The Scramble for Han Li

Han Li was just about to speak when Qing Yi Hermit’s voice transmission suddenly sounded in his ear.

“Han Li, I have never taken a disciple in all my life, and my great limit is not far off. If you are willing to enter my tutelage, my robes, dharma treasures, and everything else will naturally pass to you. Such a fine opportunity is not something you stumble upon every day.” Qing Yi Hermit’s voice was thick with temptation.

Even knowing that the man’s words were certainly padded, Han Li could not help but feel a stir in his heart.

But before he could give it serious thought, Extreme Yin Patriarch’s low voice rang out in his other ear.

“Boy, I don’t care what conditions that old freak Qing has promised you. But let me remind you: that old hermit is a rogue cultivator through and through. He lives alone, has nothing but a single desolate island to his name, and no other worldly possessions. Even if he gives you everything, you won’t end up with much.”

“My Extreme Yin Island is a different matter. Plenty of disciples, vast influence. As a personal disciple of this patriarch, your authority on the island would be beyond your wildest imagination. Beautiful female servant cultivators, rare alchemy and forging materials—this patriarch can let you pick whatever you desire. And I’ve noticed that you’re rather close with that girl Zi Ling of the Profound Sound Sect. Do you have designs on her? That can be arranged too. Take me as your master, and I will have her captured and sent back to Extreme Yin Island to serve as your dual-cultivation furnace. Are you satisfied now?” Extreme Yin Patriarch cut straight to the point, rattling off a host of conditions that stuffed the words back down Han Li’s throat.

But this was not the end. The Profound Bone Saint’s voice suddenly cut in as well.

“Han boy, you join that unfilial disciple of mine as his apprentice. That is the only way we can find a favorable moment to destroy him. Do not forget: I am the only one who knows the formula for refining the Nine-Bend Spirit Ginseng into a pill. You had best follow this old man’s instructions. Otherwise…” The threat in the Profound Bone Saint’s words was unmistakable.

Han Li silently rolled his eyes.

Each of these three had his own hidden agenda, and caught in the middle, Han Li would be in serious trouble if he made a single misstep.

If it were entirely up to him, he would have chosen the gray-robed old scholar. That one might not have much to offer, but at least there would be no messy entanglements—clean and quiet, without dragging himself into so many disputes.

As for the pills, beauties, and techniques Extreme Yin had promised, Han Li naturally held them in low regard.

And promising him Fairy Zi Ling was simply absurd.

But now that the Profound Bone Saint had transmitted to him, Han Li had to think very carefully. Forming a Nascent Soul was his next goal on the path of immortality. Though it still seemed very far off, he absolutely had to obtain that pill formula.

With this in mind, Han Li closed his mouth and lowered his head in deliberation, weighing the pros and cons.

After a moment, his expression flickered several times. Finally, he raised his head and gave an answer that disappointed the gray-robed old scholar and greatly delighted Extreme Yin Patriarch.

“This junior has long heard of Extreme Yin Island’s reputation. Please, Senior Wu, guide me from now on.”

“Good! Han Li, this patriarch now accepts you as a nominal disciple. When we return to Extreme Yin Island, we will hold a formal apprenticeship ceremony. This Profound Yin Ring is one of a set of ancient treasures I obtained in my early years. Every personal disciple under my tutelage holds one. It serves both as a token and a defensive treasure. Keep it well!” Extreme Yin Patriarch, knowing the importance of striking while the iron was hot, removed a dark gray ring from his finger and tossed it to Han Li.

Han Li caught it in surprise and examined it closely.

The ring was about the size of an ordinary band, but covered in ancient markings and mysterious runes, with a faint bluish-black gleam. It was clearly no ordinary object.

Han Li felt a secret delight, but the Profound Bone Saint’s jeering voice sounded in his ears.

“Profound Yin Ring? That unfilial disciple really tries to erase my existence thoroughly. This is clearly the Yin-Yang Ring ancient treasure I bestowed upon him, and he’s even changed the name. Hah! Don’t be too happy too soon. This Yin Ring does have the power to protect its owner and attack enemies, but it is directly countered by a Yang Ring on his person. If you try to use it against him, you will only be seeking death.”

Han Li showed no change in expression outwardly. He still respectfully thanked Extreme Yin Patriarch. But inwardly, he sighed.

