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When the woman turned her head around, she couldnt spot even the slightest trace of a person, but the deep rumbles only became louder as if something was on the verge of approaching her.

Her face instantly paled and she wildly look around in terror. In that moment, something suddenly came to mind and she flew off with even greater speed than before.

Just a second later, silver light flashed from the empty space, only to soon fade away. When the silver light flashed once more, it reappeared over three hundred meters away. Han Lis winged silhouette could be faintly made out from within the light.

Han Li glanced at the woman within the red light flying and felt a trace of surprise at her amazing speed. The womans fearsome movement technique was actually comparable to his own Thunderstorm Wings lightning movement. It seemed that there were truly an unfathomable number of techniques within the world.

Han Li felt a trace of sorrow from his heart before spreading out the wings behind him. With a single fan, Han Li turned into a bolt of lightning and appeared at the womans front. He then calmly raised his hand and spread out his fingers, shooting a streak of azure swordlight from each of his fingertips.

With an expression pale from fright, the woman loudly yelled, Senior, please spare me! Soon after, the red light surrounding her body shined brilliantly, combining with her several azure light ribbons to form a dense light barrier around her.

Han LI slightly frowned and glanced at the woman in silence. The five streaks of swordlight then condensed into a thread and began to strike the light barrier.

Several muffled bangs sounded out. This fire-wind attribute barrier was truly powerful to be able to repeatedly block the attacks of the first three strands of sword Qi. But when the fourth strand of sword Qi struck, the barrier was shattered to the womans despair. Two streaks of sword Qi then struck her vitals before she could react.

Han Li glanced at the womans falling body and shook his head. With a flick of his finger, a fireball shot out, turning the womans corpse into ash, and he summoned the womans light ribbons and storage pouch into his hand.

If I didnt kill you, those Devil Dao Nascent Soul cultivators would pursue me. Han Li sighed and his body flickered with lightning once more while his spiritual sense locked onto another fleeing figure.

The next target was the black-robed cultivator who held the deepest cultivation. He was at the peak of the mid Core Formation stage and was just a step away from entering late Core Formation stage.

As Han Li flew in that direction, he patted his spirit beast pouch and released large quantities of black-tainted Gold Devouring Beetles. Under the orders of his spiritual sense, the beetles immediately condensed into over ten tri-colored blades before chasing down each of the fleeing Foundation Establishment cultivators. This lot had meager cultivation and speed, so Han Li was disinclined to personally slay each of them and merely used his beetles to take care of them in one fell sweep. He would only personally deal with the Core Formation cultivators.

After all, these Core Formation cultivators were extremely fast. The beetles would have no chance of pursuing them. Gold Devouring Beetles were adept at closing short distance, but stood little chance in a long distance chase.

The black-clothed cultivator was standing underneath on a shining dagger, while hurrying on his way with a sullen expression. He didnt expect to come across a Nascent Soul cultivator when he went looking for the murderer of his Sixth Junior Martial Brother. While he didnt know whether or not this cultivator had anything to do with the death of his Sixth Junior Martial Brother, he did know that the Controlling Spirit Sect cultivators had something to do with him. It appeared that this Nascent Soul cultivator was chasing after the Controlling Spirit Sect disciples. It was likely that they had provoked him in some way, drawing their Ghost Spirit Sect into the crossfire.

Even if the Nascent Soul cultivator didnt hold any ill intent toward them, it was likely that they would be killed in order to be silenced. Regardless, there was now a Nascent Soul cultivator involved in the investigation of his Sixth Junior Martial Brothers death, meaning it was no longer something he could deal with. After he returned, he would make a report to his master and have him deal with the matter.

Since this cultivator dared to pursue Devil Dao Core Formation cultivators such as themselves, this Nascent Soul eccentric shouldnt be affiliated with any faction. He mustve been a vagrant cultivator, else he wouldve shown consideration to the vast powers of the Devil Dao.

As the black-clothed cultivator worriedly pondered, he suddenly heard a series of strange rumbles from his side. They were intermittent, and faded away as quickly as they appeared. Alarmed, the black-clothed cultivator hastily turned his head around, only to see a flash of azure light before all went dark. freebovel.com

Han Li expressionlessly waved his hand and retrieved the giant azure sword from the corpse.

Although this person had cautiously flew with a light barrier surrounding him, it was as powerless as thin paper against the strike of his combined Bamboo Cloudswarm Swords. Both man and light barrier were cut through in a single blow. Han Lis gaze now turned to yet another distant location.

While being pulled forward by two dark green skulls, a scholarly cultivator wearing embroidered robes was nervously glancing at his surroundings. Despite having fled so far away, he clearly understood that so long as the Nascent Soul cultivators spiritual sense enveloped him, it was only a matter of time before they would pursue him.

As a result, he simultaneously spread out his spiritual sense to its greatest extent while he flew forward as fast as he could. He could feel his thumping heart rise into his throat.

When a sudden sense of unease gripped him, he turned his head around and felt his heart drop into a deep abyss. Not far away, a youth in his twenties had appeared at an unknown time. He wore azure scholar robes and smiled towards him, revealing glints of his perfect teeth.

But before the embroidered-robed cultivator could turn his head back and run, the youth said with a friendly tone, It mustve been quite taxing for Fellow Daoist to have run so far. Its only proper for me to send you on your way!

When Han Li said this, he flung his sleeve and scattered countless gold specks across the sky. These specks instantly formed a huge golden cloud and enveloped the sky with a fearsome presence.

The embroidered-robed cultivator released a wretched scream and was engulfed by the golden cloud alongside his magic treasure. A moment later, the golden cloud scattered, leaving no trace of the cultivator behind.

Han Lis expression changed upon seeing this and he muttered, The evolved Gold Devouring Beetles are far more fearsome. In a mere instant, they were able to even clearly devour magic treasures. Their repute of being able to devour anything is well deserved.

Soon after he flung a spirit beast pouch from his sleeve, and the Gold Devouring Beetles reluctantly flew into the bag after spiralling through the air several times. Han Li frowned at the sight and inwardly sighed.

With their vast increase in strength, the beetles could no longer be as smoothly controlled as before, resulting in a trace of helplessness dampening his previously high spirits.

Leaving another wave of thunder in his wake, Han Li disappeared yet again in a flash of silver light.

Han Yunzhi was mounted atop a pure-white spirit bird, that was hurriedly rushing through the sky as a fifteen meter long streak of white light. At that moment, both bird and rider were enveloped in a soft light. When combined with the womans flawless appearance, she appeared all the more otherworldly.

However, her brow was currently furrowed and she held a palm-sized jade disk in her hand. She was carefully examining it with a fluctuating expression.

The polished jade disk pulsed with an astonishing emerald Qi and was deeply engraved with many decorative designs. It also glowed with lines of ancient, silver-gold talisman characters. One could tell that it was an unordinary treasure from a single glance.

The center of the jade disk was as sleek as a mirror, and there were six specks of red light that were intermittently flickering from within it as if they were fireflies. At that moment, a speck of light brightened and suddenly disappeared from sight.

When Han Yunzhi saw this, she pursed her lips in concern and attentively stared at the disk in her hand. However, after a short moment, two more lights brightly flashed and disappeared from sight.

Han Yunzhis calm demeanor suddenly changed.

When yet another red speck of light disappeared, there were now only two specks that still remained on the jade disk.

Han Yunzhi gently brushed away a strand of her hair from her face and bitterly smiled, muttering in an inaudible voice, Apart from Junior Marital Sister Liu and I, there are no other survivors. The four Foundation Establishment disciples have already died. Could it be that this person is capable of doppelganger techniques or possesses some other inconceivable technique? It seems weve underestimated what a Nascent Soul cultivator is capable of. I reckon those Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators arent any better off. Had I known of this earlier, it wouldve been better for us to travel together and stake it all together.

These three Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators consisted of a black-clothed man with a resolute appearance, an embroidered-robed scholar with flickering eyes, and a middle-aged woman who still retained the beauty of her youth.

When the woman surnamed Liu saw the three disciples of Master Splintered Soul, she sweetly smiled, Senior Martial Brother Xun! So it turned out to be the disciples of Senior Splintered Soul. How timely.

But when the three black-robed cultivators heard this, they coldly examined them and their expressions grew sullen. The woman amongst the three wore an unfriendly expression and asked, Timely? Why have our two Junior Martial Sisters from the Controlling Spirit Sect snuck into our State of Yue? Could it be you hold our Ghost Spirit Sect in contempt?

Cultivator Liu explained with a smile, Senior Martial Sister misunderstands, Senior Martial Sister Han and I came to the State of Yue under orders from our Sect Ancestor. Because the matter was urgent and couldnt be delayed, we were unable to inform your esteemed sect of the matter. Moreover, weve only arrived in the State of Yue for a few days. We had no intentions of neglecting your sect.

The black-clothed cultivator stared at Cultivator Liu and expressionlessly asked, Regardless of why youve arrived at the State of Yue, there is only one question we wish to ask you. Did you take anything from the Tai Yue Mountains a few days ago?

Han Yunzhi frowned and an odd expression appeared on her face, The Tai Yue Mountains? The mountain range that originally belonged to Yellow Maple Valley?

Hm? Did you two Junior Martial Sisters truly pass by there? Although the black-robed cultivators expression remained calm, a cold glint appeared within his eyes. The embroidered-robed scholars and the womans expressions tensed, their faces revealing traces of hostility.

When Han Yunzhi and Cultivator Liu saw this, they unconsciously exchanged glances.

The two werent fools. It was clear the other party revealed hostility. However, the party of Controlling Spirit Sect cultivators truly hadnt entered the Tai Yue Mountains. They merely probed the Spirit Nascents position from a distance and discovered that the cultivator who captured it seemed to have stayed at the Tai Yue Mountains for half a day.

Cultivator Lius gaze flickered for a moment and she probingly said, We hadnt crossed through the Tai Yue Mountains. However, the cultivator that is fifty kilometers behind us had crossed through the Tai Yue Mountains. It did seem that person was there during that time. Could Senior Martial Brother Xun be looking for him?

