Chapter 1278: Plundering the World

"Playing games? For a mere sixth-grade demonic core?" Han Li raised an eyebrow, a half-smile on his face.

"Hmph, if it were an ordinary sixth-grade demonic core, we wouldn't even bat an eye. But a Thunder Whale's demonic core is an exception. Moreover, as soon as you appeared, you questioned Brother Fan's demonic core, which makes us wonder," the Sun-named cultivator, an elderly man with a somewhat sinister expression who had remained silent until now, spoke coldly.

"The Thunder Whale you killed must have taken quite some time, didn't it? That's precisely why, during such a long struggle, the beast would have depleted most of the demonic power within its core. After you killed it, the core couldn't replenish its power, so how could its quality still be good? It seems you two haven't slain many high-level demonic beasts, otherwise, you wouldn't be unaware of such taboos," Han Li chuckled noncommittally.

Hearing this, the two cultivators, including the one named Fan, exchanged glances, their faces showing hesitation.

"Even if the demonic core issue is true, how did you get here? Fellow Daoist Fan clearly concealed this place with an illusion array. Are you specifically targeting us?" The white-bearded elder suddenly asked, wary.

"A mere illusion array is nothing to me. As for you, this is my first time in this sea area, so why would I specifically target you? My mood is good today, so I've said all that needs to be said. I have no interest in answering any more questions. The conditions I mentioned earlier remain unchanged. Is anyone willing to make this deal? I don't intend to stay here much longer." Han Li's face grew stern as he finished speaking.

Seeing Han Li's confident tone, the Nascent Soul cultivators in the stone pavilion felt a profound sense of awe.

The opponent appeared so mysterious that they didn't believe he was boasting. Out of apprehension, no one dared to speak presumptuously for a moment.

It wasn't until the graceful woman in green robes gazed at Han Li for a while, her eyes flickering, that she suddenly asked:

"Judging by your tone, Fellow Daoist, you don't seem to be a cultivator from our Five Dragon Sea. May I ask if you are from the Great Jin and if you know Senior Xiang Zhili?"

"You know Fellow Daoist Xiang?" Han Li paused, narrowing his eyes as he stared at the woman. He was quite surprised!

"Senior Xiang once stayed on this humble island for a period and offered guidance on my cultivation, from which I benefited greatly. You address Senior Xiang as an equal; could you also be a senior cultivator at the Soul Transformation stage?" The woman in green robes' eyes flashed with a peculiar light upon hearing Han Li's words. She suddenly stood up, curtsied, and spoke with extreme reverence.

"A Soul Transformation cultivator?" The others, who had been sitting comfortably, were startled and stood up in shock.

The Fan-named cultivator, who had just spoken ill, and the sinister old man, even showed a hint of panic on their faces.

"Since you've recognized it, there's nothing for me to hide. Where did you meet Fellow Daoist Xiang?" Han Li didn't spare a glance at the others' reactions; instead, he frowned and asked the woman.

"I met Senior Xiang over two hundred years ago. At that time, I hadn't yet successfully condensed my Nascent Soul. If not for Senior Xiang's guidance, I would probably still be lingering at the Core Formation stage," the graceful woman replied, her face showing delight.

Calculating back, two hundred years ago was precisely when Xiang Zhili and others discovered the spatial node in the Five Dragon Sea. It seemed her story was true.

Han Li's mind raced, and in an instant, he determined that what the woman said was true. His expression softened slightly:

"Since you know Fellow Daoist Xiang, that's excellent. Take this demonic core and bring me the sea chart."

Han Li raised his hand, and the rare demonic core in his palm immediately shot towards the woman.

The woman's heart filled with joy. With a flick of her hand, she drew the demonic core into her palm. Then, she bowed in thanks and took out a light green jade slip from her waist storage bag, gracefully stepping forward to hand it over.

Han Li took the jade slip and immediately swept it with his spiritual sense. Comparing it with the information Xiang Zhili had left previously, he instantly found the exact location of the spatial node. It wasn't too far, appearing to be reachable within about a month.

He nodded with satisfaction:

"Good. Now I have a few questions for you to listen carefully to." Once he revealed his Soul Transformation cultivator identity, Han Li's imposing aura immediately emerged, and he gave his instructions in an unquestionable tone.

Indeed, at this point, he was the top-tier existence in the Human Realm. If not for concerns about the dwindling lifespan, there would be nothing in this realm for him to fear.

The woman in green robes naturally agreed without hesitation.

Han Li's lips moved continuously, but no sound escaped. The woman in green robes' beautiful eyes flickered, and after Han Li stopped his telepathic message, she also replied to each question telepathically.

After listening, Han Li stroked his chin and lowered his head in contemplation.

The other cultivators dared not even breathe, remaining obediently in place, fearing that disturbing this Soul Transformation senior would bring immense trouble upon themselves.

"Hehe, Han has obtained what he wanted, so I won't linger here. You may continue." Han Li seemed to have figured something out. He suddenly raised his head, chuckled, and then with a flick of his sleeve, he vanished.

"How are you here? Have you also advanced to the Soul Transformation stage?" The silver-robed woman was naturally the former Ice Sea Lord, the Level Ten Ice Phoenix in human form. Her expression turned somewhat grim.

She had personally witnessed Han Li's advancement from the Mid Nascent Soul to Late Nascent Soul stage. Now, after a mere century, if he had advanced to Soul Transformation, his good fortune was simply too immense.

After all, while there might be hundreds of Late Nascent Soul cultivators in this realm, those capable of reaching Soul Transformation were extremely few.

"Hehe, isn't Fairy Phoenix also at the Soul Transformation stage now? Although I don't know how you learned of this place, you must be here for the spatial node. If so, why don't you come down and we can discuss it? It's not impossible for us to cooperate on this matter," Han Li chuckled softly, transmitting his voice slowly.

As his words exited, the thunder and lightning that had relentlessly barraged the hurricane immediately ceased and dissipated. The surrounding restrictions automatically deactivated. The four Core Formation cultivators flying below had naturally heard Han Li's telepathic message earlier, and upon realizing that the woman before them was a Soul Transformation demonic cultivator, their faces turned pale. They immediately reverently moved to either side, as if they had originally come to welcome the silver-robed woman.

The Ice Phoenix pondered for a moment, then suddenly raised an eyebrow, not even glancing at the four Core Formation cultivators. She transformed into a silvery light and flew towards the island below.

Meanwhile, Han Li's four subordinates secretly breathed a sigh of relief. They immediately followed, discreetly leading the woman to the largest pavilion on the island.

From a distance, the woman saw a young man standing at the pavilion entrance, his robes fluttering, gazing at her with a smile on his face.

Who else could it be but the human cultivator who had once made her gnash her teeth in hatred?

"Fellow Daoist Han, you certainly move fast, managing to occupy this island first. Where is the spatial node?" The silver-robed woman's expression was displeased. She landed her escape light more than ten zhang away from Han Li and asked bluntly.

Han Li smiled and first waved his hand at the four Core Formation cultivators who had followed. The four immediately retreated, knowing their place.

It was then that he slowly replied:

"Since you've already arrived, why be so impatient? The spatial node is not far from here. After we finish our discussion, I can personally lead you there, how does that sound?"

"What is there to discuss with you? Do you really think you can still suppress me, even after we've both reached Soul Transformation?" The woman's face was frosty, but her words subtly revealed a hint of apprehension towards Han Li.

"You wish to find the spatial node because you also seek to ascend to the Spirit Realm. My goal is identical to yours, so there's a strong possibility for us to cooperate," Han Li said, his expression unchanged.

"Cooperate, with you human cultivators?" A hint of mockery appeared at the corner of the Ice Phoenix's mouth.

"I presume Fairy already knows the fate of Fellow Daoist Xiang and the others, otherwise you wouldn't be here. You possess a spatial divine ability, allowing you to tear apart nearby space and travel through it at will. This will be very useful when entering the spatial node and facing the power of separation between realms. You've also witnessed my divine abilities, and I assure you they are no less than yours. Furthermore, I possess two Heaven-Reaching Spirit Treasures, and I am confident I will not hinder you, Fairy. Our combined efforts would naturally be far safer than entering the spatial node alone. Otherwise, you've seen what happened to Fellow Daoist Xiang and a few others. That Old Demon Che is rumored to have entered another spatial node. Although he left no soul lamp, so his fate is unknown, that node's entrance is far more turbulent than this one. His outcome is likely not optimistic..." Han Li calmly persuaded.

Upon hearing this, the silver-robed woman's face became frosty, her eyes flashing with a silver gleam. She said coldly:

"After advancing to Soul Transformation, my lifespan has doubled, so I can remain in the Human Realm for another ten thousand years without issue. Why should I be in such a hurry to ascend to the Spirit Realm, and why would I need to cooperate with you?"

"Is that so? But what if your lifespan runs out? Does Fairy Phoenix truly believe this spatial node is so easy to find, or that it will exist for much longer?" Han Li stroked his chin, a half-smile on his face.

"What do you mean by that?" The silver-robed woman's expression changed upon hearing this.

"Nothing, I just wanted to tell you, Fellow Daoist, that this spatial node will collapse and disappear in, at most, a hundred years. If Fairy Phoenix is confident in finding a more suitable node entrance elsewhere in the Human Realm, then consider my previous words unsaid," Han Li chuckled.

"How could there be such a coincidence? Are you perhaps trying to deceive me with false words?" The silver-robed woman was stunned, but then her face filled with disbelief.

"Whether it's true or not, Fellow Daoist Phoenix can observe this node for a few days herself. However, I need to leave for a while to search for means to resist the power of realm separation. During my absence, one of my female disciples will guard this place. If you have any matters, feel free to instruct her. Of course, if you could offer some casual guidance to my disciple in your leisure time, I would be even more grateful on her behalf." Han Li was quite carefree; he didn't continue to persuade her but instead changed the subject.

"You're leaving this island! It seems you truly intend to enter this node soon. Fine, given your sincerity, I'll stay here for a while. But if your words prove false, I'll turn and leave." The Ice Phoenix was somewhat surprised to hear this, but after pondering for a long time, she reluctantly nodded. She had, after all, not outright refused Han Li's proposal for cooperation.

Han Li's heart naturally rejoiced. He immediately raised his palm, and a fiery light shot through the air, disappearing in a flash.

It was a voice transmission talisman!

He calmly chatted with the silver-robed woman. However, she seemed disinclined to speak, merely giving a few brief replies before falling silent.

Han Li didn't mind in the slightest but wisely ceased talking.

A short while later, a white light flew from the direction of the spatial node. After circling once, it landed beside them, revealing a slender woman in yellow robes, her face as beautiful as a painting. It was Tian Qin'er!

"Greetings, Master!" Tian Qin'er respectfully saluted Han Li, then stood aside with her hands clasped.

"This is your direct disciple. Eh? A Dragon Chant Physique?" The silver-robed woman merely swept her gaze over Tian Qin'er, and her expression shifted, revealing surprise.

"You've discerned it as well. My humble disciple, despite being female, possesses this physique, which is truly more of a curse than a blessing. I've heard that the Ice Phoenix clan cultivates a Natal Cold Essence, which is miraculously profound. It can cleanse marrow, transform meridians, and has incredible effects in balancing Yin and Yang. I wonder, Fellow Daoist, if you could bestow a few drops upon my disciple, to see if it can free her from this constraint and allow her to pursue the Grand Dao?" Han Li smiled faintly, then suddenly said this.

Regarding Tian Qin'er's Dragon Chant Physique, although he had never mentioned it, he had once spent a great deal of time consulting various ancient texts to find what seemed to be the only hopeful method to overcome this constitution. Now that the opportunity presented itself, he naturally subtly sought guidance for his disciple.

"Hmph, a few drops? How dare Fellow Daoist Han say that! How precious is Natal Cold Essence? How can it be casually given to a human? We'll see when I'm in a good mood," the Ice Phoenix replied impolitely.

"Naturally. Qin'er, you heard Senior Phoenix. Fellow Daoist Phoenix will be staying on this island for a while, so you must obey her instructions well, understood?" Han Li didn't get angry; instead, he laughed heartily and spoke to Tian Qin'er at his side with great significance.

Tian Qin'er, standing nearby, heard that her Dragon Chant Physique might be overcome, and her eyes immediately brightened. Now, hearing Han Li's reminder, she was naturally overjoyed and repeatedly assented.

The silver-robed woman shot Han Li an annoyed glance but said nothing.

The rest was simple.

Han Li personally led the Ice Phoenix to examine the spatial node. He then stayed on the island for half a month. Only after sensing that the silver-robed woman harbored no significant animosity towards Tian Qin'er did he quietly depart from the small island. Outside the misty sea, millions of li above, Han Li slowly traveled as a streak of green light.

"Fellow Daoist Han, do you truly intend to team up with this Ice Phoenix to enter the node?"

From his sleeve, a ball of green light flew out, enveloping a small cauldron. After circling once, it hovered before Han Li. A phantom image flickered on the cauldron, and the figure of a boy suddenly appeared.

