Chapter 1688: Cloud Clan

However, being inside the beast carriage, it was naturally inconvenient to take it out for study at that moment. Han Li could only suppress his curiosity, put away the jade box, and settled into quiet meditation inside the carriage.

Several hours later, the beast carriage reached the foot of Spirit Mountain. Han Li disembarked, casually tossed a spirit stone to the coachman, and then calmly ascended the mountain.

His cave mansion was located halfway up Spirit Mountain. The other non-human cultivators on the mountain were either constantly away or confined themselves to their cave dwellings for intense cultivation. Consequently, despite its considerable size, the mountain rarely saw anyone in the open. However, as Han Li's escape light faded and he materialized halfway up the mountain this time, he was greatly surprised to find two uninvited guests standing before his cave mansion.

One of them, a man in his sixties dressed in a red robe, was none other than "Old Monster Xu." Not long ago, this same individual had used a powerful divine ability to absorb all the elemental energy that had transformed from Han Li's out-of-control True Qilin essence with a vermilion gourd. The very gourd he had used that day now hung at his waist. As Han Li appeared, Old Monster Xu and a handsome boy, approximately fourteen or fifteen years old, were quietly meditating with closed eyes before the stone gate of the cave mansion.

Seeing this, Han Li naturally showed a look of surprise. As if sensing his master's return, Old Monster Xu suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing as his gaze met Han Li's.

"You must be Fellow Daoist Han, the newcomer who recently moved here?" Old Monster Xu asked with a grin.

"Indeed, that would be me. Fellow Daoist Xu, are you here specifically to see me?" Han Li's unusual expression vanished as he replied courteously. Given that this individual could inspire such apprehension among all the cultivators of his rank on Spirit Mountain, his powers were undoubtedly formidable. Han Li naturally wished to avoid offending him unnecessarily.

"Haha, yes, I have indeed come to pay you a visit, Fellow Daoist. This young man is a direct descendant of mine—quickly, go greet Fellow Daoist Han." This unexpected move from Old Monster Xu made him laugh heartily as he introduced the handsome youth beside him and gave an instruction.

"Junior Xu Lunxiang greets Senior Han," the handsome youth said respectfully, stepping forward at once.

"Nephew, there's no need for such formality." Han Li's spiritual sense had already swept over the young man, revealing cultivation equivalent to a peak Human Race Foundation Establishment cultivator, just one step away from advancing to the Core Formation stage. For a youth of his age, such talent was truly exceptional.

"I trust Fellow Daoist Han won't find my visit presumptuous?" Old Monster Xu said with another chuckle.

"How could I think such a thing? It is my honor for Fellow Daoist Xu to grace my humble dwelling. Had I not been out on errands these past few days, I would have certainly greeted you much earlier. Please, Brother Xu, do come inside and let us converse." Though a little puzzled, Han Li maintained an impassive expression, and with a flick of his sleeve towards the cave mansion's entrance, he spoke.

A wave of green mist swirled forth, and the stone door silently opened amidst the ethereal glow, revealing a hazy white passage within, its floor paved with exquisite green jade. Old Monster Xu did not hesitate; he offered a word of thanks and followed Han Li inside with the young man.

As soon as they entered the cave mansion, Han Li extended his spiritual sense and instantly connected with his Second Nascent Soul, which was guarding the premises. Upon learning that nothing else had occurred in the cave mansion over the past three days apart from Old Monster Xu and the boy seeking him out, Han Li felt relieved and calmly led them to the main hall.

After a few polite exchanges, Old Monster Xu and Han Li took their respective seats as guest and host. The young man, however, stood quietly behind Old Monster Xu, hands clasped.

"To be frank, Fellow Daoist Han, I had been in secluded cultivation for a while and only recently emerged. Upon my emergence, I heard that a new fellow daoist had taken up residence on Spirit Mountain. I also heard that your cave mansion, Brother Han, was personally arranged by Elder Qianjizi of the Myriad Ancient Clan. Do you have any particular connection with Senior Qianjizi?" Old Monster Xu asked with a smile, immediately after seating himself, posing a question that somewhat surprised Han Li.

"Heh heh, I am but an outsider; what deep connection could I possibly have with Senior Qianjizi? A few years ago, I merely rendered a small favor to another fellow daoist from the Myriad Ancient Clan, and that fellow daoist happens to have some other connection with Senior Qianjizi." Han Li's eyes flickered as he replied calmly.

"I see. But that's quite sufficient. Even among the Thirteen Heavenly Cloud Clans, the Myriad Ancient Clan holds a respectable rank. And Senior Qianjizi is an Elder of the Myriad Ancient Clan; a casual word from him would be enough to ensure Brother Han's peace in Cloud City," Old Monster Xu said with a hearty laugh.

Han Li simply smiled faintly upon hearing this, offering no reply. He knew perfectly well that this person's visit was not without cause; the true purpose would likely be revealed next. As expected, Old Monster Xu's laughter subsided, and his expression turned serious as he continued:

"Actually, my unannounced visit this time is because I have something I wish to inquire about, Fellow Daoist. If there's any presumptuousness on my part, I hope Brother Han will be understanding."

Hearing this, Han Li instinctively became more cautious, yet he replied with a faint smile: "Brother Xu, there's no need for such formality. We cultivators naturally act on our impulses. Whatever matter you have, please speak freely. I will certainly tell you everything I know."