The embroidered-robed scholar boldly stared at the two woman and suddenly smiled, Fifty kilometers behind you? Are you making this up? How did you know that person stayed at the Tai Yue Mountains? Could he be a cultivator of your sect?

Cultivator Liu blushed and spoke with luminous eyes, Senior Martial Brother Que must be joking. How could we dare to so brazenly lie to our Senior Martial Disciples while we are in the State of Yue? If you dont believe me then this Junior Martial Sister will make a heavenly pledge to answer your questions. You should now know my answers to be true! We dont know this person. As for how we know of the matter with the Tai Yue Mountains, its a bit complicated. Since this little sister has urgent matters to attend to, I would rather give you Senior Martial Brothers a more thorough explanation on another day. As she spoke, she revealed a flirtatious charm that seemed to stun the scholar.

The black-clothed cultivator frowned after seeing her expression and grew doubtful. After muttering to himself for a moment, his expression relaxed and he calmly said, Were this an ordinary matter, I would believe you without doubt. However, our Sixth Junior Martial Brother and his disciples were exterminated in the Tai Yue Mountains and not even a speck of dust remained. My master was enraged by this and assigned us to investigate any high grade cultivators that had recently entered the State of Yue. Since the movements of Junior Martial Sisters party are rather strange, would it not be better for us to confront this cultivator together? I wish to hear this cultivators story. If he is truly the killer of our Sixth Junior Martial Brother, we will greatly thank you two. The black-clothed cultivator then rigidly stared at the party of Controlling Spirit Sect cultivators.

Confront? Cultivator Lius expression grew unsightly.

What? Are you two Junior Martial Sisters too busy to help us? The black-clothed cultivator seemed to speak lightly of the matter but the group of Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators behind them all formed a semicircle blocking their front. It appeared that if the Controlling Spirit Sect cultivators didnt agree, they would be attacked.

Upon seeing this, Cultivator Lius expression changed and she thought to say something, but suddenly, she turned her head around with fright.

It wasnt just this woman, but all the cultivators present felt an icy spiritual sense suddenly sweep over them, enveloping them all within it.

Although the spiritual senses owner wasnt yet seen, they unmistakably felt a harsh bone-chilling intent.

In furious alarm, the middle-aged woman couldnt help but shout, A Nascent Soul cultivator! The person you spoke of was actually a Nascent Soul cultivator! You wanted to lead us to our deaths!

Cut the rubbish! Immediately flee! Everyone escape if you can! Although the black-robed man surnamed Xun was also furious, he knew that now was not the time to pursue the matter. As soon as he finished speaking, he immediately flew off as a streak of black light.

In the embroidered-robed scholars alarm, he hesitantly said, That person isnt necessarily the killer of Sixth Junior Martial Brother. There is no need to fear him.

The woman snorted and coldly said, If Senior Martial Brother wishes to leave his life at the mercy of others, then please forgive your Junior Martial Sister for not joining you! She then tore through the skies as a streak of red light.

The scholars expression grew extremely unsightly and he regretfully glanced in the direction of his fellow Ghost Spirit Sect members before flying after the other two.

When the Ghost Spirit Sect Foundation Establishment cultivators saw this they scattered, fleeing for their own lives. They were fundamentally incapable of withstanding the fearsomeness of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

With a raised brow, Cultivator Liu furiously whispered, Those people were truly useless. Not only did they not help us, but they also wasted time for us to flee.

No, it is far better now. There are more people to give us cover, greatly increasing our own chances of escape. May each of our fates be safe. Han Yunzhi revealed an extraordinarily calm expression and patted the storage pouch at her waist, summoning a large snow-white bird in the air.

Cultivator Liu and the other Controlling Spirit Sect cultivators also moved quickly. They each fled using either their magic tools or their own spirit beasts. But regardless of whatever method they used to escape, no one ran in the same direction as another. In their fear, they hoped to use their numbers to avert the gaze of death from behind them.

According to their thoughts, the Nascent Soul cultivator wouldnt be able to pick them all off one by one, fast though they may be. As such, the many cultivators fled as quickly as they could.

Having arrived fifty kilometers away, Han Li was amazed to discover that yet another wave of Devil Dao cultivators had appeared. But when he saw them scatter, he couldnt help but frown. He felt the matter had become far more troublesome.

A harsh expression appeared on his face and he took a deep breath. Silver lightning arced from his back followed by roars of thunder as two silver wings emerged from his back. After infusing a sliver of Divine Devilbane Lightning into the Thunderstorm Wings, Han Li instantly disappeared in an arc of lightning. A moment later, he reappeared several kilometers away.

Travelling great distances in a mere flicker of lightning, Han Li shortly appeared at the area where the cultivators had recently scattered.

Han Li expressionlessly used his spiritual sense to immediately find the Devil Dao cultivators that fled. At that moment, he discovered that the farthest to flee was already over twenty kilometers away. The closest was only five kilometers away.

Han Li sneered and immediately set his target on the farthest Core Formation cultivator and disappeared in a flash of light.

The cultivator farthest away wasnt the one who fled first, the black-robed man surnamed Xun. Rather, it was the middle-aged woman instead.

Her body pulsed with red light as she tore through the sky as a huge fireball, much like one would imagine of a demon spirit. This strange technique allowed her to travel the fastest amongst her peers despite being only an early Core Formation cultivator.

There were several varied-length ribbons of light directly extending from her body. With each twinkle of azure light from a ribbon, the woman was propelled a hundred meters forward, resulting in an astonishing speed.

The woman was basking in the pride of her rarely seen wind-fire movement technique that she reckoned to be on par with others top grade techniques. Combined with the wind attribute treasure she cultivated, the Floating Spirit Ribbon, her speed was increased even further. She believed her current speed to match even early Nascent Soul cultivators.

If one were to speak of the cultivator that was most likely to make it out safely, it would be her.

As the woman thought to herself, she suddenly heard rumbling nearby. Although the sound wasnt loud, she couldnt help but turn her head around in alarm.

By the time the last word was spoken, Han Li was already ten kilometers away from the Three Kilometer Valley while flying across the sky in a streak of azure light.

Although he had something of a relationship with the Han Clan members, he had always viewed his true family to be his parents and siblings. Although the scholar and the large man had treated him with great respect, Han Li felt no real intimacy towards them. After all, the distance of many generations and the vast changes to Green Ox Village and the Three Kilometer Valley caused Han Li to strongly feel as if he were an outsider.

However, this trip to his hometown had weakened the last worries he held in his heart. He was sure that with the passage of time, these worries would truly disappear and his distant ties with these descendants would truly fade away.

As such, Han Li quickly gained his bearings and set off.

Several days later, Han Li passed through the Lan Province, specifically making a detour at Jia Yuan City. Little had changed about the city apart from its inhabitants.

Not only did Sun Ergou and the Fourth Level Gang disappear, but even the Rainbow Sect had disappeared over a hundred years prior. It had been replaced with a newly emerged gang by the name of the United Heavens Union.

If he remembered correctly, the Rainbow Sect had had the backing of Spirit Beast Mountain in the past, but at the climax of the war with the Devil Dao, Spirit Beast Mountain defected to the Controlling Spirit Sect. Now that the State of Yue was under the control of the Ghost Spirit Sect, the fall of the Rainbow Sect came as no surprise.

Additionally, he had no idea if Mo Yuzhu or her daughter had met with any mishaps. It was a pity that so many years had passed as even if Han Li asked around, there would be no information to be found.

Han Li could only sigh and hurriedly depart.

As for Sun Ergou, he didnt manage to find any information on his clan. Han Li didnt mind this in particular since he didnt hold them in much regard. Although he had given Sun Ergou many benefits, Han Li had received little in return.

As such, Han Li left the city of Jia Yuan and thought to fly in the direction of the State of Yuan Wu. Once he passed through the State of Yuan Wu, he planned on returning to the Drifting Cloud Sect. But half a day after he departed Jia Yuan City, his expression froze and he stopped in mid air.

He turned his head and gazed into the distance. He couldnt help but narrow his eyes.

At that moment, a party of cultivators suddenly stopped a hundred kilometers away. The two white-clothed woman hesitantly glanced at each other as their expressions grew heavy.

The old man standing behind them nervously asked, Martial Aunts, did something happen?

Yes, I just felt the Spirit Nascents position suddenly stop. I dont know whether or not weve been discovered. The sharp-eyed, white-clothed woman surnamed Liu no longer wore her normal lazy expression which had been replaced with an incisive air.

The burly man spoke with an odd expression, Thats impossible. Even a Nascent Soul cultivator cannot sense something at this distance. Could it be that Martial Aunts secret technique disturbed the Spirit Nascent and alerted him?

The woman surnamed Liu shook her head and firmly said, That cant be. Our technique was something that was passed down by your Martial Ancestor. It only allows for the one-sided detection of the Wood Spirit Nascent. So long as the other party hasnt yet reached late Nascent Soul stage, he shouldnt be able to perceive anything strange. After all, it would be considered fearsome for Nascent Soul cultivators to see within even a fifty kilometer radius, even if their spiritual sense was exceptionally powerful. Could it be that we are chasing after a late Nascent Soul eccentric?

The green-clothed woman amongst the four Foundation Establishment cultivators seemed to have thought of something and worriedly said, But Martial Aunt Liu, why is it…

Suddenly, Han Yunzhi broke her silence as she was tracing the Spirit Nascents location and spoke with an alarmed expression, Not good! The Spirit Nascents position is moving towards us!

What? Its coming over in our direction? Has that cultivator truly discovered us? The woman surnamed Liu turned pale and she hastily clutched her hands in an incantation gesture. After a short moment, the woman grimaced and spoke with certainty, The cultivator who restricted the Spirit Nascent is indeed moving towards us at an extraordinary speed. He is certain to be a Nascent Soul cultivator.

After muttering to herself for a moment, Han Yunzhi slowly said, Quickly run! Fighting means certain death. I recall that a branch of the Ghost Spirit Sect is located in the nearby Lan Province. Lets flee there. Although we do not get along well, we are still on the same side. We will draw on the support of their spell formations to fight this unknown Nascent Soul cultivator.

Besides, the Nascent Soul cultivator might not necessarily dare to brazenly attack the Ghost Spirit Sect branch. It will greatly increase our chance of escaping.

Martial Aunt Han speaks true. Let us quickly go, or else it will be too late! When the large man heard that a Nascent Soul cultivator was about to arrive, he felt his mouth turn dry in alarm.

The woman surnamed Liu raised her eyebrows and coldly glanced at the large man, Humph! Panicking and spouting unnecessary words. We will use the Spirit Joining Arts to combine our magic power into one. This way, we will increase our speed by nearly half. Let us hurry!

The large man felt his heart drop and he didnt dare to say any more.

Under the lead of Han Yunzhi and Cultivator Liu, the six immediately made use of the Spirit Joining Arts and flew off on their magic treasures and tools as a single streak of yellow light. With their united spiritual Qi, their speed was amazingly fast.

At that moment, Han Li immediately noticed this and his expression grew sullen as he flew forward at full speed.

Han Li didnt entirely understand just how powerful his spiritual sense currently was. He merely knew that by utilizing the fourth layer of the Great Development Technique, his spiritual sense was able to envelop a fifty kilometer radius around himself. Past that, he wouldnt be able to observe anything in detail. He would only have a vague observation of anything within a hundred fifty kilometers.

A moment ago, Han Li suddenly felt a sliver of strange, concealed spiritual power linger near his body that had greatly alarmed him. Ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators wouldnt have been able to easily detect it with their spiritual sense.

Although he didnt know exactly what this was, Han Li knew that trouble had arrived at his door. He guessed that it was more so the matter that he had casually tidied up with the Ghost Spirit Sect rather than his extermination of the Fu Clan back in the State of Yuan Wu.

As a result of this discovery, Han Li spread out his spiritual sense and discovered that a hundred kilometers behind him there was a party of several cultivators that were stealthily following him. Although it was too far away for him to clearly see their faces, Han Li surged with killing intent and flew towards their direction without any hesitation.

As cultivators that were capable of tracking him, he absolutely couldnt allow them to continue following him. Eradicating them would prevent future troubles. And since there were only two Core Formation cultivators in their party, it should prove to be an easy affair.

In the following instant, a dazzling thirty-meter-long streak of azure light quickly chased after a dense beam of yellow light, producing waves of clear rings from their wake.

In only a short moment, Han Li had already closed the gap by fifty kilometers. When cultivator Liu sporadically detected Han Lis position through her techniques, she couldnt help but grow pale in terror.

At this speed, the six wouldnt even reach half the distance to the Ghost Spirit Sect branch before being chased down by the Nascent Soul cultivator.

With great worry, the woman turned her head to Han Yunzhi and thought to discuss further plans to flee when Han Yunzhi suddenly smiled and whispered, Quickly, look ahead. There is a party of Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators that seem to be heading towards us.

Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators?

Han Yunzhis soft voice roused the spirits of not only Cultivator Liu but the other four Foundation Establishment cultivators as well. Although they didnt dare to imagine that they would have enough strength to fight a Nascent Soul cultivator, they would be able to assist them in buying more time.

As expected, they soon saw over ten black dots approach them from the distance.

Cultivator Liu felt somewhat at ease when she saw them. Nevertheless, she snuck a glance at Han Yunzhi, shaken that her Senior Martial Sister Liu had discovered the Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators far earlier than she had.

Since there was only one Wood Spirit Nascent, they were actually rivals despite their appearance as martial sisters. While they would ordinarily call each other martial sisters with great familiarity, they felt a great competitive spirit in their hearts hoping for the opportunity to fuse with the Wood Spirit Nascent. It was only natural to covet an opportunity to reach for greater heights.

At that moment, the six had arrived before the party of Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators and scattered the spiritual Qi around them to reveal their true appearances. The Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators had long discovered the Controlling Spirit Sect cultivators. Although they didnt take any malicious actions, they each assumed a cautious attitude.

Yi! Isnt it Junior Martial Sisters Han and Liu from the Controlling Spirit Sect? A truly rare visit indeed for you to have arrived at the State of Yue! A surprised voice spoke out from among the black-clothed Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators. Three Core Formation cultivators then walked out from the group, two men and one woman.

When the two acknowledged Han Li, he felt an indescribable feeling well up inside him. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, On the year I left the village to pursue the Dao, I didnt expect for the Han Clan to become such an influential clan. It seems the saying is true. The affairs of the world are truly hard to predict! Stand up, you two. With the many years I havent returned home, I can be considered a complete stranger to the Han Clan. There is no need to be so polite.

The middle-aged scholar stood up and spoke with great reverence, Great Uncles words are untrue. Had we unfilial descendants known that you were still alive, we wouldve certainly sent men to fulfill our filial duties.

Han Li waved his arm and calmly said, Filial duties! There is no need. Ive come only to take a look. I wont be staying long. As a pursuer of Immortality, it is better for me to have fewer ties to the mortal world.

The scholar spoke with alarm, Great Uncle, you are leaving so soon? Will you not stay awhile and take a look at the other Han Clan juniors in the castle?

Han Li sighed and regretfully said, When I arrived, I flew over the Han Clan Castle and swept my spiritual sense past everyone inside. Unfortunately, while there are many Han Clan members none of them possess any spiritual roots. They have no fate with me. Otherwise, I wouldnt mind taking one or two clan descendants along with me on the path of cultivation.

A trace of disappointment appeared on the scholars face as he bitterly smiled, It seems despite our clans prosperity, none have the fate to follow Great Uncle on the path of Immortality.

Han Li shook his head and said, Only those who possess spiritual roots may become Immortal cultivators. Such a person might not even appear once among ten thousand. For the several hundred Han Clan members to possess no spiritual roots is to be expected. Besides, from the way I see it, it would still be better for the Li and Han Clan to remain out of the cultivation world. As of current, the cultivation world is chaotic where even entire clan exterminations are possible. It would be terrible if the Han Clan were to be implicated.

The scholar was initially surprised and sincerely replied, This one acknowledges all Fourth Great Uncle has said.

Han Lis gaze then turned to the large man with thick facial hair, Which generation of Li Feiyus descendants are you? Whats your name?

The large man hurriedly bowed his head and replied, Junior is Li Feng. I am an eleventh generation descendant of Li Feiyu. I pay my respects to Great Uncle Han.

Given the close relationship I had with Lei Feiyu back then, I find it acceptable for you to call me Great Uncle. You were rather protective of Tianxiao just now. It seems in these past years the Li Clan has shown our Han Clan much consideration. As the younger brother of the Han Clan Ancestor, I naturally wont treat you unfairly. Here are some medicine pills, they will be of great use to martial artists. They will be able to save your Li Clan youth much effort in their cultivation of inner strength. Accept them for the time being. Han Li slapped his storage pouch and took eight various colored bottles into his hands before offering them to the large man.

The large man was overjoyed and hastily accepted the small bottles with repeated thanks. Although Jianghu Martial Artists cultivated inner strength and it wasnt as drawn out as cultivation spiritual power, they spent much of their youth in dedication to this pursuit. With these medicine pills, a large number of experts would emerge from the Li Clan.

The middle-aged scholar felt happy for his good friend, but his gaze towards Han Li unconsciously revealed a slight hint of expectation as well.

When Han Li saw this, he faintly smiled and calmly took a spirit beast pouch off from his waist and lightly slapped it. A short moment later, over a thousand black-tainted Gold Devouring Beetles were released and formed a dazzling three-meter-wide cloud of black, silver and gold. It appeared almost as if specks of sunlight had appeared before them.

The scholar and the large man were left completely amazed.

Without any further words, he pointed to the insect swarm above him and had them concentrate into a tri-colored sword. Han Li then extended his arm and had the sword fall into his hand with a buzz.

This strange scene left the two at an even greater loss for words.

Han Li caressed the sword while his expression wavered for a long while. Then with a sigh, he spat an azure mist onto the sword. In a flash of azure light, a simple green scabbard appeared on the swords blade. Han Li then horizontally held the sword in front of him with both his hands and took out a piece of fine, polished jade.

Han Li gravely said, This sword is something I refined from spirit beetles. It is capable of killing others of its own accord. I will be leaving it inside the clan shrine in case the Han Clan one day faces extermination. The Han Clan will be able to hide inside the shine and rely on this sword to escape calamity. However, you had best remember that this sword isnt something that I personally control. Once the sword is drawn, anybody outside of the ancestral shrine that is within a five kilometer radius will be killed. As such, you must treat it with the utmost caution.

This is a jade pendant that holds a sliver of my essence. Without it, the sword cannot be drawn. Leave the jade pendant in the care of the Han Clans later generation clan lords.

Having seen this inconceivable event occur before him, the scholar no longer held a trace of doubt towards Han Li. He hastily replied with delighted surprise, This nephew will commit Great Uncles instructions to memory!

Han Li smiled in response, but he didnt immediately hand over the sword and the jade pendant. Instead, he continued speaking with a solemn tone, There is something else you must remember. Because the scabbard sealing the sword is made from spiritual Qi, the Gold Devouring Sword may only be drawn three times. The scabbard will thin with each use and disappear on the third. Afterwards, the sword will turn back into spirit beetles and disappear. Im sure that giving the Han Clan three opportunities to escape calamity is a worthy gift as your ancestors younger brother. After all, there are no fortunes in this world that last eternally. In order to prevent the sword from being used for any evil intentions or opportunistic tricks, the sword will be incapable of leaving the ancestral shrine while it is sheathed. Else, it will disappear from existence. As such, I hope you will properly use this sword to allow the Han Clan to flourish for many years to come. Even if the Han Clan were to later return to their status as commoners, that wouldnt necessarily be a bad thing.

Once that was said, Han Li handed the sword and jade piece over to the scholar.

The scholar repeatedly uttered his thanks and accepted the items with a bowed head. He carefully placed them at the center of the memorial table before returning to await further instructions from Han Li.

Han Li was rather satisfied by the scholars deferential attitude. After some thought, he took out two faint yellow medicine pills and handed one to both the scholar and the large man. He smiled upon seeing their surprise and said, Those two items were left for the Han and Li clans. Since you two are also my juniors and have personally recognized me as your great uncle, it can be considered that you have some fate with me. I will also give you two a few benefits as well. While these two bottles of medicine pills have no effect on me, they will extend the lifespan of mortals who take them and strengthen their bodies. When you two take them, you will both live to at least a hundred years.

Many thanks Fourth Great Uncle!

Many thanks Great Uncle Han!

When the scholar and the large man heard this, they accepted the small bottles with repeated thanks. They both appeared pleased beyond expectation.

Han Li nodded his head and took another look around. Then with a curious expression, he asked, From how you two recognized me, it seems there should be a portrait of me left behind. If it is in the ancestral shrine, could you let me take a look at it and tell me who drew it?

The scholar immediately replied, The portrait is actually on this floor. Please wait a moment.

He walked up to what seemed to be a common wall and gave it a push. With a creak and a thud, a portion of the wall flipped over to reveal six suspended silk portraits.

Han Li stepped forward and examined the portraits with complete stillness. He saw the image of a smiling seventeen year old youth. It was a portrait of Han Li from long ago.

The middle-aged scholar stood behind Han Li and gave an explanation with a soft voice, It was said that this portrait was given to our Han Clan by the deceased Li Clan Ancestor. However, no one knows of its creator.

As if he hadnt heard, Han Lis gaze shifted several times and it fell on to a portrait of Han Lis father wearing noble clothing. Although he appeared far more aged than when Han Li left the village, he appeared completely happy.

A trace of sadness appeared on Han Lis face. He then swept his gaze past each of the other portraits.

The other portraits where all of white-haired old men. It took him quite some effort before he could match their appearances with his brothers as he remembered them. He felt a flood of emotions storm within his heart as he stood in place.

The scholar and the large man both tactfully kept silent. Some time later, Han Li began to mutter to himself in a whisper.

The two wished to hear what he had to say, but the two were blinded by a sudden surge of azure light. By the time they refocused their gaze, Han Li could no longer been seen, but his voice echoed in their ears.

Although I am a rather capable Immortal on this continent, I also have many ferocious enemies. Do not speak of todays matters with anyone else. So long as this matter does not spread and you do not allow the Gold Devouring Spirit Sword to be seen by outsiders, those from the Immortal world will pay you no notice and will not bother you. I will now absorb myself in the pursuit of the Great Dao and Immortality, so I wont be involved with the affairs of the Han Clan. Take care of yourselves!

Once that was said, Han Lis voice came to an abrupt end, leaving behind what seemed to be echoes.

The scholar and the large man were left staring at each other in dismay.

With a muffled thump, the large mans fist struck Han Lis back. The large man was stunned, but his face vastly changed upon seeing an azure light flicker from Han Lis body. As the man attempted to land another blow, he was sent flying.

The middle-aged scholar instantly revealed an expression of amazement.

Just as the large mans enormous frame fell, his body suddenly slowed and he landed on his feet as if he was light as a feather. He appeared completely uninjured.

Brother Li, are you alright? Did you sustain any internal injuries? Although the scholarly man possessed little strength, he knew there were many ways that Jianghu Martial Arts could injure without any external signs. As such, he revealed worry.

The large man surnamed Li took a deep breath and felt that his body had no injuries. He couldnt help but whisper in bewilderment, Its nothing, I am fine. His skills are unfathomable, but it doesnt seem hes hostile.

When the scholarly man heard this, he nodded and felt slightly more at ease. He then turned his gaze to Han Li and serenely said, Great warrior, I am the Han Clan Master, Han Tianxiao. Did this great warrior come here specifically for me?

The Han Clan Master? Han Li slowly turned around.

Ah, you…

Impossible!

Humph! What did your esteemed self mean by that?

Before Han Li could speak, the scholar and the large man couldnt help but cry out in alarm upon seeing Han Lis appearance. The scholarly man soon thought of something and his expression grew sullen.

After the large man recovered from his alarm, he also came to a realization and wore an ill expression.

You recognize me? Han Li asked with a frown. He glanced at the two and found that the two seemed faintly familiar. However, he left the matter alone with a wry smile in his heart.

The scholarly man stared at Han Li and deliberately said word by word, Your esteemed self asks despite knowing the answer? Your appearance resembles that of our Han Clans Fourth Great Uncle. Why wouldnt I recognize you?

Fourth Great Uncle? When Han Li heard this, he wore a mysterious smile. Since he was the fourth eldest amongst his siblings, it was naturally referring to him. However, it was unclear how they would know of his current appearance since he hadnt met face to face with any of his relatives ever since he left when he was small.

Han Li smiled and said, Oh? When did I say that I was like your Fourth Great Uncle? Couldnt this just be my natural appearance?

The scholarly man quickly grew angry and he coldy said, There are many similar faces in this world, but not only does your face bear a striking resemblance, here you are in the Han Clans ancestral hall. What else does that leave for your esteemed self?

Han Lis expression relaxed and he said with an impressed tone, Your reply is spot on! You are worthy of being an official of the royal court. The Han Clans current prosperity is undoubtedly a result of the later generations efforts!

A harsh expression flickered over the mans face and he angrily said, What? Does your esteemed self truly plan on pretending to be my ancestor?

Pretend? Why would I want to do that? How about you mention how you know of my appearance? I seem to recall that ever since I left home, my family had never seen my appearance. Could it be the members of the Seven Mysteries Sect drew a portrait for you? Han Lis gaze then dropped onto the large man with thick facial hair. He narrowed his eyes, eventually realizing why he found the man to be familiar. Hm? Your surname is Li. Could you be related to Li Feiyu?

The large man revealed furious alarm, You… how do you know the name of my clan ancestor? It turns out you know quite a bit about my Li Clan!

When Han Li heard this, he nonchalantly smiled.

The scholarly man was alarmed upon hearing the words Seven Mysteries Sect and Li Feiyu. He bewilderedly said, Since your esteemed self repeatedly claims that you are my ancestors younger brother, you must certainly know that our Han Clans great uncle has disappeared. But now your esteemed self has shown up two hundred years later, but I fail to see any indication of your great age.

The scholarly man had only recently found out about the Han and Li Clans history from a letter. Could it be that this person had also seen this letter?

With that thought, the scholarly man couldnt help but look at the table with the memorial tablets. The letter was hidden somewhere between them.

Seeing that the scholarly mans gaze grew odd, he swept past the memorial tablets with his spiritual sense and discovered the letter hidden within.

Han Li raised his hand without any reservations and beckoned towards the table.

The two men were dumbstruck by what happened next. Light flashed from the table and a yellow booklet enveloped in a mist of azure light flew out from the table towards Han Li.

Han Li grabbed the booklet and the light scattered with a faint shake of his hand. He then casually flipped through it.

As the scholarly man had long since been part of the bureaucracy, he was long accustomed to keeping his calm in the face of astonishing events. However, he couldnt help but dryly swallow in a panic as he glanced at the large man. The large man wasnt faring much better, but his expression grew odd as if it contained both happiness and fear.

While the scholar still felt confused, the large man cupped his hands and deeply bowed towards Han Li as he hesitantly said, Might I ask if your esteemed self is an Immortal cultivator of legend? As an Immortal, you are unlikely to trifle with the affairs of us mortals. Would Senior happen to have any keepsakes to verify his identity? After all, this matter is rather significant. My Esteemed Brother Han and I cannot easily believe others based solely on words.

The scholarly man was stunned upon hearing the large man but the legends soon came to mind and he felt his blood run cold. He began to look at Han Li with an expression of awe.

Oh! I didnt expect for you to know of Immortal cultivators! Impressive! From the record, it seems that you truly are Li Feiyus descendant. Truly inconceivable for Li Feiyus children to form a bond with my Han Clan! As for regards to keepsakes, I cant recall having any. At the time, I was in complete pursuit of the Dao and departed from my homeland in a hurry. I even left without bidding goodbye to Brother Li. I merely left behind a slip of paper for him and a few bottles of medicine pills. Han Li casually said.

The large man surnamed Li spoke with slight astonishment, Medicine pills? Were the bottles that we enshrined at our sects shrine left behind by Senior?

Han Li sighed and dimly said, Long ago, your ancestor used Essence Extraction Pills without any hesitation in order to excel in martial arts. Even with the medicines I left behind, I fear he wouldnt have been able to live to an old age.

After a moment of hesitation, the large man carefully said, I dont know of this matter. However, my father still lives and perhaps he might know something of the deceased ancestor. After all, these secret matters are only known by each generations clan lord. If Senior will allow it, I will quickly send word to inquire whether or not these words are true.

At that moment, he was already mostly convinced. The Li Clans establishing ancestor had met with an untimely death at an early age.

Han Li waved his arm and spoke with a tone of melancholy, There is no need. I didnt come back to make a disturbance. I merely wished to free my mind of mortal worries. Now that I see both the Han Clan and the descendants of my dear friend are doing well, I am well at ease.

Having heard this, the large man instead became nervous and began to wildly signal to the scholarly man with his eyes. He clearly knew what it meant to the Han and Li Clans to have an Immortal cultivator ancestor.

The scholarly man naturally knew far better of what there was to gain or lose from this. After pondering for a moment, he respectfully said, If your esteemed self is truly my great uncle, I have a method of immediately verifying your identity. Our Han Clan Shine contains a few possessions of our ancestors from the past. If Senior is able to identify these items, Junior will naturally be convinced of your background. Only the Han Clan Master from each generation is qualified to personally care for them, and they are incapable of being identify by others.

Past possessions? Lets take a look at them. Its only that I left home at a rather early age so I may not be able to identify them. Han Li indifferently said. If it wasnt too troublesome, he definitely wouldnt refuse to be recognized by the descendants of the Han Clan. freewebnove.com

Please be at ease Senior. These items were left behind as keepsakes from their times of poverty, so Senior should be able to recognize them. I will bring them now. After bowing to Han Li, the scholar descended from the second floor.

After a bit of clamor from down below, the scholarly man shortly walked back up with a tray covered by red cloth. He then respectfully presented it to Han Li.

Han Li took the plate and removed the red cloth, revealing the worn items before him.

Han Li spoke with pleasant surprise, Oh! So it turned to out to be these items. I didnt expect to see them again in this lifetime.

Senior recognizes these items? The scholar cautiously asked with a nervous expression.

I know a majority of these items, but there were three that were acquired after I left home. I dont know who they belong to. The slingshot and small bow belonged to my second elder brother Han Tie. He enjoyed playing with them when he was small. The wooden hairpin was my mothers most cherished possession. The tobacco pipe was… Han Li picked up each of these items and spoke as if he were rather familiar with them.

After hearing Han Li examine half of them, the scholar felt there was no longer any doubt.

Without waiting for Han Li to finish, he immediately dragged the large man forward and they deeply saluted to Han Li.

This unfilial descendant Han Tianxiao recognizes Fourth Great Uncle. I sincerely wish that Great Uncle will forgive my unfilial actions from before. With that said, the scholar didnt dare to meet Han Lis gaze and wore an expression of embarrassment.

The large man mirrored the solemn and respectful display.

After entering the small restaurant, a sharply dressed waiter welcomed Han Li.

Han Li didnt head to the second floor and instead chose to sit in a remote corner of the first floor. He ordered a few dishes and silently observed everything that was occurring in the restaurant.

There were people from all backgrounds sitting on the first floor, just like Han Li had seen from other restaurants. Regardless whether it be hard laborers or small business merchants, they were all present. The only thing that stood out was the table full of burly men.

These six burly men were all effortlessly carrying a meter long cloth bag at their sides. Han Li didnt need to use his spiritual sense to guess that they were bladed weapons. From their similar uniforms, they clearly belonged to some sort of organization. However, this greatly aroused a feeling of familiarity from Han Li as he recalled his days in the Seven Mysteries Sect.

He swept his spiritual sense past the people and he clearly heard their conversation. As expected, they were killers belonging to an organization. Han Li soon lost interest and turned his attention to examining the other patrons.

At that moment, two young scholars walked into the restaurant. They were walking slowly and chatting with smiles on their faces.

I heard that Assistant Minister Han has arrived back to the home village to pay his respects to his ancestors. Not only are grand characters of the province coming to pay an official visit, but the Fan and Li clans are also sending men over. It seems the Han Clan truly wishes to have this matter be bold and grand.

Exactly so! I heard that for this ancestral offering, the Han Clan sent out many letters summoning their side branch clansmen regardless of the distance. Even the government officials of little repute are sending men to pay their respects. From how I see it, the Han, Fan and Li Clans will soon become the three great families of the Jing Province.

Tch tch! It is rather inconceivable that the Han Clans abrupt rise in power took place over a span of just a hundred years!

Whats so odd about that? Ever since a member of the Han Clan managed to rank first in the imperial exams, their rise in power has been momentous. Each of their later descendants began to achieve great rankings in the imperial exams. With several generations of success, it is no wonder they are currently so impressive. Still, it would be better for us to later…

The two scholars casually sat down at a table next to Han Li while they spoke.

The Han Clan! When Han Li heard them, he hastily thought to continue listening to them, but the two scholars quickly changed the subject and began to discuss literary works, much to Han Lis annoyance. After some thought, he suddenly stood and walked towards the scholars.

Brothers, my name is Han Li. Might I ask which Han Clan you were referring to? Ive arrived here after receiving an invitation to pay my respects to the clans ancestors. However, Ive grown up in a small countryside and am extremely unfamiliar with the main clan, nor do I know where to pay my respects. Could you two brothers give me a few directions?

The two scholars were stunned, but after seeing that Han Li also wore a scholars robes and spoke with refined words, the two replied without any suspicions, So it turns out that brother is a Han Clan disciple! Weve been quite rude. However, these is only one Han Clan, the Han Clan of the Three Kilometer Valley.

The Three Kilometer Valley! This entire area was the small village where the Han Clan once resided. Because the entire village only spanned three kilometers over the mountains, it received this unsophisticated name. It seems the Han Clan they spoke of were most likely related to him somehow.

With a calm expression, Han Li insipidly said, If thats the case, then this Han Clan is truly my own. Could you two tell me about the finer details of the clan? Ive never participated in the clans ancestor offering. Id rather not make a fool of myself.

The two scholars glanced at each other and then examined Han Li. Feeling that he wasnt holding any ill intentions, they agreed, This… we can only give a few general details. They are known by everyone.

Many thanks! Han Li smiled.

One of the scholars began to speak, If Brother is participating in the ancestral offering, it would be best for you to not immediately head to the Three Kilometer Valley. Several decades ago, the Han Clan changed their location to the Han Clan Castle. They will only return to their ancestral home in Three Kilometer Valley on the day of the ancestor offering. The Han Clan…

Han Lis expression remained calm as he listened, but his heart stirred with excitement.

Four hours later, Han Li appeared above the verdant mountains from his past. He didnt descend, merely looking down in silence.

Was this the same small village from the past?

The yellow earth roads, short walls, thatched huts, and village children could no longer be seen. Instead, they were replaced with large courtyards, roofed buildings, pebbled roads, and well clothed servants. Not a single sign of the past remained.

Han Li shook his head at the sight and thought to depart when his gaze suddenly arrived at the building at the very center of the residence. This building wasnt larger than the others, but it was the only building to have more than a single story making it rather eye-catching.

The buildings doors were shut and a pitch-black signboard appeared on the outside. The words Han Clan Shrine were written on it in silver paint.

A strange expression appeared on Han Lis face. After some thought, he reappeared in front of the building in a blur.

Several burly shrine attendants stood in front of the shrine, but with Han Lis invisibility technique, they were incapable of spotting him. He casually swept his gaze past them and entered without further thought.

Once he entered the shrine, he spotted rows of memorial tablets, numbering over several hundred. They were arranged on long tables which had empty spots on them for future generations.

After sweeping his gaze over them, he found many names but none that he was familiar with. Without any further thought, he climbed to the second floor.

The memorial tablets on the second floor were clearly more grand and important. Not only were there many lit incense burners, there was also a huge cauldron at the center. It was filled with scented oil and had a huge candle wick that was brightly burning. It made for a solemn sight.

This time, Han Li blankly stood in place as he read the several memorial tablets at the center.

Han Zhu, Han Tie, Han Tiansheng… These familiar names were all coldly written on the pitch-black memorial tablets. Han Lis heart grew heavy and he found it difficult to breath.

As the saying goes, the great Dao was emotionless! However, that was only a self-deceiving lie. Han Li may be an Immortal from this land, but he was incapable of severing his emotions. He was only able to bury them deep inside his heart.

Han Li eventually moved, and slowly walked towards the memorial tablets at the center of the room. He stopped and expressionlessly stared at the memorial tablets as images of his close relatives began to continuously appear in his mind.

An unknown amount of time slowly passed by. The heavy sound of the buildings door opening woke Han Li from his reminiscent mood. However, he merely stood in place without making any moves.

At that moment, the footsteps and voices of two middle-aged men could be heard.

Brother Li, you are far too impatient. Didnt I say that I would lend you the letter for reading after the shrine visit? There is need to be so anxious! This man spoke with a helpless tone.

In the other persons embarrassment, they responded, Hehe! Esteemed Brother Han, who was it that had you mention that the later portion of the letter had a set of nameless martial arts left behind by your ancestor? I am rather baffled as to why our Li Clan knows nothing of this matter despite the fact that our ancestors created it. It is only natural for me to wish to see it as soon as possible.

However, why is it that you enshrined the letter? It would be an absolute shame for someone to steal it!

The first voice sighed and spoke with a voice of complete confidence, Who would possibly think of stealing something from a clans ancestral hall? While our Han Clan isnt necessarily a nest of dangerous characters, we still have many skilled martial artists standing guard. Ordinary people wouldnt even be able to approach it. Even if they succeeded, they would still have to fear our retaliation.

Thats true! The other man agreed.

As the footsteps became clear, a scholarly man and a man with thick facial hair appeared on the stairs of the second floor.

The two initially arrived with a smile, but after spotting Han Li, their expressions froze.

In their alarm, the large man stepped forward and covered the front of the middle-aged scholar. With a fluttering mustache and beard, he softly roared, What a clever villain to think of waiting here in ambush, but you will not be leaving alive. Once that was said, the mans hands tightened into fists and he ferociously pounced towards Han Li.

But before he arrived, a gale with astonishing pressure suppressed him.

Han Li remained motionless as he stood in place with his back facing them.

The Jing Province was located in the northwest of the State of Yue. Because it was a remote region, there were few cities but many small villages, and many small mountains and hills within the provinces borders as well as many desolate areas few ever came across. As a result, the Jing Province was also home to far more bandits than other provinces, and was also where Jianghu Martial Artists lingered the most. While there had never been a great Jianghu faction that managed to unite the region, this area had produced many formidable characters. Bodyguards and caravan escorts rose in opposition to the many bandits.

One day, on the side of a desolate dirt road, a rather common scene in the Jing Province was taking place.

There were over a hundred brawny men wearing rough clothes, each with black scarves covering their heads, surrounding thirty azure-clothed men with various weapons. The azure-clothed men were in turn protecting the several carriages at their center. It was a scene of a group of bandits fighting a group of caravan escorts.

There were three black-clothed men with similar appearances standing at the bandits rear. They coldly glanced at the scene with malice occasionally showing on their faces.

Near the carriages there were several men, young and old, wearing similar servant garbs. They each had a club in hand and wore nervous expressions. Inside the four carriages, there were many women and children wearing magnificent clothes, but the carriage at the very front had a calm middle-aged man wearing scholars robes. With his long and glossy beard and mustache, he appeared to lack the strength to knock over even a chicken, but he possessed an indescribable air of authority. None that saw him dared to underestimate him.

The middle-aged scholar was sitting across from a man with blue embroidered robes and a thick, pointed mustache and beard. His arms were thick and he possessed a spirited gaze. He was a rarely seen peak Jianghu expert.

These obviously unordinary characters both wore calm expressions and were the only ones inside the large carriage. Although the two were silent, they were examining everything outside from the half-shut curtains, and occasionally heard bloody wails and clangs from the outside.

While the black-scarf bandits were great in number, the azure-clothed caravan guards and the servants were greater in skill. For a time, both sides found themselves in a deadlock.

