But now, being inside the beast-drawn carriage, it was inconvenient to take it out for study immediately. Han Li could only suppress his curiosity, stow away the jade box, and sit quietly in meditation inside the carriage.
Several hours later, the beast-drawn carriage arrived at the foot of the Spirit Mountain.
Han Li alighted from the carriage and casually tossed a Spirit Stone to the driver before calmly flying up the mountain.
His cave dwelling was located halfway up the Spirit Mountain. The other non-human cultivators on the mountain were either often away or secluded in their caves, immersed in rigorous cultivation. Thus, despite the mountain’s considerable size, it was rare to see anyone outside.
However, this time, when Han Li’s light converged and he appeared at the mountainside, he was surprised to find two uninvited guests waiting in front of his cave.
One of them, dressed in a red robe and appearing to be in his sixties, was none other than the “Old Monster Xu,” who had recently used a great supernatural power to absorb all the uncontrolled primordial Qi transformed from his True Kirin Origin into a vermilion gourd. At that moment, the same gourd hung at his waist. When Han Li appeared, Old Monster Xu was sitting quietly with his eyes closed in meditation beside a refined-looking boy of about fourteen or fifteen years old in front of the stone door of the cave dwelling.
Seeing this, Han Li naturally showed a look of astonishment.
As if sensing the master’s return, Old Monster Xu suddenly opened his eyes, a flash of sharp light meeting Han Li’s gaze.
“Are you the newly arrived Fellow Daoist Han?” Old Monster Xu asked with a grin.
“Indeed, it is I, Han. Fellow Daoist Xu appearing here—could it be that you’ve come specifically to find me?” Han Li concealed his surprise and replied politely.
Given that Old Monster Xu could make all the non-human cultivators of the same rank on the entire Spirit Mountain wary of him, his powers must be formidable. Naturally, Han Li had no desire to offend him needlessly.
“Haha, indeed. I, Xu, have come specifically to visit you, Fellow Daoist. This is one of my direct descendants. Quickly, greet Fellow Daoist Han.” To Han Li’s surprise, Old Monster Xu laughed heartily and directly introduced the refined-looking boy beside him, giving an order.
“Junior Xu Lunxiang pays his respects to Senior Han.” The refined boy immediately stepped forward and spoke with utmost respect.
“No need for such courtesy, nephew.” Han Li had already swept his divine sense over the boy and found that his cultivation was equivalent to the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage for humans, just one step away from advancing to the Core Formation stage.
For a boy of his age, this was truly exceptional talent.
“Old Man Xu’s visit today—I hope Fellow Daoist Han doesn’t find it too abrupt,” Old Monster Xu said with another light laugh.
“How could I think that? Fellow Daoist Xu gracing my humble abode is an honor for me. Had I not been away on business these past few days, I would have welcomed you from afar long ago. Please, Brother Xu, come inside for a chat.” Though inwardly puzzled, Han Li maintained a calm expression and flicked his sleeve toward the cave entrance.
A burst of azure light swept out, and the stone door silently opened amidst the radiance, revealing a misty-white passageway paved with exquisite green jade.
Old Monster Xu didn’t stand on ceremony either. Expressing his thanks, he followed Han Li inside with the boy in tow.
Once inside the cave, Han Li immediately dispersed his divine sense and connected with his second primordial spirit, which had remained behind. Learning that nothing unusual had occurred in the cave over the past three days except for the arrival of Old Monster Xu and the boy, he relaxed and led them unhurriedly to the main hall.
After exchanging pleasantries, Old Monster Xu and Han Li took their seats as host and guest, while the boy stood quietly behind Old Monster Xu with his hands respectfully clasped.
“To be frank with Fellow Daoist Han, I, Xu, had been in seclusion for some time and only emerged recently. Upon leaving seclusion, I heard that a new fellow cultivator had settled on the Spirit Mountain. I also heard that Fellow Daoist Han’s cave dwelling was personally arranged by Elder Qian Jizi of the Ancient Race. May I ask what connection you have with Elder Qian Jizi?” Old Monster Xu, having just sat down, smiled and posed a question that caught Han Li slightly off guard.
“Heh, as an outsider, what connection could I possibly have with Elder Qian Jizi? A few years ago, I happened to do a small favor for another fellow cultivator of the Ancient Race, and this person happened to have some ties with Elder Qian Jizi, that’s all.” Han Li’s eyes flickered slightly as he replied calmly.
“I see. But that’s more than enough. The Ancient Race holds a high rank even among the Thirteen Races of Tianyun. Elder Qian Jizi is a senior elder of the Ancient Race—just a casual word from him is enough to ensure Fellow Daoist Han’s safety in Cloud City.” Old Monster Xu laughed heartily.
Han Li merely smiled faintly and didn’t respond further. He knew full well that this man hadn’t come without reason—what followed would likely be the main point.
Sure enough, Old Monster Xu’s laughter ceased, and his expression turned serious as he said, “Actually, my unannounced visit today is because there’s something I’d like to ask you, Fellow Daoist. If I seem presumptuous, I hope you’ll forgive me.”
Hearing this, Han Li grew three parts more cautious inwardly, but outwardly he replied with a light smile, “Brother Xu, there’s no need for such politeness. We cultivators act as we please. If you have something to ask, just speak freely. If I know the answer, I’ll certainly share it.”
