"Oh, news certainly spreads quickly. But they are likely to be disappointed. That True Soul Pill was long ago traded away to several other Mahayana cultivators in the Spirit Realm. Even if any remained, I would have consumed them long since. There's no way I'd be carrying it around with me." Han Li heard this without surprise, and simply replied with a casual laugh.
"Traded away to others, already consumed! Such excuses might fool ordinary people, but they won't hold much weight against those true powerhouses who dominate an entire realm." Tian Fei'er glanced sideways at Han Li, a half-smile playing on her lips.
"Whether they believe it or not is up to them. If there truly are any who don't know their place, I won't mind giving them a more colorful lesson." Han Li smiled faintly, unconcerned.
"Hehe, it seems Fellow Daoist already has a plan to deal with this matter. This sister was being meddlesome after all. However, our clan's Elder Jin, upon hearing of the True Soul Pill, expressed a desire to meet Brother Han privately beforehand." Tian Fei'er's elegant brows furrowed almost imperceptibly before she suddenly smiled again.
"Elder Jin? The Golden Dragon Elder known as the foremost among the True Dragon Clan!" Han Li's expression finally shifted slightly.
"Fellow Daoist, please don't be overly concerned! The Dao Fruit Assembly is originally an opportunity Dragon Island provides for other powerhouses to gather and exchange treasures. While Elder Jin is certainly interested in the True Soul Pill, he would absolutely not use the occasion of the Dao Fruit Assembly to engage in any forced trades with other experts. If you truly do not wish to part with your True Soul Pill, Fellow Daoist, you are under no obligation to meet with Elder Jin." Tian Fei'er's expression turned serious as she spoke.
"Your clan is indeed magnanimous. Unfortunately, this True Soul Pill is crucial for my own tribulation crossing. Even if I had any left, I have no intention of trading it away." Han Li pondered for a moment before shaking his head and replying.
"Brother Han, don't be so hasty in your reply. Elder Jin also asked me to pass along another message to you. The item he wishes to offer in exchange for the True Soul Pill is, in terms of value for the Ascension Tribulation, absolutely no less than the pill itself, and possibly even greater. You know, our clan is different from ordinary living beings—we are not particularly interested in ascending to the Immortal World. Therefore, things that other powerhouses might find once-in-a-lifetime opportunities are often of little use to us." Tian Fei'er seemed to have anticipated Han Li's answer and continued unhurriedly.
"What? Something whose value for crossing the tribulation is even greater than the True Soul Pill? If that's truly the case, I might consider it. Very well. Once we arrive at Dragon Island, I will decide whether or not to secretly meet with this Elder Jin." Han Li's expression changed several times before he finally reached a decision.
"If Brother Han truly agrees to this, I believe Elder Jin will not disappoint you. Furthermore, if the True Soul Pill were to fall into our hands at Dragon Island, even the slightest hint of it would surely stop any other powerhouses from troubling Fellow Daoist Han ever again. This would be an extremely beneficial outcome for you, Brother Han." Tian Fei'er clapped her hands together and laughed.
"Hehe, I hope so." Han Li gave a noncommittal laugh and replied vaguely.
"Alright, it's getting late. We should set out as well. Although Dragon Island is located near the Mocha Realm, it still takes considerable time to reach it even for us." Tian Fei'er, sensing the conversation had run its course, wisely dropped the subject of the True Soul Pill and changed the topic.
Han Li naturally had no objections and nodded in agreement.
Thereupon, Tian Fei'er raised her arm and made a gesture toward the sky.
From within an ordinary-looking white cloud overhead, several sharp cries echoed out, and a white flying carriage, drawn by several crimson, monstrous beasts, burst forth.
The carriage was over ten zhang in length, not only pure white like jade but also engraved with all manner of exquisite patterns. The four beasts pulling it were even more striking: they had four hooves, dragon-like horns sprouting from their heads, and were covered in crimson scales. They seemed wrapped in a layer of flickering flame, their forms a fierce blend of horse and dragon.
"These are the Ferocious Steeds unique to our Dragon Island. While they aren't known for any particular combat ability, they possess immense strength and astonishing endurance. They can gallop through the void for months without food or drink, never tiring." Tian Fei'er provided a brief explanation upon seeing Han Li's expression.
"Indeed, quite interesting. I've seen some so-called 'Dragon Steeds' before, but in terms of majesty, none can compare to these Ferocious Steeds. Does your island sell this kind of spirit beast?" Han Li examined the four Ferocious Steeds up and down several times, clicking his tongue in admiration.
"Hehe, this type of low-level spirit beast, our Dragon Island does indeed sell externally. However, due to certain unique reasons, only offspring born on Dragon Island itself can possess such magnificence. If born elsewhere, their bloodline grows increasingly diluted, eventually becoming no different from any ordinary Dragon Steed found elsewhere." Tian Fei'er explained casually.
"That is a pity then." Hearing this, Han Li showed a hint of regret.
If these Ferocious Steeds could breed true on their own, bringing back just a few pairs to the human race would undoubtedly be of great use.
"Hehe, Brother Han, no need to be so impatient. Our Dragon Island's treasures are certainly not limited to these Dragon Steeds alone. I believe our other unique items will definitely broaden your horizons." Tian Fei'er chuckled softly, her figure drifting toward the airborne carriage.
"Oh? If that's truly the case, then even if I don't manage to obtain the Guang Ling Dao Fruit this time, the trip won't have been in vain." Han Li replied while his form also transformed into a streak of rainbow light and shot toward the sky.
A moment later, the four dragon-steeds let out a long, resonant neigh, their hooves treading on the void as they pulled the flying carriage forward in a wild gallop.
Seated in the back, Han Li found the entire carriage remarkably stable, as if he were standing on solid ground. This prompted a flicker of surprise, and he lowered his head to reexamine the carriage beneath him, which had seemed quite ordinary before.
"Brother Han, no need to look so closely! This Wind Spirit Carriage is forged from a special spirit copper unique to our Dragon Island. Not only is it naturally a hundred times lighter than other spirit metals, but it can also absorb and contain wind spiritual energy, making it quite a rare material even in the outside world." Tian Fei'er added with a smile.