Chapter 277: Xin Runing

Han Li watched Qi Xiaoxiao’s figure disappear into the forest and chuckled lightly.

Seeing Qi Xiaoxiao so flustered, Han Li—though not well-versed in matters of romance—could tell at a glance that his feelings for this woman skilled in formations went far beyond ordinary friendship. It was likely an unrequited love, otherwise he wouldn’t have been so nervous.

The maidservant, equally anxious, hurried after him.

Han Li waited leisurely outside the forest. Before long, Qi Xiaoxiao and the pretty maidservant emerged from the woods, accompanied by a woman in blue, all looking cheerful as they approached Han Li.

Han Li unceremoniously took a closer look at the woman in blue.

She was of medium height with a small nose and clear, watery eyes. When her gaze met Han Li’s, she offered a faint smile.

It seemed Qi Xiaoxiao had already informed her of Han Li’s identity.

To be honest, her facial features weren’t particularly striking—in fact, they were slightly inferior to those of the pretty maidservant beside her.

Yet her elegant and composed demeanor, the grace in her movements, and especially her pair of expressive dark eyes were more than enough to make up for any lack in conventional beauty. Anyone who saw her would not think her plain; on the contrary, they’d be struck by her captivating charm, and would never mistake her for an ordinary maidservant.

However, upon witnessing her extraordinary grace, Han Li felt a headache coming on.

Without even guessing, he could tell she was undoubtedly clever and shrewd, far more intelligent than most. Dealing with her would likely be exhausting—nothing like the ease of negotiating with Qi Xiaoxiao, where Han Li could keep everything under control.

“Thank you, Senior, for coming to our rescue! This humble one is Xin Ruyin, and I am deeply grateful!” The woman in blue walked gracefully up to Han Li, gave an elegant bow, and spoke in an extremely clear and melodious voice.

“You needn’t be so polite, Miss Xin. It was just a small effort on my part. However, we should return quickly. These people likely have some background—if their elders are nearby, we could be in trouble.” Han Li waved his hand courteously but urged them to set off promptly.

Qi Xiaoxiao, standing to the side, nodded anxiously in agreement. “Yes, Yin’er! Let’s leave this place quickly. It’s still too dangerous here!”

Ever since laying eyes on Xin Ruyin, Qi Xiaoxiao hadn’t been able to tear his gaze away from her jade-like face. Now, he addressed her with such intimate affection that it made even Han Li cringe.

Xin Ruyin’s cheeks flushed slightly, tinged with two faint blushes.

She shot a slightly annoyed glance at Qi Xiaoxiao beside her but, after a moment’s hesitation, nodded in agreement with slightly parted red lips.

“Alright, let’s go now. But these corpses…” Xin Ruyin glanced at the bodies on the ground, seeming to want to say more.

“That’s easily dealt with—we’ll burn them on the spot!” Han Li said dismissively. He spread the fingers of his right hand, and seven or eight bowl-sized fireballs shot out, instantly reducing the corpses to ashes. Only their storage bags remained.

His practiced and effortless method of disposing of the bodies made Xin Ruyin’s expression shift slightly, sending a chill down her spine.

But she was no ordinary delicate woman. She quickly regained her composure and chatted with Qi Xiaoxiao as if nothing had happened.

“The items in these storage bags are of no use to me. If you don’t mind, Miss, please take them. It’s better than leaving traces behind.” Han Li turned to the pretty maidservant standing beside Xin Ruyin and spoke gently.

“Senior, are you really giving them to me?” The maidservant was overjoyed, hardly able to believe her ears.

When Han Li nodded with a light smile, she immediately thanked him and gleefully ran over to collect the storage bags. To her, this was an unexpected windfall—the bags were sure to contain valuable items!

Xin Ruyin was momentarily taken aback but soon regained her composure. After exchanging a few polite words with Han Li, she boarded the small boat floating mid-air with Qi Xiaoxiao.

Once the excited maidservant, clutching a pile of storage bags, also boarded the vessel, Han Li swayed slightly and stepped onto the boat last. Spiritual power flowed from his feet, and the craft soared into the sky.

…

On the way back, the woman in blue invited Han Li and Qi Xiaoxiao to her place to properly express her gratitude for saving her life.

Qi Xiaoxiao, eager for any chance to get closer to the woman he had long yearned for, immediately agreed without hesitation. Han Li, too, saw this as a good opportunity to bring up the matter of repairing the teleportation formation and, after a moment’s thought, raised no objections.

