Upon hearing Lü Luo’s words, Han Li immediately envisioned the scene when Mu Peiling and Nangong Wan would meet, causing a stir in his heart. However, he outwardly expressed his gratitude again.
“Junior Brother, what are your plans moving forward? Originally, according to our agreement, after your initial participation, you wouldn’t need to join further battles. However, during recent discussions among the leaders of the Righteous and Devilish Paths, as well as the Nine Nations Alliance, someone mentioned you. They pointed out that since you were able to instantly kill a black-robed spellcaster, your techniques must naturally counter these enemies. Thus, they hope you will continue to participate in the upcoming major battle. Our Heavenly Dao Alliance representatives also believe that your strength is indispensable, and it would be unreasonable for you to abstain. So…” Lü Luo hesitated slightly as he spoke.
“Joining the battle again is acceptable. If the Heavenly South truly falls to the Mulan people, our Fallen Cloud Sect won’t fare well either. However, regarding the previous agreement, how does the Alliance plan to handle it? Surely they don’t expect mere words to suffice?” Contrary to Lü Luo’s expectations, Han Li showed no anger. Instead, he let out a cold laugh and calmly asked.
“Of course not. Given your contributions in exposing a spy from the Beast Taming Sect and eliminating a black-robed spellcaster, the Alliance has promised that as long as you continue to fight, you may state any conditions. They will do their utmost to fulfill them as compensation,” Lü Luo replied with a bitter smile.
“Willing to compensate? That makes things easier. I’d prefer to discuss the specifics face-to-face with the decision-makers,” Han Li said, his expression unchanging.
“That’s fine. I’ll take you to meet the current overseers of the Heavenly Dao Alliance. As long as your demands aren’t excessive, they should be able to agree,” Lü Luo smiled faintly, his words carrying a subtle implication.
“Rest assured, Senior Brother Lü, I won’t make unreasonable demands that put you in a difficult position,” Han Li chuckled lightly.
“Junior Brother, you jest. Don’t worry about my face—those old fellows are rarely this generous. Take what you deserve,” Lü Luo said, relieved that Han Li understood his hint.
Han Li wore an enigmatic smile but said nothing more. Lü Luo then led him out of the Fallen Cloud Sect’s quarters and straight to the Heavenly Dao Alliance’s council hall.
“The Heavenly Dao Alliance is currently overseen by a council of elders from over a dozen major sects, with some rotated every decade. However, the three founding sects—Luan Ming Sect, Ancient Sword Sect, and Ni Hang Pavilion—are exempt from rotation. Most decisions are made by these three. Among them, Luan Ming Sect holds a slight edge in strength. The current overseers in Sky One City are Long Han and Feng Bing, a dual-cultivation couple from Luan Ming Sect. You’ve likely heard of them—they can jointly contend against late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. The Alliance’s ability to rival other factions largely depends on them. Right now, only Long Han is active, as Feng Bing entered seclusion upon arriving in Sky One City, seemingly at a critical juncture in her cultivation. If you reach an agreement with these overseers, it’s as good as securing the council’s approval. Apart from Elder Long Han, the other two sects also have elders stationed in the council hall,” Lü Luo explained as they walked.
Some of this information was already known to Han Li, while some was new. He nodded silently in response.
The council hall stood at the center of the western district. After a leisurely walk, they arrived before a grand stone hall surrounded by majestic towers.
“Greetings, Elder Lü! Are you here to meet the elders? And this senior is…” The Foundation Establishment cultivators guarding the entrance recognized Lü Luo and bowed respectfully. However, their expressions turned uncertain when their gazes fell upon Han Li.
“This is Elder Han of our sect. We’re here to meet Elder Long Han and the others,” Lü Luo replied calmly.
“Ah, so it’s Elder Han! Please wait a moment, esteemed seniors. The elders are currently in discussions in the side hall. I’ll inform them immediately,” the guard said, startled. He glanced at Han Li a few more times, his demeanor growing even more deferential—clearly, he now knew who Han Li was.
