“Brother Lü, has your sect still not received any news from Elder Han?” An elderly man with white hair sitting opposite Lü Luo suddenly asked politely. This man, named Xu Changjing, was an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator and a member of the Heavenly Dao Alliance’s “Water Shadow Sect.” He had arrived at Tianyi City just the day before and had crossed paths with Lü Luo a few times in the past.
“Not yet. Why, Brother Xu, are you also concerned about Junior Brother Han?” Lü Luo was momentarily surprised but quickly responded with a smile.
“Haha! Naturally. From your tone, Brother Lü, it seems others have asked the same question. No wonder—even before I arrived at Tianyi City, my ears were already filled with rumors about this Han fellow. Tsk tsk! To escape from the hands of a Mulan Divine Master while only at the early-stage Nascent Soul realm—that’s something none of us could achieve. Moreover, I’ve heard that this Han fellow only formed his Nascent Soul in the last few years. I wonder if that’s true. If so, it’s even more astonishing,” Xu Changjing replied with a chuckle.
Upon hearing this, the other cultivators exchanged glances, their expressions turning curious as they looked at Lü Luo. While they had all heard some rumors about Han Li, none had heard that he was a newly advanced Nascent Soul cultivator.
“Well… Junior Brother Han did indeed advance to the Nascent Soul stage not long ago,” Lü Luo hesitated briefly but then admitted, figuring the matter was already known to others.
A collective gasp filled the hall, with two cultivators even inhaling sharply in shock.
“Elder Han is so young yet already possesses such divine abilities. It’s highly likely he’ll advance to the late stage in the future. Xu congratulates Brother Lü in advance—the rise of the Falling Cloud Sect is surely imminent. Soon, our Heavenly Dao Alliance will gain another great cultivator!” Xu Changjing concealed his own astonishment, though a trace of envy seeped into his words.
The others echoed similar sentiments, offering flattering remarks alongside their envy. Lü Luo felt a flicker of pride but outwardly remained modest.
“However, Brother Lü, though Elder Han escaped the Divine Master’s grasp, he must have suffered severe injuries. Otherwise, why would he remain unseen for so long? You should dispatch more disciples to search for him. If you lack manpower, my sect can send some to assist,” interjected a middle-aged man with thick, downturned eyebrows, his tone slightly cold.
“I’m not entirely sure about that. But I imagine he must have suffered some depletion of vitality and is recuperating in seclusion somewhere,” Lü Luo replied calmly, though inwardly he tensed.
Lü Luo, a man who had lived for centuries, easily detected the jealousy in the other’s words. This man was a senior from the Heavenly Dao Alliance’s top sect, the Luanming Sect, which boasted a pair of dual-cultivating elders capable of rivaling the three great cultivators. Naturally, the prospect of Falling Cloud Sect gaining a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator unsettled him.
Just as the atmosphere grew awkward, a streak of red light shot into the hall from outside, circling once before landing in Lü Luo’s hand. Everyone stared in surprise.
Lü Luo himself was taken aback but caught the light, which transformed into a fiery message. After a brief moment of reading it, his face lit up with joy.
“Junior Brother Han has entered the city and is now at our sect’s residence. I must take my leave,” Lü Luo announced, suppressing his excitement before hurrying out.
The remaining cultivators exchanged bewildered glances. Who would have thought that the very man they had just been discussing would appear so suddenly?
Xu Changjing stroked his beard, deep in thought, while the middle-aged man with downturned eyebrows maintained a neutral expression—though a shadow of gloom flickered in his eyes.
Though Tianyi City was newly built, each of the four major factions had their own designated areas. The Heavenly Dao Alliance occupied the western district, with the Falling Cloud Sect situated at the southernmost edge, occupying a vast plot of land. Over two hundred Falling Cloud Sect disciples had arrived for the battle, all at least at the Foundation Establishment stage, with six or seven at the Core Formation stage—nearly the sect’s entire strength.
In the main hall of the Falling Cloud Sect’s residence, Han Li sat calmly on a wooden chair, his chin resting on one hand. To his sides stood a man and a woman—the red-robed elder from Fire Cloud Peak and the Song woman from White Phoenix Peak. The elder appeared respectful, while the woman stood quietly, her expression complex, her thoughts unreadable.
Just then, Lü Luo rushed in, his face lighting up at the sight of Han Li. “Junior Brother Han, you’ve finally returned! We’ve been worried sick these past months.”
“Apologies for the concern. I suffered some vitality depletion and had to recuperate. I was also worried when I heard about the fall of Tiantian City,” Han Li replied lightly as he stood.
“As long as you’re unharmed. Hmm? Where are the other disciples? Why haven’t they come to greet you?” Lü Luo scanned the room, his expression darkening.
“Reporting to Elder, Junior Brother Yu and the others are on duty today, organizing the loose cultivators,” the red-robed elder answered respectfully.
“I see. That’s understandable,” Lü Luo said, his expression softening.
Han Li then smiled. “Upon returning, I’ve discovered I’ve become quite the celebrity. There seem to be many rumors about me.” He had overheard discussions about himself on the way, much to his surprise.
“Haha! I was just about to discuss that with you… You two may leave. I need to speak privately with your Elder Han,” Lü Luo said, dismissing the two juniors with a wave.
The two bowed and withdrew, though the Song woman cast a lingering glance at Han Li before leaving. Han Li noticed her odd behavior but chose not to inquire.
“Junior Brother, you’ve kept us in the dark! With such divine abilities, why didn’t you reveal them earlier?” Lü Luo sighed in mock complaint once they were alone.
“I truly only recently formed my Nascent Soul. You know that. The rumors are exaggerated,” Han Li replied with a helpless shake of his head.
“Come now, no need for modesty. Even if the Mulan Divine Master is an enemy, his assessment of you couldn’t be too far off. But what truly shocked us was how you managed to ‘recruit’ a Nascent Soul female cultivator from the Moon Mask Sect. That’s what truly impresses me,” Lü Luo said with a sly grin.
“Ah, so you’ve met Wan’er?” Han Li’s expression shifted slightly.
Before parting, he had given Nangong Wan a jade slip explaining his identity, though vaguely. Yet Lü Luo’s words suggested he knew everything.
“Indeed. Fairy Nangong has already explained everything to Elder Cheng. You needn’t worry anymore,” Lü Luo reassured, sensing Han Li’s concern.
“Brother Lü, what do you mean by that?” Han Li frowned, partly understanding but still confused.
“You don’t know? Months ago, the Moon Mask Sect suddenly announced that Fairy Nangong had perished due to a qi deviation, dissolving her engagement with Wei Lichen of the Transformation Intent Sect. Meanwhile, Elder Cheng has taken a female cultivator named Wan’er as his sworn sister and intends to arrange a dual cultivation partnership between her and you. What do you think?” Lü Luo said with a playful wink.
“Wan’er… as Elder Cheng’s sworn sister?” Han Li was stunned.
“Exactly. Once we repel the Mulan invaders, Elder Cheng plans to publicly hold a dual cultivation ceremony for you two. By then, even if suspicions arise, who would dare challenge the entire Heavenly Dao Alliance? Even if Wei Wuyue himself learns of this, given our alliance against the Mulan, he’d have no choice but to accept it. Besides, with your rising reputation, the Transformation Intent Sect and Moon Mask Sect will likely pretend ignorance,” Lü Luo said confidently.
Han Li fell silent, his expression complex. After a long pause, he sighed softly. “This time, I’ve troubled both of you greatly for my sake. I won’t forget this kindness.”
Though his words were few, Lü Luo was delighted. Their efforts had finally earned Han Li’s gratitude. With this, the likelihood of the Yellow Maple Valley luring him away was slim.
“Haha! Junior Brother, we’re family—no need for formalities. By the way, Miss Nangong was anxious when she heard of your disappearance and wanted to come here, but Elder Cheng persuaded her otherwise. With so many Moon Mask and Transformation Intent cultivators here, it’s best she avoids them until after the ceremony. As for your concubine, I’ve arranged for disciples to escort her back. The coming battle is too dangerous,” Lü Luo added warmly.
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