Han Li remained in the secluded chamber for over ten days before the Myriad Treasures Grand Conference officially commenced.
On that day, Han Li, who had been sitting cross-legged on a meditation cushion, suddenly flicked his sleeve as if sensing something and stored away the Sword Diagram before him. He then rose and stepped out of the chamber.
In the main hall, Young Master Hai and Qilingzi were waiting respectfully. Upon seeing Han Li emerge, they immediately stepped forward to greet him. Young Master Hai then retrieved a golden invitation from his sleeve and presented it with both hands, saying, “Senior Han, this is the invitation sent to you for the Myriad Treasures Grand Conference! With this, you may freely attend auctions of any level and access all venues of the event. Additionally, today marks the first day of the conference, and a major auction will be held atop Feixian Peak. According to tradition, this auction is the most significant of the entire event, symbolizing its official commencement. Many treasures from major factions and private collectors will appear here.”
Qilingzi added respectfully, “Indeed, Senior.”
“Oh? You two seem quite informed. It seems your recent excursions weren’t in vain,” Han Li chuckled as he took the golden invitation and glanced at it.
The invitation bore the ancient characters for “Myriad Treasures” on one side, while the other was adorned with intricate silver patterns exuding an aura of profound mystery.
“During my seclusion, have all seven Demon Kings arrived?” Han Li asked after storing the invitation.
“Reporting to Senior, apart from the Heavenly Wolf King and the Heavenly Fox King, the other five Demon Kings have already arrived,” Young Master Hai replied respectfully.
“The Wolf King and Fox King are absent? That’s unusual. Typically, the seven Demon Kings place great importance on this event and rarely miss it,” Han Li remarked with a slight frown.
“I’ve heard some rumors about this. It’s said the Heavenly Wolf King is in seclusion cultivating a formidable divine ability and thus cannot attend. As for the Heavenly Fox King, he seems to have left the Heavenly Fox Ridge entirely, sending only word that he has urgent matters to attend to, with no further details,” Qilingzi explained honestly.
“I see. In that case, let’s set off. While the conference offers many activities, only a few interest me. This first auction is something I cannot miss. You two shall accompany me. Though such auctions aren’t open to just anyone, this golden invitation allows me to bring a few disciples along,” Han Li said with a faint smile.
“Disciples? Senior, are you accepting us as your disciples?” The two were momentarily stunned before Young Master Hai asked excitedly.
“Your cultivation is too low for me to take you as formal disciples. However, if you’re willing, I can accept you as nominal disciples. Only when you reach the Nascent Soul stage will I recognize you as my official disciples. I hope you won’t disappoint me,” Han Li replied solemnly.
“Nominal disciples are more than enough! We pay our respects to Master!” Qilingzi immediately prostrated himself, kowtowing three times. Young Master Hai, equally thrilled, followed suit.
Seeing their sincerity, Han Li nodded and accepted their obeisance before flicking his sleeve. An invisible force lifted the two to their feet.
“You should already know some of my background. Before you, I had two disciples in the lower realm. Thus, you are not my only disciples—you have an elder brother and sister above you.
“However, I am by nature detached and rarely take disciples to avoid hindering my own cultivation. There were specific reasons for accepting your senior siblings, just as there are for accepting you. Thus, I must clarify certain matters to prevent future misunderstandings.”
As Han Li spoke these final words, the temperature in the hall plummeted, as if gripped by an icy chill.
Young Master Hai and Qilingzi shivered but hastily assured, “We wouldn’t dare!”
“Heh, there’s no need for such formalities. If I were in the Foundation Establishment stage and a Body Integration cultivator offered to take me as a disciple, I’d likely have my doubts too,” Han Li chuckled.
Embarrassed, the two exchanged glances but said nothing further.
“To be frank, if you were merely ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators or martial artists, I wouldn’t have accepted you. I did so because you share a karmic bond with me, and your temperaments please me. But the main reason is that one of you possesses a legendary Concealed Spiritual Root, while the other harbors an inherited artifact,” Han Li explained with a peculiar expression.
“Concealed Spiritual Root?”
“Inherited artifact?”
The two looked utterly bewildered, as such concepts were beyond the knowledge of even most high-level cultivators.
“Qilingzi, your ‘inherited artifact’ is simple to explain—it’s a treasure sealed within you, containing the techniques of the Mist Sea Temple. As your cultivation progresses, its seals will gradually lift, granting you suitable cultivation methods. The artifact itself is also a rare treasure, capable of formidable power when wielded with the right techniques.”
Han Li paused before continuing, “No wonder I sometimes felt odd or had strange dreams—it was this thing all along!” Qilingzi muttered in astonishment.
“Your fortune is considerable. Though the Mist Sea Temple is obscure, its techniques are profound and well-suited to you. Thus, I needn’t teach you a primary cultivation method—only supplementary techniques once you’ve progressed. You must inherit the Mist Sea lineage and, upon mastering it, revive the temple. I won’t interfere. I accepted you precisely because you already have an inheritance, requiring only minor guidance. Otherwise, no matter your talent, I wouldn’t have bothered. Of course, as my disciple, you’ll lack for no resources. If you’re dissatisfied, we can consider the master-disciple bond void.”
“Never! To be your nominal disciple is an immense honor. I’ll follow your guidance without complaint,” Qilingzi vowed, kowtowing again.
“Good. As for you, Young Master Hai—” Han Li turned to the handsome youth.
“Master, you may call me Hai Yuetian. ‘Young Master Hai’ is just a nickname among friends,” he said hastily.
“So Hai Yuetian is your true name. Very well, I’ll call you Yuetian henceforth.”
“Yes, Master!”
“Your situation differs entirely from Qilingzi’s. After thorough examination and consulting peers, I’ve confirmed you possess both the rare Molten Gold Body and a Concealed Spiritual Root—more precisely, a Concealed Thunder Spiritual Root.”
“Concealed Thunder Spiritual Root?” Hai Yuetian repeated, still confused.
“The Molten Gold Body, though rare, appears occasionally given humanity’s vast numbers. It explains your rapid progress in body refinement. The Concealed Spiritual Root, however, is far rarer. Throughout history, records of such roots are scarce, nearly lost to legend. It took me considerable research to confirm yours. Concealed Spiritual Roots are exceedingly hard to detect, and their bearers are no more common than those with special physiques or inherited bloodlines.”
“Why is that?” Qilingzi couldn’t help asking.
“Because such roots only manifest in those with special physiques or bloodlines. Only they can have their spiritual roots obscured or weakened, giving rise to Concealed Spiritual Roots. Even when discovered, most are useless, and sects rarely accept them—unless their physique or bloodline is extraordinary, or their root is of a rare type like thunder or shadow. Even then, their value depends on how long the root remains active. If it vanishes for extended periods, cultivation becomes exponentially harder. Concealed Spiritual Root bearers can only cultivate when their root is active.”
Han Li patiently elaborated to his two nominal disciples.
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