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

by Translator: Johnchen

  Chapter 1213: Battle at the Star Palace (9)

  “Elder Swift Crane and Fire Dragon Island’s Huang Kun? They didn’t die from a demon beast ambush at Green Spirit Island?” The old woman said with a start.

  Wan Tianming coldly chuckled and slowly explained, “That is what we say to outsiders. In truth, according to our cultivators on Green Spirit Island, the two elders never made an appearance on the island on the day of the demon beast invasion. Rather there were people from Lightning Sky Island that reported a sighting of Han Li on the same day that Swift Crane and Huang Kun mysteriously disappeared. Their lifesoul tokens in the alliance’s possession were also extinguished. As for the demon beast invasion of Green Spirit Island, that was an unrelated affair that occurred after.”

  The old woman remained stunned for a while and slowly said, “Even if that is the case, those two were partners to the death. Would it have been a difficult task?”

  “It is true, we have no evidence that he was the one who did it. But if the cultivator who broke through the formation was truly Han Li, and he possesses the ability of a grand cultivator, then that guess should mostly be correct.” A cold light glinted from Wan Tianming’s eyes and his voice turned gloomy.

  “If this person truly reached late-Nascent Soul stage and has the Heavenvoid Cauldron in his possession, and Brother Wan also only became a late-Nascent Soul cultivator recently...” As Old Man Long muttered this, worry was betrayed on his face.

  Wan Tianming chuckled and spoke unperturbed, “Since I know this person, how could I not have a plan to respond? Be at ease. If he arrives, leave him to me. I won’t say that I have complete certainty to kill him, but I am confident I will defeat him.”

  The two elders exchanged a glance and betrayed astonishment from their faces, but relief soon appeared on their faces.

  Since this was said by the sect leader of a grand sect, his words should hold true.

  “If you’re saying that, then we are assured. We’ll deal with the others.” The old woman wore a sinister smile.

  Wan Tianming eventually turned around and wore an odd expression on his face. “I will feel at ease to hand over the ordinary problems and the formation core to you two Fellow Daoists. But do you plan on fighting with your backs against the wall? There will be many high-grade cultivators targeting the formation core. As such, I will request for assistance to help you two defend the formation core.”

  Startled, the old man yelped, “Assistance? You mean...”

  Wan Tianming didn’t directly reply, but rather raised his hand, releasing a giant fireball from his sleeve. It ruptured high in the air in a flourish of vermillion flame. This eye-catching scene was noticed by all the cultivators nearby the huge pillar, arousing some discussion amongst them.

  As these people were bewildered, something happened above them. A charming voice spoke from a ten-meter-long that appeared. “Brother, Fellow Daoist Wan has summoned us! It seems the time has come to make use of us. It was truly boring hiding here for such a long amount of time.”

  “Time has little meaning to cultivators like ourselves. Since Brother Wan had us reveal ourselves, it seems the time for battle has come, and no small one by any means. We should be able to kill enough this time around.” A deep man’s voice spoke from the boat.

  Soon after, two blinding white streaks shot off from the boat, circling once in the air and landing on top of the huge pillar.

  The white light vanished in a flash, revealing a male and female cultivator in front of Wan Tianming and company. The man had round eyes, long hair drooped over his face, and a tall sturdy body. The woman had pale soft flesh and an exquisite body, the makings of a seductive appearance.

  After a brief moment of alarm, Old Man Long recognized the two that appeared and couldn't help but cry out in terror, “The Twin Lan Devils?” Even the overbearing old woman’s complexion turned pale.

  The dainty woman glanced at Old Man Long and gorgeously smiled, “Oh? I didn’t think that there were still people that recognized us in the Scattered Star Seas. We’ve lived in seclusion at Devil Sin Island for many years.”

  The old woman briefly hesitated and spoke with a fearful expression, “Weren’t you two exterminated by the Heavenly Star Sages? How can you be here?”

  “It is true that in the past we were nearly done in by those two old bastards, but through some luck, we’re managed to make it out here today. What? You don’t mean to say you have some sort of grudge against us?” The large man swept a cold gaze past the two elders. Strangely enough, his lips moved, but his voice came from his abdomen, revealing a set of glinting white teeth from there as if there were a man embedded inside.

