“So it’s you, Venerable. It’s been years since we last met. How have you been?” Despite his burning desire to act immediately, Han Li could only suppress his anger and offer a slight bow to the monk before him.
After all, Venerable Jinyue was one of the few elders in Tianyuan City with whom he had a relatively good relationship. It wouldn’t do to show him no respect at all.
When Frost Li the Transcendent saw Venerable Jinyue arrive, he inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
Having witnessed Han Li’s terrifying abilities firsthand, he had no real intention of engaging in a fight. He had only been forced into a tough stance earlier when Han Li’s words cornered him in front of his juniors.
With exaggerated politeness, he clasped his fists and said,
“Fellow Daoist Jinyue, when did you arrive? I failed to greet you properly. I hope you won’t take offense.”
“I received word that Fellow Daoist Han had returned to the city and immediately set out. Fortunately, I arrived in time to prevent any major incident. On my way here, I also notified two other fellow Daoists nearby. By my estimation, they should have arrived by now. The three of us can mediate between you two. After all, with the demonic tribes as our common enemy, both of you are top-tier figures in the city. I truly hope no major conflict arises that could destabilize our internal unity. Fellow Daoist Gu, don’t you think my words hold some merit?” Venerable Jinyue smiled faintly at the two before suddenly turning toward the entrance with a meaningful look.
“Fellow Daoist Jinyue, I must thank you. Otherwise, my Duoyuan Pavilion might have been reduced to ruins.” A hearty laugh echoed from outside, followed by a ripple in the air as a gray-robed, dark-faced elder materialized without warning.
“Fellow Daoist Gu!” Han Li swept his gaze over the elder, recognizing him as the master of Duoyuan Pavilion, an early-stage Body Integration cultivator he had met a few times before.
“Fellow Daoist Han, congratulations on your safe return. You must visit me sometime. To escape unscathed from a demonic Saint Ancestor—I must hear the details!” The gray-robed elder grinned warmly at Han Li, behaving as though they were old friends despite their limited interactions.
“You exaggerate, Brother Gu. It was merely a Saint Ancestor’s avatar. Had the true Saint Ancestor descended, I wouldn’t have survived,” Han Li replied with a bitter smile.
“Even an avatar of a Saint Ancestor is a death sentence for most Body Integration cultivators. The fact that you stand here speaks volumes of your prowess,” the elder countered, shaking his head emphatically.
Seeing no point in further argument, Han Li smiled faintly and changed the subject. “Fellow Daoist Jinyue mentioned notifying two fellow Daoists. Now that Brother Gu is here, who is the other?”
“Haha, rest assured, Fellow Daoist Han, the other is someone you know well,” Venerable Jinyue replied with a knowing smile.
“Someone familiar… Could it be—?” Han Li narrowed his eyes, immediately recalling one person.
Frost Li the Transcendent coughed dryly, about to speak, when suddenly a streak of silver light shot through the entrance, circling above the hall before revealing a silver-robed woman.
“Brother Han, your cultivation has grown even stronger in these past years. What a joyous occasion! After our last battle, I was also pursued by a demonic Venerable and encountered unexpected troubles. I only just returned to the city myself.” The woman was none other than Silverlight Fairy, who had been separated from Han Li during the battle at Yitian City. She beamed upon seeing him.
“So you’ve only just returned as well. That explains it,” Han Li said, momentarily surprised before smiling.
“Now that both of you are here, let us sit and discuss matters properly,” Venerable Jinyue intoned, clasping his hands in a Buddhist salute.
“Sit? With this Frost Li? If that’s the case, I’ll pass. I have no interest in wasting time here,” Han Li replied coldly, his expression darkening.
Frost Li’s face twisted further in anger.
“Fine, fine! You dare insult me like this? Even if it costs me vitality before my next tribulation, I’ll fight you properly!” he roared.
“If that’s your wish, I’d be delighted,” Han Li retorted without hesitation, his body flickering with azure light as he prepared to strike again.
