Chapter 1242: Deal with Han Yu

Raising one's Dou Qi to the Eight-Star Dou Saint is one thing, but as for the Imperial Realm Soul, even the two of them have never attained it, let alone helping others.

Of course, if one insists on advancing, it isn't impossible, but the price…

However, at that moment Lin Feng suddenly lifted the corner of his mouth and comforted, "Seniors, you need not be too anxious. I see that your lifespans are still long, and I am confident that within five hundred years I will reach the Eight-Star Dou Saint and the Imperial Realm Soul. When that time comes, I will come to rescue you out, which isn't much different from now. After all, you have waited for a thousand years, and a further five hundred years won't matter."

Thus, I, the junior, intend to search here for exquisite heavenly materials and treasures to take out for advancement; once my strength improves, I will certainly rescue the two seniors. After all, your ancestors contributed great merit to the peace of the Dou Qi Continent, and I could never stand by while you perish.

"Five hundred years?!"

Hearing those three words, Han Yu and Qiu Yue's faces instantly darkened.

Five hundred years sounds simple, but they have already waited far too long; having to wait another five hundred years truly irritates them.

Moreover, if this kid truly leaves, they cannot guarantee he will ever return.

Thinking of this, Han Yu pondered for a moment, then his expression softened as he said, "Xiao Yan, my young friend, how about this: we help you break through to the Eight-Star Dou Saint and the Imperial Realm Soul, and you help the two of us escape. That way, both sides are delighted."

"Alright, since the two seniors say so, I agree. However, the junior must say beforehand that I also want those two nine‑grade mysterious pills that Senior Qiu Yue just mentioned."

At this point, Lin Feng's voice suddenly cut off, but Han Yu and Qiu Yue heard his meaning perfectly.

"We have agreed—just the two nine‑grade mysterious pills. If you, Xiao Yan, need them, feel free to take them."

As soon as the senior finished speaking, before the slightly irritable Qiu Yue could flare up, Han Yu immediately accepted the terms.

After speaking, he added, "Please forgive us, Xiao Yan, but for our own sake, during the transaction you may only go as far as one hundred thousand li south of the Pingnan Pass unless you obtain both of our consent."

While speaking, the senior pointed a finger toward the southern region, one hand resting behind his waist.

"Fine, I'm not trying to dodge the deal; as long as I'm not confined to a single spot, the rest doesn't matter."

Hearing this, Lin Feng's gaze swept over the southern area and the Pingnan Pass beneath his feet, then he cheerfully nodded in agreement.

But at this moment, though he appeared calm on the surface, his heart was already wildly excited, unable to tell east from west.

He hadn't expected the other party to agree so readily; seeing the abundance of top‑grade heavenly materials here, he planned to bargain later, hoping to persuade them to help him find the treasure needed to advance to the Imperial Realm Soul.

If that fails, the Eight-Star Dou Saint is also excellent.

After all, if he were to figure it out himself, moving from Six-Star Peak to Eight-Star might not succeed even with three nine‑grade mysterious pills.

But he didn't expect the other side to accept outright, without any haggling!

Thinking of this, Lin Feng couldn't help but exult, "I originally thought I had to wait for Xiao Yan to advance to the Imperial Realm Soul before I could absorb his soul, but now a naïve Eight-Star Dou Saint plus Imperial Realm Soul has arrived, and even if I later face Wu Nie Tun Yan alone, I would still dare to battle it."

But realizing he was still in danger, he quickly snapped out of his elation and began to contemplate something.

Seeing the junior's willingness, Han Yu's face also gained a slight smile.

Before Lin Feng could react, he appeared behind the senior, turned his body, and, as gentle as a spring breeze, said, "Since that's the case, my cave lies about half an hour's walk south. Xiao Yan, you may first visit my cave for a chat about our future cooperation. Moreover, I believe you are quite unfamiliar with this place, and we can clear many of your doubts about it."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned his head toward a massive beetle nearby and said, "Little Black, lead the way."

"Buzz buzz buzz!"

The Titan Ink‑Spade Beetle received the order and, without hesitation, immediately flapped its wings and flew toward the southern sky.

Its speed was so great that in the blink of an eye it vanished from everyone's sight.

"Then I shall thank the two seniors here first."

