“No need. If this person is indeed the one I suspect, his cultivation is unfathomable—someone on par with the Mulan Divine Master. Ordinary cultivators would be no match for him and might only provoke his wrath. Moreover, he holds the method to lift the Soul-Sealing Curse. I’d rather not alert him prematurely,” Han Li shook his head and spoke slowly.
“On par with the Mulan Divine Master! Could he be a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator? If so, Junior Brother, you absolutely cannot face him alone. It’s far too dangerous. Let’s summon Long Han and his wife for assistance,” the silver-haired elder exclaimed in shock.
“Though Fellow Daoists Long Han and Feng Bing could handle him, a round trip would take at least three to four months—far too long. The person in the jade slip only gave me two months, clearly estimating my return time. He simply didn’t expect me to return so soon. I need time to consider how to respond. Most importantly, I must find a way to obtain the method to lift the Soul-Sealing Curse,” Han Li took a deep breath and replied calmly.
“Very well. If you need assistance, Junior Brother, just say the word. All disciples in the sect are at your disposal,” the silver-haired elder could only nod in agreement.
“Thank you, Senior Brother. According to Wan’er’s jade slip, the technique she used can theoretically delay the curse’s effects for nearly a century, but no one has ever tested it. I can’t help but worry,” Han Li murmured, gazing at the lifelike girl encased in the ice wall, his face etched with concern.
“Junior Brother, don’t fret too much. From my observation, Fellow Daoist Nangong does not bear the countenance of one destined for an early demise. She will surely overcome this trial. Starting today, I will scour ancient texts to see if we can find a way to break this curse. Perhaps we won’t even need to seek out that black-robed man,” the elder consoled after a moment of thought.
“I appreciate your efforts, Senior Brother. If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay here alone for a while,” Han Li forced a faint smile.
“Of course. I’ll head to the archives now. Stay with your wife as long as you need,” the silver-haired elder hesitated briefly before understandingly nodding. He then exited the chamber under Han Li’s gaze, closing the stone door behind him, leaving Han Li alone with the girl in the ice.
Only then did Han Li turn back to the ice wall, his face reflecting deep solitude as he let out a long sigh.
For an entire day and night, Han Li remained in the chamber without stepping out.
When the silver-haired elder returned from the archives and saw Han Li still inside, he grew uneasy. After waiting another half-day, his concern mounting, he was about to force his way in when Han Li finally emerged, his expression composed.
“Junior Brother Han, are you alright?” the elder couldn’t help but ask, his face filled with doubt.
Seeing the elder waiting outside, Han Li felt a surge of warmth and guilt. “I’m fine. I was just contemplating countermeasures. Thank you for your concern. From now until the deadline set by that man, I have a month and a half left. I plan to go into seclusion to prepare. Unless it’s urgent, please don’t disturb me.”
“Seclusion now? Will such a short time be useful?” the elder was taken aback.
“I obtained some refined gold essence during my travels. I intend to reforge my original magic treasures to enhance their power for future battles. It shouldn’t take too long,” Han Li vaguely explained.
“I see. Go ahead with your seclusion. I’ll ensure no disciples disturb you,” the elder finally understood and readily agreed.
“Also, since the ice wall has formed, I won’t recklessly move it, lest it cause harm. But I’ll set up several formations around the chamber to ensure Wan’er’s safety. I’ll have to trouble you to keep an eye on things,” Han Li said solemnly.
“Rest assured, Junior Brother. Since Fellow Daoist Nangong’s incident occurred in our Falling Cloud Sect, I, as the Grand Elder, bear responsibility. I’ve already declared this area forbidden, barring ordinary disciples from entering. Her safety will not be an issue,” the silver-haired elder replied without hesitation, having already considered the matter.
“Then I can set my mind at ease. Without delay, I’ll first set up the formations and then enter seclusion immediately,” Han Li’s eyes flashed with determination.
Upon returning to his cave abode, Han Li was surprised to find Mu Peiling waiting outside, having somehow learned of his return. Though momentarily taken aback, he invited her in.
“Is Sister Nangong alright? I heard she was injured, but there’s been no clear news. I’ve been worried sick,” Mu Peiling asked anxiously before even sitting down.
“You and Wan’er get along well?” Han Li inquired calmly as he took his seat.
“Yes, very well. Sister Nangong has a gentle temperament. While you were away, she often guided my cultivation. I’ve benefited greatly,” Mu Peiling answered without hesitation.
Han Li fell silent for a moment before forcing a bitter smile. “I should be glad to hear that, but with Wan’er now sealed under the Soul-Sealing Curse, I can’t bring myself to rejoice. However, in just a few months, your cultivation has visibly improved. It’s clear you’ve been diligent, and that brings me some comfort. I’ll be entering seclusion for over a month to find a way to break the curse.”
“The Soul-Sealing Curse? Such a sinister demonic curse! That’s troublesome. Surely you have a solution, Master?” Mu Peiling gasped in alarm.
“What solution is there? The only way is to confront the caster. Once he’s in my grasp, I’ll make him reveal the method,” Han Li’s expression darkened.
Mu Peiling could only frown in worry.
Just then, Liu Yu, Han Li’s nominal disciple, also arrived. After paying her respects, she inquired about Nangong Wan’s condition. Clever as she was, she had long sought to ingratiate herself with her future “master’s wife.”
Seeing her arrival, Han Li didn’t conceal the truth, briefly explaining the curse situation, which visibly moved Liu Yu. Yet, given her limited cultivation and knowledge, she too was powerless.
With little desire to prolong the conversation, Han Li soon saw them out. Neither woman wished to trouble him further and obediently departed.
However, once outside, Liu Yu suddenly turned to Mu Peiling with a playful smile. “Fellow Daoist Mu, though you’re Master’s concubine, you remain untouched, no? No wonder he treats you like a guest. With your beauty, how has he remained unmoved? Or is there some deeper reason? Our new ‘Madam Nangong’ surpasses you in looks. You’d best be careful.”
“What do you mean—” Mu Peiling flushed, but before she could retort, Liu Yu laughed lightly and vanished in a streak of light. Left standing dumbfounded, Mu Peiling eventually stamped her foot and flew off on her own artifact.
Once alone, Han Li inspected his herb garden and spirit insect chambers, finding everything in order. He then immediately entered his cultivation chamber with refining materials, intending to fuse the refined gold essence into his thirty-six flying swords using his Nascent Soul flame.
Aside from the gold essence obtained from Zhiyang Shangren and the Mulan people, Long Han had actually managed to procure another small piece through the Heavenly Dao Alliance’s influence before Han Li left Tianyi City. This ensured he had more than enough to enhance all his swords.
While reforging existing treasures wasn’t overly complex, completing it within a month was a tight schedule. Han Li had no choice but to dedicate himself fully. Only by mastering even a fraction of the Great Geng Sword Formation could he hope to contend with a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.
The black-robed man who cursed Nangong Wan was almost certainly the Yin Luo Sect’s leader. Han Li had to extract the curse-lifting method from him, and this partial sword formation would be his trump card.
With that thought, Han Li removed a storage pouch from his waist and tossed it into the air. As light shimmered from its opening, several chunks of gold essence of varying sizes materialized at his feet. He then retrieved supplementary materials from another pouch and laid them out as well.
Sitting cross-legged, Han Li pointed at the smallest piece of gold essence, which floated up and hovered three feet before him. Without blinking, he formed hand seals and exhaled a burst of intense azure Nascent Soul flame.
With a soft *puff*, the flame engulfed the ore, and as Han Li chanted, the fire intensified. The ore gradually melted, its impurities dripping away as a milky liquid. After half an hour, only a semi-transparent mass remained, now significantly smaller.
Han Li flicked his sleeve, summoning a jade box. Its lid flew open, revealing shimmering silver powder, which shot into the molten liquid like a silver serpent. A radiant glow erupted as Han Li sent several more incantations into the mixture.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage