Chapter 1807: Wine Emperor?

"So, you are Han Li, the one who advanced a few years ago. My apologies for not realizing sooner! It's a shame you declined the Holy City's invitation back then; otherwise, I could have shared a few drinks with you much earlier," the Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan said with a smile, looking Han Li up and down.

"The Saint Emperor speaks truly. I've heard that Fellow Daoist Han advanced from a Spirit Transformation cultivator to his current realm in just a few centuries. Such incredible speed, though perhaps not entirely unprecedented, is certainly enough to humble us," the plump, white-robed monk also turned his attention to Han Li, clearly very intrigued.

"You flatter me, Master. My aptitude is quite ordinary. I wouldn't have advanced so quickly if not for several fortunate encounters I had in the Savage World," Han Li replied with unusual modesty.

"Master Tianchan, before we discuss anything further, let's first offer Fellow Daoist Han a cup of spirit wine. I have no other particular hobbies, but I'm quite fond of the drink. If the title of Saint Emperor hadn't been passed down through generations, I would have preferred to be known as the 'Wine Emperor.' Tsk, tsk, that title would truly align with my heart's desire," the white-robed scholar said with a low chuckle. He then raised a hand, and from the jade table, a rough, emerald-green jade cup and a crimson, coral-like wine pot floated into his grasp.

With a flick of his wrist, the Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan poured an exceptionally viscous spirit wine from the pot. It was transparent with a faint yellow hue, resembling amber, and he personally offered it to Han Li.

Han Li dared not be impolite. He expressed his thanks and took the cup. His divine sense instantly swept over it, confirming there were no issues. On the contrary, the wine, whose ingredients he couldn't identify, exuded an intoxicating aroma and contained astonishing spiritual energy, easily comparable to potent elixirs used to enhance cultivation.

With a slight movement of his arm, Han Li slowly drained the contents of the cup.

"Indeed, an excellent wine. Among all the spirit wines I'm familiar with, this one certainly ranks in the top three," Han Li commented, a fleeting yellow glow appearing on his face, a sign of his deep impression.

"The top three? So, Fellow Daoist Han knows of spirit wines even better than this 'Tiger Soul Spirit Wine'?" The Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan was initially surprised, then asked with great delight.

Han Li offered a faint smile, about to respond, when the elder named Huang Dang chuckled lightly and interjected:

"Saint Emperor, perhaps we should all take a seat and enjoy our drinks while we chat at leisure. It's a bit impolite to keep Brother Han standing while we speak."

"You're right. I was simply too pleased to see Fellow Daoist Han. Our human race hasn't seen a Body Integration cultivator emerge in nearly a millennium." The Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan patted his head, quickly invited Han Li to take a seat, and then returned to his own primary position.

From their initial meeting until now, the Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan had left a very good impression on Han Li.

Despite holding the title of Saint Emperor, he appeared remarkably forthright and generous, completely devoid of any pedantic airs commonly associated with scholars.

However, individuals of their cultivation level would never judge someone solely based on a brief first impression.

Han Li humbly offered a word of deference and then took a seat directly opposite the Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan.

"Fellow Daoist Han, now you can tell me: which spirit wines do you know that are superior to my Tiger Soul Wine? And have you personally tasted them all?" The Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan, clearly a true connoisseur of wine, asked impatiently the moment Han Li was seated.

"The Saint Emperor's Tiger Soul Spirit Wine is already a rare and precious spirit wine in the Spirit Realm. However, I once had the good fortune to sample a 'Nine Fragrance Spirit Erh' from a certain exotic race in the Savage World. In terms of both its aroma and its miraculous effects, it's certainly no less impressive than Tiger Soul Spirit Wine," Han Li replied thoughtfully, after a moment's consideration.

"Spirit wine from an alien race? 'Nine Fragrance Spirit Wine'... Fellow Daoist, did you happen to bring back a pot or two of it?" The Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan asked with a hint of anticipation.

Master Tianchan and Huang Dang also looked towards Han Li with keen interest.

"That 'Nine Fragrance Spirit Wine' is a secret brew created by a Body Integration cultivator of that alien race. At the time, I hadn't yet reached my current realm, so how could I have been qualified to request it? Being fortunate enough to even taste a single cup was already a stroke of immense luck," Han Li replied with a wry smile.

"That's also true. My 'Tiger Soul Spirit Wine' is something I typically treasure and don't readily offer to guests." The Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan openly showed his disappointment and sighed deeply.

"Heh heh, Saint Emperor, there's no need to be too disappointed. While I don't possess any 'Nine Fragrance Spirit Wine,' I might acquire another type of wine in some time. When that happens, I'll certainly invite you to sample it," Han Li said, a mysterious smile suddenly appearing on his face.

"Oh, what kind of spirit wine? Is it even superior to the Saint Emperor's 'Tiger Soul Wine' and that 'Nine Fragrance Spirit Wine'?" Before the Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan could respond to the previous question, the gaunt elder couldn't help but interject.

Evidently, this individual also had a great fondness for drink.

This was hardly surprising. Cultivators spent years in meditation and training, caring little for mundane external possessions. Male cultivators, in particular, often preferred spirit wine in addition to spiritual tea.

"During my travels in the Savage World, I was fortunate enough to acquire several Red Luo Spirit Fruits, which can be used to brew Red Luo Immortal Wine. Although I'm still missing some auxiliary ingredients, it shouldn't be a problem to gather them given some time," Han Li said with a smile to the group.

