Published: September 9, 2025
Chapter 862: Flying Swords and Puppets
Han Li sighed inwardly. Although he had obtained many spirit medicines amidst the ruins of Lingmiao Garden, none of them could extend his lifespan. There was nothing he could do about it.
"Senior brother, there's no need to be so disheartened. Maybe in the coming years, there will be other opportunities!" Han Li could only offer some consolation.
The elder shook his head calmly, his expression indifferent, showing he had truly come to terms with life and death.
Naturally, Han Li did not bring up the matter again. Instead, he clasped his hands and produced a white Jade Slip in his palm.
"Since you two senior brothers have come, I just remembered something. I happen to have some materials that need to be collected by disciples from the sect at various market districts. Because the types required are quite numerous, just gather as much as you can. As long as you do your best. No matter how many spirit stones are spent, as long as it’s not too unreasonable, let the disciples take care of it. They can come to me later for payment." Han Li said casually as he handed over the Jade Slip.
"Let me have a look!" Lv Luo, somewhat interested, took the Jade Slip and scanned it with his spiritual awareness. A strange expression gradually appeared on his face.
"Junior brother, no wonder you only said to do your best. Most of these materials are hard to find. Some seem to be things of legend—probably things we of Tian Nan don’t have," Lv Luo said in a daze.
"Oh? What kind of materials? Let me see too!" Senior brother Cheng showed curiosity upon hearing this, reached out to take the Jade Slip, and looked it over, then also showed some surprise.
"Sure enough, these are all rare and hard-to-find items. Junior brother, are you going to refine some kind of magical treasure again?"
"Magical treasure? Well, sort of!" Han Li smiled faintly, not elaborating further.
Senior brother Cheng saw this and didn’t press further. He agreed wholeheartedly and said he would arrange his disciples at once to collect these materials from all over Tian Nan.
At this point, the elder and Lv Luo exchanged a glance. Suddenly, Lv Luo took down a bulging storage pouch from his waist and handed it to Han Li.
"This is?" Han Li was a little surprised. Instinctively, he took it, glancing at the two of them with some puzzlement.
"Junior brother, have you forgotten? Back then, you asked sect disciples to help collect some strange materials and Geng Essence. Over the years, except for only receiving a small piece of Geng Essence, the rest has all been collected. I originally wanted to give you a surprise gift, but unexpectedly, you need even more materials now. It seems your skill in refining instruments is quite exceptional," Lv Luo said with a smile.
"Another piece of Geng Essence?" Han Li’s heart leapt with joy upon hearing this. He hurriedly opened the storage pouch to take a look.
Among the many miscellaneous materials, there was indeed a small golden-yellow piece of Geng Essence, about the size of a walnut, lying inside.
As for the other materials, they were exactly the few missing ingredients he needed to refine the ancient nascent soul-level puppets. Otherwise, he would have long ago crafted nascent soul-level puppets before entering Fallen Demon Valley.
"These are exactly what I need. Thanks to both senior brothers for your trouble. These materials must be quite valuable and probably cost a lot of spirit stones. I..." Han Li’s face showed a trace of joy, but when he mentioned payment, the elder laughed heartily and waved his hand to stop him.
"Junior brother, nonsense. Although these materials are worth some spirit stones, back when the Mulan people invaded, you fought two battles on behalf of our sect. It’s only right that the sect pays you some spirit stones. Just take what you need."
"Since senior brother says so, then I won’t be shy," Han Li was momentarily taken aback but smiled after a moment and casually put the storage pouch away.