“Hold, both of you! Hear me out first. Fellow Daoist Silverlight may not know the details, but Fellow Daoist Gu and I are somewhat aware. With the recent demonic offensive intensifying, we hadn’t the chance to mediate earlier. I must admit, Fellow Daoist Ice Phoenix has suffered unfairly,” Venerable Jinyue interjected, stepping between them with an apologetic glance at Ice Phoenix.
“This matter was Frost Li’s doing alone. How could it reflect on you, Venerable?” Ice Phoenix replied respectfully, masking any resentment she might have felt.
“Not so. As an elder of Tianyuan City, I bear some responsibility for how things unfolded. However, Frost Li is now also a city elder. I hope you can show some leniency, Brother Han. Though his actions were improper, no real harm came to Fellow Daoist Ice Phoenix. Perhaps Frost Li could compensate her with spirit stones as an apology. I assure you, the amount will satisfy her,” Venerable Jinyue said earnestly.
“Do you think I lack spirit stones, Venerable?” Han Li frowned.
“Of course not, but they would still benefit Fellow Daoist Ice Phoenix. If you have other conditions, you may state them,” the monk replied meaningfully.
“Brother Gu, Fellow Daoist Silverlight, what are your thoughts?” Han Li pondered briefly before turning to the other two.
“Truthfully, I’d rather not interfere in such matters. But with the demonic tribes at our gates, internal strife is the last thing we need. I, too, hope you two can reconcile,” the Gu elder said evasively.
Han Li inwardly cursed the old fox but kept his expression neutral before glancing at Silverlight Fairy.
“Though I’ve only just returned, I’ve heard of this matter. Fellow Daoist Frost Li acted excessively. However, with so few Body Integration cultivators in the city—each crucial to our defense—a full-scale battle is unwise. Mere spirit stones may not suffice. Perhaps Fellow Daoist Frost Li could also offer materials or treasures that Fellow Daoist Ice Phoenix requires. That would be more fitting,” Silverlight Fairy suggested, leaning slightly in Han Li’s favor.
“So, the three of you have already decided this is my fault?” Frost Li’s face darkened as he snorted.
“Whether it is or not, you know best yourself. Must we present evidence like mortals? Though, if witnesses are needed, there are a few here,” Venerable Jinyue replied coolly, glancing at Xiao Hong and the others.
The juniors exchanged uneasy looks but remained silent.
“Ice Phoenix, what do you think?” After a long silence, Han Li turned to her solemnly.
“Since the elders have intervened, I shall defer to your judgment, Brother Han,” she replied tactfully.
“Very well. Aside from the spirit stones and treasures, I have one more condition. If he agrees, this matter can be laid to rest—for now,” Han Li said slowly after further contemplation.
“What condition? Speak your mind,” Venerable Jinyue pressed.
“Simple. Forget the spirit stones and treasures—I’ve no shortage of such things. All Frost Li must do is withstand three strikes from me without evasion or defense,” Han Li stated, a flash of killing intent in his eyes.
“What? You still wish to fight?” Venerable Jinyue exclaimed.
“It’s merely three strikes—hardly a battle. Call it a spar if you will,” Han Li replied indifferently.
“Fellow Daoist Frost Li, what say you?” After a hushed discussion with Silverlight Fairy and the Gu elder, the monk turned to Frost Li.
“Three strikes without evasion—may I use treasures?” Frost Li asked cautiously after a pause.
“Most of a cultivator’s power lies in their treasures. Naturally, you may. What, Fellow Daoist—as my equal in cultivation, do you lack the confidence to endure three strikes?” Han Li mocked.
“Spare me your taunts. I accept,” Frost Li growled after a moment’s hesitation.
As Han Li had implied, refusing would disgrace him before the entire city.
“Good. Since Fellow Daoist Frost Li agrees, let us settle this immediately. I assume you’ve no wish to delay?” Han Li’s eyes glinted coldly.
“Now or later makes no difference to me. Choose the location,” Frost Li replied bluntly.
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