Chapter 2374: Nightmare Dragon and Tian Feier

"What? That isn't the Ancestral Dragon's blood?" Han Li was slightly startled.

"Not only is it not, but it has absolutely no relation to a true Ancestral Dragon. Only outsiders like yourselves would easily mistake it. But it's no wonder; the aura clinging to it truly is a genuine dragon's energy, that much is completely true," the black-robed man said with a low chuckle.

"By your tone, Fellow Daoist, you seem very clear about this item's origin. Could you tell me a bit about it?" Han Li's heart stirred as he spoke.

"Of course. This item is actually useless to other races, though it's of great use to our True Dragon race. It is indeed a drop of essence blood, but it's not Ancestral Dragon blood; it's Nightmare Dragon blood," the black-robed man revealed without holding anything back.

"Nightmare Dragon?" Han Li frowned, clearly hearing the name for the first time.

"It's not surprising that Brother Han isn't familiar with Nightmare Dragons. Even within our True Dragon race, few know of their existence. Simply put, Nightmare Dragons are Celestial Realm beings no less powerful than Ancestral Dragons, and they are the ancestors of the 'Demonic Dragon' lineage, our True Dragon race's mortal enemies. Moreover, this Nightmare Dragon blood must have come down from the Celestial Realm, and there isn't just one drop, but seven or eight of them." The black-robed man's words startled Han Li.

"Seven or eight drops? That many?" Han Li was genuinely surprised.

"The elders of our clan were only able to sense the quantity of this Nightmare Dragon blood through special bloodline techniques, which is why they dispatched all of us clansmen to various realms to retrieve every last drop. While Nightmare Dragon blood contains immense Nightmare Dragon True Essence, it also carries its unique power of chaos. Unless one is of our True Dragon race and can slowly refine it, attempting to forcefully cultivate it will not only prevent one from obtaining the True Essence within, but may also contaminate one's spiritual power, transforming it into a mere projection of a Nightmare Dragon. Our elders suspect that the presence of this item in the lower realms might have been the original intention of that Nightmare Dragon. As mortal enemies of the Demonic Dragon race, our True Dragon race naturally cannot allow this to happen," the black-robed man said earnestly.

"If that's the case, then this item is not only useless to outsiders like us, but also extremely dangerous. However, if your esteemed race can obtain so much Nightmare Dragon blood, you will surely see a significant increase in strength soon, perhaps even leading to ascendants," Han Li said, his expression subtly changing as his thoughts raced.

"Ascendants? Fellow Daoist, you're thinking too simply about refining Nightmare Dragon blood. While this item contains astonishing True Essence, just expelling the chaotic power within it will take an incredible amount of time, not to mention that True Essence will also be lost during the expulsion process. If even one-tenth of it remains, that would be excellent. Moreover, after this True Essence is refined, at most, it will only make one's spiritual power more profound and save some arduous cultivation time. For beings of our True Spirit rank, ascension is a hundred times more difficult than for others. However, if consumed by juniors below the Mahayana stage, it might, with the help of the True Essence, provide a slim chance of breaking through bottlenecks and advancing to become True Spirits sooner," the black-robed man said, shaking his head repeatedly.

"So, your True Dragon race will have several more True Spirit level fellow daoists in the future?" Han Li asked after exhaling.

"There is indeed such a possibility. But whether it will truly come to fruition remains to be seen. Our race is inherently composed of True Spirit bodies; even through slow accumulation over time, becoming a True Spirit isn't too difficult. Well, I, Tian, have told you everything truthfully. I wonder if Brother Han has thoroughly considered the matter I brought up earlier?" The black-robed man asked seemingly casually after finishing.

"Since Fellow Daoist is of Fan Paozi's clan, and you will immediately return to your clan afterwards and openly bear all the implications, it would be difficult for me to refuse," Han Li said slowly, his words hinting at something rather than giving a direct answer.

"Fan Paozi gave Brother Han an invitation to the Vast Spirit Dao Fruit Convention, didn't he?" the black-robed man asked with a slight smile.

"Are you referring to this item?" Han Li flipped his hand, and a shimmering silver dragon scale immediately appeared.

"Precisely. If Brother Han is willing to help this time, I can promise to provide some small assistance at the Dao Fruit Convention as well, increasing your chances of obtaining a Dao Fruit," the black-robed man said unhurriedly.

"Since I received the invitation, I've also made some inquiries about the Vast Spirit Dao Fruit Convention. Unfortunately, not many fellow daoists in the Spirit Realm know about it, only vaguely aware that invitations to this Dao Fruit Convention seem extremely difficult to obtain. And that Dao Fruit is apparently known as the 'Foremost Spirit Fruit of a Thousand Realms'? But I'm not entirely clear on its specific effects," Han Li asked thoughtfully after his expression changed several times.

"Heh heh, of course. Our Dragon Island's Vast Spirit Dao Fruit Convention only invites about a thousand strong cultivators from various realms. The only condition for these individuals to receive an invitation is that they possess strength comparable to or exceeding that of an average True Spirit. Senior Brother Fan Paozi has an exceptionally high discerning eye, so it's truly not easy for Brother Han to gain his approval. As for the Vast Spirit Dao Fruit's title as the 'Foremost of a Thousand Realms,' it might be a slight exaggeration, but most people would likely agree if it were called one of the top three spirit fruits. After all, anyone who consumes this fruit can possess the Vast Spirit Dao Body within ten thousand years, and their cultivation and comprehension of cultivation techniques will see an increase of seven or eight times or more," the black-robed man said with a chuckle.

"Vast Spirit Dao Body, seven or eight times more!" Han Li was truly startled by these words, an expression of disbelief appearing on his face for the first time.

"Indeed, although one can only consume one Vast Spirit Dao Fruit in a lifetime, just a single complete fruit can temporarily transform an ordinary person's body into the legendary Vast Spirit Dao Body. While this Dao Body offers no advantage in combat, it is truly wondrous for cultivation and comprehending techniques," the black-robed man said in a dreamy tone, seemingly also harboring a deep desire for the Vast Spirit Dao Fruit.

"If this Dao Fruit truly possesses such miraculous effects, then calling it the 'Foremost Spirit Fruit of a Thousand Realms' isn't too much of an exaggeration. However, from your tone, even attending this convention doesn't guarantee obtaining a Dao Fruit. How then can you help me? Before such a treasure, even you, as a member of the Dragon race, might not be able to offer much favoritism," Han Li said calmly, despite his expression showing considerable interest.

"Rest assured, Brother Han, I am not very capable, but I have been confirmed by my clan as one of the thirty-six stewards for this Dao Fruit Convention. While this position won't allow me to openly assist you much, it's more than sufficient for relaying information about others and providing confidential data that outsiders would find difficult to access," the black-robed man replied faintly.

"That's all?" Han Li frowned slightly, appearing somewhat dissatisfied.

"Fellow Daoist should be content. You must understand how rare the Vast Spirit Dao Fruit is, and the powerful cultivators attending the convention are by no means weak. According to past conventions, only about a hundred of the invited participants manage to obtain a true Dao Fruit. The rest can only taste a spiritual liquid diluted with Dao Fruit essence. While this spiritual liquid is still extremely precious to cultivators like us, it pales in comparison to the Dao Fruit itself. Offering assistance with information is already an exception. It's possible that with this seemingly insignificant help, you might seize a Vast Spirit Dao Fruit," the black-robed man said, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Fellow Daoist Tian has a point; perhaps I was being a bit greedy. Very well, it's settled then. I agree to this matter." After his thoughts raced for a few moments, Han Li finally made up his mind and nodded.

"I knew Brother Han would agree. In that case, I'll hide here with you for the next few days, so we can leave this continent together when the time comes," the black-robed man said, clearly pleased.

"That's naturally fine, but I have one more question. I only managed to acquire three teleportation slots. If you wish to accompany me, I'm afraid it won't escape the notice of the Helian Merchant Alliance," Han Li added.

"You can rest assured on that point, Fellow Daoist. I once cultivated a Mimicry Secret Art that allows me to transform myself into an ornament. Even a True Immortal would find it difficult to see through my disguise," the black-robed man replied with a hearty laugh, without hesitation.

"If that's the case, then I'm truly at ease," Han Li said, his expression finally relaxing.

"Since everything is settled, I, Tian, won't bother you further. I'll go find a room and get some good rest. For the past few years, searching for the whereabouts of this drop of Nightmare Dragon blood, I haven't truly slept once." The black-robed man, seeing that the matter was settled, stood up, clasped his hands, offered a few words of farewell, and immediately turned to walk out the door.

"Fellow Daoist Tian... no, perhaps I should say, Fairy Tian. I hope the next time we meet, you can reveal your true appearance," Han Li said, a peculiar look appearing on his face as he watched the black-robed man's retreating back.

"So Brother Han had already seen through my disguise. Since you've made such a request, then next time, I shall meet you with my true face. Oh, and my real name is Tian Fei'er; please remember it as well." Hearing this, the black-robed man's back stiffened slightly, but then his voice changed, emitting a soft, bell-like giggle.

Then, his figure blurred and vanished outside the door, fading away with the wind.

"Tian Fei'er... she must hold some status within the Dragon race." Han Li rubbed his chin, a pensive expression on his face, and then fell into deep thought.

Four days later, as Han Li was meditating cross-legged in his secret chamber, a streak of crimson light suddenly flew in from outside the chamber and landed in his hand with a flash.

From within the raging crimson flames, Grandmaster Ming's calm voice emerged.

"Fellow Daoist Han, the teleportation array is ready. Please come; it's time to depart."