A Mortal's Journey to Immortality: Wang Yu Transmigrates into a Book, the Dao Ancestor of Rein

Chapter 91 Achieve the Goal Through a Circuitous Route, Giving the Yan Family a Big Surprise
The location is very secluded.

Hidden for hundreds of years, none of the miners here discovered it.

Therefore, Han Li's search also took a lot of effort.

But perseverance pays off. Over the next month, he walked back and forth through the underground mine dozens of times, carefully examining every corner. Finally, while passing by a secluded spot, he discovered something amiss with a huge rock there.

This rock was enormous, measuring seven or eight zhang in length, and looked like a wall. However, through a detail captured by Han Li's divine sense, he realized that this boulder had abruptly severed the end of a ore vein.

In other words, there may be a vanished passage behind this boulder!

And the truth was exactly as he had guessed.

After taking a detour and using earth magic to bypass the boulder and sneak behind it, he indeed discovered an abandoned mine tunnel that was two zhang wide.

It is clear that the boulder was left by humans.

The secret behind the mine tunnels was perfectly hidden.

If someone weren't deliberately exploring, they would never discover this place.

"You really can miss it if you're not careful."

Han Li summoned puppets one by one and used them to scout ahead.

Along the way, he passed by several stalactite caves.

Some are only a few feet in size, while others are over twenty feet.

Before long, he arrived at the largest stalactite cave to date.

The cave here was dozens of feet high, but not very deep; in fact, it seemed quite shallow above the ground. After all, the passages he had traversed all led upwards. Perhaps it was precisely because this cave was shallow and located high above the various mine shafts and abandoned passages that people assumed there were no spirit ores in this area. That's why it hadn't been discovered all these years.

In a corner of the cave, there was a pile of white bones and several large white cocoons.

Deep within the cave, there are still piles of raw spirit stone ore.

In the very center of the spirit stone ore, there is a conspicuous hexagonal teleportation array.

The teleportation array was extremely ancient, with one corner already damaged. However, a five-colored skeleton sat atop it. The skeleton was miraculously floating three feet off the ground, seemingly holding a blue object in its hands. A quick scan with divine sense revealed it to be a gleaming blue token.

"Ancient teleportation array, Great Teleportation Token...!"

Before the ancient teleportation array lay a large white spider, several meters long, which was none other than the Blood Jade Spider.

The blood jade spider sensed the movement and suddenly looked up at the entrance of the cave.

However, it only saw a level 2 beast puppet approaching and did not notice Han Li, who was hiding outside the cave using concealment techniques such as Breath Concealment.

"Zhizhizhi..."

The Blood Jade Spider let out a few strange cries the moment it spotted the puppet.

It moved immediately.

Several long legs swung rapidly, attacking the beast puppet with lightning speed. One spider leg shot out and tore the puppet's body apart, instantly destroying it.

"Level 4 Blood Jade Spider..."

There were two living larvae inside this large creature.

To preserve the viability of the young eggs, he either had to avoid a prolonged fight and finish the battle quickly, or capture them alive.

"Without the Heavenly Bottle, if I want to plan for the Void Heaven Cauldron, I can't easily give up this level four Blood Jade Spider. Otherwise, the two little guys might not be able to reach level four when the Void Heaven Palace opens more than a hundred years later."

One level 4 Blood Jade Spider is at least comparable to three level 3 ones.

If he kills the level four spider in front of him, then with only two level two or three Blood Jade Spiders, he may not be able to successfully take the cauldron.

Even if we wait another 300 years to retrieve the cauldron, we will still need the Blood Jade Spider's help.

and so.

This is a level 4 beast; he should capture it alive if he can.

The key is to keep the commotion low and avoid alerting the mine authorities.

"so troublesome."

...

A swarm of puppets emerged, but this time they weren't the easily damaged level 2 puppets; instead, there were over a dozen level 3 puppets and a level 4 giant tiger puppet.

Instead of attacking the Blood Jade Spider with energy projectiles, these puppets coiled around it, attempting to entangle its legs.

The effect is good.

Although the Blood Jade Spider possessed some brute strength, it was ultimately a demonic beast, lacking intelligence and unable to defeat enemies one by one. In a short time, it was surrounded and entangled by a dozen giant wolf puppets and a giant tiger puppet, unable to break free.

Meanwhile, Han Li took the opportunity to cast a series of silence notes.

During this time, he also brought out a top-tier magical artifact, a fine steel bracelet, which incorporated many magical metals to enhance its hardness and spirituality.

Just as the giant white spider was distracted by dealing with the indestructible Foundation Establishment stage puppets, it whirled out and, seizing the opportunity, delivered a powerful blow to the Blood Jade Spider's forehead. The blow sent the centuries-old, solitary giant white spider staggering, its head spinning. It successfully replicated the Golden-Backed Demon Mantis's old path.

In fact, no Foundation Establishment cultivator would fall for this so easily.

They certainly wouldn't suffer such a shallow loss.

pity.

There was only a spider in front of me.

They simply can't distinguish between what's important and what's urgent.

The Blood Jade Mother Spider, having withstood the full force of the steel bracelet's attack, didn't have a dent in her forehead, but she cried out in pain. Clearly, she was in considerable pain.

But Han Li's offensive didn't stop there.

"go."

The newly refined azure dragon chains, now over ten zhang long, flew out from the left and right, quickly wrapping around the Blood Jade Spider's legs. Enraged, the giant spider swung its long legs to strike. The tips of its legs gleamed coldly. The chains collided with their hardest points, producing a crisp, metallic clang.

but.

The commotion here was neutralized by the dozens of low-level silence notes that Han Li had previously cast.

From the moment he played the numerous silence notes, the noise here could not be transmitted out unless the ground shook violently.

Upon seeing this, the Blood Jade Spider knew it had encountered a formidable foe, and its entire body began to emit a red aura.

This is a berserk secret technique that can greatly enhance one's strength and other aspects during the spell's duration. The difference between the red and white Blood Jade Spiders is enormous.

However, this innate spell has significant side effects, leaving the user in a weakened state for a period of time after the spell ends.

"Finally going berserk? That's what I've been waiting for, to go berserk and then fall into a period of weakness."

"Let's have some fun next."

He truly couldn't bear to use top-tier magical artifacts like the Silver Glow Sword and the Crescent Moon Blade to harm this Blood Jade Spider.

Otherwise, why would there be so much trouble?

"... "

In the end, Han Li used the Azure Dragon Chains to bind the weakened Blood Jade Spider, and then used the intermediate-level Soul-Suppressing Talisman he carried to hypnotize the weakened spider, putting it into a deep sleep. He then put it into an empty spirit beast pouch.

When it awakens again, this extremely loyal giant spider may find that its world has collapsed.

Of course.

Compared to the Golden-backed Demon Mantis, this Blood Jade Spider is treated far better.

...

Outside the ancient teleportation array, Han Li looked at the large pile of raw ore that had lost its spiritual energy and sighed.

The ancient teleportation array had not been activated for hundreds of years, yet the spiritual energy within the original ore had been completely lost. This was not due to natural loss, but rather because the Blood Jade Spider, in order to survive, would periodically absorb the spiritual energy from the ore.

Otherwise, the Blood Jade Spider would probably have been trapped and died here long ago.

In other words, if he or the others had arrived a few decades later, and discovered this place a few decades later, then this level-four Blood Jade Spider would probably only be a pile of bones by then.

"If these raw ores aren't replenished with enough spiritual energy, the long-distance teleportation will likely cause a huge commotion..."

Thinking about some of the original owner's experiences, Han Li decided to proceed with caution.

Stepping onto the ancient teleportation array, he reached out and the gleaming blue token appeared in his hand.

This Great Teleportation Token is neither gold nor metal; it's soft to the touch. I wonder what materials those ancient cultivators used to forge it, that it allows cultivators to avoid the spatial tearing and discomfort during long-distance teleportation. A good item.

After accepting the token, he looked at the skeleton floating in the center of the teleportation array. He flicked his finger, burning the skeleton, and eight condensed five-colored beads quickly fell down.

These five-colored beads are the Heaven-Mending Pills whose medicinal power has not yet fully dissipated. If he can refine them one by one, he can greatly refine his spiritual roots and improve his sensitivity to and efficiency in absorbing and converting the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. At that time, although he will still have four pseudo-spiritual roots, his efficiency in utilizing each of the four spiritual energies of "wood, water, fire, and earth" will reach the level of three or even two spiritual roots.

This is extremely beneficial for condensing the nascent soul.

"Finally got it."

"Finally got it."

After collecting several Five-Colored Heaven-Mending Pills, Han Li took a deep breath to suppress the excitement in his heart.

If he can refine one or two pills before forming his core, it will greatly help him in condensing his golden core later.

Of course, the prerequisite for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to refine it as quickly as possible is that a Core Formation cultivator can help him with his alchemical fire!

After all, even a Core Formation cultivator needs two months to initially refine one of the eight pills into their bones using their alchemical fire, and the gradual, subtle effects can take decades, even centuries, to fully achieve the desired result. Furthermore, a Foundation Establishment cultivator's true fire is far inferior to a Core Formation cultivator's alchemical fire. Without the assistance of a Core Formation cultivator, he would likely need several years to refine even a single pill.

"No rush, take your time, I have plenty of time."

"Even if I only refine one small one and make it effective over ten years, my spiritual root aptitude will improve significantly, making the Core Formation stage much easier."

Fortunately, no matter what, he is making progress and improving his success rate in forming the Core Formation and even the Nascent Soul Formation.

"If I can cultivate one or two Fiend Core clones or Core Formation stage avatars before my main body forms its core, then I can use the core fire of these Core Formation stage avatars to assist in refining one or two Heaven-Mending Pills..."

The future is beautiful.

The future looks bright too.

...

It took Han Li three days to inspect all the stalactite caves and mine tunnels in the surrounding area.

While eliminating potential threats, they also wanted to find the extremely cool storage bag, the spirit beast bag, and the trail of another blood jade spider.

Unfortunately, neither the dazzling storage bag nor the spirit beast bag, nor the other blood jade spider, are here.

This is because someone had been here and managed to escape alive with an extremely cool storage bag and a spirit beast bag.

As for why that person didn't come back to take the Great Relocation Order away?
Because the person was severely injured, he died not long after leaving the place. Any news about this place became a secret because of the boulder formed from a mid-level earth-element talisman he left behind.

Moreover, after that person died, the things he dropped were picked up by one of the ancestors of the Yue Emperor.

Their ancestors lacked spiritual roots and were unable to cultivate immortality, so they left behind some artifacts.

Until the appearance of the Yue Emperor, a celestial being with spiritual roots.

This led to the current Yue Emperor.

As for why there is only one Blood Jade Spider and the other one cannot be found?

That's because the other one was killed more than four hundred years ago during the Void Heaven Palace instance. Otherwise, the Void Heaven Cauldron would have been created long ago.

"Should we set up the Inverted Five Elements Formation to protect this formation?"

After thinking for a moment, he did nothing more than take what he needed and left.

Furthermore, while a mid-level Soul-Suppressing Talisman can force a weakened Blood Jade Spider into a deep sleep, this won't last long. The creature will awaken in less than ten days. Therefore, it's best to return to the sect as soon as possible to deal with this giant spider and avoid any further complications.

Therefore, instead of wandering around outside, he went straight to Hongying Mountain:
"Master, your disciple has caught another big one..."

Fairy Hongfu: ...

Women: ...?!

...

Taming a level four Blood Jade Spider would be inefficient, as it would take a long time. It would take at least a hundred years, with no upper limit.

To improve efficiency, we need the help of higher-level cultivators.

Of course, he didn't really want this Blood Jade Spider, which had once recognized him as its master, to switch allegiance and become completely obedient to him. All he wanted was for this big guy to be more well-behaved and obedient in the future, so it wouldn't cause trouble in his spirit beast pouch. And, incidentally, perhaps it would also consume some Rainbow Grass and produce a few more pairs of demon beast eggs in the future?

He didn't really expect anything from taming or anything like that.

In short: I don't care if I can't have your heart, but I want your body, and I can use it whenever I need it. For example, pulling a cauldron. Or, for example, encouraging childbirth, the more the better.

Isn't that realistic?

If this goal cannot be achieved in ten years, then it will take fifty years.

If fifty years isn't enough, then a hundred.

In short, even if it's just a rock, we'll warm it until it melts.

Han Li took the two small spider eggs and left the large white spider behind without looking back.
“…Master, I’m entrusting this giant spider to you.”

"I need to quickly send its eggs to the spiritual spring to be nurtured..."

He came in a whirlwind and left in a whirlwind.

Upon returning to the Spirit Spring Cave, he immediately began the blood pact ritual. He forced two drops of blood from his fingertips, which, aided by a string of intricate spiritual runes, were then inserted into two white spirit insect larvae. Thus, the initial blood pact was established.

Every so often thereafter, this blood pact would be performed to continuously strengthen the bond between them, so that Xiaobai and Xiaoyu would recognize him as their master from the moment they were born.

And after comparing them, it seems that the hatching speed of Little White and Little Jade is much faster than that of the Golden-backed Beetle's eggs.

They were hatched only about a year ago.

As for the Golden-backed Demon Mantis, just as Master Hongfu said, it was lucky that it caught the egg-laying season. If it had been any earlier, the Golden-backed Demon Mantis wouldn't have been pregnant yet; otherwise, that person from the Spirit Control Sect would have already helped their spirit pet lay eggs. One egg-laying session would make that person extremely happy.

Little White and Little Jade, however, were different. The Great White Spider had been carrying them for a long time and could have given birth long ago. It was only due to the increasingly harsh conditions in the mine that the Great White Spider, unwilling to leave the corpse of Ji Xuan, had kept them pregnant and had not allowed the two little ones to be born early.

