White light flashed from outside the hall and Silvermoon gracefully walked into the hall in her fox form.
Han Li glanced at the small fox and curiously asked, “Is your magic power not enough to assume your human form?”
Silvermoon raised her delicate head and dejectedly said, “That is so, Master! My magic power as an artifact spirit along with the spiritual power of the fox can only sustain the human form for a short amount of time. I won’t be able to turn back into human form until next month.”
“When you truly become a grade eight demon beast, you’ll be able to keep a human form eternally. There is no need to be impatient.”
Silvermoon earnestly said, “Fair enough. I’ve spent countless years in the Heavenvoid Cauldron, what is a few more hundred years? Moreover, with the assistance of master’s medicine pills, I’ll be able to reach that height far earlier than expected!”
Han Li nodded his head but his voice suddenly grew heavy, “Speaking of the Heavenvoid Cauldron, I’ve never asked about it before because my cultivation was lacking. But now that I am a Nascent Soul cultivator, tell me about it. After all, you should know how to open the cauldron given the many years you stayed inside it. Also, I am quite curious about the many other treasures in the cauldron apart from the Heavenmend Pill.”
Silvermoon paused for a moment and sighed, “Of course I know how to open the cauldron. However, I fear that Master will be somewhat disappointed.”
Han Li rubbed his chin and doubtfully said, “Oh! Do you mean that I am still unable to open the cauldron at my current cultivation?”
Silvermoon slowly said, “Originally, the other ancient treasures and I were only able to escape the bindings of the Divine Spirit Treasure because the Celestial Ice Flames surrounding it were disturbed by those in the Hall with master at the time.”
A trace of suspicion flickered from his face and he astonishedly asked, “What are Divine Spirit Treasures? Is the Heavenvoid Cauldron not an ancient treasure? From your tone, there seems to be a close relationship between the Celestial Ice Flames and the Heavenvoid Cauldron.”
Silvermoon explained with a heavy tone.“Divine Spirit Treasures were what cultivators of the past called ‘ancient treasures’. However, only ancient treasures that possessed amazing abilities were labeled as such, the Heavenvoid Cauldron being among them. Although I don’t know what amazing abilities the cauldron possessed, its might is far beyond that of common ancient treasures. As for the Celestial Ice flames, they are a crucial factor in opening the Heavenvoid Cauldron. No, it is more appropriate to say that they are the first step to controlling the Heavenvoid Cauldron. Master must first refine the flames before being able to do anything else.”
Han Li smiled and asked, “Divine Spirit Treasures? They must be outstanding for even ancient cultivators to put them in high regard. Since refining the flames is only the first step, what else must I do? You may as well tell me all at once.”
Han Li wasn’t upset by this. He clearly understood that many conditions required to use this treasure merely indicated that its power was beyond what he had expected. This matter was a pleasant surprise. So long as he has the Heavenvoid Cauldon in his hands, there will come a day where he will be able to control it. Han Li was certain of this without a doubt.
Silvermoon shook her head and truthfully replied, “I do not know the steps that follow. I only know enough to give Master suggestions after he refines the Celestial Ice Flames.”
“So its like that. Then this will be somewhat troublesome. But even this is fine. I’ll just have to refine the Celestial Ice Flames first and decide what to do later. By the way, you didn’t mention the other treasures that the cauldron contained.” Han Li initially revealed disappointment but he then deeply glanced at Silvermoon.
Fearing that Han Li would be discontent, she hastily explained, “I didn’t mean to hide it. Its just that apart from two more Heavenmend Pills, there are no other treasures; just an empty cauldron. After all, the Heavenvoid Cauldron spent countless years in Heavenvoid Hall and had a few great cultivators that were able to disturb the Celestial Ice Flames. Each time this occurred, one or two ancient treasures would seize the opportunity to escape. As such, it is natural for the cauldron to grow empty. By the time you’d arrived, there were only the ancient treasures that you spotted.”