“Since Fellow Daoist Han says so, I won’t beat around the bush.” Old Monster Xu couldn’t help but smile, clasping his hands in salute twice.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he spoke gravely again:
“A few days ago, an astonishing celestial phenomenon appeared on our mountain, gathering primordial Qi out of thin air. Might this have anything to do with you, Fellow Daoist Han?”
As he asked this, a glint of sharp light flashed in Old Monster Xu’s eyes as he stared unblinkingly at Han Li.
Hearing this, Han Li’s heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged. Instead, he even chuckled and countered, “Why does Fellow Daoist think that celestial phenomenon was related to me?”
“It’s quite simple. Although the celestial phenomenon that day stirred up an astonishing amount of primordial Qi, I could still discern the approximate location of its central eruption. Coincidentally, that day I happened to be troubled by something and stepped out of my cave for a walk. That’s when I saw a golden light flying out from near your cave dwelling.” Old Monster Xu spoke frankly, showing no intention of hiding anything.
Han Li frowned subconsciously but quickly smoothed his expression and laughed, “Since Fellow Daoist Xu has already seen it, there’s no point in me hiding it. That celestial phenomenon was indeed inadvertently caused by me. In fact, I should thank you for collecting all the dispersed primordial Qi. Otherwise, given my cultivation level, dispelling that celestial phenomenon would have taken considerable effort.”
“So it really was Fellow Daoist Han who caused that celestial phenomenon—this is excellent news! Tell me, Fellow Daoist, do you have the means to gather the same primordial Qi again?” Old Monster Xu, overjoyed that Han Li hadn’t denied it, eagerly pressed further.
“Gather the same primordial Qi again? Why would you ask that? Could you first enlighten me?” Han Li, genuinely puzzled, couldn’t help but ask.
“Naturally, I should explain. Fellow Daoist Han, do you know which of the Thirteen Races of Tianyun I belong to?” Old Monster Xu was momentarily taken aback before letting out a wry laugh.
“This… given my shallow cultivation, I truly can’t tell at a glance.” Han Li narrowed his eyes and studied Old Monster Xu for a while before finally sighing helplessly.
The man before him, in both physique and appearance, was nearly indistinguishable from an ordinary human, showing no trace of any non-human characteristics.
“It’s not surprising that Fellow Daoist Han can’t tell. Our Cloud Race is renowned for our mastery of transformation and concealment. Even beings several ranks above us would be unable to discern our true nature if we deliberately suppress our auras. However, I’m somewhat of an anomaly among my race—I cultivate an extreme Yang fire-attribute technique, which leaves me somewhat lacking in the art of transformation compared to others of my rank. Fellow cultivators who’ve lived on this mountain for some time are aware of my background.” Old Monster Xu chuckled.
“The Cloud Race? The one among the Thirteen Races that’s small in number but ranks within the top three?” Han Li’s expression shifted, genuinely surprised.
He had indeed heard of this mysterious race among the Thirteen Races of Tianyun.
“Haha, it seems Fellow Daoist Han knows quite a bit about our Cloud Race. Alongside the Crystal Race, we are the smallest in number among the Thirteen Races. But unlike the Crystal Race, every member of our Cloud Race possesses considerable individual strength, and our overall race has never fallen below the top three among the Thirteen Races.” Old Monster Xu declared proudly.
“My apologies for the disrespect. This is truly my first time meeting someone from your esteemed race.” Han Li was silent for a long moment before sighing lightly.
“It’s nothing. Though our numbers are few, there are quite a few of us in Cloud City—it’s just that most rarely reveal their true identities. Someone you might assume belongs to another race could very well be one of us in disguise.” Old Monster Xu said meaningfully.
Han Li was momentarily speechless.
“However, although our Cloud Race is renowned for our transformation arts, what truly strikes fear into the other races is another innate ability. I’m sure Fellow Daoist Han has heard of it.” Old Monster Xu’s proud expression faded as his demeanor turned solemn.
“Lifebound Cloud Beasts!” Han Li exhaled softly, speaking the words before the other could.
“Exactly—those beings that exist between spirit beasts and avatars, the Lifebound Cloud Beasts. Only by cultivating one’s own Cloud Beast can a member of our race be considered a true Cloud clansman.” Old Monster Xu explained slowly.
“Indeed, I’ve heard rumors about your race’s Lifebound Cloud Beasts. It’s said that once a clansman cultivates a Cloud Beast, it’s akin to gaining an external avatar with abilities identical to their own. Moreover, in times of crisis, they can merge with their Cloud Beast to become the legendary Cloud Beast Colossus. Doing so not only drastically increases their cultivation but also allows them to unleash otherwise unattainable great supernatural powers. Fellow Daoist bringing this up—could it be related to your Lifebound Cloud Beast?” Han Li stroked his chin, speaking thoughtfully.
“Fellow Daoist Han is as sharp-eyed as ever. This matter does indeed concern a Cloud Beast—but not mine. Rather, it’s related to the Lifebound Cloud Beast of my descendant here.” Old Monster Xu wasn’t too surprised but pointed to the boy behind him.
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