Chapter 316: Reaching a Consensus, A New Action
The improved version of Xuan Tian Gong was not perfect, nor did it directly resolve the contradictions between the two sides; it merely bypassed them in a rather clever way. Both Han Li and Di Tian were well aware of this.
More specifically, this cultivation technique suited two types of people. One was those who had nothing at all after all, they didn't need to hunt soul beasts to continue cultivating steadily. The other was geniuses, those who pursued ultimate strength.
As for those within the existing soul master system, Han Li temporarily excluded them. The reason was simple the Spirit Hall already accounted for the majority of soul masters, and with the original Xuan Tian Gong, it was enough to extract the power of faith.
Even if soul masters outside of the Spirit Hall were given the improved versions, they were unlikely to develop much goodwill toward Han Li.
From a potential perspective, it was easy to see that the vision described in the improved version was far superior to the existing system. But even if they knew that the long term potential was greater, hunting soul beasts remained the shortcut.
If no restrictions were put in place, once more people grew stronger, soul beasts would be at an even greater disadvantage.
Still, there had been a slight change at least there was a glimmer of hope. If the technique continued to be refined, even if Han Li couldn't become a god, there was still a chance to completely resolve the issue.
Watching Di Tian fall silent, Han Li didn't urge him. This was the best he could do for now the culmination of his efforts since he first obtained Xuan Tian Gong, continuously modifying it within his authority.
Devote even more energy to it?
Not likely.
It didn't directly enhance his strength fast enough. This improved version existed solely as a show of sincerity it couldn't become his main priority. Rather than getting stuck on this, it was better to accelerate his path to godhood and adjust the rules directly when the time came, making the rules fit him.
"Can we start using this technique in advance?"
The cultivation method was already in Di Tian's hands, and he had memorized it, yet he still sought Han Li's permission. This was simply in line with Di Tian's nature.
Han Li's proposal was extremely tempting. Di Tian agreed to it, but he wasn't sure if his master would, so he wanted to secure some benefits in advance.
"Of course, no problem."
Han Li nodded with a smile this was the bait he had set.
On the human side, mass cultivation had already begun, so the soul beast side naturally needed some form of compensation. Moreover, compared to humans, soul beasts cultivated at a much slower pace.
Not to mention that the vast majority of soul beasts had little intelligence, and learning cultivation techniques at the very least required communication. Han Li was only offering a possibility it wouldn't yield results in the short term, as everything required time to accumulate.
If Di Tian was willing to take on this task, all the better.
Di Tian gave him a deep look before putting away the technique.
He knew Han Li still had more to say, but continuing the discussion would be of no benefit to either side, so it was best to leave things as they were for now.
Han Li understood his intention and smiled even more sincerely.
He had said it more than once Di Tian and the others had no choice. He was essentially forcing everyone's hand, especially the soul beast clan.
Whether they wanted to or not, the soul beast clan had to help.
Otherwise, even if Han Li clashed with the Divine Realm, all he had to do was shout, "The Silver Dragon King is here," and they would immediately set aside their issues with Han Li and turn their attention to the soul beast clan instead.
"Take this. Once you've made your decision, you can use this to contact me."
Han Li thought of something, then took out a few jade tokens engraved with his martial soul and the character for "soul," tossing them toward Di Tian.
"As for whether we meet in person, that's up to you."
His terms were quite generous.
"Alright."
Di Tian took the items, and upon seeing that they were merely jade tokens, he put them away without hesitation.
"A token of goodwill in return? Shouldn't you offer me something back?"
Han Li glanced at the indifferent Di Tian. Weren't the Star Dou Great Forest's fierce beasts supposed to be more polite?
"A gift? What do you want?"
Di Tian was taken aback, struggling to follow Han Li's train of thought.
"The soul bones of those soul beasts that failed their tribulations. Give me ten or so it's not like they're of any use to you."
"Don't be mad. Under the current rules, transforming divine equipment still requires these things. Strengthening my people is beneficial to you too you wouldn't want everything to fall apart because of this, would you?"
Under Di Tian's hostile gaze, Han Li spoke without any pressure.
"You just captured two hundred thousand year old soul beasts."
Di Tian took a deep breath and stared at Han Li.
"They had grudges with me. That transformed little rabbit fell in love with someone from the Clear Sky Sect, so I killed her. Same with that Blue Silver Emperor from before it has nothing to do with what we discussed today. Even if I didn't come to you, they would've died anyway."
"Five first class gods there's a huge gap. Do you want me to go hunt more soul beasts?"
Han Li shook his head and looked at Di Tian with feigned helplessness.
He was just stating facts. Soul bones were useless to the soul beast clan they were just collectibles, or something they kept purely to prevent human soul masters from obtaining them.
"Fine."
Though reluctant, Di Tian still agreed. He had already accepted the technique, and since taking favors put him at a disadvantage, he didn't want to end up in a weaker position in future negotiations. He wanted an equal partnership.
"Then there's no problem. I look forward to a successful collaboration in the future."
Han Li extended his right hand with a bright smile, as if he wasn't worried at all that they might refuse. Di Tian hesitated for a moment before also reaching out his right hand for a brief handshake it was merely a polite gesture and didn't mean he had agreed.
"You should leave now. I'll contact you later."
Di Tian glanced at the seven elders of the Spirit Hall not far away.
"Mm, you'd better act quickly. The sooner you reach a decision, the faster the Silver Dragon King can recover."
"You have spatial transfer abilities, so I won't wait for you here. I'll be in the outer area waiting for the soul bones."
Han Li looked over at the powerful soul beasts in the distance, completely ignoring their hostile gazes. Instead, he grinned and casually greeted them.
"Got it."
Di Tian raised his hand impatiently, pointing towards the outskirts of the forest his meaning was clear: get lost.
"Then, see you later."
Han Li didn't care about his attitude, waved at the soul beasts, then turned and walked towards the Spirit Hall members. The initial diplomatic exchange was complete, his objective achieved, so it was indeed time to leave.
"Xiao Li."
Han Li returned to his group, shook his head, and led the still slightly wary members toward the outer area.
Meanwhile, the powerful soul beasts gathered around Di Tian.
"Boss, what did that kid say to you?"
"That's it? Boss, aren't we going to deal with them?"
"We're just letting them leave? Should we chase them down and finish them off?"
…
Each soul beast had a different reaction, but all of them found Di Tian's decision strange.
"Shut up. We'll talk when we're back."
Di Tian glared at them impatiently. Once he was sure they were no longer being watched, he tore open a spatial rift with his right hand and stepped inside first.
"Also, bring me all the soul bones you've collected."
As if remembering something, Di Tian added this before disappearing.
The soul beasts exchanged puzzled glances. Had their boss changed? And why did he need soul bones?
Meanwhile, once the Spirit Hall members left the core area, all eyes turned to Han Li.
Han Li linked their minds through spiritual sharing, feeding them a pre prepared message that didn't quite match his actual conversation with Di Tian.
Di Tian acted quickly, but not fast enough to catch up with Han Li and his group at the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest. Instead, he waited until they returned to the town's inn. Only then did he avoid most people's eyes and step out of a spatial rift once more.
Under the wary gazes of Qian Daoliu and Guang Ling, he tossed several soul bones toward Han Li, let out a cold snort, and vanished again.
"These days, having a fierce beast personally deliver soul bones to a soul master's doorstep… that's truly something rare."
Guang Ling had been holding back his words, but finally spoke. However, he didn't press Han Li for details. He had long since grown used to the strange and unusual things that happened around his disciple. If Han Li didn't explain something, it was for a reason, and Guang Ling was too lazy to ask.
"These soul bones are of excellent quality."
Qian Daoliu looked at the radiant soul bones on the ground, momentarily dazed.
He had come fully prepared for a major battle, yet after just exchanging a single move, he had been sidelined as an observer. And now, looking at the pile of soul bones before him, the whole situation felt surreal.
"Mm, they are indeed good. This torso bone suits Sister Xiu perfectly. Bing'er, Yan… Looks like Di Tian had quite the stockpile."
Han Li carefully selected a few soul bones well suited for the group and nodded in satisfaction.
Although there were no dragon type soul bones, the collection still included pieces from various powerful soul beast species, showing significant sincerity.
Unfortunately, there were no external soul bones not even broken ones.
"Master, if the other senior uncles need any, they can take them from you."
Han Li smiled as he pushed the remaining soul bones toward Guang Ling.
"I'm starting to regret filling up my soul bone slots so early."
Guang Ling's lips twitched as he looked at the leftovers, which were at least fifty thousand year soul bones. Lately, he had seen so many that they could practically be sold in bulk.
Qian Daoliu also closed his eyes as if refusing to acknowledge what was happening he was tempted to just rob Han Li at this point.
"Once Spirit Hall and Xiaoxue agree to deliver my promised soul bones, I can even prepare a set for Tao ge and the others."
Han Li grinned without the slightest hint of reluctance.
Guang Ling glanced at his elder brother standing by the window, secretly smiled, and gave Han Li a thumbs up.
Good disciple efficient and thrifty. No problem. Just that his elder brother might not be able to stomach it.
"By the way, what's your next move?"
Guang Ling stored the soul bones away and asked with anticipation, though he already had an idea.
"You and the other senior uncles should first attempt the god trials and see if you can obtain an inheritance. The same goes for Xiu'er and the others. As for Grandmaster, we've already made arrangements we'll be traveling together next."
Han Li set aside his playful demeanor and became more serious.
(End of Chapter)
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