A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality c1-2248

by Translator: Johnchen

  However, he had now truly exhausted the reserve of Devilbane Lightning inside his body. Not even a spark remained.

  However, Han Li couldn’t bring himself to care as he put the pearl inside a square jade box and properly placed it away.

  At that moment, Han Li finally had the chance to take a breath and make a quick flight to the altar. He placed his over exhausted Bloodjade Spider into his spirit beast pouch. As for the refined spider corpse, it had long stopped moving.

  Han Li couldn’t help but stop when he arrived at where the Bone Sage perished. With an astonished expression, he waved his hand. An item that faintly shone with white light flew into his hand from within the ashes.

  It turned out to be a flawless white gem that was several inches long. After sizing it up for a moment, he recognized it to be the Bone Sage’s rib bone.

  Han Li was quite amazed to find that it had been completely unharmed by the Sacred Asura Flames.

  When he had first seen it inside the Bone Sage’s prison, the rib bone had contained the map of Heavenvoid Hall.

  ‘Could it be that the rib bone holds other items as well?’ After some further thought, Han Li placed it into his storage pouch. Now was not the time to examine his spoils as his escape and survival were the far more urgent matters at hand.

  Just as Han Li flew towards the steps, he unexpectedly found a dormant emerald-green arrow on the ground.

  Han Li frowned and waved his hand, sweeping the treasure into his grasp with a streak of azure light.

  After a casual inspection, Han Li placed the arrow into his bag, but a strange ringing then unexpectedly sounded out from within his spirit beast pouch.

  Han Li’s heart stirred, and he couldn’t help but be his surprised.

  After frowning with some deliberation, he suddenly slapped his storage pouch. A streak of light circled around him before revealing itself to be the soul devouring Weeping Soul Beast.

  Han Li opened his mouth and spat out the grey pearl used to control it, the Weeping Soul Pearl.

  Han Li had found the circumstances from when Yuan Yao handed this beast over to him to be quite strange. As a result, he hadn’t refined the control pearl. However, it was still an easy matter to erase her lingering spiritual sense from the pearl and exert control over the Weeping Soul Beast.

  As he held onto the Weeping Soul Pearl, he stared at the small emerald-green arrow and suddenly opened his mouth. An azure ball of core flame enveloped the arrow and started to slowly refine it.

  At first the arrow didn’t reveal the slightest reaction as if it were truly dead.

  A cold glint then flashed through Han Li’s eyes. After licking his lips, he threw the arrow into the air and gave the Weeping Soul Beast a command. The beast suddenly snorted and shot out a yellow mist, enveloping the small arrow.

  The small arrow had originally stayed still, but upon seeing the yellow mist, it flashed with green light several times, enveloping itself in a streak of green radiance accompanied by a sharp whistle. The arrow then shot directly towards the stone stairs as if it were terrified by the yellow mist.

  Chapter 495: Mysterious Scroll Painting

  Han Li had already been prepared for the arrow to attempt to escape. Within the arrow’s first few meters of flight, Han Li shot out an azure swordstreak that intercepted it, causing it to tumble.

  In that opening, the Weeping Soul Beast wrapped the small arrow in a yellow radiance, causing the magic treasure to incessantly flash. The arrow dashed back and forth within the cage of light as if wanting to escape, but the yellow light appeared immensely more powerful than it. No matter how much the arrow struggled, it was unable to escape. This was to be expected of the beast that was known to be the bane of all ghosts.

  As the small arrow’s resistance grew weaker, yellow threads shot out from the cage of light and tightly bound the small arrow in an instant. The yellow threads then grew taut and dragged out a ball of green light from within the small arrow.

  The green light was ensnared by many yellow threads and incessantly transformed into all sorts of animals and insects as well as fluctuating in size in its attempt to break free. Despite its efforts, it was unable to escape from the yellow threads and was gradually drawn closer and closer to the Weeping Soul Beast’s nose.

  At that moment, the green light grew panicked and transformed into the face of an old man. The light loudly pleaded towards Han Li, “Young Friend Han, I beg you to let me go. So long as you spare my life, I will willingly serve you for the rest of my life. The number of strange and secret techniques I know are countless, and I am willing to give you all of them! Moreover, doesn’t Young Friend Han wish to learn the entirety of the Profound Yin Arts? I didn’t even teach the last few layers to my traitorous disciple Zenith Yin. Doesn’t Fellow Daoist Han also wish to know about the wonders of Profound Soul Demonification? Although my own estate had been seized by Zenith Yin, I still have many secret cave dwellings, each containing their own hidden treasures. This old servant is willing to fully devote himself to you...”

  The more the ghostly face spoke, the quicker the words came out and the more panicked it appeared. He even took the initiative to offer to become a servant because at that moment, he was only about a foot away from the Weeping Soul Beast’s nose.

  If he were to truly be absorbed by the beast, even if his soul were more tenacious, he would never be able to escape.

  Despite having a will far more staunch and unwavering than others, Han Li’s heart thumped upon hearing the Bone Sage’s offers, and his face revealed a trace of hesitation.

  Perhaps due to having seen Han Li’s hesitation, the ghost revealed his greatest trump card with a low roar, “Even if Fellow Daoist Han doesn’t want those things, don’t you want to know the weaknesses of Zenith Yin’s cultivation arts? And how about removing the tracing mark he placed on your body?”

  Han Li’s gaze flickered several times and his expression continuously shifted. He sighed and lightly waved his hand, causing the radiance encasing the Bone Sage to grow still, preventing him from continuing towards the Weeping Soul Beast’s nose.

  The thread-bound ghost rejoiced and sighed with relief, “Young Friend Han, you are truly wise! By sparing this old man...” The ghost face forced a smile and intended to ingratiate himself to Han Li.

  But when the Bone Sage was about to continue, the Weeping Soul Beast snorted and resumed sucking in the Bone Sage. With his guard now down, he was sucked in without the slightest resistance.

  At that moment, Han Li wore a cold sneer.

  The Weeping Soul Beast burped as if it was quite satisfied with his meal and clumsily patted its stomach.

  With a faint smile, Han Li shook the Weeping Soul Pearl in his hand and returned the beast to his storage pouch.

  Han Li walked forward with the small green arrow now in his grasp. As he gazed at it, he muttered, “You want to be my servant? How could I possibly choose to act against my own interests?! You lived for over a thousand years! It would already be baseless flattery to say that I could possibly stand to outscheme you. Killing you now will save me quite a bit trouble. Who knows when you would betray me.”

  Even now, Han Li was unable to understand whether the ghost had been the Bone Sage’s true soul or a soul shard that he had split off earlier! Han Li wouldn’t be surprised if Ghost Daoists had such soul splitting techniques.

  After Han Li picked up the Five Element Bands that were lying nearby, and lingered for a moment. The ghost face had reminded him of the marker that Zenith Yin had placed on him. If he didn’t figure out how to remove it, he might be detected immediately after he left the barrier.

  Han Li had already examined himself several times with his spiritual sense, but hadn’t been able to find the slightest trace. However, Han Li still had another way to look for any markings. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have so rashly exterminated the ghost.

  Han Li released several thousand Gold Devouring Beetles into the air and had them crawl all over his body.
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br />   After a short moment, a few of the Gold Devouring Beetles on his lower leg released a peculiar shriek.

  Han Li rejoiced and issued the command. The Gold Devouring Beetles on his leg became restless for a moment, before they all returned to his spirit beast pouch. Han Li then flew towards the stone steps without further delay.

  He felt that he had tarried for far too long and was on edge with fear.

  He traveled the hundred meters down the stairs in the blink of an eye. Han Li then opened his mouth and spat out a streak of blue light, cleaving open a three meter hole in the light barrier with his Bamboo Cloudswarm Sword. He then shot out of the hole in a streak of light.