...

Later, Han Li went to the Yuanwu Kingdom.

He sought out Qi Yunxiao and Xin Ruyin to learn weapon crafting and formation techniques from them.

Compared to seeking instruction from his busy Master Hongfu, it's undoubtedly better to ask these two for foundational knowledge. After all, Master Hongfu isn't his biological mother; how could she indulge him in everything? Nor could she completely serve him.

Even cultivators in the Core Formation stage need to cultivate.

They tend to cherish time more and practice more diligently.

If he continues to bother them, it would be inconsiderate of him and might annoy people.

Time flies, and another eight or nine months have passed. Han Li has long since returned to his cave. Counting the time, eight years have passed since he participated in the Blood Trial. In other words, he has been at the Foundation Establishment stage for more than seven years.

In terms of magical cultivation, he has always maintained a steady rate of improvement.

Regarding the Great Evolution Technique, he often set aside some spare time to study it, so as not to fall completely behind.

Most importantly, it's about array formations and weapon crafting.

In terms of theoretical knowledge, he had mastered quite a bit. In addition, he was willing to use the remaining demonic beast materials obtained from the Crimson Forbidden Land to practice, and now he could already refine lower-grade magic weapons. However, the Dao of Arrays was too profound, and even if Xin Ruyin crushed it to teach him, it would not be something he could comprehend in a short time.

That day, beside the Spirit Eye Spring in the Spirit Spring Cave, he completed the refining of a Foundation Establishment stage pill as usual. Then he opened his eyes, got up, and ran to the fake cave next to it for a stroll.

His eyes lit up when he saw a communication talisman that had been blocked outside the cave:
"finally coming?"

He focused his mind on the communication talisman and read the message, which was exactly as he had expected. It was sent by Master Hongfu.

"Yan Family of Yanling Fortress, Treasure Hunt!"

As Han Li murmured to himself, he took out another communication talisman from his storage bag. This was sent to him by Zhong Lingdao a month ago. The information inside also concerned the Yan family's treasure-hunting competition.

Clearly, he had been eyeing this important event, which was neither small nor large, for some time.

In fact, if the second message talisman hadn't arrived by then, he was prepared to act on his own.

"It's alright, although it's a bit late, it won't cause any problems."

This so-called "Treasure Hunt" was actually a special event hosted by the Yan family, the "Number One Loose Cultivator Family" in the Yue Kingdom's cultivation world, inviting disciples from all the Core Formation stage experts in nearby countries. The purpose was to cultivate good relations with numerous Core Formation cultivators, which would benefit the Yan family's future development. To this end, they were willing to offer the legendary talismanic treasure "Qiankun Tower" as the prize for first place.

The renowned Qiankun Pagoda is a treasured artifact possessed by the Baiqiao Academy, a major immortal sect in the northernmost part of the Tiannan region. It is a powerful heirloom. Legend has it that the Yan family's Qiankun Pagoda was left behind by a Nascent Soul stage elder of the Baiqiao Academy and has been passed down to the present day after being acquired by the Yan family's ancestor.

This talisman is incredibly powerful. As it was personally crafted by a Nascent Soul cultivator, its power naturally surpasses that of the Invisible Needle Talisman from the Qiong Elder. Therefore, even cultivators in the mid-to-late stages of the Core Formation realm would be envious and eager to possess it.

In addition to the Qiankun Pagoda talisman as the prize, the Yan family's treasure hunt also includes many rare treasures, magical artifacts, and elixirs.

That's a genuine willingness to give up something.

For example, in terms of pills, we have prepared more than a dozen bottles suitable for the mid-to-late stages of Foundation Establishment.

In terms of ritual implements and rare treasures, there are many precious ritual implements.

The scale of the conference was enormous, inviting not only all the Core Formation stage cultivators from the Yue Kingdom, but also those from the neighboring Jiang Kingdom, Cheqi Kingdom, Yuanwu Kingdom, Shayun Kingdom, and Zijin Kingdom. These Core Formation experts were actively invited to send their disciples to the conference.

"The Yan family certainly has some clever methods."

"A few years ago, we finally managed to get in touch with the Hidden Moon Sect and send Yan Ruyan, who has a Heavenly Spirit Root, into the sect. If this treasure hunt is successful, we can also gain a wave of friendships."

"It could be said that all the plans were well-intentioned..."

"Unfortunately, we happened to run into the major event of the invasion of good and evil!"

Han Li grinned. The Yan family was a cultivation family that had produced Nascent Soul stage cultivators in its ancestors, and was a branch of the Ghost Spirit Sect, one of the six major sects of the demonic path. They had been separated for hundreds of years and had long since become independent, seemingly following in the footsteps of the Hidden Moon Sect and the Spirit Beast Mountain. They were thinking of learning from the Hidden Moon Sect and the Spirit Beast Mountain, completely breaking away from their former sects and main branches. The key point was that they were all appearing in Yue Kingdom in clusters, which was truly interesting.

The Hidden Moon Sect is a branch of the Joyful Union Sect, the leader of the Southern Demonic Path.

Spirit Beast Mountain is a branch of the Spirit Control Sect, one of the six major sects of the demonic path.

The Yan family is a branch of the Ghost Spirit Sect, one of the six major sects of the demonic path.

Tsk tsk.

Although the Nascent Soul ancestor who slipped out of the Yan family hundreds of years ago to establish branches has long since passed away, the foundation he left behind is still there. Therefore, the Yan family is undoubtedly the number one among the rogue cultivator families in the Yue Kingdom.

It appears that there is only one person in the clan who has reached the Core Formation stage, namely the Yan family patriarch who is in the middle stage of Core Formation.

In reality, there is another one in the mid-to-late stage of Core Formation hidden away.

Not to mention Yan Ruyan, whose Heavenly Spiritual Root is destined to reach the late Core Formation stage as long as she doesn't die prematurely.

Regarding Foundation Establishment cultivators: there are nearly a hundred, including three elders at the Pseudo-Core Formation stage.

You can imagine how profound its cultural heritage is.

Without delay, he sailed directly to Hongying Mountain.

Inside the main hall of Hongying Mountain, the three masters and disciples were seated.

Since his two senior sisters, Xiuting and Xiulan, had been assigned to other tasks, only he, Master Hongfu, and Dong Xuan'er were present.

"Han Li, your spiritual tea is quite good. Could you send me some more?"

When Master Hongfu was in person, she did not immediately bring up the important matter, but instead mentioned a trivial little thing.

Huh? Master actually likes Xin Ruyin's spiritual tea?

Han Li readily agreed.
“Master, this tea was personally prepared by a rogue cultivator friend of mine in Yuanwu Kingdom, and I quite like it. I will go and ask to buy two cans later.”

"We must not let anyone suffer a loss," Fairy Hongfu instructed.

Don't bully the weak, and don't take things from others for free.

"Master, rest assured, how could I possibly take advantage of my friend?"

"Alright, you know what happened inside the communication talisman, right? Whether you want to go or not is up to you."

"Master, I'm quite interested in making this trip. I haven't seen any Foundation Establishment cultivators from the surrounding countries besides Yuanwu Kingdom yet, so this will be a good opportunity to broaden my horizons." Han Li expressed his desire to go, and then became curious about the rewards for winning the championship: "And that Qiankun Tower talisman, could it really have been crafted by a Nascent Soul cultivator using their own magic weapon?"

"Since you intend to go, then go with Xuan'er. However, you don't need to insist on any particular ranking."

She wasn't interested in the treasure hunt organized by the Yan family, nor did she expect her disciple to win. However, if it could broaden her disciple's horizons and help Dong Xuan'er temper her impetuousness, then she would still consider sending her out.

It seems that after seeing the Yan family's girl with the Heavenly Spiritual Root who was several years younger than Xuan'er, my daughter will know what a true genius is.

"As for that Qiankun Tower talisman? You two shouldn't be reckless. Don't fight with others over it. Han Li, you already have the Invisible Needle talisman for protection. Having another Qiankun Tower talisman won't bring you good fortune, but rather misfortune," Fairy Hong Fu reminded him.

Look serious.

Before leaving, he specifically reminded me of another situation:

"By the way, the cultivation world seems to be in turmoil lately. I've heard that cultivators are frequently disappearing without a trace. At first, it was just some Qi Refining stage cultivators, but recently even Foundation Establishment stage cultivators from major families have been involved in accidents. You two should support each other and be careful on your journey."

She had already started plotting something.

In her opinion, if her little disciple could greatly enhance her relationship with Xuan'er during their upcoming training, then this trip to the Yan family would be a great success, and she would arrange for the two of them to become cultivation partners upon their return.

Han Li and Dong Xuan'er didn't think about these things.

In Dong Xuan'er's eyes, who acted like the eldest sister, this trip was just a long journey, a visit to the Yan family's residence: Do they know what it means to travel and enjoy the scenery? Do they know what it means to finally relax?
Han Li, however, was thinking about how to make a fortune by taking advantage of the Yan family's treasure hunt!
At this moment, the three of them were thinking on completely different wavelengths.

But one thing is certain: the "blitzkrieg" invasion of Jiang Kingdom and Cheqi Kingdom by the six sects of the Demonic Path was very successful.

