A Name Shakes the Realm

Chapter 683: A Name Shakes the Realm—Marquis Nanlong

They were, of course, Han Li and Elder Lü, who had traveled a great distance from Xi Country. The beautiful female cultivator was Han Li's concubine, Mu Peiling.

The silver-haired Elder Cheng had remained behind to guard the Falling Cloud Sect against any opportunists who might try to cause trouble during their absence. As he himself had put it, he had already attended such gatherings seven or eight times and had no pressing need for anything. Naturally, he would yield the opportunity to his two younger junior brothers.

And so, Han Li and Elder Lü had come to this place.

As for Mu Peiling, she had recently encountered a cultivation bottleneck and had emerged from seclusion. When she saw Han Li again and learned that the number one trading convention in the Southern Heavenly Region was about to be held, she could not help but be tempted and asked to come along and broaden her horizons. After all, if she failed to form her core, this might be the only chance she would ever have to attend such an event.

Han Li was not a harsh man, and he felt that this trip to the convention would pose no danger, so he readily agreed. The journey was not a short one, and having a beautiful woman accompany him would certainly be a pleasant experience.

Of course, some cultivators from the three sects of Yunmeng Mountain were also traveling to the convention, either in groups or alone. Han Li and his party had no desire to travel alongside these juniors, so they had set out early, heading for Yu Country.

They had chosen a route that avoided the countries controlled by the orthodox and demonic sects, and had traveled without incident until they entered the Nine Nations Alliance territory. They had now finally arrived near Tiantian City.

At this moment, Han Li was casually observing the scenery. Occasionally, a few cultivators would pass by in the distance, but when their spiritual sense swept over the middle-aged man, Lü, and Han Li, their expressions would instantly change dramatically. They would not dare to linger for even a moment and would flee as fast as they could, as if afraid of provoking some disaster.

Han Li and the middle-aged traveler had made no effort to conceal their cultivation levels. The sight of two Nascent Soul-stage cultivators traveling together would terrify any ordinary cultivator, who would immediately take a detour.

At first, Mu Peiling had found this a bit jarring, but after seeing it happen so often, she had grown accustomed to it and simply acted as if she hadn't noticed.

At this moment, Elder Lü was hurrying along, chatting amiably with Han Li.

"This convention has only been held in Tiantian City for the past hundred years or so. Before that, it was always controlled by the orthodox and demonic sects, who would take turns hosting it in Tianluo Country and Fengdu Country. After all, the Heavenly Alliance hadn't been founded yet, and the Nine Nations Alliance was too busy dealing with the Moulan Dharma Warriors to catch their breath. A profitable gathering like this could only be controlled by those two major powers. But once the orthodox and demonic sects began their expansion, cultivators from other factions naturally no longer felt comfortable letting the orthodox or demonic nations host the convention. So, starting with the last event, the right to host it fell, without dispute, to the neutral Nine Nations Alliance. You could say it was a bitter pill the orthodox and demonic powers were forced to swallow after their own expansion."

"Senior Brother Lü, if you put it that way, it seems the Nine Nations Alliance got the better end of the deal. But I am a bit curious about the rumors surrounding Tiantian City. It's the only city in the entire Southern Heavenly Region built for cultivators. I've heard that when the Moulan Dharma Army once pushed all the way into Yu Country, they were defeated right under the walls of Tiantian City by the newly allied Nine Nations cultivators, who used the 'Supreme Annihilation Light Formation.' I've heard that battle claimed several Nascent Soul cultivators. It must have been a brutal affair." Han Li showed a look of genuine interest as he spoke.

"Haha! Don't worry, Junior Brother Han. Tiantian City will not disappoint you. But, I've always felt that something about you is a bit different since your recent secluded cultivation. It doesn't seem like a mere increase in cultivation level. It seems you've successfully cultivated some secret technique. Otherwise, I wouldn't have this strange feeling." The middle-aged man, Lü, smiled, then abruptly changed the subject, his tone probing.

"I have indeed been cultivating a new technique, but it's far from perfected. On the other hand, I've heard some junior disciples say that Senior Brother Lü's 'Thousand Wave Art' is a famous top-grade technique. I have always wanted to see it for myself." Han Li gave a faint smile, deftly turning the conversation back to his companion.

"Junior Brother, don't listen to those disciples' nonsense. My 'Thousand Wave Art' is merely a passable water-attributed technique. It's easy enough to deal with Core Formation cultivators, but when matched against a cultivator of the same rank, I lose more often than I win. Fortunately, the technique has two life-saving abilities, so at least I haven't lost my life after a defeat." Elder Lü shook his head and said with a wry smile.

