I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

Book lovers are all in the discussion area, chatting about the charm of Xianxia novels.

"Senior brother, did you also receive a summons from Master?" Han Li asked tentatively, a hint of surprise on his face as he saw Zhou Yuan descend.

"Um!"

Zhou Yuan nodded, his gaze sweeping over Han Li, noticing a hint of caution in his expression.

It seems that Han Li was also quite surprised by Li Huayuan's sudden summons.

"What is it?" Han Li continued to ask, lowering his voice slightly.

"How would I know? Let's go inside and talk!"

Zhou Yuan shrugged, his tone relaxed.

It was as if they truly knew nothing about it.

But in fact, on the way here, Zhou Yuan, as a transmigrator, had already anticipated all the possible scenarios.

Based on the original story, this was the time when Master Hongfu was choosing a Daoist partner for her disciple Dong Xuan'er.

As a fellow disciple, Li Huayuan would naturally recommend his students.

And he and Han Li were probably the "candidates" recommended by Li Huayuan this time.

Without saying another word, the two each took out a sound transmission talisman, infused it with magic power, and simultaneously launched it towards the waterfall's water curtain.

The talisman transformed into a stream of light and disappeared into the water curtain.

After about half an incense stick's time, the water curtain rippled, and a passage appeared from within it.

Immediately afterwards, Senior Brother Yu Kun appeared at the entrance of the passage, a warm smile on his face.

"Junior brothers, you've finally arrived!" Yu Kun hurried forward to greet them. "Master has been waiting anxiously!"

As he spoke, he warmly ushered the two into the passage behind the water curtain.

However, just as the three were walking side by side, Yu Kun suddenly stopped.

He abruptly turned to look at Zhou Yuan, his face showing an expression of disbelief:

"Junior Brother Zhou, you...you've reached the mid-Foundation Establishment stage?!"

His voice was filled with shock, and even a hint of undisguised envy.

In just six or seven years, he went from the initial Foundation Establishment stage to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. This speed is truly astonishing!

Ordinary cultivators, even those with dual spiritual roots, often need ten years or more of arduous accumulation to break through to this minor realm.

It took Yu Kun a full fourteen years to go from the early to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment!

"Senior brother has a good eye."

Zhou Yuan smiled slightly, his tone indifferent, "I've just made some progress by luck. Actually, I'm good at alchemy, and I've only been able to speed up my cultivation by using pills these past few years."

His words were half true and half false, explaining the abnormal progress in his cultivation while also hinting at his identity as an "alchemist," which made perfect sense.

"I see!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Kun's eyes flashed with realization, and then his smile became even more fervent:

"Junior brother, you'll have to help me out next time! I happen to have some medicinal ingredients here, but I haven't been able to find a suitable alchemist..."

"Of course, of course."

Zhou Yuan nodded in agreement and did not refuse.

The three continued on their way and arrived inside the valley.

The valley remains as it was years ago, brimming with spiritual energy, with pavilions and towers scattered in a pleasing manner, and rare flowers and herbs thriving in the herb garden.

But today, the atmosphere in the valley seems slightly different from usual.

They had only taken a few steps when they bumped into a young cultivator. He looked to be in his early twenties, with a fair complexion and a hint of arrogance in his eyes. His cultivation level was at the early Foundation Establishment stage.

"This is your sixth senior brother, Wu Xuan!"

Upon seeing this, Yu Kun quickly introduced the situation to Zhou Yuan and Han Li.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Wu!" Zhou Yuan and Han Li bowed respectfully at the same time.

However, Wu Xuan merely glanced at the two of them coldly, let out a soft snort, and showed undisguised annoyance on his face, not even bothering to reply.

He walked straight past Zhou Yuan and Han Li, leaving without looking back.

Han Li frowned slightly, a hint of surprise and confusion rising in his heart.

This was his first meeting with Wu Xuan, so why was the other party behaving this way? It was as if he harbored hostility towards the two of them.

Zhou Yuan, however, remained expressionless, but he already understood.

'As expected, it's because of Dong Xuan'er...' he sneered inwardly.

Judging from Wu Xuan's reaction, Zhou Yuan became even more certain of the reason for today's summons.

This Wu Xuan was probably one of the "candidates" that Li Huayuan initially recommended to his senior uncle Hong Fu, but he was obviously not selected.

Now that Li Huayuan has summoned him and Han Li instead, Wu Xuan is naturally dissatisfied and vents his resentment on them.

Zhou Yuan couldn't be bothered with such trivial matters of jealousy and rivalry.

