"Why must Fellow Daoist Han be so cold? Regardless of anything else, we've met several times already and can be considered to have some measure of friendship. However, this time I've stopped you for an entirely different matter. I wish to propose another deal with you — I wonder if Fellow Daoist Han might be interested?" Bao said, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"A deal? I suppose I can hear you out." Han Li chuckled, his expression one of polite noncommittal.
"Shall we step aside and discuss this in private?" Bao glanced at Daoist Crab and Silver Moon before sweeping her gaze toward a patch of empty void to one side.
"Fine, no problem!" Han Li agreed without so much as a change in expression. He then turned and murmured a few words to Silver Moon and the other before following Bao as they flew off to a nearby spot.
A moment later, Bao and Han Li stood facing each other on a small sand dune, barely five or six zhang apart.
Bao lightly tapped her finger at the surrounding void several times, and thin strands of pink light shot out from her fingertips, flashing once before vanishing into the emptiness.
Immediately, the air around the dune shimmered with invisible ripples as an unseen restriction enveloped the entire area.
Han Li saw this and remarked casually: "You can speak now, Fellow Daoist."
"There's no need to be so impatient, Fellow Daoist. I came into possession of some exceedingly rare Sandalwood Fruit not long ago — why don't we share a taste? Please, have a seat first." Bao smiled gracefully and flicked her sleeve toward the ground.
The sand dune trembled, and countless grains surged and rolled, condensing before them into two earthen-yellow stone stools and a stone table several zhang long.
A swirl of pink light swept across the scene, and two pale purple spirit fruits, a bottle of spirit wine, and two crystalline jade cups instantly appeared atop the table.
Han Li swept his spiritual sense over the two purple fruits, a faint hint of interest crossing his features. After a brief moment of deliberation, he sat down on the stone stool before him without another word.
Bao glided over with graceful steps and took her seat opposite him, still wearing that same smile.
The spirit wine was clear as water; the purple fruits were sweet and crisp as pears!
After Han Li set down his cup, Bao's expression turned serious, and she took the initiative to speak: "Actually, the deal I wish to propose is quite simple. I merely want to ask you to take action once, at a specific time in the near future — to help me hold someone off, so that I'll have the time to carry out a matter I've long been planning."
"Hold someone off? Don't you think you should be a bit more specific? Whoever could give even Fellow Daoist Bao such cause for wariness surely cannot be an ordinary existence." Han Li smiled faintly, showing not the slightest surprise.
"You see clearly, Fellow Daoist — this is someone I would prefer not to confront head-on myself. But I'm only asking you to stall them for a period, not to engage them in a true life-or-death battle. Surely that shouldn't be too difficult? If Fellow Daoist can accomplish this, I shall owe you a great favor. Should you ever need my help in the future, so long as it is within my power, I will not refuse in the slightest. What does Brother Han think of this deal?" Bao gazed intently at Han Li's face, speaking at an unhurried pace.
"To have Fellow Daoist Bao owe me a promise is certainly no small price. But whoever you intend for me to deal with — at the very least, you should tell me their name first." Han Li's eyes flickered.
"This person is no stranger to you either, Fellow Daoist. They are—" Bao's face bloomed into a smile, but her lips merely moved a few times as she transmitted her voice directly to him.
"Him? Surely you must be jesting. I've only just advanced to the Mahayana stage — how could I possibly hold someone like that at bay? You'd best find someone else, Fellow Daoist Bao." After listening for a moment, Han Li furrowed his brows slightly and flatly refused.
"Don't be so hasty to decline, Brother Han. I have something else here — take a look first, then decide." Bao smiled faintly. She raised one hand, and a sphere of white light shot forth, flashing once before arriving right before Han Li.
It was a translucent jade bottle no larger than a palm.
Han Li's arm moved, catching the bottle in one hand. He lowered his head to examine it for a moment, and his eyes narrowed slightly.
"What is the meaning of this, Fellow Daoist Bao?" Han Li did not open the bottle immediately but instead asked coolly.
"I offer a promise, plus this item, in exchange for your assistance once." Bao answered without the slightest hesitation.
Han Li gave a soft snort but said nothing more. With one hand he popped open the bottle and swept his spiritual sense through it.
"Divine Glue Pill"