“There is no meaning. Your in-name disciple is quite good. Are you interested in giving him to me? I feel like this youngster is quite suitable for cultivating my Heavenbearing Devil Arts.” Man Huzi spoke without care, but those words greatly frightened his fellow Devil Dao cultivators.
Layman Qing Yi hastily changed the subject. “Brother Man must be joking! Young Friend Han has already become a disciple of Zenith Yin. How can he be so casually changed.”
Man Huzi grimly laughed and stroked his beard. He suddenly spoke with a cold tone, “Hehe! If you aren’t willing, then let’s forget about it. To tell the truth, accepting a disciple is far too troublesome for me! However, why did Fellow Daoist Qing grow so anxious for a disciple of Zenith Yin Island? Could it be that this youngster has something that can’t be revealed?”
After this was said, the old man’s expression momentarily changed before calmly glancing at Zenith Yin.
Chapter 458: Paths of Ice and Fire
Zenith Yin’s expression slightly changed. After a moment of silence, he calmly said, “Brother Man, since you have doubts, I won’t conceal anything. My junior disciple will prove quite useful during our treasure hunt in the Inner Halls. I hope you will forgive him if he has offended you.”
Zenith Yin’s words caused Han Li to be extremely annoyed. When could he have possibly offended Man Huzi? Was it not Man Huzi who had forcefully seized the jade pillar from him and left him with a bellyful of anger?!
Naturally, Han Li didn’t dare to say this and the words remained in his mind.
With a wave of his arm, Man Huzi lazily said, “Offend? I don’t even recognize this youngster. There was no offense! I merely saw that his cultivation technique was quite interesting and I wanted to test it. But, how can a Core Formation cultivator be useful in the Inner Halls? Are you duping me?”
Zenith Yin frowned and hesitated for a moment. Afterwards, he gave Layman Qing Yi an indicative glance. Layman Qing Yi faintly smiled and sent Man Huzi a sound transmission.
Seeing the two’s secretive manners, Man Huzi revealed slight disdain. But after he heard the transmission, his expression suddenly changed, and he looked at Han Li in shock.
Man Huzi then asked the old man a few questions with sound transmissions and came to a sudden realization, revealing an icy expression.
Man Huzi narrowed his eyes and stared at Zenith Yin with a sharp gaze. He said in an imposing manner, “Zenith Yin, I was wondering why you would inexplicably take in a disciple. So it turned out you... humph! You sure came up with a good plan!”
“There is no need to be so angry, Brother Man. If you came across a similar matter, perhaps you would’ve used a similar method. In addition, we’ve revealed the matter to you and have no intention of monopolizing the harvest. We’ll be relying on Brother Man in the coming treasure hunt.” Zenith Yin calmly said.
After a moment of thought, Man Huzi’s expression grew calm, and he said, “If I don’t take action, Wan Tianming and his group of hypocrites wouldn’t give you a chance to take the treasure. So let’s get the business out the way first. If you get the treasure, how are we splitting it?”
“How about we split the treasure into four? Including Young Friend Han, each person will get a share.” Layman Qing Yi had long considered this question and immediately answered.
This answer caused Man Huzi to become angry. With a derisive expression, he said, “Qing Yi, do you really think I’m so easily swindled? Do you really think that you’ll be able to handle Wan Tianming when the time comes? And you actually want to split it evenly amongst us?”
The old man sighed and responded with a chuckle, “Don’t be angry, Brother Man. It’s true that my thoughts aren’t entirely fair. How does Brother Man feel it should be decided?”
Man Huzi spoke with a serious expression, “I don’t care how much you all receive, I require half of the treasure. After all, Wan Tianming alone is more than enough to deal with the both of you. If I’m going to take him on, then it is only fair that I get half.”
Man Huzi’s words weren’t surprising to Zenith Yin and the old man. They had clearly expected him to make large demands.
Zenith Yin unhurriedly said, “An entire half? Brother Man’s appetite is truly great. But don’t forget that without my junior disciple’s assistance, our odds of acquiring the treasure are pathetically low. My disciple also requires a share.”
