Stirring the Seas Abroad – Ling Yuling

Chapter 513: Stirring the Seas Abroad – Ling Yuling

Han Li’s brow furrowed slightly at the sound of the voice; he was somewhat taken aback.

The waters below rippled, a flash of white light appeared, and a cultivator slowly rose from the sea.

The man wore the white robes of the Star Palace, his black hair falling to his shoulders, a jade-inlaid turquoise headband wrapped around his forehead. He gazed at Han Li with a composed expression.

But when Han Li got a clear look at his face, he froze, a look of astonishment crossing his features.

The man’s face was like polished white jade, with slanted brows, phoenix-like eyes, a straight nose, and delicate, red lips. He was utterly stunning. Yet, what baffled Han Li was his complete inability to tell if this person was male or female.

If they were a woman, the lazy, casual smile on their lips and their relaxed, graceful bearing suggested a man. But if they were a man, their features were far too beautiful and charming, and the faint, indelible allure in their brow was absolutely captivating to anyone of the opposite sex.

“May I ask your esteemed name, fellow Daoist? I am Ling Yuling, an Outer Affairs Enforcer of the Star Palace. My thanks for your timely rescue!”

The person’s voice was pleasant to the ear, yet androgynous. This made Han Li frown slightly, muttering to himself in puzzlement.

This person immediately reminded Han Li of Tian Buque from the demonic Combined Harmony Sect in Tiannan.

But upon closer thought, the two seemed entirely different.

Although Tian Buque was also extremely effeminate, his every move and word clearly identified him as a man.

This person before him, calling himself Ling Yuling, had all the mannerisms of a man, yet there was an indescribable aura of feminine powder about him. Furthermore, his voice was low and magnetic, making it truly impossible to distinguish male from female.

“This humble one is Han Li. It was merely a small effort on my part. If the other party hadn’t pushed so hard, I wouldn’t have resorted to such harsh measures.” Han Li spoke calmly, concealing his inner astonishment perfectly.

“Regardless, Ling is still extremely grateful to you, friend.” Ling Yuling smiled radiantly, a hint of charm inadvertently slipping through.

Han Li felt a chill run down his spine. Unable to determine the person’s gender, he had no choice but to remain completely oblivious to their captivating beauty.

“You seem to be in quite a hurry, friend. Are you heading to Heaven Star City? It should be under martial law by now and very difficult to enter. If you are not averse, Ling would be happy to guide you into the city, as a small repayment for your life-saving kindness.” Ling Yuling’s smile faded. After a roll of their eyes, they immediately spoke in a serious tone.

Han Li was a bit surprised by these words.

Then, after a moment’s thought, he realized that having this person take him into the city was precisely the main reason he had eliminated the two cultivators of the Rebel Alliance.

This way, he could demonstrate that he had no connection with them.

Now that the other party had taken the initiative to offer, he naturally wouldn’t refuse such a fortunate opportunity. A flicker of emotion passed over his face as he replied slowly:

“My cave dwelling is located in Heaven Star City. The reason for my hurried journey is indeed to return there. If I truly cannot enter the city, then I will have to trouble you with this matter, fellow Daoist Ling.”

“Well said. The fact that friend killed those two without hesitation is proof enough for entry into the city without further verification. The Star Palace welcomes you! However, those who were pursuing us were not just those two; there were several others with considerable magical power. We should leave this place quickly.” Upon hearing Han Li’s words, Ling Yuling spoke with a beaming smile, their eyes sparkling and full of charm.

This time, Han Li said nothing and simply nodded slightly. The two then transformed into streaks of cyan and white light, flying towards Heaven Star City.

On the way, Han Li curiously observed the other person more closely.

Ling Yuling’s white robes were somewhat loose, making it impossible to tell their gender from the outside. However, after careful observation, Han Li noticed that this person did not have an Adam’s apple.

But that alone couldn’t confirm the person was female. As far as he knew, some bizarre cultivation techniques had the strange effect of reversing Yin and Yang, altering certain male and female physical characteristics. Could this person be practicing such a technique?

Han Li pondered this strange thought.

As if noticing Han Li’s stare, the stunning individual flashed a charming smile at him, causing Han Li to feel somewhat awkward and instinctively turn his head away.

“My friend seems quite fortunate to possess two ancient treasures. I wonder about the origin of that copper ring treasure. I have seen several other ancient treasures in my time, but never one with such a unique ability.” Ling Yuling, while flying forward, brought up Han Li’s ancient treasure, seemingly casually.

“It’s nothing; I just had a bit more luck than others.” Han Li naturally wouldn’t tell the truth and glossed over it without changing his expression.

