Chapter 1210: Volume 7: Across the Human World Chapter 1205: The Battle of Star Palace (Part 6)

“If the Star Palace is truly annihilated, do you believe I would remain unharmed? Besides, I am not asking you to fight Wan Tianming desperately. I only hope that you can detain him when I and others take action. This, I believe, is within your capabilities, Han Li.” Ling Yuling frowned slightly and spoke slowly.

“Just detaining him is not impossible. However, the problem lies in the fact that the opponent is also a great cultivator. Once a fight begins, it becomes a matter of life and death, something beyond my anticipation. If Fellow Daoist Ling agrees in advance that should the opponent use a deadly strike, I may leave on my own, then I can consider taking action once. Besides, the extinction of the Star Palace and your safety, Fellow Daoist Ling, are two different matters. Even if the Star Palace does cease to exist, I can ensure your safety as promised to your father back then. Otherwise, merely relying on the exchange condition made by the Heavenly Star Sages and me back then is insufficient to make me take such a risk.” Han Li stated calmly, pointing out the essential matters in just a few words.

Ling Yuling’s expression changed slightly.

“Fellow Daoist Han, it seems from your tone that you are not unwilling to act but rather require a sufficient price. Isn’t that right?” The Zhao Surnamed Elder, who had not spoken previously, caught onto something from Han Li’s words, frowned slightly, and asked while stroking his beard.

“Of course, everything in the world comes with a price. As long as your palace’s conditions are sufficient, I am willing to take a risk.” Han Li smiled nonchalantly and made no attempt to hide it.

“Oh, what does Fellow Daoist Han want?” Elder Ma’s eyes flickered with a peculiar light as he spoke.

“It’s not about what I want, but what your palace intends to offer to move me.” Han Li maintained a calm demeanor.

The Star Palace elders each had different expressions at this moment, with some even whispering directly in the hall.

These old eccentrics, who had lived for countless centuries, were not displeased with Han Li’s refusal just now. Even they would not risk their lives against a cultivator of the same level without some incentive. Moreover, the battles among the great cultivators at the top of the human world certainly posed far greater risks.

But persuading Han Li did not seem easy. Ordinary Daoist paper talismans, materials, or cultivation technique manuals would hardly catch the eye of a great cultivator.

Ling Yuling, sitting in the main seat and observing the whispering elders, seemed lost in thought. After a while, she spoke with slightly parted lips.

“Han brother makes a valid point, but I assume ordinary items won’t interest you. I offer the cultivation method of the Divine Essencefused Light and the Essencefused Divine Mountain as exchange terms. What do you think? Only a genius like Han Brother is qualified to practice such profound and wondrous techniques.”

This woman spoke directly of the most crucial purpose of Han Li’s visit, momentarily stunning him as he looked Ling Yuling up and down, his eyes narrowing into contemplation.

The other Star Palace elders were also taken aback, exchanging strange glances but not voicing any opposition.

The Divine Essencefused Light, despite its fame as a cultivation technique practiced by the Heavenly Star Sages in the past, was notoriously difficult to cultivate and had significant drawbacks. To ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators, it was somewhat redundant. Using this technique and the Essencefused Mountain to buy Han Li’s assistance did not leave them any reason to object. They were more worried if Han Li would actually agree to it.

Much to their surprise, Han Li soon nodded thoughtfully:

“It seems Celestial Ni Chang already knew what I wanted. I’m not a greedy person; let’s agree to these terms. I will help intercept Wan Tianming for you. Although I can’t guarantee killing him, I won’t easily let him strike at you either.”

“Good, I trust that Han Brother will not go back on his word. I will have the cultivation chant of the Divine Essencefused Light sent to you first, and then after the great battle, the Essencefused Mountain will be handed over with both palms.” Ling Yuling revealed another smile on her jade-like face.

“In that case, I shall await Fellow Daoist Ling’s message. I am somewhat fatigued from my journey here, so I will take my leave to rest.” Han Li, seeing the matter settled, stood up to excuse himself.

“That is only natural! Elder Zhao, arrange a silent cultivation chamber for Fellow Daoist Han to rest for a few days. Meanwhile, since Fellow Daoist Han is a distinguished guest, please accompany him more these days, Zhao Daoist.” Ling Yuling agreed gladly, her jade neck turning as she instructed the Zhao Surnamed Elder amiably.

The white-haired elder nodded appreciatively and, after slightly bowing to Ling Yuling, guided Han Li out.

Han Li nodded toward Ling Yuling but did not move his feet. Instead, he suddenly cast a deep look at the Elder Ximen sitting among the elders, a blue light flashing in his pupils before he calmly walked toward the exit.

