A Mortal’s Journey to Immortality: Wang Yu’s Rebirth as the Reincarnation Dao Ancestor - Chapter 92

Chapter 91 Achieve the Goal Through a Circuitous Route, Giving the Yan Family a Big Surprise

. The location was extremely well-hidden.

For centuries, no miner had discovered it.

Therefore, Han Li’s search was quite arduous.

But perseverance pays off. Over the next month, he traversed the underground mine dozens of times, meticulously examining every corner. Finally, while passing through a secluded spot, he noticed something amiss with a massive rock.

This rock was enormous, a staggering seven or eight zhang in size, resembling a wall. However, through a detail captured by his divine sense, Han Li realized that this boulder had abruptly severed the end of a former ore vein.

In other words, behind this boulder, there might be a vanished passage!

And the reality was exactly as he had guessed.

After taking a detour, using earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of escape technique) to bypass the boulder and sneak behind it, he indeed discovered an abandoned mine tunnel two zhang wide.

Clearly, the boulder was man-made,

perfectly concealing the secret behind the tunnel.

If one weren’t deliberately exploring, outsiders would never discover this place.

“It’s really easy to miss it if you’re not careful.”

Han Li summoned puppets to scout ahead.

Along the way, he passed several stalactite caves.

Some were only a few meters in size, while others were over twenty meters.

Before long, he arrived at the largest stalactite cave he had ever seen.

This cave was dozens of meters in size, but not very deep; it seemed quite shallow from the ground. After all, the passages he had traversed all along had a gentle upward trend. Perhaps it was because this cave was shallow rather than deep, located high above various mines and abandoned passages, that it was generally believed that there were no spirit mines in this area. That’s why it hadn’t been mined over the years.

In a corner of the cave, there was a pile of white bones and several large white cocoons.

At the deepest part of the cave, there were piles of spirit stone ore.

In the very center of the spirit stone ore was a conspicuous hexagonal teleportation array.

The teleportation array was extremely ancient, with one corner already damaged. However, a five-colored skeleton sat atop it. The skeleton was miraculously floating three feet off the ground, seemingly holding a blue object in its hands. A quick scan revealed it to be a gleaming blue token.

“Ancient teleportation array, Great Teleportation Token…!”

Before the ancient teleportation array lay a large white spider several meters long—the Blood Jade Spider.

Sensing the movement, the Blood Jade Spider suddenly looked up at the cave entrance.

However, it only saw a level 2 beast puppet approaching, unaware of Han Li, who had used concealment techniques and was hiding outside the cave.

“Squeak squeak squeak…”

The Blood Jade Spider squeaked a few times upon spotting the puppet.

Then it moved.

Several long legs lashed out rapidly, attacking the beast puppet with lightning speed. One leg lashed out and tore the puppet’s body apart, instantly destroying it.

“A level four Blood Jade Spider…”

This massive creature contained two living larvae.

To preserve their viability, he had two options: either avoid a prolonged fight and finish the battle quickly, or capture it alive.

“Without the Heavenly Bottle, if I want to plan my scheme for the Void Heaven Cauldron, I can’t easily abandon this level four Blood Jade Spider. Otherwise, the two little guys might not be able to reach level four when the Void Heaven Palace opens in a hundred years.”

One level four Blood Jade Spider is at least comparable to three level three ones.

If he kills this level four one, then with only two level two or three Blood Jade Spiders, he might not be able to successfully obtain the cauldron.

Even if he waits another 300 years to obtain the cauldron, he’ll still need the Blood Jade Spiders’ help.

Therefore,

he must capture this level four one alive if possible.

The key is to keep the commotion low and avoid alerting the mine authorities.

“What a nuisance.”

…

A swarm of puppets rushed out. This time, they weren’t the easily damaged Level 2 puppets, but over a dozen Level 3 puppets and a Level 4 giant tiger puppet.

These puppets didn’t attack the Blood Jade Spider with energy blasts, but instead tried to entangle it by force, attempting to bind its legs.

The effect was good.

Although the Blood Jade Spider possessed some brute strength, it was ultimately a demonic beast, not very clever, and didn’t know how to defeat it one by one. In an instant, it was surrounded and entangled by over a dozen giant wolf puppets and the giant tiger puppet, unable to break free.

Meanwhile, on Han Li’s side, he seized the opportunity to unleash a series of Silence Talismans.

During this time, he also summoned a top-tier magic artifact, a refined steel bracelet, infused with many magical treasures to enhance its hardness and spirituality.

