96: The gift of Houtu, a treasure of slaughter acquired after birth.

"This..."

After hearing Li Yun's words, all the Ancestral Witches were somewhat dumbfounded.

They never expected Li Yun to say such a thing. What was even harder for them to accept was that the method Li Yun mentioned was actually a marriage alliance.

It was undeniable that Yuehua was considered a beauty among the female Cultivators of the prehistoric world, but as Ancestral Witches, they had never entertained such thoughts or ideas.

A marriage alliance!

Even if they really were to look for a woman, it would be someone from within the Witch Tribe—at least someone with a powerful physique, rather than an ordinary female Cultivator.

For a moment, the entire blood pool area fell into a dead silence.

Except for Houtu and Xuan Ming, who stood to the side as women, covering their mouths and chuckling, the other ten Ancestral Witches looked at each other, not knowing how to respond.

"Looks like it's a no-go."

Taking in the scene, Li Yun shrugged and spoke helplessly, "Since the Ancestral Witches have no such intentions, then let's leave this task to the other Great Witches!"

"Although it sounds a bit ridiculous, it's undeniable that Fellow Daoist Yuehua's importance to the Witch Tribe is indeed immense. If we lose her, the difficulty of the Witch Tribe's rise will increase significantly."

"So, in my view, the best choice is a marriage alliance to completely make her a member of the Witch Tribe!"

"Phew—"

Hearing this, the Ancestral Witches clearly breathed a sigh of relief.

Not being forced to enter a marriage alliance themselves was already great news.

As for the subordinate Great Witches, they didn't care much about that. As Li Yun said, if the Ancestral Witches weren't up for it, then the Great Witches would have to step up.

Even if the Great Witches wouldn't do, there were Lesser Witches; even all the men of the Witch Tribe could be made available for Yuehua to choose from.

As long as the two became Dao Companions, Yuehua would become a member of the Witch Tribe. Their relationship would become even closer, and they wouldn't have to worry about her leaving in the future.

Most importantly, they truly needed to increase protection. Only by ensuring Yuehua's safety could the rise of the Witch Tribe be sustained and eternal!

Thinking of this, Di Jiang spoke up: "Thank you for the advice, Fellow Daoist Li Yun. I understand this matter now."

"After the business here is finished, I will go and ask the Great Witches about their attitudes and thoughts. If anyone likes Fellow Daoist Yuehua, we'll let her make her choice then."

"Before, we were indeed a bit too idealistic and didn't consider that Fellow Daoist Yuehua might leave, or even be assassinated!"

Hearing this, Li Yun nodded.

Now that things had come to this, he didn't need to say anything more.

After all, the pride of the Ancestral Witches was beyond doubt. He could offer suggestions, but he was limited to that and couldn't make decisions for them.

Thinking of this, Li Yun said, "In that case, I won't disturb the Ancestral Witches any longer."

"The business here is concluded, so I should be going."

Saying so, Li Yun cupped his hands in a salute, not intending to linger any further.

"Fellow Daoist Li Yun, let me see you out!"

Seeing this, Houtu called out and immediately stepped forward to follow Li Yun toward the exit.

The other Ancestral Witches saw this, but no one thought much of it.

They all knew that compared to them, the relationship between Li Yun and Houtu was clearly better.

Under these circumstances, the Ancestral Witches didn't hesitate any longer and immediately began using the power of the Pangu Blood Pool to create more clansmen.

On the other side, Li Yun and Houtu had arrived at the entrance of Pangu Hall.

At this point, Li Yun paused and turned to Houtu, saying, "Ancestral Witch Houtu, please stay here."

"One can be detected once outside Pangu Hall. It's enough for the Ancestral Witch to see me this far."

"Alright!"

Nodding, Houtu did not refuse.

She also understood Li Yun's mindset—to stay hidden and not let outsiders know about his close relationship with the Witch Tribe, nor did he want his own situation exposed.

Thinking of this, Houtu looked at Li Yun with some reluctance, then took something from her robes and tossed it to him, saying, "Fellow Daoist, I give this to you!"

"I obtained this after killing a Grand Unity Golden Immortal from the Demon God Palace. It's of no use to me, but it might be useful to you as a Cultivator!"

Hearing this, Li Yun instinctively reached out and caught the object Houtu threw.

Taking a closer look, it was a longsword as black as ink, but its appearance was extremely poor—rusty and looking like it might break at any moment.

"What is this?"

"A broken spirit sword?"

Raising an eyebrow, a hint of confusion and puzzlement appeared in Li Yun's eyes.

Houtu saw this and smiled, "Fellow Daoist, do not underestimate this item!"

"This should be a special Spirit Treasure. It can cut through a Great Witch's Physical Body defense. Even I was injured by it once when I was careless!"

"Although I'm not sure what level of treasure it is, its sharpness is beyond doubt. It should be of some value to Fellow Daoist Li Yun."

"After all, I haven't seen you use any offensive Spirit Treasures, so..."

Listening to Houtu's explanation, a bright light flashed in Li Yun's eyes.

To be able to wound an Ancestral Witch, the value of this sword was indeed immense.

Instinctively, Li Yun sent his Divine Sense into it.

But unfortunately, his Divine Sense was like a stone dropped into the ocean, with no reaction or fluctuation at all, let alone being able to probe its information.

"Interesting!"

Li Yun's interest was piqued.

He was curious about the situation with this sword, which possessed such power yet resisted his Divine Sense.

Thinking of this, Li Yun immediately mobilized the power of the System to investigate it.

Unsurprisingly, under the power of the System, the information about the sword was revealed.

In an instant, a screen of information about the longsword appeared in front of Li Yun.

[Acquired Supreme Treasure of Slaughter: Armor-Piercing Sword]

[Possesses 43 Acquired Restrictions; contains traits: Armor-Piercing, killing without incurring Karma!]

[Armor-Piercing: Can ignore the opponent's defense, depending on cultivation level. If the opponent's cultivation is lower than one's own, the effect is better; conversely, if the opponent's cultivation exceeds one's own, the effect is weakened!]

"Good heavens!"

"It's actually an Acquired Supreme Treasure!"

"And a special Spirit Treasure of Slaughter!"

After reading the information on the Armor-Piercing Sword, Li Yun admitted he was tempted.

Not because of the object itself, but because of the traits it contained.

If he fused it, could he obtain the Armor-Piercing trait for himself?

If he mastered the Armor-Piercing trait, the boost to his combat power would be undeniable. As his cultivation grew, those at the same level would find it difficult to block his attacks, and even...