114: Han Li emerges from seclusion! The Five Elements Array of the Trade Reversal is activated!

Chapter One Hundred and Fourteen: Han Li Comes Out of Seclusion! Trading for the Inverting Five Elements Array!

The next day, the weather was clear and bright.

Lu Qiu left Chixiao Cave, steering an inconspicuous streak of light, and flew toward another direction on the outskirts of the Taiyue Mountain Range.

After flying for about a dozen miles, he arrived at a valley shrouded in faint white mist with an extremely hidden entrance.

The terrain of the valley was even steeper than that of Chixiao Cave, with steep cliffs on three sides and only a narrow path in front leading inside. The environment was quiet and secluded, and the concentration of Spiritual Qi was also quite good.

“This is the place.” Lu Qiu landed at the valley entrance, putting away his streak of light.

This was precisely the location of the Immortal Cave that Han Li had told him about previously.

Standing at the valley entrance, his Divine Sense swept through the faint white mist, sensing several layers of concealment and early-warning Restrictions that were not overly complex but quite ingenious.

It was clearly a protective Formation Han Li had obtained from somewhere.

“This guy really knows how to stay in seclusion.” Lu Qiu recalled the original plot; Han Li's current seclusion was likely to last for as long as four years.

If not for the urgent need for that thousand-year Scarlet Blood Essence Vine to treat the Bloodline Flood Dragon, Lu Qiu would not have wanted to disturb this naturally cautious and suspicious Junior Brother at this time.

But matters had different levels of urgency, and the Bloodline Flood Dragon's injuries could not be delayed.

He took out an ordinary Sound Transmission Talisman, held it to his lips to whisper a few words, and after injecting a trace of magic power, tossed it toward the white mist inside the valley.

The Sound Transmission Talisman turned into a streak of light and disappeared into the Restriction.

Lu Qiu waited quietly.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the white mist in front suddenly churned and slowly parted to both sides, revealing a passage only wide enough for one person to pass through.

A figure dressed in the attire of a Yellow Maple Valley Cultivator, with an ordinary face and steady eyes, appeared at the end of the passage. It was Han Li.

Seeing Lu Qiu outside the valley, a hint of surprise flashed in Han Li's eyes, but he quickly concealed it. He stepped forward to greet him and cupped his hands, saying, “Senior Brother Lu, your presence honors me. Please forgive me for not welcoming you sooner.”

His tone was polite, but Lu Qiu could sense a subtle trace of fatigue in his expression, as well as a slight displeasure at having his cultivation interrupted.

“Junior Brother Han, I apologize for the unannounced visit and for disturbing your quiet cultivation.” Lu Qiu returned the gesture with an apologetic expression.

“Senior Brother, you're being too formal. After being in seclusion for so long, an occasional visitor can help change my state of mind. It's no trouble.”

Han Li waved his hand, suppressing his slight annoyance, and his expression returned to calm. “May I ask what brings Senior Brother Lu here today?”

He was somewhat puzzled.

Senior Brother Lu's sudden visit today, even to the point of disturbing his seclusion, must mean there was something important.

Lu Qiu stepped into the valley and said casually, “Let's talk inside.”

Han Li hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. “Senior Brother, please follow me.”

He led the way half a step ahead, while secretly remaining vigilant.

Although Lu Qiu was his Senior Brother and they had been close in the past,

Han Li was naturally cautious, especially since he harbored a Heaven-Defying secret; he didn't dare to fully trust anyone.

The two passed through the passage and entered the interior of the valley.

The area inside the valley wasn't large, but it was organized neatly. Spiritual fields, herb gardens, and cultivation Quiet Rooms were all present, and the Spiritual Qi was even denser than outside.

Lu Qiu could feel even stronger Restriction fluctuations deep within the valley, which must be Han Li's true core cultivation area.

He observed proper etiquette and did not use his Divine Sense to probe around, simply looking at the valley's scenery with a peaceful gaze.

Han Li led Lu Qiu to a simple stone pavilion to sit, took out a tea set, and began brewing spiritual tea.

As he moved, he quietly sensed the aura on Lu Qiu's body and couldn't help but be slightly startled.

The aura on Senior Brother Lu was even more unfathomable than the last time they met!

Although it was hard to accurately judge his specific Realm, that heavy, condensed Spiritual Pressure with its faint sense of oppression was definitely not something a normal Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator could compare to. He had likely reached the Late Foundation Establishment Stage... Meanwhile, after over a year of seclusion, with the help of Medicinal Pills and hard cultivation, Han Li had only just managed to stabilize his Early Foundation Establishment Stage Realm, still some distance from the Middle Stage.

At this thought, Han Li couldn't help but feel a trace of bitterness and urgency.

Comparing oneself to others really is infuriating.

But his Heart-Nature was resilient, and he quickly suppressed this emotion to focus on brewing tea.

“Junior Brother Han, this Immortal Cave of yours is quiet and elegant, with abundant Spiritual Qi. It's a fine place for cultivation.” Lu Qiu took the spiritual tea Han Li handed him, took a small sip, and praised.

“Senior Brother overpraises me. It's just a secluded spot I found to barely settle down in.”

Han Li spoke politely and sat down opposite him. “May I ask why Senior Brother has come this time...”

He asked about the purpose of the visit again, clearly not wanting to engage in too much small talk.

Lu Qiu set down his teacup, his expression becoming more serious. “To be honest, Junior Brother, I've been traveling and gaining experience for over a year. I've visited several places and was fortunate enough to obtain some decent treasures. I've come today to trade with you, to see if we can exchange what we have for what we need.”

“A trade?”

A sharp light flashed in Han Li's eyes, and his fingers unconsciously tapped the stone table twice.

His mind raced. This Senior Brother Lu had great strength and luck; anything he valued enough to specifically seek out a trade for would certainly not be ordinary.

And the most valuable things on him... were likely those high-year Spirit Medicines matured using the little green bottle.

He was somewhat hesitant.

Trading with this unfathomable Senior Brother involved both risks and opportunities.

But since the other party had come to his door, a direct refusal would probably be inappropriate.

After pondering for a moment, Han Li spoke slowly, “I wonder what Senior Brother Lu wishes to trade? My net worth is meager; I'm afraid I have little that would catch your eye.”

Lu Qiu smiled slightly, knowing that Han Li had agreed and was just being habitually cautious and modest.

He didn't beat around the bush either, directly waving his hand, and two items appeared on the stone table.

One was a Formation Plate about a foot square, with a warm five-colored jade-like luster and its surface covered in complex, profound patterns. Beside it were five neatly stacked Formation Flags of different colors, their spiritual light restrained.

The other was a pale green Jade Slip with an ancient appearance.

Han Li's gaze was immediately drawn to the set of Formation tools.

The spiritual power fluctuations emitted by the Formation Plate and Formation Flags were perfectly integrated and resonated faintly with the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi. They were definitely not ordinary goods!

And that Jade Slip, though inconspicuous, must be extraordinary if Senior Brother Lu had specifically brought it out.

“Junior Brother, have you ever heard of a miraculous Formation in the cultivation world called the ‘Inverting Five Elements Array’?” Lu Qiu pointed at the set of Formation tools and spoke slowly.

“The Inverting Five Elements Array?!”

Upon hearing this, Han Li's pupils suddenly contracted, his body even leaned forward slightly, and his breathing quickened!

He was well-read and had dabbled in all sorts of anecdotes, treasures, and Cultivation Techniques in the cultivation world. How could he not know the illustrious name of the “Inverting Five Elements Array”?

This array was known as the “Lesser Restriction Array”!

While it didn't match the protective arrays of major Sects in terms of coverage area and active offensive capabilities, its effectiveness in illusionary concealment and confusing or trapping enemies was second to none!

Countless cultivation families and small-to-mid-sized Sects dreamed of owning a complete Inverting Five Elements Array to guard their gates or important Immortal Caves!

Its value, in some respects, even exceeded that of certain Magic Treasures or rare thousand-year spirit herbs!

Han Li's heart was pounding. He suppressed his excitement, his voice sounding a bit dry. “Senior Brother Lu, do you mean... this array is that legendary Inverting Five Elements Array?”

“Correct.”

Lu Qiu nodded affirmatively, his finger brushing over the smooth Formation Plate. “This is a complete and flawless Inverting Five Elements Array, with both the Formation Plate and Formation Flags included. Once activated, it's enough to protect this valley of yours tightly. Ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivators would find it impossible to break in, and even a Core Formation Cultivator would find it difficult to breach in a short time if they aren't proficient in Formations. I see that the Restrictions around your cave are clever, but their protective power is ultimately limited. I wonder, Junior Brother, are you interested in this array?”

Han Li fell silent.

He was more than just interested!

It was exactly what he had been dreaming of!

He carried heavy treasures, and what he lacked most was a safe cultivation environment and powerful protective measures!

This Inverting Five Elements Array was practically a protective talisman tailor-made for him!

But he also knew that such a great treasure had an inestimable value.

For Senior Brother Lu to bring this out, his request would surely not be small.

After a long time, Han Li took a deep breath, looked up, and stared at Lu Qiu with bright eyes. “Since Senior Brother Lu has brought out such a treasure, you must have something in mind. What would you like to exchange it for?”

His tone had returned to calm, but the longing in his eyes was hard to completely hide.

Lu Qiu chuckled inwardly, knowing the fish had taken the bait.

He said unhurriedly, “I want a thousand-year spirit herb called the ‘Scarlet Blood Essence Vine’.”

Han Li's expression changed slightly, but he quickly returned to being as calm as an ancient well.

As expected!

He was after a thousand-year spirit herb!

Aside from those thousand-year spirit herbs he had secretly matured with the little green bottle, he truly had nothing else of equivalent value that he could offer.

The other party had clearly come prepared.

Scarlet Blood Essence Vine... he remembered he seemed to have seeds for this Spirit Medicine. The age was insufficient, but... with the little green bottle, age was never an issue.

However, maturing it took time, and it couldn't be exposed.

Han Li pondered, his fingers tapping the tabletop again unconsciously, as if weighing the pros and cons.

In reality, he was already moved.

A complete Inverting Five Elements Array was too important to him!

It was enough to increase his future safety factor several times over!

“Thousand-year Scarlet Blood Essence Vine...” Han Li spoke slowly, seemingly choosing his words carefully. “This item is indeed rare. I... was fortunate enough to obtain one in my early years. If Senior Brother is not in a hurry, could you give me some time? In about... half a month, I will personally deliver it to your residence.”

Lu Qiu understood clearly, knowing that Han Li had agreed and needed time to “operate”.

He nodded readily. “Alright, I can wait half a month.”

With one part of the trade settled, Lu Qiu pointed his finger at the pale green Jade Slip.

“This is a remnant chapter of an ancient Divine Sense cultivation secret technique called the ‘Great Evolution Art’.”

“The Great Evolution Art?” Han Li was moved once again.

Divine Sense Cultivation Techniques were already rare and precious. One that could be called “ancient” and was solemnly presented by Senior Brother Lu was definitely no ordinary item!

“Correct.”

Lu Qiu introduced it, “Although this remnant has only two layers, practicing this art can greatly enhance your Divine Sense and strengthen your Divine Soul. It has miraculous effects on resisting Heart Demons and practicing more subtle Cultivation Techniques and Divine Abilities. More importantly, a powerful Divine Sense will provide inestimable assistance when forming a Golden Core in the future, increasing the chances of Core Formation slightly.”

Increasing the chances of Core Formation!

Han Li's breathing suddenly hitched, and his gaze toward the Jade Slip instantly became incomparably burning!

Core Formation!

That was the Realm all Foundation Establishment Cultivators dreamed of!

Any treasure or technique that could increase the chances of Core Formation was a priceless treasure!

Not to mention an ancient secret technique that could continuously strengthen the foundation of one's Divine Sense!

His throat felt a bit dry, and his voice was slightly hoarse. “This ‘Great Evolution Art’... what does Senior Brother Lu want to exchange for it?”

He knew this gift was even heavier!

Its value was likely even higher than the Inverting Five Elements Array!

Lu Qiu looked at him and said calmly, “A thousand-year ice-attribute Spirit Medicine. The type doesn't matter, but the quality must be top-notch and the medicinal properties pure.”

Ice-attribute?

Thoughts spun in Han Li's mind. What did Senior Brother Lu want an ice-attribute thousand-year spirit herb for?

But that wasn't something he needed to worry about.

“A thousand-year ice-attribute Spirit Medicine...” Han Li fell into “deep thought” again, while actually recalling which ice-attribute Spirit Medicine seeds or seedlings he had.

After a moment, he gritted his teeth as if making a major decision, looked up at Lu Qiu, and said with a firm gaze, “Alright! The ‘Great Evolution Art’ in exchange for one thousand-year ice-attribute Spirit Medicine! Likewise, please give me half a month!”

He knew he was taking a “big hit” this time, having to produce two thousand-year spirit herbs at once.

In the past, he would never have traded thousand-year spirit herbs so easily.

After all, it could easily expose the existence of the little green bottle.

But facing Lu Qiu, Han Li already felt that “one more debt wouldn't hurt.”

After all, he had traded thousand-year spirit herbs with him before because of the Qing Yuan Sword Art.

Most importantly, the Inverting Five Elements Array and the Great Evolution Art were just too attractive to him!

The former saved his life, and the latter could increase his chances of Core Formation!

This trade, for him,

was too worth it!

“It's a deal!” A smile appeared on Lu Qiu's face. “Then I will await your good news, Junior Brother.”

“Take care, Senior Brother Lu.” Han Li rose to see him off, his attitude clearly much warmer and more respectful than when they first met.

With the trade concluded, Lu Qiu didn't linger. He took to his streak of light and left Han Li's Immortal Cave valley.

He knew that in the next half month, Han Li would surely use the Heaven-Palming Vial to mature the Scarlet Blood Essence Vine and a certain ice-attribute Spirit Medicine to a thousand years of age.

And he just needed to wait patiently, while also continuing to prepare for the upcoming Demonic Path invasion and the even further journey to the Chaotic Star Sea.

Inside the valley, Han Li gazed in the direction Lu Qiu had left, his eyes filled with a complex mix of joy, anticipation, and a deep sense of caution and contemplation.

But he soon collected his thoughts and quickly walked toward the depths of his Immortal Cave.

Time was pressing; he had to hurry and “Cultivate” the Spirit Medicines.