Published: September 9, 2025
Chapter 838: The First Appearance of the Demonic Shadow
Zi Ling saw the enormous iceberg, which seemed to be on the verge of collapse, her face turning pale involuntarily. She glanced sideways at Han Li.
At this moment, Han Li stood calmly in the middle of the giant shield’s light dome, showing no sign of panic.
Seeing this, Zi Ling’s heart steadied. She knew that Han Li must have other protective measures, which was why he remained so composed.
What surprised Zi Ling even more was that Han Li didn’t activate any more magical treasures or magical abilities after that. Although the blue iceberg swayed violently under the impact of the giant stone and the energy waves, it remained incredibly resilient, and in the end, not a single crack appeared.
Filled with joy and surprise, Zi Ling realized that this blue ice was not merely ordinary cold air condensed—it seemed to be three times harder than refined steel.
For the duration of a tea break, the astonishing energy waves finally raged past crazily, flying far behind Han Li and Zi Ling. The roaring noises gradually faded as the distant white streak disappeared, leaving the surroundings silent once more.
“What is this exactly? How could something like this exist in Fallen Demon Valley?” Zi Ling exhaled softly, transforming the colorful mist before her back into a brocade handkerchief, which she tucked into her hand, and then asked Han Li with a puzzled look.
“I’m not sure. But the spiritual energy from afar is off, very chaotic. And these energy waves are truly incredible—nothing an ordinary person could create. Could it be a problem with some spatial rift? But with such fierce energy waves, I don’t think the Inner Valley’s restrictions can hold them back. Nascent soul cultivators encountering this wouldn’t have much trouble; most can protect themselves. But if it reaches the Outer Valley, those foundation formation cultivators are in big trouble.” Han Li murmured as his gaze flickered.
Hearing this, Zi Ling furrowed her delicate brows and also used her spiritual awareness to sense forward. Although she detected some abnormality in the spiritual energy, the place was too far away for her to probe more precisely.
“There is something wrong. Brother Han, do you intend to go and take a look?” Zi Ling blinked her beautiful eyes and asked softly.
“Go there? Why would I? Whether these energy waves are man-made or coincidental eruptions, it’s not a good place. I’m curious, but I don’t want to seek trouble. Let’s return the same way! Most of our goal in entering the valley has already been achieved. After this sudden event, the Ghost Spirit Sect probably won’t bother hunting us down anymore. It’s a good chance to escape.” Han Li hesitated for a moment, then slowly made his decision.
He then extended a finger and tapped the giant shield in front of him. The light dome rapidly dissolved and disappeared. The shield quickly shrank until it was only a few inches wide, retracting into his sleeve.
As for the iceberg, Han Li lightly pressed his palm against the ice wall. At once, a brilliant blue light burst forth, and the iceberg instantly shrank and melted away.
Moments later, a small cluster of blue flames, identical to the one before, merged into his palm.
Zi Ling’s eyes flashed with surprise at the scene.
Han Li raised his palm to examine it, a faint look of satisfaction appearing on his face.
This technique of reabsorbing the ice flame back into his body was something he realized from his insights within the illusory realm. He had just comprehended a new way to use the ice flame. Although this was the first time practicing it, he was surprisingly proficient, as if he had rehearsed it many times. Even Han Li himself was somewhat amazed!
This showed that what he experienced inside the illusion was not mere fantasy or illusion—it was a higher level of understanding of the world. Having this advance experience in his realm meant he had a good chance of advancing to the mid nascent soul stage soon.