Bachelor [EN]: Chapter 1061

Han Li was slightly surprised by the old Taoist’s words. The Human-Demon races strictly forbade kidnapping cultivators from the opposite side to forcibly make them concubines or partners for dual cultivation [a practice to enhance cultivation]. Although this rule had rarely been mentioned over the years, if such an act were discovered, it would lead to great trouble.

‘Aren’t the cultivators who organize the Black Market Exchange Assembly being too bold!’

However, this also meant that rare items, usually hard to find, were likely to appear through these clandestine channels. Moreover, since the demon beast materials he was most interested in were also said to be available, it might be a good opportunity.

“Hearing what you said, True Person, I am indeed interested. Could you tell me the location and time of the exchange assembly?”

“The Black Market Exchange Assembly is held in a very mysterious place. It’s not a fixed location but a Sumeru Space [a portable space] that can move on its own. The organizers will announce the time and participation methods in various ways when the time comes. As far as I know, the participation methods differ for each cultivator. I have attended several exchange assemblies, so I have a way to receive the news first. If you wish, I can take you with me.”

“Then, I would be very grateful.”

Han Li said with a smile at True Person Mangol’s words.

“Haha, you’re welcome! Even if it weren’t me, you would have heard about it from other cultivators soon. Besides, I might need your help with a minor matter in the future.”

“If there is anything I can help with, please do not hesitate to ask.”

Han Li replied with a smile, and they continued their conversation in a more amicable atmosphere.

As time passed, after their exchange, True Person Mangol called a particularly beautiful disciple to perform a dance called the ‘Heavenly Demon Enchanting Dance’ for Han Li. Then, he personally escorted him to the teleportation array.

As Han Li disappeared into the teleportation array, the old Taoist’s smile vanished, and his expression darkened. At that moment, a spatial fluctuation occurred in the void, and a woman with a graceful figure appeared, giggling flirtatiously.

“How is it? Is it possible to win him over? I hope we’re not just wasting our time.”

The woman, wearing a thin veil that revealed her entire body, was as beautiful as a blooming flower. Surprisingly, she looked quite similar to the concubine the old Taoist had been holding in his arms.

However, the woman exuded a captivating aura in her eyes and movements that drew men’s hearts. Mangol turned his body upon hearing her words.

“It’s impossible to judge the success now. Reaching the Fusion Stage at such a young age means he is definitely not an ordinary person. It’s clear that we can’t win him over without putting in effort. Moreover, considering his potential, if he advances another level in a few hundred years, it would be much better than attracting several other old men.”

“To the mid-Fusion Stage in a few hundred years? Aren’t you overestimating him too much? It’s impressive that he reached the early Fusion Stage in a short time, but the road ahead will be even more difficult. We have been wandering around the peak of the early stage for tens of thousands of years since reaching the Fusion Stage.

No matter how talented he is, it will take thousands of years to reach the mid-stage. If this cultivator truly reaches the mid-stage before the Demonic Tribulation [a great calamity] and is willing to protect this immortal, I would even marry him right away.”

At the mention of the Demonic Tribulation, True Person Mangol’s expression also changed.

“Who knows the fear of the Ancient Demons better than us, who have experienced the last Demonic Tribulation? Most of the independent Fusion Stage cultivators of the Human-Demon race were killed during the last Demonic Tribulation, with only four or five surviving. The Fusion Stage cultivators who relied on large forces survived much more.

What is the reason for this? It’s because they were scattered and surrounded by the high-level Ancient Demon cultivators. This time, before the Demonic Tribulation arrives, we must gather more independent Fusion Stage cultivators and combine our strength.”

“That makes sense, but I don’t know if we need to put in so much effort to gather the independent cultivators. Brother Mangol can lead the White Bone Sect and join the Three Sovereigns [powerful human leaders], while I can find my own way and rely on one of the Demon Kings. As the saying goes, there is good shade under a big tree.”

The seductive woman retorted with a pout. Unexpectedly, the woman was a demon.

“Hmph, do you think we, who have lived as independent cultivators for so long, can live well under all sorts of restrictions and constraints? If that were possible, the cultivator wouldn’t have run away from the Sky Fox Clan, and I wouldn’t have refused the Three Sovereigns’ request.

Besides, if we go to them when the Demonic Tribulation is imminent, who would welcome us? They might only pretend to be hospitable and then use us as sacrifices when the war breaks out. It would be better to fight alone.

Moreover, the Three Sovereigns and Seven Kings [powerful demon leaders] are not necessarily safe. Have you forgotten that three Demon Kings and one Human Sovereign died during the last Demonic Tribulation? What we need to do now is prepare in advance. The more Fusion Stage cultivators we gather, the higher our chances of surviving the Demonic Tribulation.”

“Then, the Myriad Treasures Assembly is the best opportunity. Most independent cultivators have little interaction with other cultivators. I’ll leave the human cultivators to True Person. I’ll try to persuade the demon cultivators. Not many independent cultivators know that the Demonic Tribulation will definitely arrive within a thousand years. Oh, I also talked to Black Wolf, and he seemed interested. Of course, it will take time to fully persuade him.”

The seductive woman seemed somewhat convinced by the old Taoist’s words.

“That’s great. Isn’t the Heavenly Kun Black Wolf cultivator the one who fought the Heavenly Kui Wolf King for the Demon King’s seat day and night and narrowly lost? His strength is incomparable to ordinary independent cultivators. I have some connections with the Heavenly Yin Old Ancestor of Heavenly Yin Mountain in the human race, so I will talk to him as soon as I meet him at the Myriad Treasures Assembly.”

“If we can successfully win over these two, we can survive the Demonic Tribulation.”

Seeing the delighted True Person Mangol, the woman smiled. Her seductive aura intensified several times, and even Mangol, who was well-versed in the art of replenishing yang with yin [a dual cultivation technique], was momentarily mesmerized.

“Why are you looking at me like that, Brother Mangol? It looks like you want to have a deep discussion about the Dao of dual cultivation with me. If you really have such thoughts, I wouldn’t refuse True Person.”

The woman’s smile deepened at Mangol’s expression. At that moment, the old Taoist felt a chill in his heart, regained his senses, and gave a wry smile.

“…You’re quite the joker. How could I, a humble Taoist, dare to touch an immortal with the body of a Sky Fox? Although I’m not young, I still want to live a few more years.”

“Then, that’s a pity! I thought you were excellent in this area and wanted to share some insights. I didn’t expect you to be so timid.”

At the woman’s words, the old Taoist could no longer look at her face and avoided her gaze, changing the subject.

“By the way, Immortal Hua’s Myriad Illusion Mysterious Art has reached a great level. Even I, who knew that you were disguised as my concubine, couldn’t find anything strange. I guess Cultivator Han didn’t notice it either. The Sky Fox Clan’s concealment and illusion techniques are among the top three in the demon race.”

“Ha! True Person Mangol, do you really think he left without knowing anything?”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s not strange that you don’t know. While I was disguised as your concubine, I felt a strange fluctuation in his consciousness, directed entirely at me. If I hadn’t used a separate sensing technique and been watching him, I wouldn’t have noticed it at all. Cultivator Han’s consciousness is truly powerful. To compare, it’s comparable to the Three Sovereigns or Seven Kings.”

“Is that what happened!”

True Person Mangol’s face darkened with surprise.

“You don’t need to worry unnecessarily. He must have such talent to reach the Fusion Stage at such a young age. It’s not surprising that he has a powerful consciousness. Besides, even if he saw through my illusion, he wouldn’t have noticed the Fusion Stage cultivation that I sealed using the Sky Fox Clan’s secret technique. Moreover, he didn’t do anything unusual, so he must have known that I had no ill intentions. Otherwise, why would he have chatted with you for so long before leaving?”

“Immortal is right. I’ll have to make up some excuse if he asks about it later.”

The old Taoist calmed down as he organized his thoughts.

“Actually, it doesn’t matter if he knows my identity, does it? Let’s just reveal it openly.”

“…”

At the woman’s words, the old Taoist’s face twitched, and he closed his mouth.

In fact, Immortal Hua of the Sky Fox Clan was a troublemaker who had been expelled from her clan. She had absorbed the yang energy of hundreds of ‘young and talented’ men and ran away, and the Sky Fox King had even personally chased after her to kill her. Yet, she was still alive.

This was a sufficient reason for the old Taoist to be reluctant to reveal his friendship with her to others.

“Since I have made contact with Cultivator Han, I will go into closed-door cultivation for a few days. I have recently gained some insights and want to study them in detail. This place will be uncomfortable for you, so I will see you off.”

“I know you’re saying that because you’re afraid I’ll lay my hands on your disciples or grandchildren. Is there no place for me to rest in this vast residence? Speaking of which, there are a few disciples you brought this time who have quite good talent. Among them, there is also the grandson you cherish the most, right? True Person Mangol, you must protect him well.”

The woman giggled seductively and suddenly disappeared from the spot. The next moment, she appeared above the teleportation array, once again dressed as Mangol’s concubine.

True Person Mangol, his face pale, hurriedly took out a silver spirit tablet and shone it on the teleportation array.

Buzz!

After the teleportation array emitted light and the woman disappeared, True Person Mangol could not hide his wry smile.

* * *

At the same time, Han Li, having returned to his residence, sat alone in the main hall, deep in thought.

‘What is True Person Mangol thinking?’

He could not believe that the purpose was merely to make friends. Moreover, the concubine he was holding in his arms had her face covered with a rather sophisticated illusion technique, which made him even more suspicious.

However, since the other party did not seem to harbor any ill intentions, Han Li had chatted with the old Taoist before returning to his residence. He did not know what the other party’s intentions were, but there was no need to be afraid.

Also, the Black Market Exchange Assembly was worth attending. After all, he did not come here expecting to gain much from the officially held Myriad Treasures Assembly.

Half of the reason was because of a promise he made with an unknown demon woman in Heavenly Origin City, and the other half was to build relationships with cultivators of the same level and to understand what kind of people the Three Sovereigns of the human race and the Seven Kings of the demon race were. He also wanted to compare them with the Star Domain beings he had met in other races before.

If the demon woman really appeared here and provided him with the necessary demon materials, and if he could find useful materials at the Black Market Exchange Assembly, he might be able to gather all the auxiliary materials to refine the second Extreme Mountain.

If he protected his body with two Extreme Mountains, he could easily overcome the next few Great Heavenly Tribulations. Moreover, he had the opportunity to find the third Extreme Mountain, so he only needed to be patient and wait for his newly acquired disciple to master the Hanbai Divine Power.

This was because one of the Five Extreme Mountains of the Yuan Convergence was the Hao Yin Cold Soul Mountain, which possessed extreme cold properties.

The Hao Yin Stone that formed this mountain did not emit cold air under normal circumstances, unlike the Profound Jade. It only emitted a strange cold soul aura when someone triggered it.

Usually, the Hao Yin Stone, located tens of thousands of feet below glaciers, was hidden by the surrounding cold air and could not be found with consciousness. Only a cultivator who had mastered the Hanbai Divine Power could trigger the Hao Yin Stone by activating the energy within their body.

The range of the sensing depended on the size of the Hao Yin Stone and the strength of the cultivator who had mastered the Hanbai Divine Power.