Staying beside such a deep and calculating figure as Extreme Yin Patriarch meant he would have to stay on high alert. One lapse in attention and he would be in trouble.

For now, he could only hope that the Profound Bone Saint really had a way to bring Extreme Yin to ruin.

Otherwise, would he really have to join Extreme Yin Island and obediently act as that old monster’s apprentice?

And even if he genuinely wanted to be a good disciple, would Extreme Yin Patriarch truly accept him in earnest? Or would he turn hostile as soon as the occasion served? That was anyone’s guess.

Han Li did not dare to cling to such a thick thigh.

For now, he could only take things one step at a time. After all, he was not strong enough to do otherwise.

Though he had long known the law of the strong devouring the weak in the cultivation world, this feeling of powerlessness had not been felt since he formed his core.

In previous dangerous situations, he had at least had a fighting chance.

But now, against any Nascent Soul cultivator in the Void Heaven Palace, he would only end up killed.

This made him wonder if he was really born under a baleful star. He had only been curious, wanting to follow the Profound Bone Saint to investigate the secret of the broken map fragment. How had he inexplicably plunged himself into a group of Nascent Soul cultivators and become their target?

Han Li cursed to himself silently, a bellyful of bitterness he could not show. He had to force an expression of excitement and delight.

Seeing Han Li put away the Profound Yin Ring and behave with proper respect, Extreme Yin Patriarch was very pleased. After a brief exchange with the old scholar beside him, he told Han Li to move out together with him.

The day was almost over. If they did not reach the great canyon soon, they would never enter the Ice and Fire Path.

Thus, Han Li recalled the Blood Jade Spider, and the group of them rose into the sky and flew toward the horizon.

Along the way, Extreme Yin Patriarch spoke amiably with Han Li and actively corrected some errors in Han Li’s cultivation practice, from which Han Li truly benefited.

Han Li could not help but sigh—having someone to guide you on the cultivation path truly made a world of difference.

But when Wu Chou saw this from the side, a look of resentment crept across his face. Though he tried hard to hide it, Han Li still caught the intense hostility.

Han Li noted it in his heart but pretended not to notice.

The four flew at great speed. Several hours later, they arrived before a giant mountain thousands of feet high.

The mountain was steep and massive, made entirely of black and green boulders. The entire peak had been split in two at the middle as if by supernatural craftsmanship, cracking all the way down to the mountain’s base, forming a natural grand canyon.

Even stranger, the split middle of the mountain shimmered with distinct red and blue light, each covering half of the peak, creating an incredibly eerie sight from afar.

At the entrance of the canyon at the foot of the mountain, over thirty cultivators in various robes sat silently. Everyone’s expression was solemn, as if they were waiting for something.

Extreme Yin and the others slowly descended into the crowd.

Han Li swept his gaze over them and spotted the black-robed enchantress Yuan Yao mixed in with the crowd.

When she saw Han Li mingling with Extreme Yin Patriarch and other Nascent Soul demonic cultivators, a look of utter shock filled her face. When Han Li looked over, she even hurriedly averted her eyes, not daring to meet his gaze.

Han Li was momentarily surprised. He vaguely understood something, but said nothing. He withdrew his gaze and looked elsewhere.

Neither Fairy Zi Ling nor that young male cultivator was among the crowd. It seemed they had decided not to brave the Ice and Fire Path and would return the way they came.

But the cultivators seated here, though their faces were stern, all had a composed and extraordinary air. Their cultivation levels were mostly higher than Han Li’s—even if not late Core Formation, they were mostly mid Core Formation. Qi Condensation or early Core Formation cultivators like Han Li and Yuan Yao numbered only six or seven. Yet even these few appeared unflustered, as if they were all quite confident.

After taking a look, Han Li frowned slightly. None of the other Nascent Soul cultivators had arrived yet. Extreme Yin and his group were the first to return.

Just as he was thinking this, Extreme Yin Patriarch chose a spot with good terrain and sat down cross-legged. Wu Chou automatically moved to one side and sat down as well.

“Han Li, rest beside me for a while,” Extreme Yin Patriarch said in the tone of a kindly teacher.

Han Li did not want to be close to this old monster, but with the man’s gaze on him, he had no choice but to steel himself and comply. He stepped forward and sat down on Extreme Yin Patriarch’s other side.