Chapter 472: Treasure Light Pavilion

No cultivator who had come this far was willing to take such a risk and return empty-handed. Therefore, shortly after the speaker finished, someone immediately strode silently towards one of the bluestone passages. Moments later, the figure silently vanished into the passage.

With someone leading the way, others also began to move. After seeing Wan Tianming and a few others each choose a passage and enter, Ancestor Extreme Yin and the other demonic cultivators exchanged cold glances, not rushing in themselves.

Ancestor Extreme Yin then cast a cold glance at the two white-robed elders who remained motionless in meditation. After a brief hesitation, he suddenly pulled a sparkling, crystalline bracelet from his person. The bracelet was strung with four thumb-sized oval beads, each emitting a faint blue glow.

"These are Bodhi Beads, possessing the miraculous effect of calming the mind and soul. With these four beads, even if the danger of the Profound Illusion Realm suddenly intensifies severalfold, they should keep your mind clear." After speaking, Ancestor Extreme Yin solemnly handed the bracelet to Han Li.

Han Li's heart brightened, and he accepted it without hesitation, profusely thanking him. He had long heard of the Bodhi Beads' reputation. It was said that carrying even one could significantly reduce the interference of inner demons during cultivation, making them extremely rare treasures. Ancestor Extreme Yin had been so extravagant as to string four of them into a bracelet, and had given it to him simply to ensure his passage through the final trial. This truly took Han Li by surprise!

Ancestor Extreme Yin's pained, reluctant expression suggested that even if he was too embarrassed to immediately ask for it back after the trial, it would certainly be reclaimed once its utility in securing the treasure was gone. However, everyone in the Heavenvoid Hall harbored their own ulterior motives. Even Ancestor Extreme Yin, a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, was secretly being plotted against by Xuan Gu. Han Li was extremely doubtful whether this nominal master would survive the Heavenvoid Hall.

Han Li put the bracelet on his wrist in front of Ancestor Extreme Yin, examining it closely once more. These Bodhi Beads seemed to be neither wood nor metal, and a faint, lingering sandalwood-like fragrance emanated from them, instantly clearing the mind and invigorating the spirit. Truly remarkable!

"Logically, these few Bodhi Beads should suffice. However, to be absolutely safe, young friend Han, please take this item as well. This is my Azure Nether Needle Talisman Treasure. In terms of power, it is certainly several times stronger than ordinary magic treasures. Keep it for self-defense." The scholarly-robed old man then produced a green talisman, handing it to Han Li with a smile.

"Azure Nether Needle Talisman Treasure?" Han Li was initially stunned but then quickly became excited. This was a Talisman Treasure from a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, incomparable to the usual inferior ones. While the "Evil-Dispelling Divine Thunder" of the Azure Bamboo Cloudswarm Sword was formidable, it couldn't be used without restraint. With this item, his safety would naturally be further assured. Han Li accepted it without ceremony, offering several respectful thanks.

At that moment, Barbarian Beard, without a word, tossed over a dark inner armor. It was inlaid with silvery scales and felt remarkably heavy.

"Brother Barbarian, you are truly generous. To bestow this exotic treasure, the Emperor Scale Armor, upon my humble disciple for his life protection, I thank you on his behalf!" Ancestor Extreme Yin was visibly moved upon seeing the armor, a fleeting look of greed crossing his face as he hastily spoke.

"This precious armor was still somewhat useful to me over a century ago. But now that my Heaven-Supporting Art has long reached perfection, this item is merely on temporary loan to this brat for his protection. I hope he doesn't disappoint me then! Otherwise, heh heh..." Barbarian Beard gave Han Li a cold, sinister glance as he spoke. Han Li's expression subtly shifted upon hearing this.

Upon learning the armor was merely on temporary loan, a flicker of disappointment crossed Ancestor Extreme Yin's face, but it vanished instantly as he smiled and said: "Excellent! With these treasures protecting my disciple, I'm sure he can safely escape any unforeseen dangers. Let us proceed to retrieve the treasures. The opening of these passages is time-limited."

Barbarian Beard and the old man had no objections, but they made no move, instead casting a meaningful glance at Han Li. Han Li was startled, then offered a wry smile. It seemed these individuals still feared he might back out at the last moment, insisting on watching him enter first. So, with a faint smile, Han Li casually chose a passage and walked in. Only then did Ancestor Extreme Yin, the old man, and the others exchange smiles, pick the remaining three paths, and enter.