Han Li looked at the boy with a hint of surprise.

In recent years, besides asking him for materials and elixirs, the boy had rarely appeared. Now, suddenly inquiring about this demonic beast, what could be the reason?

"Indeed, I must cooperate with her this time. Her innate spatial divine ability will be incredibly useful once we enter the spatial node, especially for maneuvering," Han Li said candidly.

"That's true. Although the Ice Phoenix doesn't possess true Heavenly Phoenix bloodline, she has inherited some talent in spatial divine abilities. With her help, traversing the spatial node would indeed be safer. However, before you leave the Human Realm, shouldn't you also lift my restrictions, releasing this old man from the Heavenly Cauldron's confinement? Have you forgotten about this, Fellow Daoist?" The boy first nodded in agreement, but then changed the subject.

"Of course I haven't forgotten. But Fellow Daoist Tian Lan, I gave you the incomplete pages of the Golden Gate Jade Scroll. So many years have passed; isn't it time you gave me an explanation?" Han Li's expression remained calm as he countered with a question about the jade pages.

"Regarding the way of talismans from the incomplete pages, I have indeed comprehended a portion. As for whether it is correct, I cannot guarantee it, nor can it be demonstrated in the Human Realm. After all, if such immortal talismans are cast in a place with thin spiritual energy like the Human Realm, the caster would be drained dry before even succeeding. Are you sure you want what I've comprehended from it?" The boy frowned, giving a noncommittal reply.

"Of course I want it. And I intend to reclaim the Golden Gate Jade Scroll. Should I reach the Spirit Realm, I will personally comprehend it further," Han Li replied indifferently.

"Since you say so, take it, Fellow Daoist Han!" The boy didn't hesitate in the slightest. He lifted his foot and stomped on the small cauldron beneath him. The cauldron lid flipped over, revealing a small gap. With two 'puffs,' one yellow and one green ball of spiritual light flew out from the cauldron and were caught by Han Li.

A yellow wooden box and an emerald green jade slip!

As soon as the wooden box was opened, inside was precisely the incomplete jade token. He scanned the green jade slip with his spiritual sense; although a complete comprehension wasn't possible, it appeared genuine.

Han Li put away the two items and smiled slightly at the boy: "Since you've done this, I will keep my word. I will immediately begin to slowly sever your primordial spirit's connection with the Void Heavenly Cauldron using a secret technique. However, this process will likely take several decades, so you cannot be too impatient, Fellow Daoist."

"Naturally. This old man only needs to regain freedom before your ascension." The boy seemed quite pleased with Han Li's promise. After saying this, his figure flickered, and the phantom image dispersed and vanished.

Han Li pondered for a moment, then opened his mouth, and a stream of green ethereal mist surged forth, coiling around the small cauldron.

The cauldron rapidly shrank within the mist and was swallowed into his mouth in a flash.

Almost simultaneously, the Nascent Soul that had been meditating suddenly opened its eyes. With a gesture, the inch-sized green cauldron eerily appeared before it.

Immediately, the Nascent Soul tossed the small cauldron in front of it, and forming hand seals, a brilliant, shimmering green spiritual light erupted from its body, enveloping both the cauldron and the Nascent Soul. Under the hazy glow, the scene inside became completely obscured.

At this moment, Han Li's expression was as usual. His escape speed increased slightly, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished into the distant horizon.

Not long after, a mysterious cultivator began appearing in various cultivation areas of the Human Realm, specializing in collecting rare and little-known treasures and secret techniques. These items were either related to spatial divine abilities or possessed extremely strong defensive power.

However, this mysterious cultivator had incredibly high standards, rarely finding anything worthy of his attention or action in one place. Furthermore, his movements were clean and decisive. Each time he appeared, his face, figure, and attire were different, making it impossible to trace him, whether he forcibly purchased items or quietly took them by breaking through restrictions.

The only thing knowledgeable cultivators knew was that this person's divine abilities were unfathomable; even Nascent Soul cultivators were as helpless as infants before him. Fortunately, this mysterious cultivator was only interested in treasures, at most severely injuring opponents, but never actually harming their lives.

Therefore, while the sects and forces that lost treasures and techniques were greatly perplexed and regretful, they also feared the opponent's astonishing divine abilities and dared not widely publicize the incidents or investigate deeply. They could only lament their bad luck.

As for ordinary cultivators, they naturally knew nothing about this mysterious individual.

And so, the years passed by.

One day, seventy years later, on the peak of an unnamed tall mountain on the Heavenly Sand Continent, the mysterious cultivator stood on a rock, expressionlessly gazing at the two elders glaring fiercely at him in the air.

At this moment, he appeared as a middle-aged scholar with a three-strand beard, dressed in a long, ink-black robe.

The two elders consisted of one Early Nascent Soul cultivator and one Mid Nascent Soul cultivator, considered top-tier existences on the Heavenly Sand Continent.

"No matter who you are, if you're sensible, hand over the stolen Golden Shimmer Ring immediately. For you to penetrate our sect's vital grounds and steal a treasure, you must be at least a Mid Nascent Soul cultivator. Why engage in such disgraceful acts?" A thick-browed elder said grimly.

The opponent's escape speed wasn't particularly fast, so after some pursuit, the two of them caught up. However, the opponent was shrouded in mist, making it impossible to discern his cultivation level. The two cultivators felt a bit strange about this. Thus, they didn't immediately attack, instead attempting to probe with their words.

The mysterious cultivator's eyes flickered. He raised a hand, and an object shot out, flying towards the speaking elder.

The elder was startled. Subconsciously, he made a grabbing motion in the air with one hand and immediately drew the object towards him.

It was a storage bag.

The elder couldn't help but show a hint of confusion.

"The Golden Shimmer Ring is of great use to me. Consider the spirit stones in this bag as payment for the treasure," the mysterious cultivator said expressionlessly, his voice slightly hoarse.

"Nonsense! The Golden Shimmer Ring is our sect's most prized treasure! We wouldn't sell it for any amount of spirit stones!" The elder was first startled by the number of spirit stones in the bag, but upon hearing the mysterious cultivator's next words, he flew into a rage.

"In that case, there's nothing more I can do. I will not return this treasure," the mysterious cultivator said indifferently.

"Hmph, then Fellow Daoist might as well leave your life behind as well," the other eagle-eyed elder suddenly said grimly. With an open mouth, a red beam of light shot out and, with a flash, appeared above the mysterious cultivator's head.

Upon realizing that the opponent had no intention of returning the treasure, this Mid Nascent Soul cultivator attacked without hesitation.

But an incredible scene unfolded.

The mysterious cultivator opposite him made no move with any treasure; he merely swept his hand through the air, and a swirling mass of grayish-white mist appeared out of nowhere, then coiled upwards.

The red beam was enveloped by the gray light, immediately shook, and its spiritual light dispersed, revealing its true form.

It was a crimson small sword, several inches long, gleaming with a cold light.

At this moment, the small sword spun ceaselessly within the gray mist, seemingly having lost its own power.

The eagle-eyed elder in the air, who had released the flying sword, was now a mix of shock and fury. At this moment, he had actually lost his spiritual connection with the flying sword. The thick-browed elder beside him noticed something was wrong. Without hesitation, he let out a loud shout, flicked his sleeve, and a shimmering golden square object was conjured.

As soon as this object appeared, its size rapidly expanded, transforming into a golden brick several zhang large, which then smashed downwards fiercely, like a small mountain pressing down.

The mysterious cultivator below let out a soft 'oh,' then his eyebrow twitched. Immediately, he slowly made another half-circle sweep with his other hand above his head.

With a 'poof,' an even denser gray mist surged upwards, colliding directly with the golden brick.

As the mist enveloped the golden brick's surface, the treasure's spiritual light dispersed, its form suddenly shrank, and it tumbled uncontrollably.

The mysterious cultivator then stretched out a hand and beckoned towards the air. The golden brick and crimson small sword, now restored to their original forms, trembled and fell straight down from the sky, about to land in the cultivators' hands below.

At this point, the eagle-eyed elder truly grew anxious. Without thinking, he made a grabbing motion in the air towards Han Li.

Immediately, a large white hand appeared below. Then, its five fingers closed, transforming into a gigantic palm that slammed down fiercely. It actually intended to kill the mysterious cultivator with one strike.

But the cultivator below merely flicked a finger towards the air with one hand.

A golden light flashed, and after a golden sword qi slashed past, the light fist instantly split into two in the middle, disappearing as specks of white light.

Seeing this, the eagle-eyed elder's face turned somewhat pale.

The mysterious cultivator then weighed the two treasures in his hand, looked at the two figures in the air, and said coldly:

"If I include these two treasures, would the two Fellow Daoists be willing to trade?"

The two elders' hearts sank. They found it incredibly hard to believe that the opponent could, in a single exchange, take away their magic treasures and shatter their secret techniques. And what kind of divine ability was that gray mist, possessing such heaven-defying power?

For a moment, neither of them dared to speak.

Seeing this, the mysterious cultivator chuckled, then abruptly tossed the treasures in his hand into the air. With a flash of his own spiritual light, he transformed into a streak of green light and departed.

The two elders were startled by this. They quickly formed hand seals and first retrieved their own treasures. Then, gazing at the distant escape light, they couldn't help but exchange bewildered glances.

"Senior Brother, should we pursue him?" After a long while, the thick-browed elder asked hesitantly.

"Pursue? With what? The opponent clearly showed mercy. If we are foolish enough to go after him again, we might truly provoke his killing intent," the eagle-eyed elder said helplessly.

"But the Golden Shimmer Ring is our sect's supreme treasure. Losing it like this, how can we explain it to the sect?" The thick-browed elder still felt a bit unwilling.

"What's there to explain? It's simply that our divine abilities are inferior to his. The cultivation world has always been about the strong preying on the weak. The Golden Shimmer Ring wasn't originally our sect's property; our sect's patriarch snatched it from another sect back then. Now that someone else has taken it, we can only admit our bad luck. Let's go back. We need to preserve our useful bodies to support the entire sect." The eagle-eyed elder gave a wry smile, then said this, transforming into a red light and departing in the opposite direction.

The thick-browed elder remained stunned for a good while, then, with a long sigh, also transformed into an escape light and followed closely.

Far away, in another high altitude, after flying for tens of thousands of li, the mysterious cultivator's escape light suddenly paused, halting in mid-air.

Then, a series of cracking sounds emanated from within the escape light. The person's height increased by an inch, and at the same time, green spiritual light fluctuated around him. As his features blurred slightly, his face drastically changed, revealing the ordinary countenance of a young man.

It was Han Li himself.

At this moment, he flicked his sleeve, and a gleaming golden ring appeared in his hand. With a single-handed twist and slight shake, countless illusory images immediately emerged, incredibly profound.

"Not bad. In terms of defensive power alone, this treasure should rank among the top three of the items I've obtained in recent years," Han Li muttered to himself with a satisfied smile.

"Time is almost up. Fellow Daoist Han should also return and take a look. Otherwise, if that spatial node suddenly collapses, you will regret it immensely," the boy's light chuckle came from Han Li's sleeve.

"I don't need Fellow Daoist Tian Lan to remind me; I'm already preparing to return. Over these years, although I've obtained some treasures and secret techniques, I'm not satisfied with most of them, except for four or five. While many are famous, they are quite undeserving of their reputation. I estimate they will be practically useless after entering the spatial node," Han Li's expression suddenly darkened, and his voice became somewhat low.

"You shouldn't put it that way. Compared to ordinary ancient treasures in the Human Realm and spirit treasures like the Eight Spirit Ruler, they naturally aren't impressive. But these treasures and secret techniques are better than none at all. Besides, over these years, although you've been running around various parts of the Human Realm, haven't you also comprehended a thing or two from the Golden Gate Jade Scroll? These things might just save your life someday," the boy said leisurely, disagreeing.

"Perhaps!" Han Li said noncommittally, but his hand, hidden in his sleeve, unconsciously clenched its fingers, then gently relaxed them again.

The boy, transformed from the Heavenly Whale Beast, naturally didn't know that Han Li's greatest gain over these years was neither the collected treasures and techniques, nor the contents of the Golden Gate Jade Scroll, but something else entirely...

Nangong Wan spoke, addressing the silver-robed woman, "Fellow Daoist Phoenix, you jest. That spatial node is so dangerous; entering it alone offers almost no hope of survival. Haven't you also noticed the node's instability over these years? It's likely not long until its complete collapse." Nangong Wan smiled, seemingly unfazed by the silver-robed woman's coldness.

"Entering the node with him isn't impossible, but I have a condition. Only if he agrees to it will I feel comfortable cooperating with him." The silver-robed woman glanced at Han Li, a strange look on her face.

"What condition? Tell me about it," Han Li's expression shifted, his curiosity piqued.

"We can enter the node together, but I don't trust you. Before entering, we must each place a restriction on the other. If one of us encounters difficulty and the other doesn't assist with all their strength, neither will be able to leave the node alive. Only under such terms will I feel confident in cooperating with you," the Ice Phoenix said, her eyes fixed on Han Li, enunciating each word.