“Hehe. But for you to be able to slay two cultivators of the same rank single-handedly is truly extraordinary. I wonder if friend Han would be interested in joining our Star Palace. I could recommend you for entry.” Seeing that Han Li didn’t want to answer, Ling Yuling chuckled lightly and didn’t press the issue. Instead, they changed the subject to a recruitment matter.

Hearing this within his streak of light, Han Li couldn’t help but frown.

This Ling Yuling didn’t seem easy to deal with! Before even getting him into the city, they were already starting to put him in a difficult position.

Joining the Star Palace now would just make him cannon fodder, something he would never do.

After thinking it over, Han Li coughed lightly and chose his words carefully:

“Although I have long admired your esteemed palace, the Marvelous Sound Sect has done me a great kindness in the past. I currently hold the position of honored elder of the Marvelous Sound Sect, which will likely make it inconvenient in the near future. I am truly sorry.” Han Li unceremoniously pulled out the Marvelous Sound Sect as his shield again.

“It’s fine. I greatly admire your loyalty, friend Han. Our Star Palace always welcomes people like you to join us.” Ling Yuling, within the white light, did not show any displeasure at Han Li’s polite refusal. Instead, they simply smiled faintly and began chatting with Han Li about various secrets and interesting tales of the Chaotic Star Sea. Afterwards, they tactfully refrained from mentioning the Star Palace or the Rebel Alliance again.

Han Li was naturally happy to deal with such an easy-going manner.

And so, they chatted lightly as they flew forward.

…

A day later, they saw the massive Heaven Star City in the distance, and both couldn’t help but show a hint of joy.

But before they could approach the giant island, a squad of cultivators flew out from somewhere. The squad consisted of four men and one woman.

The leader, a middle-aged cultivator with a sallow complexion, was at the early Core Formation stage, while the others were at the Foundation Establishment level.

“Greetings, Protector Ling!” The four Foundation Establishment cultivators apparently recognized Ling Yuling, respectfully bowing as soon as they flew close.

It seemed this gender-ambiguous person was quite well-known within the Star Palace.

The sallow-faced cultivator also asked with a hint of pleasant surprise:

“Junior Disciple Ling, are you alright? I was very worried when I received news of the attack on South Radiance Island. Eh! Who might this friend be?”

The sallow-faced cultivator turned his gaze, looking somewhat suspiciously at Han Li for a few moments.

“I was pursued by two Rebel Alliance cultivators on the way, and this fellow Daoist Han saved my life. He has set up his cave dwelling in Heaven Star City, so I have brought him back to the city with me. Is there any problem with letting him enter the city?” Ling Yuling spoke in an indifferent tone.

Whether due to the fatigue of travel or the aftereffects of their injuries, their complexion was even paler than when Han Li first met them, giving off a faintly fragile impression.

“Since he is Junior Disciple Ling’s savior, there is naturally no problem. Junior Disciple Ling, are you injured?”

The sallow-faced cultivator showed a look of extreme concern. Seeing this, Han Li couldn’t help but be inwardly moved.

“It’s nothing. I was struck by the enemy’s magic treasure, but with my Heavenly Incense Rope protecting me, it’s nothing serious.” A faint, barely visible blush rose on Ling Yuling’s stunning face, but their expression grew even colder.

“I have a secretly made Heaven Spirit Pill here. Please take it first, Junior Disciple Ling, to prevent your original energy from being depleted.” Upon hearing this, the sallow-faced cultivator seemed even more worried. After a moment’s hesitation, he took out a small bottle from his person and eagerly handed it over.

Seeing this, Ling Yuling’s face suddenly darkened, as if about to get angry. But then, as if thinking of something, they suddenly turned anger into joy, their bright eyes sparkling as they said:

“Then I thank senior apprentice brother for the gift of medicine. I must first go to the inner palace to report on the matter of South Radiance Island. As for this fellow Daoist Han, I’ll trouble senior brother to escort him into the city. Please be sure to treat my savior well.” This Ling Yuling extended a delicate, jade-like hand, accepted the small bottle with a smile, and suddenly became utterly charming and flirtatious, like a complete woman.

“No problem. Elder Wang is on duty today, so he won’t make things difficult for you, junior brother. You can leave this fellow Daoist Han to me.” Seeing Ling Yuling speak to him so gently, the sallow-faced cultivator revealed a flattered and excited expression, even patting his chest in assurance.

Seeing this scene, a strange expression flickered across Han Li’s face.

Could this person truly be a woman? Otherwise, why would the sallow-faced cultivator show such an enamored expression?

Han Li felt a bit more doubtful.