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Chapter 2304: The Fall of Ao Xiao

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"What? My grandfather is supposed to face the trial in seven days—how could it be so sudden? Isn't there still time left?" Yin Yue shouted in astonishment and anger at the Tianyuan City cultivator standing before her. At this moment, they had arrived at the Grand Transmission Hall within Tianyuan City, where the elder on duty stood. Han Li and the others had just heard this astonishing news from this senior cultivator at the Consolidation Stage. "Lady Linglong, it seems Master Ao Xiao encountered some mishaps during his meditation retreat, which forced him to face the trial earlier than expected—there's simply no more time to delay. For this reason, the Sacred Island has specially dispatched several treasures and artifacts to our city, which is why we were even aware of this matter," the somewhat unfamiliar elven elder said, offering a wry smile to Yin Yue. Yet, his gaze upon Mo Jianli and Han Li remained profoundly respectful. "Even if we make full use of the teleportation arrays along the way, it's likely we'll still fall short within seven days—there will simply not be enough time to deliver the Lei Xiao Seal to his hands within that period. However, if Brother Ao can withstand the heavenly thunderstorm for a few additional days, we might still have a chance." Mo Jianli's expression changed several times before he said this. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's immediately return to the Sacred Island. I hope we truly make it. Let's instantly teleport us to the nearest major city from the Sacred Island!" Han Li's expression was grave, yet he gave the order to the young xiao without hesitation. "Yes, the junior will immediately arrange it." From the conversation, the elder of the xiao race sensed something significant, and with a sudden sense of urgency, he bowed and agreed promptly. He immediately instructed some guards from the Teleportation Hall to begin removing the seal on one of the teleportation arrays and quickly installed several spiritual stones. Once everything was completed, Yin Yue flashed into the array and immediately entered it. Han Li and the others followed right after. A flash of inspiration! Han Li and the others instantly vanished from the teleportation array, leaving no trace. Nine days later, at the horizon near the two holy isles, a rushing sound broke the stillness, and a massive black vessel, dark as ink, materialized suddenly, emitting a series of hissing sounds as it sped directly toward the isle. Some guards patrolling in that direction hurried to meet it. However, upon seeing the ancient character inscription on the front of the vessel—large as a palm—they all gasped, halted in place, and bowed respectfully. "A guard at the Xuangong stage hurried forward and replied. "Red Cloud Valley!" Mo Jianli murmured to himself, slightly surprised. At the same moment, the black giant vessel shuddered and, with an astonishing speed, darted past the group of guards, heading in a different direction. The holy island guards exchanged glances, momentarily puzzled. Half an hour later, the black vessel was still speeding through the vast expanse of space, soaring at ten thousand feet high. However, at the front of the vessel, besides Mo Jianli, all of Han Li's companions—Han Yue and the others—had now gathered there. Everyone's faces were solemn, intently gazing ahead, with Han Yue especially showing signs of growing anxiety. Han Li had obtained two Lei Xiao seals during her journey among the spiritual clans. When she returned and first saw Han Yue, she clearly expressed her willingness to present one of them to Old Master Ao Xiao, to enhance his chances of successfully enduring the celestial trial. This news delighted Han Yue greatly. To their utter astonishment, they had heard that Master Ao Xiao would suddenly advance his celestial trial ahead of schedule—this naturally left Yin Yue deeply anxious. "Boom!" A deep, resonant sound suddenly erupted from within Yin Yue's arms, as though something had burst open inside her. Her face instantly turned pale, losing all color. "Ming, what's wrong?" Han Li immediately noticed Yin Yue's unusual state, his heart sinking with a growing sense of foreboding. Yin Yue's eyes glistened with tears; she didn't answer Han Li's question, but instead, opened her mouth and expelled a fresh, glowing jade plaque. The plaque was no larger than a palm, yet its surface bore a vividly lifelike silhouette of a man. Upon glancing at it, Han Li instantly recognized the figure as remarkably familiar—it was precisely the portrait of Master Ao Xiao. However, at this moment, the silhouette on the plaque was now densely covered with fine cracks, and these cracks were rapidly multiplying, visible to the naked eye. Within just a few breaths, the entire jade plaque crumbled into fine powder and drifted gently between the fingers. Yin Yue stood motionless, gazing at the scene in silent wonder. By this time, Han Li still had no idea what had happened. After taking a deep breath, he simply stood by quietly, offering silent companionship without uttering a word. Mò Jiǎnlí, however, saw this and her eyes flickered several times before she lifted her head toward the sky, remaining silent throughout. Zhū Guǒ’ér, the Elder of the Stone-Body Sect, and the others exchanged glances, each holding their breath, unable to draw a single breath. The Black Ling Great Vessel continued to move at its previous astonishing speed. After nearly half an hour, a flash of luminous light appeared ahead, and suddenly, several dozen streaks of flight lights shot toward them from the front. Han Li frowned at this, then lightly stepped forward and touched the vessel with his foot. A low hum followed, and the vessel instantly came to a halt in the air. At that moment, the flight lights flickered several times and then materialized near the vessel, their glow gradually fading as they It was precisely the elders of the Saint Island! "Respectfully, Master Han, Master Mo!" Upon seeing Han Li and Mo Jianli aboard the great vessel, the two clan cultivators were initially delighted, but immediately turned solemn, bowing deeply and paying their respects. "Did Ao Xiao make it through the celestial calamity?" Mo Jianli asked, his face grave. "Reported to the elders, Master, Ao Grandmaster perished in the celestial calamity. Only two fragmented relics of protection and a spiritual core remain." The eldest elder replied respectfully. "Then, I claim the spiritual core of my grandfather. Hand it over to me." Silver Moon suddenly spoke coldly. "Indeed, I was not aware that Lady Linglong was also here. According to the bequest of Master Ao Xiao, the spiritual core was originally meant to be passed to the仙子's hands." The elder, upon seeing Silver Moon speak, straightened his expression and replied. Then, with a swift motion of his sleeve, he produced a pale yellow wooden box, lifted it with both hands, and flew it to the great vessel, placing it gently into Silver Moon's hands. The silver moon's figure slightly trembled, yet after biting her lip, she still opened the wooden box in front of everyone. Inside, a crystal core the size of a clenched fist lay gently, radiating a familiar aura. Beside it rested a half-sheathed white blade and a yellow small bell with one side missing. Silver moon lightly touched the crystal core with her finger, then looked up at Han Li, speaking calmly, "I would like to be alone for a while. Please do not disturb me during this time." As soon as she finished speaking, she turned away from everyone, drifting silently toward the ship's cabin. Han Li watched her go in silence, saying nothing to stop her. Only after a while did he turn back and addressed the group of holy isle elders, "You all should also come aboard the sacred vessel. Please recount to me and Mo Daojun in full detail the process of Ao Xiao's ordeal—do not omit any particulars." "Yes, we will faithfully report everything to the two esteemed lords," the elder replied, his expression firm and without hesitation, bowing respectfully. Han Li nodded and then invited the senior monks of the holy isles to board the great vessel. ... Six months later, atop a modest spiritual mountain of one of the holy isles, Han Li stood beneath a lush, emerald pine, arms folded behind his back, silently gazing at a small valley distant in the haze of thin white mist, his expression serene and thoughtful. Suddenly, a faint yellow figure materialized silently behind him, bowing gracefully to Han Li before standing respectfully at attention. "Ming Tian, have there been any developments regarding the new dwelling?" Han Li asked after a while, without turning around. This figure was Hai, one of his most trusted disciples. "Reporting to Master, as you requested, I personally surveyed most of the territories of the two clans and finally located a site that fully meets your requirements. Our disciples are ready to relocate at any time," Hai replied respectfully. "Ah, then where exactly is the new dwelling located?" Han Li's expression brightened, and he finally turned to face him. "Report, Master. Our new abode is on an island within the Boundless Sea. Though this sea lies in a remote location between the two clans, its qi is exceptionally pure, and naturally, half of the sea is enveloped by the dual-yin and dual-yang magnetic fields. With only slight modifications, it can serve as an extremely powerful protective seal for the dwelling." Hai Dashi replied honestly. The sea prince naturally placed full faith in Han Li's words, immediately bowing with renewed respect before retreating several steps and taking flight from the small hill. Han Li remained quietly standing beneath the spirit pine, gazing toward the distant horizon.