Deep within the Cold Pool, the water lay still. Han Li sat cross-legged on a smooth slab of bluestone at the bottom, a faint, dark halo enveloping him and keeping the icy water at bay. His eyes were half closed, his brow tightly furrowed. He had immersed his entire awareness within himself, carefully sensing the Blood Fiend Soul-Chasing Seal that clung to him like an abscess gnawing at his bones.
The seal had neither form nor substance, yet it was branded deep into the very origin of his soul. It exuded a cold, filthy aura, constantly seeking to erode his mind. Like a beacon in the night, it also transmitted his approximate location into the distance without pause. Had his spiritual sense not far surpassed that of others at his level, and had the system not helped suppress it, his mind would likely have fallen already, or the Black Fiend Cult would have pinpointed him with ease.
[Analyzing Blood Fiend Soul-Chasing Seal... Complex structure containing Nascent Soul-level law fragments, closely linked to the soul of the caster (Black Fiend Cult Master). Forced removal would consume substantial spiritual sense and origin essence. Success rate below 10%, with risks of triggering seal backlash and exposing exact location.]
The system's analysis was cold and grim. Han Li tried circulating the Profound Fiend Asura Art, washing over the seal with pure Profound Fiend Power spiritual power. Yet it was like a clay ox sinking into the sea-not a trace returned. The seal remained utterly unmoved. Instead, the sliver of Nascent Soul law stirred faintly, sending a stab of pain through his soul.
"As troublesome as I thought..." Han Li opened his eyes, a trace of exhaustion flickering within them. Unless he removed this seal, he would be a turtle trapped in a