Chapter 731: Initial Meeting with the Jade Talisman

Volume Five: Fame Spreads

After listening to Han Li, Patriarch Linghu furrowed his brows. He said nothing for a moment, slowly picked up his teacup, and took a sip.

"How could I not know what Fellow Daoist Han said? But I am different from you. I have resided in Yellow Maple Valley for over a thousand years, and my feelings for it are far beyond what ordinary people can comprehend. Naturally, I don't wish for Yellow Maple Valley's legacy to be severed after my demise. It seems you are indeed unmoved by fame and fortune. However, if you are willing to agree to inherit the position of Yellow Maple Valley Elder, I am willing to bestow upon you some of my personal possessions after my death. These include many valuable treasures I have collected over the years, which will be of great use to your future cultivation," Patriarch Linghu said this unexpectedly, surprising Han Li.

"Your possessions, for me? If I'm not mistaken, don't you have disciples?" Han Li's heart first skipped a beat upon hearing this, but he instinctively narrowed his eyes before calmly asking.

"My most advanced disciple is only at the Mid-Core Formation stage. Leaving these items to them would only invite disaster. Even if you hadn't appeared, I would have made alternative arrangements for most of my treasures; they wouldn't remain in Yellow Maple Valley," Patriarch Linghu scoffed, then replied.

Han Li stroked his chin, lost in thought.

It was, of course, impossible to say that he was unmoved by Patriarch Linghu's offer. However, he also clearly understood that accepting the position of Yellow Maple Valley Elder would immediately thrust him into a series of thorny issues involving the Six Sects and the Nine Nations Alliance. These matters could not be resolved quickly, and while he would undoubtedly wield great power as the sole elder of Yellow Maple Valley, he would not enjoy the same carefree existence he had at the Falling Cloud Sect. More importantly, it also involved some difficult-to-face issues concerning Nangong Wan and the Hidden Moon Sect.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Fellow Daoist. However, I still feel it best not to pursue the matter of joining Yellow Maple Valley." After a long period of contemplation, Han Li shook his head and declined.

Hearing this, Patriarch Linghu did not become angry; his face simply filled with a sense of helplessness.

"Since you are unwilling to accept such terms, it seems Fellow Daoist Han truly wishes to avoid getting involved in the affairs of our Six Sects. In that case, how about I modify the conditions?" Patriarch Linghu sighed, then said.

"How would you modify them?" Han Li's expression shifted, and he grew curious.

"Here's my proposal. You would not need to become an elder of our Yellow Maple Valley. Instead, I would offer you three valuable treasures in exchange for your assistance to Yellow Maple Valley three times during your lifetime. Of course, this assistance would be limited to what is within your capabilities," Patriarch Linghu said with a wry smile.

"Within my capabilities, providing assistance three times... this condition is not excessive. I can agree to that." Han Li considered Patriarch Linghu's request for a moment, then quickly nodded in agreement.

A faint smile appeared on Patriarch Linghu's face. He then reached into his waist pouch and produced three items, placing them on the table as if he had already prepared them.

Han Li said nothing, his gaze fixed on the three objects. He examined them briefly. There was a small, crystal-clear blue shield, a red jade bottle, and a dark, jade-like object.

Han Li didn't stand on ceremony. He first picked up the blue shield. The moment the small shield was in his hand, it felt warm, soft, and so light it was as if it weighed nothing. This surprised Han Li. Examining it closely, even with his current knowledge, he could not discern what material it was refined from.

"This is an ancient treasure I acquired many years ago, and it has been with me for quite some time. I call it the 'Azure Light Shield.' This treasure possesses considerable mystical power, especially when facing fire-attribute attacks; its effects are truly remarkable. You will know the truth of my words once you try it," Patriarch Linghu said, a hint of reluctance in his gaze as he looked at the shield in Han Li's hand.

Han Li ran a hand over the shield's surface once or twice before placing it back on the table, knowing well that this treasure was indeed extraordinary and that the other party had not exaggerated.

Next, he picked up the red jade bottle.

"Inside the bottle is a demon core I obtained many years ago when I ventured alone deep into the Mulan Grasslands and slew a seventh-grade Ironwing Vulture demon beast. It's an exceptionally rare material, highly useful whether for alchemy or other purposes," Patriarch Linghu introduced upon seeing him pick it up.

"A seventh-grade demon core!" Han Li showed no expression on his face upon hearing this, but he sighed inwardly. While a seventh-grade demon core was exceptionally rare in Tiannan, it was practically useless to him.

With a faint smile, he briefly opened the bottle, glanced inside, then resealed it and placed it back in its original spot. His gaze finally settled on the last item. This time, however, Patriarch Linghu merely smiled cryptically, offering no immediate introduction. Han Li, eyes flickering, gazed at the jade-like object without a word.

"Could this be an ancient talisman refined by cultivators?" Han Li finally spoke after a moment, still sounding somewhat uncertain.

A flicker of surprise crossed Patriarch Linghu's face upon hearing Han Li's words.

"Fellow Daoist Han, have you encountered such talismans before? As far as I know, these ancient talismans, unique to that era, have been lost in Tiannan for a very long time. Few local cultivators are even aware of them," the elder asked curiously.

"I merely happen to know a fellow Daoist who was aware of such things and mentioned them occasionally," Han Li replied with a slight smile, speaking casually.

"I obtained this jade talisman during a perilous adventure where I barely escaped with my life. This item is absolutely extraordinary. Although I haven't yet mastered the correct method to use it, I can only unleash a fraction of its power. Even so, the talisman's mystical abilities are terrifying. I have used it to defeat powerful enemies on several occasions. It must be a carefully refined masterpiece by an ancient cultivator who excelled in the Dao of Talismans." As Patriarch Linghu spoke, he beckoned to the black jade talisman on the table.

With a whoosh, the jade talisman flew into the elder's hand. He then chanted a few ancient, obscure, and low incantations. With a flick of his wrist, the talisman transformed into a mass of black light, and a chillingly cold, yin wind swept through. Suddenly, a demonic, black-and-red hand materialized above Patriarch Linghu's head. This monstrous hand was dark red and gleaming, with five spread fingers, measuring several feet in size. Black yin flames flickered intermittently, and an inexplicable aura of dread permeated the entire tavern with its appearance.

Han Li's face registered surprise, and his heart tightened.

"This is the only mystical ability I've been able to use after centuries of studying this jade talisman. The Profound Ghost Hand it conjures can grasp almost anything, save for treasures of extreme yang or extreme rigidity. Once it seizes an item, lower-tier magical treasures and ancient artifacts immediately lose all their powers and are subdued. Even top-tier treasures will suffer a significant loss of spirituality and greatly diminished power." As Patriarch Linghu spoke, his spiritual sense stirred, and the black hand suddenly expanded by about half its size, gently reaching out towards a nearby wooden table.

The black yin flames silently swept past, and the wooden table vanished instantly, even before contact, as if it had never existed. Witnessing this, Han Li drew a sharp breath. This object somewhat resembled a profound demonic technique where a divided spirit takes form to attack an enemy. However, since the black hand originated from the jade talisman, there was naturally no concern about a damaged divided spirit. Furthermore, observing the bizarre appearance of the yin flames, there must be other mysterious qualities to it.

"This jade talisman undoubtedly possesses other profound uses. Unfortunately, I have little time left and no opportunity to unravel its secrets. However, you, Fellow Daoist, are still young and have great potential. Do note that most of the power within the talisman has already been expended, so Fellow Daoist Han must use it carefully in the future." As Patriarch Linghu spoke, he pointed at the black hand, which transformed back into a black light, flying to the tabletop and resuming its original talisman form.

Han Li smiled, but he was very interested in the final jade talisman. Even if this talisman wasn't as powerful as Patriarch Linghu described, he could still glean insights into ancient cultivators' talismanic arts from it. This would undoubtedly be of significant help to him in the future.

Seeing that Patriarch Linghu had finished his introductions, Han Li immediately swept his sleeve over the table with a fluid motion, and the three items instantly vanished. However, three pristine white jade formation plates appeared on the tabletop.

"These three formation plates are magical artifacts I personally refined; others cannot imitate them. Should Yellow Maple Valley truly encounter any troubles I can resolve after your demise, I will naturally not decline to assist," Han Li raised his head, looking at Patriarch Linghu, and said calmly.

"Good, Fellow Daoist Han's word is enough. I can rest knowing I've done my best for what comes after me," Patriarch Linghu smiled, stating with ease.

Since the main business was concluded, Han Li had no intention of lingering. He immediately stood up to take his leave. Patriarch Linghu did not press him to stay, instead exchanging a few polite words before watching Han Li descend the stairs and depart unhurriedly. Then, the smile faded from his face, and he stared motionless at the teapot on the table, seemingly lost in thought.

After leaving the tea house, Han Li did not immediately return to his residence. Instead, he looked up at the sky, then casually found a quiet corner. There, he took out the jade slip that the white-robed elder from the Heavenly Paramount Sect had given him earlier. After carefully scanning it with his divine sense, a hint of hesitation appeared on his face.

This is the only chapter for tonight. Things have piled up these past two days; I've only slept a few hours in total, severely lacking sleep!