Chapter 2187: Conversation

**Volume Three: The Demonic Invasion**

Han Li fell silent for a moment after hearing this, deep in thought.

"The Seven-Star Moon Body," the Crab Daoist suddenly interjected, his tone betraying a hint of surprise.

"Daoist Crab, you've heard of this physique too?" Patriarch Long was slightly taken aback and couldn't help but ask in return.

"My former master mentioned it once. This physique is quite special; it's relatively rare even in the True Immortal Realm," the Crab Daoist replied, quickly reverting to his usual impassive demeanor.

"To be able to refine pseudo-immortal puppets, Daoist Crab's former master must have been a formidable figure in the Immortal Realm, so his words are undoubtedly true. In the Spirit Realm, while the Seven-Star Moon Body isn't widely known, it's certainly not a secret among powerful beings. That's precisely why I hold Linglong in such high regard. After all, possessing the Seven-Star Moon Body gives her a slight chance of advancing to the Grand Ascension stage, even without entering the Spirit Cleansing Pond or consuming the Spirit Purifying Lotus," Patriarch Ao Xiao said with a growing sigh.

"Possessing the Seven-Star Moon Body does indeed offer more possibilities when advancing to the Grand Ascension stage compared to ordinary individuals," the Crab Daoist stated expressionlessly, then fell silent once more.

At this moment, Han Li finally emerged from his contemplation and asked Patriarch Ao Xiao:

"According to your words, Senior Ao Xiao, it seems even you have no solution for Linglong's current predicament. However, your tone suggests otherwise. Is there anything I can do to assist?"

"Excellent! I knew Daoist Han was not one to forget old friendships. After realizing that the Forgetfulness Incantation wasn't truly suitable for Ling'er, I racked my brains and did indeed conceive of a method that could minimize its effects, or perhaps even completely nullify them. However, it will require Daoist Han to exert considerable effort," Patriarch Ao Xiao exclaimed, visibly delighted.

"Please instruct me, Senior. As long as it's within my capabilities, I will not refuse," Han Li promised immediately, taking a deep breath as various memories of his time with Silvermoon in the Human Realm flashed through his mind.

"Brother Crab, I need to speak with Daoist Han privately now. I hope you can step aside for a moment," Patriarch Ao Xiao said, addressing the Crab Daoist with a hint of apology before making his request to Han Li.

Upon hearing this, a subtle shift occurred on the Crab Daoist's impassive face, and his gaze briefly swept over Han Li.

Although his initial contract with Han Li didn't stipulate that he must obey Han Li's every command, the pseudo-immortal puppet subconsciously prioritized Han Li's wishes, especially given that Han Li provided a drop of mysterious green liquid almost every few days.

"Brother Crab, it's probably best if you step aside for now!" Han Li said after a moment's thought, nodding to the Crab Daoist.

Han Li truly didn't want anyone else to know what Patriarch Ao Xiao was about to say, especially if it involved the secrets of Silvermoon Peak, even if that 'person' was merely a sentient puppet.

The Crab Daoist gave a slight nod, stood from his chair without a word, and drifted out of the hall.

As soon as he exited the hall, the doors flashed with a faint white light and closed on their own.

After walking a few more steps, the Crab Daoist arrived beside Zhu Guo'er, who had been waiting outside, under the watchful eyes of several puppet guards.

Hearing footsteps, Zhu Guo'er turned her head, and upon seeing the Crab Daoist, a hint of joy immediately appeared on her face.

Several hours later, the hall doors finally opened again with a flash of white light.

A figure emerged: Han Li. His brows were slightly furrowed, suggesting he was deep in thought.

"Let's go. Senior Ao Xiao has arranged a quiet room. We'll take this ship directly back to the Allied Army camp and discuss further there," Han Li said indifferently, his gaze sweeping over the Crab Daoist and Zhu Guo'er as his expression returned to normal.

He then turned and walked towards the staircase leading to the floor below.

The Crab Daoist, naturally, had no objections and immediately followed him.

Zhu Guo'er, however, blinked her large, expressive eyes, her mind filled with curiosity about the private conversation between Han Li and Patriarch Ao Xiao in the hall. Naturally, she didn't dare to ask directly, so she simply followed along, full of her own conjectures.

More than half a day later, within an empty secret chamber on the second floor of the flying ship.

Han Li sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, forming a hand seal and remaining motionless. Faint golden light shimmered around him, indicating he was regulating his breath and circulating his cultivation art.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes, and the golden light on his body dissipated. He promptly ceased his cultivation and slowly spoke.

"Daoist Linglong, since you're already at the door, please come in and speak with me."

"After merely a thousand years apart, Brother Han, you've become quite distant. I still hope you'll address me as 'Silvermoon'," a pleasant voice echoed from beyond the door, followed by a faint sigh.

"Since Silvermoon cherishes our past so much, as your elder brother, I naturally won't refuse," Han Li replied softly, his expression somewhat unusual, before subtly flicking his sleeve towards the distant door.

The next moment, the door shimmered with light, and the restrictions previously placed upon it vanished, allowing it to open automatically from the outside.

