After listening to the careful words of the woman surnamed Song, Han Li nodded and didn't ask further questions.
"It's fine if Junior Sister Song and Miss Mei decide not to go. The Wanling Mountains are now filled with all kinds of people. Even if I enter the Fallen Demon Valley, there's no guarantee I can come out unscathed. Miss Ziling, it seems you haven't changed your mind and are determined to enter the valley?" Han Li casually asked Ziling.
"As long as Brother Han is willing to enter the valley, I'm willing to take the risk. I have full confidence in you," Ziling replied with a charming smile.
"Since Miss Ziling insists, I won't try to dissuade you. However, there are a few things we need to clarify before entering the valley," Han Li said, staring at Ziling without blinking.
"Of course. Ask whatever questions you have, Brother Han," Ziling agreed without any surprise.
"Firstly, I want to confirm the authenticity of the Spirit Candle Fruit. I don't want to go into the Fallen Demon Valley only to find out it was all for nothing. Can you guarantee its existence?" Han Li's expression grew serious.
"The Spirit Candle Fruit is definitely real. It was personally described by a Nascent Soul elder from the Ghost Spirit Sect who escaped from the Fallen Demon Valley. Otherwise, the Nascent Soul elders of the Ghost Spirit Sect wouldn't be so dedicated to this matter. I even have a jade slip with the elder's recorded description of the fruit's location. This should prove its authenticity," Ziling explained, handing a green jade slip to Han Li.
Han Li took the jade slip and immersed his consciousness in it, silently reading for a while.
After some time, he withdrew his consciousness and returned the jade slip without any expression.
"According to the jade slip, the Spirit Candle Fruit does exist. However, the location described is deep within the valley and somewhat vague. Finding the fruit based on these descriptions is not guaranteed," Han Li said hesitantly, frowning.
"That elder stumbled upon the fruit by accident while his Nascent Soul was out of his body, so it's normal for the location to be somewhat vague. However, there are several notable features mentioned. Finding the fruit shouldn't be too difficult," Ziling explained, seemingly worried that Han Li might have second thoughts.
Han Li pondered the contents of the jade slip, weighing the pros and cons.
"Even if we find the fruit, we need to refine the Creation Pill in the valley and consume it there; otherwise, the fruit's efficacy will greatly diminish. Have you prepared the necessary materials for refining the pill?" Han Li asked calmly after a moment.
Ziling was overjoyed and immediately suppressed her excitement. She said, her face radiant, "I've gathered the necessary materials over the past few years, enough for more than ten batches. As long as we have the Spirit Candle Fruit, we should have no problem refining the Creation Pill."
"Since that's the case, I'll venture into the Fallen Demon Valley. However, Miss Ziling, the dangers within the valley are well known. I will protect you as best as I can within my capabilities, but if we encounter something beyond my power, you must be prepared to fend for yourself," Han Li said solemnly.
"Of course. If such a thing happens, it would be my fate, and I wouldn't dare blame you, Brother Han. Besides, I have some confidence in my ability to protect myself," Ziling replied without hesitation, shedding her usual delicate demeanor and revealing a hint of resolute spirit.
Han Li was momentarily taken aback but was satisfied with her response, his expression relaxing.
"Have you three heard how the Ghost Spirit Sect plans to enter the valley? I heard they issued Fallen Demon Tokens to limit the number of entrants. This seems odd. With the current situation, whether a few hundred or a thousand cultivators enter at once doesn't make much difference. There must be some restriction on the method of entry. Otherwise, why would they charge tens of thousands of spirit stones for a token?" Han Li inquired.