“Humph! A Core Formation cultivator also gets a share among us?” Man Huzi disdainfully glanced at Han Li.
Han Li’s expression stirred for a moment before calming down.
“Hehe! If he were only a rogue cultivator, he obviously wouldn’t be entitled to a share of the Heavenvoid Cauldron’s treasures. But since he is my disciple, he will get one.” Zenith Yin was unwilling to back down.
A stern expression appeared on Man Huzi’s face. Just as he thought to say something, the old man rushed to propose a compromise, “There is no need to fight. How about this? When we acquire the treasure, we’ll split the treasure into five. Two shares will go to Brother Man and the other three will go to the rest of us. Surely, that is fair?”
Man Huzi blankly stared for a moment, before stroking his beard in silence.
Zenith Yin immediately declared his position with a heavy voice, “I find these conditions acceptable. What do you think, Brother Man?”
“Fine! Although I am not still not satisfied, it is better than the previous proposal.” Man Huzi wrinkled his brow and spoke with an annoyed tone.
He had already figured out that Zenith Yin and the old man had joined hands, and that the proposed conditions were likely their bottom line. As such, he was unable to pressure them too strongly.
As the Devil Dao eccentrics were discussing how to split their not yet acquired treasures, Wan Tianming and the Righteous Dao cultivators were also having a secret discussion about the treasures.
“Sect Master Wan, how certain are you that your Gold Threaded Silkworm will be able take out the Heavenvoid Cauldron? There have been many experts in the past that thought to acquire this treasure, but not one of them were successful. I fear we will also be unsuccessful.” Daoist Priest Tian Wuzi spoke with worry.
Wan Tianming calmly said, “Be at ease. While my Gold Threaded Silkwork doesn’t have high odds, we did acquire the Sky Azure Flower. So long as I feed it to the silkworm when we acquire the treasure and overexert it, we will have at least a four percent chance of success. That can already be considered high.”
“This humble Daoist also knows of this. I merely felt ill at ease when thinking of this matter. I am ashamed. It seems my own cultivation is lacking and my mind must be further polished.” Tian Wuzi spoke with slight embarrassment.
Wan Tianming chuckled, “Hehe, I am also deeply worried that those two old freaks, the Heavenly Star Sages, would acquire the treasures of the Heavenvoid. It only human nature as we are mere cultivators. We aren’t desireless like true Immortals.”
The old farmer then said, “However, Sect Master Wan had better keep watch on those Devil Dao cultivators. They are secretly talking about something. They seem to have just had some internal strife, but now they are bantering as if nothing happened. Are those Devil Dao cultivators scheming something?”
Having heard this, Wan Tianming looked at the Devil Dao cultivators in the distance who had finished their negotiations and scoffed.
Then with a solemn expression, he said, “While the techniques and might of the Devil Dao are powerful, their temperaments are easily distorted. A few strange displays isn’t out of the ordinary. There is nothing to make a fuss about! Even if we fail in our attempt, we must also make sure that the Heavenvoid Cauldron doesn’t fall into the hands of the Devil Dao. After all, Zenith Yin’s mutant fire serpent is also a spirit beast capable of acquiring the treasure.”
“Sect Master Wan speaks truly! If the Devil Dao acquires it, they will flourish. Given the current weakness of the Star Palace, we cannot allow the Devil Dao to replace the Star Palace as hegemon of the Scattered Star
Seas.” Tian Wuzi repeatedly nodded his head.
Wan Tianming was very pleased and thought to say something more when the blue-red light from the huge mountain suddenly flourished. The walls near the entrance to the canyon started to tremendously shake, splitting open two separate passageways. It seemed that they lead into the canyon.
A meter tall stone slab emerged at each of the entrances with the words “Path of Profound Crystal” and “Path of Molten Rock” in ancient characters.
Suddenly, the cultivators closest to the entrances hurriedly took a step forward.
Those that approached the entrance to the Path of Molten Rock grew light headed and felt their mouths dry from the gust of scorching heat that flew past them.
As for those near the entrance to the Path of Profound Crystal, it continuously emitted a white, ice-cold aura. The faint whistling of harsh winds caused one’s heart to grow cold.
Upon seeing the paths appear, Zenith Yin stood with roused spirits. He spoke to Han Li with a caring voice, “Han Li, lets go. We will gather up again on the other side of the Paths of Fire and Ice. Although I am incapable of personally bringing you through them, I will give you a treasure to resist either the cold or heat depending on what path you choose.”
When Han Li was traversing the ghost mist, he had been informed about the Paths of Fire and Ice by Fairy Violet Spirit.
He knew that after setting foot in the passage, he would be teleported to a predetermined area in the canyon. There was very little chance that he would be teleported together with others as had been reaffirmed by Zenith Yin.
After some thought, Han Li slowly said, “I will walk the Path of Molten Rock. I happen to possess some fire resistant clothes that might prove to be useful.
Zenith Yin took out a deep blue jade pendant from his storage pouch without hesitation and handed it over to Han Li. “Alright, take good care of this. With this item, you should have no problems passing through the trial, given your cultivation.”
When Man Huzi saw this, he insincerely smiled and said, “This is truly unexpected. Such a miserly person as Zenith Yin actually showed a moment of generosity. Isn’t that your White Rhino Emblem?”
Chapter 459: Trek
Zenith Yin didn’t grow angry, instead replying with a roll of his eyes and a chuckle, “My junior disciple’s cultivation is too shallow. As his master, it is only natural that I look after him. Although the White Rhino Emblem could be considered precious, I plan on taking the Path of Profound Crystal so this item will be useless to me. If I am not mistaken, Brother Man also has a Glacial Ice Pearl. Why not lend it to my disciple? Surely Fellow Daoist doesn’t wish for my junior disciple to encounter any mishaps before he enters the Inner Halls!”
“Humph! I cannot allow that youngster to easily die before the Heavenvoid Cauldron is secured. I acquired this Glacial Ice Pearl from a Glacial Carp during my early years. How lucky for you, youngster.” With that said, Man Huzi took out a thumb-sized misty white pearl and tossed it at Han Li.
Han Li felt joyful and gave many words of thanks after receiving the item. Although he knew these treasures were only given to him because of his Bloodjade Spider, they would allow him to go through the Path of Molten Rock safely. It was exactly what he had wanted.
Although the Glacial Ice Pearl shone with white light similar to the White Rhino Emblem, it was far colder to the touch, causing his hand to tremble from its penetrating chill. He hastily placed it in his storage pouch, as it appeared to be the more valuable of the two.
When Layman Qing Yi saw this, he chuckled and entered the Path of Profound Crystal with a blur. When the other cultivators saw this, they started to successively enter the canyons that they had previously chosen.
After only a short moment, a majority of the cultivators had already entered the canyons.
Zenith Yin glanced at Han Li and amiably said, “Han Li, how about you set off? We’ll meet again at the end in a few days.”
Han Li saw no reason to disagree and headed towards the Path of Molten Rock. As he was walking forward, he swept his gaze around with a calm expression, resulting in a feeling of anxiousness.
‘That old devil, Bone Sage, still hasn’t appeared. Could it be that he had changed his mind and slipped away by himself?’ Han Li couldn’t help but assume the worst.
After all, human hearts were unpredictable. He could’ve changed his might after seeing the great might of Zenith Yin. If the Bone Sage truly abandoned him, Han Li would bluntly use the Bone Sage’s information as a bargaining chip with Zenith Yin to guarantee his life. An ominous glint shone from Han Li’s eyes as he thought this.
His actions had caught the attention of others. As Han Li felt slightly regretful from this, the Bone Sage’s voice had suddenly entered his ear, “Don’t glance around. I am concealed nearby and have yet to reveal myself. Do your best! I will meet you again after this trial is cleared.”
Han Li felt some relief after recovering from his surprise and walked towards the passage with large steps.
Hot winds blew past Han Li just as he stepped into the passage, causing him to feel a scorching heat on his body. Han Li frowned and attentively looked forward.
The passage was six meters wide and couldn’t be considered very tall. However, the way forward was glowing with blinding red light, placing apprehension in the hearts of those that see it.
