Chapter 296: Nong Yan Secret Technique

"Hmph! Sneaking into my house, you must be a thief or up to no good! How dare you act like a phantom, don't..." The old Daoist, perhaps accustomed to the flattery of the prince's mansion residents these past few days, snapped without thinking.

However, when he habitually cast his Heaven's Eye spell at Han Li, his previously enraged face immediately froze, then turned pale.

"You... Senior, are you a Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

The old Daoist stammered, disbelief evident in his eyes.

"Didn't you just see with your spell?" Han Li's smile faded as he said calmly.

"Senior, please don't be offended. This junior has never seen a Foundation Establishment cultivator before. The highest cultivation level I've witnessed was only Qi Condensation Layer 11 or 12. I truly couldn't discern your cultivation! I only knew that your cultivation was unfathomable!" Seeing this, the old Daoist, as if awakening from a dream, quickly extinguished the fire sphere in his hand, stepped forward to bow, and repeatedly explained, his face full of apologetic smiles and caution.

Han Li was surprised to see that the old Daoist did not show fear like the elder surnamed Xiao, but rather a hint of excitement.

However, after a brief moment of thought, he understood the old Daoist's subtle intentions.

At such an advanced age, this white-haired Daoist was still hovering at Qi Condensation Layer 6, most likely a rogue cultivator or someone with poor aptitude, which prevented him from encountering high-level cultivators. After all, even rogue cultivators only interacted and befriended those of similar cultivation.

Now, upon seeing Han Li, a high-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, the old Daoist naturally regarded it as a rare opportunity, probably hoping to gain some benefit from him!

Understanding this, Han Li couldn't help but smile. If the old Daoist could satisfy him, he wouldn't mind giving him a small reward.

Han Li then looked at the old Daoist and slowly said,

"You guessed correctly, I am indeed a Foundation Establishment cultivator!"

Upon hearing Han Li's words, the white-haired Daoist's expression became even more respectful, and the joy in his eyes intensified.

"May I ask, Senior, if your sudden appearance here means you have something to instruct this junior?" the Daoist asked respectfully.

This Daoist was quite perceptive, knowing that if he wanted to gain something from Han Li, he naturally had to do something in return.

Hearing this, Han Li's face showed satisfaction, and he chuckled,

"First, tell me about your background. I saw your fire manipulation technique performed in the mansion today, and it was quite impressive!" Han Li offered a small compliment, which was sincere!

The old Daoist's face flashed with surprise upon hearing Han Li's words.

He hadn't expected this senior to have seen his performance, but he hastily replied with humility:

"I wouldn't dare; I'm flattered, Senior! This junior is only proficient in flame manipulation. Other cultivation techniques are a complete mess! As for my background, there's not much to say. When I was young, I accidentally obtained a copy of the *Blazing Sun Art* from a dying immortal cultivator, which is how I entered the cultivation world. It's a pity my aptitude is too poor, and without guidance, I only managed to cultivate to the sixth layer."

"Is your fire manipulation technique also from that book?" Han Li's interest piqued, and he casually asked.

"Not at all. This fire manipulation technique was something this junior reluctantly devised when my cultivation reached a bottleneck and I couldn't advance further. However, after decades of refinement and modification, it has become what I am most proud of."

"You researched it yourself?" Han Li was surprised, re-examining the white-haired Daoist with a hint of astonishment.

"Yes, Senior! I even compiled my insights into a thin book called *Flame Manipulation Art*. If Senior doesn't mind, perhaps you could take it and offer some guidance!" Seeing Han Li's apparent interest in his fire manipulation technique, the old Daoist had an idea and hastily pulled a thin book from his person, respectfully handing it to Han Li.

Han Li was slightly taken aback by this.

Truth be told, while Han Li found the Daoist's flame alteration technique quite unique, he had no intention of forcibly taking his cultivation method.

He didn't believe that such a minor fire manipulation skill would be of much use to him now!

But when the old Daoist suddenly offered it willingly, Han Li was surprised and casually took the book, flipping through a few pages.

Initially, Han Li glanced at the book with an indifferent attitude.

However, as he continued reading, Han Li's expression remained calm, but his heart gradually filled with shock.