Hearing that the senior could clear his doubts, Lin Feng instantly recovered, a flash of delight appearing on his face, and he immediately beamed and flew toward the direction where the Titan Ink‑Spade Beetle had departed.

"Han Yu, why did you agree to him? I thought it was already a stretch that the kid's words were eight parts true; he's basically seized our desire to leave and wants to extort us!"

Soon after the senior left, Qiu Yue immediately approached Han Yu, his face raging.

While speaking, Qiu Yue's fist—so large it could cover a fourteen‑inch notebook—gripped tightly, causing the veins in his forearm to bulge and his knuckles to creak.

Upon hearing this, Han Yu's spring‑like smile vanished instantly, his expression turning as cold as a waxen winter moon, his eyes like venomous snakes staring at the direction Lin Feng had gone.

"Hmph, we're not afraid of the natives' greed; we're only afraid that the method preventing his departure might hold. There is only one passage out of this space, and we don't know whether the kid's words are true. If it truly requires the native's bloodline to open it, then acting rashly could damage the spatial passage, which would be a loss."

"Moreover, the kid's spatial talent is indeed rather unusual and will surely aid in opening a spatial passage. Later, it might even help the Ancestor escape and be useful when returning to the Hundred Origins Continent. So let him swagger for a while; after the matter is settled we can settle accounts. By then he will understand that overly greedy people meet a bad end."

But as he spoke, the murderous intent in Han Yu's tone grew stronger.

After all, the senior's gestures clearly indicated he was eyeing their wealth, intending to extort a hefty sum.

And he is not a man of good temper.

"Alas, if the Ancestor had not originally followed that supreme who returned to this continent, evading the barrier to enter here and using secret arts to forge a world‑spanning passage—an act that caused massive strain—he might not have nearly perished with those ancient undead. Now sealed here, immobile, we too cannot leave."

Mid‑speech, Qiu Yue's face—larger than a washbasin—twisted grotesquely, and in a deep, snarling voice he roared, "Damn natives! While the Ancestor was sealed, they dared to gather forces and slaughter us elders, causing tens of thousands of our Tong Ling Sect's elite to be lost. This great hatred, if I do not avenge it, I shall not be a man!"

"And that little mixed‑blood Xiao Yan—once I get out, I must kill everyone from his so‑called Heavenly Palace Alliance and the ancient clan for my dear one, to vent my hatred!"

Hearing this, Han Yu flicked his sleeve and scolded, "We'll handle these matters ourselves; earlier you almost caused a mishap. From now on, keep your mouth shut, or you'll be disabled—don't say I didn't warn you."

"Hmph!"

Upon hearing the senior's warning, a flash of fear crossed Qiu Yue's eyes; he let out a resentful, cold snort and dared not continue the topic.

But soon he frowned and said, "Han Yu, you were quick to agree with that mixed‑blood kid, and raising the source‑Qi realm is one thing, but enhancing the spiritual soul is rare even here. The nearest candidate is the Purple Soul, which might meet the requirement, yet such high‑grade spirit plants or source beasts are guarded by trees and beasts. Do you expect the Ancestor to expend the hard‑won strength he's recovered over ten thousand years for you?"

"You needn't worry about that; I believe the Ancestor will understand my approach. After all, once the Ancestor escapes, we'll obtain this continent's planar embryo for advancement. Then, even if we return to the Hundred Origins Continent, our Tong Ling Sect will be able to rise and become a top sect of the continent!"

Speaking of that, Han Yu's eyes suddenly turned fervent.

Although he was born on the Dou Qi Continent, his parents had taught him since childhood that their roots lie in the Hundred Origins Continent—a realm countless times superior to this place—not this shabby Dou Qi Continent!

From birth, they have borne the mission of revitalizing the Tong Ling Sect.

Now, that day is finally approaching.

Immediately after, Han Yu turned to Qiu Yue, his expression grim, and said, "I've already said, speak only of this continent while we're here; stop babbling about spiritual souls and source beasts. Have you forgotten the near‑exposure earlier?"

"On this Dou Qi Continent we use Dou Qi, not the source Qi of the Hundred Origins Continent; you must distinguish reality!"

As he spoke, Han Yu's gaze at Qiu Yue grew increasingly unfriendly.

Seeing this, if Qiu Yue dares to babble again, he will likely strike him.

"Hmph."

Qiu Yue, recalling the other's superior strength and his own near‑blunder, felt at a loss and dared not refute the senior.

Han Yu, seeing the fellow quiet down, continued, "Now go report to the Ancestor and the others; I'll go steady the kid so he doesn't abandon the task later."

The moment the words fell, Han Yu's figure instantly twisted and then disappeared.

Hmph, speaking of this continent, isn't he just a Nine-Star Mid-stage Dou Saint, only slightly stronger than me? He just knows how to order me around.

Hearing that, Qiu Yue immediately flicked his sleeve angrily, then his figure likewise faded and disappeared on the spot.

Master, it seems we've run into good people this time. I didn't expect the descendant of whatever Pingnan Army to be so generous, directly giving us a Nine-Grade Treasure Pill beforehand. Wait a moment, help me ask whether this continent, isolated for so long, has any other Strange Fires.

Meanwhile, as the two earlier parted unhappily, Lin Feng, who was flying elsewhere, suddenly heard Xiao Ling's excited voice in his mind.

However, upon hearing those words, Lin Feng's expression suddenly changed, and he quickly transmitted: 'You little girl, before we leave this place, you'd better stay quiet. No, actually, without my orders, say nothing unless it's a special emergency!'

Ah, why?

Hearing the stern tone from her master, Xiao Ling's mouth twisted, and she piteously complained: 'Master, did I say something wrong?'

Since gaining self-awareness, this was the first time she had been so sternly rebuked by her master, and she instantly felt at a loss.

You little girl, you can't see that those two harbor ill intentions!

Saying this, Lin Feng curled his lips and muttered inwardly: 'Still claiming to be descendants of the Pingnan Army? I think those two bastards are actually descendants of the Pingnan Army's enemies. When you face them later, absolutely do not speak carelessly, lest the information be overheard.'

Ah? Master, since those two up front harbor ill intentions, why didn't you run just now?

Upon hearing that the other side were enemies, Xiao Ling panicked and also found Lin Feng's behavior extremely puzzling. After all, those two's strength is unfathomable; thinking of this, she suddenly felt a urge to urinate.

Hearing that, Lin Feng replied unhappily: 'You think I don't want to? But the opponent is strong; even when I fully exert the spatial talent of the Primordial Void Ancient Dragon, the landing point can be predicted in advance by those two. If I had run just now, my survival odds would be less than one in ten thousand; unless absolutely necessary, I don't want to provoke them recklessly.'

And now that the opponent eagerly wants to leave, plus I used that Illusory and Ethereal bloodline restriction to damage a section of the outside passage to intimidate them, with only one exit, unless they're crazy they definitely wouldn't dare to act against me lightly. So rather than immediately angering them, it's better to wait and see, and while they dare not turn hostile, heavily extort them for a sum to boost my strength, increasing the success rate of escape.

Having said that, Lin Feng's eyes narrowed slightly; after a while he continued: 'However, after my earlier nonsense, I can now determine that those people are definitely restricted by something, unable to carefully study that spatial passage. Otherwise, with several generations of research by them, I wouldn't be able to so easily bluff those two.'

And this point might be the key to our escape.

Uh, I didn't expect the situation just now to be so dangerous; it's only because the master is quick-witted. If it were me, I'd probably be done for back then.

Upon hearing Lin Feng clearly explain the whole story, Xiao Ling felt relieved yet also immensely grateful that her master's mind is fine; otherwise they'd have been done for earlier.

Alright, you just need to know that. As for the Strange Fire you mentioned, I'll look into it and inquire later. From now on, let's not speak anymore to avoid any unexpected situations.

As soon as the words fell, Lin Feng immediately fell silent.

And after receiving that promise from him, Xiao Ling jumped excitedly a few times, then immediately quieted down.

After all, although she's a bit timid, she still knows what's important when it comes to certain matters.

Ah, I see. No wonder the junior said the spiritual plants and magic beasts here are so formidable; it turns out they aren't native but were left behind by the predecessors of the Pingnan Army.

Inside a simple cave dwelling, Lin Feng knelt before the tea table, looking with a sudden realization at Han Yu kneeling opposite, his tone of surprise tinged with understanding.