  According to his calculations, his best bet would be to stealthily return to the first or second floor and enter one of the doors. Afterwards, he would break the restrictions on the secret room and return to Heavenvoid Hall. As for the rooms on the other floors, they were far too dangerous for him.

  Han Li shot along the path he remembered in complete silence. On his way back, the restrictions and puppets had all been long since eliminated. Apart from being careful about avoiding the old devils, he didn’t have any other worries, and flew as boldly as he could.

  Because Han Li could see the path ahead with his spiritual sense, he took out the shabby scroll he had acquired from the hollow wall and decided to use the time to read it.

  “Yi!”

  After taking several quick glances at it, he couldn’t help but yell in shock and slow down, despite having planned to rush through the passageway. The scroll didn’t appear exceptional and didn’t contain the slightest spiritual power. Rather, the scroll contained a rather crude and simple drawing, depicting a vague map.

  After Han Li studied it several times, he immediately recognized it to be a map of the fifth floor of the Inner Halls.

  Needless to say, there was a drawing of a stone platform along with a cauldron that had two handles and three legs at the very top. This was clearly a picture of the Heavenvoid Cauldron. There was also a crossed marking in front of it that was certain to be indicating a secret room!.

  But what shocked Han Li the most were the passageways that were traced with bright red ink, standing out from the rest of the black ink map. The route led to a picture of a high wall with a transportation formation behind it.

  According to Han Li’s original plan, he would return to the first or second floor and pray that he wouldn’t encounter any of the old devils along the way. If this map was accurate, then couldn’t he just use the transportation formation it showed to leave this place? Even if it didn’t take him outside of the Heavenvoid Hall, it would almost certainly be much safer than foolishly forcing his way through the fifth floor.

  Han Li was more specifically tempted by how close he already was to the marked path. He was only an intersection away from entering the red lined path.

  However, his sole worry was whether or not he would encounter any restrictions or puppets along the way. He had no worries towards the validity of the map. How could it possibly be fake? Not only was it hidden behind a hollow wall, but it seemed to be as old as the Heavenvoid Hall itself. Who would spend so much effort just to play a joke?

  After extended period of indecision, Han Li arrived at the intersection. He continuously glanced around as he was still unsure of what path to take.

  ‘Whatever! If I come across any dangers, at worst, I’ll just return to the previous path. According to the map, the route isn’t very long. As such, it should prove much safer than returning to the previous floor.’ Moreover, he didn’t believe that the map would mark out a route for escape that would include many dangers along its path.

  With that thought, Han Li spread out his arms. Many lights flashed around him to reveal a crowd of huge ape puppets. Under his command, they immediately set forth down the passage as he closely followed after them with a solemn expression.

  An unfortunate reality.

  Chapter 496: A Gorgeous Woman and a Spirit Well

  Much to Han Li’s surprise, the path revealed by the map he found hidden within a wall had been peaceful. He didn’t encounter any restrictions or puppets guards as he followed the map and eventually arrived at the tall wall without any trouble.

  After looking at this common stone wall, Han Li unfolded the aged scroll and carefully examined it once more.

  “This is the place.” Han Li muttered to himself with certainty. He emitted streaks of azure swordlight from the fingers of one of his hands and directly walked towards the stone wall.

  Han Li rejoiced upon seeing there were no restrictions on the wall, and as he had hoped, the wall was hollow. He used his fingers to cut open a three-meter-wide circle with great ease, and gently pushed it with his other hand, revealing a large hole with a dark interior.

  The swordlight on his fingers disappeared with a shake of his hand. He then summoned a ball of white light in his palm and had it slowly enter the room.

  Without any further hesitation, he nimbly leapt in after it.

  The hidden room was only about six meters tall and about fifteen meters wide. Although the entire room was covered by a thick layer of dust, there was also a very crude transportation formation at the center of the room.

  The transportation formation was drawn with crooked lines, and its talisman markings were as crudely drawn as if it were a poor imitation of a formation by an unskilled layman.

  Han Li wrinkled his brow. Could it be that the formation was incapable of being used or that it had been long since discarded? He took a step forward and inspected the formation using his own knowledge on spell formations. After a short while, he let out a long sigh.