"No problem, I agree. Doing so would also make me feel much more at ease." Han Li laughed upon hearing this and readily agreed.

Seeing this, the silver-robed woman was instead startled. She re-examined Han Li from head to toe, then said coldly:

"It's best that you agree. In that case, I also need to leave this place for a while to make some preparations. That spatial node can last for at least another thirty years. Thirty years from today, I will arrive here on time to rendezvous with you. I hope you won't go back on your word then."

The silver-robed woman immediately stood up and walked out after saying this, showing no intention of seeking Han Li's opinion.

Han Li frowned but said nothing. Nangong Wan, however, stood up and saw her out, seemingly having something to discuss with the woman alone.

After the two women left the main hall, Han Li sat in his chair, lost in thought, as if only now carefully considering the Ice Phoenix's suggestion.

After a short while, he looked up and saw Nangong Wan silently re-enter.

"It seems my husband truly intends to leave in thirty years," Nangong Wan said, a hint of reluctance in her beautiful eyes, and a touch of sadness.

"I'm not worried about myself; I'm mainly concerned that after I leave, if this spatial node collapses, how will you reach the Spirit Realm even if you advance to Soul Transformation?" Han Li sighed softly, his brows furrowed.

"That won't be an issue. This isn't the only spatial node in the world. I've already consumed the Resurrection Water. If I can reach Soul Transformation, my lifespan will far exceed others. With such a long time, I'll find another node in the Human Realm," Nangong Wan replied softly.

She then walked over to Han Li and slowly nestled into his embrace.

Han Li held her soft, boneless body, inhaling the faint, elegant fragrance emanating from her, feeling himself momentarily captivated.

At this moment, Nangong Wan also had nothing more to say. The two of them remained intertwined, unmoving, their merged shadows on the ground appearing as if they were a single entity.

"Oh, right, Wan'er! What was that heavy defensive treasure you mentioned?" After an unknown amount of time, Han Li gently patted her fragrant shoulder and quietly asked.

"Husband, do you still remember the golden box you and I found in the underground cave during the Bloody Trial all those years ago?" Nangong Wan said softly, reluctantly leaving Han Li's embrace and slightly tidying her palace dress.

"The golden box? Oh, I certainly remember that," Han Li pondered briefly and recalled the events of that year.

"The Bloody Forbidden Area back then was actually the reclusive abode of an ancient cultivator. That golden box contained the restriction token for entering the tall pagoda at the center of the area. However, even with that, to enter that area, one had to possess Late Nascent Soul cultivation to disregard the strange restrictions outside that suppress cultivation. That year, as soon as I successfully advanced to the Late Nascent Soul stage, I went to Yue State and entered the pagoda. I inherited the mantle of that ancient cultivator. But besides that, in a certain restriction within the pagoda, I also discovered the remains of a cultivator. Clearly, this person didn't know the dangers of the place and rashly broke in without the restriction token, resulting in their demise. Several treasures found on these remains were extraordinary, indicating that the owner was a person of great background during their life. Among them, there was one item that was miraculously profound, and I thought it would be of great help for your journey to the node, so I brought it along," Nangong Wan explained in detail. As she finished speaking, she patted her waist storage bag, and a six-colored shimmering light appeared in her hand, faintly revealing a silver talisman!

"Is this the talisman?" Han Li felt the item looked familiar at first glance but couldn't immediately recall what it was, so he asked with a frown.

"I don't know who refined this talisman, but its divine ability, Husband, you should see for yourself," Nangong Wan's crystalline eyes flashed with a smile. She then tossed the silver talisman into the air and began forming hand seals, enchanting incantations escaping her lips.

An incredible scene unfolded.

The silver talisman floating before Nangong Wan spun, and suddenly a streak of silver light enveloped her, instantly forming a layer of silvery light barrier.

The silver light on the barrier flickered wildly, and a rumbling sound immediately arose.

Han Li initially paid little attention, but the rumbling grew louder, becoming ceaseless, gradually filling the entire hall. The spiritual energy in the air was stirred and drawn in, growing denser and denser.

Han Li's heart tensed, and he narrowed his eyes slightly.

Just then, streaks of multicolored spiritual light appeared in the hall, surging towards Nangong Wan like a hundred rivers returning to the sea, vanishing into the light barrier in an instant.