"Red Luo Immortal Wine! You mean the immortal wine that's supposedly only found in the True Immortal Realm!" The Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan's face first froze in disbelief upon hearing Han Li's words, then filled with utter astonishment.

The elder and the monk had evidently also heard of this celestial spirit wine, and their gazes towards Han Li were wide with disbelief.

This was an immortal realm spirit wine! How could it possibly be brewed in the Spirit Realm?

"Are you perhaps joking, Fellow Daoist Han? The Red Luo Fruit is an item said to exist only in the Immortal Realm; how could you possibly obtain it? Furthermore, it's rumored that cultivating Red Luo Fruit to the point where it can be used for spirit wine takes tens of thousands of years, even in the True Immortal Realm. You couldn't have mistaken it, could you?" Master Tianchan asked directly, utterly stunned.

"These spirit fruits, capable of directly brewing Red Luo Immortal Wine, were a fortuitous discovery during my travels in the Savage World. As for why they appeared there, only heaven knows. But they are indeed Red Luo Fruits; of that, I am quite confident," Han Li stated with assurance.

"Excellent, excellent! If Fellow Daoist can indeed brew Red Luo Immortal Wine, then regardless of others, you must set aside two or three pots for me. By the way, what materials are still needed to brew this wine? I won't expect to taste your immortal wine for free; the three of us will help you gather whatever is missing," the Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan said eagerly, his face alight with excitement after repeating "excellent" twice.

"The Saint Emperor is certainly generous with others' resources. You're clearly the one who wants to taste this celestial wine, yet you're making the two of us help gather the ingredients," the monk said with a wry, troubled expression.

"Haha, you, monk, aren't being entirely honest. I refuse to believe that if this Red Luo Immortal Wine is truly brewed, you won't come and have a taste. To be able to sample such a remarkable wine, one that flows from the Immortal Realm, would be an immense stroke of good fortune," the Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan replied with a grin.

"That's true. While this monk isn't usually fond of drink, a celestial spirit wine is, of course, an entirely different matter. I absolutely must have a taste," the monk admitted with surprising honesty after a brief thought.

The gaunt elder simply stood by, smiling without a word.

"If the three of you are willing to lend a hand, then by employing some secret techniques, I believe it's highly possible to brew this wine during the Myriad Treasures Grand Assembly," Han Li said, his heart stirring at the prospect.

"That would be even better, of course! I'm sure this wine would create quite a sensation at the assembly. Heh heh, from what I understand, that fellow, the Overlord Emperor, loves fine wine no less than I do. And some of the Seven Demon Kings are also heavy drinkers. Fellow Daoist, please provide the list of materials needed. For this grand event, I've brought quite a few items from the Saint Emperor's treasury." The Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan was quite direct, immediately reaching out and asking Han Li for a jade slip.

Without hesitation, Han Li flipped his hand, retrieved a blank jade slip, and held it between his palms, which glowed with spiritual light. He then imprinted the necessary information into it and immediately tossed it across to them.

The Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan caught the jade slip with one hand. After a quick scan with his divine sense, he nodded, put it away, and then said to Han Li:

"In two or three days, we should have all the items gathered for you. Brother Han, would you prefer to collect them yourself, or should I send someone to deliver them?"

"There's no need to send them. I haven't settled on a temporary residence yet. How about this: I'll make another trip to your place in three days," Han Li replied after a moment's consideration.

"That works well. I've heard that the Blazefire Flood Dragon King and the Black Phoenix Demon King have already arrived at Nine Immortals Mountain. When the time comes, I'll be sure to introduce them to Brother Han as well," the Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan agreed wholeheartedly.

"The Black Phoenix King!" Han Li's expression subtly shifted upon hearing the name.

"Oh? Brother Han, do you know Fellow Daoist Black Phoenix?" The Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan seemed a little surprised.

"I don't personally know the Black Phoenix King. I've merely had some dealings with members of the Black Phoenix race in the past," Han Li replied, shaking his head dismissively.

"The Seven Great Demon Kings of the Demon Race are all at least at the mid-Body Integration stage of cultivation or higher. Most of them also possess incredibly powerful physical bodies and unique innate divine abilities. Even if Brother Han doesn't intend to befriend them, it's best not to offend them lightly. Otherwise, you could truly find yourself in serious trouble." It was unclear whether the Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan truly believed Han Li's previous statement, but he offered this advice with genuine sincerity.

"Thank you for the warning, Saint Emperor. Why would I provoke the Seven Great Demon Kings without cause? I still intend to enjoy a few more years of peace!" Han Li replied with a chuckle.

"That's for the best, then. By the way, while Fellow Daoist Han's rapid advancement must certainly be attributed to great fortuitous encounters in the Savage World, I imagine you also possess unique insights into cultivation techniques and understanding, especially having just broken through the Body Integration stage bottleneck. You must have gained a great deal in terms of your state of mind!" The Heavenly Sovereign Tian Yuan suddenly shifted the topic, initiating a discussion about cultivation with Han Li.

"I've only just entered the Body Integration stage, and my insights are still somewhat superficial. I was actually hoping to seek some guidance from the three of you," Han Li replied with a serious expression, naturally not one to refuse such a favorable opportunity.