The crowd became restless and puzzled as most of them had recognized the two. They were an old man with a black hand at early-Nascent Soul cultivation and a middle-aged man with a square face at mid-Nascent Soul cultivation, the elders of the Imperial Ye Clan that commonly interacted with outsiders.
Only a few cultivators seemed to understand what was happening. They had received information of the treasure that would appear in the trade meet and their spirits were greatly roused.
At that moment, the middle-aged man approached the table at the center of the hall and nodded towards the white silhouette. He turned around to face the crowd and slowly said, “There will be no need for introductions, so I’ll keep it short. This grand treasure is something that our Ye Clan had spent much effort creating. It had taken us over a hundred years, and we’ve only recently finished it. However, there have been several sects close to the Ye Clan that were looking to purchase this item, but we dare not to offend any of them. As we are helpless, we have decided to auction it as the last item of the trade meet. Let’s see if any Fellow Daoist has the opportunity to acquire this grand treasure?”
With that said, he turned to the old man and gave him a nod. The old man took out a foot-long box and gritted his teeth before reluctantly handing it over to the white silhouette.
The white silhouette chuckled and said, “Since that is done, I won’t be wasting my breath either. I’ll first show everyone the true appearance of this treasure.” He then tossed the jade box into the air and a fist-sized blinding yellow streak slowly floated out from it. As soon as it appeared, it seemed to fluctuate in size of its own accord and release faint hums.
He then clasped his hands in an incantation gesture and struck it with several spell seals. After he pointed at it, he let out a soft shout, causing it to wildly flash and revolve in place before it revealed its true form: a yellow seal that was several inches large.
The stamp appeared as smooth as jade. But from the fluctuating light on its surface, one could faintly see layers of golden-silver spell formations on top of it. Each time light flickered, it would display a different set of talisman characters, causing observers to feel greatly mystified upon further inspection.
In addition, the stamp released a spiritual Qi that was completely massive, yet steady and calm. When the spectators sensed this, they were deeply shocked.
“This treasure is called the ‘Mountain Crushing Seal,’ an imitation of the ancient Divine Spirit Treasure — the ‘Heavenwielding Seal.’ According to the Ye Clan’s tests, although it only displays a tenth of the originals power, it is more than enough to flatten any mountain. Even if a cultivator possesses great enough spiritual power to wield the entirety of its might, it will be possible to wield a third of the power of the Heavenwielding Seal. However, this will heavily damage the treasure, so it’d be best to avoid doing this.”
As the white silhouette spoke, he controlled the Mountain Crushing Seal in front of him to continuously fluctuate in size and release an astonishing aura. Although this demonstration didn’t fully display its might, it was enough to show that it was beyond ordinary. No matter their past knowledge , the seal had firmly captured their attention.
When Han Li heard that it was a replica of a Divine Spirit Treasure, he was also surprised. He had already spent a great effort to gather the materials needed to refine the Triflame Fan. Now that a Divine Spirit Treasure replica had appeared at the auction, Han Li felt particularly gloomy.
It is a pity he didn't know much of Divine Spirit Treasures. He wasn’t sure how the Triflame Fan would compare in strength to this Mountain Crushing Seal.
As if guessing his thoughts, Monarch Soul Divergence said, “There is no need to worry, the Mountain Crushing Seal only displays a tenth of the original treasure’s might. The Triflame Fan I deducted from the Sevenflame Fan should possess two-fifths of its original power. And as this person says, if exerted, it will be able to display half of the original treasure’s might. Although both are attack-type treasures, the seal should be inferior to the fan in terms of might.”
Han Li nodded and muttered, “Yes, I’ve thought as much. I hope I’ll be able to refine the Triflame Fan soon. With that treasure in my hands, I reckon I’ll have nothing to fear from late-Nascent Soul cultivators.”
Monarch Soul Divergence snorted and coldly chuckled. “This isn’t the Heavenly South. Do you think that your replica will be unique?”
