“Master, you… you can’t be serious, can you?” Silvermoon widened her beautiful eyes, hesitating slightly.
“Whether I’m serious or not, you’ll find out later. For now, summon that woman for me. Given her cultivation level, she won’t see through your fox spirit form,” Han Li replied indifferently.
“As you command, Master!” Though filled with suspicion, Silvermoon responded respectfully. Han Li then turned and walked into the hall.
After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Silvermoon gracefully entered, followed by a rather haggard-looking Mu Peiling. It seemed this woman had not had an easy time of late.
“Master, Miss Mu has been brought to you,” Silvermoon said respectfully as she approached Han Li.
“Hmm, understood. You may leave,” Han Li nodded calmly.
“Then this servant takes her leave!” Silvermoon cast a sidelong glance at the Mu woman, pursed her lips in a faint smile, and exited the hall.
“Greetings, Senior Han.” Mu Peiling performed a respectful bow and then stood silently, as if resigned to whatever punishment Han Li might impose.
Seeing her like this, Han Li frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over her stunningly beautiful face.
“You should know why I summoned you. Your reckless words have given the newly ascended Nascent Soul me the reputation of being domineering among the cultivation families. After all, forcibly taking a betrothed female cultivator as a concubine doesn’t sound very honorable. Of course, given my current cultivation, neither the Mu nor the Yan families would dare complain, and I don’t particularly care. But that doesn’t mean I’ll tolerate your audacity. You must be prepared for my punishment,” Han Li spoke calmly, without a trace of anger.
“Senior, please forgive me. This matter was indeed my reckless insolence. But rather than marry into the Yan family, I would prefer to serve as your concubine,” Mu Peiling raised her delicate head, her face pale.
“Humph! Since you’ve spread the word that you’re my concubine, I can hardly stand aside now, nor can I simply dismiss it as a rumor. Otherwise, the cultivation families would think this newly appointed Elder of the Falling Cloud Sect is weak and easily bullied, unable to protect even a Foundation Establishment female cultivator. And by now, this rumor has likely spread throughout the entire cultivation world. Tell me, how should I deal with you?” Han Li’s eyes flickered as he spoke slowly.
“This junior has nothing to say. Whatever punishment Senior imposes, Peiling will accept without complaint,” Mu Peiling bit her lip lightly and replied in a low voice.
“Since the outside world already believes you’re my concubine, I’ll give you two choices. First, openly serve as my concubine, but in reality, you’ll be my maid for twenty years, obeying my commands. Once the time is up and this matter fades, I’ll grant you freedom. However, as a maid, don’t expect any guidance in your cultivation.” Han Li’s voice was firm.
“And… the second choice?” Mu Peiling’s face showed a flicker of disappointment, and she couldn’t help but raise her head to ask.
“The second path is to make the lie true—become my concubine in truth, serving by my side for life, never betraying me. I’m not stingy with those close to me, so when in a good mood, I might offer some cultivation guidance. But I must warn you—if you choose this, I’ll place a Soul Restriction on you to prevent betrayal. After all, if you change your mind later, my secrets might fall into others’ ears.” Han Li stared at her, his tone indifferent.
“I…” Mu Peiling was momentarily stunned, her expression shifting uncertainly as she carefully weighed Han Li’s conditions. It seemed she didn’t truly oppose the idea of becoming his concubine.
“I know you’ve always held yourself in high regard. Even though I’m a Nascent Soul cultivator, I may not be your ideal match. But that’s fine—you’re not my ideal partner either. Still, that doesn’t stop me from taking you as a concubine. If you want my protection and to advance further in cultivation, this isn’t too much to ask. And from what I’ve seen over the years, you know I’m neither cruel nor eccentric. Even with the Soul Restriction, serving me won’t be unbearable. If you prove trustworthy later, removing the restriction isn’t impossible. Otherwise, just be my maid for twenty years—it’ll pass in a blink.” Han Li spoke casually, his gaze no longer fixed on her, as if indifferent to her choice.
“Senior, may Peiling have two more days to consider?” The Mu woman’s mind was in turmoil—unwilling to be controlled, yet unwilling to pass up the guidance of a Nascent Soul cultivator. Unable to decide, she could only hesitate.
As for becoming Han Li’s concubine, she had already accepted it as inevitable, seeing no real downside to serving a Nascent Soul expert. After all, if any Nascent Soul master announced they were seeking a Foundation Establishment female cultivator as a concubine, countless young and beautiful women would vie for the opportunity.
“Very well. Return in two days—that’s enough time to decide.” Han Li nodded magnanimously, showing no intention of pressuring her. He then called Silvermoon back.
After bowing farewell, Mu Peiling followed Silvermoon out of the hall, her mind still in a daze.
A short while later, Silvermoon gracefully re-entered.
“Master, the two conditions you proposed are quite…” Silvermoon’s eyes sparkled with amusement.
“Quite what? Harsh? Isn’t this exactly what she wanted? And I gain a young, beautiful concubine.” Han Li glanced at her, his expression unchanged.
“Harsh isn’t the word. It’s just that this woman is so determined in her cultivation yet so proud—it must be a difficult choice. But given how many secrets you hold, the Soul Restriction is necessary if you take her in.” Silvermoon sighed softly.
“Silvermoon, I notice you’ve taken quite a liking to her?” Han Li suddenly studied her alluring figure with mild surprise.
“Not exactly a liking. It’s just that her temperament reminds me of someone very dear to me, so I can’t help but feel concerned.” Silvermoon paused, then smiled wryly.
Han Li nodded and didn’t press further.
Sensing the shift, Silvermoon tactfully changed the subject to the refinement of the Dry Blue Iceflame—Han Li’s true priority.
Two days later, Mu Peiling returned. Silvermoon led her into the hall to meet Han Li.
“Well? Have you decided? Twenty years as a maid, or the Soul Restriction?” Han Li asked bluntly.
“This junior has considered it. For a lowly female cultivator like me, becoming the concubine of a Nascent Soul expert is an opportunity. But before I agree, I hope Senior can promise me one condition. If you do, Peiling will willingly accept the Soul Restriction and serve you for life.” The coldly beautiful woman spoke calmly, having made up her mind.
“A condition? Let’s hear it.” Han Li’s expression remained unchanged, as if he’d expected this.
“I know Senior Han is not driven by lust, so I hope you’ll agree not to take my virginity for thirty years after accepting me. I’m at a critical stage in my cultivation—whether I form a Golden Core depends on these thirty years. My technique requires purity, which is why I’ve resisted marriage so fiercely. Once those thirty years pass, whether I succeed or not, I’ll formally practice dual cultivation with you.” Whether due to the boldness of her request or the mention of dual cultivation, her cheeks flushed, enhancing her allure.
“Thirty years? Heh. Fine, I agree.” Far from displeased, Han Li’s eyes gleamed, and he accepted without hesitation.
“Ah—thank you, Senior!” Mu Peiling was momentarily stunned by his swift agreement, then overjoyed.
“In two days, I’ll formally announce your status to the other two Elders. But since we won’t dual cultivate for thirty years, I’ll open a smaller cave abode on one of the subsidiary peaks for your use. When I have time, I’ll visit to offer guidance.” Han Li added after a brief pause.
“Yes, Peiling will obey your every instruction.” Clearly satisfied, she agreed without hesitation.
“As my concubine, you needn’t call me ‘Senior’ anymore. ‘Young Master’ will do. At just over two hundred years old, I’m practically a youth compared to my millennium-long lifespan.” Han Li’s expression softened slightly, his gaze sweeping over her with undisguised appreciation.
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