Han Li licked his dried lips and glared at it for a moment before moving forward. Each step he took felt as if the temperature was rising. After thirty steps, Han Li was no longer capable of moving forward. The hot winds that occasionally blew past him and the already hot temperatures of his surroundings caused his body to feel pain.
After a moment of hesitation, Han Li covered his body in the water attribute barrier. The deep blue brilliance immediately alleviated the scorching heat.
He then patted his storage pouch and a streak of blue light flew out into his hand, the Fire Repulsing Robes.
Han Li immediately donned robes without much thought and suddenly felt a chill from his body. With roused spirits, Han Li continued forward.
After a dozen steps, he saw a sudden flash of light. A wall of red light was blocking his path.
After glancing at the wall of light, he walked in head first. He could hear footsteps echoing from behind him. He had no interest in meeting with other cultivators.
After a series of dizzying fluctuations from within the blinding red light, the disappeared heat reappeared in a vicious, overbearing counterattack. His blue light barrier was unable to endure and started flickering as if it were about to collapse.
Having yet to recover from his dizziness, Han Li grew greatly frightened and hastily circulated spiritual power throughout his body. After stabilizing his barrier, he examined his surroundings.
He saw scarlet red stone, yellow soil, plants that emitted red light, and a blurry, deep red sky. Everything was tainted with the color of fire.
Even while protected by his barrier and the Fire Repulsing Robes, he could clearly feel the scorching air.
Han Li took a deep breath with a sullen expression. Under these temperatures, he would only be able to endure for five hours. He had thought he wouldn’t have to make use of any treasures and could easily make it through. But according to what Fairy Violet Spirit had said, in the second trial - the Paths of Fire and Ice - cultivators couldn’t fly and could only slowly tread forward on foot.
As such, those that were teleported farther away would have to spent several days of restless walking before arriving at the end of the canyon. This wasn’t something that could be done while relying solely on one’s cultivation. It would require the use of treasures that blocked the respective elements of each path.
In addition, the path wasn’t the sole danger that the cultivators encountered on the path. The canyon gathered demon spirits of their respective elements which were the greatest hindrance in the trial. During each occurrence of this trial, about half of the resulting deaths were caused by these demon sp
irits.
In addition to this, there may be cultivators lying in ambush along the path, aiming to rob the treasures of others. This was something that had always occurred. After all, the closer one grew to the end of the canyon, the more likely one would encounter other cultivators.Their odds of survival would greatly increase after robbing the others of their elemental resistance treasures. Odds were that a few cultivators that found it too difficult to continue would attack without any hesitation.
Han Li stood in his original place without movement, examining his surroundings with narrow eyes and pondering over the information he had.
After the time it took to finish a cup of tea, Han Li’s expression stirred. He then took out the White Rhino Emblem and hung it at his waist. He then replaced his blue light barrier with the jade emblem’s white light.
He couldn’t afford to squander any of his magic power. Staying still to recover his magic power was a suicidal action.
He then turn his head to the sky. After identifying the direction of the blurry red sun with great difficulty, he set off without any further delay.
Apart from a pile of rocks and a strange, perfectly straight tree, he didn’t see anything else on the path as he slowly staggered onward.
After a short moment of walking through the searing air, Han Li encountered a large patch of vegetation blocking his path that glowed with a strange, fiery light.
Han Li frowned after looking at the strange plants and immediately shot a ball of glowing blue water towards it. Upon impact, the ball of water sizzled and turned to steam.
Han Li’s expression slightly changed. He looked to the side of the plants but saw no other way past the strange vegetation.
After some hesitation, Han Li gritted his teeth and tried stepping through it.
Upon walking through, Han Li came to know the fearsomeness of the Path of Molten Rock. Wild plants? These were closer to swords of flame. Their incredible sharpness and heat caused him no small amount of pain.
Although he didn’t suffer much damage due to the protection of the White Rhino Emblem and Fire Repulsing Robes, he still felt continuous stabs of pain from below his thigh as he painstakingly forced himself through.
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