“So it turns out you are Han Li, who advanced several years ago. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier! It’s a pity you declined the Holy City’s invitation back then, otherwise I could have shared a few drinks with you much sooner.” The Tianyuan Holy Emperor sized up Han Li with a smile.
“Your Majesty speaks truly. I’ve heard that Fellow Daoist Han advanced from a Nascent Soul cultivator to his current realm in just a few centuries. Such a terrifying speed may not be unprecedented, but it’s certainly enough to put us to shame.” The plump, fair-skinned monk grinned at Han Li, clearly intrigued.
“You flatter me, Master. My aptitude is mediocre. Without several fortuitous encounters in the wilderness, I could never have advanced so quickly.” Han Li remained exceptionally humble.
“Master Tianchan, let’s save further words for after we toast Fellow Daoist Han with a cup of spirit wine. I have few indulgences, but I’ve always been fond of the cup. If not for the inherited title of Holy Emperor, I might have preferred to be called the ‘Wine Emperor.’ Ah, the Emperor of Wine—now that would suit my heart.” The white-robed scholar chuckled, reaching toward the jade table. A vibrant emerald cup and a coral-red wine jug floated into his hands.
With a flick of his wrist, the Tianyuan Holy Emperor poured a thick, amber-like spirit wine and handed it to Han Li.
Han Li accepted it with thanks, discreetly scanning it with his divine sense. Finding no issues, he noted its intoxicating aroma and astonishing spiritual energy, rivaling even cultivation-enhancing elixirs. He drank it slowly.
“Truly fine wine. Among the spirit wines I’ve tasted, this ranks in the top three.” A faint yellow glow flickered across Han Li’s face as he spoke.
“Top three? So you’ve tasted wines superior to this ‘Tiger Amber Spirit Wine’?” The Holy Emperor’s eyes lit up with excitement.
Before Han Li could reply, the elderly Huang Dang interjected lightly, “Your Majesty, perhaps we should sit and enjoy the wine while we converse. It’s impolite to keep Fellow Daoist Han standing.”
“Ah, you’re right. I was simply overjoyed to meet him. Our human race hasn’t seen a Body Integration cultivator in nearly a millennium.” The Holy Emperor patted his head and gestured for Han Li to take a seat opposite him.
So far, Han Li found the Holy Emperor surprisingly amiable—far from the rigid Confucian stereotype his title might suggest. But at their level, first impressions were hardly definitive.
Once seated, the Holy Emperor eagerly resumed, “Now, Fellow Daoist Han, tell me about these wines surpassing my Tiger Amber. Have you tasted them all?”
“Your Majesty’s Tiger Amber is already a rare treasure in the Spirit Realm. However, I once sampled a ‘Nine Fragrance Spirit Wine’ among a foreign tribe in the wilderness. Its aroma and effects were no less remarkable.” Han Li replied thoughtfully.
“A foreign tribe’s wine? Did you bring any back?” The Holy Emperor’s eyes sparkled with hope. Even Tianchan and Huang Dang leaned in.
“Alas, that wine was a secret brew of their Body Integration elders. At the time, I hadn’t yet reached my current realm—I was fortunate just to taste a cup.” Han Li smiled wryly.
“I see. My Tiger Amber is also a prized possession, rarely shared.” The Holy Emperor sighed, disappointment plain.
“Fear not, Your Majesty. Though I lack the Nine Fragrance Wine, I may soon acquire another. I’ll gladly share it with you.” Han Li’s smile turned enigmatic.
“Oh? What wine could surpass even the Tiger Amber and Nine Fragrance?” Huang Dang couldn’t resist asking.
“During my travels, I obtained several Red Luo Spirit Fruits, key to brewing Red Luo Immortal Wine. With some additional ingredients, it should be possible.” Han Li revealed.
“Red Luo Immortal Wine?! The legendary brew of the Immortal Realm?!” The Holy Emperor gaped in shock. The others stared, equally stunned.
“Surely you jest, Fellow Daoist Han. Red Luo Fruits are exclusive to the Immortal Realm, requiring millennia to mature even there. How could you obtain them?” Tianchan questioned sharply.
“These fruits were a serendipitous discovery. Why they appeared in the wilderness, only heaven knows. But I’m certain they’re genuine.” Han Li’s confidence was unwavering.
“Marvelous! If you succeed, reserve two or three jugs for me. Name the missing ingredients—we’ll help gather them.” The Holy Emperor clapped eagerly.
“Your Majesty is generous with others’ efforts. You crave the wine yet rope us into the labor.” Tianchan feigned distress.
“Come now, monk. Would you truly refuse a sip of Immortal Realm wine? Such a chance is divine providence!” The Holy Emperor retorted with a grin.
“True enough. Though I seldom indulge, Immortal wine is another matter.” Tianchan admitted sheepishly. Huang Dang merely chuckled.
“With your assistance, I might even brew it in time for the Myriad Treasures Convention.” Han Li mused.
“Splendid! This will surely astonish the gathering. I know the Tyrant Emperor and some of the Seven Demon Kings share my passion for fine wine. Hand me the ingredient list—I’ve brought many treasures from the Holy Treasury.” The Holy Emperor extended his hand.
Without hesitation, Han Li produced a blank jade slip, inscribed the details, and tossed it over.
After scanning it, the Holy Emperor nodded. “We’ll gather everything in two or three days. Shall I deliver them, or will you collect them?”
“No need for delivery. I’ve yet to settle on lodging. I’ll return in three days.” Han Li decided.
“Very well. I hear the Scorching Flood Dragon King and the Black Phoenix Demon King have arrived at Nine Immortals Mountain. I’ll introduce you.” The Holy Emperor agreed.
“Black Phoenix King?” Han Li’s expression flickered.
“Do you know him?” The Holy Emperor asked, surprised.
“No, but I’ve had dealings with his kin.” Han Li replied casually.
“The Seven Demon Kings are at least mid-Body Integration, with formidable physiques and innate powers. Even if you don’t befriend them, avoid provoking them.” The Holy Emperor advised earnestly.
“Thank you for the counsel. I’ve no intention of courting trouble.” Han Li smiled.
“Excellent. Now, Fellow Daoist Han, your rapid advancement suggests profound insights, especially regarding the Body Integration bottleneck. Might you share your reflections?” The Holy Emperor shifted the topic.
“Having just entered Body Integration, my understanding is still shallow. I’d welcome your guidance.” Han Li replied solemnly, eager for the exchange.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage