Chapter 434: The Xu Tian Ding, the Bu Tian Dan

"It's not certain. I heard the disciples of the Ten Thousand Methods Sect spent years searching for the 'Golden Silk Silkworm,' but then the trail suddenly went cold. I don't know if they ever found it—if they did, and with such a rare insect's aid, perhaps the head of the Ten Thousand Methods Sect truly intends to lay claim to the Xu Tian Ding." The Extreme Yin Ancestor frowned deeply, glancing unconsciously at Wan Wan Tianming and the others, his expression filled with unease.

At that moment, the three Nascent Soul cultivators from the righteous sects sat cross-legged on the pillars, seemingly oblivious to their conversation.

"Hmph! It's not just Wan Wan Tianming who might have the Golden Silk Silkworm—I've heard you, Extreme Yin, obtained two rare fire vipers on Li Huo Island. I suspect your ambitions here are just as great!" The Bearded Man glanced at the Extreme Yin Ancestor and spoke bluntly.

He clearly looked down on the Extreme Yin Ancestor's secretive maneuvers.

Upon hearing this, the Extreme Yin Ancestor's expression shifted several times, but quickly returned to calmness—though inwardly he was cursing furiously.

Without asking, he knew one of his trusted subordinates had leaked word to the enemy.

The Bearded Man's arrival at the Xu Tian Palace was likely just a detour—he came primarily to spy on him.

Though inwardly annoyed, the Extreme Yin Ancestor feigned surprise, then spoke without changing his expression:

"You flatter me, Brother Man. I did bring two rare fire vipers this time. But their cultivation is still shallow—the chance of success is extremely slim. I'll need your help, Brother Man, and Brother Qing's as well."

"Help you? What's in it for us?" The Confucian Elder's eyes flickered with interest, but his voice hesitated.

Hearing this, the Extreme Yin Ancestor smiled faintly, then ceased speaking aloud and transmitted his words mentally:

"According to the information left by the Xu Tian Ding's former owner, inside the Xu Tian Ding, besides the most crucial 'Bu Tian Dan,' there are several top-tier ancient relics left by ancient cultivators—each of immense power. I'll take the Xu Tian Ding and one Bu Tian Dan; the rest, I'll divide equally among you."

The Confucian Elder's eyes flashed with greed, but after a brief thought, he glanced at the Bearded Man and replied mentally:

"I have no objection—but it depends on Brother Man's decision. Without him restraining Wan Wan Tianming, I won't risk this."

The Extreme Yin Ancestor showed no surprise at this reply—he knew the Confucian Elder, known as "Qing Yi Qingyi Jushi," was a seasoned schemer who would never commit to an uncertain venture unless the Bearded Man was also involved.

So the Extreme Yin Ancestor turned to the Bearded Man, smiling as he transmitted his terms, then asked:

"What do you think of my proposal, Brother Man? Are you interested in cooperating? After all, you know the value of the Bu Tian Dan better than I do—it's the only place in the cultivation world that can balance one's Five Element roots. Perhaps after taking it, you'll easily advance your cultivation and break through your lifespan limit!"

The Extreme Yin Ancestor pressed on relentlessly, ignoring the Bearded Man's earlier insult.

"Hmph! Do you think two fire vipers are enough to lay claim to the Xu Tian Ding? You've lost your minds! Countless Nascent Soul cultivators entered the inner chamber in the past—all returned defeated. Do you really believe you can succeed at such a peril? The dangers inside the inner chamber are utterly different from those in the outer chamber. Even Nascent Soul cultivators like us cannot guarantee a safe exit. In every opening of the Xu Tian Palace, more than a few Nascent Soul cultivators have perished inside."

"You needn't worry about that," the Extreme Yin Ancestor replied calmly. "I only ask: if Wan Wan Tianming and his group truly intend to enter the inner chamber, are you truly unwilling to go in and see?"

The Bearded Man's sneer slowly faded as the Extreme Yin Ancestor spoke.

He narrowed his eyes, a flash of cold light passing through them, then spoke slowly:

"If Wan Wan Tianming truly dares to enter the inner chamber, I'll follow him in—no need for you to urge me. Even if we demonic cultivators can't obtain the Xu Tian Ding, we won't let the righteous sects have it."

If Wan Wan Tianming truly is willing to risk everything to enter the inner hall, I would follow along without you needing to say a word—after all, even if we Dark Dao cannot obtain the Xu Tian Ding, we cannot let the orthodox sects possess it.

"Heh, that's all I needed to hear. If you're willing to act when the time comes, my earlier offer includes you too. And if Madame Wen is willing to lend a hand, I'd be even more delighted." The Extreme Yin Ancestor smiled lightly, glancing at the beautiful woman.

"I came only to gather some spiritual herbs. The inner chamber is too dangerous—I won't go." The Wen woman cut him off coldly before he could even finish.

Disappointment flickered across the Extreme Yin Ancestor's face.

