Upon seeing these war vessels, the golden-robed old monk immediately revealed a faint smile and promptly transmitted his voice from afar, saying, “Is that you, Fellow Daoist Han Li? This humble monk, Jin Yue, has been waiting here for quite some time.”
The voice of Zen Master Jin Yue was not particularly loud, but when it reached the skies above the distant giant ships, it rumbled like thunder, creating an astonishingly imposing effect.
“To think Zen Master Jin Yue would personally come out to greet me—Han is truly overwhelmed by such honor! It seems the letter I sent earlier has already reached you.” At the forefront of the leading giant ship, a flash of cyan light appeared, and a figure clad in green emerged, standing against the wind as his clear voice echoed back.
His words landed on the city walls with the same clarity, as if spoken right beside everyone’s ears.
This figure was none other than Han Li.
Upon hearing this, the high-ranking cultivators present felt a chill run down their spines, struck by the undeniable reputation of the man before them.
“Haha, Fellow Daoist Han is willing to lend a hand to our Tianyuan City. Even if I had to travel ten thousand miles to welcome you, it would be well worth it,” Zen Master Jin Yue laughed heartily.
Hearing this, Han Li smiled faintly but did not respond further.
Within moments, the giant ships arrived above the city walls after a few flashes of movement. Han Li’s figure swayed slightly as he leisurely descended.
“It has been many years, yet the venerable master remains as distinguished as ever,” Han Li remarked, sweeping his gaze over the crowd before finally settling on the old monk. He clasped his hands in greeting.
“At my age, what distinction is there to speak of? On the contrary, Fellow Daoist Han has advanced to the mid-stage in just a few centuries, putting us old fellows to shame! When I was your age, I had only just entered the Void Refinement stage,” Zen Master Jin Yue replied with a bitter smile, having confirmed Han Li’s current cultivation level with his spiritual sense.
“Master, there is no need for modesty. Unless my eyes deceive me, the glow in your eyes suggests the mastery of a certain divine ability,” Han Li chuckled, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.
“Fellow Daoist’s insight is as sharp as ever. This humble monk has indeed recently mastered a certain technique, but it pales in comparison to your achievements. Well then, Fellow Daoist Han, let us proceed to the Elder Hall for a more detailed discussion. As for your disciples, I will ensure they are properly accommodated,” the old monk said humbly, gesturing to the side.
“Then I shall trouble the master to lead the way,” Han Li replied without hesitation, showing no trace of politeness.
Thus, Zen Master Jin Yue instructed two cultivators behind him to guide the flying ships further into the city while he personally accompanied Han Li toward another location deep within Tianyuan City.
An hour later, Han Li and Zen Master Jin Yue appeared in a grand hall within a towering pagoda.
The hall, from its tables and chairs to its walls, was crafted entirely from the finest jade, exuding a pristine, crystalline glow.
Apart from Han Li and Jin Yue, three other Body Integration-stage cultivators were also present: a white-robed elder with silver hair but a youthful face, a burly man clad in dark leather armor, and a woman with long black hair cascading over her shoulders, her face concealed behind a silver mask.
Among the three, the white-robed elder possessed the highest cultivation, having reached the peak of mid-stage Body Integration, seemingly just a step away from advancing to the late stage. The burly man and the masked woman were both early-stage Body Integration cultivators, but their auras were peculiar, suggesting they practiced unique techniques.
Seated in his chair, Han Li engaged in polite conversation while his gaze lingered on the silver-masked woman, his expression subtly peculiar.
“What is it, Fellow Daoist Han? Have you met Fairy Silver Light before?” the white-robed elder asked with a smile.
“This humble woman is equally curious. Could Fellow Daoist Han enlighten us?” the masked woman, who had been scrutinized by Han Li since entering, spoke with a hint of irritation.
“Han has never met the fairy before, but your aura bears a striking resemblance to an old acquaintance of mine. May I ask which demon clan you hail from?” Han Li’s eyes flickered thoughtfully as he posed the question.
“A similar aura? It seems Fellow Daoist’s acquaintance must also be from the Silver Wolf Clan. Fairy Silver Light is one of the two Body Integration cultivators of the Silver Wolf Clan!” the black-robed man interjected with sudden realization.
“Indeed. Brother Yan speaks true. This humble woman is indeed of the Silver Wolf Clan. Might I ask who this acquaintance of yours is? Perhaps I know them,” Fairy Silver Light replied, her curiosity piqued as her demeanor softened.
“Since the fairy is truly of the Silver Wolf Clan, Han would like to inquire further. Do you know a fellow clansman named Linglong? Is she well?” Han Li asked directly, his expression shifting slightly as he broached the topic of Silver Moon.
With his current cultivation, he no longer feared the Heavenly Wolf King and spoke without reservation.
After advancing to Body Integration, Han Li had made efforts to gather information about Silver Moon. However, the Silver Wolf Clan’s whereabouts were exceedingly secretive, and its members rarely interacted with outsiders. Thus, those he questioned either knew nothing or could provide only fragmented details, leaving him in the dark about Silver Moon’s current situation.
Now that he had encountered a Body Integration-stage member of the Silver Wolf Clan, Han Li naturally seized the opportunity to inquire.
“Linglong? Your acquaintance is Sister Linglong? Wait—I heard Fellow Daoist Han is an ascended cultivator. Could it be that you are…?” Fairy Silver Light’s eyes widened in shock, but she abruptly cut herself off, as if recalling some taboo. Her gaze toward Han Li grew increasingly peculiar.
“It seems Fairy Silver Light truly knows Linglong?” Han Li’s heart leaped with joy, though his expression remained composed.
“Sister Linglong and I grew up together—how could I not know her? However, while I am aware of some matters concerning her, I cannot divulge much to Fellow Daoist Han. All I can say is that Linglong is well and has already advanced to the late Void Refinement stage,” Fairy Silver Light sighed softly.
“Cannot speak of it? What in this world is so forbidden? Very well. This is not the place for such discussions. In two days, I shall visit you privately to discuss Linglong’s affairs in detail,” Han Li’s eyes flashed coldly as he transmitted his voice to her.
Fairy Silver Light hesitated momentarily before nodding slowly.
The white-robed elder and the others, though curious about the exchange, were all shrewd individuals. Without another word on the matter, they steered the conversation toward the impending demonic tribulation, warmly welcoming Han Li’s assistance.
Prior to his arrival, Han Li had communicated via a long-distance talisman that he would aid Tianyuan City in resisting the demonic onslaught during the initial years of the tribulation, in exchange for sanctuary for his disciples. The fiercest attacks from the demonic realm typically occurred in the early waves, making the elders more than willing to agree.
Thus, the discussion proceeded harmoniously. After exchanging strategies for countering the demonic tribulation, Han Li eventually took his leave.
As Han Li’s figure vanished beyond the door, Fairy Silver Light’s expression behind her mask grew uncertain.
Two days later, Han Li arrived alone at Fairy Silver Light’s residence, where he remained for half a day before emerging with a darkened expression.
Pausing at the entrance, he gazed at the azure sky for a long moment before letting out a cold laugh. With a flash of cyan light, he soared into the distance.
Han Li’s temporary residence in Tianyuan City was a solitary white pagoda. Though smaller than the surrounding towers, it comfortably accommodated his disciples. Han Li himself occupied the top floor, though he did not intend to stay long.
Within a fortnight, he summoned three of his disciples, issued instructions, and departed in a streak of cyan light.
Before the demonic tribulation erupted, there was one more matter he had to attend to. Without delay, he headed straight for Tianyuan City’s teleportation array and, after a brief exchange, was transported to a distant metropolis.
Ignoring the astonished and reverent gazes of the array guards, Han Li immediately took flight toward a specific direction.
Two months later, he arrived at a mountain range shrouded in an oppressive, murderous aura.
Spanning millions of miles, the range was dotted with over a dozen cities forming a massive ring, interconnected by countless fortresses. Beyond these, arrays—both visible and concealed—covered the terrain, transforming the entire range into a colossal stronghold.
Patrols of armored guards, ranging from a dozen to over a hundred, roamed incessantly.
Yet, with his formidable cultivation, Han Li traversed the range unimpeded, stopping before the largest of the cities at its heart.
From a low altitude, he observed a massive banner on the city walls bearing the character “Long” (Lǒng).
Narrowing his eyes, Han Li recalled the intelligence he had gathered in Tianyuan City. This was the stronghold jointly established by the Long Family and over a dozen other prominent clans to resist the demonic invasion.
Though these clans varied in size and some were not even true spirit clans, their combined strength was considerable—enough to stand independently against the tribulation. Their greatest confidence stemmed from the presence of the Long Family’s patriarch, one of humanity’s mightiest warriors.
Yet, Han Li wondered how they would react upon learning that their revered pillar of strength would abandon them mid-tribulation to venture into the demon realm.
With a faintly mocking thought, Han Li flipped his hand, producing a golden talisman. With a flick, it transformed into a streak of golden light, vanishing in an instant.
His figure then flashed as he descended onto a nearby hill, seating himself upon a rock and closing his eyes in tranquil meditation.
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