“You and Senior Brother Lü didn’t leave as agreed. How could I not return?” Han Li sighed with a hint of helplessness, but after glancing at Mu Peiling a few more times, he chuckled lightly. “Though I truly didn’t expect you to break through your bottleneck during this time and reach mid-Foundation Establishment. That’s truly something to celebrate!”
“This concubine only managed the breakthrough half a month ago, and it’s all thanks to Young Master’s medicinal pills. Otherwise, Peiling would never have reached mid-Foundation Establishment in such a short time.” Mu Peiling was also extremely excited, her radiant beauty appearing even more enchanting as she spoke. Han Li felt a momentary stir in his heart but quickly regained his composure by rubbing his nose.
“You and Senior Brother Lü didn’t leave—was it because of the spell warriors?” Han Li asked casually, neither confirming nor denying.
“Young Master has already guessed it. Senior Lü and I originally planned to return as soon as the trade fair ended. But unexpectedly, news of the spell warriors’ invasion arrived just as the fair was concluding. As an infant-stage cultivator of the Heavenly Dao Alliance stationed in Tiannan City, Senior Lü had no choice but to stay and discuss countermeasures with other factions. Thus, this concubine was also delayed.” Mu Peiling bit her red lips lightly and spoke cautiously.
“In that case, it’s not your fault. But where is Senior Brother Lü now—” Just as Han Li was about to continue, his expression suddenly shifted slightly, and he stopped mid-sentence.
Mu Peiling was puzzled, not understanding Han Li’s intention, when suddenly a young man’s loud voice echoed from outside the pavilion’s restrictions: “Is Fellow Daoist Mu here? This one is Bai Shujun. May Fellow Daoist Mu come out for a moment?”
“Who is this? Someone you’ve met recently?” Han Li’s spiritual sense swept outward, revealing a refined-looking Core Formation youth standing calmly outside the restrictions, facing the pavilion. He couldn’t help but ask thoughtfully.
The moment Mu Peiling heard the voice, her face paled slightly. Hearing Han Li’s question, she hurriedly explained, “Young Master, please don’t misunderstand. This person is a disciple under an elder of the Heavenly Extremes Sect. He happened to see me a few days ago and has been pestering me relentlessly. I’ve already told him I’m your concubine, but he still won’t leave me alone. I’ll go drive him away now.”
“Such a thing happened? Does Senior Brother Lü know?” Han Li raised an eyebrow, his expression unchanging.
“I mentioned it to Senior Lü, but he seemed to know that elder from the Heavenly Extremes Sect and appeared somewhat hesitant. He told me to stall for now and wait for Young Master’s return before handling it.” Seeing Han Li wasn’t angry, Mu Peiling secretly sighed in relief.
“Oh? The Heavenly Extremes Sect—one of the four great sects of the Righteous Path Alliance? No wonder Senior Brother Lü was so cautious. But for a mere Core Formation cultivator to act so brazenly—his courage seems a bit excessive. Come with me. Let’s see what this junior’s intentions are.” After a brief pause, Han Li sneered.
“As you command, Young Master!” Mu Peiling was momentarily stunned before replying respectfully.
Without another word, Han Li stepped out of the room and headed downstairs, with Mu Peiling following closely behind.
“Fellow Daoist Mu, you’ve finally—Huh? Senior, you are—” Seeing someone emerge from the pavilion, the youth who called himself Bai Shujun initially thought it was the woman he admired. But upon spotting Han Li, he froze, then immediately changed his expression upon sensing Han Li’s unfathomable cultivation.
At that moment, Mu Peiling stepped out from behind Han Li, standing closely by his side. Seeing this, Bai Shujun’s expression shifted several times as if realizing something.
“You’re a disciple of the Heavenly Extremes Sect?” Han Li’s expression darkened as he addressed the youth coldly.
“Indeed. This junior is under Elder Lu of the Heavenly Extremes Sect. Might Senior be Senior Han?” Bai Shujun was indeed extraordinary—even facing an infant-stage cultivator like Han Li, his momentary panic quickly gave way to a polite demeanor.
“Speak. What’s your real intention? Why are you harassing my concubine? Doing something so thoughtless must have another purpose.” Han Li’s voice was icy. Mu Peiling, hearing this, showed a flicker of surprise.
“Senior is perceptive! In truth, my master wished to meet you, but with no word of your whereabouts, he instructed me to act this way. However, I genuinely admire Fellow Daoist Mu. If Senior would be willing to grant me this favor, I would be eternally grateful.” Bai Shujun smiled and spoke in a refined manner.
“Eternally grateful? What use do I have for your gratitude? Don’t daydream! Han Li doesn’t make a habit of giving away his concubines. But I’ve had no dealings with your Heavenly Extremes Sect. Why seek me out?”
Han Li narrowed his eyes, glancing ambiguously toward an empty spot nearby, his lips curling into a strange smile. At the same time, an overwhelming spiritual pressure erupted from him.
Bai Shujun’s face paled as he staggered back several steps, his shoulders buckling as if weighed down by a mountain. His knees weakened, threatening to collapse. Struggling against the force, he trembled violently but ultimately began to kneel.
Just as he was about to drop to his knees, a white figure suddenly appeared beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. Instantly, the pressure vanished, and Bai Shujun stood back up.
The newcomer was a gray-haired elder in white robes, his features kind and dignified. Smiling at Han Li, he said, “Fellow Daoist Han, there’s no need for anger. This matter was my instruction to my disciple. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to meet you.”
“And who might you be? Why seek me out? If I recall correctly, this is my first interaction with your sect, and we’ve never met before.” As the white-robed elder appeared, Han Li’s spiritual pressure dissipated instantly, his expression returning to normal as if nothing had happened.
“Ha! This old man is Lu Weiying, a humble elder of the Heavenly Extremes Sect. As for the reason, it’s inconvenient to discuss here. If Fellow Daoist wishes to know, come to this location tonight. All will be made clear then.” Elder Lu remained unruffled, flicking a prepared green jade slip toward Han Li.
Han Li expressionlessly waved his sleeve, a streak of azure light sweeping the jade slip into his grasp. A brief scan confirmed it contained an address. Before he could speak further, Elder Lu clasped his hands and departed with Bai Shujun in tow.
Frowning, Han Li pondered. The elder’s mysterious behavior suggested he knew something—or perhaps misunderstood something—as if assuming Han Li had been hiding in Tiannan City all along.
Rubbing his chin, Han Li found the situation perplexing. Deciding against pursuit, he led Mu Peiling back into the pavilion.
“Where is Senior Brother Lü now?” Han Li asked calmly upon re-entering, as if the earlier incident had already slipped his mind.
“Word is the frontlines are tense again. Senior Lü went to discuss countermeasures with the others.”
“Discuss countermeasures? Where?” Han Li asked with mild interest.
“In the Grand Council Hall of Tiannan City. It’s said any cultivator of the major factions who’s reached the infant stage can attend. Does Young Master wish to go?” Mu Peiling replied softly.
“Grand Council Hall?” Han Li murmured, recalling the massive hall at the city’s center, surrounded by layers of restrictions. That must be the place.
“Good. I’d like to learn more about the spell warriors. I’ll head there first. Stay here and don’t wander.” Having made up his mind, Han Li left after a few brief instructions.
The so-called “Grand Council Hall” was built beneath a towering platform at the city’s heart, impossible to miss. Ordinarily a symbolic structure, it was rarely used except for matters concerning the survival of the Nine Nations Alliance. But with the news of the spell warriors’ invasion—the first in over a century—the alliance’s higher-ups had promptly convened there, inviting representatives from other factions. Given the scale of the threat, the Nine Nations Alliance alone seemed ill-equipped to resist.
Upon arriving, Han Li was swiftly granted entry after the guards confirmed his cultivation and identity. Led inside by a respectful attendant, he found the hall sparsely populated—only a dozen or so infant-stage cultivators, far fewer than he’d expected. But upon reflection, it made sense: while Tiannan City hosted many such figures, most belonged to major factions and only sent delegates.
Among them, Senior Brother Lü sat on the left, smiling at him. Beside him was someone Han Li recognized—the Fire Dragon Child. The others were strangers, save for one yellow-robed elder who drew Han Li’s gaze. A sigh escaped him—it was none other than Linghu Lao, the former elder of Yellow Maple Valley!
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