When the elder's gaze naturally fell upon Han Li, his facial muscles instantly tightened, and he hurriedly bowed, saying, "The young disciple mentioned that a master has arrived at our gate. As I was unable to personally welcome him, I must apologize for my oversight." This was the sole elder of Tian Fu Sect, and his demeanor was full of respect. Upon hearing the elder's words, Yue Zhen and the other Foundation Stage cultivators were deeply moved; their last lingering doubts were completely dispelled, and they now regarded Han Li with even greater reverence. For a Yuan Ying Stage cultivator, such a presence was truly beyond reach within the current Tian Fu Sect. "I merely came at someone's request to deliver an item," Han Li said calmly, his expression unchanged. "I've held onto it for several years now. Since I have recently been assigned to handle matters in Huayun Prefecture, it seems only fitting to return it now. This item was specifically entrusted to your sect's master."
"As he spoke, Han Li slapped his hand against his waist, and a square bone box appeared in his hands. He then placed it casually on the table before him.
The elderly man with the surname Wen blinked, but promptly turned to say, "Nephew Yue, you've heard the elder's words as well. Go and take a look at what the elder has brought. If it truly is an item lost by our sect, we will certainly offer our heartfelt gratitude."
"Yes, uncles," Yue Zhen replied respectfully.
Then he stepped forward, took the bone box in both hands, and opened it curiously.
Several bone slabs inscribed with fine, small characters came into view.
"What is this?" Yue Zhen picked up one of the slabs at random and examined it closely.
Han Li smiled silently.
"This is the method for crafting the 'Jiang Ling Seal.' The handwriting is clearly that of Master Yun!" Yue Zhen exclaimed, after only a brief glance.
"Master Yun? You're certain it's not a mistake?" Wen's expression was initially surprised, then grew serious.
"Absolutely correct."
The master's study still hangs the calligraphy from Yun Shibo. Facing it day and night, how could he possibly mistake it? Tsai Zhen said this without hesitation. The other cultivators looked utterly astonished. "Indeed, this item was specifically entrusted to me by Yun Daojun. The Spirit-Calling Seal is one of your three most sacred seals—how could it possibly be mistaken?" Han Li said, without offering any further comment. "Of course not. But when did the elder first meet Yun Shibo? At that time, I had not yet condensed my golden elixir. In fact, during a business trip overseas, Yun Shibo suddenly vanished without a trace, and within a few years, we had heard nothing from him. Has Yun Shibo been unharmed?" The elderly man with the warm surname asked with genuine concern. "He should be fine. Actually, my meeting with the master was also quite coincidental. Decades ago, I experienced a similar fate. At that time, I—" Han Li briefly recounted the matter of the ghost mist and the Yinming Realm, naturally omitting details about his own encounters with the Yinming beasts and the crystal of the Yinming creatures, only mentioning them vaguely.
"There truly exists such a perilous place—how surprising! It's no wonder that over the years, practitioners have been vanishing mysteriously along the coast; it must be this ghostly mist at work." Upon hearing that the Yinming realm could not utilize magical abilities, the elderly man named Wen drew in a sharp breath. "Indeed, I too managed to escape only after exerting myself to the utmost of my strength. This box containing the artifact was entrusted to me by your esteemed master, to be delivered should the opportunity arise. However, I have a particular interest in the art of seal-making and have studied the method of crafting the descending-spirit seals. Would the esteemed friends mind?" said Han Li, his eyes gleaming with a smile. "Your personal return of the seal-making technique to our order is already an immense favor. How could we possibly think otherwise? Though it is traditionally said that only our master can master the descending-spirit seal, had it not been for your kind gesture of returning this artifact, the secret technique would have been entirely lost. Then, indeed, the very notion of protocol would have been meaningless." Wen bowed respectfully.
Yue Zhen nodded in agreement repeatedly. "Your hearts are so generous, and I feel rather embarrassed. Nevertheless, the items have now been delivered, and my personal wish has been fulfilled. I shall then be on my way." With a satisfied nod, Han Li stood up immediately. "We have not yet repaid the kindness you've shown us. Why not stay with us for a few more days so that we may offer you a little more of our host's hospitality?" The elderly man named Wen, though delighted to have regained the Divine Spirit Seal, was more eager to establish a connection with this unexpected high-ranking guest. He quickly said, "Besides, if anyone knows that our sect has a relationship with a Yuan-Infant stage cultivator, our status among the smaller sects will surely rise sharply. Even the pressing difficulties we currently face might be resolved entirely." "Stay for a while longer!" Han Li smiled slightly, with a look that was both amused and composed. "Didn't you say you were particularly interested in the art of seal-making?"