"Don't you find the actions of the demonic cultivators somewhat strange?" When only the two white-robed elders remained in the stone hall, the impassive, cold-faced elder, eyes closed, slowly spoke. His voice was tinged with an eerie chill.

"Although these old monsters used methods to prevent our eavesdropping, their expressions clearly showed great importance for that early Core Formation stage fellow. They even gave him several protective items." The benevolent-looking white-robed elder frowned, concurring. After a brief exchange, they fell silent once more.

"What do you think?" the cold-faced elder asked again, a hint of gravity in his tone.

"For the demonic old monsters to place such importance on him, it must be for profit. And the only thing here that could tempt them is the Heavenvoid Cauldron in the inner hall. That Core Formation brat might be of great help to them in retrieving the treasure!" The other elder replied, a slight hesitation in his voice.

If Han Li had been present to hear these words, he would have been utterly speechless. These two were truly old foxes; with just a few words of analysis, they had managed to deduce most of the truth. He would have no choice but to admire them!

"Retrieve the Heavenvoid Cauldron? They must be dreaming! Aside from those few spirit beasts that should have long been extinct in the Star-Scattered Sea, this is utter fantasy. Otherwise, the previous generations of Saint Lords would have already claimed it. It wouldn't be their turn!" A voice of disdain rang out.

"That's hard to say! Perhaps these individuals truly acquired some ancient, rare beast! As long as someone is determined and willing to invest significant time and effort, there isn't absolutely no hope. After all, something similar happened last time: a cultivator nearly retrieved the Heavenvoid Cauldron. Although they only just managed to open the lid slightly and retrieve one Heaven-Mending Pill before being ambushed and fleeing. This time, with Wan Tianming's Golden Silkworm, I don't believe it's entirely impossible."

"In that case, to be safe, let's secretly follow them. It's best if the cauldron remains untouched. But if this treasure is indeed brought out, we certainly cannot allow the Heaven-Mending Pill to fall into anyone else's hands again."

"That's the only way!"

Han Li was unaware that he had piqued the interest of two enforcement elders from the Star Palace. At this moment, he was ascending a spiraling bluestone staircase, step by step, his face filled with astonishment.

Shortly after entering the passage he had randomly chosen, he found himself on a seemingly endless series of bluestone staircases. After walking for what felt like the duration of a meal, there was still no sign of the end. Han Li's curiosity was piqued. Could this pavilion truly be constructed at such a great height? Embracing his curiosity, Han Li calmed his mind and unhurriedly ascended the steps, little by little.

After ascending another hundred zhang or so, Han Li finally spotted a glimmer of light, instantly feeling invigorated and quickening his pace. Sure enough, after turning a corner, a simple square exit appeared before him. Peering faintly beyond the exit, the scene outside caused Han Li's expression to shift, and he swiftly strode forward.

The sky was a dark yellow, shrouded in hazy gray mist. There was no blue sky or red sun; everything was cast in dull, indistinct colors. This was, astonishingly, an immeasurably deep, colossal cylindrical space. At first glance, it seemed quite narrow. Thick, impenetrable mist surrounded it, making it impossible to see through at all. With an area of nearly a thousand zhang in radius, Han Li could survey the entire space at a glance. He was, in fact, standing in an opening in the wall of mist, like a window.

Ahead lay a white jade bridge, dozens of zhang long, suspended impossibly in mid-air. The bridge was exquisitely crafted, adorned with carvings of dragons and phoenixes. One end connected to the square exit, while the other led to a four-cornered pavilion floating in the center of the vast space. This pavilion stood over thirty zhang high, divided into two levels, and was entirely constructed from beautiful jade, sparkling in the void like a celestial palace. Above the pavilion's entrance hung a golden plaque, roughly a zhang in size, inscribed with three large, ancient characters: "Treasure Radiance Pavilion."

Han Li did not rush onto the long bridge but instead carefully scrutinized the pavilion. Although the pavilion was not large, the astonishing spiritual energy fluctuations emanating from within were unfathomable, and a faint layer of white luminescence enveloped it. Clearly, extremely powerful restrictive formations had been set up here.

Finally, Han Li moved. He slowly stepped onto the jade bridge, walking deliberately towards the Treasure Radiance Pavilion. Upon reaching the center of the jade bridge, Han Li couldn't help but tilt his head and glance down. Below was like a bottomless abyss; he couldn't see the base, only vague, indistinct blackness. The sight was incredibly chilling!