Chapter 1078: Ice Spirit Fruit

"Void Heaven Palace!"

Han Li whispered to himself, his heart filled with extreme shock.

These three white jade palaces, aside from their differing sizes, were identical in style to the Void Heaven Palace that had appeared in the Scattered Star Seas.

They were similarly crafted from flawless white jade, exquisite and magnificent to the extreme, emitting a faint, lustrous glow. However, compared to the palace that had once floated in the void, these three great halls were only one-third the size of the Void Heaven Palace.

Han Li forcefully suppressed the astonishment in his heart and gazed at them once more, finally confirming that he had not been mistaken. These three great halls must have some connection to the Void Heaven Palace, though the space above the hall gates was completely empty, with no plaques of any kind.

Han Li's eyes flickered, but he asked the Ren-surnamed cultivator in a casual, indifferent tone:

"Is this the Inner Palace of the Little Extreme Palace? It truly is a spiritual land of the mortal world. However, these three great halls seem to have some age to them. I wonder why they are styled this way; do they have some history?"

"Fellow Daoist is speaking of the Void Spirit Halls, right? These three great halls have existed since the founding of our palace. It is said that our founding ancestor and several close friends constructed them using immense magic power, and they possess quite a few mystical properties," the Ren-surnamed cultivator replied casually, glancing at the three halls. "Void Spirit Halls?" Han Li murmured, a strange look flashing in his eyes. "Why, is Brother Han interested in them? However, unless a major event occurs, these three great halls remain sealed at all times. Only with the joint consent of over half the Elders can the Void Spirit Halls be opened. As for the reasons why, please forgive Ren for not being able to easily disclose them," the Ren-surnamed cultivator said with a mysterious smile upon seeing Han Li's interest.

Seeing the other party's expression, Han Li chuckled and immediately stopped asking questions.

To continue asking would risk the suspicion of prying into another sect's secrets, which was a major taboo.

Moreover, even if the three great halls were truly related to the Profound Void Hall, it would have nothing to do with him.

He had already obtained the Void Heaven Palace's most important secret treasure, the Void Heaven Cauldron. "Fellow Daoist Han, please follow me. The White Condensation Pavilion is over there. It seems Junior Sister Bai holds Fellow Daoist Han in very high regard; this pavilion is where she specifically entertains close friends, and it is quite elegant and quiet," the Ren-surnamed cultivator said, appearing very knowledgeable about Bai Bai Yaoyi's affairs. "Is that so! I am truly flattered!" Han Li smiled slightly. The Ren-surnamed cultivator chuckled and led Han Li toward a cliffside, finally landing in front of a pavilion. This building had three stories, each over ten zhang high, constructed entirely of emerald-green wood, with the majority embedded into the cliff face. Above the pavilion's main gate hung a pale yellow plaque with the words "White Condensation Pavilion" written in three silver characters. As soon as Han Li's feet touched the ground, a woman in white robes emerged from the pavilion to greet them. "Greetings, Martial Uncle Ren! Is this Senior Han?" The woman, who had a graceful and elegant appearance, was startled to see the Ren-surnamed cultivator with Han Li, but she immediately spoke respectfully.

"That is correct. Is Fairy Bai inside?" Han Li asked calmly.

"My Master has just finished her seclusion and is currently stabilizing her magic power in the pavilion. She specifically instructed this disciple to welcome Senior Han; I hope Senior will not take offense!" The beautiful woman stepped aside, clearing the path behind her, but she made no move to invite the Ren-surnamed cultivator in.

"Martial Niece Yan, I wish to see your Master; I have some words to speak with her," the Ren-surnamed cultivator said without hesitation.

"Martial Uncle Ren, this makes things difficult for this niece. You know that Master has long since instructed that she does not wish to see you again. Last time, when Martial Sister Gong let you in to see her, she was severely punished afterward," the beautiful woman said, not feeling surprised but smiling bitterly, her face full of difficulty.

"This time is different. I am accompanying Brother Han; surely your Master would not refuse to see him as well?" The Ren-surnamed cultivator's face flushed, but after his eyes darted around, he actually invoked Han Li's name. Han Li, listening from the side, was startled, and then his mouth twitched; it was difficult for him to say anything. "This..." The beautiful woman revealed a hesitant expression.

"Yan'er, let Martial Uncle Ren Bi in. I shall see him once more," a pleasant female voice suddenly drifted out from the pavilion. It was precisely the voice of Bai Bai Yaoyi.

"Understood! Martial Uncle Ren, please enter," the beautiful woman said, her expression relaxing as she stepped back a few more paces, no longer blocking Ren Bi. Upon hearing Bai Bai Yaoyi's voice transmission, the Ren-surnamed cultivator's face revealed a hint of joy, and he immediately moved his lips to transmit a message back, appearing as if he wanted to converse with Bai Bai Yaoyi via transmission even while outside the pavilion.

"Martial Brother Ren Bi, if you have something to say, come into the pavilion to discuss it in detail. Leaving Fellow Daoist Han waiting outside like this would make our Little Extreme Palace seem very impolite," Bai Bai Yaoyi's light voice came again, showing no sign of wanting to avoid Han Li.

Han Li touched his chin upon hearing this and smiled without a word. "That was indeed my oversight. Brother Han, let us go in and talk." The Ren-surnamed cultivator was startled, then said to Han Li with embarrassment. "Not at all! Brother Ren is clearly a man of deep sentiment!" Han Li replied with a smile.