“Senior means to say...”
“According to what I’ve discovered when I toured the Great Jin, the High Zenith Sect, the Heavenly Devil Sect, and the Myriad Demon Valley all had replicas of Divine Spirit Treasures. Myriad Demon Valley, in particular, had the most famous of the replicas — the Myriad Demon Banner. It is said that the flag has already reached the same level as its original, the Heaven Demon Banner, as a result of the many cultivator souls it had devoured. As for the other great sects, I wouldn’t be surprised if they manage to refine one or two replicas of their own. How else would they be able to remain towering after all this time?”
Chapter 958: Encountering the Elder Devil
After some thought, Han Li conceded, “Since a noble clan like the Ye Clan was capable of creating a Divine Spirit Treasure replica, other great sects should’ve been able to do so as well.”
“There is no point in being dejected,” Monarch Soul Divergence sourly said, “Although they may be replicas, they were refined from rare materials. I reckon that most of these materials are extinct in this world and were only gathered together over a long period of time. Besides, don’t you have a genuine Divine Spirit Treasure in your possession? If you are able to fully wield it, none would be able to stand against you in this world.”
When Han Li heard this he wryly snickered. “As if that would be easy. It will only be a daydream unless I am able to reach Deity Transformation stage. But if I reach that level, I’ll be able to reign over the mortal world without the Heavenvoid Cauldron in hand.”
Monarch Soul Divergence chuckled and said nothing else.
The hall was filled with an overpowering silence after the introduction of the Mountain Crushing Seal.
The white silhouette could read the pressure from the crowd and didn't delay any further with the explanation. After a light cough, he began to describe the conditions to acquire the seal.
“The Ye Clan has already prepared a list of the items it desires. Whoever is able to produce the most of these materials will be able to acquire this treasure. Of course, if the value of the highest trade is obviously insufficient, it will not be accepted. The final method of trade will be an auction with a minimum bid of three million spirit stones.”
When this was said, a majority of cultivators present became restless, but none had raised any objections. Although that number of spirit stones was most of the wealth that a mid-sized cultivator sect possessed, it truly was a low price for it. When the auction started, it was more than likely that the bids would reach several times the minimum.
When Han Li heard the conditions of the trade, he felt a chill shake his heart as a strange thought came to mind. If he were to take out his last Devil Essence Diamond and put it on auction, he could acquire a significant amount of spirit stones.
However, it wasn’t quite comparable. The most famous treasure of the Devil Dao, the Devil Dragon Blade, was something he had done a bit of research on. It appeared that only one of them was able to be refined and this was during ancient times. It was said that some devil cultivators were able to kill Deity Transformation stage cultivators with the weapon, and its might was no inferior to a Divine Spirit Treasure. Since the Devil Dragon Blade was a magic treasure, it had immense potential but it couldn’t be refined with only one or two Devil Essence Diamonds. Even so, a devil cultivator could greatly increase their cultivation by absorbing the diamond’s pure devilish Qi, which caused its immense value.
Just as these random thoughts appeared in his head, the old man took out a jade slip containing the list of materials a
nd began to read them out loud.
Although his voice was soft, everyone in the hall could clearly hear him.
After this was said, Han Li grew indifferent and no longer had any intention of fighting over the treasure.
It wasn’t that he couldn’t be tempted by the treasure, but that he was aware of his own limits. As a lone cultivator, how could he possibly compare to the vast wealth of the greatest sects of the Jin Empire? Even the entire fortune of a smaller sect couldn’t hope to compete! After hearing out the list of items they wanted in exchange, Han Li became certain the Ye Clan was willing to take out the Mountain Crushing Seal at this auction because they were taking advantage of being pressured by the various superpowers to sell the item.
The old man hadn’t uttered the name of materials as rare as Elemental Jade or Auric Essence, but since the requested items were both uncommon and essential, large sects would always keep a stockpile of them. It appears the Ye Clan were planning to deal a striking blow to these sects.
With that in mind, Han Li stood up and headed towards the teleportation formation of the hall.
The action had aroused quite a bit of attention and bewilderment, as many cultivators had taken note of him after he produced two Devil Essence Diamonds..
Han Li paid little notice of this and continued on his way out. But just as he was about to enter the glowing formation, he heard the sound of a familiar voice, “Fellow Daoist Han, why are you leaving now?” Old Man Fu had sent him a voice transmission.
Han Li stopped and replied, “I’ve become a target of attention. It’d be best for me to depart before I attract problems. I still haven’t forgotten about Brother Fu’s affair. If you aren’t in a hurry, how about we talk about it in a few years after I finish refining a treasure?”
“My matter isn’t urgent at all. However, Brother Han has taken quite the effort to conceal himself from me. I didn’t have the slightest clue you possessed something as precious as Devil Essence Diamonds. It is no wonder the Yin Sifting Sect is pursuing you. Anyways, in four years time, could you meet me in Nanjian Province’s Chaoyun Prefecture? At that time, I will have arranged for other Fellow Daoists to meet me at Twin Scorpion Mountain. I guarantee that although the matter will require some effort, you will most certainly be rewarded.”
“Four years? That will be enough time. I’ll see you then.” with that said, Han Li stepped into the formation and disappearing in a flash of white light.
After the time it took to finish a cup of tea, Han Li flew out from the underground trade meet, flying a circle in the air before heading east.
A short moment after Han Li departed, several cultivators quietly departed from the trade meet as well, having more or less had the same thoughts about the Mountain Crushing Seal. Most, however, decided to remain behind. After all, there were to be even more rare materials, along with the fierce competition involved.
After quickly flying five hundred kilometers away, he passed by a nearby mountain and had heard a peculiar sword cry. Han Li’s expression vastly changed and he came to a sudden stop.
He took a deep breath and sharply glanced around him. Tens of golden flying swords were simultaneously released to densely fly around him with great momentum.
With blue light flashing from his eyes, he stared at an empty space and coldly said, “Your tracks have already been revealed. There is no point in hiding, come out!”
“Hehe! You are truly clever. As expected of the cultivator who slew my main soul.”
Black light flashed from where Han Li was standing to reveal a youth with a similar appearance to himself. He also wore azure robes and had a calm expression, but a dim black-purple light shined from his eyes.
When Han Li saw this person, he felt his heart drop despite having already anticipated this. “So it was you! Why have you come to find me?”
After examining Han Li for a moment, he lazily said. “It seems you already know who I am. I didn’t expect to find you so quickly. It seems my luck is quite good.”
Han Li emotionlessly said, “My two swords are in your possession. I’d have to be stupid to not know who you are.”
“That’s right, Your flying swords are right here.” The Elder Devil’s soul fragment raised his hand and revealed two small swords that were violently trembling. They were attempting to return to Han Li with all their might, but layers of black thread were firmly keeping them in place. “Your flying swords possess quite a bit of sentience to take the initiative to warn you.”
Han Li’s expression turned sullen.
The Elder Devil mysteriously smiled and said, “To think, these swords were actually refined from the evil-slaying Golden Lightning Bamboo! The others should be the same, revealing quite an unbelievable amount in total. It appears my main soul hadn’t perished for nothing. Although I was able to avoid being consumed, with his death I will forever be unable to recover my complete cultivation. Should I thank you... or kill you?”
Han Li paused before wearing a frigid smile. “Don’t tell me that you were waiting here only to have a chat with me.”
The Elder Devil looked down at the two golden swords in his hand and said, “That’s up to you to decide. So long as you tell me how you were able to acquire so much Golden Lightning Bamboo, I may be willing to let you go. But I may also be willing to draw out the answer from your primal soul.”
