Dugu Bo was very fast. After they arrived at the villa, they waited for about two hours before he reappeared in front of them.
The carriage started moving again, slowly heading towards the Fasinuo Province.
Ten days later, in Nuoding City.
An unremarkable carriage entered the city and stopped in front of a hotel.
Several people, wearing uniforms from an unknown Soul Master Academy, got off the carriage. The middle-aged man leading them seemed to be a teacher. After booking a few rooms, he led the students into their rooms.
These people were none other than Han Li and his group.
As soon as they entered their rooms, they wasted no time removing their cheap masks, letting out a sigh of relief.
Luckily, they only had to wear them for a short while; otherwise, it would have been unbearable.
"It's just a trip home, Xiao Li. Is it really necessary to be this cautious?" Dugu Bo looked at Han Li with some confusion.
"It's only for a few minutes. This city is too small; there's no need to make a big fuss."
"As for home, I'll take you there tonight. Bear with it for these two days."
Han Li glanced at the group and casually explained.
"Is there something going on? Do you need our help?"
Shui Binger keenly sensed the implication in his words, realizing this trip seemed to require secrecy.
"No need, it's just a minor issue. I can handle it myself. Next time, for sure," Han Li promised.
"You don't need me to follow?" Dugu Bo interjected.
"No, I can do it myself. It would be best if you didn't reveal your presence easily," Han Li replied seriously, looking at Dugu Bo.
"Another guidance from fate?"
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow, having grown accustomed to Han Li's peculiarities.
"Something like that. But this time, it's a bit different. I think 'Nature's Gift' is a more fitting name."
Han Li's lips curved into a slight smile, his eyes showing clear amusement.
"Nature's Gift?"
The group glanced at him, silently speculating about what good fortune might be involved this time.
"Alright, you'll find out soon enough. It's a big surprise."
Han Li chuckled, deliberately teasing them. He didn't have the habit of jinxing himself before taking action.
After eating a simple meal, they each returned to their rooms, waiting for nightfall.
Under the night sky, Nuoding City quickly fell into silence, a characteristic feature of this small border town.
Unnoticed by anyone, the group silently left the hotel while the front desk attendant was dozing.
"Why does this feel less like going home and more like being a thief?" Dugu Bo tugged uncomfortably at his robe, his mouth twitching slightly.
Even when he was young and exterminating entire families, he had never dressed like this.
"Grandfather, what are you saying? Isn't this fun? It's a new experience," Dugu Yan pouted, looking at her grandfather with displeasure for ruining her excitement.
"Grandfather misspoke. It does feel quite good," Dugu Bo quickly changed his tone when he saw his granddaughter was upset, making a complete turnaround.
The group chuckled as they watched the grandfather and granddaughter, a common spectacle for them.
"Let's go, Xiao Li. Which direction is your home?"
Dugu Yan stood at the intersection, looking around. She realized she didn't know the way, having only visited the City Lord's Mansion last time.
"Follow me," Han Li said, taking Xiuer's hand and leading the way down the familiar street that had not changed much.
Along the way, he quietly narrated to the group about his and Xiuer's childhood experiences in the city, what they did and where.
Listening to his stories, Xiuer's previously low spirits lifted, and she occasionally added details Han Li had missed.
Two days earlier, they had visited Xiuer's old village.
Since it had long been deserted, the village was overgrown with Blue Silver Grass, blending into the wilderness, with only the still-standing but dilapidated houses indicating it was once inhabited.
Xiuer stood dazed, looking at her former home, walking silently around the now-crumbled courtyard walls before finally breaking down in tears.
After seven years, she had returned to face her fears and nightmares directly.
She was no longer afraid, but her family could never return.
Han Li merely watched her cry silently. His parents had also perished here. No one said words of condolence, as such words only reopened wounds without meaning.
"Xiao Li, I won't spare a single evil soul master," Xiuer said to Han Li after her tears had dried, making her second autonomous decision since birth. The first was to take care of Han Li.
"Alright, I'll take you to kill them," Han Li replied with a smile, gently embracing her.
Nuoding City was not large. Even with Han Li narrating along the way and stopping occasionally, it took only ten minutes before they stopped in front of a modest house.
They wandered around the house for nearly an hour, listening to Han Li and Xiuer recount their childhood memories. The group found the stories fascinating.
Han Li and Xiuer felt content. It was a simple house, but emotions made it special.
Afterward, they returned to the hotel and fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, after breakfast, Han Li bid farewell to the group and left alone.
