“Time? Place names?” Upon hearing this, Xitie Niu was momentarily stunned, seemingly without any impression. However, seeing Han Li’s serious expression before him, he knew this was key to whether he could earn merit, so he lowered his head and pondered hard.
Half a quarter of an hour later…
“Got it!” Xitie Niu suddenly looked up and shouted, his face full of joy.
“I remember the female immortal said that before attending the immortal assembly, she wanted the male immortal to accompany her to a place called Tai Nan Valley. It seemed there were other immortals there too.”
“Tai Nan Valley?” Han Li murmured the name twice softly, but it rang no bells in his mind. Clearly, he had never heard of this place.
Han Li turned his gaze to Sun Ergou. If such a place existed locally, this local tyrant should know something about it.
“In Jiayuan City, there’s no such place! If there really were such a valley, I would definitely remember it clearly.” Sun Ergou frowned, shaking his head repeatedly.
“Are you sure you remember correctly?” Han Li turned his gaze back to Xitie Niu, his tone turning cold and stern.
“Absolutely not mistaken. The woman also said that after just half a day’s journey, they could meet her friends at Tai Nan Valley.” Xitie Niu hurriedly swore to the heavens.
“Half a day’s journey! If traveling on foot, that would still be near Jiayuan City. But these two were riding flying beasts, so the range is much larger, though it still shouldn’t be beyond the borders of Lan Province.” Han Li pondered to himself.
“Do either of you know if there’s a place called Tai Nan Valley or simply Tai Nan anywhere in Lan Province?” Han Li’s expression softened slightly as he asked the two.
Sun Ergou and Xitie Niu exchanged glances and almost simultaneously exclaimed: “Tai Nan Temple!”
“Tai Nan Mountain!”
“Two places called Tai Nan?” Han Li was taken aback, feeling a headache coming on.
“Young master! No, it’s just one!” Sun Ergou rushed to answer.
“That Tai Nan Temple is built on Tai Nan Mountain.” Xitie Niu added, not wanting to be outdone.
“Oh! Excellent, it seems Tai Nan Valley should be there.” Han Li said lightly.
“But young master, we’ve never heard of any Tai Nan Valley near Tai Nan Mountain! Could it be a mistake?” Sun Ergou reminded doubtfully.
Upon hearing this, Han Li chuckled, “Hehe, no mistake, it must be that place!”
“You’re not cultivators, so of course you wouldn’t know of this place. I suspect it must be a long-term residence for some cultivators.” Han Li thought excitedly.
“Where exactly is Tai Nan Mountain located?” After his excitement subsided, Han Li realized he still didn’t know where this place was and casually asked.
“Young master, Tai Nan Mountain is in the southernmost part of Lan Province, about forty li west of Guanggui City.” Sun Ergou replied respectfully.
“Southern Lan Province?” Han Li frowned. It was in the exact opposite direction of the Du霸 Manor he was heading to for the assassination—south versus north, completely out of the way. It seemed he would have to make several extra trips.
“Sun Ergou, upon returning, make Xitie Niu the deputy leader of the Siping Gang. I know you’re not too pleased, but since I promised this man, I must keep my word.” Han Li instructed Sun Ergou.
“I wouldn’t dare, young master. Whatever you say, I will do without a single word of complaint!” Sun Ergou was startled upon hearing this, remembering what Han Li had told him initially, and his face turned even paler.
“Don’t worry, I know whether you are loyal or not. This bottle contains antidote pills that can completely neutralize the poison in your body, freeing you from any future worries. This is what I promised you beforehand, and I treat everyone equally—I won’t deceive you.” Han Li took out a bottle of pills and handed it to Sun Ergou.
Sun Ergou was overjoyed. The “Corroding Heart Pill” poison in his body had always made him lose his appetite and sleep poorly. Now that it could be completely eradicated, how could he not be excited?
“Thank you, young master! Thank you, young master! This lowly one will be utterly devoted to you, even unto death!” Sun Ergou took the bottle, speaking these words with utmost sincerity.
Han Li nodded noncommittally.
The main reason he so readily gave Sun Ergou the antidote was that he found it troublesome to provide him with the monthly antidote! Moreover, he would be away from Jiayuan City for some time. Since it was such a hassle, he might as well completely neutralize the poison. Of course, if these two were to betray him in the future, Han Li wouldn’t hesitate to kill them immediately and replace them with others.
Furthermore, Han Li, who had no immediate use for the Siping Gang, had already decided to treat it as one of his escape routes—a backup plan.
Han Li understood well that in this world, there is no such thing as unconditional loyalty or betrayal without cause. Controlling others through violence is the most effective yet the crudest method of domination, always carrying the risk of backlash. Therefore, to ensure long-term loyalty, a combination of kindness and authority works best.
Thus, by giving Sun Ergou the antidote, Han Li could greatly enhance his loyalty for a long time while also establishing an image of a decisive leader who rewards merit and pun faults—beneficial for Han Li’s long-term control over both men.
These were Han Li’s carefully considered thoughts.
After watching Sun Ergou take the antidote, Han Li suddenly spoke words that both surprised and delighted him.
“I will leave Qu Hun with you long-term from now on, but you are absolutely forbidden to use him to stir up trouble. Remember, although Qu Hun is very powerful, there are many extraordinary people in this world, and using him might bring about your own death. Do you understand?” Han Li said solemnly.
“Yes, this lowly one understands. I will definitely take good care of Lord Qu Hun. Please rest assured, young master.” Sun Ergou nodded his head repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice.
“If it weren’t because I no longer need Qu Hun for close protection, and his appearance is too conspicuous, making it inconvenient for him to travel far with me, why would I entrust Qu Hun to this man for safekeeping?” Han Li sighed inwardly, shaking his head with some reluctance.
“Both of you, take care. You may leave now! There’s no need to see me recently. I will be traveling far for a while and don’t know when I’ll return.” Han Li gently waved his hand, dismissing them.
Upon hearing this, Sun Ergou and Xitie Niu respectfully exited the room, leaving Han Li alone inside, lost in thought.
“What kind of cultivators are in Tai Nan Valley? If I go there, will it be inappropriate? Could I encounter any danger?” Han Li mused absently, his mind wandering into a state of self-forgetfulness…
Time flies like a shuttle. In the blink of an eye, two months had passed. By then, Han Li was nowhere to be found in Jiayuan City, and for a very long time thereafter, his figure would not appear again…
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