"Oh, Master Xie, it seems you were not surprised by our arrival." Han Li narrowed his eyes, speaking with clear intent. "Which realms are your three companions from—the Ling Realm or the Heiyan Realm?" After gazing at Han Li and his two companions again, Master Xie of the Sacred Line asked calmly. "The Ling Realm! The Heiyan Realm!" Master Xie, how can you be so certain that we are from these two realms?" Han Li inquired, his gaze sharp. "Because among the realms that sent strong reinforcements to assist our Sacred Line last time, only the Ling and Heiyan Realms have not yet sent anyone to visit us." Master Xie replied coldly. "You three?" Han Li's expression brightened. "Indeed—naturally, the Sacred Line elders who have not yet entered the Origin Seal Region. Though I am currently residing in Wanhua Mountain, I have maintained constant contact with the other elders. Should any new external strong forces wish to learn about the conditions in the Origin Seal Region, they would naturally seek us out first." Master Xie replied calmly and composedly.
"Indeed. We three are indeed from the Spirit Realm. Your guess was correct. However, what has happened at the starting site—seems as though Xie Lian should be well aware of it." Han Li paused thoughtfully before slowly speaking. "Ah, so you are from the Spirit Realm! Your appearance is somewhat familiar. Have you visited our Sacred Realm before?" The green-dressed lady did not immediately answer Han Li's question, but instead stared at his face for a while, then suddenly asked with a thoughtful expression, as though completely unaware that just recently the two realms had concluded a great war. Han Li was slightly taken aback by this, but quickly smiled. "Indeed, I once visited your realm. It seems that Xie Lian has already recognized me. There's no need to ask again then." "Hm, you are the very Han cultivator who was jointly pursued by the Yuan Yan Six Extremes back then!"
When you first left the Sacred Realm, you were still a combined-body cultivator. Now, you've even advanced to the Great Perfection stage. At last, I understand why those two held such high regard for you back then. Thus, the companion standing beside you must be the Crab cultivator from the Magic Source Sea. I am probably one of the few Sacred Ancestors in the Magic Realm who has never visited the Magic Source Sea to meet Brother Crab. Yet now it seems, it's not too late after all." Xie Lian sighed, her gaze shifting to settle once again on the Crab cultivator. As for Yin Yue, the combined-body cultivator at the initial stage, she had never even glanced at him. Clearly, to her, cultivators below the Great Perfection stage were simply not worth her attention. The Crab cultivator remained expressionless, silent, without offering any response. Han Li, however, raised his eyebrows and frowned, asking, "Since you have recognized Brother Crab, there's no need for me to introduce him. Regarding the matter of the Origin Seal land, have you not yet answered my questions?" "Indeed, I do know a few things about the Origin Seal land."
But this matter is no ordinary affair—this is not a place suitable for casual conversation. The three of you had better follow me down to the lower level for a more detailed discussion." After scanning the room with her green courtly robes, the woman's cold demeanor instantly melted into warmth. "Down below? Would you like to invite us three to your hall for a more in-depth chat?" Han Li glanced at the distant mountain, glowing with five-colored halos, and asked with a neutral tone. "Is it possible that Master Han fears I might be making some subtle arrangements?" The woman smiled lightly, and a touch of grace suddenly bloomed in her expression. "How could I think such a thing! Even with the esteemed Master Xie Lian, such a petty maneuver would be unlikely. Unless you truly believe that you can simultaneously handle two beings at the Great Transcendence stage." Han Li yawned, completely unconcerned in his demeanor. "Then, the three of you—please, follow me." Upon hearing this, the woman gently inclined her body and smiled warmly.
Han Li was not at all reluctant. With a simple shake of his sleeve, a cascade of golden light rolled out to either side, carrying Cai Dao Ren and Yin Yue together, and they surged forward as a golden rainbow toward a distant mountain peak.
When these two glanced at them, their gaze was as sharp as blades and swords, and even with Han Li's修为, he couldn't help but feel a slight chill on his skin.
"Great transcendence beings!" Han Li murmured, his expression growing serious.
Upon hearing this, Yin Yue's face changed instantly, and she drew in a deep breath.
These two black-skinned, robust men were also Great Transcendence cultivators, yet their aura was entirely distinct from that of the demonic race, giving Han Li a profoundly unfamiliar sensation.
"Xie Lian, these three are also reinforcements from other realms. Yet one of them is merely a junior Consolidation-stage cultivator." After scanning Han Li and his two companions, the bald, sturdy man suddenly blinked, his voice sounding strange and resonant, like that of stone on stone.
"Han friend, allow me to introduce you. These two are Jin Cha and Shi Ding from the 'White Light Realm,' having arrived here just about fifteen days ago. Jin brother, this is your friend from the Spirit Realm, Han friend, and Xie friend." The lady in court attire stepped forward and smiled warmly, beginning the introduction.
"The spiritual realm—the interface where conflicts occurred recently between your magical realm and ours—I thought we'd never send anyone back." The bald, broad-shouldered man cracked his wide mouth, revealing a bright set of white teeth, though his tone carried a subtle undercurrent of disdain. "Should the Mother of the Withering truly break free from her seal, several neighboring realms would face total annihilation. Naturally, we spiritual beings won't remain passive. As for the White-Light Realm, I must admit, I've never heard of it before." Han Li smoothed his expression, calmly responding. "Hmph. Even the White-Light Realm hasn't heard of it. Truly, one might say you're quite out of touch. Perhaps you've only just attained the stage of Great Perfection, by mere chance?" The bald man's face darkened with a sharp edge, his voice now frosty. The bearded, sturdy man beside him remained as composed and silent as the Crab Monks, showing no change in expression.
Han Li yawned, just about to speak when the court-dressed woman suddenly interrupted their conversation: "My lords, you have all come to my pavilion not merely to argue, have you? Since each of you has come specifically to seek the mother of the mire-creature, let us go inside and discuss this in greater detail. Jin brother has long wished to learn of the news regarding the site of the First Seal—now that Han brother and his companions have arrived, I shall be most honest and share it with you—ah."
Upon hearing this, Jin's face changed several times, but after a brief pause, he nodded with a flash of silver light in his eyes: "Finally, Xie Lian brother has agreed to tell us what we've been seeking. Naturally, Jin and Shi brother will listen attentively."
With these words, the bearded, sturdy man immediately called out to his companion and then turned to walk toward the inner chamber.
"Han brother, please follow me," the court-dressed woman said, unimpressed, and then turned to invite Han Li.
Han Li smiled slightly and, together with Yin Yue and the crab-clad disciple, followed Xie Lian the Saint into the pavilion.
"See Master Xie Lian!" Though the emerald palace was not large, the corridors behind the main door were lined with attendants dressed in identical palace attire—there were no fewer than thirty or forty of them. As Master Xie Lian entered, they immediately bowed respectfully. "Prepare some spiritual fruits and tea; another distinguished guest has arrived today," Xie Lian said with a graceful gesture, issuing a commanding yet dignified command. Several attendants promptly nodded and withdrew. A short while later, Han Li and the others followed Xie Lian into the palace hall. There, two senior cultivators from the White Light Realm were seated on two chairs on one side, quietly exchanging words through telepathy. Upon seeing this, Han Li did not hesitate and invited the Crab Master and Silver Moon to sit across from them. Xie Lian then gracefully stepped forward and took her seat at the central main position. "Xie Lian, I've gathered everyone now. Shall we begin?" the bald, sturdy man said, his expression brightening. "Of course."
But before I proceed, I would like to ask the esteemed guests a few questions. Are you all here to assist us in re-establishing the control over the mother of the blight-beast, or are you primarily coming to rescue your own kin and relatives? Master Xie Lian's expression softened slightly, and she asked with a touch of solemnity. "Master Xie, what do you mean by that? I don't see how these two objectives could be contradictory," replied the bald, sturdy man, his face pale and his tone suddenly serious. Han Li found this question quite unexpected, and his brows furrowed in response. "I fear this may leave you somewhat disappointed. With time running short, we can only focus on one of these two tasks at present. And no matter which one we choose, we must summon all our strength and commit fully to have any chance of success. That is also the reason I did not immediately inform Masters Jin and Jia of the location of the First Seal's site earlier." For the first time, Master Xie Lian's face revealed a hint of gentle sorrow.
"Hmph. It's only because two more people have joined that Master Xie now feels confident enough to share the news!" Jin Cha sneezed, expressing her slight dissatisfaction. "In fact, even if Master Han and his companions didn't come, I would still inform Master Jin of the matter within a month. After all, that's when our Holy Ancestors gather together. At that time, other guests from various realms will also join us to discuss how to address the great crisis facing the Holy Realm. I'm certain all of you would find it hard to miss this gathering." Master Xie thought for a moment and then spoke openly without further reservation. "Master Xie, regardless of our purpose for coming to the Holy Realm this time, it would be even better if we first learned about the current situation at the Origin Site before making any decisions." Upon hearing this, Han suddenly said.