Outside the city, Han Li, with his internal navigation activated, retracted the green glow from his wings and flew swiftly through the unnoticed sky.
His destination was the location of Holy Spirit Village.
From high above, he took only a glance at the village below before resolutely continuing his flight into the depths of the surrounding mountains.
He wasn't interested in a sentimental visit.
Under the surveillance of his obedient son, Tang Hao, Tang San, and Xiao Wu had already left. (Tang Hao is secretly following behind.)
Their choice was to walk to Suotuo City.
Without the soul master subsidy, Tang San was much poorer than in the original story. He hadn't chosen a carriage back then, and now, even less so.
(I hate the ending of Soul Land 1. They destroyed the only organization that provides free gold to poorer Soul Masters to Cultivate. Damn Nobles! Without the support of Spirit Hall, poor Soul Master have no choice but to lower their heads to the Nobles to seek support.)
This timing was meticulously planned by Han Li and would be adjusted in real-time as needed, ensuring no conflict.
Almost without deviation, Han Li stopped in front of a small waterfall.
As he flew straight towards the waterfall, it automatically formed into an icefall when he approached, leaving a door-sized opening in the middle.
As he passed through, Han Li retracted his wings and firmly landed on the slightly damp ground, leaving no footprints.
He leisurely surveyed the hidden cave. It was somewhat damp, but not too bad, considering it was behind a waterfall, and moisture was inevitable.
There was an opening at the top of the cave like a skylight, allowing sunlight to pour in, making the cave bright and quite suitable.
In the sunlight, a clump of Blue Silver Grass with golden patterns on its leaves swayed gently in the wind, everything seemed normal.
Moreover, Han Li noticed that the cave was very clean, indicating it had been recently cleaned.
"It seems Tang Hao isn't as bad as I thought," Han Li murmured, shaking his head.
"Does she still have consciousness?"
Han Li tried scanning the Blue Silver Grass with his mental power but found nothing.
"She does and doesn't. The Blue Silver Emperor's consciousness is still asleep, and the soul is significantly incomplete. Right now, it almost only has instinctual reactions, not much different from a hundred-year-old Blue Silver Grass," the Plane's consciousness promptly informed him.
"Well, that's that then. I originally wanted to communicate, but it's no big deal. All I need is her body and the soul bone," Han Li said, stepping forward and collecting the plant along with the soil into his wristband.
He then extended his right hand, using his soul power to pull a lead box from a hidden spot in the cave.
Click.
The box opened, revealing a blue-gold soul bone radiating a strong life force.
"Quality, appearance, integrity, and attributes are all excellent. No wonder it was consciously left behind during the sacrifice," Han Li commented, examining it before tossing the lead box aside and storing the soul bone.
He then scanned the cave again, releasing several unconscious soul beasts in suitable spots.
"Hope the Wind Baboon is fine," Han Li muttered, leaving the cave without looking back.
The waterfall behind him instantly thawed as he ascended into the sky, causing a massive splash of water that was a bit more turbulent than before.
"Make sure they destroy it completely and don't trouble the nearby villagers," Han Li instructed the Plane's consciousness once more before flying towards Nuoding City.
...
At that moment, Tang Hao and his son, who were on their way to Suotuo City, simultaneously stopped in their tracks. Their hearts clenched, and their expressions showed a sense of loss as if something important had been taken from them.
After standing there in a daze for a while, they found nothing amiss and could only attribute it to the exhaustion of their journey.
...
In the Divine Realm's central hub, the Divine Committee members watched the scene unfolding before them, each with a different expression.
Asura remained silent, his face devoid of any emotion.
From their observations, Han Li's actions had directly caused a nearly 20% decrease in Tang San and his father's fortune.
Currently, Tang San's fortune had fallen below that of the girl with the potential Angel inheritance.
As for Han Li himself, due to the interference of the Plane's consciousness, they couldn't see him clearly but were certain his fortune was no lower than Qian Renxue's.
"Asura, if I'm not mistaken, he should be heading to your inheritance site next. I'll accompany you to supervise him," Destruction suddenly spoke seriously, looking at Asura.
"I know you want to find a successor, but be strict. No leniency," Destruction added.
The other members of the Divine Committee exchanged glances but chose to remain as observers.
...
The indifferent Han Li, who didn't pay attention or care about these things, had already returned to the hotel.
"Back so soon? Judging by your expression, did you get something good?"
Dugu Bo looked at him in surprise; only a little over an hour had passed since Han Li went out.
"They say it's a gift from nature, so of course, it didn't take long."
Han Li replied with a smile, then glanced at the solitary Dugu Bo: "Where's Sister Yan and the others?"
"They're all in their rooms cultivating. No one wants to keep this old man company."
Although Dugu Bo's words sounded like a complaint, his tone and expression were quite satisfied.
He had naturally noticed the changes in his granddaughter over the past few years, as well as Xiu'er and Shui Bing'er. Perhaps influenced by Han Li, they were all very focused on cultivating.
"Sometimes, I feel like something is chasing you, making you eager to become stronger, and it's the same with the others. If I had your strength at your age, I would be showing off all over the continent," Dugu Bo said half-jokingly.
"Maybe there is," Han Li responded with a genuine smile.
Dugu Bo laughed when he heard his words and didn't take them seriously, assuming Han Li was just playing along.
"By the way, a gift from nature. Let me guess, did you find another place like the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well?"
Dugu Bo looked at Han Li with some suspicion. Knowing Han Li, it wasn't entirely impossible.
"Not this time. There are places like that on the continent, but I don't dare to go there for now," Han Li answered honestly.
"There's such a place?"
Dugu Bo was directly shocked by his words, feeling as if he knew nothing about the continent.
"Of course, but don't say I didn't warn you. Even the Grand Worship wouldn't come back if he went there. Do you still want to know?"
Han Li raised an eyebrow at Dugu Bo.
"No, I haven't lived long enough yet."
Dugu Bo decisively shook his head. Living for a few hundred years wasn't a problem for him, and he had no intention of seeking death.
"You're quite clear-headed. I thought you'd be eager to ask," Han Li said with a smile, thinking that if it were his master, he would have been full of questions by now.
"I'm not your master. I'm not that curious. I'm still looking forward to having grandchildren. Don't forget what we agreed on before. You and Yan Yan must have a child with the surname Dugu. The martial soul doesn't matter."
Dugu Bo winked at Han Li. Despite looking like a handsome middle-aged man, his expression made a playful smile.
"You're really in a hurry," Han Li looked at him helplessly, feeling a bit exasperated.
"There's no rush, there's no rush. I'm just saying, as long as you haven't changed your mind."
This wasn't the first time Dugu Bo had brought up the topic. Now that he didn't have to worry about poison, he was quite bored and had taken up this idea.
"What exactly did you find?"
Dugu Bo finally noticed that the conversation had veered off track and looked back at Han Li, too lazy to guess.
"Let's go to their room. That way, I won't have to explain twice."
Han Li walked towards the room where the three women were staying. They were in a suite, saving the time of calling them one by one.
"Good idea."
Dugu Bo followed him and knocked on the door.
After a while, the door was opened.
Han Li and Dugu Bo walked in and then used soul power to seal the entire room.
"So mysterious?"
The others curiously gathered around him, eager to see what he had found.
Under their gazes, Han Li flipped his left hand, and a soul bone instantly appeared.
As soon as the Soul bone appeared, everyone's attention was drawn to it. The soul bone was a translucent blue-gold color, with tiny starlight-like sparkles inside.
They had seen soul bones before, and each of them even had one, but this one was different. Not only was it incredibly complete, but most importantly, their senses told them that this right leg bone seemed to possess life.
"What kind of soul beast produced this soul bone? It's so powerful and unique. Ordinary soul bones wouldn't make you care so much."
Dugu Bo took a close look before raising his head to ask.
"Blue Silver Grass."
Han Li casually tossed the soul bone to the three women, who eagerly examined it. They always liked shiny things.
"Blue Silver Grass? Can Blue Silver Grass grow to such an extent? And with such pure life energy?"
Dugu Bo said in surprise. He had seen thousand-year-old Blue Silver Grass but had never paid attention to those of higher age.
"Of course. After all, Blue Silver Grass is one of the most widespread plants on the continent. With such a large base, some are bound to stand out."
Han Li explained with a smile.
"You make a good point. Even a chicken coop can produce a phoenix. Blue Silver Grass can become a high-year soul beast."
Dugu Bo habitually stroked his chin, only to realize that his beard had long been shaved clean.
Regretfully, he put his hand down and turned to Han Li: "But for you to make a special trip, it can't just be because it's rare, right? I can feel the strong energy it contains."
"Of course not."
Han Li glanced at the soul bone being played with by the three women, a smile appearing on his face: "After all, this is a hundred-thousand-year soul bone."
