Madam Wan stood rooted to the spot, her face as white as paper.
Not only had the entire formation diagram been scattered into chaos by the colossal golden palm, but even the enormous black lion behind the old woman had been crushed into a crouching heap under the terrifying force, utterly incapable of moving so much as a whisker.
Although several defensive treasures — including a verdant wooden shield — had shot out from Madam Wan's body to envelop her in protective layers, she knew full well that against the horrifying might that golden palm had displayed, these artifacts would make absolutely no meaningful difference.
The opponent's True Devil Body was truly this terrifying — a single palm had defeated her, and she had even resorted to her trump card techniques.
This left the invariably proud and haughty Madam Wan feeling as though her heart had turned to ashes.
"I concede."
The giant that Han Li had transformed into spoke these words flatly, then retracted his extended arm.
Almost simultaneously, the colossal golden palm above Madam Wan's head vanished without a trace.
This time, the old woman did not even know how she had passed through the light barrier. She returned to the viewing platform in a daze.
Outside, Daoist Qingping and Xiao Ming exchanged a glance, and both wore expressions of utter shock.
Han Li, still inside the light barrier, called out to Daoist Qingping: "Fellow Daoist Qingping, please come in and oblige me with a match."
Daoist Qingping had only just recovered from the staggering feat of Han Li defeating the old woman in a single strike. Hearing Han Li's words, his expression shifted dramatically. After a long pause, he cupped his fists toward Han Li and replied with a bitter smile: "Fellow Daoist's demonic cultivation is truly peerless. This poor Daoist freely admits he is absolutely no match — there is no need to exchange even a single move. I humbly concede defeat."
Daoist Qingping was nothing if not pragmatic, capitulating without hesitation.
Han Li was not particularly surprised to hear this and had no intention of pressing further. He simply nodded, withdrew his Vajra Saint True Body, and with a flicker of movement, exited the light barrier as well.
"Fellow Daoist Han's abilities are the most extraordinary Xiao has ever witnessed in his entire life. However, this does remind me of a certain person. Could it be that you are Fellow Daoist Han Li of the human race from the Wind Source Continent — the one who entered the Devil Realm and slew the Mother of the Mite Insects?" Xiao Ming stared at Han Li without blinking and asked, enunciating each word.
"I'm ashamed to say the rumors have been somewhat exaggerated, but I am indeed Han Li of the human race," Han Li replied, his gaze flickering slightly, his expression perfectly composed.
"Ha ha ha — so it truly is Fellow Daoist Han! No wonder you possess such extraordinary power. This is a most honored guest indeed. Fellow Daoist, you must stay in our city for a while so we can exchange views properly." Xiao Ming threw back his head and laughed, disregarding the expressions of the other two entirely.
"If Fellow Daoist sincerely extends the invitation, I naturally would not refuse," Han Li replied with a faint smile. He too was quite interested in the Blood Bone Sect's Blood Dao techniques.
"Wonderful! Madam Wan, Fellow Daoist Qingping — please come along to my cave residence for a small gathering." Xiao Ming seemed thoroughly elated and turned to address the two.
"The two of us came here with a specific purpose, and we naturally will not leave before hearing Brother Xiao's reply. Brother Xiao, lead the way — we will impose upon you for a short while." Daoist Qingping and Madam Wan exchanged a glance, hesitated briefly, and then replied.
"I have already instructed my subordinates to prepare a grand banquet at my residence — it will certainly satisfy all of you. Then please, follow me!" Xiao Ming said with a light chuckle.
In the next instant, the group transformed into several streaks of brilliant light and shot at tremendous speed toward a colossal palace at the heart of Blood Crane City.
More than half a day later, as evening approached and a blood-red hue stained the sky, Han Li calmly flew out of the enormous palace. After roughly half an hour, he somehow found a lodging that resembled an inn on some remote street and entered a courtyard that had already been rented.
Standing respectfully outside the courtyard gate were Patriarch Shi and Zhu Guo'er. The moment they saw Han Li approach, they hurried forward and bowed.
Han Li waved his hand and led the two inside the courtyard. With a flash of white light, the gate shut tight behind them.
……
At that same moment, in a side hall within the colossal palace, Xiao Ming, Madam Wan, and Daoist Qingping sat around a white jade circular table, apparently locked in some kind of dispute.
Xiao Ming's face was hidden behind his mask, so beyond the faint flickering of his eyes, his expression was impossible to read.