The nearest city to Changzhou is a large metropolis called Yehua. Despite being thousands of miles away from the Wanling Mountain Range, many cultivators unwilling to camp in the wilderness have taken up residence here. The minor cultivation sect that had secretly controlled the city had long since recalled all its disciples to their mountain gates, feigning ignorance of the city’s affairs.
Although there are quite a few cultivators gathered in the city, the abundance of inns ensures that all of them can find accommodation without issue.
Among them, the Hongfu Inn is an ordinary establishment, currently hosting two groups of cultivators who have rented separate courtyard rooms at the back of the inn.
In one of these rooms, three people—all young and beautiful female cultivators—were gathered around a wooden table, deep in discussion. They were none other than Ziling and Mei Ning, who had parted ways with Han Li in Tianyi City, along with a third woman surnamed Song, a close friend of theirs. At the moment, Ziling appeared dignified and elegant, though it was clear she was using a secret technique to conceal her peerless beauty, appearing only as an ordinary yet somewhat attractive female cultivator.
The three women spoke in hushed tones, their expressions grave. Faint white light flickered along the walls of the room, indicating the presence of a barrier to prevent eavesdropping.
“Sister Song, still no word from Brother Han? The miasma will soon dissipate, and if he doesn’t arrive, we’ll miss the best opportunity to enter the Falling Devil Valley,” Ziling asked with a furrowed brow, her voice tinged with worry. She directed her question to the white-robed woman sitting across from her.
“Ziling, you know as well as I do that over two years ago, Elder Cheng of our sect publicly announced that Uncle Han was in seclusion to recover from injuries. But I’ve heard hints that he actually went to the Far West. Though I don’t know why he went there, the journey alone would take over a year—there’s no rushing it. Besides, we still have a few months left. I’ve already left a precise contact address at the sect. As soon as Uncle Han returns, he’ll be able to find us. And if he intends to return on time, no cultivator in the Far West could possibly delay him now,” the Song woman replied with a calm smile.
“That’s hard to say. Even if Brother Han’s cultivation is unparalleled, some things can’t be resolved by strength alone,” Ziling sighed, recalling their experience in the Netherworld. But then, with a playful glint in her eyes, she added, “Sister Song, you keep referring to him as ‘Uncle Han’ now—seems like you’ve suddenly developed a great deal of respect for him. You didn’t speak of him like this before.”
A faint blush colored the Song woman’s cheeks, but she quickly regained her composure. “If Ziling could slay a mid-Nascent Soul top-tier cultivator, I’d show you the same reverence. Uncle Han is now second only to the Three Great Cultivators of the South. As a junior, isn’t it only natural for me to be respectful?”
“*Hehe*! Of course it’s not strange. Even I was shocked when I heard of Brother Han’s feats. A decade ago, he was just a Core Formation cultivator like me, yet now he possesses such astonishing power—so much so that we must look up to him. It’s truly hard to believe. Had I known, I might have forced Mei Ning to become his concubine back then. Her cultivation path would’ve been smooth sailing,” Ziling teased with a laugh.
Mei Ning’s cheeks flushed crimson at the remark, but she only gave a light scoff, her eyes betraying a hint of melancholy. Han Li had once given her a choice, but hesitation had cost her the opportunity. Now, with his soaring reputation, she couldn’t easily bring it up again.
“Mei Ning almost became Uncle Han’s concubine? This is the first I’ve heard of it! I always thought Uncle Han might have some connection with Ziling, given your peerless beauty. I can’t imagine any man remaining unmoved,” the Song woman exclaimed in surprise before playfully teasing Ziling.
“*Hmph*! Back then, I didn’t know Brother Han would become so formidable. Had I known, I might’ve offered myself to him. Being his cultivation partner would’ve been far better than my current slow progress,” Ziling said with a coy smile, her words leaving it unclear whether she was serious or joking. The usually composed Song woman was momentarily stunned, unsure how to react.
“Still, if Brother Han agrees to help, our chances of obtaining the Spirit Candle Fruit are much higher. Sister Song, are you truly decided against entering the valley? Mei Ning won’t go because the sudden influx of cultivators makes it too dangerous for her,” Ziling said hesitantly.
“I’ve thought it over. Unlike you two, I’m already at the peak of early Core Formation. With twenty or thirty years of effort, I can reach the next stage—it’s not worth the risk. As for the other treasures in the valley, they’d require risking my life. I know my limits,” the Song woman replied firmly.
“If that’s your decision, I won’t press further. Honestly, if Brother Han doesn’t come, I wouldn’t dare enter alone either. With so many high-level cultivators now, the danger has multiplied. Plenty will kill for treasure. A lone early Core Formation cultivator like me would be like a lamb entering a tiger’s den—I’m not that foolish,” Ziling admitted with a bitter laugh, her words surprising Mei Ning and the Song woman.
“The Ghost Spirit Sect’s sudden leak of information was unexpected. At first, I even suspected Ziling had done it to muddy the waters,” the Song woman murmured thoughtfully.
“Muddy the waters? What’s the point? Fewer cultivators would’ve been better—we could’ve snatched the Spirit Candle Fruit before the Ghost Spirit Sect noticed,” Ziling retorted with a pout.
“Oh? So it wasn’t you who leaked the news? Then someone else must have done it,” a familiar male voice suddenly came from outside the door.
“Uncle Han!” “Brother Han!” The Song woman and Ziling exclaimed in unison, their faces lighting up with joy.
Ziling flicked a hand seal toward the door, causing it to glow white before slowly swinging open.
A young man in his twenties, clad in a slightly worn cyan robe, stood with his hands behind his back. A faint smile played on his lips as he regarded the three women inside—none other than Han Li, returned from the Far West after over two years. A foot-long yellow bamboo tube was slung across his back, its contents unknown, as he had chosen not to store it in his pouch.
Upon closer inspection, Han Li himself seemed subtly different—his demeanor more composed and unfathomable, exuding an air of profound depth.
“Greetings, Uncle Han!” The Song woman hurried forward with a respectful bow.
“Brother Han, you’ve finally arrived! I feared you might be delayed,” Ziling said, her jade-like face flushing slightly as she rose to greet him. She wondered how long he had been listening—had he heard her earlier jest about “offering herself”? Despite her usual confidence, she couldn’t help but feel a hint of embarrassment.
“I made a promise, so of course I’d keep it,” Han Li replied with a meaningful glance before calmly entering the room.
Mei Ning bit her lip lightly and offered a greeting, which Han Li waved off before taking a seat at the empty chair, gesturing for the others to sit as well.
Ziling quickly regained her composure, while the Song woman hesitated slightly before sitting properly.
“Brother Han, when did you return from the Far West? Was your journey smooth?” Ziling asked, her gaze lingering on him curiously rather than immediately bringing up the Falling Devil Valley.
“I encountered some minor troubles there. Though resolved, they delayed me by half a year,” Han Li replied with a smile.
Ziling and the Song woman exchanged glances, intrigued. If Han Li considered them “minor troubles,” they must have been significant. But sensing his reluctance to elaborate, neither pressed further.
“From what I overheard, only Ziling intends to enter the valley now, while both of you have changed your minds. Is that correct?” Han Li asked, glancing at the other two.
“Since Uncle Han already knows, I won’t hide it. After careful consideration, Mei Ning and I decided the risks outweigh the rewards. I’m not willing to gamble decades of cultivation for a mere shortcut, and Mei Ning recently obtained a pill that greatly aids Core Formation. The Falling Devil Valley’s reputation as the most perilous place in the South is no joke—especially since the Spirit Candle Fruit lies deep within, where dangers multiply.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage