formed from fire spirit stones.

Han Lis mind stirred, Great Yang Essence Stone? Ive never heard of this material before, but it sounded awfully close to Great Yang Flame Essence. Could the two have something in common?

No matter how it was said, this was the first time he found a trace of the Great Yang Flame Essence. He had to indirectly bring up the topic and see if the North Night Palace cultivators knew anything.

When they entered the room, there was nothing there, but it was absent of devastating glacial Qi found on the outside.

With newground shelter, the cultivators relaxed, withdrew their glacial flames, and took a seat on the ground.

As soon as Han Li took a seat, the monk glanced at the side smiled, I didnt expect that in addition to the Myriad Year Profound Jade, there was also something as previous as Great Yang Essence Stone. To the best of my knowledge, this material is found in the depths of molten rocks. Additionally, it had to be refined specifically by Great Yang Flame Essence. How did your palace manage to find this much stone?

Arctic Dragon dryly laughed, I didnt expect Master Mojiu to be so knowledgeable! However, we also have no idea how the palaces earlier generations managed to acquire it. The following generations of the palace had only benefited from it. Now then, lets talk about the other taboos in the Profound Jade Cave. After that, Ill speak about the process to break my bottleneck in detail.

The monk smiled in response and said nothing else.

When Han Li heard that the Great Yang Flame Essence mentioned, his interest was lit up, but his mood soon fell. He could only turn his attention to what Arctic Dragon was about to say.

…

Up above in a huge North Night Palace Building, there was a gorgeous middle-aged woman sitting gracefully in a wooden chair. There was a man and a woman sitting across from her, Bai Yaoyi and a grey-haired old man, the overseer elder. They were both looking at the woman with a stern expression.

You mean the Grand Elder opened Spirit Void Hall and brought three outsiders with him? The middle-aged woman calmly asked. Her voice was somewhat hoarse, but it had an allure that made it difficult to forget.

Bai Yaoyi slowly replied, My Lady, it is true. However, he had already made arrangements in case of a contingency.

The old man snorted and resentfully said, What contingency plans? Why not do it as we always did? If they are too powerful and the grand formation isnt enough to deal with them, we just hide away our elite disciples in Spirit Void Hall and have them conceal themselves in a dimensional pocket. As one of the Spirit Void Halls is occupied, we will only be able to save less than a third of our disciples.

Dont say that, the woman raised her brown and solemnly said, If Senior Martial Brother Arctic Dragon succeeds, we will have nothing to worry about the demon invasion. But just in case, Junior Martial Brother Ye should follow the plans the Grand Elder left behind. I also heard that grade eight demon beasts have appeared on the island and that the patrolling disciples on the border have been killed.

Thats right, the old man said with a serious expression, Metamorphosed demon beasts have appeared. It seems they intend on wiping away our outskirts before invading the palace. This is mostly in line with their previous invasions, but there is one point that is different!

Oh? Junior Martial Brother Ye, please explain! A bright glint lit up from the womans eyes.

With some hesitation, the old man feebly said, According to my information, not only is the ice seas Ice Phoenix moving, but Myriad Demon Valleys old Azureback Wolf has moved too. It seems Old Demon Che will also act as well.

Old Demon Che? Impossible! The womans calm expression turned grave in an instant.

Senior Martial Sister Liu, I also find it impossible, the old man sighed, However, there are several reports from our spies that signs of the old demon taking action.

Bai Yaoyi shook her head and doubtingly said, Old Demon Che is a demon that existed since ancient times. It is unknown how long he has entered Deity Transformation-stage. If he truly wished to attack us, why would he wait until now?

That may be true, but perhaps this may have something to do with the events surrounding Kunwu Mountain, the old man looked a Bai Yaoyi and said, I heard that not only did an Elder Devil Ancestor appear, but even a demon from the spirit realm.

These were only rumors spread from the grand sects. Who knows if they are true, Bai Yaoyi tensely frowned in thought, Although I took part in the matter, I had to retreat early due to my injuries. Brother Han, however, shouldve stayed until the very end. He should know more about this.

The man you invited to the sect? The middle-aged woman brightly asked.

The one and the same! Bai Yaoyi nodded.

In the blink of an eye, the woman regained her calm and indifferently said, But regardless of what happened, it doesnt change anything about the demon invasion. It should be impossible for Old Devil Che to leave the valley, so it should most likely be his incarnation taking part.

Bai Yaoyi and the old man vaguely understood a few of the secrets behind Deity Transformation cultivators and were greatly relieved by the certainty of their Senior Martial Sisters words.

As Arctic Dragon stared at the crack in the altar, he wore a grave expression, Within lies the greatest hidden chamber of the Spirit Void Hall, the Profound Jade Cave. Although it isnt very large, the caves Profound Jade was something that has existed since ancient times. The ancient cultivators used enormous amounts of magic power to shape a vein of Profound Jade into that cave. Although Profound Jade and Profound Ice sound similar, there are clear differences as you all should well know. And if you leave this hall, youll find hardly any Myriad Year Profound Jade even if you searched the entire hall.

The azure-robed middle-aged man, Elder Ouyang, and Bai Mengxin glanced with a trace of interest.

The grey-robed monk stared at the cracks in the altar and excitedly said, Of course! Had you not mentioned the Profound Jade Cave Before, we couldve hardly believed that your sect was concealing something so valuable. Myriad Year Profound Jade is rarely ever found in this. A fist-sized chunk is it is all that is needed for a magic treasure to possess ice-attributed abilities, allowing it to use astonishing glacial Qi to form attacks. It is beyond comparison to profound ice.

The old woman glanced at the altar with a bright gaze.

As for Han Li, he silently smiled, stroking the smooth surface of a small golden sword he kept hidden in his sleeve.

Arctic Dragon then changed his focus to Han Li and the other two external cultivators and said, Ive already spoken about this before with Junior Martial Brother Ouyang and Junior Martial Sister Bai, but you will be rewarded with a piece of Myriad Year Profound Jade as a token of your gratitude, regardless of whether or not we succeed.

Truly? Even the bold and detached woman was unable to conceal her joy upon hearing him.

Arctic Dragon nodded, It is something within my authority as the Grand Elder of the North Night PAlace.

Joy appeared on the face of the monk as well.

Myriad Year Profound Jade was an extremely rare material that was found at no market and had no price. If one could find it, they would ordinarily infuse it with their magic power, immediately increasing its power by an entire fifth.

Even Han Li couldnt help but be moved by his generosity.

With such a heavy reward, the three would find it shameful if they didnt do their utmost when the time came.

Enough with that, lets enter the Profound Jade Cave! Arctic Dragon continued, The glacial Qi within is extremely potent. Have your flames ready when you enter or you will be hard-pressed to defend yourselves. Fortunately, the cave has an area that can block the corrosion of the Profound Jades glacial Qi. Well be using that place to restore our magic power, else we wont be able to stay inside for long.

Soon after, the dwarf opened his mouth and spat out a bright blue fireball. It turned into a large firebird above his head, only to circle him once before diving at the dwarfs body.

A birds cry sounded before the image of the large bird disappear. A layer of blue flames then erupted and enveloped him.

With his hands grasped in an incantation gesture, he began to float down into the crack.

Bai Mengxin and the others released their own glacial flames and flew into the crack as well.

Han Li glanced at the two golden gates the side, and to the cauldron floating above the crack. After some hesitation, something came to mind and he silently smiled, wrapping himself in a layer of Purple Apex Flames and following them below.

As soon as he entered, white glacial light brushed past him, producing an odd crackle as it brushed past the purple flames protecting him. They seemed to be at odds with one another, causing the flames to flicker.

Han Li trembled. Without any further thought, he clapped his hands together, summoning even more flames to protect him and solidify his defenses.

Now, he had the leisure to examine his surroundings.

The Profound Jade Cave was an underground cavern.

As the cave was created from a vein of Myriad Year Profound Jade, countless pieces of variously sized grains laid in the wall all around them. The extremely rare material was several times more potent than profound ice, well displayed by the glacial light that dropped down from it, condensing into a mist at the bottom. When Han Li dropped down, the light struck at his purple likes like the patter of dense rain.

In his alarm, he faintly felt that something was amiss. Seeing that the rest of the party wasnt paying attention to him, he reached out to the glacial light out of instant and forcibly used his magic power to grasp a sliver of it into his hand and concentrating his purple flames around it.

Any ordinary glacial Qi wouldnt have shown any peculiarities, but when Han Li looked at it with his Brightsight Spirit Eyes, he frowned, soon to betray astonishment on his face.

Under the Brightsight Spirit Eyes, Han Li was able to see traces of its true form. As the purple flames continuously warped around the glacial light, their mutually powerful cold seemed to oppose one another.

What is this? This glacial Qi seems almost intelligent… Han Li muttered with amazement.

The glacial Qi was attacking only of its own accord. If anyone were to control a large amount and concentrate it into an attack, he feared even his Purple Apex Flames wouldnt be able to block it.

As the thoughts quickly churned in his head, he was suddenly reminded of something and quickly formed an incantation gesture, summoning a scarlet wisp from the purple flames in his hand.

When this flame wisp made contact with the white glacial light, it was instantly absorbed.

An odd expression appeared on his face while delight surged through his mind.

The Great Yin Trueflame was known to Silvermoon as one of the three true spirit flames. It was well deserving of its name. Despite being only a single wisp, its power far exceeded that of the Purple Apex Flames.

When he initially refined the wisp of Great Yin Trueflame, he was only able to temporarily merge it with a bit of his Purple Apex Flames. If he truly wished to fully convert the Purple Apex Flames into the Great Yin Trueflame, it would take far beyond the time of a dozen years. Were this not the case, he wouldve already done so. freewbne.com

After all, the Great Yin Trueflame already possessed a trace of intelligence. It was a higher existence compared to other kinds of glacial flames.

When Han Li saw that the thread of trueflame was able to restrain the caves glacial light, Han Li also felt a bit of relief.

Just as these thoughts appeared in his mind, he suddenly held his hands behind his back and flicked his finger, vanishing the scarlet flame from sight.

In the instant, Han Li was performing his experiment, Elder Ouyang seemed to sense something and looked upward at Han Li with a trace of surprise.

Han Lis heart sank, but his expression remained calm. He nonchalantly asked, Fellow Daoist, is there anything wrong?

The Elder Ouyang examined Han Li and the cave walls to either side of him, discovering nothing out of the ordinary. He knew well that Han Lis abilities were exceptional and thus gave a prompt and polite answer, Its nothing. I was just wondering why you werent following us. The large restrictions to spiritual sense inside Spirit Void Hall make me rather uncomfortable.

Han Li looked down to see the glacial light brushing past his flames and replied, Hehe, The glacial Qi in this cave is rather odd!

Yes, the glacial Qi is by no means ordinary. The cave is something that has existed since ancient times. After existing for such a long time, the glacial Qi may have undergone a subtle change. Elder Ouyangs black flames were also under attack by the glacial Qi and heard the same sounds of rain as Han Li.

Han Li smiled and through to say something when he suddenly let out a yelp.

Elder Ouyang suddenly looked below and saw that the rest of the party already entered the depths of the cave. There was a hill of scattered rocks that spanned a kilometer wide. The glacial light lingering there was several times more concentrated than at the top.

At the edge of the hill was a fire-red stone room with several entrances opened around it, appearing to almost be a cave formation.

At the peak of the stone hill, there was a giant boulder with condensed glacial Qi surrounding it. It was ten meters wide and its surface roiled with icy gusts and sparkling light.

As he closely examined it, he discovered that the huge boulders surface had a thumb-sized piece of Profound Jade. It sparkled with light, clearly displaying that it was many times purer than the shards he found at the caves entrance.

Suppressing his astonishment, Han Li followed the others and landed on the ground. Arctic Dragons gaze was captured by the boulder as soon as he saw it and joy appeared on his face.

Haha, thats great! I originally worried about how I would gather the glacial Qi in the cave. I didnt expect that there would be a natural point where it concentrated. This will save us much effort!

Arctic Dragon bellowed and soon after, he raised his hand, producing a blue ice spike in his hand, striking the ball of white light.

Clang! A metallic ring sounded upon impact, followed by the ice spike shattering to dust.

Not bad, not bad! Arctic Dragon only seemed to grow happier.

Ah yes, did you all see that stone room over there? It is formed from Puresun Essence Stone. It is the only area that is absent of glacial Qi. We can rest there first as I explain what actions are forbidden in the cave. Otherwise, you will attract deep trouble for yourself!

When the old woman heard him, she tapped her cane on the ground and asked, Deep trouble? What does Fellow Daoist Arctic Dragon mean?

A layer of purple flames lit up from Han Lis body, blocking the icy winds from approaching him.

The winds seemed to melt away as soon as they touched him.

At that same moment, Han Li glanced to the side. The entire hall was covered in ice, but the users of the ice flames were completely unharmed.

Bai Mengxin protected herself with white flames while Arctic Dragon emitted a cloud of Celestial Ice Flames from the small cauldron in front of him.

As for the middle-aged azure-robed man, a black flame enveloped his as he held his hands behind his back.

The old woman produced a yellow walking cane at an unknown time, creating clouds of yellow flame in front of her.

The grey-robed monk slapped his hands together, producing a green flame that coiled around his body, flickering as it blocked the icy winds.

As for the other cultivators, they were able to block the icy winds, but their barriers and treasures flickered in their struggle against the winds.

In the blink of an eye, the howling came to a sudden stop and winds gradually dispersed, filling the entire hall with silence.

As Han Lis eyes wandered, he formed a hand incantation and his purple flames were absorbed back into his body.

He looked at the stone gate and found countless giant pillars of ice erected there almost like a maze.

His heart stirred and he released his spiritual sense forward. Not long after, he felt his spiritual sense become sluggish and heavy, a sign that peculiar spirit restrictions laid within.

The old woman and the others sensed the same and their expressions changed.

Arctic Dragon took a deep breath and turned to gravely look at the foreign cultivators. Fellow Daoists, be careful! This is also the first time that Ive entered the Spirit Void Hall. Although most of the restrictions are under my control, there are a few that even I cant touch. Please follow me with the utmost care to avoid triggering any of the restrictions.

The old woman indifferently replied, Of course. Why would we recklessly rush through your palaces restricted area?

Han Li and the grey-robed monk raised no objections.

Arctic Dragon nodded with satisfaction and announced to the North Night Palace elders, The process of breaking the bottleneck will take a month at worse, less than a week at best. If those demons attack the palace during this time, respond in accordance to our original plans. If there are any unforeseen events and Ive yet to emerge for two months, put our reserve plans into action!

Yes, Grand Elder! The group of cultivators replied with a solemn tone.

Then we shall be heading in! Arctic Dragon then turned around and summoned a fist-sized jade plate into his hand with a wave of his sleeve. He then raised the magic tool in his hand and led the way through the stone gate.

Han Li and the other wielders of the ice flames closely followed after him.

Once all of them entered, Arctic Dragon cast a spell seal with a single hand and struck the plate with a spell seal. Soon after, the stone gates closed with a rumble and talisman characters lit back up from it.

When the old woman and the grey-robed monk saw this, they exchanged an odd glance.

Fellow Daoists, dont worry, Arctic Dragon explained, Although the gates are difficult to open from the outside, it is easy from the interior. For the time being, Ive shut it to prevent anyone from bothering us.

The old woman and the monk found it difficult to speak against this. As for Han Li, he didnt seem to mind this at all.

When the group walked thirty meters forward, they arrived in front of many ice pillars and were dazzled by the shiny sight.

Arctic Dragon calmly warned, These pillars of Myriad Year Profound Ice have all gone through tempering by ancient cultivators to form the Frigid Soulfreeze Formation. Those without the suitable magic tool would instantly freeze upon entering. The icy winds we encountered from the entrance was the icy Qi that accumulated from the formation after being sealed for a thousand years. Even wielders of glacial flames would find it difficult to survive the formation.

When the old lady and the monk heard this, they glanced at the pillars of eyes with traces of doubt.

Han Li chuckled, Fellow Daoist Arctic Dragon, dont worry. We arent interested in testing the might of the formation.

Arctic Dragon smiled when he heard this and he began to wave the formation plate in his hand towards the endless mass of ice pillars in front of him.

Suddenly, a beam of white light shot out from the plate and left white light from places it crossed. White light then lit up from the pillars of ice, creating the illusion of a passage. reewebove.com

With white light continuing to shine from the formation plate, Arctic Dragon walked forward.

The party closely stuck close behind him.

Han Li walked at the groups rear, looking around him curiously.

The pillars of profound ice were remarkable thick, appearing as if two people could hug around them, and had a sleep surface.

Upon closer inspection, dim talisman characters were roaming across the surface of the pillars. When he through to examine them closer, the talisman characters suddenly disappeared. It was truly mysterious.

When he raised his head, he noticed a dense icy mist about two hundred meters above them. They obscured the top half of the ice pillars from view.

But it was obvious these ice pillars contained a fearsome amount of cold energy. Even a distance of ten meters away, one could sense the treads of glacial Qi they emitted. Although they couldnt compare to flames of extreme cold, they were beyond what ordinary cold Qi was capable of.

It was no wonder why Arctic Dragon was so confident!

As Han Li pondered, the party ventured for about a kilometer. Throughout their journey, the pillars of ice lined up densely to either side.

Despite the partys calm appearance, this came as a shock to them.

After walking for the time it would take to finish a cup of tea, light had finally opened around them and they walked out from the pillars of ice. There was a raised altar in front of them, it was sixty meters tall and over three hundred meters tall.

It was made from of white jade and was covered in blue light. Faint golden doors could be seen from its side, each over twenty meters tall with ancient talismans embedded on each side. They appeared to be a sealed passage of some sort.

When Arctic Dragon saw this, he wore an expression of joy and he put away the formation plate in his hand. He took large strides towards the altar and raised his hands. With blue sparks, a layer of Celestial Ice Flames wrapped around them, then pressing his hands against the altar.

The flames and the altars light barrier fused, causing the barrier to slightly tremble. It burst with blinding light as the barrier became translucent, followed by a strange bang, it turned to crystal and cracked from where Arctic Dragon infused the flames, then vanishing in nearly an instant.

Arctic Dragons figure suddenly blurred and he stood on top of the altar.

Han Li and company turned to streaks of light and arrived at Arctic Dragons side.

At that moment, Arctic Dragon held his hands behind his back and looked down at the ground in front of him.

Han Li followed his gaze, soon discovering there was a strange spell formation located at the center of the altar. Furthermore, there was also a huge pattern at the center that looked the same as the Heavenvoid Cauldron.

For just a moment, Han Lis face betrayed a change of expression.

Arctic Dragons unintentionally brushed past Han Li. Although his face was now ordinarily calm, Arctic Dragon still focused his gaze on him and asked, Fellow Daoist Han, have you seen a spell formation of this kind before?

Han Lis heart jumped and he slowly replied, Yes, I had seen something like this in an ancient cave residence, but upon closer inspection, I see that it is truly different. It was only a lapse in judgment.

Is that so? Arctic Dragon wore a mysterious smile. It may have been a display of doubt, but he didnt pursue the matter. Instead, he swept his sleeve, releasing a small cauldron that lit up with Celestial Ice Flames. It spun through the air until it arrived above the spell formation.

Han Li pursed his lips and unconsciously gasped. The others attention was fully captured by what was happening.

With one of his hands forming a gesture, he flicked his other hand towards the small cauldron.

A muffled bang sounded out as the small cauldron grew larger. Blue flames violently lit up from the cauldron, instantly covering every inch of its surface, restoring the cauldron to its original size.

At that moment, Bai Mengxin and the azure-robed middle-aged man both took a step forward and raised their hand, producing a white and black flame that struck two sides of the formation.

Suddenly, a huge rumble shook the ground and the spell formation lit up, activated by the two flames. The huge cauldron pattern at the center shined dazzlingly. Lightly slowly emerged from it to take the form of a cauldron of blue light.

The original cauldron had stayed floating above the formation this entire time. When the phantom cauldron fully emerged, Arctic Dragon controlled it to immediately drop down. Blue light wildly flashed as they began to fuse together. As a huge explosion boomed, the cauldron

Arctic Dragon suddenly muttered a strange incantation and the Celestial Ice flames spurt forth from the cauldron like a volcano, enveloping the entire spell formation.

When the formation and the flames made contact, blindingly light flashed and the entire altar began to violently shake.

With the cauldron at the center, cracks began to appear on the ground, gradually widening and expanding as time went on.

While Han Li and company floated in the air, they looked down with awe.

The huge cauldron was now suspended in the air at its original location. White beams of light faintly shined from underneath the cracks around it.

Han Li and company followed suit and stood up after Arctic Dragon. The old dwarf then took several steps forward and muttered an incantation before striking the cauldron with a blue spell seal.

The huge cauldron let out a series of hums and glowed brightly with blue light. Then it quickly shrank to the size in the fist as it floated in midair.

In the area beneath the cauldron, a black hole strangely appeared beneath it, revealing a stretch of crystalline stairs heading below.

Arctic Dragon beckoned to the small cauldron and took it into his sleeve before leading the way down.

Bai Mengxin and the middle-aged man closely followed after him.

The old woman and the monk exchanged a glance before trailing after them as well.

Han Li looked at the hole with narrowed eyes for a moment before heading down with a mysterious smile.

Not long after, light began to shine within the dark passage.

Everyone could clearly see the profound ice that formed the passage all around them. The light originated from egg-sized moonlight stones embedded in the walls, making for fairytale-like appearance.

After climbing down for about three hundred meters, they had reached the end of the stairs and the passage began to even out.

Although this was the first time the three outside cultivators entered this passage, they didnt appear particularly surprised by its appearance. Rather, they carried on with a rich familiarity.

After the time it took to finish a meal, they finally walked out from the passage and into an underground hall. It was created from ordinary jade and appeared ancient in style.

But when Han Li and company looked at the end of the hall, they found a huge white stone gate that reached over a hundred meters tall. There were unknown ancient patterns, layers of talisman characters, and spell formation on top of it, causing it to flicker in light.

But what startled Han Li was the group of seven cultivators standing in front of it. All of them possessed Nascent Soul cultivation, most of them at early-stage.

Bai Yaoyi stood among them at the very front.

Han Li blink and unconsciously glanced at the others in his group.

