Chapter 1546: Blood Apricot and Slave Marks

Volumes 7: Roaming the Human World – Volume 9: A Hundred Races of the Spirit Realm

"A few days ago, we all witnessed the celestial phenomena when Senior advanced. We specifically came to congratulate you on the great increase in your divine power." The ox-headed beast finally recovered from its surprise at the two 'Han Lis'. It quickly bowed, its face full of respect.

It now understood that the 'Han Li' standing before them was the true one. "Oh, how do you know I succeeded in my advancement? What if I failed?" Han Li chuckled, asking noncommittally.

"Senior, you jest," the middle head of the three-headed giant python interjected flatteringly. "Others might fail, but with Senior's great divine power, how could such a thing happen?"

Han Li chuckled at these words, then scanned the few demons with his gaze, his expression suddenly darkening:

"Enough, stop beating around the bush. I already have some idea of your intentions."

"You say you're here to offer treasures? Just state your purpose directly. I don't have much time to waste here."

Han Li's current cultivation was more than double that of an ordinary early-stage Void Refinement cultivator. Although he didn't deliberately release any aura, when his voice turned cold, the elemental energy in the hall was still affected, suddenly churning violently.

The four demons felt the air around them tighten. Immediately, they felt as if tons of force were pressing down on them, their bodies swaying, and they nearly collapsed to the ground.

"Senior, please calm your anger! We truly came to offer treasures, with absolutely no ill intentions!" The ox-headed beast's face changed drastically. While channeling its internal magic power to resist the pressure, it frantically cried out to Han Li.

"No matter what treasure you're offering without cause," Han Li said indifferently, "first, let me see it. If I find it interesting, then I'll listen to your proposition. If it's of no use, you can leave immediately."

As Han Li spoke these words, the inexplicable heavy pressure in the hall instantly dissipated, causing the four demons below to feel a sense of relief, and they straightened their bodies again.

The ox-headed beast dared not stall any longer. It hurriedly gave a glance to the golden ape beside it. The ape hesitated for a moment, then reached into its robe and pulled out a dark wooden box. It then took a few steps forward and respectfully presented it with both hands.

Han Li said nothing, taking it with one hand.

With a whoosh, the wooden box was immediately drawn into his hand.

He flicked his sleeve across the lid. Immediately, a flash of green light appeared on the surface of the wooden box, and it opened by itself, revealing what was inside.

A fist-sized, bright red fruit, its surface covered with a network of silver threads, shimmered with erratic light.

Han Li was somewhat surprised. Without needing any explanation from the four demons, he immediately extended two fingers and lightly tapped the fruit, channeling his divine sense into it.

In just a moment, Han Li's expression changed several times. From initial surprise, it shifted to curiosity, and finally, with a tight frown, a mix of shock and uncertainty.

Seeing Han Li's expression, the four demons couldn't help but exchange glances, but none dared to speak rashly.

After about fifteen minutes, Han Li exhaled and moved his fingers away from the box.

"This is a Blood Apricot. It's truly impressive that you managed to find something like this," Han Li said, casually closing the wooden box and looking at the four demons with a half-smile.

"Senior has discerning eyes, recognizing its origin with a single glance," the ox-headed beast replied with extreme deference. "The four of us found this item in a damaged ancient ruin within the Blackhush Mountain Range. We now wish to present it to you." It was secretly astonished that Han Li had truly recognized the fruit's origin.

"Hmm, if I'm not mistaken," Han Li said unhurriedly, narrowing his eyes, "this item possesses the miraculous effect of blood exchange and body refinement. It's a rare auxiliary spiritual medicine for demonic beasts during their advancement, considered a unique treasure seen only once in a millennium. Since you're willing to give up even this item, it seems what you're seeking is no small matter. This item does have some use for me. Tell me what your request is."

Seeing Han Li's demeanor, the four demons exchanged glances, and the ox-headed beast finally cleared its throat and spoke:

"Since Senior has seen through all of our small intentions," the beast said, its expression darkening with a hint of pleading, "there's no point in us hiding anything. The four of us came here because our lives are at stake; it's a matter of great urgency."

Han Li, however, remained expressionless, merely gazing indifferently at the beast without speaking.

Seeing this, the beast could only force a smile and cautiously continued to speak:

"The matter of our compulsory offerings to the Heavenly Peng race should not be a secret to Senior. However, spiritual items in the mountain range are becoming increasingly scarce. We fear that in another thousand years or so, there will be nothing left to offer. Therefore, we came this time to ask for Senior's help. We wish for you to remove the 'slave marks' from our bodies, allowing us to regain our freedom and no longer be confined to this island. If Senior agrees to this, we are not only willing to present this Blood Apricot but also offer all other rare items we have collected over the years. Although our cultivation and divine abilities are insignificant in Senior's eyes, we do possess some talent in finding treasures, which should not disappoint Senior."

"'Slave marks?' I wondered why you were so obedient and hadn't fled far away. So, the Heavenly Peng race truly placed a restriction on you. Let me take a look first." Han Li's expression shifted, and he suddenly raised his hand, grabbing at the empty air.

A golden crystalline light surged out from his fingertips.

Before the beast could react, it felt its body tighten, followed by a suction force descending upon it from thin air. Its body instantly lost control and flew towards Han Li.

The beast cried out in alarm. Its body was already exceptionally small, and being drawn in, it appeared within a few feet of Han Li in an instant. It hung suspended in mid-air, unable to move a single inch.

The other three beasts were startled. They retreated a few steps, their expressions wary.

But Han Li didn't even lift an eyelid. He simply went about his business. With blue light flickering in his eyes, his divine sense instantly pierced through the beast's body, beginning to examine any abnormalities in its body and spirit.

Seeing this, the three demons — the giant python, the golden ape, and the other — finally understood Han Li's intention. Feeling relieved, they joyfully held their breath, silently observing his actions.

Suddenly, Han Li revealed a strange expression. Then, with a light chuckle, he raised both arms.

As his ten fingers flickered rapidly, hissing sounds of air being torn apart erupted. Strands of translucent green silk shot out from his fingertips, flashing and vanishing as they all entered the beast's body.

Then, Han Li chanted incantations. The green silk in his hand broke, and he cast several magic seals.

The ox-headed beast's body suddenly trembled violently. Its body stiffened, and amidst a flash of green light, a bright red worm-like shadow, wrapped in a mass of green silk, was slowly and forcibly pulled out from between the beast's eyebrows.

The worm-like shadow was several inches long. Upon closer inspection, it was merely a faint phantom.

But as soon as this worm-like shadow left the beast's forehead by half an inch, it suddenly twisted and became motionless.

Even with the green net's spiritual light flashing wildly, it could not pull the worm-like shadow a single bit further.

At the same time, the beast's face became contorted with extreme pain. Its mouth was slightly agape, yet no sound could escape. Finally, its head drooped to the side, and it fell unconscious.

Seeing this, Han Li pondered for a moment.

But then, he raised an eyebrow, a blue light flashed in his eyes, and he let out a low cry.

A blue halo flashed above his back, and a phantom image of a great blue peng appeared.

As soon as this great peng appeared, it let out a piercing cry that seemed to penetrate metal and stone.

The three demons, who had been watching in fascination, heard this cry. They felt their entire bodies go numb, and their legs gave way, causing them to collapse to the ground.

No wonder the three demons reacted so poorly. The Heavenly Peng was known for its habit of devouring other demonic creatures alive, and the golden ape and the other two were merely mid-level demonic creatures, simply unable to withstand the oppressive might of the blue peng phantom at such close range.

Just then, under Han Li's magic spell, the blue great peng lightning-fast pecked at the beast's head. A strange scene unfolded.

The bright red worm-like shadow, which had been completely motionless and impossible to pull out, was effortlessly snatched by the great peng's hooked beak. Then, with a toss of its head, it swallowed the shadow directly.

After another sharp cry, the great peng phantom dissipated into thin air.

Only then did the three demons, including the giant python, shakily pick themselves up from the ground. However, their faces were filled with terror, and their gazes towards Han Li were full of trepidation.

Han Li paid no attention to the three demons. After examining the ox-headed beast before him, he nodded in satisfaction. He then made a pulling gesture in the air with one hand.

Immediately, the green silk, emitting tearing sounds, streamed back from the beast's body and was reabsorbed by him.

The moment the green silk departed, the beast's eyelids twitched, but it did not immediately wake up.

Han Li frowned. But then, he flicked his sleeve, and a stream of dark green spiritual light shot out, infusing into the beast's body and disappearing.

The beast, which had been unconscious, quivered, and then slowly opened its eyes and woke up.

"How is it? Can you sense whether the slave mark still exists within your body?" Han Li asked the ox-headed beast leisurely, leaning back on the armrest of his chair.

The beast had just woken up and was startled by these words. It then unconsciously followed the instruction.

A moment later, the beast's face instantly showed extreme joy.

"The slave mark is gone, truly gone! Thank you for your great kindness, Senior!" The beast hurriedly bowed deeply to Han Li.

Ever since the slave mark was imposed, it had made the beast feel as if a maggot was attached to its bone. Now that it was instantly removed, it naturally filled its heart with immense joy.

The other three beasts, seeing this, were also overjoyed. They congratulated the ox-headed beast profusely, then all turned their gazes to Han Li with anticipation.

"No need to rush, one by one," Han Li said with a faint smile, casually pointing at the golden ape.

The demon immediately jumped for joy and eagerly approached.

After about the time it takes to eat a meal, the slave marks within the bodies of all four beasts were completely removed by Han Li.

The four demons were naturally endlessly grateful to Han Li, bowing repeatedly in thanks.

"You may leave," Han Li said. "I merely conducted a transaction with you. By the way, when is your next offering to the Heavenly Peng race?" Han Li suddenly remembered something and asked the four demons.

"Senior, rest assured, we only made our last offering recently," the ox-headed beast replied respectfully, having guessed some of Han Li's thoughts. "The Heavenly Peng race won't return to the island for several hundred years."

"Oh, that's fine then. You may leave." Hearing this, Han Li finally let go of his last remaining apprehension and waved his hand at the four beasts.

Several hundred years later, he would have long since gone to who knew where. Even if there were some trouble, how could it find him?