After the time it takes to finish a meal, Han Li was seated in the main position of the cave hall. Before him stood three women and one girl, all with respectful expressions, not daring to breathe too loudly.
Upon returning to the cave, Mu Peiling and the other two women learned that Han Li had not only advanced to the late Nascent Soul stage but had also overpowered the other three great cultivators, becoming the number one cultivator in Tiannan. Such astonishing news left them in awe, naturally increasing their reverence for Han Li.
“There’s no need to worry about the second Nascent Soul anymore. It has been captured, and in a few days, I will erase its autonomous consciousness and refine it into my second Nascent Soul. However, the three of you are quite bold to dare venture into the inner valley of the Fallen Demon Valley. Didn’t you know that even Nascent Soul cultivators often fail to return safely from there?” Han Li spoke coldly, his tone filled with dissatisfaction as he reprimanded the three women.
“Reporting to Uncle Han, the Illusory Spirit Grass was simply too important for us. That’s why we took the risk to explore the inner valley. This disciple will never act so recklessly again,” the Song woman replied with her hands clasped, offering an explanation.
“Illusory Spirit Grass? Are you trying to refine the ‘Illusory Extinction Pill’ to break through a bottleneck?” Han Li frowned slightly, recognizing the woman from before his Nascent Soul formation and thus softening his tone.
“Master is wise. We indeed intended to refine this pill,” Liu Yu answered honestly this time.
“If it’s this pill, you don’t need to search for the Illusory Spirit Grass anymore. I happen to have a bottle here. This type of pill shouldn’t be taken excessively when breaking through bottlenecks. Two pills each for the three of you should suffice.” Han Li patted his waist, producing a small green bottle, which he casually tossed to Liu Yu.
This bottle of pills was likely refined by some Nascent Soul elder who had died at his hands. It was useless to him now, so he used it to do them a favor.
The woman instinctively caught it, then realized Han Li’s words and immediately expressed her gratitude with a mix of shock and joy.
The Song woman and Mu Peiling were equally delighted and stepped forward to bow in thanks.
“Enough, it’s just a bottle of pills. I called you here for other matters,” Han Li waved his hand dismissively.
“Uncle Han, please give your orders,” the Song woman replied respectfully.
The other two women also straightened up, sensing Han Li had something important to say.
“You should know I’ve never liked meddling in sect affairs. But now, as the Grand Elder, I can’t completely ignore them and leave all mundane matters to Elder Lü. So, I need a disciple to assist Elder Lü in managing the sect while I’m in seclusion. Liu Yu, would you be willing to represent me in handling some sect affairs? Of course, I won’t let your time go to waste. I’ll teach you a few secret techniques and bestow some treasures to ensure you stand unmatched among peers. Heh, though you were forced to become my nominal disciple, if you agree to this, I can formally accept you as my disciple,” Han Li said meaningfully to Liu Yu.
“Master, is this true?” Liu Yu’s eyes brightened as she blurted out.
“With my current status, would I lie to you?” Han Li smiled faintly.
“If so, this disciple obeys your command!” Liu Yu agreed almost without hesitation.
It was unclear whether what truly moved her was the increased authority in the Falling Cloud Sect or the chance to become Han Li’s formal disciple—or perhaps both.
Han Li nodded in satisfaction, flicking his sleeve to produce a white jade slip. He then retrieved a pair of green rings, a fiery ruler, and a golden flying sword from his storage bag, handing them to her.
Liu Yu received the jade slip and treasures with both hands, bowing repeatedly in excitement.
Though she didn’t know what powerful techniques the jade slip contained, the ancient treasures alone were beyond her wildest dreams, leaving her utterly satisfied.
“Go and see Elder Lü first. I’ll send a message to inform him immediately,” Han Li instructed.
Liu Yu respectfully acknowledged and withdrew.
Once she left, Han Li flipped his hand, producing a message talisman. He whispered a few words into it, then waved his hand, sending it off as a streak of fire that vanished in a flash. The others watched silently, not daring to interrupt.
“Disciple Song, I also have a task for you,” Han Li turned to the Song woman, his tone softening.
“Uncle Han, please speak,” she replied without hesitation.
“It’s nothing major. I’d like you to find me a disciple with naturally strong spiritual sense during the sect’s recruitment in the coming years. I’ll personally take them under my wing for special training,” Han Li said after a moment’s thought.
“Naturally strong spiritual sense? Such disciples are rare, appearing once in a century. I can’t guarantee it, but I’ll do my best,” the Song woman hesitated slightly.
“No rush. I’m not demanding immediate results. Just keep an eye out. I see you’ve reached the peak of mid-Core Formation. The Illusory Extinction Pill alone might not suffice for a breakthrough. Here’s a bottle of ‘Yin Essence Pills.’ Though obscure, they’re highly beneficial for female cultivators who retain their purity. Try a few when attempting your breakthrough,” Han Li said, producing a small black bottle with a flash of green light and sending it silently to her.
Though she’d never heard of “Yin Essence Pills,” she trusted Han Li’s word as a great cultivator. She accepted the bottle with gratitude.
After exchanging a few more words, Han Li dismissed her, then turned his gaze to Mu Peiling.
Mu Peiling tensed slightly, her fair ears tinged with red as she lowered her head again.
“You’ve been my concubine for nearly a century, haven’t you?” Han Li asked gently, his eyes flickering with complexity.
“Yes, Master. When you took me in, you had just formed your Nascent Soul. Now, you’re a late-stage great cultivator,” Mu Peiling replied softly, lifting her head.
“I originally took you to use your purity for the Phoenix Reversal Art, aiding my Nascent Soul breakthrough. But plans changed. I advanced to mid and late Nascent Soul stages through other means, and the Phoenix Reversal Art only aids initial breakthroughs.”
“Master, are you sending me away from Twin Peaks?” Mu Peiling’s face paled.
“Sending you away? No. But you became my concubine under family pressure. Now that you’re a Core Formation cultivator, no one can force you. I also don’t wish to keep you ambiguously by my side. It might waste your prime years, and with Wan’er soon free, I must account to her.” Han Li paused.
“What does Master plan for me?” Mu Peiling bit her lip.
“Simple. Like before, I offer two choices. First, I’ll compensate you for your efforts with the Phoenix Reversal Art, then release you from Twin Peaks, restoring your freedom to marry. We’d part ways.”
“With Master’s reputation, even if you clear my name, who in Tiannan would dare marry me?” Mu Peiling smiled bitterly.
Han Li frowned but continued, “The second path is straightforward. If you’re devoted to cultivation, I can keep you at Twin Peaks. Officially, you’d remain my concubine, but in practice, I’d treat you as a disciple, offering guidance. Your talent isn’t poor, and I could have Wan’er formally take you as her disciple. Her techniques suit female cultivators better. This would minimize gossip, though some rumors might persist.” Han Li spoke calmly.
Mu Peiling fell silent.
Han Li didn’t rush her.
“Can I choose neither?” she suddenly asked.
“What do you mean?”
“I wish to truly be Master’s concubine, staying by your side for life!” Mu Peiling declared resolutely after a pause.
“Truly my concubine? That won’t work.” Han Li shook his head.
“Why? Does Master find my cultivation weak or my looks unworthy?” Her face turned ashen.
“Not at all. Mid-Core Formation is respectable, and your beauty ranks among the top ten I’ve seen,” Han Li sighed.
“Then why refuse? Is it because Elder Nangong wouldn’t agree?”
“Wan’er is one reason. But mainly, I’m devoted to the Dao, often secluding myself for decades. If you reach Nascent Soul, you’d live a millennium. But if not, a few of my seclusions would mean we’d barely meet. Following me would waste your life. I don’t wish to cause needless heartache.” Han Li replied helplessly.
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