Han Li had grasped the situation by now.
These individuals were discussing the recent disappearances of cultivators within the Yue Kingdom’s cultivation world over the past few years. It seemed they had been captured by those behind the scenes, threatened, and then released. From their tone, they were now under someone’s control and being forced to commit harmful acts.
Han Li’s mind raced, and in moments, he concluded it was best to steer clear of this matter. After all, the fact that the mastermind behind so many cultivators’ disappearances remained at large and undiscovered indicated exceptional cunning—this was no ordinary foe. Moreover, if they could command Foundation Establishment cultivators, there might even be Core Formation experts lurking in the shadows. As a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator himself, it was unwise to invite trouble during such turbulent times.
Having made his decision, Han Li immediately withdrew his spiritual sense and paid no further attention to the group. Though these cultivators were unfortunate and pitiable, they were strangers to him, and he had no intention of risking himself by meddling in their affairs. They would have to rely on their own luck.
Besides, as the dark-faced old man had analyzed, the Seven Sects were fully occupied with resisting the Devil Dao and had no spare capacity. Even if Han Li reported this, it was unlikely they would intervene. He could only coldly accept this reality.
Freed from eavesdropping, Han Li focused entirely on his meal, occasionally feigning curiosity by pointing out novel sights outside the window and asking Qin Ping about them. Qin Ping eagerly explained everything in detail. By the end of the meal, Han Li had consumed most of the food, leaving Qin Ping astonished at his young master’s vigorous appetite.
As the group of cultivators stood to leave, their dejected expressions made it clear they had found no solution. After finishing his meal, Han Li instructed Qin Ping to settle the bill.
Qin Ping simply chuckled, produced a Qin Manor waist token, and swaggered downstairs. Shortly after, he returned and reported, “Young Master, I’ve left the token with them. The manager will settle the account at our manor at the end of the month. We don’t need to pay in silver. As a young master of the Qin Manor, you have a monthly allowance of several hundred taels of silver to be reimbursed. I’ve already charged this meal to your account.”
Han Li was surprised by the Qin family’s extravagance but feigned confusion and nodded vaguely before heading downstairs with Qin Ping.
In the afternoon, instead of walking, Han Li took Qin Ping’s advice and hired a two-wheeled carriage to tour several key areas of Yuejing. Though they missed many places, Han Li gained a preliminary understanding of the city’s layout and districts, ensuring he wouldn’t be completely lost outside the Qin residence.
By evening, Han Li returned to the Qin Manor in high spirits. The gatekeeper, Qin Gui, rushed out to eagerly serve him, fearful that Han Li still held a grudge from yesterday’s misunderstanding. Han Li, however, had already forgotten the minor incident, his mind preoccupied with ensuring the safety of the Qin Manor. At the very least, he needed to protect Qin Yan’s life to avoid disappointing Li Huayuan.
With a plan in mind, Han Li entered the manor reassured. That night, he openly sought out his “Uncle Qin” for a detailed discussion in a private chamber before returning cheerfully.
From the next day onward, those acquainted with Qin Yan noticed an unfamiliar, rustic-looking young man constantly by his side. Qin Yan enthusiastically introduced him as the descendant of an elder, asking his friends to mentor him. These friends, all influential officials or wealthy merchants, found it odd that the young man never left Qin Yan’s side but, unable to uncover Han Li’s background, treated him with paternal kindness. Thus, Han Li was初步 introduced to Yuejing’s upper echelons.
…
Time flew, and over two months passed.
Han Li seemed to have truly become a young master of the Qin household, enjoying the same privileges as Qin Yan’s children. Qin Yan took him along to all business engagements and social visits, as if intent on grooming him. Rumors soon spread that Han Li was Qin Yan’s illegitimate son, causing quite a stir among acquainted families.
Qin Yan ignored the rumors, tacitly allowing speculation, which only reinforced their credibility. Some impatient Qin descendants, whether instructed by elders or acting on their own, tried to subtly probe Han Li about the rumors. However, Han Li played dumb, feigning ignorance, and they left empty-handed.
Eventually, the Qin household silently accepted Han Li’s status as a young master, assuming Qin Yan’s favor was to atone for some guilt. Though Qin Yan’s previously favored children resented this, they dared not openly oppose Han Li under their father’s strict watch, venting their frustrations only in private with insults like “bumpkin” or “bastard.”
Unbeknownst to them, Han Li regularly used his spiritual sense to envelop the entire Qin Manor during his nightly cultivation sessions, uncovering many secrets. He heard their complaints clearly but dismissed them as childish. However, some elders were secretly plotting to undermine him, which amused Han Li. He wouldn’t bother with mortals, but if Devil Dao adherents attacked, these individuals would be last on his protection list—a small retaliation.
One day, Qin Yan received an invitation from a notable figure: a prince of the current dynasty. The prince was hosting a banquet to celebrate his beloved concubine’s recovery from a serious illness. As one of Yuejing’s top three influential merchants, Qin Yan was naturally invited. The prince specifically requested that Qin Yan bring along his well-connected sons and “talented daughters,” allegedly at the young prince’s behest.
Reluctantly, Qin Yan agreed to take the younger generation. They were overjoyed, having been confined to the manor for two months under the pretext of avoiding danger from Devil Dao adherents. They resented Han Li, who, though not much older, accompanied Qin Yan daily seemingly without a care.
The inviting prince, titled “Prince Xin,” was a brother of the current ruler of Yue. According to Qin Yan, he was forthright and sociable, befriending nobles, merchants, and even commoners and unusual talents—though he avoided military officials to prevent suspicion. Despite this, he enjoyed a excellent reputation among the people.
Han Li formed a rough impression of the prince but reserved judgment. After all, many great figures hid wickedness behind a respectable facade.
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