As of now, the actions of the six demonic sects have not yet been noticed by the Yue Kingdom and the other surrounding countries; otherwise, Master Hongfu would never have arranged for him and Dong Xuan'er to participate in any treasure-hunting event.

Even the major cultivation sects of Jiang and Cheqi were unaware that they were being silently attacked from both inside and outside. Otherwise, why would Core Formation stage disciples from the major sects of the two countries travel thousands of miles to participate in the Yan family's treasure-hunting event? Their sects were on the verge of collapse; did they still have the leisure for this?

How can I maximize my profits?

"If Master could accompany us, the risks would be greatly reduced..."

"Oh, and let's also call Uncle Lei. His speed is renowned among those in the Core Formation stage!"

It can both create favorable situations and make it difficult for enemies of the same level to escape.

We can turn the tide in a losing game, so let's get out of there quickly.

"These two must be invited."

The initial plan also required these two to conceal their cultivation levels and accompany the group.

At that time, he won't even need to do anything. As long as these two see people from the Ghost Spirit Sect, they will definitely grab one or two of them and question them.

Once you ask, everything becomes clear.

Given the strength of Master Hongfu and Uncle Lei, the Yan family of Yanling Fortress wouldn't be able to stop them. At that point, they would either immediately sever ties with the Ghost Spirit Sect and join the Seven Great Sects in their battle against the Six Demonic Sects of Yue Kingdom, or they would follow the Ghost Spirit Sect, whom they hadn't yet formally recognized, down a dark path and immediately face the ruthless methods of Master Hongfu and Uncle Lei.

But how can he persuade these two to cooperate with him?

Have it.

...

Bibo Cave, Li Huayuan's Cave Residence.

Han Li invited Liu Jing and Zhong Weiniang, disciples of Li Shishu, to participate in this treasure hunt.

The two of them were free at the moment, with no missions to perform, and with such a rare opportunity to travel and enjoy their honeymoon, how could they miss it? They immediately accepted Han Li's invitation and went to find Li Huayuan.

Then, Song Meng, a martial arts fanatic who had received the news, also decided to go.

How could one not attend such an enlightening event?

Li Huayuan would naturally not refuse his disciple on such a trivial matter, and with a wave of his hand, he agreed.

He also met Han Li.

Inside the Azure Wave Cave, Han Li paid his respects to his Martial Uncle Li.

"Your cultivation progress is amazing! Just how many elixirs and miraculous medicines did your senior sister give you?"

Upon seeing Han Li's mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation, Li Huayuan was utterly astonished. Crucially, Han Li's mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation was even more impressive than that of his third disciple, Liu Jing.

"Uncle-Master, I was just lucky." Han Li clasped his hands in a salute and immediately changed the subject, getting down to business: "Uncle-Master, are you aware of the many rewards for this Yan Family Fortress Treasure Hunt?"

"of course I know."

"Then, are there no ones among them that your martial uncle would approve of?"

"The Qiankun Tower talisman treasure that the Yan family offered as the grand prize is quite impressive. In our hands, it would be more than enough to deal with cultivators in the late stage of Core Formation." To say that Li Huayuan wasn't tempted by the Qiankun Tower talisman treasure would be to overestimate him.

However, his only disciple with any real skill was his second disciple, but unfortunately, he had been assigned to another place and couldn't get away.

The other disciples had absolutely no chance.

"Uncle-Master, I want to give it a try."

"you?"

Li Huayuan looked suspicious.

"Uncle-Master, don't forget the Invisible Needle Talisman I have in my hand," Han Li said solemnly.

Upon hearing this, Li Huayuan first nodded, acknowledging the power of the Invisible Needle Talisman Treasure.

But then he shook his head:

"With Old Monster Qiong's Invisible Needle Talisman in hand, it's true that few Foundation Establishment cultivators can rival you. But you only have one Invisible Needle Talisman, and it's impossible for you to rely on that talisman to fight your way through to the final round. Before that, that talisman will probably be used up by your opponents one after another."

This is highly likely to happen.

"Uncle-Master, I have more than just the Invisible Needle Talisman Treasure." With that, he took out a level four giant tiger puppet and more than ten level three puppets at the Foundation Establishment stage. And in front of Li Huayuan, he skillfully controlled more than a dozen puppets to fight.

One person controlling more than a dozen Foundation Establishment stage puppets—this feat astonished even Li Huayuan.

"The puppetry techniques of the Thousand Bamboo Sect? Senior Sister Hong Fu actually taught you even that?"

Han Li did not answer the question directly, but instead asked it back:

"Uncle-Master, do you think my methods can deal with ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators?"

"Yes, that's more than enough."

