Lu Luo couldn’t help but grow tense upon hearing those words. But he soon calmly replied, “I am not too sure about his circumstances, but I am sure that he is merely recovering from his injuries in concealment.”
As someone who had lived for several hundred years, Lu Luo was able to clearly see the middle-aged man’s envy. He was an elder of the number one sect in the Heavenly Dao Alliance — the Phoenix’s Cry Sect. They were the sect that had the Dao Companion cultivators capable of rivalling the three great cultivators of the Heavenly South. There was no other reason for why they stood at the top of the alliance.
Now that the man heard that a Drifting Cloud Sect would later be able to enter the late Nascent Soul stage, his mood turned for the worse. But from his expression, it appeared as if he were truly concerned, so none could say much about it.
Just as the atmosphere turned awkward, a streak of red light suddenly entered the room, much to the surprise of those present. It circled once around before flying towards Lu Luo. With a faceful of surprise, Lu Luo waved at the red light and it burst into a ball of flames before dropping into his hand. After he immersed his spiritual sense into it, delight appeared on his face.
“Junior Martial Brother Han just entered the city and is currently at my sect’s camp. I must take my leave.” Forcefully suppressing his excitement, he gave a brief explanation before hurriedly departing.
The others were left dumbstruck for a time after seeing him leave in a blur, each of them wearing all sorts of expressions. They didn’t expect that the legendary Elder Han would appear right when they were speaking of him.
Xu Changjing twirled his beard as he wore a pensive expression. As for the middle-aged man, he appeared calm but if one looked closely, one could spot a trace of gloominess on his face.
Although Skyfirst City was a newly constructed city, it was where the various sects of the four superpowers stationed their forces, with each faction taking up a different section of the city. As for the middle portion of the city, it was public grounds where a few famous vagrant cultivators lived.
The Heavenly Dao Alliance were situated in the west section of the city, with the Drifting Cloud Sect occupying an area of about five acres in the southmost portion. Over two hundred Drifting Cloud Sect disciples occupied it, consisting of seven Core Formation cultivators and the rest being at Foundation Establishment stage — making up a majority of the Drifting Cloud Sect’s forces.
Han Li was currently sitting in a wooden chair at the center of the main hall in the Drifting Cloud Sect’s camp. He was holding his chin in his hand while wearing a calm expression. At his side stood two Core Formation cultivators — the Fire Cloud Mountain Lord, a red-clothed old man, and the White Phoenix Mountain Lord, the woman surnamed Song. They were both waiting at his side in a solemn and respectful manner, but complicated expressions occasionally surfaced on their faces.
At that moment, Lu Luo hurriedly rushed into the hall and spotted Han Li. He promptly beamed with joy as he approached and said, “Junior Martial Brother Han, you’ve finally returned. It’s been over half a year since I’ve seen you. You had me worried.”
Han Li stood up and returned the smile. “Sorry to worry you, but my vitality was injured at the time. I had no choice to but to recover for a while. However, I heard news that Soaring Heavens City is no longer under our control. I was quite worried for you as well.”
“It is good that nothing bad has happened.” Lu Luo wore a relieved expression, but he then swept his gaze across the hall and his expression grew sullen. “Huh? Where are the other Martial Nephews? Why haven’t they greeted you?”
The red-clothed old man respectfully answered, “Reporting to Martial Uncle, the others are on rotation today.”
Lu Luo’s expression then relaxed as he said, “Oh! Then it can’t be helped.”
At that moment, Han Li said with a smile, “When I returned, I discovered that I have become quite famous. Could you tell me something of the rumors? There seem to be many of them.” On his return, he was quite surprised to hear many of the rumors about him.
Lu Luo chuckled. “I was just thinking of talking to you about this...” As he was about to continue, he suddenly glanced at the red-clothed old man and the woman standing at the side. “You two may leave. I am going to have a discussion with your Martial Uncle Han alone.”
The two didn’t dare to disobey and hastily withdrew. However, when the woman surnamed Song walked out, she glanced once more at Han Li before departing. Han Li felt somewhat puzzled by this, but he turned a blind eye to it.
Ever since the woman surnamed Song saw him, her expression had been odd as if she had something she wanted to say to him. However, she was always hesitant to do so. While this baffled Han Li, he had no intention of taking the initiative to ask about it.
Seeing that the two Martial Nephews had withdrawn, Lu Luo bitterly smiled and complained, “Junior Martial Brother, you’ve spent quite a bit of effort hiding your vast abilities from Senior Martial Brother Cheng and me. Why didn’t you tell us about them earlier?”
Han Li shook his head and helplessly said, “Senior Martial Brother Lu should know perfectly well that I condensed a Nascent Soul only a few years ago. Wouldn’t I seem boastful speaking of my vast abilities?”
Lu Luo chuckled and wore a strange smile. “That’s enough. There is no need for Junior Martial Brother to be so modest. Although it was our enemies who evaluated your abilities, their assessment shouldn’t be too far off. However, what truly surprised my Senior Martial Brother and I was how you managed to steal away that female Nascent Soul cultivator from the Masked Moon Sect. You truly have our admiration.”
Han Li’s expression stirred and he worriedly asked, “What? You’ve already seen Wan’er?”
Before Han Li and Nangong Wan departed, he had given her a jade slip providing an ambiguous description of her identity. But when he heard Lu Luo, it seemed he already knew everything.
Seeing the worry on Han Li’s face, Lu Luo beamed and said, “That’s right! Fairy Nangong already explained everything to Senior Martial Brother Cheng. There is no need to worry about anything.”
Puzzled, Han Li frowned and asked,“Senior Martial Brother Lu means to say...?”
Lu Luo blinked before happily saying, “Ah, so Junior Martial Brother still doesn’t know. Several months ago, the Masked Moon Sect suddenly spread information that Fairy Nangong had suffered an inner demon backlash during cultivation and had lost her life, and that her engagement to the Flowing Mind Sect’s Wei Lichen was dissolved. Also, Senior Martial Brother Cheng has recognized Wan’er as his sworn sister, and intends for the two of you to become Dao companions. What does Junior Martial Brother Han think?”
Han Li was dumbfounded by what he heard. “Wan’er has become a sworn sister of Senior Martial Brother Cheng?”
“That’s right. It is as I said. Once we repel the spell warriors, we will openly conduct the Dao Ceremony for you two. Even if any doubts later surface, the matter will already be done. Who would dare to seek trouble from the entire Heavenly Dao Alliance? Even if Wei Wuya were to personally know of this matter, he would only be able to forcibly ignore the matter as we were war allies. Besides, you’ve also made quite the name for yourself so the Flowing Mind Sect and the Masked Moon Sect will likely ignore the matter.”
Having heard this, Han Li grew silent and a complicated expression appeared on his face. Then with a light sigh, he slowly said, “For my matters, I have troubled my two Senior Martial Brothers greatly. I will take it to heart.”
Han Li’s simple words were much to the delight of Lu Luo. He and his Senior Martial Brother had spent no small amount of effort to win over Han Li’s feelings. With the words he had just spoken, it was most likely impossible for Han Li to be roped in by Yellow Maple Valley.
In a display of complete intimacy, Lu Luo continued, “Hehe! We consider Junior Martial Brother Han to be one of our own, not some outsider. Ah yes, Lady Nangong was somewhat worried when she heard
you went missing, and felt the need to rush here herself. It was only through immense effort that Senior Martial Brother Cheng was able to hold her back. After all, there are may cultivators from the Flowing Mind Sect and the Masked Moon Sect here, and you’ve yet to officially become Dao companions. It’d be best if Fairy Nangong isn’t recognized at this point. As for Junior Martial Brother Han’s concubine, I’ve had her escorted back to the sect, as it will be dangerous in the upcoming battle.”
Chapter 750: Conditions
Han Li felt somewhat apprehensive at the thought of Mu Peiling and Nangong Wan meeting each other. However, he merely uttered a few words of thanks to Lu Luo.
