As the sun's last rays disappeared from the earth, the master and disciple duo re-entered the small town.
The instant they stepped into the town, the bustling sounds of humanity returned to Han Li's ears, making him, who had enjoyed two days of tranquility in the forest, feel a bit nostalgic. Perhaps because the night was approaching, the shouts of people forming teams that they had heard upon entering had faded, replaced by a more intense atmosphere of everyday life.
The sounds of drinking, frying food, chatting, and cursing filled the air, along with the early nightlife activities of amorous couples. After the further enhancement of his antennae, Han Li's sensitivity to these noises had increased, prompting him to quickly narrow his focus to only his immediate surroundings, allowing him to finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Such indecency! He was still a seven-year-old child standing at 1.6 meters tall; he shouldn't be exposed to these things!
After walking a short distance, they saw Sebastian approaching, presumably having waited there all along.
"Your Eminence, Young Master Han, you're back. Are you resting tonight, or traveling through the night?"
"Let's stay the night. How are the hotels around here?" Han Li asked proactively.
"They're just about clean enough," Sebastian answered honestly. Last night, he had planned to ask the local personnel of the Spirit Hall to look after the special carriage, but after booking a room, he found the hotel bed less comfortable than his driver's seat. After taking a bath, he decisively returned to the front carriage to sleep.
"In that case, forget it. We'll sleep in the carriage. What do you think, Master?" Han Li turned his head to ask.
"Whatever you prefer. I'm fine with anything," Guang Ling responded nonchalantly.
"Then let's go back to the carriage. We'll rest for the night and set off tomorrow. Tonight, we'll have a hotpot. Sebastian, you should join us too."
...
That night, after having a hotpot and freshening up, Han Li changed into a well-fitting outfit and comfortably lay on the bed. He took out a plant compendium from his wristband and began to read, just as he had throughout the journey.
The benefits of strong mental power were evident at this moment: he didn't have to adhere to the most focused way of practicing; a little relaxation was also effective.
Of course, this method wasn't as effective as deep-on cultivation, but since they were traveling and he had more time to cultivate than usual, it compensated for the slight inefficiency.
Seeing him take out that familiar booklet again, Guang Ling couldn't help but speak up, "Is that booklet really that interesting? You've read it cover to cover several times already."
Hearing his words, Han Li closed the booklet, made sure Sebastian couldn't hear him, and turned to Guang Ling with a smile, "Master, I plan to memorize it. You've seen it before, right? It contains illustrations of immortal herbs. Since these records were left by predecessors, and some even include methods of consumption, it means these rare treasures might exist somewhere on the continent. Do you think, with my luck, I might come across them one day?"
Guang Ling instinctively wanted to deny it and advise him not to dwell on such elusive things. However, seeing Han Li's smile and recalling the events of the afternoon and Han Li's uncanny luck, he found himself unable to refute.
Because, strangely enough, he also felt that such things could happen to his disciple.
The more Guang Ling thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Unconsciously, his gaze became a bit unfocused, and he couldn't help but glance over at Han Li. He admitted to himself that he was deeply moved in that instant.
The carriage fell silent for a few seconds before Guang Ling's voice suddenly broke the silence.
"Xiao Li, do you have any tingling right now? Do you think you know where luck might appear?"
Even though he could steadily cultivate to level ninety-eight and reach the same level as Golden Crocodile, he was well aware that Golden Crocodile had been stuck at level ninety-eight for such a long time that he could barely remember when it started.
He knew he couldn't achieve the legendary level 100 to become a god, not even the Grand Worship could. But he believed that if he could obtain an immortal herb that suited him, it might still be possible to become an Ultimate Douluo. No one could refuse such a temptation—not Golden Crocodile, and not himself.
Hearing Guang Ling's words, Han Li was momentarily surprised. Had he gone too far in his bluffing? Although he had indeed planned to search for immortal herbs on this trip, hearing it suggested by Guang Ling carried a completely different weight.
Han Li glanced at his master, who seemed a bit embarrassed to meet his eyes after speaking, and thought his master was actually "a bit cute." But this suited his plans perfectly.
"Alright, since Master asked, I'll give it a try." Han Li threw off the blanket covering him and stood up.
Seeing his actions, Guang Ling, despite his reddening face, quickly turned his attention to Han Li.
Now, he was genuinely curious to see what his disciple would do.
Then, he saw Han Li close his eyes, hold up that booklet, and move his lips, though no sound came out.
