Han Li was left speechless upon hearing this. The world truly was full of wonders—there were actually people who could recognize others based on their aura alone. Faced with such a situation, Han Li could only lament his misfortune. However, he showed no signs of panic. As long as it wasn’t someone like Barbarian Beard or Feng Xi, given his current cultivation level and treasures, there were few he needed to fear. This woman had witnessed his power and had deliberately come alone for a secret meeting, suggesting she had ulterior motives.
With this in mind, Han Li spoke indifferently, “Since you’ve recognized me, I won’t stubbornly deny it. But should I address you as Envoy Fan or Sect Leader Fan now?”
“It seems you don’t approve of me becoming the leader of the Mirage Sound Sect, Senior. But you may not know that if we hadn’t followed the orders of the Devil Dao back then, the Mirage Sound Sect would have long vanished from the Chaotic Star Sea. I admit I had some ambition for the position of sect leader, but it was mostly out of necessity.” Upon hearing Han Li’s words, Fan Furen first showed a hint of delight but then explained with a bitter smile.
“There’s no need to explain these matters to me. I have no interest in who leads the Mirage Sound Sect. As for my title of elder, it’s merely nominal. But from what you just said, it seems you know something about me. That piques my curiosity—could you share some details?” Han Li’s expression remained calm as he stretched lazily, appearing utterly unconcerned.
Fan Furen looked slightly surprised, her beautiful eyes studying Han Li for a moment before she broke into a charming smile.
“Senior Han’s name may not be known to everyone, but it’s certainly famous among high-level cultivators. A Core Formation cultivator actually snatched a treasure like the Void Heaven Cauldron right under the noses of numerous Nascent Soul old monsters and then vanished without a trace. That single feat has made Elder Han widely renowned.” Fan Furen smiled enchantingly, her eyes sparkling as she spoke.
“Indeed, nine out of ten cultivators who know of this want me dead, and the tenth is probably dreaming of getting their hands on the cauldron! Envoy Fan, are you also harboring such thoughts?” Han Li let out a cold laugh, glancing at her and deliberately using her former title.
“You jest, Senior. If I were at the Core Formation stage, I might have entertained such delusions. But after failing to form my core again, I’ve long given up on advancing further in cultivation. A treasure like that is beyond my fortune to possess, and I have no intention of doing something foolish that would bring disaster upon myself.” The beautiful woman sighed and shook her head repeatedly upon hearing Han Li’s words.
Han Li carefully observed her demeanor; her expression seemed sincere, but he wasn’t one to easily trust mere words. Remaining cautious, he pressed further without showing any emotion, “Aside from the matter of the Void Heaven Cauldron, are there any other rumors about me?” Having avoided contact with high-level cultivators in the past, Han Li knew very little about the information circulating about himself. Seizing this rare opportunity, he naturally intended to ask without hesitation.
“It seems you’ve heard some news. There is indeed another rumor about you, Senior. Some say you are the Insect Demon who has been killing numerous cultivators in the nearby sea areas in recent years. Personally, I find that hard to believe. Having obtained a treasure like the Void Heaven Cauldron, you’d be more likely to conceal your identity than draw attention with such conspicuous actions. However, I’ve heard that many misguided cultivators have been stirred up. If not for the sudden beast tide, the friends and relatives of those killed by the Insect Demon would likely have formed some ‘Demon Extermination Society’ to hunt you down!” Covering her mouth with a delicate hand, she gazed at Han Li with a teasing, ambiguous smile.
Han Li didn’t even blink, merely nodding calmly without saying a word.
This reaction made Fan Furen inwardly uneasy. Could the ruthless demon lord from the rumors really be this “Elder Han”?
“Very well, Envoy Fan, state your true purpose for coming here tonight. I’ll hear you out,” Han Li said impassively, his voice devoid of emotion.
“Since you put it that way, Elder Han, I’ll speak plainly. I wish to ask for your help in eliminating that scoundrel Yun Tianxiao. Given the power you displayed back then, dealing with him would be effortless for you.” After a moment of hesitation, Fan Furen gritted her teeth and spoke, her exceptionally beautiful face contorted with deep resentment.
“Yun Tianxiao? Isn’t he your backer?” Han Li showed no surprise, remaining silent for a moment before asking unhurriedly.
“Senior, there’s no need for sarcasm. You must have sensed something amiss during today’s gathering in the hall. Within the Mirage Sound Sect, I’ve been reduced to little more than a puppet. If not for the fact that only I know some of the sect’s secret charm techniques and still have a few loyal followers, I would have long been stripped of my position as sect leader.” Fan Furen spoke bitterly, her face darkening.
“Since you relied on the Devil Dao’s support to become sect leader back then, you should have been prepared for this outcome. What’s the use of complaining now? Being a puppet sect leader is still better than losing your life.” Han Li replied expressionlessly, showing no intention of agreeing.
“But now, I’m on the verge of losing my life as well. A jade slip containing the Mirage Sound Sect’s secret techniques, which I had kept hidden, along with one of my trusted disciples, went missing not long ago. It’s almost certainly fallen into Yun Tianxiao’s hands. Once he has his trusted female disciples master these techniques, do you think I’ll have any hope of survival? If you help me eliminate this traitor, I’m willing to offer you the majority of the wealth the Mirage Sound Sect has accumulated over the years. All the virgin female cultivators in the sect will also be yours to take.” In a tone filled with bitterness, Fan Furen revealed her perilous situation, her stunningly beautiful face briefly twisting into a fierce expression as she made her promise.
“Not interested. You may leave.” Despite the highly tempting conditions she offered, Han Li refused without a second thought.
It wasn’t that he doubted her words. If she truly intended to deceive or ambush him, she could have pretended not to recognize him and laid a trap instead, which would have given her a better chance of success. The fundamental reason was that Han Li had no desire to waste time here. He had a deadly pursuer who could catch up to him at any moment. Even if she offered him the entire Mirage Sound Sect, Han Li would dismiss it without hesitation—his priority was saving his own life.
Seeing his reaction, Fan Furen felt somewhat puzzled. After pleading desperately a few more times without any change in Han Li’s stance, her delicate face shifted through several expressions.
Finally, after a moment of contemplation, she gritted her teeth and added, “If I have a way to help you return to the Inner Sea in a short time, Elder Han, would you be willing to assist me?” After saying this, she watched Han Li intently, her expression tense. This was the last bargaining chip she could offer.
Han Li was taken aback for a moment but then replied without hesitation, “If you can indeed get me back to the Inner Sea within ten days, this matter might be worth discussing. But weren’t you lacking the Illusion Dream Stones needed for the teleportation formation? Were you lying to me earlier today?” As he spoke the last sentence, his expression darkened, and his voice turned cold.
“Of course not. To Yun Tianxiao, the teleportation formation is indeed missing many Illusion Dream Stones. But he doesn’t know that our Mirage Sound Sect once spent a fortune to acquire some of these rare materials. Originally, we intended to set up teleportation formations between several branches in the Inner Sea. When we came to the Outer Sea, I brought them all with me. Later, when I realized Yun Tianxiao’s treacherous ambitions, I naturally didn’t reveal these materials. Otherwise, with the support of the Inner Sea’s Devil Dao, I would have had no chance of turning the tables.” Her heart racing, the beautiful woman hurriedly explained to Han Li.
Hearing this, Han Li was inwardly overjoyed, but on the surface, he suppressed his excitement and lowered his head in thought.
After a moment, he looked up calmly and said, “Show me the Illusion Dream Stones and take me to see the teleportation formation. If there are enough materials and it can be completed immediately, I’ll help you this once.” His words were deliberate and measured.
“This…” Fan Furen first showed delight but then hesitated.
“If you can’t do that, I won’t get involved,” Han Li added in a tone that brooked no argument.
“Fine! The materials are easy to handle—I can even take you to see them now. But the location where the teleportation formation is being built is some distance from here. Moreover, most of the disciples guarding it are Yun Tianxiao’s trusted followers, which might make things difficult.” Fan Furen frowned, looking troubled.
“If we’re going to deal with Elder Yun, why worry about a few of his lackeys? This is a good opportunity to trim his wings before dealing him a fatal blow. But where is Yun Tianxiao now? He’s not too far from here, is he?” Han Li asked, suddenly concerned.
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