“Old servant, you have served as a Servant Disciple in my palace for over a hundred years now. This Senior is aware that your lifespan is drawing to a close.” “In light of your century of diligent service, do you have any unfulfilled regrets before you depart this world? This Senior will endeavor to satisfy […]

Seven days had passed since then. Ye Qingxuan remained inside the Violet Heaven Palace cultivating, never stepping foot outside even once. It seemed she had completely forgotten about the promise she made earlier regarding fulfilling his final wish. Who knew how long her current cultivation session might last? “Damn it! Is that female demon lord

“The technique is indeed powerful, but… how could This Mistress allow a filthy dog of a man to defile my pure and noble body?!” Ye Qingxuan’s beautiful eyes turned gloomy. The Yin Yang Demonic Art was truly a top-tier demonic cultivation technique, but its drawbacks were glaringly apparent. Without the assistance of Yang energy to

“Get out! You scoundrel!” Ye Qingxuan rebuked in an imperious tone. “Why don’t you take a piss and look at your own reflection? What are you? A toad lusting after swan meat? Wishful thinking!” “If you dare to touch even a single hair on This Mistress’s body, I will grind a maggot like you into

Last night, before arriving, Han Lie had already steeled himself with the determination to die. Coupled with his understanding of Ye Qingxuan, he held no extravagant hopes for this female demon. Even if Ye Qingxuan didn’t kill him, he knew he didn’t have many days left to live regardless. Moreover, having experienced that unforgettable night

Spirit Roots are the very foundation of cultivation. The higher the grade of the Spirit Root, the faster one can absorb the Qi of Heaven and Earth, and naturally, the faster one’s cultivation progresses. Spirit Roots are divided into ten grades: from First to Ninth Grade, and above them all, the Grandmaster Divine Grade. However,

Han Lie was dumbfounded. You call this a minor modification?! Could it be any more of a trap? If he had known it was this much of a trap, Han Lie wouldn’t have been in such a hurry to cultivate this Yin Yang Demonic Art. “Heh heh, therefore, those who cultivate this art in later

“Supervisor Zhao? Heh, what wind blew you here today?” Han Lie stood up, forcing a stiff smile onto his weathered face. He knew exactly why Zhao Donghai had come, but he had to play the fool for now. The people from the Afterlife Hall of the Servant Department didn’t come to discuss the meaning of

Han Lie had initially thought of seeking out Ye Qingxuan to intervene, but upon further reflection, he realized it was unlikely. Ye Qingxuan might have been willing to help him resolve the issue, but the chances of her actually stepping in were slim. “Who knows, that female demon lord Ye Qingxuan might be watching from

Chapter 10: Such Grand Authority! Who Is the Cat and Who Is the Mouse? Knock! Knock! Knock! The next morning, a rapid, heavy pounding on the door forcibly pulled Han Lie out of his cultivation state. Who else could it be but Jia Tong, the manager of the Servant Department? “Manager Jia, it’s been a

Immediately, Zhao Donghai waved his hand grandly. Several Servant Disciples swarmed forward, tying Han Lie up tightly. “Still pretending with me? Hmm?” Zhao Donghai noticed Han Lie’s slightly trembling pupils and sneered. “Scared now? You gave me a fright earlier. I really thought you weren’t afraid of death.” As he spoke, a jade vial appeared

Violet Heaven Palace. “It still feels somewhat unstable… To consolidate my realm will likely take at least another eight or ten years.” Inside her bedchamber, Ye Qingxuan was troubled by her somewhat unstable realm foundation. That day, when she broke through overnight from the Soul Formation Stage perfection to the Void Refining Stage, naturally brought

What should I do now? Han Lie was momentarily at a loss. He could certainly continue reporting Zhou Ze, but the problem was, how was he supposed to get the report to Ye Qingxuan this time? “This Senior just wants to cultivate in peace and quiet. Is that so difficult?” Han Lie grumbled inwardly. He

An unknown amount of time passed. Han Lie finally regained consciousness. What greeted his eyes was a rather luxuriously decorated room. It was sealed tight, with no light entering; only a few candle flames flickered in the darkness, providing scant illumination. Han Lie initially wanted to call for help, but judging by the surroundings, shouting

Zhuo Hongyi gave a bewitching, coquettish smile, her beautiful eyes gazing at Han Lie with an urgent sense of anticipation. Compared to the usual heroic, sharp, and imposing Zhuo Hongyi—the Captain of the Vermilion Bird Squad of the Law Enforcement Hall—she was like a completely different person. Han Lie had indeed heard a certain saying

“……” Han Lie was momentarily speechless. He had just returned less than fifteen minutes ago… and Ye Qingxuan had already sent word summoning him? “Could this female demon lord have been waiting for me all along?” The thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. With Ye Qingxuan’s cultivation level… at least everything

The Yin Yang Demonic Art is further divided into the Yin Volume and the Yang Volume. Women cultivate the Yin, men cultivate the Yang. Under normal circumstances, Dual Cultivation with a member of the opposite sex can allow a practitioner of the Yin Yang Demonic Art to rapidly increase their cultivation base, even breaking through

“If I cultivate normally, I would probably need to spend about a month to break through from the fourth layer of the Qi Refining Stage to the fifth.” And that is under the premise of having sufficient Spirit Stones for cultivation. Furthermore, Zhou Ze is taking over Jia Tong’s position, assuming the role of the

The female cultivator who entered introduced herself as Liu Xu. She came in wearing an expression of terror and utter despair. Looking at Liu Xu, who was huddled in the corner of the bed trembling and weeping, Han Lie’s previously raging lust instantly cooled by half. He frowned and said coldly, “Why are you crying?

“Captain Hongyi, what sort of words are those? Please do not mock this old man.” ” rather, Captain Hongyi, do you have business with this old man?” Han Lie inquired, smiling casually. Zhuo Hongyi did not reply immediately. Instead, she used her eyes to gesture towards their surroundings. Following her line of sight, Han Lie

Two hours later. Nourished by abundant Yin energy, Han Lie finally broke through smoothly to the seventh level of the Qi Refining Stage. The female Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator lay on the bed, looking utterly drained. In contrast, due to his breakthrough, Han Lie appeared radiant and full of vitality. Not only that, but his

Two days later. “Not bad at all, old servant. Compared to last time, you’ve improved quite a bit more.” Zhuo Hongyi half-slumped against the wall, panting heavily with an expression full of satisfaction. Over these two days, she not only got her fill but even vaguely felt signs that she was about to break through

Han Lie was stunned, momentarily at a loss for how to react. He seriously suspected that Zhou Ze’s head had been slammed in a door before he left home today. This wasn’t right! Even though Zhou Ze spoke with apparent sincerity and backed it up with concrete action, Han Lie still couldn’t believe that Zhou

“Reporting Master! Your disciple merely feels… that you might not permit me to cultivate it.” Bai Ling replied very naturally, “Your disciple wishes to cultivate the Yin Yang Demonic Art.” Upon hearing Bai Ling’s words, Ye Qingxuan stopped playing with the water, turning her head toward Bai Ling instead. Being stared at like this by

“Servant Disciple Han Lie greets the Sect Leader.” Upon seeing Ye Qingxuan, Han Lie offered his salutations with his customary deference. “The eighth layer of Qi Refining? He even looks younger. What exactly happened to this old servant?” Ye Qingxuan observed Han Lie, a flicker of curiosity and suspicion dancing in her eyes. In little

Ye Qingxuan sat elegantly on her soft, comfortable purple bed, one leg crossed over the other. Cool moonlight streamed through the window, falling upon her profile. It cast a hazy veil over that breathtakingly beautiful face that seemed to dim heaven and earth itself. Han Lie’s slightly lowered gaze took in Ye Qingxuan’s smooth, slender

“Qi Refining Stage, complete!” Feeling the surging spiritual power within his body, Han Lie’s heart swelled with emotion. This meant that breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Stage was now just a matter of time. “That female demon Ye Qingxuan is truly different from those common beauties like Zhuo Hongyi!” The terrifying effects of the

Although he thought Han Lie probably couldn’t afford it, the shop-minding disciple still took down the pitch-black long saber that Han Lie pointed at. Black Saber: Medium-grade Spiritual-tier magical weapon; price: 4,500 Spirit Stones. Han Lie carefully examined this five-foot-long black saber, his eyes filled with delight. Regardless of this saber’s power, its appearance alone

“It actually blocked it… those four thousand five hundred Spirit Stones were well spent!” Han Lie shook his slightly numb hand, secretly relieved. Without any hesitation, he immediately turned and fled. Although he possessed a mid-grade spirit-tier magical treasure, the gap in cultivation between them was too vast. If the entanglement continued, he would die

Back in his room. Two female servant disciples with somewhat delicate features had already warmed Zhou Ze’s bed. But he wasn’t in a hurry to rest. Sitting at his desk, he tallied today’s gains. A total of two thousand Spirit Stones. “That just about fills the hole.” A satisfied smile curled on Zhou Ze’s lips.

“Hmm, I respect your choice.” Zhuo Hongyi did not try to persuade him further; it seemed Han Lie’s answer was entirely within her expectations. Immediately after, Zhuo Hongyi inquired about the matter concerning Zhou Ze. Although she did not yet fully understand Han Lie, even among demonic cultivators, except for a few extreme cases, killing

Heavenly Void Sect Trading Market… “Junior Sister Zhuo, have you had time lately? Recently, deep within sect territory, I discovered what seems to be a several-hundred-year-old Crimson Flame Flower. It’s just that there’s some beast guarding it…” “I alone am no match for this beast. If we join forces, we can definitely take down this

Upon returning, Han Lie immediately began to comprehend and cultivate the Art of Aura Concealment. The Art of Aura Concealment was of a relatively low grade and not a particularly profound technique, so Han Lie mastered it completely in just two hours. For now, I’ll keep my aura suppressed to the early Foundation Establishment stage.

“As expected of the Grand Elder, truly generous!” “Regarding the type of magical treasure, This Senior has one small request. I would prefer a blade-type magical treasure. I wonder if the Grand Elder would consider it?” Han Lie said with wild joy. He hadn’t actually expected Chi Lian to give him a high-grade, let alone

The Sun Moon Sect was also a demonic sect, considered a competitor to the Heavenly Void Sect. Due to this competitive relationship, minor frictions often occurred between the disciples of the two sects. Next was the Myriad Sword Pavilion, a righteous immortal dao sect. Because their territories bordered each other, and due to the principle

At the same time, Han Lie, who was waiting at the entrance of the office, noticed Zhuo Hongyi and Zhui Ming appearing at the doorway. Before Zhui Ming could speak, Zhuo Hongyi asked, “Old Servant Disciple, someone just informed me you were looking for me? Is something the matter?” Her tone was flat, her beautiful

Having saved up his reserves for over a month, Han Lie was exceptionally fierce. Despite Zhuo Hongyi’s strenuous efforts to restrain herself and avoid making any embarrassing sounds, Han Lie’s increasingly violent assault gradually caused her to lose control. Fortunately, Han Lie promptly covered her mouth. Otherwise, the disciples outside would likely have figured out

The Azure Dragon Squad Office of the Law Enforcement Hall. “Are you absolutely certain you saw that old servant go to Junior Sister Zhuo Hongyi’s residence?” Zhuo Hongyi’s senior brother, Wang Xiao, gripped the collar of a law enforcement disciple, his face contorted into a terrifying snarl. “Yes! Senior Brother Wang, I’ll wager my head

In the Heavenly Void Sect, for a Servant Disciple to defy fate and change their destiny, there is only one path: to participate in the sect’s assessment and become an Inner Disciple. However, looking back at the history of the Heavenly Void Sect since its founding, the number of Servant Disciples who have become Inner

By the time both arrived back… they saw the house already had several large holes broken through it, and a figure was lying on the open ground in front of the door, barely clinging to life. This person wasn’t Han Lie, but rather Zhu Fan, a disciple from the Law Enforcement Hall sent by Zhui

“Heh.” Han Lie let out a bitter laugh, unsure of what to say. “However, your recovery from your injuries is faster than I anticipated.” As she spoke, Chi Lian swayed her water-snake-like waist and approached the bedside. Her slender, jade-like fingers extended, gently lifting Han Lie’s chin. Her deep crimson eyes carefully examined his weathered

“It’s no trouble; it’s what I should do for you,” Zhuo Hongyi said with a gentle smile. Zhuo Hongyi wouldn’t deny that she indeed relied on Dual Cultivation with Han Lie to break through to the mid-Golden Core Stage in such a short time. Otherwise, given her cultivation aptitude, reaching the mid-Golden Core Stage through

“Understood, This Senior understands.” Han Lie nodded slightly. Indeed. From the perspective of Saintess Bai Ling, his prolonged absence from the small wooden hut at the Violet Heaven Palace was highly unusual. Because, currently, Saintess Bai Ling only suspected whether Han Lie had discovered her abnormal behavior; she was not certain. If Han Lie avoided

What was even stranger was that when she looked at other elderly Servant Disciples, or Inner Disciples, or even stewards and guest elders, she didn’t have this feeling—only with Han Lie. This feeling was as if Han Lie possessed a unique magic, attracting her. “Hehehe.” Coming back to her senses, Bai Ling laughed heartily. “No

“So you’re Han Lie?” After giving Han Lie a simple once-over, Su Mei’s eyes shifted slightly. That ethereal, pleasing, yet undeniably seductive and charming voice made Han Lie shiver all over! She-devil! Han Lie cursed inwardly before responding, “Yes.” Su Mei giggled. “Maybe you don’t know me, but that’s okay. I can introduce myself.” “My

“There’s no grudge between me and Senior Sister Zhuo,” said Su Mei. “I just think you suit my taste better and want to compete with her for you.” This was true but incomplete. Besides being drawn by the Pure Yang Sacred Body… Su Mei also disliked Zhuo Hongyi and wanted everything that belonged to her.

“Captain Zhuo, your Law Enforcement Hall… are you usually allowed to go to Violet Heaven Palace to enforce the law and make arrests?” Han Lie inquired after leaving the White Tiger Squad office. Zhuo Hongyi replied, “According to sect regulations, as long as it’s not inside Violet Heaven Palace itself, it falls within the Law

“Hmph hmph, that’s more like it.” She smiled happily, but for Han Lie, that so-called ‘term of endearment’ was a bit too mushy. This was something she unexpectedly demanded during their last Dual Cultivation session, specifically saying she wanted him to privately use a different ‘term of endearment’ to address her. “Ahem…” Han Lie tactically

“…” A bead of cold sweat slid down Su Mei’s forehead as she stubbornly retorted, “What inner demon? I’m not jealous of her at all!” What is an inner demon? It is when a person harbors an obsession too deeply, or when something blocks their heart, preventing them from letting go for a long time.