"Since Fellow Daoist Han puts it that way, I shall not beat around the bush then." Old Monster Xu couldn't help but smile, cupping his hands once more. After a brief moment of thought, he spoke again with a grave tone: "A few days ago, an astonishing celestial phenomenon appeared over our mountain, and out of thin air, another equally astonishing one gathered. I wonder, does this matter have any connection to Fellow Daoist Han?"

As Old Monster Xu posed the question, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and he stared unblinkingly at Han Li. Han Li's heart tightened upon hearing this, but his face betrayed no unusual expression. Instead, he even chuckled lightly and countered: "Fellow Daoist, why do you believe that day's celestial phenomenon was connected to me?"

"It's quite simple. Although the elemental energy stirred by that phenomenon was incredibly astonishing, I could still analyze some aspects of its central eruption point. Furthermore, it happened to be that very day I was troubled by something and came out of my cave mansion for a stroll. I distinctly witnessed a golden light flying out from near your cave mansion." Old Monster Xu spoke candidly, showing no intention of holding back.

Han Li's brows instinctively furrowed upon hearing this, but he immediately smoothed them out and chuckled: "Since Fellow Daoist Xu has already witnessed it, there's nothing for me to conceal. That day's celestial phenomenon was indeed something I inadvertently caused. In fact, I must thank you, Fellow Daoist, for completely gathering all that dispersed elemental energy. Otherwise, it would have taken considerable effort for someone of my cultivation to resolve such a phenomenon."

"So it was indeed Fellow Daoist Han who caused those phenomena! This is truly excellent. I wonder, Brother Han, do you still have the capability to gather similar elemental energy again?" Overjoyed that Han Li had not denied it, Old Monster Xu eagerly pressed on.

"Gather similar elemental energy again? Fellow Daoist, why do you ask this? Could you enlighten me first?" Han Li was genuinely puzzled and couldn't help but inquire.

"That is only proper. Fellow Daoist Han, do you know which of the Thirteen Heavenly Cloud Clans I belong to?" Old Monster Xu paused, then let out a soft chuckle as he spoke.

"Well, my cultivation is rather shallow; I genuinely cannot tell at a glance." Han Li squinted his eyes, observed him for a moment, and then finally let out a wry chuckle. Old Monster Xu, standing before him, was almost indistinguishable from an ordinary human in both physique and appearance; no alien characteristics were discernible.

"It's not surprising that Brother Han can't tell. Our Cloud Clan excels in the arts of transformation and concealment; even beings several ranks above us cannot discern our true forms if we intentionally suppress our aura. It's just that I am an anomaly within my clan, cultivating a supreme Yang fire-attribute technique. Compared to other clansmen of my rank, I am actually somewhat deficient in the art of illusion. Fellow Daoists who have resided on this mountain for a longer period are aware of my true identity," Old Monster Xu said with a laugh.

"The Cloud Clan? Is that the clan among the Thirteen that, despite its small numbers, consistently ranks in the top three?" Han Li's expression shifted; he was genuinely surprised. He had indeed long heard of this highly mysterious clan among the Thirteen Heavenly Cloud Clans.

"Haha, it seems Brother Han knows quite a bit about our Cloud Clan. Our clan and the Crystal Clan are considered the least numerous among the Thirteen Clans. However, unlike the Crystal Clan, the individual strength of our Cloud Clan members is considerable, and the overall power of our clan has never dropped out of the top three among the Thirteen," Old Monster Xu stated proudly.

"My apologies. This is truly my first time encountering a member of your esteemed clan." Han Li remained stunned for a moment, then sighed softly.

"It's nothing. Although our clan is not numerous, there are quite a few of us present in Cloud City. Most simply choose not to reveal their true identities in public. It's even possible that someone you thought belonged to another clan might actually be a member of our Cloud Clan in disguise," Old Monster Xu said with profound meaning.

Han Li was left somewhat speechless by this revelation.

"However, while our Cloud Clan is renowned for its mastery of transformation, what truly strikes fear into other races is a different innate divine ability. Fellow Daoist Han must have heard of it, right?" Old Monster Xu's triumphant expression vanished, and his demeanor instantly became solemn.

"Life-Bound Cloud Beast!" Han Li exhaled softly, articulating the words before the other could.

"Precisely, it is the Life-Bound Cloud Beast, which exists somewhere between a spirit beast and a clone. Only when our clansmen successfully cultivate their own Cloud Beast are they considered true members of the Cloud Clan," Old Monster Xu said slowly.

"Hmm, I've also heard rumors about your esteemed clan's Life-Bound Cloud Beasts. I've been told that once a clansman cultivates a Cloud Beast, it not only grants them an external incarnation with powers identical to their own, but in times of crisis, they can also merge with it, transforming into the legendary Cloud Beast Colossus. If that's the case, their cultivation not only skyrockets, but they can also unleash powerful divine abilities previously beyond their reach. Fellow Daoist, are you discussing this matter because it concerns your Life-Bound Cloud Beast?" Han Li stroked his chin, speaking thoughtfully.

"Fellow Daoist Han, your insight is truly sharp. This matter is indeed related to Cloud Beasts, but not to my own. Rather, it concerns the Life-Bound Cloud Beast of this junior behind me," Old Monster Xu said, not overly surprised, as he gestured towards the young man.