Fifteen giant wolf puppets comparable to the early to mid-stage Foundation Establishment, plus a giant tiger puppet comparable to the late-stage Foundation Establishment—how could an ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator possibly withstand this?
Even when encountering a top-tier pseudo-core cultivator, one can still use the Invisible Needle Talisman to decide the fate of the world with a single needle.

This junior apprentice is quite capable.

"Then, Uncle-Master, if you could gather three or five friends from the seven major sects to act as bookmakers at the Treasure Hunt Tournament and bet on me to win the grand prize, wouldn't you be able to earn tens of thousands of spirit stones?"

Upon hearing this, Li Huayuan's eyes lit up.

A little gambling for fun.

Big bets, big profits.

Ah this...

"Junior nephew, since there is such a good thing, why did you come to find your senior uncle instead of Senior Sister Hong Fu?" Li Huayuan asked in confusion.

Because you are most easily persuaded by the idea that "greed can lead to mistakes."

Sometimes, greed can lead to mistakes and is not a good thing.

But at this moment, it became a rare advantage for Li Huayuan.

"Uncle-Master, although Master also wants the Qiankun Tower talisman, she doesn't want me to take risks. How can I force Master to do something she doesn't want to do?" Han Li said regretfully.

He then became serious: "The reason I invited my martial uncle to come along is twofold. First, I'm very confident I'll win the grand prize, hoping he can make a fortune unexpectedly. Second, if I win and take the Yan family's Qiankun Tower talisman, coupled with the Invisible Needle talisman I possess, it's like the saying goes, 'A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime.' Having two treasures in hand is too conspicuous and will inevitably attract the attention of some villains. I can handle Foundation Establishment cultivators, but if a Core Formation cultivator tries to ambush me..."

"Indeed, you have quite a few good things about you."

If this kid were just an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator in the sect, and not a disciple that Senior Sister Hong Fu greatly admired, he would have been prepared to put a sack over his head and beat him up with a club.

"So you're asking me to come along so you can do me a favor and have me protect you at the same time?"

"Indeed, please grant my request, Uncle."

Han Li bowed.

“Husband, why don’t you accompany Junior Nephew Han on this trip?” At this moment, Li Huayuan’s wife spoke up from the side.

The life-saving grace she received back then has always made her feel favorably toward Han Li.

Why not join hands today for mutual benefit?
"Yes, as you wish, Madam."

Li Huayuan had always cherished and cared for his virtuous wife, and he listened to her advice very much. The power of pillow talk was undeniable.

...

Lei Gang Mountain.

Lei Wanhe Cave.

Han Li invited the Murong brothers to accompany him.

The Murong brothers couldn't shirk the gratitude they owed for the Foundation Establishment Pills they received years ago, so even if they didn't want to go, they couldn't refuse. Besides, both of them really wanted to travel.

After learning the whole story, Nie Ying also pleaded to go with them. She had been cultivating her foundation for many years and also wanted to witness the grand spectacle of the Yan family's treasure-hunting event.

Lei Wanhe was a little worried about his three beloved disciples, but he felt that as long as they didn't overexert themselves and just went to broaden their horizons, there wouldn't be any major problems, so he didn't refuse them outright.

It was also at this time:

"How about it, senior brother? Want to go for it?"

Before Han Li could invite Lei Wanhe, Li Huayuan, who had come with him, extended the invitation first. Moreover, Li Huayuan had Han Li demonstrate his puppetry skills so that Lei Wanhe could make an assessment.

"Puppets from the Thousand Bamboo Sect? And they're all Foundation Establishment stage puppets?! Not bad."

After pondering for a moment, Lei Wanhe felt that this junior disciple was quite capable, at least stronger than his other two late-stage Foundation Establishment disciples.

However, having only puppets without powerful magical artifacts to aid in attack or self-defense can still easily lead to unexpected defeats.
"Junior Nephew Han, besides these puppets, do you have any other suitable magical artifacts?"

After a moment's thought, Han Li took out two Azure Condensation Mirrors, a pair of crescent-shaped flying knives, and the Silver Radiance Sword. He also displayed the other top-tier rare magical artifacts.

"How do you have the Azure Condensation Mirror? And two of them! Could it be...?"

"Uncle-Master, the Blood Trial eight years ago." Han Li grinned innocently.

Good guy.

No wonder this kid reaped the most rewards in that bloody trial! It turns out that beneath his ordinary appearance lies a hidden skill.

I misjudged it the previous times.

"Several top-grade magic artifacts, all of which are infused with a considerable amount of magic treasure metals! There are also several rare magic artifacts, all of which have been enhanced with some magic treasure metals! Not bad, not bad, plus that Invisible Needle Talisman Treasure, it's more than enough. Even Ma Yunlong, who is known as the 'Number One Person Below Core Formation' in Tianque Fortress, would be in trouble if he encountered Junior Nephew Han."

