The person these individuals were discussing was none other than Han Li himself.
Upon hearing Zen Master Jin Yue's words, those present who had been inclined to hand over Han Li's disciple all wore extremely ugly expressions.
Even as the sole remaining Mahayana-stage existences of the two races, the prestige of Mo Jianli and Ao Xiao was something that even Holy Island could not quite match.
Were it not for the ancient regulations established by the two races that forbade Mahayana-stage cultivators from interfering in Holy Island's daily affairs, Mo Jianli and Ao Xiao could have personally controlled Holy Island without anyone raising the slightest objection.
Now that these two Mahayana-stage beings were involved, the others, no matter what private thoughts they harbored, did not dare voice their opinions so readily.
The entire great hall fell deathly silent!
"Hmm, on this matter, I had someone verify it personally. It is said that the two lords consider Fellow Daoist Han to be the one among our two races most likely to succeed in breaking through to the Mahayana stage, which is why they hold him in such high regard. Moreover, I have heard that Senior Ao Xiao's direct descendant, Fairy Linglong, is by some circumstance also accompanying Fellow Daoist Han and should currently be in seclusion with him. If we were to truly offend Fellow Daoist Han, the consequences would likely be no better than offending Holy Island." After a moment of contemplation, Zen Master Jin Yue spoke slowly.
Those present exchanged varying reactions upon hearing this — some remained expressionless, while others showed dramatic shifts in their features. It was clear their opinions still diverged, and consensus would not come easily.
"That may not necessarily be the case. The reason Holy Island is requesting our Heavenly Abyss City to hand over Fellow Daoist Han's disciple this time is for the future of our two races. According to Holy Island, Fellow Daoist Du Yu, who has been in seclusion on Holy Island for ten thousand years, has finally achieved the Great Perfection of late-stage Integration ahead of schedule. Furthermore, he has cultivated the Confucian supreme technique, the 'Vast Righteous Spirit-Purging Art,' to its absolute pinnacle. With this Confucian holy technique that Fellow Daoist Du has mastered, combined with the various supplementary pills and artifacts that Holy Island has meticulously prepared, the chances of breaking through the Mahayana bottleneck are said to be as high as twenty percent. The only difficulty lies in the lack of effective means to withstand the True Thunder Tribulation. However, someone on Holy Island learned from who knows where that Fellow Daoist Han's disciple possesses the exceedingly rare Hidden Thunder Root, which can help a cultivator resist the thunder tribulation. That is why they are so insistent on summoning the disciple to the island, to assist Fellow Daoist Du Yu in weathering the True Thunder Tribulation. If this endeavor could truly add another Mahayana-stage existence to our two races, I believe even Lords Mo Jianli and Ao Xiao would welcome such an outcome. Even Fellow Daoist Han himself, upon learning of this, would have no grounds to blame us." A black-robed figure who had remained silent until now finally spoke in a completely emotionless voice.
"Brother Yan speaks reason! Holy Island merely wishes for Fellow Daoist Han's disciple to assist Fellow Daoist Du Yu in enduring the True Thunder Tribulation — it does not necessarily mean any harm will come to the disciple. There might even be a serendipitous opportunity to be found." The golden-masked figure stroked his chin and nodded in agreement.
"Hmph, you make it sound so fine. Fellow Daoist Han's disciple has only just entered the Spirit Transformation stage. Even with the rumored Hidden Thunder Root, how could such a cultivator possibly withstand the True Thunder Tribulation? Most likely, they will resort to methods that forcibly stimulate potential and consume lifespan to elevate the disciple's cultivation level. Even if the disciple somehow survives the True Thunder Tribulation, they would be left completely crippled. How could Fellow Daoist Han possibly let the matter rest!" Fairy Silver Light said with visible anger, pointing out the matter bluntly.
"For the greater cause of our two races, trading one mere cultivator who has just entered Spirit Transformation for a Mahayana-stage powerhouse — by any measure, that is an extraordinarily profitable exchange. Why shouldn't we!" The black-robed figure narrowed his eyes and spoke without the slightest mercy.
"Heh heh, if Fellow Daoist Han truly never becomes a Mahayana cultivator, then naturally everything is simple — we merely have Holy Island suppress him by force. But what if Fellow Daoist Han does manage to break through to the Mahayana stage? How would we face him then? Would Holy Island simply sacrifice us to appease Fellow Daoist Han's fury? Offering up a few Integration-stage cultivators to pacify the wrath of a Mahayana cultivator — would our two races consider that a fair trade as well? After all, our Elder Council personally gave Fellow Daoist Han our word when he departed that we would look after his disciples no matter what happened. Do you truly believe we can stay out of it when this matter comes to pass?" The purple-haired woman rolled her eyes and spoke with undisguised irritation.
The black-robed figure's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, but he shook his head and offered no further rebuttal.
The great hall fell silent once again, everyone rapidly weighing the pros and cons in their minds.
"Brother Gu, what is your opinion?" Zen Master Jin Yue sighed and suddenly turned toward the silver-haired elder.
"What use is my opinion at a time like this? This matter is truly difficult to handle. The few of us alone will probably never reach any conclusion." The silver-haired elder responded with a bitter smile.
"Difficult as it is, we must deal with it. We must come up with a solution that satisfies all parties. Holy Island's command, we certainly cannot openly defy. And Fellow Daoist Han's prowess — you and I both know it well. He can practically be called the foremost Integration-stage cultivator among our two races, and he is someone we cannot afford to offend either. Moreover, Fellow Daoist Han is not someone easily fooled. Spare me the usual excuses and petty schemes. This old monk has no desire to be misunderstood by him over this matter — just like poor Fellow Azure Dragon from years past, who met his end for no discernible reason." The old monk's face twitched subtly, and a hint of anguish crept onto his features.
At the mention of Azure Dragon's name, a chill ran through everyone's hearts.
Although none present had witnessed Lord Azure Dragon's demise with their own eyes, they all knew in their hearts that nine out of ten chances, it was Han Li who had struck the killing blow.
Back then, Han Li had not hesitated to kill Lord Azure Dragon, a great Integration-stage Elder of the Nine Star Sect, over a nominal martial sister. If they were to truly fall out with him, would he not unleash his wrath upon them as well? No one could say for certain.
They had, after all, made a promise to Han Li that they would protect his disciples.
Now, faced with the possibility of making a powerful enemy who could take their lives at will, even though Holy Island appeared overwhelmingly mighty, even the golden-masked figure and the black-robed figure could not help but hesitate once more.
"Forget it — this matter concerns the entire Elder Council. The few of us alone certainly cannot reach a decision today. The Holy Island envoy still has some time before arriving in the city. Why don't we wait until the other Elders have all gathered, and then we can discuss a sound course of action together? Of course, in the interim, Fellow Daoist Han's disciples must be temporarily restricted from leaving Heavenly Abyss City. Additionally, Fellow Daoist Silver Light, please try contacting Lords Mo Jianli and Ao Xiao again to see if they can be reached. As long as these two lords speak directly, we can proceed without worry regardless of what we do. Brother Yan, you will be responsible for contacting Holy Island — first, find out who exactly this Holy Island envoy is and whether there is any possibility of changing the order. As long as Holy Island is willing to forgo summoning Fellow Daoist Han's disciple, our Heavenly Abyss City can grit our teeth and agree to any other conditions." The silver-haired elder's gaze flickered for a long while before he finally made his decision.