240: Chapter 240 Yin Yang Saint

A clear white light radiated from his Sea of Consciousness. Han Li's Nascent Soul, glowing with the five colors of the Five Elements, stood before the flame lotus of the Exotic Fire Legacy.

The petals of the flame lotus trembled slightly, drifting down from the lotus and eventually landing on Han Li, transforming into a special energy that slowly merged into him.

This energy faintly contained a trace of Law power. Once Han Li absorbed it, he suddenly felt an extreme affinity for fire, and streams of information regarding flame appeared in his mind.

As a petal fell from the lotus, the lotus seat at the center grew slightly larger, and a flame lotus seed, far larger than the previous ones, floated out from within.

This flame lotus seed displayed a glazed red and white color, looking like a peerless, magnificent work of art. After this art-like flame lotus seed arrived before Han Li, it began to rotate slowly.

The rotation of the lotus seed made Han Li feel dizzy. In the very next instant, the flame lotus seed dove into Han Li's body, releasing an astonishingly vast amount of energy.

Outside, Han Li's physical body and his Nascent Soul in the Sea of Consciousness assumed a seated posture at the same moment. With his hands resting on his knees and his wrists turning slightly, the energy in his Meridians circulated at high speed.

"Thump! Thump! Thump..."

Accompanied by the rapid circulation of energy, the color of Han Li's skin quickly turned a slightly transparent red, through which the powerful beating of his heart could be seen. Every beat was like a giant drum being struck hard, emitting a sound that vibrated the eardrums.

The sound grew louder with each beat. The entire Spirit Beast Central City was covered by this sound. Every time Han Li's heart beat, it made people's breathing tighten. This pressure oppressed everyone's heart like an ancient beast.

"Is this truly a human? Even a Spirit Beast specializing in Body Refining wouldn't be this terrifying, right?" In the distance, City Lord Tian Cheng felt Han Li's heartbeat, revealing an expression of disbelief for the first time.

His true form was a Sky Bat Dragon, which was considered a powerful Spirit Beast even on the vast Fighting Qi Continent, but under the oppression of this aura, he actually felt deep dread!

Around him, a large group of people had gathered. These were all famous figures in the Central City, all of whom had been alarmed by the commotion of Han Li's Breakthrough earlier.

"Who is this expert breaking through? How could they possess such might? Could it be some ancient Spirit Beast?" someone asked in confusion, clearly unaware of Han Li's identity.

"Looking at that location, it should be Han Li, the Deputy City Lord of the Shati Sanctuary who arrived at the Central City a year and a half ago, right? However, I remember City Lord Tian Cheng saying that Han Li was a Four-Star Dou Sheng back then. Now, the aura radiating from him is not the least bit weaker than City Lord Tian Cheng's." An old man standing beside City Lord Tian Cheng spoke with some hesitation.

"That's right, the one residing there is indeed Han Li." City Lord Tian Cheng nodded, confirming the old man's words.

"The last time I felt this kind of oppression from a Bloodline was when facing a Void Ancient Dragon. This Han Li's Bloodline is definitely not as simple as a human's!" someone said with a shocked expression and an extremely astonished tone.

"Saint Tian Cheng, what is Han Li's background? Why have I never heard of such an expert?" A beautiful woman wearing a deep blue robe with green patterns painted on her face came to City Lord Tian Cheng and asked him.

"Saint Qinghua, it is normal that you haven't heard of him. This Han Li was originally a Cultivator from the Spirit Realm..." Upon hearing the beautiful woman ask him, City Lord Tian Cheng turned his head to introduce Han Li's background.

Saint Qinghua was from the Tianyang Sanctuary, and her Realm was at the Late Stage of the Five-Star Dou Sheng. She had come to the Spirit Beast Sanctuary this time to discuss the next restart of the exploration of the Gray Mist World.

After the Shati Sanctuary was destroyed, she had only heard that the Deputy City Lord of the sanctuary had escaped, but she had never heard of Han Li's name.

This was also a normal thing. Most of the sanctuaries on the continent were independent and self-governing; only when the security team escorted council members on visits would news from other sanctuaries be brought.

Even high-level figures had limited knowledge of personnel changes in other cities, let alone the fact that Han Li had suddenly risen to prominence and his reputation had not spread to the outside world at all.

Therefore, Saint Qinghua only knew that the former Deputy City Lord of the Shati Sanctuary, Captain Galen, had been killed in an attack by the True God Sect during a mission, and did not know that Han Li had later taken over Captain Galen's position.

But now, after hearing City Lord Tian Cheng's introduction of Han Li, a look of shock appeared on Saint Qinghua's face.

"This Han Li is actually so remarkable!" Saint Qinghua looked toward the location where Han Li was and couldn't help but exclaim.

In just a few short years, rising from a Dou Zun all the way to a level not inferior to a Six-Star Dou Sheng, it was truly inconceivable.

