“I see! I was wondering how Senior Han, a being at the Body Integration stage, could just settle down anywhere like an ordinary cultivator,” Hai Dashao said with a grin.
“Exactly! I imagine the accommodations inside the mountains for a senior like you must be exceptionally magnificent. Thanks to you, we two can also get a glimpse of such splendor,” Qilingzi blinked and joined in the flattery.
Though Han Li could tell they were buttering him up, he merely chuckled and said nothing.
Before long, the flying carriage passed over a marketplace and plunged straight into the mountain range ahead. A distance of a thousand miles was nothing for this top-tier flying artifact, arriving almost in the blink of an eye.
Suddenly, a vast expanse of blue mist appeared ahead, completely blocking their path. Han Li lightly tapped the artifact beneath his feet, causing the carriage to hover and stop. Without a word, he rubbed his hands together and then flung them toward the mist.
A thunderous boom echoed as two golden lightning bolts shot forth, vanishing into the mist in a flash. Moments later, two deafening explosions erupted from the blue clouds. Two immense spiritual pressures burst forth, churning the mist violently like raging waves.
Han Li then clasped his hands behind his back and stood leisurely in the carriage, as if waiting for something. Hai Dashao and Qilingzi exchanged puzzled glances but dared not ask questions, obediently standing behind Han Li.
Soon, strange beastly roars echoed faintly from the mist, followed by an angry shout: “Who dares attack the restrictions here? Don’t you know this place has been a forbidden zone for the past three months?”
As the voice faded, the blue mist rippled and parted, revealing a massive passage several zhang wide. In a flash of blue light, several guards riding enormous beasts emerged.
These guards were towering figures, each a full two heads taller than Han Li. Their upper bodies were clad in crude white bone armor, while their lower halves wore various leather pants. They wielded large square bone shields in one hand and thick black spears in the other. Their mounts resembled giant wolves with massive fleshy wings, their blue fur crackling with faint electric sparks, exuding an air of mystery.
Yet these guards showed no trace of spiritual energy—they were rare high-tier body refiners, their physical prowess alone rivaling Core Formation cultivators.
Seeing Han Li standing calmly in the flying carriage, eyeing them with mild interest and showing no intention to flee, the four guards were taken aback. The tallest among them, seemingly their leader, furrowed his brow in suspicion. With a wave of his hand, the group reined in their beasts at the edge of the mist.
“You must be the famed Thunder Guards of the Xuanwu Mirror! Truly living up to your reputation. But if you’re here, has Fellow Daoist Bahuang already arrived at Nine Immortals Mountain?” Han Li asked casually before they could speak.
Startled by Han Li’s authoritative tone, the guards grew even more cautious. The leader cupped his fists respectfully and replied, “Indeed, we are Thunder Guards under Lord Bahuang’s command, but His Lordship has yet to arrive. Our squad was sent ahead to reinforce order at Nine Immortals Mountain. May we ask for your esteemed name, Senior?”
Han Li chuckled. “You may not have heard of me, but not long ago, Bahuang sent someone to invite me to join his palace. Due to other commitments, I had to decline.”
“What? Could you be Senior Han Li, the newly ascended Body Integration cultivator?” the leader exclaimed.
“Oh? You know of me?” Han Li was surprised. He scrutinized the guard more closely and noticed that despite being a body refiner, the man’s body faintly emitted treasure light, as if he carried several powerful artifacts—unlike the other three.
“Senior, please don’t misunderstand! My grandfather is one of Lord Bahuang’s four personal guards, which is how I occasionally hear news of esteemed figures like you,” the guard hastily explained.
“Personal guards? Ah, I’ve heard of them. It’s said those four are top-tier body refiners, personally trained by Bahuang. Though they lack spiritual power, their physical strength is immense, capable of withstanding top-tier treasures and wielding sky-lifting might,” Han Li mused.
“My grandfather’s reputation pales before yours, Senior. Given your long journey, you must be weary. Allow me to escort you inside to the Welcome Immortal Palace for rest,” the guard said with a flattering smile, his burly frame belying his quick wit.
Han Li nodded. “Now that you mention it, I do feel a bit tired. Lead the way.”
“Yes, Senior! Please follow us!” The four guards bowed again before guiding the way back into the mist.
Han Li urged his carriage forward, following them into the sea of clouds. The mist wasn’t vast, and soon they emerged, heading toward a distant peak.
“Of the nine peaks of Nine Immortals Mountain, our human race and the demon race each control four. The tallest, ‘Flying Immortal Peak,’ remains neutral, unoccupied by either side. Thus, it’s the main venue for the upcoming Myriad Treasures Convention. Our craftsmen and the demons’ earth-attribute experts are working day and night to prepare the site. Of course, one peak alone can’t accommodate everyone, so the other eight will serve as auxiliary venues. Even so, space will be tight—past conventions drew over a million attendees. Preparations began over a year ago, so there shouldn’t be issues. However…” The guard hesitated.
“However what?” Han Li asked.
“Rumors say this convention will differ from past ones. Supposedly, outsiders may attend and auction exotic treasures,” the guard said cautiously.
“Outsiders? Like the Wood Tribe, Spirit Tribe, or the Barbarians and Yakshas?” Han Li’s expression shifted slightly.
“I truly don’t know, Senior. I’m just a lowly Thunder Guard,” the man admitted with a wry smile.
“Fair enough. Still, I appreciate the tip. Here—these ‘Heaven Mending Pills’ can extend your lifespan if taken periodically. If you hear anything else useful, let me know. I won’t forget your help.” Han Li tossed several bottles to the guards.
Overjoyed, the leader caught them with trembling hands. “Thank you, Senior! I’ll share any news I come across!” The others also bowed profusely.
Han Li waved them off and closed his eyes, sinking into silence. The guards tactfully refrained from further chatter as they escorted the carriage to the foot of a mountain.
There, a sprawling complex of pavilions and towers enveloped much of the peak. At its heart stood a majestic white jade palace, towering three to four hundred zhang high with over a dozen floors, surrounded by hundreds of exquisite smaller buildings.
“Senior, this is the Welcome Immortal Palace. Each Body Integration cultivator may occupy an entire floor with their disciples. Each floor has its own teleportation array, bypassing the lower levels to reach the main hall directly. The surrounding pavilions are for Void Refinement cultivators. Currently, only Body Integration seniors like yourself are permitted entry. Each of the nine peaks has an identical palace to host all attending seniors,” the guard explained.
“Has anyone else taken residence here yet?” Han Li asked.
“Indeed. Apart from the Ten Thousand Bones Sage and his disciples, who arrived a month ago, no other Body Integration seniors are present,” the guard replied honestly.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage