Chapter 179: Reunion with Qian Renxue, The Seven Devils' Different Paths
The next ten days were incredibly comfortable for Han Li. Apart from the time spent traveling, he returned to his cultivation state, occasionally experimenting with his newly acquired abilities and developing new techniques. Thanks to his powerful spiritual force and the minor assistance of the plane's will, he quickly grasped the use of other elements. However, at present, he still required soul bones to aid in wielding these abilities. As for the manipulation of evil power, it could only be used within his domain or directly infused into his martial soul.
Even so, he was quite satisfied. Now, he finally felt a sense of security, no longer worried about sudden death. This change in mindset subtly influenced his speech and actions, something that Guang Ling keenly observed. Seeing his disciple develop the demeanor of a true powerhouse delighted Guang Ling. Although Han Li had always been exceptional, he had lacked a certain edge one that now seemed to be filling in, eliminating his final weakness.
Han Li noticed the approval in his master's eyes and couldn't help but think, So this is how parents feel when they see their children succeed.
At noon on the twelfth day, a luxurious carriage entered the capital of Tian Dou, maneuvering through several turns before arriving at a grand residence.
"We'll stay here for now. This house was purchased under the name of the merchant association, so it won't attract much attention," Han Li said after dismissing the carriage driver.
"Does the Seven Treasures Chamber of Commerce own mansions in every city?" Dugu Bo asked, glancing at the building, which was even more extravagant than his own residence.
"Probably. I don't even know myself there are just too many," Han Li replied with a smile.
"Tsk, you really are rich, kid," Dugu Bo muttered, remembering the gold card Han Li had given him.
"I don't like money. It holds no meaning for me. Honestly, the happiest I've ever been was when I first arrived at Spirit City and received my Spirit Master stipend," Han Li said, borrowing a famous line from his past life.
He then noticed the others looking at him with strange expressions before ignoring him and heading off to pick their rooms.
"Why doesn't anyone believe me?" Han Li sighed in frustration.
"It seems that your growth in strength has indeed changed your approach. This is exactly what your master hoped for keep it up," Qing Luan said with a rare smile, patting Han Li's shoulder as he passed by.
Han Li chuckled awkwardly, slightly embarrassed by the comment.
After choosing their rooms, the group reconvened in the main hall.
"Are we going to see Qian Renxue?" Guang Ling asked.
"Sure. It's been over a year I should check in and get an update," Han Li said before turning to the others. "After that, we'll start working on the soul core. If there's anything you're still unsure about, ask Senior Qing Luan."
Everyone nodded lightly. Along the journey, Han Li and Qing Luan had refined the process extensively, leaving little room for uncertainty.
"As for Ye LingLing, I'll discuss her situation with Qian Renxue and confirm her family's status. I'll give you an update once I return it won't take more than a day or two." Han Li directed this at Dugu Yan, keeping his previous promise.
"Alright," Dugu Yan responded readily. She was never one to be unreasonable about such matters.
"Are we heading straight there, or should we send someone ahead?" Han Li asked, turning back to his master. With his omniscient perspective from his "divine son," he might know the layout of the Crown Prince's residence better than Qian Renxue herself.
"We'll go directly. Last time I passed through, I arranged a new meeting method with her, bypassing Salas," Guang Ling answered as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Alright, then let's go straight there and enjoy a royal dinner while we're at it," Han Li joked as he stood up.
"Yes! We master and disciple will go feast, while the rest of you suffer!" Guang Ling quickly played along, throwing an arm around Han Li's shoulders and waving smugly at the others as they headed out.
The group laughed as they turned their attention back to discussing soul core cultivation with Qing Luan.
Meanwhile, Han Li and Guang Ling made only minimal disguises before entering a shop near the Crown Prince's residence. Guang Ling left Han Li waiting while he approached the counter. After ordering a few obscure items not listed in the shop, he placed a gold soul coin on the counter and then returned to Han Li.
"Done making contact?" Han Li found the whole scene a bit amusing but still discreetly used his domain to mask their conversation.
"Yeah, we're using this place from now on much more efficient," Guang Ling replied casually as they moved toward the waiting area.
Sure enough, after about ten minutes, the store's attendant approached them, handing over a small box.
"Let's go. The details are inside," Guang Ling said as he put away the box and led Han Li out.
Once they reached a secluded area on the street, Guang Ling opened the box and took out a letter, scanning the information before passing it to Han Li.
Glancing over it, Han Li saw that it contained a route map to enter the Crown Prince's residence, complete with notes indicating where the guards had been temporarily relocated, allowing them to walk in freely.
"Seems like her control over Tian Dou has strengthened quite a bit," Han Li murmured, summoning a small flame to incinerate the paper.
Following the provided instructions, the two headed toward the Crown Prince's residence.
Fifteen minutes later, they were inside the main estate, but they didn't enter the underground chamber.
"Grandpa Guang Ling, Han Li, you're here."