In the cultivation world, strength reigns supreme. Who would care about the hostility of a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stages? As long as he doesn't provoke me, I'll just let him be.

"Junior Brother Wu is a bit too straightforward, please don't mind him, both of you junior brothers."

Seeing this, Yu Kun quickly tried to smooth things over, his face showing some embarrassment, "Master and Mistress, as well as Senior Sister Hong Fu, are all waiting in the hall. Let's go over quickly."

The three of them did not linger any longer and headed straight for the hall with green tiles and white walls in the center of the valley.

The hall doors were open, and the interior was brightly lit.

Zhou Yuan and Han Li stepped inside and saw two people sitting in the main seats.

It was Li Huayuan and his Daoist partner.

Li Huayuan was still dressed in a gray robe, his beard and hair were all white, and he was in good spirits; his Daoist partner was dressed in a light purple palace dress, with a gentle appearance, but her complexion was rosy and there was no sickness between her brows.

Beside the main seat sat a woman dressed in a red dress. .

She appeared to be around thirty years old, with a beautiful face and still possessing a certain charm, but her eyes and brows carried an air of aloofness and coldness that kept people at a distance.

She sat there upright, not deliberately exuding an aura of power, yet she possessed a dignified presence that made people dare not look directly at her.

It was another Core Formation cultivator from Yellow Maple Valley, known for his cold temperament and formidable strength—Senior Uncle Hong Fu!

Behind Hong Fu, a young girl stood quietly.

The girl looked to be about eighteen or nineteen years old, wearing a pale yellow dress, with a slender figure and extremely beautiful face.

Her skin was as white as jade, her eyebrows and eyes were exquisite, especially her eyes, which were sparkling and had a natural charm that made her alluring.

She simply stood there quietly, yet she already attracted the attention of most of the people in the hall.

This woman must be Dong Xuan'er, the beloved disciple of Master Hongfu.

Zhou Yuan's gaze swept calmly over Dong Xuan'er, his heart unmoved.

Although this woman was beautiful, to him she was nothing more than a beautiful skeleton. What he pursued was the path to immortality, not romantic love.

"Disciple Zhou Yuan (Han Li) greets Master and Mistress!"

The two bowed in unison, their posture respectful.

Li Huayuan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Zhou Yuan and Han Li, lingering for a moment on Zhou Yuan, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Have you not greeted your Senior Sister Hongfu yet?" Li Huayuan said in a deep voice.

"Disciple greets Senior Sister Hongfu!" The two turned around and bowed to Hongfu.

Hong Fu's gaze fell on the two of them like cold lightning, scrutinizing them carefully.

Her gaze lingered on Zhou Yuan for a moment.

Zhou Yuan stood tall and composed, and his mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation level could not be hidden from the perception of a Core Formation cultivator.

More importantly, although Zhou Yuan's appearance was not exceptional, it was still dignified and handsome, especially his eyes, which were deep and calm.

Hong Fu frowned almost imperceptibly for a moment, then looked away.

When her gaze fell on Han Li, her expression softened somewhat.

Han Li was of average appearance, the kind of person who would be easily lost in a crowd. His cultivation level was only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. His aura was calm and reserved, exuding a cautious and prudent air.

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Hong Fu's eyes, and she nodded slightly.

"Senior Sister Hongfu, what do you think of the two of them?"

Seeing that Hong Fu had finished looking her over, Li Huayuan smiled and asked, his tone carrying a hint of recommendation.

He pointed at Zhou Yuan and introduced him to Hong Fu: "This lad is called Zhou Yuan. He's a disciple I took in a few years ago. Don't let his young age fool you; he's quite capable. Back when the Crimson Forbidden Land opened, he single-handedly gathered thirty-two spiritual herbs, helping me win the bet against Fu Yunzi of the Qingxu Sect! He's ruthless and decisive in combat; he's a promising talent."

Then, he pointed at Han Li:

"This is Han Li, who joined my sect at the same time as Zhou Yuan. Although his combat skills are not outstanding, he is alert and meticulous."

Back in the Crimson Forbidden Land, through careful scavenging and caution, I managed to smuggle out over twenty spiritual herbs. My luck and temperament were both quite good.

After listening to Li Huayuan's introduction, Hongfu's gaze once again lingered between the two men.

Finally, she pointed at Han Li, her voice cold and devoid of any emotion:

"He's the one."

She paused, then added, "I think it's perfect."

After saying that, Hong Fu stood up and said to Li Huayuan, "Then I will take Xuan'er back first, and then wait for my junior brother's good news."

After saying that, she didn't say anything more and turned to walk out of the hall.

