This allowed Han Li to personally experience the massive gap between the Core Formation and Nascent Soul stages. Previously, all it had taken was a casual wave of Qing Yi’s hand to produce a barrier that completely shielded him from the cold.
Han Li sighed and focused a majority of his attention on the hole. His remaining attention was focused on the Bone Sage. Despite the Bone Sage’s extravagant words, Han Li felt a need to remain vigilant of the old devil.
With the strength of the frenzied Bloodjade Spider, the Heavenvoid Cauldron began to slowly rise once more.
But for some unknown reason, Han Li felt that it was unbearably slow in comparison to the last attempt. It was as if every inch it was raised took an excruciatingly long time, much to Han Li’s irritation. If any of the old Devils returned to this scene, it would make for a terrible situation.
The Bone Sage appeared completely undisturbed, but once the blue light from the hole grew increasingly brilliant, a fervent expression began to appear on his face.
As the two stared down, their perception of the passage of time grew even slower with every rise of the Heavenvoid Cauldron.
While it was still unknown where the Nascent Soul eccentrics had wandered off to, their absence inspired both fear and delight in Han Li’s mind.
Suddenly, Han Li and the Bone Sage both shot to the sky as the blue flames had reached the top of the hole. Huge blue flames had blossomed yet again and immersed the world in blue frost.
As Han Li stared at the vague shadow contained inside the icy flames, he could hear his own heart thumping in anticipation.
The last time the cauldron had appeared, he had been entirely focused on the old devils and hadn’t examined the cauldron in the slightest. Now, he had the opportunity to witness its true appearance with his own eyes.
Although only some of it was exposed, Han Li was still able to make it out.
Chapter 491: Acquiring the Cauldron
The Heavenvoid Cauldron had a flat bottom, two handles, and three legs. At over a meter tall and three meters wide, it couldn’t be considered very large.
It had a slightly protruding lid covered in carvings of beasts and insects along with various landscapes. Although they appeared rough and crude, they were true to life and exuded an aura of untamed antiquity.
Just as the cauldron emerged from the hole, a faint hum was heard that gradually became louder. At the same time, the blue flames surrounding the cauldon flared before swelling to several times their original size.
Having originally been standing near the hole, Han Li and the Bone Sage revealed expressions of shock at nearly the same time and increased their distance from the altar.
The entire area within thirty meters of the altar glowed with faint blue light and was completely frozen over.
Apart from the minor flickering of the blue flames at the hole and the movements of the blood-red spiders, everything had been encased in blue ice. Had Han Li and the Bone Sage been slower, they would’ve undoubtedly been frozen as well.
At that moment, the entire altar was covered in a dome of blue crystal.
Han Li couldn’t help but betray his shock upon seeing this astonishing scene and asked, “How are we supposed to get the treasure out of that?” Han Li gazed at the marvelous frozen scene without any idea of where to begin.
The Bone Sage stared at the Celestial Ice Flames with a solemn expression and said, “It’s not a problem. I have a way of restraining the Celestial Ice Flames. My Profound Soul Ghost Flames are also cold by nature. Although it is in no way its equal, I will be able to break through the crystal and separate the flames from the cauldron. In that moment, you will take the cauldron out of the hole.”
Although his voice sounded cold, Han Li was able to make out a trace of excitement.
Han Li was shocked! The Bone Sage took the initiative to deal with the extremely dangerous blue flames and wanted him to extract the cauldron. As this was truly unexpected, he couldn’t help but look at the Bone Sage with an odd expression.
Han Li absolutely didn’t believe that the old devil was doing this out of kindness. However, this method didn’t seem to have any faults. Could it be that it was more dangerous to acquire the Heavenvoid Cauldron? Suspicions began to surge through Han Li’s mind.
Naturally, Han Li would definitely have refused if the Bone Sage proposed that Han Li would deal with the ice flame, and he would acquire the treasure. With that thought, Han Li could only agree.
He couldn’t shrink back now, so his only option was to move forward with discretion. If anything went amiss while acquiring the cauldron, he would naturally choose to save his own life over acquiring the treasure.
Having come to this decision, Han Li casually nodded towards the Bone Sage in agreement.
The Bone Sage responded with a pleased smile. He then glanced at the ice flames several times with an odd expression before his body began to revolve in the air. Ghostly Qi began to spiral around his body, creating a three meter wide dark-green tornado. The air surrounding him became a dense mist that intermittently released faint ghostly wails. The whirlwind then dropped down towards the blue flames.
A huge rumble erupted as the whirlwind dropped down, igniting into a torrent of flame. The result was a forty meter high pillar of red and white flames revolving around a core of dark-green flame. It completely lacked any warmth and instead gave off an extremely cold impression.
Han Li’s eyes widened as he stared at the pillar of fire colliding against the blue frost.
In that instant, the three colors of light intertwined into one, producing a harsh sound of scraping metal, causing Han Li to frown.
Han Li soon unfurled his frown as the flame pillar managed to forcibly drill a passage straight towards the center of the blue flame.
Han Li grew nervous at the sight and quickly linked his consciousness to the Bloodjade Spider. So long as the Bone Sage truly managed to separate the Heavenvoid Cauldron from the Celestial Ice Flames, he would immediately order his Bloodjade Spider to exert its strength.
Eventually, the Bone Sage’s pillar of fire managed to reach the hole.
The flickering, glaring blue flames remained dormant for a short moment before finally erupting. In that instant, the pillar of flame transformed into a huge dark-green lotus, wrapping around the Heavenvoid Cauldron.
Han Li was shocked at the sight. The first thought that came to his mind was that the Bone Sage had reneged on their agreement and intended to keep the Heavenvoid Cauldron for himself. With that thought, he immediately prepared the five-colored copper band and became vigilant. However, the following scene caused Han Li to become relieved.
Shortly after, the huge lotus became enveloped in blue flames, becoming something like a shell over the Heavenvoid Cauldron.
Han Li’s heart quickly thumped, and his face flushed with excitement. He sighed in awe of the Bone Sage’s marvelous technique and quickly ordered his Bloodjade Spider to exert its strength and lift.
With a loud cry, the taut web violently trembled as the Bloodjade Spider heaved at the cauldron with all its might, producing an unreal result that was completely unexpected.
The cauldron they had assumed was immensely heavy flew to Han Li’s side as if it weighted nothing at all.
Han Li was overjoyed at first, but his mind then grew stern.
Not daring to be careless, he raised his hands and shot out two mists of light. They suddenly transformed into ropes along the way and wound around the cauldron’s two handles. With a heavy pull, the cauldron fell about ten meters in front of Han Li.
Han Li was rather stunned at how easy it had been to acquire the Heavenvoid Cauldron.
He faintly felt that the reason why the treasure had been so easily acquired was because it had been separated from the Celestial Ice Flame.
However, those thoughts only lasted for a moment before they were tossed to the back of his mind. Han Li then shook the ropes, having them wrap around the cauldron and slowly drag it closer.
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br /> With a muttered incantation, the ropes quickly faded away and slowly dropped the Heavenvoid Cauldron into his hand.
This sequence of events went off alarmingly smoothly without even the slightest mishap. Han Li rubbed his finger against the lid of the cauldron, not daring to believe it. The Heavenvoid Cauldron, known to be the number one hidden treasure in the Scattered Star Seas, was now in his grasp!
Han Li attentively stared at the now fist-sized, miniature cauldron in his hand when a strange thought flickered through his mind, ‘This cauldron can’t be a fake, right?’
At that moment, Han Li’s thoughts were interrupted by a howl of mad laughter.
“Haha! With Celestial Ice Flame, Profound Soul Yin Flame, and Divine Devilbane Lightning fused together, I will be able to cultivate the Sacred Asura Flames from lore! I hadn’t guessed incorrectly. Haha....” It was clearly the Bone Sage’s voice but his voice was filled with ecstasy.
For some unknown reason, Han Li’s heart dropped and his body broke into a chill. He squinted at the small cauldron in his hand and then expressionlessly glanced at the Bone Sage.