Qian Renxue smiled as she saw Han Li and Guang Ling being led in by She Mao. This time, she did not maintain the appearance of Xue Qinghe and instead revealed her true face.
"Congratulations, it looks like your progress has been quick. You don't have to keep pretending to be Xue Qinghe anymore," Han Li teased with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting.
"Thanks to your reminder, things have become much easier," Qian Renxue replied with a radiant smile, clearly in a good mood.
The three of them casually found seats. Qian Renxue looked at Han Li and said, "Grandpa Guang Ling told me you disappeared for over a year. You went to Slaughter City, right? How was it? Was it interesting?"
"Interesting?" Han Li chuckled at her words. "That place is nothing but endless slaughter. There's nothing fun about it. If you manage to leave without developing psychological issues, you're already lucky."
Hearing that, Qian Renxue looked somewhat disappointed. "Really? I was thinking that if even you went, maybe I should take a trip there too."
Han Li lowered his gaze in silence. Girl, of all the people on this continent, you and your grandfather are the last ones who should go there. If you actually did, you'd probably trigger a half god battle.
"By the way, I heard you've gathered a team of geniuses for the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament?" Han Li quickly changed the topic, not wanting to discuss Slaughter City any further.
"Yes, are you interested? Your likely opponents would be Hu Liena and her team," Qian Renxue said, her expression becoming rather playful as she tried to provoke Han Li into joining.
"No thanks, I have no interest in playing children's games. But Bing'er and the others plan to represent Tianshui Academy. Hopefully, your team doesn't run into them too soon. It'd be embarrassing if they got eliminated before facing the real competition," Han Li replied with a smirk, locking eyes with Qian Renxue.
"It doesn't matter. I never really expected them to win. This is just to give Ning Fengzhi some face and to annoy that woman and the Star Luo Empire," Qian Renxue said nonchalantly. She had a clear grasp of the situation. While she acknowledged that the new members of Tian Dou's second team were talented, she didn't believe they could compete with Hu Liena's squad. Her previous public statements had merely been to maintain the facade of Tian Dou Empire's crown prince.
"Anyone in the team that caught your interest?" Han Li raised an eyebrow, eyeing Qian Renxue meaningfully.
"Yes, there's a food type Spirit Master with innate full spirit power. I'm trying to recruit him, but he seems to have feelings for Ning Rongrong and is still hesitating. As for the others, their backgrounds are not very suitable. There are two other innate full spirit power talents, but both of them resist recruitment and seem to have some hostility toward Spirit Hall. One of them, with a mutated martial soul, leans toward us, but I don't like him," Qian Renxue said, glancing at Han Li as if trying to decipher his intentions.
"Oscar? He's definitely worth recruiting. He's a rare talent," Han Li nodded, approving of her choice.
"You have people inside the team?" Qian Renxue was surprised her intelligence reports hadn't mentioned Han Li making any contact with them.
"No, I just happened to run into Zhu Zhuqing and had a brief chat," Han Li replied with a bright smile.
Qian Renxue instinctively tensed. Based on what she knew about Han Li, he wouldn't casually approach an outsider without a reason. "You're interested in her? But she's from the Zhu family of Star Luo it won't be easy. And what about Ye LingLing? How do you plan to handle her?"
Thinking about Zhu Zhuqing's fiery figure and her firm refusal to undergo martial soul fusion with Dai Mubai, Qian Renxue frowned slightly, her tone carrying a trace of emotion.
Han Li didn't notice anything unusual about her reaction and continued the conversation naturally. "Has the Ye family fully sided with you yet?"
"They're still technically neutral, but they no longer have any real choice. It's only a matter of time," Qian Renxue shook her head.
"This time, I'll resolve Ye LingLing's martial soul issue. I'll have her swear on her martial soul and place her under control. As for the Ye family, you can handle their recruitment consider it my gift to you," Han Li said, laying out his plan.
"Deal," Qian Renxue agreed without hesitation. She had great trust in Han Li when it came to such matters.
"By the way, how long are you staying in Tian Dou? Should we spar when you're free?" Qian Renxue's eyes gleamed with battle intent she clearly wanted to test herself against Han Li again.
"I'll be here for a while, but I have other things to take care of. There's no rush we'll have plenty of time later," Han Li declined her challenge. Right now, Qian Renxue's strength was still slightly behind his.
"Fine," Qian Renxue looked slightly disappointed but reignited her fighting spirit upon realizing that Han Li would be staying for an extended period.
"Do you need my help with anything? I have far more freedom now than before, and I can offer much more support," Qian Renxue asked confidently.
"If I need anything, I won't hesitate to ask. But for now… can we get some royal cuisine? I'm starving," Han Li replied with a grin, not holding back at all.
Qian Renxue blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter.
This kind of natural interaction was precisely why her relationship with Han Li was different from how she treated others.
"A feast? Of course! As long as you can finish it all!"
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