“What does Junior Martial Brother Han plan on doing now? According to the arrangements, you no longer need to participate in any upcoming battles due to your previous service. However a few days ago, the Righteous and Devilish Dao, the Nine Nations Union, and our Heavenly Dao alliance held a meeting with regards to war countermeasures, and Junior Martial brother Han was mentioned. Since you were able to slay the black-robed spell warrior in an instant, your techniques will certainly be capable of restraining the other black-robed spell warriors. As such, they hoped Junior Martial brother would be able to participate in the battle soon to come.”
Lu Luo then revealed a hesitant expression before continuing, “The representative of the Heavenly Dao Alliance also believes that Junior Martial Brother will be a great military asset, and that it would be inexcusable if he doesn’t fight. That is...”
Somewhat to Lu Luo’s surprise, Han Li didn’t reveal any anger. Instead, he coldly smiled and said, “I find it acceptable to continue fighting. If the Heavenly South was to be truly occupied by the Moulan, nothing good would happen for our Drifting Cloud Sect. However, how will the previous agreement be dealt with? Surely it won’t just be waved away with mere words!”
Lu Luo bitterly smiled and said, “Of course not. With the addition of Junior Martial Brother’s merits of slaying the black-robed cultivator and ferreting out the Moulan spy, the alliance promises that it will adhere to any conditions Junior Martial Brother will raise, given that he continues to fight in the war. So long as your conditions are fulfillable, they will attempt to satisfy you as much as they can as compensation.”
Han Li’s expression stirred for a moment, but he remained calm while he said, “They are willing to compensate me? That is easy to say, but I’ll need to have a discussion about these specific conditions with the person in charge.”
Lu Luo smiled and said, “That is also good. I was just about to bring Junior Martial Brother to go see the acting leaders of the Heavenly Dao Alliance. So long as your conditions aren’t excessive, they should be willing to agree.”
Han Li smiled and slowly said, “Be at ease, Senior Martial Brother Lu. I will not attempt to overreach myself and make it difficult for you.”
Seeing that Han Li understood to act within reason, Lu Luo felt relieved and said, “Junior Martial Brother must be joking. There is no need to give consideration for my sake. This is a rare display of generosity from those old folks so you shouldn’t hold back.”
When Han Li heard this, he wore a mysterious smile and said nothing further. Afterwards, Lu Luo promptly led Han Li out of the Drifting Cloud Sect’s encampment and directly headed to the Heavenly Dao Alliance’s official hall.
“Our Heavenly Dao Alliance’s acting leaders are a coalition of ten or so elders from various large sects. They are replaced in ten year intervals. Of course, this doesn’t apply to the three founding sects of the Heavenly Dao Alliance — the Ancient Sword Sect, the Phoenix Cry Sect, and the Sailing Boundaries Study. In truth, these three sects have the most sway within the alliance.
“And amongst them, the Phoenix Cry Sect is a cut above the Ancient Sword Sect and the Sailing Boundaries Study in terms of power. Surely you should know of Fellow Daoists Feng Bing and Long Han of the Phoenix Cry Sect? They are the Dao companions that are capable of contending with a late Nascent Soul cultivator. It is because of these two that we are capable of rivalling the other three factions. However, only Fellow Daoist Long Han has revealed himself as Elder Feng Bing immediately entered into seclusion upon arriving at Skyfirst City. It appears she was at a crucial period of cultivating some secret technique. So long as Junior Martial Brother Han has a proper discussion with the acting leaders of the alliance that are currently in the city, they should be agreeable. I also have to mention that Elder Long Han is currently amongst the three acting leaders in the city.” As Lu Luo walked by Han Li’s side, he gave him an explanation of the inner workings of the Heavenly Dao Alliance.
Some of this information was new to Han Li. As such, he simply nodded as he listened.
The Heavenly Dao Alliance’s official hall was located in the center of the west part of the city. After a calm walk, Han Li and Lu Luo soon arrived at an imposing stone hall surrounded by many towers.
Clearly recognizing Lu Luo, the Foundation Establishment cultivators guarding the hall respectfully saluted him. One of them stepped forward said, “Greetings Senior Lu. Which elders have you come to see? And who might this Senior be?” Their expressions grew hesitant when they saw Han Li’s unfamiliar face.
Lu Luo’s expression remained tranquil as he calmly said, “This is my fellow Sect Elder Han, and I’ve come to see Elder Long and the others.”