Han Li didn’t reveal the slightest annoyance as if he had already anticipated this. “Since its like that, then so be it. At my current cultivation, common ancient treasures are beneath me. It would be best to be able to make the Heavenvoid Cauldron mine.”
Silvermoon chuckled and said, “I am full of admiration towards Master for being able to release me! Master’s words aren’t wrong. According to what I know, even in times of antiquity, there were only about sixty ancient treasures that were capable of being titled as a spirit treasure. Each and every one seemed capable of vast abilities that could shake the world. In truth, I originally thought that Master’s small bottle was a spirit treasure, but after some further thought, I felt it to be unlikely.”
Han Li was stunned and doubtfully asked, “Oh? Could it be that my small bottle’s abilities aren’t enough to be an ancient treasure?”
The small fox licked its lips and solemnly replied, “Of course not. Master’s small bottle has the abilities to view the spirit treasures with disdain. After all, no matter how grand the abilities of the spirit treasures, they must still comply with the heavenly laws of this world. Those spirit treasures merely utilize the laws of this world to a greater extend, but that small bottle’s ability to age medicine is a truly heaven-defying matter. I reckon that such an item can only be refined once you ascend into the spirit realm or the world above it.”
Han Li felt his breath turn cold and he passionately asked, “You mean to say that this bottle could’ve been a treasure refined by Immortals of a higher realm?”
Silvermoon nodded, “That’s right. It is certainly possible!”
When Han Li heard this, he grew silent and suddenly took out the small bottle from his storage pouch. His expression stirred as he carefully examined it in his hands.
A long while later, Han Li carefully put the bottle away and asked, “Silvermoon, you were listening in the next room. Do you feel that I should stay or find somewhere better?”
Chapter 642: Sect Elder
Silvermoon calmly said, “This... Since Master has personally asked me, I will be blunt. May I ask Master’s plans for the future? If he has no other plans, then staying at the Drifting Cloud Sect isn’t a bad decision. Those two early Nascent Soul cultivators won’t place any restrictions on you if you stay. Furthermore, the Drifting Cloud sect is by no means a small sect. It is able to provide a certain amount of backing for Master. Of course, if Master has other plans, then leave the matter be. None would easily dare to provoke a Nascent Soul cultivator, be they vagrant or not.”
Han Li calmly said, “For the time being, I have no concrete plans, but I must spend the next years consolidating my Nascent Soul. I must also make a trip to the far west and acquire the last three layers for the Great Development Technique. Additionally, I will have to make a trip to the State of Yuanwu eventually. I made a promise long ago to exterminate the Fu Clan in that country. I do not know if they are related to the Hundred Possibilities Pavilion’s Fu Clan.”
After some further thought, Silvermoon proposed, “If that’s the case, Master should remain at the Drifting Cloud Sect. If Master gains guidance from other Nascent Soul cultivators, it will be greatly beneficial to his cultivation. There won’t be much to gain by standing alone.”
“Yes, that’s reasonable to say. I’ve grown tired now. You may withdraw.” Without directly answering Silvermoon proposal, he walked in the direction of his bedroom.
Silvermoon tilted her head as she glanced at Han Li walking away and wore a pensive expression before walking away from the hall.
Lying down on the stone bed in the room, Han Li gazed at the stone ceiling as his mind wandered, finding i
t difficult to fall asleep. When he recalled the formation of his Nascent Soul, he grew filled with trepidation. While it appeared that condensing a Nascent Soul was simple, it was actually incredibly dangerous.
When a core is shattered, it causes the entire body’s meridians to flow backwards. In truth, it had been painful enough to kill him. But since his cultivation was deeper than those of a similar grade, he was able to bear through it. Of course, the Ninecurl Spirit Ginseng pill was greatly effective during this period, else Han Li suspected he would’ve fainted.
The shattered core stage was extremely dangerous. However, it paled in comparison to the following stage, inner demon backlash.
With the aid of the Soul Nurturing Wood beads, the Matron Screen Beads, and the other soul protecting treasures, along with the Soul Tempering Pill, he believed he would have a far easier time making it past this stage compared to other Nascent Soul cultivators. However, he didn’t expect the ferocious cunning of the inner demon backlash to be several times greater than that of legend.
