Chapter 2202: Reunion

Seeing this, Han Li waved his hand dismissively and said lightly,

“I didn’t have the chance to inform the clan about this matter earlier, so how could I blame any of you fellow Daoists? There’s no need for such formalities—please rise.”

“Thank you, Senior Han, for forgiving our disrespect!”

Elder Gu and the others finally relaxed, offering apologies before rising to their feet.

The yellow-haired burly man and the ugly woman also stood up with the rest, but their faces were drained of color, filled with extreme fear.

The two envoys from Sacred Island couldn’t help but tremble at the thought that they had offended a newly ascended Grand Ascension cultivator—one who might very well become the sole pillar of support for both the human and demon races for tens of thousands of years to come.

At this moment, the purple-golden giant hand in the light screen had silently dissipated without anyone noticing.

However, Du Yu, who had been immobilized by the immense force for some time, collapsed weakly on the platform, utterly drained and unable to utter a single word.

Han Li glanced at the platform before calmly addressing the yellow-haired man and the ugly woman:

“Take Daoist Du away and relay a message to the elders of Sacred Island: Han’s disciples have worked hard in their cultivation and are not to be sacrificed for others. However, if there are other matters where the clan truly needs assistance, Han will not hesitate to contribute.”

“Yes, we will deliver your words without fail, Senior. Then, we shall take our leave,” the yellow-haired man gulped and bowed hastily, not daring to voice any objections.

The ugly woman also hurriedly voiced her agreement.

Han Li nodded slightly and waved them off.

Only then did the two dare to cast spells and fly to the stone platform, lifting Du Yu before hastily retreating from the arena hall.

As for the two treasures Han Li had taken from the white-robed youth, they didn’t dare to mention them at all.

Watching the Sacred Island group disappear through the hall’s entrance, Han Li turned to the silver-haired elder and the others with a smile:

“Fellow Daoists, please forgive me. If there are any matters to discuss, let’s do so tomorrow at my residence. I’ve been away for a long time and must first reunite with my disciples before we can converse properly.”

“Of course. Senior Han has traveled far and should rest first. It would be proper for us to formally visit in a few days.”

“Indeed, we hope Senior Han will not blame us for disturbing you then.”

The silver-haired elder and Golden Edge Zen Master exchanged glances before replying respectfully.

Han Li chuckled and said no more, offering a slight cupped-hand salute before leaving the hall with Silvermoon and the others.

Fairy Silverlight stared blankly at the hall entrance for a long while before murmuring in a voice so soft it was almost inaudible:

“He truly has ascended to Grand Ascension. It seems my younger sister Silvermoon has indeed found the right person this time.”

Her expression held a trace of melancholy beneath the joy.

As for the black-robed man and the other elders who had initially advocated handing over Hai Dayou to Sacred Island, ever since learning of Han Li’s Grand Ascension status, they had been gripped with fear and anxiety, terrified that the newly ascended powerhouse might learn of their stance during the elder council and seek retribution. If that happened, their future would undoubtedly be bleak.

At the same time, as soon as Silvermoon stepped out of the hall with Han Li, she suddenly smiled and asked:

“Brother Han, are you really letting those Sacred Island envoys go just like that? Aren’t you afraid they might hold a grudge and cause trouble for you later?”

“Given my current status, they should be thanking their stars if I don’t trouble them. How would they dare to harbor any ill intentions? With such a vast disparity in strength, they wouldn’t have the courage,” Han Li replied nonchalantly.

“But that Du Yu was able to manifest the image of a Sage directly, which shows he’s no ordinary late-Body Integration cultivator. Aren’t you afraid he might also ascend to Grand Ascension in the future?” Silvermoon chuckled again.

“Even if he does ascend, it wouldn’t matter much. At most, he’d be a minor nuisance,” Han Li replied confidently.

Even at the late-Body Integration stage, he had been able to hold his own against Grand Ascension beings. Now that he had ascended himself, his powers had multiplied, making ordinary Grand Ascension cultivators hardly worth his concern.

“That’s true. But more importantly, given your current status, it wouldn’t be fitting for you to deal with them too harshly. It would be beneath the dignity of a Grand Ascension senior,” Silvermoon said with a radiant smile.

“Heh, perhaps that’s also a reason,” Han Li chuckled in response, though inwardly he knew full well that if his life were truly at stake, he wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate any threat, regardless of “senior” status.

—

Several hours later, Han Li appeared in the high tower of his residence, seated on the main throne in a hall at the top floor.

Hai Dayou and Qilingzi, along with over a dozen of their direct disciples, knelt in deep reverence, their faces filled with excitement.

“Rise. It seems you two haven’t slacked off in my absence—your cultivation has improved,” Han Li said, waving his sleeve to signal them to stand.

“Congratulations, Master, on ascending to Grand Ascension! This is not only a joyous occasion for us disciples but a moment of pride for the entire human race,” Qilingzi said respectfully after rising.

Originally, they had been on edge due to the Sacred Island envoys. But instead of meeting the envoys, their master had suddenly returned and announced his Grand Ascension. The sheer contrast left them overjoyed.

After centuries apart, Qilingzi—one of Han Li’s disciples—had reached the late-Nascent Soul stage, just a step away from the Void Refinement stage. Beside him, Hai Dayou had just broken through to the Nascent Soul stage.

Their rapid progress in just a few centuries was due not only to their exceptional talent but also to the vast quantities of pills Han Li had left behind.

With Han Li’s resources, he had ensured they had enough cultivation aids for daily practice and even prepared all the necessary breakthrough pills in advance.

Otherwise, even with their talent, their advancement wouldn’t have been so smooth.

Hearing Qilingzi’s words, Han Li smiled faintly.

“My ascension was half due to luck, allowing me to break through the bottleneck. If not for the tradition of holding a Grand Ascension celebration, I wouldn’t have made such a fuss. Before the official announcement, you need only inform the major factions of the clan about the celebration to ensure no one misses it. Set it for a year from now, here in Sky Deep City.”

“Yes, we will follow your instructions,” Qilingzi and Hai Dayou bowed in unison.

“By the way, where are your Aunt Bingfeng and that girl Bai Guo’er? Why aren’t they here?” Han Li suddenly asked, glancing around the hall.

“Reporting to Master, Junior Sister Bai Guo’er returned to the sect after the demon calamity but left a few years ago to travel with friends. She sends letters regularly. As for Aunt Bingfeng, she ventured into the wilderness alone decades ago and hasn’t sent any word since. But don’t worry—she left a life lamp, which remains intact,” Qilingzi replied respectfully.

“The wilderness is vast—staying there for centuries isn’t unusual. If Aunt Bingfeng chose to go, she must have her reasons, so there’s no need to worry. But Bai Guo’er, with her current cultivation, is too reckless to travel outside. Her ‘Ice Marrow Constitution’ has matured, making her a prime target for those cultivating Yin-cold techniques. Send word for her to return immediately,” Han Li frowned and ordered without hesitation.

“Yes, this disciple was careless. I’ll arrange it at once,” Qilingzi said, startled, before instructing a disciple behind him. The disciple bowed to Han Li and quickly retreated from the hall.

“Yue Tian, tell me in detail what has happened during my absence—especially how the secret of your Hidden Lightning Root was leaked,” Han Li said, his gaze settling on Hai Dayou with a faint smile.

“Master, I know I was wrong… Must we really go into this?” Hai Dayou stammered, his face flushing with embarrassment.

“Humph! What did I tell you before? The Hidden Lightning Root is no trivial matter—it concerns your life! You were supposed to guard it carefully. Yet you let it slip while drunk! If I hadn’t returned in time, you would have brought disaster not only upon yourself but also upon your senior brother and his entire lineage!” Han Li’s expression darkened, his voice icy.

“This disciple knows his mistake and won’t repeat it,” Hai Dayou knelt again, trembling.

“With my Grand Ascension status, I easily dismissed Sacred Island’s envoys this time. But your Hidden Lightning Root is one of the few means to weaken heavenly tribulations. What if next time, it’s a Grand Ascension being from another race demanding you? How should I respond then?” Han Li’s tone remained cold as he stared at Hai Dayou.

“This disciple truly understands now. If that day comes, Master need only hand me over. I’ll accept the consequences of my actions!” Hai Dayou paled but kept his head lowered.

“Hand you over? Don’t even think about it. Doing so would disgrace me as your master. After the Grand Ascension celebration, you’ll leave my side under an assumed name. Once this matter fades from memory, you may return,” Han Li said after a moment’s thought, his eyes glinting.