Now he finally understood why the other party had been so eager to build rapport upon hearing he was visiting Bai Bai Yaoyi. It seemed the other party had deep feelings for this woman, which caused Han Li's wariness to drop by more than half. Led by the beautiful woman, the two walked into the White Condensation Pavilion.

The first floor of the pavilion was not very large, a square space of only twenty-some zhang in length and width, with a simple set of green bamboo tables and chairs. However, in each of the four corners sat a plate of pale yellow spiritual flowers that Han Li did not recognize. They were the size of a fist and emitted a fragrant scent, filling the pavilion with spiritual energy, causing Han Li to take a few extra glances.

Bai Bai Yaoyi did not come down immediately, but as soon as Han Li and his companion sat on the bamboo chairs, her apologetic voice came from above:

"Brother Han, please wait a moment. My cultivation technique is somewhat unique; I will finish circulating my energy and come down to see you shortly. Fellow Daoist Han, why not first taste the Ice Spirit Fruit of our Little Extreme Palace?"

As soon as these words fell, the beautiful woman, who had been prepared, clapped her hands lightly. Immediately, two young women in white robes walked in from outside the pavilion, each holding a vermilion wooden tray. On each tray sat a string of crystal-clear berries the size of a thumb, round and moving, resembling pearls.

Placing the wooden trays on the table beside the bamboo chairs, the two women respectfully retreated. "The Ice Spirit Fruit is a unique product of our Little Extreme Palace. Even Elders within our palace only receive a few strings each year. This fruit is fresh, sweet, and contains extremely pure icy spiritual power. If a cultivator practicing ice-attribute techniques consumes it regularly, it has certain benefits for their cultivation," Ren Bi explained to Han Li after glancing at the fruit, then picked one up and tossed it into his mouth, chewing.

Seeing this, Han Li naturally did not stand on ceremony and picked one up to put in his mouth. As soon as he bit into it, a ball of icy energy rolled in his mouth. It was indeed pure icy spiritual power. Although Han Li did not practice ice-attribute techniques, he possessed both the Violet Luo Extreme Fire and the Taiyin True Fire, two types of supreme cold flames, so he naturally did not take this bit of cold energy to heart. As soon as the spiritual energy entered his throat, it was absorbed completely. He immediately picked up another one with interest and tossed it into his mouth.

Ren Bi, who had been observing Han Li from the side, saw this and his expression couldn't help but change slightly. One had to know that while the Ice Spirit Fruit was famous and beneficial to any cultivator, those who did not practice ice or fire-attribute techniques would certainly need a process to convert the cold energy; otherwise, swallowing it rashly would easily freeze their kidneys.

However, Han Li, who was right before him, had clearly been radiating a very pure wood-attribute spiritual power just a moment ago, yet he was able to swallow this fruit without the slightest hesitation; this was truly a great surprise to him. As for taking two Ice Spirit Fruits in a row, even he, who cultivated a fire-attribute technique, would not dare to do so. Just as this Little Extreme Palace Elder was secretly astonished in his heart, footsteps came from the attic. A delicate and pretty woman in a white shirt walked down the stairs gracefully. Han Li narrowed his eyes, immediately stood up, and laughed heartily, "Fairy Bai, it has been over ten years since we last met. Have you been well?"

"Martial Sister Bai, you are finally willing to see me," Ren Bi also stood up with great joy.

"Since we parted that day, I knew Brother Han would not make an appointment without reason. Several years ago, I was already waiting in the palace for you to visit. That you have come today is already somewhat beyond my expectations. As for Martial Brother Ren, if it weren't for Brother Han this time, I truly would not wish to see you again," Bai Bai Yaoyi said to Han Li with a smile, but the moment she turned to face Ren Bi, her face stiffened, and her voice became several degrees colder.

"I have already found a solution this time. I will certainly not let you down," Ren Bi said eagerly, though his words lacked context.

"Found a solution? If it is only about this matter, let us speak of it later. Fellow Daoist Han has come from afar; let us set this aside for now," Bai Bai Yaoyi shook her head immediately.

"That is fine as well. I will find another opportunity to discuss this with you in detail later. Just being able to see you again is enough to make me very gratified," Ren Bi said with a forced smile, having realized something.

Bai Bai Yaoyi showed no expression, simply nodding, and sat down in the main seat of the pavilion. Han Li and his companion followed suit and sat down.

"Fairy Bai's cultivation has advanced quite a bit compared to ten years ago!" Han Li said with a smile after sizing her up.

"Brother Han is joking. In terms of divine abilities alone, even two of me combined would be far from yours," Bai Bai Yaoyi replied with a charming smile.

She still had vivid memories of Han Li's performance at the Yin-Yang Cave and Mount Mount Kunwu, so she was extremely solemn regarding his arrival, not daring to show the slightest neglect.

Ren Bi, hearing Bai Bai Yaoyi's high praise for Han Li, changed his expression and sized Han Li up again with surprise.

Bai Bai Yaoyi continued to Han Li:

"Ten years ago, Brother Han mentioned visiting our palace. Since you said such things back then, it must not have been without reason!"

"Since Fellow Daoist Bai asks, Han will not hide it and will speak frankly. My visit to the Little Extreme Palace is indeed because I have a matter I wish to entrust to Fairy Bai," Han Li replied with a smile after a moment of contemplation.

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