“General Zhunan! So you are one of the renowned Eight Generals of the Great Jin. Han Li truly did not recognize your eminence.” Upon hearing that the striking woman was Cao Mengrong’s senior sister, Han Li merely nodded politely. However, when he learned the identity of the imposing man beside her, a flicker of surprise crossed his face.
Though Han Li knew little about the Great Jin court, he was aware of some of its most prominent officials. The Eight Generals represented nearly half of the military power under the court’s control, each commanding armies of a million fierce soldiers to guard crucial border cities.
Han Li’s knowledge of the “Eight Generals” wasn’t due to an interest in mortal affairs. Rumor had it that, apart from two or three who were royal family confidants, the rest had ties to major factions in the cultivation world. Some were even directly supported by these factions, making them untouchable even by the imperial family. Since General Zhunan didn’t bear a royal surname, he likely had connections to one such faction.
“Miss Mengrong mentioned that you are also a cultivator. As a mere mortal, how could I presume to act superior before you?” The middle-aged man chuckled, clasping his hands respectfully toward Han Li.
Han Li knew these were just polite words. Given the man’s status, while he might not frequently interact with Nascent Soul cultivators, recruiting Core Formation cultivators wouldn’t be difficult. Yet, Han Li had previously shown Cao Mengrong only Qi Condensation-level cultivation. For someone of such high standing to be so courteous to a “minor cultivator” like him was unusual. However, it puzzled Han Li why such a high-ranking official would travel to the capital without high-level cultivator escorts—a bold move indeed.
Thinking this, Han Li replied modestly, “You flatter me, General Wang. Even among rogue cultivators like myself, your reputation is well-known.”
“Brother Han, I heard you once guided Junior Sister Cao in her cultivation, helping her advance two levels in just a few years. My master was so impressed he kept praising her good fortune. He also suspected you might be concealing your true cultivation level, as no peer cultivator could achieve such a feat. Now, seeing you with no detectable spiritual energy, clearly skilled in concealment techniques, it seems my master was right,” Miss Wang said with a meaningful smile.
“Is that true? Brother Han, what is your actual cultivation level?” Cao Mengrong, snapping out of her initial joy at seeing Han Li, scrutinized him but sensed no trace of mana. Her face paled with shock.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, I suffered severe injuries, causing my cultivation to plummet. I’ve only recently recovered slightly. I never intended to deceive you, Fellow Daoist Cao,” Han Li replied calmly, offering no specifics about his true level.
Miss Wang blinked her beautiful eyes, studying Han Li again but still sensing nothing. Concealing her astonishment, she smiled. “So, Fellow Daoist Han is truly a senior. Junior Sister once treated you as an equal—I hope you won’t hold that against her.”
“Titles like ‘senior’ mean little to me. I’m just a rogue cultivator in the Great Jin. Since Fellow Daoist Cao once saved my life, we can continue as peers,” Han Li said dismissively.
Cao Mengrong’s conflicted expression softened, her cheeks flushing as she silently accepted his words.
“So, Master Han is indeed a powerful senior! Though I’m a mortal, I enjoy befriending cultivators. I notice you’re also heading to the capital—why not travel together?” General Wang interjected warmly once his daughter and Han Li had finished speaking.
“Travel together? Very well, I accept your kind offer,” Han Li agreed after a brief pause. He had been hoping to find someone familiar with the capital to learn more about the auction. Given General Wang’s status, even as a mortal, he’d likely know many details.
After exchanging a few more words with the two women, Han Li learned that Cao Mengrong’s father had risen from a minor county official to a capital military post in recent years—a significant promotion, though his rank hadn’t changed much. Cao Mengrong had missed the move due to being in seclusion but was now traveling with her senior sister and General Wang.
Han Li briefly summarized his own years, mentioning only that he’d been recovering in seclusion until recently. The women didn’t press further, knowing his severe injuries from the ice wouldn’t heal in just a few years.
As tea arrived, they chatted lightly before savoring the brew. Soon, General Wang steered the conversation to ancient texts in his collection, his scholarly demeanor belying his military reputation. His refined speech and gracious manner impressed Han Li, who found himself warming to the man.
Though uninterested in poetry or literature, Han Li had studied countless ancient texts for alchemy recipes and cultivation techniques. Sharing obscure anecdotes, he captivated General Wang, who listened with rapt attention.
Their lively discussion left the two women sidelined. Miss Wang shot Cao Mengrong a wry smile, mildly exasperated. Her father’s passion for ancient lore and legends was well-known, and Han Li’s knowledge seemed to strike a chord.
Cao Mengrong, however, listened quietly, occasionally stealing glances at Han Li before shyly looking away. Miss Wang, observing this, suppressed a laugh. From their private talks, she knew her junior sister harbored feelings for Han Li, often blushing at the mention of his name.
Yet, seeing Han Li in person disappointed Miss Wang. Far from the dashing figure she’d imagined, he was unremarkable in appearance. Given his likely Foundation Establishment cultivation—far beyond Cao Mengrong’s low-level prospects—their match seemed ill-fated. She pondered whether to intervene, confident her status could dissuade him if needed.
Just as General Wang was delving into legends of the mythical Kunwu Mountain, a dragon-like chime erupted from Han Li’s body, startling everyone. In a flash of green light, Han Li vanished from his seat, reappearing outside the tea stall, gazing skyward with a grave expression.
“What happened, Fellow Daoist Han? Was that a magic treasure inside you? Are you a Core Formation cultivator?” Miss Wang gasped, stunned. Cao Mengrong, gripping her handkerchief tightly, stared at Han Li in silence.
“Nothing serious. I sensed an old friend passing overhead, but their speed was too great to catch. The sound was from my lifebound flying sword—my apologies for the disturbance. However, I must take my leave now. Urgent matters call me away,” Han Li said calmly, bowing to the group before leaping into the air as a green streak.
Nearby merchants, witnessing his departure, dropped to their knees in awe, shouting, “An immortal! An immortal has ascended to the skies!”
Chaos erupted as patrons rushed from the tea stalls to catch a glimpse of the departing cultivator.
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