“Ah, so it was Senior Han. Please wait a moment. The elders are currently discussing something in the hall. I will report to them immediately.” The cultivator was shocked and glanced at Han Li with astonishment, his expression growing more respectful. It was clear he knew of Han Li’s reputation.
The cultivator soon took out a sound transmission talisman and whispered something into it before tossing it into the air.
A short moment after it shot inside as a streak of red light, three melodious rings sounded out from the hall. When the guards heard this, they immediately bowed and said, “Please enter, Seniors. The elders know that you’ve arrived.”
Lu Luo nodded and boldly walked into the hall as Han Li calmly followed after him.
After passing through several corridors, Lu Luo brought Han Li into a side chamber where six Nascent Soul cultivators were currently seated. When the two walked in, all six of them glanced over. However, most of their gazes were focused on Han Li, each wearing an interested expression.
Each of their cultivations was unordinary, but when Han Li looked at them, his attention was caught by the middle-aged man that was sitting at the center of the room. His clothes were grey, his appearance odd, and his stature wide. His cultivation was also at the peak of mid Nascent stage, a considerable distance above ordinary mid Nascent Soul cultivators; he was just a step away from entering the late Nascent Soul stage.
Han Li’s heart trembled, immediately realizing that this person was the Phoenix Cry Sect’s Long Han. With such profound cultivation, it was no wonder he was able to contend against late Nascent Soul cultivators with his wife. He had originally believed the rumors were over-exaggerated, not the other way around.
As the others remained silent, the middle-aged man beamed and stood up. With a salute, he said, “Brother Lu, this must be your sect’s Elder Han. In the past few days, we’ve heard much of his thunderous repute.”
After giving the middle-aged man an appraising look, Han Li returned the salute and said with a smile, “You must be Long Han. I too have long heard of your famous name.”
Sitting at Long Han’s side, an old man with a pale complexion half-jokingly said, “If we’re speaking of reputation, recently Fellow Daoist Han is much more famous. You’ve earned our Heavenly Dao Alliance much repute.”
“This Fellow Daoist is quite humorous. May I know your name?” Han Li had already taken note of the old man as he was the only other mid Nascent Soul cultivator in the room apart from Long Han. He didn’t dare to slight him.
Before the old man could reply, Lu Luo rushed to introduce him, “Junior Martial Brother Han, this is Brother Kuang of the Saili
ng Boundaries Study. His Heavenly Earth Arts have repeatedly shaken the continent for several hundreds of years.”
Astonished, Han Li said, “So it turned out to be Brother Kuang. I’ve also held you in much esteem for a long time.”
Han Li’s words weren’t lies. This old man was truly renowned, and in the Heavenly Dao Union he was ranked below only to Long Han and his Dao companion. Of course, the Drifting Cloud Sect Elder Cheng had repeatedly mentioned them in the past, but Han Li didn’t think he would actually meet them.
Afterwards, Lu Luo introduced the other cultivators to Han Li. They weren’t particularly noteworthy apart from the Ancient Sword Sect Elder, an ugly man surnamed Tian, who Han Li particularly took notice of. With the introductions over, they all took a seat.
Long Han smiled and calmly said, “Since Fellow Daoist Han has come to visit the official hall, he should know of our wishes for him to continue fighting in the war. In truth, we did break our previous promise. But with war approaching, your abilities will prove to be of great help for the cultivators of the Heavenly South. We have no other choice. But as compensation, we will provide you with materials, medicine pills and such for your trouble. Fellow Daoist Han, if you are still unwilling, we can further discuss this. So long as it is possible for our alliance, we will not refuse you.”
Long Han deserved his title as the cultivator who ruled the Heavenly Dao Alliance. Before Han Li could even mention why he had come, he had already taken the initiative to apologize to Han Li. He would be put in a bad position if he were to reveal any objections.
However, Han Li wasn’t angry to begin with. Having escaped from the hands of the Moulan Divine Sage, he had proved he should have strength to spare while still preserving his life if a battle took a turn for the worse. Since Han Li had no worries over his survival, he didn’t have much to be unhappy about. Rather, he felt that this was a rare opportunity!
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