After the surrounding clamor subsided slightly, Han Li smiled faintly and raised a hand. Instantly, countless green threads shot toward his feet from the void, coalescing into a shimmering emerald lotus that slowly descended onto the tower’s peak, hovering motionlessly.
“The unwelcome guest has departed! As per tradition, I will expound the supreme Dao continuously for seven days and nights. How much you comprehend will depend on your own fortune. However, unlike previous celebrations, this discourse will be completely open. I will now lift the restrictions—anyone may ascend the mountain to listen.” Han Li’s gaze swept the surroundings as he spoke calmly.
Though his voice was not loud, it rumbled outward in all directions, penetrating beyond the mountain and echoing across the entire Sky Abyss City.
Upon hearing this, the cultivators in the city were momentarily stunned before erupting into joyous cheers once more. Whether indoors or on the streets, they surged like a tide toward the three-colored peak. Even the armored guards maintaining order near the teleportation arrays joined the throng in excitement.
At the same time, Han Li had already seated himself cross-legged on the lotus, beginning his discourse from the lowest Qi Condensation stage, sharing his insights methodically.
The multitude of cultivators in the plaza—whether human, demon, or other races—all listened with solemn reverence. A Mahayana cultivator’s teachings were an unparalleled opportunity for any race, and none would miss a single word, even if it began with the most basic stages.
As Han Li’s voice resonated through the void, more cultivators poured onto the mountain, swiftly occupying the plaza’s edges until no more could squeeze in. Those who arrived later had no choice but to gather along the mountain paths and structures.
After several hours, the upper half of the three-colored peak was densely packed with figures, while even more cultivators converged toward its lower slopes. Yet no matter where they stood on the peak, Han Li’s voice rang clearly in their ears.
Many had initially sought higher ground, but upon hearing the discourse, they involuntarily halted, entering states of enlightenment.
After a full day and night, the entire three-colored peak was covered in a sea of people. All stood or sat in silence, with only Han Li’s voice emanating clearly from the summit.
…
Seven days and nights later, colorful clouds churned in the sky, and a rain of petals once again descended from above. Han Li’s discourse abruptly ceased.
Some cultivators, deeply engrossed, jolted awake from their enlightenment, their eyes still slightly dazed. Moments later, Han Li’s voice echoed softly in their ears once more.
“Thank you all for attending my Mahayana celebration. The event has now concluded. You may all descend the mountain.”
Though many were reluctant to leave, especially those at critical junctures, none dared disobey the now-revered Han Li. With respectful bows toward the summit, they withdrew from the peak.
Thus, the Mahayana celebration truly came to an end.
Half a day later, a thunderous roar filled the sky as the three-colored peak blurred and vanished into thin air. The remaining guards near the plaza bowed deeply before departing in orderly fashion.
In a grand hall atop the stone tower, Han Li sat at the head of the table. On either side stood Qilingzi, Hai Dashao, the silver-haired elder, and other Sky Abyss City elders. Among Han Li’s disciples, Bai Guo’er stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Zhu Guo’er, smiling as if they were true sisters.
Bai Guo’er had returned safely before the celebration, now at mid-Nascent Soul stage—surpassing even Hai Dashao in cultivation. The elders, compared to their pre-celebration demeanor, now regarded Han Li with genuine reverence, their respect no longer perfunctory.
Clearly, Han Li’s crippling of the Black Vulture King had left these Soul Transformation cultivators utterly awed.
In the center of the hall stood Li Rong, listening attentively to Han Li’s words.
“So, Senior Ao Xiao and Mo Jianli have indeed entered the Demon Realm to assist the Demon Ancestors in resolving their calamity,” Han Li murmured, frowning slightly.
“Yes. Not only have the Mahayana cultivators of our region entered, but many superpowers of the Spirit Realm have also sent their own. Under this pressure, the demons withdrew from the Wood Tribe’s territory,” Li Rong replied respectfully.
“The price is our Mahayana cultivators joining the superpowers in resolving the Demon Realm’s crisis. If the Demon Realm falls to the Mother Moth, our Spirit Realm may be next,” Han Li sighed.
“Precisely. Without this, neither the demons nor the other Mahayana would relent,” Li Rong said helplessly.
“No wonder tensions with the Shadow and Yaksha Tribes haven’t erupted—their Mahayana are all in the Demon Realm. The Black Vulture King was their hidden trump card. Had I not advanced unexpectedly, our tribes might have faced dire straits,” Han Li mused.
“Indeed. With your display at the celebration, no other tribe would dare provoke us now,” Li Rong said with a smile.
“The Holy Island elders summoned me to discuss relations with other tribes and to investigate Ao Xiao’s whereabouts?” Han Li asked neutrally.
“That is their intention,” Li Rong confirmed, bowing.
Clearly, she was now wholly devoted to Han Li, holding nothing back.
“In time, accompany me to Holy Island. Beyond discussions, I wish to visit their Scripture Pavilion and the renowned Chaos Spirit Ranking,” Han Li said after a pause.
“Of course, Senior,” Li Rong agreed eagerly.
“Elder Gu, I entrust my disciples to your care,” Han Li turned to the silver-haired elder.
“Rest assured, as long as they remain in our city, they will be safe,” the elder vowed solemnly. The other elders echoed their assurances.
“I trust your word. I’ll take Yue Tian with me, easing pressure on the city. Qilingzi, Zhu Guo’er, you’ll accompany me,” Han Li instructed.
“Yes, Senior.”
“As you command, Master.”
Dismissing the elders and most disciples, Han Li quietly summoned Qilingzi back.
Soon, light footsteps approached, and a slender figure entered, bowing deeply.
“Xu Qianyu pays her respects, Senior!”
“Rise. You likely know why I kept you,” Han Li said.
“Senior wishes to inquire about the Void Heaven Cauldron?” Xu Qianyu replied, head slightly lowered.
“Indeed. The cauldron is no ordinary treasure to your Xu Clan. Why gift it to me?” Han Li pressed.
“Ancestor Bingpo’s Blood Soul Doppelganger ordered its presentation to you,” Xu Qianyu admitted nervously.
“Blood Soul? She returned to your clan?” Han Li masked his surprise.
“Yes. Half a year ago, she returned gravely injured and soon fell unconscious. But first, she commanded the cauldron be delivered to you, requesting your presence at our clan,” Xu Qianyu explained.
“So she learned of my advancement before sending you,” Han Li mused.
“Precisely, Senior.”
“Your clan couldn’t heal her?”
“Our elders exhausted all methods to no avail. She remains comatose,” Xu Qianyu said.
“Understood. Return now. I’ll visit your clan shortly,” Han Li nodded.
Xu Qianyu bowed deeply, overjoyed, before taking her leave.
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