When Han Li heard this, his bearing remained unchanged. He then narrowed his eyes and imposingly said, “Talking about killing me and actually doing so are two very different things. If I remembered correctly, you were heavily injured in the Heavenly South. It’s hard to believe you’ve fully recovered after a short amount of time. I will be comparing your abilities to that of the main soul.”
“I originally thought you would speak when faced with death, but I guess not. So be it.” Killing intent surged from the Elder Devil, and the black-purple light in his eyes glowed.
Chapter 959: Raging Devil Flames
Just as Han Li and the Elder Devil were about to clash, the devil’s expression suddenly stirred and he glanced behind him.
Han Li also soon sensed something as well and glanced in the same direction with a raised brow.
Soon, a blaze flashed from a distance, followed by a streak of light. When he saw how quickly it was travelling, along with the faint sounds of a storm, he was surprised.
A fierce aura bled from the devil as he flew forward to meet the approaching light with an ominous glint in his eyes. In a mere moment, the streak closed the distance of over ten kilometers, revealing a monk with dishevelled hair.
Hek had a stern expression on his face, with one hand holding a scarlet alms bowl and the other a meter-long green staff. When he saw the two, he was surprised to see that they had the same face.
The monk looked at them both and smiled, asking, “May I ask which one is the Fellow Daoist that emerged from the trade meet?”
Han Li’s expression stirred and he silently glanced at him.
The monk possessed mid-Nascent Soul cultivation and had unordinaru treasures, so it came as no surprise that he would dare to follow him. However, Han Li was disinterested since he didn’t know his intentions.
As for the Elder Devil, when he saw the intruder, he looked to the sky with his hands behind his back and ignored him.
The monk grew furious! Ever since he entered Nascent Soul stage and came into possession of his Bloodfire Bowl and Coiling Dragon Staff, those of equivalent strength had all treated him with great courtesy.
Now, these two disregarded him, despite appearing to possess somewhat similar cultivation, and he couldn’t help but hold an unsightly expression on his face. To make matters worse, their appearances were similar, so they appeared to be together. If he were to fight them, he couldn’t predict the outcome despite his confidence. As such, he could only forcefully restrain himself as he began to plan how to best strike them down.
But before he could conceive an approach, more lights shined from over the horizon. Three var
ious-colored streaks were flying together towards them.
When the monk saw this, he was stunned.
He was only able to chase Han Li after using an additional ability to increase his speed. Now, there were three unknown parties that were just a step behind. It appeared there would be some difficulty to claim the treasures for himself, but with these new arrivals, he wouldn’t need to face these two cultivators alone.
With that thought, the monk revealed a gloomy countenance and gave them a sinister glance.
As if sensing the monk’s ill intent, the Elder Devil suddenly focused his gaze on him and then looked at the incoming lights with impatience.
“How troublesome. I originally believed that you would be the only bother. I didn’t think that there were more people coming after you. Since that’s the case, let’s start off with him.” After those cold words were said, the Elder Devil’s body flashed with black light and rushed towards the monk.
The monk inwardly shouted in alarm and instantly flipped the alms bowl, releasing a cloud of scarlet flame and forming a barrier around him. Then the dark-green staff in his other hand transformed into an emerald flood dragon and charged forward to meet the streak of black light.
With green mist trailing from the flood dragon’s mouth, it fiercely swiped at the Elder Devil, but before the strike landed, the devil’s body quivered with light and disappeared.
Tapping his vast experience in battle, the monk instantly raised his hands to form an incantation gesture and released several green spell seals into the barrier of flame protecting him. The inferno surged and began to circle with astonishing momentum, turning into a green-red whirlwind that reached a hundred meters tall.
Still feeling ill at ease, the monk slapped his storage pouch to take out another protective treasure.
But before he could, a black blip flashed ten meters away from him, followed by two arms covered in black-purple light reaching out towards him. In that instant, the arms had already moved into the flame barrier without the slightest fear.
A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality c1-2248 Page 519