The guard took out a sound transmission talisman, whispered into it, and then sent it flying inside as a streak of red light.
Moments later, three melodious bell chimes echoed from the hall. The guard immediately stepped aside and bowed. “Esteemed seniors, please enter. The elders have been informed of your arrival.”
Lü Luo nodded and strode confidently inside, with Han Li following calmly behind.
After passing through several corridors, they entered a side hall where five or six Nascent Soul cultivators were seated. As soon as they stepped in, all eyes turned toward them, lingering mostly on Han Li with keen interest.
Though all present were formidable, Han Li’s gaze quickly settled on a middle-aged man seated at the center. Clad in gray robes, he had a striking appearance and broad bones. His cultivation surpassed that of an average mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, nearing the peak of mid-stage—just a step away from late-stage.
Han Li’s heart stirred. This must be Long Han of Luan Ming Sect. His profound cultivation explained why he and his partner could rival late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. Rumors had even understated his strength.
Before anyone else could speak, the middle-aged man smiled warmly. “Brother Lü, this must be Elder Han of your sect. We’ve heard much about him lately.” Long Han rose and clasped his hands in greeting, his expression amiable.
“Brother Long Han, I’ve long admired your reputation,” Han Li replied, studying the man before returning the courtesy.
“In terms of fame, no recent cultivator has matched Fellow Daoist Han. You’ve brought great honor to our Heavenly Dao Alliance,” a pale-faced elder beside Long Han remarked half-jokingly.
“You flatter me, Fellow Daoist. May I ask your name?” Han Li had already noticed this elder—aside from Long Han, he was the only other mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator present.
“Junior Brother Han, this is Elder Kuang of Ni Hang Pavilion. His Dry Earth Art has shaken the Heavenly South for centuries,” Lü Luo interjected before the elder could respond.
“So it’s Brother Kuang! I’ve long admired you as well,” Han Li said, genuinely surprised.
This was no empty courtesy—Elder Kuang was indeed renowned, second only to Long Han and his wife within the Heavenly Dao Alliance. The Fallen Cloud Sect’s silver-haired elder had spoken of him repeatedly.
Lü Luo then introduced the remaining cultivators to Han Li. Among them, a particularly ugly-faced Elder Tian from the Ancient Sword Sect drew Han Li’s attention. Once introductions were complete, everyone took their seats.
Long Han smiled gently and spoke first. “Fellow Daoist Han, you must already know the Alliance hopes for your continued participation in the war. We admit this goes against our earlier promise, but given the impending battle, your abilities are indispensable to the Heavenly South’s forces. As compensation, we’re willing to offer materials, pills, or other concessions. If you have other conditions, we’re open to negotiation—anything within the Alliance’s power, we won’t refuse.”
Long Han, ever the seasoned leader, preemptively apologized before Han Li could voice any grievances. Had Han Li been harboring resentment, this would have made it difficult to express.
However, Han Li bore no anger. Having escaped the Mulan Divine Master’s grasp, he was confident in his ability to survive even the fiercest battles. With no threat to his life, he saw this as an opportunity.
After a brief pause, Han Li spoke candidly. “Since Brother Long puts it that way, I’ll continue fighting. I understand the principle that no egg remains unbroken when the nest is overturned. However, there are matters where I’ll need the Alliance’s assistance. I won’t hesitate to leverage this chance.”
He adopted a straightforward tone, knowing that with these seasoned figures, honesty would serve him best.
His directness left a favorable impression on most present. Elder Kuang even chuckled and said, “Fellow Daoist Han speaks plainly—I like that. What conditions do you have? I’m curious!”
Long Han’s eyes flickered, but he remained silent. The others also watched Han Li intently.
“It’s simple. I hope the Alliance can help me gather a specific forging material. To be frank, this item is crucial to me. If obtained before the battle, I’ll have greater confidence against the black-robed spellcasters,” Han Li stated calmly.
“Forging material?” The elders exchanged glances, unsurprised. They knew it must be rare—otherwise, Han Li wouldn’t have raised it as a condition.
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