Chapter 224: Yes, They Have a Child
Perhaps because Han Li had given them a prior warning, and also because Yang Wudi himself was an expert in poisons and knew that Bai Ming's condition couldn't be delayed any further, the discussion between Bai He and Yang Wudi was incredibly brief.
In less than five minutes, the two dismissed their soul power barrier and returned.
"We accept your conditions."
Yang Wudi was the one who spoke, his tone as cold as ever.
"We agree, but I don't trust people from Spirit Hall. Moreover, our clan's heirloom is far more valuable than this treatment. You must swear a martial soul oath at the same time as me swearing that you will not leave any hidden tricks during the treatment, and that once it's over, you will allow us to leave safely."
"Neither you nor any Spirit Hall members hiding in the shadows are allowed to interfere."
To be extra cautious, Bai He even added a few more conditions.
And then, he and Yang Wudi saw Han Li's group looking at him with an odd expression, almost as if they pitied him.
Han Li struggled to suppress his laughter and responded with a straight face, "No problem. If it's a martial soul oath, I accept."
Han Li genuinely hadn't expected Bai He to make such a request.
In this day and age, who would voluntarily enter into a martial soul oath with him?
Of course, from their perspective, this condition wasn't unreasonable.
Hmm… this old white bird was starting to seem a bit cute.
If the situation weren't so serious, Han Li would've asked if Bai He wanted to add a few more conditions.
"As long as you agree."
Bai He still felt something was off especially since they didn't even ask to inspect the heirloom first but he didn't dwell on it.
After all, from the perspective of someone from the Douluo Continent, a martial soul oath was the most solemn promise one could make.
With a heavy heart, Bai He retrieved a small box from his soul tool and clenched his teeth before looking at Han Li.
"Swear first. Once we confirm the effectiveness of the treatment, we'll make the exchange."
"No problem."
Han Li nodded without hesitation and took the lead in making the oath.
Seeing his decisive actions, Bai He finally sighed in relief and synchronized his own oath.
Once the ritual was complete, Han Li turned to Ye Lingling.
"Xiao Ai, I'll leave the healing to you."
Ye Lingling blushed slightly at the name.
She knew Han Li was teasing her about how flustered she had been earlier.
He's still joking at a time like this? And in front of the other girls?
A slight feeling of embarrassment rose within her.
However, she obediently stepped forward, knowing that half of the reward the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng would be hers.
As a healing type soul master, the allure of such a rare treasure was something she simply couldn't resist.
With a flicker of soul power, a staff as white as snow, shimmering with starlight, appeared in her hands.
Five normal colored soul rings emerged above her, and as her soul rings pulsed, a beam of green light shot toward Bai Ming.
"Alright, now you two can rest assured he'll make a full recovery."
Han Li turned to Yang Wudi and Bai He, who were still staring intently at the ongoing treatment.
"A very pure life force. I believe you now."
Yang Wudi withdrew his gaze and looked at Han Li.
"Payment for services rendered. I take my obligations seriously."
Han Li shamelessly praised himself.
"That… is fair enough."
Yang Wudi paused for a moment before nodding.
However, as if something had suddenly crossed his mind, his grip on his spear tightened.
"Thinking about the Haotian Sect again, are we?"
Han Li didn't miss the small movement.
His smile widened slightly when dealing with enemies, one had to seize every opportunity to strike.
"This has nothing to do with you," Yang Wudi responded coldly.
"Oh, but it does," Han Li said leisurely.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend, wouldn't you agree?"
"I'm an enemy of Spirit Hall, too."
Yang Wudi's attitude remained firm.
"True, but it looks like you really don't want to see your younger brother and son again. What a shame."
Han Li sighed dramatically, looking as if he truly regretted the situation.
Yang Wudi's grip on his spear tightened once more.
"I considered them dead long ago. And now that they belong to Spirit Hall, that makes them my enemies."
His voice rose slightly.
"You're right. In fact, when I return, I'll suggest sending them both to pay a visit to the Haotian Sect. What do you think?"
When it came to goading people, not even Guang Ling could match Han Li's skill.
Han Li's words didn't just freeze Yang Wudi; even Bai He, who had been closely monitoring Bai Ming's condition, was stunned.
This bastard… is absolutely shameless!
This was nothing but a blatant threat!
"You dare?!"
Yang Wudi finally lost his composure. His Soul Breaking Spear almost lunged forward on its own.
"You see? Your reaction and your words completely contradict each other. People should be honest it makes everything easier for everyone."
Han Li laughed.
"You win. What do you want to say?"
Yang Wudi took a deep breath, forcing down his anger.
"It's nothing. I just wanted to chat with you about the past and perhaps align our perspectives."
Han Li gave a playful smile. Seeing Yang Wudi and Bai He frown again, he quickly added, "Don't worry, I have no intention of recruiting you. But as someone from Spirit Hall, there's something I must inform you about just so you don't end up picking the wrong side."
Han Li's words sent chills down their spines, making them feel as if they were sitting on needles.
Picking the wrong side? Was Spirit Hall planning something big again?
"Oh, don't misunderstand. Everyone knows that Spirit Hall has always been a force for good. We are committed to fighting evil and maintaining peace, never initiating conflict with any faction."
Seeing their expressions, Han Li could guess what they were thinking, so he spoke with righteous conviction.
Yang Wudi and Bai He exchanged glances but did not refute him.
Even though they considered Spirit Hall their enemy, they couldn't deny this fact.
Over the years, Spirit Hall had indeed taken on these responsibilities. While their methods were sometimes forceful, their overall mission had remained true.
But what did this have to do with them? They never asked Spirit Hall to do any of this.
"So, have you really never wondered why the Spirit Hall Pope personally went after Tang Hao?"
"Why do you think Tang Hao never dared to return to the Haotian Sect?"
"Why did the old sect master of the Haotian Sect die from anger?"
"And why, even with the support of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, did the Haotian Sect still choose to shut itself away?"
Han Li threw out a series of questions, leaving both men momentarily stunned.
"Isn't it because the Haotian Sect had gained too much influence and posed a threat to you?"
Almost instinctively, Bai He spoke the answer that was widely believed by most people.
"You really think that?"
Han Li looked at Bai He as if he were some rare and fascinating creature, shaking his head in amusement.
"Isn't that the case?"
Bai He felt a little embarrassed. He had merely voiced the common belief what was so wrong about that?
"Ah, sure, sure. You're completely right. Then tell me, how do you think Tang Chen managed to rise to power? And why did Sword Douluo remain untouched even after his father's death?"
"If Spirit Hall really operated the way you claim, would they have ever been allowed to reach the Title Douluo level? Come on, don't be ridiculous."
With just a few words, Han Li shut Bai He up.
Indeed, what Han Li said made sense.
Even Yang Wudi fell into deep thought.
Yes, apart from dealing with fallen soul masters, Tang Hao was the first publicly hunted soul master in Spirit Hall's history. Even the Pope personally got involved.
And the reason given at the time if he remembered correctly was for colluding with soul beasts.
Colluding with soul beasts?
The words echoed in Yang Wudi's mind, sending shivers down his spine.
"Was the warrant issued by Qian Xunji actually true?"
His voice had unknowingly turned hoarse and dry.
"What?"
Bai He turned to his old friend in confusion, only to see Yang Wudi's face drained of color.
"Of course, it was true. Don't forget, Spirit Hall is also responsible for monitoring and handling soul beast affairs."
Seeing Yang Wudi's reaction, Han Li knew he understood now.
"What are you talking about?"
Bai He suddenly felt a prickling sensation on his scalp, as if something terrifying was about to be revealed.
"At the time, Spirit Hall issued a warrant for Tang Hao, charging him with colluding with soul beasts."
Yang Wudi locked eyes with his friend, emphasizing each word.
"Heh… that's just… impossible…"
Bai He was about to laugh it off, but halfway through, something clicked.
His voice grew weaker and weaker until, by the end, his lips were moving, but no sound came out.
"Shit."
After a long silence, Bai He finally squeezed out a single word.
A hundred thousand year old soul beast could transform into a human that was rare but not unheard of.
In fact, many recorded cases of soul masters possessing hundred thousand year soul rings and soul bones came from such creatures.
The concept of sacrificing oneself for a soul master was also something that had happened in history.
Hundred thousand year old soul rings and soul bones were widely acknowledged as the most precious treasures a soul master could obtain.
Countless soul masters dreamed of acquiring them, and when they were young, most had fantasized about stumbling upon a soul beast willing to sacrifice itself for them.
But now, it turned out that this had actually happened and the person involved was none other than that bastard Tang Hao.
"So, what exactly did Tang Hao do?"
Bai He's lips trembled as he asked.
"Oh, nothing much. He just had a child with that hundred thousand year soul beast."
Han Li deliberately changed the wording, making it sound as crude and shocking as possible so they could grasp the reality of it.
Yang Wudi and Bai He opened their mouths but didn't know how to respond.
What were they supposed to ask next what species it was?
"So, now that you know the truth, do you still think Spirit Hall was wrong to act?"
"Do you still believe you were right to oppose Spirit Hall back then?"
Han Li continued his verbal assault.
"We didn't know the truth. We were misled…"
Bai He weakly tried to defend himself.
"But if I recall correctly, didn't the previous Pope publicly announce the reason when hunting Tang Hao?"
Han Li tilted his head slightly as if seeking their confirmation.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen