“Since there are extenuating circumstances, it’s only natural that I can’t blame you, Senior. Then I’ll wait for now. But I wonder when we can get a definitive answer!” Han Li naturally understood that Qing Yuanzi’s willingness to speak so candidly was already a sign of special favor. After a brief moment of contemplation, he respectfully agreed.
“To visit those old fellows, I can’t just send my second Nascent Soul. My main body must personally pay them a visit. I estimate that my main body will emerge from seclusion in at least a month, or at most half a year. Surely, Fellow Daoist Han can wait that long?” Qing Yuanzi replied calmly.
“Senior, you jest. Though I am eager, I can certainly wait this long.” Hearing this, Han Li couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly.
“Heh, Fellow Daoist Han, how is your progress with the Qing Yuan Sword Art? Have you reforged those seventy-two Emerald Swarm Swords?” Qing Yuanzi suddenly smiled and asked.
“I did indeed follow your guidance and reforged all the flying swords. I’ve also reached the final stage of the Qing Pan Sword Formation. However, the sword art you imparted is truly profound—I’ve only grasped a shallow one or two-tenths of it.” Caught off guard by the sudden change in topic, Han Li answered without hesitation.
“In that case, would you like me to offer some guidance on this sword art? Over the years, I’ve gained new insights that I believe could benefit you. Moreover, since you’ve already reached the mid-stage of Body Integration, it’s only a matter of time before you encounter the bottleneck to the late stage. Though I may not be particularly talented, I do have some experience in this area and can offer a few pointers.” Qing Yuanzi’s words left Han Li both shocked and delighted.
“Thank you for your generosity, Senior! To receive your guidance is truly an honor beyond my wildest dreams!” Han Li quickly rose and bowed deeply.
He understood perfectly well that Qing Yuanzi’s willingness to do this was due to his far-exceeding expectations in gathering the materials.
“Good. Since Fellow Daoist Han has no objections, you may stay here for now. I’ll first organize these materials. Tomorrow, you can come directly to my secluded chamber. Yao’er, Yan Li, you two shall accompany Fellow Daoist Han in my stead.” Seeing that matters were settled, Qing Yuanzi smiled and turned to Yuan Yao with instructions.
“Yes, Father. Rest assured, I will take good care of Fellow Daoist Han.”
“This junior obeys!”
Yuan Yao and Yan Li promptly bowed in acknowledgment.
Qing Yuanzi nodded, exchanged a few more words with Han Li, and then gracefully left the hall.
Now, only Han Li and the two beauties remained in the hall.
“Brother Han, who would have thought that in just a few centuries, you’ve already advanced to the mid-stage of Body Integration? Such speed is truly humbling for us.” While Yuan Yao blushed slightly, unsure of what to say, Yan Li scrutinized Han Li with an intrigued gaze, clicking her tongue in amazement.
Given their past friendship and equal standing, she felt comfortable speaking so boldly.
“Sister Yan, staying by Senior Jiang’s side and advancing from Nascent Soul to Void Refining in just a few centuries is an opportunity countless fellow cultivators would envy. Moreover, I see that the yin energy around you two has diminished significantly—it seems you’ve found a way to restore your human forms. That’s truly cause for celebration.” Han Li also studied Yan Li briefly before replying with a light chuckle.
“Brother Han’s insight is truly unfathomable. You’ve noticed even the slightest changes in us. Indeed, Senior Jiang found a method to help us shed our half-ghost forms. However, the process is extremely slow—so far, only minor changes have occurred. To fully restore our human bodies will likely take another two or three millennia.” Yan Li smiled brightly, clearly overjoyed by this development.
“Not only do you two hail from the same human realm as I, but you are also among my few close friends in the Spirit Realm. Seeing you both safe and well under Senior Jiang’s care brings me great comfort.” Han Li replied warmly.
“Brother Han, if it’s not too much trouble, could you share some of your experiences over the years? Of course, you needn’t mention anything too private. Since ascending to the Spirit Realm, my sister and I have been confined to a certain place, so we’re very curious about your journey.” Yuan Yao finally spoke up.
“Indeed, I’m also quite interested in hearing about your adventures,” Yan Li added excitedly.
