Just as Han Li was feeling somewhat speechless about Silvermoon, she spoke up again: “I’ve always been puzzled—since the Bright Sight Spirit Water has no effect on cultivators above the Foundation Establishment stage, why does Brother Han still wish to obtain it?” Her voice carried a trace of confusion.
“This is because those people from Hidden Sword Peak were mistaken about one thing. The Bright Sight Spirit Water isn’t entirely ineffective for high-level cultivators. It’s just that after undergoing marrow cleansing and meridian refinement, high-level cultivators already possess some ability to see through simple illusions and mist. So, if they merely dab a little on their eyes, naturally, no effect would be visible. For a Core Formation cultivator like me to gain even more miraculous vision, the entire batch of spirit water refined from a single drop of the pure liquid might not even be enough for one high-level cultivator. In that case, it’s better to let lower-level cultivators benefit from its obvious effects.” Hearing this question, Han Li’s lips curled slightly into a faint smile.
“Oh? How does Brother Han know this?” Silvermoon’s voice carried a hint of surprise.
“It’s nothing. Back in the Chaotic Star Sea, I read about it in an ancient text. It shouldn’t be false,” Han Li replied.
“Could it be that Brother Han intends to…?” Silvermoon gasped softly.
“Exactly. I want to take this opportunity to get close to the Spirit Eye Tree and see if I can obtain its spiritual roots. Then, I’ll use the small vial to accelerate its growth. Once that’s done, I should be able to obtain as much Bright Sight Spirit Water and Spirit-Calming Pills as I need. Of course, I’ll also find a way to acquire the formulas for both,” Han Li said unhurriedly.
“Haha, Brother Han’s plan is indeed a lasting solution. In that case, you only need to make it into the top ten. Though it might still seem abrupt, it’s much safer than aiming for first place,” Silvermoon agreed.
Han Li chuckled and was about to say more when his gaze swept to the side, and he let out a soft exclamation.
In the distance, a streak of red light was flying toward them, enveloping a slender woman with a face like peach blossoms yet cold as frost—the same Mu-surnamed female cultivator who had assigned him to the herb garden and then ignored him.
As she approached, she spotted Han Li hovering mid-air. A flicker of surprise crossed her beautiful face before her expression returned to normal. She slowed her speed and stopped beside him.
“Did you also receive the summons to go to Sky Spring Peak?” she asked coldly.
“Yes, Senior Martial Aunt Mu. Do you know what’s happening? Why has the Peak Master summoned all the disciples?” Han Li replied calmly.
“I don’t know, but it’s probably related to the Sword Trial Assembly,” the Mu-surnamed woman answered curtly. Then, glancing at Han Li’s flying sword, she frowned and suddenly said, “Although your flying sword is a high-grade artifact, it’s not specialized for flight. Let me take you with my Celestial Star Ribbon instead, so we don’t waste time.” Without waiting for Han Li’s response, the red ribbon-like artifact around her expanded, transforming into a red mist that enveloped him.
Han Li was momentarily stunned but didn’t resist, allowing her to pull him onto her artifact. Wrapped in red light, they flew off together.
“Have you been practicing the Profound Ice Art I gave you? Although it won’t enhance your foundational cultivation, once you master it slightly, you’ll be able to use several powerful water-attribute spells. After you succeed in Foundation Establishment, it can even become your primary cultivation technique. Practicing it won’t do you any harm,” the woman said expressionlessly, glancing at Han Li as she controlled the artifact.
Hearing this, Han Li could only say he had practiced it a little. If she wanted to see, he could easily mimic some water-attribute techniques with his current cultivation.
Fortunately, she seemed to have asked casually and didn’t press further.
Thus, Han Li, breathing in the faint fragrance emanating from her, was carried toward Sky Spring Peak.
Silvermoon, knowing it wasn’t the right time to speak, had fallen silent in Han Li’s mind since the Mu-surnamed woman arrived.
