"The Replenishing Pill can restore a portion of your depleted vital essence, but to fully recover, you'll need to rest and recuperate for some time afterward. That said, the Blood Gu Worm is exceedingly rare here on the Feng Yuan Continent. How did you come to be ambushed with such a thing?" Han Li offered a smile before asking with genuine curiosity.
"Since Fellow Daoist Han is familiar with the Blood Gu Worm, you must already know that this creature does not originate from the Feng Yuan Continent. I was struck by the Blood Gu Worm through treachery on the Blood Sky Continent. Had my body not been somewhat unique, and had I not used a secret technique to forcibly suppress the creature, I would likely have dissolved into a pool of foul blood long before I could make it back to the clan." Blood Soul sighed as she replied.
"So you did go to the Blood Sky Continent after all. But I recall Fellow Daoist Xu Jiao mentioning that the original plan was to visit the Thunderclap Continent first. How did you end up traveling to the Blood Sky Continent instead?" Han Li nodded and asked.
"I did indeed go to the Thunderclap Continent first. But once I recovered a portion of my memories, I realized I had no choice but to travel to the Blood Sky Continent. It was something I never anticipated at the time." Blood Soul's lips curved into a bitter smile.
"I see. But from what I understand, the Blood Gu Worm is one of the most prized spirit insects even on the Blood Sky Continent — not something an ordinary cultivator could possibly wield. It seems the trouble you stirred up on the Blood Sky Continent was far from trivial." Han Li's gaze grew contemplative, carrying a deeper meaning.
"Far from trivial, indeed. This time, I truly experienced nine deaths in one life. I made several powerful enemies on the Blood Sky Continent. If I set foot on that continent again alone, I'm afraid it would be very difficult to leave with my body intact." The white-robed woman's voice turned faint and distant.
"Oh? From the way you speak, you intend to return to the Blood Sky Continent?" Han Li's smile faded, and his brow creased slightly.
"That's right. I must go back to the Blood Sky Continent. According to my newly recovered memories, Ice Soul went missing on the Blood Sky Continent in the end. I found some clues during my last visit, but to truly recover my original body, another journey to the Blood Sky Continent is unavoidable." Blood Soul hesitated for a moment before speaking with a note of helplessness.
"So Ice Soul went missing on the Blood Sky Continent. That explains why the Xu clan had no leads at all. But this time you've offered the Void Heaven Cauldron as a congratulatory gift — what is the reason for that? Before Ice Soul is truly found, that cauldron should still be of considerable use, shouldn't it?" Han Li did not appear particularly shaken. He smiled briefly and pressed on.
The white-robed woman's expression shifted at these words, a strange look flickering across her face. She turned abruptly and addressed the Xu Jiao and the other Xu clan disciples: "All of you may withdraw. I have extremely important matters to discuss privately with Fellow Daoist Han. If anything comes up, I will call for you again."
"Yes, Senior. We shall wait outside." Xu Jiao and the others exchanged glances, not daring to disobey, and filed out of the great hall one after another.
"Fellow Daoist Han — might these friends also be asked to…" The white-robed woman swept her gaze over Silver Moon and Li Rong, her tone hesitant.
"It seems what Fellow Daoist Blood Soul is about to say is truly of great importance. Silver Moon, why don't you all step out as well?" Han Li considered for a moment before giving the instruction calmly.
Silver Moon and Li Rong nodded without objection and headed toward the hall's entrance.
Though the Crab Daoist said nothing at all, he followed after the others with his usual expressionless face.
In the blink of an eye, only Han Li and the white-robed woman remained in the entire hall.
"Now then — what secret matter do you wish to discuss, Fellow Daoist?" Han Li regarded the woman across from him, his lips curved in a half-smile.
"I apologize for the theatrics. What I'm about to discuss truly should not be heard by others. Does Fellow Daoist Han wish to know the true purpose for which the Void Heaven Cauldron was crafted? I intend to use this cauldron to conduct a secret transaction with you." The white-robed woman's expression turned solemn.
"The true purpose! A transaction!" Han Li's eyebrows rose, interest flickering in his eyes.
"That's right. I can assure Fellow Daoist that once you learn this secret, the benefits will be immeasurable." Blood Soul's voice was grave.
"Oh? If this secret truly holds as much value as you claim, there would be no harm in entering into a transaction with you. However, you'll first need to convince me." Han Li replied evenly, betraying no emotion.
"Good. I knew Fellow Daoist Han would be interested. The true origin of the Void Heaven Cauldron actually goes back to an opportunity I encountered during my time in the Mortal Realm. It was painstakingly replicated by me based on the contents of a single page from the Golden Book of Jade Records. Its true purpose was never combat — it is, in fact, a key…" Blood Soul's eyes glinted as she began to speak in measured, deliberate tones.
Han Li listened quietly at first, a faint smile still on his face. But before long, his expression grew increasingly grave. In the end, a flash of genuine shock appeared in his eyes.
…
Half a day later, Han Li finally departed the Xu household under the respectful escort of the Xu clan members. He boarded a massive white flying vessel and set off at great speed toward the heart of human territory.
"Han Li, what did you and Blood Soul discuss? You were in there for such a long time." Silver Moon asked, a trace of curiosity in her voice.
"Nothing much. I merely reached an agreement with Fellow Daoist Blood Soul." Han Li glanced at Silver Moon and smiled.
"An agreement?" Silver Moon blinked her lovely eyes, a contemplative look crossing her features.
"You could loosely call it a transaction." Han Li added with casual nonchalance.
Silver Moon let out a bright, melodic laugh and did not press further.
Li Rong was equally intrigued, but she was well aware she could not compare to Silver Moon in closeness to Han Li, and had the good sense to ask no questions.
It was Zhu Guo'er who spoke without thinking: "Fellow Daoist Han, we've already visited the Xu clan. Where are we headed next?"