“It’s only natural for me to be concerned about Captain Zhuo since she has given This Senior much help,” Han Lie stated plainly. “Alright, that’s fair enough,” Su Mei said, wrapping her arms around Han Lie’s neck and cooing, “Please care about me more in the future too! If she can help you, so can

Once Bai Ling said those words, Han Lie was basically certain that she indeed wanted to turn him. But unfortunately, Han Lie was no naive fledgling who would easily believe others’ words. Han Lie deliberately lowered his voice and cautiously said, “Saintess, such words are fine if you say them to This Senior in private,

For the following month, Han Lie remained inside his small wooden hut cultivating. With both the Pure Yang Sacred Body and the Yin Yang Demonic Art enhancing him, his rate of absorbing Spirit Stones was very fast. Five thousand Spirit Stones flowed away like water, seemingly gone in the blink of an eye as Han

If the cold energy of the Taiyin Art cannot be completely purged, then that cold energy hidden deep within the body will erupt when Zhuo Hongyi attempts to break through her cultivation realm in the future, which would be fatal! “Hall Master, in my opinion, to completely clear the cold energy from Captain Zhuo’s body,

Apart from having the Yin-cold energy within her body completely purged, Zhuo Hongyi could also clearly feel that her own cultivation seemed to have improved somewhat. “Could it be because of the little old man’s special spiritual power? His kind of scorching spiritual power seems to have an extraordinary effect on me.” Those afflicted by

Whoosh! The sound of splitting air echoed. The opponent seemed unwilling to give Han Lie any chance to catch his breath, launching another fierce assault like a violent storm. Faced with the immense gap in strength, Han Lie fought while retreating. Judging from the opponent’s somewhat inexperienced and sluggish movements, Han Lie concluded that this

Han Lie forced a relaxed smile, shaking his head. “This senior is fine. Thank you, Captain Su, for your timely assistance.” During the previous battle, although he hadn’t sustained obvious injuries, each collision with the shadow produced recoil force that affected his body somewhat. Accumulated over time, it caused some disturbance in his qi and

“Reporting to the Sect Leader, a total of two people have come. The first was Grand Elder Chi Lian, and the second was Saintess Bai Ling.” “At the time, this old servant was cleaning the Violet Heaven Palace. Grand Elder Chi Lian came to find this old servant to cooperate with her in fishing.” “As

“Not much capability, but quite a big mouth.” “A mere ant at Foundation Establishment Stage dares claim Soul Formation isn’t difficult?” “Hmph, This Palace just warned you that impetuosity is a major taboo for cultivators. It seems you didn’t listen at all.” Ye Qingxuan scoffed disdainfully. What is immortal cultivation? The grade of your spiritual

Violet Heaven Palace. “Fairy, please announce me. Servant Disciple Han Lie from the Servant Department requests an audience with the Saintess,” Han Lie said to the maid standing guard at the entrance of the Violet Heaven Palace. “Wait a moment.” Not long after, Bai Ling emerged, dressed in a layer of cyan gauze with a

“Stop, stop, stop!” Chi Lian raised her jade hand, interrupting Ye Qingxuan’s countdown. “You really have no sense of fun. Fine, I’ll state my conclusion directly.” “That Han Lie might possess a special constitution called the ‘Undying Sacred Body’.” The Undying Sacred Body is an extremely rare special constitution. It possesses astonishing self-healing capabilities and

After several days of intense focus, Han Lie had completely mastered the essence of the Soul Devouring Saber Art’s second form—【Soul Severing】—through meditative cultivation. “Phew…” Exiting his trance, Han Lie exhaled a long breath of turbid air. A flicker of satisfaction danced in his eyes as he muttered, “Now, all I need is a proper

“Later… thanks to your favor, I was able to enter the Violet Heaven Palace as a Servant Disciple, finally leaving behind that sunless hell of the Servant Disciple Department.” Han Lie paused, his voice low. “At that time, I was immensely grateful to you for pulling me out of that sea of bitterness.” “As it

In the blink of an eye, over two months had passed. The step from the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage to the Golden Core Stage was a threshold that seemed tantalizingly close, yet it had become a lifelong nightmare for countless cultivators. Those lacking in comprehension might spend their entire lives hammering at that

“Follow me.” Snapping out of her shock, Zhuo Hongyi led him toward the Golden Core level mission board. Compared to the crowded areas for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment, this section was sparsely populated. The few disciples gathered here were either Personal Disciples from various halls or seasoned veterans among the Inner Disciples. Han Lie’s

That very night, Han Lie and Zhuo Hongyi arrived at the Sunset Mountain Range, a thousand miles from the Heavenly Void Sect’s main gate. Upon reaching the No. 3 Spirit Vein, Zhuo Hongyi led Han Lie to the management office to register their arrival as reinforcements. For the first few days, the Sun Moon Sect

By the time Yang Yun reacted, Han Lie’s black blade was already inches from his face. He scrambled backward to dodge, but the edge still carved a shallow, bloody gash across his ribs. While the physical wound was minor, the corrosive energy surging from the blade caused Yang Yun’s expression to darken instantly. “Bastard!” Feeling

Whoosh! A bone-chilling wind howled across the landscape. In an instant, the humidity in the air skyrocketed. A relentless surge of spiritual energy erupted from the brothers Liu Xu and Yang Yun. The billowing energy converged into a literal river of spiritual power that circled their bodies. Above this river, a frigid, piercing frost radiated

“This aura…” Han Lie and Zhuo Hongyi exchanged a sharp, wary glance. They both felt it. The owner of this formidable pressure was at least at the peak of the Golden Core Stage. Zhuo Hongyi’s face paled visibly; even before the source arrived, the sheer weight of the presence felt like a suffocating shroud pressing

“It was a special case, Senior Sister Qin Lan. It’s hard to explain in just a few words,” Zhuo Hongyi said, dodging the specifics. She then gave Han Lie a brief background on the woman before them. Qin Lan was the former captain of the Law Enforcement Hall’s Vermilion Bird Squad. When her cultivation reached

“I have a very good reason for coming to see you, Senior Sister. Won’t you open the door and invite me in so we can talk?” Su Mei’s voice drifted in playfully from the outside. “What should we do?” Zhuo Hongyi’s brow furrowed. She was irritated, but as Su Mei’s senior, it would be considered

Su Mei flashed a meaningful smile and wiggled her eyebrows at Zhuo Hongyi. “Senior Sister, I suspect…” “That you alone probably can’t withstand the assault of little old man Han Lie, right?” “?” Zhuo Hongyi froze. What was that supposed to mean? A split second later, she had an epiphany. The meaning behind Su Mei’s

The bathing pool was a sanctuary of rising steam and swirling mist. Han Lie leaned back against the smooth stone edge, his mind and body finally surrendering to a rare state of total relaxation. Every visit to the Jade Clear Pool was his most cherished reprieve. “Han Lie.” Qin Lan’s voice drifted over from the

“Fairy, were you calling for This Senior?” Han Lie stopped and turned around with a calm inquiry. “Who else? Is there any other Servant Disciple here besides you?” Cai Zhen took two steps forward, crossing her arms as she leveled a sharp, accusatory glare at him. “You were laughing at me just now, weren’t you?”

“You… you really dare to kill us!?” Cai Zhen blustered, her voice trembling. Her survival instinct urged her to back down, but her pride refused to let her bow to a mere Servant Disciple. “Would you like to test that?” Han Lie’s hand tightened around Cai Zhen’s throat. A wave of suffocation and the overwhelming

“Who is it?” Han Lie asked cautiously. “Open up! Law Enforcement Hall!” came a low, gruff voice that brooked no argument. “So they’ve come after all…” After a moment’s hesitation, Han Lie rose and opened the door. Standing outside were seven or eight Law Enforcement Hall disciples. At their head was a burly man with

“Really? You have a plan?” Su Mei was delighted. Han Lie nodded slightly, exuding an inexplicable calm. “Don’t worry. Barring any unforeseen accidents, This Senior will be fine.” “Mhm, mhm! You’d better not get into trouble. Otherwise, who will Senior Sister Zhuo Hongyi and I find for Dual Cultivation in the future?” At this point,

Iron Hand was, indeed, a fairly decent man—but that was strictly relative. His goodwill was reserved for a select few: his fellow captains and his own subordinates in the Black Tortoise Division. To disciples from other divisions, his attitude was cold at best; to those outside the Law Enforcement Hall, he was a nightmare. “You

After providing a few brief instructions, Ye Qingxuan departed. Han Lie looked down at the Hell Nine-Tailed Cat perched on the tea table. Its pitch-black pupils were locked onto him, unblinking. He tentatively mimicked a few meows, trying to bridge the gap between them. The black cat, which had been lounging lazily, suddenly bolted upright.

“So that’s how it is. Thank you for the advice, Senior. This Senior will give it a try.” Following Qin Lan’s suggestion, Han Lie lowered his asking price by a thousand Spirit Stones. Sure enough, in less than an hour, both magical treasures were sold. The two items brought in a total of thirty-four thousand

“May I ask, Grand Elder, what is the reason for this?” Han Lie asked, his brow furrowing slightly. Was the city really that important? Although Qingzhou City sat at the volatile intersection of three major powers—the Heavenly Void Sect, the Sun Moon Sect, and the Myriad Sword Pavilion—it wasn’t a strategic prize in itself. Its

Han Lie strolled along the bluestone-paved streets of Qingzhou City, his gaze drifting over the surroundings. The city hadn’t changed much from his memories. The streets were lined with vendors hawking their wares, the air thick with noise. Cultivators stood before small stalls, faces flushed red as they fiercely haggled over ten or twenty Spirit

“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

After delivering a bland, lukewarm opening speech, Han Zhentian finally announced the official start of the martial competition. Due to the sheer number of participants, the early elimination rounds were conducted in a chaotic frenzy, with multiple matches happening simultaneously across the vast training grounds. Han Zhentian and Li Susu’s primary focus remained solely on

“Next, let us welcome Qingzhou City’s number one genius of the past five hundred years, and also the Young City Lord… Han Feng!” The steward’s voice rang out, clear and booming. The spectator stands immediately erupted with earth-shaking cheers and applause. Under the adoring gaze of thousands, Han Feng stepped onto the stairs of the

“What did you just say?” On the martial arts field, Han Feng stood stunned. He seemed to have heard something incredible from Han Lie’s mouth. “You are my brother?” Han Feng stood rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on Han Lie, filled with a chaotic mix of confusion and disbelief. This demonic cultivator from

Han Lie stood frozen, silence his only answer. Li Susu seemed to understand his unspoken turmoil. Overcome with desperation, she stumbled forward, almost tripping over her elaborate robes, and threw herself into his arms, embracing him tightly. “Lie’er, I’m sorry, I’m sorry… All these years, you’ve suffered so much. Mother thought… Mother thought…” Li Susu’s

#Chapter 87:Daoist,I’ve Left My Mark on You This response was largely within Han Lie’s expectations. Yet,he deliberately fixed Xiao Yuruo with a look of utter disbelief.As expected,she proceeded to explain. “Daoist might find this hard to believe,but feelings…they just come when they come.If you ask me for a specific reason,I can’t really explain it clearly.”She

“Young servant, you’re back.” As soon as Han Lie returned to the sect, Grand Elder Chi Lian seemed to have been waiting for him for quite some time. She looked at him with great interest, her eyes gleaming. “How was the harvest from this trip?” Han Lie cursed Chi Lian fiercely in his heart. Harvest?

“So the two of you are here to redeem a Servant Disciple. That is indeed a matter so trivial it could hardly be smaller.” Chi Lian smiled knowingly, her eyes narrowing slightly. “May I ask the name of the Servant Disciple City Lord Han wishes to redeem? I will have my subordinates look into it

Han Lie’s words gave Han Zhentian and his wife a glimmer of hope that the ice between them might finally break. Li Susu knew she couldn’t rush things. After all, Han Lie had suffered for a hundred years in the Heavenly Void Sect. It was normal, even reasonable, for him to hold deep resentment. Li

“That isn’t for you to decide!” “Today, you are coming with us whether you like it or not!” Ma Kun waved his hand, and several disciples from the Overlord Hall swarmed forward like a pack of wolves, grabbing Han Lie and attempting to drag him toward the Overlord Hall. Han Lie immediately circulated the spiritual

“Sufficient?” Qin Lan’s vermilion lips curved slightly, revealing a smile of myriad charms. It was a far cry from the image of the reliable, dignified Senior Sister that Han Lie had initially formed of her. For Han Lie, however, this wasn’t difficult to understand. In a demonic sect like the Heavenly Void Sect—especially for someone

“Qin Lan, do not feign ignorance before This Senior.” Old Ghost Black Sha stared coldly at Han Lie, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I have come today solely for that Servant Disciple standing by your side.” “Cai Zhen and Yun Xia were both outstanding disciples under my tutelage. Their untimely demise brings me

Su Meiyu had departed, leaving a heavy silence in her wake. Han Lie turned his gaze to Qin Lan. Her face was pale, her aura weak, yet her beauty remained undiminished—a fragile jade amidst the chaos. “I have burdened you, Senior Qin Lan,” Han Lie said, his voice laced with genuine guilt. “I owe you

Han Lie considered the question for a moment but did not answer directly. Instead, he asked, “You don’t mind?” “Are you talking about Junior Sister Liu Li?” Zhuo Hongyi shook her head, a faint smile gracing her lips. “If I minded, I wouldn’t have asked you.” “Good!” Han Lie’s expression softened, his voice firm with

In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. The final form of the Soul Devouring Saber Art was proving even more difficult to comprehend than Han Lie had imagined. The concept of “Unity” sounded simple on paper—a fusion of Soul Hook and Soul Sever. But the actual process of forging these two

“…” “You… you know everything?” Bai Ling’s face darkened, a trace of visible panic flashing in her eyes. The firelight flickered, casting long, menacing shadows around her. “Saintess, does This Senior look like a fool to you?” Han Lie stepped closer, his boots crunching softly on the dry leaves. One step at a time, he

Bai Ling stood frozen on the spot. Han Lie’s demand for compensation had completely exceeded her expectations. Yet, strangely, she felt no revulsion in her heart toward his request. “But… didn’t you say that the Yin Yang Demonic Art has fatal drawbacks?” Bai Ling bit her red lip lightly, her voice as faint as a

“Hmph.” Ye Qingxuan cast a cold glance at the girl kneeling before her. “Speak. Which of the sect’s secrets did you reveal to the Sun Moon Sect?” “Reporting to Master… this disciple did not reveal any major secrets,” Bai Ling stammered, her voice shaking. “Only…” “Only what?” Ye Qingxuan’s tone dropped, turning icy. Bai Ling

“There’s no need for that, Saintess.” Han Lie cleared his throat tactfully. “After all, This Senior is still a Servant Disciple employed by the Violet Heaven Palace. Moreover, this humble cottage has been my home for over a hundred years. While the environment here certainly can’t compare to the Saintess’s palace, if This Senior were

Hearing Han Lie’s low, vibrating laughter, Su Mei finally realized what had happened. “Hmph, you old man, this was all your doing, wasn’t it!” Su Mei scrambled back to her feet, placing her hands on her hips with feigned indignation. Her eyes, however, held no real anger, only a playful spark. “Well then, how about

The Great Qin Dynasty, Qin Yang City. After nearly ten days of travel, the colossal form of the capital finally broke the horizon. Qin Yang City stretched across the plains like a primordial dragon, its tail vanishing into the distance. It was a sprawling beast of stone and ambition, a testament to the empire’s power.

“So, that is the way of things.” Han Lie nodded thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing slightly as he continued his line of questioning. “That Young Master Mu from earlier… with his righteous aura and imposing presence, he must hold quite a high status in Qin Yang City, I presume?” “You have a keen eye, Daoist,” the

“Taoist Priest, won’t you stay the night?” “If you’re still not satisfied, this humble girl can help you once more.” Xiao Qing’s voice was a soft caress, her eyes pleading as she tried to persuade him to remain in the warmth of her boudoir. “Thank you for your kindness, Miss Xiao Qing,” Han Lie replied,

“On this point, this humble Daoist and the Fairy share a common aspiration.” Han Lie smiled calmly, his expression sincere. A gentleman is a gentleman, a petty man is a petty man. Han Lie was no saint, but what he despised most were hypocrites—those who cloaked themselves in the name of righteousness while committing vile

Before long, Zhuo Cheng returned to the reception hall, accompanied by the two radiant figures of Qin Lianyi and Mu Feng. Han Lie, adhering to etiquette, could no longer remain seated and promptly stood up. Mu Feng exchanged polite, if somewhat distant, greetings with Zhuo Hongyi. Then, he turned to Han Lie, his lips curving

