"It was nothing more than lifting a finger! Now that you are out of danger, Fellow Daoist, I shall take my leave." Han Li glanced at the woman a few times and spoke calmly. Then he turned and walked away without the slightest intention to linger.
This action left Yuan Yao, who had only just recovered from her shock, pale-faced and flustered. Forgetting her usual reserve, she blurted out: "Brother Han, what is the meaning of this? I haven't yet properly thanked you for saving my life!" The stunningly beautiful woman spoke with a pitifully delicate expression, enough to stir anyone's protective instincts.
But Han Li didn't even turn back. Only his cold voice drifted back to her.
"Thanks are unnecessary. I can only save someone for a moment, not look after them for a lifetime. Miss Yuan, take care of yourself!" With these words spoken, Han Li had already walked over a dozen zhang away, his pace extremely swift.
Upon hearing this reply, Yuan Yao's already pale face grew even more panicked.
In her current condition, let alone encountering Iron Fire Ants again, she barely had the strength to resist the scorching heat. There was no way she could let go of Han Li, her last lifeline!
She called out to him several more times in her charming voice, but Han Li ignored her completely and gradually distanced himself.
Seeing that begging seemed to have no effect on Han Li's heart of stone, she revealed an anxious expression and was forced to utter the very words Han Li had been anticipating.
"Wait! If you are willing to protect me on the road ahead, I am willing to offer a precious treasure as payment. I won't let you spend your magical power for nothing." She gritted her pearly white teeth and said.
"A precious treasure?" Hearing these words, Han Li stopped, as if a bit hesitant.
"I still have several Green Fire Thunders. I'm willing to give them all to you." Seeing that Han Li seemed interested, she hastily added, not daring to delay.
"Those green pellets from before? They are indeed quite extraordinary." Han Li slowly turned back, a hint of amusement on his face.
Since he had already stepped in to save her, he naturally had no real intention of abandoning her. Moreover, there were other little schemes behind his reason for saving her; what he did earlier was just a tactic of retreating in order to advance.
Now that she had taken the initiative to plead, his goal was achieved. Next, he could make an outrageous demand, and she would have no choice but to swallow her pride and accept.
The great beauty Yuan Yao obviously understood this perfectly!
But whether it was for Han Li's past act of saving her or to ensure his continued protection in the future, she had no other choice. With a helpless look on her face, she continued to explain.
"Green Fire Thunder is a secret fire-throwing weapon from the Demonic Dao's Qingyang Sect. Crafting just one not only consumes a vast amount of rare materials but also takes an extraordinarily long time. Its power can rival the Nucleus Yang Fire of a cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage. I have three left, and I will give them all to you." She said, her expression now somewhat settled. She extended her slender, snow-white arm, and lying calmly in her jade-like palm were three translucent, lustrous green pellets.
By now, Han Li had returned at an unhurried pace. He glanced at the three pellets and said impassively, "This Green Fire Thunder is indeed a rare treasure, but it alone isn't enough to make me take such a risk. Carrying an extra burden here would at least double my consumption of magical power. Would you, Fellow Daoist Yu, take that kind of risk?" There was a hint of mockery hidden in his words.
Hearing this, Yuan Yao's exquisite face changed slightly. After a moment where her expression fluctuated between shadow and light, she suddenly let out a seductive laugh.
"Brother Han, just state your conditions. This little woman doesn't wish to beat around the bush anymore. Perhaps you'd even want me to give myself to you?" Having said this, Yuan Yao swayed her waist, her full, perky breasts rising slightly, looking exceptionally plump. Her bright, clear eyes became misty and filled with a unique allure, brimming with indescribable charm.
Seeing this woman in such a delectable state, Han Li showed a flicker of surprise.
But then his eyes narrowed, and he looked her voluptuous body up and down. His unbridled gaze made the beauty blush crimson, but her beautiful eyes only grew brighter and more intoxicating, as if they could intoxicate one's very soul.
"Miss Yuan, your peerless beauty combined with your charm technique is indeed remarkable! But it's no use on me. You'd be better off saving that last bit of magical power to preserve your life." Han Li stroked his chin, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and spoke with perfect composure.
"Hmph! What an unromantic, boorish brute! You haven't the slightest idea how to cherish a delicate flower." The beautiful woman dropped her pretense, all traces of sly charm vanishing from her face as she spoke with some exasperation.
"Miss Yuan, you can't put it that way. If we weren't in this dangerous place like the Void Heaven Hall, and you were to come on to me, I certainly wouldn't refuse. But right now... heh heh..." Han Li spoke with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"You wish! If not for this time and place, you wouldn't even dream of me throwing myself into your arms!" Yuan Yao's almond-shaped eyes widened as she glared hatefully at Han Li.
"It seems I really did save the wrong person. In that case, I don't want your body, nor do I require any thanks for saving your life. I'll take my leave now." As if deliberately trying to anger her, Han Li clasped his fist in a parting gesture and made as if to set off again.