“Brother Han, what do you think of my suggestion? With Meining’s beauty, she would be more than qualified to be your concubine. Surely you wouldn’t refuse such a good offer?” Zi Ling, seeing Han Li remain silent, chuckled lightly and pressed further.
Han Li’s brows furrowed slightly as he glanced at Meining, the delicate and radiant beauty before him.
Her head hung even lower, a faint blush coloring her snow-white neck, making her look utterly captivating. It seemed she tacitly agreed with Zi Ling’s words.
“With Miss Mei’s beauty and character, not only would she be more than suitable as my concubine, but even as a cultivation partner for a high-level cultivator, it would be a rare blessing. However, I am different from ordinary cultivators. I have vowed to dedicate my life to the pursuit of immortality and the path of eternal life, and I rarely indulge in romantic affairs. Moreover, I am accustomed to solitude and often find myself in perilous situations, hunted by enemies. How could I possibly be qualified to take a concubine? If Miss Mei were to follow me, it would not be a good thing—she would only suffer the consequences of my troubles,” Han Li said calmly, his expression composed.
Upon hearing these words, Meining’s body trembled slightly. The blush on her neck faded rapidly as she slowly raised her head, her face now pale.
“Brother Han, these words sound like an excuse. Leaving aside everything else, with your current late-stage Core Formation cultivation, who in this world besides those Nascent Soul old monsters could possibly threaten you? Moreover, you might soon succeed in condensing your Nascent Soul, and then you could go anywhere in the world. Surely you could protect a delicate woman like Meining?” Zi Ling said with a hint of reproach, as if greatly dissatisfied that Han Li would reject such a beauty.
“Fellow Daoist Zi Ling, you must know that although I consider my cultivation slightly superior to others of my level, the enemies I provoke are always formidable. Until I reach the Nascent Soul stage and truly possess sufficient power, I will not consider taking a concubine. Otherwise, I would only bring harm to the other party, leading to unnecessary heartache,” Han Li replied coolly.
Zi Ling frowned, knowing Han Li’s words were true. She also sensed a hint of displeasure in his tone and could only sigh, refraining from further discussion.
“Brother Han, if you do not find my appearance lacking, would you be willing to accept me after reaching the Nascent Soul stage?” Meining’s face finally regained its usual composure, but she bit her lip lightly before asking Han Li unexpectedly.
“The Nascent Soul stage? I have no certainty of reaching that realm. Even if I do, it might take many years. Are you truly willing to wait that long? It could take over a hundred years, and even then, success is not guaranteed,” Han Li said indifferently, glancing at her.
“I…” Meining’s expression flickered uncertainly, unable to respond. With her Foundation Establishment lifespan, even twenty or thirty years would be too long, let alone a hundred. Though Han Li was an excellent candidate for dual cultivation, she could not possibly wait so long for an uncertain outcome.
After all, the world of cultivation was inherently harsh and pragmatic. Though she had spent some time with Han Li and developed a certain fondness for him, it was impossible for her to devote herself wholeheartedly to him without reservation.
Seeing the hesitation on Meining’s jade-like face, Han Li sighed inwardly. He reached into his robe and retrieved two small bottles, pushing them toward her.
“These contain some cultivation-enhancing pills refined from demon cores. Instead of relying on dual cultivation to advance your cultivation, Miss Mei, you might as well focus on diligent practice. Perhaps, like Fellow Daoist Zi Ling, you can form your Golden Core on your own,” Han Li said leisurely.
These Foundation Establishment pills were useless to him now, but recalling the intimate favor Meining had done him by imparting spiritual energy, he saw no harm in repaying her kindness. This way, he felt he owed her nothing further.
“Pills refined from demon cores?” Meining’s expression shifted with surprise. She instinctively picked up one of the bottles and opened it, releasing a fragrant aroma that filled the elegant chamber.
“These are top-grade pills!” she exclaimed, clutching the jade bottle and staring at Han Li, momentarily speechless.
In the Netherworld, he had clearly shown interest in her, yet now he refused to take her as his concubine. And now, he was offering her such precious pills.
She was utterly confused.