“Hmm?” Mu Feng raised an eyebrow slightly, a glint of amused interest appearing in his eyes. Could it be… that this Han Lie still wanted to compare cultivation aptitudes with him? “May I ask, Young Master Mu Feng, how old are you this year? And how many years have you been cultivating?” Han Lie asked

“?” “???” “……” Zhuo Hongyi, Zhuo Cheng, and even Mu Feng were all stunned by Qin Lianyi’s audacious words. Seriously? Poaching someone right in front of them? But then again, no one could really blame Qin Lianyi for losing her composure. Advancing from the Qi Refining Stage to the Golden Core Stage in just two

“You mean Young Master Mu Feng?” Qin Lianyi smiled gently, her eyes observing Han Lie’s reaction. “Does Daoist Han Lie know of the Star Society?” Han Lie shook his head. Seeing this, Qin Lianyi offered a brief explanation. The Star Society. It was an exclusive organization formed by the younger generation of Qinyang City’s nobility

Three days later. The heavy wooden doors of the guest room creaked open. Zhuo Hongyi and Han Lie finally emerged into the daylight. Zhuo Hongyi wore a radiant smile, her face glowing with a vitality that seemed to illuminate the corridor. Her skin was flushed with health, and even her aura felt denser, more imposing

“How did it go?” Han Lie raised an eyebrow, his expression calm. “My father was very pleased and agreed immediately. He wants us to marry as soon as possible. However, I told him you’ve already returned to the sect to deal with urgent matters, so we’ll have to discuss the date another time,” Qin Lianyi

“What crime have we committed?” The captain of the soldiers sneered, looking down his nose at Ye Lang. “You demonic sect cultivators have quite the nerve. Coming to Qin Yang City, reeking of blood, and still daring to ask what crime you’ve committed? Your very existence here is a provocation.” He waved his hand dismissively.

“Princess Lianyi, I must beg your pardon, but I truly don’t understand your anger. What do you mean by ‘it really is me’?” Mu Feng fanned himself with exaggerated innocence, a polite smile plastered on his face. “Our Great Qin Dynasty has always been diametrically opposed to evil cultivators. Should we not apprehend a demonic

“Bastard, what the hell are you saying?!” “You old piece of trash, I swear I’ll kill you!” “…” Upon hearing Han Lie’s words about the “tenderness” of their beloved junior sisters, the disciples of the Overlord Hall saw black. A towering rage, hot and suffocating, erupted from them like a volcano! Their faces twisted into

A crescent-shaped crimson blade aura tore through the void, carrying a suffocating scent of death that rippled outward like a tide! The sheer oppression emanating from the blade made the four Overlord Hall disciples—cultivators at the early and mid-Golden Core Stages—feel an intense, crushing sense of impending doom. Although Han Lie’s cultivation level wasn’t vastly

“A mere million Spirit Stones, what does it matter even if I lose?” Qin Lianyi agreed immediately, her voice unwavering. It wasn’t that she lacked confidence in Han Lie himself, but rather that she understood the brutal mathematics of cultivation. The gap between the mid-Golden Core Stage and the perfected Golden Core Stage was like

“Hmph, how arrogant!” Ye Lang sneered, placing one hand on his hip, his posture radiating absolute confidence in his domain. “Haven’t you noticed your spiritual energy draining away? Once inside my Black Demon Immovable Bell, no matter what tricks you have, you won’t be able to use them. Submit quietly to your death, and perhaps

“Cough, cough…!” Han Lie covered his chest, his body convulsing as he coughed violently. Fresh blood, dark and viscous, continued to gush from his lips, staining his tattered robes. Yet, with a will of iron, he forced himself to endure the screaming pain of his internal injuries and stood up once more. His gaze was

“Huh?” Qin Lianyi blinked, her curiosity piqued. “What do you mean? Don’t you even know if you had a nightmare yourself?” Han Lie rubbed his temples, the phantom image of cold, imperious eyes still burned into his mind. “I just… dreamed about our Sect Leader,” he said succinctly. Han Lie actually didn’t consider it a

“How is your recovery progressing, Daoist Han?” After resting for a while, Qin Lianyi finally inquired about Han Lie’s condition, her eyes filled with concern. “Mostly recovered,” Han Lie replied with a light laugh, flexing his arms. “The remaining pills probably won’t be needed.” His Pure Yang Sacred Body inherently possessed tyrannical self-healing capabilities. Coupled

“I told you to watch over Bai Ling. Where have you been running off to all this time?” Ye Qingxuan’s voice cut through the silence of the Violet Heaven Palace, sharp as a glacial wind. To anyone else, it was the interrogation of a Sect Leader demanding accountability. But to Han Lie’s ears, the underlying

After dismissing Han Feng, Han Lie returned to the solitude of the Violet Heaven Palace. For two days, he stood over Xiao Zi like a slavedriver, supervising as the cat demon scrubbed every inch of the bedchamber. “I… I have perished from exhaustion, meow…” Xiao Zi collapsed onto the cold tiles, her limbs splayed out

“That hasn’t happened yet.” Bai Ling sighed, her shoulders slumping. “But the progress is too slow. The Sect Leader is losing patience. I received a message recently… I have five years at most.” “If I cannot obtain the Yin Yang Demonic Art by then…” She trailed off, a shadow crossing her eyes. Han Lie didn’t

“There’s a punishment?” Han Lie recoiled, shaking his head vigorously. “Forget it. Absolutely not.” If there was a reward, he could muster some enthusiasm—perhaps even find a way to fleece Grand Elder Chi Lian. But a punishment for failure? That was a losing bet. He preferred to fold before the cards were dealt. Chi Lian

“Since the Sect Leader is asking for my opinion, then my decision is… save them!” Han Lie didn’t hesitate. He turned on his heel, ready to depart. “Wait.” Ye Qingxuan’s voice was cool, arresting him mid-stride. Han Lie paused, glancing back over his shoulder. “Sect Leader? Are there further instructions?” “Are you confident you can

“Lie’er?! You’re here!!” Yun Xuanzi and his men might not have recognized the figure, but Li Susu knew him instantly. A mother recognizes her son, even by a mere silhouette. The figure descending from the sky was indeed Han Lie. To the despairing Li Susu, his arrival was like a ray of dawn breaking through

The sphere of condensed energy hovering above Han Lie was no mere fireball; it was a miniature star, a crucible of destruction that seared the retinas of the thousands watching from below. The heat distorted the air, turning the sky above Qingzhou City into a shimmering mirage of ruin. Yun Xuanzi, stripped of his earlier

“Hongyi?” The despair that had begun to settle in Han Lie’s chest vanished instantly. That voice was unmistakable. Space tore open like wet parchment. A figure stepped through the void, radiating a valiant and heroic aura that silenced the battlefield. It was a woman of breathtaking elegance, clad in the crimson-trimmed robes of the Heavenly

Five years of separation had turned their longing into dry tinder; their reunion was the spark. Han Lie and Zhuo Hongyi burned with the intensity of a wildfire, their passion fueled not just by emotion, but by the volatile clash of their cultivation bases. Zhuo Hongyi was no longer the woman he had left behind.

