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Chapter 617: A Guest Arriving Midway

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Just when Han Li found himself somewhat puzzled by the silver moon, the woman said, "I've always been wondering—since the Qingming Lingshui appears to have no effect on cultivators at the Ji Base stage and above, why does Brother Han still wish to obtain it?" Her voice carried a hint of curiosity. "This is because the members of Yin Jian Peak made one mistake. The Qingming Lingshui is not entirely ineffective for high-level cultivators. In fact, after undergoing the process of refining the marrow and transforming the body, high-level cultivators naturally possess the ability to perceive simple illusions or mist. Therefore, merely lightly cleansing their eyes is enough to make the effect imperceptible. If we were to grant a more extraordinary ability—such as the extraordinary powers of the eyes of a Jie Dan cultivator—we would need to fully cleanse the eyes of a high-level cultivator with the entire drop of the concentrated liquid. Even then, it might not be sufficient. Thus, it would be more beneficial to focus on the lower-level cultivators, where the effects would be more noticeable." Upon hearing this, Han Li smiled gently, a subtle warmth appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Ah! How did Brother Han know about this?" "Silver Moon's voice carried a touch of surprise. 'This isn't much. Back in the time of the Chaotic Star Sea, I came across this in an ancient scroll. It should be genuine,' Han Li replied. 'So, Han brother, you mean to?' Silver Moon breathed out softly. 'Indeed, I intend to use this opportunity to approach the Spirit-Eye Tree and see if I can obtain its spirit root. Then, upon returning, I'll use my small vials to mature it. As for the amount of Clearing Spirit Water and Stabilizing Spirit Pills I can gather—no matter how much—I should be able to secure them. Naturally, I'll also work to obtain the recipes for both.' Han Li spoke calmly. 'Ah, Han brother, your method is truly a one-time solution,' Silver Moon agreed. 'With this, all you need to do is reach the top ten. Though it may seem a bit abrupt, it's far more secure than winning the championship.' Han Li smiled, just about to say something more, when his gaze swept toward one side, and he murmured softly in surprise. Lo and behold, far off on one side, a streak of crimson rushed toward them, subtly encasing a graceful young woman whose face was as delicate as peach blossoms yet as cool as ice. This was the female cultivator of the Mu family, who had once settled him in the herb garden and then ceased to pay him any further attention. As she drew near, she too noticed the stunning visage of Han Li suspended midair and was momentarily taken aback. Yet soon after, her expression remained composed, and she gently slowed her pace, coming to rest beside Han Li. "Have you also received the message to go to Tianquan Peak?" she asked coldly. "Yes, Master Mu. I wonder, however, if you could tell me what exactly has happened—why the Master has summoned all the disciples." Han Li replied calmly. "I don't know. But it must be related to the Sword-Fighting Tournament." The woman replied briefly, then glanced at the flying sword beneath Han Li's feet, furrowing her brows suddenly. "Your sword is indeed a superior-grade artifact, but it's not specifically designed for flight. Allow me to take the Tianxing Star and accompany you for the journey—so we won't waste any time." "As she spoke, the Mu-family woman didn't pause to hear what Han Li had to say. Suddenly, her red band-like artifact swelled out dramatically, expanding into a sweeping expanse of crimson mist that descended directly upon Han Li. Han Li, startled by this sight, didn't resist at all. He allowed himself to be drawn up alongside the woman's artifact, enveloped in the red glow, and together they took flight. 'Have you practiced the Xuan Bing Ju I gave you?' the woman said, glancing over at Han Li with a composed expression while steering her artifact. 'While it won't enhance your foundational cultivation technique, once you've made some progress, you'll be able to employ several powerful water-based spells. You've successfully reached the Foundation Stage. With further practice, this technique can seamlessly become your primary cultivation method. There's no downside to practicing it more.' Hearing this, Han Li could only remain silent. Though he claimed to have practiced a little, if the woman wished to observe him demonstrate water-based techniques, he would have no difficulty at all, given his current level of cultivation." Fortunately, this young lady seemed only to have asked casually, and said nothing further thereafter. Thus, Han Li, smelling the faint, delicate fragrance emanating from her, was escorted all the way to Tianquan Peak. The silver moon realized that now was not the time to speak with Han Li; since the Mu-named young lady had arrived, her presence had quietly settled into Han Li’s mind. As they approached the foot of Tianquan Peak, Han Li, standing behind the young lady, glanced upward at the sky with a sudden shift in expression. Moments later, a streak of green light darted down from the heavens, intercepting the Mu-named young lady’s flight and blocking their path. "Mu sister! It has been a long time since I last saw you. I’ve sent off countless transmission scrolls, yet you haven’t replied to any of them. What