But after turning the matter over in his mind, he soon came to a partial realization.
This information could have leaked from the Extreme Cold Palace. Back then, Han Li of Cold Heavens had already suspected that he carried the Void Heaven Cauldron, and had most likely mentioned it to other palace cultivators beforehand. Alternatively, Xiang Zhili might have obtained the intelligence from the
Han Li had already guessed several possibilities in the blink of an eye, but his expression, rather than relaxing, took on an even more guarded edge.
"Junior Brother Han, there's no need to overthink it. A Heaven-Numbing Spirit Treasure may be an exceedingly rare find for ordinary cultivators, but we Deity Transformation cultivators already roam the Human World at will. No matter how formidable a spirit treasure's powers might be, it's merely icing on the cake — hardly something we absolutely must have. Besides, the few of us old fossils have lived in the Human World for so long that we each naturally possess one or two such treasures of our own. It's just that using a spirit treasure drains an enormous amount of Magical Power, so we would never deploy one lightly unless our very lives were at stake — lest we disturb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and end up gravely damaging our own vitality." Xiang Zhili spoke with an air of unconcern, as though he had already seen through Han Li's wariness.
"I see — it seems I was worrying over nothing." Han Li's expression eased somewhat upon hearing this.
What Xiang Zhili said did carry a certain logic, but Han Li was naturally not about to take every word at face value. If spirit treasures could be obtained so easily, surely no one would ever let such an opportunity slip by.
When that Old Freak Feng had been examining his Eight Spirit Ruler moments ago, the unmistakable glint of greed had been plain to see in his eyes.
Still, from the tone of Xiang Zhili's voice, the man did seem rather well-disposed toward him. Whether that was because he recognized Han Li's considerable abilities and wished to win him over, or because he harbored some other agenda entirely — that, Han Li could not yet determine.
His thoughts churned uncertainly.
"Hmph, Brother Xiang, just what are you playing at? Why are you siding with this kid surnamed Han? Even if he does have two spirit treasures on him, all it would cost me is a dozen years of lifespan — you don't seriously think I can't handle him." Old Freak Feng let out a cold snort, clearly displeased.
"A dozen years of lifespan? Brother Feng, you're rather underestimating Junior Brother Han. If you insisted on forcing a fight, you might indeed be able to kill him — but it would absolutely turn into a bitter struggle, costing you decades, perhaps even a century or more of your lifespan. Is Brother Feng truly willing to suffer such a pyrrhic victory over something so trivial?" Xiang Zhili shook his head, his expression turning serious.
"A century of lifespan? Old Ghost Xiang, you think that highly of this boy?" The horse-faced old man's eyes widened with shock. He swept his gaze over Han Li again, studying him anew with an expression of frank disbelief.
"That Qian fellow, Han Li of Cold Heavens, and the recently vanished Sect Master of the Yinluo Sect — they all perished at your hand, didn't they?" Xiang Zhili chuckled softly and suddenly posed the question directly to Han Li.
"That's correct. I destroyed them." A cold gleam flickered through Han Li's eyes, but his reply was perfectly calm.
Hearing Han Li's response, Old Freak Feng's brows knitted together.
"Junior Brother Han, you must have already witnessed the powers of Deity Transformation cultivators during your time in the Kunwu Mountains. Tell me — what do you think the outcome would be if you fought Brother Feng?" Xiang Zhili continued with a smile.
"If I were truly fighting for my life against him, I'd say I have roughly a one-in-ten chance of winning, a thirty percent chance of perishing together, and better than even odds of escaping with serious injuries." Han Li gave it careful thought before offering his assessment.
Hearing this answer, even Xiang Zhili was momentarily taken aback. Then he broke into an amused laugh.
"Junior Brother Han, I know you're no ordinary cultivator, but that does sound rather grandiose. Setting everything else aside, claiming a thirty percent chance of mutual destruction with Daoist Feng — where exactly does that confidence of yours come from?"
Old Freak Feng, upon hearing Han Li speak so brazenly, merely let out a cold laugh and said nothing.
Han Li regarded Xiang Zhili with an indifferent look, then flipped his palm open. A crimson sphere appeared in his hand, slowly rotating in his palm with a soft hum.
"The Heaven-Slaying Pearl!"
As one would expect of Deity Transformation cultivators — both of them recognized the treasure simultaneously, and Old Freak Feng's face turned ugly in an instant.
Han Li said nothing. With his other hand, he raised a second, similar sphere — this one black — into the air.