Published: September 5, 2025
Chapter 697: Dividing the Spoils
The wooden racks were arranged into three rows and placed in the middle of the first floor of the loft, making everything clearly visible at a glance.
The first row was filled with sixteen ancient treasures and magical treasures, each radiating a different brilliance.
The second row contained rare materials of various shapes and colors, ranging from iron chunks the size of a fist to blood-red, crystal-clear stones resembling gems.
The third row held the least amount of items, only a few small bottles just a few inches tall. Judging by their appearance, they all contained pills.
Han Li glanced over these treasures with an expressionless face, revealing no hint of joy, anger, or sorrow.
Although the others maintained calm expressions, none dared to step forward to handle the treasures rashly. However, their gazes were already assessing the functions and value of these items.
It was important to seize the advantage when it came time to divide the spoils.
After a moment, the marquis of nanlong stepped forward to represent everyone in inspecting the treasures one by one. Meanwhile, the others started discussing amicably about the origins and uses of these items. Yet, only they themselves knew what schemes were brewing in their hearts.
At this moment, Han Li began looking around, glancing at areas beyond the racks. Aside from a meditation cushion and a pot of verdant little grass placed by the loft window, there was nothing else.
A thought stirred in Han Li’s mind just as he was about to walk over when a figure flashed— the Old Man in White Shirt swiftly moved first to the meditation cushion.
He raised his hand and drew the cushion into his palm, flipping it over several times to examine it carefully.
Frowning slightly, Han Li then walked over to the small plant by the window and observed it closely.
“What's this? Senior Han, are you interested in this ‘Yin Condensing Herb’ as well? This herb is rare in the mortal world but is the best medicinal guide for refining yin-cold type pills. It can increase the efficacy of pills by thirty percent,” came a soft, melodious female voice from behind.
Han Li’s eyes flickered with surprise. He slowly turned around to see Yan Ru Yan standing gracefully behind him.
“The Yin Condensing Herb is different from other spiritual herbs. Its yin-cold medicinal properties are strongest only at its hundred-year mark. Now, who knows how many years this herb has been here? It’s basically useless,” Han Li said indifferently. His gaze then glanced briefly toward Wang Chan, who was quietly whispering excitedly to his uncle Wang Tiangu, paying no attention to this scene.
“I didn’t expect Senior Han to be skilled not only in formations but also involved in pill refining. Ru Yan truly admires you!” Yan Ru Yan smiled delicately, her bright eyes sparkling as she spoke sweetly.
Seeing her willingness to strike up a conversation like this, Han Li’s guard immediately rose. He replied bluntly,
“Pill refining? Just a trivial skill. But Fellow Cultivator Yan, do you not know my relationship with my respected husband? Speaking to me so freely, are you not afraid of angering him?”
“How could I not know? But precisely because of that, I dared to try to resolve the grudge between you and your husband,” Yan Ru Yan’s smile faded, showing a helpless expression at the corners of her mouth.
“Resolve? Your demonic sect and my heavenly dao alliance have always been adversaries. What is there to resolve?” Han Li raised an eyebrow, a sneer flashing across his face.
Hearing this, Yan Ru Yan showed a bitter smile. As she parted her lips to say more, the marquis of nanlong suddenly called out from afar.
“Fellow cultivators, come over here. Let’s distribute the treasures on this floor first, and then we’ll move to the second floor.”
Hearing this, Han Li immediately ignored Yan Ru Yan and walked over by himself.
The stunningly beautiful mature woman’s expression flickered uncertainly a few times before she gracefully followed.