“Fellow Daoists, you’ve arrived just in time. I’ve just received word that a group of spell warriors has breached the Heavenly Terrace Valley guarded by Daoist Bu and are now advancing toward us. At most, within half a day, the retreating allies from Heavenly Terrace Valley will arrive here. I’d like to request the three of you to assist in their reception.” The bald-browed man didn’t mince words, offering a brief explanation before making his request.
“That’s no trouble at all. A trivial matter like this can be handled by me alone—no need for Daoist Han or Brother Gu to intervene!” The elderly Ma cultivator waved it off casually, readily taking on the task.
This response surprised both Han Li and Gu Shuangpu, who exchanged glances.
“Don’t be puzzled, fellow Daoists. It’s not that I’m seeking glory, but I recently acquired a rare treasure and have been eager to test its power. Surely, you won’t deny me this opportunity?” The old man stroked his beard, a mysterious glint in his eyes.
“Heh! Since Daoist Ma is so confident, Gu certainly won’t interfere unnecessarily,” Gu Shuangpu chuckled lightly. Han Li, too, merely smiled without objection.
“Very well. Daoist Han and Brother Gu may rest for now, while Daoist Ma takes charge. However, I’ll have the Murong brothers accompany you—their lightning-based spells are quite formidable.” After brief consideration, the bald-browed man nodded in agreement and assigned the twin brothers to assist.
The old man didn’t object this time. Having just arrived, having companions would make things easier.
Thus, the elderly cultivator from the Righteous Harmony Pavilion and the Murong brothers set off immediately to receive the retreating Nine Nations Alliance cultivators. Meanwhile, Han Li and Gu Shuangpu were led by the Li woman and Chongxuzi out of the hall to their resting quarters.
Along the way, Han Li parted with the vulture-faced elder and was guided by the petite female cultivator to a secluded, elegant pavilion.
“Senior Han, this area is usually off-limits to low-ranking disciples, making it the ideal place for quiet cultivation. Please rest here.” The lovely, diminutive cultivator gestured toward the pavilion before stepping aside.
“Indeed, this is quite suitable.” Han Li nodded, a trace of satisfaction crossing his face.
“Senior, is Daoist Nie Ying truly unharmed? It’s been a long time since I last saw Senior Sister Nie.” The woman hesitated before asking.
“Oh? You’re close with Nie Ying?” Han Li was slightly surprised, scrutinizing her carefully while keeping his tone neutral.
Only then did Han Li notice that, though this was their first meeting, her delicate brows and bright eyes seemed oddly familiar, giving him a sense of recognition. His intense gaze unsettled the Li woman, who flushed despite her inner annoyance.
“This junior was only able to join the Saber Transformation Sect thanks to Senior Sister Nie’s recommendation. How could I not be close with her?” The petite cultivator lowered her head slightly as she explained.
“Yingning? Li Yingning?” Upon hearing this, Han Li couldn’t suppress his astonishment.
“What? Has Senior heard of this junior before?” Li Yingning, detecting the odd tone in Han Li’s voice, looked up in surprise.
“What is your mother’s name? And which country was she from?” Instead of answering, Han Li took a deep breath and posed his own question.
“My mother is Mo Yuzhu, originally from the State of Yue. Why does Senior ask?” After a long pause, she replied hesitantly, sensing no reason to hide this and vaguely recalling something.
“Is the Spirit-Attuned Jade Pendant still with you?” Han Li’s quiet question sent a jolt through her heart, and realization dawned.
“Yes, this junior has kept it close since childhood.” She blushed under Han Li’s gaze and turned away briefly.
After rummaging in her robes, she produced a white jade pendant and presented it with both hands. Han Li glanced at it, then beckoned. The pendant flew into his grasp as if winged. He traced its smooth surface with two fingers and sighed deeply, a wistful expression crossing his face.
After a long silence, he spoke again: “You must have guessed who I am by now. What did your mother tell you about me?”
Han Li studied her once more, this time spotting traces of Mo Yuzhu’s features in her face. Though less stunning than her mother in youth, she carried a distinct, spirited beauty.
“Mother said little—only that it was a congratulatory gift from a fellow cultivator. Over the years, I’ve had the pendant examined, but no useful information surfaced. I never imagined it was from you, Senior, nor that you belonged to the Falling Cloud Sect.” Li Yingning murmured, her expression shifting uncertainly.
“I only joined the Falling Cloud Sect recently. Before that, I wasn’t in the State of Yue either, so it’s natural you wouldn’t have heard of me. But why the Saber Transformation Sect? I’d have expected you to join the Spirit Beast Sect.” Han Li rubbed his nose wryly.
“Why would this junior joining the Spirit Beast Sect be unsurprising?” Li Yingning blinked in confusion.
“You know nothing of your father’s background?” Han Li was taken aback.
“I know little. Shortly after I could remember, our family met with misfortune—my grandfather and father perished early. Only my mother and I escaped the State of Yue, wandering before settling in the Nine Nations Alliance.” Her expression darkened as she forced a smile.
“I see. Likely caught in internal strife among the Devil Dao factions, your parents became collateral damage. The State of Yue is now ruled by the Ghost Spirit Sect, not the Spirit Beast Sect.” Han Li nodded as if piecing things together.
“Devil Dao infighting?” The woman looked utterly bewildered.
Han Li didn’t elaborate. Returning the pendant, he smiled faintly. “This Spirit-Attuned Jade has been with you for years—I won’t take it back. Before entering the cultivation world, I was half a senior brother to your mother in the mortal realm. Henceforth, you may address me as Uncle Han.”
“Uncle Han.” Li Yingning hesitated briefly before softly uttering the title, her cheeks tinged pink. Though initially shy, she was secretly delighted to gain a Nascent Soul elder’s patronage.
“Since you’ve called me Uncle, I can’t let it go unacknowledged. Here are two bottles of pills useful for breaking through Core Formation bottlenecks—take them.” With a warm smile, Han Li produced two jade vials and handed them over. He was never stingy toward the descendants of old acquaintances.
“Thank you, Uncle!” Overjoyed, she accepted them with genuine gratitude.
“What artifact do you currently use? That flying dagger you rode here? What materials compose it?” Han Li inquired further.
“Yes, that’s it. It’s forged from Blazing Iron and Profound Crystal—fairly potent.” She answered, puzzled.
“Ordinarily, it would suffice. But facing spell warriors now, relying solely on it may be risky.” Han Li shook his head.
“But even if Uncle gave me another artifact now, I wouldn’t have time to refine it.” She sighed helplessly.
Han Li pondered briefly before tapping a spirit beast pouch at his waist. A swarm of tri-colored Gold Devouring Beetles surged out, forming a buzzing cloud overhead.
With a flash in his eyes, Han Li pointed, and a small cluster separated. A green incantation later, the beetles condensed into a fist-sized, gleaming tri-colored sphere that floated into his palm.
“Keep this. It’s formed from my carefully nurtured spirit insects. If you face a formidable foe, throw it—it may save your life.” He tossed her the sphere solemnly.
“Many thanks for Uncle’s generosity!” Stunned, Li Yingning repeatedly expressed her gratitude before accepting the sphere. Any lingering doubts vanished—such a gift confirmed their connection.
“Go now. I must meditate.” Han Li recalled the remaining beetles and dismissed her.
After days of travel, his spiritual power needed replenishing.
“Rest well, Uncle Han. When the spell warrior army arrives, Yingning will notify you.” Her tone now carried a subtle warmth.
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