Chapter 2398: Reunion (Part 1)

The Flower Stone Ancestor bowed in acknowledgment before immediately transforming into a streak of light and returning to the massive ark.

Han Li, meanwhile, took a single step into the void, his figure blurring before vanishing into the high skies.

In the next moment, a ripple appeared beside Shi Xianyun, and Han Li materialized soundlessly before her.

“Senior, please!”

The young woman was startled but quickly composed herself, respectfully leading the way.

In the blink of an eye, a flash of multicolored light shimmered across the stone wall, and the three disappeared into it once more.

At the same time, deep within a neighboring mountain, several human cultivators had gathered in a grand hall, intently observing everything happening outside through a hazy magical mirror.

“It really is Guo’er! She actually descended from that black ark—which means the other person must be the legendary Mahayana cultivator!” A middle-aged scholar dressed in Confucian robes withdrew his gaze from the mirror and exhaled lightly.

“Guo’er has been missing for so long. Who would have thought she’d return with a Mahayana cultivator? What should we do now? Should we inform the senior elders of our clan?” A young man nearby hesitated before asking.

“Hmph, with such a grand entrance, do you really think those seniors wouldn’t notice even if we didn’t report it? Forget it. Since this Mahayana senior is connected to Guo’er, this might be a rare opportunity for us. Let’s observe for now,” the scholar muttered after a moment of contemplation, his expression shifting between uncertainty and resolve.

The others nodded in agreement.

Similar scenes were unfolding in the nearby mountains.

Meanwhile, the young woman had led Han Li through a bluestone corridor into a simple yet elegant stone hall.

At each corner of the hall stood an ancient-looking stone tripod, each burning an unknown black-yellow incense.

As Han Li took a seat on a stone chair beside a wooden table in the center, the young woman clapped her hands together with a sharp “pa!”

A flash of white light appeared from a side door, and a snow-white squirrel, about a foot tall, walked in balancing a massive fruit tray on its forelimbs.

The spirit beast had pitch-black, lively eyes. Though its body swayed slightly, its steps were completely silent. With a few agile movements, it reached the table and deftly placed the tray down.

Then, it fixed its gaze on Han Li, letting out cheerful chirps while its fluffy tail wagged incessantly behind it.

“Xue’er, don’t be mischievous. Go back now, and I’ll give you a Kaiyuan Pill later,” the young woman scolded sternly.

“Interesting. A Snowpine Beast—rare even in the Spirit Realm. It seems just a step away from fully awakening its intelligence. Since that’s the case, I’ll lend it a hand,” Han Li remarked with a faint smile.

As he spoke, he flicked a thumb-sized pill from his sleeve, its medicinal fragrance wafting through the air.

The Snowpine Beast sniffed the scent, its eyes flashing with excitement. Without hesitation, it leaped up, swallowed the pill in one gulp, then somersaulted down beneath the table.

Moments later, the beast let out a low growl, its fur standing on end as its snowy coat turned a deep crimson. Rolling on the ground, muffled popping sounds erupted from its body like firecrackers.

“Senior, what is this…?” the young woman asked in alarm.

“Mother, don’t worry. Senior Han means no harm—this is Xue’er’s fortune!” Zhu Guo’er reassured with a delighted smile.

The beast’s aura suddenly condensed, growing noticeably stronger than before. With another low growl, it shakily rose to its feet, looked up at Han Li, and spoke in human speech, its voice filled with gratitude:

“Thank you, Great One, for bestowing this medicine and dissolving the bone in my throat. Without it, I would have needed another thousand years to reach this stage.”

“Heh, rise. You were already close to awakening your intelligence—otherwise, even with the pill, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Han Li replied calmly, waving his hand.

The young woman’s face flickered with astonishment before she too bowed deeply in thanks. She then gestured for the beast to leave.

The Snowpine Beast knelt once more in reverence before reluctantly exiting the hall.