  The old woman’s heart trembled at the sight of this and she unconsciously took a step back. Soon after, she realized she was showing weakness and couldn't help but step back forward, letting out a resentful snort.

  The large man sinisterly grinned in response and released waves of baleful Qi from his body, covering his face in a layer of faint blood Qi.”

  Wan Tianming snorted and sullenly said, “Enough, our enemy has arrived. Fellow Daoists, I had you remain hidden until today for this very battle. Humph, did you think I didn’t notice that the Star Palace had a spy infiltrate the higher ranks of our alliance? Now let’s see who has fallen into our trap.”

  The others startled and quickly turned their heads in the direction of the spell formation.

  They saw a violent storm of windfire in wide the azure-red mist. Inside it was a huge carriage being pulled by four green flood dragons. Countless cultivators followed after it and in a blink of an eye, several thousand cultivators could be seen.

  The Star Defying Alliance cultivators nearby the pillar had long prepared for this moment. When they saw enemies approach, they flew into the air on their flying tools. Soon, the two sides found themselves in confrontation at the huge pillar of windflame.

  The old woman and Old Man Long paid no further heed to the Lan Devils, focusing instead on the Star Palace cultivators in front of them, particularly on the four cultivators riding the carriage.

  When the old man saw this, his heart trembled and mouth turned dry.

  He saw a confidently posed Han Li inside the carriage.

  At that moment, Han Li hadn’t taken notice of the old man. Rather, his eyes immediately fell on Wan Tianming and examined him with a sharp gaze.

  “The Twin Lan Devils!” The large purple-robed man let out a yelp similar to Old Man Long.

  Han Li didn’t react to the name, but Ling Yuling and Old Man Chao were strongly startled.

  Ling Yuling asked with an urgent tone, “Elder Ma, are you not mistaken? Weren’t the Lan Devils exterminated long ago by my esteemed mother and father?”

  “How could I be mistaken? I followed the two palace lords when they personally pursued the two devils after such a long period of time. After that, the two palace lords jointly advanced to late-Nascent Soul stage.

  Absolutely baffling! If the two devils truly managed to survive, they should’ve already reached the end of their lifespans. How could they have survived until now. However, their cultivation was about the same as in the past, in the realm of mid-Nascent Soul stage.” Obvious confusion appeared on the large man’s face.

  “That isn’t anything strange,” Han Li explained, “I know of several medicines that can extend one’s lifespan well over two hundred years. It is possible for them to have consumed one if they were lucky.”

  “That is the only possibility! In any case, the two devils were just as famous as the Star Palace lords in the past. The sheer mention of their name could turn people pale. The man is fond of killing and once slaughtered two small islands overnight, laying waste to a thousand cultivators and over a hundred thousand mortals. The woman cultivates the renown Womanly Yang Pilfering Art. She is particularly fond of extracting the life essence of young male cultivators and sadistically killing them. After the two reached mid-Nascent Soul stage, they became inseparable. United, they can
survive against even late-Nascent Soul cultivators. Were it not for the Star Palace Lords taking the risk to fight them, I fear they would be running rampant today.” With gloomy complexion, Elder Chao gave Han Li a rough explanation.

  Han Li stroked his chin and said, “So it was like that! It seems they’ve prepared this for a while. Even if I battle with Wan Tianming, you don’t have a high chance of victory with those two present.”

  Ling Yuling grimaced, “In truth, I originally thought to suppress them with overwhelming force with the elders that I’ve brought with me. But now that these two fearsome characters appeared, I fear it will take all our power to not be defeated. A stalemate would be a good result.”

  Han Li smiled, but before he could speak, a person from the giant pillar began to slowly fly towards them.

  As soon as he saw him, he shut his mouth and coldly glared at him.

  The person flying towards them was Wan Tianming!

  Wan Tianming flew to the middle before he paused and smiled at Han Li, “Fellow Daoist Han, I didn't think that your cultivation would make such progress in becoming a grand cultivator since we last met in Heavenvoid Hall. And if I’m correct, you aren’t a person from the Scattered Star Seas. Why are you taking part in the battle between our alliance and the Star Palace? How about this? Regardless of what that girl pledged you, I will double whatever price. And I won’t even need you to do anything, so long as you agree not to fight in this war.”

  When those from the Star Palace heard this, their expressions massively changed. Han Li was shocked.

  Chapter 1214: Battle at the Star Palace (10)

  “Double the price? Fellow Daoist Wan is truly generous!” Han Li laughed and wore a mysterious smile on his face.

  “Do you feel it isn’t enough?” Wan Tianming asked with a calm tone.

  “Oh, it’s enough, plenty enough. It is a pity that I am fighting this war due to a promise I made many years ago, and I’m not fond of breaking my promises. But if you were to peacefully withdraw, I’ll consider your offer for the next time.” Han Li lazily replied with a clear mocking tone.

  These words left the cultivators on both sides flabbergasted.

  Wan Tianming’s smile disappeared to be replaced with a gloomy expression.

  “Since Brother Han has made his decision, then we will have to test our might. However, our battle will bring disaster to our juniors nearby. Wouldn’t it be better to fight somewhere farther?” Wan Tianming said icily.

  “Yes, I had that in mind as well.” Han Li promptly agreed without the slightest consideration.

  This had surprised Wan Tianming, but after he gloomily examined Han Li, he held his hands in an incantation gesture and turned into a purple streak, flying in the direction away from Heavenly Star City.

  Han Li turned around and took a glance at Ling Yuling and the others. He nodded with a smile and closely followed after him in an azure streak.

  In the blink of an eye, the two late-Nascent Soul cultivators tore through the air and disappeared out of sight.

  Ling Yuling and Old Man Chao exchanged a glance, both revealing a trace of worry from their faces.

  Wan Tianming had already known about Han Li’s existence and took the initiative to challenge him to a fight. Could it be he had another plan in mind? However, Han Li didn’t hesitate in following him. This only added to their apprehension as dissuading him would only damage their morale.

  The man from the Lan Devils extended a scarlet tongue and licked his lips before letting out a bewildering cackle. “Hehe, since Fellow Daoist Wan is gone, its time to take action. Let’s see how your abilities stand up, junior. Tch tch, it's been several hundred years since I’ve killed a Nascent Soul-grade cultivator.”

  Afterward, he held his hands in an incantation gesture and spouted out a white bone band. At that same time, a blood mist was released from his body, filling the nearby hundred meters in an instant. Ghost shrieks loudly wailed from within it as it moved to engulf the Star Palace cultivators.

  Following that, the dainty woman at the large man’s side let out a giggle of ecstasy and waved her sleeve, producing a fragrant pink fog. Those who smelled it would lose their sense of self.

  Old Man Long and the old woman exchanged a glance before spitting out a golden ball and thirteen green blades respectively before sending it off in an attack.

  When the Star Palace cultivators saw this, they didn’t dare to delay and made use of their own abilities, releasing their light in return.

  Several of the Star Palace’s early Nascent Soul cultivators met the attacks of the mid-Nascent Soul stage Lan Devils. Various lights met the devilish Qi, followed by violent explosions. The attacks found themselves in a deadlock.

  When the lower-grade cultivators saw this, they all shouted and rallied themselves, releasing their own magic tools and treasures as they charged forward, officially starting the melee.

  Of course, these cultivators all kept their distance from the battles of the Nascent Soul-grade cultivators taking place at the center.

  For a time, sounds of explosions and murder filled the air. The chaos prevented anyone from seeing which side had the advantage, and it was clear the battle wouldn’t end anytime soon.

  Meanwhile, Han Li and Wan Tianming turned to streaks of light and traveled nearly five hundred kilometers in a single breath before eventually coming to a stop.

  Han Li appeared from the azure light and observed him with his hands behind his back, not the slightest expression betrayed from his face.

  With his vast spiritual sense as of current, he could tell if there were any cultivators hiding nearby. He wouldn’t have allowed Wan Tianming to lead him otherwise.

  After sweeping his spiritual sense in a radius of fifty kilometers, he found nobody nor did he find any spell formation or restrictions. When he glanced again at Wan Tianming, he saw a calm expression on his face.

  As thoughts churned in his mind, he found the situation quite funny.

  It appeared Wan Tianming was the same as himself, with complete trust in their combat abilities.

  Wan Tianming looked around him before turning his gaze back to Han Li. With a demeanor similar to an iceberg, he coldly said, “This should be far enough. If we use this as your gravesite, it shouldn’t disgrace your status as a grand cultivator.”

  “My gravesite?” Han Li remained unshaken and simply smiled.

  Wan Tianming snorted and asked, “What? Do you feel that I am talking too highly of myself?”

  Han Li chuckled unperturbed and leisurely said, “No, I only feel that there is something amiss with your recent cultivation. You might’ve progressed your magic power so quickly that you damaged your head.”

  “We’ll see if my words hold true when I scatter your soul. But before that, there are two people I wish to introduce to you.”

  Han Li coldly smiled and replied with a blunt tone, “Do you think I am a child? There is no one here apart from you and me. I’ll have your head and give it to you as a gift.”

  Wan Tianming narrowed his eyes, “Is that so? Then it is my mistake. These two aren’t considered people after all.”

  With that said, he didn’t wait for Han Li to respond. He took a black leather pouch at his waist and tossed it into his air. Then with his hands in an incantation gesture, he began to chant.

  Suddenly, the bag opened itself, spitting out a black mist. A tall and a skinny silhouette appeared there, drifting erratically in the mist as if they were ghosts.

  “Refined corpses?” Han Li frowned. As experienced as he was, he immediately recognized the mist before him to be an extremely potent corpse Qi.

  Wan Tianming coldly smiled when he heard it and cast a spell seal.

  The two silhouettes raised their arms, absorbing the nearby corpse Qi in great force, turning the mist into snakes that burrowed into their bodies.

  In the blink of an eye, the black corpse Qi disappeared and the corpses' true faces were revealed.

  Han Li glanced at the two
corpses with indifference.

  This was to be expected. He was rather unfamiliar with the appearance of these corpses.

  Of the two corpses, one was tall and had a tense expression. It appeared over forty years of age, but its arms had an extra extension and reached down to its knees. Its palms were exceptionally large as well and they sparkled as if they were carved from fine white jade.

  The smaller refined corpse was a woman of about thirty years. She had a slim face, deep eyes, and a rough brow. One of her shoulders had three differently styled swords nailed into it, creating a warped appearance.

  When Wan Tianming saw Han Li disregard the two refined corpses, a harsh expression appeared on his face.

  He took a deep breath and his hand gesture changed. Suddenly, frightful sounds of breaking bones snapped from his body and he promptly grew several inches. He then opened his mouth and violently spouted out mists of purple Qi, enveloping himself in a ten-meter-wide cloud in the blink of an eye.

  Soon after, the cloud fiercely turned and began to shine of ever-changing colors.

  When Han Li saw this, he stroked his chin and he broke into a smirk. He dropped his hands, summoning a three-colored fiery streak from one of them and a green light from the other.

  Han Li remained indifferent. His plan was to use pure force and a full-powered assault to beat down the enemy, no matter what methods they used. First, he would use the Eight Spirit Ruler to trap him, and then approach closer to him, finishing him off with a full-powered attack of the Triflame Fan.

  Having thought that, blue light flickered from his eyes and muffled thunder rang from his back, summoning a pair of azure-white wings.

  Just as he thought to use his wings to approach him, he was stunned by what he witnessed!

  His appearance completely changed within the cloud and the sounds of snapping bones came to a stop. Afterward, astonishing devilish Qi pressured the air and the cloud turned sinisterly grey and icy cold.

  Han Li’s pupils narrowed and his heart thumped.

  Wasn’t Wan Tianming the sect master of the Myriad Gates of Enlightenment? How could he cultivate Devil Dao Arts? Rather, this devilish Qi was quite familiar and was somewhat similar to the Elder Devil’s true devil Qi. Soon, something came to mind, but he couldn't fully recall as he wasn’t in a position to take his time.