The silver light barrier began to transform, layer upon layer of light screens condensing around Nangong Wan, each a different color, dazzling with spiritual light.

Moments later, a distinctly layered six-tiered light barrier spectacularly formed, appearing exceptionally thick.

"Six Ding Heavenly Armor Talisman!"

Upon seeing this, a flash of insight struck Han Li's mind, and he cried out without any hesitation.

"Six Ding Heavenly Armor Talisman? Is that its name? Husband, do you recognize this talisman?" Nangong Wan was greatly surprised, but her hand seals continued without pause.

The six-layered light barrier transformed. In an instant, it became a six-colored battle armor tightly adhering to Nangong Wan's body, its vibrant spiritual light constantly flowing, making it exceptionally eye-catching.

"It should be. Although I haven't personally seen this talisman before, I encountered a description of it in the ancient texts of a sect in the Great Jin. The Six Ding Heavenly Armor Talisman isn't activated by the cultivator's own magic power but rather by drawing in nearby heaven and earth spiritual energy to form its defense," Han Li said, his eyes shining.

This talisman, one of the three secret talismans of the Heavenly Talisman Sect, he had long desired its refining method. However, he had never found any clues and could only regret it. Now, he had actually obtained a completed talisman. Could those remains belong to the elder of the Heavenly Talisman Sect from back then? And did Xiang Zhili enter the Bloody Forbidden Area for him as well?

Han Li couldn't help but think this, but his mind quickly turned, feeling it was unlikely.

However, he didn't dwell on it further but instead walked up to Nangong Wan and carefully examined the battle armor formed by the spiritual talisman.

He saw that the battle armor almost completely protected Nangong Wan's body, except for her limbs and head. Its surface was exceptionally smooth, and faint runes shimmered, making it appear very mysterious.

With Han Li's current divine abilities, he could easily sense the terrifying spiritual power contained within the battle armor, and his eyebrow twitched slightly.

"It is indeed a Heavenly Armor Talisman, no doubt. However, according to the descriptions in the texts, this talisman shouldn't have just this much power. Wan'er, you haven't fully activated the talisman, have you?" Han Li asked, his eyes flickering.

"Naturally not; I only displayed one-tenth of its power," Nangong Wan chuckled softly.

"Good. This talisman will indeed be of great help for my journey to the spatial node. By the way, did you obtain the refining method for this talisman from those remains? If so, that would be even better," Han Li suddenly remembered this and asked, his eyes brightening.

"No, and there's only this one such talisman," Nangong Wan shook her head.

"Never mind. I was being too greedy. Having even this one talisman is a rare blessing." Although Han Li felt a little regretful, he burst into a self-deprecating laugh upon second thought.

Nangong Wan smiled gently at Han Li's words. With a single hand, she patted the battle armor on her body. Instantly, the six-colored battle armor shattered inch by inch, reverting back into a silver talisman.

Then, the woman blew towards the talisman, and a streak of red mist enveloped it, sending it directly to Han Li.

Han Li didn't stand on ceremony and accepted the talisman.

In the days that followed, Han Li stayed on the island, spending every day and night with Nangong Wan, their love exceptionally deep.

Both knew that whether Han Li could ascend to the Spirit Realm or not, these days were likely the only remaining time they could be together. In the future, there was a slim chance they would ever reunite, possibly separated forever.

Therefore, both fully unleashed their emotions for their beloved, spending these days inseparable, like glue.

However, one day three years later, as Han Li and Nangong Wan were leisurely enjoying tea on a picturesque small mountain near the misty sea, Han Li's expression suddenly changed, and he flicked his sleeve.

Half a shimmering white jade talisman shot out, circled once, and landed in his palm.

It was a Ten Thousand Li Talisman!

Han Li grabbed the Ten Thousand Li Talisman and swept his gaze over it.

Although there were only a few words on the jade talisman, Han Li's expression first showed surprise, then immense joy.

It was news from the human-shaped puppet stationed in the Fallen Devil Valley: the Profound Sky Immortal Vine had finally bloomed and borne fruit.

A year later, within the inner valley of the Fallen Devil Valley in Tian Nan, a streak of green light flashed and vanished into a hidden small valley.

Han Li then stayed in the inner valley for several months. After that, the green light once again left the valley, disappearing without a trace.

Time flowed swiftly. In a blink of an eye, the thirty-year deadline Han Li had agreed upon with the Ice Phoenix arrived. Beneath the massive light cluster in the misty sea, a group of cultivators in various attires had gathered.