The inner demons had Han Li experience a string of his deepest fears and hatreds that he buried deep within his heart. During this time, he was incapable to telling that it was an illusion and lived through each of them.
Regardless of whether it be his small native village being ransacked, his family being assaulted, or his own cultivation disappearing, the pursuit of the entire cultivation world from having his bottle revealed, they all stirred up the weaknesses of Han Li’s heart. Each of these illusions were as real as could be. Once he fell into them, he had no method of breaking free of them. Despite his calm and unwavering nature, he had nearly lost himself into these illusions from fury and fright.
Fortunately, the Spirit Tempering Pill and the other treasures were well deserving of their name, allowing him to keep his mind clear during crucial moments. Eventually, this led to Han Li finally breaking free of the illusions, awakening to a body full of cold sweat.
But before he could steady his mind, the inner demons immediately followed up with another attack. While he was still perturbed, he was instead placed into many happier illusions.
He met his father, mother, and little sister once more, living the happy life of when he was child. He saw a beautiful dream where he married Nangong Wan and they became Dao companions. He even had a dream where he had a harem with the Mo Sisters, Chen Qiaoqian as well as several other woman. However, Han Li was able to easily break free of these desires.
Following that, Han Li envisioned himself becoming hegemon of the cultivation world in the Heavenly South Region, eventually ascending to the next world and becoming a true immortal. Such visions continued one after another.
After being enveloped in these illusions for an unknown amount of time, experiencing what seemed to be several lifetimes worth of happiness and grief, he suddenly came to awareness by a stroke of luck and was able to finally escape the entrapment of the inner demons, bringing form to a Nascent Soul.
As Han Li silently recalled this while he laid in bed, he couldn’t help but recall the first time his Nascent Soul manifested.
Once his Nascent Soul had formed, it immediately flew out from the top of his head. He clearly felt that the Nascent Soul to be himself, and himself as the Nascent Soul. He was incapable of controlling the actions of the Nascent Soul and could only helplessly observe it playing with his own hair as if it were a true careless infant. At that moment, his mind felt serene and burdenless like all worries had been tossed to the back of his mind and he had become his true self.
After pondering about this in hindsight, he realized what had happened. Because he had just formed a Nascent Soul, he was incapable of merging it with his mind. Once he consolidated the Nascent Soul and progressed his cultivation, this matter shouldn’t reappear in the future.
After restlessly pondering about his experiences forming a Nascent Soul, he eventually closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. During this moment of rest, a seldom scene reappeared in his mind. He was back at his home village where he was freely rushing through the mountains with his elder brother and little sister. Afterwards, he returned home to eat with his parents and have a nice chat. It was a nice dream.
When the Drifting Cloud Sec Elders returned, Han Li agreed to enter the Drifting Cloud Sect without any reservations.
The two elders were vastly delighted to hear this.
They immediately proposed to call together a majestic celebration within the sect for Han Li’s entrance into the sect, inviting even the high grade cultivators of other sects to celebrate.
Once Han Li heard this, he intensely shook his head and flatly declined. He proposed a simpler observance to only to tell the other two sects of his entrance. In any case, he’d come to meet the two sects’ Nascent Soul elders eventually. He may as well make a subdued entrance instead of attracting attention to himself.
While the silver-haired old man and Cultivator Lu felt this was improper, they understood Han Li disliked bustling activities and agreed.
Soon after, Han Li followed the two to a hall on the main mountain of the sects’ Six Marvelous Peaks. It was there that they summoned all the Core Formation disciples of the sect.
A small portion of them naturally recognized Han Li to be a “Qi Condensation disciple”. When they heard of the rumors a few days prior that a newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivator was about to enter their sect, they investigated Han Li’s background and came to a likely conclusion.
But when the time came to see Han Li, they all revealed respectful faces despite whatever complicated emotions they may hold.