“Senior, I’ve already heard from Guo’er about your origins. This child was truly fortunate to encounter you in the Demon Realm and be saved. Otherwise, I would never have seen her again. You mentioned earlier that you had questions for me—please ask freely. I will answer all I know,” the young woman said respectfully.

“Saving Guo’er was a coincidence, but what first drew my attention was something about her. I heard from her that you were only at the Nascent Soul stage before but have now reached the Void Refinement stage. Such rapid advancement suggests you’ve had some fortuitous encounters as well,” Han Li remarked leisurely.

“I was already at the late Nascent Soul stage before, and indeed, I encountered a great opportunity that allowed me to break through two major realms in such a short time. But regarding Guo’er herself… what do you mean?” the young woman asked, puzzled.

“It seems Guo’er didn’t have time to explain. Very well, I’ll clarify. The technique Guo’er cultivates—the Primordial Reincarnation Art—do you know of it?” Han Li inquired.

“I was the one who taught it to her. Of course I know,” the young woman replied, glancing at Guo’er in surprise before answering honestly.

“Yet, according to Guo’er, your own primary cultivation method isn’t this art but the common Daoist technique, the Clear Qi Method. I’d like to know—where did you obtain the Primordial Reincarnation Art?” Han Li pressed calmly.

“Ah, so that’s what you wish to ask… This is difficult for me. I did receive the technique from another senior, but I swore an oath not to reveal their name to anyone unless Guo’er reached a certain stage in the technique or unless that senior permitted it,” the young woman said hesitantly.

“I see. Then let me ask this—was the person who taught you this technique male or female? Surely you can answer that. Rest assured, if this person is who I suspect, she is a close acquaintance—a friend, not an enemy. I’d like to meet her,” Han Li said with a faint smile.

“The one who taught me the Primordial Reincarnation Art was indeed a woman. If you truly are acquainted with her, I can make an exception and send her a message to inquire. Given your status as a Mahayana cultivator and your kindness to Guo’er, she may not blame me. But if she refuses, there’s nothing more I can do,” the young woman replied after a long pause, gritting her teeth.

“Naturally. Simply relay my name and circumstances truthfully. Regardless of the outcome, I will remember your kindness, Fellow Daoist Shi,” Han Li said, a trace of satisfaction in his expression.

“You flatter me, Senior. The debt I owe for Guo’er’s life can never be repaid. I’ll send the message now—please wait a moment.”

She retrieved a jade talisman from her sleeve, swiftly inscribed some words onto it, then crushed it with a “bang!”

Flecks of white light scattered into the void.

At the same time, within the ice-sealed secret chamber, the white-robed maiden seated atop the silver wheel suddenly let out a soft exclamation. Raising a delicate hand, ripples appeared before her as lines of white text materialized in the air.

After just a glance, her body trembled slightly. With a flick of her sleeve, the text vanished, and she traced a few characters in the air, which then disappeared into the void.

Meanwhile, outside the valley, several streaks of light streaked through the sky, rushing toward the mountain.

Back in the hall, the young woman’s sleeve buzzed. She retrieved another jade talisman, upon which faint characters slowly swirled.

After reading them, her face lit up with joy.

“Senior Han! That senior has agreed to meet you tomorrow morning!”

A flicker of excitement crossed Han Li’s face. After thanking her, he began inquiring about the Lesser Spirit Realm.

Though he had learned some details from Zhu Guo’er, hearing them from the young woman provided greater clarity.

After nearly half an hour of conversation, Han Li rose, declining her offer to stay, and departed gracefully, returning to the Ink Spirit Ark hovering above the mountain.

The massive vessel remained motionless between the peaks.

By now, numerous high-ranking human cultivators had gathered in the vicinity, though none dared approach recklessly. They lingered at a distance, discreetly observing the ark’s movements.

Some quick-witted individuals, seeing Han Li leave the young woman’s cave, immediately dispatched disciples or visited personally, hoping to glean information about him.