In the evening, Qin Yan was pacing back and forth in the Qin family’s main hall, his face etched with anxiety.
Early that morning, a servant who had gone to deliver a meal to Han Li reported that Han Li was not in his room and seemed to have been absent all night. This news greatly worried Qin Yan—not out of concern for Han Li’s safety, but because he feared the bodyguard might have left without a word. If that happened, how would the Qin family defend themselves against the demonic sect’s attacks?
“Qin Ping, go check if Young Master Han has returned. Report back as soon as you have any news!” Qin Yan ordered impatiently.
“Yes, Master,” Qin Ping replied respectfully, inwardly pleased. The more concerned Qin Yan was about Han Li, the more it confirmed that Qin Ping had chosen the right person to align himself with. It seemed his rise within the Qin household was imminent.
“Master, why are you so worried? It’s perfectly normal for a young man to go out occasionally. There’s no need to be so anxious,” said Third Madame, Qin Yan’s favorite concubine, who was also in the hall. Though her words seemed to defend Han Li, her tone carried a distinct note of jealousy.
This was hardly surprising. Ever since Han Li had arrived at the Qin residence, the family head had kept him close at all times, while previously favored young masters and misses of the Qin family were now neglected—including Third Madame’s own children. Her resentment had been simmering, and now it boiled over.
“Hmph, what do you know?” Qin Yan retorted, well aware of the meaning behind her words. But with the safety of his entire family at stake, he had no patience for petty jealousy. He shot her a glare and ignored her.
His dismissive attitude only made Third Madame feel more aggrieved. However, she knew her husband despised melodramatic outbursts, so she swallowed her anger and fell silent, though her resentment toward Han Li grew stronger.
After some time, Qin Ping rushed back into the hall, beaming with excitement. “Master, Young Master Han has returned! He brought several guests with him and requests that you arrange accommodations for them near his residence.”
Hearing this, Qin Yan finally felt a weight lift off his shoulders. As long as Han Li hadn’t left without notice, he had no objections—even if Han Li had brought a dozen or more guests. “Since Nephew Han has asked, let them stay in the Clear Sound Courtyard nearby. Make sure his guests are treated with the utmost respect,” Qin Yan said without hesitation, further darkening Third Madame’s expression.
“Yes, Master! I’ll see to it right away!” Qin Ping dashed off, full of energy.
“Master, isn’t this a bit inappropriate? Our Qin family is large and influential. Allowing strangers to stay so suddenly seems rather reckless,” Third Madame ventured cautiously, her concern not entirely directed at Han Li this time.
Qin Yan paused briefly but then waved his hand dismissively. “It’s fine. Nephew Han’s friends won’t cause any trouble.”
Hearing Qin Yan’s indulgent tone, Third Madame fell silent, utterly speechless.
…
Meanwhile, Han Li was seated in his room, facing five others—the Mengshan Five. A young man among them was speaking animatedly, while the others occasionally chimed in. Han Li listened with a thoughtful expression.
Earlier, in the wilderness outside Yuejing City, Han Li had used his powerful spiritual sense to successfully remove the blood curses from four of them. He then led them to rescue the remaining middle-aged woman, who had been left behind. Surprisingly, they managed to extract her without any difficulty. Though slightly puzzled, Han Li removed her blood curse as well and brought them all back to the Qin residence.
It would have been possible for the five to find lodging elsewhere, but Han Li didn’t entirely trust them. Without his supervision, he couldn’t be sure they would remain loyal in facing their common enemy. Even though he had freed them from their curses, human nature was unpredictable—gratitude today could turn to self-preservation tomorrow. Han Li was well aware of this.
Moreover, they weren’t bound by any oath of brotherhood to him, so it was likely they valued their own lives above all else.
Of course, Han Li could have forced their compliance through restrictions or poison, but doing so would make him no different from their previous captors. Over time, such methods would inevitably lead to rebellion.
While Han Li wasn’t opposed to using underhanded tactics if necessary, he had other considerations. If the Seven Sects managed to repel the demonic invasion and restore peace, he planned to recruit helpers to gather pill formulas and medicinal ingredients for him. This would free him from constant travel, allowing him to focus entirely on cultivation and significantly accelerate his progress.
The Mengshan Five, with their moderate cultivation levels, were ideal candidates. Thus, Han Li preferred not to resort to coercion.
However, he was also realistic. Without sufficient incentives, even low-level cultivators wouldn’t serve others indefinitely. He needed more time to assess their character before entrusting them with such tasks. Everything would depend on how the current situation unfolded.
“…It’s quite embarrassing. Despite our efforts, we’ve only managed to identify a few fellow cultivators who were also coerced. We still haven’t seen the true faces of the two giving orders. We know very little,” the young man concluded with a bitter smile.
“That’s enough. Knowing that the enemy is a sinister cult called the Black Fiend Cult, and that they kidnap people to practice evil techniques, is sufficient for now,” Han Li replied calmly.
“But Senior Han, should we simply hide here and wait for reinforcements?” the newly rescued middle-aged woman asked tentatively.
The other four looked at Han Li expectantly, eager to hear his response.
Han Li inwardly scoffed. Clearly, they all hoped to avoid further confrontation with the Black Fiend Cult. However, the Seven Sects had no reinforcements to spare—they were already stretched thin battling the demonic sect. Even if he reported the situation truthfully, it was unlikely anyone would come to their aid.
Fortunately, on his way back, Han Li had sent a message to his master, Li Huayuan, through the Huangfeng Valley contact in Yuejing, briefly explaining the situation. His master wouldn’t ignore him, especially since Han Li had gotten into this trouble while carrying out his tasks. Otherwise, Han Li would have long since fled rather than stay and face such danger.
Still, Han Li had no idea what kind of support to expect—probably a few senior disciples from his sect. Outwardly, he maintained a relaxed demeanor. “Of course not. Before reinforcements arrive, we should gather more intelligence on the enemy’s hideouts and key figures. That way, we can strike decisively. Hiding here passively would only give them time to track us down and prepare countermeasures. We can’t let them dictate the terms.”
The Mengshan Five exchanged uneasy glances. The dark-faced elder stroked his beard and said gravely, “Senior, your words make sense, but with the limited clues we have, it’s impossible to track them down. The previous hideout we were at has surely been abandoned. We have nowhere to start.”
The tall, thin second brother nodded silently in agreement.
“Don’t worry. Based on your descriptions of the two Black Fiend Cult members giving orders, I already know who they are. If we capture them alive, we can uncover most of the cult’s secrets,” Han Li said calmly, as if he had anticipated this very question.
The group was initially stunned, then broke into relieved smiles, regarding Han Li with even greater awe.
“Excellent! Since Senior Han already has a plan, we will follow your instructions without question,” the dark-faced elder declared firmly.
Han Li nodded in satisfaction. “We act tonight. The sooner we move, the less prepared they’ll be,” he said, narrowing his eyes coldly.
“Tonight?” The Mengshan Five couldn’t hide their surprise.
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