It seemed none still dared to easily provoke the Star Palace.
After the two white haired elder glanced at each other with a smile, they sat down in a corner and closed their eyes in meditation.
Although many still felt unresigned, nobody was willing to take the initiative to act.
In that next moment, two people appeared with a flash of white light from the transportation formation, Han Li and Yuan Yao.
In the moment Zenith Yin saw Han Li appear, his eyes brightened and he shouted, “Han Li!” He then waved his arms towards Han Li with a smile, having him immediately come over.
Man Huzi and Layman Qing Yi also revealed expressions of pleasant surprise. After exchanging a glance with one another, the two bluntly walked over to Zenith Yin’s side.
Han Li let out a sigh in his mind. After saying a few words to Yuan Yao, Han Li roused his spirits and walked over towards Zenith Yin. As Han Li fortunately knew that these Devil Dao eccentrics needed him in their hunt for treasure, he was able to remain calm. In addition, Han Li felt particularly assured after spotting the Bone Sage when he entered the large hall.
After Zenith Yin called Han Li, he warmly greeted him and assumed the standard role of a kind master, inquiring about the circumstances of the Path of Molten Rock.
Han Li didn’t go far into detail and merely gave a short, vague description to go through the motions. He understood that Zenith Yin didn’t actually care about the matter.
As he had expected, Grandmaster Zenith Yin didn’t pursue the matter and praised Han Li instead.
The Confucian-robed old man looked at Han Li with a smile and would occasionally chime in as if he was quite concerned with Han Li.
As befitted him, Man Huzi indifferently watched from the side and didn’t take the initiative to ask any questions. However, when Han Li returned the Glacial Ice Pearl to him, Man Huzi waved his arm in a relaxed manner, indicating that he was giving it to Han Li.
It seemed these old eccentrics valued Han Li far more now that he was one step closer to entering the inner halls, having rushed through the Paths of Ice and Fire. However, Wu Chou gazed at him from the side with increasing hostility, occasionally revealing a malicious glint from his eyes.
Zenith Yin seemed to have noticed this and suddenly glared at Wu Chou, transmitting a few words to him. Wu Chou suddenly lowered his head, and his expression had returned to normal after he raised his head again.
While Han Li dealt with Zenith Yin and the other eccentrics, he thought about whether or not he should contact the Bone Sage. It appeared that the old eccentrics didn’t have a concrete plan in mind. Could it be that they were planning on responding based on how events would unfold?
As Han Li thought about this, the final moments of the Path of Ice and Fire had passed. The transportation formation at the center of the stone hall disappeared without a trace. There were only about a dozen people in the room before it disappeared.
At that same moment, the walls around them began to rumble. The stone doors then opened by themselves to reveal long, narrow limestone passages.
“Three of these four passageways lead to their own pavilion, each separately holding ancient treasures, medicine pills, and cultivation arts left behind by ancient cultivators. However, all of those items are sealed and each person may only pick one item. After the item is chosen, that person will immediately teleport to the next trial, the Boundary of Fantastical Illusion. As for the last passage, it will teleport those immediately to the next trial. Whoever walks that path can only accept their bad luck for having passed the previous trial without reward. The restrictions here are a bit strange. The passage they lead to changes with each occurrence. But if one chooses a passage, they will have no option to withdraw. If there is anyone who doesn’t wish to attempt the Boundary of Fantastical Illusion, so long as you stay in this stone room for the day, you will be teleported back to Heavenvoid Hall. I wish the best for all of you!” Upon seeing the passages appear, the kindly faced elder slowly gave the explanation as he remained seated with legs crossed.
When the others heard him, they indifferently glanced at him before ignoring him.
When the Star Palace elder saw this, he didn’t seem to care and closed his his eyes with a smile.
Chapter 468: Treasure Light Pavilion
The cultivators that managed to arrive here were all unwilling to return empty handed after having braved those previous dangers. As such, there wasn’t much discussion to be had. A few of them even walked towards the stone passageways without a word. After a short moment they silently disappeared into the passageways. One by one, they gradually left the room.
After seeing Wan Tianming’s party enter a passage, the Devil Dao eccentrics coldly glanced at each other and displayed no haste to enter a passageway. As for Grandmaster Zenith Yin, he coldly looked at the two white clothed elders that were still sitting in meditation. After some hesitation, he pulled out a sparkling bright bracelet made of four thumb-sized beads that released faint azure light.
“This is the Matron Screen Pearl. It possesses the wondrous effects of steadying the mind and protecting the soul. With these beads, you will be able to keep your mind clear, even if the dangers of the Boundary of Fantastical Illusion increased by several fold.” After this was said, Zenith Yin handed the bracelet over to Han Li.
Han Li was delighted and accepted the bracelet while repeatedly saying thanks.
He had long since heard of the renowned Matron Screen Pearls. It was said that with a single pearl in your possession, one was far less likely to be interfered with by their inner demons during cultivation. Han Li found it truly surprising for Zenith to magnanimously give him a bracelet that strung these four of these grand treasures in order for him to make it through the last trial.
From Zenith Yin’s reluctant and hesitant appearance, Han Li reckoned that since it would be embarrassing to immediately reclaim it, Zenith Yin would be certain to take it back after the treasure hunt when there was no longer anything to be gained.
However, there were many sinister designs lurking inside Heavenvoid Hall. Even a Nascent Soul cultivator such as Grandmaster Zenith Yin was being secretly plotted against by the Bone Sage. Han Li had strong doubts about whether or not his in-name master would be able to leave Heavenvoid Hall alive.
Han Li wore the bracelet in front of Zenith Yin and carefully examined it.
The Matron Screen Pearls appeared to be made of wood and gold yet they weren’t. They also carried a heavy fragrance similar to that of sandalwood. When one smelled it, their mind grew clear and their spirits were roused. As expected, it was outstanding!
“It is reasonable to say that these Matron Screen Pearls should be enough to keep you safe. But to make sure of your safety, Young Friend Han should carry this as well. This is a treasure talisman that I refined from my Nightazure Needle, but its power is several times stronger than common magic treasures. Please use it to protect yourself.” The Confucian-robed old man took out an azure talisman and handed it over to Han Li with a smile.”
“A treasure talisman of the Nightazure Needle?” Han Li was initially stunned when he heard this but he soon grew excited. This was a treasure talisman from a Nascent Soul cultivator, fundamentally incomparable to common trash treasure talismans.
Although the Divine Devilbane Lightning from his Bamboo Cloudswarm swords was formidable, he couldn’t use it at every turn. With this item, his safety would be greatly increased.
Han Li took the item without any refusals and respectfully said his thanks.
At that moment, Man Huzi wordlessly took out a piece of black armor. It was covered in silver Qilin scales and appeared quite heavy.
When Zenith Yin saw this, his heart was moved and an expression of greed momentarily appeared on his face. He hastily said, “Brother Man is quite magnanimous, to give this distinguished treasure, the Royal Scale Plate, for the survival of my junior disciple. I, his master, and my junior disciple heavily thank you!”
&nbs
p; Man Huzi glanced at Han Li and said with a malicious expression, “I acquired this treasured armor over a hundred years ago, and it still proves useful to me. But as my Heavenbearing Devil Arts have already reached the great success stage, I’ll lend this item to the youngster for protection. When the time comes, you had better not disappoint me, or else... hehe...”
Han Li was incapable of keeping his calm appearance after hearing him.
Zenith Yin appeared disappointed for a second when he heard the armor was only being lent but he soon wore a smile, saying, “Good! With these treasures, my junior disciple will surely remain safe regardless of what dangers he encounters. Let us go take our treasures. The passageways won’t remain open forever.”
Man Huzi and Layman Qing Yi had no objections to this, but they didn’t move to leave. Instead, they first took a deep look at Han Li.
Han Li was startled for a moment before bitterly smiling. It appeared they were fearful that he would turn back from fright, so they would watch him go through a passageway first instead.
As a result, Han Li walked into a passageway with a slight smile. Soon after, the three Devil Dao cultivators looked at each other with a smile, each walking into one of the three other passageways.
When the two white clothed old men were the only ones remaining in the stone hall, the harsh faced old man slowly spoke without opening his eyes, “Don’t you think the Devil Dao cultivators’ actions are a bit strange?” His tone felt slightly sinister.
The kindly faced old man frowned and agreed, “Although those old eccentrics used methods to interfere with our prying, it appeared from their expressions that they heavily value that early Core Formation cultivator youngster. Moreover, they even gave him several items for protection.”
After this exchange, silence resumed.
The harsh-faced old man asked with a grave expression, “What do you think?
“The only things those old eccentrics value are benefits! And the only thing that would move them so would be the Heavenvoid Cauldron in the Inner Halls. That Core Formation youngster should be able to assist them in seizing the treasure!” The kindly-faced old man hesitantly replied.
Had Han Li heard them, he would’ve been speechless. These two were truly cunning. With only a few sparse words, they managed to nearly guess the truth. This would’ve resulted in both Han Li’s fear and respect were he there.
“Seize the Heavenvoid Cauldron? They still daydream of this? Unless one possesses those spirit beasts long extinct from the Scattered Star Seas, any attempt would be made in vain. Otherwise, the Master Heavenly Star Sages would’ve seized it several generations ago!” The harsh-faced old man spoke with disdain.
“That could be the case! Perhaps there were some ambitious individuals who entered the wilderness, spending the time and effort for the sliver of a chance. After all, in the last occurrence of Heavenvoid Hall, the Heavenvoid Cauldron had nearly been seized. Although that person had only managed to barely open the lid at the last moment and even had their Heavenmend Pill robbed by others, Wan Tianming does stand to have a chance, given his Gold Threaded Silkworm.”
“Since its like that, we had best secretly follow them just in case. It would be best if they don’t acquire it. If they truly managed to acquire the treasure, we cannot allow the Heavenmend Pills to fall into their hands.”
“Of course!”
Han Li didn’t know that he had roused the attention of the two Star Palace enforcement elders. As of current, he was climbing up spiraling limestone stairs with an expression of amazement.
Not long after he had entered the passageway, he was met with an unending spiraling stone stairway. He still hadn’t reached the end even after walking for the time it took to finish a meal.
Han Li’s curiosity grew stronger. Just how far up did this place reach?
Calming the doubts in his heart, Han Li continued to calmly climb up the stairway.
After climbing up another four hundred meters, Han Li caught sight of a gleam of light. With newly roused spirits, he hastened his steps and eventually arrived at an exit.
Han Li’s heart stirred when he saw a faint glimpse of what lay past the exit. He hastily strided through.
He arrived underneath a gloomy, dark yellow sky. It was filled with grey clouds and lacked a sun. It was an unfathomably huge cylindrical world. Its area reached about four thousand meters. At first glance, it appeared rather narrow as the world’s borders were lined with thick fog walls that couldn’t be seen though.
He stood at an opening of the fog wall where a forty meter long bridge of white jade was floating in the air. The bridge was exquisite and was engraved with dragons and phoenixes. It led to a rectangular pavilion that floated at the center of the area.
The two story pavilion was over a hundred meters tall and was constructed entirely out of jade. It shone from the air as if it were a palace from the afterlife. A golden signboard hung from its entrance with the words “Treasure Light Pavilion” written in an ancient script.
Han Li didn’t move to hastily set foot on the bridge and instead carefully examined the pavilion.
Although the pavilion wasn’t large, unfathomably deep spiritual Qi fluctuations emitted from within, and a layer of white fluorescent enveloped the building. It appeared that an extremely formidable spell formation was set up there.
Han Li eventually started to move, slowly treading across the jade bridge and towards the Treasure Light Pavilion.
When Han Li reached the halfway point, he couldn’t help but take a glance below the bridge. The endless, black abyss that entered his view left his heart ice cold!
Chapter 469: Acquiring Treasure
While Han Li was normally steadfast, this sight caused his mind to sway, leaving him in a daze. After forcing himself to look deeper and ignore his feelings of discomfort, he turned away without gaining anything. Despite having immense spiritual sense, he was unable to figure out anything about the abyss.
Afterwards, Han Li continued on his way without hesitation.
Once he grew closer to the pavilion, its true size was revealed, appearing at least four times as large as common buildings. Its entrance was an arched door that was six meters tall and was covered in a screen of yellow light.
After Han Li arrived at the front, he examined the light screen and tilted his head in thought. With a flash of azure light, his hand was covered in swordlight. He lightly touched the light screen with his finger. The light screen rippled, but it allowed the swordlight in without the slightest resistance.
Han Li felt slightly surprised by this. He then withdrew the azure swordlight and inserted his arm into the yellow light. It felt slightly cold as if his arm were surrounded by water.
Without any further hesitation, Han Li stepped forward, disappearing into the light barrier.
But after he entered the arched doors, Han Li stood in place with a look of astonishment.
He saw rows of round white jade tables about a meter tall, each of differing sizes. Their surfaces were covered in flickering light barriers of all colors as if they were concealing something underneath.
Han Li’s gaze focused, revealing at race of excitement.
When Han Li first saw the words “Treasure Light Pavilion, he had already guessed that he had come across great fortune. This pavilion most likely contained ancient treasures. However, it appeared that the pavilion was desolate. It seemed all the people that had arrived here either went to the second floor or had already chosen an ancient treasure and moved on.
With that thought, Han Li examined the jade tables. As he had expected, there were jade tables that lacked both an item and the light barrier.
‘And the stairs to the second floor?’ Han Li was slightly puzzled. He swept his gaze all around and couldn’t find it! After looking around several times with great interest, Han Li spotted a particularly unusual jade table.
This jade table was at the back of the first floor and appeared alone. It was extremely smooth and was engr
aved with profound, cryptic talisman markings.
Han Li examined it several times and drew from his own knowledge of spell formations to conclude it was a simple transportation formation with peculiar shape. He then slowly walked past the rows of jade tables and gazed at the ancient treasures they contained.
After looking at them, Han Li frowned. “Aren’t these ancient treasures a bit too lacking?”
After looking at several tens of jade tables, Han Li completely lost his interest. He stood in place, muttering to himself with crossed arms and a doubtful expression.
The items on the jade tables were unworthy of the name of “ancient treasures”. They were all either spears or halberds of an ancient style. Although they all flashed with various colored ancient Qi, Han Li clearly understood that these items were the near equivalent of flying swords and saber magic treasures that were used in the present. Their abilities wouldn’t be particularly exceptional.
Of course, they couldn’t be said to be useless! But with the Bamboo Cloudswarm Swords in his possession, the items on this floor held little interest to him. He wanted ancient treasures that had extraordinary abilities like his flower basket.
Although he thought this, he forced himself to look through all the items on the floor in fear that he would miss something. As a result, Han Li sighed and walked to the transportation formation without further hesitation. He believed that the items of the second floor should prove different.
After placing several spirit stones on the transportation formation, Han Li arrived at a new location with a flash of white light.
‘This was the second floor of the Treasure Light Pavilion?’ Han Li looked ahead of him with squinted eyes and tight lips.
The room wasn’t large. Apart from a huge spherical light barrier in front of him, there was nothing else in the room. The light barrier was about forty meters tall and floated about three meters above the center of the room, shining with a soft azure radiance. Several tens of different ancient treasure calmly floated within.
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