Chapter 555: Discernment

Han Li glanced at the expressions of the two women, stroked his chin with a thoughtful look, and nodded silently without a word.

One of the female cultivators reached out and touched the wall, causing a ripple of cyan light to spread. A stone door appeared there.

“This junior can only lead Senior this far. I shall take my leave now,” she said.

Seizing the opportunity, the old man hastily bid farewell and departed.

Han Li paid no mind and strode into the room. After passing through a short corridor, he entered a hall.

Madam Fan, dressed in a light green dress with subtle makeup, stood in the middle of the room waiting respectfully, a warm smile gracing her face.

“This humble one did not come to greet you from afar. I hope Senior will forgive my discourtesy.”

Her cherry lips parted as she offered a charming curtsy, her smile radiant. Then, with a graceful step aside, she invited Han Li to take a seat.

Han Li glanced at the sandalwood chair behind her, raised an eyebrow, and without ceremony, walked over and sat down. His gaze swept over her delicate, smiling features before he spoke calmly, “It seems Madam is not at all worried that my visit might bring harm to your sect.”

“Senior, you jest. With your cultivation level, why would you trouble a Foundation Establishment junior like me?”

Madam Fan took light, graceful steps and sat down beside Han Li, covering her mouth as she chuckled softly.

The beautiful woman was now only a few feet away from Han Li, her subtle fragrance wafting toward him. Han Li frowned slightly but maintained his composure. However, as soon as the enchanting woman sat down, a faint trace of surprise flickered across her face, and she suddenly began scrutinizing Han Li with a peculiar gaze.

A cold glint flashed in Han Li’s eyes. Just as he was about to ask her what she meant, a young, clear-eyed female cultivator quietly entered, carrying a light red tea tray. She placed a cup of fragrant tea in front of each of them and then stood behind Madam Fan without a word.

Though Madam Fan’s expression appeared calm, a flicker of anger passed through her eyes. Yet, she said nothing.

Seeing this, Han Li glanced at the two women, and a thought stirred in his mind.

“Senior, what brings you here today? Is there anything our sect can assist you with? If it is within our power, we will do our utmost to help.”

Madam Fan picked up the tea in front of her, took a small sip, and asked with composure.

“Since Sect Leader Fan has said so, I won’t beat around the bush. I wonder if the teleportation formation your sect is building to return to the Inner Seas has been completed. I would like to borrow it.”

Han Li spoke without changing his expression, as though mentioning a trivial matter.

“Teleportation formation?”

Madam Fan was taken aback for a moment, then her beautiful eyes shifted slightly, and a faint, ambiguous smile appeared on her face.

“I’m afraid I must disappoint you, Senior. The formation is not yet fully completed, though it may be soon. It will only require a little more time…”

“How long must I wait?”

Han Li coldly interrupted before she could finish.

“That’s hard to say! As you know, Senior, the formation currently lacks the required Illusion Dream Stones. Elder Yun and other Seniors went to the source of the stones to retrieve them but ended up alerting the demonic beasts there. After a fierce battle, they only managed to bring back a small amount of the material, and several Seniors were lost. Left with no choice, Elder Yun is planning the next operation and is just about to—”

Madam Fan hesitated slightly, placing her teacup back on the table before explaining to Han Li.

“Ahem…”

The female cultivator standing behind Madam Fan suddenly coughed lightly.

A flash of anger crossed Madam Fan’s flower-like face, but then, as if constrained by some concern, she fell silent.

A strange expression flickered across Han Li’s face. He raised his head and coldly stared at the female cultivator, causing her to lower her head fearfully.

“If the teleportation formation cannot be used in the short term, then there is no need for me to say anything further. I shall take my leave.”

After a moment of thought, Han Li stood up, showing no intention to stay longer.

Seeing this, a complex expression flashed across Madam Fan’s face. After a moment of hesitation, she slowly spoke words that left Han Li momentarily stunned.

“Although I cannot assist you with the teleportation matter, our sect has always held Core Formation Seniors in the highest esteem! Please rest here for the night and depart tomorrow.”

“Stay the night? Very well. I will rest here for the night before setting off.”

Han Li initially frowned, intending to refuse outright, but after meeting her captivating gaze, he changed his mind.

“Hehe! Our sect will certainly treat you well, Senior. Someone, take Senior Li to the finest room.”

Madam Fan laughed coyly, an unusual glint in her eyes.

Immediately, another young female cultivator entered in response.

Without another word, Han Li stood up and followed her out.

However, just before leaving the hall, he glanced back meaningfully, as if to confirm something, before calmly departing.

“Sect Leader! Why keep this person here? Isn’t it a bit rash? This Senior Li refused our offer to recruit him last time.”

As soon as Han Li’s figure disappeared from the hall, the young female cultivator behind Madam Fan spoke up. Her voice was soft, carrying an indescribable charm that starkly contrasted her delicate appearance—a tone that would make most men’s hearts flutter. Though her words were respectful, they carried a subtle undertone of interrogation.

“Yun Qin! You grow bolder by the day! This Senior Li possesses astonishing cultivation. What harm is there in me deliberately befriending him? Since when does the Miaoyin Sect answer to you?”

Madam Fan’s expression darkened upon hearing this.

“I wouldn’t dare. It’s just that before leaving, Elder Yun instructed me to hope that the Sect Leader does not do anything to put this disciple in a difficult position.”

Though the young woman’s words were humble, there was no hint of concession in her tone, and she invoked Yun Tianxiao’s name.

“Hmph! I will inform Yun Tianxiao of this matter upon his return. This Sect Leader has other important matters to attend to. I bid you farewell!”

Madam Fan’s expression grew even colder. With a flick of her sleeve, she turned and left without looking back.

Only the young woman, her face shifting between light and shadow, remained in the hall.

In a comfortable room, Han Li lay on the wooden bed, his eyes unblinking as he pondered.

Though he had impulsively decided to stay the night in this market, he felt no worry. He had already scanned the area with his powerful spiritual sense.

The highest cultivation level here belonged to Madam Fan and a few other late Foundation Establishment cultivators. There were no Core Formation cultivators, let alone any Nascent Soul old monsters. Unless some unexpected upheaval occurred, he could rest here without concern.

Yet, he was already considering whether he truly had to spend several years flying back to the Inner Seas via the sea route.

Just then, a few knocks sounded at the door.

“Come in.”

Han Li didn’t move from the bed, speaking indifferently as if he already knew who it was.

A charming, light laugh came from outside the door, and Madam Fan entered, dressed in lavish attire. She glided gracefully to the center of the room, her cloud-like hair cascading, exuding endless allure.

“Senior is still awake so late. It seems you already knew this humble one was coming.”

A fragrant breeze accompanied her as she sat down boldly close to Han Li’s bedside, smiling at him.

“Sect Leader Fan’s hints were quite obvious. I, too, wish to know what secret matter you need to discuss with me alone. Let me make this clear beforehand: if it’s not related to the teleportation formation, I have no interest.”

Han Li didn’t even glance at her, closing his eyes as he spoke calmly.

“Naturally. After being pursued by so many Nascent Soul old monsters to the Outer Star Seas, Elder Han naturally wishes to return.”

“What did you say? Who is Elder Han?”

Han Li’s reclining body stiffened. His eyes snapped open, sharp light gleaming as he fixed a cold gaze on the enchanting woman before him, his voice turning icy.

“This humble one speaks of our sect’s Elder Han, of course.”

Madam Fan met Han Li’s gaze without flinching, her expression calm and unruffled.

Han Li coldly stared at her for a moment before sitting up abruptly.

“How did you recognize me? With your cultivation level, it’s impossible for you to see through my true appearance.”

Han Li regained his composure and asked slowly.

“This humble one did not see through it. I smelled it.”

Madam Fan extended her jade-like wrist, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, a sly glint flashing in her beautiful eyes as she replied.

“Smelled it?”

Han Li was taken aback, his expression a mix of realization and confusion.

As if sensing Han Li’s lingering doubt, Madam Fan pursed her lips and explained with a light laugh, “Since childhood, I’ve been different from others. I can clearly distinguish the unique scents of people’s bodies and permanently remember any scent I wish to keep. Coincidentally, I was quite interested in Elder Han back then and memorized your aura. I haven’t forgotten it to this day! During your last visit to the market, you were too far away, and the place was too crowded and chaotic, so I didn’t notice your identity. But today, in the hall, at such close range, Elder Han naturally couldn’t hide from me.”

As she spoke, Madam Fan’s eyes seemed to shimmer with moisture, gazing at Han Li with boundless charm, her lips curved in a suppressed smile.