  Although the formation spell was crude, it could still be used. Furthermore, it didn’t seem to be a long distance transportation formation. It would likely take him to a place that should seem at least somewhat familiar.

  Han Li took out several spirit stones and quickly placed them on the four sides of the formation. After a series of hums, the spell formation shined with faint light. Han Li smiled at the sight. Instead of hastily using the formation, he turned his head to look at the hole in the wall and pondered for a moment.

  He approached the wall and cast several minor restoration magic techniques, returning the fallen stone to the open wall. In the blink of an eye, the wall had returned to its original appearance. Han Li dusted off his hands and walked into the spell formation before disappearing in a flash of white light.

  A moment later, Han Li reappeared in a thin mist. The mist was warm and carried a floral scent.

  About three meters ahead of him, there was a milky white pond that spanned over thirty meters. The pond seemed to be the source of the white mist and fragrant odor.

  What stunned him wasn’t that, but the naked woman that was crouched at the pond. She seemed to have been enjoying the water.

  The amazing sight of her lustrous, flawless body and her long, shiny black hair caused Han Li to unconsciously swallow, putting his mind into a daze. But when he saw her incredulous expression, Han Li bitterly smiled.

  After bluntly taking a long look at the woman’s body with a strange expression, he spoke without the slightest hint of sincerity, “Lady Yuan, what a coincidence! You’ve also arrived here. However, it seems I’ve appeared at an unsuitable time.

  The naked woman in the pond was actually the beauty Yuan Yao that had disappeared into the Inner Halls.

  At that moment, Yuan Yao was in shock at Han Li’s sudden appearance. When she heard him speak, she suddenly awoke and her face flushed red.

  She hastily used her hands to cover her ample figure and flusteredly yelled, “How did you get here! The transportation formation shouldn’t be in any condition to be used. You.... quickly! Turn around!” Yuan Yao appeared to be both startled and embarrassed.

  After chuckling, Han Li didn’t reply and casually walked back to the transportation formation and examined his surroundings.

  It was a stone room that spanned over a hundred meters and h
ad a stone gate at either end. Alongside the pond across from Han Li, black clothes and several storage pouches lay in a pile at its shore.

  When Han Li’s gaze fell onto the back wall, he spotted a white jade sculpture of a dragon head mounted ten meters up on the wall. About a meter below the sculpture there was a recess that shined with green light coming from a jade bottle with a long neck. It appeared to contain something valuable.

  When Yuan Yao saw that Han Li spotted that jade bottle, she had forgotten about her embarrassment and revealed shock. However, Han Li turned a blind eye to the bottle and immediately turned his gaze. He instead walked towards the edge of the pond and lowered his head to look at the milky white water. Yuan Yao inwardly sighed and her expression returned to normal. However, her beautiful eyes glinted with a strange light as if she had thought of something.

  At that moment, Han Li suddenly thought of something and swept his hand across the surface of the pond. Han Li easily cupped some of the water into his hand and brought it towards his eye.

  The pond water was extreme fragrant and was filled with pure Heaven-Earth Qi. But after a short moment, he saw the fragrant Qi disappear from the water, turning back into regular water.

  Han Li’s expression stirred. Han Li tossed the water away in his hand and said, “A spirit well spring! I truly didn’t expect for the master of Heavenvoid Hall to have placed such a large spirit well here. Could it be that Lady Yuan Yao had braved such great danger for that reason?” He then calmly turned his gaze towards her.

  At that moment, Yuan Yao had recovered her calm, but when she saw Han Li sweep his gaze past her bare shoulders, she couldn’t help but lower her body and angrily reply, “Humph! Is that how Fellow Daoist Han speaks to a woman? Could it be that you still haven’t seen enough of my naked body?”

  Even with her beautiful face warped by anger, she still appeared quite graceful.

  She was truly the most outstanding beauty of a generation! As Han Li’s gaze focused on the woman’s appearance, his heart was set alight.