At this moment, Han Li turned his head and spoke to the handsome young man with equal politeness: “Sixth Senior Brother, you’ve come too! I’ve troubled you with my affairs.”
Wu Xuan responded with a faint “Hmm” and said nothing more.
Han Li smiled without showing any unusual expression, but he was well aware that since the incident with Dong Xuan’er, this sixth senior brother had not been too fond of him.
However, Han Li didn’t pay much attention to this person. Dealing with a genuine petty person was far easier than dealing with a hypocrite.
Still, he caught a glimpse of shock in Wu Xuan’s eyes! After all, the last time they had met, Han Li was only at the early Foundation Establishment stage. Now, in such a short time, Han Li had advanced to the mid-stage. How could Wu Xuan, still lingering at the early Foundation Establishment stage, not feel astonished and envious?
“Please come in, Senior Brothers. I’ll go brew a pot of good tea!” Han Li ushered the four into the room with a smile and was about to turn away.
“What’s the hurry for tea? First, tell us about the experts in the Black Fiend Cult. I’ve been eager to have a real battle with some Foundation Establishment cultivators. Unfortunately, when I was with Master, he never allowed me to freely kill demonic cultivators like Eighth Junior Brother. Otherwise, I might have advanced in cultivation through combat like Junior Brother Han,” Song Meng said impatiently as soon as he sat down with the others, unable to contain his curiosity.
This fourth senior brother was usually extremely cold toward others, but when it came to fighting and killing, he became like a different person—excited and fervent.
“Nonsense! Have you ever heard of anyone advancing their cultivation solely through fighting and killing? The most important thing is one’s own cultivation. Junior Brother Han’s improvement is due to his diligent training, which naturally led to his breakthrough,” Third Senior Brother Liu Jing said sternly, with a slightly reprimanding tone.
Hearing this, Han Li was surprised. He hadn’t expected Third Senior Brother to speak so bluntly. Given Song Meng’s temperament, Han Li thought he would immediately jump up to refute. But to Han Li’s astonishment, Song Meng merely chuckled foolishly and remained silent.
Just as Han Li was marveling at this, Third Senior Brother turned to him and said kindly, “We’ve heard some details from Master, but things must have changed over these past few days. We hope Junior Brother Han can fill us in.”
“Yes, I’m curious too! Who are these cultists? How dare they kidnap so many cultivators? They must have nerves of steel!” Seventh Senior Sister Zhong Weiniang, who didn’t look much older than Han Li, had a fair, round face with two shallow dimples when she smiled, making her quite endearing.
However, Han Li knew well that this Senior Sister Zhong was a genuine cultivation genius. It was said she had achieved Foundation Establishment at the age of sixteen and was now just a step away from the mid-stage. She was deeply cherished by Li Huayuan and his wife.
Sighing, Han Li slowly explained, “Senior Sister Zhong, you may not know this, but the Black Fiend Cult kidnapped these people mostly for blood sacrifice to cultivate their techniques. A minority were coerced into joining them. They are a group of evil cultivators who operate in the shadows, so of course they have no fear. After all these years of development, they have quite a few Foundation Establishment experts, and they are very dangerous.”
“Blood sacrifice! The evil technique that absorbs the essence and cultivation of other cultivators to enhance one’s own?” Wu Xuan’s expression changed, and he no longer maintained his aloof demeanor.
Song Meng and the others also showed shock.
“Eighth Junior Brother, are you sure? Is it really that bloody technique?” Liu Jing’s refined face darkened, faintly revealing a terrifying blue light.
Han Li felt a chill. He had long heard that although Third Senior Brother was not the most powerful among Li Huayuan’s disciples, he was naturally righteous and hated evil. He was known among the younger generation of the seven sects as the “Bloody Hand Killer,” having slain countless degenerate cultivators. This was likely why even a battle maniac like Song Meng held him in awe.
“Exactly, it’s that technique that has been rumored for years,” Han Li confirmed without hesitation, not intending to hide anything about the Black Fiend Cult.