As the two neared Sky Spring Peak, Han Li, standing behind the woman, suddenly looked up at the sky.
A moment later, a streak of green light descended diagonally from above, blocking their path.
“Junior Sister Mu, it’s been so long since I last saw you. What have you been busy with lately? I’ve sent countless message talismans—why haven’t you replied to a single one?”
Under Han Li’s astonished gaze, the light dissipated, revealing a sharp-eared, monkey-faced cultivator in his thirties—the same Yan-surnamed cultivator who had once tried to recruit new disciples as laborers.
The coldly beautiful woman’s expression darkened at the sight of him. “Yan, I’m under the Peak Master’s orders to return to the mountain. How dare you block my way?”
“Tsk, tsk! Junior Sister Mu, you misunderstand. I wouldn’t dare. I just wanted to ask if you’ve received your father’s letter. Our elders have already agreed to our marriage. Shouldn’t we discuss the date?” The Yan-surnamed cultivator grinned, his gaze greedily roaming over her curvaceous figure and beautiful face. But when his eyes landed on Han Li behind her, he froze momentarily before a flash of cold malice passed through them.
The Mu-surnamed woman seemed to see through his thoughts. Disgust flickered in her eyes as she icily retorted, “What are you thinking? This is Martial Nephew Han, whom Master assigned to me for guidance. He has nothing to do with us. As for the marriage agreement from the clan, as a mere junior, how could I oppose the elders’ decision? But when I’m willing to dual cultivate with you is my own choice. Only when your cultivation matches mine will I even consider it. Until then, don’t dream of laying a finger on me.”
Her tone dripped with contempt, leaving no room for pleasantries.
The Yan-surnamed cultivator’s face flushed red and pale by turns. But before he could speak, the Mu-surnamed woman, her brows furrowed in impatience, let out a cold snort. Channeling her spiritual power, she accelerated past him in a burst of red light, leaving him behind.
The Yan-surnamed cultivator hesitated, seemingly torn between pursuit and resignation. In the end, he remained rooted, his face twisted with resentment.
Han Li glanced back at him, noting the venomous expression.
“Senior Martial Aunt Mu, is that man your fiancé?” Han Li hesitated before asking, his tone slightly odd.
The Yan-surnamed cultivator was only at the early Foundation Establishment stage, while the Mu-surnamed woman was at mid-Foundation Establishment. Their appearances were also worlds apart. Why would her clan agree to such a match? Han Li couldn’t help but wonder.
Though curious, Han Li hadn’t intended to ask. The woman’s stormy expression suggested he’d only invite trouble. Yet, saying nothing at all seemed equally inappropriate. Bracing himself for a cold rebuke or scolding, he asked anyway.
“My affairs are none of your concern, Nephew!” Just as Han Li expected, her icy gaze swept over him as she spoke emotionlessly.
Han Li feigned embarrassment and fell silent. At the same time, he faintly heard Silvermoon chuckle softly in his mind before silence returned.
They were already close to Sky Spring Peak. Soon, the Mu-surnamed woman brought Han Li to a vast platform on the mountainside.
On the platform stood a grand hall built against the mountain, exuding an ancient charm. A silver plaque above its entrance bore the words “Heart Cleansing Hall.”
The hall’s massive black wooden doors were shut—this was where Sky Spring Peak’s disciples gathered for meetings.
Outside the hall, hundreds of male and female disciples stood in clusters, whispering and discussing. However, all were at the Qi Condensation stage; no Foundation Establishment cultivators were present.
The coldly beautiful woman landed directly before the hall doors. The nearby disciples immediately bowed and greeted her respectfully.
With a wave of her hand, she strode toward the hall without hesitation.
With a light tap, the doors parted slightly, allowing her to slip inside before closing again.
Watching her disappear, Han Li shook his head and turned to blend into the crowd. But he soon noticed many disciples staring at him curiously, some even pointing from a distance.
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