Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

The revised version of Mysterious Heaven Skill is far from perfect and doesn't directly resolve the conflict between the two factions. Instead, it cleverly circumvents the issue—a fact that both Han Li and Di Tian understand.

More specifically, this technique is suited to two types of people. First, those who have nothing to begin with can continue cultivating steadily without needing to hunt soul beasts. Second, it benefits geniuses in pursuit of ultimate strength.

For those within the current soul master system, Han Li has temporarily excluded them. The reason is simple: most soul masters already belong to the Spirit Hall, and the original version of Mysterious Heaven Skill is sufficient to harvest the power of faith. As for soul masters outside the Spirit Hall, even if they received the two revised versions, they're unlikely to feel much goodwill toward Han Li.

The improved version's vision is significantly stronger in terms of potential than the existing system. But even knowing the future potential, who could resist the shortcut of hunting soul beasts? Without restrictions, a rise in the number of strong individuals would only worsen the situation for soul beasts.

Nonetheless, a small change has begun. Now, at least, there is a glimmer of hope. With continued refinement, even if Han Li cannot ascend to godhood, there is a chance this issue could be resolved completely.

Watching Di Tian fall silent, Han Li didn't rush him. This was the best he could offer, for now, the product of modifying Mysterious Heaven Skill ever since he first obtained it and continually refining it within his permitted limits.

Would he invest further effort? Likely not. This doesn't directly enhance his strength; the improved version was created as a show of sincerity. Rather than getting sidetracked by this, he'd be better off accelerating his path to godhood, so he could directly adjust the world's rules to fit his needs.

"Can we get access to this technique in advance?"

Di Tian had already memorized the technique, but he still sought Han Li's permission, consistent with his character. Han Li's offer was tempting, and Di Tian agreed, but he wasn't sure if his Lord would approve. He wanted to secure some benefits in advance.

"Of course, no problem," Han Li nodded with a smile. This was the bait he had dangled. With humans entering widespread cultivation, it was only fair to offer some compensation to soul beasts. Besides, soul beasts are cultivated far more slowly than humans. Most lacked intelligence, and those capable of cultivation would need to be communicated with first. Han Li's offer was simply a possibility; it wouldn't yield immediate results but would take time to accumulate.

If Di Tian could take on this task, that would be ideal.

Di Tian gave Han Li a penetrating look before putting the technique away. He knew Han Li hadn't finished speaking, but continuing would benefit neither of them, so it wasn't the right time for further discussion.

Han Li understood and smiled even more sincerely.

He had made it clear on several occasions: Di Tian and the others had no choice. He was essentially forcing everyone's hand, especially the soul beasts. They had no option but to cooperate, whether they wanted to or not. Otherwise, even if Han Li turned against the gods, all he'd have to do is shout "The Silver Dragon King is here," and the gods would instantly focus on the soul beasts.

"Take this. Once you've made your decision, you can use it to contact me." Han Li tossed a few tokens engraved with his martial soul and the word "soul" to Di Tian.

"As for whether or not you want to meet, that's up to you," Han Li added, offering Di Tian considerable flexibility.

"Okay," Di Tian replied, accepting the tokens. Seeing that they were just simple jade pieces, he put them away.

"Reciprocity is key. Aren't you going to give me a little gift in return?"

Han Li said, glancing at the indifferent Di Tian. The fierce beasts of the Star Dou Forest didn't seem very polite.

"A gift? What do you want?"

Di Tian was taken aback, momentarily caught off guard by Han Li's request.

"The soul bones of those soul beasts who failed their tribulations—ten or eight of them. They're useless to you anyway."

"Don't be annoyed. Under the current rules, god-tier equipment transformation requires these. Strengthening my people benefits you too—you wouldn't want all this effort to go to waste, right?"

Han Li continued, undeterred by Di Tian's sharp gaze.

"You just captured two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts," Di Tian said, taking a deep breath as he regarded Han Li.

"They had grudges against me. That little rabbit who had transformed into a human fell in love with someone from the Clear Sky Clan, so I killed her. And that Blue Silver Emperor from before…none of it relates to what we're discussing here. Even if I hadn't come to see you today, their fate was sealed."

"With five first-tier gods to contend with, there's a significant gap to fill. Do you want me to kill more soul beasts?"

Han Li asked, his tone exasperated.

Reluctantly, Di Tian agreed. He had already accepted the technique and, having received something from Han Li, didn't want to forfeit a bargaining chip in future dealings. He wanted to remain on equal footing.

"Then there's no problem. I hope for a pleasant collaboration," Han Li said, smiling as he extended his right hand. He showed no concern that Di Tian might refuse.