Seeing these previous “Martial Ancestors” address him as Martial Uncle Han caused him to inwardly laugh, but his face remained calm as normal. With a wave of his hand, he had them stand, wishing to make things brief and easy.
However, Han Li’s spiritual sense caught a glimpse of the woman surnamed Song wearing a complicated expression when she called him ‘Martial Uncle’. Her voice was even somewhat hesitant. It seemed this woman had misgivings about having found nothing despite the heart reading technique she had employed on him. She naturally couldn’t address the matter given Han Li’s current cultivation.
After he met with the Core formation cultivators, the silver-haired old man promptly displayed a map of the spirit veins of the Dreamcloud Mountains. Han Li was allowed to choose a mountain with abundant spiritual Qi to establish his cave residence. It wasn’t required to be within range of the Drifting Cloud Sect.
Having heard this, Han Li spent the day looking through without any reservations and found a medium-sized mountain in the west of the Drifting Cloud Sect.
Although this mountain wasn’t imposingly lofty nor did it have the best spiritual Qi, it was an interconnected chain of mountains. In addition to the main mountain, it was surrounded by three shorter mountains. It was quite suitable to place down spell formations and restrictions, greatly aligning to Han Li’s desires.
Opening the cave residence was a rather easy matter for Han Li. Despite being the largest cave residence he had yet to carve out, he spent only half a day’s time.
Once Han Li finished establishing his cave residence, Han Li immediately placed down a few formidable spell formations on each of the three peaks, completely enveloping the area of ten kilometers in a fog.
Han Li wasn’t particularly satisfied with these spell formations. Han Li decided that once he gained more understanding in the Dao of Formation spells, he would place down even greater formations.
With that done, Han Li returned to his previous cave residence at the medicinal garden and prepared to move everything there. However, there was a graceful figure that was waiting in the medicine garden underneath the mountain.
Once she saw Han Li, she gave a deep curtsy and beseeched Han Li, “Mu Peiling is blind despite having eyes. This Junior hope Senior Han will not take offense at my previous actions. However, I do have a matter that I must request of Senior. Would Senior be willing to take me in as a disciple? I will b
e certain to serve you throughout my life and remain entirely loyal.” Once that was said, this ordinarily proud woman bowed her head and revealed light nervousness from her face, but her eyes shined in anticipation.
Chapter 643: Making Fiction a Reality
Han Li examined the the woman before him and coldly refused her, “I don’t take disciples. And why do you think that I’d accept a Foundation Establishment cultivator? As for your rash actions, I will overlook them on behalf of our past relations. You’re on your own!”
“Senior! I...” When Mu Peiling heard him, her face revealed a trace of panic and she rushed to say something else. However, Han Li brushed aside his sleeve and summoned a gale, swaying and interrupting the woman.
By the time she regained her bearings, Han Li was nowhere to be found. Having seen this, the woman became dispirited and blankly stood in place for a long while. After all, this newly appeared Senior Han was the only choice she had left.
At that moment, Han Li was already back inside his old cave residence. He went straight towards his insect room and withdrew the ten thousand Gold Devouring Beetles. In the past twenty years, his pure Gold Devouring Beetles had evolved once more, nearly shedding all the silver on their shells for gold. Only a few specks of silver still remained on their shells. If he didn’t closely examine them, they would appear completely gold. It was clear that complete maturity for the Gold Devouring Beetles was only a step away. This simultaneously caused Han Li to be excited and somewhat disappointed.
The ferocity of these mostly pure Gold Devouring Beetles had greatly broadened Han Li’s perspective. He pitted over a hundred black-tainted and newly evolved Gold Devouring Beetles against each other. As a result of a few seconds, the black-tainted beetles had nearly been wiped out.
Be it might or tenacity, the newly evolved beetles were far superior to that of the black-tainted beetles. Additionally, the newly evolved beetles start to emit an ominous, repulsive scent, and their blood-thirst and gluttony had reached a level that was incomparable to before.
A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality c1-2248 Page 345