中文小说网

返回首页

Chapter 345: The Young Old Man and the Bell Sound

返回章节列表
Han Li examined the items in the storage sack and, without hesitation, transferred all of them directly into his own storage sack. Although this sack was clearly superior to his, Han Li dared not carry it casually—perhaps it bore some markings that he couldn't yet detect. After resting one more day and judging that the time had come, Han Li changed his direction, heading toward Huangfeng Valley's armory instead of proceeding to the Seven Sects' main camp. He reasoned that if any unforeseen events occurred at the camp, the various sects would surely be the first to receive the news. It would be wiser to first check the situation within the valley before making a decision. Should everything prove stable, he could still make it to the camp in time. Thus, Han Li and Qu Hun traveled by means of their flying apparatus for five or six days, reaching the Taiyue Mountain Range without incident. Han Li made no disturbance, quietly returning to his own abode. As soon as he entered the estate and closed the outer array once more,韩立 felt much more at ease—after all, it was his own domain, secure! He immediately set off toward the sealed chamber of the Spirit-Eye Spring. Indeed, the two spider eggs had successfully hatched. Two white spiders, each about the size of a clenched fist, floated within the spring's waters. Though modest in size, they were exceptionally translucent and luminous, clearly no ordinary specimens. Upon seeing韩立 appear, the spiders flashed through the white light and swiftly shot out of the water toward him. 韩立 was momentarily startled, but quickly recalled what had happened, and thus did not retreat. To his delight, the two spiders gently landed on his shoulders and then scampered about him with great curiosity, behaving as if they had known him for a long time. 韩立 smiled softly. It seemed that the divine control spell he had cast with his vital essence had indeed taken effect. These two young spiders now regarded him as their parents, which explained their warm and affectionate behavior. Han Li, delighted, carefully removed a white spider from his body and placed it gently on his palm, studying it closely. Although spiders are generally perceived as unattractive and even repulsive, this little one was entirely white and radiating a soft glow, truly exquisite and captivating from the first glance. What amazed Han Li most, however, was that the spider's spiritual essence already reached the level of early to mid-qi cultivation—solidly a first-tier lower-stage mythical beast. Its future potential was truly impressive. In fact, white spiders were listed among the rare creatures on the extraordinary insect roster, known as the "Blood Jade Spider," ranked at the 100th position. While not as powerful as the "Golden Back Mythical Mantle," it was still a rare and noteworthy variety. After playing with the two small spiders for a while, Han Li placed them inside a leather pouch and carried them with him. Since he didn't know when he would return next, he naturally decided to bring them along to gradually nurture and train them. Then, Han Li went to his bedroom and pulled out a small chest from beneath the bed. Inside were several storage bags filled with various scrolls; Han Li randomly selected two and took them. His earlier scrolls had nearly been depleted, so he now needed to replenish his supply. After attending to these matters, Han Li left Qu Hun within the estate and set off directly toward Huangfeng Valley with full confidence. Since most of the personnel had been dispatched to the seven great camps, Han Li encountered only a few scattered Qi-level disciples along the way. He stopped at one and briefly inquired about the current situation within the valley. The information he received was not unfavorable, which gave Han Li a slight sense of reassurance. However, since the person he spoke with was only a Qi-level disciple, Han Li did not intend to rest there. After a moment's thought, he proceeded straight to the Hundred-Medicine Garden. He reasoned that, given the old man’s foundation stage level, he should have more accurate and up-to-date information. A short while later, Han Li reached the sky above the Hundred Medicine Garden, but was blocked by the hazy array. The token he had used to enter the array had already been returned to the old man, so he could no longer freely enter the garden. After having witnessed the power of the "Inverted Five Elements Array," the old man's rather simple illusionary array now seemed merely ordinary to Han Li. Yet, Han Li did not intend to force his way through the array. Instead, he pulled out a transmission scroll from his robes, lightly moved his lips, and transformed it into a streak of flame, which he then threw into the white vapor below. Not long after, the white vapor began to swirl and eventually revealed a passage several zhang wide. Seeing