And this reaction wasn't intentional on Lin Feng's part; it was genuine.

Originally he was quite puzzled: why are the spiritual plants and magic beasts here so powerful, and also so numerous?

After going around in circles, he finally learned that these spiritual plants were planted by some alchemists among the frontline soldiers during their years of battle.

And according to Han Yu, the cultivators who participated in that battle were at least low-level Dou Saints at minimum.

Therefore, when these spiritual plants were transplanted here by the alchemists, they already possessed thousands, even tens of thousands of years of medicinal potency, and after growing for such a long time, how could they not be strong?

As for those magic beasts, Lin Feng also learned from Han Yu that most of them were pets or companions of the mid-level officers of the Pingnan Army.

After their masters perished, they were forced to stay here and reproduce because they couldn't leave.

But soon Lin Feng asked again, puzzled: 'Senior Han Yu, why is the heavenly and earthly energy here so dense? Although this place is sparsely populated due to the seal, with so many spiritual plants and magic beasts consuming it, plus you seniors also needing it, even if it's denser than outside, it shouldn't be this extreme, right?'

Hehe, Xiao Yan, you don't know this. It's said that originally this place wasn't the utopia it is now, but a barren wasteland, a thousand miles of red earth, with heavenly and earthly energy almost nonexistent. Precisely for that reason, that great power back then was forced to seal this place to let it recover.

Having said that, Han Yu immediately lifted the tea cup on the table, took a light sip of tea brewed from thousand-year-old spiritual plants.

After putting down the cup and refilling another for himself, he then continued in Lin Feng's slightly anxious gaze: 'I never expected that after sealing this continent, a top-tier family on the continent took a liking to this land, wanting to turn it into their private kingdom. So they secretly infiltrated this place and then self-detonated many top-tier Nine-Grade pills here, generating massive energy to speed up the land's recovery.'

It's said that the root of the Devouring Life Grass stores immense energy; as long as I obtain and absorb its root, I will surely advance to Seven-Star Dou Saint. Afterwards, if you help me find similar spiritual plants, I will definitely reach the Eight-Star realm. Then I can settle your affairs sooner and go outside to reunite with my good wife Xiao Xun'er. After all, if I'm away too long, she'll surely worry.

At this point, Han Yu fell silent for a while, then continued: "Well, there is no wall that doesn't let wind through; just when that family, overjoyed, believed they had firmly established themselves on this continent and could reap the fruits of their hard work, the outside powerhouses somehow learned of this news, and, displeased with their actions, ordered them to leave this continent at once and return to their own lands."

This

Upon hearing that, the smile on Han Yu's face vanished instantly, turning into a look of deep apprehension.

Seeing that, Lin Feng immediately frowned: 'What, are you worried that the Ancient Devouring Life Grass might backfire? If so, I'll go support you; I don't believe we two together can't finish off a heavily wounded Eight-Star Dou Saint spirit plant. Moreover, I'm a fire-attribute cultivator, which happens to counter it.'

While speaking, Lin Feng rolled up his sleeves, clenched his fists, presenting a fearless appearance.

Xiao Yan, this is our promise to you; how could we let you handle this? If we did, I'd look like someone who breaks promises—where would I put this old face?

And upon hearing that he wanted to go on an adventure, Han Yu was frightened into hastily standing up to stop him.

"Ah, Senior Han Yu, why didn't you say earlier? It scared the junior who stayed there for so long; what if we encounter that ghostly thing?!"

As soon as the former finished speaking, Lin Feng was instantly frightened and jumped to his feet, his face full of lingering fear as he spoke.

"Hehe, Xiao Yan, you don't need to be so frightened. At that time I sensed that thing wasn't there, which is why I dared to speak with you there; otherwise, I would have already told you to run together."

Seeing the former's frightened look, Han Yu immediately smiled and gestured that there was no need to worry.

Upon hearing that, Lin Feng shook his head, still fearful, and said: "Senior, you shouldn't say that either; places with such low survival rates are best avoided, lest carelessness lead to death and the loss of one's Dao."

While speaking, Lin Feng looked as if he feared that place and would never go there again.

Seeing this, the corner of Han Yu's mouth, which had just risen, instantly rose a bit more.

However, at this very moment, Lin Feng suddenly changed the subject, frowning: "It seems this place is indeed dangerous, Senior Han Yu. How about we go deal with the Ancient Life-devouring Grass tomorrow? When I encountered your spirit pet earlier, I saw it appeared to have been injured by your spirit pet. Regardless, its strength is only that of an Eight-Star Dou Saint, and with its severe injuries, I think you could easily dispose of it."

"It is said that the root of the Life-devouring Grass stores immense energy; if I obtain and absorb that root, I will surely advance to Seven-Star Dou Saint. Afterwards, as long as you help me find similar spiritual plants, I will certainly reach the Eight-Star realm. Then I can settle your affairs sooner and go outside to reunite with my good wife Xiao Xun'er. After all, if I'm away too long, she will surely worry."

While speaking, Lin Feng scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly.

"This"

Upon hearing that, the smile on Han Yu's face vanished instantly, replaced by a deep hue of apprehension.

Seeing this, Lin Feng immediately frowned and asked: "How come, Senior, are you worried that the Ancient Life-devouring Grass might fight back? If that's the case, I'll cover for you—I don't believe we two together can't finish off a heavily wounded Eight-Star Dou Saint spirit plant. Moreover, I am a fire-attribute cultivator, which just happens to counter it."

While speaking, Lin Feng rolled up his sleeves, clenched his fists, presenting a fearless appearance.

"Xiao Yan, this is our promise to you; how could we let you handle this? If we did, I'd seem like someone who breaks promises—where could I put my old face?"

And when Han Yu heard that the former wanted to go on an adventure, he was instantly frightened and hurriedly rose to stop him.

But as soon as the words fell, he bitterly said, "That Devouring Life Grass I could easily deal with, but the thing behind it I can't handle. Yet I told you earlier that the survivors back then weren't only the elders of me and Qiu Yue; there were some others as well."

"Now Qiu Yue has gone to summon them; once everyone gathers, we'll finally have a chance to deal with the thing behind that Devouring Life Grass."

"The thing behind the Devouring Life Grass?"

Hearing that, Lin Feng was suddenly shocked, and he impatiently asked, "Senior, that Devouring Life Grass is at Eight-Star Dou Saint level; could there be something even stronger behind it supporting it?"

And his mood now was not masked at all; he was genuinely quite frightened.

After all, he had planned to kill the Devouring Life Grass to boost his strength, so that means he and Xiao Ling had already walked through the Ghost Gate?

Because from Han Yu's expression just now, his apprehensive emotion didn't seem pretended.

So that means behind that ancient Devouring Life Grass, there stands something comparable to Han Yu, perhaps even stronger, supporting it?

"Sigh, that's right. It's a tree‑type spiritual plant left behind after a famed strongman of the Pingnan Army fell. That plant was already the left and right arms of that strongman. Its current strength is such that even a Nine-Star Peak Dou Saint would have to turn and flee upon seeing it. Most importantly, it has lost much of its reason, perhaps driven mad by that great battle; now, apart from its own kind, it basically kills anyone it meets."

Finishing, Han Yu sighed helplessly and looked at Lin Feng: "So it's not that I don't want to help you quickly improve your strength; it's that I lack the ability. All spiritual plants above Four-Star Dou Saint here are protected by it; only plant versus plant, or plant versus demon beast, can engage in internal slaughter and devouring, and we humans may not take part."

"If the two of us rashly go there, killing the Devouring Life Grass isn't hard, but I fear that once that tree appears, a single move could turn both you and me to ash in an instant!"

And when speaking of the back side, Han Yu's tone showed a hint of trembling for the first time.

From this, it's clear they are extremely afraid of that ancient strongman's leftover tree‑type spiritual plant.

"Whoa, holy crap, that was close?!"

After hearing Han Yu's explanation, Lin Feng's back was instantly soaked with cold sweat that seemed to appear out of nowhere.

He only wanted to obtain some heavenly materials and earthly treasures to advance, but who knows that behind those treasures lies such a formidable elder?

Han Yu, who can palm‑kill a Nine-Star Dou Saint level, that tree—who knows its rank, its background is still… I'm truly frightened of this place.

And Han Yu, seeing the former give up going, breathed a huge sigh of relief, then continued to invite them to sit down for a detailed talk.

(End of Chapter)