“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? You just wanted me to stir up trouble.

On the surface, however, he appeared quite pleased and bowed respectfully. “This trip was quite fruitful. At the very least, This Senior won’t have to worry about Spirit Stones for the next few years. Thank you, Grand Elder.”

This was actually true. He had won 240,000 Spirit Stones from betting on himself in the outer ring. If he counted the Azure Sky Sword, it could be sold for another seventy or eighty thousand Spirit Stones. Even if Han Lie cultivated without restraint, these resources would be enough for him to cultivate for several years at least.

“Is that so? That’s good.”

Chi Lian smiled, a predatory glint in her eyes. “Since you’ve earned so many Spirit Stones, don’t just focus on cultivation. There’s still a big fish that needs you to reel it in.”

Even if Han Lie didn’t say anything, she had long known about what happened in Qingzhou City. The outcome was basically within her expectations. The couple Han Zhentian and Li Susu did show a bit of parental responsibility after all. Otherwise, Chi Lian wouldn’t have specifically sent Han Lie to participate in that martial arts tournament.

“Grand Elder need not worry. The fish has already taken the bait. This old servant cannot extricate himself even if he wanted to now,” Han Lie replied smoothly.

As long as he remained in the Heavenly Void Sect for even one more day, Saintess Bai Ling could not ignore him—the person who might be the only one who knows her secret. Even if Han Lie himself wanted to withdraw and avoid the politics of the Saintess and the sect, she would never let him go.

“Then I’ll just sit back and wait for your good news, hehehe.”

After Chi Lian left, Han Lie took a moment to collect his thoughts before planning to return to Violet Heaven Palace.

Tap tap tap.

Light yet familiar footsteps suddenly sounded from behind him.

Han Lie’s heart skipped a beat as he turned to look. The owner of the footsteps was none other than Saintess Bai Ling. She also seemed to have just returned from outside, her aura slightly dispirited.

Han Lie initially thought Bai Ling had been following him all along. But when he noticed her somewhat downcast expression, he dismissed that idea.

After a moment of contemplation, Han Lie stepped forward, feigning surprise. “Hehe, I didn’t expect to run into the Saintess here.”

Only when Han Lie’s voice reached her did Bai Ling snap back to attention. She quickly adjusted her expression, wiping away the melancholy. Her pure and lovely face once again wore the innocent and carefree smile of old.

“Old Man Han? What are you doing here?”

Han Lie truthfully recounted how Grand Elder Chi Lian had sent him to participate in Qingzhou City’s martial arts tournament.

Then he asked, “The Saintess seems preoccupied. What’s wrong? Although I’m not particularly capable, I am somewhat of an elder compared to you. Perhaps I could offer some guidance?”

“Ah…?”

A flicker of panic flashed through Bai Ling’s beautiful eyes but vanished in an instant.

“It’s nothing much really,” she said, her voice steady. “It’s just that on my way back just now, I encountered someone who was severely injured after being pursued by enemies.”

“He was too badly hurt; I couldn’t save him… so…”

“I see.” Han Lie nodded with sudden understanding. “To This Senior, such a matter is trivial, but for the Saintess, its significance is different.”

“However, the Saintess need not blame herself over this. Saving him would have been an act of kindness; being unable to save him is simply fate.”

“Besides, many people die every day in this world. With your own strength alone, you cannot possibly save everyone.”

Bai Ling nodded. “I know that, of course. It’s just… encountering it yet being powerless is somewhat regrettable.”

“Hehe, just let it go.”

As they walked back together, Han Lie suddenly asked, “Saintess, may This Senior ask you something?”

“What is it? Go ahead.”

“What was the opportunity that led you to join the Heavenly Void Sect back then? With your talent, the treatment wouldn’t have been poor at any sect you chose.” Han Lie’s gaze sharpened. “Why did you choose the Heavenly Void Sect?”

Bai Ling thought for a long while before sighing softly.

“Old Man Han, you might not know this, but many geniuses on the continent have no choice in such matters.”

“Which sect one goes to is often not decided by oneself, but by one’s parents.”

She looked up at the sky. “I don’t know why my parents sent me here either. But at least… I’ve been living quite well here. I have no worries, and my master is very responsible towards me.”

Han Lie smiled wryly with empathy. “It sounds like the Saintess’ situation is somewhat similar to This Senior’s. Except… I was sold by my parents to the Heavenly Void Sect to become a Servant Disciple.”

“Then our experiences are quite similar after all, Old Man Han!” Bai Ling said with a beaming smile.

“Hehe…” Han Lie gave a bitter laugh. “Perhaps.”

According to what Bai Ling said, her experience was superficially similar to his. However, their status, positions, and treatment within the Heavenly Void Sect were worlds apart.

Upon returning to Violet Heaven Palace, Han Lie parted ways with Bai Ling.

As for what Bai Ling had just said… Han Lie didn’t believe a single punctuation mark of it.

However… it is clear that the Saintess truly has something on her mind—something that is troubling her, Han Lie mused, stroking his beard.

Everything Bai Ling had just said was false; he couldn’t analyze what exactly was wrong with her. But if he knew what matter was troubling Bai Ling… perhaps he could finally break through her psychological defenses.

Returning to his small wooden hut, Han Lie found Xiao Zi lying on his bed.

Her three tails were pressed close against her body, eyes tightly shut. Strange wisps of black flame rose from her fur, dancing in the dim light.

She seemed to be attempting a breakthrough into the Golden Core Stage.

Han Lie did not disturb her. He settled by the tea table, closed his eyes, and entered quiet contemplation.

Over the next few days, Xiao Zi continued her attempt at breaking through. Han Lie remained her silent guardian.

This continued until the seventh day.

Today, two special guests arrived at the Heavenly Void Sect.

They were none other than Han Lie’s father, Han Zhentian, and his mother, Li Susu.

In the grand reception hall, Grand Elder Chi Lian personally received them.

Chi Lian sat at the head seat, slowly savoring a cup of hot tea. A playful, dangerous curve lingered at the corner of her vermilion lips.

“City Lord Han, you are a City Lord aligned with the Myriad Sword Pavilion. Coming to our Heavenly Void Sect today… are you delivering yourself into our hands?”

“Grand Elder, you also know that which faction Qingzhou City aligns with is actually determined by interests!” Han Zhentian said anxiously, beads of sweat on his forehead.

“Today, my humble wife and I have come to beg a favor from Grand Elder! If Grand Elder is willing to show mercy, this humble one will henceforth be aligned with the Heavenly Void Sect faction!”

“Hmm…”

Chi Lian slightly raised her eyelashes with great interest.

“Well then… City Lord Han, please tell me what brings you here today.”

“Yes…!”

Seeing there seemed to be some hope, Han Zhentian dared not beat around the bush.

“A hundred years ago, my humble wife and I were destitute with over a dozen children. We had no choice but to sell our youngest son to become a Servant Disciple in your Heavenly Void Sect.”

He took a deep breath, clutching Li Susu’s hand.

“Today, my humble wife and I wish to redeem him back.”

“This trivial matter requires only Grand Elder’s nod. So what do you think…?”