The initial sections of the book, detailing small tricks for altering flame shapes, indeed held little significance for the current Han Li; they were purely flashy and impractical. However, in the latter pages, the old Daoist presented a vague concept of flexible spell usage and several practical training methods that gave Han Li a sudden realization, making him feel greatly enlightened.

A moment later, Han Li gently closed the book.

Now was not the time to study cultivation techniques. He would properly ponder its contents during his leisure time!

He believed this would elevate his comprehension and application of spells to a higher level.

"I'll accept this book! I know that although you say you want my guidance, you're actually gifting it to me. As a senior, I wouldn't take your item for free. Here are some Daoist scriptures, various-tier magical artifacts, and a few elixirs highly beneficial for Qi Condensation cultivators. You may choose one category as recompense for this book. You have roughly a quarter of an hour to consider carefully."

Han Li looked deeply at the old Daoist before speaking words that filled the Daoist with excitement.

"Thank you, Senior, thank you for your favor!" A blush rose on the white-haired Daoist's face, and he trembled with excitement.

Han Li offered a faint smile, then said no more, closing his eyes and resting in the chair.

Meanwhile, the old Daoist paced back and forth in the room like an ant on a hot pan, appearing indecisive and struggling with his choice.

"Well, have you made up your mind?"

After a while, Han Li felt enough time had passed, so he opened his eyes and asked calmly.

"This junior has made up his mind. This junior would like some elixirs that can help Qi Condensation cultivators break through bottlenecks," the old Daoist finally decided after Han Li's inquiry, stating firmly.

Han Li showed no surprise upon hearing this. He had expected the old Daoist to choose elixirs; after all, magical artifacts and Daoist scriptures could be acquired later once one's cultivation greatly advanced.

So Han Li nodded slightly, then swept his sleeve across the table. Two identical celadon small bottles appeared on the mahogany surface.

"These are two bottles of Yellow Dragon Pills, which have a significant effect on cultivators below Qi Condensation Layer 10. Take them!" Han Li said impassively.

"Qi Condensation Layer 10... Thank you for your generosity, Senior! Thank you..." The old Daoist's gaze burned with fervor as he looked at the two bottles of pills. After repeatedly expressing his gratitude, he excitedly stepped forward and took the two bottles.

Then, he eagerly opened one bottle, held it to his nose, and sniffed twice, a look of profound satisfaction appearing on his face.

"I came to find you today for another matter. After you've completed it, I will reward you generously again!" Han Li waited until the old Daoist carefully placed the medicine bottles into his embrace before unhurriedly stating the main purpose of his visit.

With such a generous reward, Han Li didn't believe the old Daoist would remain unmoved.

Indeed, after a moment of surprise, the old Daoist immediately beamed and said,

"Senior, whatever you command, this junior will obey even unto death!"

Han Li smiled slightly upon hearing this and said,

"It's nothing major, actually. I just want you to pay close attention to the movements of your disciple, the Little Prince, and Steward Wang of the mansion for the next few months. If anything unusual happens, just inform me!"

Although Han Li spoke lightly, the old Daoist felt somewhat dumbfounded.

He truly hadn't expected this senior to ask him to monitor two mortals, one of whom was about to become his beloved disciple.

Puzzled, the old Daoist carefully glanced at Han Li and asked tentatively,

"May this junior know the reason? Is there something amiss with these two?"

The old Daoist asked very cautiously, afraid that an unintentional word might offend this esteemed person.

Han Li's face showed no displeasure, but he didn't immediately answer the Daoist's question. Instead, he pondered for a moment before saying in a deep voice,

"I am actually a cultivator from the Yellow Maple Valley, one of the Seven Sects. The Demonic Dao is invading our Yue Nation, which you should be aware of! I suspect that those two might be connected to the Demonic Dao. Therefore, I need someone to constantly help me keep an eye on their movements, just in case!"

Although Han Li believed that Steward Wang and the Little Prince were likely not Demonic Dao members, it was always better to be cautious. Han Li still harbored great apprehension about these two individuals whose backgrounds he couldn't ascertain, which was why he had proactively sought out the old Daoist to monitor their actions.

However, he naturally couldn't tell the old Daoist everything directly, so he simply blamed it on the Demonic Dao, which saved him the trouble of explaining the unclear situation.

After all, the conclusion that these two were dangerous was merely Han Li's gut feeling and couldn't be stated openly.