Seeing Xiuer, Han Li promptly approached her.
To be honest, after living together for four years and not seeing each other for nearly three months, he missed her a bit.
Seeing him actively approach her, Xiuer smiled even more happily and quickened her pace, running straight into his open arms.
To be fair, Xiuer's strength was quite impressive, not at all matching her seemingly slender figure. Even without activating her martial soul, the unconscious impact still gave Han Li a considerable shock.
Given that his physical strength was now comparable to that of a Soul Emperor, he didn't even budge. If it were Brother Tao here, he might have been knocked flying on the spot, with half of his bones broken.
But this made sense. Xiuer's body-strengthening techniques and whale glue were synchronized with Han Li's. Although her soul power cultivation was slower, the physical enhancement from a top-tier beast martial soul like the Crystal Bear was exceptionally high. Brother Tao, without activating his martial soul, wouldn't be able to withstand such an impact.
"Alright, Xiuer, get up. Master is still watching."
After absorbing the soul ring, Han Li's height had reached 1.75 meters, now a head taller than Xiuer. He patted her back to remind her that they were not alone.
"Ah, oh."
Xiuer snapped out of her excitement, her pretty face turning red as she awkwardly looked around.
"Xiuer, don't mind me. Just pretend I'm not here."
Guang Ling had somehow distanced himself from Dugu Yan and was standing to the side, watching Xiuer and the young girl from the Dugu family with a slightly upturned mouth, as if waiting for a good show.
Han Li couldn't help but twitch at the sight of his master looking like an onlooker. With the senior Dugu absent, he became the victim.
Master, just you wait. Once I have the time, I'll dig up your dirt with the senior uncle. And about the beautiful sister Spirit Kite Douluo, you better not leave any evidence in my hands, hehe.
Unfortunately, the situation would disappoint Guang Ling. Since Han Li dared to bring Dugu Yan back without a word, he must have been prepared.
Not to mention, in the Douluo Continent, having multiple wives was common. Moreover, Han Li had never hidden his intentions from Xiuer. After all, Han Li often declared in front of Xiuer that he wanted to marry ten or eight wives. Xiuer was well aware of his "ambition" and was mentally prepared.
Additionally, when he returned to Heaven Dou City, he had sent a letter to Xiuer in advance, mentioning that he would bring Dugu Yan back and briefly describing her family background and her talent after the evolution of her martial soul, including her potential future achievements.
Xiuer had always stayed by Han Li's side as a maid and sister. Even though she developed some personal feelings as she grew older, she knew very well that Han Li was meant for great things. How could she reject a future ally?
So, much to Guang Ling's disappointment, Xiuer, although a bit embarrassed, still took the initiative to greet Dugu Yan.
"You must be Sister Yan Yan. I'm Xiuer, Han Li's sister. I wonder if Han Li has ever mentioned me to you. He talked about you in his letters before, and you are indeed very beautiful."
Dugu Yan was initially a bit upset seeing Han Li hugging another girl right after coming up the mountain. However, hearing that this was the 'Sister Xiuer,' half of her displeasure dissipated.
She had heard about this maid-sister who grew up with Han Li from both him and Guang Ling multiple times. Before coming to Wuhun City, they had relied on each other for survival. Compared to Xiuer, she was a newcomer.
But Xiuer was so kind to her, which left Dugu Yan feeling a bit at a loss.
"Thank you, you are also very pretty. So, you are Xiuer. Han Li often talks about you."
After responding instinctively, she didn't know what else to say and looked at Han Li for help.
Seeing Dugu Yan, usually so composed, now at a loss, Han Li couldn't help but find it amusing. He then stepped in to ease the situation:
"Alright, Sister Xiuer, let's go home first. We can talk more at home. We've been on the road for over ten days and need a good bath and some food."
"Okay, then let's go home. I already had everything prepared for you before I came out."
This was a familiar area for Xiuer, and she spoke more naturally now.
"Alright, let's go."
Han Li walked over to them, took both of their hands and headed towards his residence.
After a few steps, he remembered they had left his master behind and called back, "Master, come on."
"Alright, alright, I'm coming. Why are you calling me? I'm not living with you."
Guang Ling, a bit disappointed at not getting to watch any drama, responded grudgingly.
"I've prepared something for you as well, Master. Please come along."
Xiuer turned back and smiled as she spoke. She had been made to call Guang Ling 'Master' by Han Li, and Guang Ling hadn't objected.
"Fine, fine. For Xiuer's sake, I'll come along. This disciple of mine is something."
Guang Ling smiled at Xiuer and then took another jab at Han Li.
"Master, hurry up. If you dawdle any longer, the bath will get cold."
Han Li turned and called out again, prompting Guang Ling to quicken his pace and catch up.
In the large bath, Han Li removed the towel from his face and let out a sigh of relief.
Across from him, Guang Ling did the same, leaning lazily against the edge of the pool.
"Alright, today you just take it easy and help the young lady get used to the place to make sure she doesn't feel out of place. I'll come to fetch you tomorrow morning, and we'll go to the Hall of Worship. You've changed so much in these three months; it's only right to visit."
Guang Ling glanced at the almost adult-like Han Li and spoke.
"Yes, a visit is in order. Besides, I plan to give each of the senior uncles a Golden Dragon Fruit and some medicinal herbs. Martial Uncle can distribute some to the research institute as we don't need so much ourselves."
Han Li straightened up a bit and looked at Guang Ling.
"Alright, that's enough. Don't mention the other immortal herbs. I'll talk to the Grand Worship alone about it. We don't want those wastrel disciples finding out and making things difficult for your senior uncles," Guang Ling glanced at him and advised.
"Don't worry, I'm not that foolish. Hmm, I'll go see Uncle Luan later then."
Han Li looked at Guang Ling, seeking his advice.
"Hmm, I'll talk to him. Rest assured, he'll delay taking it for a month or two. By then, no one can say anything about his breakthrough," Guang Ling's eyes sparkled with an idea.
"Fine, I won't get involved then. You talk to Uncle. Later, I'll see what else he might need and get it all ready for him."
Han Li stood up and stepped out of the pool. With a flash of soul power, the remaining water droplets on his body evaporated.
Guang Ling also got up, stepped out of the pool, and did the same: "Let's go eat something first and refine our story a bit."
The two quickly changed and headed to the dining room.
When Guang Ling and Han Li entered the dining room, Dugu Yan and Xiuer hadn't arrived yet.
It was understandable; after all, they were girls, and it took them a bit longer. Waiting a little longer wasn't an issue.
However, they didn't have to wait long. Just as they finalized the new version of their story, the two girls arrived together, looking much closer than before.
Indeed, taking a bath together can quickly bring people closer, a truth that applies not only to men but also to women.
"Alright, let's sit down and eat first. Later, Sister Xiuer and I will show you around the area to get you familiar with the new environment," Han Li pointed to the seats opposite him and Guang Ling.
"Sure, after so many days in the carriage, I want to stretch my legs. I feel like I'm rusting," Dugu Yan said, looking as composed as usual.
"Hmm, Xiao Li and I will show you the flowers. This place has preserved most of the rare plants that can be collected on the continent. There are even some poisonous flowers and grasses," Xiuer smiled and recommended to Dugu Yan.
"Really? I must see them then," Xiuer's recommendation hit the right chord with Dugu Yan, who was fond of poisonous flowers and grasses.
Oh, I almost forgot about those.
Han Li remembered the batch of plants given to him by Chrysanthemum Douluo. From Xiuer's words, it seemed they were doing well.
Hmm, I can consider exchanging some of the herbs as compensation later.
When Sister Xiuer uses the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, should I consider having her apprentice under him? Guang Ling doesn't count; it's just a formality that Sister Xiuer follows. Han Li knew this very well.
Forget it, I'll think about it later. It might cause trouble. For now, let's delay it.
I'll discuss it with Master and Uncle later. Anyway, it's impossible to give him the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. Not only does it relate to the internal faction struggles of the Martial Soul Hall, but it's also not guaranteed to win him over. Han Li wasn't generous enough to give it away just for goodwill.
Even without mentioning this, the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum is very important to Sister Xiuer as it concerns the evolution of her martial soul, and Han Li would not compromise on that.
Although he also thought that the Two-Pole Static Domain of the two was strong, it was not indispensable to him, and it wasn't worth the trade.
The atmosphere at the dining table was quite pleasant. Watching the two women chatting and laughing harmoniously, Han Li found his meal even more enjoyable.
After the meal, Guang Ling stayed for a while longer, reminding Han Li not to forget about tomorrow's matters before decisively leaving.
In the afternoon, Han Li and Xiuer familiarized Dugu Yan with the environment, then took her out for a brief tour to introduce her to people.
Afterward, the three of them immersed themselves in the rare plant garden constructed within the residence.
It must be said, Dugu Yan indeed possessed some family knowledge. Although she wasn't very knowledgeable about other plants, she had substantial expertise in poisonous flowers and grasses. She even transplanted a clone on the spot and placed it into her small treasure pouch.
Han Li didn't intervene. Given that she now had an external soul bone, there shouldn't be any problems. On the other hand, Xiuer watched enviously, as she always had to be very cautious when handling these plants, even paying attention to the distance.
Seeing this, Han Li decisively took out an Aromatic Silk Beauty and handed it to her, which made Xiuer much happier.
Around five in the afternoon, the three of them finally emerged from the plant garden.
"What are we going to do next?" Dugu Yan asked excitedly.
"Well, there's not much fun on the mountain. In a few days, when we move down the mountain, we'll take you out to have some fun," Han Li checked the time and made a decision.
"Alright, I'm a bit tired anyway," Dugu Yan nodded, sensing that Han Li had something to do.
"You should come along too. I'm planning for Sister Xiuer to use the immortal herb, and you have an experience that you can share," Han Li didn't intend to let her leave. She had just arrived here, and it was better for her to stay by his side to avoid feeling lonely and overthinking.
"Really? I want to see it. I haven't seen other immortal herbs before," Dugu Yan was immediately interested again, though she looked at Han Li with some reproach, as he had kept this secret tightly.
"No problem, you can see them all. Alright, let's not talk about this outside. Let's go to my room; no one dares to snoop there," Han Li looked at the two of them, stopped the conversation, and led them to his room.
Once inside, Han Li instructed the maids to notify the kitchen that dinner would be delayed until midnight. He also ordered them not to approach unless summoned. Then, he used his soul power to set up a simple barrier and took out all the immortal herbs.
Hmm, except for that Snow Swan Kiss. It's better not to let Dugu Yan touch it for now; the soul bone's age is still too low. That can be dealt with later.
Xiu'er had seen the plant illustrations before. Although she hadn't memorized all of them, she had a deep impression of them. Seeing so many immortal herbs at once left her a bit dazed.
So, Han Li pulled her to sit down and began recounting the events of his recent journey.
Of course, when it came to Dugu Bo, Han Li embellished the story a bit, saying that he and Guang Ling hit it off immediately, which led to the subsequent series of events.
Regarding this matter, he and Dugu Bo had secretly coordinated their stories, as neither wanted Dugu Yan to know the real circumstances.
Although Dugu Yan was partly involved, she listened with great interest, transforming into a character within the story. Hearing it again was quite enjoyable for her.
Han Li's storytelling was indeed commendable. He filled in some mundane details and narrated from a different perspective, making Dugu Yan feel that the version of herself in the story was much more perfect than in reality.
At the story's conclusion, Han Li handed the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum to Xiuer.
Sigh, why do I suddenly feel a bit envious? Dugu Yan thought somewhat reluctantly.
But she quickly remembered that she was the protagonist in the story just now. Oh, that's fine then, her mood brightened up again.
Xiu'er did not refuse, nor would she, as she directly accepted the purple Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum that had a faint golden glow at its top.
"Alright, Sister Xiuer, get ready to use it. First, eat the flower's stamen, then consume the petals one by one. Don't eat the roots and stem. After eating, immediately begin cultivation to absorb the medicinal power."
Han Li pointed to the spot where he usually cultivated, indicating that she could go there to consume the herb.
"Okay."
Xiu'er replied, then walked to the spot, sat down, and followed Han Li's instructions to swallow the immortal herb.
Watching Xiu'er enter cultivation, Dugu Yan leaned closer to Han Li, wrapped her arms around his neck, and brought her lips to his ear, whispering:
"Earlier, when we were bathing, I tested it out. Xiu'er's ears are very sensitive. To be honest, do you have some kind of fetish? When I was in my martial soul form, you kept staring at my lower body and even touched my tail."
Hearing her words, Han Li instantly got flustered. He glanced at Xiu'er, who was cultivating and then turned his head to say, "I'm telling you, don't slander me. I don't have any fetishes. It's just that the people I happen to like all have some beast-like traits."
Seeing his reaction, Dugu Yan gave him a coquettish look and poked him in the chest.
"Is that so? Then I'll take your word for it."
Han Li gave her an exasperated look, pulled her to sit aside, and began observing Xiu'er's condition.