"A hundred thousand years?!"
Dugu Bo's volume unconsciously increased a lot. The three women beside him naturally heard it too, and they handled the soul bone more gently.
"You were too reckless. Why didn't you call me to go with you? Do you know how dangerous it is? Even if it's Blue Silver Grass, if it can be cultivated for a hundred thousand years, it's not ordinary. If something happened to you, how would I explain it to Yan Yan and your master?"
After his initial surprise, Dugu Bo's expression quickly turned serious as he looked at Han Li sternly.
Han Li didn't expect this reaction from him. He was stunned for a moment, then smiled. "Grandpa, you misunderstood. I didn't fight it. Did you forget? I said it was a gift from nature."
"Don't tell me you picked up this soul bone?"
Dugu Bo looked at him with an expression that said, "Do you think I'm an idiot?"
"Believe it or not, I did pick it up. I just followed my instincts and flew around the mountains. When I got tired, I landed to rest, and I found it in a cave."
Han Li made a "that's exactly what happened" face, causing the others to be at a loss for words.
"But, I did learn about its origin in the cave."
Han Li took the soul bone and shook it in his hand.
"Do you remember more than ten years ago when the previous Pope of the Spirit Hall chased Tang Hao? Do you remember the statement the Spirit Hall issued back then?"
Dugu Bo thought for a moment and said uncertainly, "Colluding with a soul beast? If I remember correctly, that was the initial reason. Wasn't that just an excuse made up by Qian Xunji?"
"It wasn't. To be exact, what Qian—the previous Pope—said was true."
Han Li weighed the soul bone in his hand.
"Soul beast? Soul bone? Could it be what I'm thinking? I thought that was just a rumor."
Dugu Bo showed a look of disbelief, and the three women beside him also slightly opened their mouths.
"Congratulations, another rumor confirmed as true. This soul bone is what was left behind after Tang Hao's wife, who was a transformed soul beast, died."
Han Li smiled at them, confirming their guess.
"So it's true. Xiao Li, do you think there might be more hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts hidden in human society? Should I go look for them?"
Dugu Bo said excitedly, his first reaction leaving Han Li a bit dumbfounded.
Han Li looked at him with a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Grandpa, there aren't that many hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts for you to find."
Hearing this, Dugu Bo gave an embarrassed smile, realizing he had been a bit too optimistic.
"So, what now? Is Tang Hao there too? No wonder you told me to be discreet. If we ran into him, we'd likely have to fight."
After his excitement, Dugu Bo noticed the information in Han Li's words, his expression turning uncertain. After all, Tang Hao's past feats were quite formidable. Dugu Bo had just recently advanced to level 94 and wasn't entirely confident he could protect the young ones if they encountered Tang Hao.
"Yes, I only noticed it later. But he's already disappeared again, so we don't need to worry about him for now."
Han Li didn't elaborate, and his words brought relief to Dugu Bo.
"Then quickly absorb the soul bone to avoid any unexpected events. I'll guard you."
Dugu Bo looked at Han Li seriously and urged him.
"Yes, I think so too," Han Li nodded. He indeed needed the soul bone to quickly enhance his physique. His subsequent plans all depended on the support of the soul bone.
"Alright, you all go and cultivate too. I'll keep watch," Dugu Bo looked at the three women beside him.
"Okay," they glanced at Han Li, then walked to the side to start their cultivation. Han Li was about to break through to another level, and they needed to work hard to catch up.
On Han Li's side, he didn't hesitate. He casually chose a spot to sit down, placed the soul bone near his right leg, and began to channel his soul power to make contact with it.
Buzz
With a slight buzzing sound, Han Li felt his right leg tremble slightly.
Immediately, a cool sensation quietly seeped into his leg from all directions. The translucent blue soul bone quietly disappeared, transforming into countless streams of blue-gold energy that spread around his right leg.
Cool and comfortable, unlike the domineering nature of Han Li's soul power, the energy released by the Blue Silver Emperor's right leg bone was gentle and full of resilience.
Under Han Li's control, the blue-gold energy quickly spread throughout his body, nourishing his meridians and body, even infiltrating his bones.
He didn't feel any resistance. This wasn't surprising, as the soul bone itself was a concentration of life force, and it had originally been left by Ah Yin for her husband and son. How could it harbor any harmful intentions?
Feeling his body and soul power rapidly enhancing under the influence of the Soul bone, Han Li sighed lightly in his heart and proactively accelerated the fusion process.