Chapter 1606: Magic Gold Mountain Range

"Two pieces of news? Please tell me, Fellow Daoist," Han Li asked noncommittally.

"In three months, the Yunxiang Auction House, one of the auction houses in Cloud City, will be auctioning a Saint-tier Thorned Demonic Beast's core," the woman said slowly. "From what I understand, this core is exceptionally rare. Even some Saint Clan members in the city have their eyes on it and plan to acquire it."

"Saint Clan!" Han Li's brow furrowed.

Although he considered himself well-off, Han Li had no confidence in being wealthier than an Integration-stage cultivator. These ancient beings had lived for tens of thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands, of years, accumulating an incredible amount of treasures and spirit stones.

Naturally, if he had no reservations, he could convert all the spiritual herbs and materials he carried into spirit stones, allowing him to potentially compete with the Saint Clans for the item.

However, Han Li was in unfamiliar territory, surrounded by other races. He certainly wouldn't expose his wealth so easily. Otherwise, he might attract unwanted attention even before securing the demonic core.

He had no desire to invite trouble unnecessarily.

Han Li's thoughts raced. After a moment, he shook his head.

"Since Saint Clans are participating in the auction, I certainly won't be able to acquire it. This approach isn't feasible."

"Oh, if Senior insists," the young woman said with an indifferent smile. "Then we'll move on to the second piece of news. Senior, you're relatively new to Skycloud, aren't you? Have you heard of the Demonic Gold Mountain Range?"

"The Demonic Gold Mountain Range!" Han Li's heart stirred. "I know of its existence, but I'm not familiar with the details."

"It's not surprising that Senior isn't well-acquainted with it!" The woman's bright eyes sparkled as she gave a sweet smile. "This place only appeared within the last ten thousand years, so few people from other regions are aware of it. Allow me to explain in detail."

"I appreciate it, Fellow Daoist," Han Li said, nodding calmly. At the same time, the regional map of Cloud City's vicinity, with the Ink Gold Mountain Range marked on it, appeared in his mind.

"About ten thousand years ago, a spatial storm suddenly erupted in the wilderness, about a month's journey from Cloud City," the Crystal Clan woman explained with a solemn expression. "For reasons unknown, after the storm, a black mountain range abruptly materialized there. This range became enveloped in dense demonic energy, and the void above became extremely unstable, spawning numerous spatial rifts. Through these rifts, vast quantities of demonic energy surged forth, accompanied by an influx of high-tier demonic beasts, including several Saint-tier ones. Within a short time, an area spanning millions of miles around the mountain range was transformed into a demonic domain, and it continued to spread. This development alarmed the highest-ranking Saint Clan members of our Skycloud Race. Consequently, several Saint Clan members of the sixth and seventh ranks joined forces. They entered the area, collectively eliminating most of the Saint-tier demonic beasts, and advanced to the very heart of the mountain range, aiming to completely resolve the issue."

Upon hearing the woman mention spatial rifts and a surge of demonic energy, Han Li's heart skipped a beat. He was almost instantly reminded of the Stygian Riverland he had encountered during his time with the Flying Spirit Race.

The Crystal Clan woman then exhaled slowly before continuing, "What those Saint Clan members encountered in the mountain range's core remains unknown, but they lingered there for a full six months before returning. Immediately upon their return, they issued orders to completely seal off the entire region with restrictions, leaving only a single entrance and exit. They then sent word to all races, proclaiming that the issue had been resolved, and that no vast quantities of demonic energy or Saint-tier demonic beasts would surge from the spatial rifts; the domain would merely maintain its current size and population of beasts. Furthermore, they decreed that henceforth, no cultivators above the Saint-tier were permitted to enter. However, those below the Saint-tier could enter to hunt demonic beasts for their inner cores and other rare materials. Entry is restricted to a specific month each year, and regardless of any gains, one can only remain for that single month. After this period, they must depart, as the exit immediately closes. It's important to note that the demonic energy within this place is so overwhelming that even demon cultivators cannot endure it for long; prolonged exposure would inevitably lead to assimilation and transformation into a demonic creature. Despite the danger, the abundance of demonic beasts makes it an excellent source of rare materials and spirit stones. Consequently, during the initial years after its discovery, a vast number of mid to high-tier cultivators would flock there whenever it opened. However, over time, the numbers dramatically decreased. Today, very few dare to enter."

The Crystal Clan woman sighed, pausing her narration.

"Why is that?" Han Li asked, a touch of curiosity in his voice.

"The casualty rate is simply staggering," the Crystal Clan woman explained with a knowing smile. "While those who emerge from the demonic domain are undoubtedly well-rewarded, one to two out of every ten who enter never return. Such a high mortality rate might be tolerable for a few isolated incidents, but it occurs annually, and the population of high-tier demonic beasts never diminishes, making it truly daunting. Beyond countless high-tier beasts, there are still a few Saint-tier demonic beasts remaining from the original eruption. Although they typically inhabit the deepest core of the mountain range, an accidental encounter inevitably leads to certain death. Frankly, entering this mountain range feels less like hunting demonic beasts and more like offering cultivators as prey for them. Thankfully, the higher-tier demonic beasts tend to stay deeper within the mountains and rarely venture to the periphery. Otherwise, no one would dare step foot in there. Today, those brave enough to risk entry and survive are said to achieve instant wealth. That's why this demonic domain gradually became known as the 'Demonic Gold Mountain Range' — a name reflecting our mixed feelings of both desire and dread for the place."

"You've said quite a lot, Fellow Daoist," Han Li remarked, stroking his chin. "Are you suggesting I enter this place to hunt the Saint-tier demonic beasts?" he asked after a moment, his tone calm.

His expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he had already decided. If the woman truly intended to make such a ludicrous suggestion, he would immediately conclude their conversation and depart without a second thought.

Even though the Heavenly Demonic Armor would be incredibly useful to him, it wasn't worth risking his life.

"The heart of the Demonic Gold Mountain Range is far too dangerous for such a suggestion to come from me," the Crystal Clan woman said, pursing her lips and shaking her head slightly. "However, what I propose you seek is indeed a Saint-tier demonic beast's core from within the Black Gold Mountain Range."

"How so?" Han Li's eyes flickered, as if a thought had just occurred to him.

"From what I know," the woman began, a hint of mystery on her face, "over a hundred years ago, an unknown Saint-tier demonic beast, for some inexplicable reason, forcefully broke out of the Demonic Gold Mountain Range. It then proceeded to attack several nearby towns. However, it was also severely wounded by several other Saint Clan members who arrived swiftly upon hearing the news, forcing it to flee. By a fortunate coincidence, I happen to know the hiding place of this very demonic beast." Her words surprised Han Li.

"Are you certain?" Han Li took a deep breath, his expression turning solemn.

"Absolutely true!" the Crystal Clan woman declared. "Furthermore, the beast was so gravely injured back then that it quietly retreated to a hidden location on the periphery of the Black Gold Mountain Range, where it remains in a deep slumber. Its powers are currently less than one-tenth of their peak. The only complication is that the beast has erected a demonic energy barrier around its resting place. Unless one is a high-tier demon cultivator capable of manipulating demonic energy, any contact with this barrier will instantly awaken the beast. This is precisely why I've known its whereabouts for so long yet remained powerless to act. My compensation for repairing Senior's demonic armor will be all other materials from this beast, with the exception of the demon core. If Senior finds this agreeable, I will truthfully disclose the beast's slumbering location." Having laid out all the details, the Crystal Clan woman finally stated her terms with utmost seriousness.

"Is it true that this beast is only slumbering at the edge of the Black Gold Mountain Range, and its powers are less than a tenth of what they once were?" Han Li mused for a long time before finally asking, "How can you be so certain of its condition?"

"This junior speaks nothing but the truth," the Crystal Clan woman affirmed, a hint of delight in her voice at Han Li's caution. "Since Senior still seems to have doubts, I will show you something that should clarify matters." With a flick of her hand, a plume of black smoke shot from her sleeve, coalescing into a creature that hovered just above her head.

It was a peculiar bird, about the size of a fist, entirely black with a fiery red beak and dazzling golden eyes.

"A Demonic Smoke Bird!" Han Li instantly recognized the creature. He was startled at first, then a realization dawned upon him.

"Precisely!" the Crystal Clan woman affirmed with a sweet smile. "This spiritual beast is one of the exceedingly rare demonic beasts in the Spirit Realm that can be tamed by our kind. While it possesses no offensive capabilities, it is exceptionally adept at tracking and stealth. Its unique ability even allows its master to implant a trace of spiritual sense into its body for direct control. After I discovered the Saint-tier demonic beast's location, I repeatedly used this bird to infiltrate its slumbering place and observe it firsthand."

"Given the presence of this demonic bird, I'm inclined to believe your words, Fellow Daoist," Han Li said, nodding. "However, I must ask a few more questions. This Saint-tier demonic beast managed to escape even when pursued by multiple Saint Clan members. It must not be a low-tier Saint-tier beast, correct? Additionally, different types of demonic beasts can have vastly different abilities even at the same tier. Are you unable to determine its specific species?"

"Although I didn't personally witness the battle between this beast at its peak and the other Saint Clans," the Crystal Clan woman replied without hesitation, "it's said to be comparable to a Saint Clan member of the second or third rank. Of course, this is merely an estimation based on hearsay, so I can't be absolutely certain. As for the beast's specific species, it's difficult to determine. However, it bears some resemblance to the legendary true spirit, the 'Mountain-Crushing Giant Ape.' It's possible it even possesses a trace of its bloodline. Oh, and one more thing."

"A Mountain-Crushing Giant Ape!" Han Li's expression subtly shifted upon hearing this.

"Oh, right," the Crystal Clan woman added, as if remembering something. With a raise of her hand, she tossed over a stone tablet she had evidently prepared earlier. "I have an engraved image of this beast; Senior can take a look."

Han Li accepted it without ceremony. He grasped the stone tablet, placed it against his forehead, and immersed his spiritual sense within.

"There are indeed some similarities!" Han Li said thoughtfully after a long moment, lowering his arm.

"I've explained quite a lot now," the Crystal Clan woman said, looking at Han Li with a subtle hint of anticipation. "Has Senior made a decision?"

"May I know Fellow Daoist's name?" Han Li asked with a faint smile, unexpectedly posing a seemingly unrelated question.

"Senior can simply call me 'Xianxian'," the Crystal Clan woman replied, initially startled, then chuckling softly.