Mortal: Starting with the Golden Jade Book

"Senior brother, is it really impossible to become a cultivator without spiritual roots? I also want to become a cultivator like you."

On a secluded stone street in Yanling Fortress, Han Li looked at Mo Caihuan, who was dressed as a young woman, and felt a mix of emotions.

He never expected to run into Mo Caihuan and the Yan family mother and daughter here at Yan Family Fort.

His grudges with Doctor Mo had long been wiped away with his death, so he had no resentment towards the women of the Mo family and was willing to help them if he could.

Previously, knowing that Yan was seriously ill and that Mo Caihuan was being bullied by cultivators, he readily stepped in to help them resolve the problem. However, at this moment, when Mo Caihuan raised this question, he could only remain silent.

Since ancient times, it has been an unchanging truth in the cultivation world that those without spiritual roots cannot cultivate. How could he possibly change that?

Looking at Han Li's expression, Mo Caihuan's hope, which had just risen, was instantly shattered. She knew that even this seemingly powerful senior brother in front of her was completely helpless.

Mo Caihuan felt a pang of sadness and seemed to have lost interest in speaking. The two walked silently for a while before Han Li took out a bag of spirit stones, handed it to Mo Caihuan, and turned to leave.

Mo Caihuan quickly grabbed Han Li, her eyes filled with reluctance. Han Li's heart skipped a beat, and for a moment he hesitated.

He then forcibly suppressed this fleeting feeling, took out a youth-preserving pill and gave it to Mo Caihuan, and then disappeared amidst his repeated calls.

After searching around for a while and confirming that Han Li had left, Mo Caihuan could only return to the small shop where she and Yan Shi had taken refuge with a gloomy expression.

A moment later, Han Li emerged from a corner, glanced in the direction Mo Caihuan had left, and sighed.

He understood Mo Caihuan's feelings, but there was a difference between immortals and mortals. Mortals' lifespans were too short. Even if they could stay together peacefully for several decades, they would eventually only be separated.

Why bother?

He shook his head and turned to leave, but at that moment, a well-hidden light flew rapidly toward him.

Han Li reacted extremely quickly, grabbing the light the instant it approached. The light dissipated, revealing it to be a communication talisman.

Han Li was somewhat surprised that someone would send him a sound transmission talisman in a place as unfamiliar as Yan Family Fortress.

He placed it on his forehead, and after a moment, a look of surprise appeared on his face.

"It was him!?"

Han Li muttered a few words to himself, but recalling the man's previous actions, it didn't seem like he had any ill intentions towards him.

"Alright, I'll go see them tonight!"

……

into the night.

The council hall of Feiyun Pavilion in Yanling Fort.

The Yan family patriarch, Yan Yan, and a group of Yan family elders gathered together in a solemn atmosphere.

"Alright, now that you all know the conditions proposed by that young Wang from the Ghost Spirit Sect, what should my Yan family do next? Tell me."

As soon as Yan Yan finished speaking, the crowd below erupted in uproar. Some were shocked, some were doubtful, some were expectant, and some had their eyes darting around, seemingly lost in thought.

"Ancestor, is it true that the Six Demonic Sects are about to invade Yue Kingdom?"

Yan Yan nodded.

"This news is absolutely true. The cultivation world of Jiang Kingdom and Cheqi Kingdom has been wiped out by the demonic path. The demonic army is currently resting and will officially attack Yue Kingdom in five days. Therefore, it is time to make a decision."

"This, this..."

Seeing the panicked and clueless state of the group, Yan Yan shook his head inwardly and turned his gaze to a young man who had remained calm and composed throughout.

"Xuan Ye, what are you thinking?"

"I wonder what the Ancestor thinks are the chances that the seven sects can withstand the invasion of the demonic path?"

The young man thought for a moment, but instead of directly stating his thoughts, he asked Yan Yan a question.

"The seven factions of Yue alone have no chance, but if they could unite with the surrounding countries to form a coalition, they might be able to put up a fight. It's just a pity..."

Yan Yan paused, a hint of mockery in his voice.

"Unfortunately, the seven sects have long been infiltrated and riddled with holes. It is said that some sects have secretly surrendered to the six demonic sects. Under such circumstances, the longer the early stages drag on, the more miserable the defeat will be in the later stages."