When used well, puppetry can be a war of attrition.

Although Ma Yunlong, who was at the Pseudo-Core stage, possessed great magical power, how could he withstand the consumption of more than a dozen Foundation Establishment stage puppets?
They'll be worn down to nothing.

If it comes to talismanic treasures, Ma Yunlong has no chance of winning unless he brings out a talismanic treasure crafted by a Nascent Soul stage elder.

"Good, good, good. I thought Ma Yunlong was the favorite to win the championship, but I didn't expect that my junior nephew would have such a pleasant surprise. I think it's too much of a stretch to give him the title of the number one person below the Core Formation stage."

"Master, thank you for the compliment."

Han Li modestly replied.

“Hmm, if you win the grand prize with the Invisible Needle Talisman Treasure and take away the Yan family’s Qiankun Tower Talisman Treasure, it will indeed be a problem.” After thinking it over, he felt that he could give Senior Sister Hongfu and Junior Brother Li some face, so he agreed to the matter: “Alright, I’ll go with you.”

Even if this junior disciple doesn't use the Azure Condensation Mirror of the Hidden Moon Sect, his chances of winning the grand prize are extremely high.

If they were really pushed to the limit, they would use the Azure Condensation Mirror. With them protecting them, what could the people of the Hidden Moon Sect do?

then.

This news reached Master Hongfu's ears through Dong Xuan'er, who had not yet set off.

After learning the whole story, Hong Fu was both angry and amused.

Why did her own disciple, who was too embarrassed to invite her to come along, actually go and invite Junior Brother Lei and Junior Brother Li?

This is really...

Alright, alright, let's go together.

Anyway, it won't take more than a few days.

"By the way, since we have enough time, we can also send a message to invite fellow Daoists from other families to come together. Just consider it giving the Yan family some face."

The Yan family sent their youngest daughter with a Heavenly Spiritual Root to the Hidden Moon Sect. It's likely that within a few decades, the vast Yan family will become an important part of the Hidden Moon Sect. Befriending them now is just the right time.

Han Li, having taken a roundabout approach and persuaded three Core Formation stage elders to accompany him, felt much more at ease.

But he still wanted to try to persuade the Chen family patriarch.

"We're setting off. With three Core Formation cultivators protecting you, what are you worried about?"

On the magical flying carpet, Master Hongfu let out a soft hum.

Upon hearing this, Han Li scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

...

From Huangfeng Valley in Taiyue Mountain, Jianzhou to Yanjia in Yanliang Mountain, Linzhou.

At the normal speed of a Foundation Establishment cultivator piloting a flying boat or sword, traveling at night and sleeping during the day, it would generally take seven or eight days to arrive. However, since they were traveling on a Core Formation cultivator's magical flying carpet and hadn't stopped to recover their mana along the way, they arrived in just one day and one night.

In addition, we spent almost a whole day arranging things with Uncle Li and Uncle Lei.

When they arrived at the Yan family's residence, there were still five days left before the treasure hunt began.

As for the other sects that were invited by the three from Huangfeng Valley to reach the Core Formation stage, they will probably have to wait until the Treasure Hunt Tournament officially begins.

After all, it takes time to send someone to deliver a message.

Outside Yanliang Mountain in Yanling Fortress, there is a small town for ordinary people called Qingliang City.

Before the group arrived, Han Li boldly suggested on the way that his master, Hong Fu, and his two senior uncles conceal their presence and blend into the mortal world. They would then appear later with the Core Formation stage elders from the other sects, giving the Yan family patriarch a big surprise.

The three Core Formation stage cultivators thought about it and understood Han Li's concerns.

If the three of them appeared early, it would definitely cause a sensation throughout Yanling Fort and they would be given special treatment. However, this kind of special treatment would also expose the special status of their own disciples and grand-disciples, making them vulnerable to being targeted by those with ulterior motives during the treasure hunt.

Winning the grand prize will definitely be much more difficult then.

There's really no need for that.

Therefore, the three Core Formation experts concealed their auras and pretended to be Qi Refining cultivators.

Unless you are a fellow cultivator at the Core Formation stage in person, you simply cannot see through their disguise.

Not only that, Li Huayuan had another idea and cheerfully suggested, "Senior Sister Hongfu, Senior Brother Lei, it's really boring to wait here. I'll go to Qingxu Sect to have some tea with that Taoist priest Fuyunzi, and then come over with him when the treasure hunt starts, okay?"

"Junior brother, please do as you please."

　Guys, votes, seriously, votes! Monthly tickets are given out at the end of the month, but I need votes now.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)