Just as the giant white spider was distracted by dealing with the relatively indestructible Foundation Establishment stage puppets, it spun out with a whoosh, then seized the opportunity and struck the Blood Jade Spider heavily on the forehead. The giant white spider, which had been alone for hundreds of years, was knocked off balance, its head buzzing. This successfully replicated the Golden-backed Demon Mantis’s old path.

In truth, any Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn’t have fallen for it so easily,

much less suffer such a superficial loss.

Unfortunately,

it was just a spider.

It couldn’t distinguish between light and heavy blows.

The Blood Jade Mother Spider, having taken the full force of the steel bracelet’s attack, though its forehead wasn’t dented, was screaming in pain. Clearly, it was hurt.

But Han Li’s offensive didn’t stop there.

“Go!”

The newly refined Azure Dragon Chains, now over ten zhang long, flew out from the left and right, quickly wrapping around the Blood Jade Spider’s legs. Seeing this, the giant spider was enraged and swung its long legs to strike. The tips of its legs gleamed coldly. The chains collided with the hardest part of the chain, producing a crisp metallic clang.

However…

The commotion here was completely neutralized by the dozens of low-level silence notes Han Li had previously cast.

From the moment he cast those notes, the noise here couldn’t be transmitted unless the ground shook violently.

Seeing this, the Blood Jade Spider knew it had encountered a formidable opponent, and its body began to emanate a red aura.

This was the Berserk Technique, which could greatly enhance its strength and other aspects during the spell’s duration. The difference between the red and white Blood Jade Spiders was enormous.

However, this innate technique also had significant side effects, leaving the user weakened for a period after the spell ended.

“Finally going berserk? I’ve been waiting for you to go berserk, and then fall into a period of weakness.”

“Next, let’s have some fun.”

He really couldn’t bear to use top-grade magic weapons like the Silver Radiance Sword and the Crescent Moon Blade to harm this Blood Jade Spider.

Otherwise, why would there be so much trouble?

“…”

In the end, Han Li used the Azure Dragon Chains to bind the weakened Blood Jade Spider, and then used the intermediate-level Soul-Suppressing Talisman he carried to hypnotize the weakened spider, putting it into a deep sleep. Then he put it into an empty spirit beast pouch.

When it wakes up again, this extremely loyal spider to Ji Xuan might find that its sky… has collapsed.

Of course.

Compared to the Golden-Backed Demon Mantis, this Blood Jade Spider’s treatment is simply too good.

…

Outside the ancient teleportation array, Han Li looked at the large pile of raw ore that had lost its spiritual energy and sighed.

The ancient teleportation array hadn’t been activated for hundreds of years, yet the spiritual energy within the raw ore had been completely lost. This wasn’t due to natural loss, but rather because the Blood Jade Spider, for its own survival, had been absorbing the spiritual energy from the ore every now and then.

Otherwise, the Blood Jade Spider would likely have been trapped and died here long ago.

In other words, if he or the others had arrived a few decades later, discovered this place a few decades later, this level four Blood Jade Spider would probably only be a pile of bones by then.

“If we don’t replenish these raw ores with enough spiritual energy, the long-distance teleportation will probably cause a huge commotion…”

Thinking of some of the original owner’s experiences, Han Li decided to be cautious.

Stepping onto the ancient teleportation array, he reached out and the blue token appeared in his hand.

This Great Teleportation Token was neither gold nor silver; it was soft to the touch. He wondered what materials the ancient cultivators used to make it, as it allowed cultivators to avoid the spatial tearing and discomfort during long-distance teleportation. A good thing.

After putting away the token, he looked at the skeleton floating in the center of the teleportation array. He flicked his finger, burning the skeleton, and eight condensed five-colored beads quickly fell down.

These five-colored beads are the Heaven-Mending Pills whose medicinal power has not yet fully dissipated. If he can refine them one by one, he can greatly refine his spiritual roots, improving his sensitivity to and efficiency in absorbing and converting the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. At that time, although he will still have four pseudo-spiritual roots, his efficiency in utilizing each of the four spiritual energies of “wood, water, fire, and earth” will reach the level of three or even two spiritual roots.

This is extremely beneficial for condensing the Nascent Soul.

“Finally got them.”

“Finally got them.”

Han Li, who had collected several five-colored Heaven-Mending Pills, took a deep breath and suppressed his excitement.

If he could refine one or two before forming his Golden Core, it would greatly help him condense his spiritual roots.

Of course, the prerequisite for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to refine them quickly is that a Core Formation cultivator needs to help him with the pill fire!