Han Li was inclined to believe him. He remembered that the last time this Elder Lü and the silver-haired Elder Cheng had been trapped together by a coalition of orthodox and demonic cultivators. While Elder Lü had escaped back to Yunmeng Mountain without a scratch, the slightly more advanced silver-haired elder had suffered severe injuries before he could break free. It seemed Elder Lü's life-saving measures were indeed extraordinary.

Just as Han Li was about to say something more, his expression froze for a moment. He turned his head to the side in surprise.

"Master, what is it?" Mu Peiling, who was standing close to Han Li, asked curiously. Now that she was his concubine, she no longer wore her cold expression. Her face bloomed with a charming smile, her eyes sparkling.

"A group of cultivators is flying toward us. One of them is a Nascent Soul cultivator. It seems they have noticed us as well." Han Li frowned slightly, then spoke calmly.

"Oh! So they have. But, Junior Brother, your spiritual sense is truly formidable. You sensed them even before I did. You are also quite cautious, keeping your spiritual sense spread out even this close to Tiantian City." The middle-aged man, Lü, looked in the direction Han Li had indicated, a look of surprise on his face. He held Han Li in even higher regard.

Han Li said nothing, only smiled.

In truth, with his powerful spiritual sense, he didn't need to actively spread it out; he had simply sensed them automatically. However, the fact that the distant Nascent Soul cultivator could detect them from so far away and fly toward them indicated that his spiritual sense was also quite formidable.

Han Li and Elder Lü were both curious about who was approaching. The three of them unconsciously slowed their flying speed.

Soon, the melodious sound of drums and music drifted over from afar. Golden light flickered at the edge of the sky, revealing a procession of warriors in golden helmets and golden armor, bearing halberds. They were escorting a magnificent beast-drawn chariot and slowly flying toward them. Vaguely, they could see white cranes dancing in front and palace maids carrying incense burners in the rear. It was a display of imperial grandeur.

Mu Peiling watched, dumbfounded, her mouth slightly agape in astonishment.

Han Li was also inwardly startled, but his expression remained calm.

He knew that the cultivation world was filled with all sorts of strange cultivators. Especially at the Nascent Soul stage, some cultivators, due to the profound influence of their techniques or other reasons, would develop bizarre and irrational temperaments. This was a common occurrence. So, after a moment of surprise, he paid it no more mind.

But when Elder Lü saw this sight, he drew in a sharp breath of cold air and immediately lowered his voice to exclaim,

"Marquis Nanlong! Why is that old monster attending the convention as well?"

"Junior Brother Han, be careful not to say anything rash. This man is immensely powerful and has a strange temper. I have met him once before. Let me handle everything."

The middle-aged man, Lü, quickly gave a few instructions, then told Han Li and Mu Peiling to stop. With a grave expression, they waited on the spot for the approaching cultivators.

Seeing how nervous Elder Lü was, Han Li's expression finally showed a trace of concern, but he didn't ask any questions. He simply did as he was told. Mu Peiling, seeing this, wisely remained silent.

In a short time, the golden-armored warriors and the beast-drawn chariot had drawn near. When Han Li got a clear look at them, his heart tightened.

The halberd-bearing warriors were nothing special. Although they were tall and imposing, they were only at the Qi Condensation stage. What made Han Li’s heart pound were the two spirit beasts pulling the glittering golden chariot.

One was covered in green scales, with a strange horn growing from its head, resembling a Qilin celestial beast. The other was a large bird with fiery feathers and golden eyes, looking like a vermilion phoenix.

Just as Han Li was secretly marveling at the appearance of these two spirit beasts, the chariot had already come to a stop right in front of them.

Before the chariot came to a halt, Elder Lü cupped his fist and spoke in a clear voice:

"Might this be the Marquis of Nanlong? I am Lü Luo of the Falling Cloud Sect, paying my respects to you, Fellow Daoist. The last time I met Your Excellency was three hundred years ago, when I was accompanying my master, the Wood Pith Ascendant. To be able to see you again today is truly my honor!"

Although Elder Lü spoke in an unyielding and polite manner, Han Li could clearly perceive his fear of this Marquis Nanlong. He was practically treating himself as a junior.

The massive chariot was covered in a layer of golden light, making it impossible to see clearly. But the sound of drums and music coming from within the chariot abruptly ceased when Elder Lü offered his greeting.

The procession stopped without warning, several dozen zhang away from Han Li and his companions. An eerie silence fell over the scene.

Seeing this, Han Li’s eyes narrowed slightly before returning to normal.

"Oh! So you are the disciple of that pedantic scholar, Wood Pith. I remember you were only a Core Formation cultivator back then. I didn't expect that after three hundred years, you have also formed your Nascent Soul. I heard that your master passed away shortly after our parting. A pity. But who is this fellow Daoist next to you? His face is quite unfamiliar." A lazy voice came from within the golden light. The last sentence was unexpectedly directed at Han Li.

(It's too late. This is the only chapter for today.)

(End of Chapter)