have you been up to lately?" With Han Li’s eyes wide in surprise, the light shimmering before him faded to reveal a cultivator with pointed ears and a round, monkey-like face, in her early thirties. It was precisely the Yan cultivator who had previously obstructed Han Li and the other newly admitted disciples, hoping to secure two servants. Upon seeing this man, the cold and elegant woman's expression slightly changed, but soon grew stern as she said: "Master Yan, I have been sent back to the mountain by the Peak Master to gather everyone. How dare you obstruct me?" "Ah, Master Mu, you're too kind!" the Yan cultivator replied with a bright smile. "How could I possibly do such a thing? I merely wanted to ask Master Mu whether she has received a letter from her father. After all, both our elders have already agreed to our marriage. Shouldn't we now discuss a date?" While speaking, his gaze continuously lingered on the woman's full, graceful figure and radiant beauty, filled with longing. However, when his eyes shifted to Han Li standing behind her, he paused momentarily, then a faint coldness briefly passed over his features. It seemed Master Mu had sensed his hidden intentions; a look of distaste flashed in her eyes, and she immediately commanded, her face now as cold as frost: "What are you thinking?" This is Master's nephew, Han, whom he has entrusted to me for guidance and instruction. He has absolutely no connection with our affairs. As for the family's promise of your marriage, how could I, a mere late-comer among the clan, possibly oppose the wishes of the senior elders? However, when I decide to jointly cultivate with you—when you reach my own level of cultivation—I shall then consider it. Until then, you may never even touch me with a finger. Clearly, this lady holds the man in deep disdain, offering him not a single word of goodwill. Upon hearing the cold and elegant woman's words, the scholar named Yan grew flushed, first red, then pale. Yet, as he opened his mouth to speak further, the lady named Mu had already raised her brows in growing impatience, gave a soft, disdainful huff, and then surged her spiritual energy to activate her artifact. A bright red glow erupted, carrying Han swiftly across the top of Yan's head and swiftly passing by him. Yan was greatly distressed and had almost risen to pursue her. But after a moment's thought, he settled back, remaining motionless, his expression tinged with a hint of reluctant resignation. Han Li turned to look at this person once more, and immediately noticed the intense resentment etched on his face. "Master Mu, does this person have a marital agreement with you?" Han Li hesitated slightly before asking, with a touch of unusual curiosity. The Yin-family cultivator was only at the foundational stage, while the Mu-family woman had reached the mid-foundational stage. Their appearances were vastly different—how could the woman's family possibly be willing to arrange a dual cultivation partnership with someone so unlike her? Han Li found himself growing increasingly puzzled. Though somewhat doubtful, Han Li had originally intended not to raise this question at all. The woman now looked deeply displeased; asking now would only make things awkward for herself. Yet, by simply ignoring the matter entirely, it seemed even more inappropriate. Despite knowing that he might face cold treatment—or even a scolding—from her, he still pressed on and asked. "I'd rather you didn't ask about my affairs." Indeed, as Han Li had anticipated, the moment he spoke, the young woman cast upon him a cold, expressionless gaze and replied without any emotion. As a result, Han Li immediately adopted a look of embarrassment and promptly silenced himself. However, while making this expression, Han Li faintly sensed that Yin Yue seemed to softly chuckle within his mind—only for the sound to fade into silence shortly thereafter. Since the woman had already been close to that Tian Quan Peak, they reached a large platform nestled in the mountain's midsection only after a short while. On this platform, a substantial hall stood built against the mountain's slope, exuding an ancient charm, with a silver scroll bearing the characters "Xishen Hall" inscribed above it. At this moment, the two massive black wooden doors of the hall remained firmly closed—this was where the disciples of Tian Quan Peak gathered to meet and discuss matters. Outside the Xishen Hall, numerous male and female disciples stood densely packed, numbering no less than five or six hundred. These individuals gathered in groups of three or five, chatting quietly or murmuring to one another. Yet, all of them were cultivators at the Qi Condensation stage—no one had spotted any cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage among them. The cold, elegant woman spun gracefully and landed right before the entrance of the hall. Immediately, the nearby cultivators bowed respectfully and greeted her. After a simple gesture, she moved forward without hesitation toward the main hall. Somehow, with a gentle tap, the hall doors parted slightly on their own. The woman showed no unusual reaction and stepped inside, where the doors closed smoothly behind her. Han Li watched her retreating figure, shook his head slightly, and as he prepared to blend into the crowd, found that many of the nearby disciples were now staring at him with expressions of surprise. Some of those a bit farther away even pointed at him, gesturing in amazement.