“No! It’s just that your disciple bears a striking resemblance to an old friend I haven’t seen in a long time.” The strange look in Fairy Nangong’s eyes vanished, replaced by her usual cool detachment.
These words left a bitter taste in Han Li’s heart, stirring a dull ache within him.
“Oh, what a coincidence!” Li Huayuan said with a smile, giving Han Li another appraising glance. Yet Han Li’s expression remained as calm as still water, revealing no trace of unease.
The other cultivators exchanged glances, their faces showing understanding, though only heaven knew how many of them actually believed her words.
Fairy Nangong was well aware that her explanation was hardly convincing, yet she offered no further defense and gracefully took her leave. The remaining guests cast meaningful glances at Han Li before bidding farewell to Li Huayuan and his wife.
Once all the guests had departed, the smile on Li Huayuan’s face gradually faded. He furrowed his brow and turned to Han Li, saying calmly, “Follow me inside. I have some questions for you.”
Han Li inwardly groaned but had no choice but to comply. His master’s wife, the young madam, offered him a few comforting words in a gentle tone before following them into the house.
When Han Li entered the main hall, Li Huayuan was seated in a chair, lost in thought. The young madam sat closely beside him.
“Do you know Nangong Wan from the Masked Moon Sect?” Li Huayuan asked directly, without any preamble, as Han Li approached.
Han Li fell silent for a moment, weighing his options. It was clear that Nangong Wan’s unusual behavior had not escaped his master’s notice, and there was no way to brush it off. He nodded and admitted, “I did have a brief encounter with Senior Martial Aunt Nangong.”
Li Huayuan was slightly taken aback by Han Li’s straightforward admission, and his expression softened.
“What happened? Can you tell us about it?” the young madam asked, her curiosity piqued. Nangong Wan had outright denied knowing Han Li earlier, yet now her husband’s disciple claimed otherwise—there had to be a story behind it.
Li Huayuan nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on Han Li, equally eager to hear the details.
“Master, please forgive me. This matter involves some private affairs of Senior Martial Aunt Nangong, and I promised never to disclose them to anyone. I hope you and Madam can understand,” Han Li said, offering a well-prepared and tactful refusal.
Li Huayuan and his wife were surprised by this response. After exchanging glances, Li Huayuan pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, as if carefully choosing his words. “Since you’ve already made a promise, I won’t force you to break it. However, I must advise you to keep your distance from Fairy Nangong. The Masked Moon Sect is known for their beguiling techniques, and I fear you might fall under their influence without even realizing it. But seeing you clear-minded and articulate puts my mind at ease.”
Han Li felt a wave of relief and quickly assured his master of his compliance.
Seeing Han Li’s respectful and dutiful demeanor, Li Huayuan’s last traces of displeasure vanished. He even began offering Han Li guidance on his cultivation with a kindly expression. Han Li listened intently, not wanting to miss a single word.
After a while, Li Huayuan casually asked Han Li about his insights on cultivation and seemed quite satisfied with his answers. Suddenly, he said something unexpected.
“Han Li, I have a personal matter I’d like you to handle. Are you willing?”
“A personal matter?” Han Li was momentarily puzzled but quickly agreed. “Master, please feel free to assign me any task. I will do my best to complete it.”
Pleased with Han Li’s immediate agreement, Li Huayuan stood up and paced around the room before saying solemnly, “It’s not particularly dangerous. I just need you to serve as a temporary bodyguard and protect a certain family.”
“A bodyguard? Protecting someone?” Han Li was taken aback but remained composed as he listened to Li Huayuan’s further explanation.
“Originally, I intended to send your fourth senior brother, Song Meng. But recently, I heard about your exploits in eliminating many demonic cultivators, which truly surprised your madam and me! I never expected my disciple to be such a formidable figure. Rumor has it that even members of the other six sects often discuss your deeds! Given this, I believe you are the most suitable for this task,” Li Huayuan said with a smile, clearly in high spirits.
The young madam added with a chuckle, “Moreover, Song Meng has spent most of his life in Green Wave Cave and has little experience in the mortal world. He lacks understanding of human affairs. In this regard, you are the better choice, especially since the people you’ll be protecting are ordinary mortals.”
Han Li smiled sheepishly at their praise, though inwardly, he was puzzled. Why would a mortal need protection? Surely a Qi Condensation disciple would suffice. Why send a Foundation Establishment disciple like him?
As if reading his thoughts, Li Huayuan explained, “The person I want you to protect is a descendant of a former senior brother of mine. He once saved my life. However, his only son was a mortal without a spiritual root, unable to cultivate immortality and forced to live in the mortal world. Before his passing, I vowed to ensure the safety and prosperity of his descendants for as long as I lived. For over a hundred years, I have secretly supported this family, ensuring their wealth and safety, and eliminating any threats that arose.”
Li Huayuan paused, as if reminiscing, before continuing, “But recently, I received news that the Six Demonic Sects might send low-level disciples to infiltrate the mortal world and target mortals secretly supported by our seven sects. Their goal is to disrupt the supply of ordinary resources we receive from the mortal world. This family, due to their connection to me, will likely be targeted. Therefore, I need someone capable of handling this situation to protect them. Of course, it would be best if the demonic cultivators never come for them.”
Han Li nodded solemnly, indicating his understanding.
“Good. I will write a letter to the current head of the family, explaining your identity and situation. He is the only one who knows about my relationship with his ancestors. I’ve also arranged for this mission to be counted as an official task, so you need not worry about penalties. This jade slip contains detailed information about the family. Take it, pack your belongings, and set off tomorrow morning. We must act quickly to avoid any complications,” Li Huayuan instructed after a moment of thought.
“As you command,” Han Li replied with a slight bow.
…
Han Li sat aboard his Divine Wind Boat, soaring through the sky at full speed dozens of zhang high. However, he was not heading toward the Yue Capital, where the mortal family he was supposed to protect resided. Instead, he was flying straight toward the State of Yuan Wu.
Taking advantage of the freedom this mission afforded him, Han Li planned to first fulfill his appointment with Qi Xiaoyu and check whether the array master could repair the damaged formation that resembled an ancient teleportation array.
This was his last resort in case the seven s suffered a crushing defeat in the upcoming decisive battle. Otherwise, once the Six Demonic Sects had the upper hand, he would spend the rest of his days evading their relentless pursuit, with no time left for cultivation.
Han Li estimated that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the round trip would take no more than twenty days, which would not interfere with Li Huayuan’s mission. Thus, he felt at ease proceeding with his plan.
The meeting place with Qi Xiaoyu was a teahouse in a small city in the State of Yuan Wu. According to Qi Xiaoyu, the teahouse was run by one of his subordinates, so finding it would allow Han Li to get in touch with him.
Han Li sped along his way, paying no heed to the few cultivators he occasionally encountered along the route. He had no intention of engaging in conversation with any of them. After flying day and night for seven or eight days, he finally arrived at a small place called “Golden Horse City.”
To avoid causing a commotion, Han Li stored his magical instrument several li away from the city and descended, then strolled leisurely toward the city gate.
Though Golden Horse City was small, its gates were bustling with people coming and going, indicating a surprising level of prosperity.
Han Li, with his ordinary appearance and dressed in a slightly worn Confucian robe, blended seamlessly into the crowd entering the city. He followed the flow of people into the city.
The teahouse was quite well-known. Han Li casually asked a child for directions to the “Clear Spring Teahouse” and easily obtained the information he needed before heading there.
When Han Li finally stood before the so-called “Clear Spring Teahouse,” he examined it with great interest.
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