After hesitating a moment, Di Tian extended his hand and shook Han Li's. It was a polite gesture rather than a full agreement.

"You should leave now. I'll contact you later," Di Tian said, glancing at the seven Spirit Hall elders in the distance.

"Hmm… you'd better act quickly. The sooner you decide, the faster the Silver Dragon King can recover."

"You can teleport, so I won't wait here. I'll be at the edge of the forest, waiting for those soul bones," Han Li said, unfazed by the hostile stares of nearby fierce beasts, and even smiling at them.

"I know," Di Tian replied, raising his hand in annoyance as if to say, "Get lost."

"Well then, see you later," Han Li said, unconcerned with Di Tian's attitude. He waved at the fierce beasts, turned, and walked toward the Spirit Hall elders.

The initial negotiations were complete. His goal had been achieved, and it was indeed time to leave.

"Xiao Li," someone called out as Han Li rejoined the group. He shook his head and led the still somewhat wary party toward the outskirts of the forest.

Meanwhile, back at the original spot, several fierce beasts had gathered around Di Tian.

"Boss, what did that kid say to you?"

"Is that it? Boss, are we just going to let them go?"

"Should we chase them down and finish them off?"

The fierce beasts reacted with varying degrees of confusion, all perplexed by Di Tian's actions.

"Shut up. We'll talk when we get back," Di Tian snapped, glaring at them. After confirming they were no longer being watched, he tore open a spatial rift with his right hand and was the first to step through.

"Oh, and hand over all the soul bones you've collected," Di Tian added as if suddenly remembering.

The fierce beasts exchanged puzzled glances. What was their boss up to? And why did he need soul bones?

Meanwhile, the members of Spirit Hall kept their eyes on Han Li as they moved away from the forest's core area. Han Li mentally connected with them, sharing a pre-prepared explanation that didn't quite match the conversation he'd had with Di Tian.

Di Tian wasn't slow to act, but he didn't catch up with Han Li and his group at the edge of the Star Dou Forest. Instead, he waited until they had returned to a small town's hotel. There, avoiding most people's eyes, he re-emerged from a spatial rift.

Under the wary gazes of Qian Daoliu and Guang Ling, Di Tian tossed a few soul bones at Han Li, snorted coldly, and vanished again.

"These days, it's rare to see fierce beasts delivering soul bones to soul masters," Guang Ling remarked after a pause. He didn't press Han Li for more details, though. Strange things often happened around his disciple, and Guang Ling had grown used to it. If Han Li wasn't explaining, he had his reasons, and Guang Ling didn't feel the need to pry.

"These soul bones are of excellent quality," Qian Daoliu said, his gaze a bit dazed as he looked at the pile of soul bones shimmering with brilliant light.

Before arriving, he had prepared for a full-scale battle. In the end, they'd exchanged only one move, and then he'd merely watched everything unfold. Now, looking at the soul bones before him, he felt a sense of unreality.

"Indeed, they're quite good. This torso bone is perfect for Sister Xiu'er. Bing'er and Sister Yan could use these too… Di Tian still has some stock left," Han Li said, nodding in satisfaction as he picked out a few soul bones highly suitable for his companions.

Although there were no dragon-type soul bones, there were ones from several major fierce beast species, showing considerable sincerity. Unfortunately, there were no external soul bones, not even broken ones.

"Master, if any of the marital uncles still need soul bones, let them come to you," Han Li said with a smile, pushing the remaining soul bones toward Guang Ling.

"I almost regret filling all my soul bone slots so early," Guang Ling muttered, his mouth twitching as he looked at the remaining soul bones, each of them at least fifty thousand years old. Lately, it seemed like soul bones were being handed out wholesale.

Qian Daoliu, too, closed his eyes, unwilling to look at the bounty, feeling a bit as though they were robbing the beasts.

"When the soul bones promised by Spirit Hall and Xiao Xue'er arrive, I can even get Brother Tao a full set," Han Li said cheerfully, showing no signs of distress.

Guang Ling glanced at his elder brother, who had moved to the window, and gave Han Li a discreet thumbs-up, smiling.

"Good disciple. You know how to manage things efficiently. No problem there—just not sure if your uncle can handle it."

"So, what's your next step?"

Guang Ling asked, putting away the soul bones, though he already had a good idea.

"You and the other Worships should attempt the divine trials. See if you can obtain any inheritances. The same goes for Sister Xiu'er and the others. As for grand uncle, we've already made plans to travel together."

Han Li's playful demeanor vanished, and he grew more serious.