On the steps just outside the door stood a graceful figure: Silvermoon herself.

Yet, the Silvermoon standing before him was strikingly different from the cold demeanor she had displayed earlier in the hall. Her beautiful eyes shimmered with captivating allure, her jade-like face bore a faint blush, and her waist-length silver hair completed a vision of such striking beauty that Han Li couldn't help but feel momentarily entranced.

As soon as Silvermoon saw the door open, her expression subtly shifted. She stepped inside, moving a few paces until she stood only about ten feet from Han Li. After carefully scrutinizing him, she suddenly smiled and said,

"Earlier, due to my cultivation method, my behavior and words were quite impolite. I hope Brother Han will not take offense!"

After speaking, she conjured another meditation cushion with a wave of her hand, pulling it closer before sitting cross-legged opposite Han Li.

Han Li likewise observed the beautiful woman before him, who seemed like a completely different person. After a faint smile, he said gently:

"It's nothing. Since I know your demeanor was due to your cultivation method, why would I mind? Rather, you've just shaken off the effects of the incantation, yet you rushed here. You should first calm your mind and regulate your breath properly."

"It's fine! Once a certain amount of time passes, the Forgetfulness Incantation's effect on me becomes negligible. Besides, I was worried that if I arrived too late, I wouldn't get to say a few words to Brother Han before reverting to that wooden state again. Wouldn't that be too disappointing?" Silvermoon said frankly, with a sweet smile.

"After all these years, your personality hasn't changed a bit. You still say exactly what's on your mind," Han Li said with a slight start, then a wry smile.

"Hmph, Brother Han, you dare to speak! This personality of mine was forced upon me when you enslaved me back then. Otherwise, if you, my former 'master,' had harbored any doubts about me, wouldn't I, this tiny 'spirit beast,' have been directly obliterated?" Silvermoon first cast a glance at Han Li, then chuckled softly, covering her cherry lips with her jade hand.

"Ahem... those are matters of the past. There's no need to bring them up again, Silvermoon. Back then, I didn't know your true form; I thought you were merely a demon fox!" Han Li lightly coughed, a rare flicker of embarrassment crossing his face.

"Is that truly so? Perhaps for the first few years, Brother Han genuinely believed that, but later on, you must have begun to suspect me, surely? Yet, even then, I didn't see you ease up on your commands!" Silvermoon's lips curved into a wry smile as she spoke.

"At that time, my cultivation was shallow, and I encountered danger after danger. It was largely thanks to Daoist Silvermoon's assistance that I managed to overcome several major tribulations. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to ascend to the Spirit Realm or reach this point today," Han Li said, his face suddenly reflecting a touch of sincerity.

"I didn't come here specifically to settle old scores with Brother Han. Speaking of which, I was truly surprised when you had my friend secretly send me a message. I never expected Brother Han to have actually entered the Spirit Realm as well. After all, the spiritual energy in the Human Realm is too scarce; reaching the Spirit Transformation stage is already an incredible feat, let alone ascending to the Spirit Realm," Silvermoon replied, raising an eyebrow, her beautiful face now serious.

"I was just fortunate. But speaking of this, I haven't properly thanked you, Silvermoon. If you hadn't secretly informed me about the node back then, I truly wouldn't have been able to find its location and successfully enter the Spirit Realm," Han Li said slowly, gazing at Silvermoon's beautiful face.

"At that time, I had just merged my two souls and had to return to the Spirit Realm immediately. That was the only thing I could do within my capabilities. But compared to Brother Han's life-saving grace, it's nothing," Silvermoon said dismissively, though her expression was somewhat unusual.

"Silvermoon, that's far too modest of you," Han Li said, shaking his head.

"Oh, by the way, after you escaped from Kunwu Mountain that day, your major enemies didn't continue their pursuit, did they? And how did you later advance to the Spirit Transformation stage? Could you tell me about it?" Silvermoon changed the topic, her face showing a hint of excitement as she inquired about past events in the Human Realm.

"Haha, that's a long story. After you and I escaped using the power of your Astrolabe back then, we ended up in another place in Great Jin called 'Northern Dark Island'..." Han Li chuckled, then began to recount his past experiences in the Human Realm.

Han Li spoke for over half an hour, not only recounting everything that happened after Kunwu Mountain in the Human Realm but also sharing most of what occurred after he entered the Spirit Realm.

Compared to ordinary cultivators, Han Li's experiences were naturally thrilling and extraordinarily bizarre.

Silvermoon listened with great interest, occasionally letting out sounds of awe and wonder.

After Han Li finished recounting his story, Silvermoon, almost naturally, began to talk about her own experiences: from before she was trapped in the Human Realm to her cultivation under Patriarch Ao Xiao after returning to the Spirit Realm.

What slightly startled Han Li was that Silvermoon spoke unreservedly about her past marriage to the Heavenly Kui Wolf King and her subsequent cultivation of the Forgetfulness Incantation due to inner demons. She showed no hint of avoidance or concealment.

Watching Silvermoon laugh and speak so freely before him, Han Li felt a moment of profound distraction.