“Hehe! Brother Han is truly generous. Since you’ve said so, little sister, you should accept them. Perhaps with some additional spiritual herbs, you might indeed form your Golden Core as Brother Han suggested. If so, we sisters can support each other and live freely,” Zi Ling said with a smile, though a flicker of surprise passed through her eyes at the sight of the pills.
Meining gave Han Li a complicated look before softly thanking him and storing the bottles in her pouch.
Seeing her accept the pills, Han Li smiled faintly. Then, he turned his head slightly to gaze out the window at the bustling streets of the town below.
The familiar sight reminded him of long-forgotten memories, and his smile faded as he sighed softly.
Noticing his expression, Zi Ling and Meining exchanged puzzled glances.
…
The state, located in the remote western part of the Xi Kingdom, was a land of complex terrain—dense forests, rolling hills, and frequent swamps filled with miasma. Aside from a few isolated cities and official roads, few ventured into its wilderness. The more remote mountains were home to venomous snakes and fierce beasts, making them inaccessible to ordinary people.
Conversely, due to its unique environment and abundance of rare herbs and spiritual beasts, the state was a favored destination for cultivators in the Xi Kingdom.
Over half of the Xi Kingdom’s cultivation sects were concentrated in this small state, with the most powerful sects occupying areas rich in spiritual energy.
Among them, the Yunmeng Mountains were renowned throughout the southern region as a sacred vein of spiritual energy.
Deep within these mountains grew the legendary Spirit Eye Tree, the last of the three divine trees in the cultivation world. In the eyes of sect leaders, it was even more valuable than the Heavenly Lightning Bamboo and the Soul Nurturing Wood.
Every two hundred years, the Spirit Eye Tree would secrete a spiritual liquid called “Mellow Essence” from its roots. Though this liquid could not be consumed directly, it was a crucial ingredient for refining several spiritual medicines. The legendary holy medicine “Soul Stabilizing Pill” required this essence as a catalyst.
The “Soul Stabilizing Pill,” also known as the “Soul-Calming Pill,” not only enhanced a cultivator’s cultivation but also stabilized the mind and soul, reducing the risk of demonic interference. Taking one before condensing a Nascent Soul could significantly ease the process.
Unlike forming a Golden Core, condensing a Nascent Soul required not only cultivation and opportunity but also the endurance of illusions and demonic temptations. The process of transforming the core into an infant was a grueling trial of mental fortitude.
With such a heaven-defying treasure and its abundant spiritual energy, every sect coveted the Yunmeng Mountains. After fierce competition, the three sects—”Ancient Sword Sect,” “Falling Cloud Sect,” and “Hundred Craft Pavilion”—jointly occupied the area.
These three sects were already among the strongest in the Xi Kingdom. United, they deterred other sects from challenging their claim, leaving the rest to watch enviously.
At the foot of one of the Yunmeng Mountains, Han Li walked along a stone-paved path, pondering the information he had gathered while observing his surroundings.
On the same path, a few young men and women walked silently, their faces filled with excitement. Han Li smiled inwardly at the sight.
It was no surprise—these were the days when the renowned cultivation sect “Falling Cloud Sect” was recruiting new disciples. Naturally, these young Qi Condensation cultivators were thrilled.
Han Li’s presence here half a month later was no coincidence.
He, too, intended to join this sect, famed for its alchemy. However, he planned to enter not as a Core Formation cultivator but as an ordinary Qi Condensation disciple.
With his current cultivation and the miraculous concealment technique he possessed, only a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator could discern his true strength. Confident in this, he dared to proceed with his plan.
Yet, recalling the events after parting with Zi Ling and Meining, he couldn’t help but sigh.
Originally, he had intended to find a secluded spot to establish a cave abode, take his pills, and elevate his cultivation to the peak of late-stage Core Formation. Though the spiritual energy he had absorbed had boosted his cultivation, he was still a step away from the “False Infant” stage required for Nascent Soul formation.
But an unexpected turn of events had overturned his plans.
After taking one of his pills, he was shocked to discover that the pills, which had once enhanced his cultivation, were now completely ineffective. Whether refined from sixth-rank or seventh-rank demon cores, they had no effect whatsoever.
Han Li was left speechless.
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