After hearing Han Li's words, Patriarch Linghu's brow furrowed. He fell silent for a moment, then slowly picked up his teacup and took a sip.
"Everything Fellow Daoist has said — how could this old man not understand? But I am different from you. I have resided in Yellow Maple Valley for over a thousand years, and my attachment to it is far beyond what ordinary people could comprehend. Naturally, I do not wish for the valley's legacy to end the moment I pass away. It seems that Fellow Daoist is truly unmoved by matters of fame and profit. However, if you would be willing to accept the position of Elder of Yellow Maple Valley, I would be prepared to bestow upon you some of my personal possessions after my passing. Among them are no shortage of rare treasures that I have collected over many years — items that would be of great use to your future cultivation." Patriarch Linghu spoke these words suddenly, catching Han Li completely off guard.
"Leave your possessions to me? If I remember correctly, don't you have disciples of your own?" Han Li's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, but he subconsciously narrowed his eyes before asking in a calm voice.
"The highest cultivation among my disciples is only mid-stage Core Formation. Leaving these treasures to them would only bring disaster and misfortune upon them. Even if you had not appeared, I would have made arrangements to dispose of the majority of my treasures elsewhere — I would never have left them in Yellow Maple Valley." Patriarch Linghu let out a cold laugh.
Han Li stroked his chin and fell into thought.
To say he was unmoved by Patriarch Linghu's offer would be impossible. But he was equally aware that once he accepted the position of Elder in Yellow Maple Valley, he would immediately face a whole host of thorny issues involving the Six Sects and the Nine Nations Alliance. These matters could not be settled in a short time, and as the sole Elder of Yellow Maple Valley, while he would indeed hold great power, he would no longer be able to enjoy the same freedom and ease as he did in the Falling Cloud Sect.
More importantly, there were also the difficult matters involving Nangong Wan and the Concealed Moon Sect.
"Thank you for your generous offer, Fellow Daoist. But I'm afraid I must decline the matter of joining Yellow Maple Valley." After deliberating for a long while, Han Li still shook his head in refusal.
Hearing these words, Patriarch Linghu did not grow angry — his face was simply filled with a look of helplessness.
"If even such conditions cannot persuade you, it seems Fellow Daoist truly has no desire to wade into the murky waters of our Six Sects. In that case, why don't I modify the terms a bit?" Patriarch Linghu sighed and spoke.
"How would you modify them?" Han Li's expression shifted with curiosity.
"Tell you what — you need not serve as Elder of Yellow Maple Valley. Instead, I will give you three great treasures in exchange for your assistance on three occasions during your lifetime. Of course, this aid would be limited to what is within your capability." Patriarch Linghu said with a wry smile.
"Three instances of assistance within my capabilities. That doesn't seem unreasonable — I can agree to that." At this request from Patriarch Linghu, Han Li considered briefly before quickly nodding in assent.
A trace of a smile appeared on Patriarch Linghu's face. He then reached to his waist and produced three items, placing them on the table as though they had been prepared well in advance.
Han Li said nothing. His gaze fell upon the three items, and he examined them one by one.
A small, shimmering blue shield. A red jade bottle. And a jet-black object resembling a jade pendant.
Without standing on ceremony, Han Li first picked up the shimmering blue shield.
The moment it entered his hand, it was warm, soft, and almost weightless — as if it were nothing at all. This surprised Han Li. Looking at it more closely, even with his current level of knowledge, he could not identify the material from which it had been forged.
"This is an ancient treasure I obtained in my early years. It has been with me for quite some time. I call it the 'Blue Light Shield.' This treasure possesses considerable power, and is especially miraculous against fire-attribute attacks. You will see for yourself in the future that my words are no exaggeration." Patriarch Linghu watched the shield in Han Li's hand, an unmistakable hint of reluctance in his eyes.
Han Li ran his hand over the shield's surface once or twice, then set it back on the table, though he recognized that this treasure was indeed extraordinary and that the other man had likely not been exaggerating.
Next, he picked up the red jade bottle.
"Inside the bottle is a demon beast inner core. I obtained it years ago when I infiltrated deep into the Mulan Grasslands alone and slew a seventh-level Iron-Winged Eagle demon beast. It is an exceedingly rare material. Whether for refining pills or other purposes, it has considerable utility." Patriarch Linghu introduced it upon seeing Han Li's interest.
"A seventh-level demon beast core!" Han Li's face betrayed no emotion whatsoever, though inwardly he sighed.
Although a seventh-level demon core was considered extremely rare in the Tian Nan region, to him it was little more than something too insignificant to bother with and too precious to discard.
He smiled faintly, slightly unscrewed the bottle cap, took a peek inside, then sealed the bottle again and casually placed it back in its original position. His gaze finally settled upon the last item.
But this time, Patriarch Linghu gave a strange smile and did not volunteer any explanation.