What Han Li saw alarmed him.
The green lotus had already disappeared. In its place was the Bone Sage with a foot-wide orb of light in his hand.
At first glance, the sphere of light appeared to be dark-green, but after further inspection, Han Li discovered a blue flame burning at its center. Although an outer layer of dark-green enveloped it, it restlessly flickered from place to place.
But even more astonishing were the black sparks of lightning that shot from the orb, producing slight rolls of thunder with each appearance.
Han Li’s expression changed. Could it be that this had been the Bone Sage’s plan all along?
Before Han Li could finish his thoughts and figure out the specifics of what had occurred, the Bone Sage started slowly walking towards Han Li, stopping when he was about thirty meters away.
His gaze fell onto the Heavenvoid Cauldron that Han Li was tightly grasping. With an odd expression in his eyes, he said, “Very good, it seems nothing went wrong with my plan.”
When Han Li heard this, he snorted and vigilantly watched the Bone Sage in silence.
The Bone Sage smiled and leisurely said, “It looks like you’ve figured something out. Although I really want to give you an explanation, my time is quite limited and you’re going to die soon, so I’ll just have to be satisfied with giving you an ignorant death.”
Han Li’s heart trembled. It couldn’t be more clear that the Bone Sage wanted to kill him and take the treasure.
Disinterested in wasting the time or breath required for any verbal squabbles or nonsensical words, Han Li’s expression sank, and he attempted to seize the initiative.
His raised his hand, and sent out the copper bands that he had already prepared. With a flash of colorful light, they disappeared without a trace, reappearing only a moment later to restrain the Bone Sage’s neck and limbs!
Well...
Chapter 492: Divine Devilbane Lightning vs. the Sacred Asura Flame
“Restrict!” Han Li clutched his hands in an incantation gesture and sent an order to the ancient treasure.
The five copper bands suddenly tightened and firmly locked onto his limbs.
The Bone Sage revealed pain upon the clasp of the ancient treasures, but a derisive expression soon appeared on his face. “Hehe! The Five Element Bands! Although they’re rather famous ancient magic treasure, they’re entirely useless on anyone possessing mutated spiritual roots, those possessing far greater cultivation than the wielder, or fallen cultivators - like me.”
He then raised his hand without the slightest obstruction and slapped the orb of light in front of him. The orb sparkled and cracked open in a huge burst of fluttering blue flame.
A long ribbon of blue flame shot out from the orb and lightly swept past the Bone Sage’s limbs and neck, condensing a thick layer of ice on the tightly locked copper bands.
Afterwards, the Bone Sage’s body underwent a series of inconceivable twists and distortions. With a series of crisp clanks, the frozen copper bands then fell to the ground.
Han Li’s heart dropped. Without any further thought, he opened his mouth and spat out nine small azure swords. They merged into one huge sword in the air before ruthlessly cleaving towards the Bone Sage.
The Bone Sage’s face became stern upon seeing this.
He lifted the orb of light in his hands causing the tear to grow larger, causing it to spurt out a large jet of ice blue flame.
The jet of flame transformed into a five clawed dragon of translucent ice, whose entire body shined with a cold blue light. It used its two front claws to block the huge azure sword and viciously unleashed a breath of blue flame onto the sword.
After only a moment, the huge sword’s brilliance greatly dimmed and a thin layer of transparent frost began to form on the sword’s surface, causing the sword’s movements to become sluggish.
With a roar of thunder, several arcs of golden lightning shot out from the sword, fiercely striking the ice dragon’s body. The dragon was knocked back, freeing the huge sword from its constraint for the time being.
“You still want to run? Your set of Golden Lightning Bamboo swords shouldn’t have much Divine Devilbane Lightning left. Let’s see just how many more times you can keep it up.” The Bone Sage sinisterly grinned and pointed at the ice dragon, causing it to charge at Han Li’s swords once more.
Han Li’s heart stirred. Although the Bone Sage appeared unworried, Han Li could faintly perceive that the Bone Sage held some fear towards the Divine Devilbane Lightning.
Following that line of reasoning, Han Li launched a magic seal towards the huge sword. He then pointed at the sword and ordered it to intensely sway into a blur, forming an identical copy of the huge sword. This was the Azure Essence Sword Art’s Swordshadow Phantasm Technique. Both of the swords simultaneously released a dense stream of faint gold lightning. One was aimed at the ice dragon with the other targeting the Bone Sage.
“Yi!” The Bone Sage cried out in amazement.
The Bone Sage was astonished. Not only did Han Li still have the strength to release such strong bolts of Devilbane Lightning, he was able of creating another huge sword.
However, this astonishment only lasted for a moment before disappearing. The Bone Sage then calmly slapped the light orb, spouting out another jet of blue flame.
This time, the ice flames wavered several times and transformed into a triangular shield of ice. The blue mist emitted from the surface of the ice shield blocked the dense bolt of Devilbane Lightning, resulting in a deadlock for a short while.
Rather than panic, Han Li rejoiced at the sight.
Although the Devilbane Lightning was unable to restrain the Celestial Ice Flames’ glacial Qi, it was mutual for the flames as well. The victor of the conflict would be the side that contained the most power.
Having thought that, Han Li patted the storage pouch at his waist. A blood-red cloak appeared on his body. Although he hadn’t yet reached a state of desperation, he thought it was best to be prepared for any contingencies.
Afterwards, Han Li hurriedly clasped his hands together and his expression became increasingly grave.
With rolls of thunder, an orb of faint gold lightning appeared at the center of his hands. Tiny arcs of lightning continuously sparked from its surface.
The orb of lightning was only several inches thick, but Han Li didn’t stopped there. Emitting the hum of electric current, the orb gradually expanded, growing several inches in the blink of an eye.
The Bone Sage controlled the Celestial Ice Flame and planned to attack the two huge azure swords, but his face paled in complete disbelief when he saw Han Li.
He could hardly believe what he was seeing. Han Li was still able to produce such a large sphere of lightning. Just how many swords of Golden Lightning Bamboo did he have?
Apprehension surged through him!
The only reason he h
ad turned hostile was because he believed he would be able to kill Han Li without much effort, given the profound might of his newly acquired Celestial Ice Flames.
Although he had had yet to refine the ice flames into Sacred Asura Flames, he was able to barely control it with the use of his Profound Soul Yin Flames along with his own Divine Devilbane Lightning.
The Bone Sage knew that the Devilbane Lightning was able to block the glacial Qi of the Celestial Ice Flames and that Han Li possessed the ability to use it. But he hadn’t expected that he would be unable to kill Han Li during this time.
The Bone Sage assessed that Han Li should’ve already spent a majority of his Divine Devilbane Lightning to ward off his earlier ambush during their capture of the Ninecurl Ginseng. As a result, Han Li should of been unable to block his Celestial Ice flames. After all, there wasn’t enough Gold Lightning Bamboo in the world to make that many magic treasures out of it.
But that was exactly why the Bone Sage felt such disbelief at the quantity of Gold Lightning Bamboo swords that Han Li possessed!
Divine Devilbane Lightning was something that was sparingly used as it took quite some time to recover. As Han Li shouldn’t have had much Devilbane Lightning in reserve, the Bone Sage took the opportunity to eliminate him!
Although he felt particularly full of loathing towards his traitorous disciple Zenith Yin, his ambitions soared after he acquired the Celestial Ice Flame. So long as he refined the Sacred Asura Flames, it was possible for him to become the hegemon of the Scattered Star Seas.
As Devilbane Lightning was the bane of Ghost Dao cultivators such as himself, Han Li, the possessor the Gold Lightning Bamboo swords, became his first target of elimination. And later, with the assistance of Man Huzi, the Bone Sage would be able to easily exterminate Zenith Yin.
The powerful streams of lightning that Han Li had released from his two swords had already been enough to surprise the Bone Sage. As for the appearance of the large sphere of golden lightning in Han Li’s hands, that had left him dumbfounded.
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