“Soul purity,” Ye Qingxuan stated, her voice cool and imperious. She paced the length of the Violet Heaven Palace, her presence filling the room like a rising tide. “If you cling to obsession and resentment, the Nascent Soul will twist into a Wicked Infant. The backlash will destroy you. Second, do not be impatient for

“Senior Sister Hongyi?!” Zhao Danming’s face drained of color as he spotted the crimson-robed figure. “Ah… Senior Sister, apologies! I just remembered an urgent matter outside the sect. We’ll catch up later!” Without waiting for a response, Zhao Danming blurred, shooting into the sky like a panicked bird. “Leaving so soon, Brother Zhao?” He hadn’t

Bai Ling exhaled, the tension finally leaving her small frame—or so she thought. The moment the jade scroll inscribed with the Yin Yang Demonic Art materialized, the atmosphere in the valley sharpened. Zhao Batian’s permanently squinted eyes snapped wide open, revealing pupils that burned with avarice. A disciple beside him moved like a viper, snatching

A deafening boom shattered the silence. As Han Lie’s calm words faded, a torrent of boundless Pure Yang spiritual power erupted from the edge of his blade. The projection of the slash, originally spanning a hundred miles, compressed into a singular, ten-zhang streak of concentrated destruction. A brilliant crimson radiance illuminated half the heavens. It

Boom! As Han Lie poured his spiritual power into the blade, the crimson light of Crimson Oath flared with the intensity of a dying star. The heat was so absolute that the very space around the blade twisted and buckled, creating a mirage of distorted reality. “Ah… No! Impossible!” Zhao Batian’s roar tore from his

“Sect Leader Ye makes a reasonable point.” Old Ghost Yin Mei forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “How about this? In addition to the girl’s family, this old man will add two Low-grade Divine Abilities to the pot in exchange for my unworthy disciple.” He paused, his voice straining to maintain a veneer

Violet Heaven Palace. “Greetings, Sect Leader!” In the main hall, Ye Qingxuan sat upon the highest seat, her posture radiating a majestic, effortless elegance. Han Lie and Bai Ling entered side by side, bowing deeply with cupped hands. Bai Ling immediately fell to her knees, tears of gratitude shimmering in her eyes. “Thank you, Sect

The market of the Myriad Pill Hall bustled with activity. Han Lie, feeling generous, purchased a medicinal pill worth five thousand Spirit Stones. He tossed it to the cat-girl perched on his shoulder. Xiao Zi caught it mid-air, her eyes lighting up as she devoured the expensive treat, happily patting her full belly. She didn’t

“Brother~ when do we leave?” Xiao Qingge leaned against the mission counter, her voice dripping with a sugary sweetness that set Han Lie’s teeth on edge. “Tomorrow,” Han Lie replied, sliding the mission token into his belt. “Noon. We meet at the central plaza.” “Okay~” She beamed, waving a hand as delicate as white jade.

“Demons of the Heavenly Void Sect! Your ancestors have arrived! Roll out and accept your deaths!” The roar thundered across the valley, laced with spiritual energy and raw arrogance. Inside the command center, Deacon He Tao shot to his feet. His face, already pale from stress, hardened with killing intent. “Again! It’s the Myriad Sword

Boom! In the space of a few breaths, judgment fell. To Zhao Mei and her disciples, the Crimson Oath was not merely a sword technique; it was the reaper’s scythe. They saw the fire coming—a tidal wave of crimson death that filled the horizon—but their bodies were too slow, their spirits too weak. Panic turned

The next morning, the sun rose over a broken town. Soul Rest Town was a shell of its former self, its streets scarred and empty. Under He Tao’s guidance, Han Lie and Xiao Qingge toured the heart of the operation—Mine #1. It was massive. The tunnels stretched deep into the earth, pulsating with the faint

Swoosh! A lance of pure spiritual pressure tore through the void, annihilating the air with a high-pitched shriek. It slammed into the cobblestones between Han Lie and Xiao Qingge, blasting a crater three meters wide and forcing them to leap apart in a shower of debris. “My, how rude,” Xiao Qingge dusted off her dress,

Clang! Clang! Clang! Steel shrieked against steel, birthing showers of sparks that bloomed and died in the chaotic air between them. Han Lie and Xiao Yuruo moved as blurs of violence, their silhouettes weaving through a storm of sword light and blade shadows. Every collision sent shockwaves rippling outward, cracking the earth and forcing the

“Enough. No matter the sentiment, this Senior is still a man of the Heavenly Void Sect.” Han Lie’s voice cut through the tranquil air of the domain, grounding them back to reality. “Here, in private, we may speak as old acquaintances. But once this domain falls, you and I return to being enemies on a

Above Soul Rest Town, the sky burned with the colors of a dying sun. The air was thick with tension, a suffocating silence hanging over the opposing camps of the Heavenly Void Sect and the Myriad Sword Pavilion. Hours had passed since the massive, spinning form of the Supreme Green Lotus had swallowed the two

“You really want to know?” Han Lie raised an eyebrow, letting the suspense hang in the air like smoke. “Mhm! I want to know!” Xiao Qingge blinked her large, shimmering eyes, radiating an almost aggressive level of cuteness. “Ahem.” Han Lie cleared his throat, adopting his most sagely tone. “Far away in the horizon… yet

“I don’t care! I want to go too!” Xiao Zi threw herself onto the floorboards, rolling around in a tantrum of white fur and screeching protests. “How about this,” Han Lie said, crossing his arms and looking down at the spirit beast with zero sympathy. “Transform into a cat-girl right now, and this Senior will

“Brother, where are we going?” Xiao Qingge looked up at him, her eyes curving into crescent moons. She radiated an infectious, bubbling anticipation for their date. “Just a wander,” Han Lie replied. His mind was blank; he hadn’t planned an itinerary. Aside from the Cloud Sea Forest, the Heavenly Void Sect offered few secluded spots

The silence following the headbutt was brief, shattered quickly by the rising murmur of the crowd. The spectators, fickle as the wind, began to jeer again. It was clear they had no loyalty to Xie Anhua or Ru Yan; they were vultures, eager to pick at the bones of whoever fell first. “Y-You… what do

“How do you wish to dispose of them?” Zhuo Hongyi’s voice was calm, yet it thundered through the clearing. He did not look at the trembling culprits; his gaze was fixed solely on Han Lie, awaiting instruction. The crowd erupted. The disciples stared, jaws slack with disbelief. Zhuo Hongyi was the Captain of the Vermilion

“It’s just that… Junior Sister has no experience in these matters. I might be clumsy.” Xiao Qingge buried her face in her hands, her voice barely a whisper, thick with feigned shyness. Perched upon Han Lie’s lap, her heart hammered against her ribs—a frantic rhythm that betrayed her composure. “Heh, it doesn’t matter. I’m not

Han Lie gazed down at Xiao Qingge’s flushed, exquisite face, a knowing smile curbing the corner of his lips. Judging by her ragged breathing and the glaze over her eyes, she was beginning to enjoy this dangerous game just as much as he was. For Han Lie, this was excellent news. “Well, Sister Qingge,” he

“Her Heavenly Fox bloodline has undergone a mutation. It is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. If you had paid close attention to the tips of her hair, you might have noticed the signs.” Han Lie rested his chin on his hand, eyes narrowing in thought. “So, that explains the shifting colors of Captain Su Mei’s hair?”

Third Floor, Violet Heaven Palace. Ye Qingxuan sat cross-legged in the center of the hall, draped in a sheer purple gown that accentuated her ice-cold, ethereal aura. She looked less like a cultivator and more like a deity carved from glacial jade. “Sect Leader.” At the sound of Han Lie’s voice, her eyes slowly opened.

“Old Man Han, here… it’s n-not very appropriate, is it?” Bai Ling’s face was a mask of scarlet shame, her voice trembling. The open courtyard felt dangerously exposed under the vast sky. “What’s inappropriate about it? No one comes here,” Han Lie replied casually, his hands already wandering. Bai Ling glanced frantically left and right,

Xiao Yuruo’s gaze sharpened as she spotted the arrival of the Heavenly Void Sect’s delegation. “That woman… is that the Heavenly Void Sect’s Saintess, Bai Ling?” A flicker of displeasure rippled through her beautiful eyes, her delicate brows arching slightly. Bai Ling was a recent addition to the sect, but Myriad Sword Pavilion’s intelligence network

“Tell me everything. Who has come for this ruin? Which factions?” Han Lie didn’t waste time with pleasantries. He placed a storage ring onto the scarred wood of the table. The faint, spiritual hum of one thousand Spirit Stones resonated from within. The waiter’s eyes widened, his face instantly blooming into a sycophantic grin. He

“After we conclude this business in the ruins, come home with me. What do you say?” Xiao Yuruo’s invitation was blunt, cutting through the cold mountain air. Han Lie paused, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He recalled the dossier He Tao had provided back at the mines. Xiao Yuruo was not merely a

The speaker was a withered man, his face lined with the cruelty of fifty years spent in the dark arts. Zheng Feng. A Peak Golden Core cultivator. He wore the insignia of the Nether Sect, a notorious vassal of the Sun Moon Sect. They were scavengers, growing fat on the scraps left by their masters.

“Soul Devouring Saber Art, Final Form: Unity.” The words left Han Lie’s lips like a sigh. He didn’t shout. He didn’t posture. He simply let the Crimson Oath fall. Hum. The world seemed to hold its breath. A hum, pure and terrifying, resonated from the blade. The Pure Yang spiritual power that had been coiling

“Oh? So, according to Fairy Xiao, this Han Lie is not an evil cultivator?” Zhao Batian’s voice was thin and sharp, dripping with sarcasm. The crowd buzzed with uneasy murmurs. Logic was on the Sun Moon Sect’s side. You could claim to support Han Lie personally, but to deny his nature? He was a disciple

“Roar!” The ice shattered, exploding outward in a shower of glittering shards. A roar, deep and resonant like the grinding of tectonic plates, shook the foundations of the ancient hall. The air itself seemed to curdle as the Raging War Bear-Tiger pulled itself free, its massive paws crushing the stone floor beneath them. It opened

Bai Ling was a ragdoll tossed by a hurricane. She tore through the dense canopy, her body snapping ancient timber like dry twigs. For miles, the forest shattered in her wake until she finally slammed into the trunk of a massive sequoia, embedding herself deep within the splintered wood. Boom! Thunder detonated directly above her.

The difference between Heaven-rank Lower-grade and Middle-grade was not merely a matter of sharpness; it was a qualitative leap in the laws of destruction. Before the upgrade, the Crimson Oath might have glanced off Zhao Batian’s dragon scales. Now? It threatened to cleave him in two. Zhao Batian wasn’t foolish. Sensing the blade’s terrifying new

“Wh… What!?” Elder Huang’s vision went dark. He stumbled, gripping the hilt of his sword to steady himself. This… how could this be? Beside him, Bai Ling was equally stunned, her gaze darting between Han Lie and the serene Xiao Yuruo. She had assumed their alliance was one of convenience, a tactical necessity. But this?

“Wait… is that how the saying goes?” Han Lie blinked, momentarily stunned by the Saintess’s brazen interpretation of the idiom. “Why wouldn’t it be? You said it yourself!” Bai Ling argued with righteous confidence, her cheeks flushed. Before Han Lie could correct her linguistic creativity, she threw herself into his arms, abandoning all reserve. “…”

Time lost all meaning within the bridal chamber. The days blurred into a haze of golden light and silken sheets, a living tableau of a spring palace painting come to life. Han Lie lay at the center of this world, a king upon his throne of pleasure. To his right sat the imperious Ye Qingxuan;

“There is no other choice. I have to go in.” After a moment of contemplation, Han Lie made a bold decision. He would attempt to breach Bai Ling’s spiritual world. If his suspicion was correct and she was confronting her deepest fears, the girl stood little chance of enduring it alone. Han Lie knew exactly

Time passed slowly in the void. Bai Ling’s trembling finally subsided, her breathing falling into a steady rhythm. “Brother Han… I’m sorry,” she whispered, her eyes lowered and filled with shame. “I’ve been a burden to you this entire time.” “People must experience setbacks to grow,” Han Lie replied, his voice calm and steady. He

After bidding farewell to Elder Huang Hai, the remaining climbers—Han Lie, Xiao Yuruo, Bai Ling, and Xiao Zi—pressed onward. Boom. The moment they crossed the six-thousandth step and set foot on the seven-thousandth, the invisible pressure spiked violently. Bai Ling gasped, her chest constricting as if a granite mountain had been dropped onto her heart.

“The higher you go, the colder it gets.” Zhao Batian gazed up at the nine-thousandth step, now tantalizingly close, and sighed with profound emotion. Without Han Lie and Xiao Yuruo breathing down his neck, he felt a strange, hollow sense of unaccustomed solitude. “You two are barely worthy of being my opponents now,” he muttered

“You truly are a pile of mud that can’t be propped against a wall,” Zhao Batian sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. “Even at a time like this, you’re still praying for a savior?” The Holy Son cast a calculating glance upward. Han Lie was already nearing the 9,300th step, a height where every inch

The silence broke the moment Zhao Batian’s laughter died in his throat. High above, on the 9,990th step, Han Lie moved. Witnessing this, the Holy Son’s expression shifted instantly—a mask of arrogance shattering into undisguised dread. His heart, which had only just settled, leaped back into his throat. “Do not panic, Holy Son,” Li Qingyu

A blinding rupture of golden light forced the spectators to shield their eyes, severing their connection to the celestial trial. When the brilliance finally faded, vision returned. They were no longer standing on the ancient staircase but had been deposited back into the reality of the Buried Immortal Mountain Range. Disoriented, Bai Ling blinked and

Time dissolved into nothingness. Han Lie entered a state of profound metaphysical clarity. His consciousness roamed the spaces between heaven and earth, absorbing the laws of the universe with terrifying speed. Perhaps it was the residual will of Daoist Star-Sucker, an ancient monster of the Nascent Soul realm, but Han Lie’s comprehension defied logic. Even

“Hmm…” Han Lie stroked his chin, his gaze sweeping over his new body with narcissistic satisfaction. The muscles were sculpted like marble, the skin bronzed and flawless, and the face possessed a mature, rugged handsomeness that demanded authority. But more than the aesthetics, Han Lie was pleased with the… functionality. “This vessel is not just

The shockwaves alone were enough to drive Xiao Yuruo and Bai Ling back, their feet skidding across the earth as nearby peaks crumbled into dust. They watched in awe, feeling the terrifying gap between realms. The Golden Core and the Nascent Soul were supposedly neighbors, separated by a single step, but witnessing this clash made

“Even… even…” Bai Ling stammered, panic rising in her throat. She glanced at Han Lie for support, but he remained motionless, staring straight ahead like a statue. Abandoned, Bai Ling gritted her teeth, lifted her chin, and stared directly into Ye Qingxuan’s terrifying eyes. “I will surpass the Sect Leader!” Silence. Deathly, suffocating silence filled

“No.” Han Lie shook his head, his gaze steady. “Is that so?” Ye Qingxuan’s beautiful eyes narrowed dangerously, a flicker of challenge igniting within them. “Sect Leader, do not be impatient. I have not finished speaking.” Han Lie’s expression turned solemn, though a devilish glint remained in his eyes. “I believe your assessment was inaccurate.

Myriad Sword Pavilion. The Main Hall. “Kneel, you rebellious disciple!” The command thunderclapped through the resplendent, golden hall. At the center of the dais stood an elderly woman, her hands clasped behind her back. Though time had carved deep ravines into her face, her eyes burned with the terrifying light of a grandmaster. She was

“Shut your mouth, or I’ll air all your dirty laundry!” Xiao Qingge rolled her eyes, her irritation palpable. “It’s easy for you to talk when you’re not the one suffering!” “Senior Sister Xiao, what business is she talking about?” a male disciple nearby asked, his curiosity piqued. Li Yan shot the disciple a sharp glare

“Big Brother, speaking of which, what exactly happened during your training? You’re like a completely different person,” Xiao Qingge chirped, her curiosity bubbling over as they traveled toward Qingzhou City. She clung to his arm, looking up at him with wide, sparkling eyes. “If I hadn’t seen your face, I wouldn’t have even recognized you!”

“Ah—ow! It stings!” Xiao Qingge reached back to rub her sore backside, her lower lip jutting out in a pitiful pout. She looked up at him with teary eyes. “It must be red and swollen by now! Big Brother really doesn’t know how to treat a delicate flower!” Han Lie replied with self-righteous confidence, “If

That day, Han Lie took Xiao Qingge to the Qingzhou City Lord’s Mansion to formally meet Han Zhentian and Li Susu. Upon entering the estate, Han Lie finally witnessed the sheer, terrifying power of Xiao Qingge’s social maneuvering. It was weaponized charm. Despite it being her first visit, she showed not a hint of shyness

Han Lie frowned, his gaze piercing through the gloom of the main hall. “Uncle Zhuo, what exactly happened?” Zhuo Cheng sat slumped in the master’s chair, his eyes vacant and lifeless. When he spoke, his voice trembled uncontrollably. “It… it has nothing to do with you. You must leave. Quickly! Do not get involved in

Unlike her usual regal attire, Qin Lianyi arrived dressed in a simple, form-fitting white dress. It was understated, clearly chosen to avoid drawing unwanted attention, yet the fabric clung to her curves in a way that did nothing to conceal her innate elegance. She descended from the sky like a falling lotus petal, her presence

“Why ask about shops? If you need pills, I can just fetch them from the palace,” Qin Lianyi offered. To her mind, no market stall could compete with the Imperial Treasury. She didn’t know exactly what Han Lie was plotting—he always had that metaphorical gourd of mystery medicine tucked away—but she knew wasting money on

Qian’er stumbled backward, her heels clicking frantically against the floorboards. Her face was a mask of terror and suspicion. “Fate brings us together,” Han Lie said with a faint smile. He gestured casually to the chair opposite him. “Miss Qian’er, why don’t you sit? Let’s have a chat about you and Young Master Mu Feng.”

“The Vice Chief Minister? Put a pin in that for now.” Han Lie rubbed his chin, his expression grim. “Unless Mu Feng spills some truly explosive secrets, approaching a political rival is meaningless.” If they couldn’t get dirty laundry on the Mu family, the best they could hope for was clearing the Zhuo Family’s name.

Faced with Qian’er’s probing questions, Mu Feng showed no sign of suspicion. Instead, he grew increasingly smug, treating the interrogation as an opportunity to boast to a beautiful woman. “It was simple. Child’s play, really!” Mu Feng waved his hand dismissively. “I had the Lieutenant Colonel arrest a few members of the Zhuo Family. We

“Alright, that’s enough out of you. Time to go.” Han Lie ignored Mu Feng’s impotent rage. They were still deep inside the Second Ring of Qin Yang City, and lingering here was dangerous. Dragging this out offered no benefits. “What are you doing?! Let me go!” Mu Feng roared, his face flushed with panic. Despite

By the faint, flickering light of the nearby bonfire, Mu Feng finally saw the face of his captor clearly. It was Han Lie. Mu Feng’s eyes narrowed. He immediately tried to channel his energy to strike, but a wave of crushing weakness washed over him. No matter how hard he tried to mobilize his dantian,

“Brother Qinghai, are you implying that the evidence I just presented is fabricated?” Li Yi retorted immediately, his voice dripping with icy sarcasm. “Heh. If this recording hadn’t undergone rigorous verification to confirm its absolute authenticity, I wouldn’t dare present it before the Imperial Court. The crime of deceiving the Sovereign is a burden this

“Grand Secretary Li! Stop beating around the bush!” Mu Qinghai’s voice boomed through the hall, cutting through Li Yi’s accusations. “Are your ramblings even relevant to the matter we are discussing before His Majesty? Furthermore, I never explicitly named you, Grand Secretary Li, as the mastermind behind Qian’er. Why are you in such a hurry

The logic was sound, and everyone present understood it. However, as the Son of Heaven, Emperor Qin Yusheng could not remain indifferent to reports of treason. Even if he suspected the Zhuo Family was being framed, he required absolute proof before he could intervene. That was why he had seemingly humored Princess Qin Lianyi’s advice

“As for the allegations of treason against Zhuo Cheng… We shall await the conclusion of the investigation,” Emperor Qin Yusheng announced, his voice echoing through the Holy Heaven Hall. “If he has indeed been wronged, We shall personally see to it that the Zhuo family’s name is cleared.” “Your Majesty is wise,” Han Lie said,

“?” Han Lie paused, his back turned to the weeping woman. His voice was flat, devoid of emotion. “No.” “Is… is that so?” Qian’er’s voice trembled, her tone dipping into profound dejection. She took a desperate step forward, her eyes pleading at his retreating figure. “Then… if Daoist Han doesn’t mind… what Mu Feng failed

“Since that is the case, We shall press the matter no further.” Emperor Qin Yusheng clasped his hands behind his back, his expression relaxed and unconcerned. Through this brief exchange, he had formed a preliminary assessment of the young man before him. Above all else, Han Lie struck him as a man who valued loyalty

As for whether he could forcibly keep Han Lie within the Great Qin Dynasty, Emperor Qin Yusheng had naturally considered it. However, he had dismissed the thought almost immediately. Earlier that morning, Han Lie had explicitly mentioned that Sect Leader Ye Qingxuan of the Heavenly Void Sect had invested heavily in his cultivation. This implied

“Don’t be anxious, Little Lianyi.” Han Lie gently cupped Qin Lianyi’s cheek, his expression turning solemn. “Right now, I am in a critical phase of my cultivation. Even if I were to marry you and bring you into the sect immediately, I wouldn’t have much time to devote to you. Not in the short term.”

The fairy in white offered Han Lie a gentle, lingering smile. With a movement as light as a falling petal, she spun through the air and landed gracefully on the center rug. Following her lead, the dozen dancers behind her flowed into a routine that perfectly balanced sensuality with high-class elegance. Throughout the performance, the

A long while later. When Han Lie finally raised his head, thoroughly satisfied, Ling Miao was already drifting in a haze of exhaustion. She lay panting, her breath coming in ragged, shallow gasps. Her cheeks, usually as pale and exquisite as carved jade, were now dusted with a heavy crimson flush. Her waist—slender and flexible

“Might as well take a look.” Han Lie knew the Heavenly Void Sect’s Grand Competition was a major event held once every thirty years, but he was hazy on the specifics. Before this, he had been nothing more than an invisible servant disciple—a speck of dust in the sect’s hierarchy, utterly unqualified to participate. He

“The bet with the Grand Elder? How could this junior possibly forget?” Han Lie nodded respectfully, though his internal thoughts were far less pious. To an outsider, the bet sounded high-stakes: rewards for winning, punishment for losing. But to Han Lie? It was all reward. If he won, he got to dual cultivate with her

Back in the seclusion of his small wooden hut, Han Lie sat cross-legged and sank deep into a meditative trance. Drawing upon the intelligence he had gathered ten years ago regarding Old Ghost Black Sha, Han Lie began to construct a simulation within his mind. Slowly, a shadowy figure coalesced in the mental void—an effigy

Between the two sources of information, Han Lie naturally placed more weight on Grand Elder Chi Lian’s authority. “Senior Qin Lan… purely hypothetically,” Han Lie asked, stroking her back. “If Hall Master Su Mei passes the assessment and ascends to the Elder Council, who takes over the Law Enforcement Hall?” “I haven’t seen a succession

“?” The moment that familiar, saccharine voice hit his ears, Han Lie felt a physical jolt run down his spine. He didn’t even need to turn around; he knew exactly who it was. Xiao Qingge. Zhuo Hongyi and Qin Lan turned their heads toward the source of the sound. There stood Xiao Qingge, her figure

With thousands of disciples clamoring for glory, the preliminary rounds dragged on for over a month, even with three arenas running around the clock. It was a grueling marathon to whittle the massive field down to the final twenty elites. Han Lie fought seven matches in total. Unsurprisingly, he crushed his opposition and secured his

The next morning, inside the Vermilion Bird Squad office of the Law Enforcement Hall. Han Lie, Zhuo Hongyi, and Xiao Qingge gathered around a desk. Laid out before them was a fresh scroll—the official roster for the Individual Competition’s top twenty finalists. Zhuo Hongyi had secured the list personally. Sitting at the very top were

Zhuo Hongyi and Xiao Qingge didn’t hesitate. Following Han Lie’s lead, they tossed twenty or thirty thousand Spirit Stones into the pool for fun. Just as Han Lie had predicted, the odds were tragic. Whether it was Zhuo Hongyi or Han Lie, the payout rates were so low they were practically criminal. It was like