As for other matters, there are indeed some studies on the creation of talismans within our sect, and our ancestors have collected numerous classic texts on the subject. If the elders don't mind, I would be grateful if you could take a look at them, and perhaps offer us some guidance as well." Tsu Zhen's eyes twinkled as he suddenly said this. "Texts on talisman-making!" Hearing this, Han Li was slightly taken aback, paused thoughtfully, and found himself increasingly interested. The elderly gentleman named Wen stared in surprise, then nodded vigorously in agreement. "Very well. I do have a genuine interest in talisman-making, so I'll stay at your sect for a few days." Since Han Li had learned the "Spirit-Calling Seal" earlier, he had grown increasingly curious about the secret techniques of talisman creation at the Heavenly Seal Sect. After a moment's reflection, he finally agreed. "That's wonderful! It is truly a privilege for our sect that you have decided to stay. Would you like to rest a little first, and then we can proceed tomorrow?" The gentleman named Wen looked delighted and spoke carefully. "No, thank you. Let's go straight to the Library of Canon Texts now." Han
With his current cultivation level, as long as he sits in meditation slightly while reading, the minor spell energy expended on the journey will naturally be restored. "Very well, Young Master Yang, take Elder Han to our library. Whatever instructions Elder Han has, we will ensure all are fulfilled." The elderly man with the warm expression quickly instructed a middle-aged cultivator. "Understood, Elder Wen. Elder Han, please follow me." The middle-aged cultivator responded with great courtesy. Han nodded and followed him out of the hall. "I never thought Elder Yun would be trapped in such a strange place. That explains why his disappearance was so mysterious. The recovery of our sect's ancient spirit-summoning secret technique is truly a fortunate event for us." Only after Han had left the hall did the elderly man sigh. "Moreover, if we can establish a good relationship with Elder Han and spread some favorable word, it would undoubtedly benefit our sect greatly. Even just addressing the current market issues, we would certainly find solutions."
"Another disciple who had remained silent all along slowly spoke. "With a Yuan婴 cultivator as a backer, Ling Feng Sect would naturally step back and retreat—even Sha Yang Sect wouldn't be displeased by a small market town. Yet just now, from the elder's tone, it seemed that his relationship with Yun Senior was only ordinary. Given his status, how could he simply offer us unwavering support without any reason? We've only wished to present some treasures and establish a connection, but within our sect, there's nothing of any real value to impress the elder. Still, if we miss this opportunity, it would truly be a great loss," said Yue Zhen, who only managed a wry, murmured smile. "This is indeed quite challenging," the old man with the温 surname added, frowning slightly. The other disciples in the hall exchanged glances, and many of them also looked visibly concerned. At that moment, Han Li had already followed the middle-aged cultivator to a rather unremarkable pavilion. This pavilion had three levels, entirely encased in a light green seal.
When Han Li entered the first hall with the middle-aged cultivator, he found an elder sitting cross-legged on a mat, holding a jade scroll in his hands as though reviewing its contents. "Li junior, come and greet Master Han," the middle-aged cultivator immediately ordered upon seeing the elder, then turned to respectfully explain to Han Li: "This Li junior is specifically in charge of the Archive Hall and is thoroughly familiar with all its texts." At that moment, the elder seemed only just awakened from his concentration by the middle-aged cultivator's voice, quickly closing the scroll and rising with brisk efficiency to approach. "It's Master Yang who has arrived—I didn't come out to welcome you personally, so I'm here to apologize to Master Yang. This is Master Han—Master Han!" The elder had deep wrinkles, small eyes, and a smooth, polished expression, offering a polite smile to the middle-aged cultivator. Yet, upon glancing at Han Li, his voice suddenly trembled and his face froze. "Li junior?"
After clearly seeing the elder's face, Han Li was stunned, his expression filled with bewilderment. "How do you know this disciple?" the middle-aged cultivator asked, showing his own surprise. "Nothing special. This friend bears a strong resemblance to an old acquaintance of mine from my earlier days, but upon closer inspection, it's clear they're not quite the same. It seems I've mistaken him for someone else," Han Li said, his expression of surprise fading quickly as he offered a calm, gentle smile. "Ah, now I understand. Then, please, the elder may remain here to meditate alone. Li, nephew, there's no need for you to tidy up. Come with me." Though the middle-aged cultivator didn't believe his words, he didn't press further, instead turning to address his "nephew." "Yes, nephew, I'll—." "No need. Since this friend is so well-versed in the texts stored in the study, I have a few things I'd like to borrow from him. Let him stay with me for a few days, then." Han Li suddenly smiled lightly, his eyes conveying a thoughtful intent as he glanced at the elder. "Ah, very well. Then, I shall
Li, your opportunity has come—definitely heed Master Han's instructions. Although the mid-level cultivator had some reservations about the two's recent performances, it was truly remarkable that Li, a junior disciple, could spend several days in close companionship with a Yuan婴 cultivator. Beyond that, even a few simple pointers from Master Han might prove immensely beneficial to such lower-tier disciples. Nevertheless, Han's clear intention to send them on their way was evident, so he didn't linger any longer. After briefly reminding the elder once more, he stepped back with a lingering sense of curiosity. Upon seeing the mid-level cultivator's silhouette fade from the pavilion, Han turned to the elder and offered a thoughtful, subtle smile.