The young man named Xuan Ye didn't show any shock, and nodded with a smile.

"Since that's the case, what else is there for us to consider? When the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken. Since we have a choice, we naturally can't die with the Seven Factions. We might as well make preparations as soon as possible and gain more advantages in the deal with the Ghost Spirit Sect."

Yan Yan nodded, a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

"Go on!"

"First and foremost, Yan'er is of utmost importance. The reason why the Ghost Spirit Sect recruited us is not only because we originally came from the Ghost Spirit Sect, but more importantly because of Yan'er's Heavenly Spirit Root aptitude, which can cooperate with Wang Chan to cultivate the Blood Spirit Technique. Therefore, in addition to devoting all our resources to nurturing her, we must also secure enough benefits for Yan'er in this transaction."

Yan Yan glanced at the stunningly beautiful girl standing quietly beside him and nodded.

"Of course, Yan'er is the future of the Yan family, so we can't mistreat her."

"Secondly, the Yan family cannot become the target of everyone's criticism. Currently, there are as many as one or two hundred Core Formation cultivators and disciples from the seven sects within Yan Family Fortress, plus those from several surrounding countries. If the Ghost Spirit Sect wants us to pledge our loyalty, they will most likely ask us to take action against these people. But if we do that, we will be cutting ourselves off from the world, with no way out. We will have no choice but to follow the Ghost Spirit Sect down this dark path. This is definitely not a good thing for us."

"I understand this matter perfectly well and will not be easily manipulated by the Wang family brat. If we really want to deal with the cultivators from the seven sects, I will naturally ask the Ghost Spirit Sect to take action. My Yan family members absolutely cannot be at the forefront."

Xuan Ye nodded.

"Our ancestor is wise. Apart from these two points, the rest are just some details. As long as we are careful not to be used as pawns by these demonic cultivators, our Yan family may be able to take advantage of this opportunity of the rise of the demonic path to expand our power. This may be a rare opportunity for us."

Xuan Ye's words dispelled Yan Yan's doubts, and seeing that no one else raised any further objections, he finally made his final decision.

"Very well, then this matter is settled. My Yan family has been independent for hundreds of years; it is time for us to return to our ancestral home!"

……

Just as the Yan family was discussing the fate of Yan Family Fortress, in a secluded corner of Yanling Fortress, two insignificant figures, unnoticed by anyone, had already foreseen their entire plan.

"The Yan Family Fortress has betrayed us? The demonic path is about to invade?"

"Brother Lin, do you know that this matter is of great importance? If the information is false, the consequences will be far beyond what small people like you and me can bear?"

Han Li looked at Lin Zui, whom he hadn't seen for over a year, and never expected that he would see him again in Yanling Fort, and that he would be given such earth-shattering news as soon as they met.

"How could I not know Brother Han's concerns? If it weren't for a chance discovery of a clue, how could I dare to speak so casually about such a matter?"

Lin Zui sighed.

"It's a pity that my strength is too weak and I don't have any solid evidence. However, if Brother Han pays more attention to the atmosphere inside the fortress, he should be able to detect something unusual."

"Indeed, I have discovered that there are quite a few people in the fortress who seem to be of the demonic path. I thought I was just being paranoid before, but now it seems that they are indeed very suspicious."

Han Li nodded, but soon looked somewhat troubled.

"However, based on just a few anomalies, I cannot report it directly to the sect. But I will send a letter to my master, Li Huayuan. How to deal with it will naturally be up to him."

Lin Zui nodded.

"I was already preparing to leave this troublesome place, but I happened to see Brother Han, so I came over to remind him."

"With the treasure hunt imminent, if Yan Family Fortress truly betrays us, they will most likely target the cultivators from the seven sects within the fortress. If Brother Han can leave, it would be best to do so as soon as possible. If you cannot leave, you can also unite with some cultivators from other sects and prepare yourself mentally to prevent any unforeseen events."

Han Li gratefully cupped his hands in thanks.

"I am under orders from my master and cannot leave immediately, but I will be extra vigilant. I will remember your kindness in giving me this advice and will repay you in the future."

"Of course, take care, Brother Han."

Lin Zui turned and left. For Han Li, this level of guidance was enough. Going into too much detail might arouse his suspicion.