Dong Xuan'er quickly followed, but as she passed by Han Li, her charming eyes glanced at him almost imperceptibly.

He quickly looked away, lowered his head, and followed Hong Fu out of the hall.

The whole process was swift and efficient, without any unnecessary delays.

Han Li stood there, his face filled with bewilderment and astonishment.

What are they doing?

What do you mean by "it's him"?

What is "suitable"?

Han Li was completely confused about the situation.

The way his senior sister Hongfu scrutinized him like a customer inspecting goods, and that last, seemingly random remark, set off alarm bells in his mind.

I instinctively sensed something was wrong.

"Hehe, Han Li, I must congratulate you first!" Li Huayuan stroked his beard and laughed as he looked at Han Li's bewildered expression, his tone slightly mischievous.

"This disciple does not know, please enlighten me, Master!" Han Li bowed hurriedly, the ominous premonition in his heart growing stronger.

"Hehe! This is fantastic news!"

Before Li Huayuan could answer, his teacher's wife covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her voice gentle:

"Your senior sister Hong Fu has taken a liking to you and intends for you to marry her precious disciple and become cultivation partners!"

"To form a dual cultivation partnership?" Upon hearing this, Han Li was struck dumb, completely stunned, and muttered the same question to himself.

This happened too suddenly, too unexpectedly, and was completely beyond his expectations!

His mind was filled with thoughts of cultivation, resources, and how to steadily increase his strength...

Have you ever thought about the matter of dual cultivation partners?

Congratulations, junior brother!

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan's lips curled up slightly, and he offered a timely "blessing," his tone carrying a hint of watching a good show.

Li Huayuan nodded and smiled, "There aren't many female disciples on the mountain to begin with, and even fewer who can successfully establish their foundation."

Dual cultivation, however, is an excellent method that can greatly enhance the cultivation of both men and women. Others couldn't find such a good thing even with a lantern! You've really struck gold, kid!

Han Li took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

He looked up at Li Huayuan and asked the question that had been bothering him:

"But Master, why did you choose me?"

He considered himself to be of average appearance and his cultivation level to be only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, not particularly outstanding within the sect. Why did his senior sister, Hong Fu, take a liking to him?

Upon hearing this, Li Huayuan exchanged a glance with his Daoist partner beside him, a hint of helplessness flashing in their eyes.

"This matter is quite simple to explain."

Li Huayuan stroked his beard and said slowly, "Your senior sister Hong Fu suffered some heartbreak in her early years, which is why she dislikes male disciples who are too handsome and flamboyant."

As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully at Zhou Yuan.

"As for Zhou Yuan, he's not bad looking, and he acts quite ostentatiously in the Crimson Forbidden Land. Although it wasn't his intention, it inevitably left your Senior Sister Hong Fu with a somewhat 'unreliable' impression..."

On the contrary, it's your cautious, timid, and ordinary-looking nature that suits her taste. She feels that someone with your personality might be more likely to focus on the path of truth and less likely to cause trouble.

Han Li's lips twitched involuntarily after hearing this.

So... it's because I'm not good-looking and I'm timid?

This reason is truly both laughable and infuriating, leaving one with mixed feelings.

"Zhou Yuan, you can go out now. I have something to tell Han Li in private."

Seeing Han Li's complicated expression, Li Huayuan knew that he needed more time to process it.

He then gave instructions to Zhou Yuan, who was standing to the side.

"Yes, Master. This disciple takes his leave."

Zhou Yuan couldn't wait to leave this place of trouble, so he immediately bowed and turned to leave the hall without hesitation.

I walked out of the hall.

A cool mountain breeze caressed my face, carrying the fragrance of flowers and herbs from the medicinal herb garden.

Zhou Yuan let out a long sigh of relief.

He avoided Dong Xuan'er's affairs like the plague.

According to the vague memories in the original work, the peaceful days for the cultivation world in Yue Kingdom are numbered.

With the invasion of the six demonic sects imminent, the entire Yue Kingdom will soon be engulfed in war.

As one of the seven major sects of Yue Kingdom, Huangfeng Valley is the first to bear the brunt and is definitely not a place to stay for long.

He must devise an escape route as soon as possible.

The key to that escape route.

The key lies in that spirit stone mine, which hides the ancient teleportation array leading to the Chaotic Star Sea!

Finding it, repairing the teleportation array, and escaping to the resource-rich, war-free Chaotic Star Sea would be the best course of action.

As for things like dual cultivation partners, sect missions, and the conflict between good and evil...

None of this has anything to do with his future.