this, Han Li smiled lightly and drifted down gracefully. At the end of the passage stood the central area of the Hundred Medicine Garden, where two figures were waiting for him. "Master Ma, it's been some time since we last saw each other!" Han Li said warmly to one of them. That person was none other than the owner of the Hundred Medicine Garden—the old man himself. "Hmph! Though we've never met, you've certainly managed to give me a hassle!" The elderly man didn't offer韩立 a pleasant expression, but rolled his eyes instead. "Heh, surely, doesn't your esteemed disciple Xiao Cui'er seem quite obedient, and yet still fall short of your satisfaction?" Hàn Lì, on the other hand, remained unconcerned and smiled warmly at the other person. The younger woman, slightly flushed, bowed gracefully and said with heartfelt gratitude, "Xiao Cui'er, respectfully bows to Fr. Han. Thank you so much for your great kindness!" This young woman was indeed the granddaughter of the old master. Upon hearing Hàn Lì's words, the elderly man frowned, clearly displeased, and was about to speak when Hàn Lì suddenly interrupted, "Master Ma, I've come here with an urgent matter to discuss—something of great importance!" Hàn Lì's expression suddenly became serious and solemn. Noticing this serious demeanor, the elderly man furrowed his brows and turned to Xiao Cui'er beside him, saying, "You stay at the entrance and keep watch. I'll discuss matters with your Fr. Han." "Yes, Master!" The young woman replied respectfully and then immediately walked toward the courtyard gate without further words. Xiao Cui'er's obedient actions clearly pleased the elderly man, who even seemed to shine with a touch of fondness. Han Li watched this scene and couldn't help but smile to himself. This young master, who constantly claimed to be causing him trouble, clearly held Xiao Cui'er in high regard—how stubborn he was, clinging to his pride! The elderly man led Han Li into the living room, had them sit down, and then asked gently: "Brother, aren't you currently stationed at the main camp near the border? How come you've found time to come here and ask me questions? What's on your mind? Please share with me." The young master responded with an air of indifference. "Ah, this story is quite long!" Han Li sighed, shaking his head with a smile. Han Li, having known the old man for so many years, understood that though he often spoke sharply, his heart was genuinely good. Thus, he briefly recounted the encounter he had upon returning, meeting a cultivator from the Yuling Sect. Of course, he only briefly mentioned the specifics of their combat, focusing mainly on the possibility that Lingshu Mountain might have been a hidden ally of the demonic sect. Upon hearing Han Li’s words, the old man’s previously indifferent expression completely froze. After a long pause, he slowly asked, with a look of utter disbelief, "Han brother! You've extinguished the spirit essence of a Jiandan cultivator? Lingshu Mountain might be a hidden ally of the demonic sect?" He seemed utterly unconvinced, as if listening to something utterly fantastical. Seeing this, Han Li sighed, his face showing clear frustration. It was no surprise at all—anyone hearing such news would likely find it hard to believe at first. But Han Li still furrowed his brows and said, "I simply don't know whether this news is reliable, which is why I wanted to return to the valley first and check if there were any updates from the main camp. Only if there were no adverse developments could I feel confident in heading out." Before the old man, Han Li revealed himself naturally, showing his utmost concern for his own safety. "No, all the reports coming from the front are about large-scale requests for spiritual stones and materials—there's not a single unfavorable message. Everything is proceeding normally," the old man said seriously. Upon hearing this, Han Li exhaled gently and rubbed his nose, murmuring, "Then it seems I've been completely played for a fool! Should I storm off and shout my frustration, or should I burst out laughing in relief that the main camp is safe?" As soon as he finished speaking, a steady, resonant sound of the great bell—'dong', 'dong'—began to echo continuously from the direction of the hall of deliberation. Both the old man and Han Li exchanged glances, their faces instantly turning pale. The bell rang for a full cup of tea before finally ceasing. The old man's face grew pale. After drawing a deep breath, he spoke in a steady tone, "Eighty-one rings—your news is likely true. The situation is truly dire!" "Let's go and find out what's going on. It might not have anything to do with my report," Han Li said quietly after a moment of silence. "Hmph, that's hard to believe!" "How could they have sounded the bell for eighty-one rings—signaling a complete family disaster—unless they'd suffered a crushing defeat ahead?" the old man remarked with a cold smile.