Thus, under Han Li’s control, the small boat turned slightly and sped off toward the northwest.

Several hours later, following Xin Ruyin’s directions, Han Li landed on a rather inconspicuous small mountain.

Apart from some faint mist surrounding it, Han Li couldn’t detect anything unusual about the mountain. It seemed as ordinary as any other unnamed hill in the world.

But Han Li knew better. As the residence of a formation master, it was unlikely to be without defenses—most probably, it was protected by formidable formations. His own knowledge of formations was limited, so he couldn’t discern the intricacies hidden nearby, but he dared not let his guard down.

Led by the woman in blue, Han Li and the others stopped before a cluster of bamboo houses on the mountainside—this was Xin Ruyin’s home.

Xin Ruyin invited Han Li and Qi Xiaoxiao into a larger bamboo house to rest while she and her maidservant went to another room to freshen up and change clothes. After the chase and turmoil, both women had dust on their clothes—something naturally hard for women, who inherently prefer cleanliness, to endure!

Han Li sat in a bamboo chair, amusedly watching Qi Xiaoxiao’s restless behavior. The latter frequently walked to the door to peer outside, as if even this short separation felt like an eternity. He was the very picture of a lovesick fool.

Han Li found it quite entertaining, and the corners of his mouth curled up into a faint, almost teasing smile—which Qi Xiaoxiao accidentally caught when he turned around.

Instantly, Qi Xiaoxiao’s face turned bright red. He muttered a few embarrassed excuses before sheepishly returning to his seat.

“‘Fair maiden, gentlemen desire her’—this is an honorable matter! Why should Fellow Daoist Qi feel embarrassed?” Han Li took a sip of the premium spiritual tea on the table, smiled faintly, and spoke with ease.

“Senior! It’s not… I didn’t…” Qi Xiaoxiao grew even more flustered.

Just then, the pretty maidservant entered, finally saving Qi Xiaoxiao from his embarrassment. Not long after, Xin Ruyin also returned, having changed into a white gown that accentuated her grace. She resembled a blooming snow lotus, dazzling to behold.

“I am deeply grateful for Senior Han and Brother Qi’s rescue. Ruyin will remember this kindness! Please allow me to offer you tea in place of wine, to express my heartfelt thanks!” Upon entering, Xin Ruyin took two cups of tea from her maidservant and gracefully offered one to each of them.

Han Li accepted the tea, inwardly sighing. “This woman is truly remarkable! Her words are flawless—she hasn’t promised anything, yet no one can find fault with her.”

Meanwhile, Qi Xiaoxiao, overjoyed that the woman he loved was offering him tea, was so elated he could hardly tell east from west. He drank the tea in one gulp, not even tasting it, and simply grinned foolishly.

Seeing Qi Xiaoxiao’s besotted expression, Xin Ruyin felt a headache coming on. She turned to chat with Han Li instead, trying to subtly probe his background—wondering if he belonged to a certain sect or major clan.

After all, a Foundation Establishment cultivator surely had some notable origins.

Han Li, of course, wasn’t foolish enough to reveal his background easily. He deliberately evaded her questions, skillfully steering the conversation in circles.

By the time their conversation ended, Xin Ruyin had gained no useful information. Frustrated, she grew more wary of Han Li.

To Xin Ruyin, even though Han Li had helped them greatly, it didn’t necessarily mean he didn’t have the same intentions as their previous pursuers. To be safe, she had to stay on high alert and proceed with caution.

“Senior Han, I promised you that if you could save Ruyin, you could take any of the formation flags and plates I’ve crafted. I happen to have a few sets with me now—would you like to see if any meet your requirements?” This offer surprised Han Li but also delighted him. Finally, they were approaching the topic he cared about most.

Hearing this, Xin Ruyin was first startled, then deeply moved. She smiled gratefully at Qi Xiaoxiao, who responded with another blissful, foolish grin.

“The matter of the formation flags and plates isn’t urgent. Actually, I have another request for Fellow Daoist Xin. If you can help me with this, there’s no need for any repayment. In fact, I’m willing to offer an eight-hundred-year-old spirit herb for alchemy to aid in your treatment.” Han Li’s words shocked both of them.

“Senior, you’re willing to part with the spirit herb?” Qi Xiaoxiao stood up abruptly, overcome with surprise and excitement.

Clearly, he was already envisioning his beloved being cured by the spirit herb, filled with hope and emotion.