While everyone was sighing in admiration, the light at Han Li's location in the distance suddenly surged, and a flame giant tens of thousands of zhang tall appeared.

A terrifying pressure suddenly appeared, making it difficult for some low-star Dou Sheng to even breathe at this moment. Fortunately, this pressure only appeared for an instant before immediately vanishing.

Han Li, sitting cross-legged in the secret chamber, formed hand seals with his fingers. The Exotic Fire energy circulating rapidly within his body condensed at this moment, and one Bottleneck after another was smashed open.

At the same time, Han Li's aura was also rapidly climbing. In just a few short breaths, it had expanded by more than several dozen times!

The people in the city were suddenly in a daze. When they looked up again, they saw that in the sky, Han Li's massive Dharma form had no end, surrounded by endless white mist.

Amidst the white mist, ordinary people could only see the ankles of Han Li's Dharma form. But as the white mist continued to spread, many massive Flood Dragons could be vaguely seen within it. They would occasionally reveal their dragon tails or dragon claws, and the invisible pressure they released was enough to make low-star Dou Sheng experts palpitate with fear.

The strange phenomenon lasted for a full hour. When the Dharma form retracted, Han Li's true body appeared in the Void Realm.

At this moment, Han Li was dressed in green robes with an extraordinary bearing. He stood with his hands behind his back, a smile on his youthful face, appearing truly magnificent and spirited.

City Lord Tian Cheng and the others in the distance saw Han Li appear and flew over from afar, cupping their hands to congratulate him.

After a moment of pleasantries, the aforementioned Saint Qinghua asked Han Li: "Saint Han Li, are you aware of this exploration of the Gray Mist World?"

"Exploration of the Gray Mist World?" Hearing the beautiful woman's words, Han Li looked at City Lord Tian Cheng in confusion.

During this year and a half, Han Li had not taken a single step out. He knew that City Lord Tian Cheng had come to look for him many times, but he must have sensed his faint aura of Breakthrough and thus did not disturb him.

"Since the last incident, the gray mist has completely surrounded the Northern Continent. We have joined forces with the Tianyang Sanctuary to explore these gray mist spaces many times, but all have come to nothing. Now, as the gray mist gradually spreads, we can no longer just sit and wait for death. Saint Qinghua's visit this time is precisely to discuss this exploration," City Lord Tian Cheng explained as he looked at Han Li.

He naturally knew that Han Li had been in closed-door cultivation for the past year and a half, but he never imagined that this Breakthrough would be so shocking!

"Since that is the case, then Han Li will naturally go!" Han Li nodded in agreement. Now that his strength had greatly increased, even if he encountered Saint Yun and the others again, he was confident that he could easily kill them!

"Hehe, I was originally a bit hesitant, but now that I've heard you say this, I feel much more at ease... However, this operation is extraordinary. Most of the sanctuary's experts will gather to go together. If you have no objections, shall we set the time for a month from now?"

Han Li naturally expressed that he had no objections. One month to consolidate his Realm was more than enough for him.

When City Lord Tian Cheng turned his gaze to Saint Qinghua, Saint Qinghua nodded and said: "Now that we have the great assistance of Saint Han Li, I believe our exploration will be much easier. Therefore, a month from now, my Tianyang Sanctuary will definitely arrive on time."

After receiving City Lord Tian Cheng's promise, Saint Qinghua left the Central City with several Dou Sheng experts.

At the invitation of City Lord Tian Cheng, Han Li held a banquet in the evening, which served both to celebrate Han Li's Breakthrough and to announce the exploration of the Gray Mist World.

A month passed in the blink of an eye. Han Li had also taken this time to consolidate his Realm. When Saint Qinghua appeared again, the person leading them had been replaced by a middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man had many wrinkles on his fair skin, but it still could not hide his handsomeness. He wore a black and white robe, and the black and white colors in his eyes were distinct, bringing a strange sense of beauty to Han Li.

"This is Saint Yinyang, the founder of the Tianyang Sanctuary, and also a Seven-Star Dou Sheng," City Lord Tian Cheng introduced the middle-aged man to Han Li.

"Hehe, you must be Saint Han Li. Hearing of your reputation is not as good as meeting you in person; you are truly outstanding," Saint Yinyang said with a smile as he looked at Han Li's youthful appearance.

"I have long admired you. Han Li has heard of Saint Yinyang's honorable name many times over these years," Han Li also replied with a smile. Venerable Yin Yang was considered a legendary Saint in the Northern Continent, respected and admired by countless people, so he had heard Saint Yinyang's great name many times before.

After some pleasantries, City Lord Tian Cheng activated the Nine Cities Great Array.

"The remaining energy can keep the Great Array open for one month. To avoid accidents, the time for this exploration must not exceed twenty days!"

This was the theoretical activation time. If they were attacked halfway, they might not even be able to hold out for a single day.

Han Li, having experienced the attack by Saint Yun, knew even better that if no one controlled the Great Array, it wouldn't even be able to last for a moment. However, the Nine Cities Great Array would naturally leave behind one Dou Sheng expert and several Half-Saint experts.

If they were attacked, the few of them working together would be able to hold out for a period of time.

After giving a few instructions, City Lord Tian Cheng left the Spirit Beast Sanctuary with everyone.

This team consisted of thirteen people in total. Including Han Li, there were seven people from the Spirit Beast Sanctuary: three Dou Sheng, two Advanced Half-Saints, and two Intermediate Half-Saints.

Among them, Saint Tian Cheng was a Six-Star Dou Sheng at the Middle Stage, Han Li was approximately an Eight Star Dou Sheng at the Early Stage, and the remaining Dou Sheng old man was a Two-Star Dou Sheng at the Early Stage.

There were six people from the Tianyang Sanctuary: three Dou Sheng and three Advanced Half-Saints. Among them, Saint Yinyang was a Seven-Star Dou Sheng at the Early Stage, Saint Qinghua was a Five-Star Dou Sheng at the Late Stage, and the other silver-haired old woman was a One-Star Dou Sheng at the Late Stage.

If this lineup were to encounter Saint Yun and the others again, it would definitely be enough to crush them. This was also one of the reasons why City Lord Tian Cheng agreed to leave the sanctuary to explore the Gray Mist World after seeing Han Li come out of closed-door cultivation.

If it weren't for Han Li, this lineup would definitely be facing a nine-to-one chance of death if they encountered Saint Yun in the Gray Mist World. But with Han Li there, the situation was directly reversed.

After the group of thirteen left the sanctuary, they headed toward the direction of the Shati Sanctuary. That place was relatively close to the Central Plains, and most of the Strange Beasts along the way had already been dealt with. Plus, because of Han Li's request, they set out from that route.

"If we encounter the True God Sect in the Gray Mist World, do not take the initiative to attack. Prioritize defense and try your best to stay together. I will take the initiative to attack, and Venerable Yin Yang will provide support from the side," Han Li said to the group during the flight.

This was not Han Li being arrogant. Facing the methods of the True God Sect, if the team were scattered, it would definitely cause a huge impact in a short period of time.

Everyone nodded upon hearing this. Their battle tactics had been determined: Han Li would lead the attack, and Venerable Yin Yang would provide support. The remaining eleven, with Saint Tian Cheng as the lead, would form a formation that could attack, defend, and retreat, acting as the situation allowed.

Han Li flew at the front to clear the way. If they encountered any Strange Beasts along the way, he would blast them with a fire bead, instantly turning them into ashes.

However, this kind of attack could not kill the Strange Beasts at the root. Even though Han Li had Advanced to the Late Stage of Body Integration, his Dao energy was still scarce, so he still saved it whenever he could. At this time, it was sufficient to just use ordinary Exotic Fire to clear the path.

With Han Li clearing the way, the group traveled at an extremely fast speed. Not long after, a massive, endless pit appeared before them.

Han Li looked down and immediately saw the fiery red deep underground; that was the color of magma.

But to an ordinary person, the pit was silent. Looking down, it was a heart-palpitating pitch-black, and looking into the distance, it was still a hair-raising pitch-black.

It was as if the earth had completely broken apart here. If one were to accidentally fall in, it would be like entering an endless Void Realm.

And what was most unsettling was not this endless darkness, but some dark energy that was faintly radiating from the surroundings.

Han Li reached out and grabbed gently toward the Void Realm in front of him. A wisp of black energy condensed and appeared in his hand. After observing it carefully, Han Li burned it to nothingness.

Looking into the distance, Han Li's expression became grave. The others, seeing this pit, were also silent. Even though they had seen it several times, facing this scene still made people feel some unease.

"Han Li, have you discovered anything?" City Lord Tian Cheng walked to Han Li's side and asked.

"The aura of this energy is the product of the combination of those True God Sect members, but this energy is extremely weak and has a huge gap compared to before. However, according to the properties of this energy, it is impossible to say it is weak because of the passage of time. Presumably, that Saint Yun suffered significant injuries and has still not recovered!" Han Li said, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"This huge pit is the product of the self-detonation of the Nine Cities Great Array. It seems that this Saint Yun was injured by the self-detonation of the Nine Cities Great Array. If what you say is correct, perhaps this Saint Yun is also hiding in the Northern Continent, and it is very likely that he is right nearby!" Venerable Yin Yang floated slowly, looking at the pitch-black surroundings and immediately making a judgment.

This guess had been made before, but they had not seen the most primitive black energy and could not reach a definitive conclusion. Even if they had speculations, they dared not act rashly.

But now that Han Li had revealed this information, Saint Yinyang immediately made a judgment.

"Then let me take a look," Han Li said, his eyes flickering with light and his tone eerie.