Fortunately, being close enough, Guang Ling could still make out what Han Li was silently mouthing: "Where is the location of the immortal herb?" He repeated this seven times, then threw the booklet into the air and let it fall to the ground.
"Thud."
The floor was covered with a soft carpet, so when the booklet landed, it made only a slight sound before stopping.
At this moment, Han Li opened his eyes and looked at the booklet. The cover of the booklet depicted a chrysanthemum, and now the stem and root of the chrysanthemum pointed in a certain direction.
"Yes, that's the right direction. Let me think, it should be towards Heaven Dou City," Han Li picked up the booklet and said softly.
"Can you find it just like that? Isn't that a bit hasty?"
On one side, Guang Ling couldn't help but sit up, leaning forward to look at the booklet in Han Li's hand.
" Do you have a better idea, Master?"
Han Li straightened up and asked in return.
"Uh, no," Guang Ling honestly shook his head.
"Then this will do. After all, we're relying on luck, and we're not heading straight back to Wuhun City. Taking a detour shouldn't be a problem, right? At worst, we can treat it as a sightseeing trip. It won't waste much time anyway, spending a few days to gamble on the chance of obtaining an immortal herb is worth it," Han Li casually sat back down.
"That's true; let's treat it as an opportunity to experience the customs and culture of the continent."
Seeing Han Li's relaxed demeanor, Guang Ling snapped out of his earlier daze. He realized that he had let himself get more flustered than a child; it was truly unbecoming.
With Guang Ling back to his usual self, Han Li didn't say more. He lay back down, flipping through the booklet while continuing his cultivation.
Now that his master had spoken up, it made everything even more reasonable.
Originally, he had planned to propose a trip to Heaven Dou City after returning to Nuoding City. But now, with the excuse handed to him on a silver platter, his plan became unnecessary.
During the silent recitation earlier, he had already roughly confirmed the direction based on the map in his memory. All he needed to do was casually throw the booklet and then steer the results towards Heaven Dou City based on where it landed.
Even if the booklet had stood upright, he would still have said it pointed to Heaven Dou City. After all, he had the final say, and he could be as arbitrary as he liked.
After cultivating for a while longer, Han Li put the booklet away, greeted Guang Ling—who seemed lost in thought—and then drifted into a deep sleep.
...
In the early morning, when Han Li opened his eyes, the small town outside had already awakened.
After a simple wash and breakfast, the luxurious carriage slowly drove out of the townspeople's sight, heading towards Nuoding City amidst their envious gazes.
Two days later, the carriage drove straight into the City Lord's Mansion. After staying there for most of the day, it set off again, this time heading towards Heaven Dou City.
It wasn't until the carriage had left that news spread that the owner of the luxurious carriage was none other than Young Master Han, who had been taken as a disciple by a Title Douluo from the Martial Soul Hall a year ago. This time, he had returned specifically to visit the City Lord.
On the carriage, Guang Ling glanced at Han Li, who had started reading again, and said softly, "You could have stayed a few more days, you know."
Han Li put away the book and smiled, "No need, Master. I just came back to see Uncle Xiao; it's been a while. Besides, I did go home for a bit as well, so that's enough."
"By the way, why didn't you leave something for the City Lord's son? I saw that you two get along quite well," Guang Ling asked curiously.
"You mean Brother Chenyu? It's not that I didn't want to; it's just that Uncle Xiao already has plans for him. His talent isn't great, and he's not very interested in cultivation. In a few years, he'll probably take over the family's business. I discussed it with Uncle Xiao and Brother Chenyu and gave his share to another child in Uncle Xiao's family," Han Li explained honestly.
"Is the other child's talent good?" Guang Ling asked casually.
"Yes, he's Innate Level 4, with a good martial soul mutation. That's pretty good for Nuoding City. He's currently studying at Barak Academy," Han Li answered.
"Oh," Guang Ling lost interest immediately upon hearing this.
Han Li didn't mind Guang Ling's attitude, knowing his master's temperament. He continued to read the unfinished book.
This time, he didn't leave much for Lord Xiao, just helped them adjust their bodies and left some standard cultivation resources. Besides that, he left a letter with a cultivation plan tailored to Brother Tao's martial soul and instructed another Xiao family brother to find him in Wuhun City after graduation.
Since they weren't part of the Martial Soul Hall, there were things he couldn't disclose directly and had to approach indirectly.
After nearly ten more days on the road, the three finally reached the outskirts of Heaven Dou City.
The journey had been so long that, despite the comfort of the carriage, the three were quite fatigued.
Upon arriving in Heaven Dou City, they went straight to the Spirit Hall, skipping Bishop Salas's welcome banquet. They just ate something simple and then collapsed into bed.
It wasn't until ten o'clock the next morning that Han Li felt alive again. As he stepped out of his room, a guard informed him that His Eminence Guang Ling and Bishop Salas were in the reception hall. Han Li headed straight there.
"Master, greetings to Bishop Salas," Han Li said respectfully after being led into the reception hall by a guard.
"No need for formalities. They say seeing is believing, and now I've finally met you in person. I handled the intelligence related to your case back then," Salas said warmly, subtly hinting at his involvement from over a year ago.
Han Li was momentarily stunned but quickly grasped the implication, showing his understanding and gratitude with another respectful bow.
"I must thank you again, Bishop. Without your fair judgment, I wouldn't have met my master."
"Hahaha, perhaps it was fate," Salas laughed heartily, pleased that Han Li had quickly understood his hint and was willing to acknowledge the favor.
However, Guang Ling, standing nearby, smirked disdainfully, looking at Salas as if he were an idiot.
He knew his disciple well enough to recognize that Han Li's overly expressive demeanor in front of someone new signaled a ploy to use the person, usually for a single purpose.
On the way there, Guang Ling had already divulged everything about Salas to Han Li, laying everything bare. If Han Li truly managed to build a relationship with Salas, Guang Ling would write his name backward.
Moreover, Guang Ling finally understood why Bibi Dong had approached him initially. It turned out that this guy was double-dealing, reporting to Worship Hall and the Pope's Hall after seeing Guang Ling's name. Salas was a fence-sitter, a type Guang Ling despised. Salas would face consequences for this sooner or later.
On the other hand, Han Li's emotions were a mix of truth and pretense. He did feel that Salas had helped him back then but had no intention of acknowledging it. Maintaining a surface relationship was enough; helping Salas in return was out of the question.
Salas's recent actions indicated he was using Han Li as a stepping stone, but unfortunately for Salas, he'd be disappointed. Guang Ling's earlier evaluation already predicted the outcome.
"Alright, enough small talk. Salas, bring me a copy of the geomantic map, as well as a layout of the city—with power factions marked, if possible," Guang Ling interrupted, directing his gaze at Salas and issuing orders.
"Yes, Fifth Worship," Salas responded promptly but didn't leave immediately. Instead, he inquired further, "Is there anything else I can assist with?"
"No, what I asked for is sufficient," Guang Ling waved him off.
"Oh, and make sure to seal off any information about our presence. We don't want to be disturbed," Guang Ling added.
"Of course. The information has already been sealed. Until you depart, no word of your presence will leak out," Salas assured, patting his chest.
After speaking, Salas hesitated briefly, glanced at Han Li, then discreetly approached Guang Ling. Using his soul power to shield their conversation, he whispered, "Fifth Worship, should I also seal your information from Her Highness? And should I contact her in advance?"
This question hit a sore spot for Guang Ling.
During the journey, Guang Ling had been pondering this issue. Before setting out, he hadn't planned on coming to Heaven Dou City, so he hadn't thought it through.
Now that he was already here, he definitely needed to visit Renxue. However, he hadn't sought prior approval from Qian Daoliu, and he wasn't sure if he should mention Qian Renxue to Han Li, given that it involved some dark history of the former Pope.
Glancing at Han Li standing nearby, Guang Ling thought it over and decided not to say anything for now. Knowing about this wouldn't benefit Han Li in any way.
He then looked at Salas and instructed, "No need to hide it from her. Deliver a message that I will visit her secretly tonight."
"Understood."
After speaking, Salas lifted the soul power barrier and, after exchanging farewells, left the reception room to prepare what Guang Ling had requested.
"Why? Aren't you curious about what we were discussing just now?" Guang Ling asked as he saw Han Li walking towards a seat beside him.
"Not curious at all. It has nothing to do with me. Master wouldn't harm me. If it was something I should know, you would have told me already," Han Li replied nonchalantly.
He truly didn't care. What secrets could there be in Heaven Dou City, other than the undercover Qian Renxue? He had no interest in interacting with this elder sister.
You continue with your undercover mission, I'll focus on my growth. This is the situation he most preferred.
"You certainly have a clear perspective. By the way, now that we're in Heaven Dou City, have you sensed anything new?" Guang Ling asked curiously.
"No, let's wait for the map. I'll try again tonight," Han Li replied casually.
"Alright, I'll look forward to your good news then."
Guang Ling recalled Han Li's extremely abstract methods before and fell silent.
PS: LoL
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