Chapter 352: The Promise

Han Li did not immediately agree or refuse. Instead, he frowned deeply and lowered his head in silence, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

To be honest, Han Li was unwilling to agree to this matter.

For him at this stage, formation techniques and artifact forging were like useless appendages—unless he succeeded in forming his Golden Core, he simply had no time to study such things. Moreover, he had no desire to provoke a powerful immortal cultivation family for no reason, let alone the fact that he lacked the capability to do so.

“I know this request is excessive of me, Senior Han, but Ruyin truly has no other options,” Xin Ruyin said with a sorrowful smile, her face growing pale.

“Brother Qi died at the hands of the Fu Family all because of a conflict I caused. If I do not avenge my husband in this lifetime, I would have no face to meet him in the netherworld even after death!” Xin Ruyin murmured softly, her voice filled with pleading.

When Han Li heard her mention “death,” his eyebrows twitched involuntarily. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he raised his head and stared intently at Xin Ruyin’s face, which left her momentarily stunned.

“Your complexion seems off. Let me check your pulse,” Han Li said, surprising Xin Ruyin with his words, though his tone left no room for doubt.

A flicker of uncertainty passed through Xin Ruyin’s eyes. After a moment’s hesitation, she obediently extended her jade-like wrist to Han Li.

Without ceremony, Han Li placed two fingers on her wrist and channeled traces of spiritual energy into her body.

After a while, his expression turned grim.

“Did you know all your meridians have withered? At this rate, you’ll die within two years!” Han Li withdrew his fingers and spoke coldly.

Upon hearing his diagnosis, Xin Ruyin instead smiled.

“Of course I know. How could I not be aware of my own body? My constitution is that of a ‘Dragon Cry’—a male body mistakenly born into a female form. Forcibly cultivating immortality will gradually cause my lifespan and meridians to misalign and atrophy. It’s already a stroke of luck that I’ve lived to this day. I once exhausted all means to find an ancient prescription, believing it could cure this condition, but I failed nonetheless. I only wasted the many precious spiritual medicines Brother Qi gathered for me!” A self-mocking expression appeared on her face.

“Miss!” The maid behind Xin Ruyin couldn’t hold back a sorrowful cry.

“It’s alright, Xiao Mei. Being able to reunite with Brother Qi sooner in the netherworld is something I long for!” Xin Ruyin calmly comforted her maid instead.

Witnessing this scene, Han Li’s expression softened. For some reason, he felt a pang of pity for her. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do about her rare condition; he could only watch as she eventually faded away.

“Since Senior Han is aware of my condition, you must understand why I am doing this. Although you are only at the Foundation Establishment stage now, you are the only person Brother Qi and I know who might be able to help us seek revenge. I don’t need any vows from you, just a promise. Only then can I leave this world in peace.” Xin Ruyin’s expression returned to normal as she calmly brought up the matter of revenge again.

Han Li rubbed his nose vigorously, feeling deeply conflicted. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly asked, “Fellow Daoist Qi was also from a cultivation family, right? Wouldn’t the Qi Family seek revenge for him?”

“The Qi Family? Hmph, they’re just an ordinary family in the Yuanwu Kingdom. How would they dare offend the Fu Family? Besides, Brother Qi was an outer disciple expelled from the Qi Family—they couldn’t care less about him! As for me, everything I learned came from an anonymous formation master among the rogue cultivators, but this remarkable individual has long since passed away.” Seemingly understanding Han Li’s implication, Xin Ruyin softly explained Qi Xiaoyu’s and her own background.

Hearing this, Han Li fell silent. It seemed he truly was her only hope.

“Alright, I can give you a promise, Miss Xin! However, I will only act when I am capable enough. This opportunity might never come in my lifetime. Are you sure you won’t regret it?” After a long moment of contemplation, Han Li took a deep breath and spoke solemnly.

“That is enough! Just giving me hope is sufficient. I thank you in advance, Senior Han!” Upon hearing Han Li’s agreement, Xin Ruyin broke into a radiant smile, making her appear exceptionally beautiful.