“Heh, I’ve traveled quite a bit over the years—even visited another continent. If you’re truly curious, I’ll share a few stories.” Han Li chuckled, not refusing their request.
“After parting ways with you two, I returned to my island to cultivate in seclusion for a time and was fortunate enough to break through to the Void Refining stage…”
Thus, Han Li began recounting his experiences after leaving the Netherworld River, omitting only the most sensitive details. Even so, his journey was far more thrilling than most could imagine.
Yuan Yao listened with sparkling eyes, while Yan Li occasionally gasped in amazement.
After finishing his tale, Han Li naturally inquired about their own cultivation progress.
Yuan Yao and Yan Li answered candidly, though their experiences paled in comparison to Han Li’s. Aside from cultivation and occasional trips to gather materials for Qing Yuanzi in the Netherworld River, their lives had been uneventful.
Time passed swiftly in their conversation.
Later, after their lively discussion, the two women escorted Han Li to a quiet chamber within the cave abode, where he could rest.
After meditating overnight, Han Li followed them the next day to Qing Yuanzi’s secluded chamber…
Three months flew by in the blink of an eye.
On this day, a streak of golden light and a green rainbow shot into the sky from Qing Yuanzi’s cave abode, vanishing into the distance after a few flashes.
Within the streaks of light were a gray-robed elder and an ordinary-looking young man in his twenties—Qing Yuanzi and Han Li.
However, this Qing Yuanzi was no longer his Nascent Soul avatar but his true body, having emerged from seclusion just the day before.
Over the past three months, Han Li had greatly benefited from the guidance of Qing Yuanzi’s avatar.
Now, Qing Yuanzi’s main body was preparing to visit a mysterious figure residing in the Netherworld River.
To Han Li’s surprise, Qing Yuanzi had invited him along, leaving him somewhat puzzled.
“Senior, may I ask about the origins of the person we’re visiting? Could you enlighten me beforehand?” After half a day of relentless travel, Han Li couldn’t help but ask.
“I’m bringing you along precisely because this individual is more approachable than the others, increasing our chances of obtaining some spirit milk. As for his origins, even I am not entirely certain. He is neither of the Flying Spirit Tribe nor the Mayfly Tribe—his true form seems to be that of a rare beast who achieved cultivation. His experience and age far surpass mine. Though he is more amiable than the others, his temper is still rather peculiar. When we meet him, you must be cautious with your words.” Qing Yuanzi replied solemnly.
“Thank you for the warning, Senior. I will certainly mind my words.” Han Li nodded seriously.
“Haha, but don’t worry. This person owes me a favor from the past. Barring unforeseen circumstances, this trip should yield results.” Qing Yuanzi laughed.
“If it’s as you say, Senior, then I can rest easy.” Han Li’s eyes gleamed as he smiled in response.
“Very well, let’s proceed at full speed. He resides in a remote corner of the Netherworld River—even at our pace, it will take over ten days to reach his abode.” Qing Yuanzi laughed heartily, his golden light intensifying as his speed doubled, streaking through the sky like a golden thread.
Han Li immediately channeled his spiritual power, matching the pace as a green streak followed closely behind.
Ten days later, their streaks of light arrived above a vast, mist-covered emerald-green lake.
The lake’s waters were unnaturally verdant, and Han Li’s spiritual sense detected an overwhelming concentration of spiritual energy within, along with countless enormous, monstrous fish—each exuding powerful auras.
Strangely, none of the fish surfaced, seemingly restrained by some force. Even as Han Li and Qing Yuanzi flew overhead, they remained indifferent, continuing their activities deep below.
After traveling tens of thousands of miles further, a striking island suddenly appeared on the lake’s surface.
What made it remarkable was its golden sheen, as if the entire island were forged from gold. A magnificent palace occupied two-thirds of the land, while the remaining space was adorned with exotic flowers and fruits, resembling a paradise.
Yet, the entire island was encased in a shimmering white barrier, pulsing with faint traces of restrictive spells.
“This is his residence. Fellow Daoist Han, follow me.” Qing Yuanzi halted his flight and turned to Han Li with a smile.
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