“This humble Daoist is accustomed to a life of idle wandering like a wild crane among the clouds. Joining the Myriad Sword Pavilion would likely feel far too restrictive.”

Han Lie’s voice was calm, his refusal absolute.

“Therefore, I must respectfully decline the fairy’s kind offer.”

Xiao Yuruo was not surprised in the least, though a trace of regret colored her tone.

“Since the Daoist is unwilling, this humble girl will not force the matter. It is merely a pity…” She paused, her eyes scanning him with a mix of pity and judgment. “If the Daoist insists on remaining a rogue cultivator, I fear there will be no hope of breaking through to the Golden Core Stage in this lifetime.”

Han Lie responded with a noncommittal smile, masking the cynical amusement in his eyes.

What would this high-and-mighty fairy think if she knew his true cultivation was already at the mid-Golden Core Stage?

“Everyone has their own destiny,” Han Lie said lightly. “If such is this humble Daoist’s fate, then I can only accept it gladly.”

“The Daoist certainly has a broad perspective.”

“What else can one do? Often, even Grand Ascension Stage powerhouses cannot defy the heavens. for ants like us, simply living a carefree life is already a blessing.”

“That is indeed true.” Xiao Yuruo nodded slightly in agreement.

In the vast history of the Tianyuan Continent, countless Grand Ascension Stage powerhouses had failed at the final step, crumbling to dust beneath the heavenly tribulation, meeting their end in melancholy.

Cultivation seeks immortality. To break the shackles of the Grand Ascension Stage and ascend is the lifelong aspiration of all who walk this path.

However, among the hundreds of millions of cultivators on the continent, those who ultimately succeed are fewer than the morning stars.

“This humble Daoist must take his leave now. The fairy may do as she pleases.”

Han Lie placed fifty Spirit Stones on the table for the tea and rose to depart.

Although Xiao Yuruo had approached him due to the allure of his Pure Yang Sacred Body, she was a disciple of the Myriad Sword Pavilion. Han Lie had no desire to entangle himself further with her.

It was best if this remained a single, fleeting encounter.

The Righteous Path and the Demonic Sects were fundamentally incompatible like fire and water. If war were to break out between their sects in the future, familiarity would only breed awkwardness.

Moreover, Han Lie could not predict how she would react if she learned he was a disciple of the Heavenly Void Sect. Would she uphold her ‘righteous duty’ and strike him down without mercy?

Xiao Yuruo was indeed beautiful, but Han Lie was no longer the naive old virgin from two years ago who had never even held a woman’s hand.

“Daoist, please wait.”

Xiao Yuruo stood up as well.

“In this vast sea of people, meeting you can be considered fate. Could you leave this humble girl a Jade Slip imprinted with your soul mark?” she asked, her voice carrying a hint of expectation. “Perhaps when I go out for training in the future, we might meet again.”

Han Lie shook his head.

“Meeting once could be coincidence; if we meet again in the future, that would truly be fate,” he replied coolly. “If that time comes, this humble Daoist would not mind befriending you.”

Having said that, Han Lie did not linger. He turned and strode away with large, decisive steps, disappearing into the crowd.

Watching Han Lie’s receding figure, Xiao Yuruo’s red lips curved slightly.

“This Daoist Han Lie is quite interesting,” she murmured, a flicker of intrigue in her eyes. “Despite my initiative, he didn’t even glance back…”

“I truly don’t believe you are someone so detached from worldly desires and disillusioned with mortal affairs.”

Regarding her own looks and temperament, Xiao Yuruo possessed absolute confidence. Hadn’t she seen how many Senior and Junior Brothers at the Myriad Sword Pavilion fawned over her, willing to degrade themselves into dogs just for a smile?

Han Lie’s decisive departure momentarily made Xiao Yuruo doubt her own charm.

However, the more disinterested Han Lie appeared, the more it stirred a competitive fire deep within her. She wanted to see that cold indifference crumble; she wanted to make him submit.

Time flew by.

soon, the day of Qingzhou City’s official martial arts tournament arrived.

Several days prior, Han Lie had already successfully registered through the city guards.

In a luxurious palace hall overlooking the city.

A middle-aged man dressed in opulent robes, possessing an air of heavy authority, sat upon the highest seat. Beside him sat an elegant woman adorned with shimmering jewels.

They were Qingzhou City’s current rulers.

Han Zhentian and his wife, Li Susu.

“Reporting to Lord City Lord,” the steward standing below the dais bowed, presenting a scroll. “A total of five hundred and thirty-seven individuals have registered for this martial arts tournament. Most are rogue cultivators.”

“There are also some disciples from minor sects in the surrounding areas participating. Their cultivation levels are generally at the mid-Foundation Establishment Stage or below.”

The steward paused for emphasis. “It is worth noting that representatives from the Heavenly Void Sect, Sun Moon Sect, and Myriad Sword Pavilion have also arrived.”

“Oh?” Han Zhentian raised an eyebrow slightly. “What are the cultivation levels of these representatives?”

“The Heavenly Void Sect representative is at the mid-Foundation Establishment Stage. The Sun Moon Sect representative is at the late Foundation Establishment Stage. The Myriad Sword Pavilion representative is also at the late Foundation Establishment Stage.”

“If it’s only Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators, then there is no need for concern,” Li Susu sighed in relief.

Her well-maintained, charming face broke into a pleased smile. “Han Feng has already broken through to the Golden Core Stage. Presumably, after this tournament concludes, we can secure him an identity as a personal disciple within the Myriad Sword Pavilion.”

Han Feng.

He was the pride and joy of both Han Zhentian and Li Susu.

At merely seventy years old, he had already broken through to the Golden Core realm. The status of a personal disciple within the Myriad Sword Pavilion seemed almost within his grasp.

“Mmm.” Han Zhentian nodded, smiling broadly.

His eyes were filled with unmasked pride.

Once Han Feng became a personal disciple under the Myriad Sword Pavilion, his own position as City Lord would become unshakable.

In the future, if either the Heavenly Void Sect or the Sun Moon Sect wished to overthrow his lordship or install a puppet in Qingzhou, the Myriad Sword Pavilion wouldn’t stand idly by.

“Let us go, Madam. The hour approaches. We shall observe our son’s performance.”

When noon arrived, Han Zhentian appeared at Qingzhou City’s central training ground, hand-in-hand with his wife, Li Susu.

Surrounding the massive arena, throngs of people filled the streets. Vendors hawked their wares, taking advantage of the crowd, while rogue cultivators and ordinary folk alike craned their necks to watch the spectacle.

Han Lie stood amidst the sea of over five hundred participants.

His gaze cut through the crowd, fixing directly upon the two figures on the high platform: Han Zhentian and Li Susu.

After a separation spanning over a hundred years, seeing the faces of his father and mother again, Han Lie couldn’t maintain his inner calmness.

“It truly is you two… Father… Mother…”

Beneath his wide sleeves, Han Lie’s fists clenched tightly, his nails digging into his palms.

For a moment, he felt unsure how to face these two elders. The same people who had sold him off into servitude as a Servant Disciple within the Heavenly Void Sect all those years ago.

The memories, sharp as knives, surged forward.

“Sorry, Mo’er… forgive Mother… Mother and Father truly cannot afford to raise you anymore…”

“You can survive working diligently here, understand?”

“Mo’er… for the sake of our family, you must endure this hardship first… someday, when Father makes a fortune, I will come to redeem you…”

The words they spoke when they sold him for a handful of coins still echoed vividly in his ears.

That day seemed just like yesterday.

Han Lie looked at their silken robes, their jewelry, and the opulent city they now ruled.

“You did make a fortune, indeed,” he thought, a bitter, helpless laugh echoing in his heart. “Yet, I never saw either of you coming to redeem me.”

“Perhaps, within your hearts, you have long forgotten this useless son of yours…”