After all, even a Core Formation cultivator needs two months to initially refine one of the eight pills into his root bone with the pill fire, and the gradual effect takes decades or even centuries to achieve full success. The true fire of a Foundation Establishment cultivator is far inferior to the pill fire of a Core Formation cultivator. Without the assistance of a Core Formation cultivator, he feared it would take him several years to refine even a small one.

“No rush, take your time, I have plenty of time.”

“Even if it takes ten years to refine just one small one and make it effective, my spiritual root aptitude will improve considerably, making the Core Formation stage much easier.”

Fortunately, no matter what, he was making progress, increasing his success rate in Core Formation and even Nascent Soul Formation.

“If I can cultivate one or two Fiend Core clones or Core Formation stage external avatars before my main body forms its core, then I can use the pill fire of these Core Formation clones to assist in refining one or two Heaven-Mending Pills…”

The future is beautiful.

The future is also very good.

…

After spending three days, Han Li inspected all the stalactite caves and mine tunnels around him.

While eliminating potential hazards, he also wanted to find the Extremely Cool storage bag, the spirit beast bag, and the traces of the other Blood Jade Spider.

Unfortunately, neither Ji Xuan’s storage bag nor his spirit beast bag, nor the other Blood Jade Spider, are here.

This is because someone came here and managed to escape alive with Ji Xuan’s storage bag and spirit beast bag.

As for why that person didn’t return to take the Great Teleportation Token, it’s

because that person was severely injured and died shortly after leaving this place. Any news about this place became a secret because of the boulder formed from a mid-level earth-element talisman left behind before leaving.

Moreover, after that person’s death, the items he dropped were found by one of Emperor Yue’s ancestors.

This ancestor lacked spiritual roots and could not cultivate immortality, so he left these items behind.

Until Emperor Yue, a seedling of immortality with spiritual roots, appeared

, he became the current Emperor Yue.

As for why there is only one Blood Jade Spider and the other cannot be found,

it’s because the other one was killed more than four hundred years ago during the Void Heaven Palace instance. Otherwise, the Void Heaven Cauldron would have been created long ago.

“Should we set up the Inverted Five Elements Array to protect this formation?”

After thinking for a moment, he didn’t do anything unnecessary, collected what he needed, and left.

Furthermore, although a mid-level Soul-Suppressing Talisman could force a weakened Blood Jade Spider into a deep sleep, it wouldn’t last long. In less than ten days, the giant would awaken. Therefore, it was best to return to the sect as soon as possible to deal with the spider and avoid any complications.

So, instead of wandering around, he went straight to Red Tassel Mountain:

“Master, your disciple has caught another giant…”

Red Dust Fairy: …

All the women: …?!

…

Taming a level four Blood Jade Spider himself would definitely be inefficient. It would take at least a hundred years, with no upper limit.

To improve efficiency, a high-level cultivator would have to intervene.

Of course, he didn’t really want this Blood Jade Spider, which had once recognized him as its master, to switch allegiance and become completely obedient to him. All he wanted was for this big guy to behave himself and not cause trouble in his spirit beast pouch. And maybe, incidentally, to consume some Rainbow Grass and produce a few more demon beast eggs?

He didn’t even dare to dream of taming it. In short: it didn’t matter

if he couldn’t have its heart, but he wanted its body, and to be able to use it whenever needed. Like, pulling the cauldron. Or, for example, encouraging reproduction, the more the better.

Pretty realistic, wasn’t it?

If this goal couldn’t be achieved in ten years, then fifty. If

fifty years wasn’t enough, then a hundred.

In short, even if it was just a stone, he’d melt it down for it.

Han Li, having taken the two small spider eggs, abandoned the large white spider without looking back:

“…Master, I’m entrusting this giant spider to you.”

“I need to quickly send its eggs to the spirit spring to raise them…”

He came in a flurry and left

just as quickly. Upon returning to the spirit spring cave, he immediately began the blood pact ritual. He forced two drops of blood from his fingertips, and with the aid of a string of intricate spirit runes, he inserted them into the two white spirit insect eggs. Thus, the initial blood pact was established.

This blood pact would be performed periodically thereafter to continuously strengthen the bond between them, aiming to ensure that Xiao Bai and Xiao Yu would recognize him as their master from birth. He

also compared their hatching speeds and felt that Xiao Bai and Xiao Yu’s hatching speed would be much faster than the Golden-backed Demon Mantis’s eggs.

They would hatch within the next year or so.

As for the Golden-backed Demon Mantis, just as Master Hong Fu had said, it was lucky to have caught the egg-laying season. If it had been any earlier, the Golden-backed Demon Mantis wouldn’t have been pregnant yet; otherwise, the Spirit Control Sect member would have already helped his spirit pet lay eggs. One egg-laying would make that person incredibly happy.