Though she was only an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, her husband, the "Six Paths Supreme Saint," was one of the top demonic tyrants—so much so that even the Bearded Man paled beside him. Failing to win her over was a regret.

But he dared not force her into the inner chamber—only smiled faintly and let it drop.

After all, their trio already held their own against the righteous sects; there was no need to anger her further.

After the demonic cultivators finished their discussion, Wan Wan Tianming and his group remained silent, eyes closed, meditating quietly—whether they were confident or already had a plan, no one knew.

Han Li, in the corner, observed all of this.

Though the distance was too great and most of the Extreme Yin Ancestor's group's conversation was conducted mentally,

he could still guess they were plotting how to counter Wan Fa Men's leader by the hostile glances they kept casting toward the righteous sects.

But their hostile glances toward the orthodox sect members revealed they were already discussing how to counter the Wanfa Gate's sect master and others.

The more the Nascent Soul elders tangled among themselves, the safer it would be for him to slip through the chaos.

Even better if the Extreme Yin Ancestor became too preoccupied to notice him.

As Han Li pondered how to stir the waters even further, two white-robed elders appeared at the hall's entrance.

Their hair and beards were silver, their robes fluttering like immortals.

Upon their entry, all cultivators in the hall turned their gazes toward them instantly—then their expressions shifted to understanding and deep respect.

Some cultivators, who had been tense, finally exhaled in relief.

The elder cultivators from both demonic and righteous sects, however, wore complex expressions—admiration, disgust, and resignation mingled.

One of the two, a kind-faced white-robed elder, smiled gently upon seeing all eyes upon them and said warmly:

"For this Xu Tian Palace expedition, our two Holy Masters are currently in seclusion and cannot preside over this treasure hunt. We, the two Enforcement Elders of the Star Palace, have been sent to oversee this grand event."

"The rules remain unchanged from past gatherings: anyone who abuses their strength, bullies others, or attempts to kill for treasure will be stopped by us—and pursued and exterminated by the Star Palace. But our oversight applies only to the outer chamber. We will not enter the inner chamber, nor interfere in any matter within. So if you lack confidence, remain outside. Also, we will not aid any cultivator facing the dangers of the Xu Tian Palace itself—even if a fellow cultivator dies before our eyes, we will not so much as blink. I've made this clear—do you all understand?"

The white-robed elder's gaze swept the hall like lightning. All others lowered their heads in deference—except Wan Wan Tianming and the Bearded Man, who met his stare without flinching.

As for the rules of this treasure hunt, they remain unchanged from past gatherings: anyone who abuses their strength to bully others or attempts to kill for treasure will be stopped by us, and subsequently hunted down and exterminated by our Star Palace. However, our supervision extends only to the outer hall of the Xu Tian Palace—we will not enter the inner hall, nor will we 'interfere' in any matter within it. Therefore, if any of you feel unprepared, best remain outside the inner hall. Furthermore, we will not lend aid to any fellow cultivator due to the inherent dangers of the Xu Tian Palace—even if a companion were to perish right before our eyes, we would not so much as blink. I have made this perfectly clear; surely all of you understand our meaning now.

"So these two monsters have come too… this complicates things."

The cold-faced elder beside him also stirred slightly, but let out a cold laugh and returned to his icy expression.

Then the two Star Palace Enforcement Elders sat cross-legged, one on each side of the hall entrance, ignoring all commotion stirred by their words.

The other Foundation Establishment cultivators wore varied expressions—some pleased, others anxious.

Han Li, watching this, was deeply puzzled.

Why would the Star Palace go to such lengths—doing something that brought them no clear benefit? Was it merely to assert their authority over the Chaos Star Seas?

At that moment, the voice of Xuan Gu the Elder reached his ear:

"Boy, be careful! The Star Palace can't be trusted. From what I know, whenever demonic sects grow strong, the Star Palace suppresses them; when righteous sects grow powerful, they suppress those too—never letting either side rise. And in every Xu Tian Palace expedition, some cultivators from both sides die under mysterious circumstances—likely assassinated by the Star Palace. Though you don't belong to either side, still tread carefully. I don't want my hard-won ally to vanish for no reason."

Xuan Gu's voice was cold, but the content sent a chill through Han Li.

But at that moment, a voice came from Xuan Gu Shangren beside him.

"Kid, be careful! The Star Palace isn't to be trifled with! As far as I know, whenever the demonic sects grow strong, the Star Palace suppresses them; when the orthodox sects grow strong, they suppress those too. They give neither side any chance to grow. And in every journey to the Xu Tian Palace, some cultivators from both orthodox and demonic sides die under mysterious circumstances—likely the Star Palace's covert handiwork. Though you belong to neither side, still watch yourself. I don't want my hard-won helper to die for no reason."

Xuan Gu Shangren's voice was cold, yet the content of his words startled Han Li suddenly.

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