“Junior Brother Han, please tell us the details,” Liu Jing said solemnly.
“This is what happened. Initially, the head of the Qin family and I attended a banquet at the Prince of Xin’s mansion…” Han Li recounted the events starting from that day at the Prince of Xin’s mansion, naturally glossing over details involving his secrets.
But to Han Li’s surprise, Third Senior Brother was not easily fooled. He interrupted Han Li’s account several times, questioning unclear details, nearly making it impossible for Han Li to keep his secrets. Han Li broke out in a cold sweat more than once.
For the first time, Han Li felt that lying was not an easy task.
After Liu Jing had clarified everything, the other three listened with grim expressions.
A small cult like the Black Fiend Cult actually had four so-called Foundation Establishment Blood Servants, not to mention several altar masters with considerable cultivation and an unfathomable cult leader. With their current strength, it would be difficult for them to handle the situation.
What’s more, their headquarters was in the inner palace of the Yue Royal Capital—a forbidden area for disciples of the seven sects!
“Senior Brother Liu, should we report to Master and request reinforcements from the sect? With just us, capturing the Black Fiend Cult leader will be very difficult,” Wu Xuan said hesitantly, clearly unwilling to violate the seven sects’ prohibition and doubtful of their chances.
“What? Is Sixth Junior Brother afraid?” Liu Jing’s sword-like eyebrows rose in displeasure.
“Of course not! I just think it would be more prudent. According to Junior Brother Han, these people won’t be going anywhere soon. It would be better to consult Master,” Wu Xuan argued, unwilling to admit fear in front of everyone.
“Good, then I was overthinking it! But Junior Brother Wu, don’t worry about higher authorities. Before I left, Master instructed me privately that several disciples of Uncle Huiming are handling sect matters in Nanwu City near Yuejing. If we encounter difficulties, we can seek their help. Given Master’s relationship with Uncle Huiming, they will certainly assist.”
“As for violating the ban set by the seven sects by breaking into the palace—since we know it has become a den of evil, how can I turn a blind eye? Everyone, follow my lead. If the higher authorities blame us, I, Liu Jing, will take full responsibility!” Liu Jing said with a frosty expression.
The others exchanged glances, while Seventh Senior Sister Zhong Weiniang gazed at him with infatuation, clearly long smitten with Third Senior Brother.
“Good! Since Third Senior Brother has spoken, I won’t miss this show. I’ll fight alongside you,” Song Meng said, stirred by Liu Jing’s words.
“I won’t leave Senior Brother either. I’ll charge into the royal city with you!” Zhong Weiniang added eagerly.
Hearing this, Liu Jing smiled warmly and thanked them before turning to Han Li and Wu Xuan. “What about you two? If you think my plan is unwise and don’t wish to participate, I won’t force you.”
As he spoke, Han Li weighed the pros and cons, while Wu Xuan’s face flushed and paled before he gritted his teeth and said, “Unless Master gives explicit permission, I won’t knowingly violate the prohibition. If Senior Brother insists on barging into the palace, I won’t join. I must seek Master’s approval first!”
His reasoning was indeed very sound.
“How could you…” Zhong Weiniang stood up angrily, about to say something, but Liu Jing stopped her.
“Sixth Junior Brother has a point. Charging into the royal city with me is a thankless task. We shouldn’t blame him for withdrawing,” Liu Jing said calmly.
“What about you, Junior Brother Han? Are you going to follow his example? You’re a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator—surely you’re not this cowardly!” Zhong Weiniang, trying to secure Han Li’s support for her beloved, used a crude provocation that made Han Li inwardly roll his eyes.
Han Li didn’t respond immediately but lowered his head in thought.
Third Senior Brother considerately did not rush him, waiting quietly for his decision.
“Alright, I’ll go! This matter started because of me. It wouldn’t be right not to participate. Besides, I’m curious to meet this mysterious Black Fiend Cult leader,” Han Li said after a long pause, looking up with a sudden light smile.
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