The elder Ximen felt a chill run down his spine after Han Li’s gaze, followed by a slight pain in his spiritual sense, almost causing him to leap from his chair. Yet, once Han Li turned and left, the pain disappeared without a trace, as if it had never occurred.

This left Elder Ximen greatly shocked, hurriedly checking his body and spiritual sense multiple times, finding no abnormalities, which brought him relief and a bit of self-mockery for his paranoia.

After all, being in the heart of the Star Palace, even a great cultivator would not dare to act rashly against him. However, he made up his mind to find a secluded place and hide after the meeting until the battle began, avoiding any further contact with Han Li to prevent any life-threatening situations.

After all, his flying sword strike back then almost cost Han Li his life, and now that Han Li’s abilities far surpassed his own, it seemed unlikely he would let things slide easily.

Ah, had I known his destiny would be so extraordinary, I would have either avoided him back then or ensured he was completely eradicated.

Elder Ximen sighed inwardly, filled with regret and remorse.

“Palace Master, this Han-named cultivator really has a way to restrain Wan Tianming? What is his background? Could there be a problem? Otherwise, while he speaks pleasing words, he might have dealings with the Starfall Coalition and abandon us midway, or worse, turn against us. It would be better to rely on formations and continue to defend Stalwart Star City.” Once Han Li and Elder Zhao were out of sight, the large man in purple robes skeptically questioned Ling Yuling.

“Elder Ma, rest assured, I knew Fellow Daoist Han before the agreement with my father was made. Though not closely acquainted, he had serious past grievances with those righteous and demonic old eccentrics in the Starfall Coalition due to the Heavenvoid Cauldron incident, leaving no chance for alliances. As for restraining Wan Tianming, he shouldn’t have any issues, having progressed earlier than Wan Tianming, mostly armed even with the Heavenvoid Cauldron. On the contrary, a better chance of triumph lies with him. Additionally, do any of you have better methods? Our city’s protective formation, although profound, surely cannot withstand the continuous assault from the power of wind and fire. A battle must decide victory or annihilation–that’s the reality against the Starfall Coalition.” Ling Yuling said decisively.

“Since the Palace Master says so, we can only rely on him!” The large man in purple robe thought for a moment, realized there were no other options, and reluctantly responded.

With the acceptance by the most rebellious elder, Ling Yuling showed a faint smile and softly said:

“Let us now discuss the date of confrontation and how to assault and break through their sect-wide formation…”

…

In an exceptionally secluded chamber, Han Li sat cross-legged, forming a peculiar incantation with his hands, his eyes gently closed.

After an unknown duration, his expression shifted as he slowly opened his eyes.

“So, have you decided to act, Fellow Daoist Han?” A light chuckle sounded in his ear, belonging to the child transformed from the Heaventide Beast.

“Do you know what I intend to do?” Han Li’s face was expressionless, but his voice deepened.

“Though I am unaware of the secret technique you used, the glance you cast before leaving the hall clearly utilized spiritual sense to mark that person. Though this isn’t impressive, given your potent spiritual sense, those cultivators in the stone hall stood no chance of detecting any traces. Fellow Daoist Han, having done so, surely doesn’t plan to share drinks and chat with that person?” The child teased.

“Since you figured it out, there’s no harm in admitting it. That person nearly took my life back then. Though I am not one to hold grudges, this mortal enmity cannot be easily overlooked. It was inconvenient to act directly in the Star Palace Holy Temple, but now that the person has left the stone hall, I can proceed.” Han Li smirked coldly and patted his storage pouch on his waist. A silver flash appeared, and the humanoid puppet silently materialized, then drifted through a nearby wall, disappearing without a trace.

Han Li abruptly stood, opened the nearby chamber door, and stepped out.

Through a short corridor, he entered a hall where the Zhao Surnamed Elder was enjoying tea. Upon Han Li’s appearance, he looked up in surprise.

“Fellow Daoist Zhao, you practice wood attribute cultivation art as well. Would you care to exchange cultivation insights with me?” Han Li smiled faintly.

Half a day later, within a restricted area of the Star Palace, a primordial spirit lamp flickered and extinguished to the shock of the guarding disciples, who quickly reported this to the upper ranks.

A commotion swept through the Star Palace, and shortly after, several elders stormed into Elder Ximen’s abode and breached an inner chamber.

Disciples had personally seen the elder entering it hours ago.

Yet now it was empty without a trace of him.

Elder Ximen had thus bizarrely perished, with his remains nowhere to be found.

(The second update!) (To be continued, for more chapters, please log on to www.wuxiaworld.site, support the author, support legitimate reading!)