The three belonging to the sect appeared calm, but the monk and the old woman unconsciously frowned, surprised betrayed from their eyes.

Fellow Daoist Arctic Dragon, these are…? The monk asked.

Arctic Dragon turned around and smiled, Please dont be alarmed. They are the palace elders. Their assistance will be required to enter the Profound Jade Cave in Spirit Void Hall! The extremely cold Qi in this hall is required to increase my odds of success.

Spirit Void Hall? The monk asked in alarm.

The old mans eyes lit up, even Han Lis face stirred.

The azure-robed middle-aged man smiled and said, What you saw outside was the three Spirit Void Halls. Although their names are all identical, they all have their own mysteries. The Profound Jade Cave is one of them, and it is the true entrance to Spirit Void Hall. Furthermore, each of the three halls all lead to an underground passage.

Han Li had already taken notice of this man. Although Master Arctic Dragon hadnt introduced him, he knew that the azure-robed man was the other North Night Palace Elder that cultivated an ice flame. He had a common appearance, but his face appeared sullen as he observed the others.

At that moment, Bai Yaoyi and the others welcomed them.

A grey-haired old man stepped forward from the crowd of elders and saluted Arctic Dragon, Grand Elder, youve truly decided to open Spirit Void Hall? Isnt this breaking our laws? Although past generations have opened it, it was only on the verge of catastrophe.

Furthermore, you even brought along foreign cultivators to enter the Profound Jade Cave, something without any precedent.

Han Li was stunned, A Mid-nascent Soul cultivator dared to be so rude to Arctic Dragon despite their vast difference in cultivation?

Not only Han Li, but the old lady and monk also wore odd expressions.

As if having already expected this, Arctic Dragon slowly said, Elder Ye, think it over. Although Spirit Void Hall is something to only be opened during a crisis, past generations never mentioned that it couldnt be opened during a time of peace. Not to mention that many disciples have already reported information that groups of demons are gathering near the island. It is a suitable occasion to open the hall. Moreover, the three halls arent being opened all at once. Are you telling me that my position as the Grand Elder isnt enough?

The grey-haired old man swept his gaze past Han Li and company and unyieldingly said, Even so, Spirit Void Hall is a restricted area of our sect. I feel ill at ease with three outsiders entering it! As the palaces overseer elder, I disagree with this matter.

When the three heard this, they couldnt help but inwardly frown. The old woman even snorted and wore a displeased expression.

Arctic Dragon calmly replied, With Junior Martial Brother Yes overseer treasure, you do have the ability to deny my decision. But if I can win over two-thirds of the sect elders, your objection will be overruled.

Han Li raised his brow at the mention of the overseer treasure. Even Arctic Dragon seemed to hold it in some fear, much to Han Lis surprise.

Could it be the overseer treasure was a Divine Spirit Treasure or a replica? In that case, even a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator could fight against a late-Nascent Soul cultivator.

Furthermore, the old man had ties to another faction of the palace that allowed him to contend against Arctic Dragon.

The grey-haired old mans heart sank. He grimaced, but he still maintained his calm. I was wondering why Junior Martial Brother Jin and the others had been deployed to the outside. Youve been planning this from the beginning! In that case, I wont be a bother. I hope you will truly be able to break through your bottleneck! I will go patrol up above and make sure no demons catch us unaware. The old man then took large strides to the passage above.

Arctic Dragon didnt block him and simply glanced at him as he disappeared alone.

Junior Martial Brothers, prepare to open the seal! The azure-robed middle-aged man commanded.

The North Night Palace Elders each took out identical jade pendants and sent them into the sky,

Han Li was startled when he saw the jade pendant, but he maintained an indifferent face. The magic tool appeared exactly the same as the pendant that he returned to Arctic Dragon when his ten days at the Hidden Scripture Pavilion were over. He glanced at the old dwarf, but he had yet to take out the pendant.

Under the lead of the azure-robed middle-aged man, the elders began to utter incantations and soon the pendants began to brightly shine, turning into pulsing balls of light. Under the control of the incantations, the light flew into the air and soon condensed into a rainbow-colored phantom.

The phantom was a slender woman with a vague face, but her shining eyes were like stars against the night sky.

As soon as the phantom appeared, the North Night Palace cultivators bowed to it with the utmost respect, Arctic Dragon included.

When the three outsiders saw this, they realized that the woman was most likely the ancient cultivator who established the sect. Otherwise, they couldnt possibly be so respectful of the phantom.

But the appearance of the phantom came as a shock to Han Li. He couldnt help but think she was somehow related to the Heavenvoid Hall in the Scattered Star Seas. He had no doubt they had something to do with one another. Besides, there was also the appearance of the Celestial Ice Flames in both locations. It was a likely possibility.

Just as Han Li thought this, the palace cultivators willed the woman to slowly floated towards the stone gate.

The phantom touched the gate, only for her to rupture, scattering rainbow light that disappeared a moment later.

Light and talisman characters on the huge stone gate soon disappeared and became dim and absent of Qi.

Then, a violent tremor shook the ground, followed by the appearance of many jade pendants appearing at the top of the gate only for them to lifelessly fall to the ground. The North Night Palace cultivators waved their arms to hastily beckon the jade pendant into their grasp.

Arctic Dragon smiled when he saw this. He took several steps forward and brushed his sleeves towards the stone gate.

A blue mist swept past them and an azure wind struck the gate, silently opening it with ease.

Before the interior of the gate could be seen, Arctic Dragon withdrew from his original position and sternly shouted, Everyone, be careful!

Suddenly, a deafening rumble came from the interior, and countless beast howls roared. A gust of ice swept out, covering every surface it touched with a sparkling frost. Thunder seemed to sound from the icy Qi itself.

The weaker cultivators were knocked a meter back. Those stronger were able to hold their ground with either barriers of treasures.

White icy winds filled the entire hall.

Contrary to Han Lis expectations, there were hardly any changes in North Night Palace apart from a few extra guards. In addition, he spotted no trace of Bai Yaoyi. It seemed she was occupied, but it wasnt any concern for Han Li.

In his current state, there was hardly anything that could pose a danger to his life apart from a few extremely dangerous areas or the full-powered pursuit of a Deity Transformation-stage cultivator. As a result, he decided to stay in the sect for the time being, despite having a policy of avoiding trouble where he could.

Of course, he had also agreed to assist Master Arctic Dragon in breaking his bottleneck to Deity Transformation-stage and most importantly was the secret technique to break through bottlenecks that Arctic Dragon gave him. He only had his portion of the technique. If he wanted a complete understanding of the technique, he would have to personally involve himself in the process. When Han Li discovered this, he felt a bit gloomy.

Additionally, he wasnt willing to leave until he acquired information on the Puresun Flame Essence. 1

1 Mentioned in Chapter 948, an ingredient in creating a legendary medicine by the name of the Returning Sun Water.

As such, he made another trip to the Hidden Scriptures Hall and used up his two remaining days to find any information on the Puresun Flame Essence, but he ended up without any results.

Han Li wasnt surprised by this. Rather, it wouldve been surprising if he found it easily.

Following that, Han Li spent his time in his temporary residence meditating, taking not a step outside as if the building were his own cave residence.

A month passed in the blink of an eye in complete peace, but it was clear to see that this was the calm before the oncoming storm.

One day, Han Li found his cultivation interrupted by a visitor, a woman who had a similar appearance to Bai Yaoyi. She was at the peak of mid-Nascent Soul stage, a step higher than Bai Yaoyi.

Are you Fairy Bais elder cousin? With hands held behind his back, he examined the woman with a trace of surprise. reeebnvel.com

Thats right, I am Bai Mengxin, one of the inner palace elder, and one of the sect cultivators who nurtures a flame of extreme cold.

Ah, Ive heard from Fellow Daoist Arctic Dragon that there were two others who cultivate ice flames in the sect. So you were one of them! May I ask why youve informed me of this? As Han Li spoke, a twinkled lit from his eyes.

Although the woman appeared beautiful, her flawless face appeared frigid. It seemed to have something to do with her cultivation art.

Nothing much. Ive only heard that Brother Hans abilities are quite amazing, rivaling even late-stage grand cultivators. Furthermore, your purple apex flames are exceedingly profound. I wish to compare them with my own Ice Phoenix Flames. How about it? The woman then extended her finger and lip up a white flame from it.

The flame was like a wisp of smoke. It spiralled in the air and didnt appear to contain much strength.

But as one who cultivated an icy flame himself, Han Li had a deep sense of foreboding towards the white flame and his face grew heavy.

Han Li glanced at his surroundings and smiled. Very well! Ive long heard of your palaces three great ice flames. Lets test it, but how do you intend on comparing them?

I only intend on comparing the power of the flames. I dont wish to truly fight you. Bai Mengxin wryly smiled and exhaled a breath of icy Qi towards her fingertip.

The white flames increased several times in size upon contact and coiled in the air, turning into a small white flood dragon before charging towards Han Li.

Han Li frowned and swept his sleeves around him, producing several differing spell formations that disappeared into his surroundings.

He then opened his mouth and spat out a small ball of purple flames, turning into a small purple bird and met the incoming flame dragon.

Han Li and Bai Mengxin attentively watched as white and purple flames collided. Deep thunder rang as the flames weaved together.

In the blink of an eye, the purple flames engulfed the white flames and soon extinguished it entirely. The remaining light belonged to the purple firebird that circled in the air.

Bai Mengxins expression stirred upon seeing this.

Han Li calmly waved his hand, having the purple bird return to him in the form of a fireball, then disappearing into his sleeve.

Without further hesitation, Bai Mengxin said, Your Purple Apex Flames are quite extraordinary. I am relieved. Please follow me. The two external holders of the icy flames have arrived at our palace. Ill lead you to the Grand Elders residence where they are both waiting!

So it was like that! It seems Fairy Bai wasnt too sure of me and had me take her test. Han Li gave her a doubtful smile.

Bai Mengxin silently nodded and soon held her hands in an incantation gesture before flying out of the building window in a white streak.

When Han Li saw this, he stroked his nose with a helpless appearance.

His heart had jumped when the woman entered through the window as well.

But since she already left, Han Li could only follow after her and flew out from the building window.

After the time it took to finish a meal, the two arrived in Master Arctic Dragons main hall.

In addition to the huge cauldron burning with Celestial Ice Flames at the center of the hall, four cultivators were sitting on woven mats nearby.

Arctic Dragon was sitting next to an azure-robed middle-aged man. An old white-haired woman and a grey-robed monk were sitting farther away from them.

When Han Li and Bai Mengxin entered the hall, the four immediately turned their gaze towards them. Han Li sensed the old lady and monk swept their gaze past Bai Mengxin and focus on him.

In that case, Han Li didnt hold back and used his spiritual sense to observe the other two as well.

The old woman possessed about the same level of cultivation as Han Li, but the monk was higher at the peak of mid-Nascent Soul stage.

Han Li slowly took a few steps forward and saluted the four, quietly taking a seat at an empty mat that was a close distance away from the four.

Bai Mengxin took a seat at the side of Arctic Dragon.

Madam Long, Master Mo Jiu, this is Fellow Daoist Han, Arctic Dragon said with a friendly face, He is the fifth cultivator who cultivates a flame of extreme cold. With your assistance, I can put my hundred years of research into practice and attempt to break through the bottleneck to Deity Transformation-stage! The excitement in his eyes was clear to see.

The old woman expressionlessly glanced at Han Li and remained silent, perhaps a result of her strange temperament. The monk on the other hand looked at Han Li with a kind gaze and gave him a warm smile.

The monk calmly asked, I heard Fellow Daoist Arctic Dragon mention that Brother Han didnt cultivate an ice-attributed cultivation technique, but you are still able to use flames of extreme cold. Is that true?

It is something that I managed to accomplish through luck, Han Li replied.

I also heard that the flames are your original creation. It has been tens of thousands of years since the appearance of a new ice flame. Do you think you could let me see it? The old woman aloofly asked. Han Li couldnt help but be startled by her young voice.

Arctic Dragon then added, Dont be alarmed, Madam Long is the Grand Elder of the Green Willow Sect. Her cultivation art is rather peculiar, causing her voice to be youthful.

A peculiar feeling lingered in Han Lis mind upon hearing his explanation. He had seen many instances where women used techniques to preserve their appearance, but this was the first time he had heard of a technique to preserve the youth of ones voice.

When she saw Han Li looked at her with an odd gaze, the old woman snorted, What? Do you have any comments towards the techniques of my sect?

At Han Lis current cultivation, he didnt have anything to fear from a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator, but he also didnt wish to make any unnecessary enemies. As such, he chuckled and tactfully replied, Not at all! I was only curious for a time. My flames had yet to be refined. How could I dare to compare them to yours?

The old woman didnt pursue the matter and her eyes silently wandered.

Then, Bai Mengxin sent a voice transmission to Arctic Dragon.

Arctic Dragon broke into a smile upon hearing her and took a deep glance at Han Li. Then, he lightly coughed and said, Madam Long and Master Mojiu have been good friends of mine for many years. Fellow Daoist Han also has a deep relationship with one of the elders of my sect. As such, Ive brought the three of you here to assist me. Although I reckon that this will only have a thirty percent chance of success, I have no choice but to take the risk.

The monk said with a concerned tone, Fellow Daoist Shi, you may be reaching the end of your lifespan, but weve discovered many high-grade demon beasts on our way here and theyve started to gather near North Night Island. Isnt it too dangerous to test your technique now?

Arctic Dragon confidently said, Fellow Daoist Mojiu, dont worry. It would be best for me to successfully breakthrough my bottleneck. Then I would have no fear of those demons. If that fails, the palace already arranged countermeasures. If I die, my sect will not follow me.

In that case, I am relieved, the grey-robed monk smiled.

The old woman nodded, I have no objections. Ive been wanting to see the true mystery behind this technique.

Master Arctic Dragon appeared satisfied by their replies. Then when his gaze turned to Han Li, Han Li calmly asked, When will we start? I also have no objections. The sooner we start. The better!

Good, good! Since the three of you have no objections, please follow me. Ive already made preparations. Arctic Dragon clapped his hands together and happily stood up.

Chapter 1089: Ice Sea Demons

While the murder of flame crows merged into a flame sea, the Thunderstorm Wings on Han Lis back flickered, followed by his disappearance in a silver flash.

When the metamorphosed demon saw his toxic mist broken, he was furious, but alarm froze his heart upon seeing Han Li vanish from sight. He hastily released his spiritual sense and grasped his hands in a spell seal, then releasing a green net from his body, weaving a spider web that surrounded him forty meters around him.

Lightning clapped and Han Li appeared ten meters behind the man. The green net shook and collapsed upon Han Li instantly.

Han Li was prepared. A net of golden lightning emerged from his body to counter the attack.

Upon contact, the green net evaporated, much to the demons horror. Light instantly flickered from his body as he made his escape.

At that same moment, a tri-colored flame was released. The demon covered his body in radiant light, intending on stalling the flame temporarily as he made his escape.

But against his expectations, a muffled bang sounded and tri-colored light erupted.

A blinding halo of light swelled and withdrew, enveloping the demon inside of him.

Horrid screams followed, only for the demon to burn to ash.

The Triflame Fan was something even the Silver-winged Nightfiend didnt dare to combat. How could a trifling grade eight demon beast hope to block it.

This scene left a chill down the serpent womans spine.

Although her abilities were somewhat stronger than the man, since Han Li was able to exterminate her companion with quick ease, she knew it wouldnt take him much effort to deal with her either.

Without another thought, red light brightly shined from her body and she burst into countless scarlet serpents, each scattering in different directions.

Momentarily surprised, a cold smile soon raised from Han Lis lips and spiritual power rushed from his eyes. The depths of his eyes shined with a blinding blue light and his eyes focused on one flame serpent in particular.

With a flap of his wings, he vanished, leaving only thunder in his wake.

A chain of silver flashes and thunder sounded as Han Li teleported several times more, arriving above one of the flame serpents, and he looked down at it with an icy gaze.

When the scarlet flame serpent noticed that Han Li was above it, it blinked in fright and opened its mouth without another thought. It spat out a thumb-sized ball from its mouth directly at Han Li. It was its fire-attribute demon core that it cultivated for countless years.

Han Li pursed his lips in a smile and reached for the pearl with a single hand.

A crackle sounded and a purple flame shot out from his hand, creating a giant hand that grabbed the pearl.

Successive explosions as red light and purple flames erupted as the hand seized it, but silence soon followed.

The fire serpent beneath trembled and the raging flames on its body dimmed.

Terrified, the serpent attempted to flee with all its might, but killing intent glinted from Han Lis eyes. He held his hands in an incantation gesture and the large hand of flame surged several times in size before reaching out to capture the snake.

Before the serpent could launch itself, it felt a chill envelop its entire body. Then, its body was completely restrained.

Its heart sank and it discovered that threads of icy purple Qi had restrained its body before the hand even touched it.

Of course, the icy Qi didnt restrain it completely as it was demon beast at the peak of grade eight-stage, but it managed to delay it long enough for the purple hand to capture it.

Helpless, the demon used the last of its strength to spit out a fireball created from impure blood essence, slowing down the purple hand for only a moment before it was captured.

A layer of purple ice slowly spread across it, extinguishing the last of the scarlet flames burning on the serpents body and sealing the serpent in ice. Underneath the sunlight, it twinkled a beautiful purple.

The large purple hand then disappeared in a moment.

Han Li shook his sleeve and a dozen golden streaks released from his sleeve, coiling around the serpent several times. As golden light twinkled the ice along with the serpent was divided into tens of pieces, followed by a streak of golden light escaping.

Han Li was already prepared for this. With the casting of a sword art, the dozen flying swords circling in the air released several arcs of golden lightning, trapping the green light in a net.

The net contracted and firmly imprisoned it in a golden sphere.

He raised his hand to produce a black jade bottle and had it absorb the golden sphere before finally putting it away.

In the blue mist in the ice crevice, silver light flickered as Bai Yaoyi flew out and witnessed what had happened with a trace of alarm.

She had only hidden in the mist for a short time, but when she emerged, Han Li already easily slain the two higher form demon beasts.

The two demon beasts were incredibly powerful. Although they were only grade eight, each of them was no less powerful than a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator, forcing her to flee as they pursued her like prey.

Despite already knowing Han Li was a vastly powerful cultivator, she was deeply shaken at how easily Han Li had killed the two demons.

As Bai Yaoyi stared in shock, Han Li commanded the Six-winged Frost Centipedes and the Gold Devouring Beetles to return to their storage pouches and they obediently floated back to him.

Fellow Daoist Bai, you seem to be heavily poisoned, Han Li glanced at her and frowned.

Having regained her bearings, she sweetly said, I didnt expect the demons venom mist to be potent enough to erode my barriers. Fortunately, I had taken the Hundred Grass Pill. With a half-day of meditation, I should be able to expel the poison.

Han Li smiled and said, I had only recently finished concocting my pill. Had Fellow Daoist came a moment earlier, it would be hard to say if I would emerge to attack them.

In that case, Ive been quite lucky! Bai Yaoyi smiled.

Han Li looked around and curiously asked, Fairy Bai, how did you encounter those two metamorphosized demon beasts? Didnt you say that high-grade demons wouldnt appear near North Night Island?

Bai Yaoyi suddenly recalled something and her expression changed, Its a long story. This isnt a good place to stay. Ill tell you about it on our way back.

What? Are there other demons? How many? Han Li narrowed his eyes and a glint flickered from them.

Bai Yaoyi wryly smiled, If only it was a matter of numbers. I fear that our North Night Palace has encountered a great problem.

When Han Li heard this, his heart trembled, he maintained a calm exterior and nodded, In that case, well head back and make the report. Nevertheless, you are severely poisoned. Are you still able to move? How about I lend you a hand?

That would be appreciated. Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Han! Bai Yaoyi said with a smile.

Soon after, the two flew in the blue mist, followed by silence.

…

Four hours later, an azure and silver streak flew out from the ice ravine and disappeared past the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Half a day later, a pitch-black cloud rolled across the sky and completely enveloped the ice ravine.

A furious hiss sounded from the cloud and it roiled with lightning jumping within it. Grey winds then swept past the cloud before it vanished.

Several days later, Han Li and Bai Yaoyi returned to North Night Palace and arrived before Master Arctic Dragon to give their report. They were in the same hall where Han Li last met Arctic Dragon.

Arctic Dragons face turned sullen and he tightly frowned, Junior Martial Sister Bai, are you sure this is true?

Bai Yaoyis face tensed and she said, There was no mistake. I saw one of the Myriad Demon Valleys Deputy Lords, the Azureback Wolf. There were also two grade eight demon beasts that pursued me, neither of them having originated from the ice sea!

Arctic Dragon gave Han Li a warm face and said, Then that means they have joined hands. They will soon take action. Brother Han, many thanks for assisting Junior Martial Sister Bai. You must be tired. How about taking a rest at our most distinguished guest residences.

Han Li indifferently stood up and turned around, displaying no intention of staying behind.

Two days ago, the two vagrant cultivators I introduced to you had arrived. Im sure youll be close friends with them, Arctic Dragon added.

Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist! Han Li calmly nodded and disappeared in a streak of light.

When all trace of Han Li left the hall, Arctic Dragon turned to Bai Yaoyi and seriously said, Junior Martial Sister, send message to all of the elders remaining in the palace to come here. We will need to have a meeting in detail. Send word to double the guards as well!

Yes, Grand Elder! Bai Yaoyi nodded and she flipped her hand, producing a sound transmission talisman.

…

Sitting back on the second floor of his temporary residence, Han Li recalled what Bai Yaoyi told him.

While Han Li was refining his medicine pills, Bai Yaoyi was patrolling an area and discovered a meeting of high-grade metamorphosed demons. There were demon beasts both from the mainland and from the ice sea, headed by the Azureback Wolf and the two-headed dark flood dragon. She hadnt heard any concrete details before they discovered her and was forced to flee.

Perhaps feeling that the two demons would be enough, the other demons hadnt pursued her.

Then for a time, a battle erupted between her and the two demon beasts.

However, she was poisoned during a moment a carelessness and was forced to flee towards Han Li.

In the end, Han Li dispatched the two demons with ease.

His expression was calm as he mulled over the matter, but his thoughts were tumultuous.