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Chapter 554: Seeking Assistance and Engaging in Trade

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Han Li listened in silence, amazed that someone could identify a person merely by their aura. When such a situation arose, he could only sigh in resignation. Yet he showed no signs of panic. As long as it wasn't some brute like Maonu or Feng Xi, with his current cultivation level and treasures, he didn't feel particularly threatened by anyone. This lady had witnessed his prowess and had come to the secret estate on her own initiative—clearly with her own intentions in mind. With this in mind, Han Li spoke calmly and neutrally: "Since the lady has already recognized me, I won't stubbornly deny it. However, shall I address you as Fan Zuo Shi, or as Fan Men Zhong?" "It seems, Senior, that you do not fully acknowledge my appointment as the head of Miao Yin Sect. But perhaps you are unaware—had I not followed the instructions of the Magian sect, Miao Yin Sect would have vanished from the Chaotong Sea long ago. I must admit I have some reservations about the position of Sect Master, but at the time, it was largely out of necessity." On hearing Han Li's words, Fan Fu's face first brightened with delight, then she smiled gently and began to explain. "Madam, there's no need to go into all these details with me. I have never been particularly interested in who will become the head of Miao Yin Sect. As for the senior-monk title, Han Li merely holds it in name. However, from what Madam just mentioned, it seems that she knows certain things about me. That does indeed pique my curiosity—would you mind sharing a few with me?" Han Li remained calm, stretched lazily, and gave off an air of indifference. Ten cultivators who know of it—nine would like to eliminate me, Han. The one remaining is also clutching his throat, dreaming of securing the Virtual Sky Cauldron! Master Fan, have you also taken this course of thought?" Han laughed coldly, glanced at the woman, and directly addressed her by her former title. "You're mistaken, Master. If I were a Jie Dan stage cultivator, I might indeed have harbored such ambitions. But since my latest attempt to ascend to Jie Dan stage failed, I have long since given up any hope of further progress in cultivation. Such a precious treasure is beyond my capacity to bear. I certainly don't wish to become the one who willingly sets himself on fire." Upon hearing Han's words, the lady sighed and shook her head repeatedly. Han carefully observed her expression, which seemed genuine, yet he would not easily believe her spoken words. Thus, with a slight increase in caution, he remained composed and continued to inquire: "Beyond the matter of the Virtual Sky Cauldron, are there any other rumors concerning me?" "Previously, I had been hesitant to engage with senior cultivators, and the information I knew about myself was truly limited. Now that I had a rare opportunity, I naturally wanted to ask more questions without reservation." "It seems the senior has heard some news as well—there's actually another rumor involving the senior. Some claim that Master Han, the very one we're speaking of, is the 'Insect Demon' responsible for eliminating numerous cultivators in the surrounding seas over the past few years. I personally find this hard to believe. Having obtained such a precious artifact as the Xutian Ding, the senior would surely have been eager to conceal one's identity. How could one possibly act so conspicuously? Nevertheless, it appears that many cultivators unaware of the truth have indeed been stirred up. If it weren't for the sudden outbreak of the beast surge, these relatives and friends who have fallen victim to the Insect Demon's poison might very well have formed a dedicated 'Demon-Extinguishing Association' to specifically target the senior!" The lady gently covered her lips, gazing at Han Li with a smile that was both warm and slightly teasing. Han Li didn't blink once, merely nodded calmly and said nothing. This, in turn, made Lady I wonder if the ruthless great villain rumored to be this "Han Elder" is indeed the one. "Very well," Han Li said calmly, his expression unchanged, "please let Fan Left-Commander state the true purpose of your visit tonight. I'll listen attentively." His voice carried no emotion. "Since Han Elder has asked for that, I shall be direct. I would like to request your assistance in eliminating Yun Tianxiao, this wicked rogue. Given your prowess at the time, eliminating him would be a mere matter of ease." Fan Fu hesitated slightly, then firmly bit her silver teeth and spoke. On her exceptionally graceful face, a deep, venomous resentment surfaced. "Yun Tianxiao? Isn't he your pillar of support?" Han Li showed no surprise, silently pausing before asking slowly and deliberately. "Why, then, does the esteemed elder say such a contrary thing? The events that have transpired in this hall today—Han Elder should have already noticed certain clues. Within the Miao