Han Li was momentarily captivated by her stunning appearance but quickly shook his head and unceremoniously swept his sleeve over the table, causing the two boxes to vanish into his storage pouch.

“Since it will take a month to restore the teleportation formation, I will return to bother you again then, Miss Xin. For now, I take my leave.” Han Li stood up and spoke unhurriedly. He indeed had some matters to attend to during this time.

“I respectfully see you off, Senior!” Xin Ruyin did not try to detain him further and spoke respectfully.

Thus, Han Li and Qu Hun flew away from the hill on their artifacts, heading straight for the market of the Heavenly Star Sect.

A day later, Han Li appeared near the market. He casually took out a cloak from his storage pouch to cover his face before swaggering into the market with Qu Hun.

Walking through the market streets, Han Li was astonished by the crowds of cultivators coming and going.

The number of cultivators trading in the market was several times greater than during his last visit, and everyone seemed to be in a hurry. Among them were many Foundation Establishment cultivators rarely seen in the market.

After some thought, a glimmer of understanding flashed in Han Li’s eyes, but he quickly put the matter aside and headed straight for the shop that had previously forged his artifacts. He had some materials he needed to refine into usable artifacts to enhance his strength.

The artifact forging shop was still in its original location, even the boastful sign remained unchanged.

Han Li smiled slightly and pushed the door open to enter.

Once inside, the scene in the shop made him frown slightly.

In the small shop, five or six people were either standing or sitting. As soon as Han Li entered, they instinctively glanced at him.

Not one to stand on ceremony, Han Li coldly swept his gaze over them. Those who sensed his Foundation Establishment cultivation immediately lowered their heads. These individuals were all at the Qi Refining stage and naturally dared not offend a “senior” like Han Li.

However, a fierce-looking man sitting on a chair met Han Li’s gaze fearlessly. He was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator, albeit only at the early stage, and was unwilling to lose face.

Ignoring them, Han Li walked up to the shop assistant—a burly man named “Da Hei”—who was conversing with two others.

“Is Shopkeeper Xu here?” Han Li asked calmly.

“Senior, you are…?” The burly man looked suspicious.

With a light sigh, Han Li took out the pair of Black Dragon Claws and waved them before the man’s eyes. Since this man had assisted in forging these artifacts, he should recognize them.

“So it’s you, Senior! I’ll fetch my master right away.” The burly man’s eyes lit up as he indeed recognized the Black Dragon Claws. He smiled obsequiously, apologized briefly, and hurried to the backyard.

Seeing that Han Li was acquainted with the shop owner, the others exchanged surprised glances, but none dared to disturb him.

Shortly after, the white-haired Shopkeeper Xu emerged from the back with a beaming smile. The last time Han Li visited, he had left behind many rare materials, making him a highly welcomed guest.

“Senior, you’ve honored our shop again! This is truly an privilege for this old man! Are you here to forge artifacts again?” Old Man Xu exchanged a few pleasantries before eagerly asking, his face full of expectation.

Han Li smiled faintly and deliberately glanced at the other cultivators nearby.

Shopkeeper Xu immediately understood his meaning and repeatedly called himself “foolish” before inviting Han Li to the backyard for a private conversation. He eagerly led the way.

While the others dared not comment, the fierce-looking man snorted discontentedly. He was also there to commission artifact forging, and as a fellow Foundation Establishment cultivator, the disparity in treatment angered him greatly.

Hearing the man’s snort, Han Li shot him an icy glare.

Having killed numerous cultivators, Han Li unknowingly carried a murderous aura uncommon among ordinary cultivators. That single glance made the man feel as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, sending chills down his spine and filling his face with fear.

Seeing the man’s changed expression, Han Li paid him no further mind and entered the backyard with Qu Hun.

Meanwhile, Da Hei cleverly stepped forward to apologize to the other customers, offering excuses to placate their dissatisfaction.

“Senior, have you brought materials again?” As soon as Han Li and Qu Hun entered the backyard, Shopkeeper Xu glanced curiously at Qu Hun before eagerly asking Han Li.