The scholarly man smiled upon seeing this and spoke to the large man, It seems there is no need to trouble Brother Li to take action. The Martial Sky Escort should be able to handle it!

Haha! If those three leaders of the black-scarf bandits dont take any action, it is only natural for the Martial Sky Escort to be able to deal with these small fry. But if the three black-scarf leaders were to attack, they wouldnt last. After all, the three leaders are renowned for their fierceness in the Jing Province. I heard they are brothers by blood and are experts in united techniques. Ordinary experts are no match for them. After the large man said this, his face faintly revealed a trace of excitement. He bent his stretched finger, producing loud cracks from his hand. It was clear the man was highly skilled in external martial arts.

When the scholarly man saw this, he unconsciously laughed, Brother Li! Your eagerness to fight is exactly the same as your father!

The large man responded with a helpless smile, Little Brother Han, that is to be expected. Our Li Clan is one of martial heritage. If we come across an interesting opponent, it is only natural to wish to measure their might. It is just like how your Han Clan has always been one of great literary repute, and how there is always one or two from your clan that manages to enter the imperial court as an official, the large man then crossed his hands and said, Still, I am quite puzzled as to how our Han and Li clans have managed to form such bonds despite having so little in common. This friendship has lasted deeply for many generations and has yet to fade with time!

The scholarly man smiled and said, Haha! In the past few days, I flipped through a few letters and unintentionally discovered a few events from the past. If Brother Li wishes to know about them, I can tell you about them, but I dont know how much of it is true.

When the large man surnamed Li heard this, he said with a curious expression, Really? Our Li Clan has no custom of recording our ancestry. Apart from leaving behind a few martial teachings, there is little else left behind, let alone the history behind our clans friendship.

The large man gazed into the distance and his expression changed, Not good, those three leaders have decided to attack. Well have to put this off for now. Tell me about it after I take care of those three. He then shot out of the carriage as if he were being launched from a crossbow.

Soon after, the large mans howls of laughter could be heard, followed by mournful screams.

The scholarly man sighed and shook his head before closing the curtain. He didnt feel the need to look outside as he held complete confidence in the large man.

After the time it took to finish a cup of tea, the sounds outside came to a sudden halt.

The carriages curtain fluttered for a moment, and the large man reappeared in the carriage with a blur. He appeared a bit worse for wear. His shoulder was bloodied as if he were slightly wounded, but nonetheless he heartily laughed to the scholarly man and said, Those three were truly skilled. They had to make me do quite a bit, but having witnessed my might, the black-scarf bandits have disappeared from the Jing Province. The large man appeared to have enjoyed himself.

When the scholarly man heard this, he wore an apologetic expression, If I hadnt brought Brother Li along, I fear I wouldve passed onto the other side with this route being my place of death. Due to the great hatred those enemies hold for me, I was forced to involve Brother Li.

The large man surnamed Li casually said, What do you mean involve? The Li Clan steadily established themselves at the top of Jianghu only because of the Han Clans great assistance! Helping each other is by no means an external affair.

That is true, but I was merely being contrary. The scholarly mans smile was replaced with an expression of calm. It seemed he was one of flexible mind.

As the large man smeared a bottle of ointment on his back, he suddenly recalled the matter before the battle, However, Brother Han, dont forget to tell me about our clans past. I am quite curious about this!

Of course. When mentioning it, our clans friendship is quite unfathomable. Do your recall the Seven Mysteries Sect, the hegemon of the Jing Province many decades ago? Our ancestors were martial brothers inside this Jianghu faction. According to what was said in the letter, my great uncle was sworn brothers with your ancestor. Our clans friendship stemmed from their own friendship. It was also said, my great uncle was quite the formidable character. It was said…

As the middle-aged scholar calmly spoke, the azure-clothed men buried the corpses from both sides and had the carriages move once more. The carriages soon grew distant and disappeared from the desolate road.

…

Green Ox Village?

Han Li floated a kilometer in the air with his body covered in azure light. He looked down at the village below with a trace of doubt.

Although this village was once pathetically small, only spanning a few kilometers in area, he was no longer able to draw any similarities to the streets that he remembered, but he did manage to remember its surroundings. It did seem to truly be his home village.

In his many years of absence, the village had turned into a bustling town. After staring at it from the sky, he hesitated for a moment before descending into a desolate alleyway under the guise of a concealment technique. Afterwards, he walked out of the alleyway with a swagger and slowly headed down the street.

Seeing the unfamiliar houses and buildings as he walked down the street, Han Li muttered to himself, It is quite different!

For some unknown reason, he knew that if he were to head west, hed be able to see the forest and verdant mountain where he had spent his childhood. However, his steps grew hesitant and slow as he took in the vast changes that had occurred to Green Ox Village.

At that moment, Han Lis expression was calm, but he hoped that he would soon find something familiar.

However, Han Li was only disappointed until he arrived at a three way intersection. He stopped and stared at a small shabby restaurant at the side of the road.

The restaurant was worn and only two stories high with a yellowish signboard that had the words Spring Fragrance. It was the restaurant that Han Lis third uncle, Fatty Han, had once managed.

Han Li glanced at the restaurant and faintly remembered walking through its sliding doors.

There was the round face of his third uncle, the narrow courtyard behind the restaurant, the dimly lit side room and the tasty food, the black carriage with the banner Seven Mysteries Sect, and many more memories began to clearly appear in Han Lis mind.

Han Li glanced at the restaurant with a complicated expression. A trace of sadness was betrayed within his eyes.

He stared at the restaurant for a moment before discovering that a few strangers on the road were glancing at him with an odd expression. It came as no surprise. A youth was motionlessly staring at an old shabby restaurant after all.

With a moment more of thought, he calmly walked into the restaurant with his hands held behind his back.

A strange glint appeared in Han Lis eyes. He glanced at the old man and indifferently asked, What? You recognize me?

The old man shivered underneath Han Lis icy gaze and hastily answered, No, I am mistaken. How could Junior have possibly recognized you!

Youve admitted to be mistaken? Han Li indifferently rubbed his chin and swept his gaze past the others as if he believed the old man.

The grey-clothed man seemed puzzled as he glanced at the old man. Although he felt it was odd, he couldnt afford to pursue the matter. He could only think of flattering Han Li and somehow taking an opportunity to flee.

Before any of them could respond, Han Li slowly said, Since you are Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators and have discovered my trail, youre just out of luck. I will be taking your lives! As soon as that was said, Han Lis expression grew dark and he waved his sleeve, releasing over ten streaks of azure swordlight. As soon as these swordlights left his sleeve, they transformed into over forty swordlights in a blur, and engulfed the black-clothed cultivators in an overwhelming strike.

When the grey-robed cultivator heard Han Lis voice grow harsh, he knew that matters had taken a turn for the worst. His complexion grew pale upon seeing Han Lis momentous attack.

Of course, he wasnt about to submit to death. He instinctively whirled his body, releasing countless stands of black Qi to cover his body. A gold and a silver prong soon flew out from the mist and transformed into a gold and a silver python to guard the front of the black Qi. The grey-clothed cultivator then did his utmost to fly backwards in a streak of black smoke, abandoning the rest of the black-clothed cultivators to their fates.

Apart from the old man, the rest of the Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators were helplessly beheaded by the assault of azure swordstreaks. As the old man was paralyzed from fright, Han Li flicked his finger, launching a slim azure strand from the sword streaks. It instantly bore into the old mans body and caused him to collapse on the ground.

When Han Li saw this, he no longer paid any attention to the old man and focused on the grey-clothed cultivator that had fled over a three hundred meters away. Han Li sneered and casually pointed at the swordlights and had over a hundred streaks of swordlight converge together, instantly forming a huge azure sword.

Go, Han Li softly uttered. The huge sword trembled and released a muffled hum before launching itself forward at an unfathomable speed. In the blink of an eye, a dazzling explosion of azure light erupted from the black smoke.

The strike from the huge sword annihilated the black Qi and the pythons at the same time. With a wretched scream, the grey-clothed cultivator was rend into a mist of gore.

Han Li recalled the magic treasure and his expression grew sullen as he glanced at the old man lying unconscious on the ground.

After some further thought, Han Li raised his hand and drew the old mans shriveled body into his grasp. Azure light flickering from his free hand, he pressed it against the old mans head without any reservations. After the time it took to finish a cup of tea, fire flared from his hand and turned the old man into ash. freewenovl.co

Han Li floated in the air with his arms held behind his back and wore a flabbergasted expression on his face, That disciple left behind to the Harmonious Bond Sect, Dong Xuaner 1, actually formed a core. However, it is truly odd that she would send men after me.

The old mans origins were quite complicated. He was once a disciple of the Harmonious Bond Sect, but because he had greatly violated the sects laws and feared that his soul would be refined, he changed his appearance and identity. He had remained hidden inside the Ghost Spirit Sect ever since.

Naturally, Han Li didnt care for such matters. What shocked him was how the old man along with many other Harmonious Bond Sect disciples were sent to frantically search for Han Li by the Core Formation stage Dong Xuaner. These people were even sent into the Nine Nations Alliance in order to search for traces of Han Li. It seemed the old man had shockingly recognized Han Li due to having seen his portrait before.

At the time, Han Li had been in the Scattered Star Seas and the matter was ultimately left unresolved.

As of current, Han Li felt greatly confused. He wasnt so vain as to think that Dong Xuaner fancied him. As such, he felt that there was a deeper reason for her continuous search for him. It was only a pity that the old mans status at the time wasnt high and he had no further information on the matter.

After pondering for a moment, Han Li couldnt think of a reason why Dong Xuaner would send men to search for him and he shook his head, placing the matter at the back of his mind.

Now that so many years had passed, this matter didnt affect him in the slightest. There was even less cause for concern since he was now a Nascent Soul cultivator.

With that thought, Han Li dealt with the Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators corpses and glanced in the direction of the former location of Yellow Maple Valley before departing from the Tai Yue Mountain Range.

Unbeknownst to Han Li, at the same moment he killed the grey-clothed cultivator, a black-robed, shrivelled-skinned cultivator awoke from his meditation with a frown and sighed. He then took out a dull, pitch-black bone medallion from his robes.

The black-robed cultivator fiddled with the bone medallion and glanced at it with narrowed eyes. A stern expression appeared from his face. A moment later, he stood up and walked out of the secluded room.

After walking down a long corridor, the black-robed cultivator arrived in a large hall and he calmly took a seat in a stone chair. With a white flickering light emitting from his hands, he took out a small bronze bell.

A loud clang rang out with a casual swing of the bell. A deep ring continued to reverberate from it, spreading over an unknown distance. The black-robed man put away the small bell and remained still inside his chair.

A short moment later, three Core Formation cultivators hurriedly entered the hall from three side doors, two men and one woman. They differentially stood in front of the old man with their heads faced down with solemn expressions.

Just now, the light from your Sixth Junior Martial Brothers life medallion was extinguished. It seems he met a vicious end. Although I dont know what exactly happened, he was a disciple of me, Splintered Soul. I cannot allow his death to remain unanswered. Find the killer and bring him to me alive. I wish for them to give me the story behind what happen! The black-clothed cultivator indifferently spoke as if he were discussing a trivial matter.

The three cultivators were initially surprised but they soon saluted him with bowed heads, As you bid master. We will immediately depart.

I hope the next time I see you, you will have already placed the killer in the Immortals Hold. The black-robed cultivator nodded his head and left the hall without another word.

Only the three Core Formation cultivators, the disciples of Splintered Soul, remained in the hall.

After a moment of consideration, the cultivator with a bold and clear appearance orderly arranged, Fifth Junior Martial Sister, send a voice transmission talisman to the sect branch in the Tai Yue Mountains as soon as you can. Lets see whether or not they know about Sixth Junior Martial Brother meeting with mishap. If they are unaware, have them send men to investigate the whereabouts of the killer. Junior martial brother Que, your relationship with the side branch master is quite good. See whether or not he can send men to investigate if any unfamiliar high grade cultivators have recently entered the State of Yue.

Also, we will all send our own competent disciples to investigate the last known location of Sixth Junior Martial Brother and see whether or not there are any clues. Once this information is relayed back, we will set forth together to capture this person. Since he was able to kill Sixth Junior Martial Brother, his cultivation should be high. It is best to be careful.

The other two cultivators were a middle-aged woman who still possessed beauty, and an eerie scholarly man wearing embroidered robes.

The woman smiled upon hearing him, but the scholarly man frowned and revealed a somewhat unsightly expression. A moment later, he reluctantly nodded.

As if feeling worried, bold-faced cultivator stared at the embroidered-robed scholarly man and coldly said, Junior martial brother Que, I know that you were on bad terms with Sixth Junior martial brother. However, this matter was personally given by the master. You should know what will happen if you disobey. Dont forget that Second Senior martial brother brother and Seventh Junior martial brother were also punished for mishandling their affairs.

The scholarly man wryly smiled and chuckled, That isnt the case. Although we didnt get along, he is dead now, and this matter is now assigned to me by the master. Please be at ease, Third Senior martial brother. I will definitely try my hardest.

The bold-faced cultivator slowly said, If Junior martial brother knows how things stand, then let us set off.

The three then left the hall to attend to their own matters.

Several days later, the Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators had tracked down where Han Li killed the party of cultivators. After further inspection, Han Lis original cave residence was also discovered.

When the three disciples of Splintered Soul heard this, they rushed to the Tai Yue Mountains with a group of disciples in tow. After entering, they looked at each other in dismay as they stood in front of the large hole where the spirit well used to be.

At that same moment in a land far away, Han Yunzhi and that woman surnamed Liu were hurriedly crossing through a series of towering mountains into the State of Yue.

1 Dong Xuaner was a woman first introduced in chapter 224. She was an unruly flirt who seduced many men, resulting in her ancestor pairing her up with Han Li. She was later abducted by the Harmonious Bond Sect.

The four green-robed cultivators were shocked upon seeing the two white-clothed woman that just appeared, but quickly rushed to salute them, Martial Aunt Han! Martial Aunt Liu!

The frail woman with a pale face and wide eyes softly said, Thats enough. No need to be overly polite. Junior Martial Sister Liu and I have heard a bit of what youve said. Tell us about it and include all the details! Her voice sounded otherworldly.

This woman was Han Yunzhi, a woman Han Li had encountered several times in the past 1. Although her face was entirely the same as before, her body now appeared fragile and well-developed. Along with her beautiful body transformation, her cultivation had made great leaps as well, rising to early Core Formation.

Many thanks, Martial Aunt Han. Martial Nephew will obey orders. The old man in charge of the four green-clothed cultivators replied on the groups behalf.

Han Yunzhi nodded with a smile and stepped forward. After finding a clean spot on the ground, she took a seat.

The other beauty had phoenix eyes and long eyebrows. She was a beautiful woman with a carefree expression. With a smile, she said, Your crimes are not light. If you truly are incapable of finding the Spirit Nascent, I fear your master wouldnt be able to plead for your lives! Her words startled the female cultivator among the group of four.

The old man bitterly laughed and wore an earnest expression, Martial Nephew knows that his guilt is inescapable, but we were truly treated unjustly. I hope Martial Aunts will be able to speak a few words to the Martial Ancestor in our favor.

The woman stretched herself while her lips glistened as she spoke, Oh? Then how about you give an explanation. The person who restricted the Nascent Soul is now five hundred kilometers away and we wont be able to catch up to him anytime soon. We are in no hurry for now.

Yes, when we brought the Spirit Nascent to the Kunmu Mountains, Martial Uncle Ding used an excuse… The old man respectfully gave a detailed explanation of the Spirit Nascents escape, the Spirit Nascents later capture and the Fu Clans extermination.

Han Yunzhi calmly listened, but her face remained completely still as if her heart was already steeled.

In contrast, the woman surnamed Liu occasionally revealed a curious expression and her gaze flickered as if she held great interest in the old mans words.

…

A streak of azure light flickered over the border between the State of Yuan Wu and the State of Yue.

According to information Han Li had acquired, the State of Yue had fallen under the rule of the Ghost Spirit Sect, and their headquarters were at the previous location of the Masked Moon Sect. As for the Tai Yue Mountains of Yellow Maple Valley, it had become the location of a side branch.

After Han Li entered the State of Yue, he flew straight in the direction of the Tai Yue Mountains.

Nothing has changed! As Han Li stood on a huge pile of rocks, he felt an expression of faint loneliness.

In the past, he had destroyed the mountain housing his previous cave residence over fear that the Devil Dao cultivators would discover it. Now that so many years had passed, it appeared to have become a desolate area. Of course, who couldve possibly thought that there was a cultivators residence concealed underneath the rubble?

After muttering to himself for a moment, Han Li raised his arm as his eyes flickered with white light. Several huge ape puppets were released that began to quickly clear away the rubble before them.

The puppets cleared away the rubble by blasting a path through it with various-colored beams of light, quickly clearing a way down towards the cave residence that lay beneath.

With a narrow passageway formed, Han Li ordered the puppets to stand guard as he flew inside.

The cave residence remained exactly the same as when he hastily left it. He couldnt make out any signs of entry, much to his relief.

He didnt come here solely for nostalgia but for the spirit well spring that was located in his hidden room.

Although he already had the jade spirit well as well as the highest ranked spirit well, the Spirit Well Tree, one always had more room for another Spirit Well. Although this spirit well was somewhat small, he naturally wished to bring it along with him since he was already in the State of Yue.

The spirit well spring was intact and emitting strands of white spiritual Qi. Han Li wore a complicated expression as he looked at the spirit well and unconsciously recalled when he had just entered the Foundation Establishment stage and how he discovered the spirit well when he carved out the cave residence. He vividly remembered it as if it had happened yesterday, raising all sorts of emotions in his heart.

Han Li remained in a daze for a short while before recollecting himself. He then grasped his hands in an incantation gesture and struck the spirit well with several magic seals, instantly causing it to glow brilliantly and quake the nearby ground.

Han Li then sat down with with an unchanged expression and formed a strange hand seal as he stared at the spirit well.

Water from the spirit well began to whirl as if an invisible hand was stirring it, causing the water surface to rise and form a profoundly deep black whirlpool. An astonishing wave of spiritual Qi spread throughout the room.

Han Lis expression stirred. This spiritual Qi was beyond what he had anticipated. But after a short moment, he recovered from his surprise and quickly began to resume the extraction.

The trembling of the nearby ground became increasingly severe and a blinding yellow light began to envelope the spirit well. This yellow light faintly deformed as the spirit well shrank and shined even more brilliantly.

A short moment later, the light faded away and Han Li let out a sigh. The deep yellow, fist-sized ball floated in the air. There was now a huge, pitch-black hole beneath it where the spirit well had been.

Han Li smiled upon seeing this, but his expression suddenly changed and became sullen. The puppets he had placed outside were under attack. Although they had not yet been destroyed, they were at a clear disadvantage and wouldnt last for long.

Han Li instantly took out a jade box and carefully placed the yellow ball inside. He then flew out as quickly as he could.

Once he arrived outside, he saw several black-clothed cultivators that had surrounded his ape puppets about a hundred meters away. A sullen, grey-clothed middle-aged man wore a puzzled expression as he observed the battle.

Han Lis sudden appearance instantly shocked the cultivators at the scene and the grey-clothed cultivator shouted for the attack to stop. The black-clothed cultivators hastily ceased their actions and withdrew to the mans side.

An azure light arrived in midair and faded away to reveal Han Li. He expressionlessly gazed at the several cultivators in silence and revealed his Nascent Soul cultivation in an imposing manner.

The grey-clothed man glanced at Han Li and felt his heart drop. His shock was soon replaced by a smile, Senior, please do not misunderstand. Us Juniors hold no malice. We merely felt that the spiritual Qi here became abnormal and we curiously thought to take a look. I am the Ghost Spirit Sects Yu Hun, disciple of Master Splintered Soul. We do not hold any bad intentions.

Master Splintered Soul! Han Li frowned and felt as if this name sounded familiar. After a moment of thought, Han Li suddenly recalled something.

Wasnt this the name of one of the Ghost Spirit Sect Nascent Soul eccentrics? He recalled that the Drifting Cloud Sects silver-haired old man had mention that this person was ruthless and wasnt to be trifled with.

As Han Lis mind wondered, the grey-clothed old man noticed that Han Li reacted to his masters name and he grew far more at ease. However, he was still apprehensive and forced a smile, Senior recognizes my master. Could he be an acquaintance of him? I mustve acted far too rashly. I had no idea that Senior was handling business here, else I wouldnt have dared to bother you. If there is anything that I may do to assist you, I will do my utmost to obey. Otherwise, I would like to ask for myself to be excused so that I may get out of your way.

Although the grey-clothed man had an intimidating appearance, he was rather cunning and sly. After asking a few probing questions, he acted extremely deferential. In the end, the appearance of an unknown Nascent Soul cultivator had caused his back to run with cold sweat.

Han Li expressionlessly stared at the grey-clothed man and didnt respond. Instead, he released his spiritual sense within the scope of a hundred meters and found that there were no other cultivators.

It seems that this party had truly discovered the nearby disturbance by chance, and they had come alone. If that was the case…

Han Li suddenly felt an urge to kill.

Regardless of his previous identity as a Yellow Maple Valley cultivator, he was now a Drifting Cloud Sect elder, he couldnt possibly release these Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators from his grasp. In addition, the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect had once nearly taken his life, and the stifled grudge was still buried within his heart.

There was also the fact that he had entered the State of Yue in secret. If his entrance to the State of Yue reached the ears of the Ghost Spirit Sects eccentrics, he would attract their attention, producing nothing but trouble. He didnt wish for several Nascent Soul cultivators to chase him throughout the State of Yue.

Yi! This person is… Just as Han Li prepared his silent attack, an old man amongst the party of black-clothed cultivators suddenly cried out in shock at the sight of Han Li.

1 Last seen at the end of the Trial of Blood and Fire in chapter 203 when Han Li removed her memories. They previously met when Han Li acquired the Golden Sincerity Brush from her. Note: their surnames are homonyms. Han Lis surname is while Han Yunzhis surname is .

Han Li appeared annoyed as he coldly snorted, Drivel! I am neither suspicious of the woman nor do I hold malice towards her. However, it would be better for me to erase any memories of meeting me today. If any rumors were to leak, not only would it trouble me, but it would also attract calamity upon herself.

With nothing else to say, his face glowed with azure light and he pressed his fingers against the womans head, employing the Profound Yin Arts Dreamtear Technique. It would seal a few related memories and falsify them, causing this woman to believe that she managed to luckily acquire the medicine pills from a magnanimous expert. Any memories relating to Han Li would be completely sealed.

This soul altering secret technique was comparable to the Soul Control Technique and the Worryfree Needle 1, given that they were used by someone with far greater cultivation than his own.

However, this technique required that the user possess far greater cultivation than their target. Otherwise, the target would suffer great damage to their soul. As for Han Li, he had no problem using this technique on the woman as her cultivation was far too shallow.

A quarter of an hour later, Han Li was finished and the woman remained asleep.

After placing the woman back in her chair, Han Li took the opportunity to properly pay his respects to Qi Yunxiao and Xin Ruyin. He then turned the Fu Clan Ancestors head into ash and secretly left.

…

Back in her artifact spirit form, Silvermoon curiously asked, Master, what does the jade slip contain? Master seems to view it with great importance.

Han Li quickly flew into the sky as he leisurely said, It is a spell formation record from the age of antiquity that describes many grand and profound formations. Even with my current attainments in spell formations, it would take me quite some time to comprehend them. In addition to spell formations, there is a truly peculiar secret art I am quite interested in.

Secret art? With Masters current knowledge and the entire set of the Profound Yin Arts, what secret arts could provoke your interest? Silvermoon softly smiled, but her voice possessed a heavy curiosity.

Han Li smiled and said, Have you ever heard of the outstanding reputation of the Three Truths Severance?

Silvermoons laughter instantly ceased and her voice trembled with excitement as she asked, Could it be that it holds the greatest Daoist Profound Art?

Of course not. Han Li flatly denied.

Oh? Then why did Master mention this divine art? Are you deliberately teasing me? Of course the Daoist Sects couldnt possibly allow this heaven-defying art to leak! They themselves dont even know if this technique is extinct! Silvermoon grumbled.

Although the jade slips secret technique isnt the Three Truths Severance, it is a similar type of ability from the Devil Dao. It is called the Profound Nascent Formation Arts. Han Lis originally calm expression began to reveal excitement.

Silvermoon paused and said, Profound Nascent Formation Arts! What kind of technique is that? It seems Ive never heard of it before.

Ive also never heard of this technique before. However, this cultivation art is a genuine secret technique for cultivating a second primal soul. Later, one may even be able to nurture a second Nascent Soul. Han Lis tone became solemn at the end.

A second Nascent Soul! Is this true? If thats true, it would be considered a great divine technique at the very least, even if it is inferior to the Three Truths Severance! Silvermoons spirits were greatly roused. The greater Han Lis ability, the closer she would be to her objective.

Han Lis surging emotions quickly turned calm once more. I still dont know if it is true. Ill have to return to the Drifting Cloud Sect and carefully examine it once through. However, the spell formations recorded in the jade slip are genuine ancient formations. I have a few duplicates of them in a similar jade slip, so they shouldnt be false.

Tch tch, Masters luck is truly quite good for this technique to be directly delivered to you. However, secret Devil Dao arts may be powerful, but they always tend to favor hasty benefits at great cost later on. The greater the divine ability, the more obvious this becomes. It would be better for Master to have a proper look at this technique and see if there is anything amiss.

Han Li soberly agreed, I am aware, and its natural that I will be careful. If there is anything amiss about it, then I will forgo cultivating it.

When Silvermoon heard him, she relaxed but soon appeared baffled as she asked, Master, it doesnt seem like youre flying in the direction of the State of Xi. You arent planning to return to the Drifting Cloud Sect?

Han Li sighed and said, For the time being, I will not be returning to the State of Xi. I wish to take a visit to the State of Yue. After all, it is my birth country, I have a few secular attachments there that I must sever myself from. Otherwise, there will be worries weighing down on my mind that will interfere with my future cultivation.

After a moment of silence, Silvermoon agreed, That is also good. At this stage, Master can only pursue the supreme Dao after he severs himself from all worries of the secular world.

Thats enough nonsense for now. I am going to travel as quickly as I can. Han Li ended the conversation with a cold tone. He then enveloped himself in a streak of azure light and increased his speed by several times. In an instant, he disappeared without a trace.

Unknown to Han Li, in a place far away there were many green-clothed cultivators that were secretly searching through a forest. They each wore a terrified expression.

At that moment, a burly man spoke to the others in a tone filled with dread, What can be done! Its already been many days and there hasnt been the slightest information on the Spirit Nascent. If we dont find the Spirit Nascent within three months, the sect will send enforcers for us.

A stern-eyed, middle-aged scholarly man said with an icy tone, Humph! The declaration to find the Spirit Nascent in three months was merely said in a moment of anger. Everyone knows that recapturing the Wood Spirit Nascent was no longer a matter that a Foundation Establishment cultivator could handle. But if we dont find even a trace of its whereabouts, I fear calamity will fall upon us all.

A green-robed woman with a common appearance fearfully said, This matter wasnt even our fault. It was Martial Uncle Ding, the guard of the Spirit Nascent, that sent us away and attempted to merge with the Spirit Nascent against orders. He even died from the backlash. Lets hurry, the Spirit Nascents tracks have already vanished. Although we have a few magic tools to track and restrict it, the Spirit Nascent was far too quick, and we were unable to chase it down. Now that the Spirit Nascent is isolated from restrictions, we are even more hopeless.

The scholarly man snorted and said, Junior Martial Sister should leave those words for when an enforcer comes. Fortunately, Martial Aunt Han and Martial Aunt Liu will come to assist us. Those two Martial Aunts have wood spiritual roots. They should have some way of searching for it. However, I am quite curious how someone could possibly control something as fierce as the Wood Spirit Nascent without a special magic tool. It is truly inconceivable.

Enough. Regardless of who restricts the Spirit Nascent, we must find its whereabouts in order to save our own lives. Did you not hear the voice transmission that Martial Ancestor Kuang personally sent?

The burly man frowned and revealed a trace of anxiety as he said, Second Senior Martial Brother is right. It would be considered good if we manage to preserve our lives. However, the transportation formation along the way was broken and the two Martial Aunts will need two days to arrive at the next transportation formation. Do you think that the cultivator who captured the Spirit Nascent will have left the State of Yuan Wu during this time? After all, we dont even know what country this cultivator is from.

Hehe! Junior Martial Brothers seems to not know. Martial Aunts Liu and Han were candidates to fuse with the Spirit Nascent. Many years before, they cultivated a secret technique in preparation to fuse with it, and are able to sense the direction of the Spirit Nascent from far away. The cultivator that restricted the Spirit Nascent wont be able to escape the awareness of these Martial Aunts. The old man spoke with a sullen tone, but his words seemed to hold confidence.

Once they heard the old man, the other three appeared relieved. However, the scholarly mans eyes brightly flickered in thought and he asked, Do you think that the person who captured the Spirit Nascent and the cultivator who exterminated the Fu Clan are one and the same? Could chance truly have it that the Spirit Nascent just happened to be captured several days before the Fu Clan was exterminated? Could this person have realized that we had a relationship with the Fu Clan and exterminated them to prevent them from helping us?

Ninth Junior Martial Brother, you think too much. Even with such vast abilities, how could he possibly know that the Spirit Controlling Sect had a relationship with the Fu Clan. It was most likely just a coincidence, the woman shook her head. But after some further thought, she became doubtful, However, for there to be two Nascent Soul cultivators to appear in the same place isnt very likely. Perhaps it truly is the same cultivator that has done this.

Oh! Could you perhaps tell us about this? A young womans lazy voice came from the direction of a large tree. Then in a blur of white light, two beautiful white-clothed women appeared before them.

1 The Soul Control Technique was used in chapter 293, only usable against mortals. The Worryfree Needle is a mortal technique that Han Li learned from Doctor Mo. Used in Chapter 203 against Han Yunzhi.