Yin Sect, I have nearly become a mere puppet." If not, then only I still know some of the secret techniques of our sect, and have a loyal group of retainers. The sect would have long since lost its current master. Lady Fan said with growing frustration, her face growing pale. "Since Master Fan ascended to the position of sect master through the power of the magical path, he should have had some awareness of this outcome. Now, what good is it to complain again? To serve as a mere puppet master is better than to lose one's life!" Han Lin spoke coldly, showing no intention to agree. "Yet now, even my life is in jeopardy. The jade scroll I used to preserve the secret techniques of Miao Yin Sect has recently disappeared, along with one of my trusted disciples. I believe it has fallen into Yun Tianxiao's hands. As long as he has his own trusted female disciple master these techniques, Master Han—do you still believe I have any chance of survival? If you can help me eliminate this villain, I am willing to hand over half of the wealth accumulated by Miao Yin Sect over the years." "All the young ladies of the Miao Yin Sect were at liberty to be claimed by senior members," said Fan Lady, speaking with a look of weary resignation as she described her own perilous situation, then her radiant face darkened with a fierce determination. "I have no interest, Lady Fan. Please return." Though the terms offered by this young lady were exceptionally attractive, Han Li declined them instantly without hesitation. He did not doubt her words. If she truly intended to deceive or ambush him, she could simply feign ignorance and quietly arrange for his downfall—thus increasing her chances of success. The real reason, however, was that Han Li had no intention of wasting time here. He still had a deadly threat looming behind him, one that might arrive at any moment. Even if this lady offered him the entire Miao Yin Sect, Han Li would still push her away, prioritizing his own survival. Seeing this, Fan Lady felt somewhat puzzled. After several earnest appeals, however, when Han Li showed no signs of changing his mind, her delicate expression gradually grew troubled. At last, after a slight pause, the beautiful lady bit her lip and added, "If my junior has a way to bring the senior back to the Inner Sea within a short period, would Elder Han be willing to lend a hand?" After saying this, Lady Fan looked at Han Li with growing urgency. This was her very last condition. Han Li listened, paused momentarily, then replied without hesitation, "If it truly proves possible to have me return to the Inner Sea within ten days, then the matter is certainly negotiable. However, the phantom dream stones required for the teleportation array—aren't they still lacking? Did Lady Fan deliberately misrepresent the situation during the day?" As he said the last sentence, Han Li's expression grew serious, and his tone turned cold. "Of course not. For Yun Tianxiao, the teleportation array indeed lacks many phantom dream stones. But he doesn't know that our Miao Yin Sect once spent a considerable sum to purchase some of these rare materials." These Dreamstone crystals were originally intended for setting up teleportation arrays among the several branches in the Inner Sea. But when I moved to the Outer Sea, I brought them all along. Later, I realized Yun Tianxiao's ambitious intentions—naturally, I would not hand them over. Otherwise, with the Inner Sea's magical sects now supporting him, I'd have absolutely no chance to make a stand at all." The beautiful woman's heart leapt, and she quickly explained this to Han Li. Upon hearing this, Han Li was naturally overjoyed, though he maintained composure, lowering his head and thinking carefully. After a moment, he raised his head calmly and said, "Please bring out the Dreamstone crystals so I can examine them. Then take me to the site of the teleportation arrays. If there are indeed sufficient materials and the construction can be completed promptly, I will be willing to make a single contribution." Each word of Han Li's came clearly and deliberately. "Hmm..." Upon hearing this, Lady Fan was initially delighted, but then a hint of hesitation appeared on her face. "If we cannot achieve this, I shall not concern myself with the matter," Han Li added with unwavering determination. "Good! The materials are easy to arrange. We can even take the senior ahead of us tomorrow, or even today. However, the site where the teleportation array is being constructed is somewhat distant from here. Moreover, most of the disciples on duty there are close associates of Yun Tianxiao. It may not be easy to deal with them." Lady Fan frowned, expressing her growing difficulty. "Since we are targeting this Yun elder, why should we care about a few of his trusted associates? It would be a good opportunity to first weaken his support network before delivering a decisive blow. But where is Yun Tianxiao now? Will he not be too far from here?" Han Li recalled something, and asked with some concern.