Little White and Little Jade, however, were different. These two had been conceived by the Great White Spider for a long time and could have given birth long ago. It was only due to the increasingly harsh conditions in the mine that the Great White Spider, unwilling to leave the Extreme Brilliant Corpse, had remained pregnant, preventing the two little ones from being born early.

…

Later, Han Li went to the Yuanwu Kingdom.

He sought out Qi Yunxiao and Xin Ruyin, learning weapon crafting and formation techniques from them.

Compared to his busy Master Hongfu, asking these two for foundational knowledge was undoubtedly better. After all, Master Hongfu wasn’t his biological mother; how could she indulge him in everything? She certainly wouldn’t serve him entirely.

Core Formation stage cultivators also need to cultivate.

And they often cherish their time even more and cultivate more diligently.

If he kept bothering them, it would be considered inconsiderate and might annoy them.

Time flies, and another eight or nine months have passed. Han Li had long since returned to his cave dwelling. Counting the days, eight years had passed since he participated in the Crimson Trial. In other words, he had been at the Foundation Establishment stage for over seven years.

His magical power cultivation had maintained a steady rate of improvement.

He had also made time to study the Great Evolution Technique to avoid falling behind completely.

Most importantly, he focused on array formations and weapon crafting.

He had mastered a considerable amount of theoretical knowledge in both. Furthermore, he had been willing to use the remaining demonic beast materials obtained from the Crimson Forbidden Land for practice, and he could now craft lower-grade magical artifacts. However, array formations were too complex; even with Xin Ruyin’s meticulous instruction, it wasn’t something he could comprehend in a short time.

That day, beside the Spirit Eye Spring in his Spirit Spring Cave dwelling, he completed the refining of a Foundation Establishment pill as usual. Then, he opened his eyes, got up, and went to stroll around the nearby fake cave dwelling.

Upon seeing a communication talisman that had been blocked outside the cave, his eyes lit up:

“Is it finally coming?”

He focused his mind on the talisman, and the message he read was exactly as he expected—it was sent by Master Hongfu.

“Yan Family of Yanling Fortress, Treasure Hunt!”

Han Li murmured, then took out another communication talisman from his storage bag. This one had been sent to him by Zhong Lingdao a month ago. The information inside also concerned the Yan Family’s Treasure Hunt.

Clearly, he had been keeping an eye on this important event, which was neither small nor large.

In fact, if the second communication talisman hadn’t arrived, he was prepared to act alone.

“Fortunately, although it’s a bit late, it won’t cause any problems.”

This so-called “Treasure Hunt” was a special gathering organized by the Yan Family, the “Number One Loose Cultivator Family” in the Yue Kingdom’s cultivation world, inviting disciples of all the Core Formation stage experts from nearby countries. The purpose was to cultivate good relations with many Core Formation cultivators, which would benefit the Yan Family’s future development. Therefore, they spared no expense, offering the legendary talisman “Qiankun Tower” as the prize for first place.

The Qiankun Tower is a renowned magical artifact, a treasure possessed by the Baiqiao Academy, a major immortal sect in the northernmost part of Tiannan, and a powerful heirloom. The Yan family’s Qiankun Tower is said to have been left behind by a Nascent Soul stage elder of the Baiqiao Academy, and has been passed down to the Yan family’s ancestor ever since.

This talisman possesses immense power; as a talisman personally crafted by a Nascent Soul elder, its power naturally surpasses that of the Qiong Elder’s Invisible Needle Talisman. Therefore, even cultivators in the mid-to-late stages of Core Formation would covet it. Furthermore,

besides the Qiankun Tower as the prize, the Yan family’s treasure hunt also includes many other rare treasures, magical artifacts, and elixirs.

They are truly generous.

For example, they have prepared over a dozen bottles of elixirs suitable for mid-to-late Foundation Establishment

cultivators. As for magical artifacts, there are many rare and precious ones.

The scale of the conference was enormous, inviting not only all Core Formation cultivators from the Yue Kingdom, but also those from neighboring kingdoms such as Jiang, Cheqi, Yuanwu, Shayun, and Zijin. They actively invited these Core Formation experts to send their disciples to participate.

“The Yan family certainly has some clever methods.”

“A few years ago, they finally managed to establish a connection with the Yanyue Sect, sending Yan Ruyan, with her Heavenly Spirit Root, into the sect. If this treasure-hunting conference succeeds, they can gain another wave of friendship.” “

It can be said that all their plans were well-intentioned…”

“Unfortunately, they just happened to run into the major event of the righteous and demonic invasion!”

Han Li grinned.

The Yan family, a lineage that produced a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, is a branch of the Ghost Spirit Sect, one of the six major demonic sects. They separated from their original sect for several centuries, becoming independent and seemingly aiming to emulate the Hidden Moon Sect and Spirit Beast Mountain. They seem to be following in the footsteps of these sects, completely severing ties with their former main lineages. The fact that they all seem to be clustered together in the Yue Kingdom is truly intriguing.

The Hidden Moon Sect is a branch of the Joyful Union Sect, the leading demonic sect in the Southern Heaven.

Spirit Beast Mountain is a branch of the Imperial Spirit Sect

, one of the six major demonic sects. The Yan family is a branch of the Ghost Spirit Sect, one of the six major demonic sects.

Tsk tsk.

Although the Nascent Soul ancestor who smuggled out and established branches several centuries ago has long since passed away, his legacy remains. Therefore, the Yan family is undoubtedly the number one among the independent cultivator families in the Yue Kingdom.

While the clan appears to have only one Core Formation stage cultivator—the Yan family patriarch at the mid-Core Formation stage—

there is actually another late-Core Formation cultivator hidden within.

Not to mention Yan Ruyan, whose Heavenly Spiritual Root cultivation is destined to reach the late Core Formation stage as long as she doesn’t perish along the way.

As for Foundation Establishment cultivators: nearly a hundred, plus three elders at the Pseudo-Core stage.

Their foundation is incredibly strong.

He didn’t delay and sailed directly to Red Tassel Mountain.

Inside the main hall of Red Tassel Mountain, the three of them were seated.

Since his two senior sisters, Xiuting and Xiulan, had been assigned other tasks, only he, Master Hongfu, and Dong Xuan’er were present.

“Han Li, your spiritual tea is quite good. Could you give me some more?”

Master Hongfu, instead of immediately mentioning the important matter, brought up a trivial matter.

Huh? Master actually likes Xin Ruyin’s spiritual tea?

Han Li readily agreed:

“Master, this tea was personally brewed and made by a rogue cultivator friend of mine in Yuanwu Kingdom. I quite like it. I’ll go and buy two cans later.”

“Don’t let anyone suffer a loss,” Fairy Hongfu cautioned.

Don’t bully the weak, and don’t take things for free.

“Master, rest assured, how could I possibly take advantage of a friend?”

“Alright, you know what happened in the communication talisman, right? Whether you go or not is up to you.”

“Master, I’m quite interested in making this trip. I haven’t seen any Foundation Establishment cultivators from the surrounding countries besides Yuanwu Kingdom yet, this is a good opportunity to broaden my horizons.” Han Li expressed his desire to go, then became curious about the prize for winning: “And that Qiankun Tower talisman, could it really be made by a Nascent Soul cultivator using their own magic weapon?”

“Since you’re interested in going, then go with Xuan’er. However, you don’t need to be so concerned about the so-called ranking.”

She wasn’t interested in this treasure-hunting competition organized by the Yan family, nor did she expect her disciple to win. But if it could broaden her disciple’s horizons and reduce Dong Xuan’er’s impetuousness, then it was still worthwhile for her to go out and explore.

She thought that after seeing the Yan family’s Heavenly Spirit Root cultivator who was several years younger than Xuan’er, her girl would know what a true genius was.

“As for that Qiankun Tower talisman? You two shouldn’t be reckless. Don’t get into fights over it. Han Li, you already have the Invisible Needle talisman for protection. Another Qiankun Tower talisman won’t bring good fortune, but rather misfortune,” Fairy Hong Fu reminded him,

her expression serious.

She added a final note:

“By the way, the cultivation world seems rather turbulent lately. I’ve heard that cultivators are frequently disappearing without a trace. At first, it was just Qi Refining cultivators, but recently even Foundation Establishment cultivators from major families have been involved in accidents. You two are traveling together, so support each other and be careful on your journey.”

She already had her own plans.

In her mind, if her little disciple could significantly deepen his relationship with Xuan’er during their upcoming adventures, then this trip to the Yan family would be a great success, and she would arrange for them to become cultivation partners upon their return.

Han Li and Dong Xuan’er, however, didn’t think about these things.

In Dong Xuan’er’s eyes, with her bossy attitude, this trip was just a short visit to the Yan family, a mere stop for sightseeing: Did they even know what it meant to travel and relax? Did they even know what it meant to finally be able to unwind?

Han Li, however, was thinking about how to profit immensely from the Yan family’s treasure hunt!

At this moment, the three of them were completely on different wavelengths.

But one thing was certain: the “blitzkrieg” invasion of Jiang and Cheqi by the Six Demonic Sects was a resounding success.

Currently, the actions of the Six Demonic Sects hadn’t been detected by Yue and the surrounding countries; otherwise, Master Hongfu would never have arranged for him and Dong Xuan’er to participate in any treasure hunt.

Even the major cultivation sects of Jiang and Cheqi were unaware that they were being silently attacked from both inside and outside. Otherwise, why would Core Formation stage disciples from several major sects in both countries travel thousands of miles to participate in the Yan family’s treasure hunt? Their sects were on the verge of collapse; did they still have the leisure for this?

“How can I maximize the benefits?”

“If Master could accompany us, the risks would be greatly reduced…”

“Right, let’s also call Uncle Lei; his speed is renowned among Core Formation cultivators!”

He can handle both favorable situations, making it difficult for enemies of the same level to escape, and

unfavorable situations, allowing them to escape quickly.

“I must call these two.”

The initial plan also required them to conceal their cultivation levels while accompanying us.

He wouldn’t even need to do anything; if these two saw members of the Ghost Spirit Sect, they would definitely grab one or two and question them.

With that, everything would be clear.

And with Master Hongfu and Uncle Lei’s strength, the Yan family of Yanling Fortress couldn’t stop them. At that point, they would either immediately sever ties with the Ghost Spirit Sect and join the Seven Great Sects in the upcoming war against the Six Demonic Sects of Yue Kingdom, or they would follow the Ghost Spirit Sect, whom they hadn’t yet recognized, down a dark path and immediately face the ruthless methods of Master Hongfu and Uncle Lei.

But how could he persuade these two to cooperate?

He had an idea.

…

In Bibo Cave, at Li Huayuan’s cave dwelling.

Han Li invited Liu Jing and Zhong Weiniang, disciples of Li Huayuan, to attend the upcoming treasure-hunting event.

The two were currently free, without any missions, and with such a rare opportunity for a honeymoon, how could they miss it? They immediately accepted Han Li’s invitation and went to find Li Huayuan.

Then, Song Meng, the martial arts fanatic who had received the news

, also wanted to go. How could he refuse such an eye-opening event?

Li Huayuan, naturally, wouldn’t refuse his disciple in such a small matter, and readily agreed.

He also took the opportunity to meet Han Li.

Inside Bibo Cave, Han Li paid his respects to Li Huayuan.

“Your cultivation progress is amazing! How many elixirs and pills did your senior sister use to power it for you?”

Upon seeing Han Li’s mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation, Li Huayuan was full of amazement. Crucially, Han Li’s mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation was even more impressive than that of his third disciple, Liu Jing.

“Uncle-Master, I was just lucky.” Han Li bowed respectfully and immediately changed the subject, getting down to business: “Uncle-Master, are you aware of the many rewards at this Yan Family Fortress Treasure Hunt?”

“Of course I know.”

“Then, isn’t there anything that you find appealing?”

“The Qiankun Tower talisman that the Yan family offered as the grand prize is quite excellent. In our hands, it would be more than enough to deal with late-stage Core Formation cultivators.” To say that Li Huayuan wasn’t tempted by the Qiankun Tower talisman would be giving him too much credit.

However, his only disciple with any real strength was his second disciple, who was unfortunately tied up elsewhere.

The other disciples had no chance at all.

“Uncle-Master, I want to try.”

“You?”

Li Huayuan looked doubtful.

“Uncle-Master, don’t forget the Invisible Needle Talisman I possess,” Han Li said solemnly.

Li Huayuan nodded, acknowledging its power.

But then shook his head:

“With Old Monster Qiong’s Invisible Needle Talisman in hand, few Foundation Establishment cultivators can rival you. However, with only one Invisible Needle Talisman, it’s impossible to rely on it to advance to the final rounds. Before that, that talisman will likely be used up by your opponents.”

This was highly probable.

“Uncle-Master, I have more than just the Invisible Needle Talisman,” Han Li said, taking out a level four giant tiger puppet and over ten level three Foundation Establishment puppets. He then skillfully controlled these puppets in battle right before Li Huayuan’s eyes. The fact that

one person could control over a dozen Foundation Establishment puppets astonished Li Huayuan.

“The puppetry techniques of the Thousand Bamboo Sect? Senior Sister Hong Fu actually taught you even that?”

Han Li didn’t directly answer the question, but instead asked in return,

“Uncle-Master, do you think my methods can deal with ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators?”

“Yes, more than enough.”

Fifteen giant wolf puppets comparable to early to mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, plus one giant tiger puppet comparable to late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators—how could an ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator possibly withstand that?

Even against a top-tier Pseudo-Core Stage cultivator, they could use the Invisible Needle Talisman to decide the outcome with a single needle.

This nephew-in-law has some skills.

“Then, Uncle-Master, if you could gather a few friends from the seven major sects to be the bookmaker at the Treasure Hunt, betting on me to win the grand prize, wouldn’t you be able to earn tens of thousands of spirit stones?”

Li Huayuan’s eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Small bets are for fun.

Big bets bring big profits.

“Ah…

Nephew, since there’s such a good thing, why did you come to me, your uncle, instead of Senior Sister Hongfu?” Li Huayuan asked, puzzled.

Because you’re most easily swayed by greed and persuaded.

Sometimes, greed is a bad thing.

But in this situation, it became a rare virtue for Li Huayuan.

“Uncle, although Master also wants the Qiankun Tower talisman, she doesn’t want me to take the risk. How can I force Master to do something she doesn’t want to do?” Han Li said regretfully.

He then became serious: “The reason I invited you to come along is twofold. First, I’m very confident I can win the grand prize, and I hope you can make a fortune unexpectedly. Second, once I win the grand prize and take the Qiankun Tower talisman from the Yan family, plus the Invisible Needle talisman I possess, it’s like the saying goes, ‘A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime.’ Having two treasures in hand is too conspicuous and will inevitably attract the attention of some villains. I can handle Foundation Establishment cultivators, but if a Core Formation cultivator tries to ambush me…”

“Indeed, you have quite a few good things on you.”

If this kid were just an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator in the sect, and not a disciple that Senior Sister Hong Fu greatly admired, he would have already prepared to put a sack over his head and beat him up.

“So you invited me along, both to do a favor and to have me protect you?”

“Exactly, please grant my request, Senior Uncle.”

Han Li bowed.

“Husband, please accompany Junior Nephew Han on this trip.” At this moment, Li Huayuan’s wife spoke up from the side.

The life-saving grace she received years ago had always given her a favorable impression of Han Li.

Traveling together today would be mutually beneficial, so why not?

“Yes, as my wife

wishes.” Li Huayuan had always cherished and listened to his wife’s advice. The power of her influence was undeniable.

…

Lei Gang Mountain.

Lei Wanhe’s cave.

Han Li invited the Murong brothers to accompany him.

The Murong brothers couldn’t ignore the kindness of receiving the Foundation Establishment Pill years ago, and even if they didn’t want to go, they couldn’t refuse. Besides, they both really wanted to travel.

Nie Ying, after learning the whole story, also pleaded to come along. Having established her foundation for many years, she also wanted to witness the grand spectacle of the Yan family’s treasure-hunting event.

Lei Wanhe, while a little worried about his three beloved disciples, felt that as long as they didn’t overexert themselves, it wouldn’t be a big problem for them to simply broaden their horizons, so he didn’t immediately refuse.

Just then:

“How about it, Senior Brother, how about we go for a spin?”

Before Han Li could invite Lei Wanhe, Li Huayuan, who had come along, spoke first. Moreover, Li Huayuan had Han Li demonstrate his puppetry skills so Lei Wanhe could evaluate them.

“Puppets from the Thousand Bamboo Sect? And all of them are Foundation Establishment stage puppets?! Not bad.”

After a moment’s thought, Lei Wanhe felt that this junior disciple had some skill, at least stronger than his other two late-Foundation Establishment disciples.

However, having puppets alone, without powerful magical artifacts to assist in attack or self-defense, still made it easy to be caught off guard and suffer a setback:

“Junior Disciple Han, besides these puppets, do you have any other suitable magical artifacts?”

After a moment’s thought, Han Li took out two Azure Condensation Mirrors, a pair of crescent-shaped flying knives, and the Silver Radiance Sword. He also displayed the other top-tier rare magical artifacts.

“How do you have Azure Condensation Mirrors? Two of them! Could it be…?”

“Uncle-Master, from the Blood Trial eight years ago.” Han Li grinned innocently.

Good heavens.

No wonder this kid gained the most from that Blood Trial! It turns out that beneath that unremarkable exterior lay hidden, untold methods.

I had misjudged them the previous times.

“Several top-grade magic artifacts, all of them infused with a considerable amount of magic treasure metals! Several rare magic artifacts as well, also enhanced with magic treasure metals! Excellent, excellent. Add that Invisible Needle Talisman, and it’s more than enough. Even Ma Yunlong, the self-proclaimed ‘Number One Below Core Formation’ from Tianque Fortress, would be in trouble if he encountered Junior Nephew Han.”

A well-executed puppet technique is a war of attrition.

Although Ma Yunlong, at the Pseudo-Core Formation stage, possesses formidable magical power, how could he withstand the attrition of a dozen Foundation Establishment stage puppets?

He would be worn down.

If it comes to talismans, Ma Yunlong would have no chance of winning unless he brought out a talisman crafted by a Nascent Soul stage ancestor.

“Excellent, excellent, excellent. I thought Ma Yunlong was the undisputed favorite to win, but I didn’t expect such a pleasant surprise from you, Junior Nephew. I think the title of ‘Number One Below Core Formation’ is too much of a stretch for him.”

“Uncle, you flatter me,”

Han Li said modestly.

“Hmm, if you win the grand prize with your Invisible Needle Talisman and take the Yan family’s Qiankun Tower Talisman, it will indeed be troublesome.” After thinking it over, she felt she could give Senior Sister Hongfu and Junior Brother Li some face, so she agreed: “Alright, I’ll go with you too.”

Even if this junior nephew doesn’t use the Qingning Mirror of the Hidden Moon Sect, his chances of winning the grand prize are extremely high. If he’s

really pushed to the limit and uses the Qingning Mirror, with them protecting him, what can the people of the Hidden Moon Sect do?

Then,

this matter reached Master Hongfu’s ears through Dong Xuan’er, who hadn’t yet set off.

After learning the whole story, Hongfu was both angry and amused.

Her own disciple was too embarrassed to ask her to go along, so she actually went to invite Junior Brother Lei and Junior Brother Li?

This is really…

Oh well, let’s go together.

Anyway, it won’t take more than a few days.

“By the way, we have enough time. We can also send a message to invite fellow cultivators from other families to come along. Consider it giving the Yan family face.”

The Yan family sent their little girl with the Heavenly Spirit Root to the Hidden Moon Sect. It’s likely that in a few decades, the vast Yan family will become an important part of the Hidden Moon Sect. Now is the perfect time to befriend them.

Han Li, having taken a roundabout approach and managed to get three Core Formation stage elders to accompany him, felt much more at ease.

But he still wanted to try to persuade the Chen family patriarch.

“Let’s go. With three Core Formation cultivators protecting you, what are you worried about?”

On the magic treasure flying carpet, Master Hong Fu gave a light hum.

Hearing this, Han Li scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

…

From Huangfeng Valley in Taiyue Mountain, Jianzhou, to the Yan family in Yanliang Mountain, Linzhou.

At the normal speed of a Foundation Establishment cultivator piloting a flying boat or sword, traveling by day and night, it would generally take seven or eight days to arrive. However, riding on a Core Formation cultivator’s magic treasure flying carpet, without stopping to recover mana, they arrived in one day and one night.

Adding to the nearly one day spent inviting Uncle Li and Uncle Lei,

they arrived at the Yan family with only five days left before the Treasure Hunt Tournament began.

The other Core Formation cultivators from various sects invited by the three from Huangfeng Valley would likely have to wait until the official start of the tournament.

After all, sending a messenger takes time.

Outside Yanliang Mountain in Yanling Fortress, there was a small mortal city called Qingliang City.

Before their arrival, Han Li boldly suggested on the way that his master, Hong Fu, and the two uncles conceal their presence and blend into the mortal world. They would then appear later with the Core Formation elders from the other sects, giving the Yan family patriarch a big surprise.

The three Core Formation cultivators understood Han Li’s concerns.

If they appeared early, it would definitely cause a sensation throughout Yanling Fortress, and they would be given special treatment. However, this special treatment would also expose the special status of their disciples and nephews, making them vulnerable to targeting during the Treasure Hunt Tournament.

Winning the top prize would then become much more difficult.

There was really no need for that.

So, the three Core Formation experts concealed their auras and pretended to be Qi Refining cultivators.

Unless a fellow Core Formation cultivator was present, their disguises were completely imperceptible.

Not only that, Li Huayuan also had an idea and cheerfully suggested, “Senior Sister Hongfu, Senior Brother Lei, waiting here is really boring. I’ll go to Qingxu Sect to have some tea with that old Taoist priest Fuyunzi, and then come back with him when the Treasure Hunt begins, okay?”

“Junior Brother, please do as you please.”

Brothers, vote, really, vote! Monthly tickets will be given at the end of the month, I need votes now!

(End of Chapter)