“Didn’t you see the flying sword he used when traveling with us? It was clearly a top-tier magical artifact. Moreover, I noticed numerous storage pouches at his waist, all bulging, with a few even being spirit beast pouches. How could a mere rogue cultivator possess such things? He must be a disciple from some minor sect out for training. If he were from a major sect, those arrogant types would never agree to travel with us. Besides, at Purple Dao Mountain, he didn’t produce an invitation either. Heh! With the demonic factions currently dominant, minor sect cultivators naturally dare not act ostentatiously, all claiming to be rogue cultivators and skulking about, afraid of drawing the demonic factions’ ire and having their lineages wiped out. So, despite his decent cultivation and artifacts, we’ve never heard of him.” The short, stout cultivator analyzed with a smug expression.
“Listening to Brother Luo’s words, this Han fellow fits the bill perfectly. In that case, we can act boldly. Though he’s somewhat wary of us, he’d never expect that we’ve concealed our cultivation levels. With two mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators against one early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, it’ll be as easy as taking candy from a baby. This brat is practically asking for death, stumbling into the hands of us, the Peng-Yi Twin Fiends. Naturally, we can’t let him go.” The bald giant’s ox-like eyes gleamed with greed as he rubbed his hands together.
“Of course. But to make it easier, we should lower his guard as much as possible. A sneak attack would be far simpler than a direct confrontation. So, let’s wait until two days before the Patriarch Fu’s birthday celebration to strike. In the meantime, we’ll feign friendship, then suddenly unleash our killing moves.” The stout man licked his thick upper lip, his tone sinister.
“Good, we’ll follow Brother Luo’s plan. It seems even if we fail to join any sect this time, our gains won’t be small!” The bald giant, seemingly convinced by the stout man, grinned widely with delight.
“Heh, of course. With such a fat sheep delivered to our doorstep, how could we, the Peng-Yi Twin Fiends, return empty-handed?” The stout man laughed heartily, clearly viewing the long-haired cultivator as easy prey.
As the two enthusiastically discussed their murderous plans, in the adjacent room separated by just a wall, the long-haired cultivator sat cross-legged on the bed, his face expressionless. Yet, every word of the Peng-Yi Twin Fiends’ conversation reached his ears unimpeded—the soundproof barrier was as if nonexistent to him.
“Since they’re seeking death, they can’t blame me.” The long-haired cultivator’s eyes flickered open briefly, a cold glint flashing through them, before he murmured softly and closed his eyes again, resuming his breathing exercises.
This long-haired cultivator was none other than Han Li, who had altered his appearance.
In truth, Han Li had arrived in Yuanwu Country two months prior. Though he had passed through several countries controlled by either the righteous or demonic factions, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, as long as he didn’t stir trouble, no one could discern his true identity or cultivation level. Thus, his journey had been uneventful.
Upon reaching Yuanwu Country, he didn’t recklessly act on his high cultivation. Instead, he first gathered intelligence on the Fu Family from local rogue cultivators and markets. The Fu Family’s formidable influence gave Han Li quite a headache.
It wasn’t the three Core Formation cultivators in the Fu Family that troubled him, but the fact that many Fu disciples had joined the Demon Flame Sect. No matter how confident he was in his abilities, he couldn’t just storm the Demon Flame Sect.
Without eliminating these individuals, even if he reduced the Fu Family’s main stronghold to ashes, they would eventually rise again, making it impossible to fulfill his promise to Xin Ruyin. Just as Han Li was considering alternative plans, news spread across Yuanwu Country that the Fu Family’s patriarch would soon hold a grand birthday celebration. Hearing this, Han Li was overjoyed.
With the Fu Family’s patriarch hosting such an event, all direct descendants would surely attend, including those who had joined the Demon Flame Sect. This presented a perfect opportunity to wipe out the Fu Family’s main lineage in one fell swoop.
However, given the Fu Family’s current prestige, not just anyone could attend. Guests would either be from other prominent families or envoys from sects aligned with the demonic factions. As for rogue cultivators, while not outright barred, only those at least at the Foundation Establishment stage would be permitted entry.
After thoroughly investigating the details, Han Li waited patiently for over a month before leisurely making his way to the location. As for the “Peng-Yi Twin Fiends,” he had encountered them en route. The moment they saw the high-quality artifacts Han Li wielded, they eagerly struck up a conversation. Upon learning Han Li was also heading to the Fu Family stronghold, they happily proposed traveling together.
Han Li immediately discerned their ill intentions, but with his cultivation level, he had no fear of their schemes. Instead, he saw them as convenient cover to infiltrate the Fu Family more easily. Thus, he agreed without hesitation.
However, upon arriving at Purple Dao Mountain, he was surprised to learn that rogue cultivators without invitations could only enter the stronghold on the day of the celebration itself. This minor setback didn’t bother Han Li, as the actual celebration day was when all Fu Family members would gather. Acting prematurely might allow some to escape.
Now settled in the inn, before he could decide how to deal with the stout man and the bald giant, the two had already set their sights on him. With a cold laugh, Han Li had no intention of showing mercy.
Over the next ten days, Han Li accompanied the Peng-Yi Twin Fiends on daily excursions around the area, returning to the inn each night to meditate. As the patriarch’s birthday drew near, the two grew increasingly affectionate toward Han Li, addressing him as “Brother Han” incessantly, as if they were lifelong friends.
Meanwhile, more rogue cultivators arrived in the small town to celebrate the Fu patriarch’s birthday. While most rogue cultivators were accustomed to roughing it outdoors, some who enjoyed worldly comforts lodged in the town’s two inns. Thus, Han Li encountered several other rogue cultivators staying at the same inn. However, upon seeing the stout man and the bald giant beside Han Li, their faces paled, and they quickly distanced themselves from the trio. This amused Han Li—clearly, his companions’ reputations were infamous among rogue cultivators.
Fearing Han Li might grow suspicious, the two concocted a story about past conflicts with these cultivators and took turns monopolizing Han Li’s attention to prevent him from interacting with others. Han Li remained noncommittal, which briefly unsettled the stout man, but greed soon overrode his caution.
Two days later, the stout man and the bald giant suddenly invited Han Li to visit a nearby “scenic spot,” praising its breathtaking beauty and claiming it would be a shame to miss. Realizing they were finally making their move, Han Li readily agreed. With smiles plastered on their faces, the three left the inn and headed for the so-called “scenic spot.”
With more cultivators in the vicinity, the two took pains to lead Han Li over a hundred li away from the town, landing before a secluded, uninhabited hill.
As soon as they touched down, the stout man beamed at Han Li. “Brother Han, just beyond this hill lies a small valley with crystal-clear streams and rare flowers—absolutely magnificent!” Despite his unremarkable appearance, the man had a silver tongue, extolling the valley’s wonders as if they were unparalleled in the world.
Han Li inwardly sneered. Beyond the hill was indeed a hidden valley, but aside from its scenery, faint traces of restrictive formations pulsed within. Though extremely subtle, his spiritual sense detected them instantly. Clearly, these two were seasoned killers, having even prepared a simple trapping array in the valley.
Had Han Li truly been an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, lured into this array and ambushed, his life would have been forfeit.
“The scenery here is fine, and there’s no one around. I think we needn’t go to any valley—this spot will do. What do you two think? If someone were killed here and the evidence destroyed, no one would disturb us or ever find out, right?” Han Li casually scanned the surroundings before turning to the two with a faint, mocking smile.
“Brother Han, what do you mean? Have you misunderstood us?” The stout man’s expression flickered briefly before feigning shock, though one pudgy hand had already stealthily grasped his storage pouch.
The bald giant, after a momentary pause, flashed a vicious glare and silently moved to flank Han Li, his massive fists clenched.
Han Li ignored their subtle movements, standing calmly with his hands behind his back.
The stout man, unsettled by Han Li’s composure, felt a twinge of unease but saw no retreat now. Exchanging a glance with the giant, he signaled for them to strike together.
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