Chapter 1892: Golden Worm King

A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality, Main Text, Volume 10: Battle in the Demon Realm

“It could be useful, or it could be useless. It all depends on the spirit insect master’s intentions!” Xuling said, his previous cold expression replaced by a warm smile.

“Intentions?” Han Li’s eyes flickered with confusion.

“Precisely. If you only intend to cultivate mature spirit insects, then this Stygian Spirit Milk will indeed no longer be effective for them. However, if you wish to advance further, then this Stygian Spirit Milk becomes indispensable,” the elder said meaningfully.

“Advance further?” Han Li seemed to recall something, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.

“Indeed. I will explain the specifics to you shortly. I never imagined you would also possess mature Gold Devouring Beetles. If that’s the case, the ownership of this Stygian Spirit Milk becomes a secondary concern. I wish to discuss another transaction with you, young friend. However, this matter is quite private and requires a separate discussion. Jin Yan, Qing Yuanzi, you two don’t mind, do you?” Xuling first spoke cordially to Han Li for a moment, then calmly addressed Qing Yuanzi and Jin Yan.

Although his expression seemed calm, his words carried an unmistakable tone that brooked no refusal from the two.

“As long as you’re not forcing a sale or purchase, I naturally won’t mind,” Qing Yuanzi replied, a shiver running through him as he caught the cold glint in the elder’s eyes.

“I won’t mind either! Brother Xuling, please go ahead,” Marquis Jin Yan said with a smile.

“Excellent. Then, if you’ll excuse my impoliteness!” Xuling was clearly satisfied with their replies. After nodding, he suddenly opened his mouth. Instantly, a flash of black light appeared, and a half-foot-tall miniature pavilion was ejected.

The pavilion was entirely black, its surface densely covered with inscribed runes of various colors, and enveloped in a faint layer of black mist.

It exuded an air of profound mystery!

“Young friend Han, bring your Gold Devouring Beetles and come to my Black Wind Pavilion for a talk,” the elder said, forming a hand seal that caused the pavilion to grow to about ten feet in height.

Without waiting for Han Li’s agreement, he then waved his sleeves, collecting his Gold Devouring Beetles. His body then rapidly shrank, transforming into a tiny, inch-tall figure, which vanished into the pavilion in a flash.

“Seniors, please excuse me for a moment.” Although Han Li felt deeply uneasy, he knew it was impossible not to follow. He could only offer a wry smile to Qing Yuanzi and Jin Yan.

“Hmm, young friend Han, go ahead without worry. Since Brother Xuling has given his word, he naturally won’t do anything dishonorable. However, if the terms aren’t too excessive, it might be best for you to agree,” Qing Yuanzi advised, his brows slightly furrowed.

“Thank you for the advice, Senior Jiang. I know what to do,” Han Li replied in a deep voice, collecting the dozen or so golden beetles in front of him. They transformed into a wisp of green light and shot into the pavilion.

The moment Han Li entered, the entire pavilion immediately churned with black mist, sealing itself off from all external contact.

“Brother Jiang, are you truly not worried? Although this old monster can be eccentric at times, his immense divine abilities are certainly not false. If he were to do anything to young friend Han inside, neither you nor I would have time to intervene,” Marquis Jin Yan suddenly whispered, sending a telepathic message to Qing Yuanzi.

“Fellow Daoist Jin Yan, you’re overthinking it. While the old monster can be somewhat domineering, in all our dealings with him, he has truly never broken a promise. We can be confident in that. Besides, I owe young friend Han a considerable favor, and while I wish to look after him, I only intend to do so within my means. I certainly do not wish to genuinely offend this old monster. Otherwise, I fear I would have no place in this Stygian Land.” Qing Yuanzi replied calmly.

“That’s true. With the old monster’s divine abilities, he likely possesses enough power to defend himself even against True Spirits. We are far inferior to him. However, even if Gold Devouring Beetles are rare, there’s no need for such an extreme reaction upon seeing them, is there? Moreover, doesn’t he himself possess similar spirit insects? Brother Jiang, have you perhaps deduced anything from this?” Marquis Jin Yan nodded, then suddenly asked.

“How could I, Jiang, possess such great ability as to discern the old monster’s thoughts? Most likely, young friend Han’s Gold Devouring Beetles are simply of some use to him,” Qing Yuanzi said vaguely, his eyes flickering as he feigned a yawn.

“Is that so?” Marquis Jin Yan’s mouth twitched into a wry, almost mocking smile.

Qing Yuanzi merely smiled faintly, offering no further response.

Meanwhile, in the main hall of the black pavilion, the shrunken Han Li and the elder were conversing.

“Young friend Han, please sit. My Black Wind Pavilion is akin to a semi-spatial treasure. Not only can it change size at will, but it can also block all external detection; no third person’s divine sense can ever penetrate this place,” the elder said with a smile, casually settling into a seat.

“Thank you, Senior. I’ll make myself at home then,” Han Li said, bowing respectfully before taking a nearby chair.

“Before we discuss the transaction, I need to confirm something. Young friend Han, approximately how many mature Gold Devouring Beetles do you possess? Can you tell me an exact figure?” the elder asked, barely containing his excitement.

“An exact number...” Han Li’s expression subtly shifted upon hearing this, and he became visibly hesitant.

“Ah, my question just now was a bit impetuous. The formidable nature of Gold Devouring Beetles primarily depends on their numbers, and an exact figure is indeed not something to be easily disclosed. How about this, fellow Daoist: just tell me if your spirit insects number exceeds five thousand.” The elder paused, then seemingly understood, and immediately rephrased his question.

But the moment he asked this, Xuling’s gaze upon Han Li immediately betrayed a hint of tension.

Clearly, Han Li’s answer would have significant implications for himself. Upon hearing this, Han Li’s mind raced, but he still replied honestly.

Although he would have preferred to simply say “no.” However, if he couldn’t provide a satisfactory answer to the foreign elder before him, who knew if the other party would suddenly turn hostile and personally verify his words by subduing him.

After all, lies are often incredibly fragile in the face of true power.

“Over five thousand? Good, very good! In that case, I can proceed with this significant transaction with you, fellow Daoist.” Xuling was overjoyed, repeating “good” several times.

“Is the transaction Senior mentioned perhaps related to the number of Gold Devouring Beetles this junior possesses?” Han Li asked hesitantly.

“Of course, it’s related! I wish to acquire five thousand mature Gold Devouring Beetles from you, young friend. As for the price, anything I possess, you may name it, and I will not haggle,” the elder declared, rubbing his hands together, his eyes gleaming as he spoke words that startled Han Li.

“Five thousand Gold Devouring Beetles?” Although he had a faint premonition, hearing the actual number from the other party still caused Han Li’s expression to change, revealing his surprise.

“Senior, this transaction is far too difficult for me. Even if five thousand mature Gold Devouring Beetles aren’t all the spirit insects I’ve cultivated, they certainly account for the vast majority. I was hoping to use these Gold Devouring Beetles as a trump card against enemies should I ever advance to the Mahayana stage.”

“Indeed, the value of so many mature Gold Devouring Beetles is truly rare. But anything of value can be exchanged. Not to mention, among the several spirit insects I possess but haven’t revealed, there are two or three whose renown is no less than your Gold Devouring Beetles. And then there’s that incomplete Xuantian treasure, whose value is likely even greater than five thousand Gold Devouring Beetles,” the elder said, his smile fading as his expression suddenly turned slightly cold.

“Senior must be jesting. Those spirit insects you haven’t revealed are your vital spirit insects. As for that incomplete Xuantian treasure, while I am deeply tempted, I would never dare to accept it. Otherwise, if I were to possess such a supreme treasure, I might not live long enough to enjoy it. How about this, Senior, could you first disclose your intentions for wanting so many Gold Devouring Beetles? Then I can make my decision. I am also somewhat curious; these Gold Devouring Beetles have already been nurtured by me for many years and have recognized me as their master. Even if Senior were to take them, it probably wouldn’t be for commanding them in battle, would it? And the precise requirement of five thousand in number makes me even more perplexed.” Han Li pondered for a moment, then slowly said, as if resigned.

“Hmph, you have quite some nerve, daring to inquire about my affairs!” Xuling snorted coldly, his eyebrows immediately bristling, and his face covered with a layer of frost.

“Senior, please forgive me! After all, I’ve poured countless efforts into cultivating so many Gold Devouring Beetles to maturity, and I normally regard them as my very life. If I don’t understand the general purpose for which Senior intends to take them, I’m afraid it would be difficult for me to hand them over so easily,” Han Li said with unusual persistence this time.

“Heh heh, what you said does have some merit. Very well, I can tell you the general purpose for wanting these Gold Devouring Beetles. But once you hear it, you are not permitted to refuse this transaction. Otherwise...” Xuling’s eyes flickered slightly, then he replied with a renewed smile.

“Very well, I can agree,” Han Li said, his expression fluctuating for a while before he finally took a deep breath and conceded.

“Haha, young friend Han, this is the wise choice! Listen closely: I want your Gold Devouring Beetles because I intend to cultivate the legendary Gold Devouring Beetle King. The method to bring forth this King requires a large number of mature Gold Devouring Beetles. As for why precisely five thousand, it’s because I already possess another five thousand mature Gold Devouring Beetles. Combined, that will be more than enough for me to cultivate the Beetle King. Any more would be useless to me,” the elder finally explained, revealing a reason that made Han Li’s heart pound.

“A Beetle King! Then, Senior, your earlier collection of Stygian Spirit Milk was for...” Han Li’s expression changed, and he couldn’t help but blurt out the question.

“A large quantity of Stygian Spirit Milk is, naturally, also one of the methods for cultivating the Beetle King. However, if one possesses a sufficient number of mature Gold Devouring Beetles, this condition becomes less crucial,” Xuling replied without hesitation.